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The Page 3 Photo Album --
2007-08-31 18:49:00
AT&T Park - San Francisco -Inspired by the Sports Guy's recent photo album entry detailing his recent visit to Tampa Bay for a Red Sox vs Devil Rays game, I thought it would be fun to post some pics of a recent road game of my own. This past April, my wife and I spent a couple of nights in San Francisco before heading off to Maui during our amazing honeymoon. Let me say that no trip to the city by the bay is complete without a visit to AT&T park, and after visiting during a heated rivalry (Giants vs. Dodgers) catching a regular Marlins game now here at home is even more depressing than usual.There she is, AT&T Park. She's a beaut! Even without having ever been to San Francisco before, we somehow decided with great certainty that the ballpark was within walking distance from Fisherman's Wharf, where we were staying. Wrong. We walked...and walked...and walked some more. Two hours later, we're still walking, yet because of these......street signs, which were visible for miles befor...
More About: Photo , Barry Bonds , Photo Album , Page , San Francisco Giants

Remember the 'toons --
2007-08-29 20:18:00
Part 1Last week, I did a feature called "Remember the '80's" a somewhat retrospective look on a collection of favorite cheesy '80's sitcoms with the twist of watching them deal (or not deal) with issues that are prevalent in today's society. This week, the nostalgia kick continues with Page 3's first look into our favorite cartoons.Cartoons have nearly completely changed from those of yesteryear. Back then, Saturday morning cartoons were a staple of any kid's weekend, and on the weekdays, after-school time was spent watching the latest high-jinks of your favorite 'toon. Today with cartoons, on Saturday or otherwise, practically non-existent and with kids watching shows like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokemon, kids really have no idea how good cartoons used to be. While the DVD renaissance certainly helps, these woderful works of art were once daily TV staples.Looney Toons /Merry Melodies -At one time, Bugs Bunny was to Warner Bros., what Mickey Mouse was to Disney. The mischievous rabbit,...

Vick --
2007-08-25 04:29:00
I wanted to write another article on the Michael Vick situation, but this column by ESPN's Howard Bryant, specifically the following paragraph, completely sums up my feelings on the matter: "Still, for all the emotion and anger, for all of the societal hot buttons this case has pressed at once -- race, class, privilege, the debate about cruelty to animals versus the value of human life -- this conclusion feels unsatisfying. Here is the saga of a man who financed and oversaw an inhumane operation, who was party to all of its graphic brutality and who, to date, has not shown an ounce of remorse. The fact that he still has a chance to avoid jail seems incongruous, even unfair, especially in a world in which it appears that hard time seems to exist only for the guilty poor, the average or the unconnected."The fact that Michael Vick has not shown any remorse for his actions has seemingly completely flown over the collective heads of media. The concern seems to be squarely on how this si...

Remember the '80's --
2007-08-22 20:20:00
Ah, the innocence of the '80's. The times, they are a-changin'. As our good buddy Ferris Bueller once said "life goes by pretty fast...if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Today, we stop, look around, and remember the all around crappiness of our favorite '80's TV shows that make them so special. They just don't make 'em like they used to.With the makings of the internet in it's infancy, child predators apparently didn't exist. Here, little Ricky and Carlton Banks "grock" online with Lady Godiva. When Ricky's dad learns that The Ricker has a crush on his internet pal, he innocently recommends that his son should meet this total stranger. We need to bring the word "grock" back into internet vocabulary by the way.What's more dangerous than a child predator you ask? Well, in the 80's I'd say being addicted to caffeine. This dangerous substance lead the way for poor Jesse into a life of drugs and stripping. Caffeine free is the way to be!Y...
More About: Full House

Links of the day --
2007-08-20 20:20:00
Wow. I can't begin to tell you how bad I want this man to burn. Hands down award winner for a-hole of the year. It goes beyond that. This wasn't a mistake or a lack of judgment. These were frequent, deliberate, premeditated actions. Not only should he never ever be allowed to play professional football, he shouldn't be allowed to walk the streets. Period.Steven Seagal blames the FBI for ruining his career, which leads me to believe Steven has never actually seen any of his movies. Take this scene for instance, where Steve-O beats the crap out of the guys from Cool Runnings:If I've said it once, I'll say it again. Don't. Hassle. The. Hoff. In this case, the former attorney for The Hoff's ex-wife wants The Hoff to pony up the $200,000 she thinks are owed to her in attorney's fees. He should just send her a box full of these and call it a day.Looks like my Freddy Gonzalez voodoo doll experiment worked to perfection last week. The poor managing and odd personnel moves are all hi...
More About: Links , Michael Vick , David Hasselhoff , The D

