Thursday, July 10, 2008 - From Russia with love...

-Controversial goaltender Ray Emery is headed to Russia next season, after sparking almost no interest from NHL teams, this offseason - and to be specific (according to his agent) only 3 calls from other teams.
-I'm beginning to think Dan Labatard doesn't like Canada - but maybe I'm just paranoid. Or, maybe it's the fact that I can't stand the guy.
-Candace Parker's statline against the Houston Comets Wednesday - 40 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 blocks. Scary considering she's only a rookie...
-Check out who Lord Stanley has been partying with this summer. Just a few celebs, including: Cuba Gooding Jr., Ray Liotta, John C. McGinley, Jeremy Piven, David Spade, Kid Rock, Jennifer Capriati, Tom Hanks, Sly, and of course, Wayne Gretzky.
-According to Doug Smith, of the Toronto Star, not only will Jack Armstrong be returning to broadcast games - we'll be seeing even more games with the enthusiastic coach as the colour man.
-Ever wonder what Tony Romo's top 3 most played songs on his Ipod are? The Answer: Journey's "Don't Stop Believing; and Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child of Mine; and finally "Something by Jessica Simpson."
-The Colorado Rockies now have a farm league team in Casper, Wyoming. Their name? The Ghosts obviously.
-The NBA's baddest white-boy Brad Miller continues his streak of thuggery, this time landing himself in drug trouble with the league - receiving a five game suspension for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program
-Meanwhile, the Bulls' JameSon Curry one-ups Miller, by urinating in public - and resisting arrest.
-Angels' pitcher Francisco Rodriguez is on pace to break the single season record for total saves, 57 - his count stands at 35.
-A nice jersey design for the MLB All-Star game.
-Video of the day: Andrew Bogut showing Milwaukee Bucks fans why he's worth that $72.5 mill contract.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008 - Brotherly Love

-I'm just going to start out by saying that the "winner of the MLB All-Star game determines home-field advantage" is a joke and anyone who disagrees with that, is an idiot. Whatever happened to "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."? Sorry, just had to get that off my chest.
-It appears that the Winter Classic featuring the Detroit Red Wings playing against the Chicago Blackhawks will be played at Wrigley Field.
-Longtime LA Clipper, Elton Brand is reportedly heading to the City of Brotherly Love. Irony can be such a bitch huh, Baron?
-And the poor just keep on getting poorer. Michael Vick has filed for bankruptcy and is said to be owing creditors between $10 and $50 million. Yikes.
-Catalyst of last nights' Orioles-Jays victory? Alex Rios with a base-clearing 3-RBI triple.
-A day after scoring 28 pts, Michael Beasley went 1 for 13 and finishing with just 9 pts, all while collecting 7 fouls. Might want to re-think that old nickname, "B-Easy", 'cause the NBA is no cakewalk (and Summer League is nothing like the actual league).
-The Chicago Cubs have responded to the Brewers' acquisition of C.C Sabathia, with a move of their own - picking up Canadian pitcher Rich Harden in a 6-player blockbuster.
-In his sit down with fill-in host, Bonnie Bernstein - Terry Francona shot down both the Mark Texeira and Barry Bonds to Boston rumours - blaming online forums and blogs for starting these rumours.
-About a week ago, Packers' QB Aaron Rodgers stated that he is almost positive that the organization is moving forward - almost closing the door on the Brett Favre return rumours. Nothing could be further from the truth. Just yesterday, reports surfaced that Favre sent a text message to Ted Thompson. And the football soap opera lives on for another day.
-Chuck Swirsky's successor has been announced, it will be Matt Devlin replacing the Swirsk. Take a listen for a preview of what to expect next season.
-Toss up. Who's the more overrated mainstream comedian of today, Dane Cook or Russell Peters?
-For the nu-metal fans out there, Dragonforce's new album titled Ultra Beatdown, comes out Aug. 25th worldwide.

Monday, July 7, 2008 - Bust-a-nut?

