Arenas charged with felony
"Suspended Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas has been charged with a felony for carrying an unlicensed pistol outside a home or business.
Arenas has been under investigation for bringing four unloaded handguns into the Verizon Center locker room last month. On Jan. 6, after Arenas was photographed pointing pantomime guns at his teammates during a pregame huddle at Philadelphia, NBA commissioner David Stern suspended Arenas indefinitely without pay. In a written statement, Stern said the Wizards' leading scorer "is not currently fit to take the court in an NBA game."
Arenas, 28, is making $16.2 million this season in the second year of a six-year, $111 million contract. Given the circumstances, the Wizards may be able to void the remaining 4 ½ years on his contract, which totals $89,150,060. The NBA's collective bargaining agreement prohibits players from carrying firearms at league arenas. Clause 16 of the NBA's Uniform Player Contract , a deal can be terminated if a player "at any time, fails, refuses, or neglects to conform his personal conduct to standards of good citizenship, good moral character (defined here to mean not engaging in acts of moral turpitude, whether or not such acts would constitute a crime), and good sportsmanship . . . . ."
(SI)
January 14, 2010
Some More Golf Equipment Info To Ponder For 2010 . . . . .
10 Equipment Resolutions For '10
Our chief implements geek says it's often the little things that lead to improvement. Here are his 10 must-try ideas that could make 2010 your best season ever
1. Change your spikes
Take a look at the bottom of your golf shoes. Odds are those cleats that once provided traction are on their way to being mere nubs -- if they're not there already. Even if you don't change cleats every 15 rounds as some recommend, at least do it before they become a detriment to your game. Can't motivate yourself to do it? Drop the locker-room guy 20 bucks; he'll be happy to help. By the way, don't wait for all the cleats to go. Cleats in certain parts of a shoe tend to wear out faster than others.
2. Regrip your clubs
You know what stuns me? The fact that re-gripping is a topic almost always brought up this time of year, yet so many players still don't do it. Here's the deal: Whether you know it or not, it's not just wear that makes for bad grips. Dirt, heat and oil from your hands contribute to breakdown as well -- and this happens well before they become hard and slick. Why re-grip? Because once a grip loses its traction you are likely to hold the club tighter -- a definite no-no. A good guideline is to re-grip once a year or every 40 rounds. And before you regrip, have your pro take a look at your hands on the club. He or she may suggest an extra wrap or two of tape. After all, what's the point of having new grips if they're not the correct size?
3. Take advantage of adjustability
You've bought a golf club that comes with a toolbox and after a tinker or two you leave it in the same position. If so, you might be missing an opporunity. Play a round really thinking about how your course plays. Does it have a lot of doglegs that move one way or the other? If so, break out the wrench and set the weights and/or lie angle to a position that promotes moving the ball accordingly. The settings might end up back where they were before the round, but you might find something that will give you an advantage.
4. Try a different construction ball
If you play a multilayer ball, give a two-piecer a shot. You could see better ball flight with minimal loss around the greens. Normally play harder balls? Spring $45 for softer ones. Your short game will likely thank you. Experimentation can be good.
5. Throw out last year's gloves
Have you ever reached into your bag for the first round of the year and hauled out a glove as crusty as an overbaked pie? Thought so. Not only that, it has probably been stretched beyond the point of being useful. Chuck that old puppy out and start anew, buying two or three gloves that you can use in a rotation. And stop pulling on the cuff of the glove near the wrist to see if it fits. That just stretches it. Smooth the glove out with your non-gloved hand instead.
6. Be prepared for bad weather
Conquering dicey conditions means more than carrying an umbrella. If you're an awful bad-weather player, odds are it's because you're not equipped for it. You need a rain suit (a really good one), rain gloves (best bet: one for each hand), towels and a waterproof cover for the top of the bag. Most of all, remember the keep-dry priorities for nasty weather: clubs first, you next.
