Today's Moment of Zen: Nick Markakis would like you to STFU

In Today's edition of the Moment of Zen, most people say that certain athletes have that inner voice that reassures them under certain pressure situations.

From this commercial by MASN for the Baltimore Orioles featuring outfielder Nick Markakis, we find out sometimes that "inner voice" might not be ours.

"Nick Markakis has got this! Now STFU."

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Favorite Saying From The Playoffs--So Far

The Puck Daddy blog on Yahoo made a comment that has become my favorite of the post-season. (This was describing the announcers during a game.)

"...one of the commentators verbally fellates a (certain team's) player."

I have always tried to figure out a way of explaining what these assclowns do, and nothing I have come up with comes close to describing it as well as this. There are certain players--and teams--that are 'promoted' to the exclusion of others. One of the reasons for this is that the powers-that-be for the NHL feel as if these same players and teams need to be the 'face/s' of the NHL--and the announcers go along with it and do their 'verbal fellating.' While it is very discouraging for Red Wing fans, the fact that the Wings do so very well helps take the sting out of being ignored. I REALLY feel sorry for the fans of teams that don't do as well as Detroit. Basically, EVERY team has a potential super-star on their roster--and MOST have at least one elite player--and to have him be totally dismissed by the 'experts' while they are bragging about the players on the other team, is crushing. It would be nice to see some unbiased announcers for a change. But, then, we can't even get THAT from our news reporters, so...

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Game 1

1 May 2009

Joe Louis Arena
Detroit Red Wings vs Anaheim Ducks
7:00 PM (EDT)
VERSUS



GO RED WINGS!!!

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Nothing More Needs To Be Said

"A woman in the Midwest named Dorothy watched her little dog get carried away by high winds. Dorothy Utley's Chihuahua Tinker Bell took flight Saturday in a 70-mph gust of wind. The Detroit News reported that "witnesses last saw the dog airborne, heading south over Dixie Highway." Utley says a pet psychic led her to Tinker Bell, who was found nearly a mile away, dirty, hungry and happy to see her."

(via npr.org)

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Specter makes "Lee Harvey Oswald" joke

"I don't think Lee Harvey Oswald had this big a crowd trailing him," he quipped.

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Cleveland: Our Economy's Based on Lebron James

Hopefully most of you came across the first version of "Hastily Made Cleveland Tourism Video." If not, here is the link.

However, here is the second version of the faux advertisement where it claims that the Cleveland economy is based on Lebron James.

That is completely not true, there are many things that make the Cleveland economy profitable.

(Thinks about it for thirty minutes)

Okay, maybe I was wrong. Oh well, "At least, it's not Detroit."

(Courtesy of Warming Glow and Kissing Suzy Kolber)

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If Charles Barkley could only eat one meal, What Would it Be?

For the past couple of weeks, Inside the NBA has been pimpin, "The Barkley Zone" where Charles Barkley does interviews, random musings, and answer some of the questions that the public sends to him.

One question that I took note of in "The Barkley Zone" was "If you could only eat one meal, what would it be?

The answer may suprise you.....

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New poll on gay marriage

Until recently I would have been in the "civil unions" crowd. My daughter Tara (who is, unfortunately, not a lesbian) turned me around on this issue.

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Steve Holman will be losing his job in 3.....2.....1.....

Atlanta Hawks radio play by play man Steve Holman of 790 the Zone made some questionable comments about Miami Heat star Dwayne Wade in the Hawks game five victory over the Heat.

Holman goes onto a little rant on air where he talks about Dwayne Wade crying to officials, Miami Heat basketball has resorted to thuggery, and Dwayne Wade being Dwayne Wade.

To be honest, I was entertained by the rant but it just proves that "Homer announcers" will never die. Holman on some level did cross the line between being professional and being entertaining. I understand that Dwayne Wade can get preferential treatment from officials but that is common knowledge in the NBA that stars will always get the benefit of the doubt with certain calls. The rant just comes off as a bit ignorant and poorly-executed.

At this point, I think Steve should be worried about his job more than Dwayne Wade.

(Courtesy of Larry Brown Sports)

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Truth or hype?

I don't know if anyone went to my blog on Tuesday Night but that evening I put up a post about the swine flu. On Wednesday morning I removed the post because I suddenly got cold feet about talking about health stuff. But today I find myself coming back to post what I pointed out on Tuesday.

Over the weekend the Swine Flu basically hit the news engines. When we look at the New Moon chart (which influences the whole 28 day cycle) we see that Mercury squares Jupiter and Mercury squares Neptune. Jupiter exagerates anything it touches and Neptune puts up a cloud of illusion or mystery to say the least. Mercury of course is the planet of communication. If this chart were a human being walking around, I would be suspect of anything that came out of his mouth. The question I have is that 30,000 people die every year from the flu in the United States, with or without vaccines. How do we know there were no deaths by swine flu last year? Or the year before? Is it because the media has attention on it now? I don't know and I'm not going to pretend to be a person who works for the cdc. All I know is that Mercury square Jupiter and Mercury square Neptune do not make a reliable narrator.

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Vappuja!

