World Cup Venues = Beautiful

I stumbled upon this Yahoo article regarding the venues of the World Cup. The venues are quite a marvel and beautiful to look at. Do take a gander:

http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/blog/dirty-tackle/post/Coolest-stadiums-of-the-2010-World-Cup?urn=sow,245818

World Cup less than a week away!

Shaq Challenges Spelling Bee Champion

Shaquille O'Neal is like a lovable cartoon character and a beloved one. Once in a lifetime does a bigger than life personality in a bigger than everyone body embrace us like Shaq has. From challenging other professional athletes on his own show to dance-offs against other fellow NBA players. Shaq made an impromptu appearance at the hotel where the spelling bee was being held and challenged last year's Scripps National Spelling Bee champion, 14-year-old Kavya Shivashankar, to a spell-off.

She accepted Shaq's challenge and allowed him two misspelled words. Details of their face-off are TBA.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" she asked O'Neal. "I did win the national spelling bee last year."

"Keep in mind I have my bachelor's and master's, and I'm ready to go," he said.

Here is a clip of Shaq being Shaq:

Tribute to the Smoothest

I will miss you Ken Griffey Jr. It's hard for me to believe that you are gone from baseball. You were my first favorite baseball player. My parents even bought me your Nike shoes and I wore those proudly. I spent hours in my backyard trying to bat left handed with the same beautiful uppercut swing that you carry. I could never replicate it perfectly, no one on this Earth can truly. You were bigger than the game of baseball, we all loved you. You stayed clean in a steroid-era, your records over a marvelous 20+ year career stands untainted. You are a surefire Hall-of-Famer. You will be remembered for having one of the best smiles in baseball. I will miss you Ken Griffey Jr., thank you for the memories.

Classy Men in Baseball

The infamous call that caused Armando Gallaraga a perfect game could of had an ugly aftermath. The MLB could of panicked and instituted immediate instant replay rule changes. There could have been lawsuits filed, picketers outside the MLB office and a media war against umpires. None of that happened, because men stayed classy. Classier than I can ever remember.

Here is a fans perspective of the biggest missed call in MLB history:


Umpire Jim Joyce admitted his mistake and went out of his way to apologize to Gallaraga after the game. Gallaraga responded by acknowledging human beings make mistakes and thats just the nature of the game. It doesn't get classier than that, especially considering you would of been immortal in the world of baseball perfect game lore.

Gallaraga was even awarded with a brand new Corvette by the Detroit Tigers for his kindness which was presented by none other than Jim Joyce. Stay Kind my friends.

Stay Cautious LA.

Los Angeles Lakers, you dominated Game 1. Kobe was Kobe, Gasol ran circles around Garnet, Artest showed Pierce that it won't be easy and Bynum looked good on that gimpy knee. This was the opposite image of the 2008 NBA Finals. The Celtics showed their age and looked almost defenseless against the energized Lakers. But Stay Cautious, LA.

These Celtics are filled with pride and have a champion pedigree. These are the men that stumped on title favorite Cleveland Cavaliers and last years Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic. These are men who pride themselves on bullying you. These are men who make the other team feel like boys on the court. Doc Rivers is an expert at motivation and the Celtics will be ready to make this a competitive series. The men in Green will be determined to bring the the men in Purple and Gold.

By the way, I have Lakers in 6.

Terrible Celebration Injury

On May 29, 2010, Angels 1st baseman Kendry Morales hit a walk-off grand slam home run for a victory over the Seattle Mariners. Then the worst type of injury in sports occurred, the celebration injury. As Morales jumped to touch home plate, he landed awkwardly and fractured his lower left leg. He will require surgery and will probably be out for the rest of the season. This is a big blow to the Angels, Morales was their best hitter. Their season is in shambles as they have underperformed to their potential. There isn't too much celebrating going on in Angels town, if there is, watch your step.

The Blackhawk MJ Statue

One of the most iconic images known around the world is the Jordan Jumpman logo, a statue of that logo stands outside the United Center, where MJ won 6 NBA championships. Since the beginning of the Stanley Cup playoffs between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Philadelphia Flyers began, the statue donned a Chicago Blackhawks Jonathan Toews jersey. This was a result of "Fandalism." Chicago is dying for an NHL title but this was disrespectful to the greatest basketball player to ever play the game. Maybe the city of Chicago forget what MJ had done for the city. Along with the jersey, there are new pictures that show his shoes having blades on the bottom to replicate ice skates. Please be classy Chicago.

