Jackie Johnson Fans Rejoice

If you live in L.A. and watch the local news, it's really hard to ignore KCBS/KCAL weathergal Jackie Johnson. Although her voice can be a bit grating, she definitely makes up for it once she's in front of the green screen delivering temperatures from places such as Apple Valley (which conveninently pops up on the screen right next to her breast line. Coincidence? I think not). Anyway, the website LosAnjealous.com has linked to a KCBS feature on Jackie, very cleverly titled "A Day With Jackie Johnson." You get the CBS link from the link above. Anyway, it's a chance to get to know our favorite weathercaster a little better. There's even a YouTube page dedicated to her in case you want moving pictures.

Return Of The BOWs: Vujacic

It's been quite a while since we've touched on this subject, so here is another chance to get caught up. If you have no idea what we're talking about, check here and here and here to get a taste of our past coverage. In any case, the Lakers' Sasha Vujacic was the latest victim at the hands of the Knicks' Renaldo Balkman as you can see in the video below. What more needs to be said, really? I had neglected to write about another Vujacic incident from earlier this season with Carmelo Anthony but as you will see in that video, the point should be obvious. The NBA released this statement on the latest incident:

"New York Knicks forward Renaldo Balkman has been suspended for one game without pay and assessed a Flagrant Foul, Penalty Two for elbowing the Los Angeles Laker's Sasha Vujacic in the jaw, it was announced today by Stu Jackson, NBA Executive Vice President Basketball Operations."



Here is the Anthony incident from November:

Mitt Romney Is Out Of Touch

Now those of you who know me, know I would never vote Republican and definitely not for Mitt Romney. I don't like to get too political here because I don't want to be devisive, but I just had to post this video of Romney trying to show how "in touch" he is with the African American community. This is from MLK day. Not sure where. But just listen to how Romney mixes with the people by saying things like "Who let the dogs out?," asking a little girl where she "found" those gloves she's wearing, noticing the "bling" a small child was wearing and then saying that that same child reminded him of Michael Jordan. Yeah, this is the guy who will champion the rights of the less fortunate, right? Remember, Romney is also the guy who referred to recent stock market troubles not as a negative episode for our nation but as "a business opportunity." Amazing stuff yet you hear very little about it in the mainstream media. Shocker.

Jenna Fischer Is A Smart Girl

I missed this a few days ago, but I'm pleased to report (OK, actually link) that there is no truth to the rumor (I repeat "NO") that Jenna Fischer has been dating an ex-Saturday Night Live castoff, who doesn't deserve all the hot women he has managed to bag. We had reported this to be the case about a month ago, but thank goodness for common sense. I should have known there was no chance for this to be true from the start, as Jenna, who recently divorced her husband, is too classy to lower herself to such standards. Well, I can now rest easy again and the world seems to be a better place. (And how hot is this picture of Jenna?)

Barack Obama On Letterman

I haven't decided who I'm voting for but it figures to be either Barack or Hillary. Here is a clip of Obama delivering the top 10 list on David Letterman. Top 10 Barack Obama Campaign Promises. Not hysterically funny, but timely nonetheless. I like No. 2 and also No. 9 (how much money you got? I'll double it).

Ana Ivanovic Falls Short :-(

She did all she could, but in the end, the grunts of Maria Sharapova (as well as her powerful groundstrokes and serve) were too much for our girl Ana Ivanovic in the final of the Australian Open. Sharapova pulled out a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Ivanovic, who was playing in her second Grand Slam final but is still seeking her first win. We, at EM, are sad today, but with Ana's performance Down Under, we're hoping this will be a big year for her.

Off to a bad start:

Regaining some momentum:

This an awkward position:

Slipping off a jacket:

When there was still hope:

Will Farrell And John McEnroe

This is a clip of Will Farrell and John McEnroe "stumbling" on to the set of "Power Lunch" on CNBC. This happened more than three years ago though I never saw it at the time. It's kinda funny and a bit awkward. And what's that you say? What were they doing on the show? Turns out Farrell was promoting a little movie called "Anchorman" and McEnroe was about to begin his ill-fated show for the network though it lasted about a whopping five days before it was canceled.

Ana Ivanovic Reaches Final!

So Ana did it. She made it to the final of the Australian Open after a thrilling three-set victory over Daniela Hantuchova after losing the first set 6-0 and being down 2-0 in the second, then coming back to win the next two 6-3, 6-4. It was an amazingly gritty effort by ER's favorite tennis player though she appeared rather nervous, which worries me about the final. She will face ice princess Maria Sharapova for the title and it should be a scintillating match. Anyway, there are a ton of Ana photos from the match and here they are, starting with a reaction shot after she won:

She did it!

