VMA's : Chelsea Handler, Lindsay Lohan, and MTV's Annoying VMA Website

Did Chelsea Handler kill it, or did she suck? That provocative range of choice best shows how viewers feel about her performance as host of The Video Music Awards, or The VMAs, and what they tweeted on Twitter. But for this blogger, Chelsea killed it because she was, well, Chelsea.

She did what she was expected to do: be sassy, valley-girlish, and black-male / ethnic focused in her humor. The bottom line is Chelsea Handler made money from of coming off like the chick who has fantasies of sex with black men every second of every day, yet is too afraid to do anything about it.

And when black men aren't on her mind - and that does happen (and yes, she has a white boyfriend, we all know that, so re-ready the paragraph above if you didn't get it) - Chelsea's getting into play fights with Kim Kardashian or getting Lindsay Lohan to spank her ass.

See:

2010 MTV Video Music Awards - More VMA Video

(You have to wait a bit for it...)

In other words, Chelsea's being just what the producers paid for. And that's got to be a lot of money.

MTV's Screwed Up VMA Website

What the Video Music Awards producers didn't spend a lot of money on was the VMA website. Boy, it's annoying. It is to because instead of segmenting the videos for individual play, they strung all of them together to play as one unit.

That's bad in a lot of ways and hurts them. If I'm looking for the video about Chelsea's opening, I have to wait for the damn part to play. MTV loses valuable click traffic from such a design and harms the bang for Toshiba's buck that could have been generated.

Oh. Toshiba's the sponsor of the site. Which brings me to another point: the video ad for Toshiba talks over the VMA videos on the site.

What the heck they were thinking is beyond this blogger, but it's like nails against a blackboard to have this ad video on auto-play.

Next year, MTV should just partner with YouTube.

VMA's: Eminem and Rianna Sing "Not Afraid/Love the Way You Lie (Live)"

2010 MTV Video Music Awards - More VMA Video

Eminem and Rianna memorably sing "Not Afraid/Love the Way You Lie (Live) at the Video Music Awards. It's a song about an abusive relationship.

Since I've known one too many women who seemed addicted to such relationships (not with me because I'm good at running away from them), it's a hard song for me to listen to because it, to a degree, seems to romanticize such pairings.

While their song is moving, the only annoying aspect of the entire video is really that it's an MTV series of them all smushed together so they run as one long go without a break. MTV is not kind to its online viewers.

I'll get to that via another example, down the blog roll.

Lady Gaga VMA 2010 - Lady Gaga Wins 8 Awards (So Far)

The Amazing Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta), for whom it could be said dominated 2010 pop-culture including an amazing visit with KISS, dominated the Video Music Awards, with 8 VMA award wins as of this writing, including VMA Best Female Video Of The Year.

Lady Gaga came out in her signature high heels with a flowing layered dress, and did not disappoint. Here she is accepting the VMA for Bad Romance (video by willtado on YouTube):



Lady Gaga's combination of punk, soul, politic, and provocation are a winner for a cynical 21st Century. Love her or hate her - and many more love her than hate her - Lady Gaga is an American Cultural Force.

Lady Gaga wins two awards at VMA pre-show By: Nikky Raney

Sway is currently on the television screen interviewing Lady Gaga - who was nominated 13 times.

She has already won the first two awards of the nice for Best Dance (Bad Romance) & Best Collaboration (Beyonce).

There are many predictions that Lady Gaga might just win every award she is nominated for. Gaga is basically taking over the world, and her fans "Little Monsters" are definitely loyal and persistent. Those fans are unstoppable, and they must have all voted.

It may be a bit predictable if Gaga wins every award, but maybe there will be surprises. Of course, the surprises that can be anticipated are what other outfits she will wear tonight.

To keep up with Nikky Raney during the VMAs read her Twitter - she will be live tweeting during the VMAs & blog posts to follow afterwards.

Micheal Vick-Led Eagles Comeback vs Packers Ignites Twitter

Vick 

Philadelphia Eagles Michael Vick came in for Kevin Kolb, who left the game against The Green Bay Packers with a concussion, and is leading the Eagles from down 20 to 3 to now behind 27 to 20. As of this writing, it's 5:17 left and Twitter's going nuts.

