The Notso News

Meet a Team Rep

2010-08-30T09:47:00.002-05:00

From pitching to outfield or between 2nd or 3rd base, this is where you will find Venus Envy’s team rep Beth Sullivan! Beth enjoys downhill skiing and plays badminton. Although she doesn’t play hockey or lacrosse, she seems pretty much up for trying almost any type of sport!

And what would be Beth’s favourite movie? You guessed it, A League of Their Own and why? In Beth’s own words “Gina Davis is a fox. Plus, there is nothing better than the combination of war time sociological shifts and baseball.” And how can we forget Million Dollar Baby and Any Given Sunday would be the ultimate favourites. Her favourite actors would have to be Meryl Streep and Ewan McGregor.

Some of Beth’s other favourites, all time song and why, depending on her mood it can vary. I think Crazy by Patsy Cline is definitely one that will always be in my life or Norah Jones. Other than that I'm a big fan of Dubstep, Indie electro-pop, pop, folk, soul, soca, and R & B... most of the time.

Barcelona seems to be her favourite place, I think it would be mine based on her description waking up every morning to all of the beautiful facades along all the buildings. Picasso, Gaudi, sun, olives, longboards. It was a great vaca!

In her spare time, Beth enjoys sketching, dancing in ridiculous clothes, graphic design, generally spend too much time at the computer. Probably while sipping on a Bloody Caesar-lol!

Beth relishes in lame jokes as she puts it ‘they are my life. Bring it on, I have a terrible sense of humour.’ Her motto is laugh and be honest and her words to live by LML (love my life) and LMF (love my friends). I totally agree!

Thanks Beth for sharing a bit you with all of us!

Meet a Team Rep

2010-08-12T11:34:00.002-05:00

'Better out than in" Shrek always says and I totally agree. This is Andy Street’s special quote. A returning Notso member since 2000, Andy is team rep for Juicy Fruits and doing a fantastic job at that!
Andy enjoys being a member of Notso’s for the people she meets that become good friends over the years! Andy enjoys sporting her yellow team colour while playing short stop or behind home plate as back catcher.

So what does a gal like Andy do when not on the field? She enjoys spending time with her girl and her dog! She is also quite the traveler, over the last few years she's been to places like Australia, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, England and Mexico, perhaps while enjoying sipping on Margarita’s! Yum Yum

When asked about some of her favourites, here is what she had to say. Favourite sport movie and why Fever Pitch...Drew Barrymore, need I say more ;) favourite all time song and why Shiney Disco Ball.....cuz the video clip has an alien that gets squashed by one and it made me laugh! And of course, Favourite actor and why Brad Pitt and Colin Farrell....cuz they're good lookin' and Colin's a bad boy! ;)

Meet a Team Rep

2010-07-23T17:27:00.004-05:00

Stephanie Bell is team rep with Lady GayGay's. It’s her first year playing, so she is still trying to figure out what her favourite baseball position is but seems to like playing in the field. Steph is new to the city and so far is enjoying meeting new people. She loves any sporting movie... “I usually say that 'sporting triumph' movies are my favourite kind!”

Her favourite song is Good Times; by Finger Eleven...the lyrics can fit into almost any situation you might find yourself in. Her favourite drink is Sprite...she doesn't really drink alcohol, but has tried fruit beer - Fruli - and apparetently it wasn't too bad!

Stephanie has done alot of travelling. She spent 6 months in east Africa (Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania), teaching English for 6 months in Japan, and recently spent another 6 months traveling throughout Asia (from Mongolia to Borneo!) Wow this is really amazing! You must have quite the stamp collection in your passport!

In her spare time, Steph likes hanging out with friends or off vines-lol, watching documentaries and playing sports - especially martial arts.

Her favourite actress might be Sarah Shahi...but not necessarily because of her acting skills ;)- well I will leave that one alone!

Meet a Team Rep

2010-07-06T00:16:00.002-05:00

Where in the world is Cela? When not whisked away from her Sound Engineer job which takes her all over the world, you will find Cela playing 3rd base with her team. Meet Cela Wasserman-Dirt Divas team rep!

This is Cela’s 7th season with the Notso’s and she keeps coming back! “The Notso league is all about fun, yes there is some competitiveness involved but the underlying message is to go out and enjoy yourself.” And on those hot summer days catch Cela sipping on good ole Dr. Pepper or Richards Dark (nothing like a hint of maple in a beer).

Cela has two favourite sport movies which both have to do with
Baseball, A League of Their Own and The Bad News Bears (the original).
Both movies show that girls kick ass at baseball! “ Her favourite Actor/Actress, I suddenly feel like I'm on a dating game show. That's a hard question for me since my BA is in film studies. Ok, I'm going to pick one dude and one chick, John C. Reilly and Toni Collette cause both have the ability to pull of so many different characters.”

Being a Sound Engineer and having to pick her all time favourite song is not an easy task for Cela- in her own words “are you kidding me. Well if I think long and hard on this one I guess I could come up with something.” For now we’ll all have to stand by for her answer...

Another hard question for Cela is deciding what her favourite destination is.
Cela has travelled over 58 countries around the world so picking just one proves a bit challenging! Wow, impressive! I’d love you see your photo album!

So what does Cela do in her down time? Aside from hanging out with someone special, (Oooo) she likes chilling with friends, going to the theatre (movies, plays and concerts) and also enjoys the outdoors as much as she can especially in the beautiful weather. And one of these days she’s going to start drawing again.
Would love to see what you come with Cela!

For those who are just getting to know Cela, she also has a nickname-Chandler. Why you ask? “I use humour to get me out of awkward situations, it’s so bad that my close friends nicknamed me Chandler.

If there’s anything else you want to know about Cela, feel free to chat her up with jokes. She is super friendly and always likes to meet people the rest of the league.

Thanks Cela for sharing a bit of who you are with the rest of us!

Meet a Team Rep

2010-06-19T15:00:00.003-05:00

“The best things in life aren't things". I couldn’t agree with you more. This is Mary Beth Bourke’s favourite quote. She is also the very proud Team Rep for JILLS IN THE BOX. This is her third season playing with the Notso’s and loving every minute of it. You can spot playing catcher, or anywhere in the outfield.

What does Mary Beth love about being a member of the Notso team, “I like being a part of NOTSOs because you meet SO MANY PEOPLE. It's a great way to get outside, get active, be a part of a community and make new friends.”

Her favourite all time sports movie would be Jerry Maguire. Although it isn’t about sports, but about a sports agent, his girlfriend, and his football player client, and how he finds meaning in his work and life. She totally loves this movie - the story, how it's shot, the music, the actors and the theme: taking chances for what you believe in. You probably think her favourite actor would be Tom Cruise, nope it’s Robert Downey Jr. ‘He's had his ups and downs but he always delivers. I loved Sherlock Holmes and Iron Man’

Mary Beth is stumped when it comes to choosing her favourite all time song. “Impossible!” she says, “There's a world of music and it never ends and I want to keep experiencing it. To get away from the same old playlists and stuff on my iTunes I tune into the internet radio station littleradio.com.”

She also seems to have some favourites with her drinks ‘Cold beer on a hot day. Cold white wine on a hot day or cool red wine on a cold night with a medium rare rib eye steak and a homemade Caesar salad. Oops that's three favourite drinks and one favourite meal!’ That totally sounds like a delicious combo!

Mary Beth has a passion for travelling. She recently visited New Orleans and fell in love! It's an amazing musical city filled with fascinating people and architecture. She has also travelled to San Francisco, Reno, and Provincetown. In the past 4 years she has attended the Burning Man festival and has a soft spot for Italy. Wow- sounds like her passport is filled with stamps from all over the place!

So what does a girl like Mary Beth do in spare time, she enjoys gardening, hockey, hitting some golf balls, art and of course the movies.

Something interesting about Mary Beth she has taken acting classes. Maybe one day we’ll see her in the movies!

