944

A long time ago, an ex-boyfriend and his buddy "accidentally" stumbled into a tavern in London which turned out to be a gay bar. The name of the place? "The King's Arms." Clearly, neither of them were too bright, because that one should have been obvious.

Luckily for retarded straight guys, most gay bars have names like, "The Manhole," or "The Toolbox," etc but what about, "Dickie Brennans," or "Buckhorn Exchange?" If you were a gay fella looking to mingle with some like-minded folks and went into either one of those joints, you'd find rump roast alright, but probably not the kind you were looking for. On the other hand, if you were a hungry hetero you'd probably hustle right on past both - missing out on a delicious, non-gay steak dinner.

Thank goodness there's www.steakhouseorgaybar.com. Now we can spend all day sharpening our abilities to separate meat markets from, er, meat markets. Written by: Laurel May

When watching games every Sunday, it’s tough to stay on the health-food kick, especially with all the amazing tailgate food around. So, here are some of my favorite recipes that are still delicious, but on the healthier side! Enjoy and happy tailgating! All recipes can be found on www.cooks.com

GROUND TURKEY MEATBALLS:
1 lb. ground turkey
1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves
1/2 c. bread crumbs (fine)
1/4 c. fresh or 1 tbsp. dry parsley
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
Mix and shape into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Saute in large skillet until browned and no longer pink.

SAUCE:
1 (16 oz.) can whole tomatoes, cut up
1/2 c. chopped onion
1 tsp. sugar
1 1/4 c. chicken broth
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 clove garlic, minced
Add all the sauce ingredients to meatball mixture. Bring to boil. Simmer covered until sauce thickens, about 30 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.

VEGGIE CHILI:
2 c. dry pinto beans
1 (14 oz.) cake frozen firm tofu, thawed
2 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tbsp. peanut butter
1 tsp. onion powder
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/4 c. water
4 tsp. oil
1 lg. bell pepper, diced
1 lg. onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 c. tomatoes, chopped
2 c. tomato sauce
1 tsp. salt
1/4 c. chili powder
3 tbsp. ground cumin

Check beans for rocks, wash and cover with cold water. Cook until tender (about 90 minutes). Squeeze water out of tofu and crumble into bite size pieces. Combine soy sauce, tomato paste, peanut butter, onion powder, garlic, water and oil. Add tofu and stir until tofu is coated. Fry tofu in 2 tablespoons oil until browned. Saute pepper, onion and a garlic in 1 tablespoon oil. Add this, along with tofu to cooked beans. Add remaining ingredients. Stir and cook over low heat until warm. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

TORTILLA-WRAPPED MEXICAN SANDWICHES:
6 oz. container frozen avocado dip, thawed
3 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
6 (8 inch) flour tortillas (warm in microwave - 10 seconds on high)
8 oz. thinly sliced cooked roast beef or turkey
Leaf lettuce
4 oz. (1 c.) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Alfalfa sprouts
Tomato salsa

Combine avocado dip and cream cheese; blend dip. Spread each tortilla evenly with avocado mixture to within 1/2 inch of edge. Arrange slices of meat, cheese, lettuce and sprouts over avocado mixture. Spoon on desired salsa. Roll up each tortilla; secure with toothpicks. Serve immediately or wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate.

SPICY ASIAN COLESLAW:
1 bag of shredded coleslaw vegetables
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1 tbsp. mayonnaise
1 tbsp. canola oil or vegetable oil
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. McCormick chinese five spice (or dash ea. ginger, curry, clove, cinnamon, star anise)
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. red pepper flakes
1/2 cup cashew halves and pieces

Mix all ingredients except cole slaw and cashews. Stir well with wire whisk.
Add sauce and cashews to cole slaw and toss, chill and serve. Serves 6-8.

FRUIT KABOBS:
Cut 2 apples, pears, bananas or any fruit in season, sprinkle with lemon juice. Place on kabob stick or party toothpicks.

SAUCE: 1 Dannon strawberry yogurt with 1 tablespoon strawberry cordial liqueur mix. Place in dipping bowl. Can be arranged on platter or stick into 1/2 grapefruit.

