X-Games = Xtra Insane

article

-1

2009-07-31T17:31:00-04:00

Playerpress

239 4631      As I awoke from my nap, after I rubbed my eyes, even before I put on my glasses, which only help me to be slightly less blind, I noticed that the X-Games were on ESPN. I’ve never been the biggest supporter of the X-Games, but at the same time, I can not help but admire the absolute disregard for life that these incredible human beings have as they fly through the air with only Red Bull to give them wiiings.       As I was in process of waking up, much like you, it takes me a little while, the skateboard big air competition was on. Talk about waking up in a hurry. My eyes opened to some crazy guy going down the ramp. My reaction was WTF is this dude doing? I knew what he was doing, so maybe the ‘W’ in WTF stood for ‘why.’<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      Even with Tony Hawk, this competition could not be more impressive. If you have not seen this event, I suggest you watch, just once though, because the more times you watch, the higher your chances are of seeing one of these knuckleheads die.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      They begin by riding that little board on four wheels down an 80-foot (approximately) ramp. This year, there were three choices of ramps at the bottom to make the 50 to 70-foot jump to the quarter pipe that stands nearly 30-feet tall. Once they get to the quarter pipe, they are vaulted about 20-feet into the air to perform their best trick. Oh, and they have to land that trick too. This event is a combination of ski jumping and half pipe on steroids. Who said steroids were all bad?<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      Riders have five chances to complete that one trick that will assure them X-Games gold. Five chances to cheat death is essentially what they are doing. Like they say, all it takes is one.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      Like Norm MacDonald said in a stand up routine I saw years ago about cliff divers, there is no first, or second, or third place. There is Grand Champion or stuff on a rock. In the X-Games, there happens to be gold, silver, and bronze medals, but just to walk away and be able to tell the tales of competing in this event is a success in itself.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      In 2007, Jake Brown, a participant in this competition, wasn’t so lucky. No, he didn’t die, but it was obvious that it just wasn’t his time to go. He took a 40-foot freefall, maybe the Red Bull didn’t work. After ten minutes, he was able to walk off the ramp under his own power, but he was not without injury. He bruised a lung, his liver, broke a wrist and a vertebra, not to mention having his shoes pop off like they were being shot out of a cannon.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      Jake Brown isn’t the first, nor will he be the last, to cheat death in this competition (or any of the other events requiring no more than half a brain to compete). Two years removed from his nearly-tragic accident, the same Mr. Jake Brown mentioned above, redeemed himself by winning gold in this year’s big air competition.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      Although I believe the skateboard big air contest to be the most dangerous, it is far from the only high risk competition at the X-Games. The disclaimer, “do not try this at home,” rings true for every single discipline. From skateboards, to BMX, to motocross, these guys put it all on the line, literally and figuratively.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      Freestyle Motocross riders routinely jump 80+ foot gaps, getting up to 50 feet (or more) in the air. Sure they have the whole getup in terms of pads, but a fall from that hieght, no matter what pads you have can only be bad. Not to mention having to escape the path the bike takes to the ground if you make even the slightest mistake. First it was the backflip, now it’s the double back flip; on a couple hundred pound motorcycle no less! <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      BMX riders are the same way. While they may need a little assistance to get the height that their X-Games counterparts do, they still strive for that pinnacle. Whether it be vert or best trick, riders like Dave Mirra and Ryan Nyquist are always pushing the limits of human capability. Flips are commonplace, spins are the norm; one can almost get dizzy watching these guys manhandle their bikes.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      I’d rather not get into the rest of the X-Games, in fact, I didn’t even intend to talk about anything other than skateboard big air, but I had to. What these guys are willing to put on the line amazes me. Some might say it is ignorance, maybe slight stupidity, or even lack of respect for life, but one things is for sure, these dudes push it to the limit, even though the reward, to many, is nowhere near the risk.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p>      With the X-Game’s motto to go bigger, get higher, and go farther than your opponent, it is only a matter of time before one of these athletes meets their maker. The impressive thing is (to me at least), these extreme athletes know how dangerous it is, they just don’t care. 76.97.188.228

2009-07-31T17:31:00-04:00

x-games-xtra-insane

Yes

Yes 66.249.68.248, 72.30.87.97, 67.202.15.176, 67.195.115.229, 174.46.170.180, 65.55.207.120, 72.30.79.93, 65.55.105.210, 208.115.111.246, 174.127.132.10, 67.195.115.163, 66.249.67.133, 67.195.113.245, 174.46.170.182, 62.171.198.12, 66.249.68.227, 65.55.106.233, 188.4.105.190, 24.21.71.225, 38.98.19.111, 67.202.8.198, 66.249.68.242, 67.195.112.109, 66.235.124.59, 65.55.37.186, 67.195.114.233, 210.21.245.170, 65.55.207.74, 65.98.224.6, 67.195.37.172, 83.167.62.168, 66.249.65.200, 67.195.112.159, 66.249.65.199, 92.12.30.209, 208.43.229.68, 66.249.68.230, 66.249.68.172, 163.1.5.150, 209.202.168.80, 65.55.106.133, 66.249.67.149, 163.1.5.153, 66.249.68.178, 66.249.68.152, 67.195.111.172, 67.218.116.131, 209.249.53.134, 87.250.252.241, 209.249.53.179, 66.249.68.233, 72.30.142.161, 65.55.108.241, 65.55.106.208, 66.249.68.166, 74.53.3.132, 65.55.207.100, 66.249.68.137, 65.55.216.11, 208.115.111.245, 209.202.168.78, 38.101.148.126, 67.195.114.42, 65.55.110.82, 66.249.68.204, 71.68.16.49, 203.131.250.162, 67.195.112.114, 38.99.97.10, 67.195.37.188, 65.55.207.48, 66.249.68.155, 67.195.112.88, 65.111.74.2, 66.249.68.187, 65.55.107.182, 66.249.68.236, 67.195.114.230, 66.249.68.81, 207.46.195.226, 67.195.115.214, 218.28.29.236, 67.195.113.247

