Real Men Wear Pink

You must be an icon when you can rock a hot pink, hello kitty looking polo in public. Tiger Woods chose that polo for his opening round at the British Open. If you ask me, it was pure genius.

What better way to laugh in the face of all those snapping cameras at your every move, than to reach into Boy George’s wardrobe and put together a first-round 67. That’s why T. Woods is my favorite golfer, he gets it.

I don’t know if he did any of this on purpose, but the guy put a monopoly on wearing red and black on Sundays at the golf course. It’s only right that his next step is showing the world that ‘real men really do wear pink’.

You can’t insult his manhood, because that’s what got him into his current legal mess - a $750 million mistake - in the first place. Then, to top it off, he has one of the best rounds he’s shot all season, and is 4 shots off Rory McIlroy’s lead.

On a scale of 1-to-‘PYAAHHHH’, I’m giving Woods’ pastel pink polo an awkward, white guy high-five – just like he and caddy, Steve Williams share after every win...classic.

by Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

All Black People Are Not The Same!

It's not February but I'm feeling a little bit of "Soul Power." We call our selves unnecessarily honest... so I'm going to speak some truth about something that is forever driving me crazy!

Only in New York do you meet a fellow black person and ask them "What ethnicity are you?" It's as normal as asking someone their name, and more common than asking a person "Can I have your number?"

I grew up in Jamaica, Queens. My neighbors were Jamaican-American, and the only issues we had with them was their music being played too loud and too early in the morning, and their car. For some reason, they would block the driveway and wash their car about four times a week.

Across the street was a family that moved from Brooklyn, they were African-American (AA) like us. They had six kids and were like family to us. Most of the other people who lived on the block were AA's besides for this one family on the corner. The first time that I can remember meeting a Haitian person was around the age of 10. His name was Peter, and he was one of the nearly 15 people living in that house on the corner. He was sweet, and although I couldn't understand him most of the time, I knew he was a nice guy. At this time I didn't know where Haiti was located on the map, I didn't know anything about them other than this family on the corner.

During the beginning of my freshmen year in High School my family moved to Rockland County, NY (next to Westchester County) and I feared one thing: I thought I would be the only black person in my school.

To my surprise the majority of the school was black, and most of the blacks were Haitian. I grew to love Haitians, but at times it was like being the only dog in a room full of cats, I missed my own kind... so much that as a senior I enrolled into a historically black university in the south, where the only questions I'd be asked were: "What's your name?" "What state are you from?" "Which dorm do you stay in?" "Who's your roommate? "Is that your real hair?" "Do you know Kristen?" And so on.

Now I'm back in New York, transferred to a SUNY (State University of New York) because I was tired of paying too much for school, and I'm back into the madness [that I love]. There's one thing that I love and at the same time hate about New York... the diversity.

If I'm called "regular black" or "plain black" one more time, someone is going to get the history of my people stamped onto their forehead!

A few weeks ago I went to a Haitian barbecue where I was asked to grill. My response: "What the heck?" I had to pull back and realize this is not my family. I began yelling at the men in the house: "What type of man are you? What kind of man can't use a grill?" I was peeved to say the least. I silently wished for my people and our barbecues, where the men grill, the women prepare and make the side dishes, the beer and drinks are in the cooler, and the Kool-Aid (red flavor) is sitting in a punch bowl. Motown and other old school hits are blaring from the speakers, and me and my cousins sit and relax while watching the kids run around like wilderbeasts. Now that's a barbecue!

I have had too many run ins where people at my school ask me: "What nationality are you?" Here's how the conversation continues:
I reply: "American."
Idiot: "American? We're all American. Where's your family from?"
Cece: "America."
Idiot: "Nobody's from America."
Cece: "I'm from America. My family is from Georgia and North Carolina."
Idiot: "Oh so you're just black?"
Cece: "I'm African-American."

If they piss me off enough with the questions and comments I go to remind them that if not for Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, which by the way their people were not a part of, they would not be in this country being lynched, hosed down by the police, and discriminated with my people. And if not for my people they'd be in their beloved country that they ran away from. I usually rant, I don't like being disrespected.

I move on to say that all black people are not the same, we are all a part of the African Diaspora, but our history and cultures are very different. Sometimes I feel that I relate to white Americans more than I relate to other blacks in this country.

