tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67358229339044253102024-03-05T16:56:37.576-05:00Real Women Love SportsThis Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-51616187964619580322015-11-04T15:40:00.002-05:002015-11-04T15:56:08.148-05:00Catch of the Year contest - Please vote!!!!If you like my blog, even if you don't but you like really big fish, take a minute to go to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BoatUS/photos/a.984726551550573.1073741847.127893933900510/987203904636171/?type=3&theater">BoatUS Facebook page and vote for my hub's photo</a> (as seen below, he's on the left in the purple Vikings shirt) - he caught an 8-foot sturgeon near Hells Canyon on the Snake River a couple of months ago. He submitted the photo and won the "Catch of the Month" contest, which then entered him into the "Catch of the Year" contest - which is voted on by YOU. Just <u>like the page</u> and <u>like the photo</u> and voila - he could win the fishing trip of a lifetime with Mark Zona (who is, in fishing circles a big f-ing deal. My husband would literally cry if he won). So please please please please please click on the link and vote for his photo!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3J3vEZLMtX51ylPTKYHZ_t4puzZ_QPB0DI-Bh4TX9xeHqA4MveywlaW_X2L6hiQCLlm9wgH7P4nDmkWfX4mEe427IIWbC-EdyrUlxqk7D6bZ7BXoqrKFPW0onCIJ-_cd0Ycc7YjxqK0/s1600/sturgeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3J3vEZLMtX51ylPTKYHZ_t4puzZ_QPB0DI-Bh4TX9xeHqA4MveywlaW_X2L6hiQCLlm9wgH7P4nDmkWfX4mEe427IIWbC-EdyrUlxqk7D6bZ7BXoqrKFPW0onCIJ-_cd0Ycc7YjxqK0/s320/sturgeon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.08px; text-align: left;">Ryan Hartwig- White sturgeon</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.08px; text-align: left;">Great day with great friends on the snake river near Hells Canyon!</span></td></tr>
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<br />This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-26259819454038838052015-10-13T17:36:00.002-04:002015-10-19T11:44:07.927-04:00The hypocrisy that is the NFL's "Pinktober"<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I’ve long had a major problem with the NFL’s observance of Breast
Cancer Awareness in October and the main reason is that it’s the biggest load
of hypocrisy that I’ve ever seen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqeaXpn-KE1ZPLd_Q1a-VrjEO8ALeuFLT_CPM0NA7kYczRa2dcYMBu1V3A2YnzpZIH-ENMvSuPgMBbqQ03F66wzxsB15xkI0SR8VHO5sKMtWTyXPeQkL19kMi9XzE6XOV56MYS0WWjck/s1600/pinktober.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqeaXpn-KE1ZPLd_Q1a-VrjEO8ALeuFLT_CPM0NA7kYczRa2dcYMBu1V3A2YnzpZIH-ENMvSuPgMBbqQ03F66wzxsB15xkI0SR8VHO5sKMtWTyXPeQkL19kMi9XzE6XOV56MYS0WWjck/s320/pinktober.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink, pink everywhere...<br />
Courtesy Photo</td></tr>
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The mockery of the “Pinktober” celebration by the NFL feels not only insincere
but almost patronizing - let’s have our multimillionaire male athletes and our
beautiful young cheerleaders wear cute hot pink things for the month of October
because – yay! – we support women and breast cancer! Be so proud of us! Look
how progressive we are! We are a male-dominated sport with a history of
ignoring domestic violence but we know we have female fans so, sure, we support you! And, ignore the fact that we clearly don’t support women in other ways
because for four games a year we wear pink!</div>
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I, for one, am not fooled, NFL.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’re expected to applaud the NFL for wearing pink in October - the same NFL that routinely lets players who
have histories of domestic violence and/or sexual abuse against women play a
game in front of millions of fans and make millions of dollars while the women
not only suffer in silence but are also shamed for what happened to them. Wow, how noble of you.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now please don’t get this wrong – breast cancer is decidedly a <b>big deal</b> that affects more than 200,000
people and kills more than 40,000 people in the U.S. each year. But here is the
most disgusting part of the entire NFL “Pinktober” – HOW LITTLE MONEY GOES TO
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS OR RESEARCH. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You see, these devious NFL executives and billionaire owners, they’ve
figured out yet ANOTHER way to make more money – by letting us THINK we’re
buying all of this pink paraphernalia to help an amazing cause, but in actuality,
THEY ARE MAKING MONEY OFF OF IT. Oh yes, you read that right. According to
Business insider, the NFL is keeping 90 percent of the profit from the sale of
Breast Cancer Awareness gear – yes, 90%. It is enough to make my blood boil. (Note:
the NFL did make sure to mention to the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/why-is-the-nfl-profitting-off-of-breast-cancer-2012-10">Business
Insider</a> that they donate $1 million per year to breast cancer awareness
charities. I’d like to mention that the NFL’s revenue is nearly $10 billion a
year.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Every October – and October only – the NFL trots women out who have or
have had breast cancer, gives them the support and
encouragement they desperate deserve, but they do it in a way that’s always
felt disingenuous. Case in point: current Steelers and former Carolina Panthers
RB DeAngelo Williams’ mother, Sandra Hill, passed away after a long battle with
breast cancer in 2014. For years, she was trotted out each October by the
Panthers to be honored as a breast cancer survivor. However, when she passed away from the disease in 2014, not a single member of the organization came to her funeral. So, just
to get it straight – the Panthers used Williams’ mom as face of team each
October for Breast Cancer Awareness, then ignored her death to the disease they
"support." <o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, it was reported that Williams asked the NFL if he could wear
pink all season – instead of just October – to honor his mother and FOUR aunts
who have all died from breast cancer. The NFL said no. If the NFL really cared
about women and breast cancer, why not let Williams honor his mother and aunts? Now, I know there are uniform regulations, but I have a hard time
believing anyone would have a problem with a mean wearing a little bit of pink
all season to honor the five women in his life who have died of breast cancer. To
me, it shows that the NFL is using October as a ploy to appease
female fans, more than as a way to actually support breast cancer awareness. This is the problem I’ve always had with the
show the NFL has made “Pinktober” into: the one time they’ve been asked to
really show their support – by letting a man who lost four aunts and his mother
to the deadly disease honor them by wearing pink all season, they showed they
true colors – which are decidedly not pink – and said no. Not only that - but they make money off of the observance. </div>
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Frankly, it's disgusting.</div>
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<br />This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-87749534097223818432015-05-07T11:33:00.001-04:002015-05-08T15:29:47.980-04:00If you cheered for Mayweather you need your head examined<div class="MsoNormal">
For the “every man,” i.e. those of us who aren't boxing
connoisseurs, the “Fight of the Century” turned out to be a bit more of a dud
than anything approaching legendary. I personally was disappointed with the result – for the sole
reason that I despise Floyd Mayweather.</div>
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Floyd Mayweather isn't a champ – he is a woman beater, plain
and simple. He couldn't land a KO on Manny Pacquiao, but he has done it to more
than a few women in his life. And on Saturday night he made $100 million. It’s
enough to make me sick.<br />
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I find it shocking that anyone could possibly cheer for such a lowlife. How do you live with yourself cheering for a trained fighter who uses those fists to hit women? "Money" has been accused of seven separate assaults
against five different women that lead to citation or arrest, as well as other
accusations in which the police weren't called. This is a guy to cheer for? <o:p></o:p></div>
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What Mayweather does in the ring is special – that’s
irrefutable. But what he does out of the ring is equally reprehensible and as a
society we shouldn't be able to separate the two so easily. Would you
cheer for him when he’s punching a woman? I would hope not. So how can you
cheer anything he does? Some people are able to separate the Mayweather in the
ring from the Mayweather out of the ring. I’m not one of those people, and I
don’t think anyone should be.</div>
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Floyd Mayweather is no role model – he is the anti-role
model: Kids, this is who you DON’T want to be like. But on the flip side, he is the richest athlete in the
world. So are we showing children – and adults alike – that your actions in the
home don’t correlate to your prowess in a sports arena? Unfortunately, it is often the case. I had a sports journalism professor at Boston University,
the great <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Falla/e/B001IR1ITQ">Jack Falla</a>, who said a quote in class once that has stuck with me for more than 10 yeare: <i>“If Jeffrey Dahmer ran a 4.4 40, we would have said he had an ‘eating
disorder.’” <o:p></o:p></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: proximanova, 'Lucida Grande', Calibri, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21px;"> </span></div>
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While a ridiculous statement, it shines a light on a sad truth in our society: If someone is good at a sport, or a good
actor or singer, we recuse them of responsibility when they act like monsters
in their “regular life.” Look at Chris Brown, who is still a sought-after
singer making hit records with some of the biggest names in "The Business." Every time I see or hear Chris Brown, I think of the bruised and battered face of Rihanna and immediately change the channel. Does his abusive background take away from his musical talent? No, but I won't be part of helping him grow his fortune.<o:p></o:p></div>
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With Mayweather’s win, many news outlets have written
something along the lines of, “You don’t have to like him…” But why is that OK?
Why is it OK to cheer for a man who beats women without thought or
repercussions? Because he is a great boxer? That shouldn't be the case. They
talk about his “troubled past.” What about his disturbing present? The public's indifference to Mayweather's serial domestic abuse is especially shocking in light of recent events involving football players, and how the public reacted to those. After video was release of Ray Rice punching his then-fiancée (now wife) in an elevator in Atlantic City, he was suspended by the NFL, dropped by the Baltimore Ravens and became a hated man in the eyes of the public.<br />
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Rice is a pariah, yet Mayweather is lauded by many. This guy you cheer for? Well in 2010, Mayweather attacked the mother of three of his four children, punching and kicking her in the head. His oldest son called the police and he did a plea deal to domestic assault and pleaded no contest to harassment charges, serving two months of a 90-day sentence. She filed a defamation lawsuit against him, saying he made up lies about her to save his own butt. He said the alleged abuse against her was a result of his having to "restrain her" because she was "on drugs." How nice of him to blame the victim. What a guy!<br />
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I think there are two types of Mayweather fans: those who
don’t know his past (which means they have never read anything about him and
there is little excuse for that) and those that do. Those who don’t are at best
ill-read and at worst ignorant. But those who do? Well they are complete and
utter dirt bags at best. Grantland writer <a href="http://grantland.com/contributors/bryan-curtis/">Bryan Curtis</a> was at
the fight and reported a Mayweather fan shouting, “Give your best Ray Rice to
’em!” Yes, you read that correctly – knock out Pacquiao like Ray Rice knocked
out his wife. Stay classy, dude. <o:p></o:p></div>
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What is my point in all of this? Mayweather may be the greatest boxer of all time, but he is a despicable human being and if you cheered
for him, you are either ignorant or a horrible person who supports
a serial abuser.<br />
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<br />This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-19508276971730306922014-09-05T09:46:00.001-04:002014-09-05T09:59:01.777-04:00In non-football-related decision, Bengals make move that could help save a little girl's life<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Is it allergy season? Did I get dust in my eye? That must be it. I'm reading about the Cincinnati Bengals signing DT Devon Still to the practice squad and my eyes are getting all watery.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Making the practice squad as a three-year veteran normally wouldn't be cause for celebration. But for Still, it could drastically affect his—and his daughter’s—life.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">You see, in June, Still's 4-year-old daughter, Leah, was diagnosed with Stage 4 pediatric cancer. Since her diagnosis, Still understandably hasn't been able to concentrate on football as he did before. So when the 25 year old failed to make the Bengals 53-man roster, Still — who drafted him 53rd overall out of Penn State in the 2012 draft — said he wasn't surprised.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9rkwx8bypTNM2Tqx51GtqrTJHhgyWYGh92JAMiYe4wS_Tr_ti_mv-HQeKQEftRuas_DZTNMyIjwYGh4PRFKC4DZDh3pLkX8pgF24W6KiZYlpMBoZ-v8-vLiUgveuIJtE-VSMIdMYwn4/s1600/Still+and+Daughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9rkwx8bypTNM2Tqx51GtqrTJHhgyWYGh92JAMiYe4wS_Tr_ti_mv-HQeKQEftRuas_DZTNMyIjwYGh4PRFKC4DZDh3pLkX8pgF24W6KiZYlpMBoZ-v8-vLiUgveuIJtE-VSMIdMYwn4/s1600/Still+and+Daughter.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cincinnati DT Devon Still and his 4-year-old daughter Leah, who is battling Stage 4 pediatric cancer.<br />
Photo courtesy of Man_of_Still75 via Instagram</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">“I completely understand where they were coming from,” Still said of getting cut. “I can’t give football 100 percent right now. In the business aspect they want guys to solely focus on football, which is understandable. We are here to win this city a Super Bowl and right now I am not in a position where I can give football 100 percent of everything I have.”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Then, with what can only be described as a completely-non-football-related decision, coach Marvin Lewis called Still and offered him a spot on the team's practice squad. The move means the Bengals will pay Still $6,300 a week and, more importantly, provide medical insurance to him and his daughter, who completed her fourth round of chemotherapy last week.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">The practice squad in Cincinnati, Lewis also pointed out to Still, is the perfect opportunity for the team to help Still, because he’ll continue to make more than $100,000 if he stays there all year, and he’ll maintain his health insurance at a critical time. It also means he won’t travel on road trips, so he’ll have the opportunity to spend more time in Delaware with his family and travel with them to Philadelphia as Leah continues chemo.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">So while Still was disappointed not to make the roster, he said it feels like a blessing in disguise.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">“They could have just washed their hands completely of it,” he said. “Say [sic] 'we don’t care what’s going on in his personal life, we just want people who can care 100 percent on football,' that’s what they pay us to do. But they thought about my personal issues and allowed me to come back on the practice squad so I still have insurance."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Stories like this make me love sports even more; the camaraderie, the brotherhood and the bond between players and teams. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">You might be saying, "of course they did that." But trust me when I say this doesn't happen everywhere — a coworker of mine recently told me that her husband’s company let go of an under-performing 60-year-old employee. When he called to say he was scheduled to get a pace maker in the next month, and would they please keep him on the insurance at least until that was complete, they said “no.” Sadly, he passed away from a heart attack shortly thereafter.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">It would have been easy for the Bengals to completely cut ties with an under-performing second-round draft pick who wasn't putting his whole heart and soul into football; but it also would have been wrong. Still now has a loyalty to the team that drafted him and kept him in his time of greatest need, allowing him not only the insurance to pay for his daughter’s treatments, but the ability to be there for her as she goes through them. He said he hopes to repay them soon by living up to the expectations they had when they drafted him in the second round.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">“Loyalty is something I really need right now because I never know what direction this is going to go with my daughter,” he said.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">This is a reminder that there are a lot of great people in the world. Cheers to the Cincinnati Bengals, and prayers for Leah – stay strong little girl, you've got millions of people praying and rooting for you.</span></div>
This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-63135390685067301892014-08-18T12:47:00.000-04:002014-08-18T15:45:57.007-04:00Accept the #IceBucketChallenge and don’t be such a cynic<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gEkakTN0y2lwc4M8JJ6srAs1MWT4SrhJ82ssS2pKAAZ_3wHSs6mSE-qtkh6vb4y5Tk1AXGmsA2_BaIQ5Mk30DJZFnIAQNq4JqPekE4Yd_rSFoGkQ6CgZXKqgk48Sjovb7NIsR8hoHFw/s1600/challenge+accepted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gEkakTN0y2lwc4M8JJ6srAs1MWT4SrhJ82ssS2pKAAZ_3wHSs6mSE-qtkh6vb4y5Tk1AXGmsA2_BaIQ5Mk30DJZFnIAQNq4JqPekE4Yd_rSFoGkQ6CgZXKqgk48Sjovb7NIsR8hoHFw/s1600/challenge+accepted.jpg" height="247" width="320" /></a></div>
I’ll admit I was skeptical at first; a few weeks ago when my former high school
classmates started taking the #ALSIceBucketChallenge and posting the videos on Facebook I thought,
“how does this help ALS?” I was being cynical, assuming most people were doing the
challenge and posting it on social media because it was “cool” (no pun
intended) but weren't actually donating.</div>
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I was quickly proven wrong, and gladly admit it. The craze spread - from the North Shore of Massachusetts to Hollywood and beyond. Because of a bunch of people dumping buckets of ice water on their heads,The ALS Association has received $15.6 million in donations as of Monday, August 18, compared to
$1.8 million during the same time period last year (July 29 to August 18).
