For much of the Brett Favre melodrama, we've been offering music videos -- usually amateur efforts, but usually funny or poignant -- to illustrate the current moment.

So here were are at the end of l'affair Favre with the future Hall of Famer playing for the Jets and Packers fans feeling a little empty.

Some are venting their spleen on quarterback heir Aaron Rodgers who said today that he gets cursed at pulling into the parking lot and that even a little kid dressed him down with bad words.

"When a little kid is yelling swear words at me. That kind of gets to me," Rodgers said. "The boos, they expect a high level of play and they miss Brett Favre. I understand that. ... the little kids saying swear words to me, I don't understand that."

So here are some little kid Packer fans who are a lot better mannered as they bid Good-bye to Brett.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 2:28 PM | Permalink
                    

Brett Favre and his wife Deanna left Green Bay a few hours ago for Mississippi. For Favre, it represents an end as a Packer. Meanwhile, a deal with either Tampa Bay or the New York Jets seems to be imminent.

So as we move along, the tune that seems to fit today is this bluesy-rock-folk tune called Let Brett Play.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 6:42 PM | Permalink
                    

The news that Brett Favre is returning to the Packers' training camp hardly means that the Favre soap opera is over -- far from it.

Favre’s reinstatement is effective at noon, Central Time, and that rumble you hear coming out of Wisconsin is the media stampede to cover the homecoming of Favre to the Packers.

Luckily for the Packers, they don’t have a practice scheduled for today and Favre will meet with head coach Mike McCarthy. Then, McCarthy will meet with his other quarterbacks, including the guy who had the starting job for a few weeks, Aaron Rodgers. Tomorrow, should be as exciting as football can get in early August

The complications are several, the competition for the starting QB job being the most obvious. But as training camp goes on, there will be ongoing, breathless speculation that Favre will still be traded.

So far, the advantage in the tug-of-war between Favre and the Packers in the person of general manager Ted Thompson, who wanted Favre to stay retired, goes to Favre but this is just getting good. We’ve been making light of the situation with music videos of the situation and we continue to do that with this humorous spoof of what’s happened so far.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 3:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
                    

With the sentencing of ex-NBA referee Tim Donaghy today, it seems particularly approprite to introduce this music video by singer-songwriter Ryan Parker. Parker satirizes sports gambling by suggesting that betting on the Olympics is a sure sign that someone has gone over the edge. To turn up the volume, slide the volume control to the right. It's next to the loudspeaker icon in the lower right of the video screen.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 2:26 PM | Permalink
                    

George Vlosich III, the Ohio-based advertising guy who may be the preiminent artist in the world in his medium, has immortalized another Baltimore sports hero.

Vlosich -- who works in Etch-a-Sketch and has had a replica of one of his creations featuring Cal Ripken and Lou Gehrig on exhibit at the ESPN Zone at the Inner Harbor -- has created an action portrait of Denver Nuggets' star Carmelo Anthony, who grew up in Baltimore and went to Towson Catholic.

The artwork of Anthony is reminiscent of a similar portrait of Cleveland Cavalier LeBron James last year. The making of the James portrait was made into a video with rap music (written by Vlosich's gather, George Jr.) and became a YouTube sensation. We featured it on this blog and it is currently in the running for best sports video of the year in YouTube voting. This is where the ballots are being cast.

The Vlosiches flew to Denver in late January to make the Etch-a-Sketch presentation to Anthony during a Nuggets' game; refrigerator magnets of the portrait were given to fans, and the video was shown at halftime on giant TVs. For your viewing pleasure, below is Melo in Etch-a-Sketch. For more info on George Vlosich III, click here.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:45 AM | Permalink
                    

A guy that we've highlighted here numerous time, singer-songwriter Ryan Parker, keeps coming up with clever, timely tunes that capture sports moments.

I don't know about you but NFL withdrawal is beginning to set in for me and I'm just happy that the NFL combine is getting under way in Indianapolis. But, of course, the combine isn't exactly like the weekly drama that becomes the rhythm of life for many football fans. In this song, Parker captures that longing with poignancy and humor.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 10:38 AM | Permalink
                    

It's a slow sports news day (You interested in the merger of IRL and Champ Car? Me neither.) so we're bringing out the videos a little early.

This one comes to our attention via Kissing Suzy Kolber, an award-winning Web site that also comes with an NC-17 label. Back to the video -- it's a genre that can be most generously described as suburban rap and is a paean for the 2008 Detroit Lions.

