The Ice Dog

They're singing "At Last" at the gates of Heaven

2012-01-20T13:22:00.000-08:00

Legendary blues singer Etta James, who made "At Last", "The Wallflower", "Something's Got A Hold Of Me" and other songs blues standards, passed away today at the age of 73. James, whose real name was Jamesetta Hawkins ("Jamesetta", she reversed her real first name!)was the product of a single mother, and, according to her claim, the legendary pool hustler Minnesota Fats. She overcame these humble beginnings to amass an incredible career, and a million-dollar fortune. Without further ado, I give you the Late, Great Etta James:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioQQ0nQ43HY

Mike Cammaleri Traded To Calgary

2012-01-12T20:24:00.000-08:00

One day after criticizing the Montreal Canadiens organization for what he percieved as a lack of committment to winning, and his own lack of ice time, Mike Cammalleri was pulled from tonight's game against the Boston Bruins. He was sent back to the team's hotel; later, he was traded along with goalie Karri Ramo and a 5th pick in 2012 to the Calgary Flames — the team he left in 2009 to sign a free-agent deal in Montreal — for forwards Rene Bourque, Patrick Holland and a 2nd pick in 2013. Bourque tweeted that he "doesn't speak French, even though he has the most French name on the team". This is turning into a bizzare season in Montreal, with this trade, the firing of Francophone coach Jacques Martin at 7 A.M on a Saturday, and his replacement by Randy Cunneyworth, a unilingual coach who does NOT speak French, with accompanying protests from the fans.

Ron Caron Dies, Freestyle Skiing Tragedy

2012-01-10T19:41:00.000-08:00

RON CARON DIES

Former St. Louis Blues GM Ron "The Old Professor" Caron has died in Montreal at age 82. His family reported. Before his years in St. Louis, he was an assistant GM of the Montreal Canadiens, and was actively involved with Sam Pollock in building the team that won 6 Stanley Cups in the 1970's.

FREESTYLE SKIING TRAGEDY

Four-time Winter X games freestyle skiing champion Sarah Burke is in a coma after a crash in Salt Lake City today. The Canadian skiier, who is 29, and was a favorite to win gold in 2014 in Sochi, "whiplashed" over onto her side after completing a trick on the Salt Lake halfpipe, according to a witness to the accident, that was reported on the website powder.com Her husband, Rory Bushfield tweeted that he is looking for a private jet to take him and his mother-in-law to the Salt Lake City hospital where Burke is staying.

Happy New Year, She's B-A-A-A-A-C-K, and more

2012-01-05T19:35:00.000-08:00

Now that the holidays are over-The Ice Dog Blog is back!

Happy New Year! May 2012 be better than 2011 was!

She's B-A-A-A-A-C-K

But did we ask her to be? Casey Anthony just released a video diary, as if we wanted one.

Lions in the playoffs

The Lions have to play Drew Brees in New Orleans. I don't have much hope for them winning, though I expect an extremely high-scoring game, and the Lions to put up a heck of a fight. If you're betting on the game, take the over.

From The "Hell Hath No Fury" department...

Tiger Woods' ex-Elin Nordgren had their $12,000,000 mansion that she got in the divorce settlement torn down, so she can build a better on. How much will this one cost?

The Doors to release first new song in 40 years:

An unreleased Doors tune "She Smells So Nice" is being released on an expanded 40th anniversary version of the "L.A. Woman" album that is being released Monday.

Beach Boys to do some dates for their 50th anniversary:

The surviving Original Beach Boys-Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Bruce Johnston, Al Jardine, and David Marks, who was briefly a member of the band in 1962, are re-uniting to celebrate the band's 50th anniversary. They will play the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival in April, and two dates in Germany in August. Stay tuned for possible additional dates. Who knows: perhaps the band will represent the U.S.A. at the London Olympics or the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations?

News about 2 former Lion QBs

2011-12-23T21:24:00.000-08:00

Charlie Batch will get the start for the Steelers today against the Rams, as Ben Roethlisberger is injured. In a tragic bit of news, fomer Lion Erik Kramer is undoubtedly NOT having a Merry Christmas-his 18-year-old son was found dead of a heroin overdose.

Suh walks out on radio interview, into a Black Hole. Idiots beat up fan at Jets game

2011-12-14T21:03:00.000-08:00

Ndamakong Suh did a radio interview with 97.1 FM The Ticket's Terry Foster and Mike Valenti today, and it did not go well. The interview started out okay, as they were talking about football. But, when one of the intereviewers(I'm not sure, but I'm guessing it was radio bomb-thrower Valenti) wanted to bring up "personal issues" (i.e. his recent traffic accident), he ended the interview abruptly. Now he will walk into the "Black Hole" in Oakland Sunday, where the hype factor will be off the charts. This is a place where the circus comes to town every time the Raiders play a home game. These guys dress like characters from "The Road Warrior", and carry signs with phrases like "WELCOME TO HELL" (not MY words folks!), and you add Suh's return to this toxic mix, and ANYTHING is possible.

IDIOTS BEAT UP FAN AT JETS GAME

Sunday night after the Jets ran the Chiefs out of town 37-10 at the Meadowlands, Some Chiefs fans who had made the trip began yelling insults at a man who was wearing his Jets gear. That was one thing, but what made his blood boil (and mine), was the statement that New Yorkers deserved what happened to them on 9/11! I don't care what anyone says, ANY statement like that to a New Yorker is disgusting and ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE in any circumstances (as my wife said, that is as disgusting as telling a Hawaiian that they deserved Pearl Harbor). It only gets worse. When the fellow took offense to that, the group stomped and beat the man within the proverbial inch of his life, as he suffered a fractured cheek bone and bleeding on the brain. Now, it looks like he will survive, but, like the fellow who was beaten at the Giants-Dodgers game last spring, he will have a long road ahead. As far as the clowns who did this, IT'S NOT FUNNY, GUYS. What they did is sick and disgusting. Those who did this should be punished to the FULLEST extent of the law.

Leafs Sold To Bell Media...Does this mean the end of HNIC?

2011-12-09T09:43:00.000-08:00

The Toronto Maple Leafs were sold to Bell Media this morning. This is a HUGE story in Canada, as Bell is the owner of CTV, the CBC's main rival. Frankly speaking, I see virtually no way the CBC will retain Hockey Night In Canada rights, when they come up for bid in 2014. I guess I'll be watching HNIC on my computer then, unless CBC makes some seperate rights deal for the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, and the western teams. That, however, seems unlikely, as the Leafs are HNIC'S top draw. This is a HUGE story in Canada, as it is the top story on CBC's Midday newscast.

NBA Trade-NOT!

2011-12-08T21:14:00.000-08:00

The Lakers and the league-owned New Orleans Hornets had agreed on a trade, that would have sent Pau Gasol to Houston and Lamar Odom to New Orleans for All-Star Chris Paul. However, some owners complained that adding Paul to Kobe Bryant and the star-studded Lakers would make the Lakers too strong, so the trade has been voided, at least for now, never mind the fact that the Lakers were not exactly offering scrubs in the deal. Besides, Odom is married to Khloe Karda$hian. This trade would have meant that Khloe and he would have to leave L.A., and WE CAN'T HAVE THAT!

2012 Hall Of Fame Inductions, Albert Pujols Breaks The Bank

2011-12-08T19:47:00.000-08:00

I've been asked my thoughts about the 2012 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductees, and here they are: Rod Stewart And the Faces(with Ronnie Wood), excited. NOBODY partied like the Faces, and don't forget-Woody played on many of Stewart's biggest solo hits. Donovan-excited. The "Sunshine Superman" brought folk-rock into the psychedelic era with hits like "Mellow Yellow", "Hurdy Gurdy Man"(backed by the Jeff Beck Group), and the afore-mentioned "Sunshine Superman". Red Hot Chili Peppers-Good Choice. An excellent band, that has been slow to get their due-check out their cover of Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground". Guns 'N' Roses-Mixed Feelings. While their first album "Appetite For Destruction" is legendary, they always seemed like a band who underachieved, who took their immense talent, and wasted it in a haze of drug abuse, and internal conflicts.

ALBERT PUJOLS BREAKS THE BANK-The Los Angeles Angels won the Albert Pujols sweepstakes by paying him $250 Million Dollars. They also are going to be paying C.J. Wilson $77.5 Million. THAT'S $327 MILLION DOLLARS. That also translates to roughly A THIRD OF A BILLION DOLLARS FOR TWO PLAYERS. Obviously, with both the best player in the game, and Texas' best pitcher,the Angels are now the top-heavy favorites in the A.L. West, but that is clearly not the goal, the goal being World Series or bust.

This REALLY IS The Place Where Sports And Pop Culture Meet!

2011-11-28T21:40:00.000-08:00

My motto for this blog for the last year, has been "The Place Where Sports And Pop Culture Meet", and this blog entry proves it!:

Hope Solo blames her "muscle" for DWTS loss:

U.S. Soccer goalie Hope Solo claims on an episode of "Anderson", which is scheduled to air Tuesday, that she was too "muscular" to be a serious contender during her stint on Dancing With The Stars. Hope, I know that you are an attractive woman, and a wonderful goalkeeper, but GET OVER IT! Your "muscle" wasn't what kept you from winning, but your chemistry! Maks and yourself had chemistry issues from the get-go, he's got an ego the size of Manhattan (remember the "It's My Show" comment), argues with the judges (telling Len Goodman it was time to retire endeared him to no one) and you never reached your potential on the dance floor W.

Lindsey Vonn Divorcing Her Husband

U.S. Skiing Star Lindsey Vonn announced that she has filed for divorce from her husband of four years Thomas, amid rumors she is dating Tim Tebow. Gee, just as that teenager she escorted to his homecoming dance thought he had a shot! Well, at least she lasted longer than Kim Karda$hian.

Attention Shoppers!

2011-11-25T22:40:00.000-08:00

Idiots create Black Friday violence:

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/25/9012057-black-friday-violence-2-shot-in-armed-robberies-15-others-pepper-sprayed

Is it REALLY necessary to turn Balck Friday into some real life version of "Jingle All The Way"?

A Bad Day All Around At Ford Field

2011-11-24T16:30:00.000-08:00

Everything went wrong at Ford Field today, as the Lions had their eighth straight holiday turkey 27-15. Before the game began, "American Idol" runner-up Lauren Alaina forgot the words to the national anthem! Once the game began, the Lions went up and down the field, only to have nothing to show for it. Late in the first half, one of Stafford's passes was intercepted, and the Pack converted to take a 7-0 halftime lead. Well, that's not so bad, but the Lions had lost Kevin Smith to a high-ankle sprain. Hopefully, he'll be able to play in the Sunday Night Football game in New Orleans a week from Sunday. I'm not sure I can say the same for Nadakong Suh, who foolishly shoved a player's head into the turf, them stomped on him in the second half. That penalty basically gave the Pack a touchdown, earned him an ejection, fine, and quite likely a suspension. I like how the Lions, and Suh in particular, play with an attitude-it is similar to how the Pistons and Raiders played back in the day-but the Lions have GOT to control their emotions, before too many stupid things like this ruin their season. It was a bad day all around for the Idol finalists, as Winner Scotty Mcreary had a lip-sync malfunction at the Macy's parade in New York the morning.

Here is a clip of Lauren Alaina forgetting the words to the national anthem

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGD3Pf4vdQY

Something Happened Around Me Today

2011-11-22T20:57:00.000-08:00

This morning, I took the bus to work. It was my connector to my main bus, which takes me to work. On the way up, some young men in the back of the bus began creating a disturbance, shouting curse words and racial slurs. Not surprisingly, some others took exception to that, and a pier six brawl erupted on the bus. We yelled to the bus driver to stop the bus, since there was a fight going on. She handled the situation brilliantly, pulling over and calling 911. The doors opened, and the fighters tumbled out into the parking lot, where the fight continued. Here's the kicker. The fight took place ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE POLICE STATION! We were detained about twenty minutes, which caused me to be late to work, while the police took the bus driver's report. Hey, that happens. While the officer was taking the report, another passenger yelled "they're still fighting down the street!" Another young man was watching the situation, and saying "I just gotta get to work". I'm with ya brother, and another lady was talking about how the fighters were "acting like fools". I agree with you, too.

Kwame Kilpatrick's cousin: Neka Cheeks, was sentenced to five years probation for embezzling money from a fund for Manoogian Mansion renovation. Talk about birds of a feather...

November 22, 1962

2011-11-22T17:36:00.000-08:00

This date in 1962 was thanksgiving day. The Lions were playing the undefeated, defending champion Green Bay Packers at Tiger Stadium. The Lions had lost 9-7 to the Pack earlier in the year, and were loaded for bear. They sacked Bart Starr 11 times, and raced out to a 26-0 lead, before the Pack scored two garbage time touchdowns to make the final 26-14. Another bit of irony. The game kicked off about Noon, so halftime was about 1:30 PM ET/12:30 CT, which was Dallas time. Since the game was nationally televised, the President was likely watching the game on the Washington, DC CBS channel with his brothers at the White House, while the Thanksgiving meal was being prepared. Little did anyone know, about the time the game reached halftime, the President had exactly one year to live.

