Lohan looks like a "10" in this pic compared to the pic with the linked article.
Lindsay Lohan or Fayetteville, Arkansas’ famous “Maple Man”? It’s a tough call after reading this article and seeing the pic of Lohan with it.
Archive for March, 2010
Who would You Rather Kiss
Posted by Adam Butler on March 31, 2010
Posted in Pop Culture | Leave a Comment »
This is No Way to Treat Your Mother
Posted by Adam Butler on March 31, 2010
Maybe Minnesota Twins Outfielder Denard Span was subconsciously paying his mother back for naming him Denard Span. This seems like something BlogHawgs reader “Maukevelli” would do.
Posted in Commentary | 2 Comments »
Keith Olbermann 1 ESPN’s Sports Guy (Bill Simmons) 0
Posted by Adam Butler on March 31, 2010
in a recent battle of big heads (it’s a little dated, but interesting, nonetheless). I agree with Olbermann on this, and had a similar, laugh-out-loud response when I read the Simmons chat in question, but I’m not sure why it made KO’s huge head explode.
Posted in Commentary, Sports | 1 Comment »
Spring Football Has Sprung at the UA–5 Things to Watch
Posted by Adam Butler on March 30, 2010
Did the refs have one last dance with Mary Jane before this game?
Note: This is the 1st of a 5-part series examining key questions for the Arkansas Razorbacks during their 2010 Spring Practices.
The University of Arkansas opens spring football today, and there are a number of intriguing plotlines to watch despite the fact that the Razorbacks return arguably the top Quarterback in the (Ryan Mallett) and a boat load of starters on both sides of the ball after finishing 8-5 last season and winning an absolutely miserable Liberty Bowl game in Memphis.
Over the next few weeks, I will be taking a look at some of those plotlines of the spring, beginning with today’s burning question:
1. Can the Arkansas Secondary avoid the big plays that were Heartbreakers last year?
As funny as it sounds, Arkansas’ defense–the worst in the SEC a year ago–held its own plenty of times in 2009, at times looking like it was “Learning to Fly”.
But, it’s Achilles heel was giving up the big play–a recurring theme that cost the Razorbacks a shot at signature wins against Florida, LSU and Georgia. With what should be one of the most explosive offenses in America, the Razorback defense doesn’t have to be great in 2010 for the UA to have a banner season. It just has to be better. If it is, the Hogs may be “Runnin Down a Dream” in 2010.
In the spring, Head Coach Bobby Petrino and staff will be looking for improvement from a number of players including senior cornerback Isaac Madison (he should get a year of eligibility back via a medical redshirt), who blew out his knee in preseason a year ago, and prior to the injury, was the team’s most skilled corner.
Madison is chomping at the bit to hit the field, but chances are that his exposure to contact will be minimal. Instead, look for sophomore Darius Winston to get a long look. He was a much ballyhooed H.S. All-American a year ago who struggled with the scheme and physical nature of SEC football. Coaches say he has improved, and should contribute in a major way this season.
In the (deep) middle, Anthony Leon also has something to prove in the spring after looking overmatched and/or lost last year. A physical freak with some major college cache a year ago (he started as a true freshman at Florida State before transferring), Leon was never able to get into game shape mentally or physically after his summer was spent in the classroom trying to earn his eligibility as opposed to spending it in filmroom or weightroom trying to get ready to take on SEC foes. To say he let plenty of opposing offensive foes out “Into the Great Wide Open” would be an understatement.
Thankfully, juniors Jerico Nelson and Tremain Thomas showed signs of being playmakers last year and are known commodities, to an extent. Likewise, seniors Rudell Crim, Ramon Broadway had their moments, and should be improved with a year of experience under their belts and some help, in term of depth, from their friends. Cornerback Andru Stewart also came on late last year and was a pleasant suprise at times. At others times, especially early in the season, he had Hog fans saying “Don’t Come Around Here No More”.
You might recall that Stewart victimized by a terrible no-call on an offensive pass interference at Florida (SEE ABOVE) that, but for an egregious personal foul on Malcolm Shepherd that also had Razorback Nation wailing ”Don’t Do Me Like That”, might have been the worst of what became a parade of miserable calls in Tebowville that day.
