Tuesday Ramblings

After last week’s time off for BBQ Fest I am back and ready to go. I know Rob Fischer talked a lot about the festival in his Sunday on the Couch segment, so I won’t get into it. If you want to see the story of my BBQ Fest week, you can go to elisavoie.com.

We held a draft lottery on the show today and the Grizzlies got the 5th pick. We do it the same way the official lottery is held. We did one a couple weeks ago too, that one had the Grizzlies getting the second pick. Today’s top 3 were 1. Seattle 2. Milwaukee 3. Miami, the previous lottery went 1. New York 2. Memphis 3. Charlotte.

While I’m on the lottery, it never ceases to amaze me how many people, including many sports talk show hosts in this city, have no clue how the draft lottery works, yet talk about it like they know it all, and continue to say the NBA rigs it.

I watched the Academy of Country Music Awards Sunday night and I was reminded why I like country music awards shows so much, the awards are kind of secondary to the performances and the acceptance speeches last about 30 seconds. Watch any country music awards show and at least 80% of the show will be live performances. Speaking of the live performances, Taylor Swift’s performance was crazy. She had a layer of clothes torn off of her and ended up in a rainstorm, all on stage! Here it is if you didn’t see it.

I have no idea what is happening to our youth in this country, but these stories are disturbing. First, a 12-year-old drunk driver in Arkansas. Once you’ve read that one, you can read this one, it may explain where the drunk kid was headed to find that girl from the rodeo. Oh, and then there’s the seven-year-old kid in Florida who decided to take grandma’s car for a joy ride. That story is below in video form.

Tell me again why parents aren’t allowed to spank their kids anymore? I know kids in my day were spanked, and I don’t remember these types of things happening back then.

My Cubs are playing extremely well these days, but I still think they need some tinkering to end the 100 year championship drought. I think they are a starting pitcher and a leadoff hitter from being the best team in the game. I just am not a fan of Alfonso Soriano batting leadoff. When he gets hot like he did this last week he is amazing, but I’d still rather see him doing that in either the three or five spot in the order so that my man Fukudome could move to the two hole where he belongs. I’m heading up to Wrigley to see the Cubs in August, I can’t wait. It’s been a couple years since I’ve been there which is just too long.

I really would have liked to see New Orleans beat San Antonio in game seven last night. I have all the respect in the world for San Antonio, but I’m tired of watching them play their boring, grind-it-out style. I’m not saying they should change, that would be stupid, I just wish someone that plays a more entertaining style would figure out how to beat them. If the Spurs make the finals against either of the teams in the east, every game will be the same ugly style of basketball that leads to 74-70 games. UGH!

It’s too bad the Big Brown doesn’t have any great horses running against him, I’d like to see how good he could be if he was challenged. We will see history at the Belmont.

The big American Idol finale is tonight, but I’m not real excited. David Archuleta will win and David Cook will go on to have a much better career. Cook is the Daughtry of this year.

Good luck to the Grizzlies tonight!

I’ll talk to you all later.

Sunday on the Couch (Finally!)

The couch feels great today after a long week at BBQ Fest.  Thank goodness I took the week off at work.  All the labor….. ok, all the fun was extremely exhausting.  BBQ Fest is the best week in Memphis each year.  The production is absolutely amazing.  The time and effort that goes in to making it the best party of the year is worth every minute.  I talked to many police officers this week and they all told me that there were no problems.  Everyone just had a good time, including all of the officers and security that ate our food!  It’s good to be tight with them.  Why wouldn’t they eat our food?  It was terrific.

Other than the cold wind on Thursday, it was another successful BBQ Fest.  I apologize to my teammates for not being there Sunday morning.  But seriously, did you really think I was going to be up by 7am?  I’m sure you all expected to not see me.  Thanks to Ubee’s River Pigs for letting me be a part of it, and thanks to everyone who stopped by and had a great time at the party.  Can’t wait until next year.  I’ll be putting in my vacation request this week.  Now I have two weeks to recover until Italian Fest!  What a great month!

By the way…… If you were in a Johnny on the spot and dropped your sunglasses in the bowl, how much would they have had to cost for you to go fish them out?  I don’t know if you can actually put a price tag on it for me.  Haven’t we gotten far enough with technology that we can figure out a little something better?  I feel sorry for every woman that has to use one!

I hope Tigers fans don’t really think the Tigers should be declared national champs if KU’s Darrell Arthur ends up being ruled ineligible.  The Tigers could have earned a title if they had held on to a nine point lead with two and a half minutes to go.  You never want to be handed something you don’t deserve.  Just go win one next year! 

Speaking of the Tigers, too bad Devin Ebanks decided to pick West Virginia over Memphis.  Just another win for Bob Huggins over John Calipari.  Huggy Bear was 5-1 as the Cincinnati Bearcats coach when he took on Cal and the Tigers.  I guess he just added his first win at WVU against Cal.  Can’t wait for the two coaches to renew their rivalry in 2009-10.  It sure would be nice to get the double dip of beating Hugs and Ebanks.

One more Tigers note- Regardless of the depth of the conversations with the Tigers and the Big East, I’m glad that it’s at least a topic of discussion around the country.  The Big East could use another football team to balance out the schedule, but they need another basketball team like I needed another Jager-Bomb this weekend.  I have the solution.  It’s time to finally smack Notre Dame right where they need to be smacked- in the wallet and the face!  The almighty university has turned up its nose at joining a conference in football because they are the best university in the country- just ask them.  Fine.  Make their basketball program and every other program independent by kicking their golden butt out of the Big East.  That way the Tigers could sneak right on in to the conference and the numbers would be perfect.  Or Mike Tranghese can take East Carolina.  He’s just enough of a dope to make that move.  It’s good to see the Tigers proactive instead of reactive this time.  Stay on them RC!  Let’s get it done.

FYI- The Indianapolis 500 is this weekend in case you forgot, or didn’t care, like the rest of America.  It’s too bad.

Did you see Bill Plaschke tear in to Pau Gasol after a Game 3 loss at Utah?  Wow!  I thought he was the savior!  Apparently Plaschke saw what we became so accustomed to in Memphis.  Here’s a bit from the article:

Faced with the most intense, physical postseason game of his career, late-season giant Pau Gasol shrank to an indiscernible size in the Lakers’ 104-99 loss to the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena.
Handed its first real test of June-worthiness, that great basketball brain flunked.
Faced with its first playoff adversity, that gentle smile became a whine.
Jarred for the first time with playoff desperation, those beautiful passes were junked.
“I can do much better,” Gasol acknowledged.
On that shot, he was perfect.
In a game in which Utah’s two big men combined for 49 points, he scored 12.
In a game that featured 37 Lakers free throws, he didn’t get to the foul line once.
In a game that featured many touches in 40 minutes, he had just one assist.
And then there were the turnovers.
Gasol had a team-high five blunders, throwing the ball in the stands or dribbling it off his foot or just losing it to players who wanted it more.
With seemingly every turnover came a glare at the referee.
Sometimes that glare continued while the Jazz was scoring at the other end.
By disappearing, Gasol has become the Lakers’ marked man.
“I’ve got to go do my job now, protect the ball, go harder, play physical,” he said.
And maybe, while he’s at it, he could also send a postcard back to Andrew Bynum.
Wish you were here.

