Slammer (Dunk) Time

Remember when I said how much I hated the NBA and rarely watched a game, except in those special circumstances of husband hunting and the Slam Dunk Contest?

Well, this weekend is one of those circumstances. And no, it's not the husband hunting one.

The 2012 All-Star game in Orlando is upon us, which means that the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest is also just 'round the corner. Tomorrow, Chase Budinger (Houston), Paul George (Indiana), Jeremy Evans (Utah), and Derrick Williams (Minnesota) will vie to take this year's slam dunk title.

The outrageous and always entertaining event probably draws in more viewers (ahem, moi) than the actual All-Star game. Cause let's be real...would you rather watch Blake Griffin jump over a car or watch bazillionaires play in a scrimmage that means nothing? That's what I thought.

To get you in the mood, here are some of my all-time favorite dunks. Enjoy!

5. 2006- Andre Iguodola's Behind-the-Back dunk

Though he didn't win that year, Iguodola's perfect score dunk was spectacular. The jump before he took the ball around his back? Crazy Town!

4. 2000- Vince Carter- "It's Over"

In what some consider to be the best performance EVER by a slam dunk contestant, Vince Carter finished off his title winning show with a between-the-legs dunk, assisted by teammate Tracy McGrady. Best part? Carter mouthing "It's Over". And it was.

3. 2009- Nate Robinson- 3 Time Champ

Robinson is the all-time champion of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, and it's easy to see why. Always innovative, Robinson stepped it up against foe (and dunking partner in crime) Dwight Howard to take the title in 2009. Keep in mind....Robinson is 5'9". Howard is 6'11".

2. 2007- The Sticker Dunk

Oh, Dwight Howard, you were robbed in the 2007 contest. Howard's dunk was deceptively simple....until you realized he put a sticker with his face on it at the very top of the backboard. Still my favorite. Of. All. Time.

and finally....

1. 1988- Michael Jordan's "Legendary" dunk

The myth and legend himself earned a 50 to win the Slam Dunk contest in 1988. Jordan's take-off from the free throw line is the image we all see in our minds when we think of the superstar. When your dunk becomes your signature, you know it's the best!

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And while we're on the subject of dunks, quick shout out and props to Shepherd University Men's Basketball coach Justin Namolik, who was clearly having a slam dunk contest of one this past Wednesday. 

               

See Worthy

Last week I wrote about how enamored I was of fashionfinder on asos. Then I discovered Polyvore.

Thus was the beginning of a torrid love affair. I know, I'm a terrible person and a cheat. But I'm ok with that.

Anyhoo, not only is polyvore awesome for providing templates, backgrounds, magazine articles, etc to create looks, but it also lets you post directly to your blog. Formatted and everything! It's like a fashion blog fairy. J'adore!!!!!!

Spring Training Fever

It's nearing the end of February, and that means one thing:

Spring training is in full swing my friends.

Yep, in Florida and Arizona, your favorite MLB teams are gearing up for the 2012 season. A season which is 43 days away, in case you were wondering.

Also? Who here doesn't think spring officially starts with Opening Day?

So grab your mitt and your batting helmet as we survey some MLB notes and notables.

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No Place Like Home

OF Nate Mclouth is once again returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates after spending the last three seasons with Atlanta. I mourned Mclouth's loss from the Bucs roster, but I'm curious to see how he will fit into the current line-up. Nate's return, along with the Pittsburgh's off-season acquirement of pitcher A.J. Burnett from the Yankees should have Pirate fans giddy for the upcoming season.

Speaking of the Yankees, the men in pinstripes just signed Raul Ibanez to a one-year contract as a DH. Ibanez, who beat out free agents like Johnny Damon for the gig, is expected to provide defense for New York.

I get to hang out with Tony Danza, Christopher Lloyd,
and Danny Glover, right?

Also joining a new team this season is Albert Pujols, who is leaving the reigning World Series Champs St. Louis Cardinals for greener, more western pastures. Pujols will be sporting an Anaheim jersey come this April after spending the last 11 years in St. Louis. The Cardinals' loss is Anaheim's gain, since  "The Machine" brings with him two championship rings and countless MLB records. Looks like California might be seeing some Angels in the Outfield....or at least on the first base line.