When it comes to love, my father advised us to date other AA's. He doesn't discriminate, he just understands the difference between cultures. I like soul food, someone else may like Jamaican or other Caribbean Cuisine. Some like fried chicken, others rather beef patties. Of course there are other differences besides for food, but it's all relative, and neither is right or wrong. My boyfriend is African-American, and what I love most about his family is that we both share a unique and similar past. Both of our families are from Georgia and the Carolinas.

I love diversity, America is a melting pot and that's one of the things that make this country great. I love black people, regardless of where they are from. But if anyone calls me "plain black" one more time I'm going to have to whip out a pistol and show them how my people and the rest of the Union ran down the darn Confederacy!

By Coco Elle -- "I love all people, black, white, yellow, green, Puerto Rican, Haitian, Asian, etc. But this is just the truth. Don't hate me because I'm honest."

Yea, I Said It...

Now, those who know me best know that I am a huge J.J. Redick fan; he’s pretty much the most talented player not named Dwight Howard on the Magic. Here are just a few reasons why I think J.J. should be starting over VC:

1. He’s a better shooter – I believe the position is called shooting guard, not slashing guard or underachieving guard. It only makes sense that one of your best shooters play shooting guard.

2. He has 2 good knees – VC has fallen victim to jumper’s knee and a whole array of other injury problems that have hindered his freakish athletic ability. J.J. has not; I’ve never known Redick to be injury prone, even dating back to his years at Duke.

3. He can dunk too – yep, I said it…don’t believe me, I’ll just let the clip below do the talking.



4. Hair – uhhh, all those who think J.J. Redick has the coolest hair on the Magic say ‘I’…”III”. Vin-senior citizen is bald, and with all due respect MJ, someone in that lineup has to have cool hair. Think about it: Ron Artest did it this year, Rodman did it in the past, Pat Riley did it before him – as a coach too, I might add – and J.J. has been rockin’ the jet-black spikes since I started watching him in 2003.

5. Swag on level 10 – for a guy who averages 17+ minutes a game, J.J. hasn’t lost any of the swag that made him one of the greatest Duke guards in history (the best would have to be Andre Dawkins in my eyes). Aaaaaannnddd dude was on the COVER of College Hoops 2K7, pow.

Now before you go attacking me and saying that I’m a ____ rider just think about who got more of the crunch time minutes down the stretch for the Magic when Vince was flaking in the playoffs…again. I’m not saying this is a Duke-UNC thing, but it kinda is; however, I doubt any of this will happen. I don’t think it really should happen, to be honest, but J.J. is one of my favorite players so I have to show some love. Besides, what else would you expect from a die hard Duke fan?

Stage 5 Clingers

My title comes from the infamous Pauly D and Daniella episode of The Jersey Shore. Who knew a guido with ten pounds of hair gel could attract so much attention? I guess when your Pauly D things just tend to work out that way.

A Stage 5 Clinger is more that just a creep who doesnt know when to take no for an answer. This clinger is the type who doesnt know how to take complete avoidance as an answer. Let me paint a picture:

Its a warm summer night and I'm out with my main girls, you know a typical Saturday in the 'burbs. Everythings going cool when I meet a tall dark and handsome 21 year old guy who by his smooth skin and long legs was just enough to catch my eye. I guess I caught his as well because next thing you know we're walking hand and hand through the massive crowd flirting nonstop. By the end of our time together we have already exchanged numbers but the night appears far from over. As me and the girls part ways from Mr. Handsome and make way to another house I've already gotten the first text or digital sign of interest. As the night turns into morning I have been asked by Mr Handsome at least four times when I will be reaching home which gives me the impression I have been put on a curfew somewhere in his head.

After getting in the next morning at 6 am my body is in dire need of sleep but believe it or not Handsome has already begun texting me a few hours in and called me back to back. By Monday afternoon I have recieved enough contact from Handsome (or should I rename him Mr Persistant) that I have grown not only unattracted but more like completely sceeved out. This is what I can call a Stage 5 Clinger.

If a girl does not respond to the first nine texts and three calls I'm pretty sure shes not interested no matter how cute you are. Give the woman her space because a needy guy is everybodys pet peeve.

