Hell has apparently frozen over....because I have been granted a few days off to take a 3-day weekend vacation to Charlotte, NC! So I'll be blogging minimally while I'm away. But fear not...I will provide Twitter updates throughout the trip and post when I can.
In the meantime....peruse the following nonsense....
***************************
Enjoy the extremely large gallery of Rali Ivanova....she should keep you occupied...
***************************
UC / WVU observations....
1st Half
- 1st and foremost....no mustard suit for Huggs...just a simple blue blazer with black pants.
- Losing Mike Williams to a knee sprain doesn't start things well for the 'Cats...he's a big board-getter.
- Yancy Gates did a good job early taking control of the rebounds in the defensive end.
- Gates looked like a man possessed on the offensive side too...great performance early.
- What a real back-and-forth game it has been so far...very entertaining so far.
2nd Half
- Great start by the 'Cats getting some quick buckets and setting the tone early.
- Gotta love Chuck Machock noting that one of the refs leads the NCAA in fouls and it showed....the officiating was BRUTAL. Technical fouls for no reason, pushing and shoving....as Machock said "you guys really are stinko" (referring to the refs).
- More good defense by Gates in the 2nd half....an impressive night all around for the freshman.
- Deonta Vaughn taking care of business in the 2nd half as well, making some clutch buckets.
- Also happy to admit I was wrong about the fans tonight...they came out in droves and from what I heard on the radio, they were LOUD.
- With more and more UC rebounds...I almost forgot Mike Williams was out of the lineup...which is a great thing (and probably necessary, too).
- What in the world is wrong with the officiating tonight? 3 technical fouls called tonight?? You have got to be kidding me...and the one on Larry Davis (his 5th foul) with less than 2 minutes to go in a 2-point game was just inexcusable.
- And of course it goes down to the very end...but they hold on for a HUGE 65-61 win and keep their NCAA tournament hopes alive.
- Give it up to Yancy Gates....36 minutes....22 points....11 boards.
***************************
Xavier also picks up a much needed road win....they beat St. Joe's 68-54.
***************************
Colts, Jeff Saturday agree on a 3-year deal....Financial terms weren't available, but he is expected to be paid among the top centers in the game. To make the deal work, the Colts put in a lot of money in the contract's first couple years, according to a source.
***************************
Jodie Meeks a finalist for Oscar Robertson Trophy...
Meeks currently leads the Southeastern Conference and ranks fifth in the country in scoring with 25.1 ppg, while shooting 46.8 percent from the field, including 43.0 percent from three-point range. The 6-4 junior is also shooting 89.6 percent from the free throw line. His three-point percentage ranks seventh nationally while his free throw percentage ranks eighth in the country.
***************************
What life looks like as a hot girl....
hat tip to Jeff for the link
***************************
Erin Andrews' sister Kendra....doin it for ya? (TAKE THE POLL ON THE RIGHT)
***************************
Back by popular demand...the RetroTV Power Hour
***************************
FAIL of the day....stripper in training....
***************************
Today's Definition of Duh.....bank robber tells teller "I have a gun, give me all your money," gets cash, leaves bank...but waits outside for police to arrive and promptly gets arrested. The Lancaster County Attorney's office says because his intent was not to steal money, but to go to jail. Genius.
Although the KFC employeeswho believed a prank caller pretending to be corporate who told them to strip off their clothes was actually real....and stripped....is a strong #2 candidate.
***************************
Seinfeld coming back to NBC....kind of...
***************************
Bad news for potheads / night owls in Rome....
***************************
Best artery clogger you'll see today...
A McDonald’s Big Mac with cheese, but with fried McChicken patties instead of buns
***************************
Didn't know there was such a thing as "Speed Window Cleaning Competition." The Speed Competition, which is a Guinness Book of World Records qualifying event, is very regulated as the contestant is required to stand in front of 3 windows each measuring 45 inches square. The difficulty is in the strict competition rules, which state that the participant must clean each window and wipe the sill in the quickest time. There are time penalties deducted for any watermarks left on the glass and the competitor is limited to a maximum squeegee size of 12 inches.
TJ to stay in Cincinnati??
According to the story....sources say there's a 70% chance he'll return to the Bengals in 2009.
**************************
Danneel Harris is vurrrry nice....
BONUS VIDEO TO MATCH!
**************************
Anyone else fired up about tonight....I'm the first to admit that I'm not a hardcore Bearcats fan....but tonight is gonna be something special. Not just because Huggins will be back in the Shoe, but because it's gonna be a great game with two teams fighting for their NCAA lives. Regardless of where you stand on Huggins vs. Cronin or any other storyline, the game is one you're not going to wanna miss. But let's be real...after tonight, can we put everything in the past? Bill Koch agrees...
But can UC avoid the distractions??
**************************
Xavier could use a win too...they're on the road tonight against St. John's....
**************************
Looks like Darryl Blackstock will be back on board in 2009....
**************************
TJ one of the Top 10 most overrated free agents?? So says RealScouts...
As many as eight teams could be in the Housh Hunt come Friday, which will drive up his price. His stock is helped by the relatively weak free-agent class. He has been supremely productive in recent seasons, but he is not a game-breaker. He is smart, an excellent route-runner and a polished receiver with reliable hands. But if a team like the Giants is looking for a replacement for Plaxico Burress, Houshmandzadeh is not that guy. In the right system, for the right money, he's a good pickup. If overpaid and forced into a role he doesn't fit, there will be questions at the end of the season.
**************************
Devan Downey is kinda good at basketball.....and he helped South Carolina down Kentucky. The Game******' (note the default profanity filter won't let me list the team name) special season continued Wednesday with a 77-59 win over Kentucky, the biggest game in Columbia since the program's only SEC East title in 1997.
