Sunday, Monday, and part of Tuesday on the Couch!

After a touch of the “Tunica flu” on Monday, I’m back after being on the couch the last couple of days.  It was a great time over the weekend.  Friday night, Tunica National hosted a glow-in-the-dark scramble.  Except for the mosquitoes, it was a wonderful event.  It always is a lot of fun.  If you ever have a chance to participate in one, make sure you take advantage of it.  Also, make sure to bring a lot of bug spray!

Saturday was Mike Miller’s golf tournament and gala.  The tournament was also at Tunica National (you’d think I’d dominate the course by now).  Everyone had a blast and with the turnout, it was evident what Mike meant to the community.  We wish him the best of luck in Minneapolis.

Summer league means nothing in the NBA except for a chance to see the draft picks play in the Grizzlies uniform.  If you’ve seen any of the games, you have probably already fallen in love with OJ Mayo.  He has been spectacular and has provided the fans in Las Vegas the top three highlights thus far in Summer League.  He has also filled the arena in Las Vegas with fans donning his old USC jersey.  It will be nice to see fans around the league wearing a Grizzlies jersey for the first time.  I can’t wait for November.

I have been a Braves fan for the past few years.  I respect the organization and enjoy watching them play.  But I am taking a step back after they signed my least favorite player of all time- Julian Tavarez.  What are they thinking?  He has never been a team player and is only a hot head.  That’s not a good mix for a team that’s trying to climb back into the race.

TMZ posted pictures of Carrie Underwood at the beach last week.  To that I say thank you TMZ!  You should thank me for posting them here!

Will anyone ever get over the rubber balls on Wipeout?  Does anyone even watch Wipeout?

Whatever happened to Yakov Smirnoff?  I’ll tell you.  He’s been doing his standup routine in Branson, Missouri, at an 800 seat theatre since June 2005.  He’s a former roommate of Andrew Dice Clay.  His famous line in Branson is, “I’ve gone from red to redneck.”  Oh, that Yakov has always been a barrel of laughs.  WHAT A COUNTRY!

Am I the last person that has ever seen Sky Surfing?  It’s amazing!

If you ever have the opportunity to watch a little late night television on Sunday night, check out the Oxygen Network.  Talk Sex with Dr. Susan is maybe one of the most comical shows on television.  It appears every Sunday night at 11pm central.  When you watch, just imagine that she is your grandmother.  How embarrassing!  She’s amazing and I guess she’s seen and done it all.  It’s pretty sick to think of that, but I guess good for her.  Watch the show.  You’ll thank me.

What even more embarrassing is this guy!

 

It’s sad to think that one day he was the King of Pop!

If you’re a country music fan, and more importantly, a Darius Rucker fan (Hootie and the Blowfish), you need to check out his new single, Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.  Darius performed at the Grand Ole Opry last week, and will release his debut country CD in the fall.

WEEKLY DISH

Lou Holtz going back to Notre Dame

Lou Holtz will be honored with a life-size statue near Notre Dame Stadium. – Pioneer Press

Jose Canseco KO’d!

The disgraced former major leaguer was knocked down to the mat by former Philadelphia Eagle Vai Sikahema in the first round of a celebrity boxing match in Atlantic City. The 5-foot-9 Sikahema, who’s 45 and works these days as a sportscaster, swarmed the 44-year-old Canseco, who stands 6-foot-4, as soon as the opening bell sounded. He knocked the admitted steroid user down twice before the fight was stopped. Sikahema donated $5,000 of his winnings to the family of a slain Philly cop. The fans booed as Canseco entered the ring.

Yanks radio voice called out for foul behavior

Yankees radio announcer John Sterling is being called out for foul behavior in the stadium’s press dining room. “Sterling has made a habit of walking over to the dessert table and dipping his finger into the ice cream barrel,” one stadium worker told us. During the Boston series, “He wandered over to the cake and pie section, broke off a piece of a cake slice, ate it and wiped his grimy hands on the linen tablecloth, leaving the remainder of the slice for someone else to eat,” the spy said. A team spokesman said the Yankees “know nothing about it.” – NY Post

Bartolo Colon leads MLB’s all ugly team

Major League Baseball’s all ugly team for 2008 from comedy.com: Pitcher Bartolo Colon (Red Sox), Catcher Sal Fasano (Indians), First Base: Miguel Cairo (M’s), Second Base Damion Easley (Mets), 3B Edwin Encarnacion (Reds), SS Jack Wilson (Pirates), LF Chris Duncan (Cards), CF Cody Ross (Marlins) RF Ben Francisco (Indians), DH David Ortiz (Red Sox) – Comedy.com

Drew Barrymore splits from Justin Long

Access Hollywood- Drew Barrymore is ready to reboot her love life - the actress has split from Justin Long, according to Us Weekly. A rep for the actress confirmed the split, however, a source close to Barrymore added the two “are still friends.”

