« October 2005 | Main | December 2005 »
November 30, 2005
Ursula Mayes - Picture Perfect
I figured she would be hot, but when I met up with this week’s model, Ursula Mayes, to do an interview and saw her face for the first time, I realized this was no ordinary beauty.
I fully expected some flaw to rise to the surface, some trace of the ordinary or the neurotic, but instead, I discovered she’s just as beautiful on the inside. There was no hint of being full of herself or humorless or negative about the world.
After you spend a few minutes talking to her, Ursula leaves you wishing she were your girlfriend so you could come home from work and just stare at her instead of the television. Even in her street clothes, she looked as beautiful as any bride might appear on her wedding day.
Ursula, who won the title of Miss Hot Import Nights 2005, seems destined to make thousands of men fall in love at first sight. Her ever-growing fan base has snowballed since she played in the Lingerie Bowl and became finalists for both Maxim’s beauty contest and the WWE 2005 Raw Diva competition.
“Things have been crazy since I've moved to Southern California! I have been extremely busy on my travels as Miss HIN for Vision Entertainment,” she told me.
With an encore Lingerie Bowl appearance in the works, along with numerous calendar and magazine spreads, 2006 promises to be an even busier time for her.
As I listened to her speak, I basked in the glow of her gorgeousness…
ezsportsonline: I know you hear this ALL the time, but you are so beautiful!
Ursula: Thank you.
ezsportsonline: I’m going to ask you some questions to see whether you’re as perfect as you seem.
Ursula: (Laughs) Okay.
ezsportsonline: When do you feel your sexiest?
Ursula: When I wear lingerie. I collect it.
ezsportsonline: Sweet! Do you sleep in anything particular?
Ursula: My Target PJ’s or nothing at all. It’s all about soft, soft, soft for me.
ezsportsonline: If your lover asked you to do something really kinky in bed, would you do it?
Ursula: When I am with someone, I like to make them happy.
ezsportsonline: Are you taking applications for the job?
Ursula: No, I am taken.
ezsportsonline: You’re breaking my heart.
Ursula: (Laughs)
ezsportsonline: I guess we can still be friends. Do you think a guy can ever remain
your friend or do they all secretly plot to beg their way into your bed?
Ursula: What? Are we animals? Of course. Crossing the line from being good friends to having sex is for the selfish and weak-minded. If a guy friend said he was in love with me and asked for sex, I would probably cut off ties because it would make me uncomfortable. But that’s never happened. My best guy friend is a fabulous gay diva!
ezsportsonline: What about ex-boyfriends? I bet they constantly call you realizing they made the biggest mistake of their lives. Do you make them grovel for a while?
Ursula: I don’t take people back. Pages of a chapter are turned for a reason.
ezsportsonline: Have you ever broken up with a guy for showing you off like a trophy or being an emotional vampire, wanting to suck all of the life out of you?
Ursula: Yes. I dumped them. I’m sure I have been cheated on at some point but never knew. I’m sure it has happened to most people. Definitely not cool and I would never want it done to me so I wouldn’t cheat on anyone else. I find that show “Cheaters” extremely funny and so dumb, not to mention ghetto. Yet I’m still compelled to watch it.
Posted by admin at 05:26 PM | Comments (0)
November 29, 2005
Week 12 snapshots
(Nov. 29, 2005) -- It's an old-school formula, but it works. Prevent the opponent from scoring, or at least minimize its point total, and your chances for victory improve greatly. The Chicago Bears have followed this approach all season, and it has allowed them to win seven consecutive games and build a fairly solid perch atop the NFC North. With the NFL's top-ranked defense, the Bears only needed some offensive efficiency and a little good fortune in the form of a late missed chip-shot field-goal attempt by Matt Bryant on the way to a 13-10 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bears' defensive dominance begins with a line that has been virtually unstoppable in rushing the passer. And their lone touchdown was set up on the Buccaneers' first possession when Chris Simms fumbled while being sacked by end Alex Brown. Simms was sacked four times and was never able to consistently make big plays. Chicago also kept Tampa Bay's running game mostly in check. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers did precisely what they needed to do to have their best shot at victory by shutting down the Bears' ground attack and forcing Kyle Orton to attempt 28 passes. He ended up with only 134 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Still, the Bears formula has them as a team that is very much a factor in the battle for NFC supremacy.
Seattle 24, N.Y. Giants 21
San Diego 23, Washington 17
Kansas City 26, New England 16
St. Louis 33, Houston 27
Minnesota 24, Cleveland 12
Cincinnati 42, Baltimore 29
Carolina 13, Buffalo 9
Jacksonville 24, Arizona 17
Miami 33, Oakland 21
Philadelphia 19, Green Bay 14
Tennessee 33, San Francisco 22
Seattle 24, N.Y. Giants 21 (OT): On a day of multiple statement games for the NFC, the Seahawks made a huge one by surviving -- yes, that's the right word -- to win this game. Jay Feely had three chances to win the game with a field goal, once at the end of regulation and twice in overtime, and missed them all. The Giants did an amazing job of bottling up Shaun Alexander, and that went a long way toward making this game so close for its duration. But Alexander finally got going when it counted, with back-to-back runs of eight and 13 yards in overtime to help set up Josh Brown's winning kick. For the Giants, frustration will go beyond the fact that it was a game they thought they had won three different times. They will also look at the squandered brilliant performances by Tiki Barber (151 rushing yards and five receptions for 27 yards) and Eli Manning (29 of 53 for 344 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception). It was a draining performance, but the Seahawks still have the distinction of being one of two teams to beat -- if not THE team -- in the NFC.
San Diego 23, Washington 17 (OT): Let's not get too hasty about that Shaun Alexander for MVP talk. LaDainian Tomlinson keeps himself very much in the conversation by doing the sort of thing he did in this game, which is score three touchdowns, including a 41-yarder in overtime. Tomlinson ripped through a very good defense for 184 rushing yards, and also caught six passes for 29 more yards. His efforts allowed the Chargers to overcome a three-interception day for Drew Brees, who seemingly could do no wrong in Week 11 against Buffalo. San Diego's defense merits recognition for limiting Mark Brunell to under 200 passing yards and one scoring throw, and holding Clinton Portis to 83 yards on the ground. Once again, the Redskins were not able to get any big plays because their biggest play-maker, Santana Moss, finished with a mere 65 receiving yards (and a long of 22) on six catches.
Kansas City 26, New England 16: It's tough enough to win at Arrowhead Stadium with a complete offense. It's nearly impossible to do so without the help of a running game. And the Patriots simply don't have one, which allowed KC's defense to intercept Tom Brady four times. Brady has done a remarkable job of carrying the Super Bowl champions on his passing arm, but the load has become too heavy. The Chiefs dominated this game in all phases. With the ground support of Larry Johnson's 119 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries, Trent Green was free to further take apart New England's injury-shredded defense for 323 yards and a score. Amazingly, the loss did nothing to damage New England's hold on first place in the AFC East, because the Bills also lost. Even more incredible is that the Patriots, at 6-5, still have the inside track on winning the division.
St. Louis 33, Houston 27 (OT): The indication of a poor team isn't limited to its won-loss record, which told the story of the Texans' nightmarish season long before kickoff. No, it is when a team goes to unbelievable lengths to find a way to lose, as the Texans did in falling to 1-10. They found a way to squander a 21-point halftime lead. Perhaps, as a team that has found itself buried so deeply in a losing atmosphere this season, the Texans simply didn't know how to go about closing the sale. The Rams deserve credit for their big-hearted effort, especially considering they were without injured starting quarterback Marc Bulger and that rookie third-stringer Ryan Fitzpatrick led the comeback after Jamie Martin left late in the first quarter with a blow to the head. The Texans sacked Fitzpatrick five times, but he kept his composure well enough to throw for 310 yards and three touchdowns.
Minnesota 24, Cleveland 12: The Vikings have become perhaps the best story of the second half of the season. To merely pick up the shattered pieces of their first half of the year is impressive enough. To put themselves into the postseason hunt is almost beyond comprehension. Like the Bears, the Vikings are doing it with defense. Minnesota made it a long and miserable day for Trent Dilfer, forcing him into four turnovers (two interceptions and two fumbles), while also discouraging the Browns from getting their usual strong production from Reuben Droughns. And with the Vikings' defensive dominance setting the tone, Brad Johnson, who has been a steadying force since replacing injured Daunte Culpepper at quarterback, was in great position to throw for three touchdowns.
