Serena's ($82,500) Fine

Serena Williams has been fined a record $82,500 for behaving badly at this year's U.S. Open. I have video. This was during the Women's Singles Semi Finals. The fault brought her to match point against Kim Clijsters. The ensuing tirade cost her another point - match point.

She was also put on probation. If she steps out of line in the future, the fine could jump to $175,000. It could have been worse, she could have been suspended - that's where the real money is!

There's a lesson to be learned here. Most of us will never play in the U.S. Open, but I believe you can learn a lot about a person by the way he or she talks to....say...a waitress, or a tennis line judge.

Serena, you've still got a few bucks. Buy some class.

Tiger's Bad Drive

I was going to avoid this one, but...what the heck! It seems like everyone else is talking about it. Here's how I see it. Tiger Woods is having trouble at home. The guy's married. Married couples have occasional arguments. This one is elevated because of the car crash and the silence that followed. Speculation is that Woods is and has been having an affair with a woman named Rachel Uchitel. (See picture -->)

Tiger should realize a few things....like he is a celebrity. He's rich and more handsome than most of us. He's a target. He should be more careful! I'm not saying that an affair is acceptable, certainly not...and we're not even sure that he's had one!

It is apparent that he is in dire need of damage control. In this case, the best damage control that I can think of is the truth! That's right, tell the truth - to your wife, to your fans and to anyone else who may care. The truth shall set you free! Free? Yup, expect for alimony and child support.

White House Crashers

On one level, it's pretty funny that a well dressed couple was able to squeeze past White House security and attend the recent White House State Dinner, uninvited. The entire incident was was basically a publicity stunt for Michaele and Tareq Salahi.

On another level, you could ask yourself if this escapade will encourage others to attempt the same? Copycats are "out there."

On a real-world level we should be asking ourselves about real-world security for our President. What if a really attractive blonde and her escort had evil intentions?

So should the Salahis be arrested? YES! Duping the Secret Service is a serious offense! This ain't a neighborhood barbecue. If you need publicity, buy a billboard.

Friday Foto - Stacey McMahon

Stacey McMahon

She's from down under. Stacey McMahon is a sports and lingerie model from Melbourne...and that's all I know about her.

Click the picture for the full effect and have a nice weekend!

NFL Picks - Week 12

Last week's picks went well. I think that I missed only 4 out of 15 games! This week may be a little different. Note that I am picking New England over undefeated New Orleans on Monday night. If the Saints happen to win, it will be interesting to see how the Curse Of Monday Night Football affects the Saints when they travel to Washington for week 13. By the way, I should also mention that this is post #900 on the blog! That's OK, hold the celebration and congratulations for my 1,000th post. This should be in late February or early March 2010.

Here are the picks......

GREEN BAY at detroit
oakland at DALLAS
GIANTS at denver
tampa bay at ATLANTA
MIAMI at buffalo
washington at PHILADELPHIA
SEATTLE at st. louis
CAROLINA at nj jets
cleveland at CINCINNATI
INDIANAPOLIS at houston
kansas city at SAN DIEGO
jacksonville at SAN FRANCISCO
chicago at MINNESOTA
arizona at TENNESSEE
pittsburgh at BALTIMORE
NEW ENGLAND at new orleans

Jacko's Glove Brings $350Gs

I am really not shocked to see that Michael Jackson's sequined glove was auctioned off for a ridiculous amount of money. Pissing away money has become very fashionable (Congress) and this is evidenced at today's Julien Auction at the Times Square, NY Hard Rock Cafe.

Hoffman Ma, of the Hong Kong company Ponte 16, forked over $420,000 of his company's money on the glove. For those of you keeping track, $350,000 was the purchase price, there was, of course, tax and fees, making the total $420,000. Ma's company owns a resort which I could probably never afford to visit, glove or no glove.

This fascination, itself, is fascinating.

