Thursday, January 26, 2006
Laser Pointer on LeBron
LeBron James didn't appreciate a fan's attempt to disrupt his concentration with a laser pointer. So he took out his frustration on the bumbling Atlanta Hawks.
"Those things can damage your eyes something bad," James said. "I was standing at the foul line in the fourth quarter when the ref noticed a red dot near my forehead. That's pretty serious."
James had 38 points, nine rebounds and six assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers won their third straight game, 106-97 on Wednesday night.
Police couldn't find the guy with the laser pointer. LeBron says its the first time in his NBA career a fan used a laser pointer on him during a game.
"Those things can damage your eyes something bad," James said. "I was standing at the foul line in the fourth quarter when the ref noticed a red dot near my forehead. That's pretty serious."
James had 38 points, nine rebounds and six assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers won their third straight game, 106-97 on Wednesday night.
Police couldn't find the guy with the laser pointer. LeBron says its the first time in his NBA career a fan used a laser pointer on him during a game.
Beard Pau-er
In recognition of the Pau-erful play of forward Pau Gasol, the Memphis Grizzlies encouraged fans with beards to go to last night's game and every fan with a beard was given a buy-one-get-one free voucher for the Grizzlies Feb. 1 game vs. Dallas. For those fans unable to grow beards, the Grizzlies gave away Pau-inspired beards to the first 5,000 fans to enter the building. Also fans could shave a little time by downloading a beard.
“Pau is playing with Samson-like power this season,” said Grizzlies President of Business Operations Andy Dolich. “His growth as a player is clearly cutting edge. We are glad to have him hair.”
Pau scored 30 in the Grizzlies win.
“Pau is playing with Samson-like power this season,” said Grizzlies President of Business Operations Andy Dolich. “His growth as a player is clearly cutting edge. We are glad to have him hair.”
Pau scored 30 in the Grizzlies win.
Fun With Photoshop
We told you all about the USC Song Girl who mistakenly cheered a Texas touchdown in the Rose Bowl. Derek directed us to these pictures taken at some of her other premature celebrations. While Justin's photoshop skills are legendary (he's working on a new Photoshop project for PP), these guys from UMich are pretty good themselves.
Why Elin Married Tiger
Are Tiger and Elin Woods planning a large family?
The couple has agreed to plunk down $38 million for 10 acres of property in Jupiter Island, Fla.
In addition to a 13,207-square-foot, two-story main house with eight bedrooms and 13 bathrooms, the property includes a six-bedroom house, several guest houses and two docks, perhaps with enough space for his 155-foot yacht.
But the location is what really sold Woods -- the site stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway.
"I'm close to the water," Woods said Tuesday. "I grew up here in southern Cal not too far away from the beach, and I miss the ocean. Being in Orlando ... there's a bunch of lakes, but it's not the ocean."
Woods, who's playing in the Buick Invitational this week in San Diego, moved to Orlando in 1996 when he turned pro.
Woods' home in Orlando was recently assessed at $2.5 million. He and Elin also own property in California, Sweden and Jackson, Wyo.
Woods said he likely would keep a house or a villa at Isleworth, an exclusive community outside Orlando with a golf course that he said was tougher than anything he could find in south Florida.
The $38-million transaction marks the largest single residential sale in Martin County history.
Woods' new property actually was sold to three companies, each with a common Orlando address that belongs to ETW Corp., his licensing agent. Woods, who turned 30 last month, and his father, Earl, are listed as two of the company's principals.
Jupiter Island, north of Palm Beach, is considered among the nation's wealthiest enclaves. It's already home to golfers Greg Norman and Nick Price and singers Celine Dion and Alan Jackson.
The couple has agreed to plunk down $38 million for 10 acres of property in Jupiter Island, Fla.
In addition to a 13,207-square-foot, two-story main house with eight bedrooms and 13 bathrooms, the property includes a six-bedroom house, several guest houses and two docks, perhaps with enough space for his 155-foot yacht.
But the location is what really sold Woods -- the site stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway.
"I'm close to the water," Woods said Tuesday. "I grew up here in southern Cal not too far away from the beach, and I miss the ocean. Being in Orlando ... there's a bunch of lakes, but it's not the ocean."
Woods, who's playing in the Buick Invitational this week in San Diego, moved to Orlando in 1996 when he turned pro.
Woods' home in Orlando was recently assessed at $2.5 million. He and Elin also own property in California, Sweden and Jackson, Wyo.
Woods said he likely would keep a house or a villa at Isleworth, an exclusive community outside Orlando with a golf course that he said was tougher than anything he could find in south Florida.
The $38-million transaction marks the largest single residential sale in Martin County history.
Woods' new property actually was sold to three companies, each with a common Orlando address that belongs to ETW Corp., his licensing agent. Woods, who turned 30 last month, and his father, Earl, are listed as two of the company's principals.
Jupiter Island, north of Palm Beach, is considered among the nation's wealthiest enclaves. It's already home to golfers Greg Norman and Nick Price and singers Celine Dion and Alan Jackson.
Little Piggies
A family in Spanish Fork, Utah says they wouldn't have believed it if they didn't see it with their own eyes; the family pig being a mother to two Border collie puppies.
The Bosley family says their pig "Bertha Mayhou" recently gave birth to five piglets, but two of them didn't make it.
They also got two purebred Border collie pups and put the pups in their own pen in the barn. The Bosleys say the pups kept getting out of their pen and wouldn't eat their food, but kept getting bigger.
This past Saturday they found out why. The pups were getting into the pig's pen and feeding off the pig alongside the piglets.