Overcome with emotion:

Really stretching for one:

Getting serious on the comeback trail:

What a backhand:

Replenishing those fluids:

Telling the world how she pulled it off:

Will Kevin Love Hang Around?

I waver on this plenty, but my heart tells me that Kevin Love, UCLA's freshman phenom center, is outta here and off to the NBA after this season. Now I know I'm not breaking any news here considering Love was the high school player of the year last season and has done nothing to sully that reputation. I really wish he'd stay one more year just to see what he could do with the great recruiting class the Bruins have coming in next season. Also, it's not as if Love needs the money since he comes from a well-off family (father Stan played in the NBA and uncle Mike was a member of the Beach Boys). But you know sometimes I watch Love, and even though he's a beast inside and can score, there are other times when he misses easy shots and can't seem to get his attempt to the rim when he's fouled. I just know another year in college would do him good. Let him chisel that still doughy-ish 270-pound frame he has. What's the hurry Kevin? College comes only once. Anyway, here is Love's most recent answer when asked if he would leave after one season. This is from a UCLA quote sheet released today during an interview with Love, who will be going home to Oregon this week to take on Oregon and Oregon State:

on staying at UCLA beyond his freshman season:

“At the beginning of the year, they asked me that question. But I’m a UCLA Bruin right now. I’m 19 years old and I’m just enjoying my first season. If the NBA comes calling after this year, I’ll have to sit down with my family and assess my options. As of right, now I’m a UCLA Bruin, and I’m trying to get better every day.”

Sounds to me like a lot of double talk and Kevin just trying to be diplomatic still with every intention of leaving, which is too bad.

Ana Ivanovic Reaches Semis!

It just ended and EM favorite Ana Ivanovic has reached the semifinals at the Australian Open with a 7-6, 6-4 victory over Venus Williams, knocking out the American one day after her sister, defending champion Serena, also was sent packing. Ana will next play Daniela Hantuchova. I will post some new Ana photos from today's (actually Wednesday in Australia) match as soon as I see some good ones.
UPDATE:
OK, here's a good starter:


Reacting after winning a point:

School Of Rock Live!

We were watching "School of Rock" the other night at home and it's one of those movies that is kinda corny but you end up liking. Jack Black is pretty hilarious and has a lot of funny moments in the his references to music, etc., so it's worth it for that alone. The climax of the movie has the Jack and the kids playing at a Battle of the Bands contest. This clip is the band reunited and performing the same song on the the now-defunct Sharon Osbourne Show, I believe. The kids do a pretty good job recreating the song and there is short interview afterward.

Ana Ivanovic Reaches Quarterfinals

Another day, another victory for Ana Ivanovic, who has reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open after a 6-1, 7-6 victory over Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki on Monday. Up next is a match against Venus Williams, so the intensity level assuredly will pick up. For today's photos, I decided to display a few candid/reaction shots of Ana instead of action shots. As always, click on the pic for a larger image.

Looking as cute as ever:

Looking a bit sheepish for some reason:

Looking quite happy here:

Horrific Skiing Accident

If you remember "Wide World of Sports" then you surely remember ski jumper Vinko Bogataj, who is featured during the famous "agony of defeat" portion of the show's introduction. The video below shows American skier Scott Macartney, who suffered a similar moment of horror when he endured this major crash near the end of his run at Kitzbuehel, Austria, going about 88 mph. Too bad he wasn't hooked up to the flux capacitor or then he would've been zapped outta there before anything bad happened. Seriously though, this guy suffered a brain injury but apparently is going to be OK with no surgery required. The video is really tough to watch, especially the end of the crash, so be advised if you have a weak stomach.

Here is a the Wide World of Sports intro with Jim McKay being interviewed by Bob Costas.

Rick Nash Has Good Moves

This happened the other night in the Columbus-Phoenix NHL game. Rick Nash of Columbus scored what had to be one of the most amazing goals I've seen in a while. Most were saying it was the goal of the year so far. And that it happened late in the game on the road with the score tied, makes it even more special.

It reminded me of the soccer goal below by Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Ajax Amsterdam about a year ago.

Ana Ivanovic Keeps Winning

Some glorious shots of Ana Ivanovic after her latest victory at the Australian Open on Saturday. Ana upended Katarina Srebotnik of Slovenia, 6-3, 6-4, to reach the fourth round in Melbourne. As usual, in most cases you can view a larger image by clicking on it. So without further adieu.

