So Long, Sam!

Just received this release from the Clippers regarding the buyout of Sam Cassell's contract. No surprise really. This move had been expected ever since LA failed to trade the 38-yeard old vet before the deadline. The only hang up was how much money Cassell wanted to give up to get out of his contract, and it appears he was willing to give up quite a bit.

Sources tell me that Sam-I-Am will receive only about half of the $1.7 million remaining on this $6.1 million deal. But there's no reason to cry for Cassell. Now that he is a free agent, he can sign with any team he wants. And of course that team is the Celtics, who will not only make up for what Cassell will be missing from his Clippers deal, but will also reunite Cassell with his old Minnesota teammate Kevin Garnett for one more run at a title.

Cassell was always fun to be around because he kept the atmosphere light and the people around him laughing--even if not always intentionally. It's unfortunate that Clippers fans didn't get more of an opportunity to see Cassell work his playoff magic. Just another disappointment in a long line of them for Clipper Nation.

Good luck, Sam!

The Los Angeles Clippers today waived point guard Sam Cassell.

In 38 games played this season, Cassell averaged 12.8 points, 4.7 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 25.7 minutes per game. In his 15th NBA season, Cassell had missed the last four games with a sprained right wrist while missing 12 games earlier in the season with a strained left calf.

“After weighing all of the options and after conversations with Sam we believe this is the best solution for this team,” stated Vice President of Basketball Operations Elgin Baylor. “We know and appreciate the many contributions Sam made during the last three years, and we wish him nothing but the best.”

Cassell notched his most productive season with the Clippers during the 2005-06 campaign when he tallied 17.2 points and 6.3 assists while helping lead the Clippers to within one game of the 2006 Western Conference Finals. During the Clippers’ 2006 Playoff run, Cassell averaged 18.0 points, 5.8 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 33.7 minutes in 12 games played.

Under Neat That.. wtf??

As I'm sure most of you do, I receive tons of silly e-mails everyday. Most of them get deleted after reading just a few lines. Some aren't even worth opening based on the subject line alone. But every now and then, you get an e-mail that is just so classic you have to share, and this post is a prime example. Check out the picture and the following story. I can't take credit for this, but feel free to pass it along to your friends!

Keep in mind this actually really did happen!!!! This is someone who was moving from an insurance claims office.

Okay so this is how I imagine this conversation went:

Wal-mart Employee: "Wal-marts, how kin I heps you?"

Customer: " I would like to order a cake for a going away party this week."

Wal-mart Employee: "What you wan on da cake?"

Customer: "Best Wishes Suzanne" and underneath that "We will miss you".

Dodgers To Say "Thank You" To Vero Beach During Spring Training

Here's another release from the Dodgers regarding their spring training plans in Vero Beach. Considering this is likely to be the team's last spring training in Florida, it would be a great time to make your first and/or last pilgrimage to the most historical spring training facility in all of Major League Baseball. I'm glad I was finally able to go last season. It's truly a special place.

Dodger legends to be honored before each home game at historic Holman Stadium

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced that throughout 2008 Spring Training, the team will honor its fans, legendary players, coaches, managers, executives, and local officials as part of month-long opportunity to say “Thank You,” for six decades at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, FL.

“As is the case whenever a family contemplates moving out of the neighborhood, the idea is met with mixed emotions, bittersweet feelings, parties, and promises to keep in touch,” said Dodger Owner Frank McCourt. “When the family is as large as the Dodgers and their tenure in this town is as long as six decades, these sentiments are magnified. But regardless of where we practice in the future, our 60th anniversary affords us an opportunity to come together to reminisce, exchange warm greetings, and make sure we keep our relationships intact.”

The celebration began when the team reported for Spring Training in mid-February and will culminate with the final eight games of Grapefruit League action from March 11-18 in which Hall of Fame Manager Tommy Lasorda will pilot the Dodgers while current Dodger skipper Joe Torre manages a split squad for two historic games in Beijing, China. The Dodgers will provide touches of nostalgia and gratitude at each home game at Dodgertown in 2008. Each is intended to help the team say “thank you” to the fans and friends and neighbors and partners with whom the club has shared the experience since first training in Vero Beach in 1948.

During the seventh-inning stretch of each home game, the organization will honor the longtime employees of Dodgertown, including five who have worked in Vero Beach for more than a quarter century. Additionally, each game will see a different Dodger legend honored during pregame ceremonies for his or her contributions to the organization and the city of Vero Beach over the past 60 years.

Leading off among the Dodger legends is Maury Wills, the 1962 National League MVP, who will be honored prior to the first home game of the season on Feb. 28 vs. Atlanta. Wills was a seven-time All-Star and a member of three World Championship teams (1959, 1963, and 1965). He first reported to Vero Beach as a minor leaguer in 1951 and in 2003, and the bunting area at Dodgertown was named “Maury’s Pit.”

During the second home game on March 2, the Dodgers will honor Steve Garvey, whose father often drove the Brooklyn Dodgers around Florida during Spring Training. Garvey would go on to set the National League record with 1,207 consecutive games played and be named the National League MVP in 1974. His memories from his early days in Vero Beach are detailed in his upcoming book, “My Bat Boy Days: Lessons I Learned From the Boys of Summer” and he will host a book signing at Holman Stadium after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.

March 2 will also be highlighted by the annual “Meet the Dodgers Day” presented by Comcast, when fans can get autographs and take pictures with their favorite Dodger players from 12:00-12:30 p.m.

When the Dodgers host the Baltimore Orioles on March 3, the club will honor John “T-Bone” Shelby, the center fielder on the 1988 World Championship team. He was on the Orioles' World Championship club in 1983 as well. Shelby hit a career-high 22 homers in 1987 and his clutch defense in the National League Championship Series in 1988 helped lead Los Angeles to the Fall Classic. He went on to coach for the Dodgers from 1998-2005.

On March 4, longtime Dodger player and coach Manny Mota will be honored prior to the night game against the Washington Nationals. Mota, the all-time leader in pinch-hits when he retired, is the longest-tenured coach in Los Angeles Dodger history, as he enters his 39th season in the organization. Fans will enjoy a fireworks spectacular at Holman Stadium following the game.

Vero Beach resident and former Dodger outfielder Rick Monday will be honored prior to the game on March 7 vs. St. Louis, as he raises the American Flag in center field before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Monday, who is entering his 15th season as a broadcaster for the Dodgers, is remembered for saving the flag from two would-be flag burners while playing outfield for the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium in 1976.