These donations have come from existing donors and 307,598 new donors to The
Association.<br />
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Unfortunately, there are still those who are cynical. There is debate over the actual “rules” of the challenge, but the quick
rundown—for those of you living in a box—is that someone challenges you to dump
a bucket of ice water over your head and you have 24 hours to accept or donate
$100 to ALS. Some are going by the rules that, if you accept, you donate at
least $10, dump the ice water over your head, and challenge three friends. But there
are many accepting the challenge and pouring ice water over their head in lieu
of a donation, which has let some to call the challenge “slacktivism.”</div>
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But before the Ice Bucket Challenge went viral, when is the last time you heard about ALS? Or read about it? When
was the last time ALS was at the forefront of our culture? The answer is July 4, 1939,
when Lou Gehrig gave his famous <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20030618&content_id=381132&vkey=lou_gehrig&fext=.jsp&c_id=null">“Luckiest
Man on the Face of the Earth” speech</a>. After this, ALS was dubbed “Lou
Gehrig's Disease.” But, sadly, very little has changed since 1939— there is still
no cure for ALS so the prognosis is still 100% fatal.<o:p></o:p><br />
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If you don’t know anyone with ALS, it is an awful, awful disease. About 5,600 people are diagnosed with ALS each year in the United States. On average, it is diagnosed between the ages of 40-70, and the life expectancy for someone once diagnosed is 2-5 years. So when former Boston College baseball captain Pete Frates was diagnosed at 27 years old, he was told he would live to 32 if he was “lucky.” But during those years, he would lose the ability to walk, talk, breathe on his own and, eventually, move anything except his eyes.<br />
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But, despite the large amount of money raised, the challenge still has many skeptics, like Vice’s Arielle Pardes who wrote, “It’s like a game of Would-You-Rather involving the entire internet where, appallingly, most Americans would rather dump ice water on their head than donate to charity. There are a lot of things wrong with the Ice Bucket Challenge, but most the annoying is that it’s basically narcissism masked as altruism.” (You can read her whole column here: <span style="font-variant: small-caps;"><a href="http://www.vice.com/read/dumping-a-bucket-of-ice-on-your-head-does-not-make-you-a-philanthropist-813?utm_content=buffer29d06&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer">Dumping a Bucket of Ice on Your Head Does Not Make You a Philanthropist</a></span>).<o:p></o:p></div>
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You know what I say to Parades? What a sad outlook you have. I'm sorry this challenge to support our friends and loved ones with ALS, a disease without a cure, is <i>annoying </i>you. More than a million people have posted #IceBucketChallenge videos, <u>resulting in millions of dollars donated to ALS research</u>, and you have to find the bad in it. Maybe the challenge itself is “silly” or is a stunt, mere “slactivism,” or just about showing off on social media… but who cares why some people do it? Money is being raised for a worthy cause, and people are talking about ALS! Whether you know Pete Frates or someone else with ALS, this challenge is about bringing the disease to the forefront and getting the research dollars it needs to end its fatal diagnosis. I don’t care that Kylie Jenner or Justin Bieber probably have no idea what ALS is – dumping a bucket of cold water over their heads (which, admit it, you would have liked to do for them) means something to those who have ever had a loved one with ALS. And, hopefully, all of these celebrities are donating money to ALS after they complete the challenge.</div>
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What the ice bucket challenge has done, in addition to raising more that
$15 million so far, is to make people aware of this awful disease that doesn't
get enough attention or enough research dollars. What started in Frates’ hometown of Beverly, Mass., has spread to the
world – Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Jennifer Lopez, Cristiano Ronaldo, the
Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Jimmy Fallon, LeBron James and Justin
Timberlake are just a few of the hundreds of thousands who have “accepted the
ice bucket challenge.” In a billionaire triumverate, Mark Zuckerberg challenged
Bill Gates, who accepted and challenged Elon Musk, who accepted … and it goes
on and on.</div>
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Personally, I accepted the #ALSIceBucketChallenge on August 8, and
donated through petefrates.com. My five-year-old accepted a challenge from her
uncle and money was donated in her name.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx3RMVziGjxEOsOmwM0aSy1gVTkN9GQ4ZiWHNnkxnhv0TdiofGEYjf3MCmw_GR5drOq-d6-tGtbGwCxVLlv2A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Yes, dumping a bucket of ice water of your head is silly. But what it
stands for is anything but. So accept the challenge and donate — as much or as little as you want —
at <a href="http://petefrates.com/contribute.html">http://petefrates.com/contribute.html</a>,
<a href="https://secure2.convio.net/alsa/site/Donation2;jsessionid=86B8E9D4A93328037F29EFD41C9A2F2F.app275b?df_id=27420&27420.donation=form1">ALSA.org</a>
or your ALS charity of choice.</div>
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You have 24 hours!<br />
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This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-82166724543028963492014-07-29T13:14:00.003-04:002014-07-29T13:56:59.027-04:00Rice’s slap on the wrist is a slap in the face of all womenIn 2006, under then new-NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Albert Haynesworth was <u>suspended for five games</u> for stomping on the head of Dallas Cowboys center Andre Gurode during a game.<br />
<br />
In 2013, Brandon Meriweather was <u>suspended for two games</u> for “repeated violation of the NFL’s helmet-to-helmet policy.”<br />
<br />
In 2014, Ray Rice was <u>suspended for two games</u> for knocking his then-fiancé unconscious in an Atlantic City casino elevator.<br />
<br />
Does this not add up to anyone else? Let me get this straight: Rice was given the same punishment for knocking a woman unconscious on video as Meriweather was for tackling violations? And received a lesser suspension than Haynesworth, who’s violation was against another man and during a game when the man had protective gear on? Haynesworth’s suspension, at the time the longest ever for an on-field incident, was appropriate; Rice’s suspension is shockingly and disgustingly light. I am outraged, irate, infuriated… there aren't enough words for my level of disgust at Ray Rice, the NFL and those supporting this wife beater.<br />
<br />
We have all seen the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EujyCRyFs6g" target="_blank">video </a>of the Ravens running back carrying Janay Palmer’s lifeless body out of the elevator and laying her carelessly on the floor. Ever the gentlemen, he makes sure to pull her feet out of the way so the doors could close. It wasn't made public, but Atlantic City Police have said they have video of Rice actually punching Palmer unconscious. Think about that for a moment — Rice took his fist and hit his fiancé, who he supposedly loves, in the head so hard that she was out cold. But of course that doesn't render the same punishment as Haynesworth using his foot to hit another man who was wearing protective equipment.<br />
<br />
What might even make the light suspension worse is that it was handed down by Roger Goodell, the man who is supposedly “cleaning up the NFL.” Apparently cleaning up the NFL doesn't refer to those who abuse women, only those who smoke pot, take performance enhancing drugs or hit other men too hard during games.<br />
<br />
The first time I saw the video I gasped in horror. Rice's attorney described the incident as a "minor physical altercation." I’d like anyone to look at the video of Rice dragging Palmer’s limp body out of an elevator and tell me there was anything “minor” about it. That any lawyer would dare to use such a word—minor— to describe what Rice did to Palmer is utterly degrading to all women.<br />
<br />
Adding insult to injury, the Baltimore Ravens released a statement a few days after the video went public, in which Coach Jim Harbaugh said, "The two people obviously have a couple issues that they have to work through, and they're both committed to doing that....They understand their own issues. They're getting a lot of counseling and those kinds of things, so I think that's really positive."<br />
<br />
Wow. Bad grammar aside, are you $a*!@#(%&;@#! kidding me?! This isn't “a couple [of] issues,” it is violent abuse that is indicative of the man Ray Rice truly is. Do we think this is the first (or last) time he has done this? <a href="http://most%20female%20victims%20of%20intimate%20partner%20violence%20were%20previously%20victimized%20by%20the%20same%20offender%2C%20including/">Statistics tell us that it is likely not:</a> Most female victims of intimate partner violence were previously victimized by the same offender, including 77% of females ages 18-24, 76% of females ages 25-34, and 81% of females ages 35-49. Palmer standing by his side, and even marrying him, after the incident does nothing to change what happened. Sadly, many women stay with the men who abuse them, either because they confuse abuse with love, they believe he “won’t do it again,” or because they are scared to leave because they fear for their safety or they are afraid to be alone.<br />
<br />
As a female football fan, I’m insulted and disgusted that Rice was given such little punishment for his violent crime. I’m offended and sad that his lawyer would call the exchange “minor” and I’m further offended that the Baltimore Ravens organization, players and some fans are standing up for this wife beater – because that is exactly what Ray Rice is.<br />
<br />
Despite saying he was “taking responsibility for his actions, Rice rejected a plea offer that would have spared the running back jail time in exchange for completing probation and undergoing anger management. Instead, he pleaded not guilty—not guilty to something that is on camera. In a move that says far too much about our society, Rice was accepted into a program for first-time offenders that will clear him of charges in as few as six months if he stays out of trouble and attends regular counseling. <br />
<br />
I am sad that the only consequence for Rice knocking a woman out cold is a two-game suspension. No jail time, no probation, not even a fine. I am sad for Janay Palmer, even if she isn't sad for herself. I'm sad that, yet again, violence against women goes underpunished. I'm sad that a man was let "off the hook" because he can run with a ball. And I'm sad that talent and money outweighs violence.<br />
<br />
I hope no one cheers for Ray Rice in his first game back; I hope the Baltimore fans turn their backs when he is announced; I hope they boo him when he gets handed the ball. But, sadly, history tells us that if Rice does well on the field, all will be forgotten and forgiven. In fact, this week it was reported that "Rice gets warm reception from fans at practice." Applauding a guy that is so tough he knocks out his girlfriend in an elevator where she had no where to run. They should be ashamed of themselves<br />
<br />
I, for one, will not forget. I hope others do the same. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-gzRgwCT2zywarhfn3W1_3tD3wEGhHqrUEdQc1LRH_C9eydesNSZAxikmjq0Q2PdPqh9MsObfhJCz7WgNVklMO0Z86rLqujmkKbdC7XbQXgUnkHcjUL-hNB3yQplJNpV34Z3m4KTK3w/s1600/No+Rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-gzRgwCT2zywarhfn3W1_3tD3wEGhHqrUEdQc1LRH_C9eydesNSZAxikmjq0Q2PdPqh9MsObfhJCz7WgNVklMO0Z86rLqujmkKbdC7XbQXgUnkHcjUL-hNB3yQplJNpV34Z3m4KTK3w/s1600/No+Rice.jpg" height="300" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Rice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><u>Domestic Violence Statistics</u></b>*</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year.[<a href="https://www.blogger.com/[i-ii]%20http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/ipv_factsheet2012-a.pdf">i</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Nearly 3 in 10 women (29%) and 1 in 10 men (10%) in the US have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by a partner and report a related impact on their functioning.[<a href="https://www.blogger.com/[i-ii]%20http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/ipv_factsheet2012-a.pdf">ii</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Nearly, 15% of women (14.8%) and 4% of men have been injured as a result of IPV that included rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.[<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/consequences.html">iii</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the United States have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.[<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/consequences.html">iv</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">IPV alone affects more than 12 million people each year.[<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/nisvs_report2010-a.pdf">v</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">More than 1 in 3 women (35.6%) and more than 1 in 4 men (28.5%) in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.[<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/nisvs_report2010-a.pdf">vi</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Nearly half of all women and men in the United States have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime (48.4% and 48.8%, respectively).[<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/nisvs_report2010-a.pdf">vii</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Females ages 18 to 24 and 25 to 34 generally experienced the highest rates of intimate partner violence.[<a href="http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/ipv9310.pdf">viii</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">From 1994 to 2010, about 4 in 5 victims of intimate partner violence were female.[<a href="http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/ipv9310.pdf">ix</a>]</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Most female victims of intimate partner violence were previously victimized by the same offender, including 77% of females ages 18 to 24, 76% of females ages 25 to 34, and 81% of females ages 35 to 49.[<a href="http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/ipv9310.pdf">x</a>]</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">*Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) of the Department of Justice (DOJ), both government agencies.</span></span></div>
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<br />This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-57806668460020878342014-07-16T10:47:00.002-04:002014-07-16T16:21:48.700-04:00LeBron's inevitable homecoming<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSit5Rr2a2tDMxhO5ARtxXwmrogaQeJvlEBKTewJTvSCsFnjbxCuYB4gxGE8TO-Piup5ZO4OQ8oygNdV7lg7zQTI-32QDDN8yPVJJZZdx5_2jCpyLVFkQocIcuC8uLx89EVvQTRE94s0/s1600/shocked-baby1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSit5Rr2a2tDMxhO5ARtxXwmrogaQeJvlEBKTewJTvSCsFnjbxCuYB4gxGE8TO-Piup5ZO4OQ8oygNdV7lg7zQTI-32QDDN8yPVJJZZdx5_2jCpyLVFkQocIcuC8uLx89EVvQTRE94s0/s1600/shocked-baby1.jpg" height="130" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LeBron to Cleveland?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Friday afternoon as I drove from Atlanta to Savannah to enjoy a slow, lazy and, of course, spirit-filled weekend (it's Savannah, after all), we heard BREAKING NEWS: LeBron James is returning home!<br />
<br />