Links of the day --
2007-08-15 17:41:00
If you were one of the few people at work yesterday and wondered why all the guys called in sick, here's why; Madden 08 was released, ready to quench the video game gridiron thirst of geeks and dorks around the country (myself included.) My wife, who really has just accepted the fact that her husband; still plays video games, gets a little too excited about things like a new Ninja Turtles or Spider-man movie, and has forgotten more random useless facts than most humans will ever know, now has another object to distract my attention. Explaining the nuances of Madden's 30 year franchise mode and the importance of setting my fake team's ticket and concession prices, I can almost see the wheels turning inside her head as she says to herself "this is the man I married."And so, our TV is once again caught in its annual fall struggle. Grey's Anatomy vs Madden.McDreamy doesn't stand a chance.Here are the links:This is what happens when you let athletes (in this case, Houston Rocket Sha...
More About: Barry Bonds , Links , Curt Schilling , Clinton , Ray Allen

Separated at Birth --
2007-08-12 07:03:00
South Florida EditionToday's Separated at Birth is dedicated to South Florida sports. The Miami area is known for its celebrity sightings, but you don't have to take a stroll down Ocean Drive to catch some of these well known faces. Page 3's got ya covered.Dave Wannstedt - Luigi MarioLong live the 'stach!Nick Saban - Dr. Alan GrantWhile we're on ex-Dolphins head coaches, here's this gem, a personal favorite. Not unlike how Dr. Grant swore he'd never go back to Jurassic Park, Dr. Nick swore he wouldn't be the next Alabama coach. Life mirrors art.Samson Satele - RikishiIf Satele, the new Dolphins center, doesn't make it as an NFL player, he could always tag up with Rikishi and form the New Headshrinkers.Rick Spielman - Howie LongIf you told me these two were brothers I wouldn't bat an eyelash. Best Howie Long story: "MTV's Paul Gargano had an interview with Judas Priest lead singer Rob Halford, and asked this question: "If you could sleep with anyone famous, who would it b...
More About: Rate

Links of the day --
2007-08-10 17:42:00
It's Friday, which of course means...It's Rex Manning Day!Apparently rappers are naming Hurricane's nowadays, as Flossie is churning out in the Pacific. No word yet on if Hurricane Patron or Tropical Storm Lil' Mama will make landfall.The Miami Heat signed Anfernee Hardaway with the hopes of having Penny take over the role of the departed Eddie Jones, who signed with Dallas earlier this week. In other news, the American Airlines Arena is being fitted for a Flux Capacitor in order to go back to the last time Penny was relevant.Get ready world, Ricky Martin wants to adopt some kids. Kids as in plural. One from each continent to be exact, to live the vida loca. "It's something we want to create this year, a family of many colors." This has international incident written all over it.In the wake of Luciano Pavarotti's severe fever, which required his admittance into a Hospital in Northan Italy, his wife reports that "He is serene, he talks, and jokes..." He also photographs exactly...
More About: Links , The D

Links of the day --
2007-08-09 20:36:00
With the last couple of articles taking a serious tone, topics ranging from a suicidal wrestler, a top NFL quarterback involved in an illegal dog fighting ring, and of course, all things Barry Bonds have seemingly taken over Page 3. I've almost forgotten that there is a whole 'nother world of lunacy out there. Almost. Luckily, the internet never lets me down.Football season is back as the pre-season is underway. You know, there's just something about football that brings out the best in people. The genius of this interview is that we never see the "Go Raiders!" fan. Use your imagination.Still chasing the ring, Tony Gonzalez of the Chiefs talks about replacing his old team mates who weren't taking them to the Super Bowl and bringing in guys who can. If only someone had whispered in his ear that Damon Huard was his starting QB.Walt Disney World is re-naming their Disney-MGM Studios theme park to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Rejected names were reported to be "Disney-ABC Studios," ...
More About: Links , The D