 

Great stuff.  It certainly made me laugh.  To his credit, Pau did respond in games 4 and 5.  However, I warn the LA fans that Pau is the most frustrating goodstar (not superstar) I have ever been around.  Get used to it.  This won’t be the last time it happens.

 

I hope the Grizzlies get the 2nd pick on Tuesday.  It’s the easiest pick in the draft.  It’s impossible to screw it up!  All you do is take whoever isn’t taken number one.  I have a sneaky suspicion the Grizz would take Derrick Rose with the 1st pick.  That’s a fine pick, but I still think that Beasley is the best pro on the board.  Plus, to get Rose, other moves will have to be made.  I’m not sure the Grizzlies would get as much for Mike Conley as we might think.  Why should I get my hopes up anyway?  Do any of us actually believe the Grizzlies are going to get lucky?  Maybe this is the year.

Danny Ainge was named executive of the year in the NBA.  He’s lucky the Celtics have advanced.  However, if they continue to lose every game on the road, they WILL NOT beat the Pistons.  If that happens, the season is a complete bust for the Celtics.  COMPLETE BUST!  And then what?  I guess like Doc Rivers, things can change in a year.  Ainge might look like an idiot next year, or five years down the line when the team is dismantled and still falls short with three hall of famers on the roster.  Ray Allen has been a disappointment in the postseason.  He’ll need to pick it up against Detroit for the C’s to have a chance.  My early pick- Detroit in 6.

 

What’s next for the Cleveland Cavaliers?  They desperately wanted to upgrade the team for LeBron James.  The trade they made at the deadline ended up not doing the job.  Now they’re stuck with aging Wally Szczerbiak (31) and Ben Wallace (34 next season), plus an average point guard in Delonte West.  They better make LeBron happy before he starts thinking of where he’s going to buy a house in New York.

 

Now that Andy Dolich has been replaced by Greg Campbell, I guess that’s one thing Geoff Calkins can’t rip the Grizzlies about anymore.  Sorry Geoff.  Come up with something else.  I’m not very familiar with Campbell, but from what I hear inside the organization, people are pleased with the hire.  I’m told he’s responsible financially and listens to ideas and is open to them, plus he has a solid relationship with the people I talked to and is liked by many inside FedExForum.  That’s good news.  One suggestions Greg- let our BBQ team throw your party next year!  Make the Grizzlies tent a destination and not just a place to stop.  However, I won’t be helping clean up on Sunday.  Sorry.

 

The Suns are thinking about Mark Jackson now.  Really?  Has anyone listened to him do the playoff games on ABC/ESPN?  It’s unlistenable!  He must have watched A Few Good Men in his hotel Saturday night, because he used a reference to “handling the truth” three times during the Celtics-Cavs game Sunday.  Just awful.  Maybe he’s the exact opposite of Mike Fratello.  He can’t do TV, but is a great communicator with a team, even though he’s NEVER coached a team at ANY level.

 

The LPGA might have their newest hottie on the horizon if Christina Lecuyer can win Big Break Ka’anapali.  She hails from Edmonton, Alberta (LOVE the Canadien accent), and hasn’t faced an elimination challenge yet.  Her uncle played in the NHL, she graduated from Central Arkansas, and she’s easy on the eyes.  Check out Big Break Tuesday night on The Golf Channel at 9pm. 

Maybe I’ll watch the LPGA again if she ever gets the nod- that means I’ve watched the LPGA before.  I take that back.  I’ll start watching the LPGA……  Who am I kidding?  That’s what Google is for.  Go Christina! 

 

You know who loves Usher?  USHER!

 

This is arguably the worst season of American Idol ever.  Paula is as ridiculous as ever, the final three all sucked last week, and David Archuleta has been destined to win since his tryout even though I can’t stand looking at his little whiny squint and smile.  If he forgot all the words and just smiled, Paula would still find a way to compliment him.  He has voice coaches, singing coaches, personal trainers, and an entire entourage travelling with him, plus a father that has been booted from the backstage because he causes such a disturbance.  What an Idol!  David Cooke is better, but has no chance this week.  The show is in trouble of losing its credibility.

LOOK AT THAT FACE!  UGH!  I MISS SYESHA!

Speaking of music, David Stern is starting to sound really old.  Here’s the latest he said in an AP story regarding pregame-

On the subject of the NBA’s infatuation with pregame pyrotechnics, smoke and noise, commissioner David Stern was loud and clear: He’s had enough.

“I think they’re ridiculous,” Stern said Monday before Game 4 of the Cavaliers-Celtics second-round playoff series. “I think that the noise, the fire, the smoke, is a kind of assault that we should seriously consider reviewing in whether it’s really necessary given the quality of our game.”

Another thing that annoys Stern is the nonstop loud music and other noise that isn’t generated by fans.

“I always bite my tongue because I say, ‘Well, maybe I’m not the demographic that likes to be assaulted by loud rap, smoke, pyrotechnics and chemicals,”’ he said. “I’m outdated, but I think it’s time for us to say, ‘Hey guys, let’s look at it one more time.”

Pick your battles David.  This isn’t one you should be overly concerned about.

 

Tim Thompson should have never been hired by any high school!  No big shocker with that news.

 

Can’t believe the response I’ve heard from the Alicia Keys concert at FedExForum last week.  Haven’t heard one good review.  That’s too bad.  Glad I went to BBQ Fest instead.

 

The Stanley Cup matchup between the Red Wings and Penguins will be terrific (yes, Detroit will finish off Dallas).  Both teams have breezed their way to the Finals and I can’t wait to watch.  The Penguins are filled with scorers, and can be sneaky physical, while the Wings have scorers of their own and can certainly bang.  If Detroit takes Evgeni Malkin out with physical play, they can win the cup.  But if they get too physical and give the Penguins too many man-advantages, they’ll be in trouble.  Pittsburgh hasn’t lost at home in three months, they’re 12-2 in the postseason, they always look like they’re on the power play, they’ve allowed just 26 goal throughout the playoffs, and they can get physical if they need to.  I’m taking the Pens in 6 and get used to watching them hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup, because they have two of the youngest and brightest stars in this league.  

The Weekly Dish‘

Alabama State Violations

Alabama State University is a I-AA football program, part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. They enjoyed a 10-2 season in 2004, but generally they hover around the .500 mark.  The NCAA announced allegations of misconduct at the University, to the tune of 668 violations!!  24 different rules were broken. Among the infractions listed are hundreds of instances of ineligible student-athletes using training facilities and several grades changed without the professor’s permission. Apparently you can’t do that.
The NCAA, never one to miss the opportunity to state the blindingly obvious, also charged ASU with a “lack of institutional control.

Angels stadium had 732 health violations in 2007

In a casual survey of online health records at 11 major-league ballparks, Conde Nast Portfolio Magazine charted health-code violations in stadium food stands. “Most (reports) were minor. Some were, well, disgusting,” the magazine said.  Angel Stadium in Los Angeles, with 732 violations, and McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, with 493, were the worst performers. A “major vermin violation” and “a cockroach infestation” plagued the Angels’ home. And “overhead leakage” and “chemical contamination” were reported in Oakland. The A’s declined comment to Portfolio. The Angels told the glossy they had “made a lot of changes” for 2008. The Yankees (45 violations) and Mets (58 violations) had the best results among big-revenue teams.

