Saturday, April 30, 2011
...Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey
Friday, April 29, 2011
...The Royal Wedding
Michigan Lands Another 4 Star LB
Joe is a 6'2 225 LB who had a total of 18 offers from the like of Arizona, Boston College, Cincinnati, Kentucky, North Carolina, Penn State, Stanford, Tennessee and West Virginia. As a junior he had 90 tackles, 4 sacks and 2 interceptions. This kid can play.
With last years haul of LB's (some for Cincy as well), I would guess Michigan is done at this position for the 2012 class. James "Biggs" Ross is part of the Michigan 3 and the Wolverines might find room for him if he wants to jump on board. With a lot of depth at this position now with the last two classes, I'm guessing "Biggs" might look elsewhere.
Joe is the 7th verbal commitment for the 2012 class.
For more on Joe, check out Mgoblog.
Michigan Friday: Wonders if Delany's hindsight is 20/20?
Now he is sitting with a huge mess with one of his biggest name coaches getting deeper and deeper into more trouble as time goes on. What should he do? Nothing or Something like the SEC did to Bruce Pearl?
Here is what he said, yesterday at the BCS conference: "Based on what we knew, we just spoke on behalf of the kids and the NCAA made the decision it made," Delany said Thursday at the annual Bowl Championship Series meetings in New Orleans. "But I don't think anybody had the knowledge that we have now."
The only new news is that JT knew about it and kept it quiet. Would that fact made you take action against the players? Of course it would have regarding Tressel.
Jim what do think will happen with JT and OSU?
"I'm concerned about it. I think it's a serious situation," Delany said. "The facts are fairly well known and I think the institution will get in front of the infractions committee and then they'll render their opinion in a timely way."
Jim did you stick up for the players last December?
"I spoke on the fact that it wasn't a recruitment issue -- it wasn't an agent issue, it was an extra benefit issue, and it was an extra benefit issue that to our knowledge was isolated and confined," he said. "So it was on that basis that I appealed on behalf of the school. But we didn't have the information we have today."
That makes sense, these guys just picked a tattoo guy in Columbus and struck this one time deal. I'm sure this never happened before in Columbus. Great Take, Jim.
In fact, the Columbus Dispatch is now reporting that there were more items and players involved in the selling of grear and bowl gifts. I guess that is what Jim is referring to as "new information".
My take is Jim seems to be a very good business man and sells the Big Ten very well. I'm concerned about the other part of his job and his inability to see the forest through the trees and mostly when it comes to his big name coaches. His silence or lack of punishment in this matter speaks volumes. Let the NCAA or the institution handle it, is a pretty weak stance for a serious situation in his own backyard.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
...Kate Middleton
1. Be referred to as 'Kate'
When Kate Middleton joins the House of Windsor this year, her official title will become ‘Her Royal Highness the Princess William of Wales’.
She can be addressed as 'Catherine' or 'Ma'am' (pronounced like 'ham'). But 'Kate' isn't going to cut it anymore by Royal standards.
Clarence House officials will probably wine and dine London's Royal correspondents and then ask them to please refer to Kate as 'Catherine' in the future. But we think they will refuse to do this. Something to do with search engine keywords.
2. Vote
Technically, the Queen and other members of her family are allowed to vote, but they do not do so because in practice it would be considered unconstitutional and not in accordance with the need for neutrality.
This is in keeping with the Royal Family's public role, which is based on identifying with every section of society, including minorities and special interest groups.
3. Run for political office
For the reasons stated above, this is also a no no.
4. Escape the scrutiny
As arguably Britain's most dysfunctional family, the Monarchy provides the British public with a generous source of voyeuristic entertainment, and an opportunity for heartless slander.
Having already been under the media spotlight for the best part of nine years, Kate has copped her fair share of criticism from the media over the most mundane and insignificant of things.
She's a commoner. She's an outrageous social climber. She's not outgoing enough. Her mum is an air hostess who uses the word 'toilet'.
The public watchdog will be onto Kate 24/7, so when she slips on that tiara come 29 April she will damn well have to make sure it’s a pretty one. But not too pretty. That would be exhibitionist.
This scrutiny will grow existentially and extend to all aspects of her life. Did you know the Middleton family can only trace their roots back to the mid 1500s? So what were they up to in 1413 then? They must be hiding something.