Written by: Jenn Brown

As the Yankees toiled with the Angels and the Phillies took on the Dodgers in their respective league championships, I had the privilege of visiting a state-of-the-art baseball training facility here in Las Vegas. A Yank fan myself, the On Deck Baseball Academy had me at hello as I opened the doors and strolled down “Bronx Bombers Boulevard” and past home plate. The facility provides every amenity possible to help athletes improve their game including the impressive ProBatter PX2 pitching simulators, coincidentally numbering 3, the exact amount that the New York Yankees train with. As I watched players young and old, I got to thinking what it takes to foster, develop and maintain a baseball career.

I could only imagine a young A-Rod or Mark Teixeira swinging away in tunnels similar to those at On Deck, dreaming of an eventual World Series appearance. And, true to those aspirations, along with the likes of Nick Swisher, Melky Cabrera and Robinson Cano, this year’s championship marks their first career World Series. Personal triumphs that I’m sure they’ll savor having made it through the countless number of games in their lives to take the field on a cold Fall day in New York.

For the first time in six years, the New York Yankees return to the World Series to take on the current Champs, the Philadelphia Phillies. The Bronx Bombers currently hold 26 series titles and will play Game 1 tonight in the inaugural year of the new Yankee stadium.

As the first pitch rolls off the mound and crosses home plate, I can only guess what’s going through the minds of both the first time championship and seasoned players. As this year’s series kicks off tonight in New York, the Philadelphia Phillies will vy to hold their World Championship title against the highest paid team in the league. Only time will tell who will bring home the bragging rights this year, and I’m apologizing for my bias in advance, but move over Phillies, it’s the AL’s year.

Let’s go Yankees!
Written by: Lourdes Jatico

Tuesday October 27th marks the start of the 2009-2010 NBA season and this year is set to be as dynamic as it gets. Headlining the start of the season on TNT is the Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers. Boston was bounced out of the playoffs in the second round last season mostly due to an injured Kevin Garnett and went out and got Rasheed Wallace to boost their weak bench. Cleveland couldn’t find an answer for Orlando’s Dwight Howard so they got Shaq to complement King James. Last year’s champs, the LA Lakers, also weren’t quiet in the offseason, signing bad-boy Ron Artest to bring some tenacity to Tinsel Town. Let hope for Ron’s sake he doesn’t deck anyone in the stands this time. Most of them know Governor Schwarzenegger personally. Additionally, an unusual amount of high-profile stars will become free-agents at the end of this season which begs the question where those on subpar teams at mid-season will be traded to by the February 19th trade-deadline. Notable free-agents include Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Manu Ginobili, Richard Jefferson, Joe Johnson, Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Redd. This season also precedes “The Summer of Lebron” where mega-star Lebron James becomes a free agent and is predicted to receive the most lucrative contract in NBA history.

Prediction: Boston over Lakers for the title. Lebron goes to the Knicks.
Written by: Rob Opacki

Hey guys, have you thought much about your underwear lately? If not, you should because chances are your name is not Tom Cruise…which means that those off-white one-size-fits-all chonies you’ve been wearing are definitely risky business. The days of no name tightey whities are long gone and if you currently purchase your under garments at Wal-Mart or Sears then you cannot afford to NOT read this.

Coming home to find your wife or girlfriend wearing some hot new lingerie would lift any guys spirits (among other things). So with this in mind, why on earth would you not return the favor? Guys - Don’t get your panties in a twist, but it’s time to overhaul your underwear! Here are some essential shops that can help beef up your briefs…

Rufskin - Underwear, Leather, and Denim…Oh My! If you want a way to spice up your sex appeal then Rufskin is the way to go. With an awesome line of underwear, swimwear, jeans, and tops they’ve got you covered from head to toe. Get some great stuff at their boutique in San Diego or online at www.rufskin.com

Under Armour - Guys, would you wear your Armani shoes to the gym? No. Which is also why you should invest in some athletic under garments specifically for working on your fitness. Under Armour’s brand of sportswear is not only for professional athletes but for the gym rat in all of us.

Aussie Bum - Talk about thunder down under! Aussie Bum brand underwear and swimwear is electrifying. With more styles and colors than you could imagine, these Aussies know their stuff. You can view their entire selection and buy these bad boys online at www.aussiebum.com

While these briefs might cost more than your 99 Cent Store brand…they are worth every penny. Try ‘em out and see for yourself!
Written by: Rob Corea

Not much comes to mind when I hear the word, “Cleveland.” Well, not for me anyway.

*scratches head*

A few things that do come to mind however, are Drew Carey, Ohio, the Browns and of course, King James and the Cavaliers.

Lebron James found himself in headlines yet again, even during the NFL season....