NFL Picks - Week 11

Last week was brutal! Of the 14 games on the schedule, I could only guess 6 of the winners. I don't remember having a losing week for a long, long time. I feel much better about about this week's selections...we'll see....

indianapolis at BALTIMORE
washington at DALLAS
cleveland at DETROIT
san francisco at GREEN BAY
buffalo at JACKSONVILLE
PITTSBURGH at kansas city
seattle at MINNESOTA
atlanta at GIANTS
NEW ORLEANS at tampa bay
ARIZONA at st. louis
SAN DIEGO at denver
jets at NEW ENGLAND
CINCINNATI at oakland
PHILADELPHIA at chicago
tennessee at HOUSTON

Friday Foto - Krystal Forscutt

This week, the Friday Foto comes to us from the land down under. We take pride in introducing Krystal Forscutt, a 23 year old Australian model and sometimes TV personality.

As a rare treat, I have included two pictures. As usual, click the pictures to get the full effect, and have a good weekend!

2009 Word Of The Year: "Unfriend"

Language is a "living" thing. It evolves with the culture that uses it. Based on this premise, it should be little surprise that the New Oxford American Dictionary turned to social networking websites and made 'unfriend' its 'Word of the Year.'

If you read Orwell's 1984, you might think that the selection of unfriend was ungood or double plus ungood.

Elmhurst Hospital Sign

Here's an interestig shot, taken recently, of the sign at the Elmhurst, Queens, NY Emergency Room entrance:



Interesting how only the "E" and "S" letters burned out...

The Palin Phenomenon

Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue" goes on sale today. A big fuss is being made! Why? Other books have been written by politicians! Why the fuss?

Here's why - because she's different. She was on Oprah, yesterday. What she said on Oprah is not as important as the fact that she was there! Oprah is a supporter or worshiper of President Obama. Oprah needs Palin to "sell" her TV show and Palin needs Oprah to help "sell" her book. That's right folks, we are being sold some stuff, here. That's OK, we're free to "buy it" or not "buy it."

People say that Palin is, er, attractive or even hot! Again, why is everyone making a fuss? Give me a women in her 40's who is not overweight and give me a big enough expense account and I can dress her up and get her a makeover and she'll look like a seasoned JC Penny fashion model! Has anybody said anything about Oprah looking good...for her age? I think we are paying too much attention to outward appearances. After all, on Christmas morning, is the present with the nicest gift wrap job always the nicest or the most useful? What you see is not always what you get! This is not the "Wizard of Oz", where the Good Witch is pretty and the Wicked Witch is ugly!

If being pretty is important for a political leader maybe we should select our next Congress from the Victoria's Secret catalogue!

This is not a political blog. It never has been and it never will be. I like Sarah Palin! I think she would have made a wonderful governor if she didn't quit. What does "quitting" say to her supporters? "Thanks for believing in me, but I don't really need this....I'm outta here!"

I also think that she would have been a wonderful mother if she may have taken the time to tell her oldest daughter the importance of respecting herself and making good decisions! Again, we should want our leaders to make good decisions, right?

I could go into greater detail, but I won't. I like the woman. I feel that much of the criticism against her is unfair. I will not be voting for her for any office, and, oh, I won't be buying or reading her book.

Bud Adams And His $250,000 Birds

I've always been a believer that you cannot buy class. You've either got it or you don't. Bud Adams, owner of the Tennessee Titans don't.

Yesterday afternoon, Adams celebrated his team's 41-17 win over the Buffalo Bills by flipping the bird twice to fans of the Buffalo Bills.

Adams later apologized to the Bills, their fans, the NFL, the Titans and to anyone else who would listen.

The NFL fined him $250,000. Peanuts.

The bottom line is that the man has no class. Ask any Houston Oiler fan

NFL Picks - Week 10

Another week of NFL football picks! Last week, your hero went 8 and 5. This week, I altered my research method...whatever...we'll see how it works...