...LL

Let It Go

Ok Coco, take some Alieve, a glass of water and a down-pillow and go lay on the couch; it’s going to be OK. Truth is, I’m tired of hearing about these guys too; however, I won’t get my wish and neither will you if you don’t stop hating on them.
Think about it, if everyone loves you, you probably won’t make headlines, let alone the cover of SI (i.e. Joe Mauer, Albert Pujols, Tim Duncan, and Chase Utley). Now most of these guys have been on the cover of SI, but they like to stay out of the media’s watchful eye for the most part.

Now let’s examine why people hate the threesome in the first place: they held a summit in the off-season, and eventually all signed together in one of the biggest stories in sports history, they’ve made the 2010 Heat look like Steinbrenner’s Yankees (R.I.P.), and two of the three – Bosh and James – seemingly alienated their old teams as well as fans to go down to South Beach.

Can you really blame them though? Miami is a beautiful city with even more beautiful women and Pat Riley has got to be about the most swagged out President of any NBA franchise in history. Everyone is jumping down LeBron’s throat for going to Miami; but, if you take out his pompous, 1-hour primetime TV special, you can see that he made the best move for himself. When a team releases a player or gets rid of a beloved player like the Lakers dumped Shaq in ’04 – you don’t see nearly as much fallout or hatred for an owner. Where were the fans burning season tickets or pictures of Jerry Buss? Why didn’t Shaq release a spiteful, barbed letter in crayon like Dan Gilbert? Because the NBA is a business, and that business is all about winning.

LeBron’s best option to win immediately was to join Bosh and Wade on the Heat and hope that ‘A Pimp Named Slick-Pat’ (Boondocks reference) could put together the right pieces to make the team a champion. I mean if the Fonz walked up to you in an Armani suit, puffing a Cuban cigar, leaning back in a chair made from imported Italian leather proposed that you join the top two free agents in one of the most perfect cities for a 25-year-old celebrity, would be able to say no? Me neither, and that’s what Bron-Bron and Bosh did. Now, I’m not saying that what he did to Cleveland or what Bosh did to Toronto is right – it was a low move on each of their parts – but I cannot say that I blame them for wanting to win an NBA ring.

So, I implore everyone who hates on Miami, LeBron, Pat Riley or anyone else involved to just stop talking about it like they wouldn’t have done the same thing in any of their shoes. When it comes down to it, they really had no choice anyways.

What was the last team to take the top-3 free agents during the offseason? The New York Yankees, right before the '09 season; nobody liked them either. Their results: the best record in baseball (103 - 59) and a World Series Ring. The ace of that team, not so ironically, was C.C. Sabathia - formerly of the Cleveland Indians and Milwalkee Brewers. That is to say, LeBron isn't the first player to leave Cleveland for greener pastures and he likely won't be the last.


If he wins a championship this year, it justifies him leaving and makes his "decision" much more understandable; however, we'll have to reserve all judgment until next April. For now, everyone should give it a rest and go back to talking about Brett Favre's 'annual' un-retirement.

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

I Hate These Guys

So here they are on the cover of the newest edition of Sports Illustrated, my favorite sports magazine.

I don't know about you all... But I really can't stand these guys. Not because theres a possiblity that they can be the new best team in the NBA, not because Chris Bosh is funny looking and Dwayne Wade smiles like a female... but simply because of the huge media frenzy they are creating, with Lebron James leading the way.

What I'm looking forward to? Someone, anyone, whooping their but. If I was a part of the Italian Mob, I'd have a hit list out and at the top of this list would be this Cleveland raised son of a gun. He went from being a beloved NBA star to one of the most hated NBA players in one night.

If he went to Chicago would I have been upset? No, but theres no way he could live up to Michael Jordan. That would've been a smart choice, but of course he chose Miami, James wants an easy win.

Would I have been upset if he went to New York? Nope, I promised the world that I'd fall on the floor and cry, happy that for once I'd be able to watch my team win more than 40 games in a season (I wasn't even asking for a championship, I just want a winning team). Would I have been upset if he stayed in Cleveland? No... who would be? It's his home town. But Miami? He's a punk, and thats all I have to say.

If there's anything new going on about this our boy Aaron Hilton will be blogging on it, I'm done with Lebron and the Heat.

Coco Elle

Best Moves of an Exciting Summer

Here are my grades for some of the most recent NBA Free Agency/Trade moves.