A Historic Blast --
2007-08-08 17:20:00
Barry Bonds is the new home run king. While his record chase was and will forever be swarmed in controversy, his 756 home runs are not up for opinion or debate. They are fact. And while many can not or will not accept him as legitimately breaking the record, he currently stands alone as the all-time home run leader. Baseball holds more value to their statistics and records than any other sport, and chiefly among those, is the home run record. It is arguably the most sacred record in all of sports, and now the holder of that record, is arguably sports most polarizing figure. Whether it?d be because of his race, or the opinions of him being a poor human being, the fact is that even if it?s never proven that he took performance enhancing drugs, he?ll always be viewed as a cheater. Yet for as phony as some will claim many of his home runs are because of his alleged steroid use, those around the game have acted and reacted equally as phony. For nearly a year, when it became app...
More About: Barry Bonds , Steroids , Historic , Bud Selig , Blast

Turn down the volume --
2007-08-06 23:35:00
In a weekend unlike one we've seen in sports, baseball, amid all the controversy, was at the forefront as Barry Bonds , Alex Rodriguez , and Tom Glavine further etched their names into history. The significance of this past weekend is lost as these events unfortunately came during what can be argued as the worst year in sports history. Among the steroid controversy in Baseball, the gambling allegations in the NBA, and the criminal activity in the NFL just to name a few, 2007 will always be remembered a year were the major stories in each sport didn?t take place on the field, but off of it. That?s just the way sports are today. With every ESPN time out to carry Barry?s at-bat live, the steroid allegations were spoken about more than the record he was chasing. With every ARod at-bat you?d hear how he?s pressing, and can?t take the pressure. And with every Glavine start you?d hear about how the game has changed and about failed opportunities. But take a moment and think a...
More About: History , Turn

Same story, Different name --
2007-07-26 22:11:00
As Michael Vick prepares for his arraignment on federal dog fighting charges today, I sit and try to sort my thoughts and emotions on not only this particular story, but on the way society views today?s celebrities and athletes. While they deal with their trials and tribulations (the vast majority of which they continue to bring upon themselves,) the questions I continue to ask myself are simple:Why are celebrities and athletes complete morons? And most importantly, in the face of all of their allegations and convictions, why are they still admired and adored? Michael Vick has been indicted on dog fighting charges, the latest in the seemingly never ending laundry list of celebrity criminal convictions. Vick, Lindsey Lohan, Paris Hilton, the entire Cincinnati Bengals, whoever is leading the Tour de France in a any given year, Barry Bonds and nearly every MLB player, Kobe Bryant and even NBA referees are the daily subjects on any newscast, sports related or otherwise. S...
More About: Story , Celebrities , Athletes , Tory

E3 2007 --
2007-07-13 15:38:00
This week marks the beginning of the Electronic Entertainment Expo, otherwise known as E3.E3 is an annual convention where every the entire video game industry comes together to showcase their latest and greatest inventions.Held in Los Angeles/Santa Monica, E3, which at one point was open to the public, attracted 10's of thousands of people to the event. This year however marks a shift for E3, as only people in the industry and journalists are allowed to attend. While this year's event has proven to be smaller in stature, the hype generated is as high as ever.The big three companies, Microsoft, Nintendo , and Sony each held near 2 hour long press conferences before the event even kicked off, showcasing where their current hardware stands in the market, their new games, and released the very first details of games and products in development. After the press conferences, those in attendance are welcome to attend the convention and test out the very games and products showcased.The e...
More About: Wii , Xbox 360 , Playstation 3

Track. Wall. Gone! --
2007-07-03 21:11:00
Barry Bonds is about to make history, as he is just five home runs away from tying Hang Aaron's record of 755. Unless you live under a rock, you know that Bonds, as well as Major League Baseball, are under heavy criticism because of the role that steroids might have played in the home run chase. This week, Barry was voted to start in the upcoming All-Star game which happens to be in San Francisco's AT&T park, Barry's home ball park.You have to wonder that now that the fans have spoken and are seemingly ready for Barry to break the record, what MLB's stance will be when he in fact hits 755. There has been a heavy debate on whether they should celebrate the event, or turn a blind eye to it. Will Bud Selig show up or wont he? Will Barry be cheered or booed? Will they have an asterisk by his name in the record books?Hank Aaron has already come out and said that he's not going to be there when he drops to number 2 in the record ...
More About: Barry Bonds , Wall , Steroids , Track