The Lions did not get the memo

2011-11-13T17:01:00.000-08:00

Today's 37-13 drubbing at the hands of Da Bears shows the Lions did not get the memo that the break is over, and it's time to get back to work. 2 pick-sixes, assorted fumbles, turnovers, etc... It was a good thing I had BRATs for dinner...This game was the WURST.

Black Sabbath Reuniting

2011-11-11T14:40:00.000-08:00

Today 11/11/11, lived up to the name the VH1 Classic cable channel gave to it-"National Metal Day", as Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Terry "Geezer" Butler, and Bill Ward-the original line-up of Black Sabbath, announed they are reuniting in 2012 to tour, and record a new album, with producer Rick Rubin.

It's Early Folks

2011-11-05T18:24:00.000-07:00

The stories of the demise of the Red Wings and Bruins were greatly exaggerated, as the Wings are wiping out the Ducks 5-0, and the last-place Bruins are blowing away the first-place Leafs 7-0. BTW, the Wings and B's have plenty of company out of the playoffs, as the Habs, Canucks, Blueshirts, Flames, Blues, and Ducks are all on the outside looking in as of right now. So, It's Early Folks.

An $18,000,000 Farce

2011-11-01T20:29:00.000-07:00

Unless you've been living under a rock... You have probably heard that Kim Kardashian has filed for divorce from her husband of 72 days, unemployed (due to labor dispute) NBA player Kris Humpries. Kris Jenner is saying that the wedding was "real", yeah, real expensive. The Kardashians spent $10 Million on the wedding, but were paid $18 million for broadcast rights on E! televsion, to what was called hollywood's "Wedding Of The Year"(as opposed to the real wedding of the year, which took place in England, and that couple, BTW, is still together), for what turned out to be a pathetic joke, that has many people who watched it feeling like they've been had. Kim is tweeting tonight that she will donate the money from the wedding gifts. How big of her. No word on what will happen to her overpriced $2,000,000 wedding ring.

Canadian Senator Proposes Changing National Animal

2011-10-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

Senator Nicole Eaton (a tory senator, who is an in-law of the famous Eaton department store family), saying the beaver is a "dentally defective rodent", has proposed changing Canada's national animal to the polar bear. SHE HAS GOT TO BE KIDDING. Such a proposal to change from the bald eagle would never fly here in the U.S.

Drama Surrounding Hope Solo

2011-10-28T21:39:00.000-07:00

U.S. Soccer and Dancing With The Stars star Hope Solo has had drama surrounding her today, as her team was folded by Women's Professional Soccer, and her dancing partner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, announced on Twitter that he has been dancing on a broken toe. Further, Maks found himself, and Solo by extension, embroiled in controversy, when he got into an argument with judge Len Goodman, when he told the 67-year-old dance judge, that perhaps it was time for him to retire.

While this was going WPS folded magicJack, her South Florida club team, as a result of a lawsuit the owner filed suit against the league in August. The league had accused the team's owner of verbal abuse, and not paying his bills.

BREAKING NEWS: CARDINALS WIN!

2011-10-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

The St.Louis Cardinals tonight won the 107th World Series, when they defeated the Texas Rangers, 6-2. The Rangers drew first blood, when Josh Hamilton and Michael Young both doubled, but the the Cards tied it in the bottom of the first, and they took the lead for good on a Allen Craig home run. Craig would make the final put out, when he caught a fly ball in the ninth.

Was Cabrera's hit the "Lou Brock" Moment Of The ALCS?-NOPE

2011-10-15T21:20:00.000-07:00

Any thoughts the Tigers had of a comeback in this ALCS were squashed in a nine-run third inning, as the Texas Rangers crushed the Tigers, and returned to the World Series with a 15-5 victory.

Was Cabrera's Hit The "Lou Brock" Moment Of The ALCS?

2011-10-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

It only took the Tigers five games to get hitting in the 2011 ALCS, but when they did, it happened with a vengeance, via a four run sixth inning in Game Five that was sparked with a bad-hop double by Miguel Cabrera, that, IF the Tigers win tonight and force a Game Seven, might well spark memories among Tiger fans of a certain age, of Willie Horton's perfect strike that nailed Lou Brock in Game Five of the 1968 World Series, and turned the tide in that series. "Mad Max" Scherzer gets the start tonight, and will try to pitch the Tigers to Game Seven. If he can, I like the Tigers' odds, with Doug Fister on the mound.

Davis' death means the passing of one of the NFL's visionaries

2011-10-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

"Just Win Baby"

"Committment To Excellence"

These catch phrases are part of the legacy of "Mr. Raider" Al Davis, who passed away this morning in California at 82. Davis' contribution to pro-football was huge, to say the least: the success of Lamar Hunt's AFL (some people believe the AFL-NFL war was one Davis, in his mind, never stopped fighting), The Snake, Fred Belitnikoff, the revival of the careers of Jim Plunkett, "The Mad Stork", Lyle Alzado, just to mention a few.

The Raiders were known for their vertical passing game, which was ahead of its time when it was first invented, though passe today. He hired the first hispanic (Tom Flores, who won two Super Bowls)and African-American (Art Shell) head coaches in the NFL, and, in the mid 60's, when Davis decided to turn over the coaching to John Rauch, so he could concentrate of being the owner and a de facto General Manager, they hired a very young defensive coordinator, who's name went on to be synonynous with a video game: Hall-Of-Famer John Madden, who coached the Raiders to a Super Bowl XI victory after the 1976 season.

Davis did have his detractors, one of his biggest was Pete Rozelle, who sued Davis to stop his move to L.A. in 1982. The scene of Rozelle presenting the Lombardi trophy to Davis was priceless. Last but not least, Davis kept a firm control on the organization, even as the gamne seemed to pass him by. That being said, this man was a visionary on a level with Halas and Lombardi, and will be long remembered for that.

Game 5: YANKEE GO HOME!

2011-10-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

The ALDS is over, and the Tigers have won 3-2. Doug Fister started and worked the first five inning, then gave way to "Mad Max" Scherzer, Joaquin Benoit,and Jose "Papa Grande" Valverde, while the Yankees started Ivan Nova, who left early due to tightness in his forearm, then went Phil Hughes, C.C. Sabathia (in his first relief appearance ever), Rafael Soriano, David Robertson, and Mariano Rivera. The Tigers took the lead on back-to-back home runs in the first from Don Kelly, and Delmon Young, then a run in the fifth. The Yankees got runs from a Robinson Cano home run, and a Mark Texiera bases-loaded walk from Benoit, who then made Nick go Swish for a strikeout that ended the 8th. Then Papa Grande got Grandy, Cano, and A-Fraud to strikeout to end the game. The Tigers go to Texas for Game 1 Saturday Night at 8:30 ET.

Game 4: Disastrous Evening Sends ALDS back to New York

2011-10-04T21:42:00.000-07:00

The ALDS is tied. Just when it looked like the Yankees were dead, they rose up and spanked the Tigers 10-1. The Tigers blew what would be their best chance when they left the bases loaded in the first inning, after the first of two sensational catches from former Tiger Curtis Granderson. Starter Rick Porcello just did not have it. Now, Game One loser Doug Fister will have to save the Tigers season in a winner-take-all Game Five at Yankee Stadium Thursday night.

Game 3: Two Guys Named J.V. Get it Done

2011-10-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

Two guys with the the initials J.V.-Justin Verlander and Jose Valverde, put the Yankees on the brink with a 5-4 victory last night at Comerica Park.

Delmon Young-brother of 2006 Tiger Dimitri-hit the game-winning home run in the seventh, then the J.V.'s did the rest, as the Tigers took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-5 series. Game 4 is tonight at Comerica (8:30-TBS)

PARALLELS TO 2006

So far in the 2011 ALDS, There has been a rainout, a Yankee blowout in Game One, and A-Rod has been a flop. Welcome back to 2006.

Game 2: Mad Max Is A Road Warrior

2011-10-02T16:24:00.000-07:00

After game one last night, the Tigers were facing the biggest game of the season, and they had "Mad Max" Scherzer on the mound at Yankee Stadium, which is not what they would have preferred, since Scherzer has been much better at Comerica Park. Scherzer, however was more than up to the task, as he had a no-no bid going into the sixth. He left in the seventh with a two-hit shutout. The Yankees made it interesting with home runs in the eighth and ninth, but the Tigers evened the series coming home, winning 5-3. Justin Verlander will face C.C. Sabathia in game three at Comerica tomorrow night, with (presumably) Rick Porcello going in game four Tuesday night.

Disastrous Sixth Inning Dooms Tigers

2011-10-01T23:13:00.000-07:00

Robinson Cano hit a grandslam off Al Albequerque, as the Yankees blew away the Tigers 9-3. All six runs the Yankees scored in the sixth came with two outs. Now Max Scherzer will have to start on the road-something the Tigers did not want, and come up big-if the Tigers do want to come home down 0-2 and face elimination in Game three Monday night.

MLB LDS PICKS

2011-09-30T07:18:00.000-07:00

my LDS picks are as follows:
Tigers in 4
Rays in 5

Cardinals in 5 (Upset Special)
Dbacks in 5

It's Happened Again-Denny McLain Arrested

2011-09-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

It's happened again. Former Tiger star and Cy Young Award winner Denny McLain was arrested Thursday on a fugitive fraud warrant at the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, and he is in the St. Clair County Jail pending extradition to Lousiana. Doesn't this guy EVER learn?

DETROIT TIGERS CLINCH DIVISION

2011-09-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

The Detroit Tigers became the first team to clinch a divsion, as they won the American League Central by defeating the Oakland A's 3-1. The Tigers took the lead when Wilson Betemit tripled in the winning run, then added insurance on a Don Kelly home run. Doug Fister was brilliant as the winning pitcher, and Jose "Papa Grande" Valverde got his 45th save to finish the job. The Division title is the first for the Tigers since they won the American League East in 1987.

The Worst Offseason-EVER

2011-09-07T15:59:00.000-07:00

This has been a horrible off-season for NHL players, coaches, owners, and fans, as, with today's tragic Lokomotiv air disaster in Russia, 46 professional hockey players and coaches have died this summer. We've lost way too many good people this summer. This off-season cannot end soon enough.

Derek Boogard
Rick Rypien
Wade Belak

Players and Coach killed in Lokomotiv air disaster:

Vitaly Anikeenko

Yuri Bahvalov

Alexander Belyaev

Mikhail Balandin

Alexander Vasyunov

Joseph Vashichek

Alexander E. Vyuhin

Robert Genrikhovich Ditrih

Pavol Demitra

Andrey Zimin

Marat Natfullovich Kalimulin

Alexander G. Karpovtsev

Alexander I. Kalyanin

Andrey Kiryuhin

Nikita Klyukin

Igor Borisovich Korolev

Nikolai Krivonosov

Evgeny Kunnov

Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Kuznetsov

Stephen Daniel Patrick Liv

Jan Marek

Sergey I. Ostapchuk

Vladimir Leonidovich Piskunov

Karel Rahunek

Ruslan Salei

Evgeny Sidorov

Karlis Martinovic Skrastins

Pavel Snurnitsyn

Daniel E. Sobchenko

Gennady S. Churilov

Maxim A. Shuvalov

Artem Nikolaevich Yarchuk.

Head coach: Brad McCrimmon

Wade Belak Found Dead

2011-08-31T17:41:00.000-07:00

It's happened again...another NHL enforcer has been found dead. Wade Belak, 35, who played for the Nashville Predators, Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, and Florida Panthers, apparently committed suicide at his Toronto condo. He is the third NHL enforcer to die in four months. Rick Rypien committed suicide last month, and Derek Boogard Overdosed on Oxycodone in May. I said this after Rypien's death, and I'll say it again, the NHL needs to take a long hard look at the enforcer position, as, if you include Bob Probert's death last year, four NHL enforcers have died in 13 months, that is way too many at very young ages.

Cast list of DWTS announced

2011-08-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

The cast list for the 13th season of Dancing With The Stars has been announced, and it is the most controversial yet. The cast is:

Nancy Grace
Hope Solo
Ron Artest
Rob Kardashian
Ricki Lake
Chynna Phillips
Kristin Cavalari
David Arquette
Elisabetta Canallis
Carson Kressley

Something else I have noticed: No Disney Channel stars. Unusual for a company(ABC)owned by the mouse ears, so no Kyle Massey, or Chelsea Kane, both of whom did very well on the show.

J.R. Martinez

Bad Day For Songwriters: Nick Ashford Dies At 69, Jerry Lieber Dies At 78

2011-08-22T20:19:00.000-07:00

Nick Ashford, of Ashford and Simpson, died today at 69.In tadem with his wife Valerie Simpson, he wrote such classics as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", You're All I Need", Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand", and later in their careers, "I'm Every Woman". Their biggest hit together was "Solid As A Rock".

Jerry Lieber also died today. In partnership with Mike Stoller, he wrote legendary hits such as "Hound Dog", "Jailhouse Rock", and "Stand By Me". He was 78.

80's Rocker Jani Lane Found Dead At 47

2011-08-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

Jani Lane, the 1980's/90's lead singer of the L.A. band Warrant, was found dead in his motel room last night, he was only 47. Lane was born John Kennedy Oswald. Why on earth his parents named him after the late President, when he had the last name of the presumed assassin, is beyond me, since it almost pre-ordained bad karma. Frankly, I would have changed that name quickly, as Lane was smart to do. But, that being said, who's to say that was not behind any of
his deep-seated problems, which likely led to his early demise?

