411 Sports Jan_2010

www.411sportsnews.com VOLUME VI ISSUE 01 • JAN 2010

MARK INGRAM HEISMAN WINNER AND BCS CHAMPIONSHIP

ALICIA KEYS: PURSUES POP DIRECTION PG 14 JO WHAT

IS YOUR HOTTEST SPORTS OPINION?

TONY ROMO

HAS TO

GO,

HE

IS A BETTER SECONDARY QUARTERBACK.

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what’s inside

06

VOLUME V ISSUE 35 • JAN 2010 PUBLISHER/EDITOR CEDRIC E. LYONS EXECUTIVE OFFICER ROD JONES ENTERTAINMENT MANAGER COPY EDITOR S. L. LYONS

TOP TEN SPORTS STORIES OF THE DECADE

STAFF WRITERS EUGENE LYNCH DELMETRIA MILLENER BERTRAM D. ADAMS CHERYL W. ROBINSON DJ BIG BINK (97.9 THE BEAT) GREGORY MOORE DARYL WASHINGTON CHRIS HOWELL

I honestly cannot believe the 2000's are a decade old.... There have been so many amazing things to happen over the past ten years, that I feel a little cramped to only come up with the top ten sports stories of the decade. So, if I missed one (or several), please don't hate me. There were quite a few to catch our eyes and ears these last ten years, so here's to one HAITI FLAG

CASTER SEMENYA

ANTHONY SPENCER

LESLIE FRAZIER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CHARLES STEPHEN FOSSETT, III TRINA S. GEORGE CHELSEA SHEFFIELD LATOYA HARDAWAY PEARL JR. OCTAVIA WHITELOWE MARK CRUTCHER ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES LAUREN JACKSON K EDWARD ROSS DESIGN DEPARTMENT WORLD PRODUCTION AND DESIGN

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) Judging by his introductory press conference with the Seattle Seahawks, it is in no way a good

IRVING, Texas (AP) -Anthony Spencer finally got the validation he was doing things right for the Dallas Cowboys.

In the second quarter of the 11th game, on Thanksgiving Day

As octokids, late night sex scandals and a couple of award show scuffles fade into the past, it’s time to start thinking of how you’ll resolve to

In 1994, the late Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes made headlines when she burned down the mansion of her boyfriend and Atlanta Falcons star, Andre Rison. The incident took place when

05 8 18 22 FRESH THINKING ALWAYS AVAILABLE.

PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING 1401 Elm Streeet, Suite 1900 • Dallas, Texas 75202 • (214) 744-1428 • (214) 744-1435 fax• www.focuspr.com Fresh thinking in diversity communications JAN 2010

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3

BENCH WARMER

By CEDRIC E. LYONS SPITTIN’ AT THE GAMES Arizona (11-6) at New Orleans (13-3), Saturday, 4:40pm (FOX) (New Orleans -7) Storylines: Defending NFC Champion Cardinals trying to get back to the NFC Championship for the second straight season, while Saints are attempting to reach the game for the second time in their history, and first since 2006...Saints lost their final three games of the regular season after starting the year 130, falling to the Cowboys (24-17), Buccaneers (20-17 in overtime), and Panthers (23-10)...Cardinals played the highest-scoring playoff game in NFL history last week, beating the Packers 51-45 in overtime...Arizona wide receiver Anquan Boldin (ankle) a question mark after missing last week's contest...Saints running back Pierre Thomas (ribs), wide receiver Lance Moore (ankle) and cornerback Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring) all question marks for Saturday...Saints defensive end Charles Grant (torn triceps) was placed on season-ending injured reserve last week...Saints led the NFL in total offense (403.8 yards per game), scoring offense (31.9 points per game), touchdowns (64), completion percentage (69.5), defensive touchdowns (8), and was tied for first in touchdown passes (34) during the regular season...Saints quarterback Drew Brees led the NFL in passer rating (109.6) and touchdown passes (34).

Fast Fact: In his last meeting against the Cardinals (Dec. 16, 2007), Saints quarterback Drew Brees completed 26-of-30 passes for 315 yards with two touchdowns and no turnovers in a 31-24 New Orleans victory.

Prediction: Cardinals play best when no one believes in them, but it's hard to envision the Saints finishing the year with four straight losses.

Saints 30, Cardinals 20.

--Baltimore (10-7) at Indianapolis (14-2), Saturday, 8:10pm (CBS) (Indianapolis -6) Storylines: Rematch of a Week 11 game in Baltimore, won by the Colts, 17-15...

Including playoffs, the Ravens are 0-7 against the Colts since last beating them in 2001, including 0-3 in Indianapolis...Baltimore trying to get back to the AFC Championship for the second straight season, while Indianapolis trying to get back to the game for the first time since winning it after the 2006 campaign...Colts lost their final two games of

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4

THE WATER COOLER

the regular season following a 14-0 start, resting starters for portions of defeats to the Jets (29-15) and Bills (30-7)...Colts are 1-3 in their last four playoff openers, including home losses to the Steelers (2118 in 2005) and Chargers (28-24 in 2007), and are 03 during the Peyton Manning era when they have a first-round bye...

Ravens tight end Todd Heap (back) a question mark after being injured late in last week's win over the Patriots...Manning won his NFL-record fourth league MVP award last week...Colts led the league in third-down percentage (49.2) and fewest sacks allowed (13) during the regular season, and were tied for first in touchdown passes (34) and fewest fumbles lost (5), but were last in rushing offense (80.9 yards per game).

Fast Fact: Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco's 34 passing yards last week were tied for the fewest in a win during the Super Bowl era, equaling the 34 thrown by the Dolphins' Bob Griese in a 27-10 win over the Raiders in the AFC Championship on Dec. 30, 1973.

Prediction: Ravens defense isn't nearly as good as it looked last week, though Colts tend to let opponents hang around.

Colts 23, Ravens 19.

--Dallas (12-5) at Minnesota (12-4), Sunday, 1:00pm (FOX) (Minnesota -3) Storylines: Brett Favre makes his first playoff start as a Viking, and his first postseason appearance since presiding over the Packers' overtime loss to the Giants in the 2007 NFC Championship...Favre is 2-9 as a starter against Dallas in his career, including 0-3 in the playoffs...Minnesota trying to reach the NFC Championship for the first time since 2000...Vikings last won a playoff game in 2004, and are seeking their first postseason win of the Brad Childress era...Cowboys snapped a six-game playoff losing streak with last week's 34-14 win over the Eagles, also their first postseason victory since 1996...

Dallas hasn't won multiple playoff games or reached the NFC Championship since 1995, when it won the Super Bowl...Cowboys hold a 5-2 edge in their postseason series against the Vikings...Dallas running back Marion Barber (knee) expected to play despite being limited to three carries for four yards in last week's win over the Eagles...Minnesota WWW.411SPORTSNEWS.COM

posted a league-high- tying 34 touchdown passes during the regular season, and threw an NFL-low seven interceptions...Vikings led the NFL in sacks (48) and allowed a leaguelow-tying five rushing TDs during the regular season...Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson led the league in touchdowns (18) and rushing touchdowns (18) in '09...Vikings were 8-0 at home during the '09 regular season.

Fast Fact: The Cowboys are 0-3 in Minnesota since last winning there in 1995, including a 27-10 loss to the Vikings in 1999 NFC FirstRound Playoff.