A Load of Bull(s) --
2007-06-30 04:03:00
Last night was the 2007 NBA Draft. The draft, like in any sport, is a day of excitement and hope for nearly every team. It's talked about for weeks before the event, and for months after. The day is completely dissected, analyzed, chewed up, and spit out.This year was no different, as the hype was threw the roof for Greg Oden, and Kevin Durant, as was the debate on who should be drafted first. As predicted, Portland chose Oden with the 1st overall pick, while Seattle took Durant in what was the easiest number two pick in recent history.Actually, the 2007 draft went pretty much as planned. You had to wait for a suprise this year, and with the 9th pick, we finally got it.Not the fact that he was chosen 9th overall by the Chicago Bull s , no. The real story, which was completely under-discussed, neigh hardly even mentioned, was Joakim Noah 's suit.Look at it. I mean, look at it. Watch out Michael Irvin, there's a new sheriff in uglysuitville. Joakim Noah stole the show with his...unusu...
More About: Load

Chris Benoit Tragedy --
2007-06-27 05:58:00
WWE wrestler Chris Benoit , his wife Nancy, and their son Daniel, were found dead over the weekend, the victims of an apparent murder-suicide. Even as I type this, details continue to emerge.I haven't actively watched WWE programing in quite some time. Being a huge fan of the then WWF when I was younger, the events of the last several years led me to grow away from the "sport" that I so loved as a kid. It all simply got too over-the-top, too complicated, too far-fetched for me to even see it as the same entity that I did as a child. I still keep up somewhat with the events from afar, but the nostalgia of yesteryear is a constant reminder of where wrestling was then and where it currently stands.Last night however, my friend called me and said "are you watching this? Chris Benoit is dead..." Immediately I chalked it up to some ridiculous story line gimmick and brushed it off. "No, really, he's dead. His family too." I quickly switched my TV to USA and immediately knew my initial rea...
More About: Tragedy

Separated at Birth --
2007-05-25 19:46:00
In the vein of Barber Shop Blues, I bring you Separated at Birth . Can't shake that feeling that you've seen that star player before? You're right, you have.I'll show you where:Curt Schilling - Jack BauerTurn's out 24 isn't just how many wins Mr. Bloody Sock aspires to have every season, but I hear its a mega hit TV show as well. Wait...was his bloody sock a factor of his gritty performance in the '04 World Series, or was Curt Bauer simply saving the world in between innings and earned a strawberry in the process?!Steve Nash - James BluntAfter winning his 2nd consecutive MVP award last year, Steve Blunt was inspired to write the hit song "You're beautiful!..."Anderson Varejao - Sideshow BobIn between trying to murder Bart Simpson, Sideshow Varejao is busy playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.Carlos Delgado - Pedro CerranoEver wondered what Carlos Delgado would look like if he batted right handed and played for the Indians? It's not as far fetched as you may think, here's Car...
More About: Rate

I've seen this movie before --
2007-05-18 21:58:00
Not to beat this Ricky thing into the ground, but this is getting ridiculous.The Associated Press reports:"Miami Dolphins coach Cam Cameron, speaking publicly about Williams' latest drug relapse for the first time Friday, all but slammed the door on a return by the troubled running back.I will not allow our fans to be let down by people that are not on our roster -- not again,' Cameron said. 'It's my responsibility not to let that happen. We have the greatest fans in the game, and we've got men on our team that we're going to focus on.''So Coach, tell us again about that injured punt returner you picked up 10 spots too early while passing on the QB who's going to torch you during week six.The fact is that the Dolphins are proven to be better when Ricky is in the backfield. This is a fact. He lead the league in rushing in 2003 with a horrid offensive line. During 2005, he rushed for over 700 yards after his 4 game suspension. He's a proven back but most importantly HE'S CH...
More About: Movie , Ricky Williams , Fore