Meet a Team Rep

2010-06-13T21:19:00.002-05:00

Welcome back Meri Newton! Although Meri is shy she has returned for a second year with Notso’s and is this year’s Team Rep for That’s What She Said.
What’s Meri’s softball position as she put’s it “any position that doesn't involve standing, running, catching or hitting’. Hmmm, I gotta find out what that position is lol...
Meri’s favourite movie is Drumline because there is no ‘I’ on team. Have to say, I really liked that movie as well. Her all time favourite song, ‘I'm every woman, fits my multiple personalities’
Travelling seems to be a hot topic with most of our reps. Meri has also travelled locally and abroad- anywhere from Mississauga, Oshawa, Sudbury, Niagara Falls, Barrie, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, and Pickering to Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, Cuba, Costa Rica, New York New York, New Jersey
So what brought Meri back to NOTSO’s – in her own words “Most fun I can have standing up, well almost ;)”
Meri’s quote goes like this “If you have time to learn, you have time to clean” I personally love learning I can’t say that I would find the time to clean!
Who’s her favourite actor/actress and why? Not an actor but Lynn Crawford, celebrated chef. She is one dish I wouldn't mind serving. Perhaps while enjoying her favourite drink- Negroni!
So be sure to say ‘hi’ to Meri when your team plays with That’s What She Said!
Enjoy your season

Meet A Team Rep

2010-06-05T21:05:00.003-05:00

Returning for her second Notso season and first year team rep-Ainsley Kendrick! Believe it or not she has waited a long time to be on a team called Scissor Sistahs, wait no more you did it! She had such a great first year that she’s come back to pitch again and of course watch all the hot ladies play, sweat and bend over on the field! Play ball!

Ainsley has had the opportunity to travel across Canada, Northern USA and all of Europe! Pretty amazing! Where you off to next?
Her favourite movie “Cool Runnings, John Candy man! It’s a classic!”
Her actress is Queen Latifah, in Ainsley’s own words “brilliant actress and gets in the shittiest movies”

When not playing ball, she likes to refurbish old furniture, perhaps while sipping on a Long Island Ice Tea- is there alcohol in that drink?? So if anyone out there needs some help or advise on refurbishing furniture, Ainsley is your gal!

What tunes are on Ainsley’s playlist? “Return to Innocence by Enigma. It’s a song that will live forever! Inspirational and it gets me in the "mood". I dare not touch that one!

Ainsley’s funny/weird thing about herself is she seems to have a nervous habit of chuckling after she says something. Hmm I will have to pay attention to that next time.

When asked what her special quote was, "Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got" - Janis Joplin
I couldn’t agree with you more Ainsley!

Meet a Team Rep

2010-06-05T20:43:00.001-05:00

Colleen Shaver is Team Rep for ‘Where My Pitches At?’ This is Colleen’s second year with NOTSO's and the first year that she has taken on any type of NOTSO role (outside of showing up to every game and every post game event to enjoy the social events and a drink or two......) wow talk about enthusiasm. That’s the Notso Spirit!
Colleen has been playing since she was 9 but switched gears to try her hand or foot rather with Soccer, reason for switching-she missed catching the pop fly’s. As she puts it “ I was pulled into the NOTSO world last summer and absolutely loved it! I still miss alot of pop ups....but I’ll keep coming back for more!

Colleen is quite versatile in playing positions. She will try almost any position, providing it keeps her away from 1st and 3rd base. Between last season and this season, she has been seen in the outfield, short stop and on the mound (the pitcher's mound, that is). So what does she like about Noto’s? “ There's lots I love about NOTSO's! I love how relaxed everyone is, that you get to play and meet a great bunch of people! The social aspect after the game!

Colleen has a wide range of music type and couldn’t possibly name just one. But she was able to decide her favourite sport movie ‘A League of their Own! I also like Rudy and Remember the Titans. I pretty much like anything that can make me laugh, or is really inspirational (especially when they are based on a true story).

For those post game events, Colleen is pretty easy- with her drinks that is! She enjoys a rye and coke, rum and coke, Strongbow on ice, or a (cold certified) Coors light! In her spare time, Colleen is an outdoors kinda gal she enjoys camping/hiking hanging with friends, movies, a good game of cards poker perhaps?? Sports and road trips!

Colleen’s been around the world and back and is looking for some new stamps for her passport. She’s travelled to B.C, the US (Vegas, Florida, West Virginia), Dominican, Mexico and Cuba.

So who’s your favourite actor/actress? Hmmmm...does Jeff Probst count? :) Colleen is a die hard Survivor fan she has watched every episode since it started! Talk about committed!

For those team left to play “Where My Pitches at?” be sure to say hello to Colleen!

Meet a Team Rep

2010-05-28T22:18:00.004-05:00

Jackie Ruggiero or as most people know her by ‘Jax’ is this year’s team rep for Mitts Off The Merkin. Jax has been playing with the Notso league, as she puts it ‘too long to remember’ but I believe it’s a little over 5 years. What makes Jackie keep coming back ‘All the laughter we have that makes your belly hurt, girls, softball and beer, did I mention girls!’

Watch her on the field pitching or as you run by 1st base, say hello. Jackie loves the sport and the league itself and of course, the girls! Her all time favourite sport movie is a League of Their Own – why you ask? “If winning was easy, then everybody would be doing it. It’s the hard that makes it great!”
If the sun is shining and the sky is blue, don’t be surprised if you see Jax on her scooter and just riding through this great city she calls home. She kinda plays tourist in her own town with a camera by her side. As Jackie says “Toronto has so much still to see and do!”

Off the field, Jackie enjoys a good conversation with friends and a glass of wine, laughter and great music, perhaps Sympathy for the Devil by The Rolling Stones. She loves it cause it’s a bloody good song. So if you ever spot Jax at a bar, treat her to a cold bud light lime, her new favorite summer drink!

Here’s something about Jackie I bet you didn’t know. ‘I absolutely love ice cream during the Winter months, some may think it’s weird. I am also a collector of Kinder Surprise toys, have been for most of my life!
When asked about her special quote, this is what Jackie had to say and I couldn’t agree with her more.
"Accept what you are able to do and what you are not able to do";
Accept the past as past, without denying it or discarding it";
Learn to forgive yourself and to forgive others";
Don't assume that it's too late to get involved.

*Mitch Albom" tuesdays with Morrie

Meet a Team Rep

2010-05-28T18:01:00.002-05:00

If you haven’t met Kristin Tokarsky, this is your chance! She is such a joker with a great sense of humour, you just got to meet her! Kristin has been playing with Notso’s for about 3 years over the last 7 years. She’s back from a 4 year hiatus and can’t believe it’s been that long since her last Notso summer.

Kristin is the proud team rep for the Runaways, aka Team 3! Read on to find out how the team name came about. “ Our team name is based on the movie of the same name, which chronicled the early years of queer rocker Joan Jett, when she was a part of the all girl band “The Runaways”.

She just loves playing ball and hanging out with her queer sisters and of course meeting new fabulous ladies-Notso’s brings it all together. When asked what her favourite position is, here is what she had to say “That’s a loaded question but I’m assuming you mean on the field. (Wicked Grin) Well I will play anywhere actually. I’m a team player and want everyone to play where they want. So I will play anywhere there’s a space. If I had to choose, probably First or Third or the outfield or......LOL.

Kristin had a tough time picking her favourite song but did settle on Bob Marley- Three little birds. She choose this song because it reminds her of good friends, drinks, warm weather, Pride, baseball; a summer anthem. Her favourite movie, and I’m sure alot of you have seen it, is ‘A League of Their Own’, ya know Madonna and Rosie...the ladies playing ball...it’s all good. Her favourite actress ‘would have to be Angelina (the early years) and Gina Gershon’. Hmmm I wonder why???
You would never know it but Kristin is quite the traveller. She’s been to the BIG APPLE, Washington, Amsterdam and Cypress. She proudly boasts travelling right across our beautiful country – Coast to Coast and her favourite place is .....St. John’s NFLD.
After a long day at work, Kristin enjoys a white wine, a nice local Riesling or Chardonnay. If I’m looking for something stronger – vodka and just about anything...but if you ever run into her at the local pub a nice pale ale or blonde from the local brewery will do just fine!

Kristin loves spending time with people. Hanging out with friends and at family centers – it helps keep her grounded. Chilling at a restaurant chatting over drinks or taking in a theatre or an art show. She loves to take in all the city has to offer and do it with fabulous people....like you.

Words to live by “All we have is here and now, and that is why procrastination feels so right. Procrastinate now, don’t put it off.” Ellen D.