Cincinnati 42, Baltimore 29: The Ravens certainly opened a few eyes with their stunning win against the Steelers in Week 11, but they returned to reality seven days later. The Bengals had no problem doing anything they pleased against Baltimore's defense. And it all began with the constant big-play threat of Cincinnati's passing game, which saw Carson Palmer throw for 300-plus yards and three touchdowns along with an interception. Rudi Johnson complemented Palmer with a 100-plus-yard, two-touchdown rushing day as the Bengals offensive line once again demonstrated its ability to dominate. The Bengals and Steelers are going to continue to wage this two-team battle for the AFC North title, and the outcome will likely be decided by how each team does in games it is supposed to win.
Carolina 13, Buffalo 9: Despite the Panthers' 7-3 record entering the game, this was a critical win. After their Week 11 loss to Chicago, the Panthers needed to keep their solid footing in the competitive NFC postseason picture, and they have done so by assuming sole possession of first place in the NFC South. Their defense did enough to make the difference in the outcome, holding Willis McGahee to a mere 53 rushing yards and constantly harassing J.P. Losman, who was sacked four times and threw a late interception to seal the game. But their offense -- especially their running game -- struggled too much against a beat-up and struggling Bills defense that can't stop anyone on the ground.
Jacksonville 24, Arizona 17: The Jaguars had the necessary depth at quarterback and running back, to go along with a solid defensive performance, to dispose of the Cardinals. David Garrard took over after Byron Leftwich left with what reportedly is a broken ankle. Although Garrard didn't do anything special with his arm, he did run for 61 yards and a touchdown. Garrard also avoided mistakes and kept the Jags offense on track. Greg Jones, filling in for injured Fred Taylor at running back, produced 78 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Jacksonville's defense forced Kurt Warner to throw an interception and lose a fumble. It was the sort of effort that continues to make the Jaguars a strong factor in the AFC playoff picture, but the team could have serious trouble down the stretch with Leftwich likely out for an extended period.
Miami 33, Oakland 21: By the end, it seemed as if neither team wanted to win. The Raiders had opportunity after opportunity, and failed to capitalize. Ditto for the Dolphins. But after such a dreadful showing in Cleveland in Week 11, the Dolphins did show plenty by traveling across the country and coming out with a win that keeps them alive in the AFC East, a division that none of its members seem to want to win. Ricky Williams was impressive, rushing for 82 yards and a touchdown. Gus Frerotte was effective enough, throwing for 261 yards and two scores, while also throwing an interception. But at the end of the day, Miami's MVP might very well have been Kerry Collins, who threw for no scores, had two interceptions and fumbled. The one Raiders bright spot: LaMont Jordan's 97 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Philadelphia 19, Green Bay 14: Who said the Eagles can't run the ball? They churned out 180 yards, including 117 and a touchdown from Brian Westbrook. And that was all the Eagles needed on a day when the Packers had a decent running game of their own (111 yards by Samkon Gado) but killed themselves with mistakes. Brett Favre threw two interceptions, and Green Bay also lost three fumbles. Mike McMahon didn't do all that much to help the Eagles win, but he did nothing to hurt them in throwing for 91 yards.
Tennessee 33, San Francisco 22: There was no coincidence that Steve McNair had his best performance since 2003 against the league's lowest-ranked overall defense and pass defense. But let's not take anything away from McNair. Regardless of the opponent, he did look like the McNair of old, throwing for 343 yards and three touchdowns. The Titans also looked like their old, playmaking selves on defense, forcing four turnovers (including two interceptions and a fumble by Niners quarterback Ken Dorsey).
Posted by admin at 03:47 PM | Comments (0)
November 28, 2005
Josh Brown kicks field goal in OT as Seattle beats the Giants 24-21
SEATTLE (AP) - The more the Seahawks tried to hand the game to the Giants, the more Jay Feely kept kicking it back.
And short. And wide.
NFC-leading Seattle survived a wild finish and an even wilder overtime to steal a 24-21 victory Sunday over New York, which had three chances to win with Feely - 23-of-25 on field goals up to that point - on the field.
The result of each belied an impressive Giants effort: Feely was barely wide left on a 40-yarder on the final play of regulation, short on a 54-yard try in overtime, and wide right and way short on a second chance in the extra period from 45 yards.
By the third miss, the Seahawks were finally ready to capitalize.
Matt Hasselbeck lofted a 38-yard pass between the Giants' zone coverages to push Seattle from its 24 to the New York 38. Then Josh Brown made a 36-yard field goal with 2:45 left in overtime.
Seattle's seventh straight victory leaves it one win or a St. Louis loss away from clinching the NFC West; the Seahawks are now 9-2 for the first time since 1984 - which is also the last time they won a playoff game. They have only one game remaining against a team with a winning record, Dec. 24 against Peyton Manning's undefeated Indianapolis Colts.
"What was it, three (misses)?" Hasselbeck said after he completed 21 of 37 passes for 249 yards and two scores and an interception.
"Shoot, I kind of think we are still in shock, really."
Not as much as New York.
The Giants (7-4) missed a chance - make that three prime chances - to become 8-3 for the first time since their 2000 Super Bowl season. Instead, they bitterly fell back into a tie atop the NFC East with Dallas, whom they host this Sunday.
First, they'll have to get over this one.
"There is no way. I will give you my house if he misses this one," Giants runner Tiki Barber said, when asked his thoughts before Feely's third miss.
That miss wasted a 49-yard run by Barber to the Seattle 31 that seemed to seal what had already been a topsy-turvy game. Barber finished with 151 yards on 26 carries.
Immediately after the thrilling, seesaw finish, Giants coach Tom Coughlin mentioned Feely to his players in the locker room. Before Coughlin could say much, Feely stood up and spoke.
"I said, 'I'm sorry I let you down,"' Feely said.
"People are going to say it's a team game and they're going to say the right things. But the fact of the matter is that you've got to come through when you have one opportunity - much less two good opportunities."
Even the two kicks he made earlier, from 39 and 43 yards in the second and third quarters, plopped softly just yards beyond the cross bar.
At least one of his teammates forgives him.
"Jay's my boy ... He's saved our butt three or four times," linebacker Antonio Pierce said.
"He's human. He's going to make mistakes ... he came in here, said what he had to say."
Feely's misses ruined a career day from Giants quarterback Eli Manning. In defeat, he grew beyond his 24 years and toward franchise-quarterback status of older brother Peyton. The younger Manning established career highs of 29 completions and 53 attempts. He had 344 yards passing - eight behind his career-high set Sept. 25 against San Diego - with two touchdowns.
The second was to Amani Toomer, who deftly dragged his right foot into his left inside the back line of the end zone for an 18-yard score with 1:59 left. Manning followed that with a 2-point conversion to Jeremy Shockey to tie it at 21.
Shockey caught 10 passes for 127 yards and a first-half touchdown.
In that opening half, the Giants' slanting and scheming defence throttled the Seahawks' top-ranked offence. New York followed Dallas' successful script of last month by shoving as many as nine defenders close to the line of scrimmage against NFL rushing leader Shaun Alexander, daring Seattle to win through the air.
But New York led only 10-7 at that point, largely because of 11 penalties. The Giants ended with 16 flags for 114 yards, their most in 56 years. That included an amazing 11 flags for false starts - five against left tackle Luke Petitgout and three against left guard David Diehl.
Diehl said the raucous crowd at sold-out Qwest Field made him do it.
"This is the loudest it's been (on the road)," Diehl said.
Alexander, who had seven carries for 16 yards at halftime, finally broke through midway through the third quarter. He gained 40 yards on one drive. Joe Jurevicius ended that march with a 16-yard touchdown catch. Seattle had a 14-13 lead with 4:36 left in the third quarter.
Jurevicius finished with eight catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Notes: Barber eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing in a season for the fifth time in his career. He is tied with Rodney Hampton for the most in Giants history ... Jurevicius' 137 yards receiving ties his career high, set Oct. 9 at St. Louis ... Seattle coach Mike Holmgren said starting left cornerback Kelly Herndon will miss at least two weeks with a left knee injury, which occurred in the second quarter.
Posted by admin at 03:10 PM | Comments (0)
Danny Maciocia captures Grey Cup victory as rookie head coach
VANCOUVER (CP) - Danny Maciocia shed the monicker of rookie head coach in style Sunday night.
Maciocia, 38, capped his rookie season as the Edmonton Eskimos head coach by watching his team earn a wild 38-35 overtime decision over the Montreal Alouettes in the Grey Cup.