Hello!

Oli vaan pakko tulla pikaisesti ilmoittamaan, että seuraava postaus on tulossa aikaisimmiltaan ehkä sunnuntaina, joten en ole kuollut vaikka postauksia ei ole näkynytkään. :D Olen kohta lähdössä mökillemme, jonne tulee vanhempieni ja koiriemme lisäksi kummini ja kaksi serkkuani, jei! Toivottavasti tulee kiva vappu, vaikka vähän kipeä olenkin. Jee pääsee syömään tippaleipiä ja juomaan simaa. ♥

Tässä vielä kuvia viime vapulta, olin Vilun luona ja oli yksi parhaimmista vapuista ikinä. Silloin myös koiramme Pimu sai kaksi pentua. Ai niin ja koulussamme oli myös pukeutumispäivä.. ;D




(Vilu värjäsi hiukseni vappuvärillä.. XD)


Oli lämmin. ♥

Ikävä Pöpöä ja Myytä.


Hyvää vappua kaikille! ♥

Np: Kyosuke Himuro feat Gerard Way - Safe and Sound

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Ron Artest calls Barkley Overrated, Roy GOAT

Heading into these 2009 NBA playoffs, we all knew the marquee match-up to look for was Lebron-Kobe, and comparisons were on everyone's lips. Ron Artest, however, said Wednesday night that Brandon Roy is, in fact, the best player he's ever played against (see above. also: a shakier version including the obligatory TNT studio ribbing feat. C-Webb). He went on to say that he'd have loved to have played against MJ in his prime (and that Jordan shared the sentiment), conjecturing that His Airness would've "given" the Artest still known as Artest 50 points. Odd how a defensive player would see a high scoring endeavor from his cover as a gift. Keep in mind that one of these summer battles Artest mentions saw him break a aging G.O.A.T.'s rib and suck out the marrow. But Ron-Ron's always been a little different.

Which brings us to the juicy meat of our dribble. When asked to measure up the TNT broadcast crew, Artest ignored Kenny and EJ but went right at the soft front-belly of Sir Charles, calling the Round Mound of Rebound "a bit overrated," "a little small," and adding "he had no defense." Now, it's a moot point whether Barkley or Artest are better, although the Chuckster is a pretty certain hall of famer, while Artest ain't so shirley (unless that comes with a side helping of Paul, mind you). There are two important quibbles, though. First of all, Ron probably hasn't seen Charles lately, as no one with 20/20 would call MJ's golf buddy "small." Secondly, the truly salient point to argue is who is funnier. Artest with his sometime monotone and always over the top and plummeting back down again? Or Barkley with his rolling good humor and outspoken Occam's Razor-ness? To settle this, we present you with representative videos of both humorists:

As a final note, keep in mind this isn't the first time Artest has verbally dissed Barkley, nor is it the first time a player has taken a swipe (that's King James, by the by) at the tv persona that is Charles Barkley.

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Family Guy takes a bite out of Michael Vick

During last weekend's episode of Family Guy titled "Stew-roids", former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was the target of one of their cut-away jokes .

Honestly, it is either more appaling or funny if I do not tell you what the joke is.

In the end, I'll let you be the judge.

(Courtesy of First Cuts)

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Today's Moment of Zen: Okay, Charles Barkley is not Wolverine. Rick Fox is.

In Today's edition of the Moment of Zen, we had a prior installment of this series where we claimed that Charles Barkley was Wolverine because of this NBA on TNT commercial.

Well, we were wrong. Former Lakers forward Rick Fox is or at least he claims to be in this video.

Prior to the Lakers first round victory, Fox was seen well. Just watch the video, you will get the idea from there.

(Courtesy of Ball Don't Lie)

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Javier Gomariz Zarapico

645162681 darklown@hotmail.com

FORMACIÓN ACADÉMICA OFICIAL

Lcdo. Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático de Sevilla. LINK VIDEOBOOK: http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=cZAQSX8UotY

FORMACIÓN NO OFICIAL

Taller de Lucha Escénica impartido por Joaquín Ortega (ESAD de Sevilla) De 2006 a 2007.

Taller de Mimo y Pantomima por Juan Antonio de la Plaza (ESAD de Sevilla) De 2006 a 2007.

Curso de Clown impartido por Pep Vila (ESAD de Sevilla) Marzo de 2007.

Curso de Training Actoral por Concha Távora. (2003-2004).

Curso de interpretación ante la cámara con Julio Fraga en 2007

Curso en Central de Cine “El actor de largometraje” con Macarena Pombo y Eva Lésmes en 2007

EXPERIENCIA PROFESIONAL

2009

Protagonista en Dream Bean cortometraje de Lucia Martínez Bolívar

Protagonista en “El perro del teniente” de la Cia Teatro Perro

2008

Protagonista en “Que va Kalifa” de Rubén Ruiz

Protagonista en “11M” documental dirigido por Víctor Guerra para Globomedia

Actor protagonista en “Insectarium”, de la Cia Producciones El Gallinero

2007

Actor Protagonista.“Combate de Negro y Perros” de J.M. Koltés dirigido por José María Moreno.