Alright Lebron, we get it, we get it, you are a star.

Rumor has it that Lebron is behind the recent trade of Browns’ wide receiver, Braylon Edwards. Edwards, who reportedly got into a bit of a tiff with one of Lebron’s buddies outside of a Cleveland nightclub, was sent packing to play for the New York Jets. Within 24 hours of the trade, Edwards found himself on the practice field getting to know his new teammates and engrossed in a playbook.

James had no comment on Edwards’ trade stating, “…its not my sport to worry about.”

In a town where the Cavaliers are the clear sporting favorites (66-16 in 2008, 1st place NBA Central), King James, the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft is rumored to never have liked the former Browns’ wide receiver. And apparently, King James rules all.

Coincidentally, the Cleveland Browns went 4-12 last season to bring home last place in the AFC North. Edwards though, notably the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL draft, is no Lebron James. And now the two, geographically separated for reasons “unknown,” no longer have to share a city.

Or do they?

The New York Post reports that the Edwards trade could hurt the New York Knicks well-publicized plans to possibly sign James once he’s eligible for free agency in 2010. Already against the Knicks - Cleveland’s ability to pay Lebron a higher salary and the fact that the team has been built around the star forward. Certainly the last thing they need, is a feuding rivalry to take over the streets of New York.

Be careful Drew Carey... Piss off Lebron and you may just end up shouting, "Iowa," at the end of your theme song. Written by: Lourdes Jatico

In college, I wanted to volunteer at the animal shelter. I grew up with Siberian Huskies, Yukon and Klondike, and they were my best friends. So what better way to give back than help animals in need.
At the shelter in Chapel Hill, they had volunteer orientation the first Monday of every month. I was so excited! I couldn’t wait to go and play with the dogs and cats who were lonely, and to no fault of their own, were left with out a family.

So I got dressed after class and drove to the animal shelter. I parked my car, checked my hair in the mirror, but as I reached for the car door handle I was overcome with this wave of sadness thinking of the sad animals who had been abandoned by their owners, these sweet loving creatures who are now counting down their days in a jail, with cold wet floors and no one to play with. I couldn’t move. There I sat in my car hysterical for thirty minutes. I missed the orientation and drove home with tears in my eyes.

The next month, I was going to do it. I was going to go in and volunteer. The whole month I psyched myself up and thought of all the good I would be doing making those animals happy and loved if only for a few hours. I got dressed, drove the shelter. I parked the car, and reached for the door handle… This time I was calm. I got out, locked the car and walked to the building. “I’m doing good”, I say to myself!!!! I opened the door to the shelter to some smiling faces, and that’s when it hits me: the smell of the shelter. Not a bad smell but not good either. Its just fur and bleach. At this I completely lose it. Tears are streaming down my face, I can’t breathe. The volunteers look at me with fear in their eyes, as I look like I am about to pass out. I reach in my wallet, find a twenty dollar bill and throw it at the girl sitting at the front desk. I run back to my car and do a wheel-ie pulling out of the parking lot.

I have to go back. “I’m doing a good thing, I’m a strong person, I can handle this,” I tell myself. So the next month I go, park the car, walk to the building and this time I make it in. I sit through orientation were they show a video of the worst cases they have seen ( I will spare you the horrific details) but I’m okay. I make it through the movie and now its time to see the animals!!!!!! I’m so excited, this is what I wanted. We walk through and see the cats all cute and playful. There is a litter of fluffy puppies who are happy and just want to eat your fingers. Then I walk past a cage that looks empty but something makes me turn around. Huddled in the back of the cage is an older hunting dog. She is shivering and scared, so scared that when I walk closer and talk to her, she defecates on herself. I’m crushed. I know this dog, who is most likely the subject of abuse, will never get adopted. She doesn’t trust people anymore. I feel all the blood drain out of my face, then out of my chest and stomach. I can’t control it. I’m hysterical, can’t breathe and can’t even stand. The volunteer leader comes over and tries to comfort me. She says all we can do is just make their time at the shelter as comfortable as possible. At this I lose it ever more. “Ma’am, we have to ask you to leave, you are upsetting the animals” she says.

Yes, I was kicked out of volunteering at the animal shelter.

Till this day, I still can’t walk into a shelter without crying, I just did it again this Sunday. Now why this story, why today???? Well the LA Times is reporting that Michael Vick is getting an eight episode docu-series about his life and childhood.