With the win, the Montreal-born Maciocia became just the seventh coach in CFL history to win a championship in his first year and first to do so since Adam Rita with Toronto in 1991.
"It means as of right now you can stop calling me a rookie head coach," said a champagne-drenched Maciocia. "Honestly, it feels pretty good.
"But I really feel good for the guys, they made it easy for me."
Well, not really.
The Eskimos could've cemented the victory with nine seconds left in regulation when defensive backs Keyuo Craver and Donnie Brady both took turns bobbling and dropping an errant Anthony Calvillo pass. That allowed Alouettes kicker Damon Duval to boot a 27-yard field goal on the final play of the fourth quarter and force overtime.
"My first thought was, 'Maybe this just isn't destined to be,' " Maciocia said. "But I turned around and the guys just weren't going to quit.
"The support is unbelievable. This is the best team I've ever been associated with."
Brady said he desperately wanted a second chance for his head coach.
"I'm relieved but I'm kicking myself in the butt for not ending the game," he said. "It will weigh on me all off-season but I will work on my hands so that if I get an opportunity that won't happen again.
"But coach Maciocia did a great job this year. That's a big load to be a head coach of a pro team and for it to be your first head-coaching experience and to handle some grown men. He did an awesome job."
Maciocia also showed some intestinal fortitude late in the second half.
When Edmonton struggled in the third and fell behind after leading 10-1 at halftime, Maciocia opted to stick with starter Ricky Ray. In both the West Division semifinal and final, Maciocia yanked Ray in favour of backup Jason Maas, who rallied the Eskimos to victories in both games.
The move paid off as Ray finished 35 of 45 passing for 359 yards and two touchdowns. Ray's completion total was a Grey Cup record.
"I just looked at him and said, 'You're going to do it,' " Maciocia said. "Ricky isn't a guy who says a lot, but he said, 'I know I will.'
"That was good enough for me."
With Edmonton sitting third-four from the Montreal 50-yard line with the Als leading 25-20 late in the fourth quarter, Maciocia predictably went for the gamble. But instead of going for a safe, short pass, he made a gutsy call by having Ray throw deep to slotback Derrell (Mookie) Mitchell.
Again, the move paid off. Mitchell, in single coverage and beat his man to the outside, hauled in a key 35-yard pass that set up Ray's one-yard TD run and subsequent two-point conversion to Jason Tucker that put Edmonton ahead 28-25.
"It was a calculated risk . . . but I wanted to isolate Mookie and run him on a corner route," Maciocia said. "Mookie beat him on a great move.
"And what about the throw?"
Maciocia made his fourth Grey Cup appearance and earned his second victory - his first was as Edmonton's offensive co-ordinator in the club's 34-22 win over Montreal in 2003. The victories are somewhat bitter-sweet because Maciocia grew up a diehard Alouettes fan and his first CFL coaching job was as a volunteer with the club in 2000.
"Edmonton is home now," Maciocia said. "I love being in Edmonton, I love the fans and I'm hoping I can stay in Edmonton for a long, long time and do them proud.
"I'll tell you what, though, this game was unbelievalbe. I'll probably have to watch it in a couple of weeks just to re-live it again."
Posted by admin at 02:50 PM | Comments (0)
November 27, 2005
Morrison continues stellar play as Oilers beat Flames 2-1 in a shootout
CALGARY (CP) - Fernando Pisani scored the deciding goal in a shootout Friday night and Mike Morrison continued his red-hot goaltending with 27 saves as the Edmonton Oilers won 2-1 over the Calgary Flames.
After each team's first three shooters failed to score, Pisani stepped up and beat goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff through the legs on a deke. Calgary's Chuck Kobasew was the final Flames shooter but he was turned aside by Morrison, giving the Oilers their fifth win in their last six games (5-1-0).
Radek Dvorak scored for Edmonton (14-10-1), which with the extra point, moves within two points of Calgary in the Northwest Division.
Marcus Nilson replied for Calgary (14-8-3). The Flames lost for only the second time in their last 12 (10-1-1).
Both teams had great chances to score in a back-forth overtime but both goalies continued the same excellent play each displayed through the first 60 minutes.
Edmonton had a great chance to win it late in the game when Ethan Moreau burst past the Flames defence forcing Calgary defenceman Roman Hamrlik to take a hooking penalty with 12 seconds left in the third period.
However, despite applying steady pressure through the subsequent 4-on-3 man advantage, the Oilers could not get the puck past Kiprusoff.
At the other end, Mike Morrison stymied the Flames for over 51 minutes before Nilson scored at 11:34 to tie the game 1-1. Steven Reinprecht slid a pass through the slot that slipped between the skates of Oilers defenceman Steve Staios and was jammed in the open side by Nilson.
Until that point, Morrison had been the story of the game continuing his sensational run he's been on the past two weeks.
Making his third start in a row, the red-hot Morrison improved his record to a perfect 4-0-0.
Morrison's run took a while to get started. After being recalled from the Greenville Grrrowl back on Oct. 24th when Ty Conklin was sent to Hamilton (AHL) on a conditioning stint, Morrison sat on the bench and backed up Jussi Markkanen for the first 10 games in an Oilers sweater.
However, after winning his first NHL start in Colorado 5-2 against the Avalanche Nov. 14th, Morrison has started four of Edmonton's last six games and in that span has a 1.48 goals against average and an impressive .939 save percentage.
Meanwhile, Conklin has been on the sidelines since returning from his conditioning stint, having missed the last eight games with a groin injury.
Edmonton took the lead at 14:42 of the first period.
Jarret Stoll spotted Dvorak open on the far side of the net and zipped a pass across that Dvorak one-timed in the open side past Kiprusoff.
Kiprusoff would not be beaten the rest of the way until the shootout. He made several great saves, including a diving stop with the paddle of his stick denying Stoll of what looked to be a sure goal in the final seconds of the first period.
Kiprusoff also started the second period with a similar stop only this time sliding across to jab out a pad and thwart Marty Reasoner at the side of the net.
Notes: Edmonton D Chris Pronger (bruised knee) missed his first game of the season... The Oilers improved to 11-2 when scoring the first goal of the game... The Pengrowth Saddledome crowd of 19,289 was Calgary's 24th consecutive regular season sell-out, a streak which includes the final 10 home games of the 2003-04 season... Slumping Edmonton C Mike Peca played on the fourth line between LW Todd Harvey and RW Georges Laraque. Harvey had been a healthy scratch four of the previous five games and Laraque has gone 32 games since scoring dating back to Mar. 16, 2004... Calgary LW Tony Amonte is two goals away from 400 for his NHL career.
Posted by admin at 02:44 PM | Comments (0)
November 23, 2005
POP STAR OR PORN STAR?
We show you a picture of a scantily clad woman and you have to tell us whether she's a pop star or porn star!
pop or porn?
Posted by admin at 04:14 PM | Comments (0)
November 22, 2005
Bosh almighty: Raptors finally win a game
Toronto 107, Miami 94
Life is a lot more enjoyable for the Toronto Raptors now that they've finally won a game.
"Every one likes each other again," said a chuckling Mike James after the Raptors beat the first-place Miami Heat 107-94 on Sunday to end Toronto's longest losing streak since 2003.
Chris Bosh had a season-high 27 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Raptors, who opened the season 0-9 -- the worst start in their 11-year history. James added 25 points for Toronto.
Dwyane Wade had 33 points, nine assists and eight rebounds for the Heat, who were missing an injured Shaquille O'Neal.
James and Bosh both said they'll savor the win as they head out west four a four-game trip.
"The mood always lightens after a win. People are nicer, the food tastes better, practice is a lot more fun," Bosh said.
The Raptors went on an 18-2 run late in the fourth to seal the victory, ending their longest losing streak since a 12-game skid from Dec. 18, 2002-Jan. 10, 2003.
Toronto's win leaves the Atlanta Hawks as the NBA's only winless team.
"I'm happy for those guys. Being the coach is one thing, but when you have to go out there in front of 19,000 people and prove yourself every night, the way the season started, that's where the focal point is," Toronto coach Sam Mitchell said. "I get mine after the game, but during the game, those guys have to out there and be the focal point and hear the cheers and the boos."
Toronto outrebounded Miami 47-39, one of the few times the Raptors have done that this season.
"They wanted to win a lot more than we did," Miami coach Stan Van Gundy said. "They had a lot more resolve to try to get the job done down the stretch and we were hoping we would win, we were hoping some shots went in but we didn't dig down and make any possession tough on them at the end."