Kristin’s message to everyone ... “Have a good, safe, fun and fabulous season....and I look forward to meeting everyone on and off the field”.

Meet a Team Rep

2010-05-18T15:02:00.004-05:00

Meet Carrie Brodie! This is Carrie’s first year with the Notso’s and already she’s jumped right in to be the Bushwhackers team rep-way to go Carrie! And by the sounds of it she may be ready to take on another position next year! Carrie’s thought on Notso’s ‘I am really impressed with the organizational prowess of the Notso Collective!’
So far it’s been good for Carrie; she’s played her first game and loves it. Her favourite position is first base; just make sure you catch the ball in the glove and not in the mouth lol. For those who know me -Paula, know the story behind that one! Sorry Carrie had to throw that one in.
Like most of our Notsos, Carrie enjoys a good game of ball and of course beer-not necessarily in that order. She likes being part of a team and that’s probably why her favourite movie is ‘Rocky’ especially when the underdog wins!
Who’s her favourite actress Susan Sarandon because she's classy, strong and very cool.
When not on the field, Carrie is plucking away on her guitar or ukulele- maybe we can convince her to can play us a few tunes! Or simply sipping on some red wine while listening to Van Morrison-Into the Mystic.

Carrie enjoys travelling, most recently Eastern Europe. Some other places she has visited, Israel, many parts of the US, Eastern Canada
One of Carrie’s favourite quotes: Better your own path badly done than the path of another.

So be on the lookout for Carrie and her scooter but you’ll have to hail her down as she won’t hear you cuz she’ll be plugged into her iPOD.

Meet a Team Rep

2010-05-18T14:15:00.005-05:00

Meet Maria Menezes she’s the 2010 Team Rep for No Glove No Love!!!

Maria’s softball career started at an early age of 8 or 9 and who knew she would be the amazing ball player she is today. This is Maria’s 5th season with the NOTSOS-3 of those were ’87-’89 inclusive. When asked ‘Why do you enjoy being a Notso?’ without hesitation Maria says she ‘loves playing with the NOTSOS because they’re a great bunch of women! It gives me an opportunity to be active, and expand my network of friends. I like it that everyone, new & experienced, young & old - make that experienced. Everyone is included and encouraged to participate in a very supportive, and safe environment.’

Maria enjoys many positions – on the field that is! But Maria’s most favourite position is mainly 1st Base or Pitcher. Maria also enjoys umping- she did such an amazing job last year that she is back again this season. She also tried her hand at 3rd Base, and enjoyed it just as much as any other baseball positions.
Maria is quite the versatile player!

Her favourite music genre is the 80’s, it’s hard to pinpoint a particular favourite song, but would say ‘Holiday’ by Madonna…why you ask ‘I am very much a product of the 80’s- turned 18 in ’80, came out or rather, accepted my sexuality in ’84…Madonna was IT then!’

Some of Maria’s favourite quotes:

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.

People may not always believe what you say, but they always believe what you do.

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

A lie gets half way around the world before Truth has a chance to get it’s pants on.

After a hard day on the field, you can find Maria mingling with a great group of friends and enjoying a cold drink.

So look out for Maria- she may be Umping YOUR game next!

Notsos at Inside Out!

2010-05-17T17:37:00.000-05:00

The Notsos have sponsored a screening at the Inside Out LGBT Film and Video Festival. Check out our sponsored films and all of the other great films at the festival!

Monday May 24, 4:45 pm @ Royal Ontario Museum

Inside Out and the NOTSO Amazon Softball League Present:

HOMO TEAM ADVANTAGE:

LADY TROJANS

Elizabeth Hesik

USA 2008

Video 57 min

While other burgeoning queers floundered for belonging in towns across America during the early nineties, one girls’ basketball team at a high school outside Tucson formed a tight‐knit community of athletic lesbians. Lady Trojans looks back at this pocket of lesbian awakening in Catalina, Arizona. The story focuses on Anna as she and her former teammates reminisce about the days of their sexual exploration, partner‐jumping and falling in and out of love with each other.

VHS home movies, interviews with the Lady Trojans, and footage of the players on and off the court reveal the universally complicated playbook of youthful sexuality—feelings we can all relate to, whether we have our own Lady Trojans or not.

CANADIAN PREMIERE

THE BOYS IN THE POOL

Louis Dupont

France

2008 Video 54 min

From the court to the pool, here’s a take on another rarity. Set in France, Louis Dupont’s beautiful documentary shines a light on three gay men training to compete in the International synchronized swimming event at the Eurogames in Barcelona. With the support of their tough‐love coach Isabelle, the men train under a vigorous schedule and bond as the competition approaches.

Dupont’s unobtrusive filming reveals the swimmers at their leisure, bodies taut and toned, practicing torso moves and dancing to the music of their routine. These athletes are not merely driven to win, but are passionate about the potential for synchronized swimming to eclipse its status as a less‐than sport, and to pave the way for all athletes so that they might have the opportunity to compete equally in any sport they choose, regardless of gender.

FRENCH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES

3 EASY WAYS TO PURCHASE TICKETS:

1. Online visit: www.insideout.ca

2. Over the Phone: 416.967.1528

3. In Person: 2 Carlton St, West Mezzanine (past elevators, through glass doors on the right)

HOURS FOR IN PERSON AND PHONE SALES:

Monday to Friday 12pm – 7pm

Saturday and Sunday:12pm – 6pm

Road Closures - May 16

2010-05-15T18:56:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder for those players that travel from out of town, that the Gardiner will be closed both directions from the DVP to Humber River. So take your time if your time!

Source

Notso Weather Updates Sent Straight To Your Phone

2010-04-17T01:21:00.000-05:00

How to Turn Mobile Updates On and Off

This post is all about how to get Notso's tweets delivered to your phone via SMS. But first, you need to have added your phone to your Twitter profile.

How to connect your phone to your twitter account!

To add your phone to your Twitter profile from the web, follow the steps below.

1. Log in and visit your Mobile tab on your profile's Settings page.

2. Choose your country from the first drop-down box.

3. Enter your mobile phone number without a country code or leading zero (these are handled automatically).

4. Choose your carrier from the drop-down box.

5. Click Start to begin verifying your phone.

6. You will be directed to send a text message, containing the word "GO", to your Twitter code provided on screen. Text GO from your phone.

7. After Twitter receives the confirmation code from you, your device will be added and you'll be ready to use Twitter on your phone.

Congratulations! You have successfully connected your Twitter account with you mobile phone and can now send text messages to your Twitter code, and they will post as Tweets on your Twitter profile for all your friends to read.

******

Now you'll need to turn mobile notifications ON for the people whose tweets you want to receive on your phone. You will only get mobile updates from users whose updates you've turned on.

How to Turn On Mobile Updates from Notso

Turning mobile updates on via web is easy! Follow the steps below.

1. Log in to your Twitter page

2. Visit the Notso Twitter profile page. (Hint: Typing the URL twitter.com/notso will open up the users profile page, or you can click on your "Following" page.)

3. You'll see a small mobile icon beside the user's profile image. Clicking on the icon once will turn on mobile updates for that user. Clicking the button again will turn updates off (green means ON, gray means OFF).

NOTE: If an account is protected, the owner will have to approve your follow request before you'll receive their tweets.

A little to the left, honey, yeah...

2010-01-07T12:59:00.005-05:00

Everyone likes it a little differently, so guide us in the right direction.

In planning the off-season events and social program for this summer, we really want to know exactly how you like it. Leave your suggestions and ideas in the comments below and help us take the guess work out of your enjoyment.

Need a little help getting started?
think about these questions...

What types of social events do you like the best?
What types of social events are you NOT interested in or dislike?
If you don’t participate in the social program, what would make you want to?
In the off-season, what kind of Notso gathering would you attend? (ie: club night, book club, dodge ball, movies, bowling, karaoke, card games, etc…)
Do you have any fun ideas or suggestions that you want us to implement?

You start us off and we’ll follow through… we aim to please.

Be sure to subscribe to this blog or check back often to receive updates and important information regarding Notsos and related topics of interest.

You can also use the facebook notso group discussion board to mention your ideas / suggestions if that is your preferred method of communication.