Actor Protagonista. “Edmond” de David Mamet dirigido Alfonso Zurro.

Actor Secundario. Cortometraje “El Exprimidor Negro” de Javier Iglesias.

2006

Actor . “60 obras de 60 autores andaluces” dirigida por Alfonso Zurro.

Actor Protagonista. “La Mutilada” de Tennesse Williams dirigida por Emilio Rivas.

Actor Protagonista. “Fantasmas” escrita y dirigida por Alfonso Zurro.

2005

Actor Protagonista. “Juan Rana” dirigido por Baldomero Cruz.

Actor Protagonista. “La Fénix de Salamanca” de Mira de Amescua dirigido por Baldomero Cruz.

“Cuadros de Guerra” escrita , dirigida e interpretada por Javier Zarapico.

Actor Secundario. Cortometraje “El Cafecito” de Álvaro Garrido.

2004

Actor Protagonista. “Amor de Don Perlimplín con Belisa en su Jardín” de Lorca dirigido por Rubén Linares.

Actor Secundario. Cortometraje “WC” de Javier Espino.

Actor Protagonista. Cortometraje “Noche Entreabierta” de Rubén Ruíz-Hurtado.

OTRAS HABILIDADES

Canto (Tenor), Esgrima, Flamenco, Mimo, Títeres, Globoflexia, Clown, Acrobacia, Guitarra (12 años de experiencia con grupos y solistas.)

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Craig Ehlo's got this!

Everyone pretty much knows about "The Shot" that Michael Jordan hit against the Cleveland Cavaliers to vault them from the first round in 1989.

However, did you know what actually transpired in the huddle before the shot?

Some intrepid Cleveland improv actors show us what really went down in this installment of "Great Moments in Cleveland Sports History."

"Craig Ehlo's Got This!"

(Courtesy of NESW Sports)

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Does the Happy Gilmore Swing actually work?

Remember the Adam Sandler movie, Happy Gilmore? Most of you probably do but for those of you that do not, Adam Sandler plays an aspiring hockey player who takes up golf to pay for his grandmother's unpaid taxes.

Sandler in the movie is known for the run-up swing that hits the ball a lengthy distance. Well, the people at Sports Science wondered if running up to the ball and swinging actually made a difference in the length that the ball traveled. So they enlisted the help of PGA player Padraig Harrington and the results are in the video above.

Also, the best moment of Happy Gilmore will always be Bob Barker beating up Adam Sandler:



"The Price is Wrong, Bitch."

(Courtesy of Devil Ball Golf)

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2 A.M. Two-Fer: Dwight Howard Throwin' Dem Bows!

What up home skillets? Presentation out of the way, let's get you s'more NBA action. Honestly, the muy-muy deep west rungs have proven sodden and Chris Dudley like (not hating on the man - gotta commend any athlete who played through diabetes - just hating on the flat-footed game and the wet-noodle in the chamber name). I mean, just drubbing after drubbing (a 58 point loss? they should just give the Hornets a mercy rule buh-bye already). Howard-ever, the East has given us a few truly rousing first round match-ups. Lebron and Co. dominated, which was exhilirating despite its brevity. Dwayne Wade vs. the Atlanta Falcons I mean Hawks? Who knows what's up with that series. And the Celtics-Bulls feels more epic, really, than the trumped up Celtics-Lakers media frenzy of last year's finals.

But the emergent diamond in the rough? Magic-Sixers. Sure, it's a match-up thing. But so was Magic-Pistons. The point is, we're seeing marquee performances by multiple participants in this bout. Iguodala has stepped up, demanding the raves for his defensive prowess by showering us with some O. Turkoglu has proven SVG right about going to him late. And then there's D-Ho. He nailed the free throws to tie it up in Game 3. In Game 5, he went Malone on the 76ers. After the game, he said, "It's not like I'm out there trying to hurt anybody." But please, Dwight! Please! Thsi is what we want to see out of you. For Patrick Chewing's sake, throw them bows! Do like Damp, in fact (I can't believe I'm typing that), and lay 'em on their backs! Don't, of course, send the surging Courtney Lee to the hospital again, but still, more plays like this please:

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On the Air...as we speak...

If any of you care to hear me talk about Taurus New Moon and this 28 day lunar cycle---you can find me HERE Margaret had asked me awhile ago to do another show with her and I had every intention of speaking about Aries New Moon but Aries being Aries.. I ran out of time before I could get to her. As it is, I am glad that I got to speak about this Taurus cycle. There are some perks this month. Despite all the oddball news, you should find some real solid ground and in these shaky times that is a real perk. Take a listen.

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Could Be MY House!

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NHL 2009 second-round playoff predictions

Also at The FDH Lounge Multimedia Magazine.

I started at a schweet 7-1 clip in the first round, marred only by a wrong guess on the 4-5 matchup in the East (so sue me!). My picks included the 1-8 upset in the West, so if you joined me in predicting that the Sharks would step on their collective johnsons for yet another season in the playoffs and you had any caysh down on the Ducks straight-up, you should have earned 2 1/2 times what you wagered. You're welcome!

