Professional athletes are often accused of having too many or too nice of cars. However, amid all that chrome, there is a car that is perfect for every person out there, a car that has the same traits and personality as you.....
Alexander Ovechkin - Dodge Nitro
New kids on the block, re-energized once proud organizations that have faltered in recent years.
Alex Rodriguez - Maybach 57s
Massively powerful, luxury items, but does anyone really need them?
Jerry Sloan - Toyota Corolla
Always there, always productive, largely ignored.
Brian Urlacher - Toyota Tundra
Rock solid beasts, belonging to rising organizations.
Devin Hester - Bugatti Veyron
Lightning-fast, barely street legal.
Ron Artest - Ford Freestar
Useless assets that just don't fit anywhere.
Peyton Manning - Kia Automotive
It's their time.
This session of the Ultimate Canadian Blogging Experience is ending...................now.
After some interesting debate and opinions followed my "Top Ten Best NFL Players" post, I decided, what the heck, why not do EXACTLY the same thing, with a different league?
So here it is.....
The Top Ten Best Players in the NHL
10. Antero Nittymaki, goaltender, Philadelphia Flyers
9. Jonathan Cheechoo, forward, San Jose Sharks
8. Jarome Iginla, forward, Calgary Flames
7. Sidney Crosby, forward, Pittsburgh Penguins
6. Vitaly Vishnevski, defenseman, Los Angeles Kings
5. Dion Phaneuf, defenseman, Calgary Flames
4. Jaromir Jagr, forward, New York Rangers
3. Alexander Ovechkin, forward, Washington Capitals
2. Joe Thornton, forward, San Jose Sharks
1. Miikka Kiprusoff, goaltender, Calgary Flames
There you have it.
This session of the Ultimate Canadian Blogging Experience is ending.........now.
Well not that Rick DiPietro is literally a child (he's older than me), but the over-used metaphor does happen to work in this situation.
The story goes like this: On Tuesday the New York Islanders signed goaltender Rick DiPietro to a 15 year contract, worth a reported 67.5 million dollars. The deal is the second-longest in the history of North American professional sports, with only Magic Johnson's 25 yr/$25 M contract with the LA Lakers being longer.
There have been other long contracts that have not fit into the same category. Wayne Gretzky signed a 21 year human interests deal with the Edmonton Oilers in the early 80s, but the one that trumps them all, Steve Young's 43-year contract with a team in the now defunct USFL, which was terminated once the league folded.
The strange thing about the DiPietro contract is that the 24 year old has never really shown the talent that was hyped when he was drafted as an 18 year old. Now, five seasons into his career, he has not really done anything that would warrant a struggling franchise locking him up for 15 years. The signing was so strange that it brought speculation that owner Charles Wang has a soft spot for the goalie. Even if DiPietro is forced to retire because of an injury, he will still be shown the money.
While this deal may not have the notoriety of Alex Rodriguez's 10 yr/$255 M contract signed with the Texas Rangers, it is far stranger. I will not be suprised if DiPietro is gone before the 15 years are up, just as A-Rod bolted for the New York Yankees at the first sign of struggle in Texas.
This session of the Ultimate Canadian Blogging Experience is ending..........now.
Just to vent whatever comes to mind in the world of sports.....
-David Ortiz continues to wait for doctors approval to play again. This stretch is hurting his "MVP caliber" season. I however do not believe that this man should get consideration for the MVP award. All he can do is swing a bat and hit balls far. He can't play defense, he can't run, he can't do much......except hit.
-Fellow MVP candidate Derek Jeter is one who really deserves the award. In addition to hitting over .330 with over 80 RBIs, Jeter plays great defense night in and night out, and provides leadership and a winning attitude to the younger players of the team.
-Back with the Red Sox, they continue to reel with injuries. In addition to Big Papi, Manny Ramirez, Jonathon Papelbon, Bill Lester and Curt Schilling have all been on the shelf recently. This could be to blame for the Sox slide to 9 games back in the AL East.
-Mike Piazza is back on track. The San Diego Padres backstop is leading the majors in home runs by a catcher. This brings back memories of years when he would do this with regularity, as a member of the Amazins'.
-The Lions cut Charles Rogers the other day. Rogers always had the tools to be a great receiver in the NFL, but a lack of focus and desire appear to have cost him his job. Still a good pickup for a team struggling with their receiving game.
-Notre Dame will win the BCS (BigCrapShoot) Championship this year.
-Ted Ginn Jr. (OSU) will be the Heisman winner.