7. Trade in your old clubs
Those sticks in your basement aren't golf clubs -- they're gift cards. The PGA.com Value Guide lists 55 brands and more than 5,500 models that will be accepted as trade-ins at 6,000 locations. You may receive less than you think they are worth, but something is better than nothing, right?
8. Get on a launch monitor
Perhaps no piece of golf technology helps a player more than a launch monitor. The numbers it produces are critical in clubfitting because the slightest inefficiency in launch conditions -- those that rob a player of precious yards -- can be detected. A monitor points out these shortcomings and provides information that can aid in determining proper loft, length and shaft flex. Sometimes these numbers will improve your performance a little bit. Other times, a lot.
9. Find a wedge gapping system that works for you
Do you know how far you hit your wedges? More importantly, are the yardage gaps consistent? Odds are they're not. Pitching wedges range from 43 to 47 degrees. So if you have a 56- and 60-degree wedge, there's a discernible gap. If you only have a PW and a 56-degree, you have a three-club gap. Instead, expand your wedge set in increments of 4 or 5 degrees. If your PW is 46 degrees, adding wedges of 50, 54 and 58 degrees makes sense. If you want to only carry another two, a 52- and 58-degree are called for.
10. Try a higher-lofted driver
Still hitting an 8-degree off the tee? If so, your loft is about 1.25 degrees below average -- of players on the PGA Tour. If guys who are swinging 110-plus miles per hour have upped their lofts, why haven't you? Very likely, those line drives of yours aren't running out like you think. Remember: Carry distance often means overall distance. Five Players at the SBS Championship used drivers with lofts of 10.5 degrees or more. Give an 11, 12 or 13-degree driver a try. You might like it.
(E. Michael Johnson of GolfDigest.com)
Our chief implements geek says it's often the little things that lead to improvement. Here are his 10 must-try ideas that could make 2010 your best season ever
1. Change your spikes
Take a look at the bottom of your golf shoes. Odds are those cleats that once provided traction are on their way to being mere nubs -- if they're not there already. Even if you don't change cleats every 15 rounds as some recommend, at least do it before they become a detriment to your game. Can't motivate yourself to do it? Drop the locker-room guy 20 bucks; he'll be happy to help. By the way, don't wait for all the cleats to go. Cleats in certain parts of a shoe tend to wear out faster than others.
2. Regrip your clubs
You know what stuns me? The fact that re-gripping is a topic almost always brought up this time of year, yet so many players still don't do it. Here's the deal: Whether you know it or not, it's not just wear that makes for bad grips. Dirt, heat and oil from your hands contribute to breakdown as well -- and this happens well before they become hard and slick. Why re-grip? Because once a grip loses its traction you are likely to hold the club tighter -- a definite no-no. A good guideline is to re-grip once a year or every 40 rounds. And before you regrip, have your pro take a look at your hands on the club. He or she may suggest an extra wrap or two of tape. After all, what's the point of having new grips if they're not the correct size?
3. Take advantage of adjustability
You've bought a golf club that comes with a toolbox and after a tinker or two you leave it in the same position. If so, you might be missing an opporunity. Play a round really thinking about how your course plays. Does it have a lot of doglegs that move one way or the other? If so, break out the wrench and set the weights and/or lie angle to a position that promotes moving the ball accordingly. The settings might end up back where they were before the round, but you might find something that will give you an advantage.
4. Try a different construction ball
If you play a multilayer ball, give a two-piecer a shot. You could see better ball flight with minimal loss around the greens. Normally play harder balls? Spring $45 for softer ones. Your short game will likely thank you. Experimentation can be good.
5. Throw out last year's gloves
Have you ever reached into your bag for the first round of the year and hauled out a glove as crusty as an overbaked pie? Thought so. Not only that, it has probably been stretched beyond the point of being useful. Chuck that old puppy out and start anew, buying two or three gloves that you can use in a rotation. And stop pulling on the cuff of the glove near the wrist to see if it fits. That just stretches it. Smooth the glove out with your non-gloved hand instead.