Thanks
Kristy & Cheryl

The Notso Snack-Off

2009-09-08T10:02:00.013-05:00

In case you missed the tongue tasting, here is some eye candy from the first annual Notso Snack Off, where teams had to bake treats based on thier team name.

Tie for First Place

YOU CATCH'ER YOU FIELD'ER

BUNTING BEAVERS

Third Place

STEALING HOMOS

Other Fantastic Entries

RUN BITCH RUN

CLITS 'N CLEATS

FOREPLAY

MOUNDS OF BEAVER (and MUFFS in the ROUGH in the corner)

PLAYING THE FIELD

Also included in the snack off was Sloppi Seconds tasty sloppy joes (I didn't get a pic).

Thanks to everyone who slaved over stoves to bring the league all these amazingly creative and super delicious snacks!

Meet a Mentor - Lauren

2009-08-15T08:01:00.003-05:00

Lauren put the Klit in Klit N'Miss. Growing up as a tomboy she played competitive ball every summer until age 16, then coached, then played university rec softball followed by co-ed rec softball which gives her approximately 10 years of experience to add to her 2 years with Notsos.

For Lauren, Notsos combines 2 of her passions, playing her favorite team sport and being an active part of an amazing social queer community. She just loves the bonds and friendships that are built within teams and the experience working with the collective. She says some of her closest friendships have come from Notsos or throught recruiting others to play.

Being part of the Lesonya team last summer taught her the true dynamics of sportmanship. They laughed every game and played with enthusiasm despite starting the season 0-6. By mid season they finally won thier first game by coming from behind with only sheer team will and spirit, with only 8 players and without a pitcher. That win solidified thier core strength as a team and they went on to an amazing second half and won the consolation finals. Playing those playoff games in the rain and mud, all dirty and wet, will stand out as one of her favorite softball memories.

With a Notso rookie season like that, it is no surprise that she's a sucker for a good underdog story and sites "Bend it Like Beckham", "Rudy", "A League of their own" & "Major League" as her favorite sports movies. As Lauren strolls up to bat, you can all imagine "Everything I Need", by Melissa Ferrick or "Little L" by Jamiroquai playing as the soundtrack.

When not playing she enjoys using her non-softball skills to help build team unity and spirit by creating team blogs and facebook groups using her comedic and creative writing talents to document the season. She also enjoys spending time with friends & her 4 year old dog Hadley. She also love biking in the beach, watching documentaries & making hilarious satirical road trip films.

Match Up Game #2: Pets and Peeps

2009-08-10T08:49:00.004-05:00

Okay this time we are matching some Notso Mentors and Collective Members with thier furry little friends (well most are furry anyways). Rules are the same, list your guesses in the comments below and all correct answers are going into a draw at the end of the season for some "Notso-fantastic Prizes"...
Good Luck!

Meet a Mentor - Dayna

2009-07-30T11:47:00.005-05:00

Dayna is right on top of the Mounds of Beaver as the fantastic team mentor. She has been a member of Notsos for 1.5 years and has been playing softball for, well, 1.5 years (yes folks, she was a virgin before we got her). But her lack of softball experience never shows, at least not in this league, where she is always willing to jump into any position, play hard, have fun and lead her team with an endless amount of good spirit.

Dayna's already got a couple "claims to fame" by winning a game MVP award with the Tuesdays last year for the biggest and best grunt as well as a "Skirt in the Dirt" award for playing in the legendary "Mud Bowl" (that was last year's playoffs) dressed as a sexy schoolgirl in a short kilt! (picture it peeps, a team full of Notsos dresses as naughty school girls, boys and even a priest rolling around in the mud, it was pretty fun!).

The Cranberries, Zombie would announce Dayna's turn at bat and she also cites "A League of Thier Own" as a favorite sports movie. Obviously this is a league favorite and we really ought to all get together for a movie night in the off-season to watch it again. Girls, Baseball, Lori Petty, Rosie O' and Madonna, what's not to love?

Can't find Dayna? Check the closest computer, if she's not there she is most likely locked in a drunken hug with a Karaoke mic. She is pretty frickin' awesome at Karaoke, so she doesn't need the beer courage to do it, although she enjoys her beer as much as the next person. But if you really want to win her over buy her a "polar bear" shot (which I am quite curious about, so buy me one too!)

Meet a Mentor - Jen E

2009-07-29T13:24:00.002-05:00

Jen E is the fantastic (De-)Mentor of Playing the Field (and it only took her fourteen years in the league to finally become one). She has been playing softball since way back when she was a wee little one at about 8 years old (yes, she says, softball was invented back then).

Jen E (yes, the E seems to always be included) loves that this league gives her a great excuse to leave the house on Sunday afternoons to enjoy the sun, the fun and the girlies. She usually opts for Coors light at the bar because she can drink more of them than anything else.

Jen E's Notso career highlight is quite the tragic tale. In all her years of playing, she has hit a homerun only once and because a dog ran on to the field and chomped down on the ball, the ump called interference and the homerun was ruled a "double". My eyes well up with tears just thinking about it and with an upset like that, it is no wonder that Jen E likes sports movies that make you cry, like Rudy and Brian's Song.

Jen E couldn't pick a batter's theme song for herself or rather, she just said "you tell me", so I will... As Jen E saunters up to the plate, the song that I hear playing in my head would have to be "My Humps"!

If you have been looking for Jen E in all the wrong places, she says she can most often be found "below sea level"... good to know.

Meet a Mentor - Nicole

2009-07-25T17:31:00.003-05:00

Nicole Moreau is the mentor for Clits in Cleats. This is her second year in Notsos, but she has been playing ball for 8 years. Nicole loves the "spirit of the league". She realized pretty quickly that this league is often more focused on the social aspects (like making friends, having LOTS of fun, post-game drinks), rather than actually about the baseball game being played. And in case you were thinking about buying her a drink, make it a Guiness.

Nicole's Notso career highlight would probably be stealing home in shorts during the playoffs last year. Remember last year, most playoff games were held in the MUD BOWL, so this left her leg in a mixture of blood and mud. Admittedly, she can be a little "hardcore" for Notsos at times, but she likes to play the game and has a lot of fun in that dirt!

Of course, A League of Their Own is one of her favorite sports movies, but she also really likes the Sandlot (if you have not seen this movie, rent it with your team, it's awesome!). Back in the day when Nicole still had boy crushes, she also liked Little Giants. Now she indugles in an updated versions of a boy crush by chillin' with her two men, Louis (of feline descent) and her little nephew.

When asked about her batting theme song, Nicole couldn't think of one, but she did know she would want it to be atypical to throw everyone off. She suggests a meditation sound or a childhood sing-a-long - something way out in left field and yes, that pun was intended!

Meet a Mentor - Ali

2009-07-23T18:02:00.002-05:00

Ali Smith is the first class mentor for Sloppi Seconds. This is her second year with the league, but she has been playing ball for 7 years. She is already famous for her constant stream of chatter on the field.

She loves Notsos because it's "SUPER AWESOME to play just for fun in an inclusive and supportive environment... and then go for drinks". And when Ali drinks, she prefers Tankhouse or Steamwhistle by the pint-full and if shots are ordered, she's in (as long as it isn't Sambuca).

When not on the field Ali can be found with her nose in a book, tools in her hands, or a video game on her monitor. When it comes to sports movies, Ali's favorites are: A League of Their Own, Girlfight, and Miracle. If Notsos played in stadiums with awesome sound systems, The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' groovy!) by Simon and Garfunkel would announce Ali up to bat.

Meet a Mentor - Joanna

2009-07-17T08:12:00.003-05:00

Joanna is the mentor for Stealing Homo's. This is her fifth year in Notsos and as a kid she played a lot. She also played "Rounders" while living in the U.K. which (I am told) is similar, but with a shorter bat, different rules and no gloves or helmets. So don't let this girly-girl fool you, she is pretty tough and I have yet to see her turn down a challenge.

Joanna celebrates the spirit of this league and how it offers an opporunity for anyone to play. She loves watching people being supportive, encouraging and selfless. It is no surprise that Joanna was the very first recipient of the Cher Horslin Memorial Award which celebrates Notsos members who fully represent the "Spirit of the League". Joanna having known Cher's immense generosity of heart and wisdom, was extremely touched and carries the memory with her.