Showing off her athletic ability:



Following through on a serve:



Acknowledging the crowd:




Acknowledging her favorite blogger:


Waiting for a big serve:

Ana Ivanovic Wins Again

Sorry for the delay, but family called and it's been a tough few days around here. In trying to keep things light, here is the latest photo update for Ana Ivanovic at the Australian Open. Ana won her second round match against Tathiana Garbin, 6-0, 6-3. Although this photo isn't one of her best, I like the look on Ana's face and her subtle first pump. What could she be staring at?

"Happy Days" 34 Years Ago

Here's something to make you feel old that I saw on Fark. It was 34 years ago today that "Happy Days" premiered on television. Was I really 4 years old when this show started? That's just amazing to me. Speaking of "Happy Days," did you know that Donny Most (Ralph Malph and now goes by "Don" Most) is a graduate of Lehigh University? Melissa knows that. Also, in October I saw Henry Winkler (aka The Fonz) at a Bruce Springsteen concert. He was sitting right in front of me in the first row and though he enjoyed the show, he never once got up on his feet. He was wearing an old-man kinda lumberjackish long-sleeve shirt. A far cry from the black leather he made so famous. Here's the first part of the pilot episode in case you're interested.

Ana Ivanovic Wins First Round

Ana Ivanovic got her Australian Open campaign off to a good start by beating something named Sorana Cirstea in the first round, 7-5, 6-3, in Melbource. We'll try to keep you up to day on Ana's progress with information and photos each time she plays. Here is today's Ana pic of the day. Click on photo for larger image.

Britney Spears Nears Bottom

This Britney Spears situation is getting out of hand. And if you believe this story, then things are about as close to rock bottom as they can get. This has got to be one of the most amazing falls from grace in the history of entertainment. I guess it's because Britney's life is so public that we see EVERYTHING, which obviously isn't the case with everyone. Anyway, I thought the collage below illustrates Britney's career pretty well. I think if you click on the image you can get a larger display.

Massive Russian Hockey Fight

We've been highlighting hockey fights here for a good while now, but they've all been from NHL games. Here is one that tops them all. It's from a game in Russia and it happened a few nights ago. You gotta give it time because it seems as if it's never going to end. Pretty brutal stuff. Had this been the NHL, all these players would have been suspended for stepping in.

Hansbrough Dunks On 7-7 Guy

This is an interesting clip from last night's North Carolina-North Carolina Asheville. North Carolina center Tyler Hansbrough, a preseason All-American, dunks on 7-foot-7 Kenny George of Asheville. Though it did appear as if Hansbrough traveled, it still doesn't take away from the play. But perhaps the most intriguing part is watching the 7-7 George out there. The guy can touch the rim without jumping for crying out loud and he leads the nation in blocked shots.

Ana Ivanovic In 2008

It's summer Down Under and that can only mean that the start of the professional tennis season has arrived. Tournaments are taking place all over Australia, New Zealand, etc., as players prepare for the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam event of the season. The beginning of the tennis season also brings us new and exciting images of one of our favorite players, Ana Ivanovic. If you are a loyal reader, you know Ana is very revered around here. There's evidence here and here among other places. Anyway, here are some new shots of Ana to get the year going, and here's hoping she kicks everyone's ass.

Such a confident look:

Acknowledging the crowd:

Nice full-body shot:

Hitting a serve:

Off the court during a news conference:

Soccer Goalie Brain Farts

Here's a quick and simple video of a soccer goalie, who seems to have suffered from a case of physical dislexia (for lack of a better term). I mean was this guy on drugs?

Springsteen Halloween Entrance

This video is from the Oct. 30 Bruce Springsteen concert at the Sports Arena. It was the second of two nights, and leave it to Bruce to make a dramatic entrance. He did something similar in L.A. years ago when another E Street Band show happened to land around the same date. I was sitting behind the stage for the recent one so I didn't have a great view of this when it happened, but let me say that the crowd was going nuts, which I don't think you can really hear on the video. I had seen this on Bruce's website but just found it on YouTube so figured I would post even though it was more than two months ago. He still knows how to put on a show after all these years.

Kevin Love To Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook had an amazing dunk in today's UCLA victory at California. The video below isn't that dunk (which I will keep looking for) [UPDATE: See the second video below] but one from the other night as the Bruins closed out a victory at Stanford. In this one, Kevin Love, the Bruins' all-everything freshman center sends an amazingly effortless inbounds pass to Westbrook behind the defense for a dunk. It looks so easy although Love's strength is why that is. It's a demoralizing play for the defense, but one that brings a smile to the face of a Bruin fan.