Prediction: Vikings have their holes, but Cowboys defense is bound to turn back into a pumpkin at some point.

Vikings 27, Cowboys 17.

--N.Y. Jets (10-7) at San Diego (13-3), Sunday, 4:40pm (CBS) (San Diego -7.5) Storylines: Chargers have won 11 in a row since a 2-3 start...Jets trying to reach AFC Championship for the first time since 1998, Chargers last reached that round in 2007...Only playoff meeting between Chargers and Jets was in 2004 postseason, when New York was a 20-17 overtime winner...Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez trying to become just the second quarterback in NFL history to win his first two playoff games, along with Baltimore's Joe Flacco (2008)...

Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis finished second in AP Defensive Player of the Year voting, behind Packers cornerback Charles Woodson, earlier this week...Jets were No. 1 in the league in rushing offense (172.2 yards per game) during the regular season, while Chargers were last in the league in yards per carry (3.3)...Jets were No. 1 in NFL total defense (252.3 yards per game), scoring defense (14.8 points per game), passing defense (153.7 yards per game), touchdowns allowed (26), touchdown passes allowed (8), opponents' third-down percentage (31.5), and opponents' completion percentage (51.7) during the regular season...Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding led the NFL in scoring (146 points) during the '09 campaign.

Fast Fact: The Jets are 0-4 in their last four attempts at winning a second playoff game, since downing the Los Angeles Raiders (1714) to reach the AFC Championship in 1982.

Prediction: Jets have a real chance to keep it close on the strength of their defense, but Philip Rivers will make enough big plays for San Diego to advance.

Chargers 24, Publisher Jets 17. clyons@411sportsnews.com JAN 2010

CARROLL,

THE

ROONEY RULE,

AND PLAYOFFS TOO

BY DEVIN POPE Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - had no real chance of getting the job, nor Judging by his introductory press did the minority candidates that the conference with the Seattle Seahawks, it is Washington Redskins interviewed (Jerry in no way a good thing that Pete Carroll is Gray, Greg Blache) before they made Mike moving to the coffee capital of the United Shanahan their latest head coach on Jan. States.

5th.

Carroll was known for being a bundle of energy even before he carved out a legacy as one of the most successful coaches in college football history during a 10-year run at USC, but this was ridiculous. Carroll was chattering away like some combination of the guy from the Micro Machines commercial and a filibustering U.S. senator.

Some of the smartest league observers have weighed in on the matter, challenging the NFL to take a stand against teams that violate the intent of the rule by conducting token interviews with people who stand no chance of getting the jobs.

Whoever had to transcribe that thing was cursing the day they were born.

Carroll's hiring in Seattle has sparked some controversy, and not just among Seahawks fans who are worried that this is Dennis Erickson all over again (successful college coach who can't get it done in Seattle), Mike Holmgren all over again (good coach who had a bit too much power, until he was stripped of GM duties), or worst of all, Pete Carroll all over again (coach who produced mediocre results in stints with the Jets and Patriots).

No, the perceived problem with the move to retain Carroll's services is the way the

Seahawks handled the Rooney Rule, which since its inception in 2003 has required teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching positions. Seattle NFL technically complied with the rule, interviewing Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier for the job over the weekend, but only after it had been widely reported that Carroll-to-Seattle was a done deal.

No matter what the Seahawks say, Frazier JAN 2010

in that manner moving forward, and the number of coaches who any team would hire in such sight-unseen fashion, are few and far between.

As it happens, the number of high-profile candidates currently on the open market is unusually large, and it just so happened that two of the deepest- pocketed teams in the NFL had vacancies that matched the demands of two of those Super Bowl- or national championship-winning candidates.

The way the Redskins and Seahawks went about hiring coaches isn't going to change the way the Bills conduct their search, or the Raiders conduct their inevitable next search, or, in all probability, the way the Redskins and Seahawks conduct their next searches.

That's not to say that we should be naive.

Jerry Gray (Washington) Unfortunately, not only is this a conundrum that's not easily fixed, it's downright unfixable. And frankly, it doesn't need fixing.

Look, the Rooney Rule is a good one, and a necessary one, but it only works for organizations that are shopping for a coach. The Pittsburgh Steelers were shopping for a coach when they hired Mike Tomlin over Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm in 2007. The Chicago Bears were shopping when Lovie Smith emerged from a field that also included Grimm, Romeo Crennel, and the younger Jim Mora in 2004.

Leslie Frazier (Vikings)

FANTASY FANTASY FOOTBALL

The Seahawks and Redskins, by contrast, weren't shopping. They had long ago zeroed in on the men they wanted, Carroll and Shanahan, and weren't conducting searches. Seattle wasn't even going to fire Mora if they couldn't get Carroll.

Whatever past NFL failures you can bring up for both Carroll and Shanahan, and there are several, there is much to suggest that both can and will be successful in their new positions. Their track records eliminated the need for a real search by the franchises that hired them, but the number of teams that are able to operate WWW.411SPORTSNEWS.COM

Greg Blache (Washington) The league and its owners have certainly operated in a sinister fashion in the past relative to the enforcement of rules, and the league needs to be vigilant in ensuring that the spirit of the Rooney Rule - which now extends to the hiring of senior operations staff as well - is being followed to the letter.

But those of us with an interest in making sure policies promoting diversity in the NFL are adhered to, also need to acknowledge that certain circumstances must be taken into account, and that the well-meaning intent of the Rooney Rule isn't always going to match up to those circumstances, though it usually will.

In that regard, the Seahawks and Redskins have done nothing remotely wrong. In these isolated cases, the Rooney Rule was a square peg in a round hole. There is no bad guy here, just a loophole that is inevitable and impossible to close.

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5

COVER STORY SPECIAL

I honestly cannot believe the 2000's are a decade old.... There have been so many amazing things to happen over the past ten years, that I feel a little cramped to only come up with the top ten sports stories of the decade. So, if I missed one (or several), please don't hate me. There were quite a few to catch our eyes and ears these last ten years, so here's to one amazing decade of sports: 2001 World Series - The Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the New York Yankees in seven games, and what an amazing seven games. With all of the drama in the series, not to mention in the world after the 9/11 attacks, this World Series was easily the most memorable sporting moment of this decade. Clutch home runs by Scott Brosius and Tino Martinez helped the Yankees out tremendously, but it was a little bloop single over a drawn in infield by Luis Gonzalez that won the World Series. All around a classic for the ages.

2. Tiger Woods - What a decade for the best golfer/worst husband. I know this news is recent and at the end of the decade, but Tiger spent over ten years building up professional golf, only to have it torn down

TO

TOP TEN SPORTS STORIES OF THE DECADE

BY LLOYD VANCE, 411 SPORTS AND ENTERTANIMENT

3. Steroids in Baseball - Ok, so we might have known about this elephant in the room, but now it was brought out for the world to see. The Mitchell Report, BALCO, Congress testimonies, and leaked 'anonymous' drug tests captured most of the headlines over the last five years. Who knew Jose Canseco would wind up being one of the few people to actually tell the truth....

4. Barry Bonds Pursuit of HR Record - So Barry Bonds broke the career mark for home runs set by Hank Aaron. Just make sure you have an '*' next to this record please.

5. Brett Favre Retires, Unretires, Retires, Unretires...

- Oh, you get the idea.