Well color me surprised! Just kidding, I'm not. Had LeBron chosen to stay in Miami I would have been shocked, because I believe that ending up back in Cleveland was always LeBron's plan. LeBron was forced to leave Cleveland in the first place because they didn't fully realize his worth and wouldn't build a championship team around him.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4cOZF_gxz-4glVvXDnVIfJvgi5GzvEM4-c1tRCEvhWKyt-9wI7Lf8sJrPFevzr9emRVNAHIeD68cNo7d1QRxF22P9MkWxvtTtjywlmfTW6mHJtXlcGBvszKyBzgTShH9Nfoi5ZK3Nx8/s1600/im-not-surprised-who-didnt-see-that-coming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4cOZF_gxz-4glVvXDnVIfJvgi5GzvEM4-c1tRCEvhWKyt-9wI7Lf8sJrPFevzr9emRVNAHIeD68cNo7d1QRxF22P9MkWxvtTtjywlmfTW6mHJtXlcGBvszKyBzgTShH9Nfoi5ZK3Nx8/s1600/im-not-surprised-who-didnt-see-that-coming.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the 2014 Finals, <br />
who didn't see this coming?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
LeBron always wanted to end up back in Cleveland. But he needed to leave in order to gain the power and sway to get what he needed to bring a championship to his hometown team. He could only get that power by leaving and doing it elsewhere. He had to make a point to Dan Gilbert: even though he loves his hometown, if they weren't going to surround him with talent to win a championship, he was going to find somewhere that would. He did that in Miami—with two championships and back-to-back MVP awards (bringing his total to four, just one behind MJ). Before, Gilbert seemed to think either LeBron could do it on his own with minimal surrounding talent, or that LeBron loved home so much that he would just accept Gilbert’s refusal to spend the money necessary to bring the right players to Cleveland. Now that Gilbert has seen what a LeBron-less Cavs team looks like, and that his superstar won’t sit back and just take it, his wallet is flying open.<br />
<br />
But there’s another reason LeBron left Cleveland. It’s because a superstar of his caliber can't be in a town like Cleveland forever. It’s not like Jeter with the Yankees or Kobe with the Lakers – he couldn't stay with one team his whole career because his team was in Cleveland, not New York or LA; he had to get out and live somewhere a superstar lives for a few years to become “LEBRON JAMES.” Miami gave him the prestige, the “it factor,” to go along with his name. He lived it up for four years, and now he’s ready to settle down back home. LeBron got everything he wanted out of his time in Miami – two rings, the superstar lifestyle and the pull necessary to make this move back to Cleveland, where they will now do whatever he wants.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZHbNGsB5pmk1zMw4pEpkrq4844lrR-n2GTTjg2RnYBFFHaSxF49IPUbB-ULo5RJ1m6Ag9lgkoc2nmwY96WJl-S-bpqQbz7uNitakQG0ZIvkE3FyNIB9JZbqCeu9_CR2mL8Hi2EujxXo/s1600/old+sweatshirt.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZHbNGsB5pmk1zMw4pEpkrq4844lrR-n2GTTjg2RnYBFFHaSxF49IPUbB-ULo5RJ1m6Ag9lgkoc2nmwY96WJl-S-bpqQbz7uNitakQG0ZIvkE3FyNIB9JZbqCeu9_CR2mL8Hi2EujxXo/s1600/old+sweatshirt.jpeg" height="200" width="165" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old sweatshirt that was the <br />
2014 Final's Miami Heat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
LeBron's exit from Miami became was clear to me, and anyone else watching, during this year’s Finals. The Heat had become LeBron's favorite old sweatshirt — warm and cozy but, in reality, all worn out and he knew it was time to get rid of it. The magic was gone and would not return. The past four years with LeBron, Wade and Bosh were truly special, but by this year’s Finals they were running on fumes. I knew LeBron was gone because you could read the frustration on his face; he had gotten what he wanted out of his time in Miami and he was done.<br />
<br />
There was no “Decision” this time. In fact, I don’t think there was much of a decision for LeBron to even make; his return to Cleveland was inevitable and inescapable. When a superstar like LeBron James keeps a home in AKRON, there is a reason: because it is home and that’s where—excuse the pun—his heart is.<br />
<br />
Now that Cleveland lost LeBron once, they are going to do everything in their power to make him happy. What makes LeBron happy? Championships to add to his legacy. Cleveland has a better foundation upon which LeBron can build numerous more championships, with young talent like Kyrie Irving, Anthony Bennett and Andrew Wiggins. They also have the cap room with which to bring in key role players, and LeBron is someone people will take a pay cut to play alongside.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRGW_nH5f6hlf6T67drcVDPsmn6d6_mov5uxl5hDYjkSZIhFEluUg-JvE2rWH-kLHdnXS_oRfuIunuJP_Au9aYlIo-XPSVd8KCpzHsUXgX6pF09sZFj8e62zgcotkOSM29SWrP891t2M/s1600/twitter-user-matt-hockett-pokes-fun-at-coral-ridge-presbyterian-pastor-tullian-tchividjians-reaction-to-lebron-james-departure-from-the-miami-heat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRGW_nH5f6hlf6T67drcVDPsmn6d6_mov5uxl5hDYjkSZIhFEluUg-JvE2rWH-kLHdnXS_oRfuIunuJP_Au9aYlIo-XPSVd8KCpzHsUXgX6pF09sZFj8e62zgcotkOSM29SWrP891t2M/s1600/twitter-user-matt-hockett-pokes-fun-at-coral-ridge-presbyterian-pastor-tullian-tchividjians-reaction-to-lebron-james-departure-from-the-miami-heat.jpg" height="320" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every NBA player over age 30.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now LeBron looks to cement his legacy as one of the greatest of all time by bringing Cleveland, his hometown, its first title in any sport in 50 years. I don’t think there is anyone who doubts he will do it. This was his plan all along.This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-86411419446454762322014-07-09T10:57:00.002-04:002014-07-09T11:16:08.765-04:00Not your mama's Brazil: The aftermath of Germany's routIt was a beating of epic proportions; a smack down, a throttling, a whipping, a trouncing. No matter what you call it, Germany’s 7-1 win over Brazil in the 2014 World Cup semifinals was stunning—stunningly good for the Germans and, almost more noteworthy, stunningly bad for the Brazilians. Brazil was at home, where no one expected them to lose; but they were also <i>at home</i>, with more pressure than has probably ever been on one team.<br />
<br />
You see, Brazil is a soccer (or fotebol) nation and they expect to always win—especially at home. But tragedy struck the team in the quarterfinals when superstar forward Neymar was hit from behind and fractured a vertebra, rendering him unable to play the rest of the tournament. The team was in shock that their star was out; in fact, it is reported that the team was so "stressed" about losing him that they had a sports psychologist come speak with them.<br />
<br />
Apparently it didn't work.<br />
<br />
The Brazil that showed up, also down central defender Thiago Silva who was out on the accumulation of yellow cards (which is a whole other issue we can discuss another time), looked more like a mediocre college team than a world-class national team with five World Cup trophies. They were sloppy, slow and uninspired. Instead of rallying around the loss of their superstar, they imploded.<br />
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All things said, this 2014 Brazil team was far from their best. They didn't play <i><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/69649-jogo-bonito-the-beautiful-game">o jogo bonito</a>,</i> or <a href="http://www.brazilianfutebolarte.com/" target="_blank">fotebol arte</a>, that we've become accustomed to seeing from them. There was little beauty in their recent games; there were no Brazilian playmakers gracefully dancing and weaving around the competition and they had the most fouls of any team in the tournament through the quarterfinals. The result (winning), not the style, was all that mattered. For a nation and a national team that prides itself on beautiful, flowing and exciting soccer, this was not the team of their dreams.<br />
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The news has all been about how bad Brazil was; but one of the reasons they were so bad was their opponent played nearly flawless soccer. The Germans played a masterful game and even a healthy Neymar couldn't have stopped their relentless perfection. They created opportunities and took advantage of every opportunity given by Brazil (and there were many). The Germans score five goals in the first half — <i>in just 18 minutes</i>. They were fluid, aggressive and physical. The result was perhaps the most complete, and certainly the most dominant, game in World Cup history.<br />
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I, along with most of the world, always forgets how good Germany is; how good they've always been. This was the fourth World Cup semifinal they've made in a row and the second final in the last four, with this game their redemption to losing to Brazil in the 2002 finals—the only other time these two teams have met. In 18 World Cups, they have finished in the top four 13 times (including this year's yet-to-be-determined final result); they won it all in 1954, 1974 and 1990, they've been runners-up four times (1966, 1982, 1986, 2002), come in third four times (1934, 1970, 2006, 2010) and fourth once (1958). Impressive to say the least. Their striker, 24-year-old Thomas Mueller is playing in his second World Cup with 10 goals in 12 games, making him just the second player to score five goals in consecutive World Cup tournaments. The other? Mueller's teammate Miroslav Klose, who did it in 2002 and 2006.<br />
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Germany is a national team that historically, and currently, is a force to be reckoned with. If you want to read about how and why the German national team is so good, I highly suggest you read this article: <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-07-08/how-germanys-14-year-soccer-plan-crushed-brazil-in-world-cup" target="_blank">How Germany's 14-Year Plan Destroyed Brazil</a>, it's fascinating.<br />
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In the aftermath of the bloodbath in Belo Horizonte, we expected objects thrown onto the field and riots to break out across Brazil as fans openly and unapologetically wept in the stands. But then something beautiful happened: at the conclusion of the game, the Brazilian fans stood and applauded the German side that had just embarrassed their team (and some would say their nation). The show of sportsmanship was unexpected and inspiring; it reminded us that this game, this beautiful game, is more important than any result. And though national pride is at stake, the love of the game itself is the final outcome. This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-1997120999068025672014-07-07T11:33:00.001-04:002014-07-07T11:40:40.034-04:00World Cup Semis ... from a female perspectiveAnd then there were four; four teams and four World Cup semifinalists worthy of our admiration. We said "Au revoir" to Olivier Giroud of France and Nacer Chadli of Belgium, and "Adios" to Yeltsin Tejada of Costa Rica and James (Hi-mez) of Colombia. But those four who remain... well, let's just say I don't expect these semi final games to disappoint.<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Game 1</h2>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6TOYLc6IyNdzyLkGd-2heJc_8lWLJC09XnEsPzjMi7lLqn9NX_atb7XhnaU7Q6-IH3X6eYzEu8rYo9onjcD0CuzDF1BbtucISCRyRmSS4qe42IFpj8PXdgwJBkWRmdLEC3hk_jJWK-0/s1600/german-640.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6TOYLc6IyNdzyLkGd-2heJc_8lWLJC09XnEsPzjMi7lLqn9NX_atb7XhnaU7Q6-IH3X6eYzEu8rYo9onjcD0CuzDF1BbtucISCRyRmSS4qe42IFpj8PXdgwJBkWRmdLEC3hk_jJWK-0/s1600/german-640.gif" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Germany</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9slPXSb92GGMgJ0QSA5CQwMKYtgn1VJdUW_blodtfgsHNXYDaQrLiiWM2JDAFwMZmBC16TDlbSVXCBTJgzUOuBi7GtHfb3GNs3nVZWKCVOUGvQPHysxzcZbWDDyepJLm4fFd2xtyDAg/s1600/brazil-flag.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9slPXSb92GGMgJ0QSA5CQwMKYtgn1VJdUW_blodtfgsHNXYDaQrLiiWM2JDAFwMZmBC16TDlbSVXCBTJgzUOuBi7GtHfb3GNs3nVZWKCVOUGvQPHysxzcZbWDDyepJLm4fFd2xtyDAg/s1600/brazil-flag.gif" height="139" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brazil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Germany vs. Brazil</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tuesday July 8 </div>
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4 p.m.</div>
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Representing Germany, we have <b>Mats Hummels</b>!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DEzBVZIWSL5dAe4WKGIr12z93LVbtKr0P4Y1GI7JgDM7rScD68ESZfZx_ndm32HKdAyuOX1rCgU8gJo8rTj3hiGUP75zsMa9YqY86IQGvMd4qyE7TrU9QZrG5R3dROq4O6osQRdjBuo/s1600/mats-hummels-1146754621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DEzBVZIWSL5dAe4WKGIr12z93LVbtKr0P4Y1GI7JgDM7rScD68ESZfZx_ndm32HKdAyuOX1rCgU8gJo8rTj3hiGUP75zsMa9YqY86IQGvMd4qyE7TrU9QZrG5R3dROq4O6osQRdjBuo/s1600/mats-hummels-1146754621.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mats Hummels, Germany</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After somehow missing Mats in the first round, he has made a strong comeback. The 6'4" central defender scored a beautiful header in the quarterfinals against France. Much like in WWII, the Germans out-muscled the French, in no small part to Hummels (too soon?).<br />
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Representing Brazil, we have <b>Oscar </b>(Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior), the Chelsea attacking midfielder.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEida4HNm2XhD-mTW5MDgQsZ1hxFJGJ90qeo_Kh6vZYRJCBef47Ap7SnY3N07QZEsZ84aTbVAsq8PaW-279yFo17ISISNaAPUau8iRG8UZV3Na3si8Os_IcX_ZiCuldtXp2c_KnUbu8qQds/s1600/Brazil-v-Croatia-Oscar-celeb_3157124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEida4HNm2XhD-mTW5MDgQsZ1hxFJGJ90qeo_Kh6vZYRJCBef47Ap7SnY3N07QZEsZ84aTbVAsq8PaW-279yFo17ISISNaAPUau8iRG8UZV3Na3si8Os_IcX_ZiCuldtXp2c_KnUbu8qQds/s1600/Brazil-v-Croatia-Oscar-celeb_3157124.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oscar, Brazil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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With the unfortunatel and devastating injury to Brazil's superstar Neymar, the hopes of the host nation lies squarely on the young shoulders of 22-year-old Oscar. With only one goal in the tournament and the expectation of 200 million Brazilians, I expect Oscar to step up to the role, but his for team to still have a difficult time against the much bigger and stronger German side.<br />
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<b><u>Result</u></b>: Losing Naymar is a killer for Brazil, and the squad hasn't even looked at good to begin with. The Germans are in their fourth-straight World Cup semi final and I expect them to push Brazil around physically in a way they aren't used to and won't react well to. Look for <a href="http://www.dfb.de/?id=114" target="_blank">Die Mannschaft</a> to head to their <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany_at_the_FIFA_World_Cup" target="_blank">sixth World Cup final</a>.<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Game 2</h2>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXC5VCNVXgR73kx7KyRQi4I8zUbkyTIpiKrqlPi2Gk1mLsTYJIBsWe4IS9KNpJmMx6aPXEr0FGQeB4GET1EoTZJF-sNdzea1F0h3RY9H7WftIHNbSpVcF5U3ECfaTuxQbVAdCKqpsYdI/s1600/Netherlands_flag.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXC5VCNVXgR73kx7KyRQi4I8zUbkyTIpiKrqlPi2Gk1mLsTYJIBsWe4IS9KNpJmMx6aPXEr0FGQeB4GET1EoTZJF-sNdzea1F0h3RY9H7WftIHNbSpVcF5U3ECfaTuxQbVAdCKqpsYdI/s1600/Netherlands_flag.gif" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Netherlands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-qeRz6rQC5Akx-z_lgnvI1dAfTbBf8P-0P3E4qNGJ88KqVP3B2fxs_wxd0GfZ9rePcQxhXv-LZJ8GvCCT_0cn7x_bpcmrCMyNyRhKmcjR0L9jkgtezeL3Pzdwd-FVMYVjWadWOOC8Bk/s1600/argentina.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-qeRz6rQC5Akx-z_lgnvI1dAfTbBf8P-0P3E4qNGJ88KqVP3B2fxs_wxd0GfZ9rePcQxhXv-LZJ8GvCCT_0cn7x_bpcmrCMyNyRhKmcjR0L9jkgtezeL3Pzdwd-FVMYVjWadWOOC8Bk/s1600/argentina.gif" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Argentina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Netherlands vs. Argentina</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wednesday, July 9</div>