"I happen to come out here on Saturday and they were in the pen suckling the pig," said Nancy Bosley. "... I have never seen anything like that."
The Bosleys say the mother pig watches over the two pups as if they were her own, even occasionally nudging the pups while they're sleeping just to make sure they are OK.
Good video.
The Bosley family says their pig "Bertha Mayhou" recently gave birth to five piglets, but two of them didn't make it.
They also got two purebred Border collie pups and put the pups in their own pen in the barn. The Bosleys say the pups kept getting out of their pen and wouldn't eat their food, but kept getting bigger.
This past Saturday they found out why. The pups were getting into the pig's pen and feeding off the pig alongside the piglets.
"I happen to come out here on Saturday and they were in the pen suckling the pig," said Nancy Bosley. "... I have never seen anything like that."
The Bosleys say the mother pig watches over the two pups as if they were her own, even occasionally nudging the pups while they're sleeping just to make sure they are OK.
Good video.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Ron Artest is Crazy
Ron Artest relented and accepted the trade to the Sacramento Kings. Gavin Maloof who co-owns the Kings and The Palms casino in Vegas summed up the rationale for acquiring Artest, "we're gamblers." You've got the next season or so of your franchise parlayed on the hard 8. Good luck.
Busy Mrs. Benson
Turns out Anna Benson was doing a photo shoot with FHM for the cover of their baseball preview issue when she found out she and her husband Kris had been traded to the Baltimore Orioles. That explains the baseball bra that peeked out from under her Orioles jersey at the press conference.
Mets Caravan
The Mets were front and center on WFAN today, Mike and the Mad Dog had on several Mets guests. I only heard Paul LoDuca and Omar Minaya and here is what I learned:
Paul LoDuca on becoming a Met: "I couldn't be more happier." (I hate double superlatives.)
Paul LoDuca on Duaner Sanchez: "He has big huevos."
Omar Minaya on trading Kris Benson to get rid of Anna: "We made a baseball trade."
Omar Minaya on Mrs. Benson as Mrs. Claus: "My wife wanted a Range Rover, I wanted to get her that dress."
Basically, Omar says they made the two trades to get better in the bullpen and it sure seemed like Benson was a salary/Anna dump. We all know Jorge Julio sucks. He says the Japanese pitcher and maybe Brian Bannister could be ready to jump into the rotation if one of our five (Pedro, Glavine, Trachsel, Zambrano or Heilman) goes down. Bullpen will be Bradford, Schmoll, Sanchez, Julio and Wagner. Kaz Matsui will get another chance at second base but Bret Boone and Anderson Hernandez will be given the chance to compete.
Paul LoDuca on becoming a Met: "I couldn't be more happier." (I hate double superlatives.)
Paul LoDuca on Duaner Sanchez: "He has big huevos."
Omar Minaya on trading Kris Benson to get rid of Anna: "We made a baseball trade."
Omar Minaya on Mrs. Benson as Mrs. Claus: "My wife wanted a Range Rover, I wanted to get her that dress."
Basically, Omar says they made the two trades to get better in the bullpen and it sure seemed like Benson was a salary/Anna dump. We all know Jorge Julio sucks. He says the Japanese pitcher and maybe Brian Bannister could be ready to jump into the rotation if one of our five (Pedro, Glavine, Trachsel, Zambrano or Heilman) goes down. Bullpen will be Bradford, Schmoll, Sanchez, Julio and Wagner. Kaz Matsui will get another chance at second base but Bret Boone and Anderson Hernandez will be given the chance to compete.
Final Word About Last Weekend
Derek writes about his unpleasant experience watching the Broncos game with three Steelers fans. A must read, if only to check out the pictures of Smokey's get up.
Josh, It's Whale Vomit, not Whale Vagina
An Australian family could make up to a million dollars, after stumbling upon a rare, 32-pound lump of whale vomit on a beach.
A marine ecologist says the gunk is belched from a whale as a waxy and foul-smelling substance.
But after floating around the ocean for ten years, the sun and salt water cleanse it.
What's left is a high-priced substance used for perfumes, medicines and aphrodisiacs.
A marine ecologist says the gunk is belched from a whale as a waxy and foul-smelling substance.
But after floating around the ocean for ten years, the sun and salt water cleanse it.
What's left is a high-priced substance used for perfumes, medicines and aphrodisiacs.
Good Officiating
Houston Coach Tom Penders was given a technical foul in a game against UAB because the official didn't like his reaction a call. But actually he wasn't reacting to the call, he was passing out, due to a heart condition. Even after he was taken off the court on a stretcher the refs refused to rescind the technical. Conference USA later apologized.
Daren Lynch's Fiesta Bowl Sign
We've previously told you about the relationship between Ohio State linebacker AJ Hawk and Laura Quinn, the sister of Notre Dame quarterback, Brady Quinn. Judging from this sign Hawk and Quinn have taken it to the next level. Long faced children are only one Durex condom away. Ask Peyton Manning, protection issues suck.
We still prefer this JJ Redick sign.
And this one is funnier too.
We still prefer this JJ Redick sign.
And this one is funnier too.
What Did Stacy Keibler Wear?
In case you were watching WebJunk20 at Bill's house you may have missed Stacy Keibler on Dancing with the Stars. Her outfit was so disappointing it only merits one picture. But Master P looked tight...and he survived another week.
First Round Results
The second round of the Hottest Athlete's Significant Other Contest is underway.
No major surprises in the first round. The biggest upset was Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Cale Hulse and Playmate/actress Gena Lee Nolin knocking off two-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback Tom Brady and actress Bridget Moynahan by a hair (or an interception returned for 100 yards) -- 52 to 48 percent.