In a way, the no-call on Stewart was emblematic of the Hogs’ and specifically the Razorback secondary’s season in 2009. At times, it seemed that victory was within reach, but then, they would suffer a “Breakdown”. How well they progress this spring may determine whether they are “Freefallin’” in the autumn months, or will stand their ground, and “Won’t Back Down”.
Posted in Commentary | 7 Comments »
Baseball to start on a positive note…
Posted by Jeff on March 30, 2010
Adam's Man Crush could crush him, quite literally.
… as opposed to starting with a positive test.
Nice article on the good news in baseball. Where do the Mariners get off pulling hype away from big markets? I haven’t been this interested in Seattle since Randy Johnson or Starbucks.
It mentions Stephen Strasburg and Aroldis Chapman, two rookie pitchers that can both clock 100. I just can’t help but think that one or both of these guys is going to end up like Zito or Sheets. Big arm, lots of hype —–> Wipeout.
Baseball starts April 4th. President Obama will throw the first pitch at the Nationals game. Along with his securty detail, that should double their attendance that day (til Strasburg is called up anyway.) I just hope Mr. President finds a cooler pair of jeans than last year. I’m no fashionista but I’m also not the POTUS. “Limo driver! Take me to Macy’s!”
Posted in Commentary | 1 Comment »
Hogs Up to #10 in Baseball America Poll.
Posted by Adam Butler on March 29, 2010
They’re pretty good–maybe 1-2 solid pitching contributors away from being a legit National Championship contender.
If you get a chance, you really should check out Hogs 3b Zack Cox.
Cox was named SEC Player of the Week. He went 10-for-18 with 8 RBIs in five wins last week.
He has hit safely in every game this season–23– and is hitting well over .400 (with power).
Posted in Commentary | Leave a Comment »
I Have Joked About Doing This
Posted by Adam Butler on March 29, 2010
but this guy did it….and is serious about it.
I think it would be sweet to have different narrators. I think I would go with the Fred G. Sanford model.
Posted in Commentary | 1 Comment »
It’s the Biggest Show on Earth
Posted by Jeff on March 26, 2010
I'm normally in a great mood. I promise.
UPDATE!!! (Results below…)
Well, since Adam teased me as a “wrasslin’” expert, I guess I ought to do a quick preview of this weekend’s Wrestlemania 26. My interest in wrestling comes and goes. When I met Adam I was pretty into it. In fact I think that was when I was doing a weekly recap of Monday Night Raw for Jon Williams on the Eagle here in NWA (actually it may have been K-KEG.) Anyway, it has been about 7 or 8 years since I watched pro wrestling with any regularity. These days if I flip to Raw on a Monday night it’s usually in an effort to bug my wife. She does the same thing to me with HGTV.
Sunday night has actually gotten my interest though since this will mark the return of Bret “The Hitman” Hart to the WWE after a 13 year absence. Much like daytime soap operas no actor ever goes away forever. And pro wrestling (soap opera for guys) certainly has the same short memories. The genesis of the fued between Hart and Mr. McMahon happened when Hart had decided to leave the WWE for WCW (before Vince bought it from Turner). In his final match against Shawn Michaels, Hart had decided that he did not want to lose (which is a “time honored tradition”) to Michaels. So McMahon ordered the ref to do a quick count to make it so that Michaels would win without Hart knowing what was going to happen. There’s a lot more to the story but that’s the basics. It might also be worthy to note that this was the beginning of the “Evil Boss Mr. McMahon” character from which Vince has profited mightily. (This also gives the WWE an opportunity to put Bret’s late father, Stu Hart (a legendary wrestling trainer) into the as-yet-to-be-built WWE Hall of Fame… alongside Bob “I must be in the Front Row!” Uecker.)
The other intriguing thing to me tonight is a match with Michaels and the “Undefeated at Wrestlemania” Undertaker. The Taker has not lost a Wrestlemania match in forever. (17 years I think…?) The Taker was always my favorite but I haven’t paid for a pay-per-view in a decade. That likely won’t change Sunday night.
