Miami, South Beach, FLA - The latest Super Bowl gossip has Oakland Raiders Quarterback Jamarcus Russell again painted as a person who doesn't care about being an improved player because he has his $30 million signing bonus.
This comes from a friend who's in a position to know. Late last night, I ran into him and his girlfriend at the 11th Street Diner in South Beach and we caught up. This person's a sports executive with close ties to a number of Raiders players, so he does know.
This blogger mentioned that he was excited that the Oakland Raiders brought in Hue Jackson as offensive coordinator. The response was "Let's hope he can do something with Jamarcus Russell. I doubt it." And he then went on to describe how a number of his offensive teammates like and hope the best for him, but consider Jamarcus Russell as someone who is more concerned about "his bling".
(That's earrings, and other jewelry some men like to wear.)
Frankly, what stops many young African American football skill position players from succeeding is a concern for bling and mink coats. This isn't being racist, but race conscious. It's also sending a message that black men like myself are sick and tired of such behavior and that Jamarcus Russell has to shape up, or he's going to be shipped out.
That's just a plain fact.
Jamarcus Russell is a man with a ton of talent, but he must change his look to an apparent desire to do more to improve his game. I contend, and did last night again, that a large part of Jamarcus Russell's problem is very poor coaching by the Oakland Raiders. I still make that assertion, but last night, my friend had the tone of a person who just gave up on Jamarcus Russell.
I haven't, but Jamarcus Russell has to put in the extra passing drill and film study work. Moreover, he has to do this: take off the earrings, forget the mink coat, and just go out and work. What he should do is make the calls himself to have meeting and drills with his coaches so that he can get better. Jamarcus Russell has to be proactive to counter this idea that he's got his $30 million and does not care about winning.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Bill Cosby dead? No. Bill Cosby is alive and performing
Bill Cosby dead? Like Johnny Depp, Kayne West, and a host of other celebrities, Bill Cosby is the newest victim of an Internet hoax. Bill Cosby dead? No.
Bill Cosby's last tweet on Twitter was February 2nd. He tweeted:
From all accounts, Bill Cosby is alive and scheduled to perform at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Stamford, CT March 13th. The announcement reads:
Bill Cosby's then visiting Casper, Wyoming for more performances on April 18th.
Bill Cosby's last tweet on Twitter was February 2nd. He tweeted:
Did you know I have an iTunes play list? Well I do! - http://bit.ly/d3fS0d
2:08 PM Feb 2nd from Power Twitter
Retweeted by you and 42 others
From all accounts, Bill Cosby is alive and scheduled to perform at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Stamford, CT March 13th. The announcement reads:
Few entertainers have achieved the legendary status of BILL COSBY and on March 13, he’s coming to Hartford. From his groundbreaking NBC sitcom, The Cosby Show, to his sidesplitting stand-up routines, Mr. Cosby has more than proven to be one of the most influential stars of our time. Bill Cosby is sponsored by Aetna and produced by Ed Atamian Presents.
Tickets for BILL COSBY are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting The Bushnell Box Office at 166 Capitol Avenue in Hartford or by calling (860) 987-5900. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.bushnell.org. Tickets prices start at $49.50. Ticket prices do not include all applicable fees.
Bill Cosby's then visiting Casper, Wyoming for more performances on April 18th.
Anne Hathaway sexy photos channel Heidi Baron in Penthouse
Anne Hathaway, who last week was the toast of Harvard, is now hot again because of her sexy photos that heat up the Internet. It's a goof thing because her nerdy side was starting to hamper her pop-culture image. Anne Hathaway is a nerd. Who else would have this take on kissing:
Whatever happened to just doing it?
Just as Bill Cosby is not dead, Anne Hathaway can steam up the internet. Hathaway's frankly had a bit of a nerdy, goody-two-shoes image that was in need of a makeover to give it some bite. GQ to the rescue in this March 2010 sexy photo shoot that isn't quite Heidi Baron level in exposure but does the trick.
In this way Anne Hathaway's channeling her inner Heidi Baron.
Stay tuned.
"You have to leave your mouth open a little bit. Open up. More, more, ever so lightly…Otherwise you're going to be getting smoothy. Now, slow it down...just a little bit."
Whatever happened to just doing it?