7 Year Old Benched Because Mom Doesn’t Sell Candy

A Freetown, Mass., baseball player was benched for two games because his mom did not help out at the concession stand.

Jodie Hooper agreed to help when she signed a registration form, but she said that she had a very good excuse for missing her time.

“It’s my fault. I get it. I really, really do. But the rule has to change,” Hooper said.

“It’s a tough rule to have to enforce, because everybody has things to do,” League President Dave Brouillette said.

Hooper’s son was benched for a second game Thursday because she did not show up to work the stand.

“Being benched and being suspended means the child did something wrong. The child didn’t do anything wrong. That is where I am having the issue with it,” Hooper said.

“I am not here to bash Mrs. Hooper. She is a mother who is upset about her 7-year-old not being able to play baseball. I 100 percent agree with her that she is doing what she feels is right. Unfortunately, as the president of the league, I have to enforce the rules,” Brouillette said.

Vince Young — Quarterback Gone Wild

Looks like the Tennessee Titan locker room can’t quench Vince Young’s need to hang out with a bunch of sweaty, half-naked dudes.

Pictures posted on Blogxilla show the shirtless quarterback partying hard a few days ago at a bar in Texas.  He’s got a good grasp on that Patron bottle!
A spokesperson for the Titans had “no comment.”

Beckham’s wife: only gay men like me

Victoria Beckham says straight men no longer are eyeing her up.  She confessed that guys don’t see her that way any more. She said, “All the men that like me are gay. It’s true. I have a really strong gaydar. I do love gay men though.” - The Sun (U.K.)

Jess and Romo Officially NoMo

Finally, Dallas Cowboys fans have something to cheer about.
TMZ has learned that the romance between Jessica Simpson and hotshot QB Tony Romo is as dead as the Cowboys’ 2007 playoff run.
Their reps have been going on the record saying that they’re not split, but sources say the two have cut the cord … at least for now.

One of the Dallas Cowboys quarterback’s best buddies from his Eastern Illinois college days says Romo has ended it for two reasons: the intense media scrutiny that comes from being in Simpson’s life and the problems he has with her overbearing father, Joe Simpson. Jessica Simpson’s representatives continue to insist the two are still a couple. Plus the QB kept his promise to escort Jessica to Ashlee Simpson’s marriage over the weekend to Fall Out Boy rocker Pete Wentz.  Be careful Carrie Underwood.  Don’t let Romo fool you again.

Cubs can’t stop all sales of offensive Kosuke Fukudome T-shirt

The Cubs attempt to prevent vendors from selling racially insensitive T-shirts outside Wrigley Field apparently have hit a snag. The T-shirts, which feature a cartoon of a slanty-eyed bear Cub with oversized, Harry Caray-style glasses and the words “Horry Kow” written on the front, drew the ire of the organization when they originally went on sale at some souvenir stands outside Wrigley in early April. The T-shirts were supposed to be an attempt to poke fun at Japanese pronunciation of the English language, using Kosuke Fukudome’s popularity on the North Side as a hook. “My personal viewpoint is they’re not blatantly racist,” said John Weier, a vendor selling the “Horry Kow” T-shirts outside of the Cubby Bear Lounge. “It’s a novelty T-shirt. We’re not trying to hurt or offend anyone.” Weier knows Fukudome does not like the T-shirts but said he has no qualms about selling them to fans, saying he was “trying to make a living.”. – Chicago Tribune

Greg Oden hangin out with Charles Barkley

Greg Oden is living in Portland with his uncle, former high school teammate Brandon McPherson and his dog, Charles Barkley McLovin.

Golf ratings down without Tiger- DUH!

Golfer Tiger Woods, recovering from knee surgery, did not compete in The Players Championship last week and it affected the ratings. The third round of the tournament, carried on NBC-TV, was down 28% compared to last year (1.8 to 2.5). The fourth round of the tournament was down 14% (3.1 to 3.6).

Hefner Wants to See Hannah’s Montanas

Hugh Hefner doesn’t get what the big deal is about 15-year-old Miley Cyrus showing a little skin.
The Playboy founder told “Extra” (via NY Daily News) that he’s open to having Miley really bare all and stop being a tease when she turns 18. Hef said the outcry over the Hannah Montana star revealing her back shows “how schizophrenic America is about sexuality.”
The spry 82-year-old is known for making public pleas to hot, young celebrities, to uncover their entire package. Hef said the Olsen twins, naked, together, is every young man’s fantasy, but the twins passed on the idea.  Not that this surprises anyone, but Hef is a little creepy.

Waiter Calls Foul on LeBron James

Cleveland Cavalier LeBron James recently dined at Cleveland’s XO Prime Steaks where he ate like a king, but tipped like a servant.
According to Cleveland Scene, LeBron and a few friends stopped by the restaurant for a late night bite. The group stayed well past closing time, until nearly 4:00 AM, ordering drinks and racking up an $800 bill. When it came time to pay up, LeBron allegedly left a measly $10 tip. The owner of the restaurant issued the following statement:
Upon completion of his meal, Mr. James paid his bill with a credit card. Our waiter mistakenly read the receipt, inferring that Mr. James had left him only a $10 tip. To clear up the misunderstanding, Mr. James arranged for an appropriate tip to be delivered to the restaurant for the waiter.

Ex-49er Suing Ex-Wife for Golddigging

Joe Montana’s softer side was sought out by NFL defenses for years — turns out his ex-wife just sold it to the highest bidder … in the form of old college love letters!
The former 49ers quarterback is suing his first wife, Kim Moses, and a Texas auction house for selling love letters and memorabilia from his time at the University of Notre Dame. The other items include Joe’s freshman I.D. card, a University of Notre Dame letter of intent and Joe and Kim’s 1979 marriage certificate.
Joe is suing in excess of $75,000 — claiming the items were obtained and sold by Moses without his consent.

Quotes of the Week (EW.com)

”Today’s New York Daily News claims that former Yankee Roger Clemens had a 10-year affair with another woman. Apparently, Clemens would start having sex with her and then Mariano Rivera would come in and finish.”
CONAN O’BRIEN, ON LATE NIGHT

”Yeah, I’m trying to lure these kids into my booth. But kids are very wary of being lured these days. Thank you, Dateline.”
MICHAEL SCOTT (STEVE CARELL), AT A HIGH SCHOOL JOB FAIR, ON THE OFFICE

”Amy Winehouse was arrested Wednesday in connection with a video that allegedly shows her doing drugs at a party. Winehouse could be looking at real jail time under England’s harsh ‘bazillion strikes’ law.”
SETH MEYERS, ON SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE’S ”WEEKEND UPDATE”

 

There’s plenty happening this week in Tunica.  For a complete list of events and attractions in Tunica, Mississippi, click on the link below.  Get easy access to the casino’s, golf courses, and all other entertainment.

http://www.tunicamiss.com/

 

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming up in Tunica:

May 23 - 24	Ricky Lynn Gregg	Bally’s	800-382-2559
May 23	The New Paula Deen Buffet Opens	Grand Casino	901-525-1515
May 24	ZZ Top	Grand Casino	901-525-1515
May 24	Fight at the Fitz Outdoor on the River	The Fitz	800-766-5825
May 25	Paula Deen “Personally Paula”	Grand Casino	901-525-1515
May 29 - 31	The Original Toughman Contest Worl Championship	Sam’s Town	800-456-0711

I CAN’T WAIT TO MEET PAULA DEEN!!