All I can say is that I truly hope I get to interview him for his new show, because I have some questions I want answered.
And I honestly hope I don’t punch him in the face…because I really, really want to!

Ashlan

Written by: Ashlan Gorse

So I am getting ready to fly out to Mississippi where I will be covering the Alabama vs Ole Miss game this weekend for another installment of ESPNU Road Trip and I thought this would be a good time to share a gameday checklist to use before you head to the stadium.

When game day is approaching, it’s so easy to get caught up in all the excitement, which can leave me to forget some key essentials.

Here’s my go-to TOP 10 checklist before the game starts:

1. Weather plays a crucial part in how gameday goes, so I have to check the forecast before heading to the field. Especially when at games in the mid-west, I always come prepared to stay warm!
I make sure to have a small bag with me… Girls, stadiums are typically pretty strict about what you can bring in with you, so make sure to leave the big hobo at home.

2. Sunscreen!!! Don't need to explain much here...if the game is outside...you are going to want some sunscreen. Unless you like the tank top/jean short farmer's tan!

3. I don’t leave the house without my FlipCamera regardless of where I’m going, but on gameday it’s essential. I love being able to capture the moments, especially the excitement of the fans and the stadium. It’s so fun to re-watch after it’s over.

4. Whether you’re still in school or not, its always good to hang on to your school ID… the discounts are so great, and you can try to sneak into the student section and re-live the good old days.

5. When I was covering the UF/Tenn game two weeks ago I saw a pretty cool item at one of the book stores...a plastic disposable flask. Yep, great for brining in your own libation and it won't set off the metal detectors like an old school flask.

6. Don't forget to bring your favorite team's gear! Hats, Jersey's, a terrible towel...whatever you use to get into the gameday spirit.

7. I am not a huge fan of concession food so I always make sure to bring a little snack in my bag incase of that much expected hunger attack during the 4th quarter.

8. Girls, you've got to remember this one...how many times have you gone to a game or concert and had to use the restroom only to find that there is no more toilet paper??? Well, be sure to pack a little packet of kleenex in your purse...you will thank me later.

9. Charge up your cell phone! For the past 3 weekends I have been covering all the college games for ESPN and the one thing that has been my biggest problem is my cell phone dies before the game is over. If your day starts out early with Tailgating and you are going to a night game, chances of the cell phone lasting are slim to none. So make sure you charge up, because the last thing you want to do is miss the best after game party because you couldn't get the text. Another option is to buy an extended battery for your phone. I just bought one and you can throw it in a bag and it will give you an additional 12 hours of talk time!

10. Last but not least…. don’t leave the house without your tickets!

Enjoy!

Jenn Brown
“The Guys Girl”

http://www.JennBrown.com
http://www.twitter.com/JennBrown12
http://www.facebook.com/JennBrown12

Written by: Jenn Brown

BALTIMORE, MD -- At 4:14pm, on a beautiful day where the sun glared brightly and a light breeze swept through the stadium, Randy Ruiz, former Las Vegas 51 and the latest Designated Hitter for the Toronto Blue Jays, stepped into the batters box for the last time this season. As he dug his cleats into the ground and raised his bat as he has done countless times before, one can only guess what was going through the mind of the man who spent 11 years and over 1,000 games in the minor leagues to bring him to that exact moment in time.

The 31-year old burly slugger, coined, “Babe Ruiz,” by MLB writers, ended the best season of his career thus far. The New York native, formerly of the Las Vegas 51’s and called up to the big show in early August, stays confident, even despite a tumultuous weekend in Baltimore.

“For me, it’s about staying positive,” says the 6’1” Ruiz.

Ruiz who is often described as, “a really nice guy,” by clubhouse members and fans, does his best to stay away from negativity and focuses on the game. After the unrest in the Blue Jay organization this weekend with the termination of JP Ricciardi and rampant rumors of a clubhouse “mutiny” against Cito Gaston, the Webster Award Winner, humbly had nothing to say, but good things.

“All I can say [is] that Cito has been very honest and he [has] helped me out a lot with knowing the game of baseball and hitting…” says Ruiz. “To me, he is a nice guy.”

And the sometimes seemingly shy hitter, first baseman and proud father, has nothing to hang his head at either. Ruiz, despite being called up to Toronto a month prior to the end of the minor league season, led the PCL with 106 RBIs, hitting .322 with 25 home runs, 43 doubles and 70 extra base hits. With stats like those, it’s no wonder that Ruiz, Pacific Coast League All-Star, was named the PCL MVP of 2009 and awarded the Las Vegas Mayor’s Trophy.