Wade scored six straight points and assisted on Jason Kapono's open 3-pointer, giving Miami a 86-80 lead with six minutes left.
Toronto followed with its decisive run: Bosh made layup, Rose made an open 3-pointer and Bosh made another layup, giving Toronto a 87-86 lead -- their first of the game.
Rookie Charlie Villanueva followed with a layup, Mike James made a layup and Villanueva made another layup to give the Raptors a 93-88 lead with 2:27 left.
James followed with a 3-pointer and Bosh made a short jumper off the glass to make it 98-88 with less than two minutes left.
"We knew they were going to make a run, but we didn't know we were going to go cold like we did and not execute," Miami's Gary Payton said. "We were really executing well until the end, then we stopped playing defense and let them do what they wanted."
Toronto got off to another slow start in the first quarter, missing 16 of their first 19 shots from the field and trailing by 11 after one.
Antoine Walker made consecutive 3-pointers to give Miami a 15-point lead in the second quarter -- their biggest lead of the game.
Toronto cut the lead to five by the end of the half and Morris Peterson's 3-pointer early in the second half tied it at 50.
Posted by admin at 03:14 PM | Comments (0)
Ten down, six to go
Here's what we learned about the Indianapolis Colts in their 45-37 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals:
The Colts can do it all.
Relying on its defense for most of the season, Indianapolis put on an offensive show to raise its record to a perfect 10-0. Winning with offense or defense is a luxury the Colts have never had under Tony Dungy. Now, they have a six-game season to become the first NFL team since the 1972 Miami Dolphins to have an unbeaten regular season.
A Week 16 trip to Seattle will be the only tough game in which Indy will have to deal with the elements. The Colts still have to face the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Diego Chargers, but they'll be playing them at home. You have to like Indianapolis' chances in a controlled climate.
Cincinnati fared a lot better than it did in its previous big test of the season – a Week 7 loss to the Steelers. The Bengals feel like they can beat the Colts, and in any other year, Cincinnati would be right there at the top. But this is Indy's year. The Colts have put everything together, and they are the team to beat.
Posted by admin at 03:08 PM | Comments (0)
November 21, 2005
Blurred vision: Bruins still can't find a win
NY Rangers 3, Boston 2 - NEW YORK (AP) -- Jaromir Jagr spent the first 20 games of the season reintroducing the NHL to his scoring touch. -
During the New York Rangers' perfect home weekend, Jagr showed off his playmaking side, too.
Jagr snapped a third-period tie with his 19th goal and set up two others Sunday night in the Rangers' 3-2 victory over Boston, the Bruins' sixth straight loss.
Jagr had five assists in New York's wins over Carolina and Boston on consecutive days, giving him 16 on the season.
"I always had more assists than goals," said Jagr, who moved into an 18th-place tie with John Bucyk on the NHL list with 556 goals. "It's just this year I look like a goal scorer."
Jagr has rediscovered his game and drive in his first full season in New York. He is scoring goals, setting them up, and even acting as a forechecker. He kept the puck away from the Bruins in the final moments as they pressed for the tying goal after pulling goalie Hannu Toivonen.
"He's a terrific playmaker, obviously," Rangers coach Tom Renney said. "What I liked about his game on top of all that, there were times he had to be the first forechecker in, he had to be the first forward back. Jags was a great player tonight."
The Bruins (7-10-5) played hard but it wasn't enough to keep them from their first six-game losing streak since Feb. 11-23, 1997. Boston has led or been tied in the third period in five of the losses.
"We were taking steps forward with this loss, Toivonen said. "This was one of our best efforts."
Jagr, who assisted on goals by Petr Prucha and Ville Nieminen, snapped in a shot from the right circle at 6:16. New York was never headed and won for the seventh time in 10 games.
Henrik Lundqvist made 32 saves in bouncing back from his worst start when he gave up five goals on 27 shots in a loss Thursday at Carolina. He was beaten on third-period goals by Glen Murray and Patrice Bergeron.
"I know I can play better," Lundqvist said. "That's why it felt real good to have a win right away."
Toivonen stopped 29 shots, a day after No. 1 goalie Andrew Raycroft lost 3-2 to Buffalo at home and said he "can't seem to find the puck."
Murray tied it 38 seconds into the third and Bergeron's power-play score at 9:32 made it 3-2, just 50 seconds after Nieminen gave New York a two-goal advantage.
"There is a fine line between winning and losing, but I think we took a step forward," Boston coach Mike Sullivan said.
The first period was a throwback to the pre-lockout NHL as there were no goals and no penalties, marking the ninth time this season there was an infraction-free frame.
Each team had several scoring chances -- including a two-shift stretch in which the Bruins couldn't get the puck out of their zone. The teams recorded 13 shots apiece.
"It was hormone hockey at it's best," Renney said. "It might have been entertaining, but for a coach it was a nightmare."
It took until 9:37 of the second period for the first penalty to be called.
The Rangers went ahead 2:02 into the middle frame when Prucha whistled in a shot from the slot for his fifth goal off a pass from Jagr.
Prucha, who scored in New York's 4-3 victory Saturday over Carolina, has goals in consecutive games for the second time in his rookie season.
Boston nearly tied it when killing off its second penalty. Bergeron slipped behind the Rangers defense and took a pass that came from in front of the benches and eluded New York's Tom Poti. Bergeron streaked into the center of the Rangers' zone and sidestepped Poti, who slid in front of him to try to break up the play.
Bergeron cut to his right, but Lundqvist dived across and blocked the puck with his forearm just in time.
"He had me. I was gone and I just got my glove there," Lundqvist said.
The Bruins got their first power play with 4:43 left in the second, but couldn't convert. New York, which entered with the league's second-best, penalty-killing unit and first at home, was 1-for-2 in short-handed situations.
Posted by admin at 03:20 PM | Comments (0)
November 20, 2005
Stewart caps second championship with steady final run
HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) -- Long before he battled for a second NASCAR championship, Tony Stewart had to fight for his job.
Tired of his Bad Boy behavior, Stewart's crew was ready to walk away from one of the most talented drivers in history. Team owner Joe Gibbs intervened, ordering Stewart into an offseason heart-to-heart meeting with them to iron out their issues.
``Sometimes bad things have to happen for good things to come out of it,'' Stewart said. ``All of the guys sat down and we got to air everything out. It was one of the most stressful meetings I've ever been in because when I went into it I didn't know what it was going to be. I didn't even know if I would have a job after it was over.''
His crew hung with him and together they began a march toward the Nextel Cup championship that ended Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It capped an uncharacteristically calm season for Stewart.
He won races, kept his temper in check and avoided every major incident long enough to cement himself as one of the greatest drivers of his time.
Needing only to run clean at Homestead-Miami Speedway, he hovered just outside the top 10 and away from any potential danger. Stewart ended up 15th, winning the title by 35 points over Greg Biffle, who won the Ford 400 for the second straight year by besting teammate Mark Martin in a door-to-door finish.
Stewart became just the 14th driver in NASCAR history with more than one championship and joined four-time winner Jeff Gordon as the only active full-time drivers with multiple titles.
``I don't believe the trophy makes the man,'' Mark Martin said. ``Tony Stewart, in my eyes, is the greatest race car driver I've watched drive in this era. A.J. Foyt might have been that when I was a little boy, but Tony Stewart is my driving hero.''
But it was not his spot among the elite that earned Stewart praise from his fellow drivers. It was the attitude adjustment that helped him get there.
``Either the therapy is working or he's learned through experience,'' Gordon said. ``He finally started to get the fact that this is a sport that has media involved, fans involved, sponsors involved and it's great that we get the privilege to go out there and drive these race cars ... but sometimes you forget about the big picture and I think it took Tony a little while.
``He gets it now and it's showing in his personality.''
For Stewart, it was the perfect finale to what's been a perfect season both on and off the track.
He had a tortured run to the title in 2002, punching a photographer the lowest point of a rollercoaster season pocked by bad behavior and blowups. So he'll treasure this title, a gift to the team that stuck with him through thick and thin.
After an emotional embrace with crew chief Greg Zipadelli -- interrupted by chants of ``Climb the fence!'' from his fans -- he dedicated the win to his Joe Gibbs Racing crew members, who showered with bottle after bottle of Coke from the risers above.
``I put the team through a lot of hell ever since I've been with them but they never gave up on me,'' Stewart said. ``Zippy didn't want to win it the way we did in 2002. It was nice to do it and do it right.''
