Audrina Patridge Autumn Reeser Avril Lavigne Bali Rodriguez Bar Refaeli
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Toyota Motorsports, 2010 NSCS AMP Energy Juice 500 Race Recaps
Toyota MotorsportsDavid Reutimann (fourth) was the highest finishing Camry driver in Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) race at Alabama’s 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway. Joey Logano (fifth), Martin Truex Jr. (sixth) and Denny Hamlin (ninth) also finished in the top-10 for Toyota. Other Camry drivers in the field included Robby Gordon (18th), Casey Mears (24th), Kyle...more»
Press Box at Talladega Superspeedway Named Jim Hunter Memorial Press Box
Talladega (Ala.) SuperspeedwayTALLADEGA, Ala. ? ? Jim Hunter began his long association with NASCAR as a member of the media. So in the wake of Hunter?s death on Friday at age 71, Talladega Superspeedway feels it is a fitting tribute to rename the track?s press box in his honor. ?Of all the responsibilities Jim had...more»
Sarah Shahi Sarah Silverman Sarah Wynter Scarlett Chorvat Scarlett Johansson
All about Eva Mendes? Hair
by nicogenin All about Eva Mendes? Hair Winter weather can play havoc with our hair leaving us fighting with unruly, trimming and frizzy, tangled locks but what you can do is to take inspiration from some gorgeous celebrity like Eva Mendes. So take a heart and try the hairstyles this Fashionable Beauty sports and try [...]
Michelle Branch Michelle Malkin Michelle Obama Michelle Rodriguez Michelle Trachtenberg
Eli Roth & Peaches Geldof Split
Director Eli Roth and Peaches Geldof have ended their relationship because of their busy schedules.� Read more on Peaches and Eli’s split below. Eli Roth, the director for “The Last Exorcism” and rocker Bob Geldof’s daughter, Peaches, have split after six months. The couple reportedly ended things on a good note and will remain friends. [...]
Mýa Nadine Velazquez Naomi Watts Natalie Imbruglia Natalie Portman
Kyle Busch Wins Mountain Dew 250 Fueled by Fred?s in Closest Finish in Camping World Truck Series History
Kyle Busch celebrates his sixth visit to Victory Lane this season after Saturday?s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Mountain Dew 250 at Talladega Superspeedway - Photo Credit: Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCARTALLADEGA, Ala. ? The closest finish in the history of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series took place at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday, with...more»
Julianne Hough Julie Benz Julie Berry K. D. Aubert Karen Carreno
Toyota Motorsports, 2010 NSCS AMP Energy Juice 500 Qualifying Recaps
Toyota MotorsportsJOE NEMECHEK, No. 87 Toyota Camry, NEMCO Motorsports Starting Position: 4th How was your qualifying lap? “I think we did four qualifying runs and strictly worked on that. I’m proud of the whole team. We take a lot of pride in our speedway stuff and normally run really well when we come to the...more»
Brittany Lee Brittany Murphy Brittany Snow Brittny Gastineau Brody Dalle
Bills' former first-round picks continue to disappoint
Following are whispers we've been hearing from around the AFC East:
• For a team greatly lacking in defensive playmakers, it is a poor testament to the Bills' talent evaluators that former first-round picks John McCargo and Aaron Maybin were inactive in Week Seven. McCargo, a defensive end who was the 26th overall pick in 2006, has yet to play this season and seems to be on his way out of the league. Maybin, a linebacker who was the 11th choice in the '09 draft, has played in five games this season but recorded only five tackles with no sacks, a major disappointment for a team looking for any sort of pass rush.
• After starting the first six games and leading the team in interceptions, Dolphins CB Jason Allen may start splitting time with Sean Smith. Smith lost the job before the season opener, but Allen got burned in the 'Fins' loss to the Steelers. We hear that the more snaps Smith can get in the secondary, the more Allen can contribute on special teams. Miami's struggles on special teams this season have been well-documented, and Allen could be used on kick coverage.
• The Jets have signed DE Jarron Gilbert to their 53-man roster and are excited to see what the second-year pro can do. Released by the Bears only one year after he was Chicago's third-round draft pick, Gilbert should be more comfortable as an end in New York's 3-4 defense than he was as a tackle in a 4-3. He has put on weight since the start of the season but still has the athleticism that made him such a prized prospect in the first place.
Sarah Michelle Gellar Sarah Mutch Sarah Polley Sarah Shahi Sarah Silverman
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Brett Favre: Why It's Best for the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL If He Sits
In an NFL season chock full of story lines deserving attention from fans and media, one player has managed to gobble up all the headlines and spur the greatest debate: Brett Favre.
In recent years, Favre has drawn the spotlight upon himself on a much more regular basis, with his frequent dalliances with retirement and subsequent returns to the league.
This year has been another story. After moving past the usual preseason "will he come back?" drama, Favre has entered uncharted waters, as he's been accused of sending illicit text messages to Jenn Sterger, a former New York Jets game-day personality.
Coinciding with the controversy has been some of Favre's worst play of his career, as he's been largely ineffective and led the Minnesota Vikings to a disappointing 2-4 record.
Favre has thrown three more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (7), while completing only 58 percent of his passes. He's also taken a physical beating as a result of poor offensive line play by the Vikings, and has nursed elbow and ankle injuries that have jeopardized his consecutive games streak.
Most importantly, though, he's been a distraction to the Vikings and the NFL in general, taking attention away from the players on the field and creating a sort of one-man melodrama that carries on for 17 weeks.
Heading in to a tough game against the New England Patriots on the road, it is time for that consecutive games streak to end.
In this article, we'll go through the 10 most important reasons why now is the time for Brett to take a seat on the bench.
Jessica Biel Jessica Cauffiel Jessica Paré Jessica Simpson Jessica White
Saturday injury report for Texans-Colts
|
| Player | Injury | Thur. 10-28 | Fri. 10-29 | Sat. 10-31 | Game Status |
| COLTS | ||||||
| RB | Joseph Addai | Neck | Did Not Participate | Did Not Participate | Did Not Participate | Doubtful |
| LB | Gary Brackett | Groin | Full Participation | Full Participation | Full Participation | Probable |
| RB | Donald Brown | Hamstring | Did Not Participate | Limited Participation | Full Participation | Questionable |
| WR | Austin Collie | Hand | Did Not Participate | Did Not Participate | Did Not Participate | Out |
| LB | Kavell Conner | Foot | Did Not Participate | Did Not Participate | Did Not Participate | Out |
| WR | Pierre Garcon | Hamstring | Did Not Participate | Full Participation | Full Participation | Questionable |
| WR | Anthony Gonzalez | Ankle | Full Participation | Full Participation | Full Participation | Questionable |
| DT | Antonio Johnson | Knee | Did Not Participate | Did Not Participate | Did Not Participate | Out |
| DB | Jacob Lacey | Foot | Did Not Participate | Did Not Participate | Did Not Participate | Questionable |
| DB | Jerraud Powers | Foot | Did Not Participate | Did Not Participate | Did Not Participate | Questionable |
| DB | Bob Sanders | Biceps | Did Not Participate | Did Not Participate | Did Not Participate | Out |
| WR | Reggie Wayne | Hamstring | Limited Participation | Limited Participation | Full Participation | Questionable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| TEXANS |
|
|
|
|
|
| DT | Earl Mitchell | Ankle | Did Not Participate | Did Not Participate | Did Not Participate | Doubtful |
| DE | Jesse Nading | Knee | Did Not Participate | Did Not Participate | Did Not Participate | Doubtful |
| RB | Steve Slaton | No Injury Related | Did Not Participate | - |
|
|
| LB | Kevin Bentley | Knee | Limited Participation | Limited Participation | Limited Participation | Probable |
| G | Mike Brisiel | Knee | Limited Participation | Limited Participation | Limited Participation | Questionable |
| TE | Owen Daniels | Knee | Limited Participation | Limited Participation | Full Participation | Probable |
| LB | Xavier Adibi | Hamstring | Full Participation | Full Participation | Full Participation | Probable |
| WR | Dorin Dickerson | Knee | Full Participation | Full Participation | Full Participation | Probable |
| TE | Garrett Graham | Shoulder | Full Participation | Full Participation | Full Participation | Probable |
| WR | Andre Johnson | Ankle | Full Participation | Full Participation | Full Participation | Probable |
| CB | Sherrick McManis | Hamstring | Full Participation | Full Participation | Full Participation | Probable |
| CB | Karl Paymah | Wrist | Full Participation | Full Participation | Full Participation | Probable |
| LB | Darryl Sharpton | Ankle | Full Participation | Full Participation | Full Participation | Probable |
Bold indicates change in status
Jessica Biel Jessica Cauffiel Jessica Paré Jessica Simpson Jessica White
Richmond International Raceway President Doug Fritz on the Passing of NASCAR VP of Corporate Communi
Richmond International RacewayRichmond International Raceway President Doug Fritz on the Passing of NASCAR Vice President of Corporate Communications Jim Hunter: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Hunter. His family and friends, the entire NASCAR community and all of those he touched are at a great loss. There are so many words that...more»
Dita Von Teese Dominique Swain Donna Feldman Drea de Matteo Drew Barrymore
NFL transactions for October 29, 2010
AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
CINCINNATI — Roster addition: CB Rico Murray (from Bengals practice squad).