The previous prediction about a Boston-Vancouver Stanley Cup Final was predicated on Chris Osgood continuing to bumble about for the Wings as he did during the regular season. Instead, he was absolutely sensational in the conference quarterfinals (except for the middle of Game Four) and he drew motivation from all of the doubters -- myself most definitely included. I proclaimed him the biggest X-factor in the entire playoff tournament and since he has answered the bell in fine fashion, The Road To The Cup still runs through Hockeytown until somebody proves that they can knock the champs out definitively.

SECOND ROUND
EAST
Boston over Carolina in 6
Pittsburgh over Washington in 7

WEST
Detroit over Anaheim in 6
Vancouver over Chicago in 6

CONFERENCE FINALS
EAST
Boston over Pittsburgh in 5

WEST
Detroit over Vancouver in 6

STANLEY CUP FINALS
Detroit over Boston in 6

CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Pavel Datsyuk

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TRIALS - Two Wheels, Pedals, And A Chain

Inspired Bicycles was registered as a Limited company early in 2007 by former TartyBikes founder, Dave Cleaver. Set up initially as a business to contract out time and creative ideas to Mountain Cycle (legendary US mountain bike company concentrating in freeride and DH), this venture has recently given birth to an all new trials brand. Bearing the same name as the parent company, Inspired aims to bring some fresh design and product creativity to the trials market, both in the UK and ultimately World wide! (double-click photo to launch video) Caption & Image Credit: Inspired Bicycles

TRIALS - Two Wheels, Pedals, And A Chain

Living here on this God given environment known as an Oblate Spheroid, one finds many ways to transport oneself through the space that lies from here ... to there.

Case In Point: Trials Biking (as performed by Danny MacAskill of the Trials bicycle team, Inspired Bicycles)

Filmed over the period of a few months in and around Edinburgh by Dave Sowerby, this video of Inspired Bicycles team rider Danny MacAskill features probably the best collection of street/street trials riding ever seen.

There's some huge riding, but also some of the most technically difficult and imaginative lines you will ever see.

Without a doubt, this video pushes the envelope of what is perceived as possible on a trials bike.
(ht: inspiredbicycles)

This excerpted and edited from Danny MacAskill -

The response I've had to the video has been amazing!

I never expected to get anywhere near the reaction it has. I hoped that other riders would like the video, and maybe a few riders outside trials, but when people started contacting me about interviews for TV and things it was crazy.

The last few days have been a blur!

I can't say thanks enough to all the people who have commented on the video or contacted me, it's definitely motivated me to push my riding and videos even more.
Reference Here>>

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Frank Thomas would like you to buy something with five Z's in it

Remember Chicago White Sox slugger Frank Thomas? Well, the "Big Hurt" is now peddling an energy drink mix called, "ZizZazz."

It says to have only ten calories along with some essential B vitamins. All you have to do is mix it with some water.

You have got to love the "Shake It Up" tagline at the end with all of his fans which in the commercial appears to be a community church group. Along with the line of Frank Thomas love of espressos and energy drinks.

Can you picture the Big Hurt in your local Starbucks sippin on a cappuccino? For some reason, I can't.

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It’s a given that the right not only likes the idea of torture for “national security” reasons but is also, in all likelihood, sexually aroused by the idea of torture.

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Carl Edwards channeled his inner Ricky Bobby

During last Sunday's race at Talladega, Carl Edwards got into a late crash before finishing and then brought out shades of Will Ferrell character in Talladega Nights, "Rick Bobby" by running across the finish line.

Kudos to NESW Sports for providing this mash-up of the actual race along with scenes from the movie.

By the way, here is also the clip from Talladega Nights of Ricky Bobby running around thinking that he is on fire.



Also, here is the possibly the funniest clip in the movie with Amy Adams and Will Ferrell with "Inspirational Speech":



"Things are going to get crazy, we're going to make animal noises."

(Courtesy of NESW Sports)

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Wait, Let me see that Teebow

In a story that can only be read to be believe, the Tim Tebow idolization has gotten to the point where there is a thong panty named after him.

The Teebow is in Florida Gator colors along with some styles having a number 15 logo on the back to signify Tebow.

I honestly do not have words to describe this story. However, I have a feeling that at least ten of you just fantasized about Erin Andrews wearing one.

(Courtesy of Deuce of Davenport)

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para tesis de la UBA se busca

Se buscan nenes de 9 a 14 años URGENTE. De contextura fisica grande para tesis de la UBA. Papel protagónico. TRABAJO REMUNERADO.
Casting: 9 de mayo.
Enviar datos y foto a castingarb@gmail.com
Lucila Cristallo
Directora
1544900071

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The Day ESPN.com turned into a Magical Kingdom with Unicorns (with Video Proof)

During today's rush of NFL Draft grades and NBA playoff games, someone came across an interesting occurance when you enter the Konami code on the ESPN.com website. (For those who do not know it is, Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A)

Yep, the ESPN.com webpage was flooded with rainbows, unicorns, and other magical images.

It is still unknown why the Konami Code turned ESPN.com into "A 9-year old girls dream" but we believe it has something to do with the web designer planting the code into the new redesign.