X-Games = Xtra Insane

No x-games, hawk, nyquist, mirra, big air, skateboard, motocross, bmx

-1

X-Games = Xtra Insane

428

writer

article

-1

2009-07-31T11:08:00-04:00

Playerpress

210 4626      The 2009 World Aquatic Championships are being held in Italy, July 17th through August 2nd. Like the Olympics, athletes compete for their country during these two and a half weeks of competitions. Water polo, synchronized swimming, diving, swimming, as well as open water swimming are all on the schedule for these half human, half fish athletes. A record 2,556 athletes from 185 countries will call Rome home for 16 days.       Unless you are a die-hard fan of the lesser aquatic sports, otherwise know as anything other than Michael Phelps, you may not be aware that this FINA World Championships, as it is also known, is held every other year. This year’s event was preceded by the 2007 event held in Melbourne, Australia. In 2011, mermen and mermaids from all around the globe will descend on Shanghai, China.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      I will be honest with you, because if you are familiar with my work, you may know that I believe that to be the best policy. I am not a fan of swimming. To me, it is simply a marathon in water. I’d rather wait for my pot of water to boil (mac ‘n’ cheese, here I come!) then watch my freshly painted walls dry. So why am I writing about it then? I am glad you asked. There are a couple reasons actually. The first being the ridiculous amount of records that are broken every time a swimmer jumps in the pool and secondly, the controversial swimsuits that some athletes wear. The two may actually be one and the same.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      What is up with swimmers and breaking world records? It has gotten to the point that if you win a race and don’t break the world record, you suck. During these FINA championships, 29 new world records have been set, and the swimming events have not yet finished! Already having surpassed the 25 world records that were broke in Beijing, China during the recent Summer Olympics, these WACs (World Aquatic Championships) are making a mockery of the sport.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      A major reason for all of the fallen records is the swimsuits. New suits made of polyurethane are said to be more buoyant than other suits. It may not sound like a big deal, but remember back to when you first learned to swim with that foam board. It did not take nearly as much effort to swim with that extra buoyancy. Less resistance from the water can give you a huge advantage. Swimsuit makers like Jaked and Arena make suits that are 100% polyurethane. Even the Speedo LZR Racer than Mr. Phelps uses, was one of the original technologically advanced suits.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      To compare this year’s WACs to the events in 2007, only 15 world records were set two years ago, and 15 is still outrageous. One of the sport’s biggest female names, Janet Evans, says it has gotten out of control. She compares it to when she swam against the East Germans during the time when they were allegedly doping (which they were later found guilty of). “Basically, it’s technical doping,” she says.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      There has even been talk about banning some of these ‘super suits’ sometime in 2010. Why not now? Why not just make every swimmer don the classic Speedo, you know, the banana hammock. That way we know they are competing solely on skill instead of having the help of technology.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      I’m sure the governing body of swimming is not completely opposed to these new suits because it brings in new fans to the sport. Let’s face it, swimming is not exactly what anyone would call a mainstream sport. Negative or not, it is said that any publicity is good publicity.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      The face of swimming, Michael Phelps, who as I noted before, wears the Speedo LZR Racer, one of the original swimsuits to be considered technologically advanced, may be done with swimming until they pull these suits from competition, at least his coach has threatened it. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      The German who beat Phelps, even acknowledged that the suit gave him an advantage saying, “the suit makes a difference… I hope there can be a time when I can beat Michael Phelps without these suits. I hope next year. I hope it’s really soon.” Paul Biedermann, the now-infamous Phelps killer, said that? Sounds to me like he feels a little embarrassed that he wore that suit. He then went on to say, “it’s going to be fun next year when swimming is back to swimming.” Call me a dummy, but, why didn’t he pass on wearing his super suit during these championships? Then Biedermann said this, “it’s not my problem, it’s the problem of FINA. They should handle it really fast.” What a chump.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      How is that different than taking steroids before they were illegal? Everyone who took them knew they were being given more than a slight advantage, but because there were no rules against it, who cares? I’m not so sure if there has ever been honor in sports, although, elders love to tell us about how it was all about honor “back in my day.”<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      Do not get me wrong, it’s not just swimming. Track and field has more than it’s share of problems. We are all aware of baseball, as we have been beaten senseless by the media over steroids. Cycling has doping issues. Boxing and MMA have their own problems regarding ‘roids. If all NFLers are clean, I’ll punch my Mom. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p>      What has this world come to? Why, all of the sudden, do we feel the need to cheat, to win? What happened to the days when you had to train harder than your opponent? There was a shirt when I was growing up, that said something to the effect of, “somewhere, someone is training when you’re not. When you play them, they will win.” Now, all it takes is a nice, shiny, new outfit and you can go and take down the greatest athlete your sport has ever seen. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p><o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p>      On one side of the tag to the Arena X-Glide swimsuit, are the washing instructions, what it’s made of and where it‘s made, but on the other side of that tag, there is one other set of instructions. They say: 1. Put me on. 2. Zip me up. 3. Jump in the water. 4. Raise your arms, you win. 0.0.0.0