A pair of Dodger Hall of Famers will share the stage – and the broadcast booth – on March 9, as the team pays tribute to legendary broadcasters Vin Scully and Jaime Jarrin. Prior to the game against the Boston Red Sox, the team will honor Scully, who enters his 59th season as the “Voice of the Dodgers” and Jarrin, who begins his 50th season behind the mic for Los Angeles. The game will be televised in Los Angeles on KCAL 9 at 10:05 a.m. PT/1:05 p.m. ET.

Dick Crago, who enters his 40th season as the Public Address Announcer at Dodgertown, will be honored prior to the game on March 11 against the Florida Marlins. Crago will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before returning to his duties behind the microphone at Holman Stadium.

On March 12, several key people in Vero Beach history will be honored during pregame ceremonies. Among them is Bump Holman, the son of Bud Holman, the local businessman who convinced the Dodgers to train in Vero Beach and for whom Holman Stadium was named. Joining Holman will be Chickie Anderson and Steven Mulvey, the daughter and nephew of Jim and Dearie Mulvey, who were part-owners of the Dodgers from 1938-75.

Each year since 1969, the Dodgers have given out the Jim and Dearie Mulvey Award to the top rookie in camp, with past winners including current Dodgers Tony Abreu, Hong-Chih Kuo, Jason Repko, and James Loney.

Dr. Frank Jobe, who was recently promoted to Special Advisor to the Chairman, will be honored prior to the game on March 14 vs. Washington. Jobe’s groundbreaking “Tommy John” surgery changed the course of baseball history and his reconstruction of the right shoulder of Orel Hershiser left an indelible mark on Dodger history. The medical room in the Dodger clubhouse in Vero Beach is named after Dr. Jobe.

Prior to the game on March 16, the Dodgers will honor longtime team executive Billy DeLury, who has spent more than 50 years with the organization. Joining him will be Dodger Vice President for Spring Training and Minor League Facilities Craig Callan, who is entering his 30th season working for the Dodgers and oversees the entire Dodgertown complex. He is managing the construction of the team’s new facility in Glendale, Arizona.

The final home game of the 2008 schedule will pay tribute to Lasorda, who managed the Dodgers for 20 seasons and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame while he was at Dodgertown in 1997. The Dodgers will continue the long-standing tradition of wearing green hats on St. Patrick’s Day. Also being honored on March 17 will be a number of dedicated local officials from the City of Vero Beach and Indian River County.

The Dodgers will pay tribute to the fans of Vero Beach during three different games, Feb. 28, March 9 and March 17.

In addition to the numerous on-field tributes to their fans and legends during Spring Training, the Dodgers will make a visit into the community to spend time at Dodgertown Elementary School.

Each Dodger legend being honored will be available to the media on the day in which they are being honored. They will also be interviewed during their respective games on the Dodger flagship radio station, KABC 790, which can be heard locally in Vero Beach on WTTB 1490. The Dodgers are celebrating their 60th anniversary in Dodgertown and 50th anniversary in Los Angeles in 2008. The team is currently building a state-of-the-art Spring Training facility in Glendale, Arizona.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, pioneers in sport and world culture, are celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2008. In that period, they have won more games, more pennants, and more World Series than any other club in the National League. Since the start of the modern era in baseball, the Dodgers of Brooklyn and Los Angeles, combined, have a cumulative attendance of more than 176 million, the highest total in the history of baseball or any other sport.

Visit the Dodgers on the Internet at www.dodgers.com.

Dodgers Magazine Subscriptions Now Available

LOS ANGELES – Subscriptions for Dodgers Magazine are now available online at http://www.dodgers.com/ and via toll-free number.

The annual subscription includes eight issues (March-October) along with the annual Dodgers’ Yearbook. The March edition will be released late in the month and is dedicated to the final exhibition series of 2008, including the historic March 29 game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

“What we strive for in our publications is to show a different side of the Dodger players than what fans are used to seeing on the field,” said Dodger Director of Publications Jorge Martin. “Some Dodgers have risen from humble beginnings in third-world countries, while others have very interesting stories to tell about their lives. We tell these unique stories that fans don’t see anywhere else.”

Fans who subscribe now will receive the entire 2008 edition of Dodgers Magazine, which includes covers featuring current players with Dodger greats from the last 50 years, honoring the Golden Anniversary of the team’s move to Los Angeles.

To order, fans can visit dodgers.com/magazine or call 1-877-BLUE-062. Subscribers will receive two vouchers for $5 off Reserve level tickets for their next trip to Dodger Stadium. The entire package, valued at $65, is available for $39.95 (including shipping).

The Los Angeles Dodgers, pioneers in sport and world culture, are celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2008. In that period, they have won more games, more pennants, and more World Series than any other club in the National League. Since the start of the modern era in baseball, the Dodgers of Brooklyn and Los Angeles, combined, have a cumulative attendance of more than 176 million, the highest total in the history of baseball or any other sport.

Visit the Dodgers on the Internet at www.dodgers.com.

When Losing Is Still Winning

I saw the following headline earlier and literally laughed out loud: "K-Rod Loses To Angels In Arbitration, Gets $10M"

How cool is it that we live in a country where people can lose a financial dispute and still walk away a multi-millionaire? I mean seriously, the only thing better would have been if Francisco Rodriguez had gotten a year's supply of In-n-Out to go with his $10M. [ed. note: In case you were wondering, K-Rod was seeking $12.5 million]

Don't get it twisted. I'm not hating on K-Rod's new salary from the Angels. We live in a free-market society. I believe anyone working any job should be able to make as much as they can for as long as they can. The headline just struck me as funny.

Most of us can't relate to such a scenario where a judge or mediator rules against us, and we walk away with a lot of money-- let alone eight figures. Usually, when we lose a case, we end up owing somebody money.

Oh well, such is life. By the way, does anyone know the closest place to buy some Mega Millions tickets?

UCLA Hoping Not To Repeat Oregon's Poor Behavior

Check out the link below from the LA Daily News. It appears as though UCLA is trying to make sure the Bruins student section doesn't try to replicate some of the jeers tossed out by their Oregon counterparts.

When I worked this season's UCLA/Oregon basketball game at Mac Court in Eugene, I witnessed some of the worst student behavior in my career. Some of the things the students were saying about home-state hero Kevin Love and his family were flat out despicable.