I was also surprised that former New York Mets pitcher Kris Benson and former stripper Anna Benson were upset by soon-to-be retired MLB pitcher Scott Erickson and sportscaster Lisa Guerrero -- 64 to 36 percent.
In news that will trouble Derek, a late rally by Utah Jazz forward Memhet Okur and former Miss Turkey Yeliz Caliskan failed to unseat mostly minor-league baseball pitcher Casey Daigle and softball pitcher Jennie Finch from the tournament -- 51 to 49 percent. But all that matters is that she held on.
Speaking of Derek, he got 13 of 16 matchups correct (I know he wasn't predicting, just offering his take).
Check out the captions for more info.
No major surprises in the first round. The biggest upset was Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Cale Hulse and Playmate/actress Gena Lee Nolin knocking off two-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback Tom Brady and actress Bridget Moynahan by a hair (or an interception returned for 100 yards) -- 52 to 48 percent.
I was also surprised that former New York Mets pitcher Kris Benson and former stripper Anna Benson were upset by soon-to-be retired MLB pitcher Scott Erickson and sportscaster Lisa Guerrero -- 64 to 36 percent.
In news that will trouble Derek, a late rally by Utah Jazz forward Memhet Okur and former Miss Turkey Yeliz Caliskan failed to unseat mostly minor-league baseball pitcher Casey Daigle and softball pitcher Jennie Finch from the tournament -- 51 to 49 percent. But all that matters is that she held on.
Speaking of Derek, he got 13 of 16 matchups correct (I know he wasn't predicting, just offering his take).
Check out the captions for more info.
Simmons Will Have a Field Day With This
NYPost:
Isiah Thomas is a foul-mouthed, slobbering harasser who propositioned the Knicks' former top marketing exec for sex — and even plotted to lure opposing teams to boozy strip joints to throw off their games, an explosive new lawsuit charges.
"I know you think I'm inappropriate, but I'm in love with you," Knick President Thomas allegedly told then-Vice President Anucha Browne Sanders, according to her suit.
"Contrary to Thomas' carefully cultivated public persona, he is capable of abhorrent behavior in private," alleges the lawsuit, which formally charges sex discrimination and then retaliation after Sanders complained and was fired.
"Sexual advances" quickly followed, as Thomas, a married father of two began "repeatedly professing his love for [Sanders], making comments about her physical appearance and suggesting that they go 'offsite' together, a thinly veiled solicitation for sex," the suit says.
Thomas' lawyers quickly denied the allegations as "a blatant and cynical attempt . . . to get a large sum of money from Madison Square Garden by exploiting the celebrity status of our client.
"While still employed, she demanded from the Garden as a condition of her departure a payment of $6 million, which is more than 20 years of her salary."
A well-placed source said that earlier this month, "[Sanders'] lawyer came to the Garden and said, 'I know how this problem can go away. Six million dollars' — that's what they wanted.
"The Garden said absolutely not, and they fired her."
In October 2004, "a female employee of the Knicks told Sanders that Thomas had instructed her to flirt with certain men connected to the game and make them happy," her suit alleges.
Then early last year, "Thomas told [her] he was pushing to get more Sunday noon games on the schedule," the lawsuit says.
"Thomas said he was working with the concierges of the hotels frequented by the visiting teams to have the concierges direct players to certain nightclubs — including strip clubs — that Thomas had established relationships with.
"Thomas said that his plan was to induce visiting players to go to these clubs on Saturday night and get them intoxicated so that they would not be prepared to play on Sunday," she says in the suit.
The suit says that only a week after Sanders left work voluntarily before her firing, Thomas "hugged her and tried to kiss her."
Amid her griping, the 44-year-old Thomas vacillated between blasting her as a "f- - -ing bitch" and continuing to issue suggestive come-ons to her, the suit charges.
Sanders says Thomas became so incensed over her blatant rejections that he turned many of the Knicks' players against her as she tried to market the franchise.
She claims that team superstar Stephon Marbury would routinely blast her as "that black bitch.
"F- - - that black bitch, she thinks she runs the Knicks, but she don't run sh- -!" she quotes Marbury as spouting off.
Isiah Thomas is a foul-mouthed, slobbering harasser who propositioned the Knicks' former top marketing exec for sex — and even plotted to lure opposing teams to boozy strip joints to throw off their games, an explosive new lawsuit charges.
"I know you think I'm inappropriate, but I'm in love with you," Knick President Thomas allegedly told then-Vice President Anucha Browne Sanders, according to her suit.
"Contrary to Thomas' carefully cultivated public persona, he is capable of abhorrent behavior in private," alleges the lawsuit, which formally charges sex discrimination and then retaliation after Sanders complained and was fired.
"Sexual advances" quickly followed, as Thomas, a married father of two began "repeatedly professing his love for [Sanders], making comments about her physical appearance and suggesting that they go 'offsite' together, a thinly veiled solicitation for sex," the suit says.
Thomas' lawyers quickly denied the allegations as "a blatant and cynical attempt . . . to get a large sum of money from Madison Square Garden by exploiting the celebrity status of our client.
"While still employed, she demanded from the Garden as a condition of her departure a payment of $6 million, which is more than 20 years of her salary."
A well-placed source said that earlier this month, "[Sanders'] lawyer came to the Garden and said, 'I know how this problem can go away. Six million dollars' — that's what they wanted.
"The Garden said absolutely not, and they fired her."
In October 2004, "a female employee of the Knicks told Sanders that Thomas had instructed her to flirt with certain men connected to the game and make them happy," her suit alleges.