RESULTS from Mania:
Hart defeated McMahon and the Undertaker is still undefeated at Wrestlemania. Michaels gave a farewell forever speech at the end of Raw last night but as we hashed out above, we’ll see…
Posted in Entertainment, Sports | 7 Comments »
Forget More Cowbell–I’ve Got a Fever
Posted by Adam Butler on March 26, 2010
and the only prescription is more Gus Johnson. He’s phenomenal. I laughed out loud at the call at around the 1:40 mark of this video.
Posted in Commentary, Sports | 1 Comment »
Kobe Bryant’s New Nickname
Posted by Adam Butler on March 26, 2010
Rarely Seen Photographic Evidence of the Time Kobe Tried to Play Defense
It’s not Bryant’s self-created, lamest nickname in sports history–”The Black Mamba”. Instead, in a recent article, Rolling Stone writer Matt Taibbi, calls Bryant a “three-faced narcissist” who, despite his reputation, is not as good as Lebron James, or 2nd-year player Kevin Durent. That’s a pretty bold statement about an alleged Top 10 of All-Time NBA guy who is 31 years old.
To be fair, (and as BlogHawgs Nation knows, I am always fair to Kobe) Taibbi is one of those journalists who thrives on being outlandish, and generally tends to always have a few people (like Kobe) that he slams…..sort of like a smart aleck blogger who hammers Tim Tebow incessantly.
For example, Taibbi is frequently a guest on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher” and he comes across as one of those people who curses a lot so that he will be “cool” I think that s&^% is dumb as h#%%.
(Oh, and uh, do kids call it “cool” these days, or is it “chill” or something else?).
Posted in Commentary, Sports | 2 Comments »
Now That George W. Bush is Out of the Oval Office
Posted by Adam Butler on March 25, 2010
he’s more than happy to find the closest Democrat so that he can wipe his hands clean of the Domestic and International issues facing America. No, really, I mean it….LITERALLY.
Posted in Commentary, Politics | 1 Comment »
On Wingnuts and President Obama: An Astonishing Poll
Posted by Adam Butler on March 25, 2010
from Harris Interactive. I’m not sure which is more frightening–that 23% of of the 2,320 adults polled believe President Obama is the Antichrist–or that 23% of the adults polled actually believe there is, or will be, an AntiChrist.
Not suprisingly, the less educated people among those polled held the most radical views:
The less education people have had the more likely they are to believe all of these statements. Consider these differences between those with no college education and those with post-graduate education:
- He is a socialist (45% and 20%)
- He wants to take away Americans’ right to own guns (45% and 19%)
- He is a Muslim (43% and 9%)
- He was not born in the United States so is not eligible to be president (32% and 7%)
- He is a racist (28% and 9%)
- He is anti-American (27% and 9%)
- He is doing many of the things Hitler did (24% and 10%).
After reviewing these findings, John Avlon comments, “These new numbers are shocking but not surprising – they detail the extent to which Wingnuts are hijacking our politics. This poll should be a wake-up call to all Americans about the real costs of using fear and hate to pump up hyper-partisanship. We are playing with dynamite by demonizing our president and dividing our country in the process. Americans need to remember the perspective that Wingnuts always forget – patriotism is more important than partisanship.”
Posted in Commentary, Politics | 30 Comments »
Bill Halter Gaining on Blanche Lincoln
Posted by Adam Butler on March 25, 2010
It sure seems like Lincoln is the proverbial sinking ship and Arkansas’ Democratic voters will ultimately want to cast their vote for Halter–you know the guy who actually has a chance of winning the election.
From the piece:
The Democratic numbers are particularly salient given the primary — Halter’s (thus far) positive campaign has done wonders for his own approvals. That’s why the Lincoln campaign was, today, the first of the two to go negative, sending out a direct mail piece (PDF) attacking Halter for serving on the board of two biotechnology firms who ran into legal troubles (even though he had nothing to do with those troubles). Weak stuff, and certainly the actions of a campaign that is feeling the heat.