The band had hits with songs like "Uncle Tom's Cabin", "Heaven', and the song that will be his epitaph-"Cherry Pie", that was a major hit in 1990. The Rocker, who had a history of alcohol problems, was found in a Comfort Inn, a far cry from the five-star hotels he stayed in in his heyday. He can now hang out in the afterlife with Kevin Dubrow of Quiet Riot, another 80's rocker who fell on hard times near the end of his too-short life.

Cosmos Back, Bring Back The Express!

2011-08-06T14:26:00.000-07:00

A new version of the fabled 1970's New York Cosmos last night took the pitch for a one-off match at Old Trafford, and were routed by United, who were in their final prep for the Community Shield curtain-raiser 6-0. No matter. The thing that was most important, was that the Cosmos were back, at least temporarily, with the ultimate goal being an MLS expansion version of the Cosmos for the 2013 campaign. Former United star amd French international Eric Cantona has been appointed Soccer director of the club, and he said two things: 1) America can win the World Cup within 20 years, and 2) IF the Cosmos get the expansion franchise they want, they would like David Beckham to finish his football career in the Big Apple. From what I can see, The New York area can probably support two soccer teams, it looks like these guys are serious, and have the deep pockets necessary. If those are the case, as NIKE says: just do it.

When the Cosmos get their franchise, and they should, MLS should give another franchise to the Silverdome group in Detroit. The refurbished Silverdome successfully hosted an international club friendly last year, and there is a group there that is serious about bringing MLS to the Detroit area, if not MLS, perhaps the new version of the North American Soccer League, which is a second-level league, that could make use of the Dome. If a new team materializes, name the team the Express FC, whichg is what Vancouver did with the Whitecaps when they joined MLS this year.

Klinsmann replaces Bradley as USMNT coach

2011-07-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

For those of you who were under a rock, or were busy following our dysfunctional government fail to extend the debt ceiling, the USMNT fired coach Bob Bradley yesterday, after the embarrasing loss to Mexico in the final of the Gold Cup last month. Bradley is a solid coach, who did some good things during his tenure, which peaked with the first World Cup group championship in 80 years. That being said, there was definite feeling that the USMNT had gone as far as it could under Bradley, who despite his success, was much criticized for technical weakness.

As far as the USMNT's future goes, former German international Jurgen Klinsmann is considered the front-runner for the job. Klinsmann is a top coach, who could be the man to take this country to the proverbial next level, since his area of expertise is in the technical aspects of the game, that Bradley was considered weak in. Bradley's future? as I stated earlier, he is a solid coach, who I believe will follow the example of his predecessor Bruce Arena, and become a top candidate for any MLS coaching jobs that open up in the near future.

UPDATE: Klinsmann was hired this afternoon

Dancing With The Stars Wants You!

2011-07-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

Dancing With The Stars wants you!, to nominate the cast members for this fall's cast. In a new twist on the popular show, ABC sent an email to subscribers suggesting nominations. In that spirit, I suggest the following indivduals:

Mila Kunis
Jennifer Love Hewitt
Rachel Bilson
Katie Holmes
Alexandra "Alex" Morgan (U.S. Women's soccer team)-despite the PK loss to Japan, second place never looked as good
Pippa Middleton-big sis got the prince, but Pippa got the rest of us

Two from the Weather Channel:
Crystal Egger
Maria La Rosa-Julia Roberts look alike

Your thoughts?

JAPAN WINS WOMEN'S WORLD CUP

2011-07-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

The Japanese Women's World Cup team won the Women's World Cup in penalties, 3-1, after the match ended 2-2, as the US women went an unfathomably horrible 1 for 4 on penalty kicks. Carli Lloyd ended up being the goat in the shootout, as she horribly skied her penalty kick.

USA-Japan, Idiots Blow Clemens Case

2011-07-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

USA-JAPAN

As you no dubt know by now, the USA will play Japan in the FIFA Women's World Cup Final Sunday afternoon (2PM EDT-ESPN). The amnerican women should be the favorites, given the fact that, with the exception of the loss to Sweden, they have more than lived up to their world #1 ranking, while Japan, due to upset wins over home-side Germany and Sweden, have been the cinderella story of the tournament. One more thing, Billy Witz of foxsports.com is suggesting that an american victory Sunday is the worst thing that could happen to US soccer. He's wrong. While an attractive style of football is wonderful, winning is what counts in the end, and, barring a HUGE upset, the USA will become the first nation to win three Women's World Cups, and, BTW, the next Women's World Cup will be in Canada in four years, so the americans will, especially if games are played in Toronto, or even more so Vancouver, which is only miles from the US border, practically be on home soil(think 2010 Winter Olympics, and the US success there), so they will be huge favorites again.

IDIOTS BLOW ROGER CLEMENS CASE

The Roger Clemens perjury trial suddenly ended almost before it began, as a mistrial was declared when prosecutors Steven Durham and Daniel Butler, not once, but TWICE, presented inadmissible hearsay evidence to THE JURY, AFTER THE JUDGE TOLD THEM NOT TO. IF I were the taxpayers who paid a fortune for this fiasco, I would be furious, and would demand Dunham and Butler's heads on the proverbial silver platter, and for that matter, not only did the judge do the right thing by declaring the mistrial, but he also should have held the prosecutors in contempt, for twice ignoring his orders.

Women's World Cup Quarterfinals:Shockers And Miracles

2011-07-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

The FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011 has reached it's final four after a weekend of shocking finishes, and a USA miracle.

Yesterday, the French and Englsh, titans of the men's game and longtime rivals, met for the first time in a knockout phase of the WWC and they did not dissappoint, as they went to penalties following a 1-1 draw. In the shootout, the Brits missed their last two kicks and the French won 4-3.

About the time the Franch and Englsh were finishing their epic match, the biggest shocker of the tournament was just beginning. The 2-time defending champion Germans, playing on home soil, were expected to win easily against the Japanese. They didn't. The match went into extra time scoreless,then the Japanese struck for the only goal of the match and a 1-0 shocker.

Today, the second set of quarterfinals began with an uneventful 3-1 victory for Sweden over the socceroos of Australia. Then, the titans of the women's game, the USA and Brazil, began to meet. In the first minute, Brazil's Daiaine deflected a cross into her own net, to put the USA ahead 1-0. That lead stood until the 66th minute, when Rachel Buehler was red-carded and the Brazilians were awarded a PK. Hope Solo made the save, BUT WAIT...she was called for encroachment on an absolutely brutal call, and Marta converted the re-kick to tie the score 1-1.

The Brazilians then took the lead, when Marta scored in extra time while one of her teammates was offside, but, just when it looked like the USA was toast, Abby Wambach rescued the USA with a header in the 122nd minute, which is a WWC record. That meant the match ended in a 2-2 draw, and PKs would be needed to determine who would advance. The USA won the PK shootout by a 5-4 score, and they will play the French in the semifinals, while Japan will play Sweden.

Women's World Cup: Group Play Is Over

2011-07-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

Group play ended this afternoon, as Sweden defeated the USA 2-1, to win Group C. The Swedes, as a result of this match, will play Austraila in the Quarterfinals, while the second-place USA will play Group D champions Brazil. Home side and Group A champions Germany will play Japan, while Group B champions England will play Group A second-place France.

BREAKING NEWS: Peyongchang Wins 2018 Winter Olympics

2011-07-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

The IOC announced this morning that Peyongchang, South Korea has been named the host city of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. The city beat out Annecy, France and Munich, Germany, as it won on the first ballot. The games are scheduled for February 9th-24th, 2018.

Kariya Retires And HHOF Inductees

2011-06-29T21:10:00.000-07:00

PAUL KARIYA RETIRES

Paul Kariya announced his retirement today, which was necessitated by way too many concussions. In his announcement, Kariya had some harsh words for the NHL, whom he believes has not been serious about stopping the type of head shots that shortened his career. In one of the most famous events, Scott Stevens absolutely leveled him in game 6 of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals, and Kariya was out for the count with a concussion, but came back to score the game-winning goal. The irony is, both Kariya and Stevens had their careers cut short by concussions. Dangerous hits have been a favorite topic of old-timers like Don Cherry and Mickey Redmond, who both believe, like Kariya that those hits are killing the game.

HHOF INDUCTEES

Doug Gilmour, Joe Nieuendyk, Ed Belfour, and Mark Howe. A golden quartet that are the 2011 inductees into the Hockey Hall Of Fame. Gilmour was the main man in Toronto during the Leaf revival of the mid-90's, while Nieuendyk is one of the few players to win Stanley Cups with three teams (Calgary, Dallas, and New Jersey). Belfour won his cup as a teammate of Nieuendyk in Dallas, and Howe was a brilliant defenseman, mostly with Philadelphia (he has won four Cups as a Red Wings' scout). Howe's dad must have been the happiest man in North America when he heard the news. (You may have heard of him-his name is Gordie, he played some hockey in his time-j/k) Congrats to all.

Women's World Cup: The First Four Days

2011-06-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

Four days into the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, and one of the biggest stories has been the growing legend of Canadian forward Christine Sinclair, who scored a goal against Germany after breaking her nose. Canadian Soccer Blogger Daniel Squizzato has been sending humorous tweets referring to Sinclair's toughness with phrases like "Bobby Baun said it's ok", and "Tomorrow's game is make AND break, make the game, break French hearts". Sinclair is saying she has not been cleared to play tomorrow. I don't believe it. She'll play if she can breathe. The USA, meanwhile, cruised to a 2-0 victory over North Korea on goals from Lauren Cheney and Rachel Buehler, and will play Colombia on Saturday.

This Picture Would Have Michiganders Voting To Convict Casey Anthony

2011-06-29T14:55:00.000-07:00

If the Casey Anthony trial were taking place in Michigan, THIS picture would have jurors voting Guilty in a heartbeat!

http://buzzreport.net/casey-anthony-personal-photos/casey-anthony-ohio-state-personal-photo/

BREAKING NEWS: Dodgers Start A New Chapter In Their History: Chapter 11

2011-06-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles Dodgers this morning filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in U.S. Bankruptcy court in Delaware. The filing is the latest event in the ongoing divorce drama between the McCourts, who have mananged to run the storied franchise into the ground, while their divorce case has eaten up funds that were needed to make payroll and other expenses. Many observers believe that the rejection of a Fox Sports TV extension by baseball commissioner Bud Selig necessitated the move, which many of these same observers believe was a move by Selig to force the McCourts to sell the team, given the fact that Selig's move voids the divorce settlement, and will force the parties back into court to re-negotiate the settlement. As far as practical matters go, What this move does to the baseball end of the franchise is unknown, as it may force several quality players onto the market.

Gold Cup final: USA Blows 2-0 Lead.

2011-06-25T20:12:00.000-07:00

Mexico has won the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup by a 4-2 score, as they came back from a 2-0 deficit in the Gold Cup at the Rose Bowl tonight. It looked ood for the Americans after Michael Bradley scored just a few minutes in, and Landon Donovan scored his Gold Cup record 13th goal in the 24th minute, but the Mexicans came back, tying the score within 14 minutes, then scoring the game winner in the 50th. They then added an incredible insurance goal in the 77th, as Gio Dos Santos did some incredible dribbling, then shot the ball just out of Eric Lichaj's head to make the final 4-2.

Glen Campbell Announces He Has Alzheimer's

2011-06-22T14:48:00.000-07:00

Legendary country music singer Glen "The Rhinestone Cowboy" Campbell announced today, through a statement released by his wife, that he has Alzheimer's disease. Campbell, who is 75, is best known for his 1975 hit "The Rhinestone Cowboy". He also had a string of hits in the late 1960's and early 70's, with songs like "Wichita Lineman", "Gentle On My Mind",and "Galveston". He also had a hit CBS-TV series-"The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour" in the early 70's, where he was known for his signature opening line-"Hi, I'm Glen Campbell!". He was also a legendary studio musician for his work with The Beach Boys in the 60's, including his work on the classic "Good Vibrations" Campbell's wife said in the statement that Campbell is planning a series of retirement shows later this year, and asked fans to "forgive him if he forgets a few words, or plays a few bad notes". I don't know about you, but I get the feeling that "a few bad notes" might kill him faster than the Alzheimer's, given his legendary passion for playing the guitar, and perfectionism.

Game 7: Canuck Meltdown Means Canadian Drought is 6,580 Days...And Counting

2011-06-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

The Boston Bruins have won the Stanley Cup...I can't believe it...then again, I did not see the Vancouver Canucks being outscored 23-8 in a seven-game series. 23-8 is, when it happens, usually a sweep. For perspective the Wings were blown out 23-8 in 1985, and blew out the Sharks 24-6 in 1995. Those series both ended in sweeps, whereas this series went to the limit. This may be the strangest Stanley Cup final I have ever seen, since, until tonight, these teams offenses seemed to have been confiscated by Customs every time these teams crossed the border. That all changed in Game Six, as the B's took over the Series, and never looked back. Let there be no doubt that Tim Thomas is a deserving Conn Smythe Trophy winner. He is the MVP, while Roberto Luongo is the LVP.

One last thing, I take my hat off to Marc Recchi, who is planning to retire now that he has won his third Stanley Cup. One of the classiest players in the game, and best wishes to him in his future plans, and Tuuka Raask should definitely have his name put on the Stanley Cup.

Game 6-Can't These Teams Take Their Games Across The Border?

