Celebrity-Athlete of the Day: Curtis Granderson

A lot of these look-alikes have been current actors/stars and I feel like I’m not showing any love to the throw backs.

This Celebrity-Athlete is dedicated to one of my favorite movies of all times, Cool Runnings. Enjoy.

Today’s Athlete: Curtis Granderson, CF for the New York Yankees.

• When Granderson went down earlier in the season, I couldn’t help but say, “Sanka! You dead?!” Why? You might ask; well that’s because the Yankees 5-tool center fielder is a carbon copy of Doug E. Doug. Doug played the popular character, Sanka Coffie, in the 1993 classic, Cool Runnings.
  
  If you’re over the age of 20, and you haven’t seen Cool Runnings, you need to re-evaluate your life. Probably one of the most underrated, great movies of my youth; and Sanka is one of my favorite movie characters from the 90s next to the black Power Ranger (Zack, not that other guy from the motion picture…don’t act like you didn’t watch Power Rangers either).
  
  If you take away the dreads and add a baseball cap, you probably couldn’t tell the difference. Now that Doug is getting older, he’s starting to look a bit different, but back in ’93, he and Granderson looked just alike.
  
  I bet, before every game, Granderson kisses his lucky egg and stuffs it back in his pants; just like Sanka ($10 says Marcus Thames plays the role of Yul Brenner on the Yankees bobsled team). He probably looks in the mirror before every game and says, “I see PRIDE! I see POWER! I see a bad motha-(expletive), who don’t take no shit from NOBODY!” (Again, if you didn’t watch the movie, you won’t get the reference; just another reason why you need to re-evaluate your choice in movies).
  
  Both are lovable guys with great character. Doug E. Doug might not don pin stripes in the summer, and Granderson isn’t from Jamaica (although, neither is Doug) but that’s about the only thing that separates the two.
  
  Hopefully you can see the similarities in their faces; however, I really hope this inspires you to dig in your closet – or go to your nearest blockbuster – and rent Cool Runnings; it’s a must see.

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

AFC East Preview

AFC East teams were in a dead heat as last season came to a close. This year I expect only a two team race to winning the division. While the Dolphins showed some promise, the Jets and Patriots are too good for Miami to keep up with (barring any help from LeBron, Wade and Bosh). I’m just not sure how convinced I am on Chad Henne being the QB they need to make it in the playoffs; however, only time will tell.

New England Patriots – Any time you have Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Bill Belichick on the same team, there will be playoff implications. The biggest question for the Patriots is their front-seven which struggled to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks in ’09. Jerod Mayo is a future star and Vince Wilfork is your quintessential space-eater at DT, but the other five players will need to step up in passing situations in order to help a rather pedestrian New England DB corps. Projected record: 10-6

New York Jets – Jets fans have a lot to look forward to in 2010, but only if they can resolve Revis’ contract dispute. He wants to get paid like the best DB in the league, and he has a valid argument. The Jets’ additions of LT and Santonio Holmes on offense will make Mark Sanchez’s second year behind center much easier. The Jets were tops in the NFL in rushing offense and passing defense last year and I don’t see that changing – especially if they get Revis back – however, I expect Sanchez to have a bigger role in their 2010 offense which ranked 31st last year in passing yards. Projected record: 11-5

Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins will, likely, be the odd man out in the 2010 postseason for two reasons: QB play and lack of talent at WR/TE (I’ll give you three seconds to name the other starting WR and TE for the Dolphins, not named Brandon Marshall…one, two, two-and-a-half, two-and-seven-eighths…). My point exactly, they made an upgrade to their primary receiver, but the other guys at that position don’t really have the talent to out duel high powered offenses like New England or beat a stingy NY Jets defense. Running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams will keep this team above water, but they won’t make the post season unless Henne and the other receivers step up, big time. Projected record: 9-6-1 (I like to mix it up a bit from time to time…I mean business, but I also like to party).

Buffalo Bills – Ok, if you watch any level of sports – even if it’s just your little brother’s/son’s pee wee team – you should know that the Bills won’t make much noise this year, let alone make the playoffs. Right now they are having a QB battle between three C-list quarterbacks – Brian Brohm, Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick. That’s not a good start for them. They do have a few bright spots with RB CJ Spiller, and Jairus Byrd at safety, leading a young group of talented DBs. Their front seven is average, and Aaron Maybin should get a lot of time at OLB with Aaron Schobel falling out of favor in Buffalo. This is definitely a team in transition, but there is hope if they can find the right leader. Projected record: 5-11

At the end of the day, I expect the Jets to win the division with their playmaking on defense. They are also my surprise Superbowl contender, provided Mark Sanchez improves his turnover ratio. The Pats are always locks to win at least 10 games a season with Brady at the helm, but I don’t know if an aging Randy Moss and ailing Wes Welker can turn attention away from a less-than-spectacular backfield. The Dolphins are just one or two key pieces from beating the Patriots and the Bills round out the bottom of the division, again.