I guess these kids didn't learn from Jon Kitna.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 9:47 AM | Permalink
                    

Today's musical tribute acknowledges the obvious -- the Patriots' pursuit of perfection. This video was done when the team was 14-0, but you can fill in that cakewalk against Miami last week and it sets up tomorrow's historic game against the Giants.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:30 AM | Permalink
                    

Earlier today, we had a little fun at the Oriole Bird's expense -- with considerable help from the folks at the Bugs & Cranks Web site -- so we wanted to make sure that we got back on the right side of the city's favorite mascot.

It's been pretty grim around here lately, what with eight-game losing streaks by the Ravens and the constant cloud of steroids, so here's the Oriole Bird doing what he does best -- making us smile.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:00 PM | Permalink
                    

Some people think the once proud Dolphins began to lose their luster when Don Shula was replaced by Jimmy Johnson. Others think it was when Dan Marino retired. I know better. It's cosmic retribution. The road to NFL purgatory began with the making of this music video -- and deservedly so. You will notice that Marino is conspicuously absent from this early 1990s effort. I believe that left-handed quarterback at the end is Scott Mitchell. And we all know what happened to him.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:00 PM | Permalink
                    

The service academies tee it up for their 108st meeting on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium but for just the fourth time in Baltimore. The Midshipmen have won the last five and are two-touchdown favorites again this year. Navy is 7-4 and headed for the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego against an opponent yet to be decided. Army is 3-8 but, of course, it will be a successful season if the Black Knights win Saturday.

Here's a look back on the storied rivalry with the musical theme of "If I could be like that." It's definitely pro-Navy with the Joe Bellino and Roger Staubach clips, but both sides can take pride in the sentiment.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:15 PM | Permalink
                    

It goes without saying that this is an emotional time in the sports world. Much is being being expressed about Washington safety Sean Taylor's untimely and tragic death and there's not a great deal we can say here that would add to the reflection. Some of our Sun colleagues, as well as other voices, are doing a much better job than we could.

But this event comes at a sadly coincidental moment, just as Jimmy V Week begins. As many of you know, Jimmy V Week is an ESPN push to assist with fundraising for cancer research and treatment on behalf of the late Jim Valvano, the coach of the North Carolina State basketball team that won the national championship. There'll be programming and basketball games on ESPN's TV channels and tons written on ESPN.com, and I'm not here to advertise on behalf of the sports network.

But I did want to bring the spirit of Valvano's message to your attention, particularly at this moment. It was a message to appreciate life and, as much as possible, make every moment count. Obviously, Jimmy V said it better. And so here he does at the 1993 ESPY Awards. It's nearly 10 minutes but worth the time.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:37 PM | Permalink
                    

Say what you will about the Ravens kicking to Cleveland's Josh Cribbs, whose returns set up the tying and winning field goals a couple of weeks ago. How do you figure Denver coach Mike Shanahan kicking to the Chicago Bears' Devin Hester yesterday? On track to shatter NFL return scoring records, Hester brought back both a punt and a kickoff for TDs in the Bears' OT win over the Broncos.

Here's a look at Hester at work. The first 20 seconds or so are still photos and then you get Hester on the move.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 1:18 PM | Permalink
                    

Few sports subjects have inspired so much musical expression as Barry Bonds -- both in tribute and as satire -- and we've presented quite a few of them during our little show over the past season. This one we just came across. So on a day when another milestone in the Bonds saga has been reached, we offer this turn on a 1959 classic. With sincere apologies to the Coasters.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:22 PM | Permalink
                    

The annual Battle of the Midwest, Ohio State-Michigan, is this Saturday and despite the fact that both teams are coming off losses -- Michigan to Wisconsin and Ohio State to Illinois -- to the winner will go the spoils of a Rose Bowl trip.

In the past, we've brought you some humorous renditions of Michigan's famous fight song, The Victors, now we offer a Michigan version of OSU's equally familiar Fight the Team Across the Field.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

Had lunch yet? You may not want to after this.

Here's a send-up on NASCAR with all your favorites represented, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart. The No. 20 Stewart is my personal favorite -- I think I even heard him crabbing about something or other. The title above comes from the You Tube video. Frankly, we couldn't think of anything better or more appropriate.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:05 PM | Permalink
                    

One problem for NASCAR is that it winds up crowning its champion in the middle of the NFL season. A lesson that we should all have learned by now is that it's not a good idea to do ANYTHING important in the middle of NFL season. For instance, did you know that the NBA season started? Yep. NHL too.