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4 p.m. </div>
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For The Netherlands, we have their captain, <b>Robin van Persie</b>. This Dutch team isn't the Oranje of yore - it is the trickery of coach Louis van Gaal that has gotten them further in this tournament than anyone expected.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPUTHWC_Nxgzb7z9IHbdtj4ErL3DCgOGhyx6fa3wfYJMgK-8huEpV7ek50cuCOsoCv7weKDJuUm0e4HX9Xzdt7lrAl08mjdzC-DHWNSR8LXVU-9qEdvuv4i-G-kWiPILsjNl2X6nse9U/s1600/van-persie_1211getty_630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPUTHWC_Nxgzb7z9IHbdtj4ErL3DCgOGhyx6fa3wfYJMgK-8huEpV7ek50cuCOsoCv7weKDJuUm0e4HX9Xzdt7lrAl08mjdzC-DHWNSR8LXVU-9qEdvuv4i-G-kWiPILsjNl2X6nse9U/s1600/van-persie_1211getty_630.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robin van Persie, The Netherlands</td></tr>
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The Dutch were clearly the stronger team in their quarterfinal match against Costa Rica, but their inability to score, primarily van Persie's multiple misses, are troubling. But if the Flying Dutchman - a moniker he earned after his diving header against Spain in the opening game of the World Cup - can get back to his form of the first two games of the tournament, Lionel Messi and his squad will have their hands full trying to reach the final.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BG1hv2abBXjVgF6h1uDnYgNSkJpntnIOOxceFkTdX0owBPAqPFXCD8eVsHCMYDOQroxuRWHroVZIhlYaEwXT8s6ETpmrTvRkev81_CTSUsNIzlYKlMAN9aC6Fe-nljfwtzNOr5ciH3Y/s1600/EzeLavezzi111013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BG1hv2abBXjVgF6h1uDnYgNSkJpntnIOOxceFkTdX0owBPAqPFXCD8eVsHCMYDOQroxuRWHroVZIhlYaEwXT8s6ETpmrTvRkev81_CTSUsNIzlYKlMAN9aC6Fe-nljfwtzNOr5ciH3Y/s1600/EzeLavezzi111013.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ezequiel Lavezzi, Argentina</td></tr>
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Representing the other South American semi finalist nation, we have <b>Ezequiel Lavezzi</b> of Argentina. As Sergio Aguero's replacement in the last two games, Lavezzi, has done a fair job of supporting fellow attackers Gonzalo Higuain and superstar Lionel Messi. However, with Aguero being declared fit to play in the semifinal match, it is unclear if Lavezzi will have a starting role. He has played well enough, but is not the proven goalscorer that Aguero is - something the Argentinian squad will desperately need against Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and the rest of the hungry Dutch squad.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Result: </u>Without Messi, this Argentinian squad wouldn't have even made the quarterfinals. But the Dutch weren't supposed to be here, either. But with Angel DiMaria's thigh tear, Argentina's second best player and Messi's right-hand man is out, which spells disaster for the South Americans. If the Oranje can score like they did in the first round (which requires van Persie to return to form after a slight hamstring injury in practive before the quarters), then I don't see the injury-riddled La Albiceleste (The White and Sky Blue) matching them on the scoreboard, and the Dutch heading to their second-straight World Cup final.<br />
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If all goes according to my predictions, we'll have a German-Dutch World Cup final at Estádio Maracanã, in Rio de Janeiro.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHJ1iQRE2JRKGxAxoQFcp8CuPoX38Z3DJWHWj-LzKYLJNeKCFWzFdoNL1WE3bpMrolPVu5Ov1ndpjjf7-za95twpYQEp8Dmd3xRKUBscyp9xfNed8Q8IfkCPwA9vBJyJyWQKkaYTzWvw/s1600/Netherlands_flag.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHJ1iQRE2JRKGxAxoQFcp8CuPoX38Z3DJWHWj-LzKYLJNeKCFWzFdoNL1WE3bpMrolPVu5Ov1ndpjjf7-za95twpYQEp8Dmd3xRKUBscyp9xfNed8Q8IfkCPwA9vBJyJyWQKkaYTzWvw/s1600/Netherlands_flag.gif" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Netherlands</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTBuj3IDmcWc46pFD7-2VixfUcA-rVSsiNqQYdmxHVKQK5ft5uP-4Bu5Fs98OpsSvf2a_pIqoKN0O4GXz_YNr6mbjIqbKnU5SNpFihx16FAp9KOd7uJen2tiWlYQY3Q-yI-OTPu0l9t4/s1600/german-640.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTBuj3IDmcWc46pFD7-2VixfUcA-rVSsiNqQYdmxHVKQK5ft5uP-4Bu5Fs98OpsSvf2a_pIqoKN0O4GXz_YNr6mbjIqbKnU5SNpFihx16FAp9KOd7uJen2tiWlYQY3Q-yI-OTPu0l9t4/s1600/german-640.gif" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Germany</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Will this be our World Cup Final?</div>
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Check it out:</div>
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Sunday, July 13,</div>
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3 p.m on ABC</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9A968B3JV4omc4IOmwF-qYAeE6YCDwPDEagg-M-cjZBk2fjtX9Ga4Q8kAO2qHjQLl5U01P6skPa58XEsT_Auv-yAnIJ1tGKpk5b3nwwwR22LFPmn4_JVm86aAFVubvDEcQCGgsytOJM/s1600/2014-fifa-world-cup-images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9A968B3JV4omc4IOmwF-qYAeE6YCDwPDEagg-M-cjZBk2fjtX9Ga4Q8kAO2qHjQLl5U01P6skPa58XEsT_Auv-yAnIJ1tGKpk5b3nwwwR22LFPmn4_JVm86aAFVubvDEcQCGgsytOJM/s1600/2014-fifa-world-cup-images.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTBuj3IDmcWc46pFD7-2VixfUcA-rVSsiNqQYdmxHVKQK5ft5uP-4Bu5Fs98OpsSvf2a_pIqoKN0O4GXz_YNr6mbjIqbKnU5SNpFihx16FAp9KOd7uJen2tiWlYQY3Q-yI-OTPu0l9t4/s1600/german-640.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-9589892022588157172014-07-02T15:05:00.001-04:002014-07-02T17:19:48.284-04:00World Cup Quarterfinals - which of our favorites are left?<div>
And then there were three. Well, there are eight teams left, but only three of our "favorite" players from the original list remain. As a reminder:<br />
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<b>Nacer Chadli, Belgium</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsP_t0TDPx99rziq1ccFKnycj2rl-mzKFCr2w3-tNxPcz9dXvTITZORISQoNqev4RE34xZtuFaAPH_EGpHokcBVkCHUqmCvR6D95KcIT4wSG9Tq7xfq1j_VVpipBGPpf_ua0YJ3CovL24/s1600/Chadli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsP_t0TDPx99rziq1ccFKnycj2rl-mzKFCr2w3-tNxPcz9dXvTITZORISQoNqev4RE34xZtuFaAPH_EGpHokcBVkCHUqmCvR6D95KcIT4wSG9Tq7xfq1j_VVpipBGPpf_ua0YJ3CovL24/s1600/Chadli.jpg" height="258" width="320" /></a></div>
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Those abs... and arms... and face...and hair... and...</div>
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<b>Robin Van Persie, The Netherlands</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1ryyGqSdh94DCRMKwieWv3Y4FKp3-DN3cCvukk3v7p9lTLLqlQp0JgheUxepJ8Tk8t7hkB4_tduUfcUBvivf9cQxfydEuaxwYmxuQ7XBs2n3nFfXAwfXPsPZgqu7CDPYWlYEt6iyC28/s1600/Robin_van_persie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1ryyGqSdh94DCRMKwieWv3Y4FKp3-DN3cCvukk3v7p9lTLLqlQp0JgheUxepJ8Tk8t7hkB4_tduUfcUBvivf9cQxfydEuaxwYmxuQ7XBs2n3nFfXAwfXPsPZgqu7CDPYWlYEt6iyC28/s1600/Robin_van_persie.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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In all his chiseled glory.</div>
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<b>Olivier Giroud, France</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM39VJQfUg3mHAf7zJGpxqQq8ao4Tyim7swr-1x0pCqPzCRmqhQQaej0UqOGTkM_D72zzhjzFjAZqVkubLtcXLgv3U6Gj35Dkg9owfIZw70vbg4AjmSfkcmUQhURYK6gylCqg3ltE_Ac/s1600/giroud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnM39VJQfUg3mHAf7zJGpxqQq8ao4Tyim7swr-1x0pCqPzCRmqhQQaej0UqOGTkM_D72zzhjzFjAZqVkubLtcXLgv3U6Gj35Dkg9owfIZw70vbg4AjmSfkcmUQhURYK6gylCqg3ltE_Ac/s1600/giroud.jpg" /></a></div>
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Handsome doesn't being to describe him... but the cheating scandal does hurt his hotness factor to a slight degree.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But only three just won't do. Thus, I've decided to add a player from each of the remaining teams, and I think we have some hotties that very well should have been on the initial list. So, here we are:</span></div>
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<b>Mats Hummels, Germany</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTP1D2ku0WgkNEI7ZSle_Jshj8SGZZFfT9COoSU1JhUoX9AMX3TkYUpaU29oYV42bQNkPyznLINnw3WtewMRFcC47KAUFS0TuIGmlaFj7gzm1ELAtUlPx847E16RZ72GNcOVoxHjvTa4U/s1600/MatsHummelsGermany.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTP1D2ku0WgkNEI7ZSle_Jshj8SGZZFfT9COoSU1JhUoX9AMX3TkYUpaU29oYV42bQNkPyznLINnw3WtewMRFcC47KAUFS0TuIGmlaFj7gzm1ELAtUlPx847E16RZ72GNcOVoxHjvTa4U/s1600/MatsHummelsGermany.jpg" height="320" width="274" /></a></div>
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Are. You. Kidding. Me. HOW did I miss Mats Hummels on the first go-around? Germany's 25-year-old central defender is currently signed to Borussia Dortmund, but there are reports that Manchester United have bid on this schöne menschen (<a href="http://www.freetranslation.com/en/translate-english-german" target="_blank">clearly it's true</a>)... actually, they've reportedly bid on him the last three transfer windows, but the German club is holding on tight to this one. Can you blame them? *swoon*</div>
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Oh, he scored a goal against Portugal in this World Cup. </div>
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Relationship status: NOT MARRIED! But his<a href="http://cathy-fischer.com/" target="_blank"> girlfriend </a>was named Bundesliga's 2013 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WAGs" target="_blank">WAG</a> of the Year</div>
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<b>Yeltsin Tejeda, Costa Rica</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpryv-nf2fj9KRKPbTKVDonb5IBZGm1_CIXwlF52wtaKJtivj_NGAoMwboBLSVdUAvCIImW_t7AH8K0x_ahnlwKL5zAgKVlpNDi3n93cjad4Tdp1cC4mYWC5g8kozefNynOKbFx5Es0I8/s1600/Tejeda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpryv-nf2fj9KRKPbTKVDonb5IBZGm1_CIXwlF52wtaKJtivj_NGAoMwboBLSVdUAvCIImW_t7AH8K0x_ahnlwKL5zAgKVlpNDi3n93cjad4Tdp1cC4mYWC5g8kozefNynOKbFx5Es0I8/s1600/Tejeda.jpg" height="320" width="314" /></a></div>
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Yeltsin Antonio Tejeda Valverde. An unfortunate first name (his mother was allegedly a big fan of the first president of the Russian Federation - true story) but man... he sure makes up for it. This picture says it all. Though, from other pictures, it seems like he suffers from pretty acute <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=RBF" target="_blank">RBF</a>. Look it up.</div>
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A hidden gem, this one, who plays professionally in Costa Rica for Saprissa. This 22-year-old midfielder is wanted by Premier League Clubs, including Everton and Fulham, and reportedly turned down offers from Belgian and MLS clubs to pursue playing in England or Spain.</div>
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Relationship status: Appears to be single. With leaving Costa Rica in the near future for millions upon millions in England or Spain... that's smart of him.</div>
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<b>James, Columbia </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-kE_Eja8lDcU2fc3f1QFc-JHx8bGg7Qi0aifo6fuDcrWB793D9OxtSIBA_qUT-ZjLmVfCRyA0Sk65ievwRyIuGQGENgsqLDlNVQcrSWqVO1TceFk1t5JkJgLKUlqpROR8mq58NzqAs0/s1600/James.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-kE_Eja8lDcU2fc3f1QFc-JHx8bGg7Qi0aifo6fuDcrWB793D9OxtSIBA_qUT-ZjLmVfCRyA0Sk65ievwRyIuGQGENgsqLDlNVQcrSWqVO1TceFk1t5JkJgLKUlqpROR8mq58NzqAs0/s1600/James.jpg" height="246" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was an easy one. Yes, James David Rodriguez Rubio (known simply as James - I love the South American one-named soccer players) looks young (he's just 22), but he is easily considered the best young forward in the world. Through four games, he has scored five - yes five - goals in the World Cup. His first World Cup. It's amazing. And I'm sorry, but if LeBron James is giving you a <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2113121-lebron-james-and-james-rodriguez-are-apparently-fans-of-each-other" target="_blank">shout out</a>? Killer. </div>
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In 2013, James signed with AS Monaco (from Porto) for a transfer fee of €45 million - the second-most expensive transfer in Portuguese football history, and the 10th most expensive transfer <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/picturegalleries/10259401/Top-20-most-expensive-transfer-fees-of-all-time.html?frame=2650542" target="_blank">ever</a>.</div>
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Relationship Status: Married to the sister of the Colombian starting goalkeeper. Another married 22 year old, are you kidding me? Geesh.</div>
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<b>Oscar, Brazil</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzv8BUaFTg1z3pbyqstTVNF2ID59um8G1iKwayaw3UmmIdy6pV9waF1GsWY87ooeg6gJBrahwCnZjczDJ1q29aFA4Ykc39brp8RsK_ERkgGuRxlXAzl_5-gJXavz25Qx9WNWmrGWR2dLE/s1600/Oscar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzv8BUaFTg1z3pbyqstTVNF2ID59um8G1iKwayaw3UmmIdy6pV9waF1GsWY87ooeg6gJBrahwCnZjczDJ1q29aFA4Ykc39brp8RsK_ERkgGuRxlXAzl_5-gJXavz25Qx9WNWmrGWR2dLE/s1600/Oscar.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Most lists are taking
the easy way out and naming Naymar. But... no. No, no, no. I will make the less
popular, but more correct choice of Oscar (<span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Oscar dos Santos Emboaba Júnior), 22, who plays
for Chelsea and is known for his play-making abilities. This young hottie
scored in Brazil's opening match of the World Cup.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Relationship
Status: </span><span style="color: #222222;">Oscar is married to
his childhood sweetheart. Just one week before the
opening game of the World Cup, he became a father.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Now Argentina gave me a run for my money - in a good way. But in the end I went with...<br />
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<b>Ezequiel Lavezzi, Argentina </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHzXCUMge1TVFMu3IsOXvu88c-NbFAdkJ3EMDo6DrhDFhT9PGwERhWQ7VNi8dXo-iuR32gMKcWVvQrEaGXj_L_CxUDwWB6aWjtXrzWoPKSIDbTK8NqIzpcUYnSx4uUX7MdgN89rG3aPQ/s1600/Ezequiel-Lavezzi-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHzXCUMge1TVFMu3IsOXvu88c-NbFAdkJ3EMDo6DrhDFhT9PGwERhWQ7VNi8dXo-iuR32gMKcWVvQrEaGXj_L_CxUDwWB6aWjtXrzWoPKSIDbTK8NqIzpcUYnSx4uUX7MdgN89rG3aPQ/s1600/Ezequiel-Lavezzi-2.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh lordy, lordy. Holy sweet muscles and tattoos. The 29-year-old Paris Saint-Germain attacker wasn't exactly an unknown quantity to soccer fans before this World Cup; but for the millions of casual viewers watching Argentina play Nigeria, we were in for a TREAT. When Sergio Agüero, one of the much-hyped “fantastic four” strikers, was forced off the field due to injury, the camera focused on a shirtless Ezequiel “Pocho” Lavezzi getting some last-minute pointers from coach Alejandro Sabella, that brief glimpse at his tattooed, muscle-bound body and perfectly coiffed beard was enough to set social media atwitter. Lavezzi fever has begun. Do you have it? If not, Google him - you will soon catch it.<br />
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Relationship status: 29 and SINGLE. Hallelujah! </div>
This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-6350504041433031092014-07-02T14:29:00.001-04:002014-07-02T14:48:31.660-04:00#ThingsTimHowardCouldSave<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKgW6auB0kUv3-6MoBSL1QkjWxnos9nnInOwqeaXGbvoXdH1yJ7KU5eQGtnGSfuo_hV3Xd8dGwjK2E18Y6RWzRKQDnmTBo34jUJw45ouYY_UQRDu_52-P4aEgjmMakhV8h_KcDjK7ia8/s1600/ThingsTimHowardCouldSave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKgW6auB0kUv3-6MoBSL1QkjWxnos9nnInOwqeaXGbvoXdH1yJ7KU5eQGtnGSfuo_hV3Xd8dGwjK2E18Y6RWzRKQDnmTBo34jUJw45ouYY_UQRDu_52-P4aEgjmMakhV8h_KcDjK7ia8/s1600/ThingsTimHowardCouldSave.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thankfully for Red Sox Nation, Tim Howard and his heroic saving abilities were not in the Bronx that night. </div>
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(Still sucks to be A-Rod)</div>