**************************
Reds drop afternoon game to the Twins....10-4
Reds.com
In his Reds pitching debut, Micah Owings started and threw three scoreless innings with two hits, no walks and two strikeouts. Closer Francisco Cordero took over in the fourth and gave up two earned runs and four hits, including a homer and two infield singles. David Weathers worked a perfect fifth inning. Arthur Rhodes gave up two earned runs on three hits with a walk in the sixth. Mike Lincoln gave up one run and two hits over one inning.
**************************
Nationals fire Rijo for involvment in age-changing scandal....Bowden has to be next....
The Washington Nationals have decided to fire special assistant Jose Rijo and will shut down the team's academy in the Dominican Republic as part of a restructuring of the team's operations in Latin America in the wake of an age-changing scandal involving one of the team's top prospects, several baseball sources have confirmed.
**************************
FireJimBowden.blogspot.com....tremendous....
**************************
Wanna know who's out there for the Bengals to sign....here's the list....
**************************
Braves are lucky to have missed out on Griffey
Sporting News
When the Griffey option vanished, the Braves scrambled and signed veteran outfielder Garret Anderson to a low-risk deal (one season at $2.5 million). By doing that, the Braves added a better player at a better price.
**************************
Today's Definition of Duh....if you're going to have a 12-hour sex orgy....don't guzzle a WHOLE bottle of Viagra...cuz your organs may fail. NO not THAT one, sicko.
**************************
TGIT....Cheerleader of the Week
Name: Allison Michelle Humbert
School: The Ohio State University
Birthdate: October 12, 1987
Hometown: Green, Ohio
Year: Sophomore
Major: Undecided
1. I love Ohio State, but I almost went to: Kent State
2. My favorite class is: Human Development and Family Sciences.
3. Movies I can't live without:How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Dumb & Dumber, RENT, Mean Girls, Radio. I could go on forever!!!
4. Music I can't live without: ALL Country- Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Justin Timberlake, The Beatles...I listen to pretty much anything!!
5. TV shows I can't live without:Grey's Anatomy, ELLEN, Full House, Friday Night Lights
6. One misconception about cheerleaders: That we aren't real athletes. Our season is longer than many other sports and we practice/train just as hard as any other athelete. Not to mention all the injuries cheerleaders have from performing very dangerous skills!
7. My favorite sport is: Basketball & Wrestling. I love the intensity!
8. My favorite professional sports teams are: the Cleveland Cavs & Cleveland Indians
9. My one guilty pleasure is: Coldstone Creamery
10. My best physical feature: my smile :)
11. Strange and unusual fact about me: I used to play the trombone & violin.
12. My friends would be surprised to know that I: used to be obsessed with X-Men & WWF Wrestling when I was younger. (Thanks to my older brother!)
13. Favorite foods: Any kind of pasta, chicken, peanut butter and chips & salsa!
14. Five people I'd like to have dinner with (living or dead): Steve Irwin, Julia Roberts, Ellen DeGeneres, My grandfather Julius Lettrich, and Kelly Ripa.
15. Three people who annoy me: Richard Simmons, Rosie O'Donnell & Andy Dick
16. Next risk I want to take: Scuba-diving! I love the ocean.
17. Typical day: Wake up, class, practice, study, relax with some friends then bed to rest up for the same thing the next day!!
18. I think facial hair on guys is: HOT...but only the scruffy look!
19. If I won the lottery, the first thing I'd buy: Plane tickets to travel around the world! I love vacations!!!
20. Describe the worst date you ever went on: I've been lucky enough to never experience a horrible date!
**************************
Another creative way to clog your heart...
A regular ham and cheese sandwich but topped with 11 sunny-side up egg yolks.
**************************
Idol's Paula Abdul says she doesn't think the 4th judge (Kara DioGuardi) is working out....gee I wonder why that could be? Could it be cuz Kara is way hotter with valuable things to say.....maybe.
**************************
FAIL of the day....
**************************
Montgomery Inn had All-You-Can-Eat Ribs this week....so a few of us decided to stop by after the show....it was good....
**********************************
In case you missed the show today.....here's what we covered (amongst other things)....
- Today at 1:05...it's gonna feel a whole helluva lot more like spring as the first Spring Training Reds game gets underway. Not to mention it's supposed to be a warmer day anyway. We're probably not going to learn anything new or see anything groundbreaking...but it's baseball...and it's back.
- On the topic of baseball, is anyone else annoyed by the World Baseball Classic? I'm not irritated by the event itself, just the timing. Look at the Reds, for example: To take three of perhaps the most important players to the their season (Votto, Volquez, and Cueto), and remove them from team spring training activities is downright stupid. Why not play these games in November or December when an injury wouldn't have MLB regular season ramifications? If anything, it would keep baseball in the forefront during the thick of the NFL season. I just don't get it.
- Bob Huggins will join me today at 11:40am...and it got me to thinking. He's gotta be one of the most popular coaches/managers in Cincinnati sports history, right? Does he top the list? What about the least popular? We'll try
- Speaking of the game tomorrow....put yourself in Mick Cronin's shoes. It's basically a must-win situation for the 'Cats against WVU...with a loss almost officially shutting the door on NCAA Tournament hopes. Home court advantage is huge...and they're gonna need every last ounce of it Thursday night. There's a good chance that with Huggins back in town...the fans won't be as fired up to blast the Mountaineers as they would against, say, Louisville. Mick says he's not concerned with the ceremony / crowd, but what else did you expect him to say?...that he secretly is irritated because the timing of the ceremony may have a negative effect on an extremely important game? What purpose would that serve? None. As P-Doc wrote today, "the game shouldn't be the sideshow...the sideshow should be the sideshow."
- Finally, we'll get to a topic we didn't have time for last week...the songs you need on your iPod to pump iron to. Call in / email with your suggestions.