2009-07-31T11:08:00-04:00

xiii-fina-world-championships

Yes 66.249.68.248, 174.46.170.181, 65.55.207.72, 72.30.78.232, 208.115.111.246, 67.195.113.245, 67.195.115.163, 66.249.68.245, 66.249.67.133, 174.46.170.185, 69.238.168.49, 65.55.207.140, 66.249.68.242, 67.195.112.109, 67.195.114.233, 65.55.106.108, 66.249.68.227, 67.195.37.172, 66.249.65.200, 67.195.112.159, 67.202.15.176, 208.43.229.68, 163.1.5.150, 66.249.68.172, 65.55.106.138, 163.1.5.153, 66.249.68.178, 67.195.111.172, 66.249.68.152, 67.218.116.131, 209.202.168.80, 66.249.68.233, 83.167.62.168, 99.165.108.99, 87.250.252.241, 189.131.73.215, 74.6.8.89, 66.249.68.150, 94.23.238.192, 65.55.109.243, 188.165.192.166, 65.55.106.114, 188.165.192.168, 66.249.67.131, 66.249.68.166, 66.249.68.143, 74.53.3.132, 66.249.65.109, 65.55.106.180, 70.162.222.52, 66.249.68.137, 67.195.114.42, 208.115.111.245, 209.191.123.35, 38.101.148.126, 96.30.144.242, 65.55.216.55, 65.55.108.242, 203.131.250.162, 65.55.207.95, 38.99.97.10, 67.195.112.114, 67.195.37.188, 209.202.168.75, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.114.230, 207.46.199.53, 66.249.68.81, 218.28.29.236, 67.195.113.247, 207.46.199.49, 92.228.218.156, 66.249.68.236

XIII FINA World Championships

No swimming, Phelps, Speedo, swimsuit, Arena X-Glide, Jaked

-1

XIII FINA World Championships

428

writer

article

-1

2009-07-13T17:13:00-04:00

Playerpress

226 3822 An update of the Tour De France.It’s pretty safe to say that the Astana Team is not only dominating the Tour de France race, they are also controlling the headlines. The <a title="Tour de France betting" href="http://www.betonline.com/sports-betting/tour-de-france-betting-1183.aspx">Tour de France betting</a> landscape hasn’t changed much as Alberto Contador, who is just seconds behind first place and just seconds ahead of teammate Lance Armstrong in third place, is still the heavy favorite to come away with the win. But for now, there is some friction building on the Astana team as both Armstrong and Contador battle for Tour de France supremacy. A lot of the guys on the Tour have watched Armstrong race so far this year and have been impressed. The <a title="sportsbook" href="http://www.betonline.com/sportsbook/default.aspx">sportsbook</a> odds makers still take Armstrong seriously but aren’t exactly rushing to improve his odds. As Armstrong stated earlier this week, the Tour de France will be settled on the mountains and if the first mountain stage is any indication, then Armstrong has lots of work to do. Contador roared past Armstrong in the first stage on the mountains and took him over for second place. Obviously there is still a long way to go but this was a good sign for Contador. With about a mile and a half to go in the stage, Contador put the pedal to the metal and ended up gaining 21 seconds on Armstrong. I’m <a title="betting management" href="http://payperhead.com/">betting management</a> at the Tour de France is going to love seeing these two battle it out at every stage. For now, Armstrong is behind in third place but only by a whisker. He’s already proved that he’s tough enough to win the Tour an eighth time and that will be enough for the other riders to take the 37-year-old seriously. 0.0.0.0

2009-07-13T17:13:00-04:00

tour-de-france-betting-contador-second-armstrong-third

Yes 66.249.68.248, 72.30.142.117, 174.46.170.180, 65.55.207.131, 65.55.105.213, 72.30.79.93, 72.30.78.232, 208.115.111.246, 67.195.115.163, 65.55.106.136, 66.249.67.133, 66.249.68.245, 66.249.68.227, 66.235.124.8, 67.195.113.245, 189.104.26.93, 174.46.170.185, 67.195.114.233, 67.195.112.109, 209.202.168.75, 65.55.207.22, 66.249.68.242, 65.55.106.209, 67.195.112.159, 83.167.62.168, 65.55.106.231, 67.202.15.176, 65.55.207.101, 163.1.5.153, 67.195.111.172, 67.218.116.131, 209.249.53.134, 87.250.252.241, 66.249.68.233, 65.55.107.179, 209.249.53.179, 65.55.207.21, 65.55.37.186, 89.16.226.106, 65.55.108.242, 74.53.3.132, 65.55.207.26, 66.249.68.137, 66.249.67.175, 208.115.111.245, 38.101.148.126, 67.195.114.42, 66.249.68.161, 65.55.106.208, 123.125.66.75, 61.135.249.203, 66.249.68.204, 65.55.218.158, 203.131.250.162, 67.195.37.188, 38.99.97.10, 123.125.66.131, 67.195.112.114, 124.115.4.193, 65.55.207.25, 65.55.110.214, 66.249.68.187, 201.199.134.74, 124.115.0.20, 67.195.112.88, 65.55.207.23, 67.195.115.214, 66.249.68.81, 67.195.113.247, 218.28.29.236, 207.46.199.49, 123.125.66.83

