Most Intimidating Venues in World of Sports

So what are the toughest sporting event venues in the World to play at?

Tim Yu from Bleacher Report lists the toughest venues as these:
1. Estadio Alberto J. Armando (aka: La Bombonera) in Buenos Aires, Argetina. (Soccer stadium)
2. Ali Sami Yen Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. (Soccer stadium)
3. Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Football stadium)
4. Eden Gardens in India. (Cricket)
5. Estadio do Maracana in Rio, Brazil. (Soccer)
6. Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, Uruguay. (Soccer)
7. Maksimir Stadium in Croatia. (Soccer)
8. Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland. (Soccer)
9. Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Football)
10. Yankee Stadium in New York, NY. (Baseball)

I’m not surprised at all that soccer stadiums dominate the list. The passion in soccer is unmatched in practically any other sport. Although I’m surprised that Azteca Stadium in Mexico City was not included on the list. Not only does the altitude there make it a difficult place to play, but the people in the stands are extremely loud and rowdy. When the US Soccer Team played there, during Cup Qualifying, a few years ago - the locker room was shaking from all of the energy in the stadium.

I think Tiger Stadium is a fantastic environment for college football. It’s rich in tailgating, and a night game there brings out the passions of the LSU faithful. But I’m not convinced that it’s any more feverish than a night game at Williams Brice Stadium in South Carolina, or a night game at Ohio Stadium for Ohio State.

Furthermore, I definitely disagree with the inclusion of Lambeau Stadium over Lincoln Financial Field or Heinz Field. Yes, Lambeau is one of the legendary stadiums in the NFL. But I don’t think it’s as intimidating as the home field of the Eagles or Steelers. The fans in Philly are a breed of their own. If the Eagles still played their home games at Veterans Stadium, instead of the Linc, I would say that should be top 3 on the list. Not only did the boo Michael Irvin when he was catered off on a stretcher, they booed Santa Claus. That place was insane.

No comment on Yankee Stadium. Like Giants Stadium, I think it’s the people at Yankee Stadium that make it a tough place to play. The New Yorkers have a special way of showing their feelings…and sharing the love. Here’s a quick video of the nice, kind & gentle New York Yankee fans making a couple of guys feel right at home.

Those Yankees fans are like school on Sunday…

For more insanity, read the Sporting News list of the ‘Toughest places to play in the SEC’. Still on my list of “To Do’s” to get to a game at an SEC stadium.

I think the most intimidating venue that I’ve been in for a sporting event was probably a college football game at College Stadium versus Texas A&M or at the Cotton Bowl for Texas/OU.

What is the most initimidating venue that you have watched a game at?

Hands free masturbating…

 

Do you ever get annoyed when you’re “working” with one hand and trying to surf the web with the other?

Rubbot.com feels your pain.

They’re designing a new toy to help free up your hands to do other things, and they’re even looking for some beta testers.

After much research, it looks like they’ve decided on a donut looking contraption to give you the best fake blow-job you’ve ever had.

Sign up to be a beta tester here.   You even get to keep it after you answer a few surveys.

Yeah, like they’d want YOURS back.

Don’t wear it out in a week.

Week 8 - NFL Picks

Old Coach stacked some cheese last week.  18-8.  That brings the yearly numbers to:  100-90-12.  If you’re making your $100 bet on each of my picks, you’re down a whopping $20 for the season.   The golden lock hit again.  That’s 5-1-1 on the season.  Haven’t lost a lock since week 1.

The picks…

Cleveland +3 at St. Louis (44.5) - Over

Steven Jackson is back.  So what.  Were the Rams worth a shit when he played?  Who would have thought the Browns would be laying points away to the Rams in week 8.  I’ve been going under against the Browns and it hasn’t been working.

Detroit +5 at Chicago (44) - Over

Bears are the sucker bet of the week.

Indy -6.5 at Carolina (44) - Over

I’m confused by this line.  Seems simple.

Giants at Miami +9.5 - (4 - Under

The Giants keep proving me wrong.  Both of these numbers are too big.

Oakland +7.5 at Vince and the Titans (40.5) - Under

The Titans don’t get away from people.  They’ll win, of course.  Glad to have Vince back.

Philly +1  at Minnesota (37.5) - Over

I refuse - refuse - to believe Minnesota is worth a shit.  Philly wins by at least two touchdowns.  Put ‘em in your reverse teasers.