And finally, SF Catcher Buster Posey is returning to his catcher's position after last season's devastating injury.  One little difference? Posey has been told by Manager Bruce Bochy that under no circumstances should he consider blocking the plate again. Bochy, who is lobbying for stricter regulations concerning contact with catchers, said that he'd rather sacrifice a run or two to keep Posey from getting re-injured.


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MLB fans....excited that spring training is here? Thrilled that Opening Day is just around the corner? Hit me up and let me know!


Images provided by texas.rangers.,mlblogspittpeas, and sportscasm.

Isn't It Spomantic???

This past Tuesday, there was some sort of "holiday" that supposedly celebrates "love". But really, it's just "Hallmark and Stover's Candy Day". Amiright?

When it comes to sports, though, I DO have mad love....mad love for those individuals who have captured my heart and soul and won my sworn allegiance. 

No, I'm not talking about romantic love. I'm talking about a spiritual connection deeper than the Pacific Ocean:

The Sports Romance, or the "Spomance", as I like to call it. It's like a "bromance", except it involves sport figures. And also, women can have them.

I've had several over the years, and they've all brought a little something different to the table. Enjoy!

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Bob Knight....I mean, look at that face. Who could not love it? Sure he has had some anger management issues in the past, but what's a little choking and chair throwing between spomancers? I like to think of it as having a strong personality and definitive life goals, don't you?

The former Redskins tackle Chris Samuels was a multi-year Pro Bowl selection. But our spomance started the day that this endearing United Way commercial hit the airwaves, and it hasn't stopped since.

Mora, who played third base for the Baltimore Orioles, won me over with his indecipherable Venezuelan accent and infectious smile. But really, I think our Spomance is based on his adorable six children, five of which are quints.

Sometimes you can't explain your spomance....it just is. This is one of those cases. Tre Johnson didn't last long in the pro world due to difficulty passing those pesky physicals, but he remains a big part of me. Mostly because I have an autographed hat hanging on my wall from when my step dad built his house. True story.

Rece Davis is as respected and like able as they come in the broadcasting world. I always look forward to hearing him talk, and let's be real....communication is key in a spomance!

and finally

Pat White has appeared once or twice on this blog, and it's no secret why: I adore him. His work ethic, his fancy footwork, and his will to win are a big part of that. But a bigger part is the small moments when he was "proving" he didn't have a concussion by performing a somersault and giving the "wink and a gun" to trainers, or when he was meowing like the Pitt Panther. Yes, meowing. And on top of that, he's just a genuinely nice guy. 

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So fellow spomancers, who tops your list? Let me know!

Images provided by static.foxsports, mrsec, sportsnola, cdn0.sbnation, cache1, thebiglead, and i.cdn.turner.

Go Hard or Go Home

So, my newest obsession is the fashion finder section of asos's website. I've been putting together outfits for a little less than a week now on it, and I love it. It's like playing with virtual barbies! Anyhoo, it also allows me to create ensembles that I may not get a chance to wear in public. This rock and roll look is definitely one of my favs!!!

Suede Jacket- coggles; sequined top- oldnavy (similar); leather leggings- farfetch; leather wrap watch- asos; snakeskin booties- payless; smoky quartz earrings- argento; Tom Ford sunnies- farfetch.

It's a Lin-ter Wonderland

Two weeks ago, Jeremy Lin was struggling to make a living doing what he loves: playing basketball professionally.

Now? He's playing to standing ovations and breaking scoring records of players such as Shaquille O'Neal and Michael Jordan.

I almost didn't write about the spunky young New York Knick because the "linsanity" surrounding him has become ridiculous. But then I thought "You know what? This kid is amazing. He DESERVES to have people talking about him." So I jumped on the bandwagon.

Honestly, it's hard to believe that it's taken 23 years for this kid to win the media's attention. The Taiwanese-American from Palo Alto, CA finished his senior year as captain of the California Division II championship winning squad and was named both the player of the year and a first-team All-American. But because he wasn't recruited by in-state schools Stanford, Cal, and UCLA, Lin  had to go cross-country to Ivy League magnate Harvard University....a school that doesn't offer athletic scholarships.