6. The New England Patriots Dominate the NFL - The San Francisco 49ers owned the 80's, the Dallas Cowboys owned the 90's, and the Patriots owned this last decade. Beating the Rams, Panthers, Eagles, and losing a heart breaker to the New York Giants made for a great dynasty, and for some very exciting football.

10. NBA Referee Gets Caught for Gambling - NBA Ref Tim Donaghy got nabbed for gambling on games he officiated. Good thing I bet the over on 'friends' Donaghy will meet in prison....

Top 5 Athletes of the Decade Sports fans around the world enjoy nothing more than animated (sometimes heated) discussion concerning who among them can lay claim to cheering for the actual "best" athletes in the world.

The relative merits of individual athletes and their accomplishments are bandied back and forth like a shuttlecock at a badminton match. Achievements are exaggerated and even fabricated as loyal supporters stray off the path of truth, attempting to defend the honor of their champions. There are five athletes who need no champion to take up their cause, five whose real life

7. Michael Vick - The face and franchise player for the Atlanta Falcons made headlines, but for all the wrong reasons.

Being sentenced to prison for dog fighting, Vick cost himself his future, although he is in the midst of a comeback with the Eagles.

8. Boston Red Sox win their first World Series in over 80 years - The Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals for their first World Series title in over 80 years.

Somewhere Ted Williams is smiling.

so quickly. Before Tiger, golf was in the background of sports. Once he hit the links, golf was suddenly significant. Now, all the hard work he put in to bringing golf to the spotlight and making it a game for everyone, went down quicker than...well, never mind.

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6

9. Idiot Athletes - Besides Michael Vick, there have been other athletes who have somehow lodged their heads up certain rear parts and cost themselves great careers as professional athletes (see Plaxico Burress, Maurice Clarett, Donte Stallworth, Tiger Woods...you get the idea. Hey, at least O.J. waited until retirement!)

WWW.411SPORTSNEWS.COM

JAN 2010

COVER STORY accomplishments over the last decade speak more convincingly than the most ardent fan club president could imagine.

Here are the top five athletes of the last decade.

5. Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world, towers over the competition physically as well as athletically. At 6'5" and 205 pounds, Bolt looks more like a basketball player than a typical sprinter, which is fitting since his skills as a sprinter are anything but typical.

Born in 1986, Usain spent much of the last decade growing from a promising teenager into a dominating adult, overcoming the same injuries and setbacks that plague many sprinters. At the 2008 Olympics in Bejing, China, 22 year old Usian Bolt shocked the world, becoming the first man in history to set world records while winning both the 100M (9.69) and 200M(19.30). Even more shocking was seeing Bolt pull up and wave to the crowd 20 meters before the finish of the 100. Not content with being the first man to break 9.7 in the hundred, or even with being the first man to ever break world records while winning gold in both the 100 and 200, Bolt broke another world record and earned another gold medal in the 4x100(37.10).

Three races, three gold medals, three world records. As if to prove to the world that he was no Bob Beamon (1968 gold medal long jump champion who never again equaled his mark), Bolt broke both of this new records in 2009. The fastest man on earth now holds a record of 9.58 for the 100M and 19.19 for the 200M. Usain Bolt has literally separated himself from the rest of the competition while simultaneously establishing himself as the fastest man on the planet.

4. Tiger Woods, the best golfer of our time, if not of all time, seems at times to have accomplished more in the past decade than all other professional golfers combined.

Beginning in 2000, Woods has won 56 PGA tournaments, nine of them in that very first year of the decade. On December 16th, just one day before Woods was named Golf JAN 2010

TOP TEN SPORTS STORIES OF THE DECADE

Writer's Association of America's Player of the Year award for the 10th time in his 13 year career, The Associated press named him Athlete of the Decade. Tiger came back from major knee surgery in 2008 to dominate once again in 2009, cementing his place as the best golfer of this decade, who put together better numbers than any golfer in any decade. In spite of landing far into the rough in his personal life, Tiger is obviously one of the top five athletes of the

past decade.

3. Michael Phelps, American swimmer extraordinaire, accomplished something that many had begun to doubt would ever be seen. In the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, Phelps won eight gold medals in swimming, surpassing the 1972 record of seven, set by American Mark Spitz. Beijing was not Michael's first taste of Olympic victory this decade: he won six gold and two bronze medals at the 2004 games. The fourteen Gold medals are the most ever by an Olympian. On December first, Swimmer's World named Phelps "World Swimmer of the Year" for 2009, marking an unprecedented fourth consecutive annual award, and sixth in the last decade. If Phelps had been born ten years earlier, he would be in contention for greatest swimmer, not only of the decade, but of the previous century. As it is, Michael is easily one of the top five athletes of this first decade of the 21st century.

WWW.411SPORTSNEWS.COM

2. Roger Federer, Swiss born professional tennis player, dominated his sport in the last decade. In 2001, Federer defeated Pete Sampras at Wimbledon, breaking Sampras' 31 match winning streak at Wimbledon.

The next year he finished with an ATP ranking of 6th in the world. In 2003 Roger began his success at Grand Slam events by winning his first Wimbledon, which he followed up in 2004 by winning all the grand Slams but the French. By 2004, Federer began a hold on the number one ranking that lasted 237 weeks, surpassing the old record of 160. In the last decade, Federer has won 15 Grand Slams, more than anyone in Tennis history.

1. Lance Armstrong is an American cyclist whose accomplishments establish strong justification for naming him the best athlete of the last decade. The cancer survivor and drug free Tour de France champion overcame almost unbelievable personal and professional obstacles to win the Tour de France a world record seven consecutive years. Winning a race covering over 2,000 miles in 20 days is an accomplishment very few experience even once during a career.

Lance faced the sprints and the climbs, the weather and the accidents, the crazed fans and the overzealous drug testers, yet came out on top seven years in a row from 19992005. It is an amazing feat that may never

be repeated. After three years in retirement Armstrong made a comeback and finished third in 2009. The latest news is that after forming his own team and resuming his training and conditioning, Lance will be among the favorites in 2010.

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7

WHAT

BUSINESS IN THE NEWS

WE CAN DO AS A COMMUNITY, BEFORE

MANDATES ARE IMPOSED ON EVERYONE.

forgiving millions of dollars of overpayments to the insurance industry needs to be fixed.

The subsidization of the insurance industry as well needed to be addressed, since subsidies and outsourcing to the same industry is at best questionable.

This new year is now the time to reexamine our goals and move forward into 2010 with a defined solution as to what will be accomplished in the name of healthcare reform.

The passage of healthcare bill in both houses of Congress now leaves little doubt that a passage of a healthcare bill will ensue. The fact is whether we agree or not agree with all the terms and provision in this bill, this is the first time in over four decades something is being done.

So let's clearly define the main points and see how these can be improved. This makes more sense that to try to kill the whole bill and return back to the place where we talk about it, which is all we have ever done. The fact there is no preexisting condition is a real win to those whom been denied coverage all these years- ex. retired football players.

The revaluing of the Medicaid and Medicare system, and creating a check and balance to eliminate waste and fraud which has been a common practice, as well as the government

So in one hand the government is fixing the long outstanding problem of the healthcare issue but in the other is creating another questionable situation.

Under the healthcare bill, on the one hand we are fixing one problem but in the other creating one as well. We are now mandating all Americans to buy insurances and then subsidizing premiums for 30 Million American. Never mind outsourcing all the government employee benefits to private insurance industry.