As fate would have it, after years of being bounced around in the minors and journeying through countless stadiums, the Bronx native left the Las Vegas 51’s to return home to New York where he batted sixth in the lineup as Toronto’s Designated Hitter. Ruiz hit his first homerun as a Blue Jay in the new Yankee Stadium, just a few blocks away from where he grew up. And to prove that it wasn’t just a stroke of luck, “Babe Ruiz,” duplicated the feat the very next day.

After being asked what it must have felt like to hit his first homerun of the season for Toronto, against the top-seated New York Yankees, in his native town where he once traversed the streets dreaming of the feat he just accomplished, the well-traveled Ruiz had only one response, a demure, yet proud smile.

With age as his clear downfall, some say that he is a long shot to remain in the big leagues. However, in what can only be called a true feel-good story, Ruiz earns his nickname of, “Babe” not only for his hitting record and stature, but for mirroring the Great Bambino in his unbounding faith as well.

“I could’ve quit a long time ago,” said the former 51 earlier this year, “But the man upstairs brought me into this world to hit baseballs.”

Batting .313 and finishing with one of the best batting averages in the Toronto Clubhouse this season, for Ruiz, baseball is his life. And quitting? Not a word in his vocabulary. Hard work and dedication? Ingrained in his blood.

“I never had a doubt in my mind, I was raised by a family who never quit. We always had to work hard for [anything] we got. The word quit [doesn’t] exist…”

And perhaps his perseverance can be seen best this season, not through the countless years he spent on the farm, but through a very real scare Ruiz encountered in early September. With the bases loaded, Ruiz came up to bat to face former Blue Jay and New York Yankee, Josh Towers, and was hit in the face by a heater from the right-handed pitcher. The 88-mph fastball fell Ruiz to his knees, but he shortly composed himself and walked off the field unassisted, under his own power. And, even more amazing, returned to the Blue Jays lineup two days after the painful RBI.

Ruiz quipped with reporters shortly after, “You can’t break steel,” and added, “Everybody compared to me to Muhammad Ali because I have the chubby cheeks and the curly hair… Maybe I should take up the sport in the offseason and see what happens.”

As Ruiz headed into the dugout after his last at-bat for the season and took his seat on the bench, he was undaunted by an uncertain future. Ruiz hopes to have found a home with the Toronto Blue Jays and come back swinging next year. One thing is sure however, the slugger from the Bronx and his bat will be back, regardless of where he finds a place in the game. He plans to return to Las Vegas in the offseason prior to leaving to Puerto Rico in December where he will be playing Winter League Baseball.

As the lights go out this season for Randy Ruiz and the Toronto Blue Jays, he still continues to inspire with a few golden words, “…Never give up your dream no matter how long it takes you to get there, always give back and never forget where you came from.”

Enlightening words from someone who beat the odds and whose conviction and spirit for the game, will never be broken. Written by: Lourdes Jatico

Twitter...

Well I think this twitter thing may be catching on...and I have to say I have succumbed to it. I try my best to update it regularly although it is hard some times. When I am off shooting my shows, I twitter more frequently because I am doing “cool” stuff and I think my followers might find it interesting. I found a great site that lists all of the professional athletes that have twitter accounts.

Check it out here!
http://Twitter-Athletes

But to help you out, I have included the top 10 athletes and top 10 NFL athletes on twitter.

Top 10 Professional Athletes on Twitter:
http://Shaquille O’Neal
http://Lance Armstrong
http://Tony Hawk
http://Paul Pierce
http://Serena Williamsg
http://Dwight Howard
http://Ryan Sheckler
http://Stewart Cink
http://Nick Swisher g
http://Kareem Abdul-Jabbar


Top 10 NFL Athletes on Twitter:
http://Reggie Bush
http://Terrell Owens
http://Chad OchoCinco Johnson
http://Shawne Merriman
http://Larry Fitzgerald k
http://Tony Mandarich
http://Mark Sanchez
http://Warren Sapp
http://Michael Strahan
http://Chris Johnson


Enjoy!

Jenn Brown
“The Guys Girl”

http://www.JennBrown.com
http://www.twitter.com/JennBrown12
http://www.facebook.com/JennBrown12
Written by: Jenn Brown

twit:
* Pronunciation: ˈtwit
* Function: noun
* Date: 1528
1 : an act of twitting : taunt
via Merriam-Webster

Will the NFL revise their social media policy, yet again?