1. Al Jefferson to the Jazz for two future first-round picks – for Utah, this is a steal. First off, Jeff is an offensive stalemate to Boozer; both men are quite gifted in his own way offensively. And second he’s just as poor of a defender. Essentially the Jazz traded two non-lottery picks for a younger, taller, equally as strong version of the guy who’s now playing in Chi-Town. Not too bad, I’m sure Deron Williams is sad to see Boozer go, but Jefferson will allow them to have a more traditionally sized PF.

2. Big Z to the Heat via free agency – It’s good to see that Z is remaining loyal to his friend LeBron and gives the Heat a viable option at center. With Z now on the roster they have a versatile big man who can nail the 18-foot jump shot as well as make his free throws, rebound and block shots. Another solid move for Pat Riley and his staff who have done well in putting the pieces together for this juggernaut of a Heat team.

3. Tyson Chandler and Alexis Ajinca to the Mavericks for Erick Dampier, Eduardo Najera and Matt Carroll – the only two names that really matter in this are Dampier and Chandler, at least for this season. Chandler is definitely a defensive and offensive upgrade to Dampier and will provide a lot of energy off the Maverick bench. Cuban has gotten a bit younger and more athletic on the bench and the Bobcats have more of a gritty, veteran presence now with their additions, as well as a sharp shooter in Carroll. A win-win for each team here, but Dallas probably fared better in this trade in the long run.

4. Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller to Heat via free agency – with this move, Miami now has a solid bench of Miller G/F, Haslem PF, Da’Sean Butler SF, and Dexter Pittman C. It should be no surprise by now that the Heat have made the list twice already – it would’ve been 3 times had the new ‘big 3’ signed more recently – they have been, easily the most efficiently active teams in the NBA. Their only key loss would be Jermaine O’Neal who’s a significant upgrade to Ilgauskas – Beasley for Bosh is an upgrade for them on both ends.

5. Bucks trade for Maggette – this was a huge deal for the Bucks, simply because it will take some pressure off of Salmons and Jennings in terms of scoring. One downside to this deal is that Maggette hasn’t been known to play great defense, nor is he a proven winner; but, to his credit he did spend most of his time on the wrong side of LA – with the Clippers – and with the Warriors.

Probably the most underrated move of the whole offseason is the Thunder’s addition of Daequan Cook and Mo Peterson. What people should notice about these acquisitions is that they still got their man in the draft – Center Cole Aldrich – and were able to add two proven shooters including the ’09 3-Point Shootout Champ (Cook). Shooting the three was a big weakness for the Thunder last season and was a big reason why they weren’t able to hold off the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. With these two guys coming off the bench, and Aldrich patrolling the middle of the court, this young team looks to make it much deeper in the playoffs this year. Did I mention that they didn’t lose a single player to free agency or trade either?

The most overrated move: Golden State selling the farm for David Lee. They lost a solid defender and shooter in Kelenna Azubuike, a defensive leader in Ronny Turiaf and a highly talented defensive forward in Anthony Randolph for an overrated defensive liability in Lee. When you think about it, is David Lee really what they needed? He’s not much of a leader, has never played for a winning franchise and couldn’t cover Darko Milicic in the post. I like him offensively but the last thing the Warriors needed was more offense, especially at the cost of nearly every defensive asset they had. I mean, what would you think if I told you that the leagues worst defense got even worse? My thoughts exactly.

Honestly, I was skeptical about the Heat’s pursuit of its own ‘big 3’ at first; however, that was only the beginning for the mastermind that is Pat Riley. Honestly, I could coach that team and win 50 games; maybe even take them to the Eastern Conference Finals. They have their leader in Wade, a freakishly talented MVP in James and a low post threat in Bosh; but they also have they key cogs underneath them that they needed to compete with the Celtics and Lakers for a championship. Their potential starting lineup would be Chalmers, D. Wade, LeBron, Bosh and Ilgauskas; that’s a solid, pass first guard who plays good defense, three young stars – two of the top three NBA players right now – and a 7’3 center who can shoot, rebound and block shots. That’s just silly, I can’t even believe that they can legally put that team on the floor and not be fined for unsportsmanlike domination.

Two years ago, Chalmers proved to be a valuable pickup in the 2nd round; if even one of Miami’s picks this year can duplicate his rookie contributions, the Heat are a lock for the NBA Finals.