Was it not the government which broke ATT due to being a monopoly many years ago, now creating another? It must be said that the government needs to stop reshuffling the same deck of cards and let's begin playing with a new deck of cards. A deck which bring back the basic elements of governing and helps the community look to solve there own uninsured problems. A free society to think and be creative is what is required than mandates on individuals only benefiting a specific industry with no cost control on that industry.

If we are to mandate anyone it should be the

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insurance industry to equally share in the risk of those medically impaired conditions. No company portfolio should be able to exclude or overcharge those individuals, and should equally maintain a percentile of those medically impaired individuals on their portfolio of insured.

So in this climate of healthcare reform regardless of the final bill, it is clear there will be a void in the middle class where there will be no assistance. A void where there will be no subsidies or qualification for Medicaid, and too young to qualify for Medicare.

In this New Year, an innovative approach will be introduced on Super Bowl Sunday February 7th, 2010 at Gulfstream Park & Casino, Halladale Beach, Florida. This will specifically be design to bring access to quality health care and bring back control to the provider PCP and the patient, who will benefits both financially and in the quality of care. Let's look at a viable solution for the remaining American who will not benefit under the healthcare reform bill, and a solution for all communities in America who are facing this problem this year and every year thereafter. We have three years to show the government what we can do as a community, before mandates are imposed on everyone.

Perhaps then the government can see the solutions lies in the hand of the people at the community level and not in big government or lobbyist representing special interest of major insurance and pharmaceutical companies.

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JAN 2010

LB Spencer Suddenly Sacking for Dallas Cowboys 411 SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT IRVING, Texas (AP) -Anthony Spencer finally got the validation he was doing things right for the Dallas Cowboys.

In the second quarter of the 11th game, on Thanksgiving Day against Oakland, the linebacker got his first sack of the season.

The second came late in the same game with predecessor Greg Ellis, who had 20 1/2 sacks the previous two seasons, on the other sideline with the Raiders. ''It made me feel like I was doing the right things, like I wasn't really doing the things that I was doing before wrong,'' Spencer said. ''It made me feel that I was doing things right the entire season, but it just wasn't coming.''

Spencer has had five sacks in the past four games, all of them Cowboys victories as they wrapped up the NFC East title and posted their first playoff victory in 13 seasons. He was the NFC defensive player of the week after two sacks and a forced fumble in the regular-season finale. ''Everybody had been sort of criticizing him, telling him what he needs to do,'' Pro Bowl linebacker DeMarcus Ware said. ''He's been getting to the quarterback, getting pressure.

Earlier in the season, he wasn't getting sacks. But now he is. ... He's making a lot of plays.''

At the right time for the Cowboys, who go to

JAN 2010

Minnesota on Sunday to face Brett Favre and the Vikings.

There were several near-misses on quarterbacks for Spencer early in the season, though the 2007 firstround pick insists he never doubted himself or heard any of the critics.

Instead, he kept getting encouragement from coaches and teammates. ''Everybody felt like I was in the right place, just not at the right time,'' Spencer said.

In the game before getting his first sacks, Spencer had one taken away when officials reviewed a play when he pushed Washington's Jason Campbell out of bounds behind the line of scrimmage and ruled Campbell threw the ball away just before being tackled.

But Spencer did get the game-clinching interception late in that 7-6 victory. The first sacks came four days later, and now he keeps adding to his total. ''It's more confidence than anything. That, and he just kept doing what he was doing,'' coach Wade Phillips said. ''The production wasn't quite there, especially in the pass rush. But he had been getting there. He had been getting by his guy. ... His persistence has made a difference.''

WWW.411SPORTSNEWS.COM

Ellis was the longest-tenured Dallas player when he was cut during the offseason after 11 seasons. Ellis had flourished opposite Ware, but he was gone largely because the Cowboys felt that Spencer was ready for an expanded role.

Ellis started and played in passing situations last season and the year before. The only time Spencer had started before this season was the first six games as a rookie when Ellis was injured.

Now Spencer is starting and staying on the field, which was an adjustment after splitting so much time for two years. ''He wasn't in game shape,'' inside linebacker Bradie James said. ''He had never played an entire (NFL game) until now. ... You have to play the game to get in game shape. And so his first couple of games, that's what he was doing.''

But James was quick to add that Spencer was close to getting quarterbacks even then. ''He's had several sacks taken away from him due to penalties or somebody messing up,'' James said. ''He's just continued to press forward and lift his game up a notch.''

Spencer made the same transition with Dallas that Ware did after he was a first-round pick in 2005 -- from college end to an outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. Ellis also made that switch, after eight seasons in the NFL, though he returned to his original position for Oakland. ''You're on the field to make plays and the more plays you make, the more confidence you get out of it,'' said Spencer, who hadn't played linebacker since high school. ''You build confidence like that. That's what's been happening.''

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9

UNDERCLASSMEN WOES As we near the conclusion of the college bowl season, underclassmen across the country are submitting requests for grades to the college advisory committee of the NFL to rationalize whether they should forgo their senior season of college eligibility. Do not be surprised at the large number of underclassmen who opt for the NFL draft this upcoming April. Collegiate players and their families have always wrestled with the perplexing issue of coming out early or staying college to complete their degree requirements.

This issue has been compounded this year by a barrage of issues facing student-athletes and their families. With the world-wide economic environment affecting just about everyone, many student athletes will be even-more-so lured to the riches of the NFL to supplement the real issues of family members having been laid off or unable to seek gainful employment with a national unemployment rate of 10%.

I have graded tapes for the college advisory committee for some notable past NFL draftees: free agent DT Dewayne Robertson, Arizona Cardinals S Antrel Rolle, and Carolina Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams to name a few. I was not far off from where each one of these players was selected by his draft team except one: Dewayne Robertson.

Although the grading scale ranges do depict actual slots, the grading scales use ranges of where a player may be selected (e.g. 1st Round, 2nd-3rd Round, 4th-5th Round, 6th-7th Round, Free Agent). Players receive a confidential score which is

The Bar B Que King and Soul Food

released to the player and the head coach of his school. After reviewing the grades, coaches typically do their ‘song and dance’ to persuade players that staying in school an extra year will be more profitable and rewarding for the player, when in actuality it usually means job security to the coach.

In 2003, I graded Robertson when he was a junior coming out of the University of Kentucky, as no better than a 7th round player after watching his game tape from his performance against the Florida Gators. I was not overly happy with my initial grade, so I watched a couple more game tapes, and raised my grade to no higher than a 3rd round grade; not anywhere near a first round player.

Robertson was drafted with the #4 overall pick in the 2003 NFL draft by the New York Jets, and had not completed his degree requirements from his university. On April 24, 2008, Robertson was traded to the Denver Broncos and was subsequently signed to a five-year contract for $24 million. On February 16, 2009, the Denver Broncos released Robertson after just one season.

Let me repeat that again, Robertson was released after just one season with the Denver Broncos. AMAZING! What about the #10 overall draft choice of the Detroit Lions in the 2005 NFL draft? Former University of Southern California (USC) WR Mike Williams. Oh, yeah! Remember him? He played two seasons with the Lions before short stints with the

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Oakland Raiders and Tennessee Titans in 2007, and has been unemployed in the NFL since July 31, 2008. It is astonishing how quickly life in the NFL can all come to an end for high profile underclassmen who wish to test their fate in the professional ranks.