Pittsburgh at Cincy +3.5 (4 - Over

Steelers are sucker bet of the week #2.  Shootout.  Cincy wins outright.

Buffalo +3 at Jets (37) - Over

Oh, how the Jets screwed me last week.  Buffalo is spunky.  I see ‘em covering a lot from here out.

Texans +11.5 at San Diego (45) - Under

Both teams hard to figure.  I made my mind up when I decided the Texans could actually win the game.  It’s possible.  Therefore, double digits = too many.

Jacksonville at Tampa Bay -3.5 (32) - Over

32?  (Doing my best Jim Mora impersonation).  32?  32?

New Orleans at San Francisco +3 (40) - Over

Can’t sell myself on either team.  I’ll take the points.

Washington at New England -16.5 (4 - Over

Cameragate is the best thing to happen to gambling since Elway doubled his horse steroid intake in ‘97.

Green Bay +3 at Denver (41.5) - Over

Tough call until you remember Brett Favre is playing on Monday night. 

Best Soccer Lineup in the World?

I’m trying to figure out what plays a bigger role in winning - chemistry or star power?

If one rich team (e.g.- Chelsea) were able to assemble a lineup that consisted of the biggest stars in soccer today, how do you think they would fare against International competition? Assuming they were given 6 months to practice together. Do you think they could beat National Team squads from France, Italy, Germany, England, etc?

Here is the lineup (you pick who starts & who subs):
G- Buffon, Cech
D- Sergio Ramos, C. Puyol, Diarra, J. Terry, Zanetti, Nesta
M- Ronaldinho, C. Ronaldo, Kaka, Essien, Gerrard, Totti, Lampard, Pirlo
F- Eto, Tevez, Messi, Rooney, Henry

I think you could mix & match that lineup enough (and soothe enough egos) that they consistently beat any teams in the World (National or club). I think if they played the 10 toughest teams they could match up with, they’d finish 8-0-2.

What do you think?

Is Kim Kardashian Hot? Or is it Just Her Ass?

In-case you don’t know who I’m talking about, Kim Kardashian is one of the new Hollywood “it girls”. Just like Paris Hilton, Kim is famous for just being famous. Meaning, she’s not an actress, singer, or anything that would have gained her said “fame”. She is now doing some modeling, so maybe that counts for her.

But the two things that Kim Kardashian is most famous for are her large, round ass and the sex tape that showed said ass. About a year ago a sex tape of Kim Kardashian and her then boyfriend Ray J (brother of singer Brandy) hit the internet. Although it was no where nearly as famous as “One Night In Paris”, it still drew a lot of buzz. Most of it for the naked shots of Kim’s butt.

Her recent fame has come from the E reality television show that she’s featured in. “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” is about Kim and her family. It shows her and her sisters working at their boutique, Dash. It follows Kim as she does an episode of the Tyra Banks show. It also reports that Kim will be posing for Playboy, so keep an eye out for the nude pics of Ms. Kardashian. That is, if you haven’t already seen the nude video tape of her having sex. She’s currently rumored to be dating Saints running back Reggie Bush.

As for me, the question I want to delve into today is - Is Kim Kardashian hot? Or does her gigantic donkey (ass) memorize guys into thinking she’s hot? First we need to review some photos of Ms. Kardashian.

Kim Kardashian showing off some cleavage as she walks the red carpet at an event.

Kim Kardashian giving a peak at her “famous” butt.

Kim Kardashian showing off her large, round pear.

Kim’s ass doesn’t even look real in this picture. But I guess that’s the “allure” of her big bootie.

Kim Kardashian showing off her boobs.

Kim Kardashian looking hot, but short next to her friend Brittny Gastineau.

Kim Kardashian showing off her curves in a tight dress.

So in conclusion, I think that Kim is a very nice looking girl. She’s part Armenian, so she’s got that beautiful black hair and olive colored skin. And although I’m intrigued by her pretty face, ample boobs and unique donkey. Overall, I have to say she’s just pretty average. In-fact she reminds me a lot of a girl I went to high school with. Would I hit it? Definitely. But how does she stack up next to other hot girls? I see girls everyday that are as good looking or better than Kim Kardashian. So I like her, but she’s not a true hottie. Just a pretty girl with an incredible ass.

Where would you rate Kim Kardashian?