6. Be prepared for bad weather
Conquering dicey conditions means more than carrying an umbrella. If you're an awful bad-weather player, odds are it's because you're not equipped for it. You need a rain suit (a really good one), rain gloves (best bet: one for each hand), towels and a waterproof cover for the top of the bag. Most of all, remember the keep-dry priorities for nasty weather: clubs first, you next.
7. Trade in your old clubs
Those sticks in your basement aren't golf clubs -- they're gift cards. The PGA.com Value Guide lists 55 brands and more than 5,500 models that will be accepted as trade-ins at 6,000 locations. You may receive less than you think they are worth, but something is better than nothing, right?
8. Get on a launch monitor
Perhaps no piece of golf technology helps a player more than a launch monitor. The numbers it produces are critical in clubfitting because the slightest inefficiency in launch conditions -- those that rob a player of precious yards -- can be detected. A monitor points out these shortcomings and provides information that can aid in determining proper loft, length and shaft flex. Sometimes these numbers will improve your performance a little bit. Other times, a lot.
9. Find a wedge gapping system that works for you
Do you know how far you hit your wedges? More importantly, are the yardage gaps consistent? Odds are they're not. Pitching wedges range from 43 to 47 degrees. So if you have a 56- and 60-degree wedge, there's a discernible gap. If you only have a PW and a 56-degree, you have a three-club gap. Instead, expand your wedge set in increments of 4 or 5 degrees. If your PW is 46 degrees, adding wedges of 50, 54 and 58 degrees makes sense. If you want to only carry another two, a 52- and 58-degree are called for.
10. Try a higher-lofted driver
Still hitting an 8-degree off the tee? If so, your loft is about 1.25 degrees below average -- of players on the PGA Tour. If guys who are swinging 110-plus miles per hour have upped their lofts, why haven't you? Very likely, those line drives of yours aren't running out like you think. Remember: Carry distance often means overall distance. Five Players at the SBS Championship used drivers with lofts of 10.5 degrees or more. Give an 11, 12 or 13-degree driver a try. You might like it.
(E. Michael Johnson of GolfDigest.com)
Impressive Shot And A Very Impressive Handshake . . . . .
Monta Ellis' amazing circus shot after shoot around
Check out the crazy handshake at -0:27.
Video link (Yahoo)
Check out the crazy handshake at -0:27.
Video link (Yahoo)
Get Some Free Breakfast Tomorrow . . . . .
Chick-fil-A: free Friday breakfast in O.C.
"Chick-fil-A restaurants in Orange County are hosting a free Friday breakfast deal until the end of February.
Here’s the lowdown: With the purchase of a medium drink, customers get a free breakfast meal every Friday through Feb. 26. Each week, the freebie dish offered changes. For example, this Friday (Jan. 15) customers get free chicken minis (3-count). On the following Friday, the chicken biscuit will be free.
All Chick-fil-A restaurants in Orange County (Irvine, Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin, La Habra) are participating in the Friday freebie deal except the new Yorba Linda restaurant."
(OCRegister)
"Chick-fil-A restaurants in Orange County are hosting a free Friday breakfast deal until the end of February.
Here’s the lowdown: With the purchase of a medium drink, customers get a free breakfast meal every Friday through Feb. 26. Each week, the freebie dish offered changes. For example, this Friday (Jan. 15) customers get free chicken minis (3-count). On the following Friday, the chicken biscuit will be free.
All Chick-fil-A restaurants in Orange County (Irvine, Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin, La Habra) are participating in the Friday freebie deal except the new Yorba Linda restaurant."
(OCRegister)
Sounds Like This Cruise Did Not Disappoint . . . . .
Why Cougar Cruises Proved Too Hot for Carnival
"So why would Carnival — which not so long ago drew the wrath of the Southern Baptist Convention for sponsoring gay cruises — suddenly back away from cougar-and-cub cruises? The Miami-based cruise company, one of the world's largest, concedes the group's 300 or so cruisers, whose wildest event was your typical cruise-ship hot tub party, weren't particularly loud partiers or a disturbance to other passengers. But Carnival wouldn't discuss the new ban and sent an e-mail statement that said the line has simply "made the decision not to allow any future groups to be booked and marketed on our ships under this theme. It was a business decision."