It even makes the Oakland Raiders draft appear magical.

(Courtesy of Kotaku)

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Yeah, He's Scared ;)

I think I have finally figured out why I haven't gotten to see a Red Wings' game in person: K is scared to take me. He wouldn't admit any of this if he was asked, of course, but here are the reasons why:

1. He is afraid I might embarrass him by being loud and obnoxious.

Okay, I know I'm that way at home, but out in public the only way I would be very loud is if I was in the middle of a group of like-minded fans. And we WOULD be at Joe Louis Arena, so I suppose he might have a point. I WOULDN'T, for example, dare to be too loud if I was in the Xcel Center--too many Wild fans!


2. He is afraid I would give my opinion about the refs--over and over and over again.

This is another thing I do--AT HOME. I would hesitate in public, unless I was in the middle of like-minded fans. ;) However, I WOULD have to have a few good remarks in my arsenal to use should the situation arise.


3. He worries that I would max out my credit cards buying Wing merchandise.

Now, I have three credit cards with very high limits, so I don't see THAT happening. However, I know I WOULD do some major damage with one of them, so he might have a point.


4. And most of all, he is afraid I would hunt down and destroy ANY player that would dare hit my Baby Boy!

Come on now, as if I could even FIND a player after the game. But that wouldn't stop me from trying, right? :D


Despite all of this, I'm shooting for next season to get to the Joe--and I will do ALL in my power to make this happen. GO WINGS!!!!

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So that's what Charles Barkley thinks about...

On last night's edition of Inside the NBA, Ernie Johnson's Neat-O Stat of Night was sponsored by Panasonic Viera which obviously gave them an opportunity to show their nice new 103-inch flat-screen in the studio.

Then Ernie mentioned that it was so nice that it could tell what they were thinking and then hilarity ensues.

For the reason for the Kenny Smith joke, go to this clip to find out the reason why.

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Stealing Home with Jacoby Ellsbury

For some strange reason, I have a feeling that most of you missed this steal of home by Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury.

This happened in the bottom of the 5th inning in the Red Sox 4-1 win against their hated rivals in the New York Yankees. The Sox have won ten in a row and swept the Yankees at Fenway Park.

The last player to steal home for the Red Sox was Jose Offerman in 1999. (However this is disputed since it was not a "straight steal" of home, then would be Billy Hatcher in 1994.)

(Courtesy of Fan IQ)

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Did your Temper grow? Blame Mars & Pluto

Mars Square Pluto

Yesterday April 26 at 12:14pm (EDT) Mars got into it with Pluto. Mars the planet of warriors and fighters gets into it with Pluto the planet of explosions and volcanoes. Mars demands action on the outside and Pluto demands change from within. When these two get together and start sparring, everyone should get out of the way! Additionally Aries (where Mars is located) is the sign of new growth, new beginnings and putting self first to find its identity. And Capricorn (where Pluto is located) is defined by capitalism, established order, hierarchy, bosses and things that get respect. If there was a perfect imagery for these two fighting it would be a visual from the 1960’s when young people rioted established institutions like banks and industries to make their point for needed change. And then the police were brought it in when it did not go over smoothly. Basically, when these two collide expect fireworks! If anyone got into it with anyone it may have been fulfilling a deep need for change. Yesterday's energy could have put it over the top.

There could be some slop over rage today too..but it is dissipating.

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Meeting Mr. Irrelevant: Ryan Succop

I have a feeling that most of you know the big names in the 2009 NFL Draft. Everyone knows that the first pick was quarterback Matthew Stafford of Georgia going to the Detroit Lions.

However, I have some feeling that most of you have no clue who Ryan Succop is. He is this year's Mr Irrelevant or to put it in plain terms, the last pick in the draft. The Chiefs held the pick and decided on the South Carolina place kicker/punter.

Here are some interesting facts about Succop:

->Succop double-majored at South Carolina in finance and real estate along with a minor in computer science
->Succop as a freshman handled the kick-off duties with a 62.3 yard average
->Succop was a semi-finalist in 2006 for the Lou Groza Award
->Succop was an Associated Press honorable mention All-SEC in 2006
->Succop career field goal numbers at South Carolina: 29 of 39 which translates to 74.4% FG percentage.
->Succop also punted at South Carolina with an average of 42.3 yards per punt
->Succop in high-school was the fourth best kicking prospect in the Nation.

The one positive for Succop is that he only has to beat out 2nd year kicker Connor Barth for a starting kicking job. The issue with that is last year Barth was 10/12 on field goals and perfect regarding extra points.

Oh well, at least he gets to chill on a boat for being Mr. Irrelevant. Where is T-Pain when you need him?

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Fantasy Baseball: Burning up the Waiver Wire

Also at The FDH Fantasy Newsletter at the FantasyDrafthelp.com blog.

Here are the players who had double-digit changes in ownership in CBS Sports leagues last week:

^ Marco Scutaro: 42% to 76%, +34 – Picking him up now is almost the epitome of rear-view mirror thinking

^ Endy Chavez: 6% to 23%, +17 – This is a good move for OF depth, but not much more.