NFL Picks - Week 7

To paraphrase Borat, ouchy ouch ouch.  6-18-2 last week, pushing the season tally to 82-82-12.  Old man juice has us in for a grand, if you’re playing a hundred each bet.  I don’t think Coach was the only one to get his shirt washed last week.  Word on the street is it was tough for everyone.  No excuses.  The golden lock pushed, making me 4-1-1 for the season.  Play my golden locks.  You’ll walk out with more than you brought.  All business this week.  No pictures.

 Arizona +8.5 at Washington (36) - Over

Washington is decent.  But not 8.5 points worth.  Don’t watch this one.

 Atlanta +9.5 at New Orleans (42.5) - Under

See above.

Baltimore at Buffalo +3 (34.5) - Under

Baltimore keeps clowning me.  Buffalo should be rested. 

New England -16  at Miami (51.5) - Over

Easiest play on the board.  Ride ‘em. 

Niners +9 at Giants (39) - Over

I like the Giants this year - but not by nine.  San Francisco stays with people.

Tampa Bay +2 at Detroit (44.5) - Under

Yuck.

Vince and the Titans -1 at Houston (38.5) - Under

If it’s Kerry and the Titans go the other way.

KC +3 at Oakland (37.5) - Over

Herm’s been good to me.  It’s a crazy kind of love.

Jets +6 at Cincy (47.5) - Under

Two good dogs here.  Way, way too many points.

Vikings at Dallas -9.5 (47) - Under

Still singing about Tavaris on the road.  Cowboys are decent against the run.

Chicago at Philly -5.5 (41.5) - Over

I’m sold on Philly.  For better or worse.

Rams at Seattle -9 (40) - Over

Seattle is supposed to be good at home.  Goddamnit.

Steelers -3.5 at Denver (39.5) - Over

Sucker bet.  And I don’t care.

Indy -3 at Jacksonville (45) - Under

Another home dog on Monday night.  Go figure.

Joe Torre was Wrong to Reject the Yankees Offer

Who cares about baseball, right? I agree, baseball is down the list a bit in-terms of sports that I truly enjoy watching. College football, College hoops, golf, NFL, NBA, etc, etc, are all more important to me than baseball. But I do keep up with it. I always watch the key playoff games. And during the regular season I’m likely to watch if it’s the Cubs (my team since 1988), the Yankees or the Red Sox (sometimes). So I keep up with the sport.

And as I mentioned I often enjoy watching the Evil Empire from NY. I wouldn’t say I’m a big “Yankees fan”, but I root for them against most teams, including the Bosox. So I’m definitely painting myself into some pinstripes. And that’s why my perspective on the Joe Torre thing (aka: turning down the Yankees offer of $5 Million) might not jibe with true Yankees fans. But I think Torre was wrong to turn down the deal the Yankees offered him.

The Yankees (aka: Steinbrenner) offered a $5 Million deal with incentives that could bring it up to $8 Million. Joe’s previous contract with the club, that just expired was $7.5 Million per year. The offer from the Yankees was also a 1 year deal, with an option for a second if he won the World Series.

Joe turned the deal down. Why? Torre said it was an “insult”. He said, “I’ve been there 12 years and I didn’t think motivation was needed”. I like Joe Torre a lot. I’ve enjoyed him as the manager of the Yankees, and hoped he would return. But I gotta say What the Fuck, Joe? That’s a lot of money. The total offer, should he win the World Series, would exceed what he earned in his previous contract. So how is that an “insult”.

And what makes it even more shocking is that the new offer would have still almost doubled what the next highest manager in baseball is making. Lou Piniella earned $3.5 Million with the Cubs, Bobby Cox earned $3 Million with the Braves and Tony La Russa earned $2.8 Million with the Cards. Every other manager in MLB is earning $2 Million or less (the lowest 3 are only earning $500K per year). So Joe Torre was being paid very handsomely before, and was still going to have the chance to earn mega, mega, mega bucks by comparison. But Joe’s pride (”insult”) got in the way.

I think pride is a dangerous thing. Like Marsellus Wallace said in Pulp Fiction, “Pride only hurts…it never helps”. And Torre would have been wise to take Marsellus’ advice in this situation and check his pride at the door. Over the past 6 years, he’s had the highest payroll in baseball and won no rings. No matter what he did before, that’s got to count for something. He let his pride at being the Yankees manager for the past 12 years, and earning more money get in the way of common sense.