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

Lets Keep it Simple

Since all of my fellow UH bloggers have posted on the topic of men vs women or rather the battle of the ages, I figured I should grace our page with some thoughts of my own. I would have to agree with both Coco and Aaron not saying either is completely correct, Id rather stick in the gray area. It may be more fun to pretend you don’t understand us guys, just remember your life will remain complicated the more you keep your heads stuck in the clouds.

• 1. I would have to agree with Aaron when he says there is no need for a female to attempt to control her man. First of all this takes up way too much energy from our part ladies and it verges on the crazy girlfriend stereotype. Although not all women take on this paranoid role in the relationship there are many that sadly do. But lets not forget how overprotective men can be as well. I’m pretty sure we’ve all heard stories from friends telling us how jealous their partners are that they cant throw on a low cut shirt without having an argument. When it comes to the cheating, lets keep it simple; if you think your significant other is up to no good then some things need to be reconsidered. A relationship is worth nothing without trust, point blank.
  


• 2. Men aren’t known for being the best of listeners lets face it, our dogs probably pay more attention to our stories. This doesn’t mean you guys shouldn’t try to keep up with our days. Yes us woman can have a lot to say, sometimes even about the most insignificant of topics but it doesn’t mean its not important. This is our way of becoming closer to you and turning a boyfriend into a best friend (it doesn’t mean we just love to bore you to death). So lets try to compromise, guys try to keep a bit and ladies give them that chance to catch up.


• 3. Sex. The topic alone can either make you shrug in your seat or make your eyes wide with excitement. Either way, woman or man, everyone becomes interested. Females must remember that although you carry the power to give your man sex if and when you choose, try to not abuse this power. Men have a short attention span as it is and teasing can only be so fulfilling for so long. And guys you cant expect sex when you aren’t doing much of anything in other parts of the relationship. Your girl wants to give you the world but you have to give her something in return. So ladies try to get in touch with your sexual side sometimes because lets face it, you will enjoy it as much as he will. The everyday woman has a sexy side so let it out and please him. Well only if he is pleasing you that is.


• 4. Okay this one is simpler. Guys should be allowed to enjoy their sports from time to time. As Aaron said a girl can either join her man or not. Give your guys their space to play with the boys because you know if hes a keeper he’ll always come back to play with you later. If you take time to watch the game with him he’ll know your down for anything and that girlfriend is always the best one to be around.
  
  
• 5. Anyone who knows me knows that I love laughing. I could do it for a living if I had the choice but the thing is there is a time and place for everything. Women shouldn’t take themselves too serious because its pointless to walk around wasting the day being mad at a guy who is most likely in the best of moods. This goes for anything come to think of it. Why should you stay at home crying when your guy is probably out having drinks or playing hoops with the boys. Don’t waste time being angry because no matter how bad your guy has messed up, he isn’t using his energy on you. And you guys have to realize that not every situation can be brushed off, there are times when you should address the issue and not just shrug and walk out the door. That helps absolutely nothing.
  

Yes Coco Elle in the end ALL men are idiots. We cant live with them and we cant live without them….they don’t have to know that of course. Put on the game face and keep it simple because the games can wear you out.

LL....

Rest In Peace Steinbrenner

Today, the most successful team in baseball history, the New York Yankees, mourn one of their own.

After suffering a heart attack, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner died 6:30 a.m. this morning in Tampa, Florida just 9 days after he celebrated his 80th birthday.

Whether you are a Yankee fan or a Mets fan, a New Yorker, or from New Jersey, the death of Steinbrenner is unexpected and sad, and on this day we pay tribute to him.

R.I.P. George Steinbrenner
July 4, 1930 - July 13, 2010

George Steinbrenner on Seinfeld

(one of my favorite episodes)

By Coco Elle (A Met Fan)

5 Simple Rules

Ok ladies, it's my turn. An earlier post by my good friend Coco Elle listed a whole bunch of reasons why men can't understand women and blah, blah, blah. Truth is, we can understand you ladies - at least for the most part - it's just way more fun to act like we can't.

Like you always say, "men are simple creatures and women are complicated," and for the most part, that is true. We can have our own complex set of rules, but we mostly all follow the same simple laws:

1. When I'm with my friends or out in public, that's all I'm doing. There's no need to call me every hour on the hour, trying to control/check up on me. If you think I'm cheating, then I probably am so you might as well let me go; however, deep down, most women know their men aren't cheating, they just don't trust their own intuition.