<br />This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-72809609500256945512014-06-26T12:06:00.000-04:002014-07-02T14:49:53.350-04:00The Hotties of the 2014 World Cup<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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Here they are ladies (and gentlemen), the players to watch in the 2014 World Cup (sorry I'm a bit late). Though some of the perennial powers are out (Italy, Spain, England), there is still a lot of soccer/football to watch, and the men of this list make it worth your while.<br />
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<b>Robin van Persie, The Netherlands </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJs0uYVCU5SHFFEEddP4REGPKMxUDMbZJ_vYDrXZ3V7wY8YtkQb1eaBp5eMpnLCK1aIEuIasHkfGP8tgZkLR9qScAgXenFNLxE7l5drZA5N1x4QruVUD7GXVqNhDyJUzqbLNQjRl3ky0M/s1600/Van+Persie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJs0uYVCU5SHFFEEddP4REGPKMxUDMbZJ_vYDrXZ3V7wY8YtkQb1eaBp5eMpnLCK1aIEuIasHkfGP8tgZkLR9qScAgXenFNLxE7l5drZA5N1x4QruVUD7GXVqNhDyJUzqbLNQjRl3ky0M/s1600/Van+Persie.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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The Dutch captain and Manchester United striker is one of the best in the world. In the first three games of the tournament,
van Persie scored twice (playing just two games – he was out of the third with
two yellow cards) including what will undoubtedly be on the list of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKs8SMOiDcQ">best goals of the tournament.</a>
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Relationship status: Married with two children. Since he was
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<b>Gerard </b><span style="text-align: start;"> </span><span style="text-align: start;"><b>Piqué,</b></span><b> Spain</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DPkcvl9bT_GLtgkZDT8K-ohoW8uRQ2XDn3xB2sLXJ_y9OrnBdX4wc36oH754ztEIxZ7TD-u_JNPCUlrbXfSo9Y77R4faAcAgc5DL-n04gY_6FH45u6JXRru1dxALcXPtZ0VdEy1FCdo/s1600/Pique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DPkcvl9bT_GLtgkZDT8K-ohoW8uRQ2XDn3xB2sLXJ_y9OrnBdX4wc36oH754ztEIxZ7TD-u_JNPCUlrbXfSo9Y77R4faAcAgc5DL-n04gY_6FH45u6JXRru1dxALcXPtZ0VdEy1FCdo/s1600/Pique.jpg" /></a></div>
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It was difficult to pick the best photo of the Spain and Barcelona defender. He is a World Cup champion (2010), a UEFA Euro champion (2012), and a three-time UEFA Champions League champion (2007-2008 with Manchester United; 2008-2009 and 2010-2011 with Barca). Individually, he has been named La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year (2009), La Liga Best Defender (2010), FIFA/FIFPro World XI (2010, 2011, 2012), UEFA Team of the Year (2010, 2011, 2012), ESM Team of the Year (2011), and UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament (2012). He may be the single reason I'm sad Spain is out of the World Cup.</div>
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Relationship Status: You may have heard of his girlfriend, Shakira (who is ten years his senior). They met when Piqué was featured in the music video for Shakira's song "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)", the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. They have a son.</div>
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<b>Glen Johnson, England</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8YtVVX8AMVyQadwdZRCuutKmzXhuP258NOZ1QfmETJV8U2QEgdfXjzZt3nxLDHywO0w0B6CBriOeWNBMy8WYNc6-hkxz0qITBYGOFJTQTQ52yrSqZpPUsMnRfYDObhjnlpYDOtnko7U/s1600/Glen+Johnson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8YtVVX8AMVyQadwdZRCuutKmzXhuP258NOZ1QfmETJV8U2QEgdfXjzZt3nxLDHywO0w0B6CBriOeWNBMy8WYNc6-hkxz0qITBYGOFJTQTQ52yrSqZpPUsMnRfYDObhjnlpYDOtnko7U/s1600/Glen+Johnson.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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I mean... really. There aren't many men in England who look like this. The Liverpool defender has 54 caps for England and one goal since 2003. He is one of three children of a single mother, who at times was homeless. But he credits his mother's strength and resolve for helping him develop a football career. </div>
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Relationship status: Married with two children.</div>
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<b>Graham Zusi, USA</b></div>
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This handsome devil plays midfield for the good-ol' US-of-A and is a two-time Sporting Kansas City MVP. He played college soccer at the University of Maryland, where he won the National Championship in 2005 and 2008, scoring the game-winning goal in the 2008 National Semi-Final and Championship Games. This was to be Zusi's breakout year... thus far the World Cup hasn't gone, for him, as he would have liked. Let's hope he can turn things around.</div>
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Relationship status: Appears to be single. Goooooooooooooooooooooooool!</div>
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<b>Andrea Barzagli, Italy</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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The Italian and Juventus midfielderis known for his powerful physical build, and for being "strong in terms of anticipation, concentration and positional sense."* His calm composure, pace, consistency and ball playing ability have recently enabled him to be regarded as one of the best and most complete defenders in the world.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">* Horncastle, James. "Serie A Team of the Year". espnfc.com. Retrieved 23 May 2013.</span></div>
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Relationship status: Married with two children</div>
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<b>Granit Xhaka, Switzerland</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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The 21-year-old Swiss midfielder plays professionally in Germany for Borussia Mönchengladbach. His family is Albanian, but moved to Basel from Kosovo shortly before he was born. His older Taulant, is also a professional soccer player who plays professionally for Basel and internationally for Albania. Granit scored in Switzerland's 5-2 loss to France, but the team advanced to the Round of 16 with a 2-1 record.</div>
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Bonus: his teammates call him "young Einstein" because of his intelligence and love of science. He is of Albanian decent. </div>
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Relationship status: Single. He is 21, after all. </div>
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<b>Olivier Giroud, France </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Ummm... yeah. The France and Arsenal striker and is known for his size, physical style of play, heading ability, shot power, strength and link-up play. He has 32 caps and 9 goals for France since 2011.</div>
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Relationship status: Married since 2011 with a child. But admitted in early 2014 to cheating with model Celia Kay. He previously denied to transgression, but the "model" then posted photos of Giroud in his hotel room. After the incident, his wife went back to France. Since then, no news of a divorce has been reported.</div>
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<b>Joe Hart, England</b></div>
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The 27-year-old English goalkeeper has won two Premier League titles with Manchester City (2011-12, 2013-14). Individually he's been named the Premier League's top goalie three times and to the Premier League Team of the Year twice.</div>
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Relationship status: Engaged with a baby on the way.</div>
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<b>Nacer Chadli, Belgium</b></div>
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The 24-year-old Belgian winger plays professionally for the team with the best name in sports, Tottenham Hotspur(no s). Chandli holds duel citizenship in Belgium and Morocco, and made his debut for Morocco Nov. 17, 2010, in a friendly against Northern Ireland where he was named man of the match. On January 28, 2011, he announced his intention to represent Belgium at international level, which was permitted as he had not played in a competitive match for Morocco, and made his debut for the national squad for a 9 February friendly match against Finland. A good decision, since I don't see Morocco in the World Cup. In his professional and international career, Chandli has 74 goals in 250 games - not too shabby.</div>
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Relationship status: Single!</div>
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<b>Aleksandr Kerzhakov, Russia</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Let's start with this: he is the most prolific scorer in the history of Russian soccer. In 2014, he scored his 26th international goal for Russia, breaking the previous record. Amid a messy divorce (and cheating allegations), Kerzhakov said of his daughter, "Thanks to her I learned about responsibility: that`s what happens when you understand that there is a person who is half created from you. She`s yours.” All together now: "Awwwwwww!"</div>
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Relationship status: Divorced with a daughter.</div>
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<b>Sergio Ramos, Spain</b></div>
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The Spanish captain was a bright spot in an otherwise dismal World Cup for the defending champs. The 28-year old has competed for Spain in three World Cups, winning in 2010, and two European Championships, winning in 2008 and 2012. He made his first senior international appearance at the age of 18, and in 2013 became the youngest player to ever reach 100 caps. Professionally, he plays for Real Madrid, with whom he won this season's UEFA Champions League.</div>
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Relationship: In a long-term relationship with a Spanish reporter/tv presenter (I use the term "reporter" very liberally here - most reporters don't model in men's magazines). The couple have a son.</div>
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<b>Diego “Ruso” Pérez, Uruguay</b></div>
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The 34-year-old defender is known as "The Russian" though he has no Russian lineage. Confusing. Anyway, He is part of the rough and tough Uruguayan midfield and after the 2010 World Cup where he made quite a name for himself, he began playing for Serie A Bologna. In 2014, Uruguay lost their first match to Croatia but went on to defeat England and Italy, leading to both team's exit and Uruguay's surprising advancement to the Round of 16. Unfortunately, Perez hasn't seen any action yet. Perhaps they'll use his maturity in the next round(s)</div>
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Relationship status: Married with two children.</div>
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<b>Mitch Langerak, Australia</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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The Aussie goalkeeper plays for the German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund. Stats: 25 years old, 6'3", Australian accent, enjoys "hanging out."</div>
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Relationship status: Girlfriend. </div>
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<b>Ehsan Hajsafi, Iran</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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The 24-year-old Iranian midfielder as selected by Goal.com as the most promising player in Asian football in 2009. Hajsafi has represented Iran at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup and the 2014 FIFA World Cup. IN his professional career, he has 33 goals in 215 games. </div>
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Relationship status: ?????<br />
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Sorry Cristiano Ronaldo fans, while I can see that he is classically handsome... I just can’t put a man on this list who tweezes his eyebrows more often than
me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-56310453603886804832014-06-13T09:15:00.003-04:002014-06-13T09:17:51.316-04:00'No Man Left Behind' isn’t up for interpretation<div class="MsoPlainText">
**Disclaimer: This post isn't about sports. But as a person who loves our military and has personal experience with our troops, I've been wanting to write about the Beau Bergdahl situation, and this is my avenue to do so.<br />
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One of the U.S. military’s mottos is “No Man
Left Behind.” With the controversy surrounding the trade for Sgt. Beau Bergdahl
recently, this motto has been uttered over and over. But here’s the thing: It’s
not up for interpretation. The motto isn't “No Good Soldier Left Behind,” or
even “No Good Man Left Behind.” It is “No MAN Left Behind.”</div>
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This matter shouldn't be about politics but, sadly, that
is what it has become. Getting Sgt. Bergdahl back was, and is, the right thing
to do. My politics don't generally align with the President’s, but I'm glad he
got this Soldier. No matter why he left the base, it was America’s duty to
bring Beau Bergdahl back to the U.S.
Leaving him in the hands of the enemy because we think he chose to walk
off base isn't what Americans do—we are better than that. Bergdahl is innocent
until proven guilty, and only a trial at which he is present, and where he has
the opportunity to defend himself, can he be judged. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Most of our military are great men and women; but
sometimes, a Soldier (or Marine or Airman) can make bad decisions, or even do
bad things; but that doesn't mean we let someone else deal with them. It is our
responsibility to take care of our Soldiers and it is our responsibility to
discipline them when necessary. Now that Bergdahl is out of the enemy's hands,
we can try to figure out what happened. Letting the Taliban deal with a U.S.
Soldier is just something we don’t do. Those who say we shouldn't have traded
for him are just plain wrong. We might not like the trade itself or how it was
handled, but it was the responsibility of our Commander in Chief to get our
Soldier back – and the only way he was able to do that was this specific trade.
Congress wanted 30 days’ notice – I find it hard to believe the Taliban is reasonable
enough to leave an offer on the table for that long. Obama acted as he saw fit,
and that is what he was elected to do (even if you didn't vote for him). <o:p></o:p></div>
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The way the situation has "backfired" on Obama
has been interesting; he thought there would be universal celebration and
praise, and instead half are kind of pleased, half are up in arms. Perhaps it's
just a sign of our times; perhaps it's Bergdahl's behavior prior to being
captured; or perhaps it's that, no matter what, the side I tend to lean to
could never praise anything this president does. In this case, I believe the
action was just and necessary and that's where it ends. Why can't we put aside
our feelings about Obama and be glad one of our own is home, no matter how he
got captured?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Quite frankly, I'm SHOCKED at the ferocity in which other
service members—past and present—are treating Bergdahl. Do we think this hasn't
happened before? Disillusionment can lead us to do strange things. A man is a
man and we brought this man home as we promise that we will always do; we lived
up to our motto and I, for one, am proud of it ... No matter what I think of
Obama (or Bergdahl, for that matter).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now that Bergdahl is back on U.S. soil, I hope people who
don’t wish him well leave him alone. No matter what you think of him, we all have
to agree he’s been through a lot – things I wouldn't wish on my greatest enemy.