GUESTS:
9:30am - Brian Redden, Sports Agent (in studio)
11:40am - Bob Huggins
**********************************
The best four words you'll hear today....MEGAN. FOX. IS. SINGLE.
**********************************
Spring Training action gets underway this afternoon...here are the starters:
Reds Lineup:
Willy Taveras cf
Jerry Hairston Jr. ss
Joey Votto 1b
Brandon Phillips 2b
Jay Bruce rf
Edwin Encarnacion 3b
Chris Dickerson lf
Ramon Hernandez c
Jacque Jones dh
Edinson Volquez p
Rays Lineup:
Jason Bartlett SS
Carl Crawford LF
Evan Longoria 3B
Pat Burrell DH
Willy Aybar 1B
Dioner Navarro C
Ben Zobrist 2B
Gabe Gross RF
Fernando Perez CF
Carlos Hernandez P
**********************************
For Mick Cronin...Huggins ceremony will be "unusual."
P-Doc
A team desperately needing a win Thursday will witness its fans honoring the other team’s coach. Every fan attending the game at Fifth Third Arena against West Virginia – aka The University of Huggs! – will receive a placard. One side will be inscribed "Go Bearcats," the other "Thanks Huggs." Schizophrenia never had it this good.
**********************************
FAIL of the day....practical joke gone hilariously wrong...
**********************************
UK amps up Jodi Meeks' National Player of the Year chase...
hat tip to DeWayne for the link/photo
**********************************
Panthers restructure deal on former Bengal
ProFootballTalk.com
**********************************
I'd still pick Aniston over Jolie....
thanks to Tom G. for the photo
**********************************
Say what you want...Weird Al is a clever dude...
**********************************
I WANT SOME GIRL SCOUT COOKIES DAMN IT....I must have missed the 2-hour ordering period or just have been too busy to get my order in (probably the latter). Either way, I'm in dire need of some Carmel Delights and Thin Mints.
**********************************
Hot MMA'er Gina Carano selling her bra on eBay for more that $100 bucks...
“My first MMA fight was with this girl who shouldn’t have been in the cage with me. I ground and pounded her in 39 seconds. It was a good feeling, sure, but you train your butt off for so long, then it only lasts 39 seconds? Kind of like your other first time.“
**********************************
Today's Definition of Duh....you may recall 73-year old Ken Mink who came back to play in his final year of unused NCAA eligibility. But, whoops! He failed spanish class and is declared academically ineligible...so he can't play. In fact, his school was forced to forfeit games he played in.
Although the California school that spends $10,000 per year to teach Spanish class to kids that are already fluent in Spanish has to be a very, very close #2...
**********************************
Coolest light tunnel with 41,000 LED lights you'll see today....
**********************************
Charlotte Jackson is the UK's Erin Andrews.....yes, please....
*************************
Some quick notes on the Reds Spring Training Opener....
From the Reds:
TOMORROW’S GAME AT TB: Will be the 2009 exhibition opener for the Reds and Rays and TB’s first spring training game in its new Charlotte County facility...will be the first spring training game there since the Twins beat the host Rangers, 9-8, on 3/27/02 at Charlotte County Stadium and the Reds’ first visit there since a 4-3 loss to Tex on 3/2/02...Cin’s last scheduled game in Port Charlotte, a split-squad trip on 3/7/02 vs Tex, was rained out...tomorrow afternoon’s game is the first of 5 exhibitions between the clubs (3/14 & 3/29 at Sarasota, 3/18 & 3/28 at Port Charlotte).
ON THE HILL: Scheduled to pitch tomorrow at TB are starters RHP Edinson Volquez, RHP Johnny Cueto and RHP Homer Bailey along with relievers LHP Aaron Fultz and RHP Jared Burton...Thu vs Min, starter RHP Micah Owings will be followed by RHP David Weathers, RHP Mike Lincoln, RHP Francisco Cordero, LHP Arthur Rhodes, RHP Ramon Ramirez and RHP Josh Roenicke...Fri vs Phi, starter RHP Bronson Arroyo will be followed by a combination of RHP Daryl Thompson, LHP Pedro Viola, LHP Daniel Ray Herrera, LHP Matt Maloney and LHP Ron Flores...the travel roster for Sat night’s game at Bos includes starter RHP Nick Masset and relievers LHP Adam Pettyjohn, RHP Sam LeCure and RHP Jeff Kennard...RHP Aaron Harang will start Sun afternoon vs NYY and Bailey Mon afternoon at Pit.
*************************
Huggins says he's focuses on the game
"I'm sure I'm going to feel something," Huggins said Monday. "You look up at that wall and my guys were responsible for a lot of those championships. To say that I'm not going to feel something, I'm sure I will."
- I'll talk with Huggins tomorrow on Mo's show (I'm filling in).
*************************
Baseball for the Wii Generation....
The Reds are using a new pitching machine made by ProBatter Sports. It's basically a pitching machine placed behind a life-sized screen that features a virtual pitcher throwing toward the plate. The ball comes out of a hole in the screen where the projected image of the pitcher's hand is.
*************************
Wow...it only took this long for someone to tell Canseco to "watch his back."
*************************
Either humans evolved from bears...or the bears are really good at acting like humans when the want food...
*************************
The Heff wants Kate Winslett to be in Playboy.....pffft as if we haven't seen those goods before. Still....
*************************
The CW has ordered a new pilot...called Melrose Place...hmmmm where have I heard this before....
*************************
Remember those "Slingbox" things that let you watch your home TV on your computer from anywhere with internet? Well, a quick word to the wise...don't try and use them when you're on a cruise....
*************************
FAIL of the day....Can you hear me? No, I can't hear you....
Although...lighting your head of fire to get rid of lice has to be in at #2.....
*************************
Today's Definition of Duh....if you're going to be dumb enough to smuggle 52 pounds of cocaine into the country, when you get caught (and it will be a when)...it's probably not a good idea to tell police that you "thought you were smuggling diamonds" instead.