Maybe I'm old school, but I've never liked the idea of chastising opposing players and coaches. It's one thing to openly root for your team, but trying to ridicule your opponent simply because you can embarrasses your fan base in my opinion. As is often the case in sports arenas around the world, the actions of a few Oregon students cast a bad light on the entire Pit Crew.

In fact, the last time I worked a game at Mac Court, I spoke to some of the students and we talked about their treatment of Love and his family. Some of them actually admitted that in retrospect, some of the taunts probably went too far. I sensed genuine remorse. The last thing these students would want to do is to bring shame to their beloved Ducks. Now, don't get me wrong. If Love stays at UCLA for another season and returns to Eugene next year, they will be all over him again, but I very seriously doubt it will be to the level it was this season.

I will give credit though to both the University of Oregon and the PAC-10 for quickly responding to the students poor behavior. There's only so much either can do to quell such lack of decorum, but at least they are trying. Making a statement that such behavior will not be tolerated should go along way in curtailing future examples of tasteless taunting.

http://www.dailynews.com/ucla/ci_8330773

Don't Talk About Biting If Your Mouth Is Full

I've always felt you should never call out someone if you are doing the same thing you are calling them out for. [ed. note: Wow, my high school english teacher would scream if she saw that line.]

After some media outlets suggested that Barack Obama may be guilty of plagiarism in a recent campaign speech, Hillary Clinton basically came right out and said as much during the most recent democratic debate in Texas.

However, here's a link on cnnpolitics.com suggesting that Senator Clinton is guilty of the same charges. And while Senator Obama used a suggested line from one of his campaign co-chairs, Senator Clinton stole her lines from former candidate John Edwards. I'm sorry, but I think biting lines from a former opponent is a little different than using a passage written by someone on your own campaign team.

But having said that, I tend to agree with Senator Obama on one thing about this issue. It's really silly. I hope both sides of this campaign drop this topic and drop it quickly. It's simply too petty to even discuss. There are much more important issues to debate.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/22/clinton-faces-claims-of-borrowed-language/

Clippers Stand Pat At Deadline

Here's a link to an article in Friday's LA Times about the Clippers not making any deals before the trade deadline.

From everyone I talked to, I did not expect Sam Cassell to be dealt-- at least not to the Celtics, who really didn't have anything interesting to offer the Clippers. Plus, I believe Cassell did not help his cause with his comments to the Boston Globe about wanting to play for Celtics. It's always harder for a team to deal a player when that player publicly declares where he would like to play.

Cassell could still end up in Boston if his agent, David Falk, can negotiate a buyout of his contract. The move would make Cassell a free agent. He could then sign with any team he chooses. However, in order for Cassell to be on a team's playoff roster, his contract would have to be bought out by March 1.

One other note, the Clippers reluctance to deal Quinton Ross to the Suns tells you how much Mike Dunleavy loves his defensive presence. Q-Ross may be the best bargain in the league.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-cliprep22feb22,1,379352.story

FSN West and the LA Kings Announce New Game Promotion

Just received this release from the Kings about upcoming game promotions in conjunction with FSN West. Enjoy!

WHO: Los Angeles Kings

WHAT: Limited Edition Player “Figurine Pack”
Presented by Robeks, the official Fruit Smoothie of the L.A. Kings with FSN West and AM570 KLAC

WHEN: Begins Tomorrow, February 23

WHERE: STAPLES Center

The Los Angeles Kings present the Limited Edition Player “Figurine Pack” presented by Robeks, the official Fruit Smoothie of the L.A. Kings, in conjunction with FSN West and AM570 KLAC.

Kicking off tomorrow, Saturday, the special Figurine Pack contains one ticket to three Kings games plus three limited edition Kings player figurines featuring Anze Kopitar, Jack Johnson and Dustin Brown. Below is the Figurine Pack’s game/player schedule:

Saturday, February 23 vs. Chicago at 1 p.m. (Anze Kopitar figurine)
Saturday, March 8 vs. Montreal at 1 p.m. (Jack Johnson figurine)
Saturday, April 5 vs. Anaheim at 1 p.m. (Dustin Brown figurine)

The Team LA store at STAPLES Center will also sell a display hockey rink to showcase all three figurines (the rink is available starting March 15), with a portion of the rink sales benefiting the Kings Care Foundation. The figurines are approximately five-and-one-half inches tall and come in collectable packaging.

Fans must purchase the entire three-game pack to receive the figurines, and packages begin at $60. For all Kings ticket information, including the Limited Edition Figurine Pack, call 1-888-KINGS-LA or visit www.LAKings.com/figurine.

The ticket package is not available at the STAPLES Center box office – fans looking to purchase the three-game pack after Saturday’s game should call 1-888-KINGS-LA for various figurine ticket package options.

To view the special Kings Figurine Commercial Video featuring Kopitar, Johnson and Brown, check out www.LAKings.com/figcom.

The Kings next play Saturday against Chicago at STAPLES Center beginning at 1 p.m. to conclude a three-game homestand. The game will be broadcast on FSN West, KTLK AM 1150 and on the Kings Radio Network, and less than 500 tickets remain for tomorrow afternoon’s game.

Come walk the red carpet with your favorite Kings Players and your favorite Universal Studios characters at Tip-A-King 2008 Presented By D.I.S.C. Sports & Spine Center in Marina del Rey.

Scheduled for Sunday, February 24, from 5 – 10 p.m. at famous Universal Studios Hollywood, all players, coaches and broadcasters will be on hand to receive a $1 “tip” for an autograph and/or a $2 “tip” for a photograph from their fans. All proceeds benefit the Kings Care Foundation, the club’s award winning non-profit organization that provides educational and recreational opportunities for children throughout Greater Los Angeles.

-- LAKINGS.COM --

Camp Lakers Coming To Santa Barbara

Here's a release from the Lakers about their summer youth basketball camp in Santa Barbara. All the sign-up information is listed below. It is a great opportunity for young basketball players, regardless of skill level.

LAKERS TO HOLD 9th ANNUAL YOUTH BASKETBALL CAMP IN SANTA BARBARA

EL SEGUNDO-- The Los Angeles Lakers will conduct "Camp Lakers", presented by dazadi.com, a youth basketball camp for boys ages 9-18, this July in two sessions, it was announced by the team. The camps will be held for the ninth consecutive year on the campus of UC Santa Barbara. Session one will be held July 5-9; session two will be held July 10-14.