People who have threatened his family are a disgrace to our country; we are
better than that! A U.S. Soldier is home after five years captive in the Middle
East. His family has been through hell and back during those five years, and
instead of being able to celebrate that their son is alive, well and home, they
are in hiding and fearful for their safety. I find that incredibly disheartening. We all have a piece of the story; only one man has the
whole story. Let’s let him tell it before we condemn him. </div>
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No matter our
opinions of him, Beau Bergdahl is a U.S. Soldier and leaving him behind was
never a possibility.<o:p></o:p></div>
This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-1968315343566997112014-05-10T20:46:00.000-04:002014-06-10T09:53:16.122-04:00On Mother’s Day: A daughter is just a little girl who grows up to be your best friend<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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“Motherhood is a
choice you make every day to put someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead
of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do that right thing even when you’re
not sure what the right thing is… and to forgive yourself, over and over again,
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMl7R7E-noFVIlR7NAo6BuKu0MV1PwAv-FjyS_w865VP_GNmNlUhR-TafvCFZq-A3_HK96qt6M-XqK6R3FXHmAT2hPjHPdLyOZljxJU-rDYXsT2ipzRH2YuB8yij5Y71b9cJvQKIXhy58/s1600/P1020396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMl7R7E-noFVIlR7NAo6BuKu0MV1PwAv-FjyS_w865VP_GNmNlUhR-TafvCFZq-A3_HK96qt6M-XqK6R3FXHmAT2hPjHPdLyOZljxJU-rDYXsT2ipzRH2YuB8yij5Y71b9cJvQKIXhy58/s1600/P1020396.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My mom is my
best friend and my greatest teacher. She taught me how to love, how to forgive
and how to be a good mother; she showed me when to be strict and when to be
compassionate, when to buckle down and when to let loose. She dedicated her
life to her children and never asked anything in return. Simply put, she is the
epitome of what a mother should be, and every day I strive to be as good a
person and mother as she is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Perhaps
normal to those on the outside looking in, I know that there is nothing normal
about her. She is my role model, my biological and emotional roadmap and the
arbiter of all of my relationships. She taught her children that our place in
the world is wherever and whatever we want it to be, and her faith in us gave
us the courage to follow our own paths. She instilled independence in my
brother and me because she didn’t teach us to lean on her—she taught us that
leaning was unnecessary. She is a truly great person and a great mother, and there
is nothing “normal” about that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’ll never
forget the words my mom said to me when I told her that I was having my second
girl: “Now you’ll have two best friends!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">For my mom it
was such an obvious statement because she had been best friends with her mom,
and she and I are best friends. Now I have two chances to have that amazing
relationship that she had with her mom, and that she and I have – because no
one knows you, understands you or loves you quite like your mother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I am so
thankful to be able to call the person who literally molded me my best friend,
and I pray that I will have that relationship with my daughters. At least I
know that I have a great road map laid in front of me, one that was drawn by my
mother and her mother before that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Elizabeth
Edwards once said, “My job as the mother of daughters is to make sure my
children see that every opportunity is available to them.” My mom did that, and
I hope I can do that for my girls. If I can be even half the mother she is,
then my daughters are truly blessed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So Happy
Mother’s Day to my mom, and to all of the moms out there – even if you are
“normal” to the outside world, know that you are extraordinary to your
children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-34332151450812675772014-02-10T13:52:00.000-05:002014-02-11T13:59:29.055-05:00The bizarre events of the Winter Olympics<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Hockey, figure skating, alpine skiing and even bobsled are exciting events people identify with the Winter Olympics. The Winter Olympics has some great events but it also has its share of weird sports, boring sports and, in some cases, events that don't even classify as a sport. Some of these events make us groan, some make us giggle... but they all make us change the channel.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Curling</b> - *forehead slap* I’m sorry, but… no. Any event that uses a cleaning apparatus as a part of competition isn't a real sport and doesn't deserve to be in the Olympics.</div>
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<b>Skeleton</b> – An event for the daredevil with a death wish. In this competition, participants hurtle down an icy track at 80+ miles an hour HEAD FIRST. Can also referred to as "opposite luge."<br />
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<b>Doubles Luge</b> – Don’t even get me started. This is luge, but one guy lies on top of the other – no need to contain your giggle. I think we have found something that overtakes men’s synchronized diving as the most homoerotic sport in the Olympics!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Team Figure Skating</b> – This event makes me mad. Like most living, breathing women, I love Olympic figure skating. But team figure skating? To me, it’s just a pathetic (and transparent) attempt to boost TV ratings by adding four more days of figure skating to the lineup. A event should not be in the Olympics when that is the only time it occurs during four years. Many of these other sports are strange, but at least the athletes train specifically for them, and have events throughout the year. It actually offends me that people will win an Olympic medal in team figure skating.</div>
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<b>Biathlon</b> – Look, I know cross country skiing it is extremely difficult. That said, when adding a gun to your event can’t even make it interesting, you’re doing something wrong.<br />
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<b>Ski Jumping</b> – Impressive? Yes. But I’m still not convinced that anyone with the guts to try the sport (which isn’t most people) can’t be good at it. Like, what qualities make a great ski jumper? I think the following: 1. Have the guts to try it. 2. Have the time and money to do it over and over. 3. Have no excess weight to bring you down (literally). 4. Have strong legs to land on.</div>
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<b>Nordic Combined</b> – I had to look this one up – not a good sign. The Nordic combined is a winter sport in which athletes compete in both cross-country skiing and ski jumping. So, basically, you can cross country ski and ski jump, but not good enough to do either on its own, so you practice both and become passable at each – Nordic Combined!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Moguls</b> – Real conversation at a party Saturday: “Wait, this is part of an event, right? It can’t be someone’s goal to be just a moguls skier, can it?” Yes, yes it can. Plus, don’t your knees and back hurt just watching it?<br />
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<b>Long Track Speed Skating</b> –Short track makes me dizzy, but at least there’s some contact so I can kinda get into it (still not really). But long track is painfully dull to watch, and unless you’re from The Netherlands you probably don’t care about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Honorable Mention: <b>Snowboarding</b>. I’m sorry, but I can’t take a sport seriously when it’s announcers (and athletes) sound like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It’s about “gnarly tricks” and the definitely-not-high athletes who are “so stoked” to be at the Olympics. Plus, it’s a subjective sport, which is annoying; like fellow judged sports figure skating and gymnastics, I DO enjoy watching but prefer sports where the winner can’t be argued. That said, some of the best looking athletes - and undeniably the most fun - are snowboarders.<br />
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All of this said, I appreciate the commitment and dedication that the above events have to their discipline. But that doesn't mean I don't groan when it comes on during NBC's Olympic coverage - or giggle, in the case of luge doubles.</div>
This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-12115331629968705442014-02-06T13:29:00.000-05:002014-02-06T16:01:47.274-05:00This one's for the ladies: Twelve reasons to watch the 2014 Sochi OlympicsIt's that time again, those glorious two weeks I wait for every two years - the Olympics!!! It's been (give or take) 1,073 days since the closing ceremonies of the last Winter Olympics in Vancouver, and about 543 days since the closing ceremonies in London. I'm ready for two weeks of skiing, skating, jumping, twirling, and sliding. I'm warming up my pipes to sing the National Anthem, and waiting for all the tear-jerking Bob Costas stories (I eat those things up with a spoon).<br />
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Every Olympics, my friends and I discuss the most important thing to female sports fans - who are the hottest male athletes, and when are their events? I've seen many lists going around the internet, from Cosmo to PopSugar, with many overlaps (hello Henrik Lundqvist!) and some that leave me shaking my head (Evan Lysacek? Sorry, but no.). So, as I did before the 2012 London Games - <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%C2%A0http://realwomenlovesports.blogspot.com/2012/07/this-one-of-for-ladies-olympic-hotties.html">relive the 2012 list here</a> - here is my list of the Hottest Olympic Athletes in Sochi, in no particular order:<br />
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<b>Henrik Lundqvist, Sweden, hockey</b></div>
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Because... duh. Lundqvist may be the best-looking hockey player of all time, and coming from me that's quite a compliment. On the ice, he's arguably the best goalie in the world - as starting goalie for the NHL's glamour team, the New York Rangers, Lundqvist won the Vezina Trophy as the top goalie in the NHL in 2012. He's a three-time NHL all star and has been the Rangers' MVP every year since 2007, led Sweden to an Olympic gold medal in 2006 and in December 2013, the Rangers made him the highest-paid goalie in the NHL with a seven-year, $53 million contract extension. In addition, he's been named one of the best dressed men in the world by Vanity Fair, among other magazines, and he was one of People's 100 Most Beautiful in 2006. Oh - and he has an identical twin brother, <a href="http://hockeyswede.tumblr.com/post/16301720599/joel-and-henrik-lundqvist">Joel</a>.<br />
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The puck drops on Henrik's Olympics Feb. 12, when Sweden takes on the Czech Republic.<br />
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<b>Bode Miller, USA, downhill skiing</b></div>
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This one is a given. A staple on hottie lists since his Olympic debut in 1998, this New Hampshire native has a love-hate relationship with the media. An Olympic and World Championship gold medalist competing in his fifth Olympics, Sochi is likely the last hurrah for the handsome, laid-back 36-year-old. Still a top skier, he has a chance to medal in downhill - he is ranked second in the world, behind our next athlete...<br />
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Bode's likely final Olympics begin Feb. 9 with the men's downhill event.<br />
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<b>Aksel Lund Svindal, Norway, downhill skiing</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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This Norwegian is a two-time overall World Cup champion (2007 and 2009), an Olympic gold medalist in Super G at the 2010 Winter Olympics, and a five-time World Champion in downhill, giant slalom and super combined. With his victory in the downhill in 2013, Svindal became the first male alpine racer to win titles in four consecutive world championships. Now for what we really care about - this viking is single! He recently broke up with his long-term girlfriend, American gold medal skier Julie Mancuso. We'll get our first glimpse of this hottie as he carries his national flag at the Opening Ceremonies - well done, Norway.<br />
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Aksel's Olympics begin Feb. 9 with the men's downhill event.</div>
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<b>Steve Langton, USA, bobsled</b></div>
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I have to admit, this one is a bit biased, since I was friends with Steve in high school. That aside, no one can deny his rightful place on this list. A college track star at Northeastern, the Massachusetts native decided to "try" bobsled in 2007 - and hasn't looked back. This will be his second Olympics, and this time around he's part of the "Night Train," the sled driven by Steve Holcomb that won gold in Vancouver. The sled won gold at the 2012 World Championships, and Holcomb and Langton partnered to also win gold in the 2-man, as well. This freak athlete was named <a href="http://www.menshealth.com/fitness/meet-most-powerful-winter-olympian">"The Most Powerful Winter Olympian" </a>by Men's Health Mag, and after watching that video, I dare anyone to disagree. Not only a beast in the weight room, Steve also has a funny side, which you can see on his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/yourdalynitro">YouTube page </a>with roommate John Daly. Go Steve!<br />
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Steve's Olympics take off Feb. 16-17 with the two man event, and continue Feb. 22-23 with the 4-man event.</div>
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<b>Aleksander Aurdal, Norway, Freestyle Skiing</b></div>
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This high-flying Norwegian will compete in the "slopestyle" skiing event. He's not expected to medal, but will look pretty awesome flying through the air doing crazy tricks at high speeds. Bonus: this hottie has a big heart - he is a mentor for the Heroes of Tomorrow project in Norway, which aims to support and encourage young people with talent.<br />
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Aleks flips onto our screens Feb. 13 with the Men's Ski Slopestyle qualifications<br />
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<b>Christopher Fogt, USA, Bobsled</b></div>
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People often mistakenly call athletes "heroes." However, in the case of Sgt. Christopher Fogt, the title is accurate. He is an incredibly accomplished athlete, including representing the USA in the 2010 Olympics, and, more importantly, a captain in the Army and a member of the Army's <a href="http://www.thearmywcap.com/home">World Class Athlete Program</a>. At Utah Valley University, Fogt was a track star, as two-year captain he set records in the 100m and 60m in the process ... oh, and had time to do ROTC *swoon*. Immediately following the 2010 Olympics, where he was part of the USA-2 that finished in 10th, he stepped away from bobsled for 18 months, much that on a year-long deployment in Iraq with military intelligence. Now he's back to compete in the 2014 games - this time as a member of the "Night Train" aka gold medal favorite. I mean, come on! If he doesn't make you proud to be an American, I don't know what does.<br />
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Sgt. Fogt's Olympics begin Feb. 22-23 with the 4-man event.<br />
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<b>Tim Burke, USA, biathlon</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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First off - biathlon is a cross-country skiing and shooting competition. Second, Tim Burke is not only nice to look at, but America's first-ever legitimate chance at an Olympic medal in biathlon. The three-time Olympian won the silver medal in the 20 km Individual competition at the 2013 World Championships, the second American man ever to win a World Championship medal. But sorry ladies, this hottie is taken by a fellow biathlete - German Andrea Henkel, a four-time Olympic medalist.<br />
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Catch Tim Feb. 8 in the Men's Sprint 10km and Feb. 13 in the 20km.</div>
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<b>Dylan Moscovitch, Canada, pairs figure skating</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Kirsten Moore-Towers is a lucky girl to have such a studly partner! The pair placed second in the 2014 Canadian national championships and came in fourth at the 2013 World Championships. No, figure skating isn't the most masculine sport... but at least it's pairs, right?<br />
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Watch Dylan and Kristen in the pair's competition Feb. 11.</div>
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<b>Bobby Brown, USA, freestyle skiing</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Every little step I take... wait, wrong Bobby Brown. In 2010, this Bobby Brown became the first skier at the Winter X Games to win two golds in one trip - big air and slopestyle - vaulting him to freeskiing poster boy status. The four-time X Games gold medalist is hoping to add Olympic gold to his trophy case - I, for one, can't wait to watch him try.<br />
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Bobby's Olympics begin Feb. 13 in the slopestyle qualifications<br />
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<b>Matt Margetts, Canada, freestyle skiing</b></div>
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This six-time X Games veteran is the first skier to land a double cork 900. He earned his first FIS World Cup medal in January 2014 when he won the bronze in Calgary as part of a podium sweep by the Canadian men. This laid-back hottie is known for his "infectious happy-go-lucky personality, A+ brand of humor and never-ending smile" - what a bonus.<br />
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Mark tries to impress us beginning Feb. 13 in the slopestyle qualifications</div>
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<b>David Backes, USA, hockey</b></div>
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I went through the whole USA hockey roster, and, IMHO, Backes is the hottest on the team (followed closely by USA captain Zach Parise) . The forward is a native of Minnesota and went to my husband's alma mater, University of Minnesota-Mankato, which earns him a special place in my heart. Each season, the 6'3" captain of the St. Louis Blues is among the top in the league in +/-. This is his second Olympics, after winning a silver medal with USA at the 2010 Olympics. Off the ice, Backes and his wife (boo) are devoted to animal rescue and each have their own rescue organizations: Kelly's Kats and David's Dogs.<br />
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David and team USA skate into our hearts against Slovakia, Feb. 13.<br />
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<b>Neville Wright, Canada, Bobsled</b></div>
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Apparently the thing to do after your track career is over is to try bobsled! Neville was a sprinter since the age of seven. After failing to qualify for the Olympics in Beijing 2008 (missing by .02!!!), he decided to pursue another sport and in the summer of 2009 he tried bobsled and a year later was competing in the Olympics, where he was part of the 4th-place finishing Canadian 4-man team. He will compete in the 2- and 4- man in 2014, with his best shot at a medal coming in the 4. He looks more like a football player than a runner, and if I needed a bodyguard I'd love to have Neville protecting me!<br />
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Neville's Olympics begin Feb. 22 with the 4-man event.<br />
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I don't know about you, but after looking at all these hot athletes, I'm even more excited for the Olympics! I just came across this link <a href="http://www.menshealth.com/fitness/gold-medal-abs" target="_blank">Gold Medal Abs</a> and got even more excited! I hope these hotties all avoid the water in Sochi.<br />
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Make sure to vote on your favorite in the poll and let me know who you think I missed!</div>
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This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-767024241280958102014-01-24T09:08:00.001-05:002014-01-24T09:09:32.787-05:00Your Daly Nitro episode 10An old friend of mine from high school, Steve Langton, is now an Olympic bobsledder. Go figure. Turns out he's pretty funny. This is the 10th in a series of videos of he and a teammate - watch the previous 9, too.<br />
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<br />This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-10235244545069805392014-01-03T15:34:00.004-05:002014-01-06T08:24:01.397-05:00Why Chris Kluwe was really releasedThis week, former Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe wrote a scathing article for Deadspin, saying that he believes he lost his job as a result of his very public support of gay rights.<br />
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Is Kluwe the second high profile person to learn in recent weeks that the first amendment gives us the right to say what we feel, but it doesn't make us immune to the consequences?<br />
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I don't think so.<br />
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Kluwe, who is on the opposite end of the spectrum as Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson on this issue but is also known for speaking his mind, is accusing his former position coach, Mike Priefer, of being a "bigot" and holding his public support of marriage equality against him – even berating him in front of teammates. He also accuses his former head coach, Leslie Frazier, who was fired as Minnesota Vikings head coach Monday, and general manager of being “cowards” and trying to “keep him quiet.” There’s too much detail to cover, so please read Kluwe’s account of what happened here: <a href="http://deadspin.com/i-was-an-nfl-player-until-i-was-fired-by-two-cowards-an-1493208214.">I Was An NFL Player Until I Was Fired By Two Cowards And A Bigot</a><br />
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Kluwe was replaced as the Vikings punter before the 2013 season. His account of the 2012 season and offseason certainly shows that not everyone in the Vikings organization supported his public fight for marriage equality and gay rights.<br />
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But I don't think that was the reason he was released.<br />
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For those who don't follow football and simply read Kluwe's article, it certainly sounds like he was released because his coaches didn't "appreciate" his public support of gay rights. But what the former punter left out of the article is the quantifiable reason he was released - the numbers.<br />
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I read Kluwe's article and was sympathetic, and I appreciate his support of a topic he believes so strongly in. If Priefer did make the comments Kluwe claims, he should be punished, just as the Miami Dolphins did to Richie Incognito was for bullying a teammate and using the “n” word. The alleged comments made by his former position coach are hateful and the reason that no gay NFL player – and we all know they exist – has felt comfortable enough to be "out." While everyone is entitled to their beliefs, there is no room for hatred.<br />
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Of course, we've only heard one side of the story, and we can’t just take Kluwe's word as gospel. Priefer has responded, and his response deserves to be heard. In a statement released Thursday evening that he "vehemently denies" Kluwe's allegations, that he "does not tolerate discrimination of any type" and that he is "respectful of all individuals." Some of the current Vikings have also stated publicly that they've never heard Priefer use racist or homophobic language. Take that as you will.<br />
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Now for those numbers, the real reason I don't think the Vikings released Kluwe based on his support of gay rights: Kluwe averaged 45 yards per punt in 2012, ranking 22nd in the league. The Viking's 2013 punter, Jeff Locke, posted an average of 44.2 yards per punt this past season, ranking 24th in the league. However, being a rookie, Locke cost the Vikings $405,000 this year, whereas the Vikings would have had to pay Kluwe $1.45 million in 2013. Strictly by these numbers, releasing the veteran in favor of a rookie with the same output at 1/3 the price is a no-brainer.<br />
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In addition to the average-at-best play, I think Leslie Frazier did see Kluwe as a distraction; coaches tend to prefer players who keep a low profile and make football their primary “cause.” From his own account, Kluwe went against his boss’s wishes, no matter how just the cause, even refusing to take advice from the PR department. On a football team, someone who is a distraction and has only average performance is expendable.<br />
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Kluwe's points about the team telling him to keep quiet about his support of gay marriage, or to only show his support in certain ways, certainly show they were clearly uncomfortable with his <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/01/03/3850526/extra-points-kluwe-burns-his-nfl.html">"well-earned reputation for speaking his mind."</a> Was it bigotry, as Kluwe accuses Priefer, or management wanting to avoid controversy at all costs? Was either the reason he was released?<br />
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Kluwe also wrote that team owner Zygi Wilf, the man who signs the checks, supported his beliefs on said subject. That fact definitely puts a large crack in the foundation of Kluwe's argument that he was released solely based on his outspoken support of gay rights.<br />
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So we’re brought back to the $1 million question: Was Kluwe cut because because of his outspokenness on the subject of gay rights? Or was he released because the Vikings were unhappy with his merely average output and lofty salary?<br />
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I think Kluwe was an aging veteran with a high salary and below-average performance; that partnered with the fact that the coaches were unhappy with the distraction they felt he brought to the team made it an easy decision. From a financial standpoint, cutting a 31-year-old veteran punter in favor of a rookie who could play for the team for many more seasons for less than 1/3 the salary is, frankly, a smart business decision. So even if he was the outspoken person that he is, I still think Kluwe would have been released. And that is the bottom line. Football is a business, and Jeff Locke was the better option.<br />
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All this said, I support Kluwe's public support of gay rights and marriage equality. But that wasn't the reason he was released from the Vikings.This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-76931569941140759122013-12-24T13:47:00.002-05:002013-12-24T13:48:48.950-05:00Patriots Wishes and Caviar DreamsIt’s that time of year again; the stockings are hung by the
chimney with care, in hopes that my sports wishes, soon will be here.<br />
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This year I've had to think long and hard about what I want, because last year my wish came true. As 2012 came to a close, my wish was that the Red Sox would climb out of the AL East cellar. At the time, I just hoped
for them to battle for playoff contention. My wish came true times 1,000, with
Boston taking the 2013 World Series title. From worst to first, it was a season
of the ages. <br />
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<o:p> </o:p>This year, my wishes are of the football variety. My
Patriots are playing pretty well, and despite some major season-ending
injuries, they are winning. But despite the record, something is missing. Primarily,
there’s the absence of two 250-lb+ game-changing tight ends. One of them I can
hope to see back next season. The other? Well I think right now he’s just
hoping he’ll see the outside world sometime before he dies.<br />
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For my 265-lb freak, I wish a healthy
2014; one free of surgeries and full of catches, touchdowns and fiestas.