When asked about her favorite sports movies, Joanna asked, "do dance or horse movies count as sports?". And as for her batting song, she states "a lyrically selective remix of 'Take me or Leave me' from Rent or 'Defying Gravity' from Wicked", I think those answers alone paint a fairly descriptive picture of Joanna. To sum it all up she is highly energetic, animal loving, generously supportive, singing, dancing, acting, cartwheeling notso softball mentor.

Match Up Game #1: A Childish Collective

2009-07-14T09:20:00.004-05:00

Match up the current collective members with thier childhood pictures. All guessers with correctly matched answers will be entered into a draw for a notso prize... (put your answers in the comments section and it is way more fun if you don't look at anyone elses answers first). Good Luck!

Meet a Mentor - Riley

2009-07-10T08:10:00.000-05:00

Riley is the mentor for Foreplay this season. She started playing ball in little league, played throughout school, played in Notsos for 15 years, also plays with the Batcrackers in TWSL competitive league, loves to watch the Jays, currently coaches a 5-pitch team and sits on the collective as the head umpire for us this year, all evidence that Riley just loves the game.

In addition to her general love of the game, it is the Spirit of the League, that keeps her coming back and giving back to the Notsos each year. Riley is not only a seasoned player, she appreciates teammates personal accomplishments and will never turn down an opportunity to help someone develop thier skills on the field. It is no surpise that upon peeking into her jr, high yearbook almost all her classmates signed it "hope you are on my team next year"!

Riley's favorite sports movie is the adorable underdog tale of the unlikely sport hero "Chicken Little". Ladies and Gentlemen by Saliva would play loudly to announce Riley at bat.

Riley enjoys drinking Coors light and hanging out at the bar after the games and chatting with friends, but don't ask her to play "I never", she really hates that game.

Karaoke at Blue Moon -- SUNDAY!

2009-07-10T08:05:00.001-05:00

Karaoke at Blue Moon, Sunday July 12th, Blue Moon Pub

They're opening up early for us at noon, and the karaoke will get underway at between 2:30 and 3pm, whenever you're ready to grab the mic!

The kitchen and bar will also be open at noon to help you fuel up for your showstopping performance.

Blue Moon is located on Queen Street east: http://maps.google.ca/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF-8&q=blue+moon+toronto&fb=1&split=1&gl=ca&cid=10975679147062294937&li=lmd

Call for Performers! A Midsummer's Eve MASQUEERADE!

2009-07-09T08:27:00.006-05:00

CALL FOR PERFORMERS
DEADLINE EXTENDED: Midnight, July 12th

The league you love to play ball in wants to see your skills off the field. Do you moonlight as a burlesque star? Have superior air guitar performance skills? Play a mean set of spoons? WE WANT YOU. More specifically, we want you to perform at our mid-season party, July 24th, the 2009 Nostsos MASQUEERADE!

We would like to have at least one submission per team. Sign up as a group, nominate a solo act from your team, whatever is your pleasure. But email us with a short description of your performance before MIDNIGHT on JULY 12TH.

Send submissions to: jennifer.e.crawford@gmail.com AND laurenmash@gmail.com

For more info on the event, visit: http://www.goodhandys.com/pictures/july24-09.jpg
To purchase your tickets, visit: www.notsoamazon.com

Meet a Mentor - Carol

2009-07-06T11:55:00.004-05:00

Clits and Cleats mentor Carol has previously played 1.5 years in Notsos. 1.5 because after her first year, we lost to Rugby, but half a season and one injury later, she was back. She has been playing ball for over fifteen years.

Carol's super fast-pitching is infamous within Notsos, but Jackie Ruggerio might agree that what Carol is really famous for is her "onezie". I don't actually know what this "onezie" is all about, but perhaps if we ask her, she will agree to show us?

Carol likes the Notso post-game social get-togethers where she often enjoys a Strongbow or Rum and Coke. Her favorite sports movie is (the popular choice among Notsos) "A League of Thier Own" and Calabria 2006, by Enur is what would be playing over the loudspeaker as she comes up to bat (if this were the Big League, of course).

When not on the field Carol can be found out on her motorcycle. She also enjoys spending time caring for her pets (she has had many over the years) including some unusual ones like a chinchilla, iguana and even an albino snake!

Meet a Mentor - Kathy

2009-07-04T11:43:00.003-05:00

Muffs in the Ruff are lucky to have Kathy as a Mentor this year. Although she is a newer member to the league, this being her second year, she has well over 25 years of experience playing ball.

When not on the field you can find Kathy playing hockey or sitting in a pub with great friends drinking an ice cold Corona.

Kathy's Notso career highlight was winning the M.V.C. award last year from her team. The M.V.C. is pretty much and M.V.P award, but the team name was C. U. Next. Tuesday's, so you can piece it together and figure out what the C really stood for.

Kathy's would confidently shimmy up to bat in the Major League's while "Shake your Groove thing" played throughout the park for all to, well, groove to. She also agree with Tom Hanks when he said, "There's no crying in baseball" and thus her favorite sports movie, is A League of Their Own.

I had the pleasure of being Kathy't teammate last year and although she often speaks to her enjoyment of the competiveness of sports, she was never short of encouragement and support for all players. Kathy will gladly rally the troops when needed, as well as join in the party afterwards, win or lose.

Notso Amazon doing the Dyke March!

2009-06-22T09:38:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, June 27th, the Notso Amazon Softball League has signed up to march in Toronto's Dyke March, and we want to see you there! Rally your team, wear your shirts, show your pride and love for Notsos and your team in whatever way you want. Softball pasties encouraged, but not required ;)

We'll meet just outside of the 519 Beer Garden at 1pm, make our way up to Church & Hayden where we need to line up, march/dance our hearts out along the route, and conveniently wind back up at the 519 Beer Garden, where we'll have a post-march Notso Amazon hangout to replenish ourselves after all the hard work of marching :)

This is a grassroots, trans inclusive march. For more details about the march, Guiding Principles and the route itself, please check out their website: http://www.pridetoronto.com/festival/dyke-march/

Can't wait & see you there!! :D
Lauren & Jen

Meet a Mentor - Jackie

2009-06-19T08:34:00.003-05:00

Jackie Ruggiero (or just Jax) is the mentor for You Catcher, You Fielder. Jax has played with Notsos for 5 years, but has been playing ball since she was a kid because baseball was always something really special in her home. She loves that the league is "notso" competitive and how much laughter occurs throughout the season.

As far as sports movies go, she is a fan of Bad News Bears and A League of their Own. If this were the Majors, The Who's Pinball Wizard would play as Jax comes up to bat.

When not on the field, she might be found at the bar sipping cider, drinking a corona, riding her vespa around town, taking on the world one day at a time or even starting a new organization called "Fruits on Scoots".

When asked about her Notso claim to fame, Jackie is unsure if she has had her fifteen minutes yet, but I think it is probably due to the fact that she has too many moments in the sun already. If the paparazzi was interested in Notsos, I am pretty sure Jackie's face would make the cover story most of the summer weeks.

Notso Amazon Photo Scavenger Hunt - RESULTS!

2009-06-15T09:44:00.003-05:00

Notsos has never seen so many amazing double plays or so many bases stolen. I love softball.

Thanks to everyone who participated! You can see all the photos by going here.

Everyone who participated received a commemorative Super Serious Team Photo, with the Overall Champs also scoring some tickets to see the new film "The Baby Formula."

AND THE BIG WINNERS ARE:

OVERALL CHAMP
BEST ACTING OUT TEAM NAME
Mounds of Beaver

BEST LITTLE LEAGUE CARD PHOTO
Foreplay

MOST INTIMIDATING TEAM PHOTO
Sloppi Seconds

BEST TWISTER PHOTO
You Catcher, You Fielder

BEST STEALING SECOND
Clam Slammers

MOST (AND BEST) CLEAVAGE IN A TEAM PHOTO
Playing the Field

BEST DONKEY PHOTO
Klit'n'Miss

Meet a Mentor - Mindy

2009-06-06T11:33:00.003-05:00

Mindy is the mentor for Run Bitch Run. This will mark her third year with the Notsos and has been playing ball since tee ball days except for a three years hiatus while she was living in Germany (what they don't have softball there?).