Then early last year, "Thomas told [her] he was pushing to get more Sunday noon games on the schedule," the lawsuit says.
"Thomas said he was working with the concierges of the hotels frequented by the visiting teams to have the concierges direct players to certain nightclubs — including strip clubs — that Thomas had established relationships with.
"Thomas said that his plan was to induce visiting players to go to these clubs on Saturday night and get them intoxicated so that they would not be prepared to play on Sunday," she says in the suit.
The suit says that only a week after Sanders left work voluntarily before her firing, Thomas "hugged her and tried to kiss her."
Amid her griping, the 44-year-old Thomas vacillated between blasting her as a "f- - -ing bitch" and continuing to issue suggestive come-ons to her, the suit charges.
Sanders says Thomas became so incensed over her blatant rejections that he turned many of the Knicks' players against her as she tried to market the franchise.
She claims that team superstar Stephon Marbury would routinely blast her as "that black bitch.
"F- - - that black bitch, she thinks she runs the Knicks, but she don't run sh- -!" she quotes Marbury as spouting off.
Turtle to Get Laid
Jerry Ferrara -- Turtle on Entourage -- is a huge Knicks fan. He visited the Knicks locker room after a game a couple weeks ago to find that Eddy Curry and Stephon Marbury are big fans of the show.
Curry told him, "they need to make sure you get some of the pretty girls this season. You usually get stuck driving the guys around in the Hummer."
Turtle told him to talk to his boss about that then handed Curry his cellphone and he chatted with one of the producers.
Curry told him, "they need to make sure you get some of the pretty girls this season. You usually get stuck driving the guys around in the Hummer."
Turtle told him to talk to his boss about that then handed Curry his cellphone and he chatted with one of the producers.
Chris Penn Dead
He learned how to dance from Kevin Bacon in a barn. He said one of my favorite lines ever, in Reservoir Dogs (If you fucking beat this prick long enough, he'll tell you he started the goddamn Chicago fire, now that don't necessarily make it fucking so!). He boxed with Johnny Drama. He survived growing up with his douchebag brother Sean. Now actor Chris Penn is dead.
Actor Chris Penn, brother of Sean Penn, was found dead Tuesday at a Santa Monica residence, police said. Santa Monica police discovered the actor's body around 4 p.m., Lt. Frank Fabrega said.
"The Penn family would appreciate the media's respect of their privacy during this difficult time," Mara Buxbaum, Sean Penn's publicist, said in a statement.
Penn's credits included "Mulholland Falls," "Rumble Fish," "All the Right Moves," "Footloose" and "Rush Hour." He also played Nice Guy Eddie Cabot in the 1992 Quentin Tarantino crime drama "Reservoir Dogs."
His late father, Leo Penn, directed television shows, his mother, Eileen Ryan, is an actress whose credits include "I Am Sam," "Magnolia" and "Parenthood," and his brother is musician Michael Penn.
Actor Chris Penn, brother of Sean Penn, was found dead Tuesday at a Santa Monica residence, police said. Santa Monica police discovered the actor's body around 4 p.m., Lt. Frank Fabrega said.
"The Penn family would appreciate the media's respect of their privacy during this difficult time," Mara Buxbaum, Sean Penn's publicist, said in a statement.
Penn's credits included "Mulholland Falls," "Rumble Fish," "All the Right Moves," "Footloose" and "Rush Hour." He also played Nice Guy Eddie Cabot in the 1992 Quentin Tarantino crime drama "Reservoir Dogs."
His late father, Leo Penn, directed television shows, his mother, Eileen Ryan, is an actress whose credits include "I Am Sam," "Magnolia" and "Parenthood," and his brother is musician Michael Penn.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Fun Game for Charity
Refs had to end the last game of Saturday's Youth Football Classic at Dolphins Stadium early -- after a fight broke out. Rap stars Luther Campbell & Snoop Dog joined other rappers-turned-coaches to raise money for charity.
Unfortunately, Snoop's team & Luke's team started skirmishing on the field. Refs were forced to break up the fight & they eventually decided call to the game.
Unfortunately, Snoop's team & Luke's team started skirmishing on the field. Refs were forced to break up the fight & they eventually decided call to the game.
Interesting Sitcom Idea
Some of you may recall fondly the blog Suns 12th man Paul Shirley wrote last season. He also writes one for ESPN.com this year.
Fox has decided to create a sitcom based on his life as a benchwarmer.
Fox has decided to create a sitcom based on his life as a benchwarmer.
Artest Not Traded
It took 40 days to happen, and 2 hours to un-happen. The Pacers finally traded Ron Artest, to the Kings for Peja Stojakovic. Artest said he didn't want to play for Sacramento, so the Kings rejected the deal before the league approved it. The NBA is now facing a real problem as the inmates run the asylum. Too many players have been able to act like dicks and force teams to trade them to places they'd rather be. That sets a bad precedent.
Hey Pot, You're Black Too
Vince Carter says that Kobe shouldn't score eighty-one for the kids.
Here's what Carter said about Kobe's amazing performance on Sunday:
"The only bad thing about it is that younger kids, whose minds are easily warped, are going to think, 'Ohhh! I am going to go out there and do it instead of (honoring) the team concept first.' That is what is missing in the game, guys understanding how to play as a team. I think it is great for (the NBA): They want scoring, they want ratings, and you are going to get that. You are definitely going to get them now with the amount of 50-point games, 60-plus games. I just hope that kids and young guys understand that (only) special guys can do that. Yeah, the (other Lakers) were trying to get Kobe the ball, they wanted to see a special night. But they all know their roles."