Travel experts say that judgment is based mainly on Carnival's strategy to market itself as a more wholesome "family fun" cruise line and avoid the image of a floating girls-gone-wild video. Rich Gosse, spokesman for the California-based Singles Travel Company and Society of Single Professionals, which arranged the first International Cougar Cruise, says he understands the pressure Carnival feels to build that customer base in the current economy. "They've got to do what they've got to do to survive," says Gosse, "and we're grateful they gave us the chance to start this." (See TIME's photo-essay "The Allure of the Oasis Cruise Ship.")
Cougars may have momentum these days, but their relatively small cruise passenger numbers so far may have cost them the Carnival business. Unlike other groups such as the gay and lesbian communities which fully charter ships for themselves on themed cruises, the cougars have less leverage because they're just one group among many passengers onboard. Says Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of cruisecritic.com, "In a contained environment like a cruise ship, if other passengers find anything potentially offensive about your group's theme, it can be a problem. That's why it's better to take the whole ship if you can."
But Gosse and others do worry that Carnival's cougar kibosh could reinforce a societal double standard: that it's OK for older men to have nubile trophy gals on their arms, but we should cover our kids' eyes lest they see a fifty-something woman kissing a young Adonis. He says that broader social acceptance is particularly important for cougars and other middle-aged U.S. single women, who "are being left out in the cold" by middle-aged men's penchant for younger women."
(Time)
"So why would Carnival — which not so long ago drew the wrath of the Southern Baptist Convention for sponsoring gay cruises — suddenly back away from cougar-and-cub cruises? The Miami-based cruise company, one of the world's largest, concedes the group's 300 or so cruisers, whose wildest event was your typical cruise-ship hot tub party, weren't particularly loud partiers or a disturbance to other passengers. But Carnival wouldn't discuss the new ban and sent an e-mail statement that said the line has simply "made the decision not to allow any future groups to be booked and marketed on our ships under this theme. It was a business decision."
Travel experts say that judgment is based mainly on Carnival's strategy to market itself as a more wholesome "family fun" cruise line and avoid the image of a floating girls-gone-wild video. Rich Gosse, spokesman for the California-based Singles Travel Company and Society of Single Professionals, which arranged the first International Cougar Cruise, says he understands the pressure Carnival feels to build that customer base in the current economy. "They've got to do what they've got to do to survive," says Gosse, "and we're grateful they gave us the chance to start this." (See TIME's photo-essay "The Allure of the Oasis Cruise Ship.")
Cougars may have momentum these days, but their relatively small cruise passenger numbers so far may have cost them the Carnival business. Unlike other groups such as the gay and lesbian communities which fully charter ships for themselves on themed cruises, the cougars have less leverage because they're just one group among many passengers onboard. Says Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of cruisecritic.com, "In a contained environment like a cruise ship, if other passengers find anything potentially offensive about your group's theme, it can be a problem. That's why it's better to take the whole ship if you can."
But Gosse and others do worry that Carnival's cougar kibosh could reinforce a societal double standard: that it's OK for older men to have nubile trophy gals on their arms, but we should cover our kids' eyes lest they see a fifty-something woman kissing a young Adonis. He says that broader social acceptance is particularly important for cougars and other middle-aged U.S. single women, who "are being left out in the cold" by middle-aged men's penchant for younger women."
(Time)
Pay Close Attention To This . . . . .
1. Buy weird pets
Anyone with a heart can love a dog and most people will tolerate a cat. But no one wants to date someone who has a bunch of wild prairie dogs burrowed in the couch or an ant farm living unrestrained in their bathtub. All of those options still leave you feeling like someone with with a weird insect fetish can fall in love with you? No fear, step the crazy pets purchase up a notch by buying something truly dangerous like a rattlesnake or crocodile.