Posted in Commentary, Politics | 5 Comments »
It’s Red Dawn All Over Again!
Posted by Jeff on March 25, 2010
The Outsiders II - Greasers v. Russia
Russian fighter jets are encroaching into British airspace and apparently it’s been happening often since January. Big Red is flexing its military muscle.
Where are C. Thomas Howell, Charlie Sheen, and Patrick Swayze when you need them?
WOLVERINES!!!
Posted in Commentary | 3 Comments »
Urban Meyer and Tim Tebow May Have Broken Up
Posted by Adam Butler on March 24, 2010
"You're *my* 'Real Quarterback'".
but the Urban Meyer/Tim Tebow Man Love remains.
It seems Urb didn’t like it when a Orlando Sentinel reporter quoted Florida WR Deonte Thompson this week regarding his thoughts on Tebow.
In fact, Meyer, the heartbroken current/former/current Florida Head Coach, impliedly threatened the reporter. (Stating, per the reporter: “If that was my son, we’d be going at it right now,”)
Here’s the Thompson quote which, although less than flattering for College Football Baby Jesus, also happens to be true.
“You never know with Tim,” Thompson said. “You can bolt, you think he’s running but he’ll come up and pass it to you. You just have to be ready at all times. With Brantley, everything’s with rhythm, time. You know what I mean, a real quarterback.”
I can understand Urb’s frustration. I mean, Tebow has never really been able to catch a break from the media, particularly the Florida media—and ESPN. 
Posted in Commentary | 5 Comments »
BlogHawgs Top 10 Players in NBA History
Posted by Adam Butler on March 24, 2010
Editor’s Note: This List does not necessarily represent the opinion of BlogHawgs Nation. In fact, I , AB, do NOT think Kobe is one of the 10 best NBA Players of all time.
Kobe in the All-Time NBA's Top 10? Maybe. #1 Alleged Rapist/Hooper in NBA History? Undoubtedly.
Special to BlogHawgs.com from BlogHawgs.com Movie Correspondent and NBA aficionado, Jim Gooch
In honor of basketball fever I decided to post on a much-debated topic among Bloghawgers - Ten Greatest Players of All Time (and whether Kobe belongs). In making this list, which differs very little from the list most NBA diehards would probably make, I took into consideration not only career statistics but also number of championships won and PER (player efficiency rating).
When evaluating the list and cursing the name of Kobe, please keep in mind that although three of Kobe’s championships came while he was playing with Shaq, virtually everyone else on the list also played with another superstar during their championship years (i.e. Magic and Kareem).
10. Oscar Robertson
Won two championships (on the downside of his career), but maybe the best stat guy of all time. Famously averaged a triple double for the 1962-63 season (and did it four more times if you round up). And these weren’t Jason Kidd (I can barely shoot) triple doubles; the Big O was averaging 30 points per game during those seasons. Friggin ridiculous (I don’t care if it was the 60s). Oscar’s career numbers are almost 26 pts, 7.5 boards, and 9.5 assists, shooting over 48%. Career PER: 23.2 (20th all-time). Only one MVP year, but he played in the Chamberlain/Russel era.
9. Hakeem Olajuwon
Two championships. The league’s all-tme leader in blocked shots, The Dream averaged 22 pts, 11 rebounds, and over 3 blocks per game for his career. In 1989-1990 season, he averaged over 24 pts, 14 boards, and an astounding 4.6 blocks per game. His career PER is 23.6 (number 16 all-time). Probably the most athletically gifted big man of all time. In my mind the only thing that keeps him out of the top five is that his two championships came during Jordan’s baseball career.
8. Bill Russell
Eleven Championships (only played 13 seasons). Five MVPs. Only averaged 15 pts per game for his career (never averaging more than 18.9 for any single season), but he averaged a whopping 22.5 boards for his career (number 2 all-tme behind Wilt), along with 4.3 assists. However, Russell’s defense changed the game (they literally invented goal-tending because of him) and he would almost certainly be the all-time blocks leader had they kept track of them in his day. His shooting was poor for a center, at only 44% for his career, and his career PER is only 18.9 (which is 95th all time). But he was the most dominant defender ever and the league’s greatest winner.