Seventeen weeks of the NFL regular season have passed and Robertson never signed with an NFL team and did not play one down of the 2009 NFL preseason or regular season. I am sure while the money stopped coming in, the bills did not. It is realistically conceivable that a player of this magnitude could have at least $10,000 per month in bills and expenses, and with no steady income each week from playing in the NFL, it can easily dwindle away and amass to $120,000 in bills and expenses in one year, which quickly depletes the bank account. This is a classic example of how athletes go bankrupt year, after year, after year, after year, after…

Just six seasons after he was drafted in such a high profile draft slot, Robertson is out of work (in the NFL). I have never been one to follow the masses, but I never saw Robertson as a 1st round player as many others did, and it looks as though my initial assessment was correct.

I only hope the underclassmen across the country learn from this scenario in understanding the importance and value of an education and that leaving college early can mislead college athletes in making a decision that can eventually lead to a life of shoulda, coulda, woulda.

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PROFESSSIONAL BASKETBALL TRYOUTS USA Select Basketball will be holding open tryouts for our 2010 European Exposure Tour

WHO: All BASKETBALL PLAYERS (if you still have college eligibility remaining, you must wait) WHEN: Saturday, APRIL 24, 2010 9AMͲ6PM WHERE: 17770 Imperial Valley Dr .Houston, TX 77060Ͳ6100 HOW : xtremeheatsports@gmail.com/ phone: 281 761 5460 Each year many players complete their basketball seasons wondering if they are good enough to play as a professional in Europe but do not know how to go about trying it.

USA Select Basketball may have the answer.

2901 Lancaster Rd • Dallas, TX 75216 Open Monday - Thursday 10:30 - 10:30 Friday & Saturday 10:30am - midnight Sunday 10:30 - 8:00pm 214-302-3000 ph 214-302-3023 fax PAGE

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Each year, we hold a series of open tryouts in cities all over the US to allow underexposed players showcase their skills for our staff as well as compete for professional contracts in Europe! In addition to filling many jobs over the spring and early summer for the upcoming season, USA Select Basketball allows players to showcase their skills in one of the most unique ways…We take you to the actions…..in front of coach’s/G.M’s and teams in Europe in showcase games! Each September we take a team of unsigned “free agents” to Europe on a nearly month long exposure tour of playing some of the top teams in several leagues in Europe.

If this is the chance you have been waiting for, then register today!

For more information, visit: www.usaselectbasketball.com or e mail: teamusaselect@aol.com

WWW.411SPORTSNEWS.COM

JAN 2010

MARK INGRAM HEISMAN WINNER AND BCS CHAMPIONSHIP Not only did Alabama running back Mark Ingram accomplish a rare feat Thursday night in helping the Crimson Tide to their first national title since 1992, the sophomore did it playing with a foot injury.

Ingram became just the second Heisman Trophy winner to be on the winning side in a subsequent BCS championship game following the Tide's 3721 win over Texas Thursday night.

The names of Chris Weinke, Eric Crouch, Jason White, Reggie Bush, Troy Smith and Sam Bradford failed to seize the moment of Heisman and BCS title game winners, but Ingram joined an elite class. He and USC's Matt Leinart (2004) are the only Heisman winners to win college football's most prestigious individual and team honor in the same season.

Mark Ingram of the University of Alabama was selected as the 75th winner of the Heisman Memorial Trophy as the Most Outstanding College Football Player in the United States for 2009. Ingram won the award over Toby Gerhart of Stanford by only 28 points in the closest finish in the 75 year history of the Heisman. Previously, the closest race was in 1985 when Bo Jackson defeated Chuck Long by just 45 points.

Ingram, of Flint, MI, has rushed 249 times for 1,542 yards (6.2 yards per carry) with 15 touchdowns while catching 30 passes for 322 yards and an additional 3 touchdowns. His rushing total established a single season record at Alabama. While leading the Crimson Tide to an undefeated (13-0) regular season and a No.1 National ranking, Ingram was named the AP Offensive Player of the Year and the SEC Offensive Player of the Year. Additionally, Ingram led Alabama to a berth in the BCS Championship Game on January 7th against Texas where he will face off against fellow Heisman finalist, Colt McCoy. "The Heisman was kind of shocking and something I never really expected coming into this year," Ingram said. "And when I won the trophy, it was a great honor to win the trophy, but it was more than just a trophy to me. It was overcoming adversity.

All throughout my life me and my family sticking together overcoming obstacles and JAN 2010

people that tried to hold us back. A lot of emotion came from that. This national championship was more of everybody."

Ingram rushed 22 times for 116 yards and a pair of scores, including the gamesealing one-yard TD with nearly two minutes remaining, this after Texas rallied behind freshman signal-caller Garrett

Gilbert to get within three points. Gilbert was pressed into action when star QB Colt McCoy hurt his shoulder.

Saban revealed after the game that Ingram was playing with a foot injury he suffered in practice. Ingram was limited for a time in the game, but returned.

"He's a great competitor, and he certainly

wanted to go back in the game, and we certainly needed him to, because he's an outstanding runner, he's a good short yardage runner and has the most experience doing it for us," Saban said. "It worked out for us to be able to score and get a ten-point lead."

Not only did Ingram snap a run of five straight quarterbacks being named the most outstanding player on offense, he also played while his father, Mark Ingram Sr. WWW.411SPORTSNEWS.COM

FANTASY FANTASY FOOTBALL remains in jail. Ingram's father, a former NFL wide receiver who played the majority of his career with the New York Giants, is at the Queens Correctional Center in New York, awaiting sentencing on a bank fraud and money laundering conviction.

The Alabama running back's father failed to report to a federal prison in December 2008 and was then arrested about a year ago after a warrant was served. He faces up to 10 years in prison.

It was the eighth time this season Ingram has gone over 100 yards, tying Alabama's record for a single campaign. Shaun Alexander had eight in 1999.

Ingram has eclipsed 100 rushing yards nine times in his Alabama career, ranking in a tie for fifth in school history.

"It's real special for our entire team and our entire organization," Ingram said of Alabama's latest national title. "Since we lost to Utah last year, coach said what do you want to be remembered as? Well, we had our mindset ongoing undefeated and winning the national championship and winning the SEC championship. Just the fact that we went out there and we worked every day and we had a common goal that we wanted to accomplish, it's real sweet that we're here and we took advantage of the opportunity. We're obviously proud and excited and can't wait to get to get back to Tuscaloosa and celebrate with the rest of Alabama and the rest of our team."

Note: In the history of the Heisman, only 12 former winners have been named National Champions: 1938 Davey O’Brian - TCU, 1941 Bruce Smith - Minnesota, 1943 Angelo Bertelli - Notre Dame, 1945 Doc Blanchard - Army, 1947 John Lujack - Notre Dame, 1949 Leon Hart - Notre Dame, 1964 John Huarte - Notre Dame, 1976 Tony Dorsett Pittsburgh (Went to Super Bowl same year), 1993 Charlie Ward - Florida State, 1996 Danny Wuerffel - Florida, 1997 Charles Woodson - Michigan, 2004 Matt Leinart USC.