2011-06-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

We are now 6 games into the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, and one thing has been a constant: these teams keep leaving their "A" games at the 49th parallel, after all the games in Vancouver, all won by the Canucks had these scores, 1-0, 3-2 (OT), 1-0, a total of 5-2. While the scores of the games in Boston, all won by the Bruins, were 4-0, 8-1, and 5-2 for a whopping total of 17-3. Never have the Stanley Cup Final results been this radically different from one venue to the other. It is having the effect of being Hockey's version of the "Invasion Of The Body Snatchers", except it is happening to BOTH teams. If this trend continues, as illogical as it sounds, expect the Canucks to make history Wednesday night in Vancouver, after all, the B's will leave THEIR "A" game at the border.

BTW, No matter what happens Wednesday night in B.C., I believe Tim Thomas will win the Conn Smythe Trophy after game 7, win or lose.

Gold Cup: USA sleepwalks to a loss

2011-06-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Men's National Team took way too long tonight to get their act together in their Group C match against Panama, and as a result suffered their first-ever loss in Group play in the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, 2-1.

The USA did not get going until the 68th minute, as they sleepwalked through the first half, and fell behind 2-0. It looked in the second half, like the USA might equalise, after Goodson scored what would prove to be the USA's only goal. With the loss, team USA now must beat Guadaloupe Tuesday night in order to qualify for the knockout phase of the tournament.

Game 5: Loungo, From Roberto The Zero, to "Roberto Zero"

2011-06-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

What a difference a day makes...Game four, Roberto Luongo was yanked after giving up eight goals, and chatter was whether Alain Vigneault would start him or Cory Schneider in Game five. Fast forward 48 hours, change venue, and Luongo silences all that talk by outdueling Tim Thomas, as the Canucks won game five 1-0, and are just 60 minutes away from the city's first Stanley Cup, since the Vancouver Millionaires won the cup in 1915. Maybe Cyclone Taylor is smiling down on his city as they are so close, the fans can taste it.

Game five was very similiar to game one, in that Luongo and Thomas have been matching each other save-for-save in the games that were played in Vancouver. It looked like this one was going to come down to the final seconds, or go into OT like game two, but Maxim Lapierre banked one in off Thomas early in the third to put the 'Nucks ahead to stay, and Loungo held down the fort to preserve the 1-0 shutout victory.

One thing I DO want to bring up: If Vancouver does win the cup, does Tim Thomas join Jean-Sebastian Giguere, Ron Hextall, and The Late Roger Crozier as goalies for runner-up teams, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy anyway?

Game Four: four down, three to go?

2011-06-08T20:25:00.000-07:00

Four games down and we're all even in this 2011 Stanley Cup final, as the Bruins evened the series with a 4-0 victory in game four. Tim Thomas has been spectacular in Boston, as he has only allowed one goal in the six periods played at TD Banknorth Garden, while Roberto Luongo allowed 12, and he was yanked late in the second period in favor or Cory Schneider who did not allow any. This begs the question for game five, if you're Alain Vigneault, do you start Luongo or Schneider? Luongo's GAA is way too high, and in the last two games, he has only about an .800 save percentage. That is NOT going to get it done.

Game Three: Bruins Wake Up

2011-06-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

The Boston Bruins got back into the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, with a convincing 8-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks in game 3. It seemed like the Canucks were playing a perfect road game, after a scoreless first period, which included a five minute power play for the B's after an injury to Nathan Horton, who was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital as a result of an elbow to the head from Canucks' Aaron Rome.

In the second, the B's blew the game open, when they scored four goals, the first at :11 by Andrew Ference, which is the same amount of time it took Alex Burrows of the Canucks to score the OT winner of game two. The Canucks got a garbage time goal by Hansen, whereas 43-year-old Marc Recchi, he of the 27 arenas which no longer house NHL teams paced the Bruins with 2 goals, and the B's got other scoring by Krejci, Marchand, Kelly, Ryder, and Paille.

Game Two: OMG!

2011-06-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

OMG! 11 Seconds!

For the second straight game, the 2011 Stanley Cup Final went down to the wire. This one went beyond, as Boston's public enemy #1, Alex Burrows (who the Bruins and their fans wanted suspended after a biting incident in game 1), scored his second of the game at :11 seconds of overtime to give the Canucks a 3-2 victory in game two. The overtime goal was the second-fastest in playoff history, after Brian Skrudland's goal at :09 of OT in game two of the 1986 final.

BLASTS FROM THE PAST-A PARTIAL LIST OF FORMER NHL ARENAS MARC RECCHI HAS PLAYED IN

Montreal Forum
Great Western Forum
Hartford Civic Center
Le Colisee De Quebec
Chicago Stadium
Boston Garden
Winnipeg Arena
Maple Leaf Gardens
Greensboro Coliseum
Met Center
Pacific National Coliseum
Tropicana Field
Miami Arena
Phillips Arena
Ottawa Civic Centre
The Cow Palace

Different Sports, Different Cities, Same Team Name

2011-06-02T17:58:00.000-07:00

In 1984, after winning five Grey Cups with the Edmonton Eskimos, Warren Moon left to join the Houston Oilers, so a pun at the time, said that after WINNING THE CUP, Moon had left EDMONTON to join the OILERS!

How many other such puns exist?

Hopefully, if I have my way, any Ranger or Islander player who is traded to the former Atlanta Thrashers, who are moving to Winnipeg, could leave NEW YORK and join the J!E!T!S!

A Boston-area basketball player who is recruited by UCLA, could leave BOSTON and join the BRUINS!

Yankee or Met players who are traded to Texas, would leave NEW YORK and join the RANGERS.

A Detroit ballplayer who is released, and ends up in the minors in Rochester, New York, would leave DETROIT and join the RED WINGS.

A Rams player who is traded to Arizona, would leave ST. LOUIS, and join the CARDINALS (just like for historical purposes, where a Bears player would leave CHICAGO and join the CARDINALS).

Do YOU have any similar ideas?

Game One:What A Finish!

2011-06-02T15:24:00.000-07:00

The Vancouver Canucks moved on step closer to their ultimate goal, with an incredible 1-0 victory over the Boston Bruins in game one of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.

Roberto Luongo outdueled Tim Thomas, as the game stayed scoreless, until, with 19 seconds to go in regulation, Ryan Kesler stole the puck, and passed it to an open Raffi Torres in front of the net, and he made no mistake, as he put the proverbial "buscuit in the basket" in what was basically overtime, to give the Canucks the win and a 1-0 lead in the series. Game two at Rogers Saturday night, which will be the last saturday night game of the year, which is big for fans watching on "Hockey Night In Canada", as saturday night is their traditional game night.

Happy 70th Charlie!

2011-06-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

Today is the 70th birthday of the man many consider rock's greatest drummer, Charlie Watts. He is the man who has for nearly fifty years, first with Bill Wyman, then with Darryl Jones,provided the rhythm to the "Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World", The Rolling Stones. I had the pleasure to watch him from about 20 feet away during their August 31, 2005 concert at Comerica Park. It is, because of the basic rhythms the band uses in their songs, easy to overlook how good he really is, but when you are that close, you get a new appreciation of his talent, since you can watch what he is actually doing.

It wasn't always this way. Charles Robert Watts was born 2 June, 1941, the son of a lorry driver. His passion as a youth was football, and he dreamed of becoming a football player. That began to change when he got his first drumkit at age 15. He had become, and continues to this day, to be a passionate jazz fan, and jazz and big-band rhythms are his greatest influence, which is pretty amazing for a man renowned for his rock drumming. He then played in Alexis Corner's Blues Incorporated, through which he met Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, and the rest is history.

6,578 Days

2011-06-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

6578 days. That is the period between June 9, 1993, when the Montreal Canadiens became the last Stanley Cup Champion from Canada to date, to Game six of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals, when the Vancouver Canucks become the next.

FORWARDS

The Canucks have U.S. Olympian Ryan Kessler and the Sedin brothers. They may be getting some help with a return of Manny Maholtra, who has been out since March with an injury. The Bruins have rookie star Tyler Seguin and Milan Lucic. EDGE-CANUCKS

DEFENSEMEN

Boston has the monstrous Zdeno Chara, while Vancouver has Kevin Bieksa, and former Predator Dan Hamhuis. Basically these teams are EVEN on the blueline.

GOALTENDERS

Vancouver has Roberto Luongo, who won the Olympic gold medal for Team Canada at Rogers Arena. He obviously knows how to win in that building. Boston has Tim Thomas, who has a Vezina Trophy, and may well have another in a couple of weeks. These guys are two of the league's best.
SLIGHT EDGE TO THE CANUCKS

I believe that this is Vancouver's year to win it all. It's time for the Cup to go back to Canada. 6,578 days is a long time. The CANUCKS win in six.

JIM TRESSEL GONE

Jim Tressel was forced to resign Monday. Ohio State University's (or excuse me-"THE Ohio State University") Athletic department is a mess-Tressel is out, There is pressure on both the A.D. and university President to also step down, and probation is likely. This is what happens when there is a lack of institutional control over the football program.

BRING BACK THE JETS!
Hopefully, with the return of the NHL to Winnipeg, the Jets name will return with it. It is the city's hockey legacy, and it is time for it to come back.

BREAKING NEWS TODAY-SHAQ HAS ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT VIA HIS TWITTER ACCOUNT-Undoubtedly he will eventually be inducted into the Basketball Hall Of Fame.

Happy Birthday To An American Icon

2011-05-24T16:50:00.000-07:00

Today, the man who once said "Don't trust anyone over 30", Bob Dylan,turned 70. In the 70 years since his birth in Hibbing, MN as Robert Allen Zimmerman, Dylan has been a high school hockey player, New York newbie, folk singing Woody Guthrie wannabe, Rock and Roll star, motorcycle accident survivor, country squire, and that's just a few. Dylan has been an american icon and hero to a generation, and he continues to go his own way, even at his advanced age. He has been on what he calls his "Never-Ending Tour" since 1988, and shows no signs of ending it any time soon, although ironically, he is not playing anywhere tonight.

It was not always this way. The boy born Robert Allen Zimmerman 70 years ago, was a typical Minnesota boy, until he began to hear radio stations from down south, that played the blues. That changed his life forever, as he picked up the guitar, began to sing folk and the blues, and the rest would be history, except it was not. Dylan would change repeatedly over the decades, as he absorbed the influences of the Beatles, Stones, etc... into his own unique style, and if you think Dylan is not relevant at 70, you're wrong, as, due to a commercial that featured one of his songs a few years ago, his album "Modern Times" briefly hit #1. Happy Birthday Bob Dylan, may you continue for many more.

A GOLDEN OPPURTUNITY FOR THE CANUCKS

2011-05-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, the Vancouver Canucks moved one step closer to their first Stanley Cup final since 1994 with a 4-2 victory over San Jose at the Shark Tank. Tuesday night, the Canucks can close out the Sharks at home, with what should be a huge crowd that will be on "go", especially considering that over 5,000 fans made the trek to northern California for this afternoon's game, so the Shark Tank sounded like a small version of Rogers Arena. I was quite surprised to hear that the Shark tank did NOT sell out for today's game, given that it was game 4 of the Western Conference final, and the Sharks usually draw well. I realize that the game began at high noon local time, but that is no excuse for a relatively poor attendance for such an important game.

The Canucks Tuesday night can make history before a crowd that will undoubtedly be holding signs saying "Can't Beat Canucks, and other, similar sayings. The Canucks should take Game five as a golden oppurtunity to make a statement, because this is a golden oppurtunity to win the cup, since the B's-Bolts Eastern final is almost certainly going seven. So, it beehoves them to close out the Sharks as quickly as possble.

NHL LOCKOUT IN 2012?

2011-05-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

A little-noticed blog report in the midst of the death of Derek Boogard, and the arrest of Matthew Barnaby, was an article by Toronto Star reporter Damien Cox predicting that the NHL is getting ready to lockout the players in a year and a half if a new CBA is not reached by then. Personally speaking, I would not be that concerned, if the reporter were someone else, and not Cox, who is respected throughout the hockey world. That being said, I do wonder if he is reading too much into the fact that the NHL filed a brief in support of the NFL in their lockout battle with the decertified NFLPA. If the NHL were to impose another lockout, that could be disastrous, as the NHL seems to have finally gotten it's act together after the 2004-05 lockout. It seems like the best hope for the fans, is for the courts to rule in favor of decertified players, which would stop strikes(since there is essentially no union) and lockouts (ditto).

Plenty Of NHL News

2011-05-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

RANGERS ENFORCER FOUND DEAD

Rangers Enforcer Derek Boogard, 28, was found dead last night at a Minneapolis Hotel. An autopsy is being conducted today. Results will not be known until probably after the Memorial Day holiday, although the death does seem suspicious, because of Boogard's young age, and the fact he missed the last two-thirds of the season with a concussion.

BARNABY ARRESTED

Former NHL enforcer Matthew Barnaby was arrested yesterday following a domestic violence incident involving two females. Barnaby has a history of anger management issues and substance abuse, and they may well have reared their ugly head again.