INDIANAPOLIS — Practice-squad deletion: RB Brandon Minor.
JACKSONVILLE — Practice-squad addition: LB Jacob Cutrera (from Jaguars practice squad). Placed on waivers: QB Patrick Ramsey.
SAN DIEGO — Practice-squad addition: OT Nic Richmond. Practice-squad deletion: OT Ryan Otterson.
NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
ST. LOUIS — Practice-squad addition: WR Greg Mathews. Practice squad; injured: WR Brandon McRae.
TAMPA BAY — Practice-squad addition: OT Will Barker (from Buccaneers practice squad). Placed on waivers: OG Keydrick Vincent.
Jodi Lyn OKeefe Jolene Blalock Jordana Brewster Josie Maran Joss Stone
Charlie Sheen?s Drunken Dinner Photos & Crazy New Details!
Hours before Charlie Sheen went berserk in his Plaza hotel room he had dinner with some friends and TMZ has obtained the pictures.� Check out Charlie’s dinner photos at Daniel below. TMZ has obtained the photos of Charlie Sheen’s dinner at Daniel where he looks all kinds of messed up! Charlie is shown really out [...]
Adrianne Curry Adrianne Palicki Aisha Tyler Aki Ross Alecia Elliott
2010 NSCS AMP Energy Juice 500 Q & A with Ford Racing Driver, Carl Edwards
Carl Edwards - Photo Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCARCarl Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Subway Ford Fusion, sits sixth in the point standings and trails leader Jimmie Johnson by 213 points. He spoke about returning to Talladega after Friday?s first practice session. CARL EDWARDS ? No. 99 Subway Ford Fusion ? ?We?ve got...more»
Kelly Monaco Kelly Ripa Kelly Rowland Kerry Suseck Kim Kardashian
Friday, October 29, 2010
Charlie Sheen?s Drunken Dinner Photos & Crazy New Details!
Hours before Charlie Sheen went berserk in his Plaza hotel room he had dinner with some friends and TMZ has obtained the pictures.� Check out Charlie’s dinner photos at Daniel below. TMZ has obtained the photos of Charlie Sheen’s dinner at Daniel where he looks all kinds of messed up! Charlie is shown really out [...]
Tricia Vessey Trista Rehn Tyra Banks Uma Thurman Vanessa Hudgens
2010 NSCS AMP Energy Juice 500 Q & A with Team Chevy Driver, Jeff Burton
2010 Jeff Burton - Photo Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty ImagesJEFF BURTON, NO. 31 CATERPILLAR CHEVROLET, met with members of the media at Talladega Superspeedway and discussed racing at Talladega, race strategy, the role of teammates and other topics. COMING OFF A SOLID RUN AT MARTINSVILLE, GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS FOR THIS WEEKEND: ?Well, it was kind...more»
Ashley Greene Ashley Olsen Ashley Scott Ashley Tappin Ashley Tisdale
Vikings-Patriots matchup of the day: Friday
Here's a look at a key matchup heading into Sunday's Vikings-Patriots game in Foxborough:
Vikings nickel offense vs. Patriots' third-down defense
Any matchup for this game must include the caveat that Brett Favre is injured, but this was written under the auspice that Favre plays. Why? He always plays.
Onward …
The Vikings have had their share of ills offensively, this season, but they are getting better on third downs. After Sunday's 6-for-14 conversion rate on third downs, they now are converting 40.5 percent on the season, just over the league average of 38.4. And despite Favre's troubles this season, there is enough firepower on offense to make big plays after the catch.
Look for Percy Harvin to be a key figure in this matchup. Opposing slot receivers have led the team in receiving in the Patriots' past four games, and Harvin has been coming on. He has been used in a variety of ways — split wide, in motion, out of the backfield — but the slot is likely where he'll see a high number of plays.
Who the Patriots pick to defend him is anyone's guess. They have used a three-safety alignment at times in their nickel defense, though that remains to be seen for this weekend with Patrick Chung and Jarrad Page battling injuries. Jonathan Wilhite has been used as a slot corner, but he hasn't been heard from much recently. Kyle Arrington has vaulted up the depth chart, but he mainly plays outside, as does Darius Butler, who has been pushed down the chain and almost out of the picture of late. The Patriots have been a zone-heavy team, which would make a lot of sense against Harvin and Randy Moss.
But there's always the Favre factor or — if he plays — the Tarvaris Jackson factor. Favre has struggled badly against the blitz this season (50 percent completions, two TDs, five INTs), and Jackson has struggled badly against additional pressure in the past. The Patriots could opt to blitz a defensive back from their nickel package on third downs as a way to jump start what is the worst unit statistically (48.8 conversion percentage allowed on third downs) in the NFL.
Willa Ford Xenia Seeberg Yamila Diaz Yvonne Strzechowski Zhang Ziyi
Minnesota Golden Gophers: Know the Opposition
Mascot: Golden Gophers
Stadium: TCF Bank Stadium (50,805)
2009 Record: 6-7 (Lost to Iowa State 14-13 in Insight Bowl)
2010 Record: 1-7
Interim Head Coach: Jeff Horton (0-1)
Lettermen Returning: 38 (22 lost)
Returning Starters: Offense - 9; Defense—2; Specialists—1
Base Offense: "I" formation
Base Defense: 4-3
Returning Stars: QB Adam Weber & S Kyle Theret
Notable Alumni:
Tony Dungy, NFL player, coach and analyst
Harry Reasoner, ABC and CBS news anchor
Bob Dylan, Singer/songwriter
Bronco Nagurski, NFL Hall of Famer
Walter Mondale, U.S. Vice President (1977-81)
Dave Winfield, MLB Hall of Famer
Loni Anderson, Actress (WKRP in Cinicnnati)
Herb Brooks, Coach of USA 1980 Olympic Hockey team
Minnesota Preview:
Ohio State travels to Minneapolis for a night game, affording the team their first look at Minnesota's new TCF Bank Stadium. Although the Buckeyes never lost in the Metrodome it was a terrible atmosphere for college football, and they will surely be happy to move to a new venue.
Minnesota is currently 1-7 and preparing to play their second game under interim head coach Jeff Horton following the firing of Tim Brewster. The team has played better than their record, however, only being out-gained by 20 yards per contest, and have actually earned 19 more first downs than their opponents.
The Gophers have lost a game by one point and another by three, and the only one-sided loss was 41-23 at Wisconsin. So Ohio State might want to think twice about phoning in a victory.
Offense is the strength of this Gopher squad, and it all starts with quarterback Adam Weber. A four-year starter, Weber has thrown for over 10,000 yards in his career and is having a fine senior season, having passed for 1,961 yards with 17 TD's and seven INT's. Not known for his running ability, Weber has done a pretty good job of using his legs this season (34 carries, 111 yards). Possessing a strong arm, you can expect Adam to throw the ball repeatedly Saturday night, as any hopes of an upset rest squarely on his back.