Hope to see you in Tunica, and don’t forget the Tunica National 3 Person Scramble this Thursday at 5pm.  Just call 866-TEE-OFF1 for more information or go online at www.tunicanational.com.  See you there.

It’s great to be back from vacation!  Talk to y’all this week.

Sunday on the Couch

It’s that time of year again.  It’s time to smell the pork in the air.  Happy BBQ Fest!  It’s the week that we’re all pork people.  When I moved to Memphis, I wasn’t a big fan of BBQ Fest.  But now that I am part of a tent, it’s one of my favorite weeks of the year.  Sitting in the sunshine, enjoying a beverage of your choice, eating the best BBQ of the year, people watching, seeing the sun go down over the Mississippi, more people watching, more beverages, more food, and plenty of good times.  What’s amazing is the preparation that goes into the week.  For the first time, I went down to the river Sunday.  BBQ Festers became construction workers.  Can you imagine Eli Savoie cleaning out refrigerator’s and bar stools?  I SAW IT!  Speaking of sawing, can you imagine me sawing some wood?  No?  Me either.  That’s why I took photos.  My group was amazing.  I helped hold ties and got people drinks.  Other than that, I watched everyone else work.  Well, I watched all of the men watch our one woman work! 

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO HER!  Good thing she got the saw, drill, and a generator for mother’s day.

Our location is pretty amazing, maybe even the best on the river.  The sights are spectacular!

Enjoy the BBQ Fest this week.  I know I will.  That’s why I’m off Wednesday through Friday, and you won’t hear Eli Savoie all week.  He’ll be building stuff!  Have fun Eli.  I’ll try to get a picture or 2!

The NBA Playoffs continue this week, and I’m still waiting for someone to win on the road.  I’m also waiting on games that we were supposed to see.  You know, the best playoffs ever.  There have been so many blowouts, it’s been hard to watch many of these games after halftime.  One thing we have learned is that Chris Paul is one of the top 5 superstars in this league and will be for a long time to come.  We also have learned that Joey Crawford is back in the mix.  It’s amazing to me that a referee who was kicked out of the league a year ago is reffing as many playoff games as Joey.  The angry gerble is running up and down the floor every time I turn on a game!  Here are the latest picks by the Sports Bar, Coach Dave Joerger, and the world renowned Mark the Chef.  Round one record in parenthesis:

                                   Jeff(6-2)     Will(7-1)    Fish(5-3)     Chef(7-1)     Coach(7-1)

Spurs-Hornets           SA6             SA7            SA7              NO7             SA7

Lakers-Jazz                LA6             LA6            LA5              LA6              LA6

Celtics-Cavs              BOS6           BOS6          BOS7             BOS5           BOS7

Pistons-Magic            DET6          DET5          DET5             DET6           DET6

After hearing Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace on our show last week, I feel pretty comfortable saying that it was fun watching Juan Carlos Navarro this year, and I wish him the best wherever he plays next year.  I’m a fan of JCN, but the move would make sense.  You’d have a much better team if JCN was coming off the bench.  Someone is going to offer him starters money, and the Grizz can’t afford to pay starters money to a guy on the bench.  They already have too many of them.

Been watching some of that exhibition softball on ESPN2.  Team USA has a beast on the roster.  Crystl Bustos can knock the ball out of any yard!  When she hits them, you know it’s gone.  You have to hope to contain her, because she’s strong like bull.  You can’t fool her with that little riser. 

 

The 17th Green at Sawgrass is the most famous hole in the world.  There’s no questioning it.  The golf purist would list ten before the Island Green, but people who aren’t even golf fans know about the Island Green.  And to the players whining about it being too tough, GET OVER IT!  Are you serious?  It’s a par-3!  Sure it’s tough, but it’s part of what makes the finish at Sawgrass one of the hardest, if not the hardest, to close out a tournament.  Golf fans love it, and players need to embrace it.  It could kill your round, but it can win the tournament for you too.  It’s ONE hole all year, so stop crying.

When the weather is inclement, is there anything worse than watching the weather guys get down and dirty?  I understand that we need the information, but why do we need full team coverage?  Do we really need three guys in the weather center to read computers?  Why do the Meteorologists have to take off their sport coats and roll up their sleeves?  Are they diggin in to their work like never before?  To me, it looks like the world is coming to an end and they’re about to save lives with their hands, when actually they are pointing at screens and ripping off paper and reading the computer.  OH NO!  Are they just trying to show us that they actually do work instead of guess all of the time?  Just read the information and stop being so depressed and stressed out because of rain!  KEEP THE JACKET ON AND GIVE ME THE DARN FORECAST!

 

Every year, American Idol has to start a show apologizing for Paula Abdul’s behavior.  It’s obviously a problem that continues to become embarrassing for the show and for herself.  Whatever she’s taking, or not taking, someone needs to get a grip on the woman.  Maybe she should be replaced.  Seriously, has she ever said anything negative unless it was completely obvious?  And when she does, she usually follows it up with something sappy and nauseating!  In the words of one of America’s great songwriters…..

“She’s a conundrum wrapped up in an enigma which is amazingly awesome and digs deep into her awesome soul.” - Brett Michaels

OJ Mayo took cash in college and high school?  OH NO!  I’ll take him.

Weekly Dish

- Tim Tebow spent spring break in the Philippines and — according to Dave Curtis of the Orlando Sentinel — helped circumcise impoverished children.

Tebow, who has no surgical training, was visiting an orphanage his father’s ministry runs in the country and assisted with the care of locals who had walked miles to the temporary clinic the ministry helped organize.

Tebow said, “The first time, it was nerve-racking.  Hands were shaking a little bit. I mean, I’m cutting somebody. You can’t do those kinds of things in the United States. But those people really needed the surgeries. We needed to help them.”

- Donald Trump has another Miss USA scandal on his hands. Miss Kentucky USA 2008, Alysha Harris, whose Facebook says she’s only 20, was photographed partying and bumping and grinding with New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss at the Kentucky Derby. Trump gave former Miss USA Tara Conner a second chance more than a year ago after her underage partying and other inappropriate behavior.

- Police said soccer star Ronaldo committed no crime, but he was accused by one prostitute of using drugs and not wanting to pay.

The motel manager — identified only as Luisa — said Ronaldo, who was dressed and appeared to be sober, tried to get rid of the prostitutes after realizing they were men.

A motel waiter, who was not identified in the police documents, told police the prostitute went to the street and yelled “the Phenomenon didn’t want to pay.”

Police inspector Carlos Augusto Nogueira said there was no evidence drugs were involved in the incident.

48-year-old Luiz Mendes, a private chauffeur. “Ronaldo has money to fill mattresses. He can afford the best and most beautiful women in the world. Why would he want to go out with these (prostitutes).”

- It has only been a year since the Police kicked off their reunion tour, but they’ve already made plans for their final show in New York City in August. The show will be a fundraiser to benefit arts programs on local New York public television stations. Additionally, the band has agreed to donate $1 million to Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s initiative to plant trees.  Band leader Sting said, “We came here first in 1978. We want to leave a gift that will last for decades.”  I’m just happy that I won’t have to see that old, wrinkly, washed up has-been, wearing a sleeveless shirt anymore!

