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.