*************************
Gotta love Cincinnati Police using "Put your junk in the trunk" as a their new slogan....
Frederica Fontana is an Italian soccer sideline reporter....maybe the MLS could boost ratings by hiring her....I'd watch...
******************************
The Oscars were actually pretty entertaining last night. The Ben Stiller bit where he played Joaquin Phoenix playing Andy Kaufmann was tremendous. And Hugh Jackman did a great job as host too....a million times better than Jimmy Kimmel a few years back. Maybe I'm the only one on the planet who hasn't seen Slumdog Millionaire, but was it THAT good? 8 Oscars...come on...really? Did it even play in Cincinnati? Anybody else love when Jennifer Aniston is on stage, they decide to cut to Angelina Jolie (who was sitting in the first row)...now that was funny. But perhaps my favorite part was the Steve Martin / Tina Fey exchange....the best. I'm usually not a big Oscars guy, but it was good last night.
******************************
The Musketeers finally got back on track...and it only took some home cooking against a team who came into Sunday's game 2-9 in A-10 play. But, Xavier distanced themselves from Thursday's upset at Charlotte behind a balanced attack that overwhelmed George Washington 71-53 before a Cintas Center sellout crowd of 10,250. It was also a big win, since Dayton got upset by Saint Louis...Xavier is now in the conference lead. Bottom line, Sean's guys need to finish out there schedule without any more bad losses (which in the A-10, would be any losses) to avoid slipping into the always dangerous 8-9-10 seed area come selection Sunday.
******************************
It'd be really cool to see the UC Bearcats don an NFL jersey on draft day....and it sounds like they impressed over the weekend....
******************************
Leatherpants in trouble with the FBI......
******************************
Tackle issue is first in line for Bengals
Joe Reedy - Enquirer
<blockquote>"I think our entire offensive football team is in need of some fixing," he said. "As you look at your football team and see where the maturity of it is, the first whack at the apple is free agency and the second whack is the draft, and you go through it in that process."</blockquote>
******************************
Michael Scott leaving The Office???
******************************
Taveras' master plan....get on base....then run.
******************************
Reds taking it slow with A-Gonz....he won't play in intrasquad scrimmage on Tuesday...
******************************
And as for the 5th starting spot....
******************************
FAIL of the Day....A Monster Camry??
Although a chick who fails her drivers test 775 times is a pretty solid #2 candidate.....
******************************
Today's Definition of Duh....Two of Greece's most wanted men have staged a daring helicopter escape from Athens' highest-security prison - for the second time in three years. Fool me once, shame on....you. Fool me...uhhh....you can't get fooled again.
******************************
No one wants to work on a Monday....so don't!! Spend an hour looking back at the best TV Shows/Cartoons from 80's and 90's
******************************
UC loses to Louisville 72-63....and from what I'm hearing from those who were at the game, it wasn't exactly a well-officiated game. And if that is indeed the case, that's sad considering in the 1st half there were 5 ties and 6 lead changes....a close game. Others have said that that 'Cats just couldn't finish....but either way, It's hard to say what a loss like that will do for UC's chances...if the season were to end this weekend, I'd say they're out. But luckily, there are a couple more games on the schedule worth some respect from the selection committee...like West Virginia on Thursday night. They could really use a couple wins down the stretch to help their chances, though.
And as Bill Koch points out....the 'Cats really haven't beaten the teams they'll need to beat in order to compete for Big East Championships...at least not yet. UC’s seven Big East Conference wins are against teams with a combined record of 14-51. They have not beaten a team in the top half of the standings, losing those seven games by an average margin of 14.9 points.
****************************
Did you catch the last episode of Late Night with Conan O'Brien Friday night?? Very cool! He closed out his 16-year run at 12:35 with his final show and it was one of his best...even with a rarely-seen emotional goodbye monologue / thank you segment. It was very well done...I'm looking forward to watching him when he takes over for Leno in June. I am not, however, looking forward to dealing with Jimmy Fallon between now and then.
****************************
Brian Kelly snags a couple of local recruits.....For years, the University of Cincinnati football program has been criticized for not being able to keep the top local talent at home. That might be starting to change with Saturday’s decisions by Lakota West tight end Alex Smith and his high school teammate, offensive tackle Kevin Schloemer, both of whom committed to UC for 2010 after visiting the campus and watching the UC-Louisville basketball game.
****************************
On This Date in Sports History (Feb 22, 1980)....
****************************
This Week in Babes
****************************
Todd Frazier drawing attention at camp
Mark Sheldon, Reds.com
His large 6-foot-3, 220-pound frame doesn't scream "prototypical shortstop" dimensions, but prospect Todd Frazier could be another in the contemporary era of big-sized, big-hitting shortstops.
****************************
Reds SS almost back to full speed
Mark Sheldon - Reds.com
Gonzalez has been working out at nearly full speed since reporting to Reds camp on Tuesday. The only thing he's not doing at 100 percent to this point is running.
****************************
How about them Wildcats...taking care of Tennessee at Rupp Arena on Saturday afternoon. Jodie Meeks scored 14 for the Cats, but was hounded all day by determined Tennessee defenders. The junior guard, who scored 54 points in the teams' earlier meeting this season in Knoxville, missed all seven of his three-point attempts. Meeks had made a three-pointer in every game this season.
Can I just say that I'm officially freaking tired of ESPN360....it could possibly be the dumbest thing ever. Aside from the Crosstown Shootout, the Louisville / UC matchup is arguably the biggest game of the year...maybe even more so. Yet, Saturday afternoon when the team's took the court....all 14 people who actually have access to the "webcast" must've been loving life. Cuz the remaining 98% of the world get shut out. ESPN really ought to let people purchase the right to watch the game...not that I would've shelled out the cash. But to keep people from watching the game at all is just ridiculous.