Tour De France Betting – Contador Second, Armstrong Third

No Tour De France

-1

Tour De France Betting – Contador Second, Armstrong Third

402

writer

article

-1

2009-06-17T14:04:00-04:00

Playerpress

218 3526 It used to be if you were a big-time program, you played one creampuff game a year: Homecoming. Not so anymore, now some programs have two or three creampuffs every year and that needs to stop.    I am about to blast the University of Florida football program for its scheduling. But let me first disclose I am a 1996 Univ. of Florida graduate and have been a lifelong fan of the Gators. Last month I donated blood on my birthday and it was Orange and Blue. Ok, not really on the blood but you get the idea.   Thirty or 40 years ago, college football teams played ten to eleven games a year. It was the NCAA who sanctioned football and so schools were restricted on the number of games. After the regular season, some teams (usually conference champions) were invited to a bowl game. Back in those days some conferences, most notably the Big Ten, did not let more than one team go to a bowl game and at on point, a team couldn't go to a bowl game two years in a row - even if it won the conference.   A lot has changed on the college football landscape in that time. There are more than 30 bowl games now and we have had some teams go who were 6-6, lost the bowl game and finished 6-7. North Carolina State, Memphis, and Northern Illinois are three which come to mind who last year were 6-6 and lost their bowl game. The opportunity for a team to play more games is as great now as it's ever been under the NCAA rules.   But what some of the top programs do with their schedule is nonsense. A few years back, in the early part of this decade, the NCAA began allowing teams to schedule a 12th regular season game. That's great. More games for us to watch on tv, more money to be made by networks to show those games, more games for fans to attend, more games for players, etc. The benefits are seemingly endless. And some of those "extra" games we have been allowed to see have been classic games between top programs early in the season. Who could forget the Texas-Ohio State home and home in '05 and '06? This year we get the 2nd of a home and home with Ohio State and Southern Cal. Last year's game was a blowout, but it was nice to see top Top 5 teams. Georgia has played some games against the Big 12, Alabama played Clemson last year and will play Va. Tech this year. That extra game is nothing but good for college football.   Except when it comes to the Gators. Two of the last three national championship trophies are in Gainesville. The Gators had a great team last year and with the entire starting defense coming back and most of the offense (save for Percy Harvin) coming back, they look as good as any team. But why is it that Florida will not schedule an out of conference game against a team from out of the South who is also a top to middle-top program? Ok, I know. Last year UF played Miami and we all know the whole debated history of the discontinuation of that annual in-state rivalry. But some of the other teams Florida has played have been The Citadel, Western Carolina, Eastern Michigan, Wyoming, La. Tech, and Florida Atlantic. That's not exactly picking on someone your own size.   Seemingly every year for several years, the Gators homecoming opponent has been a fellow SEC team. So, yeah, I get that it's nice to have a team like The Citadel to beat up on, get the 5th stringers in the game and have fun in a no-stress game. That's all well and good.   But Florida's non-conference schedule this year is sorry. Aside from Florida State, the Gators HOST Charleston Southern, Troy, and Florida International. Ok, I'll excuse the game with FIU and the one couple years ago with Florida Atlantic. As the big boy in state you have an obligation to help out some of the smaller schools who are building programs by giving them some exposure and a nice payday. But Charleston Southern is not an in-state team, neither is Troy. Neither Alabama nor Auburn will play Troy because there is too much to lose if they don't win.   With ticket prices and booster fees as high as ever (and I know because I split the cost with my dad on our two season tickets to UF games), we deserve to see Florida follow the lead of Texas or Georgia or Ohio State or Alabama or any of a few other nationally prominent programs and play a home and home against someone on our level. Wouldn't it be nice to see an opening weekend game of Florida vs. Texas or Florida vs. Penn State? If you play it on Week One, the loss is not going to kill your season.   It's time the College Football valedictorian of two of the past three years take a hard course outside its major! The SEC is tough, but for the love of college football the Gators need to shake it up for a change. Enough of FIU, about a schedule worth a cuss!   Oh and one other thing, just 11 weeks until college football starts. I can't wait, can ya tell? 0.0.0.0

2009-06-17T14:04:00-04:00

college-football-powers-playing-creampuffs

Yes 66.249.68.248, 65.55.207.30, 213.180.209.10, 218.28.29.234, 174.46.170.180, 72.30.78.232, 72.30.79.93, 192.133.129.3, 67.202.34.153, 83.167.62.168, 208.115.111.246, 67.195.115.163, 66.249.67.133, 66.249.68.245, 62.68.92.140, 65.55.207.48, 66.249.68.227, 174.46.170.184, 125.16.65.6, 67.195.113.245, 66.249.68.242, 67.195.112.109, 128.119.156.97, 206.247.2.2, 67.195.114.233, 65.55.106.155, 202.180.34.186, 67.195.37.172, 74.176.11.15, 66.249.65.200, 209.55.88.194, 63.215.202.234, 67.195.112.159, 67.202.15.176, 208.43.229.68, 65.55.207.77, 95.108.157.251, 66.249.68.172, 163.1.5.153, 67.195.111.172, 66.249.68.178, 67.218.116.131, 66.249.68.152, 209.202.168.80, 66.249.68.195, 66.249.68.233, 218.28.29.236, 87.250.252.241, 209.249.53.134, 65.55.37.186, 65.55.207.93, 74.53.3.132, 66.249.68.135, 207.241.228.152, 66.249.65.72, 65.55.107.180, 67.195.114.42, 208.115.111.245, 38.101.148.126, 65.55.207.75, 67.195.112.85, 203.131.250.162, 65.55.109.195, 65.55.207.74, 38.99.97.10, 38.99.97.126, 67.195.37.188, 67.195.112.114, 65.55.106.134, 66.249.68.187, 67.195.112.88, 207.46.195.240, 66.249.68.81, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.113.247, 38.99.96.233, 207.46.195.241

