Big Ups To The Northwestern Wildcats Basketball Team for cracking the AP Top 25 . . .

Congratulations to the Northwestern Wildcats Men's Basketball Team for cracking the AP Top 25 College Basketball Ranking for the first time during my life time! Northwestern (10-1) has won nine straight games since losing to Butler University. To add to what may become future trivia, the Wildcats are the only team from a BCS conference to never play in the NCAA tournament.

It would be nice to see NU in the NCAA tournament come March. Hopefully, they can continue their stellar play when the Big Ten season kicks off in a few days. The Wildcats have to do it this season after coming close to making it to the Big Dance last season. The 'Cats can end a 40-year NCAA tournament drought be continuing the preseason success.

Man, first the Fat Boys break-up, now this!

For All of You Die-Hard Chicago Whitesox Fans . . .

SoxFest 2010 will be held next on January 22-24 at the Palmer House Hilton. Currently, there are limited hotel rooms and weekend passes available for SoxFest. SoxFest 2010 is being sponsored by Comcast SportsNet, Miller Lite, the Palmer House Hilton and Pepsi.

Fans have the opportunity to purchase up to two rooms per reservation, and those who purchase a two-night stay are eligible to purchase up to four SoxFest weekend passes at $75 each. Weekend passes are only available for purchase by fans who book the two-night stay.

SoxFest 2010, will feature appearances by manager Ozzie Guillen, Gordon Beckham, Mark Buehrle, Freddy Garcia, Andruw Jones, Paul Konerko, Mark Kotsay, Scott Linebrink, Jayson Nix, Juan Pierre, Jake Peavy, A.J. Pierzynski, J.J. Putz, Alexei Ramirez, Mark Teahen and Matt Thornton, along with White Sox coaches, broadcasters and former club stars. For more detailed SoxFest2010 information, check out Whitesox.com.

Ok, So Who Wants To Ride To Outerspace On A Virgin?

Virgin Galactic that is. Get your mind out of the gutter you!

A few weeks ago, Billionaire Richard Branson announced the anticipated launch of the first commercial airline that travels to outerspace. Branson is banking on his SpaceShipTwo taking off like a rocket, in helping Branson create the world's first "commercial travel space." So, for a measly $200,000, a person can buy his way around astronaut school, and into outerspace. Branson's space project is expected to cost about $450 million. Branson's plans consists of the construction of six commercial spaceships that would take passengers high enough for the "Pseudonauts" to experience weightlessness, and see the curvature of the Earth set against the backdrop of space.

So far it's being reported that about 300 aspiring "Pseudonauts" have put down deposits for the $200,000 ride, which includes three days of training.

In an interview with Reuters TV, Branson said, "[s]ubject to American government permission, we may well start developing a program to try to take people from continent to continent, you know, two hours from Los Angeles to Australia." Branson also put out what may be a disclaimer amidst all of the effervescent ambition saying: "[c]an't promise that we're going to be able to do it, but if you don't try things you don't succeed, so we'll definitely give it a go."

If this all sounds too futuristically scary to you don't worry the program most likely won't be up and running for at least another year, maybe even longer.

If you want to learn more about Virgin Galactic click here.

News Flash: Elin Tells Tiger, "I'm Stayin--I'm Stayin . . ."

According to a report from NYDailyNews.com, Tiger's wife, Elin Nordegren, is going to hang in there with Tiger despite his alleged infidelities. I have to give El Tigre's wife Big Ups for the courage, resiliency and intestinal fortitude that I am sure it will take to stay in a marriage that is now marred in controversy, humiliation and tabloid paparazzi, and let us not forget shark-like bloggers.


It is also reported that Nordegren is going to stay for the kids. I just hope that she and Tiger get some outstanding marriage counseling going forward because this is not going to be easy, especially if Tiger's body count continues to rise. Elin must definitely love Tiger (a lot) or is she doing it for the alleged upgrade to the old prenup. What do you think?

Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize; Third U.S. President to Win Award

Well it's official, today in Oslo, Norway, America's first black President, Barack Obama, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his dedication to the global peace effort, among other things. Nevertheless, many think it paradoxical that President Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize when he authorized the deployment of 30,000 troops to Afghanistan, and because he is still a newly minted president who has yet to accomplish anything tangible in the eyes of his critics.

Many observing hypocrites--er, I mean political pundits feel that Obama is not qualified to win the Nobel Peace Prize when he recently authorized a stepped up military force, to deploy to Afghanistan in order to provide more ground troops in the war against terror there in an heightened effort to successfully end the war in Afghanistan. I guess if President Bush had received the Nobel Peace Prize for his effort to prevent the annihilation of the world by exposing "weapons of mass destruction" in Iraq, the same political pundits, er I mean hypocrites would be happy.

True is the fact that President Obama hasn't completed his first year of the Presidency; however, the leaders of the world aren't just giving away Nobel Peace Prizes to anyone. Perhaps, President Obama is the first Nobel Peace Prize recipient to receive the award anthumously* meaning Obama received the award prior to completing all of the ambitious goals that he has on his Presidential agenda for his first term.

Congratulations President Obama! Now prove your critics wrong!

What do you think? Does Obama's body of work to date qualify him to receive the Nobel Peace prize.

*Denotes a new word that I just created--I know it--who cares? LOL!

And So The Onslaught Begins: Elin Nordegren Leaves Tiger, and So Does Gatorade Tiger Focus

Well, Tiger's wife Elin Nordegren has already left so I knew it was just a matter of time before the onslaught of endorsement deals began to start falling apart for Tiger Woods. The first endorsement deal to terminate is Tiger's endoresement deal with Gatorade. According to CNBC, Gatorade elected to terminate the "Tiger Focus" sports drink claiming that their decision to do so was made days prior to Tiger's marital infidelity scandal coming into the public eye.

Gatorade executives provided a statement to CNBC stating: “We decided several months ago to discontinue Gatorade Tiger Focus along with some other products to make room for our planned series of innovative products in 2010. We hope to share more about our 2010 plans soon.”

As an aside, the "Tiger Focus" drink is suppose to contain an ingredient said to reduce stress. I think Tiger needs his focus now more than ever.

So far, none of Woods' other sponsors Nike, AT&T, Gillette, Accenture and Gatorade parent Pepsi have elected to sever ties with him over his recent scandal.

Tiger, Tiger, Tiger Or Should I Say Player, Player, Player

It happened again despite the fact that I told myself that I was going to do my best to stay away from this Tiger Wood's mess. I thought my Friday post would somehow be the last post that I would write about Tiger Woods, but unfortunately the greatest golfer of all time's chickens are coming home to roost. I know it is painful to watch a man go through this . . . every time a new woman comes from out of the shadows my flesh crawls as though an old school elementary teacher is making that annoying noise by dragging her chalk against the chalk board.

On Friday, I thought that things were looking pretty good for Tiger and the future of the Tiger Woods' brand. But as always here comes the rain again . . . revealing that El Tigre is a "player," but he should have probably stayed a "golfer." Tiger sets the standard--in the global golf world--he is the best! Yet, at the "player" game he should have took lessons from Mr. Smooth, or Mr. Player or somebody who knows how to play the field or cheat on one's wife because Tiger really mucked the player's course up. I mean on Friday the revelation of Tiger's dirty laundry had increased to three. However, today the body count has allegedly risen geometrically . . . can somebody say "ten" now.

Man, I don't watch the news for a few hours and Tiger's alleged marital indiscretions increase faster than bacterial colonies in an epidemiological lab. Obviously, Tiger should have stayed at Stanford long enough to earn his degree versus dropping out to turn pro-golfer. I mean the most obvious thing about this whole alleged scenario is Tiger's violation or should I say contravention of at least three of the most important player rules--rules that most men usually learn in college or on the streets.

First, and foremost according to one news report, Tiger bedded down a couple of the women at his crib: this is a severe violation of Player Rule No.1 when you are attached or married: Never Take A Woman To Your Crib! Take her to a friend's house, your brother or uncle's crib, but not to your family's safe haven and abode. Tiger also violated Player Rules No.2 & No.3 in tandem: Never Leave Voice Mail Messages on your concubine's phone or answering service, and Never Send Text and/or Email Messages that can be used against you in a court of law or worse played back or displayed on a Hollywood TV Tabloid, newspaper or magazine.