2. Talk slowly and clearly so that we can hear you. I hate when women talk your ears off at 1200 words per second and then expect you to remember what they said on page 3, paragraph 5 sentence 12 of their life story.

3. Men are sexual beings. You know that. We know that; however, what most of you don't know is that we are fully aware of how much you like it as well. Real men manipulate more than women by letting stereotypes take the lead. Really, we could care less about who has the final say on the subject of sex, we just know that we will get it from somewhere so you're better off letting it be you.

4. When we're watching the game alone, come join; if we're watching with friends, make snacks or go do your own thing. Watching sports is something guys do as a part of nature, just like you women like to shop or have movie night, etc. We never want to do that alone, so if we're sitting there, it wouldn't hurt to grab some chips and salsa, and come take a seat. We'll respect you a lot more for trying to share the time with us and it might help you get your way down the road. However, if we are already with friends, please find another thing to do. We don't like having to choose between you and friends, and you might not like the answer, so you might just want to save yourself the time and do something else.

5. Laughter is the key to happiness. The only reason why women are so sensitive is because most of you take yourselves too seriously or have a low self esteem. Men laugh at their own expense, we tell rude and vicious jokes and like to maintain our composure while we do it.

In closing, I really did the list of 5 to humor you women out there who are obsessed with lists and rules. But, honestly, that's the problem; you worry way too much. When we're out, when we watch the game and don't talk to you, when we don't wanna watch The Notebook for the 4th time in a row, when we don't kiss you goodnight, etc. Don't take things like that personal, I'm not saying don't care about anything; I'm just saying don't worry about everything. It's just not healthy.

By Aaron Hilton
follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

In Relationships... Men Are Idiots

"Why are you so emotional," he asks as I breathe deeply, trying to keep him from hearing me cry. What I'd love to reply is: "Why are you so stupid," and quickly hang up the phone, but instead I stay on the line and continue to pull myself together as he insists that I was wrong (as always) and he is right.

There are five things that men need to understand:

1. Women are emotional creatures.
2. For some odd reason, women play games. We can't help ourselves. We can be mad at you and we won't tell you. Instead we'll try to give you signs, answer questions with short answers, hang up the phone without saying 'goodbye,' etc.
3. You can't understand us completely, mostly because you are simple, and we are complicated.
4. As my boyfriend says: "We are on two different brain waves." Translation: We don't think the same.
5. There are up to five days a month where if you piss us off, we are bound to either breakdown, throw a fit, run away, ignore you, etc, and we are justified. Who cares if we are wrong, who cares if you "didn't mean it that way." We are justified for being a bitch because it is God's fault... wait... I was wrong. It is Adam and Eve's fault. That darn mango!

You may read these tips, but you still won't understand your partner... why? Because that's the way it is. Why do I say that all men are idiots? Because it's true.

Okay... so I'm being kind of mean (after a tough few weeks in my relationship world.)

So there are also several things about men that women don't understand, such as:
1." After being with me for this long, why do you still not understand me?"
2. "Why is it so hard for you to understand what I want?"
3. "Why every time we go out to eat do you sit facing the television? Oh the Heat game? Guess what I don't care."

The list goes on and on, but at the end of the day... the fact still stands: Men are idiots.

Coco Elle


<<<< Can I edit the "I married" out and replace it with "I'm dating?" JK. I love my boyfriend.

Chicks Dig the Long Ball

In the past this feat wouldn’t have seemed possible. Even with the magical display put on by Josh Hamilton in the ’08 derby with his 28 homers couldn’t out do Dwight Howard’s gravity defying Superman Slam. But with this past year’s slam dunk disappointment the State Farm Home Run Derby has a chance to shine above the myriad of NBA all-star festivities.

For those who sat and watched this year’s dunk competition, I can only hope that wasn’t the highlight of your night. The 2010 dunk competition had to be the worst all-star festivity since, well, ever.

This year, the MLB has a chance to do something I never thought I’d see, top the dunk competition with the Home Run Derby. Who thought hitting a baseball would outweigh an acrobatic slam dunk?


It was just terrible, Shannon Brown, my dark horse, was supposed to use his NBA leading vertical leaps to wow the audience and steal the show. However he flaked out on me with a rather pedestrian performance in the first round; doing dunks that made Chris Anderson’s 2005 dunk performance not seem nearly as bad.