I know, boo hoo, right?


Of course, while a Harvard diploma can lead to many things, a NBA draft pick isn't usually one of them. The last ivy-leaguer to be drafted was Jerome Allen from Pennsylvania University in 1995. The last Ivy-Leaguer to actually PLAY in the NBA was Yale's Chris Dudley in 2003. And yeah...the last time a Harvard player played in the bigs? 1954.

After being picked up and discarded by several teams, Lin seemed once again dead in the water and ready to be dismissed by New York. But then fate stepped in, as fate often does. Absences by marquee players Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire left a gaping hole in the starting line-up.

Enter Jeremy Lin.

On February 3rd, Jeremy played 7 minutes and scored 2 points. Since then? He's scored totals of 25, 28, 23, 38, and 20 and is averaging 39 minutes a game. And lest you think that these came against cupcake teams, let it be known that Lin's 38 came against a Kobe Bryant-led LA Laker team. For the record, Kobe only scored 34.

In other words, whoa.

Yeah, it's pretty safe to say that Jeremy Lin has provided a much needed spark to a league that was very much in jeopardy of losing its season. Whether he can keep on living up to his near mythological hype is yet to be seen, but for now....we're all living in a Lin-ter wonderland.

Image provided by thegospelcoalition.

Say My Name

In sports, talent, dedication, and physicality mean a lot. But sometimes it's that intangible quality that destines one to be a superstar.

Like one's name, for instance.

Think about it....Picabo Street? Coco Crisp? Pops Mensah- Bonsu? What else could these folks do but become great athletes?

With that in mind, I wanted to pay homage to some of the most fantastic named players in Big East basketball right now. I know, there are plenty of other superbly named b-ballers in the country, but since I follow the Big East, and it's my blog, I get to honor who I want.

So here goes (in no particular order):

SCOOP JARDINE

Syracuse Orange

Scoop has been a favorite of mine now for the 20+ years he's been playing at Syracuse. Every time I hear his name, I either want a tostito chip or I want to give him a hug. No correlation there, I'm sure.

FAB MELO

                                                       Syracuse Orange

The Brazilian 7-footer is well on his way to living up to his name. You know, when he's actually playing (darn those academic standards).

SHABAZZ NAPIER

                                                        UConn Huskies

In all honesty, I'm strongly considering naming my future child Shabazz Scoop Peterson. I don't know if it's because Shabazz conjures up images of any movie Sinbad might star in or what, but I dig it.

ALEX ORIAKHI

                                                         UConn Huskies

Oriakhi rhymes with teriyaki. And let's be real....I love me some Japanese food. 

CASHMERE WRIGHT

                                                   Cincinnati Bearcats

Cashmere....every girl's dream fabric. Cashmere Wright? Every sport's writers' dream name to say.

                                             JABARI HINDS
                                                     WVU Mountaineers

This little freshman guard has already earned a place in the Mountaineers's starting line-up. And his name has won a place in my heart.

And finally.......................

VANDER BLUE

                                                 Marquette Golden Eagles

His name is Blue. He wears blue. It's like a match made in sports name heaven.

Honorable Mention: The St. John Red Storm roster, which includes Moe Harkless, God'sgift Achiuwa, and Sir'Dominic Pointer. 

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What did you think of the list? Did I leave someone out? What are some other great names in college ball right now? Let me know!

Images provided by sportsillustrated, media.wktv, grfx.cstv, rushthecourt, images.sportsnetwork, msnsportsnet, and a.espncdn.

(S)NO PROBLEM

Truth be told, I hate winter. With the fire of a thousand suns.

Fortunately for me, we've had quite the mild time of it here in the mid-atlantic region. So, I'm not complaining. Much.

That's not to say it hasn't been cold. And yes, at brief times a bit snowy. This might make the best of us want to curl up on our couch in oversized sweats and wool socks and call it a day. But I'm here to tell you, winter is no excuse not to look cute and STILL be warm. ('cause....not cute? frostbite).