Here is the Westbrook dunk from today's game:

More Than An Eyeful (Warning)

From time to time, we present you some rather squemish things here. Anyone remember this? The photo below falls directly into that category, so therefore I am trying to create a bit of room in the post here in case you don't want to see what I am about to show you. Some of you may have already seen this as it was revealed in full color in an issue of Sports Illustrated recently. To describe it a bit, it's a photo from a college basketball game between Pepperdine and Brigham Young. Jonathan Tavernari of Brigham Young is driving to the basket while Jason Walberg of Pepperdine uses a swiping motion to defend the drive. Since the swiping motion went from high to low, you might guess what happened next. Walberg's fingers caught Tavernari perfectly in his eye sockets and a photo snapped at the exact moment captures what looks to be a horrifying moment. But reports from the game said that Tavernari was fine and showed no ill effects from the play. In fact, he went on to score consecutive three-pointers later. Also, there was no foul called on the play. Amazing huh? The photograper is Chris Detrick, who works for the Salt Lake Tribune. In one thread, here, someone questions whether the image was photoshopped. Now, I have no opinion on that since I am not a photoshop expert, but go ahead and take a look and report back to me. Again, just to be clear, I'm not accusing anyone of anything. If you'd like a view of a larger image, click on the picture. This link is from the Salt Lake Tribune has many quotes and explanations from the parties involved.

Latest Cool Hockey Fight

Here is another good NHL fight from last night's action. This one involves Darcy Tucker and Jarkko Ruutu from the Maple Leafs-Penguins games. It takes a bit to get going but it lasts awhile and neither guy goes down, which makes it all the better.

Justin Johnson Is A Good Shooter

Justin Johnson of Iowa basketball had one of those unconscious nights earlier this week when the Hawkeyes played host to Indiana. Although Iowa lost, Johnson nearly single handedly brought his team a victory. He made six three-pointers in the final 1:56 of the game but you've got to see the last one especially. Just a sick, sick display of shooting. I wouldn't quite call it a "Reggie Miller" though (as the YouTube video says).

Here is video of Miller scorching the Knicks for six points in eight seconds. He also scored 25 points against the Knicks in the fourth quarter of a playoff game to give the Pacers a victory.

Promoting Walk Hard

Conger sent me the video below and I think it's freakin' hilarious, especially if you are fan of the Judd Apatow crowd, which includes people from "The Office" and the movies "40-Year-Old Virgin," "Knocked Up," "Superbad," etc. This video is promoting the latest effort from this talented group: "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story." It's fairly long, but if you've enjoyed those movies above you will love this. Craig Robinson (Darryl from "The Office," and the doorman in "Knocked Up") is classic in this video. A lot of great lines by everyone though. Also, Marge and I saw Dewey Cox a few days ago and laughed our asses off. As I've told some people, usually when the critics give a movie better reviews (as far as a letter grade) than "Yahoo Users," that's usually a good sign to me that it's a movie I should see.

Hawaii Football And The Haka

Hawaii's football team is currently getting its ass handed to it in the Sugar Bowl by Georgia, but here is a little piece by ESPN on the team's Haka Dance made famous by New Zealand's national rugby team called the All-Blacks (although Hawaii's version has evolved with Hawaiian words added and the dance actually called the Ha'a). The dance has caused some controversy because it has been misinterpreted by some opponents as a taunt, rather than a cultural expression. Earlier this season, Hawaii was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct at Louisiana Tech for performing the dance before the game.

Robbie Madison Is Evel Knievel

Wow this is some crazy sh--! If you didn't see this, here is Robbie Madison doing a world-record jump in Las Vegas on New Year's Eve, which he dedicated to the late Evil Knievel. Aside from the jump itself, it's just amazing how much speed the guy picks up before he even hits the ramp. Outrageous!

Geeks Through And Through

Now we've all done (do?) nerdy or geeky things in our lives, but usually we reserve those moments for the privacy of our own home (or at least in a private place when we're around other geeks like us). I wouldn't say a wedding day is the place to let your geekdom shine brightest, but apparently the same can't be said for the people in the video below. My favorite is the photo at the 1:12 mark.

This Couldn't Have Felt Good

We all know how violent a game football is and here is a prime example. This clip is from the Colts-Titans game from Sunday and really makes you feel the pain of the NFL in your bones. And remember, this was a legal hit. Enjoy.

Happy 2008!

Wishing everyone all the best in the new year with much love, happiness and prosperity for all. This is the time of year when one reflects and takes inventory of all that is good in their lives. I feel blessed to have the family and friends that are with me in my personal and professional life. It's good to remember and acknowledge that as often as possible and to realize how precious every moment really is. OK, I'm off my soapbox now. Go back to doing whatever you want.