Don't get me wrong here, I am in no way condoning or lionizing Tiger for his indiscretions--far from it. I feel bad for Tiger because he had what appeared to be a life that was close to perfect or at the very least a dream. I feel bad for Tiger because how quickly one can fall from the mountain's pinnacle if one allows bad judgment and irrational thoughts to cloud one's judgment. Now with the alleged slippery slope that Tiger has created by allegedly paying Mistress #1 hush money, and whispers that the line for payoffs is getting longer--Tiger's bank account may get just a tad bit lighter too, and his wallet may be getting a tad bit thinner as well, as I am sure that his endorsement deals may be a bit more threatened than they were on Friday. I waon't go into the gigantic sum that Big Tiger may have to pay out to his wife, Elin Nordegren.

Indeed, the future of his marriage is even more threatened now that Tiger has moved up the indiscretion index from the painfully bearable trifecta to double-digit scoring in the infidelity column.

Alabama Crimson Tide New No.1 in AP Poll, Rolls Over Florida Gators In Decisive Win, Headed to BCS Championship Showdown with No.2 Texas

After running a few errands on Saturday morning and the early part of the afternoon, I finally made it back home, and was able to catch some of the SEC Championship game which pitted the No.1 Florida Gators vs. No.2 Crimson Tide. Overall, it was a good game, but admittedly I did think that the game would be much closer. and not as a decisive win as it was for one of my all time favorite college football programs.

At various points of the game, 'Bama's running game (Mark Ingram) looked unstoppable, and their passing game wasn't shabby either with somewhat unheralded QB Greg McElroy leading the charge on the gridiron. I am looking forward to the National Championship game that will played in early January. That game will pit the Crimson Tide against soon to be NFL QB, Colt McCoy, and the No.2 Texas Longhorns.

This should be a great game if both teams bring their "A" games. However, if Colt McCoy doesn't come to play as he did in Saturday's win against Nebraska, it will be a long day for the Longhorns in January.

Hey, you heard it hear first!

Please Tell Tiger Woods That "Hell Hath No Fury Like A Wife Scorned!"

Man, can you guys believe the mess that Tiger Woods has managed to make for himself? I am hella tired of hearing about his marital infidelity, and indiscretions already.

Honestly, I'll never understand why people place athletes, entertainers . . . well, just people on pedestals--after all, we are all human, imperfect and subject to fall from time to time.

The flesh is weak . . . can I get an amen.

Anyway, this stuff is spreading like wildfire too . . . I mean every time I watch a different news outlet there is either new information or a totally different report. Last night the common refrain throughout news land was Tiger and his wife, Elin Nordegren, were receiving marital counseling on yesterday. At that time, I said to myself, "self that is a good move by Tiger at least where it concerns his family."

However, not even 24-hours later, I heard a report this morning that Elin can expect to receive about $300 million in a divorce settlement should she decide to call it quits. But, she'll probably settle for the $55 million that she'll get after the prenuptial agreement that she signed back in the day is modified due to Tiger's marital indiscretions.

But $300 million player--honestly, other than the kids is there really any other reason for Elin not to walk away with the biggest divorce settlement of all time (I hear James Brown's the Big Payback in my mind as I write this). Side Bar: I am not one of those guys who believes that a man is still in love with his wife after an almost three-year sexual tryst with another woman. One time maybe, but encounter after sexual encounter, after . . . well, you get the point.

All I can say is: "Tiger, Tiger, Tiger we thought thee smarter than this."

One closing question: what do you think about Tiger Wood's marital fiasco?

Big Ups To Vince Young! Welcome Back to A.I. and I Don't Mean Artificial Intelligence!