^ Eric Stults: 8% to 20%, +12 – It’s a good short-term move, but he’ll struggle to keep his job over time.

^ Bradley Bergeson: 0% to 10%, +10 – He’s excellent rotation depth, since the Os need pitching and he’s a good prospect but he’s not one of the great ones still in the minors who they’re afraid to bring up too soon – so he’ll have a decently long leash.

^ Zack Miner: 17% to 6%, -11 – He should continue to get opportunities in Detroit given the putrid state of their pitching, but his upside isn’t that high.

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Fantasy Baseball: Buy Low

Also at The FDH Fantasy Newsletter at the FantasyDrafthelp.com blog.

NOTE: You’ll notice that we aren’t listing three high-profile pitchers in this mix: Fausto Carmona, Francisco Liriano and Justin Verlander. Not everyone who is off to a slow start is a good candidate for this list. There appear to be unresolved issues with these pitchers at this point, and while all looked like decent bets to put the demons of ’08 behind them, it would be irresponsible to assume that they merit paying a high or even moderate price to acquire right now. Of course, as always our advice is not delivered in a vacuum, so if somebody in your league is conducting an absolute fire sale on any of these three, then by all means take a flyer on them.

^ Mark DeRosa: Given his tri-eligibility in 20-game leagues this year, he was probably much cheaper than he should have been in many drafts – so owners disgusted by his slow start may not be as attached to him since he may not have cost that much.

^ Adrian Beltre: He generally picks up as the season progresses, so if an owner in your league is ready to bust a cap in him, be in the right place at the right time.

^ JJ Hardy: He was pretty streaky last year as well, but he produced at a super-high level when hot. Buy him now at a low ebb if you can and just wait for him to carry your team when he gets hot.

^ Jake Peavy: Until and unless word surfaces about arm issues, don’t worry about this money pitcher. Throughout his career, he has had a few ugly starts interspersed here and there, so don’t sweat this mediocre start.

^ Jeremy Guthrie: He’s another pitcher who can be a bit up-and-down, so this point in time would be perfect for acquiring his services.

^ Randy Johnson: He’s shown enough this year, in an extreme pitcher’s park, to at least merit consideration as an end-of-the-rotation starter should he be available in your league.

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NFL Draft winners and losers

Also at TheFDHLounge.com.

Anybody spinning for their team by telling you that "it takes three years to evaluate a draft class" is an absolutely ridiculous human being. Here are the teams that distinguished themselves the most, positively and negatively, this weekend:

[Oh, and if you need an additional point of reference, here's our PRO FOOTBALL DRAFTOLOGY 2009 guide with complete player rankings among many other features. And here are all the picks for Rounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.]

WINNERS

1 Jacksonville: Has anyone in recent memory acquired bookend OTs with their first two picks?

2 St. Louis: The new regime got off to a great start by acquiring legitimate OL and front seven anchors with their first two picks.

3 New England: This organization is always on the winner’s list. While they certainly could have benefited from staying put and picking OT Oher in the last first, the trio of early second-round picks will bring great help – especially local boy CB Butler.

4 Philadelphia: By taking another crack at a #1 WR and some much-needed RB help for Westbrook, this offense may take even another step forward.

5 Carolina: This grade is primarily associated with one pick: DE Brown in the second round. He could have gone as high as the early 20s, so the team got great value thanks in part to the preponderance of reaches by the draft losers. Also, don’t sleep on OG Robinson in the fifth round, one of the best overall values of the draft.

6 Arizona: Beanie Wells at 31? For a team that reached the Super Bowl last year with a sub-par running game? Look out NFC once again.

7 New York Jets: The Jets had a big hole at QB and they filled it in style. The players surrendered in the deal were negligible anyway.

8 Miami: Any other team would have made a ginormous reach to take Pat White in the second round. But not the ‘Fins. Our Senior Editor Jason Jones wrote prophetically before the draft about the damage that Miami could do with a QB such as White at the helm of the Wildcat offense. Game-planning Sparano’s boys just got that much more brutal.

9 Baltimore: A legitimate franchise LT in Michael Oher at 23? Who could blame Ozzie Newsome for giving off a good loud, “THAT … JUST … HAPPENED!” after the pick was announced?

10 Cincinnati: This is a qualified note of approval, inasmuch as OT Smith and LB Rey Rey are quite capable of becoming typical Bengals on the police blotter when exposed to that atmosphere. But they are potential cornerstone players, so even this sickly organization deserves some credit in that regard.

LOSERS

1 Oakland: Ah, good old Al Davis, reaching for a speedy wideout a good 15-20 spots ahead of where anyone else would have taken him. Value? Trading down? Al Davis knows not these things, which is why the team will never sufficiently augment their pathetic talent base while he’s still in charge.

2 Tampa Bay: The new crew really looks like they’re in over their heads. Project QB Josh Freeman and TE KW2 account for most of the impact draft picks of this draft. The brutal NFC South just acquired a new whipping boy for at least the next five years.