This comes from a guy who completely tanked last season in Toronto so he could get traded. But he is Kate's favorite NBA player so I'm probably going to get yelled at for being critical of him.
Here's what Carter said about Kobe's amazing performance on Sunday:
"The only bad thing about it is that younger kids, whose minds are easily warped, are going to think, 'Ohhh! I am going to go out there and do it instead of (honoring) the team concept first.' That is what is missing in the game, guys understanding how to play as a team. I think it is great for (the NBA): They want scoring, they want ratings, and you are going to get that. You are definitely going to get them now with the amount of 50-point games, 60-plus games. I just hope that kids and young guys understand that (only) special guys can do that. Yeah, the (other Lakers) were trying to get Kobe the ball, they wanted to see a special night. But they all know their roles."
This comes from a guy who completely tanked last season in Toronto so he could get traded. But he is Kate's favorite NBA player so I'm probably going to get yelled at for being critical of him.
Fan to Do the Right Thing
Michael Axelrod, the fan who got into the confrontation with Kendra and Antonio Davis says he has decided not to sue. That's the right move, nothing really happened.
I did see Kendra Davis on Best Damn though. Two years ago they did an NBA wives special and Kendra said when she's at games she doesn't cheer or interact with fans, she just sits there quietly. Either she was lying...or not telling the truth. We all saw her antagonize that fan, and I bet Antonio is pretty embarrassed that he reacted that way and it turned out to be his wife's fault.
I did see Kendra Davis on Best Damn though. Two years ago they did an NBA wives special and Kendra said when she's at games she doesn't cheer or interact with fans, she just sits there quietly. Either she was lying...or not telling the truth. We all saw her antagonize that fan, and I bet Antonio is pretty embarrassed that he reacted that way and it turned out to be his wife's fault.
Fat Naked Gay Crook
Richard Hatch winner of the first Survivor seemed like a harmless villain on the show. Now it seems as if he's a nefarious tax evader. Hatch is in some hot water for not reporting income, including his million dollar prize for winning Survivor. He claims the show's producers offered to pay the taxes for him, in exchange for him not revealing that he caught other contestants eating smuggled food. But he never testified to that in court, instead his lawyers used the idiot defense, saying he was incapable of managing so much money.
He is also accused of failing to pay taxes on hundreds of thousands of dollars of other income from personal appearances and such. Most disgustingly, he allegedly used several thousand dollars earmarked for a charity he started to remodel his personal home.
Hatch is charged with 10 counts, including bank, mail and wire fraud and tax evasion, and faces a maximum 73 years in prison and millions of dollars in fines if convicted of all of them.
He is also accused of failing to pay taxes on hundreds of thousands of dollars of other income from personal appearances and such. Most disgustingly, he allegedly used several thousand dollars earmarked for a charity he started to remodel his personal home.
Hatch is charged with 10 counts, including bank, mail and wire fraud and tax evasion, and faces a maximum 73 years in prison and millions of dollars in fines if convicted of all of them.
PP's Super Bowl Coverage
From now until the Super Bowl we will post various things concerning the two teams, the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers, some old classics and some new stuff. But we begin with a look back at the AFC Championship game through the eyes of the man who watched the whole thing while wearing a foam horsehead. Read Derek's painful post-mortem, where did we go wrong? at the Horsehead.
Just Not That Good
While watching SU get killed for the third straight time, I became convinced that team isn't underachieving. They aren't any good. They have Gerry McNamara, I won't waste any more time telling you what I think about him. Nichols and Devendorf are actually doing well as offensive options but I don't think they are giving enough on defense. Roberts and Watkins are killing the team. They are horrible on offense and can't catch a pass. They don't play defense, they just foul. And the team has no bench. Gorman, Rautins, McCroskey and Wright all suck. If SU can avoid major upsets in the conference schedule they should be able to make the NCAAs with 20 wins and a .500 record in the best conference in the country. But they will be on the bubble. Honestly, it may be that they just got hit with a tough stretch of three top 10 teams in 8 days and maybe they are a legitimate 6-8 seed in the tourney. I think we're NIT bound.
Teaching Kids About Racism
Pennsylvania Student Wearing Broncos Jersey Forced To Take Test On Floor
BEAVER FALLS, Pa. (AP) - A 17-year-old high school student said he was humiliated when a teacher made him sit on the floor during a midterm exam in his ethnicity class - for wearing a Denver Broncos jersey. The teacher, John Kelly, forced Joshua Vannoy to sit on the floor and take the test Friday - two days before the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Broncos 34-17 in the AFC championship game. Kelly also made other students throw crumpled up paper at Vannoy, whom he called a "stinking Denver fan," Vannoy told The Associated Press on Monday. Kelly said Vannoy, a junior at Beaver Area Senior High School, just didn't get the joke.
"If he felt uncomfortable, then that's a lesson; that's what (the class) is designed to do," Kelly told The Denver Post. "It was silly fun. I can't believe he was upset." Vannoy was wearing a No. 7 Broncos jersey on Friday, because he is a fan of John Elway, the Broncos' retired Hall of Fame quarterback. Vannoy said he was so unnerved he left at least 20 questions blank on the 60-question test, and just wants out of Kelly's class because he's afraid the teacher won't treat him fairly now that the story reached the media.
"I'm going to have to deal with him for two more nine weeks (school quarters) and he's going to want revenge somehow," Vannoy said Monday. "I took the test. I'm shaking. I'm furious. I didn't know what to do." Kelly, who wore a Ben Roethlisberger jersey Friday, and his principal, Thomas Karczewski, didn't immediately return messages left on their school voice mail Monday.