College Football Powers playing Creampuffs

No Action Sports

-1

College Football Powers playing Creampuffs

691

writer

article

-1

2009-06-02T12:23:00-04:00

Playerpress

205 3291 Preview of NBA Finals Game 1.Since we've been looking ahead to <a href="http://www.betonline.com/sports-betting/Belmont-Stakes-odds-1069.aspx">Belmont betting</a>, <a href="http://www.betonline.com/sports-betting/tennis">French Open odds</a> and all sorts of other sporting events coming up later in the week, we may as well get a jump start on the NBA Finals. Game 1: Orlando Magic @ Los Angeles Lakers Thursday, June 4th, 2009 <a href="http://www.betonline.com/sports-betting/Lakers-Magic-odds-1093.aspx">Lakers Magic Betting</a>: Lakers -6 The sports betting community has been buzzing with all sorts of sporting events right now. After all, May is the busiest sporting month of the year and a lot of the action spills over into June. While the NHL finals is finishing up, the NBA finals is going to kick off on Thursday as the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Orlando Magic for Game 1. How important is the first game? For Phil Jackson's career, when his team's win Game 1 of the best-of-seven playoffs, they are 43-0. Needless to say, the Magic will be focused on setting the tone very early. The Lakers have home court advantage, which makes it three consecutive series that the Magic will be without the extra home game. But there are some positives for the Magic with the first one being that they are confident. The Magic swept the regular season series between the teams - once winning without Dwight Howard - which gives them the confidence to believe that they can easily win this series. They will get another boost from their bench as All-Star point guard, Jameer Nelson, who has been out since before the All-Star break, has been recovering from a torn labrum. But he completed his first full practice with the team on Tuesday and he should be able to contribute at some point - if not right off the bat - in this series. One of the main concerns for the Magic will be keeping Dwight Howard on the floor. Howard has been dealing with foul trouble all the way throughout the playoffs and that became very evident in the Conference Finals. Howard picked up 32 fouls in six games, but it didn't hurt his team as much as people thought. Against the Lakers, though, foul trouble could be a big deal as the Lakers have far more depth and scoring upfront than the Cavaliers presented. For Game 1, look for the rested Lakers to act like they've been there before while the Magic play a little nervous. <a href="http://www.betonline.com/sports-betting/Lakers-Magic-odds-1093.aspx">NBA Championship Odds</a> pick: Lakers -6 0.0.0.0

2009-06-02T12:23:00-04:00

nba-betting-magic-lakers-battle-in-game-1

Yes 66.249.68.248, 66.235.124.56, 218.28.29.234, 174.46.170.179, 67.173.191.180, 208.115.111.246, 65.55.207.78, 65.55.105.210, 66.249.67.133, 66.249.68.245, 67.195.113.245, 67.195.115.163, 66.249.68.227, 85.107.8.236, 174.46.170.182, 210.51.7.16, 65.55.207.123, 67.195.114.233, 66.249.68.242, 67.195.112.109, 202.180.34.186, 65.55.107.180, 67.195.37.172, 174.127.132.10, 83.167.62.168, 66.249.65.200, 67.195.112.159, 208.43.229.68, 67.202.15.176, 66.249.68.172, 65.55.207.71, 163.1.5.153, 66.249.68.178, 67.195.111.172, 67.218.116.131, 209.202.168.80, 66.249.68.233, 218.28.29.236, 87.250.252.241, 174.127.132.157, 72.30.142.161, 65.55.207.118, 66.249.67.229, 89.16.226.106, 66.249.68.135, 66.249.68.143, 74.53.3.132, 66.249.65.72, 65.55.106.231, 208.115.111.245, 67.195.114.243, 66.249.68.137, 174.127.132.64, 67.195.114.42, 65.55.207.102, 67.195.112.85, 65.55.110.118, 67.195.37.188, 67.195.112.114, 38.99.97.10, 65.55.110.137, 130.209.239.6, 65.55.207.121, 67.195.112.88, 66.249.68.81, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.113.247, 66.249.67.240, 112.203.36.215, 66.249.68.210, 74.125.74.131, 207.46.204.230, 66.249.67.186

NBA Betting - Magic, Lakers Battle In Game 1

No Action Sports

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NBA Betting - Magic, Lakers Battle In Game 1

402

writer

article

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2009-06-02T08:28:00-04:00

Playerpress

564 3287 Veteran racer Jacques Lazier will be replacing Stanton Barrett in the #98 car this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway.  Lazier's addition to the field comes at a time when the depth of IRL driver experience, talent, and competition continues to grow.  Lazier certainly will contribute to this momentum. Lazier is expected to handle driving duties in the #98 for the remainder of the IRL schedule for all oval courses. The Bombardier Learjet 550k runs on June 6, 2009 under lights, marking the 20th Indy Car Series race at Texas Motor Speedway.  Texas Motor Speedway is a 1 1/2 mile track with 24 degree banking in the turns.  Last year, Scott Dixon took the checked flag.     0.0.0.0