****************************
A reporter decides that it would be a good idea to ask why Jim Calhoun, a state employee, would take such a high salary when the rest of the state is in such a financial trouble. Calhoun goes ape-sh**
****************************
As the weekend continues, so does the NFL Combine....C. Trent is blogging away from Lucas Oil Stadium....
****************************
Levi Jones a Bengal no more??
Geoff Hobson - Bengals.com
The Bengals probably won't make a move until after the draft. Instead, Lewis on Friday thought back to two and half years ago when the Bengals traveled to Indianapolis for the 2006 preseason finale and finding out that right tackle Willie Anderson had agreed to a contract extension a month after Jones did. Injuries have since driven Anderson to Baltimore and Jones to the brink.
****************************
Connor Barwin's star continues to rise at the Combine...
****************************
Harang looking to put 08 behind him....
****************************
Alex Gonzalez still up, down, up, down...
Hal McCoy - Dayton Daily News
****************************
Your Weekend Pickup Line
AskMen.com
Didn't anyone tell you that you wanted to sleep with me? I thought you knew.
****************************
Your WTF video of the day....
****************************
The best way to clog your arteries you'll see today...Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf With A Layer Of Mac And Cheese
****************************
FAIL of the day....
****************************
Heidi Cornell is a CEO...and is also single....how is that possible when you look like this??
****************************
Today's Definition of Duh.....dumb criminals are always an easy choice. If you're planning on posting a "How-To Grow Pot" video on YouTube....don't forget that police can watch as well. So it's probably not a good idea to use your real name as your user ID.
****************************
Everybody was Cane-Fu Fighting....those old dudes were fast as lightning....
****************************
Fast Food Ads vs. Fast Food Reality....awesome site....
Taco Bell Nachos Bell Grande
Ad
Reality
****************************
Best Car Commercial you'll see this weekend
****************************
If you see Kelly Monaco this weekend....tell her she's hot...
*************************************
I dunno what happened last night for Xavier...but there are some real problems with this team's confidence right now. Even as Sean Miller said, "We're not a very good team....We have to work hard to be at our very best and it's going to be an all-out war on Sunday to beat George Washington. Any team that plays us right now can beat us." And it's true. They didn't hit open shots, they only had one double digit performer, and they were sluggish throughout. While the Muskees probably couldn't have earned higher than a 4 seed in the NCAA anyway, they could easily slip down into the danger zone seeds (9-10-11) if they keep losing games like this.
*************************************
Contrarily, the Bearcats have headed in a different direction with kind of a big one tomorrow at Fifth Third....I'd be lying if I said I would put money on the Bearcats this weekend...but a small part of me says that a perfect storm has been brewing for an upset. A full week off for UC to rest up and look over their issues....combined with their much-improved play of late. And since they're playing at home, Mick's guys will have some serious adrenaline pumping come tip-time. If nothing else, it's gonna be a fun atmoshphere.
*************************************
More coverage from the NFL Combine....C. Trent is live in Indy.
*************************************
Apparently there's mutual interest between Kelly Washington and the Bengals....
*************************************
The Reds turnaround rotation is vital for success in 2009....
*************************************
In golf news...it sucks to be everyone but Tiger Woods again....
*************************************
And as if you haven't heard enough A-Rod/Steroid news....more developments keep getting shoved down our throat....
*************************************
Lil Wayne celebrates his new gig as an ESPN blogger by tatooing their logo on his arm.....maybe I should get a 1530 Homer tatoo!
*************************************
How not to cop a feel on live TV....
*************************************
7 sports sumbit their Olympic proposals....sadly Professional Pillow Fighting opted not to join the fray....
*************************************
FAIL of the Day.....mascot discovers way #21 to tear your ACL
hat tip to Matt B. for the link
*************************************
Today's Definition of Duh....police respond to gunfire at a man's house. Turns out a 70-year-old man was livid over losing cable and could not get his digital converter box to work. So he took out his 9mm and shot the box to pieces. While being dragged out of the house by police, the man pointed to the DirectTV remote and whispered "you're next."
*************************************
This is nuts...stolen from my guy Scott Sloan's blog
When they took 1549 out of the Hudson to get it to a hangar, they had to cut through the streets of East Rutherford, NJ. Beauty job driving. Imagine seeing this in your rearview mirror coming toward you:
Don't look now but the Bengals are talking to tackles at the NFL combine....Hmmm, protecting your quarterback...now that's an interesting concept...
***************************
Love Giselse gets you one day closer to the weekend...
***************************
Kelly Washington a Bengal again??
***************************
The NFL Combine continues today from Indy...and C. Trent is live at Lucas Oil Stadium.
***************************
Angst and Elation are pure Griffey
Seattle Times
You get the angst and the elation. You get the home runs and heartbreaks. You get all of the talent and all of the torment. You get the truth.There is no hidden agenda with Griffey. There are no carefully calculated public-relations moves, no false proclamations designed to up the ante during contract negotiations.Junior is genuine.
Others, though...see the signing as shortsighted
***************************
For Griffey, it's love...not family, that matters the most
Gregg Doyel - CBS Sports
Ken Griffey's quest for love will continue in Seattle, where one of the most naturally talented players in baseball history will seek the adoration of strangers at the expense of his family. Which makes no sense at all.But that's Ken Griffey Junior. He makes no sense at all.
***************************
Volquez sees room for improvement
Mark Sheldon - Reds.com
"Everything I had in my mind came true," Volquez said. "I had a good year last year. I can do better at a couple of things. I want to go deeper in the games. I don't want too many walks. And, I want to win more games."
***************************
Looks like Brandon Phillips will hit cleanup....
***************************
Selig wants no part of the steroid blame...yet he wants A-Rod to meet with investigators....