- NBC is set to announce on May 12 that Saturday Night Live vet Jimmy Fallon will take over next year for Conan O’Brien, who’ll assume the Tonight Show throne currently occupied by Jay Leno.

The question is whether Leno will walk out of NBC’s door when his contract expires at the end of 2009. He’s said to be miffed about having to relinquish The Tonight Show, which has remained highly profitable during his tenure. (The program is TV’s most watched late-night talk show, and is rumored to make in excess of $100 million in profits annually.) NBC is more than eager to keep Leno in the fold, and has already offered him several options, including prime-time specials and/or hosting another show — basically, anything that doesn’t air at 11:30 p.m.

While the others can’t officially bid for his services until next year, there’s speculation that Leno could wind up at Fox or ABC.  

- Last week, the IOC sent a letter to all national Olympic organizing committees saying athletes should stay away from clothes, gestures or moves that demonstrate “political, religious or racial propaganda” at venues for the Beijing Games. This includes “all actions, reactions, attitudes” by people, including “external appearance, clothing, gestures and written or oral statements.

- HBO is bringing its “Hard Knocks” franchise back to Cowboys training camp this summer, and HBO Sports president Ross Greenburg already is predicting best-ever ratings for his five-show series.

Greenburg said “this is not the E! television network,” and insisted the obvious headliners will only get air time if they earn it.

According to a report from OK! Magazine, Romo may not be ready to settle down. 

The family won’t allow Jessica, whom the jokingly refer to as “the special person with issues,” in their Wisconsin home, and have been avoiding calls from her dad.  The report claims that Tony is still in regular contact with his former flame, country superstar Carrie Underwood.  Even worse, sources say Tony’s family wishes he would reconcile with Carrie.

Other Reports say Simpson is engaged to Romo.

Rumors of a possible engagement were triggered when Simpson’s friends were overheard toasting the singer’s “happiness” at P Diddy’s party in Hollywood on Friday.

A source said: “Jessica would love nothing more than to get married before Ashlee.

- TV sports types who backed presidential nominees include CBS’ Jim Nantz, who gave $2,300 to Fred Thompson. Rudy Giuliani’s donors included CBS’ Dan Dierdorf ($1,000) and Boomer Esiason ($2,300). Fox’s Troy Aikman is backing John McCain with $2,300.  Rich Eisen of NFL Network put $500 behind Barack Obama.

Quotes of the Week (EW.com)

”Bro Code Article 89: The mom of a bro is always off limits but the stepmom of a bro is fair game if she initiates it and/or is wearing at least one article of leopard-print clothing.”
BARNEY (NEIL PATRICK HARRIS), EXPLAINING A RULE OF MALE FRIENDSHIP, ON HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER

”Hillary Clinton says she’s willing to debate Barack Obama ‘anytime, anywhere’ and would even meet him in the back of a truck. Which is surprising, because the ‘anytime, anywhere, even in the back of a truck’ offer is usually made by Bill Clinton.”
CONAN O’BRIEN, ON LATE NIGHT

 

Birthday’s this past week:  Ann B. Davis (82- Wonder if she still talks to Sam the Butcher), Tammy Wynette (66), Tina Yothers (35), Willie Mays (77), Bob Seger (63), George Clooney (47), Tom Bergeron (53), Johnny Unitas (75), Traci Lords (40), Cindy Parlow (30), Don Rickles (82), Tony Gwynn (48), Billy Joel (59), Candice Bergen (62- and still lookin good), Steve Yzerman (43), Pat Summerall (78).

Don’t forget, there’s always something happening in Tunica!  And this week is no different.  Click on the link to find out what’s happening in Tunica, Mississippi.  Get easy access to the casino’s, golf courses, and all other entertainment by clicking on this website for the Tunica Convention and Visitors Bureau.  KENNY ROGERS IS COMING!!!

http://www.tunicamiss.com/

For a quick sneak preview, here’s what’s coming up: 

May 16 - 18	Central States Peruvian Horse Show	Tunica Arena & Exposition Center	662-363-3299
May 16 - 17	Ricky Lynn Gregg	Sam’s Town	800-456-0711
May 17	Kenny Rogers	Horseshoe	800-303-7463
May 23 - 24	Ricky Lynn Gregg	Bally’s	800-382-2559
May 25	Rosa Fort High School Graduation	Tunica Arena & Exposition Center	662-363-3299

Hope to see you in Tunica, and don’t forget the Tunica National 3 Person Scramble this Thursday at 5pm.  Just call 866-TEE-OFF1 for more information or go online at www.tunicanational.com.  See you there.

Enjoy BBQ Fest this week!

 

 

 

 

Kobe deserves MVP, not title

L.A. Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant is an unbelievable Basketball Talent. He also seems like a jerk. I don’t know the guy personally, but he seems reluctant to spread praise around when things are going well, and is quick to blame others when things are not so hot.
Bryant’s loser leave town feud with Shaq is legendary, and his crybaby threats in Los Angeles are known throughout the sports world. Who knows how many titles Kobe would have captured if the Diesel was still playing along side him?
This season has been incredible. Bryant wanted out of tinsel town and went public with it. Lakers G.M. Mitch Kupchak called his bluff, and soon the smoke dissipated. Eventually Jerry West’s successor went out and acquired Pau Gasol from the Grizzlies, the same Gasol who was the cornerstone of West’s teams while in the Bluff City. Gasol has made all the difference in the world and now the Lakers are in position to win it all.
With all that said I don’t want the Lakers to win because I don’t care for Bryant. I don’t like the fact that he’s basically a crybaby who probably was that kid who took his ball and went home. This does not mean I don’t think he’s a fascinating player to watch. Kobe is deserving of this season’s MVP, and you could argue that he probably should have won one or two in the past. So here’s to anyone but the lakers winning it all. When it all comes down to it, this a team sport, and Bryant is a “What’s in it for me kind of guy”.

Tuesday Ramblings(one day early)

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

I couldn’t wait till tomorrow to respond to Rob Fischer’s crazy statement on horse racing. Fish has apparently been spending some time with Duke Crews and Ramar Smith of the Tennessee basketball team because smoking some good stuff is the only possible explanation for comparing horse racing to dog fighting and cock fighting. According to Sally Jenkins of The Washington Post, 1.5 horses suffer this type of injury for every 1000 racing starts in the United States. You know how many dogs die for every 1000 dog fights? I would say close to 1000! So please don’t try and tell me that these two “sports” are in any way comparable.

There is no doubt that what happened at the Kentucky Derby Saturday was tragic, but there is no need to overreact. Just because one horse dies in the sports biggest race, doesn’t mean the sport needs major changes. Yes, when you look at the total number of horses, nearly 800, that die in a year it looks like a lot, but not when you consider how many races are run and the fact that, unlike any other sport, most injuries lead to death.

Jenkins’ points about the breeding of animals is something that certainly should be looked into. Like every other sport, the quest for bigger, stronger athletes(horses) will always continue, but if breeding methods are creating animals that are more susceptible to injury, then something should be done. Also, if there is definitive proof that synthetic tacks are safer than dirt, then go ahead and make the change, but any changes that are made must be the result of hard evidence that it is better for the horses, and not just a kneejerk reaction to a public outcry after a tragedy on the sports’ biggest stage.