Rookie linebacker, Robert Henson of the Washington Redskins has made a public apology regarding his Tweets in which he called Skins’ fans, “dim wits.” And how did the TCU sixth-round draft pick apologize? Via his Facebook and Twitter.

Henson, speaking of his net apology, proclaimed that it was, “…the right thing to do.”

Redskins fans apparently booed quite frequently at the homestand win over St. Louis. Complying with the new NFL social media policy, in which players are allowed to tweet before and after games, Henson tweeted: "All you fake half hearted Skins fan can .. I won't go there but I dislike you very strongly, don't come to Fed Ex to boo dim wits!!"

Soon afterward adding: "The question is who are you to say you know what's best for the team and you work 9 to 5 at McDonalds."

Whoops.

Apparently, tweeting has become so rampant in professional sports, including the NFL, that the policy had to be revised and enforced with fines. Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie has already been fined $2,500 for publicly criticizing the food service at training camp on Twitter.

"The growth of social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook has created important new ways for the NFL and clubs to communicate and connect with fans," the league said in a statement. "The NFL ... will continue to emphasize innovative and appropriate use of these new forms of communication."

Tweet away boys, tweet away.
Written by: Lourdes Jatico

Keeping up with the Kardashians is hard work. There’s Kim and her on again, off again romance with a New Orleans’ Saint. Pregnant Kourtney, and now, affianced Khloe.

The Kardashian sisters are known for dating professional athletes and Khloe’s budding romance comes after the well-publicized relationship between older sister Kim and NFL star Reggie Bush.

Kim may have dated within the NFL, but Khloe definitely loves the NBA. After splitting with Minnesota Timberwolves’ Guard Rashad McCants last year, it seems the fashion entrepreneur and reality TV actress has found a new beau.

People Magazine has confirmed that a shotgun wedding of sorts is in the works for the youngest daughter of defense attorney Robert Kardashian. After less than a month of dating Los Angeles Lakers’ Lamar Odom, the pair have decided to wed. Shotgun weddings usually involve a marriage due to impending offspring, however in Kardashian and Odom’s case, the reason? The upcoming NBA season.

US Weekly has reported that the lovebirds plan to wed in the next few months prior to the start of the season, and consequently, Lamar’s need to be on the road.

In a prior interview, older sister Kim states, “They're very, very happy… They've been together a few weeks, and are literally inseparable. Khloe thinks he's amazing and makes her laugh and smile constantly."
Written by: Lourdes Jatico

A professional athlete has a few things to protect to ensure a continuing career, one of the most important, their health.

Baltimore Raven Center Matt Birk, Arizona Cards’ Wide Receiver Sean Morey and Offensive Lineman Lofa Tatapu of the Seattle Seahawks join the 40 retired NFL players in promising their brains posthumously to the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy and the Boston University School of Medicine. The difference? The three are the first active NFL players to do so.

Most professional athletes shy away from medical studies and research fearing that the findings may adversely affect their career. Pro-Bowl veterans Tatapu, Birk and Morey have taken leading steps as role models by agreeing to participate.

"When you are active, your contract ...what you get paid...is based on the perception of your health…" said Chris Nowinski, the center's co-director. "That's why I am so impressed with these guys. I hope they are the first of many."

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE, is caused by repeated and excessive trauma to the head. Once thought to only affect boxers, recent studies have shown that NFL players are also prone to the dementia causing disease. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Tom McHale, who in 2008 died at the early age of 45, had shown signs of the disease. Tests that can only be performed posthumously have shown that repeated concussions cause trauma deep throughout the brain, versus superficially as previously speculated. Due to the nature of the game, concussions are common amongst NFL players and are often caused by forceful tackles. Concussions, often referred to as “the invisible disease,” regularly go unnoticed as they can go easily undetected by subtle symptoms such as mild confusion and headache. Often times, people undergo some type of brain trauma such as a small blow to the head, and don’t even realize they are concussed. Previous studies have shown that the ailment is a curable form of dementia, and this type of pioneering research done in collaboration with the Sports Legacy Institute and the Boston School of Medicine can be used to help would-be sufferers of the disease.

“One of the most profound actions I can take personally is to donate my brain to help ensure the safety and welfare of active, retired, and future athletes for decades to come,” says Arizona Cardinal Sean Morey.