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

A lesson that I've learned in love came from the world's wisest man alive... my father.

Ladies, when it comes to loving a man there is one thing that you must understand. It's all good and dandy to feed him, spend time with him, whisper sweet things in his ear and "love him"... but without RESPECT you will not have a long lasting relationship.

Women want and long for love,
men are prideful beings... RESPECT them.

I always had an issue with that unfortunate verse in the bible where it says : "Wives, submit to your husband as to the Lord..." Ephesians 5:25-26. I always remember the day when I first read that verse because I got kicked out of Sunday school that day. Who would've guessed that I was the Pastor's daughter? The minister was not focusing on that one line that I had immediately memorized and sworn to white-out of my future husbands bible, yet I made a huge fuss and began a fight with one of my male friends. 'Clearly,' I thought, 'God didn't get this one right.' I remember saying: "It's the 21st century, not the 50's." Yea... I was an angel.

At a young age, I was the brat of the house, my father's baby girl, and I generally said what I felt. Until I started dating did I find that the way I spoke to men (as if they were my slaves) ruined my relationships.

Try it out: If you begin to show the utmost respect to your man, you will reap the benefits. Don't be his slaves, but try these tactics.

• 1. Don't fight in public. Even if you get in a disagreement outside of your home wait until you are alone to address it.



• 2. Don't embarrass him. Don't call him "teddy bear" or any other cute name in public. Don't force him to say "I love you" when you know he's around his friends.



• 3. Ask him input when you are making decisions for yourself or the two of you. This will let him know you care what he thinks.



• 4. Don't call him stupid, dumb, annoying, N-word, idiot, etc. Although some men tolerate it, it is not acceptable. Don't call him any other name but nicknames and whatever is on his birth certificate. Believe me, if you're speaking to him any ol' way around his friends, they're asking him "Why do you let her talk to you like that?"



• 5. Don't boss him around.
  

Remember how they've always taught us that "you can judge how a man will treat you by how he treats his mother?" That doesn't apply to women. I know for myself, I treat my father as if he is a king (because he is), but when it came to the other men in my life it did not apply. That mindset is wrong. So... women, respect your men. Treat and speak to them like they are (not Kings unless there's a ring involved) ... let's say a Prince.

Good luck and God bless. Happiness and uh... Love?

_Coco Elle_

Celebrity-Athlete of the Day: Aaron Hilton

A common saying that I like to live by is, “Don’t dish out more punishment than you can take.” That is to say, you shouldn’t tell any jokes that, if flipped back on you, would be too much for you to handle.

I have poked fun at 10 different athletes so far; comparing them to everything from a genuine look alike, to an extinct reptile (although, you have to admit, that Bosh one was right on the money).

Anyone that knows me, knows that I was a tri-varsity athlete my senior year in high school and that basketball has long been my passion. So, technically, this weeks installment is still a celebrity-athlete look-alike.

Today’s Athlete: Aaron Hilton, center for the St. George’s Dragons (what they know about SG @itsjustgriff? Ha-ha).

• As my good friend, high school roommate and fellow HU student, Griff, knows; I look exactly like Steve Urkel (not Jaleel White – the actor who played Urkel in Family Matters – the actual character).
  
  All throughout high school I was a lame, skinny, corny black kid who sounded like Miley Cyrus. My pants rarely ever went down past my ankles and I wore short sleeved collared shirts with a neck tie during mandatory chapel. (Yea, come to think of it, Urkel wasn’t even this lame. At least he had hope with Laura.)
  
  I was always correcting people with lines like, “Well, actually…” and “Contrary to popular belief…” (I wish I was making this up, trust me).
  
  Urkel was the nerd for years on that show until he invented an alter ego, Stephon Urkél; my nickname junior year became Big Sexy (with each stroke of the keyboard I’m digging myself a deeper hole). While the nickname was meant to be one of those ironically false aliases – like a midget named ‘Big Tony’ or something like that – however, I took it to the bank and made it my own.
  
  One thing we don’t have in common is family. Urkel had an ugly twin sister and my sisters aren’t that ugly (as much as it pains me to admit) and you never saw his family; however my family was always around. All my friends came to chill at my house, not the other way around (that’s probably why I didn’t get the Jazzy Jeff treatment growing up).
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  I’m all grown up now and I’ve put my clumsy, nerdy days behind me; but, I’m still that same kid I was 7 years ago. Sadly, Jaleel has moved on from his Urkel days; every now and then, I still have mine.