As far as the winner of the race goes, Big Brown ran the exact race I predicted he would. He may not be a “superhorse,” but compared to his competition he is and has a great chance to win the triple crown. He will win the Preakness easily, and then we’ll see if he can do it at the Belmont against some much more rested horses, where so many recent horses have had their triple crown dreams shattered.

Now, back to the Tennessee basketball player Crews and Smith. Good for Bruce Pearl for having the onions to kick them off the team. Granted, Pearl, like all other coaches, probably gave them many chances, but at least he showed he does have a breaking point and was willing to dismiss two contributors to his team. I just wish we didn’t have so many stories about athletes getting in trouble at both the college and pro levels. When will these guys start realizing what they are throwing away and for what? I’m not expecting them all to be saints, but is it too much to ask for them to go to class, stay off drugs, or not get arrested?

Two more NFL players arrested, you know what we call that? A weekend.

Has any beer company had more technological innovations than Coors? They have come up with cooler boxes, color-changing labels and now the vented can. What? Is there really a big problem with beer can ventilation? I’ve had many cans of beer and I don’t ever remember thinking, “Boy I wish this can had some sort of vent so the beer would come out faster.”

One sign that baseball season is officially underway, Ozzie Guillen loses his mind.

Steve Kerr and the rest of the Phoenix Suns management needs to grow a pair and just fire Mike D’Antoni. It’s clear they don’t want him back so just cough up the money and fire him.

The Hornets game one win over San Antonio was impressive. The Spurs may come back and win this series, but it’s time to recognize that this Hornets team is for real. David West=Most underrated player in the NBA.

I’m not a real emotional guy, but watching the Sportscenter story on the softball player, who was carried around the bases by the opposing team after hitting a home run and blowing out her knee, choked me up a little bit. It’s a great story but the whole thing didn’t really set in with me until I saw this video as part of their story.

The Two Faces of Oscar De La Hoya: A Response to Rob Fischer

The best thing about any Oscar De La Hoya fight is that it attracts attention to the sport of boxing, something it sorely needs. The other side of that coin, though, is that as a result of all that attention, many talking or writing heads will form misguided or uninformed opinions about boxing. Peter Edmiston feels very much the same way about how the World Cup does pretty much the exact same thing for the sport of soccer in the United States.

When I read Rob Fischer’s post about the De La Hoya-Forbes fight (see his latest “Sunday on the Couch”), I knew I would have to respond. And no, this will not be a “boxing is the greatest sport” post, but rather a breakdown of Rob’s thoughts, which mirror what many casual boxing fans wrongly believe. There are two faces of De La Hoya–the promoter and the fighter. Rob, like many others, believe Oscar is a great promoter that is working for the fighters and the fans moreso than the other big promotional companies. At the same time, Rob and many others think Oscar should stick to promoting as he is clearly finished as a fighter. I take exception with both points.

Rob’s words will be italicized.

“Fighters want to join his stable and his card’s because he has the fighter’s interest at heart. I think fighters would trust him, at least more than any other promoter you can think of. Go ahead, try to give me one that can be trusted!”

It’s probably true that fighters would trust De La Hoya based on his status as a still-active fighter, unlike other mega promoters like Bob Arum (Top Rank) and Don King. But no promoter can be trusted, not even ones that occasionally lace up the gloves themselves.

“Anyway, Oscar has done a great job getting fights that lead to title bouts.”

I’m not sure what Rob is saying in that first sentence; whether he means Oscar is setting up a title fight for himself (the assumed rematch with Mayweather in September), or for his fighters in Golden Boy Promotions. If he means Oscar himself, as it would seem, then it should be noted that De La Hoya–under absolutely NO circumstances–ever has to beat anyone to get a title shot. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that boxing isn’t about titles anymore anyway, only money.

De La Hoya is THE lottery ticket in boxing, the guy EVERYONE from 130 lbs. to 170 lbs. wants to fight. Think about that discrepancy for a second. Manny Pacquiao, currently a titleholder at 130 lbs. and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, is willing to move up to 147 lbs. to fight him. Winky Wright, whose last fight was at 170 lbs. against Bernard Hopkins last July, wants to move all the way down to 154 lbs. to fight him. Belts mean nothing, they all want the big payday that comes with a De La Hoya fight. The fact that Oscar can draw 27,000 people in Los Angeles to a fight against a huge underdog in Steve Forbes who was overmatched and undersized with NO co-featured fight and a pathetic undercard says everything.

“He hasn’t gone the route of Pay-per-view, which gives many more fight fans the opportunity to watch great fights on HBO.”

Again, I’m not sure if Rob is specifically referring to De La Hoya here or his promotional company, but allow me to retort in both respects. Saturday night was the first time Oscar has fought on non-PPV HBO World Championship Boxing since 2001, against the also overmatched and undersized Arturo Gatti. His next EIGHT outings were on pay-per-view, from big events like his fights against Shane Mosley (the rematch), Bernard Hopkins and Floyd Mayweather Jr., to glorified exhibitions against Yory Boy Campas, Javier Castillejo and Felix Sturm.

As far as Golden Boy Promotions, they are just as guilty as any other promotional company about milking pay-per-view for all it’s worth. The fact is, in today’s boxing world, a company is forced to use pay-per-view if HBO or Showtime is not willing to pony up enough money to help an event happen on “free” TV (seeing as both networks are on premium cable, calling it “free” is absurd). Golden Boy did put the Joe Calzaghe-Bernard Hopkins fight from this past April 19 on HBO and not on pay-per-view, but a fight of that magnitude that is not on pay-per-view occurs MAYBE twice a year for boxing.

Plenty of other underwhelming boxing events like Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Mzonke Fana and Bernard Hopkins-Winky Wright (full disclaimer: Winky and Bernard are my two favorite fighters, but to put it on PPV was a mistake) have been put on pay-per-view by De La Hoya’s company. Moreover, in just a few weeks, on May 31st Shane Mosley will face Zab Judah in what should be a very entertaining fight…on pay-per-view–brought to you by Golden Boy Promotions. Oh, and Mayweather-De La Hoya II will not only be on pay-per-view, but the “suggested price” will be at least $10 more than the usual $49.99.

“One thing he needs to do is stop fighting! Oscar has gotten old.”

As much as I will criticize his company, I will not demand him to retire from the ring, not when he is still a very competent fighter easily capable of beating any non-elite fighter in the sport. Let’s not forget that his loss to Mayweather last year was by split decision, and a single point on one scorecard was the difference. Also, while he may not have had a show-stopping performance Saturday night against Forbes, the consensus among boxing people is that he looked very good, maybe not “perfect” like HBO’s Emmanuel Steward was proclaiming, but he did turn in a solid performance. Oscar’s jab and left hook are still top notch, and while his reflexes are not what they used to be, he is by no means over the hill.

De La Hoya is planning on retiring at the end of the year after two more fights–the rematch with Mayweather in September and a farewell bout in December. But those two fights, if indeed that is it for his career, will be huge events and very good for the sport of boxing because of the attention they will bring.

He’s planning on a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in September. HE HAS NO CHANCE.