2009-06-02T08:28:00-04:00

jacques-lazier-to-race-in-irl-bombardier-learjet-550k

Yes 123.125.156.137, 200.6.162.31, 66.249.68.248, 202.54.61.99, 123.125.156.133, 65.55.207.123, 99.231.44.115, 65.55.107.181, 96.28.16.81, 218.202.1.178, 220.181.53.229, 219.90.91.69, 202.44.4.85, 123.125.156.130, 123.125.156.132, 174.46.170.181, 218.28.29.234, 203.236.210.210, 222.124.212.196, 123.125.156.135, 208.115.111.246, 65.55.108.243, 118.175.22.69, 72.30.78.232, 219.134.64.251, 114.127.246.36, 217.91.70.238, 212.51.221.221, 202.188.222.2, 221.130.48.67, 67.23.0.113, 66.235.124.54, 221.215.1.224, 67.195.115.163, 66.249.67.133, 66.249.68.245, 61.153.48.72, 65.55.105.226, 65.55.207.133, 66.249.68.227, 59.36.98.154, 91.121.91.61, 67.195.113.245, 174.46.170.185, 61.145.121.124, 190.128.225.182, 69.33.47.254, 174.129.38.211, 67.41.14.94, 125.46.73.179, 210.51.10.197, 66.249.68.242, 67.195.112.109, 60.172.179.14, 74.206.98.195, 123.195.131.78, 65.55.106.204, 217.116.23.132, 67.195.114.233, 203.82.73.198, 222.116.210.143, 189.14.192.91, 120.28.64.94, 120.28.64.77, 213.115.200.66, 203.147.4.68, 122.70.146.53, 67.208.234.6, 95.59.136.71, 200.196.189.34, 71.192.196.210, 120.28.64.85, 66.249.65.200, 200.177.228.4, 201.225.226.68, 202.180.34.186, 83.167.62.168, 71.160.113.3, 63.215.202.234, 189.80.178.106, 67.202.15.176, 65.55.106.229, 58.246.76.76, 208.69.211.155, 67.195.112.159, 66.249.68.172, 67.195.111.172, 66.249.68.178, 67.218.116.131, 209.202.168.80, 66.249.68.233, 218.28.29.236, 65.55.106.182, 66.249.65.250, 87.250.252.241, 65.55.109.99, 207.46.199.179, 65.55.51.70, 66.249.67.229, 75.129.129.151, 205.188.112.168, 207.46.199.191, 66.249.68.166, 66.235.124.57, 66.249.68.143, 65.55.207.93, 65.55.51.111, 72.30.142.161, 207.46.199.184, 74.53.3.132, 66.249.68.137, 207.46.199.183, 208.115.111.245, 67.195.114.243, 66.249.67.175, 66.249.68.161, 67.195.114.42, 65.55.106.207, 66.249.67.218, 65.55.207.134, 66.249.68.149, 66.249.67.142, 66.249.68.204, 67.195.37.188, 65.55.51.69, 65.55.207.99, 67.195.112.114, 38.99.97.10, 66.249.68.155, 69.62.136.214, 66.249.68.187, 65.55.207.102, 67.195.112.88, 91.199.50.156, 69.217.73.2, 66.249.68.236, 66.249.68.81, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.113.247, 66.249.67.240, 207.46.204.230, 66.249.67.248

Jacques Lazier to Race in IRL Bombardier Learjet 550k

No Action Sports, Dallas

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Jacques Lazier to Race in IRL Bombardier Learjet 550k