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WWW.411SPORTSNEWS.COM

JAN 2010

CHERYL JANUARY

DEVE’ FEBRUARY

CHLOE MARCH

KNAJULA APRIL

MISS DALLAS MAY

MARRIETTA JUNE

MICKY JULY

ASHLEY JULY

AJAY AUGUST

KIMBERLY AUGUST

JANUARY 2010 SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday 1

D.L. Hughley @ Addison Improv Venue: Addison Improv * Location: 4980 Beltline Rd #250, Dallas, Texas, 75254

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Monday Night Football at Sting 411 Sports and D Ellis 15240 N. Dallas Pkwy

Own Your own Tax Franchise business Seminar Time: 7:00 PM Renaissance Dallas Location: 2222 Stemmons Fwy,

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Thursday

Friday

2

Harvey Martin Classic 12:00 Press Conference Dallas City Hall

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Harvey Martin Classic 11:00am Luncheon Westin City Center 10th Annual Urban Fashion Week Red Carpet Event Time: 9:00 PM Buddha 9 Lounge 1217 Main St.

Saturday

3

D.L. Hughley @ Addison Improv Venue: Addison Improv * Location: 4980 Beltline Rd #250, Dallas, Texas, 75254

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Harvey Martin Classic Golf Tournament The Golf Club at Castle Hills 7:30 Shotgun

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Charlie Murphy @ The Improv Addison Improv 4980 Beltline Road #250,

D.L. Hughley @ 2 Addison Improv Venue: Addison Improv * Location: 4980 Beltline Rd #250, Dallas, Texas, 75254

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JO Name: Jo'Lissa Brown Nickname: Jo Birthplace and Date: Idabel,Ok 10/10/1989 Height:5'8 Weight: 132 Measurements: 36- 27- 39 Eye color/Hair color: BR/BR Best Asset: Smile Career Goal: Sports Broadcasting What's the 411 about you: I am the coolest, outgoing, and most determined woman I know. I just moved to Dallas a year ago from a small country town in Oklahoma. Dallas is a place for opportunity and I am taking full advantage of it. I am currently a freshmen at UTD majoring in Mass Communications.

Favorite Sport: Basketball What is your dream job: ESPN Commentator Favorite Team: LA Lakers Most embarrassing moment: I had a pep rally in middle school and as they were announcing my name I ran out on the JAN 2010

Harvey Martin Classic Cotton Bowl Kick off 5:00pm Charlie Murphy @ The Improv Addison Improv 4980 Beltline Road #250,

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Jamie Foxx 23 2nd Show!

Time: 8:00 PM Nokia Theatre At Grand Prairie

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CALENDAR GIRL

court to turn a back flip and when I landed my shoe flew off and into the crowd.

Jet or 411 Sports? 411 Sports

Summer or Winter? Definately Summer Mountains or Beach? I would definately take a beach over the mountains any day!!!

Do you have any Brothers or Sisters? 4 younger brothers What would you do if you won a million dollars? I would take care of my family, throw some in my brother's college funds, take care of all my bills, then travel for about 6 months, and come back to Dallas and live like a rockstar!

Complete this phrase: "I would be voted most likely... to be a stand up comedian!"

If you could change 1 thing about yourself what would it be? If I could change one thing about me I would change my eyes, to a hazel color.

Bikini or One-piece? Bikini Worst job ever: Movie Gallery How much would you pay to win a date with yourself? (i.e. Charity Auction) $100, not a materialistic woman.

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Would you rather cook or clean? If a good man cooks for me, then I prefer to clean to show my gratitude.

Who pays on a date? I am an old fashion country girl, so I believe the guy should pay on the FIRST date.

What is your hottest sports opinion? TONY ROMO has to GO, he is a better secondary quarterback.

Biggest mistake: Set my granny's kitchen on fire by cooking toast.

I've never been able to: Attend a super bowl game My last meal would be: Hot cheetos and ranch dip

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ALICIA KEYS COVER

PURSUES POP

DIRECTION

SPECIAL 411 SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT The problem with writing and performing a song as perfect as "No One" is that you'll be chasing it for the rest of your career.

That's the dilemma facing Alicia Keys on "The Element of Freedom," her first album since 2007's "As I Am," which featured the aforementioned single - one of the best songs to hit mainstream radio this decade.

"Love Is My Disease" and "How It Feels To Fly" are among the strong tracks on "The Element of Freedom" that vie for the emotional impact of "No One." Keys does manage to offer a similar vocal style on both but they lack that perfect melodic hook that made "No One" so unattainable.

the "Alicia Keys Canon of Unbelievable Catchy and Emotional Soul Pop Ballads."

The only problem here - and it's a problem that recurs throughout the album - is that her voice on "Doesn't Mean Anything" is overly produced.

Why the studio geeks decided to do this is a mystery. Keys has one of the most deliciously powerful,

Additionally the first single, "Doesn't Mean Anything," is up there with "No One" and "Fallin'" i n

natural voices in the industry. She doesn't need the help of the latest studio wizardly like some "singers" (I'm talkin' to you Britney).

The effect does match the mood on tracks like ""Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart."

Yet I would rather hear Keys channeling retro '70s soul, as she did on "No One," than channeling retro '80s synth pop like she does here.

That said, this is still far better than anything else out there in the world of modern pop (even Kelly Clarkson). Keys is simply that good. Although she's more suited to the retro soul sound, she nails this soul pop s t u f f q u i t e well.

"Put It In A

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WWW.411SPORTSNEWS.COM

JAN 2010

ALICIA KEYS

PURSUES POP

DIRECTION Love Song" is probably the most poporiented track here, but that's no surprise considering it's a duet with Beyonce that sounds like a sequel to "Put A Ring On It." It's a great pop track. It's just not the Alicia Keys we know and love.

That Alicia Keys is still there in places, though. Not only can the girl sing, she's a songwriter and a supremely talented musician.

As a classically-trained pianist her keyboard work - including synthesizers, various organs, retro electric pianos and her trademark grand piano - anchors many of the tracks. Additionally she contributes moog bass and programmed strings on a few tracks.

Even on more beat-heavy, pop-oriented tracks like "Love Is Blind," the piano is present and an integral part of the composition. Similarly it softens the drama of "Wait Til You See My Smile" and "Distance and Time."

Her piano skills probably dazzle us most on the gorgeous ballads "That's How Strong My Love Is" and "How It Feels to Fly." It's nice to hear Keys in her element here without all the studio beats and tweaks.

COVER atmospheric beats, creating one of the more unique tracks on this or any Alicia Keys album. It's not immediately accessible but it grows on you.

Mind" is not trying to be "No One." It is its own kind of genius. That's the direction Keys needs to look.

Although the emotion of "No One" eludes Keys throughout the album, she does match its power on the final track.

Keys currently has a huge hit singing the hook on Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" but her own version here, "Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down" is even better.

In place of Hova's rap is Keys' own sung verse, which builds in drama toward the queen of all hooks - one that would rival "No One" if it only matched the emotion of that song.

"Empire State o f

Not all of her experiments here are without merit. "UnThinkable (I'm Ready)" is built from intricate layers, moody melodies a n d

JAN 2010

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HE SAY/ SHE SAY In a conversation today, my divorced friend says: "the majority of married people are unhappy so what's the point? And why married people are never together, that alone will let you know they are not happy." I disagree with at least one of the statements here. I love my husband dirty draws, but I would not want him under me 24/7. We are happy and we are not joined to the hip. I would like to take a survey.

