I can’t believe that Mike Shanahan got fired. It was such a huge surprise! Who do you think is going to be the replacement? My personal opinion is that Bill Cowher should go to Denver, and I think that Denver’s defense could really use him. What do you think?
Denver Nuggets

Angelayanyan Green asked:




Although I’m no Los Angeles Lakers or Kobe Bryant fan, I want to tell you something about this. 5 things to take away from Lakers’ 102-95 victory over Denver Nuggets

1. Kobe Bryant looks a lot better: It’s not just because Bryant’s shooting clip against Denver was much better. In 24 minutes, he scored 18 points on five-of-13 shooting (38%) and went eight of 11 from the free-throw line after going four of 28 (14.3%) in the first three exhibition games. Jackson and Bryant never used Bryant’s shooting mark as a barometer of progress as he rehabbed from a surgically repaired right knee. What mattered was how fluid and active he looked in the game and eventually getting to that point where he had more lift on his shot. Bryant made a huge step forward in that department against Denver, appearing more aggressive and mobile than he had since training camp started.

“I feel silly talking about shooting percentages in a damn preseason game,” said Bryant, who wore a padded sleeve on his right knee after not wearing one Wednesday against the Kings. “I felt a lot better. I haven’t played since Game 7″ of the 2010 NBA Finals.

After hitting his first shot of the night on a fade-away jumper to give the Lakers an 11-7 lead with 7:03 left in the first quarter, Bryant several times looked comfortable enough to play aggressively. He’d said he wanted strength and to get his game legs, and that appeared to be happening. After Lakers guard Derek Fisher missed a three-pointer, Lakers forward Matt Barnes tipped the ball out to Bryant up top. He then drove the lane, performed an up-and-under and was fouled by Denver point guard Chauncey Billups, a three-point sequence that gave the Lakers a 14-11 lead with 6:14 remaining in the first quarter.

In other sequences, Bryant saved the ball from going out of bounds, threw a cross-court pass to Lamar Odom and directed a screen-and-roll with Pau Gasol in which he spun through two defenders. He missed the layup on the latter play, but that didn’t matter. The Black Mamba, who also had eight rebounds and five assists, just looked better.

“It was just a matter of time and a chance to get stronger and get a rhythm,” Jackson said of Bryant, whom he plans to play from 20 to 22 minutes Sunday at Staples Center against the Jazz. But the coach didn’t have any definite plans for Bryant’s minutes after that. “It was a very slow game with an awful lot of free throws when he was out there on the floor. So there wasn’t a lot of continuous running or pounding.”

2. The Lakers had impressive team chemistry: The Lakers made sure not to make too much of it, considering it’s the preseason. But for the second consecutive game, everyone seemed focused on ensuring teamwork and good ball movement. The Lakers had five players in double figures, including Bryant (18), Lamar Odom (14 points on seven-of-10 shooting, six rebounds and seven assists), Devin Ebanks (14 points on five-of-eight shooting), Pau Gasol (12 points on six-of-nine shooting) and Shannon Brown (11 points on four-of-nine shooting). They recorded 29 assists on 38 field goals. And everyone genuinely seemed to want to manufacture and wait for the right play to develop.

“They’re starting to get a feel for playing together, and they’re remembering some of the things they know how to do,” said Jackson, though he lamented the team’s 22 turnovers. “That’s nice to see. I think they’re making progress as a team.”

There were several examples of that progress.

Bryant found Artest on a beautiful backdoor. Gasol converted on an easy lay-in after Fisher weaved on the far side through a lane of traffic. When Bryant flashed to the perimeter, Fisher faked a pass toward him and then connected with Gasol for another easy bucket. Lakers guard Steve Blake darted an alley-oop toward Odom. He also cut across the lane on one play, received an entry pass from Ebanks and then one-timed to Gasol for a jumper across the charity stripe.
“It’s one preseason game, but it’s something that’s a good sign,” Gasol said. “We want to continue to work along that line.”

Other examples: An Odom entry pass to Bryant led to a vintage turnaround jumper over Billups. A Bryant down-screen for Odom threw off the Nuggets defense and allowed him to sink a corner jumper. When Artest received a bullet pass from Bryant and met a double team, Artest curled the ball around to Odom for the lay-in. Bryant’s lob to Artest resulted in another easy bucket for Odom, who made a layup as he was falling to the ground.