CONFERENCE FINALS

EASTERN CONFERENCE

BOSTON-TAMPA BAY

Stevie Y's Lightning have been amazing in these playoffs, thanks to Dwayne Roloson. Boston, though has Tim Thomas, who is even better, so the B's get back to finals for the first time in 21 years. BRUINS IN SIX.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

VANCOUVER-SAN JOSE

This is the Canucks year. The Sharks needed seven games to outlast the Red Wings. It is now or never for Vancouver, and Luongo, the Sedins and Co. get it done. CANUCKS IN SIX.

BREAKING NEWS: Kym Johnson rushed to Hospital

2011-05-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

DWTS pro Kym Johnson, 34, who is the partner of front-runner Hines Ward, was rushed to the hospital after a nasty fall during rehearsals. She was carried out on a stretcher with a neck brace and breathing mask on.

A HISTORIC DAY IN SPORTS

2011-05-07T20:51:00.000-07:00

This was a historic day in sports. Many major events occurred in one day.

OVERNIGHT IN LOS ANGELES-David Beckham is in a minor car accident, where he rear-ends a car on the 405 freeway. The other driver suffered a minor injury. Beckham is not hurt.

THIS MORNING IN SPAIN-Seve Ballesteros dies of brain cancer. Seve was perhaps the father of modern day european golf, a gentleman, and a total credit to the game. I know it's a cliche, but he will be missed.

6:25 P.M.-LOUISVILLE,KENTUCKY-20-1 shot Animal Kingdom wins the Kentucky Derby, as he blows through the field on the backstretch.

6:42 P.M.-TORONTO,ONTARIO-Justin Verlander absolutely dominates the Blue Jays, as he throws the second No-Hitter of his career. He only misses going perfecto literally by inches, as a 3-2 pitch just misses the outside corner, resulting in a walk. The only Blue Jay runner is promptly erased on a double play, and Verlander faces only the minimum 27 batters.

10:55 P.M.-VANCOUVER, B.C.-The Nashville Predators stay alive in their Western Conference semi-final with a 4-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, who still lead the series 3 games to 2.

IT'S TRUE! OSAMA BIN LADEN IS DEAD

2011-05-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

President Obama is about to confirm the death and recovery of Osama Bin Laden. Apparently Bin Laden was killed by U.S. Military Operatives at a mansion near Islamabad, Pakistan.

Lions Pick Nick Farley

2011-04-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

The Detroit Lions, with the 13th pick in the first round of the NFL draft, picked Nick Farley, a DT from Auburn. That is about all I know about him.

Second-Round Picks-A Lot Of 6's

2011-04-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

WESTERN CONFERENCE

NASHVILLE-VANCOUVER-These teams split the season series. It could go either way. BUT, if Vancouver does not win it all this year, they probably never will
CANUCKS IN SIX.

DETROIT-SAN JOSE-The Sharks dominated the season series. They should win it. BUT, they won't. The Wings are getting healthy at the right time
WINGS IN SIX.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

TAMPA BAY-WASHINGTON-The Lightning came back from 3-1 down to upset the Penguins. The Caps are the better team, and will eliminate Stevie Y's boys.
CAPS IN SIX

BOSTON-PHILADELPHIA-Talk about going from the frying pan into the fire-The B's just beat their #1 rival, and now they have to play their #2. BUT, they have a huge desire for revenge after blowing a 3-0 lead last year, and this year they will get it.
BRUINS IN SIX.

I went 4-4 in the first round. In the past, that usually has been a good sign for the remainder of the playoffs. We'll see what happens now.

What A Night Of TV It Will Be!

2011-04-26T14:29:00.000-07:00

Tonight will be quite a night of TV! A little something for everybody! ABC has the Dancing With The Stars results show, NBC has the premiere of The Voice, and VERSUS has, not one, but TWO game sevens back-to-back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. For those of us in border cities like Detroit, Buffalo, and many Canadian cities, the CBC is carrying Game Six of the Canadiens-Bruins series, AND, I'm sure somebody has some Royal Wedding preview show for those who are so inclined. So, there is something for everybody, Should be a good night in front of the tube.

60 Years Ago

2011-04-21T21:03:00.000-07:00

60 years ago tonight, Bill Barilko skated into history. Four months later, he WAS history. The Leafs were leading the finals 3-1, and all games had gone into overtime, with the score still tied 2-2, "Bashin' Bill", who was one of the first players to use the slapshot, hurled himself at the puck, and fired a wild shot which beat Gerry McNeil in the Montreal cage to give the Leafs the cup. Four months later, Barilko wanted to fly with a friend Dr. Henry Hudson on a fishing trip, and he argued with his mother, who lost her husband on a Friday, and wanted him not to go for a day. He went anyway, and it could be argued that Mama knew best, as Barilko and Hudson's plane crashed, killing both of them instantly, but the two of them were not found for 11 years, during which time the Leafs did not win the cup, Barilko's plane was found about a month after the Leafs won the 1962 Cup.

THE WINGS DID WHAT THEY HAD TO DO, and that was stay out of the box. After the first three games, it was obvious the Phoenix Coyotes could not compete with the Wings 5 on 5, so when the Wings stayed out of the box, the series was over, and with it quite possibly the 'Yotes' time in Phoenix.

Happy Birthday Queen Elizabeth II, Iggy Pop both on April 21st,, and Jack Nicholson, Peter Frampton and...theicedog! all on April 22nd.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldQIgTEq6oY&feature=autoplay&list=PLB3B9473363BA35B4&index=4&playnext=2

My Favorite Time Of Year

2011-04-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

It is spring...My Birthday, the weather gets better...and the playoffs are on! Not only good hockey, but great hockey, every night. The playoffs are my absolute, favorite time of year. It is the time of year that I think about hockey, and nothing but hockey. It consumes my waking moments for two months, and it is the perfect showcase of athletic competition. Further, there is the Stanley Cup itself. No sports trophy is as instantly recognizable. I have said for years, that, IF you put the Stanley Cup, Vince Lombardi trophy, Larry O' Brien trophy, and the Commissioner's trophy on display in a shopping mall in a non-hockeyown like Birmingham, Alabama, the Stanley Cup will stil be the most recognized trophy of all of them.

What follows are my first-round playoff predictions. Now, understand that the first-round has often proved to be kryptonite to my bracketology, as I seem to improve as the playoffs go on...

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Rangers-Washington-The Rangers won their way in on the last weekend of the season, while the Caps dominated. The fact is...the Caps are simply the better team, and will win in six games.

Buffalo-Philadelphia-I smell an upset coming here. I believe it has everything to do with Ryan Miller, who backstops the Sabres to a seven-game victory.

Montreal-Boston-This is the most contested playoff matchup in history, with over 200 playoff games played. Despite the 7-0 shellacking the Habs took a couple of weeks ago from the Bees, They have matched up well during the season with Boston, and IF Carey Price plays like he did in the regular season, and not the last two playoffs, he could have the Habs primed for s seven-game upset.

Tampa Bay-Pittsburgh-Steve Yzerman's Lightning are the most improved team in the playoffs this year. They are also the weakest defensively(more goals allowed than scored), while the Pens have been winning close games during the abscence of Sidney Crosby. The Pens are better defensively, and will win in seven.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Vancouver-Chicago-The Canucks dominated the league this year, winning the President's Trophy, while becoming the first team since the 1978 Montreal Canadiens to be first in goals scored, and the least goals allowed, while the defending champion Hawks are simply not the same team that won the cup last year. The Hawks may have been the Canucks bugaboo in the past, but no more. Canucks in six.

San Jose-Los Angeles-The Sharks and Kings are meeting in the playoffs for the first time ever. The Sharks are better. 'Nuff said. Sharks in five.

Detroit-Phoenix-The Wings and 'Yotes met last year, and the Wings won in seven. IF Henrik Zetterberg can return for Game Two, the Wings should win in seven again, as he, Jimmy Howard, and Mike Modano could be X-Factors.

Nashville-Anaheim-The Ducks have been the hottest team in the league, with Hart Trophy candidate Corey Perry leading the way. It will be another short spring for the Predators. Ducks in Six.

"IDOL" SHOCKER: PIA GOES HOME!

2011-04-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

American Idol had a shocker result tonight, as Pia Toscoro, who was one of the favorites, was eliminated, as a furious crowd was booing after the announcement was made in Los Angeles. Ryan Seacrest said at the beginning of the results show, that there might be a shock result. He was right. Toscoro was joined on stage by Jacob Lusk and Stefano Langone, who was expected to be eliminated, but, alas, Toscoro was the one going home. One can argue that the judges may have made a mistake saving Casey Adams two weeks ago. That move has come back to bite the show in the rear now.

BAD DAY FOR TIGERBLOOD

2011-04-02T20:48:00.000-07:00

It was a bad day to have Tigerblood in Detroit, as the Detroit Tigers were bombed by the New York Yankees 10-6, and Charlie Sheen bombed in his "Violent Torpedo Of Truth/Defeat Is Not An Option" tour at the FOX theatre in Detroit. Things were so bad at the Fox that fans booed him off the stage, and people who wasted good money to be there were suggesting that fans in future shows sell their tickets before the reviews(like this one) are released. Further, promises that stars like Snoop Dogg would show up were LIES. In what could have been an omen for Charlie Sheen, the Tigers earlier in the day were bombed by the Yankees, 10-6.

BONDS: FROM PRISON TO COOPERSTOWN?

2011-03-31T18:50:00.000-07:00

Baseball's all-time home run king, Barry Bonds is on trial in San Francisco on perjury charges stemming from a 2003 testimony he gave to a grand jury investigating steroid use among major league baseball players. Frankly speaking, it does not take a genius to see from pictures of Bonds as his career progressed, along with the sudden rise in his numbers after age 35, that he almost certainly was a big-time steroid user, as well as a likely user of HGH. The evidence is damming, and the likelihood of a conviction is quite high. With that as a backdrop, the question that must be asked is this: Once he is free after a jail sentence, does MLB prohibit him from the Hall Of Fame ballot? There is no provision for banning a drug user from the Hall Of Fame, unlike gamblers (read Pete Rose), so there is quite a high likelihood of Barry Bonds going from Prison to Cooperstown, and this is what makes no sense about this whole situation: Barry Bonds almost certainly would have been in the Hall, even if he had never touched the stuff, as, assuming his stats were inflated perhaps 20% by PEDs, he still would have hit at least 600 home runs, making him a first-ballot inductee, but his ego may well have made him throw it all away.

A POTENTIAL NIGHTMARE SCENARIO FOR THE CBC

There has been much speculation about the CBC's second-round playoff schedule, since the Canadian election is scheduled for Monday May 2nd. While a potential "Heidi" situation exists for the network a few days earlier. The second round of the playoffs begins Aprl 28. Assuming the Vancouver Canucks win their first-round series(which I believe they will), they will host Game one of their second-round series at 10 P.M. that night. The nightmare for CBC is this: Multiple Overtime. In such a scenario,
Game One could still be going, when the clock is approaching 4 A.M. EDT April 29th, when CBC, unlike Versus in the U.S.(Who hopefully would have the good sense to, if anything simulcast a U.S. local broadcast from a RSN that would not be affected by this), is planning to begin coverage of the Royal Wedding. So, if you are CBC, what do you do? Pull the plug on a triple-OT playoff game(the "Heidi" scenario), farm it out to Bold? (similar to what NBC did during the playoffs some years ago, where they farmed out an OT to Versus, so they could show a Preakness pre-race show), or begin showing Will and Kate's big show on Bold, praying that someone scores quickly, so HNIC can sign off, and CBC news take over? WHAT DO YOU DO?

56 years ago tonight

2011-03-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

56 years ago tonight, the worst riot in NHL history took place in Montreal.
To set the scene, the Red Wings were first and the Canadiens second, as the teams began a home-and-home at the Forum that would end the regular season, and decide the league championship.

In the game before the home-and-home with the Wings, the Habs had a brawl with the Bruins(some things never change, doesn't it ALWAYS come down to the Habs and B's about something?-Richard and Laycoe then, Chara and Pacioretty now). Maurice "Rocket" Richard was fighting with Hal Laycoe, when linesman Cliff Thompson attempted to break it up, when Richard accidentally punched him. The NHL was not about to let that go, so NHL president Clarence Campbell suspended Richard for the remainder of the regular season AND the playoffs. Needless to say, the atmosphere in the Forum was surly when the Wings and Habs began the home-and-home on St. Patrick's night, 1955. The Wings raced out to a 4-1 lead, as the crowd got more-and-more incensed, and to make matters worse, Campbell showed up with his fiancee (who was also his assistant, which angered the crowd even more. A young man approached Campbell, seemingly to shake his hand, but instead he punched him. Then, someone lit a smoke bomb, and Campbell met with the Fire Marshall, ordered the Forum cleared, and the game forfeited to the Wings.

Campbell sent a message to Jack Adams (the Jack Adams who the coach-of-the-year trophy is named after) that the game was forfeited and he could take his team "on their way". The Wings got a police escort out of the area, but the nightmare in Montreal was just beginning. The crowd ran amok, smashing windows causing over $100,000 in damage, and injuring over 100 people. The Detroit News ran a headline saying "Over 100 Hurt In Wing Riot". The next morning Richard went onto the radio, and told the fans to calm down and go home, and he was hoping to help the Canadiens win the Cup the next year.