2. Have a Fake Accent
Introducing yourself to someone with a phony accent can come off as funny at first. Continuing to yell “oui, oui” in a butchered French accent all night will drive potential love interests away in droves. The key to the fake accent is to make sure it truly comes off as fake and as obnoxious as possible by repeating token phrases (i.e if you’re going with German just keep saying sauerkraut and geshudeit on repeat). After all, the last thing you want is a woman with a thing for Spanish men fall more in love with you each time you say Hola.
3. Use pick-up lines
Use whatever resources you need from outdated search engines to your creepy uncle to find the most cliche pick-up lines out there. People will de-swoon when you approach them with “are you from Tenneesee, because you’re the only ten I see.” Make sure you’re in the clear for going home alone by using several different pick-up lines on the same person. If she starts backing away by the Tennessee line then she’ll be running for the door by the time you get to “Is your father in Jail for stealing the stars and putting them in your eyes.”
4. Use out-dated references
Make yourself seem inaccessibly and unattractively eccentric by throwing in out-dated references into your conversations. Nothing says leave me alone like someone who interjects “talking about inappropriate, can we discuss this Monica Lewinsky thing” into small talk about the past weekend. It’s absolutely essential you be at least ten years behind the time so feel free to throw in any Austin Powers shagging references.
5. Never go out
While this one seems like a no-brainer, you would be shocked by how many wannabe-singles spend their weekend nights out on the town. If you’re not working or running errands, than you should be home alone on your couch wrapped in a snuggie watching Food Network reruns. Take advantage of restaurants that deliver, jobs that let you telecommute, and homes next to unfriendly neighbors.
6. Don’t Follow the Rules
Make people feel extremely uncomfortable by doing what you want, wherever you want. Done with your food at the restaurant? Drop the plate on the floor. Have to pee but don’t feel like waiting in line? Just pull down your pants and go. Stop doing what society tells you, be an individual, and break some laws. However don’t break too many laws, the last thing you need is the pressure to be in a prison relationship.
7. Get a stupid tattoo
This is a last ditch effort to make sure that you don’t have sex. Because everyone knows that sex is going to lead to phone calls, Facebook friend requests, and pleas for Plan B money. Get a heinous, offensive, and/or infected tattoo someplace hidden on your body, preferably your butt. Nothing says I’m not looking for a relationship like a “thank you for coming” tattoo that stretches from cheek to cheek.
(Guyism)
You Will Need A Hearty Appetite For These Meals . . . . .
41 of the Most Gut-Busting Restaurant Challenges You Could Subject Your Stomach To
1. Denny's Beer Barrel Pub
Location: Clearfield, Pennsylvania
Food Challenge: If you have two people and three hours, take on the Beer Barrel Belly Buster. The 15-pound burger includes a 20-inch patty, 17-inch bun, two onions, a head of lettuce, 25 slices of cheese, three tomatoes, mayo, mustard, relish and ketchup. Finish the challenge in three hours and it's completely free. If you can't finish the burger, it'll cost you $49.95.
2. Jack 'n Grill
Location: Denver, Colorado
Food Challenge: As seen on the Travel Channel's popular "Man vs Food" show, the famous Jack-n-Grill seven-pound burrito eats more like a casserole than a burrito. Women who complete the challenge receive free food for life at Jack 'n Grill. Only three women have ever finished the challenge and word on the street is they never returned for more.
3. Papa Bob's Bar-B-Que
Location: Bonner Springs, Kansas
Food Challenge: Finish the Ultimate Destroyer -- a giant 12-inch sandwich with a half-pound pulled pork, half-pound hickory-smoked sliced pork, and two slices of bread -- and Papa Bob's will refund your $45 entry fee.
4. Pizza Party
Location: Santa Clara, California
Food Challenge: Eat one Belly Buster 20-inch pizza with cheese and two toppings in one hour or less. Unlimited water is included with the pizza, however you may not dip your pizza into the water (or any other drink). You have to keep down all the pizza and clean up your mess if you vomit. Finish and you'll receive your entry fee back (equal to half the cost of the pizza), a T-shirt, your picture on the wall of the restaurant, and a free extra-large pizza every month for a year.