“The strength of our team is our time together, our chemistry and our ability to read each other and just make plays,” Odom said. “That’s what we want to do — move the ball and do all the small things that make us better.”

Artest’s nine-point effort on three-of-eight shooting with five rebounds and five assists indicated to Jackson that Artest “sees the game a lot better,” although Jackson added, “It’s not natural for him.” Nonetheless, there were a few more instances when Artest appeared to be showing good habits.

A Fisher steal led to an Odom fast-break where he found Artest on the far corner. Instead of taking the three-pointer, Artest found Gasol inside. Later on, Fisher nailed a wide-open three-pointer after Artest threw a pass around the perimeter.

“I think the talent is there,” Artest said. “Everybody can play, and everybody is unselfish.”

3. Ebanks turns a corner: Perhaps it’s a good thing Ebanks doesn’t listen to what Jackson says to the media. Thus, he wasn’t aware Jackson had lauded him for most of the preseason regarding his work ethic and defense, while adding that he could improve his footwork and his understanding of the offense. He apparently wasn’t aware Jackson equated rookies to “lower than whale…” in terms of their maturity level on and off the court. And he wasn’t aware Jackson planned to play Ebanks at shooting guard because Sasha Vujacic’s concussion kept him out at least through this weekend.

“I just need to keep working,” Ebanks said. “Just don’t think about it. Go out there and play the way I know how to play. I’ve been playing all my life.”

It turns out the approach worked, as he scored 14 points on five-of-eight shooting in 24 minutes, a performance Jackson said showed Ebanks was “making progress.” He actually only played at small forward, as fouls from Odom (four) and Barnes (three) prompted Jackson to play Artest some at power forward. But Ebanks was a quick study, something Vujacic should remember, even if this is just the preseason. Vujacic’s role is minimum at best considering he’s played behind both Bryant and Brown, and his injury certainly came at an inopportune time.

“We’re going to try to get him used to playing that position,” Jackson said before the game. “Not only does it give a total scope of what we do, but it gives him an option to play another position on the floor in case we need it.”

The Lakers will have a better understanding how Ebanks plays at shooting guard, possibly as early as Sunday against Utah, but for now, the Lakers have nothing but positive things to say about his quick acclimation and work ethic.

“Devin’s doing a great job,” Bryant said. “He’s playing within himself. He’s making all the right plays. He’s getting all the hustle points, and he’s making timely jumpers, and defensively he’s active.”

4. The Lakers’ depth is an issue: The Lakers already knew they’d have to field different combinations considering Bryant’s limitations, Andrew Bynum’s absence as he recovers from surgery to his right knee and Luke Walton’s absence. But the Lakers’ play against Denver further exposed them. With Odom picking up fouls (four), as well as Barnes (three), Theo Ratliff (three) and Derrick Caracter (three), Jackson inserted Artest mostly at power forward and Ebanks strictly at small forward.

It was a depleted lineup, but it wasn’t that noticeable considering Denver’s Carmelo Anthony sat out, for some rest, as did Kenyon Martin (surgery on his left knee patella tendon; out indefinitely), Chris Anderson (recovering from surgery on his right knee patella tendon; out indefinitely) and Al Harrington (suffered a partial tear of the left plantar fascia against Portland Oct. 8).

“Right now, I don’t feel like we’re very deep at all,” Jackson said. “Neither Drew Naymick nor Derrick Caracter have the experience to feel like we’re deep enough in that department. Hopefully we’ll be OK.”

5. The Lakers’ defensive rotations remain an issue: Numerous times this preseason, Jackson has stopped practice because of defensive lapses. He’s devoted most of the sessions to defense, feeling the team’s more in tune with running the triangle than with defensive rotations.

That’s been the primary reason why the Lakers’ bench has blown a double-digit fourth-quarter lead for the second consecutive game. What started out as a 85-68 fourth-quarter Lakers lead quickly dwindled to a 94-91 advantage with 5:08 remaining in the game. Against Sacramento on Wednesday, the Lakers yielded 36 fourth-quarter points.

Unlike last year, the bench doesn’t show many selfish tendencies. But they’re having trouble defending the perimeter and locking down on transition baskets.

“They had plenty of opportunities to close that gap,” Jackson said of Denver.