So with your attention understandably riveted on the scramble for NFL wild-card spots, we want to pause and give props to Jimmie Johnson in the Lowe's No. 48 Chevrolet for winning his 10th race of the year Sunday in Phoenix. In the process, he closed in on the Chase championship and should win it in the absence of a breakdown in South Florida next weekend. So in anticipation of JJ's second straight NASCAR championship, we offer this salute. There's no joy at Home Depot today.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:58 AM | Permalink
                    

The Patriots deserve high praise for the season they've had so far. So on the day after the latest game of the decade/century/whatever, we'll recognize their accomplishments with this musical tribute.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:20 AM | Permalink
                    

Navy and Notre Dame  meet on the football field for the 81st time tomorrow and as most followers of the rivalry know, the Irish have dominated. Notre Dame has won the last 43 straight and the all-time series record is 9-70-1. We took a historical look at the series in today's Sun.  Because Notre Dame (1-7) is having one of its worst seasons ever and Navy (4-4) has a high-powered offense, albeit porous defense, the Mids have one of their better opportunities to break the long losing streak. Despite the lopsided results over eight decades, Navy doesn't concede a thing to Notre Dame -- not even a claim to Hibernian pride.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:49 PM | Permalink
                    

As you read this, they're supposed to be having a parade in Boston to celebrate the Red Sox World Series victory. Good for them. Here's a sincere wish that they have a joyful and, just as importantly, safe afternoon.

Three years ago, when the Red Sox came back from three games-to-zero to beat the Yankees in the ALCS and, of course, went on to win the Series, there was also a celebration. That one turned increasingly unpleasant, even violent, and tragically a college student, a young woman, was struck and killed by a plastic pepper spray projectile fired by police as they tried to disperse a crowd.

Most of the music videos we post here are fun clips, sometimes amusing, sometimes sentimental. This one, that shows scenes from a portion of the '04 Red Sox ALCS celebration, is different. There is a genuine sense of irony here, a bitterness. And we don't present this as a criticism of any particular city or its fans. Actually, I think it stands as a proxy for all those instances when something that should be a truly happy communal event, a city's sports team winning a championship, is sullied by the behavior of just a few who confuse partisan fervor with boorishness.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                    

Notwithstanding their come-from-behind win over Philadelphia last Sunday, this has been a tough season for the defending NFC champion Chicago Bears. True to the curse of the Super Bowl runner-up, the Bears have been struggling. They're 3-4 and trail the Packers and Lions in the NFC North. But they still have one of the best fight songs ever, and here's one of the more interesting renditions of that gridiron classic, Bear down, Chicago Bears.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:46 PM | Permalink
                    

YouTube regulars may already be familiar with this attempt by Olympic track and field star Carl Lewis to leverage his athletic triumphs into a recording career back in the late 1980s. But for folks who don't comb the Internet for campy videos, this music gem will be, to put it kindly, a revelation of sorts. In honor of the 20th anniversary of Lewis' 1987 pop-reggae debut (and swan song), we bring you Break It Up. And no, there's nothing wrong with your computer, the video pixilates a little on some of the action scenes. But Lewis' vocalizing comes through loud and clear.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:02 PM | Permalink
                    

With World Series time rolling around, the TV viewing public will get a healthy dose of Fox baseball broadcaster Tim McCarver. Now, I have to admit that I've never been one of those folks who get worked up over McCarver as a broadcaster. Perhaps I have a soft spot for the former catcher from the days he would have to act as the earth-to-Steve Carlton go-between in Philadelphia. But there's no denying that McCarver does evoke a visceral reaction from many viewers, including this one who put his unhappiness into song.
Following the music, we have a Family Guy bonus clip.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:27 PM | Permalink
                    

If you missed it last night, Red Sox Nation was in full celebration mode after winning the American League championship, led by relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon's impromptu Riverdance. What I'm curious about was, how much practice did he put into this thing?

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:36 PM | Permalink
                    

As part of our tireless quest to find novel and, when possible, extremely perilous athletic pursuits for your edification and amusement, we present -- Muni Riding.

Muni riding -- that would be the smash-up name for mountain bike riding on unicycles. It's in that same general sports category as javelin catching. Actually, it will remind some folks of trails bike riding. The video has a clever opening and some pretty amazing stuff out on the trails. The usual disclaimer applies: Kids, don't try this at home.

You know, maybe this is the way to save the Tour de France.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:44 PM | Permalink
                    

With the Nebraska football program a mere ghost of its former self and the athletic director getting the boot earlier this week, former coach Tom Osborne has been recruited as the interim AD to regroup an alienated Corn Empire. That is to say, calm down the fans, alumni and, most importantly, the donors.

The Huskers are 4-3 but have suffered back-to-back humiliations and escaped defeat at the hands of Ball State by a single point and a missed field goal.