Catching those passes are some capable receivers who have exceeded expectations. The star of this unit is junior Da'Jon McKnight who uses his size (6'3", 209 lbs.) and speed nicely, totaling 36 catches, 542 yards and nine TD's. On the other side is an even bigger target in MarQueis Gray (6'4", 230 lbs.) who came to Minnesota as a highly ranked quarterback. An excellent athlete, Gray has 33 receptions for 432 yards and four touchdowns. When Minnesota goes to a third receiver it is the much smaller Bryant Allen, who also plays on the basketball team.
Like most seasoned quarterbacks, Weber loves to use his tight end, which in this case is junior Eric Lair. Although not particularly big (6'3" 238), and just average as a blocker, Lair can haul in the pigskin (29 catches, 407 yards & 2 TD's), and the Buckeye linebackers should be on notice.
A year ago Minnesota struggled to run the ball (99 ypg), but have improved this season, averaging 141 ypg at 3.7 per carry. Sharing the load are a pair of junior tailbacks in Duane Bennett and DeLeon Eskridge. Both backs have totaled exactly 444 yards to this point, but Bennett has the better per carry average (4.3 to 3.8) and is a much better receiver, having caught 17 passes for 186 yards and 1 touchdown. Neither is blessed with blazing speed, but they are solid, experienced players. Physical fullback Jon Hoese is injured, so Minnesota will turn to Ed Cotton. Realizing that, look for the Gophers to use more of the ace formation with three receivers like they did in past seasons.
Minnesota's offensive line is big and experienced, anchored by huge senior tackle Jeff Willis (6'7", 350 lbs.). Center D.J. Burris, who hails from Kenton, Ohio, has started the most games of any of the lineman at 36, and is a smart player who is always in the right spot. All five starters are over 300 pounds, as is top reserve Dom Alford, who was a starter in '09. Interestingly, he was replaced this season by redshirt freshman Ed Olson. Built for pass protection, the line has surrendered only nine sacks and has been better at run blocking than last year.
The good news for the Gophers ends with the offensive preview because the defense is pretty bad. They are surrendering 406.4 yards per game, including 194 on the ground, and have managed only three sacks. Realizing that it is not surprising that teams are scoring 32 points per game on Minnesota.
Up front the Gopher defense has good size but seems to lack quickness. The best of the bunch is defensive end Anthony Jacobs (6'2", 300 lbs.) who has 22 tackles including 4 behind the line of scrimmage. Also keep an eye on huge tackle Jewhan Edwards (6'2", 330 lbs.) who has 18 tackles, eight TFL and one sack. Considering the sorry season numbers that Minnesota has accumulated, it is obvious the line has not performed too well.
Minnesota had a decent crop of linebackers last year but all of them graduated and they are experiencing growing pains in 2010, starting two sophomores and a junior. Middle backer Gary Tinsley is the team's leading tackler with 63, including 6.5 behind the line, and has one interception and a forced fumble. Keanon Cooper has also been productive with 41 stops, but the Gophers are looking for a solid third option. Mike Rallis, Aaron Hill, Ryan Grant and Spencer Reeves have all started this season, with Rallis putting up the best numbers (27 tackles, two for loss and two interceptions).
The secondary has the most experience of any defensive unit, and is led by senior safety Kyle Theret. Despite missing two games he has 47 tackles and an interception. Ryan Collado is also a senior and the strong safety has 39 tackles and an interception. Corner is manned by true freshman Brock Vereen, who can be exploited, and sopohomore Michael Carter who is decent (24 tackles, two INT's). A number of other players contribute including Christyn Lewis, Kyle Henderson, and James Manuel. This isn't a bad unit, but suffers from the lack of pressure the front seven is able to put on the quarterback.
Special teams are not helping the Minnesota cause with freshman punter Dan Orseske averaging only 37.7 yards per punt, while kicker Eric Ellestad is 7-11 on field goals with a long of 42. Troy Stoudermire shows potential returning kicks (24.4 average) while Bryant Allen and Brandon Green have done fairly well bringing back punts (combined 10 yards per return). The Gophers have given up one touchdown on a kick return and had a punt blocked but have not given up as may big plays as Ohio State's un-special teams.
Game Outlook
A glance at Minnesota's 1-7 record combined with the dismissal of Tim Brewster would indicate an easy "W" for the Buckeyes. However, neither Ohio State nor Terrelle Pryor has played well on the road. And, as indicated earlier, the Gophers have been competitive in most every game, they just don't have the defense to close the deal.
Realizing that it would be advantageous for the Buckeyes to put them away early. If Ohio State can jump to a quick lead look for Minnesota to fold, and it could get ugly. On the other hand, they do not turn the ball over much (11 times in eight games), and Weber will generate some offense.
Knowing Jim Tressel, he will come out running the ball with Boom Herron and try and punch the Gophers in the mouth. With the run established, Pryor will start picking apart the young Minnesota defense. It wouldn't surprise me to see Pryor use his legs a little more in this contest, although most of that is being saved for the last couple of games on the schedule.
Minnesota will throw the ball a ton, and the wounded Buckeye back seven had better be ready, because they will be tested. This is a good opportunity for the big guys to get some sacks, since Weber is not the most mobile guy out there, and he will be dropping back a great deal. I think the Silver Bullets will give up some real estate but still be strong enough to get the job done. It may not be the prettiest game of the year, but will be a victory nevertheless.
Father vs. Son Prediction Battle:
Dave: OSU 34-13
Drew: OSU 38-9
Amber Brkich Amber Heard Amber Valletta America Ferrera Amerie
Hawaii Five-O Actor James Macarthur Dead At 72
Hawaii Five-O actor James Macarthur has died at 72.� Read more on Macarthur’s death below. Actor James Macarthur, who played the role of Danno on Hawaii Five-O,� died at the age of 72 today.� Macarthur reportedly died of� ?internal complications?. Macarthur was the adopted son of actress Helen Hayes and her husband, playwright Charles Macarthur. [...]
Shakara Ledard Shakira Shana Hiatt Shania Twain Shanna Moakler
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Miami Heat: The NBA's Version Of A Hated Political Incumbent.
It's campaign season, and in all likelihood you have been treated to a barrage of ads championing one candidate over another.
"Politian X will clean up the corruption in Washington, put the government back on the side of the people and get the economy moving again. Meanwhile, his opponent, senator Y, will raise your taxes, kill you grandma, steal your dog and leave you without a means of supporting your family. So vote for X."
Generally, we turn to our 24-hour political news networks to filter the hyperbole from the factually substantial claims that politicians make about their opponents, but that is not always the case as the same politician that called his opponent "a terrorist's best friend" on the stump, somehow is thrown just softball questions when he sits on news shows whose hosts share his core beliefs.
I thought about this process as I watched the Miami Heat stumble into the regular season on Tuesday against the Celtics, knowing that some of those "sports analysts" that throw "softball questions" about the abilities of other teams will suddenly bring out the scrutiny when assessing the Heat.
"Does this game prove that Wade and James can't play together?" No, it proves that if you have had little time to prepare and hardly any time to gel in preseason and are taking on the defending Eastern Conference Champs on the road, you will lose.
"LeBron James had 9 turnovers in the last game, and he shot terribly, does that mean he's not going to work out in Miami?" Well, Kevin Durant had 30 points in his first game which was mentioned by the sportswriters while his 6 turnovers, 9-24 shooting, and mere 3 assists went unmentioned.
Nevertheless, the flood of "anti-Heat ads," um, "serious sports writing" began to reign down and it turned what could be a legitimate debate about the strengths and weakness of the Heat and the 29 other teams in the league into a "let's look for anything to say bad about the Heat because we don't like them."
This is not sports writing, it more like political propaganda.
"In Miami, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh resided over the largest Hate increase in Miami history, while Pat Riley and his shady dealings signed all three as free agents in the off-season showing up the owner of your favorite team. These men will stop at nothing for power and to push their radical, win-at-all-costs agenda down the rest of the leagues throat."
