Tuesday, January 24, 2006
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.
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