Just as Bill Cosby is not dead, Anne Hathaway can steam up the internet. Hathaway's frankly had a bit of a nerdy, goody-two-shoes image that was in need of a makeover to give it some bite. GQ to the rescue in this March 2010 sexy photo shoot that isn't quite Heidi Baron level in exposure but does the trick.
In this way Anne Hathaway's channeling her inner Heidi Baron.
Stay tuned.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Urban Dictionary Week on Facebook users changing their images
Urban Dictionary Week on Facebook. Urban Dictionary is taking the Internet World by storm. Already the breakout buzz word on Yahoo Buzz, Urban Dictionary is the website where you can find out the "street" meaning of words and names. It has over 4 million words.
But apparently it's also used to give to terms and meaning to words, or make up new ones like "Street Creep":
Or "The time":
Check out Urban Dictionary.
But apparently it's also used to give to terms and meaning to words, or make up new ones like "Street Creep":
1. A new perjorative term for Wall Street executives who raked in huge bonuses while plunging the world into economic chaos.
2. A financial advisor who sells Wall Street products on commission.
Or "The time":
Giving the time to someone means having sexual intercourse with that person.
Salinger uses this phrase quite often in his novel, The Catcher in the Rye.
"I don't think he gave that girl the time that night-but damn near."
Check out Urban Dictionary.
Super Bowl in Miami means parties and the art of party-crashing
Miami, South Beach - The 44th Super Bowl is just two days away, but Miami is buzzing with parties. Some parties have had the name of someone like P Diddy on it. So people come to the event expecting to see him and he doesn't show up.
Frankly, I've attended about 24 Super Bowl parties in my time, so I know the formula: free drinks, free food, celebrities, all in a large space with dancing optional but preferred.
There are an estimated 150 Super Bowl parties held during Super Bowl week, but the "go to" events are on Friday and Saturday Night.
The list (this is not a list, just a discussion) is paced by the NFL Commissioner's Party, or what is called the NFL Friday Night Party. It's at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center, and is underway as I write this.
The NFL Commissioner's Party is a huge affair with several tons of food, celebrities, and generally "human art events". The main reason to go - if you can and I've been to one of these - is to see the people and sample the monstrous selection of food. If you have a ticket to that, cool, but leave early and head to the ESPN Party.
The ESPN Super Bowl Party is at The Fountainbleau Resort on Miami Beach. The ESPN Party layout brings celebrity athletes with patrons and a lot of cocktails in an interactive setting. An ESPN Party is nothing without video games, and they're all over the place. It starts at 9, but really gets going at 10 PM. I don't have a ticket, but the last time I did and still crashed the party.
How?
The guy never looked at my ticket! He just let me in. That's the art of party-crashing: acting like you belong there and walking in. It also helps to know someone or be willing to drop cash. Not saying I've ever done it, but I've seen it happen.
I had this wry idea of making a video of how to crash or not crash a Super Bowl Party. I still may do it just for grins. If so, you saw the idea first, here.
Of course, it's raining now. Hmm...
Stay tuned
Frankly, I've attended about 24 Super Bowl parties in my time, so I know the formula: free drinks, free food, celebrities, all in a large space with dancing optional but preferred.
There are an estimated 150 Super Bowl parties held during Super Bowl week, but the "go to" events are on Friday and Saturday Night.
The list (this is not a list, just a discussion) is paced by the NFL Commissioner's Party, or what is called the NFL Friday Night Party. It's at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center, and is underway as I write this.
The NFL Commissioner's Party is a huge affair with several tons of food, celebrities, and generally "human art events". The main reason to go - if you can and I've been to one of these - is to see the people and sample the monstrous selection of food. If you have a ticket to that, cool, but leave early and head to the ESPN Party.
The ESPN Super Bowl Party is at The Fountainbleau Resort on Miami Beach. The ESPN Party layout brings celebrity athletes with patrons and a lot of cocktails in an interactive setting. An ESPN Party is nothing without video games, and they're all over the place. It starts at 9, but really gets going at 10 PM. I don't have a ticket, but the last time I did and still crashed the party.
How?
The guy never looked at my ticket! He just let me in. That's the art of party-crashing: acting like you belong there and walking in. It also helps to know someone or be willing to drop cash. Not saying I've ever done it, but I've seen it happen.