7. Shaquille O’Neal
Four championships (three of course were while playing with Kobe. Second most dominant big man ever (behind Wilt). Averaged around 24 pts, 11 boards, and 2.5 blocks for his career, and shot 58% from the field (4 percentage points better than Wilt). Truly unguardable for nearly decade. Would have easily averaged over 30 per game for his career (and been number 2 on this list) had he been able to shoot over 60% from the foul line. Astounding career PER of 26.60 (third all time and first among big men).
6. Kobe Bryant
Kobe has four championships. One MVP award. PER is 23.6 (18th). Career per game stats of over 25 pts, 5 rebounds, and nearly 5 assists. Bryant is the all-time leading scorer in Lakers history (a history that includes Magic, Kareem, Shaq, West, Baylor, and Wilt). In 2007, an ESPN poll of sportswriters voted him the second best shooting guard of all time (behind Jordan). Named NBA player of the decade (2000-09) by the Sporting News and TNT. Scored 81 points in a single game in 2006 (which is second only to Wilt’s 100) (Jordan never scored more than 60 something). Has scored 40 or more points 104 times (3rd all-time behind Wilt and Jordan, respectively). Kobe is the youngest player to reach the 25,000 points mark and he is currently 16th all-time for points scored (with at least 3 great seasons ahead of him, he could easily end up number 3 all-time). Kobe is also one of the most tenacious defenders in league history (voted All-Defensive 1st Team seven times). But even more importantly, Kobe is clutch. He’s a killer in the fourth quarter. When the final seconds of the game are ticking away and your looking for a big shot, he’s the guy you want taking it (and in that situation, I’m not sure I would trade Kobe for anyone). I look for him to be securely in the top five by the time it’s all said and done.
5. Larry Bird
Three championships. Thrice the league’s MVP. Career PER of 23.50 (19th best, higher than Big O, lower than Kobe). The Hick from French Lick averaged 24 pts, 10 boards, and over 6 dimes for his career. He made 49% of his shots for his career, an astonishing percentage for a small foward. He is the best small foward in league history, and although Lebron will easily surpass him statistically in the near future, James will never be the winner or the competitor that Larry Legend was. (No, I do not believe James will win three titles, ever.)
4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Six championships (one with Oscar, five with Magic). At over 38,000, he has the most points of all time, plus he’s number 3 for most blocks all time (played for 20 years however). He has also won more MVP awards than anyone else (six). Averaged around 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks for his career (shooting at 55%). However, he had a few seasons in the early 70s where he averaged over 30 pts, over 16 rebounds, and nearly 5 assists. Career PER of 24.58 (11th).
3. Magic Johnson
Five championships alongside Kareem. Averaged almost 20 pts, over 7 rebounds and over 11 assists per game for his career. He is the NBA’s all-time leader in assists per game. Career PER is 24.11 (12th all time). A triple double machine, which is always nice. Magic is the best passer in league history, although Steve Nash might have something to say about that if he ever wins a championship, which is doubtful.
2. Wilt Chamberlain
Only two championships for this Nixon-loving Republican, but he averaged 30 pts, 23 rebounds (most ever), and over 4 assists for his career. Career PER is 26.13 (5th). He averaged over 50 points a game one season, and led the league in assists another season. Most dominant big man of all time. Gets my number 2 spot despite playing in a lesser era and despite being a Republican (100 points is still 100 points). On a related note, 20,000 women is still 20,000 women.
1. Michael Jordaon
Not necessary to explain. Six championships. Highest career PER of all time at 27.91. The end-all-be-all of his sport.