Run Ricky Run --
2007-05-15 17:53:00
Social Anxiety Disorder, a condition that affects tens of millions of Americans each year, can make functioning in daily society extremely difficult. Symptoms of S.A.D. can include completely avoiding social situations, having an intense self-consciousness in social settings, or even having an unreasonable fear of embarrassment.Now imagine having that condition as an athlete.Ricky Williams does just that.For years, Ricky's battle with S.A.D. has been well documented. From leaving his helmet on during interviews, to his failed drug tests, everything he does is under a microscope.I'm not one to immediately sympathize with athletes. I find it near impossible to sympathize and empathize with a person who is able to make millions by playing a game. Not with the problems in the world today. However, I cannot help but feel sympathy for Ricky Williams.Early this week, a source has come forward and revealed that Ricky Williams has failed his fifth drug test, therefore delaying his reinstat...
More About: Miami Dolphins , Icky

Links of the day --
2007-05-15 04:28:00
It's just another manic Monday, which means: several links to help you procrastinate at work.Here's whats going on in the world this week:Diet Coke Plus. Because when I think of nutrition, I think of Coke.Looks like the next Lord of the Rings movie got some major budget cutsI'm on to your stealth marketing Wendy's.In case you haven't heard the pissed off Christians, we've discovered a new Earth-like planet. Who's naming these planets anyway? Gliese 581c? Seriously, that's the best they can come up with?That's Hot. Turns out there is a God afterall. So when is the new season of The Prison Life on E! going to air? Like you wouldn't watch. Reason #218 why California is cooler than Florida: When Judge Michael T. Sauer walked into his parish church on Saturday, the day after sentencing Paris, he was greeted by rapturous applause.And the Quote of the Week goes to this man: "We would probably be together right now if she had not thrown my beloved Wii... "Speaking of getting your ...
More About: Links , The D

The 2007 M.V.B.N.R.B.H.W.I.T.R.S.P. Award --
2007-05-11 17:15:00
Most Valuable But Not Really But He Was In The Regular Season PlayerThere has always been a debate on who the MVP should be awarded to. Should it go to the best player in the league, regardless of his team's record, or should it go to the best player on a good team? These questions are always dissected before the award is given out, and the answers are almost always ridiculed once the MVP has been awarded. This isn't a debate that just goes on in baseball, or basketball, but in every team sport. This year is no different as it is widely believed that Dirk Nowitzki will win the award in a landslide, mostly because he led the Mavericks to a 67 win season. However, it's Dirk's recent playoff meltdowns against the Heat and Warriors respectively, where he has shown a lack of leadership, poor attitude, and has been unable to sink the important shot, that has made the MVP debate this season a hotter topic than usual.For the last two seasons, Steve Nash has won the crown in decisions th...
More About: Award , Tim Duncan

Barber Shop Blues --
2007-05-09 22:28:00
A cut (or lack there of) above the rest (Part 1)Expressing yourself with your hair style is not a new concept. For years, people have decided that the best way to make their statements, however right or wrong, was their hairstyle. Recently however, I've slowly begun to realize a growing trend (no pun intended...wait, no scratch that, pun fully intended) in sports of athletes letting their hair style go with reckless abandonment. Lets take a look at some of the bigger offenders:Ben Wallace In what can only be cited as a tribute to the afro's of yesteryear, Ben's got the look working for him. Now, at times, he'll switch it up to this lovely do:Not as intimidating, but these cornrows would make Snoop Dogg proud (on a side note, how many videos must Snoop D-O-double G make that show a random woman braiding his hair as he raps? You like cornrows Snoop, we get it) With that being said, if you're gonna steal a hair style from Snoop, better the cornrows than this train wreck!Anyway, I ...
More About: Sports , Blues , Randy Johnson , Shop , Randy Moss