***************************
For those of you who disagreed with me yesterday about Graham and the kicking situation....seems like Tennessee is on my side...as they sign their kicker to a multi-year deal...
***************************
E! creates new show....sending the USC Song Girls into haunted houses....called "Hot Girls in Scary Places." Yes, I'm serious...
***************************
Best hockey goal you'll see this week...probably all year
***************************
And in that light.....here are some awesomely-awful goal calls....
***************************
Your WTF video of the day....
***************************
Introducing the McNuggetini.....A McDonald’s chocolate milkshake with vanilla vodka, rimmed with BBQ sauce and garnished with a chicken McNugget.
***************************
FAIL of the day...
***************************
Today's Definition of Duh.....police are looking for some burglars who robbed an X-Rated Video Store...wouldn't it have been easier just Googling "Porn"??
***************************
TGIT....Cheerleader of the Week
Kelsi Metzler - Oregon
Name: Kelsi Metzler
School: University of Oregon
Birth Date: July 8, 1986
Hometown: Springfield, OR
Year: Senior
Major: Sociology
1. I love the University of Oregon, but I almost went to: Oregon State University.
2. My favorite class is: Spin class. I know that doesn't really count but it is so much fun and such a great stress reliever!
3. Movies I can't live without:Elf, Pride and Prejudice, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
4. Music I can't live without: Incubus, The Used, Norah Jones, Mat Kearney.
5. TV shows I can't live without:Grey's Anatomy, The Hills, The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team and Oprah's Favorite Things episodes.
6. One misconception about cheerleaders: That we are not athletes!
7. My favorite sport is: Football! It is so fun to watch and the atmosphere is incredible ... epecially at Autzen!
8. My favorite professional sports teams are: The Dallas Cowboys, Miami Heat.
9. My one Guilty Pleasure is: Reality television. It may be voyeuristic but it is a great way to escape from my crazy schedule.
10. My best physical feature: My eyes and my cheekbones. They were my grandma's.
11. Strange and unusual fact about me: I have torn both of my ACL's.
12. My friends would be surprised to know that I: Still watch cartoons and have all my childhood favorites on DVD.
13. Favorite Foods: Pizza, Chili's Chips and Salsa, Mucho Gusto, Fettucini Alfredo and TCBY Shivers
14. Five People I'd Like To Have Dinner With (Living or Dead): My Grandma Jo, Phil Knight, Jesus, Sheila Goodrich (my 4th and 5th grade teacher), and Dwyane Wade!
15. Three People who annoy me: Kirsten Dunst, the Cal Mascot and my downstairs neighbors!
16. Next Risk I Want To Take: I would really like to tryout for the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders but it would be a big step to move away from my family and friends.
17. Typical Day: Wake up and enjoy my Fiber One Honey Clusters, go to class or work, go to the gym, head off to practice, work on homework, relax and head off to bed so I can start all over again!
18. I think facial hair on guys is: Attractive when maintained. However, I am not a fan of the mustache.
19. If I won the lottery, the first thing I'd buy is: A little Yorkie puppy. Everyone needs a furry little pint-size companion.
20. Describe the worst date you ever went on: It's not so much the worst date I ever went on but rather the worst date I never went on. I had plans to go to a movie with a guy I had been seeing for a few weeks. We didn't have many chances to hang out because our practice schedules didn't match up well so one night after practice we planned to go to a movie. I came home that night and got ready to go and waited for him to come pick me up. I waited and waited and realized about two hours later that he wasn't coming. He was MIA until a week later when he called to apologize and proceeded to tell me how he fell asleep early that night after practice. We have been just friends ever since.
Griffey headed back to Seattle, signs 1-year deal
Ken Rosenthal - Fox Sports
<blockquote>In a stunning turn of events, free-agent outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. has spurned the Braves to return to the Mariners on a one-year, $2 million contract, according to major-league sources. The deal also includes incentive bonuses based on Griffey's playing time and the Mariners' attendance, one source said.
Griffey seemingly had been leaning toward the Braves, with Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones saying early Wednesday morning, "All signs are good."
The Braves train near Griffey's home in Orlando, and Atlanta is far more accessible for his family than Seattle. But after several days of deliberations — he was "truly agonizing," one source said — Griffey chose to return to his original team.
His decision marks another setback in an offseason full of unusual twists for the Braves, who failed in attempts to land Padres right-hander Jake Peavy in a trade and right-hander A.J. Burnett and shortstop Rafael Furcal in free agency.
Griffey, 39, would have assumed a much less prominent role than any of those players, platooning in left field with Matt Diaz. The Braves now figure pursue to another left-handed hitter, Garret Anderson, who also had been a free-agent target of the Mariners.
While the Braves are expected to be more competitive than the Mariners this season, Griffey will benefit from his return to the American League, in which he can serve as a designated hitter as well as an outfielder.</blockquote>
****************************
Don't forget that the Comments section is up and running! Feel free to share your 2 cents...or send me some links of your own by quickly registering for FREE and clicking the "comment" button. It's just that easy.
****************************
UC finalizes non-conference schedule with meeting against Illinois....
ESPN
The proposed game between Cincinnati and Illinois for 2009 is a reality, as both sides have signed on to play, Bearcats officials confirmed today.The date of the game remains up in the air, largely due to television, but a Thanksgiving week matchup has been most frequently discussed. The agreement means Cincinnati's schedule is now set for this season. The Bearcats' nonconference slate looks like this:
- Southeastern Missouri State
- at Miami (Ohio)
- at Oregon State
- Fresno State
- Illinois
****************************
Speaking of UC Football....did you see the nice article in the Sporting News Today explaining that the Bearcats have done the most with less talent? It's a good read.