3 Cleveland: After a hiatus from the loser’s list during the Phil Savage days, Eric Mangini has brought back the suckage. Any time that a power-hungry head coach in charge asks you to believe that he’s right and the rest of the world is wrong about the value of the players selected where they were selected, he’s universally wrong.

4 Buffalo: What would the draft loser’s list be without the Bills? The only thing worse than reaching for the draft’s best center in the first round, as the Browns did, is reaching for the second-best center.

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Surfing & Tardis building

Wasn't worth getting in for, but I got a couple of pics. I might have gone if if I hadn't had a splash the day before and been saving up my energy for the last bit of cladding on the house. Can you believe it, 11 people on this beach break and this barely surfable wave was rare. But green water and offshore winds, even glassy, made it nice just to be there.


We finished the cladding on the Tardis yesterday and had celebratory Jo-Jo's pizza and beers with a couple of mates last night. The last 2 sheets were difficult and required a superhuman effort by both of us, myself perched on the roof to slide a 6 metre sheet of Colourbond down so Robin could get some Tek screws in before I dropped it. It was only the thought of having to re-cut it that made me hang on way beyond my limit. I have done all the cutting of the sheets with my $12.00 4 " angle grinder and it has been stressful sometimes as it is easy to make a mistake if you lose concentration.

One of the residents on the hill was walking past the other day and admitted that he found the multiplicity of colours 'challenging' at first but had come to appreciate it.

Last official day of the holidays today and off to the beach, hopefully less crowded and better shape, but will probably have a celebratory get-wet session on the boogie board anyway. We fulfilled our projected goal of having the cladding done by the end of these school holidays. Just a bit of flashing and trim etc and then onto the inside. Can't wait. I am sooooo excited about having my own studio where I live.

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America invaded by pig/bird virus

The worrisome new virus — which combines genetic material from pigs, birds and humans in a way researchers have not seen before — also sickened at least eight people in Texas and California, though there have been no deaths in the U.S.

First the conspiracy nuts are going to go wild with this. Second, probably a good time to stop having sex with pigs and chickens. You know who you are.

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Recapping Round One

By winning the series with Columbus, the Wings did something no other defending Stanley Cup team has done since 2002: make it out of the first round. And that is one big relief.

In the first three games, the Wings taught the first-time-in-the-playoffs-EVER Blue Jackets what the post-season is all about. By game four, they had learned their lesson VERY well. In the first three games, Detroit scored 12 times and Columbus only twice. In the third game, Columbus scored 5 times, only to see Detroit get 6. The sweep wasn't really unexpected by many.

Chris Osgood showed the world that, yes indeed, there IS a playoff switch that can be activated in the post-season. After probably his WORST year ever, he absolutely shined in the first three games. The man did everything but stand on his head and do cartwheels to make some of the saves he did. And then in the third game, he winced. The camera showed a close-up of his face and he was wincing. He did SOMETHING that caused him pain and it was very evident in the second period of the fourth game. WHATEVER they did--injections, probably--between the second and third, gave him enough to let the team win.

Detroit's 'D' threw the switch, also. They HAD started playing better toward the end of the season, but were MUCH better in this series. And when the 'big guns'--the first and second lines--couldn't get the job done, the third line stepped in and took over. There was no evidence of a 'hangover' as far as could be seen. The entire team played much more aggressively and let everyone know that they CAN'T be pushed around--even though they are top heavy with 'soft' Europeans and play a puck possession game. Although the hit-of-the-game was done by Stuart--a Canadian--all of the Wings contributed in the hits department.

As for the hit that Stuart placed on Umberger: UN-FREAKING-BELIEVABLE!! First, it was a purely clean hit--not a thing dirty about it. Stuart hit Umberger so hard that the guy's eyes crossed. I think he may have even blacked out for a second. The only time I have seen someone be so woozy is during a heavy-weight boxing match. I don't think Umberger knew what day it was, much less WHERE he was. He might not have even known his own name. It was the hit of the series--so far--and could even be in contention for the hit of the year. It was priceless. And I HAVE to give the guy credit: he came back to finish the game after resting for a bit. GOTTA love playoff hockey--and hockey players!!

The only thing that kind of marred the win for the Wings is the way they got their last goal. (By no means does ANYONE thing they wouldn't have won the series, just that they might have needed one more game to do it.) Late in the third, the game was tied 5-5. Both teams were playing great. Less than two minutes left in the game, during a line change, Columbus was called for too many men on the ice. It really was too blatant for the refs to ignore: one of the guys actually PLAYED the puck! And Detroit scored on the power play. Columbus felt as if it was something that didn't need to be called and said the refs 'swallowed their whistles' through most of the third, so why call THAT? I certainly understand their feelings--we Wing fans have had to endure 'unneeded' calls VERY, VERY often. But, it is what it is. The series' outcome wouldn't have been any different even if Columbus would have won game four. They learned what it is like to be in the playoffs--it was the first time in franchise history--and they learned what it is like to play against the Champs when they are on their game. These are lessons that will serve them well in the future--and make them MUCH harder for the Wings to play next year. This might turn into a rivalry, yet!