Links of the day --
2007-05-07 15:38:00
Few words can describe some of the links you are about to view. I will try anyway.Here are this weeks links:I didn't go to highschool in the '80's, but if I did, I'm 94% sure it would have transpired exactly like this.If you weren't paying attention during that last clip, you missed Jean Claude Van Damme in rare form. Luckily for you (and me!) he delivers another stellar, more visible performance. They just don't make film sequences like these anymore.Remember that part in Jerry Maguire when he makes a huge scene and announces to his eerily quiet, stunned co-workers that he's leaving the office and takes the goldfish and Dorothy Boyd with him, and as soon as they leave all of his old co-workers immediately go back to what they were doing? This is that scene if Jerry Maguire was played by the Iron Sheik.Quite possibly greatest music video ever made. Don't hassle the hoff!What Imus would look like if he played Wheel of Fortune.Where do you go if you want to learn the slickest ...
More About: South Park , Links , David Hasselhoff , The D

The Rocket's relaunch --
2007-05-07 01:14:00
I saw Roger Clemens ' last professional game. At least, I thought I did. That was 4 years ago, when he last played for the 2003 World Series runner up. Not only didn't he retire after that, like he said he was, but he played the very next year. Only this time, as a Houston Astro, following his boyfriend Andy Pettitte in the process. Fast forward to the 2004 offseason, where he was going to retire again, only to come back and pitch. Things were different in 2005, where he was allegedly going to retire, but came...back...to...pitch. At least he didn't pull that crap again in 2...00...6. Well then! Surely that was the last time we'd see The Rocket (Oops, sorry Chet, wrong Rocket.)May 6, 2007. Wow. See, it's not that he says he's going to retire, only to promptly sign a new contract and come back. There is precedent for such a debacle throughout sports. It's that he can pull that off while taking half of the season off (did I mention that aside from taking half the year off, he on...
More About: Red Sox , Yankees , Astros , Relaunch

Put me in coach! --
2007-05-03 23:23:00
It's father/son day at Dolphin Stadium for me tomorrow, as I take my boy Luigi to his second ever baseball game. For those unfamiliar with Bark at the Park, every year the Marlins, together with the Humane Society of Greater Miami, select a day where you can bring your pooch and enjoy the ball game. It's a nice event for a great cause. I had to work the game last year, but Luigi and his Mom (my wife) were in attendance. Too bad the dog's have no friggin' idea about what's going on, which in turn means we'll probably only catch a couple of innings before Luigi and the other dogs start to freak out. One of my favorite highlights are the dogs howling and barking (signing along?) to the national anthem.
More About: Coach

It's a whole different ball game now --
2007-05-02 22:01:00
Watching the ball game on TV today, I started to think a lot about what has changed my view on professional sports in the last 10 years. Back then, I idealized sports, baseball specifically, as the end all be all of my life. I eat, slept, and breathed every single pitch. This love of the game culminated in my eventual employment with a pro organization, even being a part of a championship with the team. Yet today, as I sit and watch the game, I can't help but feel...not jaded, because that's not it...but different. I don't see the game, and moreover the players, with such rose colored glasses anymore. I think I can trace my difference of opinion on my several encounters with pro athletes.I remember as a child, I looked up to Jose Canseco more than anybody. In my eyes, Canseco was what I wanted to grow up to be. Big, strong, adored by fans, and an unbelievable ball player. He even grew up in my neighborhood and went to the high school I was scheduled to attend. He was my idol. I b...
More About: Sports , Game , Athletes , Ball

2007 NFL Draft --
2007-05-01 15:16:00
"With the 9th pick, the Miami Dolphins select...Ted Ginn Jr., WR out of Ohio State..."Fans: (stunned silence)....BOO!!!....what the...BOO!!!...omg I can't...BOO!!!Cam Cameron: "...I said QUINN! not Ginn!....QUINN!....The reaction of Dolphins fans after Saturday's pick was not taken well to say the least. Moments after the blunder, Coach Cameron stepped out of the war-room, seemingly oblivious to the fact that he set the Dolphins back another 10 years by picking Ted Gimp, and got absolutely bombarded with a storm of thumb down's and boo's (I'm surprised fans weren't throwing up a different, more centrally located finger.) Watching that unfold live on TV, I have to give it a solid 9 on the unintentional comedy scale. Utterly fantastic. Another highlight has to be Quinn shaking his head after the pick was announced, uttering "Wow, I'm surprised" in such a way that later makes you realize Miami meets the Browns on October 14th, where Brady will promptly throw for 6 TD's and 500 ...
More About: New England Patriots , Cleveland Browns , Brady Quinn , Draft