The championship was the third for Gibbs, now coach of the Washington Redskins, and first for his son, J.D., who took over the leadership role when his father went to the NFL.
``Celebrate, celebrate, celebrate,'' Joe Gibbs said over a telephone line while Stewart accepted the Nextel Cup trophy, ``and I'm picking up the tab!''
``You're darn right you're picking up the tab!'' replied Stewart, who won at least $5.8 million with the title.
To get to this point, Stewart needed Gibbs' team intervention.
He moved back to Indiana into his childhood home, surrounding himself with family and old friends who helped temper his frequent mood swings. It showed in his personality and in his performance, especially during the summer -- when he turned it up a notch to become the hottest driver in NASCAR.
Reeling off a string of five victories in seven races, nothing could beat Stewart, not even his old nemesis -- Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The track had tormented him his entire career, denying him time after time in both stock and Indy cars.
But not even Indy could derail Stewart this season. He finally scored a win at the Brickyard in August.
``This is the icing on the cake for sure,'' Stewart said. ``To win at the Brickyard was a race and a win of a lifetime for me, and to finish it off with a championship. I don't know how to ask for a better year. This is perfect.''
Only Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards and Biffle had a chance to beat him, and Johnson saw his hopes squashed 126 laps into the race when an apparent leak in his right rear tire finally gave out. The tire exploded and sent him smashing into the wall.
A two-time runner up for the title the past two seasons, Johnson desperately wanted to avoid falling short yet again. But as the cars raced around him and he stood dejected in the garage, Johnson would have traded anything to be back out there with a shot at second. Instead, he dropped all the way back to fifth in a frustrating end to his season.
``I look back at the season and we did everything we could,'' he said. ``So I'm disappointed. I lived my whole life for this ... I'll be back next year.''
Posted by admin at 02:53 PM | Comments (0)
November 15, 2005
The Canadian dream : from Elisha Cuthbert
The Canadian dream
For most Canadian kids you've got one option, if you're a girl you figure skate and if you're a boy in Canada you play hockey. At least in my house you did, as well as all the other families growing up around me. You do it as far as you can take it. To the best of your ability and in the middle of the night you dream of that perfect triple axel in the Olympic arena. Or becoming the next Great One!!
I gave up on that dream when I was 9 just because I had other plans in mind. My ideas of figure skating were a little different, they also included a film crew and craft services. Aside from that though, everywhere you turn, someone's on the ice.
The Canadian dream
For most Canadian kids you've got one option, if you're a girl you figure skate and if you're a boy in Canada you play hockey. At least in my house you did, as well as all the other families growing up around me. You do it as far as you can take it. To the best of your ability and in the middle of the night you dream of that perfect triple axel in the Olympic arena. Or becoming the next Great One!!
I gave up on that dream when I was 9 just because I had other plans in mind. My ideas of figure skating were a little different, they also included a film crew and craft services. Aside from that though, everywhere you turn, someone's on the ice.
I think about my life growing up and the path that I took, and I'm constantly amazed at how little I was, when I knew what I wanted to do in life. I wonder if that happened for most pro players out there. I asked a friend not to long ago how and when he thought he knew he was going to play pro? His answer, "always."
It's funny how life works, and that all those young Canadian boys out there are playing, hoping and dreaming that maybe one day they'll be playing in the NHL. Along with all those girls and their figure skates. Sometimes you have to imagine it's more than that, and whether you make it that far or not, it was worth the time and energy you put into it.
Why does my mother play? She's in her mid 40's (don't worry mom, I won't tell everyone how old exactly). But her answer, "Keeps me busy, keeps me healthy and I just have fun." If I were to sit down right now and break down all the reasons why I do what I do, sure there would be a lot of them, but the one that makes it all worthwhile: FUN. It's just a hell of a lot of fun.
Maybe in my next life I'll come back as a hockey player. LOL.
Or maybe not!!!
Maybe my 14-year-old brother will go pro one day and I'll get free season tickets!! You never know. Maybe the L.A. Kings will make it to the playoffs. We'll see!! And just so everyone knows, I am following the Kings this year!
I live in L.A., but I love hockey as a sport! I follow players. The Habs are where my family is and I think Calgary is pretty strong -- hey, I was born there! I've got a friend who plays for Vancouver, and one who plays for the Blue Jackets and another in Phoenix. So I guess you could say I'm all over the place. I'm going to stick to L.A. though. Just to go back to all that other stuff, though, whether Canadians like it or not, we're making some damn-good hockey players. Not to mention actors too!!! What can I say, "It's the Canadian dream."
Posted by Elisha @ 11:43 a.m.
Posted by admin at 03:31 PM | Comments (0)
November 14, 2005
The game for hockey Nuts!
Senior League Ice Hockey Manager
The web's most popular ice hockey management game.
Get your team padded up for all out ice hockey action.
http://www.nhl.catgames.com
The biggest online ice hockey simulation manager game. Humourous SeniorLeagueHockey ice hockey management game where you choose tactics, formations, aggression levels, transfer in new players and win great prizes
Posted by admin at 03:24 PM | Comments (0)
November 11, 2005
Nicollette Sheridan
Where you've seen her:
The only woman to star in both Knots Landing and Beverly Hills Ninja is currently giving a good name to bad marriages as Edie Britt on Desperate Housewives.
Approach with caution:
"Men get intimidated by me. I think when you're a strong woman, that happens."
Bare essentials:
"In the summer my poolside is my office. I can lie out naked and get a good tan and read a good book."
Biker chick:
"I used to do these charity rides; Honda or Harley would give us bikes. The last time I did it, I was on a Honda Valkyrie. It looks like a Harley, but it’s faster and it handles better. So basically some racecar drivers and I raced down from Santa Barbara and then back to L.A. I won!"
Posted by admin at 03:46 PM | Comments (0)
November 09, 2005
NHL NOVEMBER SCHEDULE
Nov 8, 2005 Bruins Flyers 7:00 PM EST OLN,TSN
Nov 8, 2005 Capitals Maple Leafs 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 8, 2005 Lightning Canadiens 7:30 PM EST RDS
Nov 8, 2005 Islanders Devils 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 8, 2005 Oilers Predators 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 8, 2005 Coyotes Wild 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 8, 2005 Sharks Avalanche 9:00 PM EST -
Nov 9, 2005 Hurricanes Sabres 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 9, 2005 Penguins Thrashers 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 9, 2005 Rangers Panthers 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 9, 2005 Blues Blue Jackets 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 9, 2005 Kings Red Wings 7:30 PM EST TSN
Nov 10, 2005 Senators Bruins 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 10, 2005 Islanders Flyers 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 10, 2005 Canadiens Penguins 7:30 PM EST TSN,RDS
Nov 10, 2005 Rangers Lightning 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 10, 2005 Blackhawks Blues 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 10, 2005 Stars Predators 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 10, 2005 Flames Coyotes 9:00 PM EST HDNet
Nov 10, 2005 Avalanche Canucks 10:00 PM EST -
Nov 11, 2005 Devils Capitals 1:00 PM EST -
Nov 11, 2005 Lightning Thrashers 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 11, 2005 Oilers Blue Jackets 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 11, 2005 Hurricanes Panthers 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 11, 2005 Wild Red Wings 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 8, 2005 Bruins Flyers 7:00 PM EST OLN,TSN
Nov 8, 2005 Capitals Maple Leafs 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 8, 2005 Lightning Canadiens 7:30 PM EST RDS
Nov 8, 2005 Islanders Devils 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 8, 2005 Oilers Predators 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 8, 2005 Coyotes Wild 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 8, 2005 Sharks Avalanche 9:00 PM EST -
