May 30, 2007
Jordin Sparks says that she can’t take credit for her fabulous voice because it’s a gift from God. Apparently, the “American Idol” winner also had a little more earthly help: she reportedly had a vocal coach. That may come as a surprise to Sparks’ fans because on her official bio on the “Idol” Web site, when asked if she ever had formal training, Sparks answered, “No.”
I guess it is all in how you define "formal training" -- and whether you think it matters, given that Melinda was a professional back-up singer and others have been working in the music field for years.
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May 28, 2007
As Barry Bonds nears his record 756th home run, he's stockpiling quite a collection of souvenirs -- bats, balls, helmets and spikes, pieces of baseball history perfectly suited for the Hall of Fame.Whether he'll donate any of them to Cooperstown, however, is in doubt.
"I'm not worried about the Hall," the San Francisco slugger said during a recent homer drought. "I take care of me."
It still isn't too late do ban this steroid-enhanced cheater from the game. No one will miss him.
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Reds center fielder Ryan Freel had feeling in all of his extremities and was coherent after colliding with right fielder Norris Hopper on Monday.Freel, known for his all-out play, was down for 13 minutes while being examined and was taken off the field on stretcher.
The frightening scene took place in the third inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Freel and Hopper chased a ball hit by Humberto Cota leading off the inning. Freel caught the ball on the warning track and his left arm was run into by Hopper. Freel was twirled around to his left and fell at the base of the wall.
After being examined by Reds trainers and physicians, Freel was turned over on his back, strapped to a stretcher, loaded into an ambulance and taken to Good Samaritan Hospital.
The Reds announced Freel's condition in the fourth inning. He was scheduled for further exams.
Hopper remained in the game.
Freel, hitting .253 entering the game, was replaced by Ken Griffey Jr.
The initial fears of a catastrophic injury involving paralysis seem to have been unfounded. Still, everybody keep Ryan Freel in prayer during his recovery from what still appears to be a serious injury.
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U.S. Coast Guard rescue crews continued searching Lake Pontchartrain on Monday for New England Patriots defensive end Marquise Hill, who was reported missing following a jetski accident."We searched throughout the night," said Petty Officer Tom Atkeson.
According to WDSU-TV, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said they are no longer on a search and rescue mission. Now their mission is one of search and recovery and Hill is presumed drowned.
Hill's agent, Albert Elias, said he had been told Hill and a young woman were jetskiing Sunday in the lake when both of them went into the water, which had a strong current. Elias said the woman was able to make it to a pylon and hang on until she was rescued, while Hill was last scene floating away from the scene.
"I'm an optimistic guy," Elias told WWL television in New Orleans. "He's a strong kid and a fighter."
By all accounts, Hill is a decent guy, who has regularly returned home to help family members recover from the devastation left by hurricane Katrina.
Unfortunately, at least one media outlet has begun using the words "presumed dead" in their coverage -- let's hope and pray that this is a case of leaping to an unwarranted conclusion, and that Marquise Hill is found alive.
UPDATE -- 5/28/07 15:18 Central Time: The body of Marquise Hill has been found.
Officials told New Orleans television station WDSU on Monday that they recovered the body of Marquise Hill of the NFL's New England Patriots.The news report came about 17 hours after the Coast Guard received word that Hill was missing following an apparent water scooter accident on Lake Ponchartrain.
The former Louisiana State University, a defensive tackle in the NFL since 2004, was reported missing Sunday night. the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said at about 10:45 a.m. Monday that they were no longer on a search and rescue mission.
May his family and teammates be comforted in the face of the loss of this gentleman at much too young an age.
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May 24, 2007
STAR WARS fans will sense a disturbance in the force amid rampant rumours that a new movie set before the prequels is to be announced in LA tomorrow.The news of the "huge" announcement by Star Wars creator George Lucas comes on the 30th anniversary of the first film.
Chris Brennan, a member of Star Walking Inc - the Australian Star Wars appreciation society, is in LA for the offcial convention Celebration IV at the Los Angeles Covention Centre.
He said the rumours sweeping the venue is that Lucas will announce a new Star Wars movie is in the works.
Reports have been circling among fans and on the internet of a new Star Wars movie or movies set before the recent prequels at the time of Old Republic when the Jedi regained control of the galaxy from the Dark Lords of the Sith.
"He did make a slip in an interview a couple of weeks ago and say something about a forthcoming movie,'' Brennan said.
"The reporter went back to him and said `did you say movie?'
"George said no he didn't say that and tried to cover it up.''
This would be in addition to the live-action television series that has already been announced.
I like the premise of an early history of the Galaxy. However, I wish he would reconsider his earlier decision not to do Episodes VII-IX, set after Return of the Jedi. Given the years that have passed, the original actors might just be old enough to return for their original roles.
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May 23, 2007
Jordin Sparks, the perky 17-year-old high school student from Glendale, Ariz., won the sixth round of "American Idol" last night, beating out 11 other finalists, including several who were better singers, but none with her winning package of big voice, big smile and teetering-on-womanhood.Did we mention she's only 17, as the show's three judges reminded viewers at every possible moment in the four-month-long competition? That makes her the youngest "Idol" winner ever.