I will again pick Mayweather to win the fight, but I also expect it to be a close, competitive fight. Unfortunately for the casual fan, it will look much like their first fight, which was not exactly a barnburner. De La Hoya definitely has a chance, though, especially if he keeps jabbing in the later rounds, which he inexplicably stopped doing in the first fight. Mayweather has never been as befuddled and limited by an opponent’s strategy as much as he was when Oscar was pumping the jab in the middle rounds of their first fight.

Watching him fight Forbes was one of the worst fights I’ve seen in a long time. To see Oscar fight just once a year is probably enough, but I wish it was worth watching. Saturday night, you had an old former champ fighting a guy that had no interest in winning. Good luck in September Oscar, but do us a favor- Just stick to the promoting. You can do a great deal for the sweet science, but getting in the ring isn’t helping.

Wow, Rob, you must not watch much boxing at all. Unless all you have seen in the last few years was the Israel Vazquez-Rafael Marquez trilogy (for those of you who don’t know, YouTube it!) and old tapes of Diego Corrales-Jose Luis Castillo and Felix Trinidad-Fernando Vargas. The fact is De La Hoya is one of the more exciting fighters out there, especially considering his superstar status. If you want to complain about big boxing stars stinking up the joint, I will refer you to Bernard Hopkins and even Floyd Mayweather Jr., who for as great as he is, refuses to take risks in the ring.

You won’t find many, if any, boxing fans who didn’t enjoy the action De La Hoya-Forbes more than any other fights this year NOT fought in the month of March (see my previous blog post for more on that month in boxing).
_________________________________________________________________

Well, at least people were watching. As a boxing fan, the sport needs more eyeballs and while their opinions may not be very educated, at least they are investing time in the sport and that is what it needs. As such, allow me to recommend this upcoming schedule of selected fights that deserve your attention, rated on a scale from 1-10 based on how exciting they are shaping up to be:

Upcoming Notable Fights
May 17: HBO Boxing After Dark
James Kirkland vs. Eromosele Albert: 7
Yuriorkis Gamboa vs. Darling Jimenez: 8
Alfredo Angulo vs. Richard Gutierrez: 6
–Kirkland, Gamboa and Angulo are three of the best rising prospects in boxing today, all young, undefeated power punchers. HBO rarely provides a three fights in a single boxing telecast, but if you want to see some promising knockout artists, check this one out. Gamboa (130 lbs./super featherweight) is perhaps the biggest prospect of the three.

May 24: Versus
Ricky Hatton vs. Juan Lazcano: 8
Paul Malignaggi vs. Lovemore N’dou: 1
–Yes, Versus is televising a Ricky Hatton fight. It will actually be broadcast live from Manchester, where Hatton will be packing over 50,000 fans into Manchester Stadium. His fight vs. Lazcano should be exciting, especially considering the atmosphere, but the co-feature between Malignaggi and N’dou will be a bona fide snooze-fest.

May 31: HBO Pay-Per-View
Shane Mosley vs. Zab Judah: 9
Jorge Barrios vs. Rocky Juarez: 6
Jeff Lacy vs. TBA: ?
Abner Mares vs. TBA: ?
–This is one of those cards that belongs on regular HBO, but alas, it will be on PPV. Mosley and Judah both have exciting styles–they love to hit and they get hit–so expect that one to be very fascinating. Both are very talented, quick and hard punchers. Barrios-Juarez is nothing special, but it should be a decent scrap, as Barrios loves to throw even if Juarez doesn’t. Lacy and Mares have exciting styles, but they don’t have opponents yet–so they’ll probably end up fighting a couple of bums.

I’ll post regularly when more exciting fights are draw near, particularly the Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito fight tentatively scheduled for July 26, and that fight is the only one in the foreseeable future that would earn a 10 on the excitability scale.

The Biggest Homer Ever

From time to time, it’s important to point out that sometimes our commentators in the world of sports aren’t exactly impartial in their call of the game. Homerism is a fact of life, no matter the country and no matter the sport. Most of you probably think you’ve seen the most blatant homerism already (from Wolo, perhaps)…but you’re wrong. So very, very wrong. THIS is the most incredible commentator ever. To set it up: this is the Milan derby - AC Milan vs. Inter Milan - and to say they’re bitter rivals would be an understatement. The gentleman on the call here would seem to be an AC Milan fan.

Sweet mercy that is some kind of emotion. Perhaps our guys here aren’t homer enough after all. I’d love to see Pete Pranica do this after the Grizzlies hit a key three-pointer at the end of a game:

“THREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!! THREEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! MIKE MILLER!!!!!!!! MILLLLLLLEEEERRRRRR!!!!!!!! AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!”

Can we get someone on this?

(thanks to Awful Announcing for the find)

Sunday on the Couch

BOXING- Oscar De La Hoya can do a lot for boxing.  He’s such an engaging man and he has done a great job promoting.  Fighters want to join his stable and his card’s because he has the fighter’s interest at heart.  I think fighters would trust him, at least more than any other promoter you can think of.  Go ahead, try to give me one that can be trusted!  Anyway, Oscar has done a great job getting fights that lead to title bouts.  He hasn’t gone the route of Pay-per-view, which gives many more fight fans the opportunity to watch great fights on HBO.  One thing he needs to do is stop fighting!  Oscar has gotten old.

He’s not as quick, unless you want to compare him to Steve Forbes, who he beat by unanimous decision Saturday night in Los Angeles.  He’s planning on a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in September.  HE HAS NO CHANCE.  Watching him fight Forbes was one of the worst fights I’ve seen in a long time.  To see Oscar fight just once a year is probably enough, but I wish it was worth watching.  Saturday night, you had an old former champ fighting a guy that had no interest in winning.  Good luck in September Oscar, but do us a favor- Just stick to the promoting.  You can do a great deal for the sweet science, but getting in the ring isn’t helping. 

Other observations from the fight- 

• I HATE when fighters start to showboat in the ring when they are getting killed.  Was Steve Forbes actually proud of himself that he lasted 12 rounds with Oscar?  It looked like that was all he was trying to do.  Congratulations on the loss.  You looked like an idiot dancing around when you won, arguably, one round.
• When are we done with Larry Merchant?  His “humorous” quips are only funny to him and they take 5 minutes to get the thought across.  His post fight interviews are nothing but laughable.  Please get rid of Larry, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but get Max Kellerman more involved.  It sounds like Lampley wants to hit Larry in the head with the microphone every time he finishes a point.
• I love what Oscar’s doing for boxing, but quit putting Sylvester Stallone in the 2nd row in view of the main camera.  Every time I watch a De La Hoya sanctioned event, I can’t get my eyes off of how terrible he looks.  In Hi-Def, Sly looks like he puts his face on with a spatula!  Can’t imagine what his pillow looks like every morning after he melts at night.

THE DERBY- Big Brown was certainly impressive at the Derby.  He had such a great run, and made it look easy with three-time Derby winning jockey Kent Desormeaux.  After going off at 2-1, I can’t imagine how much of a favorite he’ll be in two weeks at the Preakness.  No horse has captured the triple crown since Affirmed in 1978.  He may have looked great on Saturday, but don’t buy into the “superhorse / triple crown” talk.  We’ve said it each year after the Derby.  It’s been 30 years, so just relax!  Plus, indications are that no other Derby horse will follow Big Brown to Pimlico.  Enjoy that field of unknowns when you try to break it down.  I won some money with Big Brown putting down $40 to win which paid off $136.  My trifecta box didn’t pay out, but was close- Big Brown (1), Denis of Cork (3), Colonel John (6), and Gayego (17).  Ok, maybe it wasn’t that close, but I got 2 of the three in my tri. 