I had this wry idea of making a video of how to crash or not crash a Super Bowl Party. I still may do it just for grins. If so, you saw the idea first, here.
Of course, it's raining now. Hmm...
Stay tuned
Taylor Swift Grammy Controversy: Kelly Clarkson v. Scott Borchetta
The "Taylor Swift Grammy Controversy" is one for the books, but given Taylor Swift's wild success, she was bound to be attacked for something small. In this case, the small something is her off-key singing performance with Stevie Knicks at the Grammy Awards Sunday night as well as why Stevie Knicks would "stoop so low" as to work with Taylor Swift.
It kicked off a reader-sparked comment controversy on MTV.com, and took off from there.
The controversy has gotten so deep, Big Machine Records CEO Scott Borchetta, who's label features Taylor Swift, jumped in, saying "This is not 'American Idol.' ... This is about a true artist and writer and communicator. It's not about that technically perfect performance."
Well, that got American Idol Star Kelly Clarkson really pissed off. On her blog, Clarkson writes:
Sincerely,
One of those contestants from American Idol who only made it because of her high notes ;)
Here's the performance that's caused so much chatter:
But what's really off are the priorities of those who complain about Taylor Swift's singing. Where were they when she did this:
Well? Well?
Geez.
Taylor Swift's a great talent who had an off night. Give her a break.
It kicked off a reader-sparked comment controversy on MTV.com, and took off from there.
The controversy has gotten so deep, Big Machine Records CEO Scott Borchetta, who's label features Taylor Swift, jumped in, saying "This is not 'American Idol.' ... This is about a true artist and writer and communicator. It's not about that technically perfect performance."
Well, that got American Idol Star Kelly Clarkson really pissed off. On her blog, Clarkson writes:
Wow .....Dear Scott Borchetta,
I understand defending your artist obviously because I have done the same in the past for artists I like, including Taylor, so you might see why it's upsetting to read you attacking American Idol for producing simply vocalists that hit 'the high notes'. Thank you for that 'Captain Obvious' sense of humor because you know what, we not only hit the high notes, you forgot to mention we generally hit the 'right' notes as well. Every artist has a bad performance or two and that is understandable, but throwing blame will not make the situation at hand any better. I have been criticized left and right for having shaky performances before (and they were shaky) and what my manager or label executives say to me and the public is "I'll kick butt next time" or "every performance isn't going to be perfect" ......I bring this up because you should take a lesson from these people and instead of lashing out at other artists (that in your 'humble' opinion lack true artistry), you should simply take a breath and realize that sometimes things won't go according to plan or work out and that's okay.
Sincerely,
One of those contestants from American Idol who only made it because of her high notes ;)
Here's the performance that's caused so much chatter:
But what's really off are the priorities of those who complain about Taylor Swift's singing. Where were they when she did this:
Well? Well?
Geez.
Taylor Swift's a great talent who had an off night. Give her a break.
Super Bowl XLIV update: On Michael Irvin and Miami's South Beach
South Beach, Miami, FLA - Super Bowl XLIV in Miami is really the story of what's happening on South Beach. Right now, it's not yet this blogger who's totally exhausted. Still, the sound of music and people call, and the desire to be among them is strong. Which will happen later - a trip to the beach and the NFL Network area where Michael Irvin hangs - after this Super Bowl XLIVL update is done.
This blogger arrived at the Miami airport and was met by my good friend Steven Schnitzer, who with his brother Ray owns the nationally-known 11th Street Diner on 11th and Washington in South Beach (1065 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL), where Rosie O'Donnell is one of his favorite customers.
From the airport, we wound up going to the Home Depot, where I met a couple of women who talked about producing Saturday's Celebrity Beach Volleyball event at South Beach, then going to get stone crab, and finally home to freshen up.
On the matter of Michael Irvin, that's awful news that he's the focus of a civil lawsuit claiming a rape of a woman that allegedly happened in 2007; but now it's 2010. Moreover, the Broward State Attorney's office has reportedly been investigating a case that's without physical evidence: no photos, bruises, or video. Not surprisingly, no charges have been filed.
While it's too early to tell if Michael Irvin's situation is indeed a false rape claim, they are unfortunately quite common and take years for the person accused to overcome. But the question is, did Michael Irvin even know the woman? According to the LA Times, the answer isn't "no" but that nothing ever happened between them, "there was no encounter".