-I would not bet against the San Jose Sharks for the Stanley Cup this year. With Jonathan Cheechoo and Joe Thornton entering their sophomore season as teammates, we have not yet seen their potential together. Throw in Patrick Marleau and Vesa Toskala, you have a good team, actually a great team.
This session of the Ultimate Canadian Blogging Experience is ending.........now.
You know they want to step in the ring with each other sometimes, and, for us (the fans), it would be an experience unlike no other. The victors from each match will fight each other for the bracket championship. Then the victor of Bracket A fights the victor of Bracket C, with the victor of Bracket B fighting the victor of Bracket D, the winners of these matches facing off for the Professional Athlete's UFC Championship.
Bracket A (MLB)
1. John Gibbons vs. Ted Lilly, Sept. 2, 2006,10:05 EST, Rogers Centre, TSN.
2. Pedro Martinez vs. Don Zimmer, Sept. 4, 2006, 9:30 EST, Fenway Park, NESN.
Bracket B (NBA, NHL)
3. Ron Artest vs. Ben Wallace, Sept.8, 2006, 10:07 EST, The Palace at Auburn Hills, HBO.
4. Sean Avery vs. Georges Laraque, Sept. 15, 2006, 8: 30 EST, LA Colesium, ESPN.
Bracket C (NFL)
5. Terrell Owens vs. Bill Parcells, Sept. 18, 2006, 11:00 EST, Cowboy Stadium, HBO.
6. Ben Roethlisberger vs. A Car, Sept. 27, 2006, 9:30 EST, A street in Pittsburgh, ESPN.
Bracket D (other)
7. Zinedine Zidane vs. Marco Materazzi, Oct. 4, 2006, 10:05 EST, Stade Lyons, TeleFrance.
8. Lance Armstrong vs. Jacques Rogge, Oct. 9, 2006, 9:30 EST, MSG, HBO.
Winner of 1 vs Winner of 2, Oct, 15, 2006, 10:00 EST, GeorgiaDome, ESPN.
Winner of 3 vs Winner of 4, Oct. 17, 2006, 8:00 EST, US Cellular Field, HBO.
Winner of 5 vs. Winner of 6, Oct.20, 2006, 9:30 EST, Yankee Stadium, ESPN.
Winner of 7 vs. Winner of 8, Oct. 25, 2006, 10:07 EST, Wachovia Centre, HBO.
Winner of Bracket A vs. Winner of Bracket C, Oct. 28, 2006, 9:00 EST, MSG, ESPN.
Winner of Bracket B vs. Winner of Bracket D, Oct. 30, 2006, 10:00 EST, MSG, HBO.
Professional Athlete's UFC Championship Fight-
Oct. 31, 2006, 10:05 EST, LA Staples Centre, ESPN, HBO, FOX.
All matches sponsored by Red Bull, Gatorade, Bayer Aspirin, the IcyHot back patch.
Not sure if I quite used the right words in the title, however its late and its been a long day. I drew a massive blank on what to post about, considering that I'd been seperated from the sports world by a hiatus to the meat department of a certain grocery store, to work several long days.....but that's a story for another time.
The purpose of this post was to discuss the professional athlete that lives in every average person and the average person that lives in every professional athlete.
The professional athlete that lives in every average person tends to come out in the heat of the competition, in the moment when it matters most. There is a common tale that in the moment when a person needs their strength the most, they can summon almost superhuman strength. For example, the 110 pound weakling attorney, after wrecking his vehicle, lifts the burning car from the ground, so that his son can escape from almost certain death. It is clear in moments like this, that the will and desire that powers professional athletes, also is evident in each one of us.
As well, anyone who has ever been told that they're not good enough or that they will never make it to the big time, can be sympathesized with by the likes of Martin St. Louis, Santana Moss or Muggsy Bogues.
One of the most popular sports stories, that has been told over and over again, is the story of the underdog, the player who was too small, too weak, too poor, or whatever the hinderance might be, to make it to the big time. Jackie Robinson and Willie O'Ree were excluded their entire lives, despite their obvious talent, for a reason so simple as that they were of a different race. Many people each day receive this scrutiny and its the ones that take a stand who will break through, thats just how the world works. This popular tale is ever evident in the real world, where people are put down and rise up to ranks that the oppressors never thought possible. It is these athletes that most capture the imagination of the fans, while the everyday Joes of society pull their underdog stories to less fanfare, but indefinitely as much self-satisfaction.
On the other side of the ball, is the everyday person that is inside every professional athlete. While most people tend to think of pro athletes as LeBron James, Derek Jeter and $10 M signing bonuses, there are many low-level players who, I won't say scrape through, but don't enjoy the $250 M yachts or a $10 M pads. However, Jason Kidd and his wife share a '90s Honda, and live in an apartment. Many players of the Canadian Football League have other jobs in the off-season, to help pay the bills.