Jessica Simpson ‘deeply hurt’ by Pam

MSNBC- Her sassy message tee (”Real Girls Eat Meat”) may have sparked tensions, but Jessica Simpson never expected to be branded a “bitch and a whore” by Pamela Anderson. According to The Sun, Jessica was ready to “go after” the former “Baywatch” babe when she learned of the low-blow comments Pam delivered to an Australian radio station. “She was deeply hurt and upset at the comments,” an insider told the paper. “She is disgusted at Pamela’s remarks and fully intended to go after her, until her family made her see sense,” the source explained. “Her folks told her not to make a big deal of it - as that would only get Pamela the press she’s so desperate for.”

No Brandon, but Nat’s back at the Peach Pit on ‘90210′

The Associated Press- It seems Jason Priestley will not be returning to the halls of West Beverly as Brandon Walsh. “I think I sort of ran the gamut with Brandon - 249 episodes” Priestley told “Access Hollywood”. While he declined the offer, he may return behind the scenes - as a director. Joe E. Tata is cooking again in the role of Peach Pit diner owner Nat for the new incarnation of “Beverly Hills 90210.” The drama debuts Sept. 2.

X-Rated Lives of Women — At Work?

ExtraTV- As cybersex skyrockets in popularity it seems that men aren’t the only ones checking out risqué websites. In a recent poll, “Extra” found that a surprising 9.4 million women access porn sites each month — one in three visitors to porn sites is female. Even more shocking: 13% have admitted to logging on to XXX sites at their workplace!

Birthdays Last Week: Satchel Paige (102), Ralph Sampson (48), Lisa Leslie (36), Michelle Kwan (28), Ringo Starr (68), Kevin Bacon (50), Trent Green (38), Brian Dennehy (69), Courtney Love (44), Fred Savage (32), Jimmy Smits (50), John Tesh (56), OJ Simpson (61), Tom Hanks (52), Jake Lamotta (87), Arthur Ashe (65), Andre Dawson (54), Leon Spinks (55), Rod Strickland (42), Richie Samboro (49), Sela Ward (52), Yul Brynner (93), Milton Berle (100), Paul Silas (65), Cheryl Ladd (57), Kristi Yamaguchi (37), Richard Simmons (60), Spud Webb (45), Cheech Marin (62), Harrison Ford (66), Michael Spinks (52), ME (36)

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 peak of what’s coming up this week in Tunica:

July 17 - 20	Thrillusions “Magical Rock Concert Masquerade” Featuring Award-Winning Magician James Brandon	Harrah’s	901-525-1515
July 18 - 19	Broadband	Bally’s	800-382-2559
July 18 - 19	Gypse Rose	Resort’s Tunica	866-676-7070
July 18 - 19	Big Fun	Resort’s Tunica	866-676-7070
July 19	Paul Revere and the Raiders	Sam’s Town	800-456-0711
July 24 - 27	Thrillusions”Magical Rock Concert Masquerade” Featuring Magician James Brandon	Harrah’s	901-525-1515
July 25 - 26	Triplthret	Bally’s	800-382-2559
July 25 - 26	Gypsy Rose	Resort’s Tunica	866-676-7070
July 26	Fight at The Fitz	The Fitz	800-766-5825

Mark September 13^th on your calendar!  Ron White will be performing at Harrah’s that night and you don’t want to miss “Tater Salad”.

Don’t forget Mid-South Golfer the Radio show live in Tuinca this week at Tunica National Golf and Tennis Club from 3-4pm.  The Sports Bar follows from Tunica National from 4-6pm. 

 

Join us for the 3 Person Scramble Thursday at 5:15pm.  Call 866-TEE-OFF1 for more information or go online at www.tunicanational.com.  See you there. 

Talk to y’all this week.

Referee Donaghy made not have acted alone

NBA Commissioner David Stern may have jumped the gun when he called former NBA Referee Tim Donaghy a “Rogue, Isolated Criminal”. The problem with the statement is that Donaghy, who faces up to 33 months in prison after pleading guilty to felony charges of taking cash payments from gamblers, may not have acted alone. Fox News reported Monday that Donaghy made more than 100 phone calls to fellow referee Scott Foster at the same time he was providing information to gamblers during the 2006-07 season.
Citing court documents and phone records Fox News reports Donaghy made exactly 134 phone calls to Foster from October 2006 to April 2007, the same time period he confessed to gambling on games, or providing information about games to gamblers. Coincidence? The only person Donaghy placed calls to more often during that same time period was Thomas Martino, the reported middle man between the referee and a bookie named James Battista. And if you think one referee calling another referee is commonplace, think about this, after the 134 calls to Foster, the next highest volume of phone calls made to a fellow referee by Donaghy was 13. And most importantly, the calls were short in duration and happened just before or after games in which Donaghy refereed. (Hey Tim did you get the bet in? Yea, A C-Note on the Mavs…right?)
This is potentially damaging for several reasons, most notably, it brings a second referee into the conversation, and it also makes Stern look incredibly gullable. Was he not given all the information? Did he know all along but was hoping the news wouldn’t get out? And why can’t the public now not think that if there are two referees involved, can’t there be 3 or 4 or more?
Pandora’s box was opened by Donaghy, now the news could be even more crippling. Let’s hope for the sake of the game that Donaghy and Foster were playing music trivia, or giving each other a pregame pep talk.