Because we all know Rob Gronkowski es un fiesta. I hope his back, knee, forearm and whatever else ails him are good to go next year, and we are graced with a season full of Gronk.<br />
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My second request is for tall guys who catch good, and Gronk
would say. For Tom Brady’s sake, I wish for a decent received corps. I don’t
mean a mish-mash of average talent who are elevated by the play of a great
play-calling qb; I mean 2007-esque talent, when The Freak was out there breaking
all-time records with Tom Terrific. He deserves to end his career with some
great receivers, instead of the mish-mash of talent he’s dealt with since Moss
left. I mean a true receiver, not some little slot guy like Welker. Though
great at what he did, I want to see someone who can make spectacular grabs like
Calvin Johnson or Brandon Marshall.<br />
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<o:p> </o:p>Speaking of ending his career, I wish for a Fountain of Youth. At 36, I know that the end is drawing near for
the Patriots with Tom Brady at the helm. I can’t imagine he has more than a
couple seasons left in his arm, and I’m already freaking out. But my biggest
fear? That Bill Belichick will decide to leave at the same time as his muse. Then I really don’t know what I’ll do. If Tom leaves but New England still
has Bill, I feel like we can make it; without him, the dreaded “rebuilding”
will begin. We've been a bit spoiled in the last 12 years, and I don’t think I
can take a season of renovation. Every year since 2001, my football team has
been a playoff and Super Bowl contender. I can’t remember a time when I “couldn't
watch” the Patriots, or that each game didn't mean something. So I need Tom to
drink some H2O from Ponce de Leon’s legendary spring and continue to be an
active Patriot for life. Since I know this isn't logical, I hope that Belichick
doesn't retire at the same time as the best quarterback ever (I’m not biased at
all).<br />
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<o:p> </o:p>A guy who can run 100 yards a game… without dropping the
ball. I am so tired of the Patriots’ non-existent running game. They have spurts
here and there over the years, but they haven’t had a consistent runner since
Corey Dillon. I trust Belichick, but his incapability to draft a decent running
back is killing me. I know he thinks other positions are more important, which
is obvious since the Pats never draft a game-changing WR or RB, but for once I’d
love to have a guy on the field who I knew could just run up the gut and score
some TDs. As Tom gets up there in years, having a reliable runner to take some
of the pressure off would be a God send.<br />
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A new hip for Aqib Talib. One of my favorite Patriots, I fear Talib is going to play the rest of his career on one leg. A
legitimate option for Defensive Player of the Year before he got hurt Oct. 13, Talib
was completely shutting it down in the backfield – in consecutive weeks, he held
Julio Jones, A.J. Green and Jimmy Graham to a COMBINED six catches and 62 yards.
Through the first six games of the season, with a healthy Talib, the Patriots
defense allowed just 16 points per game. Having a guy who can shut down the
opposing team’s best player can’t be understated. Then Talib hurt his hip
flexor, missed three games, and hasn’t been the same since he returned. That
said, Talib on one leg is still better than ¾ of the other corners in the
league. But imagine if he was 100%? That is my wish.<br />
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So, Eight Pound, Six Ounce, Newborn Baby Jesus, in your
golden fleece diapers, with your curled-up, fat, balled-up little fists pawing
at the air … don’t even know a word yet, just a little infant and so cuddly,
but still omnipotent… please hear my prayers for Tom, Bill, Gronk, Aqib and the
rest.<br />
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And finally, my wish for all of you is that you have a very
Merry Christmas, a belated Happy Chanukah, and a very happy and healthy new year.
Here’s hoping for some great Bowl games, some kick-ass NFL playoff matchups,
and, hopefully, Tom hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the end. Amen.<br />
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This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-76032712572052010742013-12-06T14:48:00.000-05:002014-04-03T13:04:54.044-04:00Jameis Winston case: Victimizing the victim in rape accusations<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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One day, you have consensual sex with someone. Later that
same day, you go out to a bar, have some drinks and get a little woozy. You’re
talking to a guy, maybe you even flirt. He whisks you away and things get a
little out of hand, and you tell him to stop. He doesn't. You leave in shock.
It might even take you a little while to realize what happened. You were raped.
You know you should go to the police, but at the time you don’t want to deal
with that. You just want to forget. Or, you do go to the police, and they don’t
take you seriously because you’re drunk. Then imagine finding out, or knowing,
that he is a star athlete. And everyone in town wants you to keep your mouth
shut. Because apparently your attack is less important than a game.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On Dec. 5, Florida state attorney Willie Meggs decided not
to charge Florida State quarterback and Heisman hopeful Jameis Winston with
rape because of “major lapses in the accuser's memory, her level of
intoxication at the time of the incident and the presence of two different men
in the woman's rape kit."<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m going to get up on my soap box for a few minute, because
I am pissed. I'm pissed because rape is an epidemic in our country, and people
act like it isn't - statistically, nearly 1 in 5 women in the U.S. have been
through a rape or attempted rape[i]. I
am mad that yet another woman was made out to be a slut because she had
consensual sex with someone earlier in the day; that she was "asking for
it" because she was drinking. Whether he intended to or not, what Meggs
said is, if you are drinking and get raped, then your recollection can’t be
trusted. And if you had consensual sex earlier that night, then there is no way
the police should believe that the second person made you do something you
didn't want to do. Because apparently having two sets of DNA inside of her, one
which is reported to be that of her boyfriend, makes her a slut. That is the
implication and don’t try to make the argument that isn't what they are saying
– it absolutely is. This is why 60 percent of women who are raped don’t report
it – because 97 percent of rapists won’t spend a day in jail[ii].<o:p></o:p></div>
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What a crock. I think we all know that most rapes happen
when the victim is drinking. According to police reports, the woman’s speech
was slightly slurred and she doesn't remember certain parts of the night. I’m
sure the police instantly shook their heads at the “dumb slut who was asking
for it.” Generalization on my part? Perhaps. But “no” in slurred speech is
still “no.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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When speaking about the victim’s memory gaps, the state
attorney pointed to "an analysis of a blood-alcohol test taken several
hours after the alleged attack that showed her blood-alcohol content at the
time of the incident could have been 0.10 percent, even though when it was
taken the rest registered a 0.04 reading. The 0.10 reading would have been
higher than the 0.08 legal limit for driving."<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wait... so when her blood was taken it was .04, but they are
speculating it "could" have been .10? If this girl weighed somewhere
around 120 lbs, that is 2-3 drinks in an hour[iii]. Not to sound like an
alcoholic, but I drink that amount on a regular Friday night and am nowhere
near "blackout." Even if she is a lightweight, I find it hard to
believe having a few drinks would cause her to have so many memory gaps that
the prosecution couldn't count on her recollection of the night of the attack.
It just seems like a very convenient excuse. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Most women don’t report rape. You know why? Because of crap
like this. They make it out like you did something wrong because you were
drinking and can’t remember every single step you took the night of the attack.
And the fact that she had two sets of DNA inside of her makes her story less
believable, even though one set of DNA reportedly belongs to her boyfriend. Is
it that hard to believe that she had sex with her boyfriend, then went out, had
a few couple drinks, and was taken advantage of? Had this gone to trial,
Winston's accuser would have faced brutal cross-examination regarding her
memory gaps, her drinking, and the presence of another person’s DNA from the
night of the incident. According to ESPN, rape shield laws in all 50 states
protect sexual assault victims from inquiry into their sexual histories, but
because there were two sets of DNA on the same night, it would have allowed
cross examination on the details of her sexual history.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This makes me ill. Having sex with someone willingly earlier
in the night does not make her a slut, and it doesn't mean she wasn't raped
later that night. Drinking too much doesn't mean she gave up her right to say
no, or that she was asking for it. Bad decisions don't justify an attack. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You know what she remembers? Who attacked her – I can
guarantee that. I’m sure she has tried to forget it – but, unfortunately for
her, she never will. She didn’t come forward with the name right away because
she knew this would happen. As soon as Winston started playing like a Heisman
Trophy candidate, unless there was video of him in the act, there was no way he
was getting charged.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are people out there implying that, because it was
Jameis Winston, that “she probably wanted it.” F*&# you. Just because a
girl dresses a certain way, drinks or even flirts, doesn't make it OK for
anyone – anyone – to continue something after she says “no.” We are a country
that victimizes a woman after rape. They are put through a trial – judicial or
public – that questions their very moral fortitude, implying that their sexual
history means rape isn't possible. Just look at the Steubenville High School
rape case[iv], where a high school girl was drunk and assaulted by two football
players – and the creeps took pictures and shared them with friends and on
social media. And instead of supporting the poor girl, people – including those
in her own town and the media –downplayed the rape, sympathized with the
perpetrators and called her a whore. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I don’t care if a girl has 100 drinks, or has slept with 100
men – that doesn't make it OK for someone else to force her to do something –
ever. And just because someone is a star athlete doesn't mean he should be
excused for bad behavior or predatory actions. <o:p></o:p></div>
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All of this said, I am not saying Jameis Winston is a rapist
– I fully believe one is innocent until proven guilty. However, the given
reasons for not charging him in this case are asinine. As a woman, I am
insulted and I am mad - women are victimized all of the time. This case just
made me feel so sorry for the victim, who was victimized again by the public
and by the judicial system that is supposed to protect her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-87516898510574914512013-11-20T11:15:00.004-05:002013-11-20T12:20:23.533-05:00Hey Bill Maher - F* YouTo say I've never been a fan of Bill Maher is a gross understatement. I've always found him self-righteous, smug and pompous. And that has very little to do with my, for the most part, disagreeing with his political opinions. But I've always found it best to just ignore people I find irritating.<br />
<br />
That is until you piss me off. And Maher did just that when he degraded the city of Boston. <br />
<br />
On his show "Real Time with Bill Maher," he basically criticized the Red Sox and the city of Boston for stopping at the marathon finish line and placing the World Series Trophy on it, along with a "617" Sox jersey (Boston's area code for those who don't know).<br />
<br />
<em>"So the parade, they go to the place where the marathon bombing took place, they put the World Series statue there and they sing 'God Bless America' and they say 'Boston strong' and they chant 'U-S-A,' you know. It was again, a bad day, three people died, that's terrible. More were maimed, that's horrible, but unfortunately that happens every day, in car accidents and everything else. I mean, your city was not leveled by Godzilla," he said</em><br />
<br />
Yes, Bill. Every day three people die in car accidents. But you know what? Those are accidents, not acts of terror - big difference. <br />
<br />
I think there are those who share his opinion, those who aren't from Boston who think that maybe we're "going overboard on Boston Strong." But they don't get it. This is how we are - we're loud, brash and we unapologetically support all things Boston. So when tragedy hits us at home, you can bet your ass we're going to band together and be as loud as we can. You know why? Because f* those guys who terrorized our city. They didn't break us - they brought us closer together than ever before. They made us stronger and prouder than ever to be from Boston. And we want them to know it.<br />
<br />
Maher is known for shooting his mouth at inappropriate times. About a week after the most deadly terrorist attack on U.S. soil, Maher, a native New Yorker, sat down with a panel on his show, "Politically Incorrect" and said this about the men who flew the planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on 9/11 : <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><em>“We have been the cowards, lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away. That’s cowardly. Staying in the airplane when it hits the building, say what you want about it, it’s not cowardly.”</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">You don't agree with drones, Bill? OK, many people don't. But there is a time and place, and that was the wrong time. The mastermind behind 9/11? He was basically "lobbing" those planes from 7,000 miles away. And being willing to die doesn't mean you aren't a coward.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Those comments lost Maher his show - and rightfully so. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Because that isn't what the people of New York, Washington D.C. and the rest of the U.S. needed to hear so soon after such a tragedy. "Politically Incorrect" is a gross understatement when describing his post-9/11 comments.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Not an attack of the same magnitude, death-toll wise, but a terrorist attack nonetheless, Maher's comments regarding the way the city of Boston celebrated were insensitive, rude and, frankly, offensive.</span><br />
<br />
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"We needed this," Mark Porcaro, of Boston, told The Associated Press after the Sox clinched the Series. "They were an easy team to get behind because they stood up for us when we needed them most."<br />
<br />
That's how every Bostonian felt. So Bill Maher - f* you. </div>
This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-75772901730692243192013-11-08T10:34:00.000-05:002015-11-09T16:00:52.266-05:00Can we please stop using the term “Warrior” when referring to football players?<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I had the honor of working for the United States Army for
seven years. I know true warriors; I watched men and women leave their
families for 12-18 months at a time, to go to far off lands to fight and protect. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">And, I have been with families as they buried their warriors.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">How many time have we hear coaches, players and analysts talk about football players’ “warrior mentality?” Sure, they're tough guys on the field, but they are also pampered and fawned over off the field. These athletes live in the lap of luxury, while our real warriors – our military – live in small on-base houses with sometimes barely enough money to adequately care for their families. I know soldiers who have deployed three, four, five times, whose families are on WIC because their salaries aren’t enough to sufficiently feed their family. Yet, the football players are the heroes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Simply, one cannot compare the "warrior mentality" of a football player to a soldier
because there is no comparison.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Our soldiers willingly put their lives on the line to protect
our ideals and our freedom. Football players put their bodies on the line for a
game. Both are mentally and physically grueling; but one does it for honor and
duty; the other does it for fun and money. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Basic pay for a soldier averages somewhere around $40,000 a year. Basic pay for an Army private is just under $18,000, while a general (of which there are very few) makes into the
low six figures. In the NFL, league minimum for a rookie is $405,000 a year, while the
minimum for a player with 10 years’ experience is right around $1 million. That is
the minimum – the average salary of an NFL quarterback is $3.4 million, the average
for a wide receiver and linebacker is $1.8 million, and kickers and punters average
$1.6 million – KICKERS AND PUNTERS!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Now, go up to a soldier, who has been away from his family for
five of the last ten years, and seen his buddies killed and maimed, that the millionaire is a warrior. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I know soldiers’ wives who gave birth to their children
alone, and had to go through those first sleepless months by themselves;
fathers and mothers who had to leave their babies, and come home to children
who don’t even remember them; I have seen the pain on the faces of families whose
warriors are <u>never</u> coming home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have watched planes
full of soldiers take off to Iraq and Afghanistan, knowing that not everyone on
that flight will come home. I have watched the families of deployed
soldiers struggle to make it through everyday life while the most important
person in their lives is living in a dangerous place, where people want them
dead. I <span style="font-family: "calibri";">have also been lucky enough to witness the joy of families reunited, of fathers seeing their baby – who could be nine months old – for the first time. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><i>These </i>men and women are warriors. They put their duty and their country before all else. They put their lives in danger so that we don't have to. They are willing to die to protect our freedom. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Football players are talented, physically-gifted freaks who
are paid incredibly well because they are part of a product that produces
billions of dollars in revenue each year. But they are not warriors. <o:p></o:p></span>This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-46952434520665437592013-11-01T09:35:00.003-04:002013-11-12T09:17:38.206-05:00Guest blog: The Argument for the 'Bandwagon Fan'This week we have a special guest blog. My good friend Susan wants to weigh in on her opinion about the so-called "Bandwagon fan." She makes some good, really solid points. Let's not throw around the phrase "Bandwagon fan" so freely in the future, mmmm kay?<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b>The
Argument for the 'Bandwagon Fan'</b></div>
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Last
night was the first time I witnessed the Boston Red Sox win the World Series.