Personally, I can accept an article critical of the Heat. I can even accept a couple of "Reason's They Won't Even Make the Eastern Conference Finals," pieces.
But it ceases to be serious writing when it is so closed-minded to the thought of Heat success. How can you seriously say you're assessing a teams chances when 95% is the story is pointing out flaws?
Despite being the 2-time NBA Champs, the Lakers have flaws and there are circumstances that could derail the Lakers this year (age, injury, complacency, the Spurs are not finished yet, the Trailblazers have improved, the Thunder have improved, Kobe's knee gets worst, Matt Barnes is a bust, Theo Ratliff is a bust, Odom is inconsistent one too many times), but these things get overlooked because they don't fit the storyline of impending Heat failure.
It's just like watching a political show that is clearly against a certain candidate even though is suggests to its viewers that it is totally "fact based and non-partisan." Then it proceeds to show clips, out of context, giving the viewer the impression that the politician is just corrupt and criminally unqualified to serve office. But there could be a reasonable explanation for the footage in question. This explanation will go unshared by the reporter.
Look, I don't presume to know what will happen with the Miami Heat this year.
They may well lose in the conference finals this year or sooner. But I know they have a chance. They have a chance because they have an excellent core young group of players and supporting cast that can play a significant role.
My thoughts are that if the writers who insists on pointing out the flaws of the Heat are maybe like those politicians looking to trash their opponents so we won't see the obvious: The opponent really does have a solid record, the opponent really does have a chance to win, the opponent is not really a "terrorists sympathizer."
I'm sure some will respond that the Heat "won't win and so they're just messengers of the truth" (which is just what those politicians trashing their opponents would say as well).
But answer me this: If you really did believe the Heat had no chance to win, would you really be running so many attack ads against them?
Sarah Shahi Sarah Silverman Sarah Wynter Scarlett Chorvat Scarlett Johansson
Actress Lisa Blount Found Dead At 53
Actress and Oscar-winning filmmaker Lisa Blount was found dead in her Arkansas home at age 53.� Read more on Lisa Blount’s death below. Actress Lisa Blount, who played Debra Winger’s best friend in “An Officer and a Gentleman” was found dead at her home in Arkansas.� She was 53. Blount’s body was discovered by her [...]
Connie Nielsen Cristina Dumitru Daisy Fuentes Dania Ramirez Danica Patrick
AMP Energy Juice 500 NASCAR HotPass Lineup on DIRECTV
Ride Along with Hamlin, Harvick, Bowyer and Johnson at Talladega on DIRECTV NASCAR Hot Pass on DirectvEvent: AMP Energy Juice 500 Previous Winner: Jamie McMurray (beat Kasey Kahne under caution on Nov. 1, 2009) Date / Time: Sunday, Oct. 31, at 1 p.m. EDT Track: Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway Configuration: 2.66-mile oval (188 laps = 500...more»
Emmanuelle Vaugier Emmy Rossum Erica Leerhsen Erika Christensen Estella Warren
Why Major League Baseball's Playoff System Is Flawed, and How It Can Be Improved
Of all the major pro sports leagues, Major League Baseball's postseason is the least valid at crowning a champ. This is for a number of reasons. There is good news, however. Many positive tweaks to the playoff structure have already been discussed. Time to shed light on just what is missing, and what actions should be taken.
Baseball season is by far the longest of any of the four major sports. Most teams, barring rainouts, will slog through 162 contests. Hockey and Basketball teams play 82 games in contrast. (In fact, even with half the number of games, NBA commissioner David Stern is considering a shortened schedule for his league.) It's a pretty large sample survey from which to judge the quality of a team. It's too large, in fact.
This becomes painfully obvious when you realize how quickly half the teams in the postseason will last. Imagine playing all those games and then getting swept in the first round after three games. All those must-win games, the pennant chase and the buildup. Gone after a weekend.
So one major flaw becomes obvious at this point. To be successful in the regular season, the team must be built for consistency. Pitching staffs generally need quality out of four or five starters, two or three set-up men and a closer. The lineup needs at least a few sluggers, high on-base percentage players and usually at least one speedster on the basepaths.
This is a recipe for long-term success, and after 162 games, suddenly these important regular season qualities lose much of their value.
Once the first round begins, you can throw them out the window. It's a best-of-five series after all. Most of the time, the losing team will not even get a whole turn of their rotation. It would seem to me that the team built for regular season depth would not even get to showcase that strength. The criteria suddenly changes. Forget a deep 5 man rotation, a three man rotation with 2 star hurlers will get you further.
Doesn't it seem a little too quick to send a playoff team home after five games at most?
It's even worse when you consider how many upsets have taken place. Don't get me wrong, upsets are what gives sports their luster many times. Upsets are not as exciting if they are so easy to come by. In baseball, too many times the fan is left feeling cheated. Many exciting and talented teams have been sent off to the golf course without even getting a chance to play everyone that contributed during the year.
There is a way to ease this issue. Make every round a seven-game series. Obviously there are some logistics to work out in that case. I will get into that a little further down.
The NHL and NBA already have implemented this structure. And in those leagues, the same players compete every night. If any of the sports had an argument for a shortened first round, it would be them since you are essentially showcasing the same matchup multiple times.
In baseball, there are completely new pitchers each day. It makes for a different feel for each game. And in the current format, there are only eight playoff teams. That means that first round matchups are never duds on paper, since even top seeds vs. bottom seeds have more parity than other sports with double the teams in the postseason. That's why baseball doesn't get redundant in October.
Another issue that troubles me is how the rotations are set. If your team is still fighting for a playoff spot in the last few games, they will most likely not be able to give themselves the matchups they want when the postseason arrives. Many people have argued that teams that have clinched earlier should get that advantage. Let's take a closer look.
This year, the Rays and the Yankees fought for the AL East crown to the wire. These teams also had the two best records in the league. It doesn't matter if the Rangers clinched their weak divisions much earlier; the two best teams still had work to do.
Why should the Rangers, who had a weaker record in a weaker division, get the advantage of setting their rotation while the two higher quality teams in a tougher division could conceivably be stuck with whoever is rested enough?
This would not be such a significant factor if the first round became a best-of-seven, as all of the pitchers would most likely get a chance somewhere in the series. There should be a three-day break before the playoffs begin. That will allow all of the teams to load up and truly play the best against the best, rather than just who is available each day.
A guaranteed two or three-day period between further playoff series should be instituted as well, for the same reasons. Obviously, as it currently stands, there would be scheduling conflicts. If these changes were in place, any other off-days that aren't designed for travelling should be eliminated. That way, the teams cannot just skip pitchers. It would be a lot more like the regular season for which these teams are built.
Changing the season from 162 games to 154 would be the best catalyst to make these sorts of improvements. People always have a little hesitation when this idea is brought forth. Most of the time they are concerned about the record books and how to judge new achievements. It would be a pretty safe bet to say that if there were only 154 games in a season, then Barry Bonds could feel really good about keeping the home run record.
But that's just the point. Many of those records are tarnished anyway. Bonds was an obvious steroid case, as well as many others in the last 20 years. We are now at a point in baseball where we need to be honest with ourselves and admit that all records are subject to fallacy.
Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs in only 154 games. Remember that many felt Roger Maris was a fraud since his 61 homers came in 162 games. There is just is no consistency. Once baseball moves on from this naive notion, things can be streamlined.
With only 154 games, there can be a pause to transition from the regular season to postseason. While pitchers are resting up, Major League Baseball can use the time to build some serious media hype. Imagine all those Game 1's with staff aces facing off against each other. That's drama. They will also be available for at least another game if the series goes long. Another plus. More superstars equal more ratings.
Baseball is a sport whose outcomes many times are affected by inches. Sometimes the difference between a winner and a loser can come down to a lucky bounce. The more games that are played with the most consistent preparation are a better measure of who is deserving of the title.