More than 150 former athletes are in the brain donation registry and participating in the study.


Written by: Lourdes Jatico

Football season is finally here and I figured why not take this moment to break down some of my favorite fantasy football apps for the iPhone and Blackberry. If you are a HUGE fantasy football player like me, you will be happy to know that some Fantasy Football online leagues like Yahoo, CBS and ESPN all have Fantasy Football apps to help you make it through the week.

My fantasy football league is run through Yahoo and I was pleasantly surprised at their new Fantasy Football ’09 App and how well it worked. First off, it’s free, which is great! It is available for both the iphone/itouch as well as Blackberry Bold, Tour, or 8900 series smart phones. It gives you live scoring, which is free this year so you get to follow your team in real time. It also allows you to manage your team, add or drop players, view your matchups and standings. I used it yesterday with no problems and was very happy.

ESPN’s Fantasy Football 2009 is available for the iPhone. It costs $4.99 and seems to be a good answer if you want to manage your team from your phone. The only big complaints that I have read about are the ads that are placed at the bottom of the screen. It seems that people feel they shouldn’t get advertisements if they are paying for an app, which I can understand. Regardless it allows you to manage your team, start, bench, add, drop, propose trades as well as claim players off the waivers. It also gives you push notification for injuries and scoring updates. FantasyCast Live Scoring and Stats give you real-time scoring updates and stats. For other phone users ESPN has Mobile ESPN but I don't think you have the ability to access your fantasy team and make changes. I have a call into one of my peeps at ESPN to find out what they have for Blackberry and will let you guys know once I hear back.

The CBS Sports Mobile Football iPhone app gives users the ability to manage your team as well along with giving you access to ALL sports for free. You can check scores, set lineups, add/drop players as well as do all your research for the upcoming week. I really like that this app gives you commentary and video advice from CBSSports.com experts so you can decide who to start and who to bench. For other phone providers CBS offers Fantasy Football Companion which is available free on CBS Sports Mobile Web. You can view scores, set lineups and see Fantasy Team standings as well as access player and team news.

To finish things off I figured I would tell you my Fantasy Football Team this year. Yes, I did get the first pick in the draft and was very happy with Adrian Peterson’s 38 Fantasy Football points I picked up yesterday! Woohoo!

Here is my team:

QB Aaron Rogers
QB Jay Cutler
RB Adrian Peterson
RB Marion Barber
RB Darren McFadden
WR Calvin Johnson
WR Justin Gage
WR Chris Henry
WR Jericho Cotchery
WR Chris Chambers
WR Bernard Berrian
TE Jason Witten
TE Jeremy Shockey
K Stephen Gostkowki
DEF NY Jets

There you have it...I am pretty happy with my team and hope to pull out another win this season!

Good luck!
Jenn Brown

http://www.JennBrown.com
http://www.facebook.com/JennBrown12
http://www.twitter.com/JennBrown12 Written by: Jenn Brown

Why do I love the Yankees? Not because they’ve been called everything from arrogant a*ses to overpaid, but because they ARE comprised of some of the most talented ball players in history. They epitomize dedication, perseverance, evoke emotion and make you fall in love with baseball all over again.

On a rainy night in the Bronx, Derek Jeter stepped up to bat against Baltimore Orioles rookie Chris Tillman, and made Yankee history. On a date that will forever live in infamy, Jeter surpassed the Iron Horse Lou Gehrig’s hit record and took the throne as the Yankee Hit King.

In the third inning, Jeter stepped into the batters box and after a big hack, was 0-2 as fans patiently looked-on. After a consequent ball and foul, Tillman befuddled Jeter with a curveball strike. But, Tillman couldn’t hold the once Prince of Hits down from assuming his inevitable throne for long. In his second third-inning at bat, at 2-0, Jeter lined out past first base. The Yankee heartthrob surpassed the Iron Horse at 2,722 hits and counting, breaking his own record with a single in the fourth. Gehrig formerly established the record of 2,721 hits in 1939. Jeter was bombarded by his teammates and a long ovation from Yankee stadium and the 46,771 fans in attendance.

The Yankees are coming off of a phenomenal season and into the playoffs as they stand untouched leading the AL-East 91-50. The current lineup has been smashing hits all season long, and Jeter’s feat comes in the same week that Jorge Posada became the 7th consecutive Franchise member to hit 20 homers in a single season.

Let’s go Yanks!
Written by: Lourdes Jatico