CHICAGO at san francisco
ATLANTA at carolina
tampa bay at MIAMI
detroit at MINNESOTA
JACKSONVILLE at jets
cincinnati at PITTSBURGH
NEW ORLEANS at st. louis
BUFFALO at tennessee
DENVER at washington
kansas city at OAKLAND
seattle at ARIZONA
DALLAS at green bay
philadelphia at SAN DIEGO
new england at INDIANAPOLIS
BALTIMORE at cleveland

Chelsea On Playboy

Chelsea Handler

This was a mild shock. Chelsea Handler is the Playboy covergirl for it's December issue! I was surprised at the choice and I was surprised at the results! If you've ever seen "Chelsey Lately" on E, you would know that she can be a little rough with her humor concerning celebrities and politicians and, yes, Playboy models!

Friday Foto - Sara Tommasi

Something special for you, this week! It's Sara Tommasi. She's an Italian Actress/Model with a degree in Economics!

My my!

I wonder if the Bloomberg Business Report folks know about her?

As usual, click the picture to get the full effect and have a nice weekend!

Man Rules

I have a list of "Man Rules." If you are a woman you may not understand unless you have survived several years of marriage. If you are a single woman, consider this a public service. Each rule is numbered "1." This is done on purpose.

1. Men are NOT mind readers..

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down...We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do.
Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one

1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials..

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colours, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say 'nothing,' We will act like nothing's wrong.
We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine... Really .

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as football or motor sports

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round is a shape!

(Thanks, Benny)

Interesting Stuff

Often, this blog features some interesting "Eye Candy." That isn't going to change anytime soon, especially on Fridays!

Our European Bureau Chief, Benny Brown, gives us a summary of "Interesting Stuff!" Enjoy:

-Many years ago in Scotland , a new game was invented.. It was ruled 'Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden'.. .and thus, the word GOLF entered into the English language!

-The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV was Fred and Wilma Flintstone.

-Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S. Treasury. (This may soon change!)

-Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.

-Coca-Cola was originally green.

-It is impossible to lick your elbow.

-The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work:
Alaska

-The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% (now get this...)
The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%

-The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven:
$ 16,400

-The average number of people airborne over the U.S. in any given hour:
61,000

-Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair..

-The first novel ever written on a typewriter, Tom Sawyer.

-In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb.
Hence we have 'the rule of thumb'

-The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.

-Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history:
Spades - King David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs - Alexander, the Great
Diamonds - Julius Caesar

-If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died because of wounds received in battle.
If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes

-Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.

-Q. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
A. Their birthplace

-Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers and laser printers have in common?
A. All were invented by women.

-Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?
A. Honey

-In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes, the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase....'Goodnight , sleep tight'

-It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the
wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey wine and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon.

-In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts... So in old England , when
customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them 'Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down.'
It's where we get the phrase 'mind your P's and Q's'

-Many years ago in England , pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or
handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill , they used the whistle to get some service. 'Wet your whistle' is the phrase inspired by this practice.

Friday Foto - Trashell Thompson

Trashell Thompson

This week's Friday Foto is of a Georgia Peach and Hooters' Swimsuit Pageant competitor, Trashell Thompson. I don't know much else about her. She's on Facebook (yawn) but so am I!

As usual, click the picture to get the full effect and have a nice weekend!

NFL Picks - Week 9

It's a little early in the week for this, but I wanted to get it out of the way. Last week I was 8 & 5. We're getting to the point in the season where a week off makes a big difference for a team. Here goes......

baltimore at CINCINNATI
houston at INDIANAPOLIS
GREEN BAY at tampa bay
ARIZONA at chicago
KANSAS CITY at jacksonville
miami at NEW ENGLAND
WASHINGTON at atlanta
carolina at NEW ORLEANS
detroit at SEATTLE
tennessee at SAN FRANCISCO
SAN DIEGO at giants
dallas at PHILADELPHIA
PITTSBURGH at denver

Yankees Reach Twenty-Seventh Heaven!