Here are a few of my fashion staples to keep fashionable in these dreary few months:

OLD NAVY CABLE SWEATER

GAP 1969 ALWAYS SKINNY PANT (I prefer the cords)

WHITE INFINITY CABLE KNIT SCARF

UGGS EDMONTON WEATHER BOOT

LANDS' END CHALET DOWN COAT
I've been living in mine this winter!

So unb-ELI-evable!!!!

Before the Super Bowl began Sunday, it was said that Patriot QB Tom Brady was pissed off.

He was sick of hearing about the Giants. Sick of hearing about Eli Manning. Sick of hearing about New England's loss to those Giants and that Manning in the 2008 Super Bowl.

And really, who could blame him? This is the man who is used to being the star. Used to being married to a supermodel. Used to taking his team to the Big Game (5 out of 10 years). Used to winning that Big Game (3 out of 5 times).

Yet, the deck was stacked against him. Tom and Co. were marching into a stadium where not only is the name "Manning" synonymous with "best guy ever", but the name "Brady" isn't exactly revered.

And after the good part of the first half, with a grounding-turned-safety and too many men on the field resulting in 9 New York points, it wasn't looking good.

But then Brady did what Brady does: led his team back to a solid, if not commanding, 17-9 lead well into the 3rd quarter.

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Mario Manningham makes an outstanding catch to
 keep the Giants's winning drive alive

Although the Giants chipped diligently away, field goal by field goal, at the 8 point deficit, it just didn't look like things were going to end the way of the 2008 Super Bowl.

Then Eli Manning did what he does best, at least this 2011 season: mounted his seventh fourth quarter winning drive.

And what a strange drive it was.

First, Receiver Mario Manningham made a spectacular 40 yard grab to keep the Giants's hopes alive by somehow staying in bounds and maintaining possession with 2 defenders on his back.

Then, Ahmad Bradshaw scored with with less than a minute left to give New York the lead. Except, he wasn't supposed to.

As a calculated move to save time, the Patriots D opened up and let Bradshaw run in the endzone untouched. Realizing the strategy, Bradshaw tried to sit down at the one yard line but fell backwards for the unwanted score.

Yep, you read that right....the UNWANTED score.

Oops.

After a failed two point conversion try, Tom Brady and Patriots had a chance to drive the length of the field. For a veteran of Brady's caliber, a minute is like eternity. New England's victory once again seemed very possible, if not probable.

However,  fate once again smiled on the New York Giants. Their late season momentum-gaining  pass rush defense  forced the Patriots into a last second Hail Mary try.

Yes, it was close.  But, as they say, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. And though Tom Brady played lights out, it was once again a Manning who was victorious in Indianapolis.

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So football fans, what did you think of the game? Glad of another exciting finish? Sad the season is over for another year? Still hungover from Sunday partying? Let me know!


Image provided by annarbor.

To Sir With Love....

I have to say, my latest obsession on pinterest (the most amazeball site ever, if you don't know what I'm talking 'bout), is "pinning" things to my humor board. And about....oh....60% of those pins come from someecards. Ranging from topical to every Hallmark category you can think of, these e-cards are often times inappropriate, but always hilarious.

Since we have an event on Sunday that will be BOTH topical and special and sports-related, I thought I'd share some of my recent favs with you all.

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And I think the Redskins should see if it's possible to play only in pre-season. Just sayin.

Thank God that's not often!!!!!!

I don't know...I bet there will be a lot of booze at that party. 

Just in case you missed me posting this last Friday........you're welcome.

and finally.......

No, really. It's the ONLY day. 

Hope these have made your Friday a little more funny and a lot more inappropriate. Have a great weekend and a fabulous Super Bowl everyone!!!!

Images provided by someecards.

Block in the Bag

I'm am super crazy in love with all things color blocked right now. And when it comes to spring, nothing gets me more hyped up than a bright new shiny bag. That's why I'm all about these adorbs color blocked totes!!

Banana Republic Market Tote

Dooney and Bourke O-Ring Shopper

Old Navy Color Block Tote

Fendi Borsa Colorblock Zip Tote