5. Beau Jo's Pizza
Location: Colorado
Food Challenge: Finish a Grand Sicilian Pizza made of 12 to 14-pounds of hamburger and sausage on a loaded 16-inch thick crust pizza. You and a friend will have one hour to complete the challenge. If successful, the pizza is free and you'll receive $100 and two free T-shirts.
Complete list here (TheBachelorGuy)
1. Denny's Beer Barrel Pub
Location: Clearfield, Pennsylvania
Food Challenge: If you have two people and three hours, take on the Beer Barrel Belly Buster. The 15-pound burger includes a 20-inch patty, 17-inch bun, two onions, a head of lettuce, 25 slices of cheese, three tomatoes, mayo, mustard, relish and ketchup. Finish the challenge in three hours and it's completely free. If you can't finish the burger, it'll cost you $49.95.
2. Jack 'n Grill
Location: Denver, Colorado
Food Challenge: As seen on the Travel Channel's popular "Man vs Food" show, the famous Jack-n-Grill seven-pound burrito eats more like a casserole than a burrito. Women who complete the challenge receive free food for life at Jack 'n Grill. Only three women have ever finished the challenge and word on the street is they never returned for more.
3. Papa Bob's Bar-B-Que
Location: Bonner Springs, Kansas
Food Challenge: Finish the Ultimate Destroyer -- a giant 12-inch sandwich with a half-pound pulled pork, half-pound hickory-smoked sliced pork, and two slices of bread -- and Papa Bob's will refund your $45 entry fee.
4. Pizza Party
Location: Santa Clara, California
Food Challenge: Eat one Belly Buster 20-inch pizza with cheese and two toppings in one hour or less. Unlimited water is included with the pizza, however you may not dip your pizza into the water (or any other drink). You have to keep down all the pizza and clean up your mess if you vomit. Finish and you'll receive your entry fee back (equal to half the cost of the pizza), a T-shirt, your picture on the wall of the restaurant, and a free extra-large pizza every month for a year.
5. Beau Jo's Pizza
Location: Colorado
Food Challenge: Finish a Grand Sicilian Pizza made of 12 to 14-pounds of hamburger and sausage on a loaded 16-inch thick crust pizza. You and a friend will have one hour to complete the challenge. If successful, the pizza is free and you'll receive $100 and two free T-shirts.
Complete list here (TheBachelorGuy)
These Are Some Clever Marketing Tag Lines . . . . .
15 Sexist Condom Ad Taglines
1. When you take off her pants and blouse, suit up your mouse
2. Wrap it in foil, before you check her oil
3. Encase that torch before you paint her porch
4. Cover your vein then drive her insane
5. Cover your mound, and prepare to pound
6. Hood that match then scratch that thatch
7. Cover your stump before you hump
8. Before you attack her, wrap your whacker
9. If you slip between her thighs, condomize
10. She won’t get sick if you wrap your dick
11. If you go into heat, package your meat
12. If you can’t shield your rocket, leave it in your pocket
13. Protect your pole before you battle with the hole
14. Cage that snake then shake and bake
15. Put your dog in the pound and make her yelp like a hound
(DJMick)
1. When you take off her pants and blouse, suit up your mouse
2. Wrap it in foil, before you check her oil
3. Encase that torch before you paint her porch
4. Cover your vein then drive her insane
5. Cover your mound, and prepare to pound
6. Hood that match then scratch that thatch
7. Cover your stump before you hump
8. Before you attack her, wrap your whacker
9. If you slip between her thighs, condomize
10. She won’t get sick if you wrap your dick
11. If you go into heat, package your meat
12. If you can’t shield your rocket, leave it in your pocket
13. Protect your pole before you battle with the hole
14. Cage that snake then shake and bake
15. Put your dog in the pound and make her yelp like a hound
(DJMick)
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