****************************
Benson is Bengals' top priority
Joe Reedy - Enquirer
Running back Cedric Benson (5-11, 220, fifth season) had three 100-yard games in the four Bengals' wins after being signed in October. Benson said after the regular-season finale that he would like to return. The former first-round pick by the Bears also had the longest rushing and passing plays of the season.
And Mike Florio from ProFootballTalk.comthinks they should've tagged him....
****************************
Albert Haynesworth will test free agency....don't get your hopes up Bengals fans...
ESPN
After lengthy negotiations with the Tennessee Titans, defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth instead will first test the free-agent market before deciding whether to re-sign with the only NFL team he's played for.
****************************
TtHANKS FOR TUNING IN EARLIER THIS MORNING....I APPRECIATE ALL THE CALLS AND EMAILS!! HERE'S WHAT YOU MISSED TODAY:
- Shayne Graham gets franchised....and for some reason, there are a lot of fans that seem to be pissed off. Why? This move saves money for bigger free agent splashes (TJ, perhaps, included)...and will fill a hole that is easy to overlook. The 4th most accurate kicker in NFL history would have been hard to replace. And spare me the "He's Not Clutch" argument.....Mo has pretty much squashed that theory on his blog.
- How Graham's franchise tag effects TJ....Plus, how much would be too much when it comes to a long term deal for Houshmanzadeh? Didn't we want to fix the O-Line? That's not gonna be cheap.
- Edwin Encarnacion signs a 2-year deal...with a bunch of the money due in the second year. This is somewhat of risk....did they really need to make the contract so back heavy? Do you like the deal? CAST YOUR VOTE IN THE POLL QUESTION TO THE RIGHT. The big knock on EE is that he is so inconsistent....but he did hit 26th HR's (2nd on the team)...and does that outweigh his even greater inconsistencies from a defensive standpoint? The other important to consider here is...if not Edwin, who else is gonna fill the spot?
- My show wouldn't be complete without some true nonsense....so we'll toss around the Top 10 Songs to Pump Iron to. Welcome to the Jungle is a no-brainer right? We'll see...
- Anyone else tired of talking about A-Rod?? I'd be very happy to go 3 hours today without talking about any of it....but his first day at camp didn't help his cause. Did you hear any of his press conference? He sounds like more and more like Barry Bonds every time he talks.
TODAY'S GUEST LIST
8:00am - David Fulcher
8:30am - John Fay live from Sarasota
****************************
Hump Day = Shan Rae.....rhyme aside, she's tremendous....
****************************
A few pertinent number for Edwin's new deal....
Edwin made $450,000 in 2008. He had requested $3.7 mill in arbitration. The Reds had offered $2.55 mill.
Total deal: $7,600,506
2009: $2,000,000
2010: $4,750,000
Signing bonus - $850,000, payable between March 2009 and November 2009.
Plus: $25,000 for 600 plate appearances
Plus: $25,000 for All Star; $50,000 for LCS/MVP;
$100,000 for WS/MVP; $50,000 for Gold Glove; $50,000 for Silver Slugger.
****************************
Reds SS says he's ready....
John Fay - Enquirer
****************************
Bearcats with rare week off, look ahead to Louisville
Mark Schmetzer - Enquirer
For the University of Cincinnati basketball team, the rare full week off during the season isn’t a time to look back. Instead, it’s a time for the Bearcats to look at themselves and ahead.
****************************
Xavier with another nationally televised game tomorrow....in what will be "White Out Conditions."
****************************
UK seems to live and die by Jodie Meeks these days...and last night, it was the latter.....dropping to Vanderbilt, 77-64. The Wildcats have dropped 4 of their last 6 games and continue to frustrate as they head down the stretch.
****************************
Color me nauseous....now Jose Canseco wants baseball to tell him they're sawwwy....
Sporting News
Now that players he named in his tell-all memoirs, like Alex Rodriguez and Rafael Palmeiro, have admitted using performance-enhancing drugs or flunked drug tests, Canseco wants an apology from baseball for treating him as an outcast.
****************************
Boy vs. Giant Snowball....**spoiler alert**...Giant Snowball Wins
****************************
The Top 11 Songs to Pump Iron To....
Spike
****************************
FAIL of the day....well, multiple FAILS of the day actually....
Although dumb teenagers are always good FAIL candidates too....
****************************
The debate isn't a very hard one to win....men are better than women. Here's more evidence why......
****************************
Today's Definition of Duh.....is two fold: Fold 1) A doctor gets busted for running a health clinic in a 1st floor meeting room of a Holiday Inn Express. Fold 2) Anyone who believes that a legitimate doctor could run his operation in a 1st Floor meeting room of a Holiday Inn Express. Someone must have. BONUS: It happened in the Tri-State.
****************************
You know what grinds my gears (to steal from Family Guy)....that credit card companies can just up and increase my rates for no reason. Well, the goverment is going to crack the whip....
****************************
Best customer service call you'll see/hear today....
****************************
****************************
Sad sign of the times....the multi-millionaires attending the Academy Awards will only get the "crappy SWAG" like $200 handbags and vaccum cleaners instead of $5,000 toilets and $3,500 diamond watches. Pfffft....everyone knows actors don't use vaccums.
****************************
Got a 103-inch plasma TV collecting dust in the basement? You don't? Well, then you can't turn it into a virtual air-hockey table now can you?
The UC Bearcats release their 2009 Football Season Ticket Plan....
From the Bearcats
<blockquote>CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics unveiled its 2009 football season ticket plan which includes a chance for fans to lock in their 2009 ticket prices for the 2010 season. Fans who purchase season tickets for the upcoming 2009 football season will be able to purchase the same number of tickets in the same ticket plan the following year for the same price, avoiding any potential price increases.
Last year, season ticket holders saw many changes in UCATS football ticket pricing relating to the creation of a four-tier donation structure. The donation levels for Tiers 1-4 will remain the same in 2009 and will be enhanced by a fifth tier which requires a $50 donation to UCATS for seating in selected areas adjacent to existing UCATS reserved seating.