It's been a long time coming, and now finally Tennessee Titan Quarterback Vince Young's change has apparently finally come. Well, actually Vince Young hasn't been in the league that long, but I guess four years is long enough to wait, and when you are a former Heisman Trophy winner and everybody's All-American coming out of college, and into the NFL ranks there really isn't that much margin for error--at least not for the former Texas Longhorn Young.

In any case, I am ecstatic that Young seems to have finally turned the QB corner because he is just too talented to be a second string QB in the NFL. Young has started five games for the Titans this season, and due to his leadership the resurgent Titans are 5-0 with Young running the show on the field.

Keep rising to the occasion V. Young--be you, do you! To read more about V. Young's resurgence click here . . .

Meanwhile, back at the ranch . . .

I am even happier to report that the Philadelphia 76ers organization stepped up big time to sign A.I--that's right--Allen Iverson (thatA.I.) to a one-year contract. You didn't see it coming? Neither did I. Hopefully, A.I. will show all the pro basketball skeptics who doubt that he can still compete at the high-level that we have all come to know and love.

I watched a very poignant A.I. on Sportscenter this morning . . . and he was very emotional about the lack of disregard that NBA teams had for his body of work--talk about one hellacious chip on A.I.'s shoulder. Hopefully, Iverson will turn all the disses to misses for the opposing teams for the remainder of the season by proving his critics wrong; actions will always speak louder than words.

Nevertheless, do your thing A.I. and show the world how intelligent the Sixers' organization was to sign you--even if it was for the reported $650,000 league minimum.

Which Product Is Better: Cialis or Viagra?

For some years now, I have heard stories of different men I know turning to their friendly neighborhood urologist for help in the bedroom. Over the years, I have heard many stories: I have heard older guys talk about penis implants at the Barbershop; and I heard a multitude of urban legends about how Spanish Fly enhances one's libido during my high school days.

During my college days, one of my roommates even did his own touch down celebration dance after his brother successfully delivered the legendary, and venerable bottle of Gin Seng root to him during a visit. While I don't recall whether or not I asked him how that Gin Seng worked out for him, I am left to believe that it worked out just fine all things and women considered.

Nonetheless, this brings me to my quintessential question for those guys who have resorted to the use of the secret or not so secret sexual tool box to maintain or enhance one's sexual performance in the bedroom. What has worked better for you if you have tried any of the alleged sexual performance enhancers like those mentioned above?

Now You Know That I Wasn't Joking When I Said That: "Usain Bolt Is A Beast!"

Usain Bolt shattered another world record on yesterday. This time Bolt eclipsed the world record in the 200 in 19.19 seconds, after shattering the world record in the 100 over the weekend. Bolt has uncanny speed for a guy that is six-feet five inches tall. Bolt is taking on all challengers, and his only competition may be himself at the 2012 Olympic Games or so it seems these days.

My Thought For The Day: When In Rome, Don't Do As The Romans

Someone once said: "[w]hen in Rome, do as the Romans." I guess that this is a cool enough adage, and cool advice; however, it doesn't apply universally to all things or situations. For example, I read a blog this morning that reported on the case of Michael Reid, and a former employee of the United States Patent & Trademark Office. The story alleges that Mr. Reid, who is also the Minister of Music for Ark Saftey Christian Church, in Maryland swiped nearly $500,000 with the help of a former USPTO employee accomplice.

Now, for his alleged lapse in judgment, and white collar transgression Mr. Reid faces a fine of $250,000, and a 20-year prison sentence.

Beyond the basic dimensions of greed, I have never understood why people engage in white-collar or any other types of crime, but in this case white collar crime in particular. What makes a respected man or woman in one community get all wide-eyed and sticky-fingered when they have access to cash? I like to think that people really aren't that dumb, but hey, it is hard to argue with those who say that people are "that dumb" when day in and day out there are constant examples of people's eyes getting too big for their wallets. I guess this is the thing that causes accomplished people to falter. The fact that the more money that one makes--the more money one spends because almost everyone wants the niceties of life: nice home, luxury and/or late model cars, vacation homes, clothes, jewelry, (ahem, I mean bling), the list goes on and on.