1) How many of you would like to hang out with your spouse during all of your free time?

2) How many of you are not happy because you don't spend all of your time together?

3) How many of you are happy with not being with your mate during all of your free time?

He Says...

1) How many of you would like to hang out with your spouse during all of your free time? Not me. No disrespect, but during times of arguments and battles, I enjoy being a way from her. LOL. And my wife has a habit of calling my name several times in the day for little things, "Would you bring me. . .," "Look on the counter and see if Cam's. . . .," "Why you in the back? Don't you wanna hang with us?"

2) How many of you are not happy because you don't spend all of your time together? Don't need to answer this one 3) How many of your are happy with not being with your mate during all of your free time? ME! MEee!! Mee! My release and free time is the gym or yard maintenance.

Other than that, the rest if for my family.

She Says...

I love my husband and have come to really appreciate and respect our times together and apart. Every relationship is different and you really have to understand who you are and what you expect from Marriage. If the needs change in the relationship, it can be devastating and end up in Divorce, so the discussions have to be there regarding the perosnal and couple time - Reality Hurts Sometimes. We actually have a better relationship when we can have "some" time apart and understanding this is not personal, but necessary.

Women who develop a dependency for their Partner to be their entire center of attention, are walking into pain.

Everybody needs time apart to "Regroup". I love my Husband and realize the best way to love him is to let him have his space, especially when it comes to Home Repair Projects!

He Says...

What really matters is your relationship not everyone elses. I feel bad for your friend, but don't let that cause you to doubt or question your relationship.

You said (in regards to your marriage) "We are happy and we are not joined to the hip." Hey... what more do you need?

I doubt we'd want to be under anyone 24/7 let alone our spouses. That's just human nature.

She Says...

1) How many of you would like to hang out with your spouse during all of your free time? HA! 2) How many of you are not happy because you don't spend all of your time together? DOUBLE HA! 3) How many of your are happy with not being with your mate during all of your free time?That is how we have stayed together this long!!

I do enjoy our alone time but if I had to be up under anyone 24/7 I would be a nut case.......okay a bigger nut case than I already am! LOL

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WWW.411SPORTSNEWS.COM

JAN 2010

HE SAY/ SHE SAY He Says...

Hummm, I am part of all of those.....I was off yesterday and my wife took off also, we hung out all day, chilling and laughing. So in that case I'm the No.1. Now, we understand, that bills gots to be paid, so we must work and all that, but if we don't have OUR time together we get cranky....so as she says "we are stingy toward each other", so I'm No. 2. Now, I have my fraternity meetings (PHA Freemasons/Shriners etc) and my wife has her things that I am not apart of, so we are No. 3 as well. Overall, she is my best friend, we have our time and we have individual time as well. When I was divorced from my first wife, I had to get over being bitter. Hell I was just hurt. she needs to learn to love herself so if love comes again she will have learned from the things that hurt her and from the things she did wrong in the relationship. this will make the new relationship much better. Love at times hurts, some hurt good, some hurt bad.

She Says... my husband is my best friend too, and we enjoy our time together (trust me we do). I am more out going than my husband and we always get invited to events, my husband's energy level is not where my energy level is so he may say he doesn't feel like going but you go and guess what, I go and I am cool with that. However, if there is some event I felt I needed to be chaperoned, then I say to him it would really be special if you escort me to this event and he does. That's the way we love in my family. We respect each other and we are concerned about each other enough to respect how we are feeling. I am sure this is the case quite often, but my friend is misunderstanding that because she want her man to be with her every minute, every second, every hour of the day. My friend and I have been friends since 5th grade so you know we tight, but when she got married, she only hung out with her husband. Of course, she invited me to stuff, but he was always around too. When he wasn't around her she discovered he cheated on her and that is where the anger for couples not being together comes from (in my opinion).

He Says...

1) I think we are all different and free time for me is mine and hers is hers. Later on in the day or night, we can enjoy quality time together or a date night. Key is do you then set time apart from her girlfriends, busines meetings as I set time away from my hobbies for some "me n my boo QT"!!

2) Really this does not apply coz we encourage each other to do stuff outside our careers be it volunteer, mentoring, empowerment or just a hobby. Every now and then we do invite one another to each others functions though.

3) Here here!! Football Sunday with the boys, the mans-ion (this will be the basement or garage) is mans paradise and should be left that way!! Involve her and the lose the basement couch, Vivica and Halle's calender from 1999, that licence plate from your first car pinned up in the garage and in exchange, she brings in candles and pottpur....however you pell that smelly stuff. What man you know would want that??? one thing toremember though; DO NOT.... I mean DO NOT let your friends predicament ruin a good thing that you have by picking out faults. Let her pick up her own pieces as you continue to enjoyyour mate just as you always have. Believe me none of us (especially MEN) are perfect but you still learn to live with us and appreciate us as we are....bless your (crazy) hearts!!!

JAN 2010

WWW.411SPORTSNEWS.COM

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Networking Spot Light on Shocking Moments

Ten biggest celebrity shocking moments of 2009 9. Adam Lambert shakes up the AMAs New Year's resolution: Express yourself Adam Lambert may have been only runner-up in this season’s "American Idol," but after his live debut of “For Your Entertainment”—full of simulated oral sex, guy-on-guy kissing and his middle finger on ...and the New Year's resolutions they've inspired Credit:WireImage

By Tara Tyson, Special to Metromix As octokids, late night sex scandals and a couple of award show scuffles fade into the past, it’s time to start thinking of how you’ll resolve to make the future better (hint: less Hennessy, Kanye).

We're taking a look back at some of the most shocking moments of last year, in hopes that we can learn from their mistakes.

After all, 2010 is the new 2009.

10. Carrie Prejean stripped of title New Year's resolution: Be honest Miss USA runner-up C a r r i e Prejean was stripped of her Miss California title this year after t o p l e s s photos and a sex tape surfaced, two things specifically verboten in the Miss California contract. Full discloure may not have been her policy in pageants, but Prejean opens up about her ordeal in “Still Standing,” her $28 memoir. Or you can just look at her naked for free online.

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the American M u s i c Awards—he was the winner of h e a r t s around the c o u n t r y.

Except for the 1,500 people who wrote letters to ABC that night, prompting them to cancel his appearance on "Good Morning America" the following day. CBS’s "Early Show" invited him on that week instead, but blurred the image of Lambert and his bandmate’s mouth-to-mouth action from the AMA clip, because what goes better with morning coffee than a big ol' cup of homophobia?

8. Jon & Kate... minus Kate Credit:Soul Brother/FilmMagic New Year's resolution: Spend time with your family

Turns out that eight kids and a perpetually WWW.411SPORTSNEWS.COM

present camera crew isn’t as conducive to a happy marriage as Jon and Kate Gosselin might have originally hoped. In 2009, both were accused of cheating on the other as well as simultaneously neglecting and exploiting their brood, and after 10 years of married life and five seasons of TLC’s "Jon & Kate Plus 8," the octoparents filed for divorce and their show became a bizarre, sometimes fascinating, look at a relationship torn asunder.

7.

Caster Semenya's gender questioned Credit:WireImage New Year's resolution: Get in shape Winning a world championship can be tough, but Caster Semenya managed to sweep two races this year with training, talent and allegedly some off the charts testosterone levels.