The Greatest Moments in Yankee Stadium History

With the All-Star game being seen by many as the last hurrah for Yankee Stadium, I figured this would make a great Friday 5 at 5. But I quickly learned it was way too hard to limit it to 5, and even if you did, the closest to a baseball game you might come would be a heartwarming speech. As I see it, no list is complete with less then these 15 moments.

“The House that Ruth Built” April 18, 1923 - Who else but Babe Ruth would hit the Stadium’s first home run, and who else but the Red Sox would it be against? The Babe opens the world’s largest ballpark in style with a 3rd inning blast to the right field bleachers as part of a 4-1 win.
“The Unbreakable Record” September 30, 1927 - Babe Ruth breaks his own record, hitting his 60th home run of the season into the right field bleachers. The unbelievable tally is more then any team in the AL hit.
“Win One for the Gipper” November 10, 1928 - With Notre Dame trailing 6-0 at halftime, Knute Rockne delivers the most famous speech in college football history. The Fightin’ Irish rally to win one for the Gipper, beating the unbeaten Cadets 12-6.
“The Brown Bomber Strikes” June 22, 1938 - In the heart of the depression, a black American faces the pride of Nazi Germany. Joe Louis knocks out Max Schmeling just over two minutes into the first round.
“The Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth” July 4, 1939 - In the middle of a doubleheader, the Yankees hold Lou Gehrig day, where Gehrig delivers the most famous speech in sports history.
“The Game of the Century” November 9, 1946 - Two time defending national champion Army against the team who would win the next two national championships, Notre Dame. The only game to ever include 4 Heisman Trophy winners ends in a scoreless tie in possibly the greatest game in college football history.
“The Original Tape Measure Home Run” May 30, 1956 - Mickey Mantle comes closer then anybody else ever had before or has since to hitting a home run out of Yankee Stadium. Mantle’s long ball off of Pedro Ramos hit the right field facade, missing leaving the stadium by just 18 inches. The ball is estimated to have travelled over 600 feet if it hadn’t hit the facade. Mantle went on to win the Triple Crown at the end of the season.
“The Imperfect Man Who Was Perfect for One Day” October 8, 1956 - Don Larsen is surprised to be starting Game Game 5 of the World Series for the Yankees, but goes out and has the game of a lifetime. After Dale Mitchell strikes out for the 27th straight out, Yogi Berra leaps into Larsen’s arms to celebrate.
“The Greatest Game Ever Played” December 28, 1958 - Tied at 17 after regulation, the Colts and Giants play the first sudden death overtime in NFL history. Alan Ameche dives in from 1 yard out to give the Colts a
23-17 win in what has come to be known as the greatest game in NFL history.
“61 in 61″ October 1, 1961 - Roger Maris breaks the unbreakable record, hitting his 61st homer of the season into the same seats Babe Ruth had smacked his 60th into 34 years earlier.
“Mr. October is Born” October 18, 1977 - Reggie Jackson is walked on four pitches in his first plate appearance. He would only see three pitches the rest of the game, and deposit all three in the outfield seats. Jackson’s third homer is the first to reach the black hitters background in the newly remodeled Yankee Stadium. The 8-4 win clinches the Yankees first World Series title in 15 years.
“Brett Goes Crazy” July 24, 1983 - George Brett hits what seems to be a go ahead homer for the Royals with two out in the 9th inning to give the Royals a 5-4 lead. Home plate ump Tim McClelland rules the pine tar was too high up Brett’s bat and declares Brett to be the 27th out of the game, sending Brett sprinting out of the dugout straight for McClelland. Brett would be tossed, but the ruling was
eventually overruled, and the Royals won 5-4 anyway.
“A 12 Year Old Gets His 15 Minutes” October 9, 1996 - Derek Jeter’s 8th inning hit gets helped into the stands by 12 year old fan Jeffrey Maier. The HR helps lead the Yankees to win the game, series, and the team’s first World Series in 18 years.
“It’s Like Deja Vu All Over Again” July 18, 1999 - Don Larsen threw out the 1st pitch to help celebrate Yogi Berra Day at the Stadium. Berra hands the ball to Joe Girardi who passes it to batterymate David Cone. Cone then throws just 88 pitches in retiring all 27 Montreal Expos for the 16th perfect game in MLB history.
“Aaron Bleeping Boone” October 16, 2003 - Aaron Boone sends Tim Wakefield’s 11th inning screwball into the left field seats to end Game 7 of the ALCS.

Why Josh Hamilton is My Favorite Baseball Player

Josh Hamilton is my favorite baseball player.

It’s not because he is a phenomenal talent, although he is–he leads the major leagues in RBIs, has hit 20 homers including a two-run walkoff shot off of the best closer in the game last night, and is hitting over .300. It’s because he was a crack addict.

Josh Hamilton was the #1 overall pick in the MLB Draft back in 1999 ahead of Josh Beckett, Barry Zito, Ben Sheets, and Brian Roberts. He was a blue chip prospect until injuries and drug addiction derailed his career. He didn’t play baseball from 2002 until 2006. Last year, he played with the Cincinatti Reds, and then was traded to the Texas Rangers, where this season he is playing MVP-caliber ball.