Don't worry though. Upsets will still be plentiful. The only difference (with the new rules in effect) is that upsets will seem much more significant. To grant a much higher degree of validity to the World Series Champion, these changes would go a long way. After that maybe we can get rid of the designated hitter as well, since both leagues should play by the same rules (especially in the playoffs). But for right now, this would be a major improvement.
-Follow me on Twitter (@ChiBdm)
Alexis Bledel Ali Campoverdi Ali Larter Alice Dodd Alicia Keys
Despite Superspeedway Misfortunes, Smith Still Likes His Chances at Talladega
2010 NSCS Regan Smith - Photo Credit: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images for NASCARDENVER, Colo. (Oct. 27, 2010) — “If we can finish the Talladega race unscathed then in all likelihood we should come away with a pretty good finish in Sunday’s Sprint Cup event,” said Regan Smith, driver of the No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet. “We...more»
Trista Rehn Tyra Banks Uma Thurman Vanessa Hudgens Vanessa Marcil
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
WATCH: Justin Bieber ?Never Say Never? Movie Trailer!
Even if you aren’t a Bileber, the trailer for Justin Bieber’s new documentary Never Say Never just might make you one. Imagine a feature-length Beiber filled universe with Biebs baby videos and 3D performances. While skeptics may feel a look back at Bieber’s short 16 years on earth is laughable, the power of the pop [...]
NASCAR Power Rankings: Talladega and Other Sprint Cup Tracks
NASCAR is an equation of drivers, teams, fans and tracks, with each having unique traits. Just as fans defend their favorite driver because of his personality and driving talent, they choose the tracks that provide the most interesting racing for them. Meanwhile, drivers may choose their favorite tracks for the challenge they find when they race there.
Talladega provides a love/hate relationship for drivers who either love the high speed challenge or fear the carnage that may ruin their day at the track and perhaps their standing in the points.
The northern Alabama track opened in 1969 as Alabama Motor Speedway on land adjacent to a closed airport facility and nearby interstate. It was also said to be on Indian burial grounds that have stirred up stories of mysterious happenings and untimely deaths at the track, which eventually became known as Talladega Motor Speedway in 1989.
The 2.66-mile track is the biggest and fastest track on the NASCAR circuit with 33-degree banking in the turns, 18-degree banking on the tri-oval and a 4,000-foot backstretch.
Fans count on action-packed restrictor plate racing, always anticipating "the big one," which is guaranteed to tear up lots of equipment in what seems to be the blink of an eye.
Dale Earnhardt, the Intimidator, was the dominator at Talladega with 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup victories.
The first race was problematic when Charlie Glotzbach won the pole at 199.466 and the tire company didn't think its tires would hold up more than a few laps at those speeds. Many drivers who belonged to a group known as the Professional Drivers Association, led by Richard Petty, left the track.
Bill France was determined to put on a show for the fans who had traveled to the track. He used the remaining drivers and drivers from a race the previous day to run a full 500-mile race and the rest, as they say, is history.
In 1987, Bill Elliott set a record of 212.809 mph average speed which stands today. It was during that race Bobby Allison was involved in a crash and went airborne causing NASCAR to mandate restrictor plates.
The massive track with seating for 175,000 people hosts two of the most anticipated races on the circuit, especially the fall Chase race which can be a real game-changer.
Now, let's take a look at various tracks that provide challenges for the drivers and entertainment for the fans. These tracks top my list of those who host NASCAR Sprint Cup races. See if you agree.
Yamila Diaz Yvonne Strzechowski Zhang Ziyi Zoe Saldana Zooey Deschanel
Cowboys may start third-stringer at OLG
News just keeps getting worse for the 1-5 Cowboys. They could be starting third-string OG Phil Costa at left guard in Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
The Dallas Morning News reported that neither starter Kyle Kosier nor backup Montrae Holland practiced on Wednesday. Kosier has a strained right Achilles' tendon and Holland is nursing a groin injury.
The way we see it
The Cowboys' O-line has been banged up most of the season, but they have only allowed 10 sacks through six games. Costa is a rookie out of Maryland who played in Sunday's loss to the Giants.
Brittany Lee Brittany Murphy Brittany Snow Brittny Gastineau Brody Dalle
Chad McCumbee to drive No. 71 ModSpace Chevy at Talladega
Talented young driver to challenge the field on Sunday in pursuit of the checkered flag TRG MotorsportsMooresville, N.C. (October 27, 2010) - Chad McCumbee will drive the No. 71 ModSpace Chevrolet Impala SS on Oct. 31, 2010 in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) race at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway as ModSpace continues their partnership with TRG...more»
No Doubt Guitarist Tom Dumont & Wife Mieke Expecting Third Child
Tom Dumont and his wife Mieke are expecting their third child, he announced on the band’s Web site.� Read more on Dumont’s baby news below. No Doubt’s guitarist Tom Dumont,42, has announced that he and his wife Mieke will be expecting their third child this winter. The announcement read: “Tony and Mieke… are happy to [...]
Robin Tunney Rosario Dawson Rose Byrne Rose McGowan Roselyn Sanchez
World Series 2010: Cliff Lee and the Trade That Just Won't Go Away
After his red-pinstriped heroics of last season, Phillies fans were hoping that Clifton Phifer (Cliff) Lee would be back pitching Game 1 in the 2010 World Series. After all, didn't the new Phillies pitcher dazzle the baseball world—and endear himself to Phillies Nation—with his performance in Yankees Stadium in last year's Fall Classic?
Well, we got our wish. Sort of.
In case you may have forgotten, here are the "Cliff Notes" for the 2009 World Series.
Game 1 opened at Yankee Stadium, and our new ace pitched a complete game in our 6-1 win (the one run being unearned in the ninth). He scattered six hits, struck out 10 and walked nobody. But it was the way he did it that truly impressed.
Do you remember him catching pop outs as if he were playing wiffle ball at a backyard barbecue? Lee was the coolest guy on the field, seemingly impervious to pressure and oblivious to the fact that he was ho-humming his way to a historic victory against the most storied team in sports before their intimidating fans.
Lee went on to win Game 5 at home (well, it was home then) and score the 2009 World Series: Yankees 4, Lee 2.
For the 2009 postseason as a whole, Lee's record was 4-0 in five starts (all wins), 40.1 IP, 33 strikeouts and three walks with an ERA of 1.56. The only reason his ERA was that high was because he was charged with 5 (mostly garbage-time) earned runs in the 8-6 Game 5 win.
The Phils came just short in 2009 and many fans were feeling and craving a rematch in 2010.
So what happened to prevent the rematch of the two teams considered to be the best teams in baseball? Two words: Cliff Lee. Okay, these may be Cliff Notes again, but consider this.
The Phillies did have great pitching in 2010, probably their best staff in recent history, but would you have liked your chances even more with a postseason rotation of Halladay, Lee, Hamels and Happ? (More on this later.)
The Yankees—I guess Lola does not get everybody and everything Lola wants...forgive the musical reference—lost out to Texas in its attempt to acquire you-know-who at the trade deadline. You may have seen that Lee dominated Tampa twice at (ugly) Tropicana Field, earning an ALCS showdown with the Yankees, who he made look like incompetent little leaguers in the pivotal Game 3 of the ALCS.
If it was humanly possible to do so, Lee has had an even better postseason this year than last and is now widely heralded as the best big game pitcher on the planet and one of the best—if not the best—of all-time. All this after only two seasons on the biggest of stages.
And who could argue with these postseason numbers?
In eight starts, Lee is now 7-0 with a 1.26 ERA. He has 67 strikeouts and seven walks in 64.1 innings pitched. Oh yes, he has averaged eight (masterful) innings per postseason start.
SO...WHAT HAPPENED?
What happened on that winter morning when Phillies GM Ruben Amaro outdid himself and made it a blockbuster day. None of us were privy to whatever negotiations took place between the Phillies and Lee, but we well know the result.
On the day that the Phillies acquired the great Roy Halladay—probably the best overall starting pitcher in the game—they also traded Cliff Lee to Seattle for a bunch of minor league suspects.
The dream 1-2 punch of Halladay and Lee (and who would be able to match that?) was dissolved before it even materialized. It then transformed itself into "H20," and if I butcher any more chemical equations, please stop me.