Big Beaver Falls Area School District Superintendent Donna Nugent said she was aware of the situation, but said confidentiality rules prevent her from commenting specifically. "We'll take whatever action we need to in order for the student to feel comfortable," Nugent said.
BEAVER FALLS, Pa. (AP) - A 17-year-old high school student said he was humiliated when a teacher made him sit on the floor during a midterm exam in his ethnicity class - for wearing a Denver Broncos jersey. The teacher, John Kelly, forced Joshua Vannoy to sit on the floor and take the test Friday - two days before the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Broncos 34-17 in the AFC championship game. Kelly also made other students throw crumpled up paper at Vannoy, whom he called a "stinking Denver fan," Vannoy told The Associated Press on Monday. Kelly said Vannoy, a junior at Beaver Area Senior High School, just didn't get the joke.
"If he felt uncomfortable, then that's a lesson; that's what (the class) is designed to do," Kelly told The Denver Post. "It was silly fun. I can't believe he was upset." Vannoy was wearing a No. 7 Broncos jersey on Friday, because he is a fan of John Elway, the Broncos' retired Hall of Fame quarterback. Vannoy said he was so unnerved he left at least 20 questions blank on the 60-question test, and just wants out of Kelly's class because he's afraid the teacher won't treat him fairly now that the story reached the media.
"I'm going to have to deal with him for two more nine weeks (school quarters) and he's going to want revenge somehow," Vannoy said Monday. "I took the test. I'm shaking. I'm furious. I didn't know what to do." Kelly, who wore a Ben Roethlisberger jersey Friday, and his principal, Thomas Karczewski, didn't immediately return messages left on their school voice mail Monday.
Big Beaver Falls Area School District Superintendent Donna Nugent said she was aware of the situation, but said confidentiality rules prevent her from commenting specifically. "We'll take whatever action we need to in order for the student to feel comfortable," Nugent said.
What a Relief!
The line-up for the new CW Network will include some of the most popular programming that appeals to young adults. These programming assets range from hit reality series such as "America's Next Top Model" and The WB's "Beauty and the Geek," to hit dramas like The WB's "Smallville," "Gilmore Girls," "Supernatural," and UPN's "Veronica Mars" as well as UPN's hit comedies "Everybody Hates Chris" and "Girlfriends" and The WB's hit comedy "Reba." In addition the WWE's "Smackdown," which has been a mainstay at UPN, is expected to play a role in the schedule.
What Will Happen to Reba?
New network to begin broadcasting in September
NEW YORK (CNN) -- Warner Brothers and CBS are joining to create a broadcast network that will replace two existing networks and will begin operating in the fall, Les Moonves, the chairman of CBS, announced Tuesday.
The new network is to be called the CW Network; WB and UPN will cease operations as of September, he told reporters.
More details to come.
NEW YORK (CNN) -- Warner Brothers and CBS are joining to create a broadcast network that will replace two existing networks and will begin operating in the fall, Les Moonves, the chairman of CBS, announced Tuesday.
The new network is to be called the CW Network; WB and UPN will cease operations as of September, he told reporters.
More details to come.
Lost in the Sauce
Overshadowed by Kobe's incredible performance Sunday night was another very interesting NBA game. Seattle beat Phoenix 152-149, in double overtime.
It wasn't quite like that Denver-Detroit game from 1983, but it was pretty impressive for this generation's NBA.
For Phoenix, Shawn Marion had 37, Raja Bell had 31 and Steve Nash had 16 assists.
For Seattle, Ray Allen had 42 and Luke Ridnour had 30.
The teams set an NBA record by making 32 3-pointers combined.
The 301 points were the most in an NBA game since April 1995.
It wasn't quite like that Denver-Detroit game from 1983, but it was pretty impressive for this generation's NBA.
For Phoenix, Shawn Marion had 37, Raja Bell had 31 and Steve Nash had 16 assists.
For Seattle, Ray Allen had 42 and Luke Ridnour had 30.
The teams set an NBA record by making 32 3-pointers combined.
The 301 points were the most in an NBA game since April 1995.
An Excuse to Post Pictures of Diesel
A dog-friendly workplace may be rare, but workers are doggone crazy about bringing Rover to the office.
According to a recent online survey, two-thirds of dog owners said they would put in longer hours if they could bring their dog to work.
The poll, conducted by the online dog forum Dogster and the job search engine Simply Hired, revealed that almost a third of those surveyed said they would go so far as taking a 5 percent pay cut if that meant their dog could accompany them to the office.
About 70 percent of the 150 individuals surveyed also considered a dog-friendly office an important job benefit.
"Companies with dog-friendly policies just get it. And they're breeding a class of happy and loyal employees," Ted Rheingold, CEO of Dogster, said in a statement. "After all, who wouldn't be happy working with their best friend?"
The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association estimates that 44 million U.S. households have a dog.
While companies with 50 employees or less made up the majority of the 400 dog-friendly firms within the U.S. compiled by Dogster and Simply Hired, some Fortune 500 outfits made the list as well, including Amazon (down $0.19 to $43.73, Research) and Google (Research).
California had more dog-friendly companies than any other state according to the survey.
Dog lovers can search for dog-friendly companies at SimplyHired.com
According to a recent online survey, two-thirds of dog owners said they would put in longer hours if they could bring their dog to work.
The poll, conducted by the online dog forum Dogster and the job search engine Simply Hired, revealed that almost a third of those surveyed said they would go so far as taking a 5 percent pay cut if that meant their dog could accompany them to the office.