There are a lot of similarities between Josh Hamilton and Roy Hobbs. Josh Hamilton hit .556 his senior year of high school and was 7-1 with a 96 mph fastball. He was the Natural. Then, much like Roy Hobbs, his career took a tragic turn. Hobbs was shot. Hamilton was addicted to crack. Both came back.

To understand the depths to which Josh Hamilton sank, you need to read the article he wrote in ESPN the Magazine last year. To sink as far as he sunk and to return as spectacularly as he has is simply remarkable.

The tattoo sleeves on his arms serve as a constant reminder to Josh Hamilton of where he was a couple of years ago. He’s a beacon for everyone battling adversity in their lives–hey, if he can battle back from that, then my problems don’t seem so bad. Here’s hoping he sticks around a long, long time.

Tuesday Ramblings

After taking a week off last week MTR is back strong this week with thoughts I’ve had while awaiting the season finale of “Hell’s Kitchen.”

I was off last week while recovering from my trip to Los Angeles, which was great. I had never been to LA and on the trip out there I was thinking I may never get there(I hate airline delays), but I did make it even if it was 10 hours later than expected. LA is great! The weather is amazing and Hollywood and the surrounding area is as bizarre as I expected. I had a wonderful time out there and can’t wait to get back. The only disappointment on the trip was that I never could find Hell’s kitchen and I so wanted my picture taken there.

A lot has happened since my last post including the wonderful draft night trade of the Grizzlies. I have to admit I didn’t think they’d get anything done, but kudos to Chris Wallace and gang for finding a way to get the big deal done, something Jerry West struggled with in his Memphis tenure. I really liked Mike Miller as a player and as a person off the court, so I hate to see him go, but he was an asset that had to be used to get OJ Mayo back, and I couldn’t be more excited to see Mayo in a Grizzlies uniform. To be able to add Mayo while also getting rid of Brian Cardinal’s contract and the terrible Jason Collins, made it worth parting with Miller. Speaking of Miller and Mayo, they were both on the show today and you can check out the interviews on the front page under featured audio.

With Mayo, Mike Conley and Rudy Gay, the Grizzlies have a fantastic young three headed monster that should be fun to watch for years to come. The Grizzlies aren’t going to be a playoff team next season, but they should be much more entertaining to watch. I also would like to see the Grizzlies more active in the free agent market, especially with Josh Smith out there, but they want to save the money for next year. I hope that move pays off.

The thing to remember about Mayo is that this is what he has been groomed for since about the seventh grade. He has been a star since then and all the stops along the way were just steps towards his arrival in the NBA. He should not have any trouble adjusting to the NBA life on or off the court, I think he’ll be very good. Heck, he told us today he’s gotten advice on the adjustment to the NBA from Lebron, Chris Paul, and Dwayne Wade, that’s the basketball community this kid rolls in and that bodes well for his future.

I was asked a lot over the last day about the Brewers getting CC Sabathia and whether, as a Cubs fan, I was worried. I told everyone that, while I thought it was a great move for Milwaukee, I still thought the Cubs were the better team and that they were still targeting Rich Harden as a possible trade target. Well, low and behold, the Cubs wasted no time in getting a deal done for Harden as they made the move today. In polls of hitters around the American League, Harden’s name has always come up as having some of the best stuff in the game, but he has had injury problems. If he can stay healthy, the Cubs got themselves a steal and a rotation of Carlos Zambrano, Harden, Ryan Dempster and Ted Lilly is pretty nasty come playoff time. With Alfonso Soriano returning soon, I will say again, if they stay healthy, the Cubs will win the NL Central by at least eight games. The other thing I like about Harden over Sabathia is that Harden’s contract includes a team option at $7 million for next year, Sabathia is a free agent after the season who, in all likelihood, will not be back in Milwaukee next season.

I’ve said enough about my feelings on Brett Favre in the past so I won’t get into that current saga. As far as I’m concerned it’s just more of Brett being Brett. It’s ridiculous!

Anyway, have a good week.

5th and 1

I hate ESPN. Don’t you? Let’s think about this: what other network could have its head so far up three cities’ backsides that it can’t navigate its way out?

The three cities being referenced are, of course, Dallas, Boston, and (everybody together now) New York. Being from Negadelphia, I obviously have some biases towards each; the Cowboys, the fans that don’t like their teams until they start to win, and New York is New York.

Now, before I go on about my original subject, let’s discuss each city and its downfalls in order, starting with Dallas.

Dallas sucks. You know it, I know it, everyone knows it. Not only is it wedged in a state whose residents expect credit for producing George W. Bush (not for or against him, but he’s from Connecticut), but it’s also a state more divided than Europe during WWII.

Even more obnoxious is how the Dallas Cowboys were labeled “America’s Team” during the 90’s and early 2000’s. Is this even remotely correct? After a short Google or Wikipedia search, one can discover that “Columbia’s Team” is a more appropriate title. Michael Irvin is the most notable blow user, but four other teammates were also found in possession of cocaine.