It is hard to beat up on Amaro, who has acquired Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt within a year's time. And anyone who even starts to complain about either Roy wasn't really watching.
But, but, but...we are still left to question what really happened in those negotiations, and why could we not have had Halladay and Lee together for just one season, and then let 2011 and beyond take care of itself?
Would the law firm of Halladay, Lee, Hamels and Happ have gotten us by the Giants? I, and many other Phillies fans, would say yes, even as I realize that Oswalt pitched great for us. He just wasn't October Cliff Lee-great, but who is?
CLIFFHANGER
It may be that Cody Ross and the Giants come out and shell Lee, and Lee could become human again or pitch like he did during some lackluster August outings with Texas when he was suffering through some back ailments. I guess there are smarter things to do than to bet against Bruce Bochy, Tim Lincecum and those San Francisco misfits.
There are also few, if any, dumber things to do in life than to bet against Cliff Lee in a big game, and the baseball fan (and Cliff Lee fan) in me would love to see him add to his instant-legend status in the 2010 World Series.
In a surprisingly candid media session yesterday, Lee still seemed to be more than a little miffed, and very surprised, that he was traded by the Phillies. When asked if he watched the Phillies-Giants NLCS, and what his emotions were, he replied:
"Kind of mixed emotions, to be honest with you. I pulled for a lot of those guys (Phillies players), but it's weird, when a team gets rid of you, you kind of like seeing them lose a little bit."
Lee has had only good things to say about his former Phillies teammates and about the fans, and indeed, hasn't really taken any potshots at management. Indeed, at the time of the trade, he praised them for picking up Halladay, who he referred to as the best pitcher in the game.
And one has to wonder about the mindset of a pitcher who won the AL Cy Young Award for a mediocre Cleveland team in 2008 and has now been traded three more times, despite one of the very best pitching resumes the last three years. One senses that he will sign a long-term contract this offseason with either the Yankees, or maybe he'll actually stay with the Rangers, if they can pony up enough cash.
As for Lee's thoughts if he were to face Halladay and the Phillies, the best big game pitcher on the planet remarked, "I know that's weird, but part of me wanted them to win where I could face them in the World Series, too. It would have been a lot of fun."
Yes, it would have been a lot of fun for us to watch as well. And as much as I admire and respect Halladay, if Phils-Rangers had materialized, I would have rooted for the Phillies and for Cliff Lee. Make that Phillies 4, Lee 2.
But we'll never know what would have happened, and Phillies fans will have to settle for watching a World Series in which their team is not participating for the first time in three years.
It would have been nice to have been able to root for Cliff Lee as a Phillies ace, or co-ace, one more time on the biggest of stages. But, as that wise philosopher Michael Phillip (Mick) Jagger once rocked, "You can't always get what you want."
What we do get is Cliff Lee in Game 1 of the Fall Classic trying to beat the team that beat his former team—our beloved Phillies.
And what we still have is the trade that—even after the brilliance of H20—just won't evaporate.
Daisy Fuentes Dania Ramirez Danica Patrick Daniella Alonso Danneel Harris
Redefining Success: What CAN the San Francisco 49ers Still Accomplish in 2010?
Much has recently been made of what the San Francisco 49ers—at 1-6 this season—can now no longer hope to accomplish.
They cannot make the playoffs. They cannot improve on last year's record. They cannot save Mike Singletary's job.
Despite a vote of confidence from team President Jed York, many assume Coach Sing will be shown the door following a Halloween match-up against the Denver Broncos at Old Wembley Stadium in London.
Even if the 49ers can beat the Broncos—who surrendered 59 points at home this Sunday to the only team the 49ers have beaten so far—what are the realistic odds it will be anything more than a stay of execution for Coach Sing's tenure by the Bay?
Barring the miraculous, 2010 is poised to go down as a tremendous failure for the red and gold, which could well thrust them into a rebuilding period without them having reached the playoffs following their last such effort.
2010 is poised to be a failure, unless the 49ers choose to do something about it.
Heidi Montag Hilarie Burton Hilary Duff Hilary Swank Isla Fisher
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Brock Lesnar Gets Laced: Are His Days as a Feared Competitor Over?
Brock Lesnar got ruined. I mean, he got destroyed. That was complete and utter domination.
For anyone who saw UFC 121 or UFC 116 against Shane Carwin, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge Brock Lesnar fan. I’ve loved him since his WWE days, and the fact that he’s kicking ass in the UFC is even more awesome. But his days as a truly feared competitor may be numbered.
Brock’s big thing coming into the UFC was that he was enormous. And he is. He’s incredibly strong and powerful and moves very well for someone his size. His problem is not physical. It’s mental.
Brock is the definition of a bully. He delivers beatings like none other, but as soon as the tables start to turn and the playing field begins to level, he’s a mere shell of his former self.
Watch the recording of UFC 121 versus Velasquez. Brock starts the fight gunning, sending knees everywhere. But as soon as Velasquez starts throwing punches and connecting, Brock cowers away. It seems as though everytime he’s hit, he doesn’t know what to do. He panics, runs, falls (or in this case, spins and rolls) away from his opponent. Essentially, Brock wants to be a UFC fighter, but he doesn’t want to get hit.
That sounds crazy, but his focus and concentration is immediately lost once he receives a big blow that connects. Now, in a sport such as MMA, you’re going to get your face reamed. It’s inevitable. It’s a sport where you fight; therefore, you will get hit.
Throughout his UFC career, I’ve called Brock a bully, but not because of his offensive strength. It’s because he’s never been truly, legitimately tested and fought back from being nearly finished. He’s never been down and nearly out, had to fight back, level the playing field and come out victorious.
What Brock showed during his fight with Velasquez is the same critical flaw he showed during his fights with Mir and Carwin—once he’s hit, he almost seems to say, "Where am I? What happened?" and for lack of a better word, he panics and loses his game plan. He simply seems to unwind and lose everything once he receives a good shot.
It sounds stupid to say, "Well, no one likes getting hit in the face." Of course not, especially with the strength these guys have. But I believe that being a true ultimate fighter is from within. It’s something that you either have or you don’t.
Right now, Brock doesn’t have "it."
Take Forrest Griffin, for example. Forrest has said in many interviews that he enjoys being hit. In fact, he says he wants to be hit first because it gives him a wake-up call and sets something off inside that tells him it’s time to kick some ass.
My point is this: In MMA, you can’t be afraid to get hit. It’s like playing football but not wanting to be tackled. It’s going to happen, so you need to get used to it.
I hope for Brock’s sake that this is worked on for his next fight. He’ll have to beat some big-name heavyweights before being given a rematch for the title, especially considering how lopsided this beating was.
I’m no professional in the field, but I think Brock needs to work on coming back from near-finishes where he’s pinned to the mat with nowhere to go. His camp needs to work on Brock getting his ass kicked, but still remaining focused on the task at hand and not trying to avoid getting hit in the face.
I do not think that this is the end of the road for Brock, but I do believe that he needs a change in psyche before he can become an elite heavyweight. He’s still fairly green, and he’ll make his mistakes (see: Mir kneebar submission, UFC 81), but that will change with experience…hopefully. Like I said, Brock’s biggest opponent is himself.
Finally, I thought I’d address these Lesnar/Undertaker rumors involving a potential main event match at WrestleMania 27. For those of you looking at me with a blank face, watch this:
“You wanna do it?”
Hell yes! Vince McMahon wants them to, but Dana White doesn’t.
“Brock Lesnar is still under contract with the UFC … he is not going to wrestle in the WWE. He cannot wrestle, box or fight anywhere else.”
The word right now is that Vince pitched the idea. He probably told The Undertaker to go to the show with his wife Michelle McCool and to go on camera as a celebrity. Which, in itself is odd, since Undertaker rarely does public appearances or interviews because of his character. According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, Vince has suggested an Undertaker/Lesnar rematch at WrestleMania 27.
I don’t think this will happen. Not just because Brock remains under UFC contract, but because he’s past wrestling and has moved on to MMA. He’s simply not going to take a giant step back.