Mindy has big hopes in Notsos, that one day she'll be able to hit the ball so far that she will have enough time to run around the bases and get a home run. When that day comes you can celebrate her big score by buying her a Keith's White (just one though, she is a self-proclaimed light weight afterall).

The song that would play as Mindy strolled up to bat would be Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves. She loves the power and strength in female sports, so it is no surprise that her favorite sports movie is a League of Thier Own.

Mindy also plays in the TWSL competitive softball league with the Batcrackers. She is one of our amazing umpires and actually co-runs the Umpire program with Riley. She is a virtual encyclopedia of softball rules and regulations, so she is an excellent person to talk to if you ever have questions about how the game is played.

Meet a Mentor - Kelly

2009-05-29T10:44:00.011-05:00

Kelly Casey is the seasoned mentor for the Bunting Beavers. She has played with Notsos for four years and loves pretty much everything about the league (even after spending a couple years on the league's collective!). Her"Notso claim to fame" is playing in the finals two years in a row against Michelle Z. and winning both times, which is no surprise considering she had been playing ball far too many years to even remember.

Kelly has quite a few favorite sports movies, but among them she names Brian's Song, Bull Durham and The Longest Yard (the original version). If this were the Major Leagues, the song that she would choose to play as she came up to bat would be the song Woody wrote for his girlfiend Kelly from Cheers, you know the one that basically went, "kelly, kelly, kelly, kelly....". Which I thought was an excellent pick and now everytime I see her on the field, that damn song gets stuck in my head.

Being a responsible citizen (she is married to a cop after all) Kelly chooses her post-game beverages wisely. She may opt for a Corona, but if she isn't driving she prefers to take her drinking a little more seriously with a double rye/ginger. When not on the field, Kelly loves cooling off by swimming in the pool (which is conveniently located in her backyard).

Kelly is a great person to get to know, not only as a mentor who can answer most of your softball questions, but as someone with a cool laid back vibe that you can enjoy laughs with post-game.

Official Teams of 2009

2009-04-07T09:05:00.007-05:00

TEAM 1: Klit n' Miss
Mentor: Lauren Ash
Rep: Farah Kamal

TEAM 2: Clam Slammers
Mentor: Elga Brum
Rep: Linsey Cramorasa

TEAM 3: Bunting Beavers
Mentor: Kelly Casey
Rep: Lee-Anne Crawford

Team 4: Foreplay
Mentor: Riley Bronswyk
Rep:Dawson Calvert

Team 5: Muffs in the Ruff
Mentor: Kathy Phillips
Rep:Michelle Farquhar

Team 6: Run Bitch Run
Mentor: Mindy Postoff
Rep: Nathalie Bourque

Team 7: You catcher, You fielder
Mentor: Jackie Ruggiero
Rep: Joan Almost

Team 8: Sloppi 2nds
Mentor: Ali Smith
Rep: Cheryl Spencley

Team 9: Stealing Homo's
Mentor: Joanna Swan
Rep: Annie Cormier

Team 10: Mounds of Beaver
Mentor: Dayna Elliott
Rep: Anna Cichy

Team 11: Playing the Field
Mentor: Jen Etter
Rep: Nola Doucet

Team 12: Clits in Cleats
Mentor: Nicole Moreau & Carol Courtney
Rep: Celeste Dickson

If Notso was a girl I'd take her home too...

2008-09-23T10:35:00.003-05:00

Love Letter to the Season
Written if Notso were a girl.
By Amy Clarke

The moment I saw you,
I knew it would be special.
There was a lightening between us,
and a Thunder Down Under.
I have never been a Master Batter,
but for you, I want to be a cunning linguist.
I will settle for nothing but Simply the Breast.
This ain't no minor crush either, baby.
This here is the Majora Leaguers.
I want to be the Lesonya.
I want to slip inside of you,
not one, not two, threeOh! High Five For Stella!
Ahh, the Sweet Spot.
I want to do everything, explicit,
I want to be Diamond Dirty.
I want to feel every Multiple Scoregasm
that rocks alongside my body.
As I dress, you look at me your eyes dreamy.
You ask me to stay, just a little bit longer.
I'll smile, down my glass of juice,
and say:
"Sorry baby, but maybeI'll C U Next Tuesday."

Straight from the Heart...

2008-07-09T10:12:00.002-05:00

An open love letter to the league and all the people who play…

I had the best Pride weekend to date this summer. There wasn’t anything particularly amazing happening that was different than the years before, but somehow it was really amazing. I had a blast all through the weekend and took a moment to be grateful for what I have in my life. I have friends that I adore spending time with and throughout the weekend I was surrounded by friendly faces that I enjoyed laughing, marching, drinking and dancing with. I realized that almost ALL of the amazing people I enjoy so much, I met through Notsos or through someone I met at Notsos and it became even more obvious to me why I love the league so much.

I joined Notsos shortly after I moved to Toronto and shortly after a notso-well-received “coming out”. Only a few short years ago, I was fairly sad and lonely a lot of the time. I had never played softball or had any particular interest in it, but I joined with someone and we gave it a shot. There were days (especially the first season) when I didn’t love it so much. When you aren’t very good at softball it only takes one competitive comment to discourage you sometimes, but I stuck with it because I met a couple friends that were a lot of fun to be around. Over the past five years these friendships have gotten deeper and new friendships find me each year. If it were not for this league, I am just not sure where I would be today.

I wish this is what it is like for everyone, but I understand that Notsos means something different to each person. My hope is that whatever it means to you, that you try to find the positivity in the league and that it becomes something special for you too.

I took the time to visit most of the teams over the past couple games and I am really excited that almost everyone is having a great season, wherever the teams are ranked in the standings, you are all mostly having a great season because you are having fun and that is what the league is about.

I also want to take a minute to thank everyone who has worked hard over the past 25 years make this league the amazing community that it has become. All the collective members, umpires, mentors, team reps, social reps and everyone who has every come out to play with us, you are all what makes the spirit of the league shine through each year.

I also have to take to a minute to thank this years collective. We are pretty new, with a lot of new members and many of the previous members taking over different roles and we put in a lot of time and work harder than you might think to not only make this season happen every year but to try to make it a little better each time. Not only is it completely volunteer but we don’t get any freebies (we pay for registration, dance tickets, banquet tickets, merch, everything you pay for). We only do it because we love it and we are not perfect, but isn’t it nice to know there is a little group of people out there trying to make things a little bit better for you? So if ever something isn’t working out, feel free to talk to us, we are the ones with the “C” ironed onto our shirt’s chest. We are totally here for you. And if that still doesn’t work for you, “be the change you want to see” and join us on the collective next year, there can never be too many helping hands.

Thanks to everyone for playing this year, it is shaping up to be a great season. I don’t know all of your names (I do try, but 175+ names can be tricky), but I do know your faces and I look forward to seeing your smile every Sunday and celebrating with you this Friday for the 25th Anniversary 80’s Dance Party!

Nancy is a Hoot!

2008-06-24T07:57:00.007-05:00

Field Report

I want to start with a Shout Out to my teammates on C U Next TuesdayS because I am pretty sure we got slaughtered this weekend and I had so much fun, I barely noticed! You guys ROCK!

For pure entertainment value Nancy M of Simply the Breast played an inning with no shorts, played an inning with no shirt and then to top it all off, she played an inning with a well constructed camel toe! Is that 'toe what landed you the fiancee so quickly?

LeZoNya was in high spirits this weekend celebrating their first win of the season, though watching them you would never know they hadn't won yet because the team is never at a loss for smiles, laughter and spirit. Cheers!

Contender ready? Dawson of C U Next TuesdayS is the reigning arm wrestling champion taking on seven different notsos back to back, none of whom could weaken the arm of steel of the champ! So now we all know, do not mess with her.

Sherry L of Multiple Scoregasms is credited with bringing crazy ladies with carts and dog treats into style! She rocked that pride cart out and made it look good. Thanks!

BARSTOOL POLLS
a new segment where I poll random notsos will silly questions at the bar

If you were a Superhero, what would they call you?

Super Pussy - Pauline of C U Next Tuesdays
Mistress Licks a Lot - Sherry of Multiple Scoregasms
Dyke of Steel - Karla of Majora Leaguers
Irony - Tera of Diamond Dirties
Country Bumpkin - Joanna of Thunder Down Under

What is your favorite item of clothing?