794

writer

article

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2009-05-08T13:32:00-04:00

Playerpress

106 2989 say woowlets say wooow ! 0.0.0.0

2009-05-08T13:32:00-04:00

say-woow

Yes 66.249.67.136

say woow

-1

say woow

722

writer

article

-1

2009-05-01T00:50:00-04:00

Playerpress

274 2888 <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"> <meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"> <meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator">  </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta>       Let me make it clear, in no way can I compare to Jim Cornette in terms of wrestling knowledge and experience.  The closest I’ve ever come to a wrestling ring is sitting in the crowd and I don’t see myself ever getting ever closer than that.  No, I’m just a 22 year old wrestling fan who’s watched this form of entertainment on a regular basis since 1996.     <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12">  </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta>                            So while I can’t compete with Mr. Cornette in terms of what good booking should be, how to develop a star or really anything involving the backstage workings of an event, I can pick out a bitter ex-employee who posts hypocritical blogs against his former boss.  Sure, you could say that Cornette might be attacking TNA too, but he mentions WWE and the McMahons numerous times by name while never once mentioning TNA.  (Mr. Cornette’s column can be read <a href="http://jimcornette.com/Commentary.html">here.</a>)                 In Mr. Cornette’s first commentary on his new website, dated April 24, 2009, he speaks out against the WWE’s writing team and Vince’s vision of “sports entertainment”.  Apparently the leaked script for Raw struck a chord in Mr. Cornette’s soul.   The Raw script revealed what we already all knew, every segment, every motion, every word is written out in black and white for each and every talent.  It doesn’t matter if your Chris Jericho or jobber A, Vince and company have it all written out for you to follow to a T.  Cornette contends that this strips the talent of their individuality.  He’s right.  It is an awful way to book a show, guys can’t get over on the microphone on their own and sometimes a talent is lost in the shuffle because they can’t make a poorly scripted promo work for them.                  I’m completely with Cornette on this topic.  From all accounts, this is a newish practice that was implemented after Chris Kreskie left WWF and Stephanie was placed in charge back in 2001-02.  Prior to that, workers were given the “bullet-points” and were expected to come up with their own material so long as they got over those bullet-points.   My problem comes with the fact that on January 3, 2008, a TNA iMPACT! script was leaked on the internet just like the Raw script.  A quick glance at that reveals that iMPACT is scripted and booked in the same exact way as Raw, including the use of the odd word “ballyhoo” in relation to the opening of the show.                  So where’s the hate towards his current company?  Unless TNA suddenly changed his booking practices, why isn’t Cornette taking his own company to task in order to improve their product?  Cornette should know first- hand that the worst thing any number two promotion can do is bring attention to the number one for their shortcomings (nor will your talents mentioning the number one company every other segment on your television show help your cause, did they really let Mick Foley call Randy Orton the best young talent in the business?  On iMPACT?  HELLO??!?!?!).  It just makes you look bitter and desperate. Cornette was in WWE when WCW was killing them every week.  The Billionaire Ted skits didn’t get Vince ratings, an improved television product did.                  I realize that TNA’s ratings have begun to climb upward, but its’ numbers still compete with ECW on Sci-Fi, not Raw.  I realize also that according to sources, TNA is finally in the black whereas WWE’s income has been on a decline the past few years.   But no one knows TNA’s exact numbers as Panda Energy is not a public company and is under no obligation to release those numbers.  I don’t doubt TNA is making money, but let’s just say there is a big difference between going from $500 million to $400 million versus having $10 dollars and making $100.                  The script issue alone raised my eyebrow, but then came Cornette’s closing paragraph that dealt with the manner in which WWE handles young talent.  There’s no doubt that WWE’s method of cultivating talent is flawed: pushed for two weeks, squashed for five before being pushed again etc.  But I look at the TNA champions list and I see Mick Foley as their World Champion, with Sting preceding him.  Two legends who are probably a combined century old and whose best days were over nearly a decade ago.  There’s AJ Styles as the Legend’s Champion, who, despite the general belief that WWE would “ruin” him given the opportunity, has already been jerked around so much by TNA with the start and stop pushes and awkward character developments that while his in-ring ability will never be questioned, his chance to ever become a mainstream headliner who appeals to all fans appears to have come and gone.  Team 3-D are the tag team champions, another act past their prime, but who still carry name value.  Bubba and D-Von (sorry Vince) are legends and the last of the golden age of tag teams, but should they still be at the top of the tag team scene?                  It is even more humorous hearing Cornette wax poetic about WWE’s inability to create talent when you consider how much of TNA’s talent roster relies on former WWE, WCW and ECW stars.  While fans have differing opinions on John Cena, he’s still a “fresh face” in the sense that he came up in 2002, was marked as a future main eventer by WWE and eventually fulfilled that prophecy just a few years later.  He was given the proverbial ball and ran with it and no matter where the money comes from, young or old pockets, he draws and is instant profit for his company.  Now let’s look at TNA’s two “fresh faces” that were supposed to carry the company for years to come, Styles and Samoa Joe.  As mentioned before, Styles has been the victim of numerous start and stop pushes.  He is a three time NWA-TNA Champion but two of those reigns came in the early days of TNA and most current TNA fans might not even recall those reigns.  The most recent reign came in 2005 at Hard Justice when he defeated Jeff Jarrett before going on to be defeated just one month later at Slammiversary.  He’s still considered the “future of wrestling” but he’s also 30 years old, which is just a year older than Randy Orton and two years younger than John Cena.  But no one needs to talk about their career in terms of the future because they are the present.   Then there is Samoa Joe, who much like Styles, is excellent in the ring, but has been the victim of numerous start and stop pushes and questionable character developments.  After being the tough guy who just wanted to beat your ass, now he carries around a knife and may or may not be killing guys.  The debut of new “attitude” had a curious effect on the way some fans viewed him.  While fans once looked at Umaga as a rip off of Joe, Joe’s new “savage” character was almost viewed as a rip off of Umaga.  The new face tattoos didn’t help either.  Joe is a one-time TNA champion, having won the title back in April of 2008 before he eventually dropped the belt to…Sting in October.  Finally, my other gripe with Cornette is his accusation that WWE is shortening careers through convoluted matches.  Well, here’s how Cornette put it: Injury rates soar as people who have never been in a match come up with ridiculously complicated stipulations and gimmick-laden bouts that are impossible to perform safely, all the while knowing THEY'LL never have to risk their necks actually executing the shit.<o:p></o:p> I’m sorry Jim, but are you sure you’re not subconsciously attacking TNA here?  While WWE pumped up the violence and what they let talent perform during Wrestlemania time, the “WWE Style” has been criticized for being overly slow and plodding if anything.  Vince eliminated many of the more high risk maneuvers in the wake of the many broken necks that were the result of the Attitude Era. TNA is the company that uses the high spots to get the marks off their seats and chanting “This is awesome”.  I still don’t fucking understand what the hell a King of the Mountain match is.  C’mon Jim, you’re better than this!<o:p></o:p>                 The bottom line here is, while I am upset that Cornette chose to attack WWE while ignoring the same flaws in the company he works for, the old adage still applies, two wrongs don’t make a right.  WWE and TNA both need to change their philosophies in order to provide us, the viewer, with a better product.  WWE needs to remember what made them successful a decade ago, cutting edge and mature storylines that were unpredictable.  The average fan can predict the average WWE title feud in their sleep.   TNA needs to remember that it needs to be different from WWE.  While their numbers have surely shrunk, the fans that stuck around for the dying days of WCW are still out there, the ECW fans that prayed Vince would let ECW truly be “reborn” are still out there (just look at the early 2.5 ratings for the Sci-Fi show versus the 1.3 it gets now).  Even the former WWE fans that left after 2002 are out there.  It’s no coincidence that the post Rumble Raw pops a high rating every year.  There are fans that want to return to wrestling, but neither company gives them a reason to.  Let’s hope 2009 is the year both companies finally give them one.  <o:p></o:p>   0.0.0.0