Famous and wealthy people have to be careful who they come into contact with; Super Bowl week is a great example. Miami's South Beach is known for its parties, but all of the lovely women here aren't just in town for the scenery and the game. Some are here just to meet a guy with money, or who they think have cash.
The untold Super Bowl story is of women who come to Super Bowls as the guests of married, or to meet married men, who often live in different parts of the country. The reason I know this, is I met one such woman at a party at the Super Bowl in Arizona. She's what I would call a "player's groupie" who goes to training camps with friends - one of them being her married boyfriend.
Now, before you get the wrong idea, this woman's a professional executive who makes a decent living for herself. She's not involved in the sex business.
But she seeks out players or former players to get to know, and they're just as willing. If this reads like a "Tiger Woods situation" you're getting the picture. It's not the best activity to take on, but some people just don't think about that when they're doing it. Then, when it all heads South, it can end in terrible ways, like robbery, extortion, or rape.
Now, how I know that detail is because she told me. Straight out, full and clear coughed up the story over dinner on the Monday after the Giants v. Patriots Super Bowl game in Glendale, AZ. Did she think I was a football player? No, and I gave her no reason to think so. Did we have relations? No. Friends? Yes. But some women see you at events like this, and figure you're into something interesting, else you wouldn't be at an exclusive Super Bowl party.
If you're a single guy, this is a great place to be, but even it's more fun to bring your girlfriend. At least you know what you're getting into. What's great about this is networking with business people and celebrities. If you can keep the Super Bowl experience at that level, you'll love it. If you've got to get laid, make sure it's someone you know and your friends know, too.
This blogger arrived at the Miami airport and was met by my good friend Steven Schnitzer, who with his brother Ray owns the nationally-known 11th Street Diner on 11th and Washington in South Beach (1065 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL), where Rosie O'Donnell is one of his favorite customers.
From the airport, we wound up going to the Home Depot, where I met a couple of women who talked about producing Saturday's Celebrity Beach Volleyball event at South Beach, then going to get stone crab, and finally home to freshen up.
On the matter of Michael Irvin, that's awful news that he's the focus of a civil lawsuit claiming a rape of a woman that allegedly happened in 2007; but now it's 2010. Moreover, the Broward State Attorney's office has reportedly been investigating a case that's without physical evidence: no photos, bruises, or video. Not surprisingly, no charges have been filed.
While it's too early to tell if Michael Irvin's situation is indeed a false rape claim, they are unfortunately quite common and take years for the person accused to overcome. But the question is, did Michael Irvin even know the woman? According to the LA Times, the answer isn't "no" but that nothing ever happened between them, "there was no encounter".
Famous and wealthy people have to be careful who they come into contact with; Super Bowl week is a great example. Miami's South Beach is known for its parties, but all of the lovely women here aren't just in town for the scenery and the game. Some are here just to meet a guy with money, or who they think have cash.
The untold Super Bowl story is of women who come to Super Bowls as the guests of married, or to meet married men, who often live in different parts of the country. The reason I know this, is I met one such woman at a party at the Super Bowl in Arizona. She's what I would call a "player's groupie" who goes to training camps with friends - one of them being her married boyfriend.
Now, before you get the wrong idea, this woman's a professional executive who makes a decent living for herself. She's not involved in the sex business.
But she seeks out players or former players to get to know, and they're just as willing. If this reads like a "Tiger Woods situation" you're getting the picture. It's not the best activity to take on, but some people just don't think about that when they're doing it. Then, when it all heads South, it can end in terrible ways, like robbery, extortion, or rape.
Now, how I know that detail is because she told me. Straight out, full and clear coughed up the story over dinner on the Monday after the Giants v. Patriots Super Bowl game in Glendale, AZ. Did she think I was a football player? No, and I gave her no reason to think so. Did we have relations? No. Friends? Yes. But some women see you at events like this, and figure you're into something interesting, else you wouldn't be at an exclusive Super Bowl party.
If you're a single guy, this is a great place to be, but even it's more fun to bring your girlfriend. At least you know what you're getting into. What's great about this is networking with business people and celebrities. If you can keep the Super Bowl experience at that level, you'll love it. If you've got to get laid, make sure it's someone you know and your friends know, too.
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