Sneakers & yoga pants - Melissa of Majora Leaguers
A bra - Joan of Dirty Diamonds
New socks - Brenda of LeZoNya
Jeans, Joe Fresh Jeans - Stef of High Five to Stella
RAINBOW SOCKS - Nicole of C U Next Tuesdays & Shona of High Five to Stella
Bra on the floor from the night before - Michelle of C U Next TuesdayS... so cheeky!

First TV star that made you wonder if you were a lesbian?

Janet on Three's Company - Sarah of Thunder Down Under
Jo on the Facts of Life - Nancy of Simply the Breast
Demi Moore on General Hospital - Ange of Multiple Scoregasms
Lynda Carter on Wonder Woman - Rosie of Diamond Dirties
Kate Jackson on Charlie's Angels - Riley of C U Next TuesdayS
Sarah Jessica Parker on Square Pegs - Sherry of Multiple Scoregasms
Lindsay Wagner on Bionic Woman - Jaki of Diamond Dirties

Join us in the Dyke March, we are meeting at Church and Hayden at 1:30pm Saturday!
And check back next week for the special Notsos at Pride blog report.

Do you have a SHOUT OUT for anyone in the league?
Let me know, I can post it here for you
(or maybe anonymously if you are into that whole secret admirer thing!)

'Cause we all have a Boozy Friend...

2008-06-16T20:18:00.015-05:00

To answer your question Sarah B
If you have any pictures you want included in the blog or used for general Notso purposes you can post them to the facebook group and I will grab them from there for use here.

The Poll Results
75% of the Notsos that read this blog think camping is fun with friends, so if you are looking to make some friends within the league, may I suggest you invite them camping?

The Notso Facebook Stalker Victim #5
Michelle M of the "Sweet Spot" is a fan of "Post Secrets" where people anonymously post their deepest darkest thoughts. I have to admit this is one of my guilty pleasures as well.

The Notso Facebook Stalker Victim #6
Mary Beth B of "Thunder Down Under" lists SNL as one of her favorite shows and I am wondering if she loves the "Penelope” character as much as Riley and I do. She is hilarious because we all know someone at least a little like her.

5 Fun Facts about Mary G of Thunder Down Under
She lives in the “Pussy Palace” with all three of her cats
She popped her GF, Ilka’s (softball) cherry with Notsos this year
To quote her “A good date is when you just don’t want it to end”
She likes stargazing, hiking, bird-watching & campfires at her cottage
Her favorite position is catcher, but she is good at any…

5 Fun Facts about Elga B of Majora Leaguers
The oddest animal she dealt with at work was a Boa Constrictor
She was the original recipient of the “Jumbo Shrimp” Award
Her first lesbionic celebrity crush was on Jodie Foster circa Contact
She is the Pork Chop half of the romantic duo “Pork Chop & Giggles”
If Deanna had to describe her in one word it would be: FOXY!

The Busting Balls Sightings
Check out these super cool people that were spotted wearing their limited edition “Busting Balls since 1984” gear around town.

You can look this cool too, all you need to do is get yourself your very own Notsos 25th Anniversary muscle top, t-shirt or hooded sweatshirt! Full size runs are now available in blue unisex t-shirts, blue women’s cut t-shirts, navy muscle tanks and grey hooded sweatshirts, so get the one you want in your size before it runs out again! Check out the website for more details.

The Notso 25th Anniversary flasks are also available and would make a great gift for the girl you want to get a little tipsy or your boozy best friend!

Next Week in the Notso News Blog
Stay tuned for the best (gayest) dressed list where I will review the best dressed Rainbow clad notsos from Sunday's games where everyone is encouraged to play ball in their gayest pride wear to kick off pride week in Toronto. It's also Pet day, so don't be shy to show off your furries!!!

Couples that wear matching outfits and other stories...

2008-06-09T21:38:00.006-05:00

Style Report

Jen E of "Multiple Scoregasms" sported two cute looks last sunday. First at the field, in flirty pigtails with preppy seersucker shorts, then one quick change and most likely a faux shower in the bathroom later, she was scene at Vogli's in gold elvis style sunglasses and a cheeky beaver print tie.

Roz PJ, also of "Multiple Scoregasms", really rocked the straw cowboy hat and made it look extra cool when while sporting it, she made an awesome snatch grab for the third out in the last inning as well as an excellent show in the Dating Game later on.

The Dating Game

If you missed the first Notso Dating Game last sunday, you missed a lot of cheeky sexual innendo filled lesbian fun. So next time skip going home for a shower and head straight to the bar, if none of us go home in between to shower, no one will be able to tell who smells, since we all will! If you missed it, here a a few things you might have learned if you were there.

1. We learned Michelle Z is very versatile when at a Super 8 motel.
2. Cheryl S like everything a little better when she's naked.
3. Amy C voice and manner of speaking is so unique she is easily identifiable without using sight.
4. Rai G likes to do it under the stars
5. Brenda A blushes a little when she is asked sexual questions in front of an audience... cute!

You can expect full review details from the contestants post-date... stay tuned.

The Field Report...

Notso Legend Mel stopped by her old stomping grounds and was spreading the love, in true Mel fashion with her "Love Pants". For those of you who didn't play with her, she was legendary for her wacky outfits and general love vibes to everyone in the league. She married Kel (yes, they are Mel & Kel) in a ceremony at Riverdale Baseball Diamonds in matching baseball uniforms made especially for their wedding day. Now, I am sure you can imagine why we love them and miss them so much!

Sarah from "Thunder Down Under" has brand new ink marking the birth of a work of art.

Ange N is stubborn and if she umps your game, make her wear a skull cap helmet!!!

Monika & Nicole of the "C U Next TuesdayS" wore MATCHING OUTFITS to the bar, and not their team t-shirts, these were the outfits they changed into! The had on the exact same white Nike t-shirt and similar navy blue shorts. They insist they are NOT "that kind of couple" and it was just an accident, but when I realized they were also sporting the exact same lime green sports bras, the jig was up!!!

What do you get when you cross a blond singer / actress with a blond law enforcement officer at a Notso Event??? I am not sure, but if you want to know what happened ask them...

There was lot's of splits and bending games in the late afternoon on Vogli's patio, but at that point I was in the bag and cannot accurately report on what the game exactly was, who played and who won... but it was definitly entertaining to watch.

In the end, at least 2 players that I know of, have decided to swear off "shots" on sunday afternoons... admittedly I was one of them and to be fair, I did say that after the first game too.

10 Fun Facts about Lauren A of "LezoNya"

1. She is a Masters Student at U of T and specializes in IT
2. There is a really cool "white tattoo" on her right forearm in the shape of a snowflake
3. The LeZoNya facebook group was started by her
4. She is single and currently "dating" as was evident by her participation in the Dating Game
5. If you want to buy her a drink, make it a Corona or anything with Vodka in it.
6. If you want to ask her on a date, you might win her over if you go for a burger at licks and a walk along the beach.
7. Hadley is her 6.5lbs crazy silky terrier
8. Hadley had to be brought to the emergency vets when she split her tongue on Lauren's bikini wax strip...
9. Her size 8.5 foot is often slipped into New Balance, Converse of Birks (because her feet pronate, you know?)
10. Living in the Southern States Bible Belt for a while helped her identify her biggest turn off which is Ignorance. She said they just weren't the right kind of BUSH LOVERS!

That's it for now, but if you have any fun news to report from or about your team and it's players, let me know, I would love to pass on your stories to the league!

Better Late Than Never

2008-06-02T18:52:00.003-05:00

So I missed the games this past weekend, but here is a little news to tide you over until I have newer stories to blog about.

And in honor of my Notso team the C U Next TuesdayS, i am going to try to commit to making TUESDAYS the publishing date for this blog.

The Field Report:

I see London, I see France, we all saw Rose’s underpants!

Did anyone else see that a certain member of Simply the Breast had two very different hickeys rumored to be from two different people? I wonder if the “warriors” and “love cuffs” helped her get those?

Some Notsos like baking so much they have a bun in the oven right now! Congrats!

The U-Haul Report:

Picture it: The Notso Luau… a fierce limbo competition… backs bend & sparks fly… two seasons later these two have u-hauled their relationship into the Majora League

These two “Diamonds” get an “A” (x2) for the love story that recently found them u-hauling right into the nest they call home.