5. Play Monopoly
In 2008, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, said that the Royal Family was not allowed to play Monopoly at home "because it gets too vicious". No member of the family has yet revealed what they play in its place during the Christmas holidays.
6. Say or do anything controversial
This includes accepting large amounts of money from 'businessmen' for access to your husband and getting your toes sucked in public by your financial adviser. You know who you are, Fergs.
But it also encompasses Kate's expression of her preferred political position, social position, sexual position – basically anything within the realms of personality.
So far she has succeeded seamlessly in this, not putting a foot wrong in any situation. Granted though, the world has only heard her speak once after her and William's engagement and that was a heavily rehearsed affair.
7. Eat shellfish
British Royals are apparently never served shellfish, because of a fear of food poisoning. So if Kate can't live without crustaceans, she will have to seek them out in her own time.
8. Work
It is well known that Royals and careers don't mix well. As proven when Prince Charles' plan to work part time in a factory failed and Countess Sophie Wessex was forced to abandon her PR firm.
In Kate's case though, the whole unemployment scenario shouldn't be too difficult to handle. At 29 years of age she is the oldest spinster ever to marry a future king, and though she has a History of Art degree and years of life experience, Kate has spurned work wherever possible.
This is unless you count seven months as a casual accessories buyer for clothing chain Jigsaw and a short time working for the family company, Party Pieces.
Pinned by some as the unemployed woman marrying into a welfare family, we're reckoning the guys at Buckingham will keep her busy by sending her to lots of boat launches and pancake flipping gigs.
9. Sign anything unofficial
As a potential future counsellor of state if William becomes king, Kate might at some stage have to sign government papers and brings legislation into force in her husband's place.
People in this position are strictly not supposed to sign anything that could lead to their signature being copied and forged.
Last year Prince Harry was in hot water when he flouted this rule by signing the plaster cast of a girl who had fractured her arm, a media report said.
The 17-year-old from Leicestershire was so excited she said her cast would be "going in a glass box", which the Queen might not have been too happy about.
10 Finish her dinner
If she is a slower eater than her grandmother-in-law, Kate could go hungry. In Britain, when the Queen stops eating, you stop as well, fork in hand.
Michigan Thursday: Recruiting Blitz
Here we go..........................
- Reports were that Gunner Kiel a 5 star QB from Indiana (considered the top ranked QB in the nation) visited Ann Arbor yesterday. Reports were he was in town with his mom. From ESPN- Gunner on Michigan: "They have a new coaching staff and they are bringing a new offense on the table that's going to feature the passing game a lot. It's going to be a good system and they will be successful."
- Instate TE Ron Thompson is on commitment watch, looks like it might come in Mid May.
- Instate DT Matt Godin is in the same boat as Ron.
- Cincinnati 4 star LB Joe Bolden is also close to a commitment, some reports have it coming this weekend. Others have him waiting a few more weeks.
- Michigan coaches will be in the high school of 5 star (and OSU soft commit) RB Brionte Dunn today.
- TomVH weighs in with an interview with Missouri DT Ondre Pipkins who is planning to make a visit to Ann Arbor in June.
- Michigan continues to look for a true Safety in this class. Seems like their #1 target is New York DB Wayne Morgan.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
...News
4/27 Sabrina Rivers, Donald Trump, Cher, The Voice, Kara Dioguardi
SABRINA RIVERS, WEDDING PLANNER, SHOWS YOU HOW TO HAVE YOUR OWN ROYAL WEDDING AT A FRACTION OF THE COST
- and how any wedding honeymoons can be virtually all tax deductible apart from the rings.
Trump, Trump, Trump
-China – bashing Trump’s clothing line made in China
-Cher trashes Trump – He’s a pompous A_HOLE!
The Voice Brings the Audience to NBC
Kara Dioguardi visits Regis and Kelly
Spray Tan Robbers hit Bel Air Paintball Shop
Wolverine Wednesday: Wonders if Tressel is Bigger Then the Program?
Unless he is fired before August 12th, consider the answer to the above statement as YES.
Let's give some proof why he is:
#1: OSU hired a successful D1A coach that was just coming out of a similar NCAA problem at YSU. Seems like a very strange hire when you look back at it. How could a D1A coach handle being head coach at OSU and mostly with a bad track record with the NCAA. Would Michigan hire Grand Valley's coach if he had issues with the NCAA? Not a chance.