My problem with the outcome? First, she seems more like a host on the Disney Channel than a real American idol. Second -- does anyone really believe that either of the two finalists was better than Melinda Doolittle, who was eliminated last week? It all feels like the outcome has been scripted for the last few weeks, even up to the surprise elimination of the odds-on favorite to set up a final taht was designed to produce a run-away result.
But regardless, I think we will see at least three hit-makers come out of this season -- and can't help but remind folks that the only winner previous winner who has really left a mark as a successful artist has been Kelly Clarkson, while any number of runners up have seen more success. I do hope that changes.
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May 22, 2007
“And it’s easy to start a religion! Watch, I'll do it for you: I had a vision last night! A vision! The Blessed Virgin Mary came to me—I don’t know how she got past the guards—and she told me it’s high time to take the high ground from the Seventh Day Adventists and give it to the 24-hour party people. And what happens in the confessional stays in the confessional. Gay men, don’t say you’re life partners, say you’re a nunnery of two. ‘We weren’t having sex, officer, I was performing a very private Mass, here in my car. I was letting my rod and staff comfort him. Take this and eat of it, [our emphasis] for this is my roommate Barry. And for all those who believe there is a special place for you in Kevin.”
The Catholic League is starting a campaign to protest this blasphemous treatment of those things that Catholics hold sacred. Somehow, though, I doubt the Imus rules will be applied here – and I further doubt that we will see a single act of terrorism committed by Catholics in protest.
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May 20, 2007
The Duke lacrosse team defeated North Carolina 19-11 to advance to the final four of the NCAA tournament. Carolina jumped to an early 6-1 lead, but from that point on Duke outscored the Tar Heels 18-5. Last week, Duke defeated Providence 18-3, so it's becoming clear how dominant this team can be when it's clicking.Next up is Cornell, a team that finished the season unbeaten, defeated Duke in Durham, yet somehow received only a fourth seed in this tournament. Cornell got by Albany with a 12-11 overtime victory in its quarterfinal match.
Final Four, baby --capping a season which saw their teammates vindicated and their persecutor brought down. These young men have to be the sentimental favorite of the nation -- except for rabid racists, feminists, and other moonbats.
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May 17, 2007
Floyd Landis's sleepy, scientific arbitration hearing in Malibu, Calif., morphed into a pulp-fiction blockbuster yesterday.Greg LeMond, like Landis an American Tour de France champion, disclosed in testimony that he had been sexually abused as a child and received a call Wednesday from Landis's manager, who threatened to reveal the secret if LeMond showed up to testify.
Shortly after LeMond dropped those bombshells, the manager, Will Geoghegan, apologized to LeMond and admitted he made the call, LeMond said. Subsequently, Landis attorney Maurice Suh told Geoghegan, "You're fired," while they were still standing in the hearing room.
"It was a real threat, it was real creepy, and I think it shows the extent of who it is," LeMond said before leaving the Pepperdine University law school after his spellbinding day. "I think there's another side of Floyd that the public hasn't seen."
Cross-examination of LeMond, designed to expose his motives and impeach his credibility, was called off because LeMond refused to answer questions about Lance Armstrong.
Before LeMond received the threatening call from Geoghegan, his testimony was supposed to be about conversations he had with Landis shortly after news of his positive "A" urine sample had been leaked to the press.
LeMond said he urged Landis to come clean if his backup "B" sample also came back tainted.
Disgusting -- utterly disgusting. And bravo for Landis, who fired Geoghegan on the spot. Too bad it is clear he cheated, and deserves to be banned fromt eh sport.
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But I've never heard of this -- and it impresses me greatly.
[Running Back Ahman] Green, who started wearing 30 even before attending Nebraska, became optimistic but still wasn't sure what it might cost him. The tradition around the NFL is that if you want someone else's number, you pay them.When Green finally asked, [safety Jason] Simmons shocked him.
"He said, 'Sure, but I'd like you to make a down payment on a single-parent home through a foundation or charity,' " Green said. "I was like, 'Yeah I'm all on board. That's easy. Tell me where to write the check to.'
"So instead of putting the money into his pocket, he's going to put in into somebody else's home and help them get their life started."
Simmons had no personal connection to the number 30. He wore 23 for four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. When he arrived in Houston as a free agent before the 2002 season, they handed him 30.
Now, he will wear No. 22.
Some family will have a home because of Simmons and Green -- and I hope that we have the beginning of a new tradition here in Houston and around the NFL.
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May 16, 2007
Headline.
Ever.
Royals To Get A Taste Of Angels' Colon
ICK!!!
But the story isn't what you think.
Bartolo Colon attempts to win his third consecutive start off the disabled list tonight for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, who will be aiming to continue their recent dominance of the Kansas City Royals.After missing nearly nine months to rehab a partially torn right rotator cuff, Colon returned to a major-league mound on April 21 and delivered an outstanding performance against the Seattle Mariners. The former American League Cy Young winner allowed just one run on seven hits to lead the Angels to a 7-6 victory.