And where does Mr. Irvin work now? Oh! I know! On ESPN’s NFL Countdown. Hey, doesn’t Emmitt Smith work there too? Don’t even get me started on how Terrence Newman has been the only NFL player brought in to talk about his team this season.

Now to Boston. Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics. All teams who are winning pretty regularly, minus the Sox as of late. However, any “fan nation” for which you have to pay to be a member, is 100% b.s.

Anyone in Memphis have to be a Tigers or Grizz fan?! Does anyone, anywhere else have to pay to be a fan? NO! And this whole publicity money making shinanigan didn’t start until AFTER the Red Sox won their first World Series after so many years that your Grandmother was wrinkle free and didn’t need Tupperware to keep her meds straight.

Another reason to hate Boston: Tom Brady and Bill Belichek. Should I continue?

Finally, New York. I throw up a bit in the back of my mouth whenever I think about this city. Mets pull off the most memorable collapse in recent baseball history last year (thanks Willie Randolph!) and can’t win this year after acquiring dominant ace Johan Santana.

Johan plus Pedro. I thought about this during the off season and pretty much chalked up the East to them. But, thanks to a lackluster first half, and a classy dismissal of firing Willie Randolph, the Mets sit in third place in the NL East, keeping above the Washington Nationals.

And, as if another reason is needed, the Yankees. Hank Steinbrenner, Derek Jeter, A-Rod. A loudmouth who doesn’t know when to shut up, a 30 year-old who makes 30 million a year and still wears gloves made by Asian workers, and a dude who cheats on his gorgeous wife with Madonna. End of story.

And, in brief, these are the cities ESPN is obsessed with. As mentioned, Terrence Newman is the only player of any team to come and discuss the upcoming season and, to kill two birds with one stone, a series between the 3rd place Yankees and 2nd place Red Sox was covered more than the true story, the Tampa Bay Rays.

Watch Fox Sports.

Sunday on the Couch!

What a weekend it was in sports and a great birthday for America.  This week’s BLOG centers around both celebrations.  We’ll start with the sports:

Is swimming the only sport that will be going on in the Olympics?  That’s all I keep seeing!  And how many swimming events are there?  I did enjoy the Dara Torres story- 41 years old, still looking great, and still swimming exceptionally well.  She’ll be participating in her 5^th Olympiad.  Simply amazing! 

 

   

Just to remind you- SHE’S 41!  Might register as an all time Cougar!

 

GO Lolo Jones- my favorite track and field competitor.

 

It was an incredible weekend in tennis.  On Saturday, the Williams sisters staged their 7^th Grand Slam matchup, with Venus defeating Serena for the second time in seven tries.  The sisters went on to win the doubles title later in the day for their 7^th Grand Slam Title,  Let’s review the numbers- Venus has 16 Grand Slam victories (5 Wimbledon, 2 US Opens, 7 Doubles, 2 Mixed Doubles).  Serena has 17 Grand Slam Titles (2 Wimbledon, 3 Australian Opens, French Open, 2 US Opens, 7 Doubles, 2 Mixed Doubles).  That’s 33 Grand Slam Titles between the two!  WOW!

 

As for the men, it was the best final I have ever seen.  Heck, when John McEnroe and Bud Collins both say the same thing, I feel pretty confident saying it.  It was great tennis and it has developed a great rivalry that the sport desperately needs.  It was great that Rafael Nadal finally broke through at Wimbledon.  It would be just as nice to see Roger Federer do the same at the French Open.  Plus, for those complaining about the length of the championship, pipe down!  It was riveting stuff with plenty of drama.  Wimbledon is played out the way all sports should be played out- with a winner determined by playing the game.  It happens in hockey, football, baseball, golf, and every other sport except for soccer.  To determine a champion in the sports biggest finale by a shootout is ridiculous.  That’s why soccer is still awful to watch.  You play 90 minutes of the great game to finish with a shootout?  It makes no sense.  It’s like the Super Bowl being determined by a field goal contest, or baseball with a homerun derby, or hockey with a shootout, or tennis with a serve contest, or golf with a putting contest.  Sorry soccer fans, your sports still sucks!

 

John McEnroe is a terrific analyst.  His insight into the game and the individual players is terrific.

 

The replay in tennis is crazy.  It drives me nuts to see the computer generated replay.  It’s like football and basketball replay being determined by XBOX simulations.  Why can’t they have the BizHub tennis vision like they have for swings in golf?  That thing is remarkable.

 

So, Tim Thompson is going to stop helping the kids, which was his dream after “stepping down” as a high school football coach.  Now he says he wants to return to coaching next year at the college level?  He was a horrible cheater in high school!  What college wants to take on that responsibility?  Good luck Tim.  I’m sure he’ll weasel his way into some job before getting fired for unethical conduct.

 

Ted Lilly of the Cubs is the ultimate definition of “Crafty Lefty”.