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

AFC West Preview

The AFC West is going to be the topic of much discussion prior, during and after this 2010 season. You have the hapless Raiders and their quest for ‘Excellence’, Tebowmania in Denver, Matt Cassel’s second year out in KC and the drama that is San Diego.

Oakland Raiders – I honestly believe that this will be a much improved team this year. Not because of Jason Campbell or Rolondo McClain, but because of Tom Cable and Michael Bush. Al Davis has put Cable's prior issues behind him and kept Cable on as the head coach. In order for the Raiders to win, they need identity. In order to have an identity, you need stability in your coaching; Cable and offensive coordinator Hue Jackson should provide that in 2010. RB Michael Bush will likely be the workhorse for the run-heavy Raiders. If he uses his size to his advantage, he should be a big weapon around the goal line for Oakland; allowing McFadden to be more versatile. Projected record: 8-8

Denver Broncos – The Broncos are an interesting team to gauge. They have a lot of youth in their offense. Their number one receiver heading into camp is either 3rd year man, Eddie Royal, or rookie, Demaryius Thomas. Knowshon Moreno was solid in his rookie campaign; however, fatigue set in towards the end of the season and it badly affected the Broncos’ offense. Their ineffective ground game put more pressure on QB Kyle Orton and he was exposed, just like what happened to him in Chicago. Projected record: 9-7

Kansas City Chiefs – Matt Cassel will be the key to this season for the Chiefs. Their running game is solid with proven backs like Thomas Jones and up and comer Jamaal Charles. It will be interesting to see how Dwayne Bowe handles himself this season because he will be Cassel’s main target at receiver. It will also be interesting to see how the Chiefs’ line holds up this season. They have Brandon Albert listed as their starting left tackle – the most important position on the offensive line – which shows a lot of faith in their front office. If he does well, the Chiefs could surprise everyone in the wide-open AFC West. Projected record: 5-11

San Diego Chargers – With LT in New York and no sign of Vincent Jackson in the near future, the Chargers’ offense will fall heavily on the shoulders of Phillip Rivers and his ability to make those around him better. The biggest question mark heading into camp will be their defense. Antoine Cason will have to step up big time after the departure of, playmaker, Antonio Cromartie. It will also be interesting to see which Shawne Merriman the Chargers have this year; will it be the defensive standout from his first three years or the troubled shell of himself that he’s been since the ’08 season. Merriman will have his hands full trying to keep his starting job if Larry English – San Diego’s first-round pick a year ago – continues to do well in training camp. Projected record: 10-6

In summation, the AFC West will be up for grabs this year. The Chargers were – and still are – the odds on favorites to win the division; however, their losses in the offseason, coupled with the Vincent Jackson drama could be too much to overcome. The Raiders could finally find a way out of the AFC West basement this year with a lot more stability throughout their team – coaches, quarterbacks, etc. – although I doubt that they will make the playoffs this year. The Chiefs and Broncos are wildcards and could either do a lot of damage or pad the records of the other teams in this division. Either way, the AFC West should be an interesting division to keep an eye on.

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

Where'd he go?

To all my ladies out there who are clingers... you love your boyfriend, he's your "world," if you could you'd spend every minute of your day with him (minus your toilet sessions) you would, and he's met your fam and friends. Here are a few tips on how to cut back before you unintentionally push him away.

By the way ladies: Even if he doesn't complain to you, you don't know what he's telling his friends or exactly what he's feeling (he may not complain to you just yet because he doesn't want to hurt your feelings). And you don't want to ever become the girl that calls her man over and over if he doesn't answer. That's what we call harassing, and that’s what I call crazy!

1. Make time for yourself. Having a designated time for yourself will give you sometime to 'discover yourself' (I hate clichés... I apologize). Hang out with friends, read a book, do something other than think of him. Unless you have a wedding band on your finger, he is not your life!

2. Get a hobby. Apparently you were doing something before you got into this relationship. You had a life, your own set of friends, your own schedule and plans. Keep them! Aside from the casual dating and excess partying that you may have stopped or put on hold, continue to do the things you were doing before this man. When he's not around you don't want to be bored, and the last thing you want to be is a woman who cannot live without her man.

3. Make time for family. One thing that I've noticed is that many females in my family who have boyfriends rarely see their family. Of course as you get older you have a life outside of your relatives, but make sure you keep in touch. If by any chance you break up with your man in the future, nothing is more therapeutic then a day with your girlfriends, and spending time with your family. They love you unconditionally and fortunately for you... they're stuck with ya. So make time for your family, go see your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters and brothers. Don't forget the people who matter most.