When the teams returned to Detroit, they played the second half of the home-and home at Olympia Stadium, where the Wings blew out the Habs 6-0, winning the regular season title, and gaining home-ice throughout the playoffs. They would need it, as they won the Cup in a seven-game final. Richard paid the price, as he lost what would prove to be his best chance to win the scoring championship. The rest of the Rocket's career was much better, as the Habs won the next five Stanley Cups.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1GQ1ulT1rs

$1.3 Billion for the man who has everything

2011-03-13T14:48:00.000-07:00

I have a birthday coming up next month..last night I heard about the perfect gift. For only $1.3 Billion dollars, THAT'S WITH A B, you can buy Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, so you can own the Leafs! You can also own Toronto FC and the Raptors as well, but let's not kid ourselves, the Leafs are the crown jewel in this scenario, as they must be worth at least $500 Million themselves. So, folks, I DO have a birthday coming up...

CHARA SHOULD HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED

Last night on "Coaches Corner", Don Cherry showed his pro-Bruin bias(as if we didn't know he had one) when he attacked Canadiens president Geoff Molson for his reaction to the hit Zdeno Chara laid on Max Pacioretty, saying that the stansions in Centre Bell were responsible for Pacioretty's injuries. Further a tweeter the other day commented that the Habs were "whining" about Pacioretty's injuries. Well, Pacioretty suffered a concussion and a cervical fracture. THAT'S A BROKEN NECK FOLKS! Pacioretty is almost certainly done for the season...assuming he ever plays again. Cherry said the NHL had to either give Chara "20 games, or nothing". Fine, give him the 20 games. At least Todd Bertuzzi was suspended for the rest of the season(which turned into a season+ due to the lockout the following season) when his attack ended Steve Moore's career. It wasn't perfect, but it was better than nothing. It's funny how, no matter how things change, they stay the same. Just like the Red Sox and the Yankees, it always comes back to the Bruins and Canadiens.

A STUPID DECISION

A fan invaded the pitch in a low-level Soccer match in Dorchester, England last week dressed like Borat in a mankini. He was tackled by Dorchester's Ashley Vickers, who was (justifiably) upset that this idiot invaded the pitch. Vickers wasa red-carded for violent conduct, which is the letter, though not the spirit of the law. I was a youth to high school official for several years, and I can tell you, I would NOT have ejected Vickers. In fact, I would have commended him for helping get this moron off the pitch. In my view, when you invade the field or the ice, you deserve what you get.
As far as ejecting Vickers, it was a stupid decision.

Charlie Sheen admits he's "losing his mind"

2011-03-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

Charlie Sheen admits he is "losing his mind"...YA THINK? But, I thought he was "WINNING"! BTW, there was talk of him starring in "Major League 3", reprising his role as "Wild Thing". Now, here's my thought. He played a Cleveland Indian in the first two. Shouldn't he be playing for Detroit, since he has TIGER BLOOD? (His words, not mine) Just sayin'.

TRADES, TRADES, AND MORE TRADES 2011

2011-02-28T15:30:00.000-08:00

It is that time again. For the 13th year in a row, I am doing analysis of the NHL trade deadline. Something different this year, is that the entire month of February has been one big trading period, as the trades started February 1st.

NHL trades completed since February 1

February 28, 2011
Boston Bruins acquire:
g Anton Khudobin
Minnesota Wild acquire:
d Jeff Penner
Rights to F Mikko Lehtonen

February 28, 2011
Anaheim Ducks acquire:
f Brad Winchester
St. Louis Blues acquire:
2012 3rd-round pick

February 28, 2011
Calgary Flames acquire:
f Fredrik Modin
Atlanta Thrashers acquire:
2011 7th-round pick
Good move for the Flames

February 28, 2011
Washington Capitals acquire:
f Jason Arnott
New Jersey Devils acquire:
f David Steckel
2012 2nd-round pick
The other big deal of the day, as the Caps needed mopre offense, and got it.

February 28, 2011
Montreal Canadiens acquire:
g Drew MacIntyre
Atlanta Thrashers acquire:
d Brett Festerling

February 28, 2011
Vancouver Canucks acquire:
f Maxim Lapierre
f MacGregor Sharp
Anaheim Ducks acquire:
f Joel Perreault
2012 3rd-round pick
Good pickup by the Canucks, who have their eyes on the cup.

February 28, 2011
Philadelphia Flyers acquire:
f Tom Sestito
Columbus Blue Jackets acquire:
f Michael Chaput
f Greg Moore

February 28, 2011
Vancouver Canucks acquire:
f Chris Higgins
Florida Panthers acquire:
D Evan Oberg
2013 3rd-round pick

February 28, 2011
New York Rangers acquire:
f John Mitchell
Toronto Maple Leafs acquire:
2012 7th-round pick
The Leafs keep selling.

February 28, 2011
Los Angeles Kings acquire:
F Dustin Penner
Edmonton Oilers acquire:
d Colton Teubert
2011 1st-round pick
2012 3rd-round pick
This was the biggest trade of the day. The Kings needed offense, and got it.

February 28, 2011
Carolina Hurricanes acquire:
d Bryan Allen
Florida Panthers acquire:
F Sergei Samsonov
Samsonov has never lived up to expectations. This may be his last shot.

February 28, 2011
Chicago Blackhawks acquire:
d Chris Campoli
Conditional 2012 7th-round pick
Ottawa Senators acquire:
f Ryan Potulny
2011 2nd-round pick

February 28, 2011
Edmonton Oilers acquire:
d Kevin Montgomery
Colorado Avalanche acquire:
d Shawn Belle
Minor deal of Minor Leaguers

February 28, 2011
Columbus Blue Jackets acquire:
f Scottie Upshall
d Sami Lepisto
Phoenix Coyotes acquire:
d Rotislav Klesla
f Dane Byers

February 28, 2011
Washington Capitals acquire:
d Dennis Wideman
Florida Panthers acquire:
F Jake Hauswirth
2011 3rd-round pick

February 28, 2011
Atlanta Thrashers acquire:
F Radek Dvorak
2011 5th-round pick
Florida Panthers acquire:
F Patrick Rissmiller
F Niclas Bergfors

February 27, 2011
Buffalo Sabres acquire:
F Brad Boyes
St. Louis Blues acquire:
2011 2nd-round pick

February 27, 2011
Boston Bruins acquire:
F David Laliberte
F Stefan Chaput
Anaheim Ducks acquire:
F Brian McGrattan
D Sean Zimmerman

February 26, 2011
New York Rangers acquire:
D Bryan McCabe
Florida Panthers acquire:
LW Tim Kennedy
2011 3rd-round pick

February 25, 2011
Florida Panthers acquire:
D Alexander Sulzer
Nashville Predators acquire:
Conditional 2012 7th-round pick

February 24, 2011
Florida Panthers acquire:
C Ryan Carter
2011 5th-round pick
Carolina Hurricanes acquire:
LW Cory Stillman

February 24, 2011
Atlanta Thrashers acquire:
C Ben Maxwell
2011 4th-round pick
Montreal Canadiens acquire:
D Brent Sopel
LW Nigel Dawes
Les Habitants needed more grit. With Sopel, they got it.

February 24, 2011
Pittsburgh Penguins acquire:
RW Alex Kovalev
Ottawa Senators acquire:
Conditional 2011 draft pick
The exodus from Ottawa continues, as the Pens needed more offense with the season-ending injury to Malkin, and potential season-ending injury to Crosby. With the return of Kovalev, they got it.

February 24, 2011
Anaheim Ducks acquire:
G Dan Ellis
Tampa Bay Lightning acquire:
G Curtis McElhinney
Stevie Y. wanted a back-up goalie, and got one, which might create an opportunity to trade one of his goalies for help elsewhere.

February 21, 2011
Dallas Stars acquire:
D Alex Goligoski
Pittsburgh Penguins acquire:
LW James Neal
D Matt Niskanen
Good pickup by the Pens, as they needed another forward.

February 19, 2011
St. Louis Blues acquire:
D Kevin Shattenkirk
RW Chris Stewart
2011 or 2012 2nd-round pick
Colorado Avalanche acquire:
D Erik Johnson
C Jay McClement
2011 or 2012 1st-round pick
Johnson's availability was a surprise, as he was formerly the first pick overall by the Blues.

February 18, 2011
Tampa Bay Lightning acquire:
D Eric Brewer
St. Louis Blues acquire:
2011 3rd-round pick
Rights to (UDC) Brock Beukeboom

February 18, 2011
San Jose Sharks acquire:
D Ian White
Carolina Hurricanes acquire:
2012 2nd-round pick
Nice pickup by the Sharks.

February 18, 2011
Carolina Hurricanes acquire:
D Derek Joslin
San Jose Sharks acquire:
Future considerations

February 18, 2011
Boston Bruins acquire:
D Tomas Kaberle
Toronto Maple Leafs acquire:
2011 1st-round pick
Conditional 2012 2nd-round pick
C Joe Colborne
Burke continued selling with this deal, but with the Leafs in conetntion for a playoff spot, he might want to re-think that strategy.

February 18, 2011
Boston Bruins acquire:
C Rich Peverley
D Boris Valabik
Atlanta Thrashers acquire:
RW Blake Wheeler
D Mark Stuart

February 18, 2011
Ottawa Senators acquire:
G Craig Anderson
Colorado Avalanche acquire:
G Brian Elliott

February 17, 2011
Anaheim Ducks acquire:
LW Jarkko Ruutu
Ottawa Senators acquire:
2011 6th-round pick
More rush to the exits by the Rideau Canal.

February 17, 2011
Montreal Canadiens acquire:
D Paul Mara
Anaheim Ducks acquire:
2012 5th-round pick
Habs acquired some defensive help with this minor trade.

February 15, 2011
Boston Bruins acquire:
C Chris Kelly
Ottawa Senators acquire:
2011 2nd-round pick

February 15, 2011
Toronto Maple Leafs acquire:
LW Aaron Voros
Anaheim Ducks acquire:
Conditional 2011 draft pick

February 14, 2011
Philadelphia Flyers acquire:
RW Kris Versteeg
Details Toronto Maple Leafs acquire:
2011 1st-round pick
2011 3rd-round pick
Brian Burke began selling with this trade.

February 10, 2011
Nashville Predators acquire:
C Mike Fisher
Ottawa Senators acquire:
2011 1st-round pick
Conditional 2012 draft pick
The trade of "Mr. Carrie Underwood" to Nashville began the exodus from Ottawa, which has turned into a full scale rush to the exits.

February 9, 2011
San Jose Sharks acquire:
C Michael Swift
RW Patrick Davis
New Jersey Devils acquire:
D Jay Leach
C Steven Zalewski

February 9, 2011
Chicago Blackhawks acquire:
RW Michael Frolik
G Alexander Salak
Florida Panthers acquire:
RW Jack Skille
RW Hugh Jessiman
C David Pacan

February 9, 2011
New York Islanders acquire:
G Al Montoya
Details Phoenix Coyotes acquire:
2011 6th-round pick

February 9, 2011
Anaheim Ducks acquire:
D Francois Beauchemin
Toronto Maple Leafs acquire:
RW Joffrey Lupul
D Jake Gardiner
Pretty good trade for the Leafs, as Brian Burke dealt with his old friends in Anaheim.

PISTONS SKIP PRACTICE

2011-02-25T14:38:00.000-08:00

Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Tracy McGrady, and several other players skipped practice this morning as part of a protest against the leadership of embattled coach John Kuester.

The players involved are denying an organized protest, claiming they all had headaches, but others on the team are saying that this is the case. It is no secret that Kuester has clashed with players this season. This could be a major problem as the Pistons have said they actually believe the team could make a run at the playoffs this season.

Celebs Dead As Long As They Were Alive

2011-02-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

The following is a list of Celebrities who, either in the past, or within the next ten years, will have been dead as they were alive. The criterion I used, is celebrities who died at relatively young ages, and who have been dead for many years.

Celeb Date Of Birth Date Of Death Length of Life Date that the Celeb was
/will be dead as long as they were alive

Jean Harlow March 3, 1911 June 7, 1937 26 yrs,3mos,4 days September 11, 1963

Richie Valens May 13, 1941 February 3, 1959 17 yrs,8 mos,21 days October 24, 1976

Buddy Holly September 7, 1936 February 3, 1959 22 yrs,4 mos,27 days June 30, 1981

J.P. "The Big October 24, 1930 February 3, 1959 28 yrs,3 mos,10 days
Bopper" Richardson
May 13, 1987

Marilyn Monroe June 1, 1926 August 5, 1962 36 yrs,2 mos,4 days October 9, 1998

JFK May 29, 1917 November 22, 1963 46 yrs,5 mos,24 days May 18, 2010

MLK January 15, 1929 April 4, 1968 39 yrs,2 mos,20 days June 24, 2007

RFK November 20, 1925 June 6, 1968 42 yrs,6 mos,17 days December 23, 2010

Brian Jones February 28, 1942 July 3, 1969 27 yrs,4 mos,5 days November 8, 1996

Alan Wilson July 4, 1943 September 3, 1970 27 yrs,1 mo,30 days
(Canned Heat)
October 3, 1997

Jimi Hendrix November 27,1942 September 18, 1970 27 yrs,9 mos,22 days July 10, 1998

Janis Joplin January 19, 1943 October 4, 1970 27 yrs,8 mos,16 days June 20, 1998

Jim Morrison December 8, 1943 July 3, 1971 27 yrs,7 mos,26 days March 1, 1999

Bruce Lee November 27, 1940 July 20, 1973 32 yrs,7 mos,23 days March 14,2006*

Jim Croce January 10, 1943 September 20, 1973 30 yrs,9 mos,10 days June 30, 2004

Bobby Darin May 14, 1936 December 20, 1973 37 yrs,7 mos,6 days July 26, 2011

ELVIS January 8, 1935 August 16, 1977 42 yrs,7 mos,8 days March 24, 2020

Bon Scott July 9, 1946 February 19, 1980 33 yrs,7 mos,10 days
(AC/DC)
September 29, 2013

John Bonham May 31, 1948 September 25, 1980 32 yrs,3 mos,25 days
(Led Zeppelin)
January 19, 2013

John Lennon October 9, 1940 December 8, 1980 40 yrs,1 mo,8 days January 16, 2021

River Phoenix August 23, 1970 October 31, 1993 23 yrs,2 mos,8 days January 7, 2017

*-February 2006 was a leap year month, thus one extra day.