Michael Vick is a Top Twitter Trend, right behind, CALA BOCA COLORIDAS, Everybody Hates Restart, and Kevin Kolb, who he replaced. Here are some of the tweets:

_ItsJustTY - RT @BowWow Mike Vick is back!!!! Wow he look like the old vick
half a minute ago via Touiteur

insanityreport - Mike Vick is like "This should be my job bitch"
4 minutes ago via TweetDeck

RMRstarPat - @ChoppSkeeno: Mike vick tearin shyt up ryte now <== @MVick7 is the man for real...always has been less than a minute ago via Echofon

It's an amazing story in the making, as many around America have been rooting for Micheal Vick's comeback, since his two-year stay in jail for a dog fighting conviction.

Philadelphia is out of time outs, but about to get the ball with 5:11 remaining in the 4th Quarter. Now it's 3rd and 13 - Eagles have two downs. Vick throws, and sets up a 4th and 1 play.

But for some reason, the Eagles have Vick go up the middle, rather than around end. That I do not get at all.  Packers snap it from the Victory formation.

Woe.  But wow. What a game, anyway.

Kevin Kolb Out, Michael Vick In: Eagles Score, Packers Still Lead 27-10

Michael Vick 

The Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers game was to feature Donovan McNabb-replacement Quarterback Kevin Kolb against The Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers. But Kolb was knocked out of the game; Michael Vick, who has experience, more experience, in the same offense, came in and directed the Eagles to their first touchdown. The Packers were up 20 to 3, now, it's 20 to 10.

So far, Vick is 5 of 7 for 39 yards and has an amazing 31 yard run to set up the touchdown.

But the Packers came back, scoring on a 32 yard pass from Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings.

If Vick can match that, we have a game. But the Eagles Defense is going to have to contain the Packer's passing game.

VMA's Chelsea Handler With Justin Bieber: Tells @kimkardashian Watch Armenian Back

Bieber with Handler 

Chelsea Handler, feeling her blonde 35-year old oats before the Video Music Awards tonight, takes a photo, the one you see, with 17-year old Justin Bieber, then tells Kim Kardashian via Twitter to "Watch her Armenian back."

Chelsea's known for racial and ethnic-based humor, but apparently it didn't go over well. Kim Kardashian failed to respond on Twitter.

According to MTV, Handler and Kardashian have a feud going, that's referred to as a "catfight."

Chelsea called Bieber two faced for two-timing with her and Kim, and claims she used to like Kardashian but now they have to be separated from each other via a rope at the VMAs.

Well, all of this reads like fake fighting for publicity. If they want to generate a lof of pub, they should meet at a Hollwood bar with Bieber and make out.

Let's see if they fight at the VMA's tonight.

VMA Predictions from Nikky Raney

Nikky Raney's predictions for the 2010 MTV VMAs.

Pete Carroll Enjoys First Seattle Seahawks Touchdown

Pete Carroll

Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll is having fun. That much is evident as he enjoys the Seattle Seahawks first touchdown in their game against the San Francisco 49ers.

It marks Carroll's first score in his new NFL career: a one-yard run by Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, after a nice 17 yard catch by Wide Receiver Mike Williams, who looks like a new man in Seattle after four years of floundering.

Pete Carroll A Fan On The Field

But Coach Carroll's the one who looks like a new man. Free of the worry about the future of the USC Football program, Carroll cheers on players, slaps five with his assistants, and greets players like Matt after they score.

Carroll bring an infectious college-type attitude to the NFL that's great to see.

Matthew Stafford Injured: Detroit Lions 14, Chicago Bears 19

Stafford 

Matthew Stafford's injury and the Detroit Lions' loss to the Chicago Bears 14 to 19, this blogger's prediction of the Detroit Lions being in the NFC Championship Game has taken a massive blow.

Stafford is the Lions second year quarterback, and along with their other new young players, represents the best hope for the team to achieve any playoff-related success.

That can't happen if he can't play; Matthew Stafford was sacked by Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers, forcing him out of the game because of a right shoulder injury in the second quarter.

Shaun Hill replaced Stafford.

Matthew Stafford Injury By: Nikky Raney

Matthew Stafford is the Detroit Lions quarterback; today he suffered a crushing sack from Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers late in the second quarter. Stafford's right shoulder injury forced him out of the game.

Sport's Illustrated

Last season Stafford has a left shoulder injury which caused him to miss four gamess. This season has just started, and Stafford was standing on the sideline with his arm in a sling while he watched Shaun Hill replace him in the third quarter.

Before Stafford was injured he led two touchdowns for the team. His injury occurred with 20 seconds left in the first half.

Calling Senator George Voinovich (R) Ohio

The 99ers will be calling Senator George Voinovich (R) Ohio in droves when Congress reconvenes next week.