#2: JT won a National Championship and has only 1 loss against Michigan. Everyone still remembers John Cooper in Columbus and can't stand the thought of another situation like that happening.
#3: The guy can recruit (maybe with a little help). He consistently gets a top 10 classes.
#4: The OSU President who seems to consider himself a part time comedian said, "he hopes Jim doesn't fire me".
#5: The NCAA will come down even harder on OSU if they keep him as coach. Coaches don't survive this label from the NCAA. If they don't fire him, they are willing to take a harder penalty if he continues as head coach.
This is the decision that OSU is struggling with right now. It's clear they don't want to let JT go, but do they really have a choice? If they keep him, it's clear that he is bigger then the program.
(Memo to Urban Meyer: you don't want this head ache, stay retired enjoy your big contract from ESPN and working a couple days a week. Look how happy Jon Gruden is)
Last point, would a CEO of a Fortune 500 company keep his job if he lied to the DOJ and his board of directors? Not a chance.
- 5 Star RB from Ohio Bri'onte Dunn has re-opened his recruitment (verbal to OSU) and might visit Ann Arbor this weekend. Even if he doesn't make it up on Saturday, it seems Michigan still has a great shot at getting a visit from him.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
...Kristin Cavallari
4/26 Katie Couric, Larry King, School Story, Guard Banned from Royal Wedding
It’s Official…Katie Couric is Leaving CBS News
A Larry King Special – Unthinkable: The Alzheimer’s Epidemic
& Much More Including…Idol, Trump & Leno
Michigan Tuesday: Pitt Keeps Mowing The Wolverines Lawn
Then Ray Vinopal transferred before spring practice so he could get back home for some family issues. Home is an hour away from Pitt so no big deal he decided to transfer there. Then Cullen Christian who couldn't get time on the worst defensive backfield in the Big Ten decides after spring ball to transfer away from Ann Arbor. Guess where he ends up? You got it:
"I'm coming home and I am going to be a Pittsburgh Panther," Christian said. "Pittsburgh got my release and all that is left for me to do is to give them my transcripts and fill out paperwork. I'm leaving here on Tuesday after finals, so I might stop down this week, but I am supposed to go down May 9th and meet with the staff and do all the paperwork."
"It feels real good to get a fresh start," Christian continued. "I'm just happy to be coming home. Coach (Tony) Gibson is at Pitt and he was the main reason why I chose Michigan. I just feel like I will enjoy it being home. I wasn't enjoying myself here at Michigan."
"I was thinking about WVU," he said when asked about what other schools he considered. "I wanted to be closer to home and being back with Coach Gibby is too much to pass up. I know what he expects from his players and I know how he coaches. I am also familiar with Tony Dews and Calvin Magee."
I'm not accusing anyone of tampering, but where there's smoke..................
(BTW: I am not saying that RR's former coaches don't have a right to make a living, they do. I'm also not saying that Cullen and Ray don't have a similar right to transfer. I'm just saying there seems to be a lot of coincidences with Michigan's 2 transfers going to the same school)
- With Zeke Pike lost to Auburn, Michigan is now looking at a couple of new names at QB. Chad Kelly who is related Jim Kelly is one and another name to keep an eye on is Tyler O'Connor.
- There have been a number of questions on rather Michigan would still recruit TE Ron Thompson after they got verbals from two TE's on Friday. Reports were that Fred Jackson was out to meet with Ron at his school yesterday. So it looks like they still want Ron to join the 2012 class.
- TomVH reports Pennsylvania RB Greg Garmon is planing a visit to Ann Arbor in the next couple of weeks.
- Instate DE Matt Godin is planning to make his announcement on May 12th. Michigan seems to be in good shape in his recruitment.
Monday, April 25, 2011
...Paula Abdul
4/25 Next CMT Star, Fatal Easter Lark, Gas Trouble, KFC False Teeth
CMT’s Next Country Music Star: Who’s in and who’s out
Easter Lark Turns fatal
Conn. Man Charged After Dumping $200 Worth of Gas
Bad Day For the Buckeyes
On Friday, OSU got their letter and today it's becoming public. The good news for Buckeye fans, the NCAA did not alleged OSU for "failure to monitor" or "failure of institutional control" violations. Which actually makes no sense. Kids were doing the wrong things, the coach gets tipped off, he lies about it and hides it and then is caught red handed. So I guess the NCAA is saying, OSU did monitor the situation they just hide it or didn't do anything about it.