Hair Dare

At the conclusion of the Eastern Conference Finals, the story of Michael Pietrus large 'fro was revealed. He had made a $17,000 bet with Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis & Jameer Nelson to not cut his hair the entire basketball season. Pietrus had lived up to the bet & won the money.

It must be great to make a ridiculous amount of money and place it on hilarious wagers such as this one. It's too bad the hair dare didn't help them beat the Boston Celtics in their playoff series.

Chad Ochocinco = Great Guy

I don't think there is an NFL player who has a bigger heart than Chad Ochocinco. I think his name change is ridiculous, I'm gonna refer to him as Chad Johnson for the rest of this post. He wasn't supposed to finish as high as he did on Dancing With the Stars but he did so because he has a tremendous heart. He's not afraid to show his human side which differentiates him from other star wide receivers in the NFL.

Nine-year-old Ruben St. Hilaire, Jr lives with this mother in a homeless shelter in New York City. He received an autographed jersey from Ochocinco after sending a letter. He then sent a second letter that would have melted the heart of the hardest individual.

Ruben's dream was to go to a football camp, and that particular prize was donated by Deion Sanders. Presenting the certificate for camp attendance, would be Chad Johnson. Ruben's hero was introduced after the young boy read his letter. It was also Reuben's birthday. Chad Johnson led the birthday song with the crowd at the camp. It was a touching moment & a tribute to a good man like Chad Johnson.

"It was the best day of my life," Ruben said at the end of the day.

Lakers vs. Celtics is Destiny

Lakers & Celtics fans wanted it, it was delivered. On Saturday evening, the Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns setting the stage for the most storied rivalry in all of sports. Only the Yankees-Red Sox match this intensity.

10 reasons why you need to watch this series:

1. Kobe Bryant's legacy is on the line. The man who will live as the greatest Laker ever has not yet beaten the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. He can continue his legacy.

2. Both of these teams are better than the 2008 versions of themselves.

3. Lakers are hungry for revenge.

4. The two best chants in the NBA will be on display: "Beat LA" & "Boston Sucks"

5. This may be the last run for the Boston Celtics Big 3 who are getting older and slower.

6. Ron Artest vs. Paul Pierce. This is time for Ron Artest to show why the Lakers got them.

7. The growth of Rajon Rondo as one of the best point guards in the NBA.

8. This is history: Lakers vs. Celtics. The two storied franchises in history.

9. These teams are evenly matched.

10. Be part of the rivalry lore.

Lakers vs. Celtics on our minds

It's gonna happen and nothing is going to stop it: LAKERS vs. CELTICS. This is the NBA Finals of all NBA finals, history loves this match-up. Boston fans want it, LA fans want it. Fans in Boston are beginning to scream "BEAT LA, BEAT LA" and fans in LA are beginning to scream "WE WANT BOSTON, WE WANT BOSTON!" After the Lakers finish taking their revenge from the Phoenix Suns, they are determined to seek revenge for an NBA Finals loss from two years ago to the Boston Celtics. The Celtics have historically dominated the match-up 9-2. There is bad blood between two of the NBA's most marquee teams that goes back to the 1960's when the Lakers were dominated by the Bill Russell Celtics. The 80's Showtime Lakers brought "THE RIVALRY" back on the map against the blue collar hard nosed Celtics with the Lakers finally beating the Celtics twice.

Another round of Kobe, Pau & Lamar vs Pierce, Allen & Garnett. Bring it on! LA is ready.

World Cup Commercial by Nike

This World Cup Commercial by Nike titled "Write the Future" got me psyched up for the World Cup which is less than a month away! It features some of the greatest soccer players in the world including guest appearances by Roger Federer and Kobe Bryant. It has classic moments with Rooney owning Federer in Ping Pong, Cristiano Ronaldo getting his own giant statue, and various players whose lives have changed by becoming winners in the World Cup. Soccer is the most watched player in the world and is a huge part of other countries cultures. One game changes everything.

2010 NBA Playoff commercials are poor

The past 2 years, NBA fans were graced with some of the most memorable NBA commercials in recent history. From "There can only be one", the "Amazing" campaign and even the Nike puppet commercials. This year, there is nothing great about the marketing during these NBA playoffs. There have been a huge number of commercials and the ones that have been there are quite bland. Perhaps this is a good thing? I don't know the numbers but maybe the NBA fan base has grown to the point where memorable marketing was no longer needed? I'm just disappointed at how poor it has been. Here are a few of the most memorable commercials from the past 2 years:




NBA! WHERE YOU AT!?