He’ll look like a total chump if he loses the Heavyweight Championship and then does a one-time deal with WWE for a big paycheck. Everyone already criticized him for coming in saying, "WWE is fake, this isn’t." No matter what amount of money Vince were to offer Brock, it wouldn’t make a difference because Brock makes a killing in the UFC.
Whether or not this potential match is legit, I don’t think it happens. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see it, but it won’t happen. At least in my opinion, it won’t.
If you miss him that much in the WWE, you can always watch their Hell in a Cell match and subsequent feud to see what Brock was like with just a few years of wrestling experience under his belt.
Julie Benz Julie Berry K. D. Aubert Karen Carreno Karolína Kurková
Buffalo Bills: What Are the Chances of the Bills Finishing 0-16?
Although the Buffalo Bills' offense has received a considerable amount of notoriety through six games (especially the four contests in which Ryan Fitzpatrick has started), the defense has fallen extremely short of pre-season expectations.
I'm encouraged with what I've seen from the aforementioned Fitzpatrick, the improving offensive line, Steve Johnson, Roscoe Parrish, Lee Evans, but the reality is that the defense is historically horrid and the Bills are the only winless team in the NFL at 0-6.
With 10 games to go, can the Bills muster at least one win? I sure hope so, and believe they will, but let's take a look at their chances to avoid or become a part of NFL infamy.
Ehrinn Cummings Elena Lyons Elisabeth Röhm Elisha Cuthbert Eliza Dushku
Charlie Sheen Hospitalized After Being Found Drunk & Naked In Hotel With Hooker!
Charlie Sheen was hospitalized early Tuesday morning after he was found naked and intoxicated in his trashed posh hotel suite in New York with a paid escort!� Read more on Sheen’s drunken episode below. Is “Two and a Half Men” star Charlie Sheen losing it? It appears so after Charlie Sheen’s crazy behavior!� Charlie Sheen, [...]
Krista Allen Kristanna Loken Kristen Bell Kristin Cavallari Kristin Kreuk
Hometown Favorite Denny Hamlin Has First NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Within Reach Following Martinsville Victory
Hamlin Completes Virginia Fall Sweep, Closes Chase Gap to Just Six Points on Series Leader Johnson Richmond International RacewayRichmond, Va. (10/25/10) ? Heading into the 2010 season, Chesterfield, Virginia native Denny Hamlin was considered the favorite to unseat four-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson. Following his seventh victory of the season Sunday...more»
Saira Mohan Salma Hayek Samaire Armstrong Samantha Mathis Samantha Morton
World Series 2010: Texas Rangers-San Francisco Giants Starting Rotation Profile
Ladies and gentlemen, your 2010 World Series combatants, the Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants.
FOX television executives may not love it, and there are loads of disgruntled Yankee and Phillie fans grumbling about the legitimacy of this version of the Fall Classic, but this World Series promises to be a thrilling affair.
The defending champions of each league were sent packing, each bitterly disappointed that their dreams of a series rematch would never be realized. Last year's World Series entrants both swept their Divisional Series foes, only to run into hungry squads that refused to be intimidated by New York or Philly's postseason pedigree.
Texas has been generally regarded as a potent offensive juggernaut, but as they proved in their thorough dismantling of the New York Yankees, they can certainly pitch with the best of them. Mid-season arrival Cliff Lee and his stellar postseason resume lead the way, but C.J. Wilson, Colby Lewis and Tommy Hunter form a diverse rotation capable of silencing the bats of the opposition, even the vaunted Yankee lineup.
San Francisco on the other hand, may have surprised their opposition with their offensive output, as they earned their way to the World Series primarily on the strength of their pitching, and of course, their beards. Led by two-time defending Cy Young winner, Tim Lincecum, the Giants boast a thrilling, young starting staff that should have Bay area fans excited about the next several years.
With Game 1 rapidly approaching on Wednesday, let's take a look at the starting pitching rotations for each team. Since Texas hasn't quite decided in which order they will trot out their starters and which hurler will occupy their fourth slot, we'll profile the pitchers in contention for those roles.
Shakara Ledard Shakira Shana Hiatt Shania Twain Shanna Moakler
5 Things LeBron Can Do To Rehab His Image
Two years ago LeBron James was poised to overtake Kobe Bryant and become the next great NBA superstar. That was before two playoff flameouts, a free agency circus and a botched PR program set in motion by his high school buddies and a bunch of clueless Hollywood agents later.
Now he is arguably the most hated man in sports. His new Nike ad is another step in the wrong direction. I don't know what happened to the suits at Nike, but this is the second poorly thought out attempt at damage control from the Portland shoemakers this year. (The ridiculous Tiger Wood's Dad ad being the first.) LeBron comes off like a narcissistic brat who needs his butt kicked hard and often. Worse yet, it appears to be a rehashed take on a similar ad they did with Kobe Bryant earlier in the decade. It's not rocket science what LeBron needs to do, but the jury is still out on if he will do it.
Here are the five ways he can get back in our good graces.
Miranda Kerr Mischa Barton Missi Pyle Missy Peregrym Molly Sims
Monday, October 25, 2010
Dodge Motorsports, 2010 NSCS TUMS Fast Relief Race Recaps
Dodge MotorsportsBRAD KESELOWSKI (No. 12 Penske Racing Dodge Charger) Finished 10th ?It was a good solid day for us and we got a good finish out of it.� It was a good weekend for us, winning the Nationwide yesterday and getting a top 10 here today.� I?m happy but now, I?m ready to go home....more»
Jennifer Gareis Jennifer Garner Jennifer Gimenez Jennifer Love Hewitt Jennifer Morrison
Brock Lesnar and the Top 25 Athlete Tattoos
One thing about athletes that always seems to stand out is their tattoos. We've seen everything from the interesting, to the strange, to the brilliant, to the downright bizarre.
But I think all of us have been curious about what each athlete is tattooed with. What are they? What do they mean? How many do they have? And just how elaborate are a few of them?
I have to be honest. There aren't many that I've been curious about, but there are still those that I try to turn my head just so to see if I can decode what's there or at least make it out.
What about the letters written in Japanese or Korean? Have you ever wondered what they meant or why they're there?
I think those are some of the tattoos that I wonder about the most.
What follows are the list of the 25 best athlete tattoos out there.
Ready to have some fun? Good, because that's why we do it.
Liz Phair Lokelani McMichael Lori Heuring Lorri Bagley Lucy Liu
San Antonio Spurs Still Belong In NBA Title Conversation
Faith still exists on this planet, and it matters. Consider this column's title "Exhibit A."
I believe that those who celebrate and embrace it earn substantial rewards. Those who harbor high expectations and do things the right way often find serendipity on their side. So, even after Pat Riley's historic South Beach coup, the Boston Celtics' O'Neal shopping spree, the L.A. Lakers recent title haul, and the Oklahoma City Thunder's metamorphosis from relocated (another word for maligned) lottery losers to the NBA's latest poster children, I think the San Antonio Spurs deserve mention in the serious championship chatter.
No one practiced more patience last year than the brain trust that includes Owner Peter Holt, GM R.C. Buford, a full front office staff, and Head Coach Gregg Popovich. Their reward: a first-round triumph against their despised North Texas nemesis, the Dallas Mavericks. This year, the Spurs are due the biggest payoff for the fifth time in the Tim Duncan era. No one can say that the organization has not earned another banner to hang in the rafters of the AT&T Center.
The Lakers will carry the two-time defending champion tag until someone rips it from them in the 2011 postseason. Mere weeks after a champagne bath and a parade down Figueroa Street, the team's brass managed several roster upgrades. Steve Blake ranks as an enormous improvement over the wildly inconsistent Jordan Farmar. He runs the triangle like he learned the complex offensive scheme at birth. Theo Ratliff provides stable, veteran insurance behind Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Lamar Odom. Matt Barnes adds another menacing defensive presence behind Ron Artest.