Stat of the Night: 28 – Number of assists the Lakers recorded. Surely a sign of good teamwork and ball movement.
Quote of the Night: “Kobe is on top of the universe. Out of all the players on Pluto and Jupiter, Kobe’s on top of that. He’s on another level.” — Lakers forward Ron Artest– Mark Medina

Personalized Godparent Gifts

Brian Rushing asked:




There has been a recent explosion on the sports scene that has created much interest, enthusiasm, but also a divide between fans.

First, there is Tim Tebow. Coming out of Florida he stunned the nation with numerous incredible comebacks for the Denver Broncos. A team he started the season as the 3rd or some say the 4th best quarterback. A first round pick the experts said was not of first round quality. A player many so-called experts have said does not have the right qualities to play in the National Football League.

Second, there is Jimmer Fredette. Coming out of Brigham Young University he captivated the country with a high-scoring, high-flying act that led his team roaring through March Madness. A first round, top 10 pick for the Sacramento Kings that the experts said was not of top ten quality. A player many so-called experts said does not have the right qualities to play in the National Basketball Association.

That is not where the similarities end.

Both are underdogs. Both are known to be very hard workers. Both have religious backgrounds, although Tebow wears his more on his sleeve. Fredette is more known just for coming out of a private, religious school. Both won tons of top awards in college. Both are clean-cut gentlemen you would have no problem bringing home to dinner, dating your sister, or watching the kids.

Ultimately, both are role models. A new kind of role model rarely seen on the sports stage, which is now playing out across the NFL and the NBA – two of the most visible professional sports leagues.

A role model based on ethics. On being a decent person. On being a nice person. And at the same time being a hard-working, excellent professional athlete.

How many athletes have we seen tarnish their legacy and sports in general? OJ Simpson, Pete Rose, and Tiger Woods quickly come to mind.

Ethics, religion, and being a wonderful person are not qualities often associated with sports role models.

And now we have two. Breaking onto the scene at about the same time. In different sports, but instantly carrying huge fan bases from across the country (in fact, across the world) because of who they are.

Tebow is seen as a quarterback without a quick release, a long and slow throwing motion, and an inaccurate pass. Fredette is said to be too short to play the scoring guard position and he cannot defend anyone.

But both have the “it” factor. The intangible that makes them winners and able to overcome physical limitations.

Will they ultimately be successful at the professional level? Only time will tell. But in the meantime, they are great role models and are bringing millions of fans to watch their games. Without a doubt, the powers that be at the head offices, and probably even higher, hope that they succeed for a long, long time.



Christening Dresses

Sam H asked:


don’t you think george karl should start someone else, like jr smith or kleiza. They are both better offensively, and carter is too small to guard kobe, so why is he playing?

Elegant Embroidered Satin Baptismal Gown

asked:


I understand George Karl isn’t with the guys, and that’s a very serious situation, but they really need to put that behind them while they do their “job”. I saw a replacement coach who wasn’t getting any respect from the team, and it seemed like that made sense, really. The Jazz would go on a run, and their he’d sit, looking akward on the bench. I was picking these guys to go at least until the Conference Finals, but they disappointed =(

Engraved Baptism Bracelet

Kurt Moffit asked:




The Denver Broncos drafted Ryan Torain in the 5th round out of Arizona State. Torain is listed at 6-1 and 225 lbs and Denver absolutely loved him in training camp. Unfortunately, he fractured his elbow and had to miss approximately 2 months. He is scheduled to return after Denver’s week 8 bye week. If he is still available in your league, now is the time to grab him before it is too late.

It was assumed that Selvin Young was going to be the starter and get the majority of the carries in Denver. That didn’t work out so well. Young is currently injured; but even when he was healthy, Denver didn’t have enough faith in him to give him 20 carries a game. They were using something of a committee with Young, Andre Hall and Michael Pittman. Once Young got injured they relied on Pittman. Pittman is the type of back that coach, Mike Shanahan loves. He is a tough, physical runner. Well, Pittman got banged up in last week’s loss to New England. Also, Hall fumbled on his 1st two carries in that game. That will put him in Shanahan’s doghouse. Things seem to be setting up perfectly for Torain. Denver has looked pretty bad recently and they are starting to realize that they can not just rely on Jay Cutler’s arm. They need to establish a running game.