2009-05-01T00:50:00-04:00

an-open-response-to-jim-cornette

Yes 66.249.68.248, 24.208.225.212, 65.55.207.122, 174.46.170.181, 218.28.29.234, 208.115.111.246, 166.137.5.45, 71.223.21.52, 72.30.78.232, 65.55.105.210, 66.249.68.245, 67.195.115.163, 66.249.67.133, 66.249.68.227, 65.55.106.228, 141.153.53.37, 67.195.114.233, 66.249.68.242, 67.195.112.109, 66.235.124.8, 65.55.106.133, 83.167.62.168, 67.195.37.172, 174.127.132.10, 78.70.175.48, 66.249.65.200, 67.195.112.159, 208.43.229.68, 67.202.15.176, 65.55.207.121, 163.1.5.150, 163.1.5.153, 67.218.116.131, 209.202.168.80, 218.28.29.236, 87.250.252.241, 65.55.207.70, 67.195.111.172, 66.249.68.150, 72.30.142.161, 65.55.108.241, 66.249.67.229, 66.249.68.233, 74.138.136.113, 66.249.67.245, 65.55.215.76, 74.53.3.132, 67.195.114.243, 208.115.111.245, 66.249.67.72, 67.195.114.42, 174.127.132.64, 65.55.207.137, 65.55.215.75, 67.195.37.188, 67.195.112.114, 66.249.68.204, 65.55.106.184, 38.99.97.10, 66.249.67.146, 65.55.207.45, 67.195.112.88, 66.249.68.187, 66.249.68.72, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.114.230, 66.249.67.120, 67.195.113.247, 207.46.195.229

An Open Response to Jim Cornette

No wwe, wrestling, mcmahon, tna, cornette, austin, triple h, rock, hogan, cena, sports, entertainment, samoa joe, randy, orton, edge, styles, ecw, wcw

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An Open Response to Jim Cornette

694

writer

article

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2008-12-23T16:23:00-05:00

Playerpress

232 1243 now that the season has finally started , the mountain awaits with some fresh powder. So be surre to pick up your season passes as soon as possible because those prices are sure to rise as the season continues. im not entirely sure how you guys feel but i am stoked, i cant wait to get up to the mountain with all my friends and go snowboarding. As a novice rider i have alot to learn and am definately looking forward to it. so run through your check list,Boots board bindings spare bindings jacket gloves scarf/bandana shovel and of course your pass and some freinds to enjoy it with. there are some of us who could care less about who accompanies them, the mountain is all you need but be careful up there, be sure to take your phone. As for those sceeby stoner kids keep an eye out because  mountain officials search for kids smoking up there.  i cant get over how excited i am and if you are nont feeling the adrenaline just thinking about you might as well quit snowboarding because you may just not be passionate enough about it. oh and be sure to be chill when your in the lift line its not a good year to have enemies, and you never know if the kid you cut is some psyco who will hold a grudge. i look foreward to seeing you all on the mountain and meeting some sponsered riders to interview. going up to there tomorrow so ill be sure to write and give an update. make sure you look online for current mountain conditions before haulin your ass all the way up there in some cases they cancel lift operations because of weather. 0.0.0.0

2008-12-23T16:23:00-05:00

get-up-to-that-mountain

Yes 208.115.111.246, 174.46.170.180, 67.218.116.162, 72.30.78.232, 216.129.119.40, 67.218.116.130, 66.249.67.23, 216.129.119.41, 66.249.67.133, 66.249.67.202, 216.129.119.12, 67.195.115.163, 66.249.67.243, 67.195.114.233, 66.249.67.238, 193.47.80.50, 216.129.119.13, 83.167.62.168, 67.195.112.159, 66.249.68.172, 67.218.116.131, 218.28.29.236, 67.218.116.134, 87.250.252.241, 216.129.119.14, 66.249.68.76, 66.249.68.233, 66.249.67.17, 66.249.67.229, 67.195.111.172, 74.53.3.132, 66.249.65.109, 208.115.111.245, 65.55.207.134, 24.20.120.149, 66.249.68.137, 67.171.163.124, 209.191.123.35, 67.195.114.42, 38.101.148.126, 66.249.68.245, 194.80.32.10, 66.249.68.149, 65.55.106.209, 67.195.37.188, 209.202.168.78, 38.99.97.10, 67.195.112.114, 130.209.239.6, 66.249.68.155, 65.55.106.156, 67.195.112.88, 66.249.67.75, 66.249.68.72, 67.195.114.230, 67.195.115.214, 207.46.199.39, 67.195.113.247, 66.249.65.22, 85.17.171.225

get up to that mountain

-1

get up to that mountain

203

writer