As in the past, both current and former Lakers players and coaches will make guest appearances to help with on-court instruction. Previous players/coaches who have made appearances include: Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, Luke Walton, Jordan Farmar, Ronny Turiaf, Brian Cook, Sasha Vujacic, Smush Parker, Rick Fox, Derek Fisher, Devean George, Slava Medvedenko, Kareem Rush, Mark Madsen, Brian Shaw, James Worthy, Kurt Rambis, Tex Winter, Jim Cleamons, Frank Hamblen, Bill Bertka and Mitch Kupchak to name a few.

"We are pleased to offer young basketball players the unique opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge of the game by providing an experienced coaching staff complemented with appearances and instruction from Lakers players, coaches and scouts," said Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak. "Camp Lakers encourages the importance of teamwork, dedication and sportsmanship and UC Santa Barbara is a great location for camp."

Cost of the camp is $670 per camper, per session for overnight campers (includes $20 refundable key deposit) and $470 per camper, per session for day campers. Net proceeds from the camps are used by the Lakers for charitable purposes.

Approximately 6,000 campers have attended Camp Lakers over the past eight years, and the camps have sold out every year. It is anticipated that this year's camps will sell out by late May.

For more information, please call the camp hotline at (310) 426-6055, email: camps2008@la-lakers.com or visit the Lakers website at http://www.lakers.com/.

Summer Internship At The New York Times

NYTimes.com is offering paid summer internships in their cutting-edge New York City headquarters building. As a summer intern, you’ll work alongside the best and brightest minds in the business in an exciting and challenging environment.

You’ll receive a salary of $950 a week — and interns who live outside the New York area will receive a housing allowance to live on the New York University campus in Greenwich Village, one of Manhattan’s most dynamic neighborhoods.

For ten weeks, from June 1 to August 9, 2008, you will have the opportunity to apply your technological skills and your intellectual curiosity in an open and collaborative working environment.

For application forms and more information about available internships, click here.

Deadline for applications is March 15, 2008.

http://www.nytco.com/techinternpositions.html

LAKERS RECALL COBY KARL FROM D-FENDERS

I just received this news release from the Lakers. No big news really. It just means that Karl will be eligible to play in tonight's game at Staples Center against Atlanta, and if he does, he will join teammate Jordan Farmar in select NBA/NBDL company.

EL SEGUNDO - The Los Angeles Lakers have recalled guard Coby Karl from the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA Development League, it was announced today.

Karl, who became the 11th NBA player assigned to a D-League affiliate earlier this season on November 28, was re-assigned to the D-Fenders February 14.

During his first assignment, Karl played in 10 games with the D-Fenders from November 29 - December 22, averaging 18.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 38.4 minutes while shooting .435 from three-point range and .492 from the field.

In three games during his second stint with the D-Fenders from February 14 - February 19, Karl averaged 14.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 37.2 minutes.

In 13 total games with the D-Fenders this season, Karl is averaging 17.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 38.1 minutes.

Should Karl play in tonight's game versus Atlanta, he would join Lakers second-year guard Jordan Famar as the only other player in league history to see action in same-day D-League and NBA games. Farmar, who first did so on April 1, 2007 by playing in the D-Fender's 2:30 pm contest versus Anaheim and then logging time in the Lakers 7:30 pm game versus Sacramento, also played in D-League/NBA double-headers April 3 and April 12, 2007.

Signed by the Lakers as an undrafted rookie free agent on July 30, 2007, Karl has appeared in 11 games this season, averaging 1.3 points and 0.9 rebounds in 3.7 minutes.

Last season, the 6'5" guard averaged 14.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists as a senior at Boise State and was named First Team All-WAC. Karl, who left Boise State as the all-time leader in games played (127) and three-point field goals made (266), ranks third on the school's all-time scoring list with 1,698 career points.

Kobe Could Miss 6 Weeks

Just received this release from the Lakers regarding Kobe Bryant's injured pinky. It looks like it's much worse than the team expected.

EL SEGUNDO- Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has been diagnosed with a complete tear of the radial collateral ligament, an avulsion fracture, and a volar plate injury at the MCP joint of the small finger of this right hand, it was announced today. The damage occurred when Bryant dislocated the finger in the Lakers’ game at New Jersey on February 5, and was aggravated in last night’s game at Minnesota.

Bryant was examined today in Los Angeles by Dr. Steven Shin, a hand specialist with the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Group.

Dr. Shin has recommended surgery to repair the ligament, which would cause Bryant to miss approximately six weeks.

“My current thinking is to give my finger some treatment and rest for a few days, and hope I can still continue to compete at a high level after that rest,” said Bryant. “I would prefer to delay any surgical procedure until after our Lakers season, and this summer’s Olympic Games. But, this is an injury that myself and the Lakers’ medical staff will just have to continue to monitor on a day-to-day basis.”

Spielberg Resigns From Olympics Citing Darfur Controversy

The Darfur crisis in Sudan has been going on way too long without the international powers doing more to stop the genocide. I just hope Steven Spielberg's timely decision will have an effect on the Chinese government to intervene.

Wall Street Journal
By BRUCE ORWALL--February 12, 2008

After months of criticism, legendary Hollywood director Steven Spielberg has withdrawn from his role as an artistic adviser to the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics, citing China's connection to the government in Sudan and the controversy over Darfur.

Mr. Spielberg had agreed to help design the Olympic ceremonies, but came under attack when actress Mia Farrow publicly accused him of helping to "sanitize Beijing's image" via the Olympics. China has faced criticism over its support of the Sudanese government, which many believe is engaged in a genocidal campaign in that country's Darfur region.

"I find that my conscience will not allow me to continue with business as usual," Mr. Spielberg said in a statement released this afternoon. "At this point, my time and energy must be spent not on Olympic ceremonies, but on doing all I can to help bring an end to the unspeakable crimes against humanity that continue to be committed in Darfur."

Mr. Spielberg said that while the Sudanese government bears the bulk of the responsibility, China's ties to the government "provide it with the opportunity and obligation to press for change."

Mr. Spielberg said that he had "left unsigned" his contract for the job, which he received nearly a year ago.

Last year, after Ms. Farrow made her criticisms in the editorial pages of The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Spielberg sent a letter to Chinese President Hu Jintao saying that he had "only recently come to understand fully the extent of China's involvement in the region and its strategic and supportive relationship with the Sudanese government."

He urged China to change its policy toward Sudan.