The South African teenager ’s gold medal victory this summer in the 800 meter was quickly followed with allegations that she may be a hermaphrodite, which athletics officials have deemed would be an unfair advantage in her performance. Because manparts are so aerodynamic.

6. Obama wins the Nobel Peace Prize Credit:Aude GuerrucciPool/Getty Images New Year's resolution: Help others As if it weren’t enough of an accomplishment to be inaugurated as President of the United States this year, JAN 2010

Networking Spot Light on Shocking Moments Barack Obama rounded out his 2009 with a Nobel Peace Prize. While no one could argue that a guy who ran on “Hope” probably also is an advocate of peace, many people questioned what Obama had done yet to deserve it. But in the tradition of "American Idol" judges, single women on the dating scene and network executives during pilot season, the Nobel Committee explained that they selected him for his potential.

5. Balloon Boy tricks the media Credit:John Moore/Getty Images New Year's resolution: Travel more Hot air ballooning is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, as six-yearold Falcon Heene of Fort C o l l i n s , Colorado, could attest, if he’d actually done it. “Balloon Boy,” as he came to be known, was thought to have taken flight alone in his father’s homemade hot air balloon one October afternoon, until he was found in their garage later that day, and the entire incident was soon revealed to have been a publicity stunt engineered by Falcon’s famehungry parents. Because everyone knows six-year-olds make the best accomplices.

4. David Letterman’s sex scandal Credit:WireImage New Year's resolution: Let go of the past When the public heard this fall about D a v i d Letterman’s previous affairs with f e m a l e employees on "The Late Show," the

JAN 2010

news came not cloaked in rumor but as a surprise mea culpa during Dave’s nightly monologue. The Emmy-winning talk show host won over many viewers who appreciated his honesty and forthrightness, but one person who may be less thrilled about his on-air confessions (and past behind-the-scenes behavior)? His wife.

3. Kanye interrupts Taylor Swift Credit:WireImage New Year's resolution: Think before you speak

Less than a month before he was to kick off his first tour in over a decade, Michael Jackson died of cardiac arrest this summer at the age of 50. Although he had been vigorously involved in every aspect of rehearsals for his upcoming show, after his death, many people close to MJ came forward to reveal that they had long been concerned that the King of Pop was not taking care of himself physically, and may have even developed an addiction to sedatives. His death was ruled a homicide and the investigation into his personal physician’s role in it is ongoing. We miss you, MJ. 1. Rihanna and Chris Brown Credit:WireImage New Year's resolution: Control your temper

Never one to shy away from expressing his opinions, Kanye West’s impulsive ego took center stage again this September when he interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech for Best Female Video at the MTV Video Music Awards to proclaim Beyonce had been robbed. Hey, we’re not saying Kanye’s wrong to prefer “Single Ladies” to “You Belong With Me.” We’re just saying nobody asked.

2. Michael Jackson passes suddenly Credit:Eamonn McCormack/WireImage New Year's resolution: Look at the

Reports began flooding in that Chris Brown attacked Rihanna the night before they were to perform at the 2009 Grammys, and in the weeks that followed it seems there was nothing else on the pop culture radar.

In the aftermath, Brown ended up with an assault charge, a delayed album release and a sullied public image, while Rihanna triumphed with “Russian Roulette,” a top ten hit about a potentially murderous relationship.

man in the mirror

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RESTAURANT ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE DALLAS

DALLAS

DALLAS

OAK CLIFF

NORTH DALLAS

IRVING

ADAIR’S SALOON

HUMPERDINKS GREENVILLE

THE BEAGEL

HARDEMAN’S BBQ

BEN’S HALFYARD HOUSE

TEXAS BAR & GRILL

HAMBURGER

INWOOD TAVERN

THE OLD CROW

BRITISH ROSE PUB

JACK’S PUB & VOLLEY BALL CLUB

BROOKLYN

BALLS

CAPE BUFFALO CARSON’S PALACE

KLIFF KLUB

BILLIARD BAR

TIME OUT TAVERN

RUMORZ

Place your restaurant in “411 Restaurant Guide” Call 866-874-4574

LAKEWOOD BAR AND GRILL

TWO ROWS RESTAURANT

SWEET GEORGIA BROWN

CRICKETERS’

LONE STAR CAFE AND CLUB

UPTOWN BAR AND GRILL OAK CLIFF

BUTTERFINGERS

O’RILEY’S

THE

Place your restaurant in “411 Restaurant Guide” Call 866-874-4574

FOX & HOUND

SNOOKIES’ BAR AND GRILL

THE GYPSY TEA ROOM

TEPHEJEZ

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EMERALD CITY

MILO

CHARLIE’S DAIQUIRI DUMP

SOUTH DALLAS

BILLY G’S

COSMO ROUGE

TWO

Call 866-874-4574

MAXWELL’S

G G’S JAZZ

STONE TRAIL ARLINGTON

SOUH DALLAS CAFE

TOP CAT SEAFOOD

LONGSHOTS

STADIUM CAFE

HENDERSON’S CHICKEN

COACHES CORNER

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THE URBAN EXPERIMENT PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) - With food, water and U.S. troops flowing to Haiti in earnest, international donors squabbled and struggled Saturday to push supplies through a clogged airport to hungry, haggard earthquake survivors.

Haiti's government alone has already recovered 20,000 bodies - not counting those recovered by independent agencies or relatives themselves, Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive told The Associated Press. He said a final toll of 100,000 dead would "seem to be the minimum."

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was expected in Port-au-Prince on Saturday, to confer with President Rene Preval and U.S. and international civilian and military officials on how best to help the recovery effort and Haitian government.

Clinton on Friday cited a "race against time" before anxiety and anger create additional problems. Relief workers warned that unless supplies are quickly delivered, Port-au-Prince will degenerate into lawlessness.

The U.S. military operating Haiti's damaged, clogged main airport said it can

TO SPEED AID TO

now handle 90 flights a day, but that wasn't enough to cope with all the planes sent by foreign donors and governments, prompting some to send help by land or by sea.

France's Cooperation Minister Alain Joyandet told The Associated Press that he had filed an official complaint to the U.S. government after two French planes, one carrying a field hospital, were denied permission to land at the airport.

A plane carrying the prime ministers of two Caribbean nations also was forced to turn back late Friday due to a lack of space at the airport, the Caricom trade bloc announced.

Haitian President Rene Preval urged donors to avoid arguments.

"This is an extremely difficult situation.

We must keep our cool to do coordination and not to throw accusations at each other," Preval said after emerging from a meeting with donor groups and nations at a dilapidated police station that serves as his temporary headquarters due to the destruction of the National Palace and many ministries.

HAITIANS

The U.S. Southern Command said it now has 24 helicopters flying relief missions - many from warships off the coast - with 4,200 military personnel involved and 6,300 more due by Monday.

But there was still little sign of any aid in parts of the capital four days after the quake, and signs that the desperate - or the criminal - were taking things into their own hands.

A water delivery truck driver said he was attacked in one of the city's slums.

There were reports of isolated looting as young men walked through downtown with machetes, and robbers reportedly shot one man whose body was left on the street.

"I don't know how much longer we can hold out," said Dee Leahy, a lay missionary from St. Louis, Missouri, who was working with nuns handing out provisions from their small stockpile. "We need food, we need medical supplies, we need medicine, we need vitamins and we need painkillers. And we need it urgently."

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