 

July 4^th was an exciting holiday again.  It made me think of my top 5 American Songs- with America, American, or USA in the title.  Here’s my list:

1. America the Beautiful (Ray Charles)
2. God Bless America (Celine Dion or Kate Smith)
3. Coming To America (Neil Diamond)
4. American Girl (Tom Petty)
5. Proud to be an American (Lee Greenwood)

That is probably too low for Greenwood, but I love that Tom Petty song!

As far as the fireworks were concerned, I watched the Memphis Mud Island display on the river Friday night.  It was pretty spectacular.  One thing we had that the other great displays around the country didn’t have was a tic-tac-toe firework.  It was a great touch.

 

The Boston Pops celebration was the best that I watched.  The music fit the fireworks to perfection.  Their highlight was a big smiley face firework which was pretty special.

 

The New York Macy’s celebration was very good, and grand, but the presentation wasn’t as good as Boston.  Their highlight was a filled half circle firework.  I had never seen that one before.

 

CBS had Craig Ferguson hosting their celebration.  Why?  I can’t believe the man is still on the air.  For those who don’t know, he hosts the late night show on CBS.

 

We had a mishap in our own celebration Friday night when my face almost got blown off by an M80 Blackjack.  Thanks to World Renowned Chef and the Executive Chef at FedExForum, Mark the Chef, I faced that Blackjack square in the explosion.  It also didn’t help that I had fallen down and rolled right towards it.  But from my youth, I remembered to tuck and roll, which led me to safety!

 

While being off on Friday the 4^th was nice, the television selection was putrid.  At one point in the afternoon, I had to choose from the following: Norbit, Galaxy Quest, House Party, Hot Shots, The Hot Dog Eating Contest, Jerry Springer (Midget Madness), Thursday’s Tennis, Popeye the Movie, Psychic Kids, and replays of Thursday’s Olympic Swimming Trials.  What a dilemma!  I chose to get a few movies on demand for the weekend:

-          Semi-Pro (very good, but like most Will Ferrell movies, I need to see it again to love it)

-          Strange Wilderness (very funny parts- good to watch late at night)

-          Super High Me (interesting documentary with comedian Doug Benson)

-          Untraceable (DO NOT watch late at night or with a significant other, unless you DO want her to be scared.  Very good movie)

  

WEEKLY DISH

 

Ex-Nebraska star Peter lost half-million on drugs and girls

Former Nebraska Husker Jason Peter asked how much money he lost while addicted to drugs: “I’m not a guy who gets on a computer every day and checks. It’s at least, through all the hookers and all the drugs, at least half a million dollars. It could be close to a million. I’m paying for $500 or $1,000 worth of cocaine or heroin at one time. For some of the girls, I could use my credit card.” – Omaha World-Herald

 

Save the Snakes!

Pamela Anderson, honorary PETA director, just auctioned off her 2000 Dodge Viper RT/10 for $65,000 in order to help save snakes. The money from the sale will raise awareness about the inhumane treatment of snakes.

 

More Pam- Is Jessica Simpson a Skank?

While some think Jessica Simpson’s Real Girls Eat Meat T-shirt was intended as a jab at Tony Romo’s veggie-loving ex, Carrie Underwood, it’s Pamela Anderson who’s angry. She spoke to an Australian radio show about Jess’s fashion choice and didn’t hold back. “I think she is a bitch and whore,” Pam said. As for the shirt, “Actually, I don’t know if she was talking about food or men.”

 

Pete Wentz talks sexual rebellion
Father-to-be Pete Wentz is comfortable kissing and telling about the ones who came before his new wife Ashlee Simpson, especially the guys. In an interview with Out magazine, the Fall Out Boy bassist discussed his possible bisexuality. “When I said that I make out with dudes, there was a slight sense of sexual rebellion in that.” Pete credits his earliest “experiments” to teenage dares.” He said he hasn’t shared a same-sex kiss in the last seven years.

 

Haysbert thinks his ‘24’ role helped Obama

Dennis Haysbert likes to believe his portrayal as the first African-American U.S. president on Fox’s “24” may have helped pave the way for Barack Obama.

“If anything, my portrayal of David Palmer, I think, may have helped open the eyes of the American people,” said the actor.

 

Eddie Murphy says no more movies
“Meet Dave” might be Eddie Murphy’s last big-screen role. The comedian told “Extra,” “I have close to 50 movies and it’s like, why am I in the movies? I’ve done that part now. I’ll go back to the stage and do stand-up.”

 

Venezuela TV punished for airing ‘Simpsons’

The Associated Press- Venezuelan regulators are forcing a local TV station to show public service announcements as punishment for broadcasting “The Simpsons” during a time slot reserved for children’s programs. The channel yanked the animated hit from its lineup in April after regulators said its 11 a.m. showing violated broadcast rules intended to protect young viewers. “The Simpsons” returned to the air at night, and was replaced in the morning with “Baywatch Hawaii.”

 

Evert and Norman Hitched in Bahamas

Tennis star Chris Evert and golfer Greg Norman said “I do” in an island ceremony in the Bahamas last weekend. The 53-year-old pair celebrated their nuptials with a sunset wedding in front of 140 guests.