Nov 9, 2005 Hurricanes Sabres 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 9, 2005 Penguins Thrashers 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 9, 2005 Rangers Panthers 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 9, 2005 Blues Blue Jackets 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 9, 2005 Kings Red Wings 7:30 PM EST TSN
Nov 10, 2005 Senators Bruins 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 10, 2005 Islanders Flyers 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 10, 2005 Canadiens Penguins 7:30 PM EST TSN,RDS
Nov 10, 2005 Rangers Lightning 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 10, 2005 Blackhawks Blues 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 10, 2005 Stars Predators 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 10, 2005 Flames Coyotes 9:00 PM EST HDNet
Nov 10, 2005 Avalanche Canucks 10:00 PM EST -
Nov 11, 2005 Devils Capitals 1:00 PM EST -
Nov 11, 2005 Lightning Thrashers 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 11, 2005 Oilers Blue Jackets 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 11, 2005 Hurricanes Panthers 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 11, 2005 Wild Red Wings 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 11, 2005 Maple Leafs Sabres 8:00 PM EST TSN
Nov 11, 2005 Kings Blackhawks 8:30 PM EST -
Nov 12, 2005 Capitals Devils 1:00 PM EST HDNet
Nov 12, 2005 Maple Leafs Canadiens 7:00 PM EST CBC,RDS
Nov 12, 2005 Sabres Senators 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 12, 2005 Bruins Islanders 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 12, 2005 Panthers Flyers 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 12, 2005 Thrashers Hurricanes 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 12, 2005 Rangers Penguins 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 12, 2005 Blues Predators 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 12, 2005 Mighty Ducks Coyotes 9:00 PM EST -
Nov 12, 2005 Avalanche Flames 10:00 PM EST CBC
Nov 12, 2005 Stars Sharks 10:30 PM EST -
Nov 13, 2005 Kings Blue Jackets 5:00 PM EST -
Nov 13, 2005 Oilers Blackhawks 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 13, 2005 Stars Mighty Ducks 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 13, 2005 Red Wings Canucks 10:00 PM EST -
Nov 14, 2005 Islanders Penguins 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 14, 2005 Flyers Lightning 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 14, 2005 Oilers Avalanche 9:00 PM EST -
Nov 14, 2005 Wild Flames 9:00 PM EST -
Nov 15, 2005 Devils Sabres 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 15, 2005 Lightning Capitals 7:00 PM EST OLN
Nov 15, 2005 Rangers Maple Leafs 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 15, 2005 Panthers Canadiens 7:30 PM EST RDS
Nov 15, 2005 Hurricanes Senators 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 15, 2005 Kings Predators 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 16, 2005 Penguins Flyers 7:00 PM EST OLN
Nov 16, 2005 Islanders Thrashers 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 16, 2005 Blues Blue Jackets 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 16, 2005 Red Wings Flames 8:30 PM EST TSN
Nov 16, 2005 Avalanche Coyotes 9:00 PM EST -
Nov 16, 2005 Stars Mighty Ducks 10:30 PM EST -
Nov 16, 2005 Canucks Sharks 10:30 PM EST -
Nov 17, 2005 Maple Leafs Bruins 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 17, 2005 Capitals Sabres 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 17, 2005 Rangers Hurricanes 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 17, 2005 Panthers Senators 7:30 PM EST RDS
Nov 17, 2005 Islanders Lightning 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 17, 2005 Red Wings Oilers 9:00 PM EST -
Nov 17, 2005 Canucks Kings 10:30 PM EST HDNet
Nov 18, 2005 Thrashers Flyers 7:00 PM EST TSN
Nov 18, 2005 Canadiens Devils 7:30 PM EST RDS
Nov 18, 2005 Blue Jackets Stars 8:30 PM EST -
Nov 18, 2005 Blackhawks Flames 9:00 PM EST -
Nov 18, 2005 Avalanche Mighty Ducks 10:30 PM EST -
Nov 19, 2005 Hurricanes Rangers 1:00 PM EST -
Nov 19, 2005 Sabres Bruins 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 19, 2005 Thrashers Maple Leafs 7:00 PM EST CBC
Nov 19, 2005 Capitals Canadiens 7:00 PM EST RDS
Nov 19, 2005 Devils Senators 7:00 PM EST CBC
Nov 19, 2005 Flyers Penguins 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 19, 2005 Islanders Panthers 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 19, 2005 Blues Red Wings 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 19, 2005 Predators Wild 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 19, 2005 Blackhawks Oilers 10:00 PM EST CBC
Nov 19, 2005 Avalanche Kings 10:30 PM EST HDNet
Nov 19, 2005 Coyotes Sharks 10:30 PM EST -
Nov 20, 2005 Canucks Mighty Ducks 4:00 PM EST -
Nov 20, 2005 Lightning Hurricanes 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 20, 2005 Bruins Rangers 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 20, 2005 Blue Jackets Coyotes 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 21, 2005 Predators Red Wings 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 21, 2005 Flames Avalanche 9:00 PM EST -
Nov 21, 2005 Sharks Oilers 9:00 PM EST -
Nov 22, 2005 Rangers Sabres 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 22, 2005 Lightning Flyers 7:00 PM EST OLN
Nov 22, 2005 Senators Hurricanes 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 22, 2005 Thrashers Canadiens 7:30 PM EST RDS
Nov 22, 2005 Capitals Penguins 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 22, 2005 Kings Blues 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 22, 2005 Mighty Ducks Coyotes 9:00 PM EST -
Nov 22, 2005 Blackhawks Canucks 10:00 PM EST -
Nov 23, 2005 Sabres Islanders 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 23, 2005 Lightning Capitals 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 23, 2005 Devils Panthers 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 23, 2005 Predators Blue Jackets 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 23, 2005 Bruins Maple Leafs 7:30 PM EST TSN
Nov 23, 2005 Avalanche Red Wings 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 23, 2005 Oilers Wild 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 23, 2005 Mighty Ducks Stars 8:30 PM EST -
Nov 23, 2005 Sharks Flames 10:00 PM EST -
Nov 24, 2005 Rangers Thrashers 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 24, 2005 Kings Predators 8:00 PM EST HDNet
Nov 24, 2005 Sharks Canucks 10:00 PM EST -
Nov 25, 2005 Flyers Bruins 12:00 PM EST -
Nov 25, 2005 Senators Islanders 2:00 PM EST -
Nov 25, 2005 Blues Wild 2:00 PM EST -
Nov 25, 2005 Red Wings Mighty Ducks 4:00 PM EST -
Nov 25, 2005 Maple Leafs Hurricanes 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 25, 2005 Avalanche Blue Jackets 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 25, 2005 Devils Lightning 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 25, 2005 Penguins Panthers 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 25, 2005 Canadiens Sabres 8:00 PM EST RDS
Nov 25, 2005 Coyotes Stars 8:30 PM EST -
Nov 25, 2005 Oilers Flames 9:00 PM EST -
Nov 26, 2005 Islanders Flyers 2:00 PM EST -
Nov 26, 2005 Canadiens Maple Leafs 7:00 PM EST CBC,RDS
Nov 26, 2005 Bruins Senators 7:00 PM EST CBC
Nov 26, 2005 Panthers Thrashers 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 26, 2005 Capitals Rangers 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 26, 2005 Blue Jackets Blues 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 26, 2005 Stars Predators 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 26, 2005 Canucks Coyotes 10:00 PM EST CBC,HDNet
Nov 26, 2005 Blackhawks Kings 10:30 PM EST -
Nov 26, 2005 Red Wings Sharks 10:30 PM EST -
Nov 27, 2005 Sabres Capitals 4:00 PM EST -
Nov 27, 2005 Thrashers Hurricanes 5:00 PM EST -
Nov 27, 2005 Penguins Lightning 5:00 PM EST -
Nov 27, 2005 Blackhawks Mighty Ducks 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 27, 2005 Canucks Avalanche 9:00 PM EST -
Nov 28, 2005 Maple Leafs Panthers 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 28, 2005 Red Wings Kings 10:30 PM EST -
Nov 29, 2005 Flyers Islanders 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 29, 2005 Hurricanes Thrashers 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 29, 2005 Canadiens Senators 7:30 PM EST RDS
Nov 29, 2005 Bruins Devils 7:30 PM EST OLN,TSN
Nov 29, 2005 Sabres Penguins 7:30 PM EST -
Nov 29, 2005 Flames Predators 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 29, 2005 Avalanche Oilers 9:00 PM EST -
Nov 30, 2005 Devils Flyers 7:00 PM EST -
Nov 30, 2005 Maple Leafs Lightning 7:30 PM EST TSN
Nov 30, 2005 Blue Jackets Wild 8:00 PM EST -
Nov 30, 2005 Kings Blackhawks 8:30 PM EST -
Nov 30, 2005 Sharks Stars 8:30 PM EST -
Nov 30, 2005 Avalanche Canucks 10:00 PM EST TSN
Nov 30, 2005 Coyotes Mighty Ducks 10:30 PM EST -
Posted by admin at 03:24 PM | Comments (0)
November 08, 2005
Kim Ng first to formally interview for Los Angeles Dodgers GM job
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Kim Ng, a vice president and assistant general manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers the past four years, became the first candidate to interview for the team's vacant GM job.
