My real name is Tad Ghostal, and yes, my avatar is a picture of me. I post on the messageboards when I'm not hosting my marginally famous late night talk show, or blowing up the hoover dam.
Heh.
The name is a reference to what I call myself when I DM. Dungeon Master always sounded like some weird S&M term to me, and Game Master always seems somehow...juvenile. Referee tends to imply sporting events, so I settled on "The Universe" since it works for any setting/game. I represent to players the entirety of the Universe, other than themselves, so why not just use that?
Also, I may have slight delusions of grandeur. But I am aware that they exist, and thus try to rein them in whenever possible.
As for the avatar, I like Space Ghost, and since he lives in space, it sort of represents the Universe.
Also, IRL, I wear white tights, a yellow cape, and power bands.