-In his interview with Jim Rome, David Ortiz stated that he is part of the group of people who think the Tampa Bay Rays are in fact, the real deal, and will do well in the playoffs.
-After being upset by New Zealand, Team Canada had five players scoring in double-digits in their bounce back victory against Lebanon, the final score being 100-68 in the finale of the Jack Donohue International Classic
-Arizona Diamondback's catcher Chris Snyder suffered a busted nut, or a broken testical...well, you can scratch off that idea for a Mythbusters episode.
-reports are indicating that the Milwaukee Brewers have won the C.C Sabathia sweepstakes. Still doesn't sound right.
-After almost five hours of epic tennis action, Rafael Nadal becomes the first man to win both the French Open and Wimbledon since tennis great Bjorn Borg, defeating Roger Federer and ending the latter's grass court winning streak at 65 matches.
-With the recent signing of Chris Duhon, it looks like the Knicks will be parting ways with "hometown hero", Stephon Marbury. I don't say this often but, a step in the right direction for the New York Knicks.
-the Tampa Bay Lightning's Dan Boyle has agreed to lift his no-move clause. Pay attention Leafs - you might learn something.
-According to Sports Illustrated, the normal stride length for a pitcher is 77% to 87% of his height. Giants' pitcher, Tim Lincecum's stride is 129%, which is about 7 1/2 feet. Talk about your classic freakshow, and I say that in the nicest way possible...
-Congratulations to the Atlanta Dream, of the WNBA, for notching their first franchise victory against the Chicago Sky - never an easy task for an expansion team, in any sport for that matter.
-In a special showing of Pardon the Interruption, Michael Wilbon's response to the "best game of the year"? Suns-Spurs, game one double overtime [117-115] victory by the Spurs. Hard to argue against that particular game - even though it's not even a candidate for the ESPY.
-Line of the week, "I'll piss in his hand, if he wants. I really don't care, because I'm not worried about anything."- Pat Perez, on the PGA Tour's new drug-testing policy.
-Transformers star Megan Fox appears to be "opting out" and remaining a free-agent.
-In cased you missed this bomb of a video, lead singer Josh Homme of QotSA just ripping apart a fan at Norwegian Wood 2008 (warning - some crude language).
-And finally, in local Canadian sports news (Northern Ontario specifically) congratulations to Taylor Milne of Callander/North Bay, ON - as he will be packing his bags to compete in the Olympic Games in Beijing next month.

Friday, July 4, 2008 - Happy 4th of July.

-Alex Rodriguez makes headlines again with "good friend" Madonna, reportedly making late-night visits to her house for presumably their chess club meetings.
-Whether or not Brett Favre returns next season, the way I see it is, when you've reached the plateau of greatness that players such as Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, Tiger Woods et al., and possess that kind of legendary status - you are always welcome to return. But don't tell that to the Green Bay Packers... or their fans.
-Pardon The Interruption has been absolute garbage and a downright snore-fest without Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser.
-former Highschool phenom Gerald Green has signed on with the Mavericks. Yes, it was (and still is) a slow week in the NBA.
-Gilbert Arenas agrees to a $111 million dollar contract, although was offered $127 - heartwarming, but I'm still not gonna call him a "winner" just yet.
-A.J Burnett is being shopped around the league for a shortstop - according to sources in the Toronto media, as the Blue Jays management are not happy with him, as well as current SS's David "no-catch" Eckstein and John ".100" McDonald.
-The German National basketball team has just acquired center Chris Kaman. You heard correctly - Kaman's great-grandparents were of German descent, making him eligible to play after getting his duel-citizenship.
-Roger Federer avenges himself by defeating familiar face Mario Ancic. Try and beat Federer's streak(s): 39 consecutive wins at Wimbledon, 64 consecutive wins on grass and 17 consecutive semifinal appearances at Grand Slam tournaments.
-In Team Canada's quest to make the Olympics, the Canucks' crushed Lebanon 89-67, thanks in part to Joel Anthony and Samuel Dalembert who combined for 20 rebounds. Canada also breezed passed New Zealand, once again winning big, taking the decision 90-63, this time with swingmen Olu Famutini and Rowan Barrett making big contributions and pleasing the McMaster-U crowd with their electrifying displays of athleticism.
-It's official. There will be another Venus-Serena Wimbledon showdown. The Williams' sisters improve their record to a jaw-dropping 100-13 at Wimbledon, can you say dominant?
-Pamela Anderson calls Jessica Simpson a "whore" for wearing an anti-vegetarian top.
-The Toronto Blue Jays begin a road series with the L.A Angels who boast the second best record in the majors (only behind the Tampa Bay Rays, of all teams). But, the Jays have been known to play well against the Halos - so expect a hard fought series.
-Enjoyed Talladega Nights? Well, Sasha Baron Cohen and Will Farrell will team up again in the comedic version of Sherlock Holmes.
-Video of the day: hilarious hockey taunt. Priceless.
-In honour of Cynthia-R (and soon to be minus the R), and of course the 4th of July, here's Lenny Kravitz performing the Guess Who's smash hit "American Woman".