About 70 percent of the 150 individuals surveyed also considered a dog-friendly office an important job benefit.
"Companies with dog-friendly policies just get it. And they're breeding a class of happy and loyal employees," Ted Rheingold, CEO of Dogster, said in a statement. "After all, who wouldn't be happy working with their best friend?"
The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association estimates that 44 million U.S. households have a dog.
While companies with 50 employees or less made up the majority of the 400 dog-friendly firms within the U.S. compiled by Dogster and Simply Hired, some Fortune 500 outfits made the list as well, including Amazon (down $0.19 to $43.73, Research) and Google (Research).
California had more dog-friendly companies than any other state according to the survey.
Dog lovers can search for dog-friendly companies at SimplyHired.com
Monday, January 23, 2006
A Melancholy Happy Trails
I didn't have time to post this yet but I thought the passing of Wilson Pickett deserved a mention. He's best known for singing "Mustang Sally" and "In the Midnight Hour." But baseball fans probably best know him because everytime someone made a good defensive play Tim McCarver said "Pick it Wilson." Then he'd go into a long explanation about how when he played they would say that to players because Wilson Pickett was very popular and Wilson made all their gloves. Derek hates Tim McCarver.
NBC Changes
Lots of programming changes at NBC:
1) West Wing is done after 7 seasons. Its finale will air May 14th, preceded by a one-hour retrospective. The show was good, but it was quickly deteriorating. Without John Spencer, they would have had to do something weird to make Jimmy Smist get a new Vice President. The election will be decided on April 9th, and the final episode will include the inauguration.
2) Will & Gayce is also canceled after 7 seasons. It's about time. That show was horrible. Final episode on May 18th.
3) Las Vegas is moving to Friday nights. That sucks because that means it will probably get canceled next season. (This was the first season on Sundays for the West Wing.
4) My Name is Earl and The Office each got renewed for a full season.
5) The Office will end its season on March 30, so Steve Carrell can shoot a movie.
6) Law and Order is also moving but I don't know which one it is, and I don't care. I found this just for Josh: As for Law & Order, NBC will be moving the long-running original edition of the series up an hour to Wednesdays at 9PM ET/PT. The move will pit the crime drama up against both ABC's Lost and Fox's American Idol 5 result shows (once they start).
1) West Wing is done after 7 seasons. Its finale will air May 14th, preceded by a one-hour retrospective. The show was good, but it was quickly deteriorating. Without John Spencer, they would have had to do something weird to make Jimmy Smist get a new Vice President. The election will be decided on April 9th, and the final episode will include the inauguration.
2) Will & Gayce is also canceled after 7 seasons. It's about time. That show was horrible. Final episode on May 18th.
3) Las Vegas is moving to Friday nights. That sucks because that means it will probably get canceled next season. (This was the first season on Sundays for the West Wing.
4) My Name is Earl and The Office each got renewed for a full season.
5) The Office will end its season on March 30, so Steve Carrell can shoot a movie.
6) Law and Order is also moving but I don't know which one it is, and I don't care. I found this just for Josh: As for Law & Order, NBC will be moving the long-running original edition of the series up an hour to Wednesdays at 9PM ET/PT. The move will pit the crime drama up against both ABC's Lost and Fox's American Idol 5 result shows (once they start).
Kobe's Great Night
Kobe Bryant was sick last night, scoring 81 points (55 in the second half), the second most in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberneezy's historic 100 point game.
Kobe shot 28-46 (61%) for 56 points.
He made 7-13 (54%) of 3-pointers for 7 more points, 63.
He hit 18-20 (90%) free throws for 18 points, 81.
Before you say he is a ballhog remember this:
1) They won the game.
2) His teammates suck.
3) Last time he had a huge game like this he scored 62 points in three quarters and sat himself on the bench because the game was a blowout.
4) He has three rings at home that say he is a good team player when he has talent around him.
Kobe shot 28-46 (61%) for 56 points.
He made 7-13 (54%) of 3-pointers for 7 more points, 63.
He hit 18-20 (90%) free throws for 18 points, 81.
Before you say he is a ballhog remember this:
1) They won the game.
2) His teammates suck.
3) Last time he had a huge game like this he scored 62 points in three quarters and sat himself on the bench because the game was a blowout.
4) He has three rings at home that say he is a good team player when he has talent around him.
Anna Benson Gets Traded
The Mets traded Kris Benson and Anna Benson to the Baltimore Orioles for Jorge Julio and John Maine.
I don't like the trade and I think Omar is overdoing it with the moves. He's trying so hard to build a good bullpen that he is depleting the starting rotation.
But Anna Benson and her boobies will be a huge loss to the organization and the team's male fans.
She showed up for her farewell press conference, chewing gum, wearing wicked-witch red shoes, an Orioles jersey over jeans, and when she stood up, for one golden moment, the jersey magically opened to reveal white stitches on a baseball bra.
She commented on her racy Christmas photos:
"You guys loved it. Say it, you loved it. One picture. I'm kind of miffed about that. Don't these kids' moms not have breasts?"
Vic Ziegel of the New York Daily News is happy to see her go.
Our favorite writer at the Baltimore Sun is happy to have Anna in town.
I don't like the trade and I think Omar is overdoing it with the moves. He's trying so hard to build a good bullpen that he is depleting the starting rotation.
But Anna Benson and her boobies will be a huge loss to the organization and the team's male fans.
She showed up for her farewell press conference, chewing gum, wearing wicked-witch red shoes, an Orioles jersey over jeans, and when she stood up, for one golden moment, the jersey magically opened to reveal white stitches on a baseball bra.