Now, mind you--I didn't say that any of the material things listed above were bad or anything like that. However, the manner that people choose to acquire such material items is bad when people start devising and acting out plans to steal, misappropriate or embezzle the funds of their employer or another in order to support oftentimes, a lavish lifestyle that they have created for themselves, and their families. This is to their own detriment because in today's technologically advanced world, there are cameras on you almost everywhere you go in urban centers across America.

In the corporate and not-for-profit workplace, employers have ways to track nearly everything that one does from monitoring your computer usage, to using biometric technology, or digitized employee IDs or badges to access company facililities, to introducing smart photocopiers that digitize every document that you copy including personal documents (surprise) that you are not supposed to be copying on the company's dime.

I guess my point here is one that my mother made to me as a kid. My mother used to say: "if you don't have money to buy something--you aren't meant to have it [at that time."] Admittedly, no kid wants to hear this, however, as I traversed childhood to manhood my mother's words of wisdom became words to live by.

Nevertheless, in life we all make mistakes, we all falter and fall, but contrary to popular belief . . . there are some lapses in judgment or mistakes that are pretty much impossible to overcome without a lot of help, or a miracle.

So, the next time that you are in Rome . . . think about the fact that Roman Empire has been gone for centuries (it fell and didn't come back), and do the right thing--ask for the cookie first versus just sticking your unauthorized hand in someone else's cookie jar. For an in-depth report on the Michael Reid story click here. Have a great day!

Usain Bolt Is A Beast!

Did You Hear The One About The Black Guy Who . . .

donned Ku Klux Klan garb, and posed as a white supremacist on Facebook? Sorry, no bad joke here. According to FOXNEWS, it really happened. Its seems that Dyron Hart, a former Nicholls State football player, pleaded guilty to impersonating a White Supremacist on the Internet. Apparently, he was angry that a black man was elected president. Hart faces 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Read about it here too.

Once again the truth is stranger than fiction. Go figure.

Damon Weaver: The Kid Is Nice With The Mike!

The kid is nice . . . Damon Weaver, a fifth-grader at Florida's Kathryn E. Cunningham Canal Point Elementary School he has covered the presidential election of '08 (eventually landing an interview with Joe Biden), for his school's TV station. To date, the kids's broadcasting career has been nothing short of prolific. Check out his high-powered list of powerbrokers since he joined his school's TV staff: Oprah Winfrey, Colin Powell, Paula Abdul, Norah O'Donnell, David Gregory, Caroline Kennedy, Meghan Kelly, Dwayne Wade, L.L. Cool J, Jordan Sparks and Major Garrett. His latest interview is with President Obama. Check it out the full story here.

James Brown's Michael Vick Interview Will Air This Sunday On 60 Minutes

As a follow-up to yesterday's post, by now you know that the Phladelphia Eagles signed Michael Vick to a two-year contract. More importantly, for all of you true Michael Vick fans out there in TV land, you can catch 60 Minutes' news correpondent James Brown's interview of Michael Vick this Sunday on 60 Minutes. I am looking forward to this one.

Eagles Sign Michael Vick

The NFL's Philadelphia Eagles stepped up to the plate, and signed Michael Vick to a contract for the upcoming NFL season. Hats off to the Eagle's organization for giving Michael Vick a second chance to get it all right this time -- not just on the field, but off.

Congrats to Michael Vick -- (do your thing), the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Commissioner for doing the right thing.

Godspeed Mike Vick . . . keep it tight! This should be a very interesting season in Philly.

Do You Know Who Tony Hansberry Is?

I didn't, until earlier this morning when I received an email from my sister, Carolyn. It's amazing how these types of noteworthy and newsworthy items get little or no air play or coverage by the mainstream media. Actually, IMO, I think this story should have been on the cover of major news dailies around the country. Perhaps it was and I somehow managed to miss it. Anyway, enough of my ranting. Tony Hansberry is a 14-year-0ld kid who developed a new way to stitch wounds. I don't want to tell the story, but deem it more appropriate for you to read about him here just in case you managed to find yourself trapped underneath some kind of digital rock like me or something four months ago when the story apparently first hit the news waves.

Songstress Keri Hilson Covers Complex Magazine