Team spokesman Josh Rawitch said Ng was interviewed Saturday. If hired to succeed Paul DePodesta, she would become major league baseball's first female GM.
Before joining the Dodgers, the 36-year-old Ng served as vice president and assistant general manager for the New York Yankees from 1998-2001.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Kim Ng, a vice president and assistant general manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers the past four years, became the first candidate to interview for the team's vacant GM job.
Team spokesman Josh Rawitch said Ng was interviewed Saturday. If hired to succeed Paul DePodesta, she would become major league baseball's first female GM.
Before joining the Dodgers, the 36-year-old Ng served as vice president and assistant general manager for the New York Yankees from 1998-2001.
Ng and Roy Smith, vice president of player development, are handling front-office duties for the Dodgers until a general manager is hired, and will represent the team at the GM meetings, which begin Tuesday in Palm Springs.
The Dodgers received permission last week to interview former Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers GM John Hart. Rawitch said he didn't know when that interview would take place.
Hart resigned as general manager of the Rangers on Oct. 4 and was succeeded by assistant GM Jon Daniels. Hart remains under contract with Texas as a consultant.
Among other possible candidates are former Boston Red Sox GM Theo Epstein, Washington Nationals GM Jim Bowden and Chicago White Sox special assistant Dennis Gilbert.
The Dodgers' job became vacant Oct. 29 when DePodesta was fired after less than two years on the job. DePodesta signed a five-year contract in February 2004, shortly after Frank McCourt purchased the team from News Corp.
The Dodgers are also without a manager. McCourt said at the time of DePodesta's firing that the search to replace Jim Tracy would be on hold until a GM is in place.
The Dodgers had a 71-91 record this year - their worst since 1992 and second-poorest since the franchise moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles in 1958.
Posted by admin at 03:19 PM | Comments (0)
November 07, 2005
Chicken Little," Marines Can't Save Day
The nation's multiplexes were a moviehouse divided this weekend.
In one packed section: The family-friendly Chicken Little (first place, $40.1 million, per estimates from Exhibitor Relations). In another packed section: The Iraq war drama Jarhead (second place, $28.8 million on roughly 1,200 fewer screens than Chicken Little).
Both openings were strongish. And both openings were statements: Chicken Little proved Disney wouldn't necessarily lay an egg in CGI animation without its usual Pixar partner; Jarhead proved grownups will show up for grownup movies on an opening weekend.
1. Chicken Little, $40.1 million
2. Jarhead, $28.8 million
3. Saw II, $17.2 million
4. The Legend of Zorro, $10 million
5. Prime, $5.3 million
6. Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story, $4.8 million
7. Good Night, and Good Luck, 3.1 million
8. The Weather Man, $2.9 million
9. Shopgirl, $2.5 million
10. Flightplan, $2.3 million
The nation's multiplexes were a moviehouse divided this weekend.
In one packed section: The family-friendly Chicken Little (first place, $40.1 million, per estimates from Exhibitor Relations). In another packed section: The Iraq war drama Jarhead (second place, $28.8 million on roughly 1,200 fewer screens than Chicken Little).
Both openings were strongish. And both openings were statements: Chicken Little proved Disney wouldn't necessarily lay an egg in CGI animation without its usual Pixar partner; Jarhead proved grownups will show up for grownup movies on an opening weekend.
Chicken Little, Disney's first CGI feature as a solo act, posted the best weekend opener for a 'toon since Madagascar's $47.2 million debut in May, per the stats at BoxOfficeMojo.com. It ran neck to leatherneck with Jarhead on Friday ($10.6 million), before blowing up big on Saturday ($17.4 million) and Sunday ($12.1 million) when children were more easily parted with their disposable allowances.
Jarhead, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, put up numbers comparable to Saving Private Ryan's 1998 opener, per Exhibitor Relations, and took honors as the year's biggest debuting R-rated drama based on a book that didn't have drawings. (Constantine and Sin City, currently 2005's top-grossing R-rated movies, were both based on comic books; Jarhead is based on Anthony Swofford's best-selling memoir.)
And that was about where the good news stopped for the weekend. The fact was, Disney CGI wasn't up to the box-office snuff of Pixar-produced CGI. If Chicken Little had been a Pixar film, its $40.1 million opening would have been the company's weakest since the original Toy Story debuted 10 long years ago with a then sizeable $29.1 million.
When compared to Pixar's most recent entry, The Incredibles, Chicken Little and its box office brethren fare worst of all. Last year, during the first weekend of November, The Incredibles opened with an incredible $70.5 million. This year, Chicken Little and Jarhead didn't make that much money combined. Overall, weekend business was down nearly 10 percent from this year to last.
In other news, Harry Potter arrives to try to save the box-office world on Nov. 18. Until then...
Defending box-office champ Saw II (third place, $17.2 million--$60.5 million overall) saw its take sawed in half. The Legend of Zorro (fourth place, $10 million--$30.3 million overall) looked zapped. And the forecast for the The Weather Man (eighth place, $2.9 million--$8.7 million overall) was continued drizzle with a fat chance of making back its modest $22 million budget in theaters.
The Fog (12th place, $2 million), meanwhile, disappeared from the top 10. In four weeks, the horror remake has grossed an estimated $28 million, or just $7 million more than the original film made 25 years ago when the average movie ticket cost $2.69, and iPods didn't cost anything because they didn't exist.
With mainstream fare such as The Fog slip, sliding away, Good Night, and Good Luck... (seventh place, $3.1 million--$11 million overall) and Shopgirl (ninth place, $2.5 million--$3.5 million overall) moved from the art house to the top 10.
Here's a rundown of the top 10 films based on estimates compiled by Exhibitor Relations:
Posted by admin at 03:36 PM | Comments (0)
NFL roundup: Sunday?s action on the gridiron
Dick Vermeil was going to be the biggest fool or the shrewdest gambler in the NFL.
Call this man shrewd. With five seconds left Sunday, the Chiefs trailed by three and the ball was on the Oakland 1. Kick a field goal to force overtime or go for the touchdown and risk losing? Vermeil went for the TD, and Larry Johnson dived over the pile for a memorable 27-23 victory over the Raiders.
Elsewhere in the National Football League on Sunday, it was: Carolina 34, Tampa Bay 14; Atlanta 17, Miami 10; San Diego 31, New York Jets 26; Jacksonville 21, Houston 14; Cincinnati 21, Baltimore 9; Minnesota 27, Detroit 14; Cleveland 20, Tennessee 14; Pittsburgh 20, Green Bay 10; Chicago 20, New Orleans 17; New York Giants 24, San Francisco 6; and Seattle 33, Arizona 19.
Call this man shrewd. With five seconds left Sunday, the Chiefs trailed by three and the ball was on the Oakland 1. Kick a field goal to force overtime or go for the touchdown and risk losing? Vermeil went for the TD, and Larry Johnson dived over the pile for a memorable 27-23 victory over the Raiders.
Elsewhere in the National Football League on Sunday, it was: Carolina 34, Tampa Bay 14; Atlanta 17, Miami 10; San Diego 31, New York Jets 26; Jacksonville 21, Houston 14; Cincinnati 21, Baltimore 9; Minnesota 27, Detroit 14; Cleveland 20, Tennessee 14; Pittsburgh 20, Green Bay 10; Chicago 20, New Orleans 17; New York Giants 24, San Francisco 6; and Seattle 33, Arizona 19.
At Kansas City, Mo., placekicker Lawrence Tynes, who already had two field goals and hasn't missed in 13 straight attempts, was warmed up and ready. But in one of the toughest decisions of his career, Vermeil opted to go for the win.
Randy Moss, who hadn't caught a pass all day, beat Dewayne Washington in the corner of the end zone for a seven-yard reception with 1:45 left, giving the Raiders (3-5) the lead. Then Trent Green, playing through the pain of his father's funeral just four days earlier, whipped the Chiefs (5-3) downfield 72 yards.
The Chiefs, who have beaten the Raiders six in a row, were missing their best running back (Priest Holmes), best offensive lineman (Willie Roaf) and best cornerback (Patrick Surtain), as well as two of their top backups in the secondary.
Panthers 34, Buccaneers 14
At Tampa, Fla., Stephen Davis ran for two touchdowns, Steve Smith caught his ninth TD pass of the season and Chris Gamble scored on a 61-yard interception return to lead surging Carolina over the Bucs for its fifth straight victory.
Falcons 17, Dolphins 10
At Miami, Michael Vick led four drives of more than 70 yards, and Keion Carpenter's interception stopped a scoring threat with less than three minutes left to help Atlanta beat the Dolphins for its third win a row.