Wednesday, July 2, 2008 - B-Diddy to LA?

-Tiger Woods, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant and Alex Rodriguez are in the running for the ESPY: best male athlete. Tough, tough call...
-the Toronto Blue Jays sported some patriotic, yet unattractive Canadian style ball caps in last night's heart-breaker against the Mariners.
-Mats Sundin has been offered a 2-year, 20 million dollar contract by the Vancouver Canucks, but says that he is leaning towards Detroit or the NY Rangers. In related news, the Leafs bring back former goaltender Curtis Joseph.
-After opting out of his contract, Baron Davis is close to signing with the LA Clippers. Who didn't see this coming (especially after the benching incidents with Nelly)?
-Rudy Fernandez becomes the eighth Spaniard to play in the NBA, after signing with the rising Portland Trailblazers.
-the legendary Bon Jovi will be performing at the MLB All-Star weekend in Central Park.
-Houston Astros first baseman Lance Berkman has announced that he will be taking part in the Home Run Derby again, while the Yankees' Alex Rodriguez will not, for health reasons.
-the Tampa Bay Rays are up 2.5 games on the BoSox in the AL East. Yikes.
-a user by the name of spooky93 extended his Beat the Streak record streak to an impressive 46 games after Ichiro Suzuki's hit last night. He's 11 games shy of the $1 million dollar prize. For those just joining and want some tips, 20% of spooky93's picks are Ichiro Suzuki. Ichiro's not a bad choice on any given night, really - I mean, he's a proven hit machine if you hadn't noticed.
-the World Series of Poker's final table will be delayed by four whole months to "build hype" for the "sport". Give me a break - card games will never be considered real sports, no matter how many fans or viewers there are.
-in addition to the musical performance at the end of the blogs, this will also become a regular installment - sports related Youtube videos. Here's tennis phenom Andy Roddick appearing on the Weakest Link.
-From their new album, Viva La Vida (and a personal favourite of mine) - give it up for Coldplay with Violet Hill!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008 - Happy Birthday Canada!

-Carlos Delfino looks to be the odd man out for the Raptors and may have played his last game. While it appears that the long-awaited arrival of Croatian sensation Roko Ukic has ended; as he will most likely take the role of back-up PG or reserve SG.
-Don't look now, but the Detroit Tigers are creeping back into the playoff picture.
-Hats...or sombreros off to Spain for winning Euro 2008 - (a tourney in which many soccer analysts dubbed as one of the greatest soccer tournaments ever) with a well-deserved and dominating victory going a perfect 23-0.
-Bryan McCabe has exercised his no-trade clause, leaving many Leafs fans confused as to why.
-Are the Yankees hated? This stat seems to point to "yes" - batters hit the most over the last 10 years are: A-Rod, Jason Giambi and Derek Jeter.
-the always controversial and retired NFL-er Michael Strahan will be joining the Fox crew, odd considering his track record with the media. But hey, isn't that what some people said when they heard Sir Charles was to become a regular on television?
-More strange NFL news, Warren Sapp is to appear on next season's Dancing With The Stars...
- Big Papi confirms that he will not start for the AL, at the MLB all-star game this year.
-Lou Pinella was ejected in just the 2nd inning of the Cubs-WhiteSox game and had some choice words after the game - ending with the quote, "it's over with. They're[upmires] still my buddies."
-The Detroit Red Wings' goaltender Chris Osgood brought the Stanley Cup to a bar in Plymouth for fans to drink out of, in his hometown.
-quite possibly another all-Williams sisters Wimbledon finals?
-The Lebron-Jay-Z rumours are heating up, big time. And it appears that the Nets are looking to make a huge offer for Bron-Bron in '10 after trading Richard Jefferson. A little tidbit, Lebron James listed New York as his favourite city ahead of his hometown Akron, Ohio...
-Roy Halladay with another dominating performance, last night, going the distance for a league-leading 6th time and shutting out the Seattle Mariners.
-Man who auctioned everything... is a bit disappointed with the selling price.
-And finally, a big Happy Birthday to the great land of Canada. Enjoy Canada Day, everybody, and be safe.
-Ladies and gentleman, our musical guest for today is Canada's own homegrown talent, Sloan!