Meet the owner of the New Jersey Nets

Mark Cuban has met his match as the most interesting owner in the NBA, meet New Jersey Net's owner Mikhail Prokhorov. He is a man with a lot of money, a billionaire (39th richest man in the world) and has big plans for the Nets. He is the first non-American owner of an NBA franchise and he stands among the players at 6-7. He has already agreed to pay 1/2 of the new stadium to be built in Brooklyn where the Nets plan to move to in the next few years. He is known for his lavish lifestyle and he will bring that flair to the NBA. There is a quiet yet commanding presence about the Russian billionaire. He has the resources to build a great NBA franchise and I'm sure he's already already had dinner with Lebron James. If you haven't heard of him yet, you will soon.

Welcome Interleague Play.

Welcome back Inter-league Play! I love inter-league play, gives both leagues a chance to square off against each other. Possible World Series or classic historic match-ups get to be played. AL pitchers cringe at the thought of having to bat and NL pitchers celebrate joyfully at not having to bat. There are those who oppose the concept but I love that we have it. NY vs NY, Bos vs. Phil, LA vs. NY, LA vs Anaheim, Chicago vs. Chicago and much more. These are just some of the wonderful match-ups that we get. It only adds to the baseball culture. How can you not love it?

Ones to watch for:

• Chicago Cubs v. Chicago White Sox (Crosstown Classic, Windy City Series, or Red Line Series)
• Cincinnati Reds v. Cleveland Indians (Ohio Cup)
• Los Angeles Dodgers v. Los Angeles Angels (Freeway Series)
• New York Yankees v. New York Mets (Subway Series)
• San Francisco Giants v. Oakland Athletics (Bay Bridge Series or Battle of the Bay Area)
• St. Louis Cardinals v. Kansas City Royals (I-70 Series or Show-Me Series)
• Minnesota Twins v. Milwaukee Brewers

Federer/Nadal - Gotta love it?

Watching these two play against each other is an honor. A Goliath vs. Goliath match-up of opposing styles. It is already the greatest rivalry in tennis history and one of the best in all of sport's history. The power & speed of Nadal vs. the grace & agility of Federer is a marvel to watch. These two have the ultimate respect for each other. Let's enjoy these two titans clash as their rivalry continues.

Shaq, I heart you. But please retire.

Dear Shaquille O' Neal,

You are part of my basketball lore. You are part of the best memories I have as a Laker basketball fan. I felt betrayed when you left LA but I understand. I still have the LA Times issue where you thanked the city of LA for being great sports fans. My ego was hurt when you won a championship with Miami, so was the rest of LA. Winning a ring with the prince would of hurt a lot. You don't slam dunk like you used to, though it happens sometimes. Your still great with the media since your good with your words. Watching you play hurts me, please retire Shaq.

Sincerely,

Me

NEW YORK KNICKS! NEW YORK KNICKS!

The Cav-Celtics Game 6 moment with Lebron James taking the free throws and the Boston fans yelling "New York Knicks! New York Knicks!" at the top of their lungs can potentially live up to be one of the greatest moments in sports history. There has never been so much free agent scrutiny circling around one player and that moment represented that. Lebron made both free throws but the damage was done, the eventual season end was near. If he stays in Cleveland, this moment will be forgotten but shall he move, this lives in the highlight reels forever.

The Celtics Didn't Surprise You

THEY HAVE BEEN THERE ALL ALONG! The Boston Celtics dominated their series against NBA title favorite, Cleveland Cavaliers. This came at no surprise to me, I picked the Boston Celtics to win the series 4-2 before the season started. This Celtics team is a team with a championship pedigree and they are mentally tough. Rajon Rondo is playing unbelievable basketball and the their BIG 3 core remains strong. The Cleveland Cavaliers were a regular season team that fell with it's leader, Lebron James. Give the Celtics credit, they have no fear. I'm calling it now, Lakers vs. Celtics in the NBA FINALS.

Dodgers finding their stride.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are back! The Boys in Blue are heating up just in time for the summer. They are now winners of 6 straight and are on the verge of sweeping this weekend series against the 1st place San Diego Padres. It's about time that the Dodgers started playing up to their potential. The return of Manny Ramirez has rejuvenated the lineup. The injury to Andre Ethier could potentially have devastating impact so let's hope for good news today. The pitching staff has been solid which I hope we could keep up for the rest of the season. Our power bullpen is the best in baseball when they are firing on all cylinders.