Notable Omissions: Jerry West, Tim Duncan, Bob Petitt, Bob Cousey, Karl Malone, Elgin Baylor, John Stockton, Dr. J, Charles Barkley, John Havlicek, Moses Malone.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Interesting Esoteric Statistic
Basketball-Reference.com has a stat called the Hall of Fame Probability. It takes into consideration the follwing factors:
- height (in inches)
- last season indicator (1 if 1959-60 or before, 0 otherwise)
- NBA points per game
- NBA rebounds per game
- NBA assists per game
- NBA All-Star game selections
- NBA MVP award shares
- NBA championships won
Here are the top ten players of all time most likely to enter the Hall of Fame:
| 1. | Michael Jordan* | 1.0000 |
| 2. | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar* | 1.0000 |
| 3. | Bill Russell* | 1.0000 |
| 4. | Wilt Chamberlain* | 1.0000 |
| 5. | Larry Bird* | 1.0000 |
| 6. | Magic Johnson* | 1.0000 |
| 7. | Shaquille O’Neal | 1.0000 |
| 8. | Tim Duncan | 1.0000 |
| 9. | Karl Malone | 1.0000 |
| 10. | Kobe Bryant | 1.0000 |
Posted in Commentary | 18 Comments »
Teen With Autism Has a Perfect NCAA Tourney Bracket Going
Posted by Adam Butler on March 24, 2010
I wonder if there are 13,460,000 dimples on a basketball. I'm not good at math, but I doubt it.
I don’t see what the big deal is about this. I mean, the odds of anyone doing that are only one in 13, 460,000.
Posted in Commentary | 3 Comments »
Coulter Cancelled in Ottawa
Posted by Jeff on March 24, 2010
Keith Olbermann's secret crush
Conservative Wingnut Ann Coulter cancelled a speech at the University of Ottawa due to a large protest outside of the venue. Unless I mis-read this item, there were 2000 people outside protesting and 100 inside waiting to hear her hate speech.
Coulter is already spinning this as a liberal intimidation thing but I really think that she realized she had to walk/drive past 2000 protesters to speak to 100 Koolaid drinkers. That stat is amazing and hilarious. If I believed even for a second that “threats” were her only concern, I’d actually feel bad about the situation. Regardless of how little I respect her I don’t believe she should feel threatened for her stupid opinions.
UPDATE: The Hateress is complaining about becoming the hated. Oh, the Ironery.
Posted in Commentary | 9 Comments »
More Proof That American Idol is on Its Last Leg
Posted by Jeff on March 24, 2010
I'm famous because of my dad's mullet.
Last night on American Idol, the guest “mentor” was 17 year old Tween Queen Miley Cyrus. Miley of course is the daughter of country music’s Billy Ray Cyrus. She also stars in a show called Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel. I’ve seen one episode of Hannah and it made me desperate for more cleverly written sitcoms like Saved By The Bell and Family Matters. What does that tell you?
Anyway, with all due respect, Miley Cyrus cannot sing. Anyone who does not already know this will find out tonight when she has to sing live on the results show.
American Idol is fading fast this season. Simon Cowell has announced that he is not returning. And he probably decided this after surveying the weak talent this year. The men are really bad, save for Big Mike. The women are better but the best two are a little freaky. Siobhan Magnus is my favorite but she’s got a little Adam Lambert in her which is starting to bug me. Crystal is very good but I can almost smell her patouli oil through my TV. Not sure how either could become a big star… not that that happens a lot in Idol land. (Carrie and Kelly excepted of course.)
Posted in Commentary | 4 Comments »
NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Expansion is “Probable”
Posted by Adam Butler on March 31, 2010
per Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany.
I just don’t understand the reasoning. All this will do is further devalue the regular season–which no one pays attention to until January, at this point, anyway–and, the conference tourneys, too, for that matter.
Money talks, though, and the Powers That Be think more games=more money and bigger TV contracts. Meanwhile, the coaches (naively) think it will result in more job security. It won’t. Ask all the football coaches in recent years who have taken their teams to middling Bowl games (because all they have to do is win 6 games to qualify) and have been canned.
Oh, and while we’re at it, let’s again explode the myth that a Football Playoff System would result in the ”most worthy” or “true” champion. It wouldn’t. It would result in the most worthy tourney champ that benefitted from matchups, health, getting hot, luck, etc. That’s fine, but let’s just call it what it is–more exciting, maybe, but no more likely to produce a more worthy champ.
Posted in Commentary, Sports | 1 Comment »