It is not often these days that we see a Republican do the right thing for America, but Senator George Voinovich is no stranger to bucking his party. He announced last week that he will vote to start debate on the Small Business bill as well as the $50 billion infrastructure stimulus spending bill. It appears that he will want to add an amendment pulling the 1099 reporting requirement that was included in the Affordable Care Act as his only quid pro quo.

Voinovich's support for the measures really exposes the bankruptcy of the current Republican strategy, otherwise known as "No."

According to the Washington Post:
In an interview, Voinovich said he could no longer support efforts by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to delay the measure in hopes of winning the right to offer additional GOP amendments. Most of the proposed amendments "didn't have anything to do with the bill" anyway, Voinovich said, and amounted merely to partisan "messaging."

"We don't have time for messaging. We don't have time anymore. This country is really hurting," Voinovich said.

The retiring Senator Voinovich may be just what the 99er Nation has been praying for and are urged to contact his offices in mass this week. http://voinovich.senate.gov/

Washington D.C. office
phone: 202-224-3353

Cincinnati, OH
phone: (513) 684-3265 fax: (513) 684-3269

Cleveland, OH
phone: (216) 522-7095 fax: 522-7097

Columbus, OH
phone: (614) 469-6697 fax: 469-7733

Nelsonville, OH
phone: (740) 441-6410 fax: (740) 753-3551

Toledo, OH
phone: (419) 259-3895 fax: (419) 259-3899

Thank the Senator for putting the American people before politics and encourage him to do the same thing for The Americans Want to Work Act, S3706. The 99er Nation cannot wait as we too are out of time.

Oakland Raiders vs. Tennessee Titans: Raiders Last Pass Questionable

Oakland Raiders Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson is one of this blogger's favorite coaches. But this outing, his first game with the Raiders and against the Tennessee Titans is disappointing.

On a 4th Down and 10 play, Jackson called a three-to-one formation where there are three receivers on one side of the play and one on the other. For seemingly the hundredth time, Jackson called a play that had Raiders Quarterback Jason Campbell throw to the strongside receiver. Meanwhile, the loan receiver on the other side who get single coverage is ignored.

Not good. Not smart.

The play pass was complete for less than 10 yards, rather than throwing the weakside fade for a chance at a touchdown.

Geez.

Indy Colts Sanders Injured Again In Houston Texans Game

One reason I believed the Indianapolis Colts should go with a safety like Taylor Mays in the 2010 NFL Draft is they've been riding the much-injured horse that is Safery Bob Sanders for too long. Now, again, Bob Sanders is hurt.

He injured his elbow in today, Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. Sanders is not expected to return and it's not reported for how long he will be out.

Meanwhile, the Colts, down 10 to 20 for the Texans, are driving an in Houston territory with 12:32 in the 4th Quarter.

If the Colts can stop beating themselves, they could win.

Titans 30, Raiders 6, 3rd Q - How Raiders Can Come Back

At first, the Tennessee Titans score of 30 to the Oakland Raiders 6 would seem to be almost insurmountable. Especially listening to the ex-San Diego Charger Dan Fouts. It's not.

First, offensively, the Raiders and Titans are almost similar looking at the stats at the half: 8 first downs to 11 for the Titans. But the Titans have had big plays, leading to 108 yards for Oakland to to 261 yards for Tennessee.

The Raiders problems offensively, aside from the center snap errors, are one of the types of plays called by Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson. Jackson's calling pass plays that call for Quarterback Jason Campbell to throw to the strongside of the offense, the side with the most receivers. In the running game, they go right at the Titans, save for one end-around with Darren McFadden.

When the Raiders go three wide receivers on one side, they throw in that direction. When the Raiders call a running play, it's not a counter action play. And they finally got Zack Miller running a post route down the middle as I blog...but then go right back to the runs to one side without a fake step.

Why all this? Because the Titans are going after the ball like someone took their wallet. That kind of play calls for misdirection and weakside passing. That's a textbook approach. Why Hue Jackson's not doing that is beyond me.

Calling long developing trick plays don't work because the Titans Defense, as you saw, if you were watching the game, zeros in on that too fast.

Frustrating to watch.

If I had to rein in Hue, I'd say, you need to call the following: rollouts, bootlegs, three-steps, five-steps, play action. No seven-step passes, which have been called on several occasions. Draws? Yes. Screens? No, because they're playing man-for-man. Counter-action runs.  And no-huddle. And short passes to McFadden - again, and again.