Cabrera arrested for DUI, Wings face Yzerman for first time

2011-02-17T09:18:00.000-08:00

Originally, this was going to be strictly about the fact that the Red Wings are going to face off against all-time Red Wing great Steve Yzerman tonight in Tampa Bay, but events of last night in Florida changed all that.

Last night near Lakeland, Tiger star Miguel Cabrera was arrested for DUI, and non-violently resisting arrest. Police saw him driving erractically, and pulled him over. Reports say that he was visibly intoxicated, had an open bottle of scotch in the car, and was slurring his speech. He was quoted as asking the police if they knew who he was, and of his issues. This casts a pall over a Tiger team, that has had high hopes for the coming season, as Cabrera will undoubtedly spend at least the rest of Spring Training in Rehab, as he hopefully can get his life strightened out, before something horrible happens to him,his family, or some innocent party. I pray that he does.

In much more positive news, for the first time ever,the Red Wings will face the man who was for the past 27 years, the face of the franchise, when they play Steve Yzerman's Lightning in Tampa Bay tonight. It will undoubtedly be strange to see him in the press box for the opposition after all these years at the Joe. There has been scuttlebutt about Yzerman and his coach Guy Boucher possibly sweeping Coach and Executive of the Year, with the job they have done reviving the Tampa Bay franchise. I am not surprised (and could not be more pleased) with the success they are having, as Yzerman has always been one of the brightest, and most prepared individuals in the game, and Boucher has been said to be the same. I wish them continued success, and hope they win a Stanley Cup there soon, as long as it is NOT against the Red Wings.

BLATTER ADMITS VOTE-TRADING

2011-02-08T13:03:00.001-08:00

FIFrAud President Sepp Blatter has admitted that Spain and Qatar traded votes on the 2018/2022 World Cup Rights. Qatar should immediately be stripped of the 2022 tournament, and be barred from bidding on the 2026 and 2030 tournaments, While Spain should be barred from bidding on the same.

A Super Matchup For The Ages

2011-02-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

Sunday night, The Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers will meet in Super Bowl XLV. This matchup pairs two of the NFL's old-school teams, in what could well be the highest-rated TV program of all time(which would break the record set at LAST year's Super Bowl). After Sunday, the two teams between them will have made thirteen Super Bowl Appearances, and will have won ten titles. In the previous twelve, The Steelers have won an NFL-record six Super Bowls, while the Pack have won three, not to mention the fact that the championship trophy is named after the Legendary Packer coach Vince Lombardi, who won the first two.

Both teams have excellent quarterbacking ("Big Ben" Roethlisberger Vs. Aaron Rodgers, who has, if he didn't finally emerged totally from the shadow of Brett Favre),and Defense to spare. These teams are loaded, and it should be a dandy. A further irony, this game is being played in Dallas, the home of a franchise that both teams have a long history with (The Packers have played the Cowboys in five NFL/NFC Playoff/Champonship games, while the Steelers have met the Cowboys in three Super Bowls).

Andy Petite announcing retirement

2011-02-03T10:43:00.000-08:00

"Anonymous sources" are saying that Andy Petite will announce his retirement tomorrow at Yankee Stadium. This will leave the Yankees with a left-handled hole in the starting rotation. Undoubtedly, the Yanks will go out and buy a left-hander to go along with C.C Sabathia, especially since Cliff Lee turned down their offer, in order to join Roy Halliday In Philly.

Mule gets 5, as the Wings win 7-5

2011-02-02T19:03:00.000-08:00

Johan "The Mule" Franzen was the man of the hour, as the Red Wings returned from the All-Star break by defeating the Ottawa Senators in Ottawa, 7-5. Franzen's 5 was the first time a Red Wing turned the trick on the road, and he was the first Wing to do it since Sergei Fedorov on Boxing Day, 1996.

After the Sens to an early 2-0 lead, Franzen got his first two at 6:52, and 7:40 of the first, to tie the score. He got the hat trick at :30 of the third, and added his fourth at 7:10 of the third, and closed out the scoring
with an empty net goal with about :30 left.

USA still planning on going to Egypt

2011-01-31T10:09:00.000-08:00

According to US Soccer's Twitter page,as of now, USMNT is still planning to go to Egypt for Feb. 9 friendly in Cairo. U.S. Soccer is closely monitoring events in Egypt. Going to Cairo is NOT a good idea, as anyone who has not been under a rock knows. Egypt is dangerously unstable right now, given the political troubles that have engulfed the country in the last week or so.

As far as options about what to do with this match, I have been looking at a map of the middle east. If US Soccer and the Egyptian Football Federation are not able to re-schedule the match, perhaps it could be moved to Al Aqabah, Jordan, or Riyadh, Saudi Arabia? Failing that, I believe a postponement would be the best option, as, let's face it, if you are the Los Angeles Galaxy, would you want Landon Donovan going into that tinderbox?, especially considering the fact that the U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory telling American citizens to get out of Egypt A.S.A.P.

Further, if the match were postponed, say a month or two, the political situation may well have been resolved one way or another, that could make travel for Americans in that region MUCH safer.

Yesterday was All-Star game day in both The NFL and the NHL. Both games were not terribly memorable. The NHL game devolved into it's usual goalfest, as the "Team Lidstrom" defeated "Team Staal" 11-10 in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the NFC defeated the AFC 55-41, in the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl in Honolulu. Both games were totally irrelevant, and made a case for those who would abolish those games.

All-Star Format is succeeding...In being confusing

2011-01-29T18:25:00.000-08:00

The new-look NHL All-Star Weekend format is about half over. All it has succeeded in doing so far, is being thoroughly confusing, and very difficult to follow.

Last night was the All-Star Fantasy draft. It was a silly, and very contrived event, that was almost embarrassing to watch, as players pretended to be upset over where they were picked. Tonight, was the skills competition, whioh players doing different events at different times, and in some cases the same time. The scoring system for some events has been changed, which has made the scoring difficult to follow.

Jack Lalanne can still be seen doing Power Juicer infomercials, which in and of itself would not be a big deal, if he had not died this week at the age of 96. So, he will still be selling Power Juicers in the afterlife.

Charlie Sheen, as you know if you have not been under a rock, is in rehab, after a 36-hour bender with 5 porn stars, boy, to be a fly-on-the-wall at THAT party!

2022 World Cup, Wayne Gretzky is 50 today...

2011-01-26T07:27:00.001-08:00

Here are two sports stories I believe you shoudl be aware of...

Gretzky remains celebrated figure as he turns 50
Wednesday, 01.26.2011 / 12:00 AM / History
By John Kreiser - NHL.com Columnist
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Wayne Gretzky may be gone from the NHL, but as he turns 50, he's certainly not forgotten.

The greatest player hockey has ever seen hasn't skated on an NHL rink since April 18, 1999, when he scored his 2,857th and final point during the last game of his career, the New York Rangers' 2-1 overtime loss to Pittsburgh. He hasn't had any affiliation with the League since stepping down as coach of the Phoenix Coyotes prior to last season.

But make no mistake: As he reaches the half-century mark Wednesday, Gretzky is every bit the hockey icon today that he was when he was terrorizing goaltenders and setting scoring records.

"I think so, and I don't think that's ever going to change," Charlie Huddy, Gretzky's teammate in Edmonton and Los Angeles, told NHL.com when asked if Gretzky remains the biggest name in hockey. "I don't think it's fair to compare anybody to Wayne. There's only one of him and we all know what he's done for the game of hockey.

"As soon as you say his name, even though he's been out of it a while, people know instantly who you're talking about and all his accomplishments. For me, I don't see anybody else coming along who is going to be any better than that."

No player in the NHL -- and probably none in any team sport -- is as identified with a number as Gretzky is with No. 99. Gordie Howe may be Mr. Hockey, but his No. 9 was worn by other immortals like Maurice Richard and Bobby Hull. Bobby Orr revolutionized the game while wearing No. 4, but other greats like Jean Beliveau also wore it.

Young players still know No. 99

Players and fans coming of age today know Wayne Gretzky only by the legacy he left before he retired in 1999 -- the videos they see on NHL.com or the NHL Network, the books and stories they read about him.

That doesn't mean today's young guns don't know about Gretzky -- or want to know more -- as the Great One reaches his 50th birthday Jan. 26.

"You get lots of the young guys asking about what it was like playing with Gretz, what kind of guy he was and things like that," Dallas Stars assistant Charlie Huddy told NHL.com's Robin Brownlee when asked about Gretzky, a teammate in Edmonton and Los Angeles. "They're always going to be asking about him. Did he really score all those goals? Did he really get all those points?"

Not surprisingly, the interest especially is big among the youngsters trying to make their own history in Edmonton -- the city Gretzky helped put on the hockey map by leading the Oilers to four Stanley Cups in a five-year period (1984-88).

"I get asked something about him literally on a daily basis," former teammate Steve Smith, now an Oilers assistant coach, told Brownlee. "His name comes up all the time with our young players.

"It's funny because, sometimes as coaches, we find ourselves bringing up names of players from the past. The kids don't know a lot of them. You bring up the names of some players who were real stars in this League and it's like, 'Who is he talking about?' With Gretz, everybody knows and everybody will continue to know. His is a name that will stand the test of time. It'll never change."

Though it's been a dozen years since Gretzky's last NHL game, Huddy feels Gretzky's fame will live on.

"It'll never end, and rightfully so," he said. "The player he was, he deserves that recognition for the next, well, forever."

-- John Kreiser
No. 99, however, is Gretzky's, and Gretzky's alone. And perhaps no nickname ever has described a player better than "The Great One."

Part of the reason was Gretzky's on-ice brilliance. He saw the game the way no player before him had. Tactics we take for granted today -- curling after entering the offensive zone, setting up behind the net (his "office") and using it as a pick to keep defenders at bay, even bouncing the puck off the posts or the back of the net to fool defenders -- were unheard of before Gretzky came along.

So were the kind of offensive totals Gretzky put up. Certainly, he was helped by playing in an era that emphasized offense, but No. 99 made scoring look easier than any player before or since. He wasn't big, he wasn't particularly fast and he used to joke about the lack of oomph on his slap shot. But he played like he had eyes in the back of his head, an uncanny sense of where everyone else on the ice was (and where they were going), and the unerring knack for making the right play.

Gretzky's record-setting 92-goal season in 1981-82 came after two seasons in which he established himself as the game's premier setup man. When defenses started playing off him, he changed his tactics.

"I don't think anyone had to tell him to shoot more," Kevin Lowe, Gretzky's teammate with Edmonton during the glory years and now the Oilers' president, remembered years later. "I think that teams may have started to pay more attention to covering his wings and left him alone. And one thing about Wayne: He always made the right play."

Given the emphasis placed on defense during the last 15-plus years, Gretzky's offensive totals -- 894 goals, 2,857 points -- look like they'll stand for a long time. He has more assists (1,963) than former teammate Mark Messier, second on the all-time scoring list, has points. And then there's his single-season records for most goals, assists (163 in 1985-86) and points (215 in 1985-86).

"Those numbers are pretty scary," said Huddy, now an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars but a teammate when Gretzky and the Oilers won four Stanley Cups in five years from 1984-88. "I mean, we've seen the best of some guys with [Sidney] Crosby and [Alex] Ovechkin and Mario [Lemieux] and guys like that -- and who is close?

"Those were special years where he put up those kinds of numbers. I just can't see it. I guess you never say never, but I don't think it's going to happen."

As great as Gretzky was on the ice, he was perhaps more important to hockey off it.

It doesn't show in his list of records, but it's a safe bet that Gretzky did more of those between-period TV interviews than anyone in NHL history. He was (and is) beloved in Canada and remains the face of hockey in the United States.

"The way he endorsed the game, the way he was such an ambassador for the game -- he embraced people and people embraced the game because of him," former teammate Steve Smith, now an Oilers assistant coach, told NHL.com.

HISTORY

Greatness by the numbers
John Kreiser - NHL.com Columnist
Who's the best player to wear No. 1? 4? 9? NHL.com takes a look at hockey's greatest players by the numbers they wore.
PART I (00-33) | PART II (34-66) | PART III (67-99)
RELATED STORIES:

Gretzky's amazing feats may never be topped
Spectrum demolition a bittersweet day in Philly
Remembering the NHL's wildest day
NHL.COM HISTORY ARCHIVE ›
The NHL had always had great players, but Gretzky became hockey's first cross-over star -- a player whose celebrity extended well beyond what he did on the ice.