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120285499475363491.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Kenechi Udeze May Have Leukemia

Well wishes go out to Kenechi Udeze and his family. Let's hope his condition is not that serious and easily treatable.


ESPN.com news services
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings are extending their "thoughts and prayers" to defensive end, and former USC standout, Kenechi Udeze after a television station reported Monday night that he has a form of leukemia.

The Vikings declined to confirm the television reports by Minneapolis stations KSTP and KMSP out of respect for Udeze's privacy, but issued a statement of support from coach Brad Childress.

The station reported Udeze is undergoing tests to determine the severity of the disease.

Udeze's agent, Ethan Lock declined to comment.

Udeze, 24, was a first-round draft pick out of USC in 2004. He has 11 sacks in 51 career games, having missed most of the 2005 season with a knee injury.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Princeton Summer Journalism Program Offered To Low-income Families

Princeton University is presenting a 10-day all-expenses-paid Summer Journalism Program held in August for students from under-resourced financial backgrounds.

All application materials are available at http://www.princeton.edu/sjp/

All expenses, including travel costs to and from Princeton, will be paid for.

This will be the sixth year of the program, and if this summer is anything like the last five, it will be a great opportunity.

The last five classes of journalists were taught by writers from TheWashington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Miami Herald, and The New Republic; toured The New York Times and ABC News, met with editors and producers; attended and covered Yankees, Mets, Jets and Liberty games; and reported, wrote, edited, designed, and produced a 12-page edition of The Princeton Summer Journal on the program's final day.

The program is also designed to give students a taste of what life is like at one of the best colleges in the country-- students live on campus and eat in one of the university's cafeterias.

Students meet with Princeton University's president and the school's dean of admissions-- people who are able to offer guidance on the difficult decisions about college that high school students face.

The program is staffed by young alumni of Princeton, current Princeton students, and students who attended the program in past summers.

This program is intended for low-income students with excellent academic records who are committed to pursuing a career in journalism.

To apply for the program, you must meet the following qualifications:

- You must currently be a sophomore or junior in high school.

- You must live in the continental United States .

- You must have at least an unweighted 3.5 grade point average (out of 4.0).

- You must have an interest in journalism.

- The combined income of your custodial parent(s)/guardian( s) plus child supportpayments, if any, must not exceed $45,000. (Note: This program is for students from under-resourced financial backgrounds. If the combined income of your custodial parent(s)/guardian( s) plus child support payments, if any, exceeds $45,000 and you still wish to apply, you may attach a statement explaining why you believe your familyqualifies as financially under-resourced. )

Applications are due February 20, 2008. More information and the application materials are available online at http://www.princeton.edu/sjp/

Juggling Free Speech For Beijing Olympics

This year's Summer Olympics will be the first games held in a communist state since the Soviet Union in 1980. The Beijing games may end up being remembered more for political and social achievements than athletic ones. And I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing.

By Philip Hersh

Special to LA The Times

A member of the U.S. Olympic team would face no official rebuke for wearing a T-shirt that said, "Free Tibet," while walking the streets of Beijing during the 2008 Summer Games.

Wear that shirt in the Olympic Village or any sports venue, and the athlete might be on the next plane home after violating the international Olympic Charter.

U.S. athletes can criticize China's human rights record if asked about it at any time or place -- as long as it isn't at a news conference specifically organized for that purpose in an "Olympic area."

Athletes from other countries may have to be even more careful about what they say and where they say it.

Confusing rules and the desire of some countries to avoid anything that might offend their Chinese hosts have created both misunderstanding and attempts by some national Olympic committees to censor their athletes in China this summer.

The latest controversy involves Britain, which had drafted a clause telling its athletes they "are not to comment on any politically sensitive issues" in an agreement 2008 British Olympians are to sign.

Facing a firestorm of criticism after a British newspaper revealed the clause Sunday, the British Olympic Assn. immediately said it would redraft the agreement. Simon Clegg, BOA chief executive, said his organization had no "desire to restrict athletes from freedom of speech, and the final agreement will reflect this."

In the last two weeks, the Belgian and New Zealand Olympic committees also had drawn strong condemnation from human rights organizations for apparent attempts to muzzle their athletes in Beijing.

USOC spokesman Darryl Seibel said no U.S. athlete would be reprimanded or censured for expressing a critical opinion about China's human rights record, either before or during the Olympics, so long as it is done in an appropriate setting.

The code of conduct that 2008 U.S. Olympians will sign asks them only to respect the terms of the Olympic Charter.

"We will not prohibit free speech," Seibel said, "but in speaking with our athletes, most seem to feel it would be highly inappropriate to use the Games as a forum to make a political statement."

The Olympic Charter, in longstanding rule 51 (3), says, "No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues, or other areas."

The Belgian Olympic Committee has extended that to include what athletes say in such places about issues such as Darfur, China's role in Tibet and what Amnesty International calls China's crackdown on human rights defenders and repression of spiritual and religious groups.

"Our athletes are allowed to have freedom of speech, but not in Olympic areas," said Guido de Bondt, secretary general of the Belgian Olympic Committee. "We think there are other places where they can express their opinions. China is a large country."

New Zealand Olympic Committee spokesperson Ashley Abbott said via e-mail that New Zealand Olympians always have signed an agreement with "reasonable limitations on what they can and can't say. . . . It is not a question of where views are expressed, it is a question of making statements to the media or public demonstrations that may have a negative effect on the NZOC or the IOC [International Olympic Committee] and that are not in keeping with the Olympic Charter."

Sun Weide, deputy communications director of the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee, said in a recent interview: "The Olympic Games are a celebration of sport, not a political convention. We are strongly opposed to any attempt to politicize the Beijing Games."

Spokesmen for the Italian and Spanish Olympic committees said they had adopted no restrictive policies for athletes in Beijing. Mexican Olympic Committee spokesman Juan Landa said, "There have been no discussions on the subject."

Before Britain backed away from restricting its athletes' free speech, Russian Olympic Committee spokesman Gennady Shvets said he supported the British idea but that Russia had yet to discuss what policy it would have for Beijing.

"This decision is justified and a good example for others to follow," Shvets said. "It doesn't mean that we will do it. But no one needs conflict during the Olympic Games, and not being careful with respect to what the athletes say could lead to problems."

The impact of Olympic Charter rule 51 would be to prohibit an action like the black-gloved protest U.S. sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos made on the 200-meter medal stand at the 1968 Olympics. The charter says violations may lead to disqualification or withdrawal of accreditation of the person involved.