There is plenty of bad news in the allegations but maybe the most damning penalty is that OSU could be seen as a repeat offender for Troy Smith taking $500 from a booster and former basketball coach Jim O'Brien who gave a recruit $6000.
The rest of the allegations (from the Columbus Dispatch):
- Tressel was guilty of ethical misconduct when he knowingly provided false information to the NCAA in certifying that he knew of no potential violations by his players and failed to inform OSU officials.
- Ohio State fielded ineligible players last season when starting quarterback Terrelle Pryor and others competed despite Tressel's knowledge of their misconduct. NCAA bylaws call for immediate suspensions.
- The NCAA said that Pryor, Dan Herron, DeVier Posey, Mike Adams, Solomon Thomas and Jordan Whiting will not face further punishment. They have been suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season.
- The NCAA letter details what those five current players and one former player did: Improperly sold Big Ten championship rings, "gold pants" charms from Michigan wins, game-worn equipment and other items to tattoo-parlor owner Ed Rife for $9,480.
- Players, whose names were redacted by Ohio State citing a federal privacy law, also received 13 free or discounted tattoos. In addition, one player received a $2,420 discount toward the purchase of a used vehicle from Rife, as well as an $800 loan for vehicle repairs, the NCAA reported.
- Tressel knew that at least two players were selling memorabilia or football awards to Rife. Those transactions made the players ineligible to compete under NCAA rules, the letter states.
OSU can kiss the 2010 regular season good bye, it sounds like they will be able to keep the Sugar Bowl win since the players were already under penalty.
OSU clearly wants to keep Tressel as head coach but that's a mistake. There should be nothing keeping this guy in his job. The NCAA hates when people lie to them and Tressel did it twice. IMO, if Tressel keeps his job the NCAA will come down hard on Ohio State and even harder if they are found to be a repeat offender. A penalty could be a number of lost scholarships and being banned from the Big Ten Championship game and Bowl Games.
Don't forget Tressel could "personally" found to be a repeat offender as well for the situation at Youngstown State. The NCAA lately has been trying to penalize coaches who skip to other jobs and leave the entire penalty with the University they just left. Other examples of this are Kelvin Sampson when he left Oklahoma for Indiana. There are other guys that have gotten away with it include: Lou Holtz, Pete Carroll, and John Calipari.
Ohio State is in a no win situation with Tressel at the moment. They don't want to fire him but can't support him either. He is and will be hung out in the wind. He should resign since he could be fired with cause today anyway.
OSU will meet with the NCAA on August 12th. The best they can hope for is that the NCAA accepts the current penalty they have given Tressel. Don't count on it.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
...Heidi Montag
Saturday, April 23, 2011
...Easter
Friday, April 22, 2011
...French Fries
4/22 Maria Menounos, Donald Trump, "Kiss Controversy" on American Idol
GUEST: Maria Menounos is one busy woman! In addition to being a special correspondent for Access Hollywood, E! News, reporting for NBC News, acting in films and television, she can now add author to her resume with the release of THE EVERYGIRL’S GUIDE TO LIFE
Other Topics:
Trump talks China, OPEC and the 2012 Elections
‘Kiss controversy’ and another guys gets eliminated this week on Idol.
Michigan Has a Double Good Friday in Recruiting
Verbal #1 comes from a 6'4 210ish pound TE from Farmington Hills Harrison, Devin Funchess who has visited Michigan a number of times the last month or so. Harrison has a number of D1 prospects this year and is known as a MSU feeder school. Devin is on record saying he will recruit his teammates (Mario Ojemudia and Aaron Bubridge) to Ann Arbor. If I had to guess Devin is pretty close guaranteed a redshirt as he gains some weight for a TE in the Big Ten. This kid is an athlete with a nice frame which equals the high upside label. He looks more like a WR in the video below.
Devin is a 4 star recruit to Scouts and 24/7 and has a nice offer list that includes Cincinnati, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan State, Missouri, Nebraska, and Virginia. If you would like more details on Devin, check out Mgoblog profile here.
Recruit #2 is AJ Williams from Cincinnati, Ohio. AJ is a big fella at 6'6 260 pounds and could be considered a TE or offensive line prospect. Coach Hoke likes the idea of a blocking TE so maybe he could fit that role as well.