As for who the Wings will play next, we have no idea. If the Ducks can hold on and win their series, then Detroit gets to play them--the dirtiest team in the league. If San Jose manages to win the series--which is beginning to look like a possibility--then Detroit gets to face Vancouver--and a VERY good Luongo in net. Either way, the second round won't be as easy as the first. And I can't wait--even though it will be ulcer time! ;)

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Singstaria ja sisiliskoja

Mou!

Oli taas pitkästä aikaa mukava viikonloppu ja vähän muutakin tekemistä kuin yksinään kotona dataamista. :)
Perjantaina piti kuitenkin käydä vielä koulussa, ja menin tänä keväänä ekaa kertaa skootterillani, joten minulla oli ihan pirusti vaatetta päällä, mm. kahdet paksut sukkikset, polvisukat ja farkut ja sitten ajaessa nauleen ja takin välissä huppari. XD No ei ainakaan tullut niin kylmä 13km matkalla.. :'D

Tässä asuni, josta ei kyllä aavistaisi miten paljon minulla oli päällä.

♥ farkut: Modtex
♥ Marilyn-toppi, toppi & naule: H&M

♥ korvikset: H&M
♥ Hello Kitty: Seppälä
♥ panta: Käherrystarvike, mutta pannan rusetti itse kiinnitetty


Koulun jälkeen tulin vielä kotiin, mutta puoli viideltä lähdin ajelemaan ihanan kaverini Vilun luo (joka muuten aloitti bloggaamisen 8)). Pyörittiin pihalla ja illalla sitten vain koomattiin ja laulettiin Singstaria, vaikka Vilu voittikin suunnilleen koko ajan (ja tämän selitän sillä että olen laulanut Singstaria vain pari kertaa ja Vilu pari miljoonaa). 8---D

Ja jee sisiliskotkin oli heränny! ♥ On kivaa kun Vilu asuu korvessa, kuten kyllä minäkin.
Huomaa ihanasti kulahtanut kynsi..


Hymy pyllyssä.
Mau. ♥ Toivon ettei Vilu murhaa mua kun julkasen siitä jopa yhen kuvan. En uskalla julkasta enempää vaikka mieli tekis kun otin niitä miljoona. :(
Niin ja aww Vilulla ja niillä on vaihteeks shelttipentuja, jotka kyllä lähtee parin viikon päästä. Näistä tuli vaan mieleen meidän Pimun ja Remun viime vappuna syntyneet pennut joista jouduttiin luopumaan, nyyh.
Illalla oli myös armottomat kuvaussessiot. Luvassa siis vähintään 2453674 kuvaa kenestäs muustakaan kuin MINUSTA. ♥


Kiinanihmeeni. 8))
Kiitos vielä kuvaajalle eli Vilperille.



Harmi vain etten osaa yhtään olla kuvattavana, ja nauroin vain koko ajan ja näytin hamsterilta ja vähän yliseksikkäältä kuten alemmassa kuvassa. Jes.
♥ kengät: Spirit
♥ hame: Vilun vanha
♥ sukkikset: H&M
♥ kynsikkäät: Cybershop
♥ rusetti: Backstreet
Loput aiemminkin päivällä olleita juttuja.

Oon aika kaunis ja silleen.

Lauantaina olikin niin ihanan lämmin päivä että huh huh! Oli kevään lämpimin päivä, välillä ihan kuuma. Piti kuitenkin pitää vielä kaulaliina kaulassa ja neule päällä, koska ei olisi ensimmäinen päivä kun tulen keväällä kipeäksi liian vähäisen vaatetuksen takia.
Tässä lauantain asu. XD Noissa vermeissä hilluttiin pitkin metsiä.
♥ räppicäppi: Vilun
♥ huivi: Seppälä
♥ kengät: Spirit
Loppu asu H&M.
Näin myös kevään ekat perhoset..
..ja leskenlehdet..
..ja muut. :---))
Lauantainakin jatkkettiin sisiliskojen bongailua. Voiko olla söpömpiä elukoita? Ollaan tykätty siskoista Vilun kanssa ihan pienestä asti, ja taidetaan tykätä tulevaisuudessakin. :D
Eilen katsotiin myös The Day After Tomorrow, kun Vilu ei sitä ollut nähnyt. Suosittelen edelleenkin kaikkia katsomaan sen!

Illalla taas tehtiin Hanna-tädin kakkutaikinaa, tämä on jo joku perinne kun tehdään sitä aina. Niin epäterveellistä, mutta niin hyvää.
Tänään laulettiin taas Singstaria, ja jei voitin Vilun monta kertaa! XD Olen niin happy nyt kun Vilu voittaa minut esim. Monopolissa IHAN joka kerta. :D Nyt sain tungettua Vilun Singstar listoille ja olen oikein onnellinen.

Kaikki hyvä loppuu kuitenkin aikaan, ja pian kävelylenkkimme jälkeen ajelin takaisin kotiin. En malta odottaa sitä kun menemme taas kesällä mökillemme hengaamaan. Jotain parasta. ♥

PS. Enää viisi viikkoa koulua ennen kesälomaa!

Np: Mew - Snow Brigade

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