Athletes can be sky high in riches, yet down to Earth in demeanor. Multitudes of athletes do charity work and give back to the community. Most get along well with their fellow competitors and leave the anger on the field of play, while some cannot, much like the professionals of the real world (ex. prosecutor and defense attorney having lunch, then ripping each other in the court).
It's these simple things that help us to realize, as far away as LeBron, Kobe, Ovechkin and Jeter may seem on the court, they are really just humans, not much different from you and me. I guess that's the point that I'm trying to make here, in a long drawn out fashion.
I guess its just like Eminem said - There's a little Tom Brady in all of us.
Or was that Slim Shady?
Well anyways, this session of the Ultimate Canadian Blogging Experience is ending.......now.
In the wake of one of my posts in which I commented on how much Red Sox DH David Ortiz resembled rapper 50 Cent, I decided to expose their likeness with a side by side photo post, as well as throw in a few other athlete/celebrity twins. Hopefully they'll shock and inspire you.
First off, the one I was talking about before, Red Sox DH David Ortiz (left) and rap icon Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson (right).
Second, former Stars D-Man Philippe Boucher (is he still in the NHL?)(left) and actor Charlie Sheen (right).
Thirdly, Miami Heat guard Dwayne Wade (left) and fellow athlete, Peter Worrell (right). Ok maybe a bit of a stretch.
Fourth, Terrell Owens' agent Drew Rosenhaus (left) and Mission Impossible actor Tom Cruise(right). Their other connection is that dealing with T.O. is Mission Impossible.
Finally, NY Knicks GM Isiah Thomas (left) and singer Marilyn Manson (right). They may not look alike but they're both completely insane and butcher things (whether it be lineups or people, that is up to you to figure out).
Hope you enjoyed this....it actually took me quite a while.
This session of the Ultimate Canadian Blogging Experience is ending......now.
A short post, just to let everyone know that Russian superstar Evgeni Malkin has been found. He arrived in Los Angeles earlier today, with his agents and escorts. He is apparently seeking counsel as to how to join the Pittsburgh Penguins in the best manner.
This short session of the Ultimate Canadian Blogging Experience is ending.....now.
On TSN Insider this morning, Darren Dreger reported that Evgeni Malkin, Russian phenom and top pick of the 2004 draft, had still not been seen or heard from. The coach of his Russian league team told of how Malkin gave the team the slip in a Helsinki, Finland airport. "One minute he was there, the next he wasn't", said King.
Dreger also reported that Malkin is expected to turn up on this side of the Atlantic, with his escort, within the next few hours, where his whereabouts of the past few days, as well as his reasons for escaping, will be revealed to the public.
Technically, by Russian standards, Malkin is not out of line in this little debacle. According to a Russian labour law, employees are allowed to leave their position, regarless of whether a contract is in place, so long as they give their employer two weeks notice. It is unclear yet whether Malkin supplied this to his Russian club. However the team maintains that they will take the Pittsburgh Penguins and possibly the NHL to court for the "theft" of their top players, with one high-ranking official comparing the scenario to "sports terrorism."
That is all the information available at the moment. Another post may follow when I know more.
This session of the Ultimate Canadian Blogging Experience is ending.......now.
Just to vent whatever comes to mind in the world of sports:
-Is it even possible for the Jays to reach the postseason? With the Yankees, Red Sox, Twins and White Sox ahead of them, the task seems almost impossible. Even now, the team is relying mostly on Roy Halladay, who became the major's first 15-game winner by beating Tampa on Tues night.
-It's really anybody's guess as to what TD celebration kings like T.O. and Chad Johnson will do with the new restricting rules. Will we see any suspensions if the rules are violated to badly?
-Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Geoff Ogilvy, off the tee tomorrow, 9:30 am, should be a great PGA Championship.
-Barry Bonds continues to struggle, his average still below .250. One has to wonder whether any teams will even go after his services in the offseason. The 43-year old has knee and hip problems and his defense is declining with age, as is his hitting.
-When Todd Bertuzzi plays the Canucks again for the first time, will he break Markus Naslund's neck?
-I'm betting on T.O. to flounder in his return to Philadelphia. Owens will maybe be released by midseason, depending on how his relationship evolves with Bill Parcells.
-Roger Federer just won the Rogers Cup in my native country of Canada. I believe the Swiss-man deserves consideration for the best player of all time. He may not have 2 single season grand slams like Rod Laver, but if he continues to dominate the sport the way that he has been, perhaps he'll take a run at Pete Sampras' career mark of 17 majors.