The IOC has no intention of penalizing athletes who respond frankly to questions about politically sensitive issues in China, according to spokesperson Giselle Davies."

Freedom of speech, per se, is a value the IOC upholds," Davies said. "Should a journalist ask an athlete a question, the athlete should respond as he or she sees fit."

But that does not include making proactive statements or gestures, be they religious, political or other. There is a time and place for those, and that is not within the sporting arena of the Olympic Games.

"The IOC often is criticized for being disingenuous when it tries to separate politics from the Olympics.That criticism has intensified because IOC officials said when their members elected China seven years ago as 2008 host that they hoped the decision would catalyze change."

All the members are well aware that this election has a political significance, and for all the members I have spoken to, human rights is an issue," IOC vice president Thomas Bach of Germany said in 2001.

"Some will feel you should not give the Olympic Games to a country unless it lives up to a certain standard of human rights. Others will feel awarding the Games may help to liberalize a country."

When asked to apply pressure for reform, the IOC has chosen to emphasize its limited power.

"We are not a government, we are not the representative of all the NGOs [non-governmental organizations] of the world," IOC President Jacques Rogge told Reuters last August. "We stand for human rights, we stand for strict social values, but we are only a sports organization."

Jim Scherr, the USOC chief executive, shares that point of view.

"As an organization that is not a political one, we certainly don't believe our role is to pressure the Chinese government," Scherr said.

Philip Hersh covers Olympic sports for The Times and the Chicago Tribune. Tribune correspondents Oscar Avila, Alex Rodriguez and Christine Spolar contributed to this report.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-oly12feb12,1,2692556.story

Two NHL Players Arrested For Swiping Purse

I know hockey seems to be a dying sport right now, but I didn't know the pay was so bad that players had to resort to petty theft.

Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. -- Ryan O'Byrne and Tom Kostopoulos joined their Montreal teammates for practice Monday, hours after being arrested outside a Tampa nightclub.

Police said O'Byrne, a 23-year-old rookie, was accused of stealing a woman's purse. Right wing Kostopoulos, 29, was charged with resisting an officer.

O'Byrne was charged with felony grand theft and released after posting $2,000 bail. Kostopoulos faces a misdemeanor count of resisting an officer without violence and was freed on $500 bail.

"You wish these things didn't happen, but once things happen, trying to go backwards isn't a possibility, so we move ahead," Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey said after practice at the St. Pete Times Forum, where Montreal faces the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday.

"At this point, there's no action being taken by the team. The situation is under the umbrella of the legal system here, and the players will have to move forward whatever the ramifications for their actions or what the situation calls for."

Gainey learned of the incident, which occurred following a team gathering on Sunday night, after he arrived in Florida on Monday.

A team meeting was held before practice. The general manager said his message was the arrests "needed to be taken seriously."

"I've heard parts of the story, the players' story," Gainey said. "I have not gotten the whole picture, so I'm not really able to comment on what may or may not happened."

O'Byrne and Kostopoulos spoke after practice, but did not provide details about what happened.

"Hopefully it gets resolved quickly," O'Byrne said. "Unfortunately, it's a legal issue, and at this time we really can't tell you much more than that. Obviously I'm apologetic for what happened and being a distraction. Putting the team through this obviously is not what I wanted to do."

Coach Guy Carbonneau said the players apologized and "felt bad" about the situation.

"We had good talks. ... Sometimes athletes find ways to turn a bad situation into something good," Carbonneau said. "That's what we'll try and do."

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

Finding Motivation In Disappointment

Check out this story about Lorenzo Romar I found in my preparation for Sunday's PAC-10 game between UCLA and Washington. The story originally appeared on http://www.sportsgamer.com in January of last year.

I think the story is just another reminder that your surroundings should not be an excuse for why you were not successful. Hope and determination can overcome any circumstance.


Romar grew up in Compton, California, raised in a world of gangs and violence. How he never fell into the trap of violence was because his mother made sure "I had a good head on my shoulders".

Romar says he had one thing to share with his town, and that was basketball.

"My mother made sure she kept me and my siblings out of trouble. We were always the first to get to church, and the last to leave. We had our hair and our clothes clean and ironed before school each day. We had to do two hours of chores each day. While other kids in my neighborhood were starting to experiment with their surroundings, I was raking the leaves and remembering the bible verse assigned to me by my sunday school teacher. My mother always made sure we had something to do, because if we didn't, we could spend that time with the wrong people. However, my mom always wanted to excercise, so I was allowed to play basketball at the park. I was to play my game, and then run home for dinner and finish my homework."

"Playing basketball in Compton toughens you up, and you play some of the best competition in the nation. But early on I was kinda soft. Until one day, the bike I had worked for during the summer was stolen. I was mad because I had spent so much of my time working for that bike, and suddenly it was taken from me. It was then when I started to use things like that as motivation. I wanted to prove I was the best basketball player in the neighborhood so no one would think of taking my bike. I wanted to play in college so I could get to a neighborhood where nothing of mine would be stolen. I wanted to play in the NBA so I could buy 100 of those bikes. I used a simple bike being stolen as my motivation to be the player and coach I am today."

Well Romar used that bike to make it to the University of Washington as a starting point guard, and a draft pick of the Golden State Warriors, and then a successful player in the NBA.

"That bike has earned me a lot of money!"


http://www.sportsgamer.com/forums/dynasties/163708-class-pac-lorenzo-romars-reign-montlake.html

Barack Obama Backed By Music Stars

Someone just sent me this clip. It combines a recent a campaign speech by Barack Obama with the musical talents of will.i.am, John Legend, Common, and countless others. Check it out!



"I'm asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington.. I'm asking you to believe in yours."
Barack Obama

Shaq Stops Suns From Setting

Shaq’s relocation to Phoenix is the shrewdest move this NBA season. I say that because I’m not sure how many other general managers would have made that trade. Boston’s deal for KG and the Lakers pickup of Pau Gasol were both no-brainers, but this Phoenix/Miami blockbuster took not only forward-thinking by first-year GM Steve Kerr but also guts.

I have believed for quite some time that the window of opportunity to win a championship was closing for the Suns. And closing fast. In fact, I said that very thing on the radio in LA earlier this week. I just didn’t believe--even with the addition of Grant hill-- that this roster could win the West.