She commented on her racy Christmas photos:
"You guys loved it. Say it, you loved it. One picture. I'm kind of miffed about that. Don't these kids' moms not have breasts?"
Vic Ziegel of the New York Daily News is happy to see her go.
Our favorite writer at the Baltimore Sun is happy to have Anna in town.
LeBron's Mom Gave Me a Hummer
LeBron James mom got arrested for driving while intoxicated, disorderly conduct, reckless operation, speeding and damaging police equipment.
Gloria James was driving alone in her Escalade when officers saw her almost hit their car.
The officers said she was weaving in and out of traffic and passing people on the right.
She struggled with police as they attempted to put handcuffs on her.
They put her in the back seat of the car and she kicked out a window.
She refused to take breath or sobriety tests.
Lebron said, "I don't have all the info of what's going on. Once I find that out and once I sit down with my family, you know, I'll be able to comment on it a little bit better."
Gloria James was driving alone in her Escalade when officers saw her almost hit their car.
The officers said she was weaving in and out of traffic and passing people on the right.
She struggled with police as they attempted to put handcuffs on her.
They put her in the back seat of the car and she kicked out a window.
She refused to take breath or sobriety tests.
Lebron said, "I don't have all the info of what's going on. Once I find that out and once I sit down with my family, you know, I'll be able to comment on it a little bit better."
Interesting Fact
On PTI the other day Mike and Tony said that counting shots taken in the last 10 seconds of a game that would tie or give his team the lead, Melo is 7-11 in his career and LeBron is 2-15.
Could they be the Brady-Manning of the NBA? I hope so.
It's amazing to me that people refuse to acknowledge that sometimes pressure changes performance. Some great regular season players can't do it in the postseason. And some guys who aren't that great normally step up big in pressure situations. And when it happens repeatedly, it's not coincidence, and it's not totally a product of the team, it's the way the individual deals with pressure. Manning will probably never win a Super Bowl, and Brady probably has at least one more in his future.
Could they be the Brady-Manning of the NBA? I hope so.
It's amazing to me that people refuse to acknowledge that sometimes pressure changes performance. Some great regular season players can't do it in the postseason. And some guys who aren't that great normally step up big in pressure situations. And when it happens repeatedly, it's not coincidence, and it's not totally a product of the team, it's the way the individual deals with pressure. Manning will probably never win a Super Bowl, and Brady probably has at least one more in his future.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Weekend at Billy's
Fun weekend was had by all. The highlights:
-A four hour touch football game (details and pictures to follow)
-Terrence Roberts' 3-pointer (the rest of the game sucked)
-Jeff and I joining forces to form the most dominant beer pong team ever
-Josh and Kevin's miraculous beer pong comeback setting up a dream championship game against jeff and me
-The brunch buffet -- bacon, peel n eat shrimp and cherry jello
-Alison's birthday cake, well the four pieces I had were good, if Denver had done better I might have finished the whole thing
-Meeting my long lost brother Smokey
-Seeing everybody and pretending as if we were still in college, if only for a couple of days
One lowlight:
-Every time Krista (Smokey's fiance) pulled out her breast to distract Kevin, I was looking the other way
-A four hour touch football game (details and pictures to follow)
-Terrence Roberts' 3-pointer (the rest of the game sucked)
-Jeff and I joining forces to form the most dominant beer pong team ever
-Josh and Kevin's miraculous beer pong comeback setting up a dream championship game against jeff and me
-The brunch buffet -- bacon, peel n eat shrimp and cherry jello
-Alison's birthday cake, well the four pieces I had were good, if Denver had done better I might have finished the whole thing
-Meeting my long lost brother Smokey
-Seeing everybody and pretending as if we were still in college, if only for a couple of days
One lowlight:
-Every time Krista (Smokey's fiance) pulled out her breast to distract Kevin, I was looking the other way
Pool Standings
I picked Denver and Seattle (best bet) this week. Huge week for me. I clinched third place, $800 (I think) and a better finish than last year. I have a one point lead on second place meaning I control my own destiny. I get the game right, I win. I can also beat the second place guy if he loses the game (picks the same as me). The guy in third is 3 points behind meaning he can only beat me if he gets the Super Bowl right and I don't, and he has to be closer to the total points scored in the game than me. I'm happy with my position right now, I just need to figure out who's going to win the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl Preview
An interesting day of conference championship games. Neither game was particularly close. Both Pittsburgh and Seattle won the same way. They got ahead early by passing against defenses that were trying to stop the run, then they extended their leads by capitalizing on turnovers and sealed the game with some hard running.
The two Jakes really cost their teams by making some bad mistakes. I really have no idea who is going to win the Super Bowl.
I love the way Roethlisberger is playing right now. There was to be a reason why the only QBs he's lost to are Brady and Manning. (Correction from Derek: Ben's fourth loss was to Carson Palmer).
I also think Seattle has a very balanced team and Hasselbeck has been avoiding mistakes.
Both teams have excellent defenses and good running games.
As always it will come down to the hardest thing to predict, turnovers.
The two Jakes really cost their teams by making some bad mistakes. I really have no idea who is going to win the Super Bowl.
I love the way Roethlisberger is playing right now. There was to be a reason why the only QBs he's lost to are Brady and Manning. (Correction from Derek: Ben's fourth loss was to Carson Palmer).
I also think Seattle has a very balanced team and Hasselbeck has been avoiding mistakes.
Both teams have excellent defenses and good running games.
As always it will come down to the hardest thing to predict, turnovers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)