My friend, Malik, and I had a good laugh about it a few days later. We suggested that the league should have held open tryouts for the public, or maybe just switch to a layup competition starring Steve Nash.

One thing that does bother me about this year’s Home Run Derby is the fact that Nick Swisher is one of the participants. I love Swish, even though he’s a Yankee, he’s a fun guy and his personality is great for baseball; however, the dude has only had one season where he hit over 30 homers and isn’t really known to be a home run hitter.

The voters got it wrong on numerous occasions with this one because, according to an article I read over the weekend, the MLB didn’t even invite the HR king of the first half of the season, Jose Bautista. The dude hits a MLB leading 24 dingers in the first 88 games and yet doesn’t get voted to the all-star team, nor does he get invited to the home run derby. One question: how can the MLB’s HR leader not be in the home run derby? That just doesn’t make sense, and then you add the fact that Nick Swisher was the last AL invitee with nearly half the HR production (15).

Maybe Swish will hit 20 in the first round and go on to win the whole thing, but I seriously doubt it. Either way it goes, this year’s Home Run Derby should be an astronomical improvement on the sham that was the 2010 Dunk Competition.

By Aaron Hilton
follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

The Year of the Lefty

This year, without a doubt has been the year of the lefty. You can look at the resurgence of David Ortiz to All-Star status, the emergence of Brennan Boesch as well as monster seasons being put together by Justin Morneau, Robbie Cano, and Josh Hamilton; and that’s just AL hitters.

The hitters in the NL have been led by Joey Votto who has finally made an all-star team and is leading the overachieving Reds to a possible first place finish in the NL Central. Then you look at other breakouts like Martin Prado and Angel Pagan (who is a switch hitter who’s absolutely raking from the left side of the plate), as well as stellar first halfs by Andre Ethier and Adam Dunn.

AL pitchers Jon Lester, Cliff Lee, and David Price have utterly dominated their competition and you can’t forget about C.C. and Andy Petite. Then there’s lefty relievers like Scott Downs, Matt Thornton and Phil Coke who are putting together all-star caliber seasons.

In the NL you have the resurgence of Barry Zito, the consistency of Johan Santana and the agelessness of Jaime Moyer to go along with the youthful future aces like Jaime Garcia and Clayton Kershaw. In the bullpen you have guys like Hong-Chih Kuo and Arthur Rhodes who provide a smooth transition to closers like Billy Wagner.

This could be a year in which we see left handers sweep the post season awards. Here’s how I would vote if my opinion mattered (shot out to Marc Spears, Greg Lee, David Squires, and Leon Carter):

AL MVP:
Josh Hamilton – this guy has been through hell and back, was set back in a major way with injuries and a drop in production last year and has re-found his mojo in one of the great storylines of the 2010 season. (Note: this award would’ve gone to Robinson Cano; however, as a Red Sox fan, I just couldn’t bring myself to give it to a Yankee. It was hard enough to give him his due credit).

NL MVP:
Joey Votto – these are his numbers: .314/.422/.589 with 22 HR (tied for NL lead) and 59 runs; now look at everybody’s favorite pick, Albert Pujols: .308/.416/.576 with 64 RBI 21 HR and 55 runs. Votto leads the 3-time MVP in every major slugging category with the exception of RBI (Votto has 60).


AL Cy Young:
Jon Lester – if David Price leads his team to winning the East, then this award goes to him; however, if you look at the Red Sox pitching staff the past three years (including ’10), the one constant has been Lester who has had an ERA below 4.00 and at least 15 wins since ’08. In a year where the Red Sox have dropped like flies, Lester has kept Boston afloat and in the playoff hunt.

NL Cy Young:
Jaime Garcia – honestly, my real pick is Josh Johnson of the Marlins but, for the sake of argument (The Year of the Lefty) I’m taking Garcia. He’s leading all NL southpaws in ERA, and he’s only had one game in which he’s allowed more than 3 earned runs. On any other team, he’d be a 1 or 2, but he pitches for the Cardinals who already have Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright.

AL Rookie of the Year:
Brennan Boesch – if Boesch doesn’t win this award then it will be a total crime. He leads all rookies in batting average, home runs, RBI, OBP and slugging percentage; if that doesn’t make you rookie of the year, then I don’t know what does.