Mike D’Antoni’s “fun-and-gun” style made the Suns the darlings of the league, but as we have witnessed the last 3 years, that type of play alone won’t get you to the Finals. To quote veteran coaches and players, “you gotta get stops in the playoffs.” Phoenix gives up more scores than Kim Kardashian.

Even at 35, Shaq is still a force in this league when he is healthy and motivated. He may have lost 2-3 steps over the last couple of years, but no one occupies space better than The Diesel. That fact alone will shore up that weak Phoenix interior defense.

But perhaps even more importantly, Shaq seems to be pumped about the trade. There’s nothing like joining a championship contender to re-invigorate an elite player-- even one with multiple rings.

I heard that just before the trade became official, Shaq called Steve Nash and told him, “I won’t let you down.”

If that doesn’t put the rest of the West on notice, I don’t know what would.

Entertaining Presidential Race

Not sure how many of you know this, but my minor in college was political science. From as early as middle school, I have always been fascinated by politics.

I even entertained the thought of a career in politics. Thankfully, my better judgment got the best of me. I can passionately argue a point all day long, but asking for money is something I despise. And in this country, you can’t get elected without money.

This year’s presidential race is particularly intriguing to me. I can’t remember the last time there was this much excitement during the primary season.

Both parties have their own entertainment value. The Republicans didn’t really seem to have any exceptional candidate, while the Democrats seem to have too many.

And it’s that battle between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton that has me watching more CNN and FOX News than FSN or ESPN these days. It’s a classic battle of old-school vs. new-school. Do you want the older candidate with more Washington experience or do you want the younger candidate with the fresher approach to Washington?

Both sides have their merits, and quite frankly, I believe either would make a great president.

But having said that, I think Clinton is in trouble. Her showing on Super Tuesday was not nearly as impressive as her camp had hoped or needed. As one political pundit put it recently, “She’s not running against another candidate. She’s running against a movement.”

Obama has gone from underdog to perhaps a slight favorite in a matter of weeks. The swell of support for the Illinois Senator is coming from all corners of the country. Too many people believe the current establishment of Washington politics is not working and it needs a change.

And who better to make that change than someone who hasn’t been in Washington long enough to be influenced by the lobbyists and political action committees?

The best ways to measure a candidate’s support has always been money and voter turnout. If people truly believe in an individual, they will show that support with their wallets and their time.

Obama set a record for the month of January with his fund-raising while not taking any direct money from lobbyist or PAC’s. All of his campaign dollars are coming from individual donors--otherwise known as voters.

How bad is it for Clinton? She just tapped her own bank account for $5 million as a loan to her campaign, and some upper-level staffers have been asked not to accept upcoming paychecks. Can you say desperation?

But neither tactic may make much difference. Since the close of the polls on Super Tuesday, Obama has already raised an additional $7 million!

There’s no question Barack Obama is on the rise, the movement is picking up steam, and a major political change is in our future.

I just wonder if Hillary Clinton will get caught up in the wake.

Black College Exhibit Opens at College Football Hall of Fame

"Blood, Sweat, and Tears: A History of Black College Football"

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Feb. 6, 2008 - The National Football Foundation (NFF) announced today the opening of a new exhibit at the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., that showcases the struggle, hard work, and triumph of African-Americans who made pioneering contributions to the sport of football and our country.

Visitors to the exhibit will have the opportunity to walk through a historic locker room filled with memorabilia representing all 50 Historic black colleges and universities. The exhibit features the rich pageantry of the black marching bands, the hallowed black college All-America teams, and a tribute to the black college national champions.

"We are excited to share this new exhibit with the public," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "The historically black colleges have made many groundbreaking contributions to our sport, producing some of football's most storied rivalries and legendary stars. From an interactive video to several one-of-kind items, we know that visitors to the Hall of Fame will enjoy this exhibit on many levels."

The interactive video game, Black College Football: The Xperience, marks the centerpiece of the exhibit. Developed by Nerjyzed Game Studios (nerjyzed.com or bcfxgame.com), the video enables visitors to compete against each other in the unique world of black college football.

College Football Hall of Fame Museum Curator & Historian Kent Stephens conceived of the exhibit and timed its launch for the 2008 Black History Month, currently taking place throughout February.

"Black college football plays an integral role in the history of our sport," said Stephens. "With its own unique history and traditions, it's important for us to share the story of black college football with visitors to the Hall, engaging them in the power of our sport to positively transform student-athletes and the communities in which they live and work."

Grambling head coach Eddie Robinson's ubiquitous hat that he wore in almost every photo is part of the exhibit as well as an ancient ceremonial Samurai helmet from the first college game ever played outside of the United States in Japan, a game coached by the legendary Robinson, a 1997 inductee into the Hall of Fame.

Other Hall of Famers with memorabilia on display include: Tyrone McGriff from Florida A&M; Jerry Rice from Mississippi Valley State; and Coach Billy Joe from Cheyney State (Pa.), Central State (Ohio), and Florida A&M.

While featuring schools from The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), the exhibit also highlights the groundbreaking contributions of African-Americans at other universities throughout the country and the obstacles that they faced as football helped integrate our society.

"Blood, Sweat, and Tears: A History of Black College Football" will be on exhibit at the College Football Hall of Fame from Feb. 1, 2008 through Aug. 31, 2008.

For more information on this new exhibit and any upcoming events at The College Football Hall of Fame, please call 574-235-5711 or visit http://www.collegefootball.org/.

About the College Football Hall of Fame:

One of many programs conducted by the National Football Foundation, the College Football Hall of Fame is among the nation's premier sports shrines, preserving the history and ongoing story of college football while promoting an understanding of the positive values of the sport. For more information, visit www.collegefootball.org

About The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame:

Founded in 1947 with leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, a non-profit educational organization, runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people. With 121 chapters and 12,000 members nationwide, NFF programs include the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, Play It Smart, and scholarships of over $1 million for college and high school scholar-athletes. The NFF presents the MacArthur Trophy, the Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth, and releases the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) Standings.

Learn more at www.footballfoundation.org.

Athletes Deserve A Hollywood-type Break

Even as I type these words, I am debating whether I should even be writing this post. Death is never easy to write about-- even if indirectly.

But I started this blog so I could share my perspective on various subjects. I think way too often, people make judgments about people and topics they know little about. And while I profess to be an expert of absolutely nothing, hopefully some of what you read here will make you look at certain subjects in a different light-- even if it doesn’t make you change your mind.