It's been a while, but the New York Yankees are world champions! This is their 27th title. I know that there are many non believers among you. I hear talk that the Yankees bought the American League Pennant and the World Series Title. Fact is that the biggest payroll does not guarantee success. It makes it more likely, but there's no guarantee. I also hear that the Yankees have no soul. I'm not sure what that means. I do know of the frustration of working at places where resources are not available and you are expected to succeed. Shouldn't the best players get paid the best? Shouldn't the best paid players play the best? The Yankees ownership made a commitment to their fans and to their players and it finally paid off!

So for the Yankees fans of the world this is a special time to savor.

Indiana Pigs Get Swine Flu!

This little news item caught my eye. A herd of commercial hogs in Indiana came down with the swine flu. It's no surprise that there's no vaccine for the little piggies, but we are told that the situation is under control.

We are doing such a marvelous job in vaccinating against this disease!

Actually, I try not to think about it. It's enough to make you sick.

Jim Nantz: The Biggest Loser!

Tv network sports announcer Jim Nantz is forking over $900,000 a year to his newly ex-wife Lorrie. He will have to pay this for the rest of his life, unless she remarries. Yeah, that'll happen! She also gets the 6 bedroom house in Westport, CT. Jim, you should have gotten a better lawyer!

Send this post to a gay friend. After reading this, gay marriage may not be all that its cracked up to be.

Doc's Letter

The following is a letter to the editor of a Jackson, Mississippi newspaper. It was written in August, 2009 by a real, live medical doctor:

Dear Sirs:

"During my last night's shift in the ER, I had the pleasure of evaluating a patient with a shiny new gold tooth, multiple elaborate tattoos, a very expensive brand of tennis shoes and a new cellular telephone equipped with her favorite R&B tune for a ringtone.. Glancing over the chart, one could not help noticing her payer status: Medicaid. She smokes more than one costly pack of cigarettes every day and, somehow, still has money to buy beer.

And our Congress expects me to pay for this woman's health care? Our nation's health care crisis is not a shortage of quality hospitals, doctors or nurses. It is a crisis of culture - a culture in which it is perfectly acceptable to spend money on vices while refusing to take care of one's self or, heaven forbid, purchase health insurance. A culture that thinks "I can do whatever I want to because someone else will always take care of me". Life is really not that hard. Most of us reap what we sow.

Don't you agree?

STARNER JONES, MD

Jackson , MS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Before you call this letter mean spirited, let me ask you, "Who is paying for your health care?"

Pammy Preggy??

Now I know what you are thinking. Who in the world could care if Pamela Anderson is pregnant...or not? Well, you may have a point, there! She hasn't addressed the situation. Her designer/business associate Richie Rich (not the same guy in the Archie comic book series) says that she is not pregnant.

I have examined the adjoining photograph carefully (it's my job!) and I'd say that it's a possibility, even though she is not married. I've found that when famous people of Pammy's caliber deny anything, you can bet the farm that they are in denial.

I hope it's a girl!

Griese Taco Comment

Bob Griese becomes the most recent victim of political correctness. Bob Griese was the Miami Dolphins quarterback for several years, most notably in 1972 when he and his team had a perfect year, including a Super Bowl win! He's been a class guy, that is, until, last week when he was doing the broadcast of a college football game and all that is good about Bob Griese was flushed down the toilet. He was promptly suspended, possibly fired - who knows?

"Out having a taco." That's what Griese said during a college-football broadcast a week ago, trying to make a joke about race-car driver Juan Pablo Montoya. Does Montoya eat tacos? Who the hell cares? If you are Mexican or from another Latin American country, would you be offended? If he said that an Italian was woofing down a pizza instead of paying attention to the matters at hand, would I or my Italian cousins be offended? Hell no!

It may be a good idea to see if a level-headed Columbian was or could have been offended by Griese's remark. Now, if he substitutes a taco for a line of cocaine......different story.