Gretzky's marriage to Janet Jones in the summer of 1988 was the wedding of the century in Canada. The Oilers' decision to trade him to Los Angeles in August 1988 nearly was a national day of mourning in Canada, but turned out to be one of the most important events in NHL history. Not only did Gretzky turn the Kings into the hottest ticket in L.A. (and get them to their first and only Stanley Cup Final, in 1993), he triggered a hockey boom in California and other non-traditional markets that is yielding a growing crop of young talent -- not to mention the existence of franchises in cities that likely never would have had them if not for No. 99.

Two players from California were taken in the first round of the 2010 Entry Draft last June -- a draft held in Los Angeles -- part of a wave of young talent coming from areas that were hockey deserts until Gretzky came along.

"This is kind of the result of that Wayne Gretzky to L.A. trade and we're reaping the rewards from that now," Detroit Red Wings Assistant General Manager Jim Nill told NHL.com during the 2010 Research, Development and Orientation Camp Fueled by G Series. "It just shows that if you have a good product in an area, even though it might not be a solid hockey market, you can groom hockey players. We're starting to see that in California and Texas."

For now, Gretzky is enjoying the role of proud father -- he and Janet have five children -- while living in Los Angeles. But regardless of whether he has an official role with the NHL or a team, he'll always be the face of hockey to millions. And he'll always be "The Great One."

"As dominant as he was on the ice, Wayne was an even-better ambassador for our game and our League wherever he went," Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "He amazed the fans on the ice and connected with them off it, an ultimate combination of elegance, skill and class. On the occasion of his 50th birthday, the National Hockey League sends him its congratulations, its appreciation and its thanks."

As for the Great One himself, he says the years have flown by.

"It feels like yesterday that I was tying up my skates sitting in a locker room at an All-Star Game next to Gordie Howe," Gretzky told NHL Live! on Tuesday, one day before turning 50. "I was 17 and Gordie Howe was 50 at that time. I remember looking at him and thinking, 'Oh my goodness, 50 years old?' and here it is years later. My grandmother used to always say, 'Time flies when you're having fun and life is good.' I feel fortunate that life has been pretty good to me and I had the privilege of playing in the NHL and the game seems to be getting better every year."

NHL.com correspondent Robin Brownlee contributed to this story

Blatter: 2022 could be held at end of year
Reuters - Yesterday, 15:34

LAUSANNE - The 2022 World Cup in Qatar could be held at the beginning of the year or the end of it, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on Tuesday.
"For FIFA, if there's the will to change something for the international calendar for one year, it's possible to do, because if there's a will, there's also a solution," the head of world football's governing body told reporters.

"But for now, there are the pros and cons but it is premature to make any decisions on what may happen but all I am saying is that winter is not only January and February, winter is also the end of the year."

Since Qatar in December won the right to host the finals with a plan to stage them in June/July, Blatter has said that the 2022 tournament could be held in the winter time to avoid the summer heat in the desert state.

This idea has triggered a wave of criticism with many league officials around the world complaining that the whole club competition calendar would have to be adjusted to accommodate a winter World Cup.

Blatter was speaking on Tuesday at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters during a visit by the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

The IOC is especially sensitive to a winter World Cup because it could hamper that year's winter Olympics. It has called on FIFA to discuss the matter with Olympic officials once it has decided on the dates of the tournament.

"It would be sensible once a decision is envisaged by FIFA to sit around the table to see it is not harmful for either of the two parties," IOC president Jacques Rogge said earlier this month.

Winter Olympics are traditionally held over 16 days between the last week of January and the end of February. The 2022 Games will be awarded in 2015.

Gentlemen's agreement vis-a-vis Nabokov?

2011-01-21T08:35:00.001-08:00

As you no doubt know by now, the Red Wings signed Evgeni Nabokov last night, and must put him on waivers today. Most observers believe he will be claimed, but by whom? As far as the Nabokov story goes...Rumors are going around the league, that Ken Holland already has a deal in place for N.J., the Islanders, or Edmonton to claim him, then trade him back to the Wings for picks, etc... Here's another idea, how about if TAMPA (Steve Y.) does that very thing? Would that be the ultimate gentlemen's agreement or what?

NBC/Comcast Merger, U.S. Open TV, NHL, etc...

2011-01-20T09:06:00.000-08:00

Now that the NBC/Comcast merger has gone through, they can put together a very competitve bid.; I have no problem with them keeping the Winter Games in particular, as a renamed "NBCSports Channel"(Versus) would be carrying the NHL anyway, and their other cable partners did a pretty good job with curling, which is a sport most Americans know little about anyway. Further, if Versus lands MLS rights, that would create opportunities for soccer announcers to work the Olympic games.

The USTA has agreed in principle with CBS to keep the U.S. Open tennis tournament on the eye through 2014. It makes sense to keep the U.S. Open on CBS. They've been together for decades, and the relationship has been mututally beneficial.

I criticized Versus about the fact they did not carry the Red Wings-Penguins, at least in Detroit. I was wrong. The game was a dud. The All-Star game is going to be Team Lidstrom vs. Team Staal. They are going to do a nationally televised fantasy draft to divide up the players two days before. I find myself thinking, "why not have the players throw their sticks on the ice, and pick them, up as they are picked. It worked for us when we were growing up. I admit, I'm being a little facetious, as I know that is not going to happen.

"Idol" Night One: Yoji Pop, Crying Girl, and Victoria Huggins

2011-01-20T07:31:00.000-08:00

"American Idol" returned last night, and, as usual, had the bad singers that we so look forward to, that being said, I think America will be talking about Yoji "Pop", Ashley "Crying Girl" Sullivan, and Victoria "Hi-Y'all" Huggins (The Miley Cyrus Wannabe). My gut feeling is that Huggins is going to have a love-hate relationship with America, she is cute, etc...but, like Cyrus, comes off as so annoying, that I think part of America will love her, and part will absolutely hate her.

Some people were creeped out, buy what seemed to be Steven Tyler's flirting with barely legal female contestants. Get used to it folks, he's a rock star, and has undoubtedly been doing that for decades. I'm sure FOX assumed he would do that, when they hired him. I have a feeling that he will be the wild card judge, that people will tune in to see what he is going to say, much like they did with departed judge Simon Cowell. J. LO is going to be more or less the Paula Abdul replacement that Ellen Degeneres failed at last year.

CONCACAF Gold Cup coming to Detroit

2011-01-10T10:12:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Concacaf Gold Cup soccer tournament will have two first-round games played at Ford Field in Detroit June 7th. This is the first major international tournament to visit the Motor City since the 1994 World Cup hosted first-round games at the silverdome. Further, this could be a major opportunity for Detroit to show MLS, that it has what it takes to have an MLS franchise in the near future. Details will be released in February.

400 reasons for Chris Osgood to be in the Hall Of Fame, Kotsopolous suspension insufficient

2011-01-10T10:01:00.000-08:00

Red Wing goalie Chris Osgood increased his Hall-Of-Fame chances last month, as he made 46 saves, and backstopped the Wings to a 4-3 overtime win over the Colorado Avalanche 4-3, at the Pepsi Center in Denver for his 400th win. Now that puts him 10th all-time, and most of the goalies in front of him are already in the hall(Martin Brodeur, the all-time leader in wins and shutouts, is still playing, and will not be eligible for several years). Frankly, I thought this debate should have been settled in 2008, when Osgood led the Wings to their most recent Stanley Cup.

Calgary Defenseman Tom Kotsopolous was suspended by the NHL for 6 games after his head-hunting act, which has put Brad Stuart on the shelf for 6-8 weeks with a broken jaw. Frankly, I feel this suspension, while significant, is insufficient. I mean what did Kotsopolous get, 1 game for each week Stuart is out? He'll be back in late January, while Stuart is out possibly until March. Ridicuolous.

Alice Cooper elected to Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, Bon Jovi left out

2010-12-15T07:47:00.000-08:00

Way Back in 1974, Alice Cooper sang "I wanna be elected". Today he was. He meant to a political office, and that did not happen, but he was elected to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, along with Neil Diamond, Dr. John, Darlene Love(who's producer will NOT be in attendance, as those jail bars can get i n the way), and Tom Waits.

Perhaps the biggest surprise, was the fact that Bon Jovi, who's popularity has never been bigger than it is now, and someone who I assumed was a shoo-in (silly me), was NOT elected. I have to believe that he will eventually get in, as he is far more deserving than ABBA, who got in last year, and let's face it, while Diamond has had a long and very successful career, calling him a "rock star" is a stretch, to say the least. NOW, if this were called the "Pop Music Hall Of Fame", then Diamond's induction would be a given(and probably would have happened years ago), then again, ABBA got in, and Diamond has accomplished far more than they did, despite their huge success.

I was further dissappointed that the J.Geils Band was passed over. Obviously the voters never came through Detroit in the 1970's/80's, which became the Boston band's "second home" during that period, as I saw Geils being called "one hit wonders", which they most certainly were not. This being said, I fully intend to celebrate Alice's induction, as it is decades overdue. Today, he was finally "Elected".

A Holiday "Classic" from 2008

2010-12-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

Two years ago, as the Detroit Lions were "making history", I published this holiday parody in a sports newsletter, that I was running at the time.

A DETROIT LIONS CHRISTMAS CAROL
BY The Ice Dog
(With Apologies to Charles Dickens)

On the night before Christmas, William Clay Ford was sleeping in his Grosse Pointe Mansion, when, about 1 A.M., A ghost showed up in his bedroom. "Mr. Ford", the ghost called out, "Mr Ford". He woke up, frightened, "Who are you?" He asked. "I used to coach your team a long time ago", he said, ''there will be three of us tonight, I am the first, come with me ", he said. The coach, whom Ford had not yet recognized, took him to a locker room decades ago where the coach was being presented with the Vince Lombardi Trophy for winning the Super Bowl. "You won the Super Bowl!" Ford said. The coach said "Yes, I did, but not for your hideous bunch, I WON IT IN BALTIMORE, YOU MORON!", as he slapped Mr. Ford on the head, "I'm Don Mcafferty", Mr. Ford said, "oh yes, I remember you now, you dropped dead of a heart attack". Mcafferty said" One year of coaching your team will do that to anybody!", as he took Ford back to his bedroom "The next one will be here in an hour".

Mr. Ford got back to sleep, when about 2, he heard a ghost again. "Mr Ford", the ghost said, "Mr. Ford.... "O.K., O.K." Mr. Ford said, who are YOU?" "I am Bobby Layne", I was a quarterback who won championships in the 1950's, when you were part owner of the team, come with me now". Layne took Ford to the Lions' offices in 1958. " I remember, this was our offices". Yes, this is where you idiots came up with the bright idea of TRADING me to Pittsburgh", Layne said. "Do you remember what I said next?", Layne asked Mr. Ford, who said he didn't recall. "I said you clowns wouldn't win for 50 years, and look, its 50 years and you guys are nowhere near winning", He then took Ford back home and said, the last one will be here in an hour".

Mr. Ford got back to sleep yet again, when the last, scariest ghost of all appeared. "Mr. Ford", the ghost called out. "Mr Ford".... Mr. Ford said "Ok,...RUSS?!" "Yes, it is I" said Russ Thomas. Mr Ford said to him"wait a minute, weren't YOU the scrooge in this story?". Thomas said "I only did your bidding, sir". "Come with me, I have to take you to see two more things, your recent past, and your future". The first stop was at the Silverdome in 1998. They saw a running back with incredible talents running into the end zone. "THAT'S BARRY!" Mr. Ford said "He Scored a touchdown!, hey , he's running out of the end zone, and he's running out of the stadium!, what gives?". "Mr. Ford", Thomas said, "Our organization has been run so badly, he lost his spirit, and quit the team". Thomas then said "I have one last place to take you, this is your future". Thomas took Ford to a graveyard, and said "I have to show you both the best case, and the worst case scenario, I will show you the best case first". He took him to a tombstone that said: "HERE LIES WILLIAM CLAY FORD, OWNER OF THE WORST TEAM OF ALL TIME". Ford said to him "If that's the BEST case scenario, WHAT'S THE WORST?" Thomas said to him "This is what your tombstone will say if your team does not win a game his month"

The stone had no name, just a few numbers. It said Simply:

0-16

Mr. Ford looked up at Thomas, and said "Is this my legacy?". Thomas shook his head yes Ford yelled "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! NO! NO! NO!, as Thomas took him back home.

The next morning, Ford woke up, opened his window, and yelled to a young boy below "WHAT DAY IS IT YOUNG MAN?". The boy said "It's Christmas, Mr. Ford, AND YOUR TEAM STILL STINKS!!"

I have expanded My Empire

2010-11-10T10:51:00.000-08:00

I am now available at www.versus.com and also at http://www.allvoices.com/users/theicedog So, I have expanded my "vast publishing empire"...LOL, as if Rupert Murdoch or Ted Turner have anything to worry about!

Who Hs A Better Record Than The Dallas Cowboys?

2010-11-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

Who has a better record than the Dallas Cowboys? The Detroit Lions! Yes, the team who went 0-16 two years ago, is ahead of the Cowboys (2-5, as opposed to 1-6), after week 8. Now I know that's not saying much, but it IS the Lions we are talking about, and for them, small victories will do. Besides, when was the last time The Lions had a better record than the Cowboys THIS late in the season.