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I can't help but think of the headline flashed in Citizen Kane:
FRAUD AT THE POLLS!
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May 11, 2007
Angelina Jolie is fighting to save daughter Shiloh's name from being misused.Jewellery-design and fragrance company, Hors Lá Monde Corp, is naming its latest perfume Shiloh but the Hollywood star has contacted the US Patent and Trademark Office to oppose the plans.
New York trademark attorney Thomas M Wilentz said: "The notice of opposition alleges that you will be damaged by the pending trademark.
"Angelina must feel that people applying for 'Shiloh' need to get her consent."
Hors Lá Monde owner, 31-year-old Symine Salimpour, applied to trademark 'Shiloh' last June.Since then, Jolie's New York lawyer has received two 90-day extensions to prepare a case opposing Hors Lá Monde's use of the name.
Now hold on just a minute. The word is ancient Hebrew. It appears in the Bible as a place name also sometimes refers to Christ. It is also the name of the site of a major Civil War battle. I could go on, but I think you see the point.
But then again, celebrities think they are different from you and I – and that what they want, they own.
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May 10, 2007
Opie and Anthony need to be gone fromt he airwaves for good after this one.
Fantasizing about the rape of a real woman on the air -- even a public official -- crosses the line in so many ways that i cannot even begin to express my outrage.
Voice 1 (Charlie): I tell you what -- what that George Bush b***h, Rice? Condoleezza Rice?Voice 2 (Host): Condoleezza Rice.
V1: I'd love to f**k that b***h, man. (Laughter) She needs to f**k a man. I'd f**k her.
V2: I can just imagine the horror on Condoleezza Rice's face when she realized what was going on. (Laughter)
V3 (Host 2): You were all just holdin' her down and, you know, f**kin' her. (Laughter)
V1: Punch her all in the f**kin' face, saying, "Shut up, b***h." (Laughter)
V3: That's exactly what I meant. (Laughter)
I don't care if this is satellite radio and subscription only -- I'm open to things being much more racy there, but this moves beyond that, beyond gross, and into pure evil. As a society, we need to draw the line somewhere.
But not at government action.
No, XM needs to fire these guys under pressure from subscribers and outraged members of the public. The violent verbal rape of a real human being is so despicable that we all, as individuals, need to address it. Do we view such "entertainment" as morally acceptable, and are we willing to exact a price from those who produce it?
And let's be honest here. This exceeds any stupid thing that Don Imus said. this even goes beyond the bigotry of Al Sharpton. This sinks to a level that I lack the vocabulary to even describe.
And for all you Bush-bashers and race-baiting Rice-haters out there who may feel a little glee at the thought of Condi Rice being victimized like this, let me pose a simple question for you -- if this were directed ad Hillary Clinton or Nancy Pelosi, would you stand by in silence? And if you wouldn't, how can you do so when such unspeakably vile words are directed at another successful woman, regardless of her politics?
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Twenty-nine state attorneys general urged Anheuser-Busch yesterday to warn buyers of Spykes and other alcoholic drinks combined with caffeine about the dangers of mixing the two substances.Anheuser's Spykes, Tilt and Bud Extra should have labels saying the drinks may make people feel less impaired than they are, the officials said in a letter to the company. Among the attorneys general signing the letter were officials from Maryland and the District.
The drinks also attract consumers younger than the legal drinking age of 21 because they look like other caffeinated energy drinks, such as Red Bull and Rockstar, the letter said. The fruity or chocolate flavors, colorful packaging and online marketing campaigns also appeal to teenagers, the letter said.
Oh, dear -- flavored alcohol. We can't have that, despite the availability of flavored alcoholic beverages for about as long as i can remember.
And the company points out some minor details about the beverages.
Anheuser-Busch spokeswoman Francine Katz said the St. Louis company does not endorse underage drinking and does not target minors. She said Spykes shots, which are sold in 2-ounce bottles and have as much alcohol as a third of a glass of wine, are less likely to appeal to minors, who typically "drink for instant impact."
In other words, they are the antithesis of what kids like to drink.
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May 06, 2007
It was a news bulletin delivered before 52,553 fans on a glorious spring day at Yankee Stadium, where the season is suddenly alive with hope again. The man with more victories than any living pitcher was holding a Yankees microphone, addressing the crowd with a splash of the high drama that has punctuated his career.“Thank y’all,” said Roger Clemens, who was wearing a business suit, a crew cut and a Yankees World Series ring as he stood in a box above home plate. “Well, they came and got me out of Texas, and I can tell you it’s a privilege to be back. I’ll be talking to y’all soon!”
Then Clemens pumped his fist as Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman crouched behind him, beaming. For a $28 million salary — prorated based on the date he is added to the major league roster — Clemens has returned to the Yankees, who trail the Boston Red Sox by five and a half games in the American League East but got a pitcher both teams wanted.
“Make no mistake about it,” Clemens, who hopes to be ready by late May, said later at a news conference. “I’ve come back to do what they only know how to do here with the Yankees, and that’s win a championship. Anything else is a failure.”
We were hoping the local boy would be back here a Minute Maid Park, seeking to win that championship for his hometown.
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