 

Arguably the best looking 50+ folks in the world!

 

Madonna and A-Rod?

The next issue of OK! Magazine contains a story that claims Alex Rodriguez and Madonna are (maybe) having an affair. OK! has learned the pop superstar and baseball great have been hanging out for months, as her relationship with her hubby [Guy Ritchie] fizzled. Madonna has denied the rumors. Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez are expected to file for divorce on Monday. Cynthia Rodriguez, reportedly, has been “staying” with Lenny Kravitz this week in Paris.

 

Driving and Talking Banned

As of Tuesday, it is illegal in California to drive and talk on a cell phone without a hands-free device.

 

Fans are asked to treat Chiefs games like bowling matches

Yahoo.com- The Kansas City Chiefs have a “Fan Code of Conduct,” which is essentially a list of rules that fans have to follow when they’re attending a game at Arrowhead.

Standing and obstructing the view of other fans is number 2 on the list. The Chiefs also have set up a text-messaging system that allows fans to report the situation to the powers-that-be. Maybe this is only the policy until Brodie Croyle improved or is replaced.

 

Birmingham Alabama wants 2020 Summer Games

The mayor of Birmingham, Ala., Larry Langford, is ready to throw the city’s hat in the ring. Langford has started to put together a plan that is designed to interest the International Olympic Committee: A domed stadium plan in Birmingham has been kicked around since 1998, but voters have already turned the proposal down. Langford still wants one, though, and the chance to get the Olympics has put the issue back on the radar. The city is making an assessment of what facilities it would have to build or renovate to bring Birmingham up to Olympic standard. – NY Sun

 

John Daly hits ball of 24-ounce can of beer

On the road to nowhere with significance in his rearview mirror, John Daly made a pit stop last week. He set golf back 100 years in a Buick Open pro-am. With partner Kid Rock dressed in bib overalls and a white T-shirt, Daly wowed the crowd by hitting his ball off a full 24-ounce can of beer. The crowd chanted his name as Daly blasted his Bud ball about 300 yards. Rock used a beer can to bank in a birdie putt. – Dallas Morning News

 

Birthdays this past week: Mike Tyson (42), Pam Anderson (41- and still amazing fake or not), Liv Tyler (31), Jamie Farr (74), Deborah Harry (63), Dan Aykroyd (56), Carl Lewis (47), Lindsay Lohan (22- she could use a man like me to straighten her out.  I volunteer.), Richard Petty (71), Jose Canseco (44), Tom Cruise (46), Montel Williams (52), Jaime Pressley (31- very hot), Geraldo Rivera (65), George Steinbrenner (78), Morganna the Kissing Bandit (61), Al Davis (79), Huey Lewis (58- not much left in the pipes. “Starred” in PBS’ 4^th of July celebration), Fred Dryer (62), Merv Griffin (83), Nancy Reagan (87), Sylvester Stallone (A staggering 62! Stop making Rambo and Rocky films- you’re not fooling anyone!)

 

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 peak of what’s coming up this week in Tunica:

July 26	Fights at The Fitz	The Fitz	800-766-5825
August 2	Ronnie Milsap	Sam’s Town	800-456-0711
August 2	Jypsi	Sam’s Town	800-456-0711
August 2	Tunica Trade Days	Downtown Tunica	662-363-2865

Mark September 13^th on your calendar!  Ron White will be performing at Harrah’s that night and you don’t want to miss “Tater Salad”.

Don’t forget Mid-South Golfer the Radio show live in Tuinca this week at Tunica National Golf and Tennis Club from 3-4pm.  The Sports Bar follows from Tunica National from 4-6pm. 

 

Join us for the 3 Person Scramble Thursday at 5:15pm.  Also, Friday night, Tunica National will host a 4 person Glow-in-the-Dark Scramble.  If you’ve never done it, it’s a must.  You’ll get dinner, drinks, glow in the dark balls, and a whole lot of fun for one low price.  Just call 866-TEE-OFF1 for more information or go online at www.tunicanational.com.  See you there. 

Talk to y’all this week.

 

Food, Wonderful Food.

–Will’s Top 5 Dishes in Memphis: I’ve been toying with writing this for a while, because I love to eat. After much thought and consideration, these are my favorite things to eat at various restaurants in Memphis. I think it merits mentioning that I by no means have eaten at all of the restaurants in Memphis, and am more than open to readers’ suggestions about other dishes that I need to eat.

5. Huey’s Cheese Fries: Steak fries covered in melted cheese and bacon, with green onions on top (although I prefer no onions), with two sides of ranch. Will literally stop your heart or make you feel like you’ve gained 100 pounds just by eating them, but I will never take a trip to Huey’s again without getting these. Just absolutely amazing.

4. Crawfish Mac and Cheese from Cafe 61: Cafe 61 is one of the most underappreciated restaurants in the city of Memphis. It’s located on Second St. right across from the Peabody, and it is delicious. And the best thing on the menu is a side, the Crawfish mac and cheese. Thank you, Chef Derk Meitzler, for combining two of my favorite things in one dish.