NL Rookie of the Year:
Jamie Garcia – this is where I think he truly fits. He probably won’t win the Cy Young, and he shouldn’t; however, Garcia has surprised everyone with his dominance of the NL this season. He burst onto the scene out of nowhere – much like Boesch – and has displayed great composure to accompany his filthy breaking ball. He’s a shoe in for the award so far, in my eyes; sorry Jason Heyward.

Some other lefties having a great year: Nick Swisher, Brett Gardner, John Danks, Jason Vargas, Carl Crawford, Carlos Gonzalez, Clayton Richard, C.J. Wilson, Gio Gonzalez, Dallas Braden, David DeJesus, James Loney, Aubrey Huff, Will Ohman, Pedro Fliciano, Ryan Sweeny, Shin-Soo Choo, Colby Rasmus, and Kelly Johnson.

By Aaron Hilton
follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

Bad Boy of the Week

In matters of love vs. money, singer, songwriter, and producer Terius 'The Dream' Nash (right) chose the latter. This man can't love.

First Nivea, then Christina Milian, for such an unattractive man, I don't know how it's possible... but The Dream seems to be a heartbreaker.

After nearly a year of marital bliss Nash is divorcing his wife, singer Christina Milian. With no wedding ring in sight, and rumors circulating that his marriage with Milian is on the rocks, you'd think that Nash would lay low. Regrettably, the singer was photographed coupled up with a woman at a beach in the Caribbean.

A rep for The Dream spoke with USmagazine.com and made this statement:
"Terius 'The-Dream' Nash is saddened to announce that his marriage to Christina Milian was unsuccessful. The couple reached this decision in late 2009, but decided to keep the news private in efforts to protect their baby daughter Violet. They ask for consideration and respect for their family moving forward."
(Check out the article)

The Dreams' marital life seems to be a nightmare... but at least he's having fun at the beach!

Dear Mr. Nash,
Shame on you!

Coco Elle

Way Out of Line: Jesse Jackson

Sometimes I really wonder why people like Jesse Jackson make headlines every couple of weeks…and then I remember the “I want to cut his nuts off” comment and think ‘Yep, now I remember.’

In this week’s episode of Way Out of Line, Jesse Jackson likened Cleveland Cavaliers majority owner, Dan Gilbert, to a slave owner who has just lost his slave, LeBron James.

In the words of Ed Lover, “C’mon Son! Get da fuck outta here wit dat shit!” That has to be the most foolish thing I’ve ever heard, and I’ve listened to just about every song put out by Soulja Boy and Wacka Flocka, so I know what I’m talking about. Last time I checked, slave owners didn’t sign their workers to multi-million dollar contracts and put up posters around the plantation in their honor.

I agreed with everything Rev. Jackson had said about the whole LeBron vs. Gilbert saga up until he threw the lost episode of Roots comparison at me. Did Gilbert go too far and drum up a lot of hostility towards King James, yes. Did he come off like a little kid who doesn’t want to share his toys, yes. But I don’t think you can liken any of that to slavery, that’s just ridiculous. Gilbert didn’t come off as if he owned the King, he was upset that the crowned ‘King’ of Ohio, who had been so loyal to the city, would just turn his back on the fans that supported him his whole life. He didn’t just think LeBron turned his back on the Cavs or Cleveland; he thought James turned his back on the whole state of Ohio.

When you’re a figurehead that’s as influential and iconic as Jesse Jackson, you have to choose your words carefully. There are people that read these things and will follow suit and agree with him, just based on the fact that it’s Jesse Jackson and ‘he must know what he’s talking about.’

Politics and Civil Rights play a significant part in sports and I appreciate the fact that he sounded off on Gilbert. It needed to be done with James doing what he does best, nothing. But I think we went a little too far with his comments, yet again.

I just want to know why black people have to turn everything into a matter of race as a self defense mechanism. Just because Gilbert is white and James is black doesn’t mean that he felt like he owned LeBron; he just felt attached to the man who put Ohio and the Cleveland Cavaliers back on the map. The guy is allowed to be upset when the player that he’s invested so much money into just up and leaves his ‘home’; and he shouldn’t have to hear talk about being a slave master when he does it.

I have the utmost respect for Rev. Jackson and everything he does for the community, but he took it too far this time. Some thoughts are just better when kept to yourself; you have to know when to put down the mic.

By Aaron Hilton
You can follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401