Chargers 31, Jets 26
At East Rutherford, N.J., LaDainian Tomlinson scored a career-high four touchdowns - three rushing, one receiving - and San Diego needed every one of them to hold off pesky Brooks Bollinger and the Jets.
Jaguars 21, Texans 14
At Jacksonville, Fla., Byron Leftwich directed two long scoring drives in the fourth quarter to rally the Jaguars over injury-riddled Houston.
Bengals 21, Ravens 9
At Baltimore, Carson Palmer threw two touchdown passes, Rudi Johnson ran for 97 yards and a score, and Cincinnati kept the Ravens out of the end zone.
Vikings 27, Lions 14
At Minneapolis, Brad Johnson passed for 136 yards and two touchdowns in relief of the injured Daunte Culpepper, Michael Bennett rushed 18 times for 106 yards and the Vikings beat the Lions to create a tie for second place in the punchless NFC North.
Browns 20, Titans 14
At Cleveland, Reuben Droughns, arrested earlier in the week on a drunken driving charge, rushed for 116 yards and caught a crucial third-down pass for 51 yards, powering the Browns over Tennessee.
Steelers 20, Packers 10
At Green Bay, Wis., Troy Polamalu returned Brett Favre's fumble 77 yards for a touchdown, and Tyrone Carter's interception set up the offence's only touchdown in Pittsburgh's win over the Packers.
Bears 20, Saints 17
At Baton Rouge, La., Adrian Peterson and Cedric Benson combined for 137 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown in place of the injured Thomas Jones, and Robbie Gould hit the winning field goal with six seconds to go for Chicago in a win over New Orleans.
Giants 24, 49ers 6
At San Francisco, Eli Manning passed for 251 yards and a touchdown, Brandon Jacobs rushed for two short fourth-quarter scores and New York yielded just 138 total yards to beat the 49ers.
Seahawks 33, Cardinals 19
At Tempe, Ariz., Shaun Alexander gained 173 yards on 23 carries, including touchdown runs of 88 and 14 yards, and Seattle won its fourth in a row by beating the Cardinals.
Redskins 17, Eagles 10
At Landover, Md., with or without Terrell Owens, the Eagles are losing and in danger of slipping out of the playoff race.
The Eagles (4-4) fell to sole possession of last place in the NFC East because of their anemic running game and an offense that produced only one touchdown. The Redskins, rebounding from the worst loss of coach Joe Gibbs' career, rode a more balanced attack and touchdown runs by Mike Sellers and Clinton Portis.
Posted by admin at 03:13 PM | Comments (0)
November 06, 2005
SCORECARD:
Here are the sports results from Sunday:
-------------- CFL --------------
Calgary 43 Edmonton 23
-------------- NFL --------------
Atlanta 17 Miami 10
San Diego 31 New York Jets 26
Kansas City 27 Oakland 23
Jacksonville 21 Houston 14
Cincinnati 21 Baltimore 9
Minnesota 27 Detroit 14
Cleveland 20 Tennessee 14
Carolina 34 Tampa Bay 14
Seattle 33 Arizona 19
Chicago 20 New Orleans 17
New York Giants 24 San Francisco 6
Pittsburgh 20 Green Bay 10
Washington 17 Philadelphia 10
-------------- NHL --------------
Washington 5 Toronto 4
Chicago 2 Phoenix 1 (overtime)
Detroit 4 St. Louis 1
Minnesota 4 Anaheim 3 (shootout)
-------------- AHL --------------
Toronto 2 Rochester 1
Grand Rapids 3 Hamilton 1
Houston 3 Manitoba 2
Bridgeport 6 Binghamton 1
Norfolk 3 Lowell 2 (shootout)
Wilkes-Barre 5 Philadelphia 4 (shootout)
Portland 1 Providence 0
Hartford 5 Springfield 3
Cleveland 4 Syracuse 1
-------------- NBA --------------
Golden State 83 New York 81
Sacramento 118 Phoenix 117
Los Angeles Lakers 112 Denver 92
Posted by admin at 03:05 PM | Comments (0)
November 05, 2005
NBA roundup: Sunday's action on the boards
(CP) - The New York Knicks are still winless this season and coach Larry Brown is trying everything he can to change things around.
Desperate for a win, Brown tinkered with the New York lineup, playing rookies David Lee, Channing Frye and Nate Robinson together, and it seemed to spark the Knicks. However, Golden State proved to be too much for New York, as Jason Richardson had 24 points to lead the Warriors to an 83-81 victory on Sunday. "I won't play the rookies all the time, but they earned it," Brown said. "It's going to take some time. We're trying to figure out who can play and who can help us."
Lee, who saw his first action of the season after being on the inactive list the first two games, had seven points during a 16-6 run that spanned the end of the third quarter and beginning of the fourth.
Desperate for a win, Brown tinkered with the New York lineup, playing rookies David Lee, Channing Frye and Nate Robinson together, and it seemed to spark the Knicks. However, Golden State proved to be too much for New York, as Jason Richardson had 24 points to lead the Warriors to an 83-81 victory on Sunday. "I won't play the rookies all the time, but they earned it," Brown said. "It's going to take some time. We're trying to figure out who can play and who can help us."
Lee, who saw his first action of the season after being on the inactive list the first two games, had seven points during a 16-6 run that spanned the end of the third quarter and beginning of the fourth.
"It felt good to be in there," said Lee, who was constantly hustling to keep balls alive and finished with 10 rebounds. "They recognize I'm a hard worker and that's what I'm going to continue to do every time I step onto a floor."
Golden State guard Baron Davis returned to the starting lineup after missing Friday's loss to Utah with a strained hamstring. He had 16 points and nine assists.
"I tried not to push off too hard on it," Davis said.
Troy Murphy added 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Warriors (2-1).
Stephon Marbury led New York (0-3) with 15 points and six assists. Frye had 12 points and Eddy Curry and Trevor Ariza each added 11.
Elsewhere in the NBA on Sunday, it was: Sacramento 118, Phoenix 117; and L.A. Lakers 112, Denver 92.
At New York, Curry scored eight in the first quarter as the Knicks kept trying to give him the ball in the post. He got into foul trouble again, and did not return after picking up his fourth foul with 3:16 left in the third quarter.
"When he gets into a little better shape and stays out of foul trouble, he'll stay in the game for longer stretches," Brown said.
With Golden State trailing 74-73 with 5:46 left in the game, Richardson hit a three-pointer as the shot clock expired to give the Warriors the lead for good. Davis added a layup to give the Warriors a four-point lead. He and Richardson combined to hit five of eight free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.
"It's the first road win of the season and when you play at the Garden, you always want to win," Richardson said.
Quentin Richardson was scoreless for New York until the final minute, when he hit a layup and jumper at the buzzer for the final margin.
Davis was only 5-for-17 from the field, but helped Golden State build a 46-39 halftime lead by hitting three three-pointers.
"He's a steadying influence," Golden State coach Mike Montgomery said. "He just keeps the ball in his hands and guys know that he'll be able to get them the ball."
Marbury had a tough first half and didn't hit his first shot until 5:53 left in the second quarter.
The Warriors led 24-20 after the first quarter as Jason Richardson had 10 points and Murphy added eight.
Kings 118, Suns 117
At Phoenix, Shareef Abdur-Rahim scored Sacramento's final six points and sealed the victory with a blocked shot in the final seconds as the Kings beat the Suns.
Peja Stojakovic had 33 points to lead the Kings (1-2). Abdur-Rahim had 23 and 12 rebounds and Brad Miller added 17 and 10. Mike Bibby had his best game of the young season with 19 points and Bonzi Wells scored 16.
Barbosa led eight double-figure scorers for the Suns (2-2) with 23. Victoria's Steve Nash had 18 points and 13 assists, and Shawn Marion had 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Lakers 112, Nuggets 92
At Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant scored 12 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter and the Lakers pulled away to beat Denver.
The game was a rematch of the season-opener four days earlier in Denver, which the Lakers won 99-97 on Bryant's 20-foot jumper with 0.6 seconds remaining in overtime. Bryant scored 33 points in that game and 39 in a 122-112 loss to Phoenix the following night.
Lamar Odom added 20 and eight rebounds for the Lakers on his 26th birthday. Chris Mihm had 20 points and 13 rebounds and Bryant also had eight rebounds and five assists.
Posted by admin at 02:29 PM | Comments (0)