3. The Hawaiian Ribeye at Houston’s: I don’t know what it’s marinated in, although I think it is some form of pineapple and something else. Whatever it is, it’s the best steak in Memphis not cooked by my father on his grill.

2. New Orleans Pasta at the Half Shell: Bowtie pasta with cajun cream sauce, with red peppers, crawfish, Andouille sausage, broccoli, and Cajun chicken with a roll on the side. Simply amazing. My favorite pasta. Ever. And I love pasta.

1. The Seafood Crepe at Cafe 1912: This one went down to the wire. Cafe 1912 is on Cooper at Peabody. Now I admit a bias on this, because one of my best friends is a waitress there. The seafood crepe is a French crepe with scallops and shrimp inside, with cream sauce. If you haven’t figured it out yet, I like French and Cajun food. And this is the best. Heavy enough and rich enough to fill you up, yet light enough to be healthy. Tremendous.

–As I sit here writing this, the Cobra has walked in. Cobra, for religious reasons, could not eat a single dish on my list, unless he got the Huey’s cheese fries without bacon. Bacon is essential. So here are Cobra’s Top 5 Non-Meat Dishes in Memphis:

5. Tilapia at Cafe Toscana

4. Salmon at Irling Jensen’s

3. Salmon Pasta with Grilled vegetables (not the actual name) at Ronnie Grisanti’s

2. Salmon at Ruth’s Chris (the man apparently likes salmon)

1. Cheese Pizza with onions at Pete and Sam’s

So there you go.

Not wanting to be left out, Peter Edmiston has decided to check in with his list. Now, Peter is a bit of a Buffalo chicken lover…in fact, he could eat it every meal and I wouldn’t be surprised. But he surprised me a bit with this list.

Peter’s Top 5 Dishes in Memphis (or thereabouts):

5. Muay Thai Beef at Thai Bistro: “Newish restaurant in the Dirty Dova doing some nice things. Got to be the most flavorful beef you’ll ever eat.” Not to be confused with Muay Thai kickboxing.

4. Filet Mignon at Napa Cafe: “Except for this beef. This beef is incredibly well cooked, and if you haven’t taken your wife or girlfriend to the wine cellar, shame on you. Action will follow.”

3. Jambalaya Pasta at Pearl’s Oyster House: “There are so many different flavors in this dish it’s mind-blowing. But they all work together beautifully. Don’t plan on eating anything the day after. It’s rich. Really rich.”

2. Big John Burger at Big John’s Shake Shack in Marion, Arkansas (!!!!!!!???): “I don’t think Will expected anything from Marion. This is the best burger in the Mid-South, bar none. This place does so much business, they can close at 7 every night. It’s like…just incredible. Crazy good.”

1. Lamb Meatballs/Garlic Naan at Bombay House: “I could eat a million of these things. The tomato and butter sauce the meatballs are served in is extraordinarily flavorful…but the trick is to take the garlic naan (amazing Indian flat bread) and sop it in the sauce after you eat the meatballs. Just a beautiful dream.”

We’re still waiting on the rest of the Sports 56 staff’s list, although I’m sure Mr. B’s, Mortimer’s, and Itta Bena will be prominently featured. And Corky’s.

–Please, you people (as Jerry West would say), be safe this holiday weekend. Don’t boat or drive drunk.

Give me a break Brett!

So by now you have likely heard the rumblings that Brett Favre may want back in the NFL. I should not be surprised by this move having been repeatedly ridiculed by my radio partner Eli Savoie for actually believing Favre was truely serious about ending his career. Now comes word that upon the urging of family members he has an “itch” to play again.

Call me simple for actually believing someone’s word, but this is pathetic. I know everyone has the right to change their mind, but this news can end up being a real bad thing. Think about Favre’s successor Aaron Rodgers who is ready to step in and show the Green Bay Packers that he is quite capable of leading the team. Think of his kids who get Daddy back full time, only to discover dad’s got better things to do. (Let’s remember this is not something he’s doing for the money).

My stance has always been once you retire, you stay retired. Now the meaning of the word has become diluted. Athletes today almost feel a need to retire and return at least once. Reportedly Favre has spoken with Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy but not beyond the preliminary stage. A team spokesperson said the Packers would be reluctant to open the door for Favre because he retired for the right reasons. They also probably feel his return could rock the boat, and who knows what it would do to retard the growth of Rodgers. In addition, Favre’s agent says as far as he is concerned the future hall of famer is retired, unless he hears differently.

The bottom line is I like all that Favre stands for……..He’s dedicated to his craft, he’s a team player with a capital “T”, and he’s a very good family man. Now it’s time for the legend to conclude. A return may look good on the surface, but likely will prove to be a mistake. Remember Michael Jordan’s return?

A bit of advise

A bit of advice, gentlemen: never try to pick up a girl like this. If she doesn’t slap you, I’m sure someone nearby will.

I mean, does this guy really think he’s going to pick up a girl like this? Even Ed Lane isn’t brazen enough to attempt this kind of a pick-up.

I counted at least 54 things wrong in the first sentence. See how well you can do. It’s like Highlights for Kids all over again!