In 2004, I was backpacking around France and in 2007, I watched the entire
series only to get really sick on the last night and fall asleep due to an
overdose of cold meds. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Finally
2013 was the year I got to witness the magic firsthand. When that last out was
made, I was excited and proud, not just for the players, but for the entire
city of Boston. After posting a photo of a me and a few of my friends in our
Red Sox hats, the “bandwagon fan” comments started. Not just on my page, but in
general; the Facebook newsfeed was littered with comments from both Boston fans
and non-Boston fans alike, hating on the so-called “bandwagon fans.”</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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A
bandwagon fan by definition is anyone who claims they are a "fan" of
a particular sports team, even though they had no prior support for/interest in
the team until that team started winning. By this definition, I don’t
qualify. I grew up 20 miles outside Boston and was raised as a Red Sox fan; my dad did
field maintenance at Fenway Park when I was a kid; I went to my first game when
I was in sixth grade; I’ve celebrated birthday’s in those stands, and some of my
favorite college memories involve the Red Sox.<o:p></o:p></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
I
will admit, like many of you, I don’t watch every game, in fact I rarely tune
in for a regular season game. I love going to the ball park, but don’t find
regular season play to be all that exciting on TV. Playoff baseball is
different. There’s passion behind it that doesn’t shine through in quite the
same way on warm day in July that it does on a cool night in October. The
players are different and the fans are different – because it’s
finally so close we can taste it, and we want to be part of the magic. <o:p></o:p></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
I
often wonder how full Fenway Park would be if you were only allowed to come in
if you had watched every game that season? For most of us, a trip to Fenway is
a once-, maybe twice-a-year treat. On any given night, the park is made up of
people that the hardcore fans would consider “bandwagon fans,” but really we’re
just regular folks who feel connected to a team and want to support them when
we can, and however we can – even if that only means catching a handful of
games a year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
We
need to remember so-called "bandwagon fans" contribute to revenue - they buy hats,
tickets, and beers at the stadium. That revenue helps the team continue to
scout top players and invest in and develop young talent. The bandwagon or
fair-weather fans play a role in the success of the Red Sox, or any team for
that matter, whether the hardcore fans like it or not.<o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
On
April 15, 2013, the Red Sox played their annual Boston Marathon day game. No one
could have predicted the horror that would happen that day, but what could
be predicted was how the Red Sox reacted. They carried the Boston Strong
message and spirit with them throughout the season, honoring those who lost their lives or were injured at the marathon finish line, and giving strength to
a city that already was one of the strongest in the world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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Last
night when the Boston Red Sox won the World Series, they weren’t "Red Sox
Strong;" they were Boston Strong, and whether you watched every game all season,
or if you only tuned in for the last 10 minutes of the game, if you’re from Boston,
you’re a fan - and no one should be able to take that away from you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpk8TsntGM5fs6hFSlGvhdO3O7Y1U3XuE9rZ16QogpdKHjZn1I8wxDaZ7weYvf7S5vPz0LR-tMozNrIpX71t3Wsd6j3LCV6Pz6KvLjjxw_LHJ3qPWrkt4NroLjtxo-pjUFme4mIe85PU/s1600/Suze.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpk8TsntGM5fs6hFSlGvhdO3O7Y1U3XuE9rZ16QogpdKHjZn1I8wxDaZ7weYvf7S5vPz0LR-tMozNrIpX71t3Wsd6j3LCV6Pz6KvLjjxw_LHJ3qPWrkt4NroLjtxo-pjUFme4mIe85PU/s320/Suze.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susan, right, and two other Red Sox supporters living in Washington D.C., <br />
the night the Red Sox won the 2013 World Series.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-61255567828547660912013-10-25T17:25:00.000-04:002015-10-19T13:04:20.533-04:00Yet another town, another school, forever changed<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Columbine,
Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook. These seemingly wonderful places to live and go to
school are now names associated with horrendous acts of violence – so much so
that we no longer think of them as towns or schools, but as crime scenes. The
memories of what happened there can never be washed away. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All
of these school tragedies upset me, just as they upset most people in our
nation. But they were always far away; I knew in my head that it could happen
anywhere, but I never truly believed it would happen just anywhere – I never
thought it would happen in my “where.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Until
it did. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On
October 22, a 14-year-old student brutally murdered his 24-year-old
teacher at Danvers High School. My town. My high school. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
didn’t know Colleen Ritzer, but I wept for her; for the pain she went through
and the confusion she must have felt. I wept for her family, and I wept for the
children of the town where I had a picturesque childhood, who are forever changed.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This
horrific event is confusing and unimaginable. This is something that happens on
a TV crime drama, not at your own high school. The crime occurred in the second floor
bathroom, where I was hundreds of times – that was the “good” bathroom, the one
that wasn’t full of smoke or too hot or too cold. She was discarded in the
woods right behind the school, onto the trail I ran a hundred times. It isn't just close to home – it is home. When horror occurs in your own backyard, it shakes you to
your core; it affects you and changes you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
people of Danvers are hurt, confused, shocked and angry. We’re hurt because
when we grew up Danvers was a town where you didn’t even lock your doors; we
had very little fear for our safety, especially when we were at school. We’re
confused, shocked and angry because, well, this isn’t supposed to happen here. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJeSMcHo7TiQuv-Zzs0my5B6kn_ziTG8lYhg-bPG8HgOjTBAk7QhH2pw0OcZluyslkMXLkhqgIJF0j69YEhYT_fg6gM_jTYgz_cxb1AIvo1pUP_oKO33EgIbjLffdf8sHYmprXETsgaGM/s1600/candle+light+vigil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJeSMcHo7TiQuv-Zzs0my5B6kn_ziTG8lYhg-bPG8HgOjTBAk7QhH2pw0OcZluyslkMXLkhqgIJF0j69YEhYT_fg6gM_jTYgz_cxb1AIvo1pUP_oKO33EgIbjLffdf8sHYmprXETsgaGM/s320/candle+light+vigil.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from the Candle Light Vigil held for Colleen Ritzer at Danvers High School, Oct. 23. Hundreds showed up to honor and remember the slain math teacher.<br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But
I think that’s the scariest part of all of this; in Columbine, Blacksburg and Newtown
before us, no one thought something so awful would ever happen in their town. Then
it does, and you're forever scarred.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just as those places were, our town and everyone in it is forever changed. There
is a wound that will eventually scab over and heal, but it will leave behind a
scar that never completely goes away. We’ll always be “the town where the
teacher was murdered.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Colleen Ritzer was known for her infectious smile, her friendly nature and her love of math. She was the epitome of what a young teacher should be - excited to teach. On her Twitter feed, she wrote math jokes, encouraging messages and inspirational quotes. She described herself as a "Math teacher often too excited about the topics I'm teaching." </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Yz02LeQpsbQM6TlIPfvkMj4hbx2ucrLj4PgjdddQH3S3-xRs89Zn7MyncMmZOtdwa0WLYHmGIJ16SQNEfhjGnZ9cd8biT6LhqJyMF4Eeh6NFfmAGhM-_whT51cAmeBnuhwhcWMHVwYU/s1600/emerson.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Yz02LeQpsbQM6TlIPfvkMj4hbx2ucrLj4PgjdddQH3S3-xRs89Zn7MyncMmZOtdwa0WLYHmGIJ16SQNEfhjGnZ9cd8biT6LhqJyMF4Eeh6NFfmAGhM-_whT51cAmeBnuhwhcWMHVwYU/s1600/emerson.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An inspirational quote posted by Ritzer on her Twitter feed</td></tr>
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<br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A beloved teacher, gone in such a gruesome way, before she really had a chance to live. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every
time I drive by my high school, my first thought won’t be the great memories I amassed
there of my lifelong friends and the teachers who affected my life in the way
I’m sure Ms. Ritzer affected lives, but what happened Oct. 22, 2013. Danvers
High School is no longer where I had track meets, soccer games or band practice
– it will forever be where THIS happened. In the aftermath of such a horrendous
crime, we’re left to pick up the pieces and try to go on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It
seems like they caught the assailant, and he’ll be locked away. But the damage
caused by what he did … well, that will never go away. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No one will ever look at Danvers High School the
same. One life was taken; another thrown away when a teenager gave into his
barbaric impulses. The innocence of thousands of students around the community was
shattered. Those of us who aren’t students anymore are left with a little more
fear than we had a few days ago. I, for one, feel a little less safe in every
day life than I did before this happened; before I learned what people are capable
of.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I know my town; Danvers is full of good, hard-working people and it will overcome this tragedy. The community will grieve together and band together to heal. We are forever changed, forever scarred, but we will heal – but we won't forget. We will be strong to honor
Colleen Ritzer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
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</blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kxpxgcWSErey65b7DNboReSnG27LPwh0YtE08peWMNZz44LR6c1ymvviUR_Z_EdYpESgwDT9jvrX6ROyWE-x1YJ5IrXpa_qB2DOAPv6lvED7sliKp2z-l7052uRPCI_8FczgQWOdaUQ/s1600/sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kxpxgcWSErey65b7DNboReSnG27LPwh0YtE08peWMNZz44LR6c1ymvviUR_Z_EdYpESgwDT9jvrX6ROyWE-x1YJ5IrXpa_qB2DOAPv6lvED7sliKp2z-l7052uRPCI_8FczgQWOdaUQ/s320/sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danvers High School students returned to school Friday, Oct. 25 - three days after the murder of a math teacher on school grounds. They were greeted by a quote posted by that teacher, Colleen Ritzer, on her Twitter feed. "No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind." <br />
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<span style="color: black; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: black; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://danvers.wickedlocal.com/article/20131108/NEWS/311089613/0/SEARCH</span></span></span></div>
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This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6735822933904425310.post-47342032676998261112013-10-14T10:30:00.003-04:002013-11-12T09:16:51.101-05:00"Redskins" isn't historical - it's distasteful <br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">During
last night's Redskins-Cowboys Sunday Night Football broadcast, Bob
Costas did a commentary regarding the name of the Washington
Redskins. Here is a link to the transcript : <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/wp/2013/10/13/bob-costas-on-redskins-name-its-an-insult-a-slur/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/wp/2013/10/13/bob-costas-on-redskins-name-its-an-insult-a-slur/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
debate over whether or not teams should change their Native American
mascots has been going on for years. Many schools and franchises have opted to
make the switch, including the University of Massachusetts Minutemen (a much better fit than the Redmen) and St.
John's University Red Storm (prior to 1994 they were also the Redmen),
while others, including the Redskins and Cleveland Indians, remain steadfast in
their approval of their names. Some teams, including the Florida State
Seminoles, have chosen to keep their name because the Seminole tribe has given
their approval. However, the difference between calling a team
"Seminole" or "Sioux" or "Blackhawks" is vastly
different than "Redskins" or even "Indians." The former are
accurate names of a people; the latter are inaccurate terms once used to
describe a race by an uninformed majority and therefore should not be used
as the names of sports teams.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
Owner Dan Snyder sent out an email last week to Washington fans, telling them
why he believes his team should keep the name "Redskins." In it, he writes:
"The name was never a label. It was, and continues to be, a badge of
honor." In the email, Snyder is trying to gain support for one of the
major arguments against changing the Redskins moniker which is, "most
Native Americans aren't offended by it." To that I say phooey. I am not
all about the "PC movement," but I don't agree with using derogatory
terms as names of sports teams just because it's been that way for so many
years. If a team was called the "Washington Crackers," even
though I might not be personally offended as a white person, I would still not
agree with the name, because it is a derogatory term about a specific race. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CrMEv5pPJqoat7noqa9MLGYsBkInXkuTW2cs6X7UnvmoosSZ5W8hkHt7HmysZoy6XIHWIGcIzu1J1lymNir9ZxozMvJP769TayCHQoTM6b_GlOXtb8kBo-PeuPsXTfPAHhlR6uC_KTc/s1600/redskin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CrMEv5pPJqoat7noqa9MLGYsBkInXkuTW2cs6X7UnvmoosSZ5W8hkHt7HmysZoy6XIHWIGcIzu1J1lymNir9ZxozMvJP769TayCHQoTM6b_GlOXtb8kBo-PeuPsXTfPAHhlR6uC_KTc/s320/redskin2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Native American Steve Morales, of Dallas, holds up a sign that reads "Redskin does not honor Native People", as he joins others in protest outside of an NFL football game between the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, October 13, 2013, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The term
"redskin" was never a term of affection, and therefore using it
as a team name is no longer OK. Just because the team has had its
name since 1933 doesn't mean they should get to keep it. Today, using the
term "redskin" in any way other than referring to the Washington
football team is seen as taboo and derogatory. For that fact alone, the
name "Redskins" must change. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtS2n7ecP4QDbeycJuJ_vrdvbur41jXtVzCzFnJhaozi4xL6Ab7QyfyI0ElKPY3OA4tQPcB7FULYdxxgaKpc7O_srX9Yb2_IUIjg9pavhnNh80cRRFbtYFj2GvmTzrKV6p8D97Nr1Vf8/s1600/redskin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtS2n7ecP4QDbeycJuJ_vrdvbur41jXtVzCzFnJhaozi4xL6Ab7QyfyI0ElKPY3OA4tQPcB7FULYdxxgaKpc7O_srX9Yb2_IUIjg9pavhnNh80cRRFbtYFj2GvmTzrKV6p8D97Nr1Vf8/s320/redskin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Verlin Deer In Water, a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma shows his t-shirt during an interview in Washington, Monday, Oct. 7, 2013, calling for the Washington Redskins NFL football team to change its name, prior to the start of the Oneida Indian Nation's Change the Mascot symposium. During an interview, President Barack Obama suggested that the owner of the Washington Redskins football team consider changing its name because, the president said, the current name offends "a sizable group of people." (Carolyn Kaster) </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">I am 30, and
growing up we called Native Americans "Indians." However, the
times have changed and "Indian" now refers to the people who are
actually from India. Calling Native Americans "Indians" is not only
offensive, it is completely inaccurate. Many people of an older generation
can't get used to this change, but just because they don't want to change or
don't agree with it doesn't mean the change isn't right. I liken it
to referring to any Asian person as "Chinese," any Hispanic person as
"Mexican," or any Eastern European as "Russian" –
you may not mean to offend, but you are affronting those you are calling
the wrong nationality. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Calling a
Native American an "Indian" or a "redskin" is no longer
"OK" in our society, and to still use those terms as the moniker for
a sports team is distasteful and just plain wrong. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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This Sports Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121024698880387443noreply@blogger.com4