"In 2008 the UC football program posted one of the greatest seasons in school history, winning its first BIG EAST Conference championship and appearing in its first BCS (Bowl Championship Series) game - the Orange Bowl," said UC Director of Athletics Mike Thomas. "Championship seasons like last year require the support of the entire community and UC saw people come out in record numbers both in the stands with over 11,000 season ticket holders and with their generosity setting new standards for UCATS members and donations."
Thomas continued, "To thank the fans for their tremendous support and to let them know we appreciate the sacrifices they are making in these economic times, UC is offering people who purchase season tickets this year the opportunity to lock in this year’s pricing for next year."
In 2009, there will be seven different ticket plans available providing Bearcats football fans the opportunity to see the best college football in the country for one of the best values in the city or across the nation. This season UC welcomes in one of its best slates of opponents ever to Nippert Stadium as it plays host to non-conference foes Illinois from the Big Ten, Fresno State from the WAC, and Southeast Missouri State along with exciting BIG EAST Conference action vs. West Virginia, Louisville, and Connecticut. Fans are encouraged to reserve their spot in line for tickets now by placing a $50 season ticket deposit. The deposit allows fans to hold their spot in line and wait until they select their seats after May 11 to pay in full.</blockquote>
More details including price list here.....
*************************
Luli Fernandez's Gallery will be your Tuesday Time Vampire....
*************************
Why Shayne and not TJ?? Ludwig at Large provides some answers...
*************************
UC makes the NCAA Tournament....at least based on the latest Sports Illustrated projection....
Noteables: Xavier is a 4 seed, Dayton is an 8 seed UK is a 10 seed, UC is a 12 seed.
Oh how far UC has come since they dropped the first three games of the Big East schedule. Granted, they still have the some very tough games ahead and have to beat the lower level conference foes to get in...but the fact that they're finally being projected as a tournament team is amazing.
*************************
Remember when Cronin told the media that Joe Lunardi needs to "buy the ESPN Full Court Package?" Well, Lunardi has responded....
<blockquote>Now I don't know Cronin, and he appears to be doing a terrific job of keeping his Bearcats more than competitive in the hellacious Big East. But I would politely suggest that he keep his eye on the ball and leave broader judgments about the tournament selection process to the NCAA men's basketball committee, since apparently my views aren't to his liking.</blockquote>
*************************
With Ramon Ramirez coming to the Reds in the offseason, we can hope that he solves a problem the team has had in year's past....a lack of a solid #1 catcher. And as Mark Sheldon writes, he's ahead of the learning curve...
*************************
Edwin Encarnacion agrees to a two- year deal with the Reds
When numbers were exchanged last month, Encarnacion was seeking $3.7 million while the club offered $2.55 million. Encarnacion batted .251 with a career-high 26 home runs and 68 RBIs last season. Terms were not immediately available...although Hal McCoy reports it could be worth $5 million.
*************************
Braves still awaiting word on Griffey....
*************************
Jesse Ventura is calling for Bud Selig's indictment....and he actually has an interesting argument.
<blockquote>"In the early '90s, the federal government came into pro wrestling and tried to put (WWE Chairman) Vince McMahon in prison for steroid use of wrestlers....My question is: They've now determined 104 baseball players failed their steroid test in 2003 — 104. They indicted Vince McMahon, why aren't they indicting Bud Selig? He's the head of baseball, it happened on his watch."</blockquote>
Look, I'm as big of a Selig critic as they come, but Ventura's point missed the mark....he's comparing apples to oranges. The reason that the government went after McMahon was because he was accused of dealing steroids....drug dealing, basically. Selig, although an idiot and a not deserving of the position he holds, did not do anything illegal. The government did threaten to take away MLB's anti-trust law...which is certainly a dangerous premise for the league. Frankly, the government has bigger things to deal with these days....like keeping our economy from slipping further and further into the crapper.
*************************
Although it's easy to be anti-Selig when he says he shouldn't receive any blame for steroid era....
*************************
Did you catch any of Pitt's 76-68 win over UConn last night? WOW. They were both leaving everything on the court....and if you think about it, it really helps UC's cause. Pitt will likely vault close to the top spot next week if they don't get it outright. The 'Cats are 8th in the Big East...and of the 7 teams ahead of them, 6 are ranked in this week's Top 25. In fact, 3 of their last 4 losses come to teams who have lost 3 games or less all season. The competition has been stiff...but UC's performance has been solid enough to hang. It's even more the reason why Saturday's game against Louisville is bigger than ever.
*************************
All you can eat ribs at Montgomery Inn??? Well, looks like I'll be taking a vacation from the 22nd through the 26th....
*************************
First woman boxer in Britain banned because of fake ta-tas......
*************************
I just became interested in Ironman 2.....why?? Scarlett Johansson will playing a "bad girl" in it...
*************************
The Five 90's Gameshows that should still be in production....My vote is for GUTS!
*************************
Closing Time for Late Night with Conan O'Brien....
USA Today
Late Night With Conan O'Brien signs off Friday after 16 years and 2,725 episodes, after which its gangly red-haired host will pack up, move west and "reinvent" himself in his dream job: The Tonight Show.
*************************
24 without Jack Bauer?? How could that possibly work....
*************************
Today's Definition of Duh....a couple of friends finish a long night of throwing back shots of tequila....but by 3am the host of the party is hammered and wants to call it a night. Too bad his friend doesn't want to leave. So the host finds the most logical way to get him to leave.....dump tequila over all over him and light him on fire.
*************************
Ever see those dumba$$ vanity plates? Well, the State of Ohio has a long list of banned customizations....just in case you wanna go crazy and put MORHOES on your 94 Astrovan.
*************************
© 2010
Add comment