Torain is the type of runner that Denver, and Coach Mike Shanahan, loves. He is a big power rushes who thrives running between the tackles. He also has some speed, as he was clocked at 4.6 in the 40. Shanahan likes him so much; it was rumored that if he hadn’t suffered his preseason injury, he may have started on opening day. Shanahan was quoted as saying Torain was one of the most impressive young backs that he had ever seen and compared him to the Denver great Terrell Davis.

All fantasy players know that it is tough to rely on Shanahan and his carousel of running backs. But he does have a very nice history of making stars out of running backs that were drafted in the middle rounds. (Terrell Davis, Mike Anderson and Orlando Gary are three that fit that category.) Everything seems to be pointing to Torain making a big impact in the second half of the season. He could be this seasons, Ryan Grant or Earnest Graham. Grab him know if he is still available in your league. It is possible that Shanahan will not overwork the rookie and will shuffle the running backs, but Torain’s possible upside is too great to ignore. This is an opportunity to get a possible impact running back off the waiver wire. And one that you very well may regret if you don’t act now. After they bye week the Broncos face Miami, Cleveland, Atlanta, Oakland, NYJ and Kansas City. GET THIS IMPACT ROOKIE NOW!



Christening Gifts

Holly Green asked:




2012 is almost upon us. And I have some good news and some bad news in regards to the year ahead.

The bad news? If you think you’re running fast now, get yourself some new track shoes, because the world isn’t slowing down. In fact, it is only going to continue to go faster and get more complex. The good news is that we can turn this challenge into an opportunity by embracing three leadership strategies.

1. Get clear about winning.

I don’t mean partially clear, or sort of clear. I mean crystal clear on what winning looks like for your organization.

Become obsessive about winning, defining it with as much specificity as possible. Talk about it all the time with employees and other key stakeholders. Put visual reminders around you. Prompt yourself via your smart phone. Make sure every meeting starts out talking about winning. Embed your definition of winning into all your ways of working.

The hard part is that we can no longer define winning once, and then let it go. We now have to constantly revise and update our picture of winning as the world changes around us. We need to continually think about winning, continually fine-tune our version of winning, and continually move towards it while bringing our employees along with us.

Why is the pursuit of winning so important?

In keeps people focused and motivated. It aligns them with the vision and direction of the organization. It gives them a sense of purpose and a reason to show up for work every day. And it gives people the courage and tenacity to fight through setbacks and adversity.

Perhaps most important, winning helps people believe they can accomplish anything. Just look at what Tim Tebow is doing with the Denver Broncos. He has taken his team from last to first in their division in less than half a season. And he’s got them (and an entire city) believing they could go all the way to the Super Bowl. And even if they don’t, the ride will have been an amazing one setting them up to be winners next season as well.

What could your team accomplish if people knew what winning looked like, believed they could do it, and focused on it every day?

2. Shed your outdated ways of looking at the world.

What gets in the way of winning?

More often than not, it’s our old ideas about what we “know to be true” about our customers, markets, and industries. It’s our brain’s natural tendency to screen in information that agrees with our view of the world and screen out data that contradicts it. And it’s our thought bubbles (unspoken thoughts and assumptions) that tell us what made us successful in the past will continue to make us successful in the future.

I’m not saying all old ideas are bad. But when our world changes so quickly, we need to make a habit of checking our ideas, assumptions, and beliefs on a regular basis. And by regular, I mean every few months, at minimum. Once a year will not cut it!

Start by gathering information on what you know to be true. Not what you assume, speculate or hope, but what you know to be true through verifiable data. For example, aging populations, changing employee demographics, shifting customer communication channels, etc. Then compare this data with what you think you know to be true.

Put the two data sets together and begin to explore:

Of what we know to be true, what is no longer true? Why? What has changed with our customers? Our industry? What new wants or needs do our customers have? What new services and/or products can we come up with to meet those needs? How can we redefine value in our market?

3.Slow down to go fast.

I’ve been talking about this concept for several years, and it becomes even more important in 2012.

Slowing down to go fast requires pausing occasionally to step back from your day-to-day, and re-evaluate the world around you. Take a look at trends and significant events beyond the walls of your business, and even your industry as a whole. What are other companies doing that might be applied to your business? What patterns and connections can you make that other people might not see?