After the race, runner up Eight Belles was euthanized after fracturing both front ankles.  Dr. Larry Bramlage said he had never seen such an injury.  He was also asked if he thought fillies running against colts was a good idea.  He said, “One death is not an epidemic.”  Didn’t know this was the first death in horse racing.  I love horse racing.  It’s fun to wager and it’s great to watch these beautiful beastly animals running with such power.  But when are we going to stop giving horse racing a free pass because we have pretty flowers, pretty hats, pretty people, and pretty drinks that make the event everything but the race?  How far above cockfighting and dogfighting is horse racing?  Really?  These animals are overworked and pushed to the limit so owners and fans alike can buy a few more mint juleps.  Horse racing only exists because of the betting.  We would never watch, or care, if betting wasn’t involved.  There were 55 horse racing deaths between 2004-06.  That’s 55 deaths at one track- Del Mar near San Diego.  The picture alone is hard to look at.

 

The difference between cockfighting and dogfighting and horse racing is that horses aren’t trained to kill.  However, they are trained in a manner that could kill them.  When is Congress going to question horse racing safety?  I guess they’re making too much money on it too.  And this from trainer Larry Jones- “Eight Belles ran the race of her life.  She was glad to do it.”  REALLY?  Glad to run and die?  Glad to be trained hard, run with colts, get slapped on the ass by some tiny fella on top, and DIE?  GLAD TO DO IT?  This is where I have a serious problem.  I am sickened when horse people talk about these animals as if they know what they’re thinking.  These horses have no idea what’s at stake other than a big oat bag when they finish running.  Lesley Visser always referred to the animals thoughts going into a race, although she sometimes looked like she could have been related so maybe she did know.  But how and why do we justify the horse’s thought process on race day?  We treat them as if they are people.  THEY ARE NOT!  If they were, we wouldn’t allow the sport to go on.  What other sport loses an estimated 800 athletes in the USA per year to death?

Other thoughts of the week-

• Why do women’s bathrooms have a lid on the seat?  Is the lid ever raised for anything?  Anything?  It’s time to sell my idea of the one-piece-toilet, soon to be found in women’s bathroom stalls everywhere.
• My favorite quote from Pee Wee’s Big Adventure might be, “GOOD MORNING MR. BREAKFAST!”
• The movie, Italian Job, might have the best 30 minute start of any movie I’ve ever seen.  After the first 30 minutes you can finally take a breath.  But get ready for more action packed excitement.  Besides, how do you not like a movie starring Charlize Theron?
• One skill I take for granted is the ability to swim.  Everyone should learn how to swim.  It won’t take long and you shouldn’t be embarrassed.  It could save your life or someone else’s life some day.  As I always say, “Don’t ever underestimate the power of water.”  Click on the link below to find out more information.
• http://educatelink.localwin.com/Swimming/Memphis.html
• The worst chore ever- cutting grass!  I WILL NEVER DO IT AGAIN!  EVER!
• My NHL pick, the Pittsburgh Penguins, are simply relentless.  With two young stars and a young cast around them, the Pens should be competing for Lord Stanley’s Cup for a long time.  That’s great for the NHL because they are amazing to watch and their offence is spectacular.  The Pens always look like they’re on the powerplay because of their terrific passing.  Can’t wait to watch them hoist the Cup.
• There’s plenty of room on the Tom Thibodaux bandwagon.  I don’t plan on jumping on board.  In case you haven’t heard of him, he’s an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics and he’s apparently the next great head coach.  He’s credited for the Boston Celtics defensive resurgence this season.  You know what else helps?  Having three superstars who never miss their shots!  It sure makes it a lot easier to guard when teams are constantly pulling the ball out of their own basket.  He’s the most overhyped assistant coach since Quin Snyder was at Duke with Coach K.  It earned the Mighty Quin a head coaching job at Missouri.  That sure worked out.  He’s carrying bags, handing out water bottles, and oh yeah, coaching the Austin Toros in the DLeague. 
• Best commercial on TV right now- Beggin Strips.  Can’t get enough of the dog screaming, “BACON!”, as he sniffs through the house.
• Zaza Pachulia is the Julian Tavarez of the NBA.  Cool it down dude!  Seriously.
• If David Archuleta actually wins American Idol, which he probably will, just book the tour now with Miley Cyrus.  No one over the age of 16 would pay anything to see him sing. 
• Please tell me that Dwayne Wade and Star Jones are just friends.  PLEASE!  Dwayne is still one of the smooth guys in all of sports.  Star Jones?  Charles Barkley called her a cougar!  I bet that’s the first time that happened in her life!  Wade did say that they are just friends.  Whew.  Below are Star and Dwayne, Star (Before and After), and Dwayne and his lovely wife. 

   

Along with her weight, I think Star lost her hair too.  Mrs. Wade is still finer.

Those who celebrated birthdays this week- John Daly (42- his liver and lungs are 108), Jay Leno (58), Jessica Alba (27- #1 on my list), Andre Agassi (38), Jerry Seinfeld (53), Michelle Pfeiffer (50- one of the all time great cougars, and maybe top 5 of all time), Uma Thurman (38- one of the all time overrated cougars EVER), Isiah Thomas (47), Willie Nelson (75- wow, he doesn’t look a day over 87 these days), Stu Appleby (37), David Beckham (33), Christopher Cross (57), Randy Travis (49), George Will (67), and my partner Will Askew (29)

Have a great week everyone!

Thursday Morning

I’m back to blogging after a week and a half in North Carolina visiting my brother and other family (Ed: This is why I’m a Carolina fan, for all two of you who read this and were wondering). While I was there, I had a wonderful time, went out in Chapel Hill a few times, but unfortunately was not around for Tyler Hansbrough being a Golden God:

Or Bobby Frasor, for that matter:

I was next door at my brother’s frat house, though, and had a great time watching 18-22 year old girls prance around in bikinis at his fraternity’s Beer Slide Party. Although I did not participate in the aforementioned Beer Slide, it looked like fun.
I guess Buzz Bisinger won’t be reading this. EXPLICIT LANGUAGE ON THIS VIDEO:

That was from Costas Now the other night on HBO (obviously). As for my opinion on this matter, it would be pretty hypocritical of me to sit here and criticize bloggers, because what I do is the same thing in a different medium. Despite the fact that a lot of these blogs are extremely mean-spirited, I enjoy them. Buzz, I think, made a couple of huge mistakes in his argument. First of all, I think he lumps bloggers and commenters on their blogs together, which is irresponsible and incorrect. Secondly, I think he fails to realize that I have just as much right to an opinion as he does. Obviously, I am not as qualified to give the opinion as he is, his being a sports columnist and author or whatnot, but I still have a right to my opinion. Just a fantastic clip, and you gotta feel for Braylon Edwards, who may have fired his agent today.

We had Caleb Campbell on the show yesterday in the 5:00 hour, and what a terrific kid he is. The guy was interviewed by ESPN when he was drafted, but Dan Patrick a couple of days ago, but sounded as happy to be on the air with three dudes from Memphis as he was to be on with the big timers. Detroit got a great kid, whom I hope turns into a good football player.