They may have u-hauled a while ago, but “High Five” to KC on her recent, government recognized ball & chain!

The Notso Facebook Stalker Victim #3

Bonz M is a member of the group “Lesbians Against Dyke Drama (L.A.D.D)” with 139 members (at least officially anyways, I am sure there are tons more out there).

The Notso Facebook Stalker Victim #4

I did a little digging around Julie D’s profile and found out she has such a sunny disposition that she somehow manages to get sunburned even when camping in the rain.

Ten Fun Facts about Michelle W of the C U Next TuesdayS

1. In the boxing ring she is known as Slugger.
2. Rosie is the acrobatic little dog you can often see her with.
3. Ask her about Nunavut... She lived there for 14 months.
4. She is conveniently located at Church and Wellsley!
5. The Vancouver Dyke March wouldn't exist without her pioneering activism
6. Costa Rica took her surfing virginity this past winter.
7. You can often spot her with a Sweet Lulu take out container.
8. She is the "Hooker" to all the straight girls on her Rugby team.
9. Only a Notso sophmore, but she's already rocking out on the Collective
10. And luckily for you, she is single (so what are you waiting for?)

That's it for now, but check back next Tuesday for more on your favorite Rec Softball League and it's awesome players!

Blog; it's the new Black

2008-05-22T19:56:00.011-05:00

This is the first of the New Notso News Blog that keeps you informed of all thing Notso especially the people who play because isn't that the reason we all love this league anyways?

Notsos About Town:

Some of the C U Next TuesdayS were spotted canoodling over organic brunch at Big Mamma's Boy with 2 Diamond Dirties last rainy Sunday afternoon.

Cheers to Dawson and Jennifer C, who were the last people standing at Voglie's after the AGM.

Nola and (new Notso) Drew were spotted all over Gay Town last Saturday night. They were at an Inside Out film festival screening, then later on O'Grady's patio, then later watching drag at Crews Tango, even later on the dance floor at Slacks and even later than that at Snatch, but at that point I could have just been hallucinating their presence. I even see them in my sleep sometimes now.

Also spotted at the Inside Out Film Festival were Jackie R, Michelle M, Michelle W, Jenny T, Riley B, Kristine K and Kate G.

Deb F (of Simply The Breast) is upping her good karma quotient and using those butt muscles for good in this world, by training hard to "Ride To Conquer Cancer" this summer. This is her first bike ride of this caliber, so if you know her and see her please let her know how awesome it is that she is getting out there and making a difference or if you can why not sponsor her to help her reach her financial goal so you can help make that difference in the world.

The Notso Facebook Stalker Victim #1
I stalked Dayna E and found out that she loves the book The Chrysalids and that makes her oh so cool in my books.

The Notso Facebook Stalker Victim #2
I also checked out Nathalie B and found out that she likes to give lesbian gifts like "warriors" and "love cuffs" to her friends. Hey Nat, wanna be my facebook friend?

10 Fun Fact about Rachel H of the "Diamond Dirties"
1. She is a crafty goddess (seriously she's really talented at making beautiful things).
2. Although she is brand new to softball, she really rocks that new pink glove.
3. Her kitty Ramona loves her a lot and the custom cat bed she made her.
4. In her apartment you can find at least one season of the Anna Nicole Show
5. You'd be lucky to taste any of her sweet treats, she can really rock an oven.
6. She recently met Chris, as in "Cute with Chris" Chris!
7. On at least one occasion that i know of, she danced on a pole in Las Vegas.
8. Robbing the Bees: a biography of honey is one of her favorite books.
9. Her sister Stef is also new to Notso, also a Diamond Dirty and also really awesome.
10. She sports cool eyeglasses and really cool tattoos; can you think of a better combo?

Check back regularly for more fun blogs on Notso games, events and most importantly, players. You never know when your name will appear in this blog... You are a Notso now, and since I am a Notso fan that makes you like a celebrity... and as a celebrity you can think of me as Perez Hilton, but way nicer because nothing will ever be posted that will hurt any one's feelings and if it does by accident, then it will be taken down.

See you all soon!

The Notso Banquet is only a week away.

2007-09-22T11:00:00.001-05:00

Black and White Ball
Saturday September 29, Hugh's Room

The Notso Banquet is only a week away.
Friends, food, music and awards!

Get your tickets online

$31.50 with your credit card, through PayPal

or $30 in person from your extra friendly neighborhood collective member.

Tickets will only be on sale until Monday September 24th, end of day - only 3 more days!

For those unable or unwilling to use PayPal - contact newsletter at notsoamazon and we can make payment arrangements. Collective members are all over the city and able to make in-person arrangments.

There will not be any ticket sales at the door

We need to confirm numbers and seating prior to the event.
Any tickets held at the door must be pre-paid for.

Playoff Schedule posted

2007-09-03T14:19:00.000-05:00

Click on image to enlarge.

Banquet Tickets are also available through the Collective, or online

Tickets will only be sold until Monday September 24th in order to finalize seating and dinner arrangements with Hugh's Room.

Your ticket includes

* 1 beverage (alcoholic, or not)
* 3 course-meal (vegetarian option available - indicate veggie meal below)
* Dance
* Prizes, Awards
* Plenty more surprises during the evening.

Notso Leather and Lace Rodeo - July 7th

2007-06-29T13:21:00.000-05:00

Clear your calendar for the Notso LEATHER & LACE RODEO Themed Event at Voglie's

On Saturday, July 7th @ 9:00pm the Notsos are hosting a themed pub night for all of our members and their friends.

The theme is "A Leather & Lace Rodeo" in honor of Cher Horslin, a cherished member of Notso Amazon Softball League who passed away suddenly a short time ago. To celebrate her life and her amazing contributions to the league we will go out together and have a great time, that's the way she would have wanted it

No door fee, but donations will be collected throughout the night with all proceeds donated to the Ontario Brain Injury Foundation in her name.

So dig out your old leather pants, or dust off your old cowboy boots, or even find that lace bustier you thought you would never have an excuse to wear in public and come out to Voglie's to celebrate a life with your community.

Luau Rescheduled

2007-06-04T10:24:00.000-05:00

For Sunday June 10th, same times, same places.. same great events.

Check the Event Calendar online

Cher Horslin

2007-05-23T15:20:00.000-05:00

It's with great sadness that we let you know of Cher Horslin's sudden passing earlier this week. Cher left us way too early and she will be greatly missed. As a way of honouring Cher, the Notso Amazon Softball League plans to give an annual award in her memory. The award will be given to a Notso who embodies a spirit of generosity and leadership.

Details for arrangements this week are below:
There are two viewings on Thursday afternoon and evening.
2pm-4pm, and 7pm to 9pm
Ogden Funeral Home - Sheppard and Midland, in Scarborough
http://www.ogdenfuneralhome.com/locations.php3

Funeral is Friday at 10am, Interment Pine Hills Cemetery

If you are on Facebook, there is an active discussion where people can share their memories and stories of Cher.

A memorial will also be planned in the coming weeks.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ontario Brain Injury Association are appreciated by the family.

Run Notso, Run!

2007-04-26T22:17:00.000-05:00

Hey we're all signed up as a team for this year's Pride and Remembrance Run....

just go to www.priderun.org to register and pick Notso Amazon from the list of teams.

Spring is in the air

2007-03-12T13:21:00.000-05:00

And you know what that means my little bat girls...the 2007 Season of the Notso Amazon Softball League is just around the corner. I, myself, am very excited. As I emerge from my winter hibernation, I'm stretching my legs, oiling my mitt and cleaning off my sneakers to prepare for a fun summer of Sunday Ball. Don't forget about the AGM (Annual General Meeting for those of you who are acronym impaired) on April 18th at 7:30 at the 519 Community Centre. This is your first chance to meet your team and have input into the name that you'll be forced to wear all season long. Double entendres abound. I highly recommend attending.

And check out all the Web 2.0 stuff that the League has put together to keep you in touch and connected. The Notso's are on Facebook (how very 2007) for social networking...and there is this blog, for general fun and wonderment... and, as always, notsoamazon.com, which is the best place to find information like schedules & events. Wow...NASL is so hip to the now.

Looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones and drinking copious amounts of b.e.e.r.