AJ is a three star recruit to Scouts and not rated on Rivals or 24/7. He does have a nice offer sheet that includes WVU, BC, MSU, Vandy, NC State, Arkansas, Louisville, Illinois, and Indiana.
There is a lot of videos of AJ Williams on You Tube but none (I could find) for this AJ Williams.
This would seem the end of Michigan's TE recruitment for 2012 if (AJ is considered a TE). Which leaves the question mark about Ron Thompson who has seemed to been on the verge of a commitment to the Wolverines for some time. Would Michigan take 3? The answer is probably yes if they consider AJ more offensive lineman then TE. Then again maybe Devin is more WR then TE.
...Earth Day
Michigan Friday: Loses a Christian and a Morris
Let's get to the basketball news first. Darius Morris has decided to enter the NBA Draft and not hire an agent. That means he has until May 8th to pull his name out of the draft. If he hires an agent before then, he will not be allowed to change his mind and come back to Ann Arbor.
I would now say the odds of Darius coming back as pretty slim. I'm not an NBA expert but here is what I have been hearing.
Reasons for Darius to go: Some have used the words "terrible" to describe this NBA draft. Many big time players from schools like Baylor, OSU and North Carolina have decided to stay in school. Which makes this draft pretty light on big names. If that is the case, Darius might be considered a "better" prospects this year over other years.
Reasons for Darius to stay: He still needs to work on his game. He is lacking a perimeter jump shot and could use another year of college basketball. There is also a strong possibility of an NBA lock out and one reason some players are electing to stay in school. Many are predicting this lockout could be worse then the NFL's and continue long into the season.
That's a difficult decision for Darius and wish him luck either way.
Like we mentioned yesterday, Cullen Christian has elected to play his football elsewhere. Here are some quotes from SuperPreps: "Coach (Brady) Hoke is a great guy and I have no issues with him at all," Christian told Superprep.com. "I had meetings with my other coaches and I just didn't like the direction that they had me going in. I think it is best that I move on and finish my career elsewhere."
"I thought I did pretty well in spring ball and as far as production goes; I did very well," Christian told the website. "I hurt my back and wasn't able to perform in one scrimmage and the spring game, and that set me back a little bit."
"I came here to be a part of something big and it has all fallen apart," he told the website. "Part of you feels like you failed, while another part of you wants to go prove them they were wrong. I need to move on now and do what is best for me."
I personally had high hopes for Cullen at Michigan. I thought with his skill set he could come in and play right away. Freshman did play last year but Cullen didn't get a lot of time. Avery and Talbott got much more playing time at corner over Cullen.
Michigan is getting back Woolfolk and Floyd starters in defensive backfield this year and true freshman Greg Brown who enrolled early played pretty well in the Spring Game. Not to mention the guys that will be here this summer which include: Delonte Hollowell, Blake Countness, Tamani Carter and Raymon Taylor. I also believe Avery is going to be an NFL prospect after his senior year.
If you add all those things up, it pretty much equals a transfer. Good Luck CC, I wish you luck at your next school.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
...Sergio Ramos
4/21
Veena Malik in Big Toss: Vibrant Dance Performance
Big Toss, the reality show by India TV looks like a nightmare version of the Big Boss concept. The show has unnecessary screaming and squealing. The channel claims that ” top notch celebrities” are going to be housed ina Villa.
According to sources, Malik has been given Rs10 million for hosting the show. Talking about her show she said, “This show will be a mixture of cricket and entertainment. I will also discuss famous love affairs of various cricketers,” said Malik.
The defiant Veena Malik will be hosting ‘Big Toss’ along with panelists Ketan Sharma and former Indian cricketer and national coach Anshuman Gaekwad. While Sharma and Gaekwad will highlight the technicalities of the game, Veena Malik will bring spice and interest to the more colorful aspects of the cricketers.
As per the show creaters, the list of participants are: Rakhi Sawant, Veena Malik, Yuvraj Singh’s father Yograj Singh Bundhel, RJ Simran, Punjabi pop singer Ashok Masti, former Delhi University Student’s Union leader Amrita Dhawan, singer and guitarist Shanker Sawhney, Zoobi Doobi singer Zahid Nigam, Delhi BJP leader Vijay Jolly, Delhi Congress leader Mukesh Sharma, Haryana wrestler Sangram Singh, hair stylist Sylvie, MTV contestant Sakshi Bhayana and Arvind Swami.