The reigning Eastern Conference champs filled the void that Kendrick Perkins' ACL injury created with a pair of O'Neals—Shaq and Jermaine. Do not ignore the potential reserve impact of rookies Luke Harangody and Semih Erden. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen seem primed for one more title run, ailment and age questions be damned. Starting point guard Rajon Rondo does not need a reliable jump shot to qualify as one of the best at his position. His imprint on the Celtics success speaks for itself.
The neophyte Thunder traded for an impact interior defender in Cole Aldrich. Mark my words: those who projected him as an NBA stiff will soon apologize. James Harden figures to take a giant leap in his sophomore campaign on both ends. I am penciling him in as an early Sixth Man of the Year candidate. Locking up Kevin Durant with an $80 million, max deal was another Sam Presti masterstroke.
The Orlando Magic have reason to stew and grumble after the Heat hosted a celebration that was fit for a four-peat just by signing Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh. No one should dare underestimate the trey-bombing Magic, especially after a preseason in which the rotation cogs wiped the hardwood with their opponents, winning by an average of 25 points. Even without a dependable jump shot, Dwight Howard can still terrorize at least 70 percent of the NBA's frontlines with his athleticism, shot blocking, and physical brawn.
The Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers, Atlanta Hawks, and Denver Nuggets all hope to factor into the trophy conversation, even if such gab sounds facetious for a few of those franchises. The Phoenix Suns insist Amar'e Stoudemire's departure does not spell doom. The Golden State Warriors, L.A. Clippers, Memphis Grizzles, and New Orleans, Secaucus participants from a season ago, expect to at least challenge for a playoff spot.
The Spurs will take special care in sizing up their Texas neighbors. They bested the Mavericks in a grueling six-game slog this spring and have plenty of nail biters against the Houston Rockets from which to draw conclusions. Courtney Lee and Tyson Chandler will boost both squads on the defensive side of the ball, and both title hopefuls sagged on that end last season. When Dirk Nowitzki and Yao Ming reach for hardware, they cannot pull out four championship rings like Tim Duncan. Their determination to advance in the playoffs again will matter.
San Antonio's four-time champion must also address some glaring roster holes in house, such as the absence of a proven wing defender. What non-Big Three member takes the last-second clutch shots that Michael Finley and Robert Horry once drained? Will lackluster wing depth become a crippling trait?
The justifiable queries might also make a fifth title run seem doubtful. Can Tony Parker, Duncan, and Manu Ginobili avoid the injured list when it counts? Will Richard Jefferson coalesce with his silver and black teammates on a more consistent basis? Can Tiago Splitter stay upright and live up to his billing as the squad's best pick-and-roll defender? Can the youngsters exude poise and nonchalance in crunch-time?
Yet, questions and deficiencies aside, the Spurs seem as capable of 16 playoff victories as any of the above foes. Faith, my brothers and sisters, is alive.
Popovich and Duncan continue to pound the rock. Parker, Duncan, and Ginobili perfected the 2000s art of the star trio chemistry the Three Me-Egos in Miami hope to develop. They provided Garnett, Pierce, and Allen with a more recent template for how to mesh world-class talents in an operation worthy of late June cheers. They grew up together on the court, and they do not want to end this remarkable era with another dubious, early exit.
Duncan works as hard and as often to stay in proper shape, whether that means gaining or losing weight, like Kobe Bryant. Is Bryant more deserving of another ring because he plays in a tourist and celebrity hot spot that also doubles as the nation's second largest city and media market?
The Spurs brass swung and missed with the awful Luis Scola donation, but they saw something special in Richard Jefferson, and I refuse to prematurely accept that acquisition in the basketball history books as a failure. Increased efficiency and better corporate knowledge will make him valuable as a pesky defender and a scorer. An emphasis on pushing the ball, all too absent in previous years, will maximize his skill set.
Dejuan Blair will nudge his way into the Most Improved Player discussion, just as he has always found a way to succeed when faced with long odds. George Hill's frigid preseason shooting will approach the level that became customary in his breakout campaign. Splitter won at the highest levels in Europe, and his acumen should translate from the overseas leagues to the NBA. He will not approximate an All-Star, but his muscular and brutish defense and willingness to bang will help minimize Duncan's wear and tear.
Antonio McDyess, who wept when the realization of his title fantasy was stolen from him in a 2005 Game Seven on the AT&T Center floor, joined the evil South Texas empire for one final shot at glory last year. He proved his mettle in the 2010 Playoffs.
Buford and Popovich also took a Vegas-sized risk by offering Summer League standout Gary Neal guaranteed money. Many who impress under the dim lights of the Thomas and Mack Center and Cox Pavillion often fail under the bright ones come late October. Neal, though, seems ready to ditch an abysmal preseason brickfest to become San Antonio's newest surprise contributor.
James Anderson plays with a concerning timidity given his necessary shift from college star to pro role player, but his earnest demeanor and eagerness to improve gives him the look of a long-term keeper.
Then there's Garrett Temple, the undrafted free agent who arrived in San Antonio as a stop-gap bandage thanks to Parker's broken hand and Hill's sprained ankle, and stuck after some gutsy, commendable turns as an emergency starting point guard. The 6'6" LSU product does not figure to see the court much, but his ability to defend three positions makes him an attractive spot player.
Alonzo Gee and Bobby Simmons appear to have survived the final roster cuts, for now, and both will do everything possible in practice to demonstrate to Popovich they merit a few minutes of court action.
Most of America's basketball watching public has handed the Larry O'Brien Trophy to the Lakers or Heat, and the talent that populates both outfits makes it obvious why. A few analysts remembered that the Celtics won the Eastern Conference. Boston grabbed a few nods.
One scout, polled by Sports Illustrated's Ian Thomsen, ranks as the lone expert to pick the Spurs to snatch the 2011 crown. Is he crazy, or does the rest of the crowd know what the San Antonio faithful cannot bear to accept? Oh, I'm not done dropping F-bombs. Unlike the ones Richard Pryor used to scream in his sleep, the editors here need not censor these.
It does not take a leap of faith, or a modicum of courage to suggest the Lakers or Heat as potential 2011 Finalists. Those titans, plus the angry and stubborn Celtics, must answer as many questions as the Spurs.
A lot must go right for San Antonio to even sniff the golden ball again, but what if Dwyane Wade's hamstring becomes a continued nuisance? What if Pau Gasol suffers a freak injury? Is it reasonable to describe Parker and Ginobili's ailments as anything but unfortunate accidents?
These Spurs will not cruise to 50 wins, but the truth is, they were never worlds better than their chief title competition. Popovich molded those winners through hard work and some painstaking stretches. He used the lowest moments as teaching tools. The 2006-2007 edition lost at home, in November, to the then woeful Charlotte Bobcats. Defenseless reject Adam Morrison poured 27 points on Bruce Bowen, then the league's fiercest man-to-man defender, that night.
Last fall, I penned a satirical ode to the Spurs' maddening underachievement. Some misconstrued my humor as hypocrisy, or worse, fatuity. I promise not to publish another Houston Chronicle-like Tombstone motivational piece.
A lot must go right, but Popovich and Duncan have earned that good fortune. Parker is correct when he says 10 other teams dream of the same luck. He also knows nothing lasts forever, and his accomplished partnership with Duncan and Ginobili is on its last legs. Will it last one more season? Two more at most?
Buford reloaded with enough young guns to keep the stars fresh when postseason pressure beckons. Popovich, as voted by the GMs in an annual NBA.com survey, makes superb in-game adjustments.
Most of all, if a probable lockout does indeed mean this is the last ride, Parker, Duncan, and Ginobili will want to make it one to remember. This trio has been there and won that. If they ever require extra circumstantial fuel, they will recall blowing a Game Seven at home against the Mavericks, and the Lakers' sickening 20-point 2008 conference finals rally in the series opener.
For every troublesome question—and Parker's murky future remains chief among them—there is a reason to believe fans in the nation's seventh largest city will party like it's 1999 again.
Faith, my brothers and sisters, still lives. Does a person without it have anything at all?
Julia Stiles Julianne Hough Julie Benz Julie Berry K. D. Aubert
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)