-Reed Johnson's average has dropped for unbelieveable to awesome, however he should still be MVP (see avatar).
-Is it just me or does David Ortiz look exactly like 50 Cent?
Even though the season is a couple months away from beginning, I will go out on a complete limb here a field my predictions for NHL award winners come the ceremonies in June. If you have a different opinion on how the season will play out, please feel free to post your opinions in the comments section. Well here it goes.....
Hart Trophy - Eric Staal (Carolina Hurricanes)
About time for the strong winger to have a breakout year, although one could argue that his was last year. WIth a Stanley Cup to boost his confidence, and his brothers hot on his trail, his time is now.
Art Ross Trophy - Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)
Got to go with the super sophomore. Absolutely no way the jinx will affect this super talent. My guess is that he outscores Sidney Crosby this year and for his career. Estimate: 59 goals, 61 assists, 120 points.
Maurice Richard Trophy - Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)
Although Washington added no one of value to give him a hand, the Russian can easily get the job done himself. Estimate: 59 goals.
Norris Trophy - Bryan McCabe (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Finally, McCabe will have the year that everyone has been waiting for him to have. His blistering shot and bruising hits will be enough for 25 goals and 325 hits, added to 50 assists, good enough to move out from under Lidstrom's shadow.
Vezina Trophy - Miikka Kiprusoff (Calgary Flames)
The former Sharks prospect, with his strong defense corps, will once again be the #1 goaler in the league. Simple as that.
William M. Jennings Trophy - Miikka Kiprusoff (Calgary Flames)
Yep, Kipper again. Quick pads and a lightning glove. Can't argue with results. Estimate: 1.78 GAA.
Frank J. Selke Trophy - Jere Lehtinen (Dallas Stars)
The multiple Selke winner will be relied on even more heavily on the defensive side of things, with the departure of veteran D-man Sergei Zubov.
Jack Adams Trophy - Ted Nolan (NY Islanders)
The man has been disgraced and ridiculed everywhere that he has went. Perhaps had an opportunity to be one of the greatest coaches of all time, but his progress has been delayed for ridiculous reasons.
I know that awards such as the King Clancy Award and Bill Masteron Award were skipped over, for reasons pertaining to the difficulty of predicting players humanitarian contributions before the season has started.
There's the predictions, what do you think?
This session of the Ultimate Canadian Blogging Experience is ending......now.
As you have probably heard by now, young Russian hockey phenomenon Evgeni Malkin is missing and has not been seen for several days. The Pittsburgh Penguins first round pick in the 2004 draft apparently fled his Russian league team, with his belongings, passport and, supposedly, a Canadian visa.
The Penguins draft pick had been having problems making it to the NHL, due to his ties with his Russian club. The Russian Hockey Federation does allow players to leave for America, regardless of whether a player is under contract or not. Malkin's contract had been shortened to a year, rather than two, before his disappearance.
A member of the Russian team's front office even went as far as to suggest that the Pittsburgh Penguins were guilty of sports terrorism for their continued theft of Russian players being used to play on Canadian soil. The team will take the Penguins to court over this debacle.
Not even Malkin's parents have heard from him, stating that his cellphone must be turned off. His father voiced his desire to speak with his son before he makes the jump to the NHL, if he hasn't already done so.
More twists likely to come in this story (it almost feels like Coronation Street).
This session of the Ultimate Canadian Blogging Experience is ending....now.
Thanks to ShooterB for the inspiration to write this blog, from a recently posted comment. I liked the idea so I decided to blog it. So here it goes....
Five not so easy steps for babe_magnet_007 to become a dynasty:
5) Catch the attention of respected bloggers (ex. ShooterB) and be recognized in some way, shape or form.
4) Develop the skill of creating new and interesting ideas for each new blog.
3) Season my blogging skills over a period of time.
2) Go to Rick Reilly's Institute for Aspiring Sportswriters, Bloggers and Other Print Mediaists.
1) Tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.....most of the time.
This session of the Ultimate Canadian Blogging Experience is ending.....now.
My name's Jacob Doering. I like sports. I'd like to become a sportswriter or broadcaster one day, but if it doesn't turn out that's ok. My philosophy on life is "I could be dead right now, so I might as well enjoy it." Just in case you wanted to know. I live just outside Woodstock, Ontario. I'm 16. If you want to send me an email my address is babe_magnet_0 07@hotmail.co m, or if you want to talk sports or whatever, add me to your MSN Messenger.
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