That would keep Oakland's Defense off the field.

Cal vs. Colorado: Keenan Allen Heisman Watch Week 2: 10, 186, 2 TDs

Keenan Allen leaves 'em grabbing for air. 

Cal Football Freshman Wide Receiver Keenan Allen's second game in College Football was as impressive as his first one, but in a way you'd not have expected.

Rather than being the big play receiver against Colorado, where Cal won 52 to 7 Saturday, Allen was the one moving the chains. He had 6 receptions for 66 yards and an 11 yard average. In fact, the one big play, a lovely 62 yard bomb, came from QB Kevin Riley to Junior Wide Receiver Marvin Jones.

But Keenan Allen was the leading receiver.

In total, so far, Allen has 10 catches for 186 yards and two touchdowns. How does he compare with his older teammate Jones? Jones has 8 catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns.

Overall, according to ESPN, Allen is the 26th ranked receiver in the nation. But in looking at the overall statistics, guess what? Kevin Riley's the number two quarterback in America in College Football.

That's something to rave about, and for a Cal QB that fans are at times, a bit too hard on.

But this is the big leagues. It ain't Intramurals, brother!

MTV's Video Music Awards tonight! By Nikky Raney

It's that time of the year again - the MTV Video Music Awards will be airing tonight at 9PM ET and hosted by Chelsea Handler.

Last year at the VMAs the most memorable moment was when Kanye West snatched the mic from Taylor Swift as she had won Best Female Video. He announced that Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time, and then later Beyonce let Taylor come back on stage and give a proper thank you.

Kanye is performing this year at the VMAs, and he has also said that he wrote Taylor Swift a song. Maybe he will be performing a song for her? He already tweeted out an entire sorry letter to her basically.

According to the Toronto Sun, Taylor will be performing a song that lashes back at Kanye, but that doesn't seem like something she would do.

Eminem will be opening up the show, and he is nominated for 8 awards. Other performances include Justin Bieber, Drake, Linkin Park, Kanye, B.O.B & Hayley Williams, and others.

With Chelsea Handler hosting this year's VMAs is already destined to be a hit.

A full list of all the nominees for each category can be seen at MTV.com

Stanford Destroys UCLA - Rick Neuheisel's Safe On Facebook, Not Twitter

While Cal was manhandling a Pac-10 pretender in Colorado, Oregon was taking it to Tennessee, and USC was staying just ahead of Virginia, Stanford, in the only conference battle, totally destroyed UCLA 35 to 0.

The game has fans taking to Twitter to express their displeasure with UCLA Head Coach Rick Neuheisel, who's in his third year at the helm.  That  awful beating has him in trouble.

Butt Kicking

There was nothing fancy about the win: Stanford used conventional formations, and sound schemes. But they executed with precision and purpose. In so doing, Stanford ended a six-game Rose Bowl loss streak, and told the Pac-10 who the boss was - for now.

Safe On Facebook, Not On Twitter

The game was a butt-whipping that was so bad it could lead to UCLA Head Coach Rick Neuheisel job if he doesn't right his ship. For new Coach Neuheisel's Facebook page is free of any negative comments, but that may be because it's shut them off.

Rick wrote this:

Rick Neuheisel Just over 24 hours until the Bruins are back home at the Rose Bowl! Can't wait. Go Bruins! http://plixi.com/p/44360413.
We're going to pull out all the stops to 'beat the Trees!

Five people liked that post. The only negative comment was from last week:

Jose Perez Coach...I literally felt like vomiting after last week's game. Let's clean up the passing game and the rushing defense...and we can get this "W"!!!! GO BRUINS!!!
Friday at 6:07pm · 1 person ·

UCLA's performance against Stanford made a lot of Bruins lose their dinner. While he's safe on Facebook, on Twitter he's in trouble. Consider:

Sec2Bruin - What has Rick Neuheisel done to my football team? Can it get much worse? This is disconcerting. Unhappy right now.
about 5 hours ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®

woodgva - Damn! #Stanford beat the brakes off #UCLA. Maybe Rick Neuheisel (Mr. Passion Bucket) needs to reconsider his options? @raphiellej
about 6 hours ago via web

oscarbaltazar - Question, will Rick Neuheisel be back at #UCLA after this year? he did declare that "The Football Monopoly in L.A. Is Officially Over"
about 6 hours ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®

After Stanford, UCLA must beat Cal and USC to make the Bruins faithful happy. Let's see what happens.