The recent news that Hollywood star Heath Ledger had died of a drug overdose was yet another reminder of how fragile life can be. On the outside, he seemed to have it all-- a great career and a beautiful family-- but sadly, he won’t be able to fully enjoy either of them.

As surprising as Ledger’s death was, it wasn’t exactly shocking. We have seen countless stars die way too early due to drug abuse. From Janis Joplin and River Phoenix to Elvis Presley and Chris Farley, too many talented people have died simply because they didn’t know when to stop or their friends and family wouldn’t tell them to. Either way, it’s a tragedy.

But something struck me funny in the wake of Ledger’s death. Where is the outcry to clean up Hollywood? Where are the over-the-top TV talking heads saying that actors are setting a bad example for our young children? Has anyone seen Bill O’Reilly or Nancy Grace demanding that production studios do a better job of policing their industry?

No, you haven’t. And quite frankly, no one should be calling for such nonsense. The self-destructing mistakes of others should not set our standards of living or parenting.

But I wonder if it would be different if a prominent athlete had died as a result of a drug overdose. What if it had been a NFL or NBA player?

I can just hear Rush Limbaugh or Dr. Laura declaring it was just another example of professional sports being overrun by thugs.

Why are professional athletes held to such higher standards than other entertainers?

It can’t be the money. Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks make more for one movie than most elite athletes make in a season.

It can’t be the influence on kids. Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears have shaped your daughter’s behavior, eating patterns and wardrobe way more than Serena Williams or Mia Hamm.

It can’t be envy. The ratio of contestants to finalists for American Idol trumps the ratio of tryouts to roster spots for all the Big Four sports combined.

So what is it? Why do we think professional athletes should behave better than entertainers and everyday Joe’s? Why is any transgression by an individual athlete an indictment on that player’s entire sport? Why can't athletes get a pass when entertainers live on them?

In essence, there is no answer because it shouldn’t be that way in the first place. Athletes, like entertainers, are nothing but a cross-section of society. They have the same problems, issues and faults as the rest of us.

Remember when you found out that Limbaugh was addicted to prescription drugs? He was considered a victim, not an abuser. Oh, the hypocrisy.

What about Ozzy Osbourne, Pat O’Brien, Robert Downey, Jr., Matthew Perry.. should I go on?

Not only were those drug abusers sheltered from the type of criticism athletes regularly endure for similar transgressions, they were praised for going to rehab. That’s like someone patting you on the back for going to the emergency room after breaking your leg. Where else are you going to go for help?

So before you call into a radio talk show or send an e-mail to your favorite sports blog dogging an athlete who is using or abusing drugs, check TMZ.com and your local police blotter. You will likely see someone you know.

Super Bowl XLII Leftovers

*Super Bowl XLII was a prime example of why I love sports. No matter what you've seen before or what you believed going into a particular game, you know that there's still a chance for you to be surprised. There's still a chance for something to happen that you never would have expected. There's still a chance for reality to surpass any script Hollywood could produce. And that's why we watch.

*I didn't really care who won the game. Both the Giants and the Patriots would produce intriguing stories with a victory. Whether it was Eli becoming the second straight Manning quarterback to win a championship or New England posting a perfect 19-0 record, there were enough storylines to make this Super Bowl one of the most memorable in recent times. But the best story in sports is always the underdog pulling the upset on the game's biggest stage.

*Eli Manning's unbelievable escape and heave to David Tyree on the game-winning fourth quarter drive was the most amazing play I have ever seen in the Super Bowl-- not so much because of the throw but because of the catch. For Tyree to outfight future hall of famer Rodney Harrison and then pin the ball against his helmet with one hand to complete the reception is beyond amazing. It will go down as the defining moment of Super Bowl XLII.

*The worst moment of the game was by far Bill Belichick's display of utter disrespect for the game, his opponent and his team when he ran off the field with time still on the clock. He is the worst loser in the history of professional sports. I've seen better sportsmanship from a spoiled child.

*Tom Petty was a poor choice for the halftime show. Not that his music is not timeless, it's just not Super Bowl-worthy. Whether it's rock, country or hip-hop/r&b, the Super Bowl halftime show needs to be lively. It's supposed to keep the party going through to the third quarter, not put us to sleep.

*I thought the Super Bowl ads were collectively pretty funny and entertaining. Some of my personal favorites: 1) Pepsi's ad with Justin Timberlake 2) Budweiser's "Rocky" parody with Hank the clydsdale 3) Vitamin Water's ad depicting Shaq as a jockey 4) FedEx's spot with the giant pigeons 5) T-Mobile's "Fave Five" ad with Dwayne Wade and Charles Barkley.

*Finally, why is it that every year, no matter how much you tell yourself you're not going to do it again this year, you inevitably eat yourself into a junkfood coma? What is it about Super Bowl Sunday that you get so wrapped up in the game and festivities that you really think 4 pieces of pizza, 10 chicken wings, a half bag of chips, half a cup of salsa, 5 cookies and 8 beers really won't give you a stomach ache this year? Next year, I'm going all organic. Seriously!

Show Premiere Tonight!! (Saturday, Feb. 2nd)

In case you missed the debut, check your local listings for future airtimes. The program will run on FSN throughout February as part of the network's Black History Month programming.

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up that AMERICANS IN FOCUS premieres tonight on FSN (Fox Sports Net). I was really proud to be a part of this special presentation for Black History Month. And I'm excited to see the premiere tonight as I have yet to see the finished project myself.

The times vary depending on where you live and what cable/satellite provider you use. But in this world of tivo's and dvr's, it should be easy to find or you can go old school and just check your local listings.

Again, the name of the show is AMERICANS IN FOCUS and it premieres tonight on FSN!!

Free Harvard Education For Low-Income Families

Harvard University announced over the weekend that from now on undergraduate students from low-income families will pay no tuition.

In making the announcement, Harvard's president Lawrence H. Summers said, 'When only 10 percent of the students in Elite higher education come from families in lower half of the income distribution, we are not doing enough. We are not doing enough in bringing elite higher education to the lower half of the income distribution.'

If you know of a family earning less than $60,000 a year with an honor student graduating from high school soon, Harvard University wants to pay the tuition!

That's right. Undergraduate students from low income families can go to Harvard for free...no tuition and no student loans!

To find out more about Harvard offering free tuition for families making less than $60,000 a year visit Harvard's financial aid website at: http://www.fao.fas.harvard.edu/ or call the school's financial aid office at (617) 495-1581.