Torre gets it here, “The fact that somebody is reducing your salary is just telling me they’re not satisfied with what you’re doing”. Exactly Joe. You haven’t produced lately. Sure, you were the S.H.I.T. in the first 6 years you coached in NY. You cemented yourself as a Hall of Fame manager during that magnificient stretch. But what you did then doesn’t pay the bills now. And it’s just not good enough for the highest payroll in baseball, the New York frickin Yankees, to make the playoffs. They need to be winning World Series games. Not bowing out in the Divisional round.

The deal by Steinbrenner allowed Torre to still be the highest paid manager in baseball. It allowed him to continue to do what he loves to do, manage the Yankees. It even offered him incentives that would have earned him a record baseball manager salary if he had won the World Series. Meaning, the Yankees front office put incentives on what they cherished most - a World Series ring. Isn’t that what good management is supposed to do? To incentivize and reward the behavior that is most beneficial to the whole.

Now all this isn’t to say I think the Yankees were smart to offer Joe less money. In-fact, I think this move will cost the Yankees more in the long run because now they are going to have to pay more to re-sign Posada & Rivera. But you know what, maybe the Yankees shouldn’t resign those guys. Maybe they should finally “blow up” the team and start the process of rebuilding over. Sure 2008 could be a nightmare and 2009 might too. But they’ve got enough dough to make plenty of moves. And the current roster has not been producing over the past few seasons. At least not producing at the level at which their payroll says they should be. So maybe in time this will all be good for Yankees. This will be the moment that they started to retool the team to find a squad (again) that can WIN World Series games, not make the playoffs.

So I say good luck to you, Joe Torre. You gave the Yankees a lot of great years, and for that I’m thankful. I just wish you’d have allowed yourself to do what you love (for a GREAT amount of money) and manage the Yankees for a few more years. But your pride got in the way Joe.

Guess the dirty girl…

Minka Kelly and Rachel Bilson are a couple of relatively low-profile Hollywood hotties that have, at least to date, enjoyed a pretty wholesome public image.

Oddly enough, and I’m not sure if they have the same publicist or what, but they recently arrived at a Saks Fifth Avenue cocktail party together in the same limo.

Now we know that it’s all the rage for the paparazzi these days to snap pics of pretty girls getting out of cars and trying to get a crotch shot. Why do we love these pictures so much? I’ll admit. I love them. It just gives you that little bit of insight into a world only her boyfriend knows about. But I digress.

What was I saying? Why am I sweating?

Oh yeah.

You would think that it would be relatively easy for any sober girl to cover up the goods, either with a hand or purse or something. Most do with no problem. You think Ivanka Trump would ever make that mistake? Yeah right.

Anyways, as Minka and Rachel exited the limo, one of them gave it up.

If you had to guess. Which of them was it? Here’s a hint: Leopard print.

And by the way, if I had to guess, it looks like we have a bald eagle on our hands.

Click here to find out.

Wednesdays are Better if you are Tiger Woods

Most of the country wakes up with a little extra pep in their step on a Wednesday morning. They know it’s “Hump Day” and there are only two more days until the weekend. One more day until they can go out and get sloshed on Slursday (aka: Thursday) night.

Tiger Woods wakes up today, next to Elin, to the announcement that he is $100 Million dollars richer and will now have a sports drink named after him. Not a bad Hump Day for Tiger. Of course I imagine that everyday is pretty damn good for Tiger Woods.

AdAge is confirming a story that ran in the September issue of Golfweek, that Tiger Woods is now the newest spokesperson for Gatorade. Not only that, they will be partnering with Tiger for a new sports drink called Gatorade Tiger.

Golfweek reported that the 5 year deal could be worth as much as $100 Million dollars to El Tigre. The Gatorade Tiger drink will debut in stores next March, and be supported by a massive media blitz. It will be offered in cherry, citrus and grape flavors. Tiger said, “Gatorade has been part of my game plan for years”. By the way, why did they not call this drink Tigerade? You know that’s what people will wind up calling it anyway.

With this deal Tiger now has endorsement deals from Pepsico (Gatorade), Nike, EA Sports, Upper Deck and General Motors. It’s been widely speculated that Tiger will become (or already is possibly) the first Billion dollar athlete. Meaning, the first athlete to earn over $1 Billion dollars from salary, winnings and endorsements. I think it’s only a matter of time, the dude is rolling in the dough.

So keep an eye out for Tigerade, coming to a 7-11 near you soon. No word yet on whether it will help improve your golf game…but it should help you fist bump better on the course.

Golf Girl is still hoping Gatorade will come out with a version for Phil.

Think Coach and Belushi backstage at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show…