4. Meditate. It sounds crazy, but enjoying peaceful time alone with no interactions can truly help to clear your mind. Use this time to listen to soft music and relax. If you're a Christian, use this time to focus on God, read his word and pray. Take time for you and only you. It's your day off from the world. Enjoy it.

5. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing. This is one thing that I struggle with. If you're on Twitter or Facebook, and reading other people's statuses, you can begin to envy them and wish you were out and about on town, with your significant other, on vacation, etc. If you find that you always want to do what everyone else is doing, check your Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc. less. Instead focus on what YOU are doing.

6.Give him some space! This one is basic. Don't question him, you're not his parent. If he's hanging out with friends, let him call you back when he has time. If he doesn't call you back (when you want) do something else. Occupy your time with activities, work, etc. Don't wait on a call, let the man be.

7. Encourage him. If you are not telling your man how great he is, someone else will.

When he's down, you want to be the person that he calls and talks to. Whether he's happy or sad, he needs to know that you believe in him. Understand that when he's acting differently, it's not always because he's around someone, cheating, or any other thing our emotional selves come up with on a whim. Always ask if everything is okay, and give him time to speak. Remember: If he doesn't call you and you already know he's not feeling his best, text him and let him know you care, but don't harass him. He needs comfort, not you constantly speed dialing his phone. Don't complain when he doesn't have time to speak with you because he's working or searching for a job. You'll only sound selfish and stupid. Let him be and give him space.


Seven is the number of completion so I'll end here. I ended with encourage him because you're in a relationship, I'm not going to give you a list filled with only things to do outside of that relationship. In order to improve your relationship you need to find time for yourself, but also keep your man happy.

God bless all of those in the relationship world (and no one else... jk) and good luck :-)
_Coco Elle_

Third times a charm...

Today, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Brett Favre will be retiring from the NFL, leaving the Minnesota Vikings after last years spectacular season. For Viking fans... oh well... let's hope this is all speculation. But as a Jets fan myself, I'll be happy to see him go.

Bye bye Brett!!! Purple doesn't look good on you anyways.

Favre should hold a press conference and apologize to all Green Bay, Jets, and Vikings fans who had faith in him. After all these years Favre is doing what he does best, calling it quits before he can acquire a ring - with the exception of the Superbowl he won in Green Bay. So much for the Vikings 2010-11 winning season. At least now he'll have time to focus on his family and future.

The end of his relationship with the NFL should be like a mutual breakup in a romantic relationship with no more of this 'breakup to makeup' crap. It's better for all of us. We'll easily get over him... but we'll never forget Brett the Jet, Packer, Falcon, and Viking.

Celebrity-Athlete of the Day: Shannon Brown

I got away from my Celebrity Look-alike series for a few days, but I’m back this week with some really good ones.

Today’s Athlete: Shannon Brown, reserve guard for the LA Lakers.

• I just had to get this one off my chest; it’s been bothering me since the 2010 NBA Finals. I’m just gonna put it out there: dude looks like Chris Brown. There, I said it; you’d have to be blind not to agree with me.
  
  Every aspect of his person just screams Chris Brown. They’re both freakish athletes, have no problem getting the girl and made a serious comeback in 2010. (Did I mention that they share the same last name?)
  
  Everybody knows the story with Breezy; he got a little too animated with his girlfriend and things got ugly. Shannon Brown was a competitor in the 2003 McDonald’s High School Dunk Competition – won by LeBron James (maybe you’ve heard of him) – but tanked in this year’s NBA Dunk Competition. After that abysmal display of wackness, he faded of the NBA radar for a while.
  
  This year, both of them re-emerged in their respective genres as stars. Chris Brown cleaned up his act, grew a goatee and danced his way back into young women’s hearts. Shannon Brown dunked on Mikki Moore so hard that he might have even received an all-star vote - even though it was during the '09 Preseason - and his performance in the finals was impressive as well. The high-flyer also made an appearance as the love interest in Monica’s new music video “Love All Over Me”.
  
  
  
  Breezy is a huge basketball fan and has participated in numerous charity basketball events in the past. Shannon Brown, likely, has no singing talents – although he might be a pretty good dancer, I’m not sure. What Shannon does have is his connection to R&B Diva, Monica; his alleged girlfriend (so back-to-back NBA Championships weren’t enough? You had to go and take Monica from us too? The nerve of athletes these days.)
  
  I’ve done ten of these celebrity-athlete pieces now, and this one is, by far, the closest. THEY HAVE THE SAME LAST NAME DAMMIT! I’m just going to start the rumor myself – in case it hasn’t been started already – they’re second cousins. HA! Now just try and prove me wrong (just so you know, even if you could prove me wrong – which you can’t – I wouldn’t believe you).

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401