Get in the habit of asking “what if” questions like: What if we could solve the one “unsolvable” problem that everyone in our industry is ignoring? Or, what would happen if our biggest competitor suddenly went out of business? Focus on identifying opportunities to add value to your customers in ways that nobody else is doing. Develop significant initiatives that support leveraging those opportunities, and get (and keep) everyone in your organization clear on achieving them.

Set yourself up to win by creating space for your brain to ponder, wonder, explore, and connect.For example, start meetings by asking, “When we have done this incredibly well, how will we have done it?” This will prompt your brain to look for solutions rather than what’s in the way.

Winning is about subtle shifts in language and behavior each and every day. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you’re looking for and working towards solutions, or talking about and focusing on roadblocks.

Spotting the winners

It’s easy to tell the companies that have a clear picture of winning versus those that don’t. For example, Southwest Airlines is really clear on their mission as the low-cost provider. No baggage fees. No change fees. Constantly fine-tuning faster ways to load the airplane. They get it, their employees get it, and so do their loyal customers.

Counter this with American Airlines, which recently filed for bankruptcy. I frequently fly American because I live in San Diego and have limited options. I have no clue how their leadership defines winning, but I am guessing it varies dramatically from how their flight attendants and gate personnel currently define it. I often wonder if their idea of winning is to see how badly they can tick off their passengers every day.

When it comes to winning, make sure everyone in your ecosystem gets it. Not just employees, but suppliers, vendors, partners, alliances, and even (and especially) your customers. When you’re a winner, it’s obvious to those who meet you and work with you.

Get clear on winning in 2012. Start looking at the world differently. And slow down to go fast so that you can focus on solutions rather than what’s getting in the way. Playing to not lose is just as hard and not nearly as much fun!



Baptism Dress

Vail Colorado is a popular skiing destination in America and you can be sure that it is one experience you and your family will find hard to forget. However, once you start totaling up the price of Vail lift tickets, lodging, ski rentals, Vail condos or hotels, and the trip as a whole, you entire vacation can work out to be rather expensive. But, going to Vail Co. need not empty out your bank account. You can, in fact, save a substantial amount by planning ahead, especially when it comes to getting downhill tickets. You will realize that most ski resorts in Colorado do not give discounts for your pass and ski rentals for visitors coming from outside the state.

However, there are ways of saving money on this necessary expense:
Denver International Airport or Colorado Springs Regional Airport: These airports are excellent venues to purchase tickets. There are many sports outlets here which will be more than willing to sell discounted tickets. Some of the places you can visit for tickets are Christy Sports and Gart Sports. Not only will you save money but you will avoid long queues when you get to Vail. Denver Metro Area: You may not believe it but you can easily purchase lift tickets in the metro area, as well as Fort Collins and Colorado Springs. The tickets are available at discount prices in some grocery stores like Safeway. You can pick them up for anywhere between $5 to $10. Book Online: Many shop cheap tickets by browsing travel and retail websites online. Many online retailers are keen to offer deals if you buy a skiing package from them. Do remember to print out your voucher as you would be required to present it at the lift ticket counter to get your paper ticket. Ebay: Ebay is good source for lift ticket coupons. Make sure to scour the site and you will surely find one to suit your budget. This said, most sellers on Ebay may not give you the best bargain but you will sure save $5 to $10 using this method. Group Buys: If you are in a large group, you will surely get a discount. This is especially true for groups that are made up of 20 or more people. The good news is that besides receiving a good discount on Vail lift tickets, you will receive substantial discount on your lodging, food and activities in the resort. This is perfect for a wedding party or a family union. Buy Tickets at the Resort: Many people will tell you easy it is to buy ticket from a tout. This is definitely true but you should avoid this method as much as possible. Invariably, you will find the touts hanging around ticket counters and parking lots. Make sure you check the validity of the ticket before gleefully parting with your money.

There are sufficient ways of getting cheap Vail lift tickets. All you have to do is look around. You may not get the discount you want, but a penny saved is a penny earned. Ultimately, even a small discount of $5 can add up to quite a bit if you are planning of using the lift for the entire duration of your holiday.
Vintage Decor

mine–
NBA- Denver Nuggets
NFL- New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons
MLB- New York Yankees
NHL- Detroit Red Wings
College basketball- Tennessee Vols and Syracuse Orange
College Football- Tennessee Vols and USC trojans
soccer- i guess seattle sounders but i dont really watch soccer
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