With Osborne around, Nebraska followers can at least be reminded of the glory days, such as the national championship teams in the 1990s. And, especially, the 1995 team, that one that beat Florida, 62-24, in the national championship game. Here's looking back on that squad that included the self-destructive Lawrence Phillips but also a bunch of guys with productive NFL careers ahead of them, Ahman Green, Grant Wistrom, Mike Minter and Chris Dishman. And QB Tommie Frazier running that good ol' triple option.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:14 PM | Permalink
                    

If the TV ratings are to be believed, while sports fans may be intrigued by the Colorado Rockies' relentless march to the World Series, the public is apparently not so intrigued that it'll tune in for any significant part of a game. The TV ratings for the Rockies-Diamondbacks have been abysmal, which is too bad. These Rockies really have been incredible. So in case you're one of those fans who just tune in to the SportsCenter to find out whether Colorado has won its 58th game in the last 59 or whatever (actually, it's 21 of 22), here's a little musical update on the new National League champs -- or as we in Baltimore think of them, those other guys who wear Purple and Black.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:15 PM | Permalink
                    

First of all, let's admit that Tom Brady is one heckuva quarterback.

And let's concede that he already has Hall of Fame credentials.

And further, when it's all said and done, that he's going to rank among the top five all-time, if he isn't already there. And one more thing. He seems like a decent person.

OK, having said that ... WHY DOES HE POSE FOR THESE PICTURES? Yeah, I know, the money and all. But even when someone tries to make a well-intended video tribute to Brady, you find tears rolling down your face. I mean, can you picture ANY other quarterback doing photo shoots like these? At least Namath's pantyhose TV commercial was a spoof ... these Brady shots are, like, serious. Imagine Unitas fondling the football like an object of, ahem, affection (note time mark 3:38).

So in recognition of still another terrific day by Brady, here goes Angel of Mine.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:13 PM | Permalink
                    

That T.O. -- hate 'im or really hate 'im, admit it, you're gonna miss him when he's gone. Master of the front-yard sit-up and the oops-I-lost-count-of-the-pills dash to the hospital (to keep it to a short list), now the Dallas wide receiver gives a non-interview newsworthy enough to make SportsCenter.

You may have heard that Owens left a note pinned to his locker yesterday in which he announced to the media gathering in Big D for Sunday's Patriots-Cowboys game like pigeons around a popcorn vendor that he's staying silent until after the game.

The note said:

"Dear Reporters,

"Due to the magnitude of this week's game and high volume of questions for the Original 81 (that would be Owens) about the other 81 (that would be Patriots WR Randy Moss), I will be taking all questions immediately following Sunday's game.

Sincerely, (signed by Owens)

p.s. Getcha Popcorn Ready."

C'mon, that's a hoot.

Well, since he set it up, today's music video is on the original No. 81.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

There's only a handful of sports that haven't been featured here on the lunchtime musical interlude and one of them is truly an American tradition. Roller derby. This video appears to feature fairly amateur teams who are in it for fun more than out for blood and the music is a little Elvis-like.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:20 PM | Permalink
                    

The Chicago Cubs -- owned by the Tribune Co., which also owns The Baltimore Sun, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and other news organizations -- are still in play. And assuming they go on the auction block, celebrity zillionaire Mark Cuban, who counts the Dallas Mavericks among his portfolio, is an interested party.

In keeping with Cuban's offbeat, populist image, he says that should he become the new proprietor of the Cubbies, he will do his game watching not from an owner's box but from the bleachers.

That Mark Cuban, he's just like you and me. Except for all that money, the sports franchises and his role on -- ta, da --- Dancing with the Stars. If you keep track of this stuff, Cuban and his partner survived their mambo here and apparently, there's another results show tonight off of last night's performances. Look, I could barely keep up with the Cowboys and Yankees and I refuse to TiVo dancing, cooking or marooned on desert island competition shows.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                    

What was it that poet wrote?

The lark's on the wing;
The snail's on the thorn;
God's in his Heaven
All's right with the world!

Hmmm, nothing in there about the Cowboys on Monday Night Football?

Well, the Cowboys ARE on Monday Night Football, right where Tex Schramm said they should be. And so we're going to get a big ol' dose of Tony Romo, folks, who -- if you listened to John Madden last night -- is right there with John Unitas and Joe Montana and Tom Brady.

So in the spirit of Tony Romo Night, we offer this video, which is a pretty funny tongue-in-cheek look at all the fawning over the kid -- who, I admit, is a pretty good player. (At least I hope this was intended to be tongue-in-cheek, otherwise someone out there has a pretty serious jones for Romo).

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:21 PM | Permalink
                    

The Chicago Cubs.

You really don't have to say anything else, do you?

Down 0-2 to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League playoffs, it would appear that the Cubbies' epic record of a century's worth of futility will remain intact.

And as Marty Gangler and Tom Latourette at beachwoodreporter.com would say, it's time to Please Stop Believing.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

If you're over the age of 18, you may not be aware of a new phenomenon out there known as "stacking." Now, you have your cup stacking, which is the most common stacking there is, as far as I can tell ... and we have an example posted here. But I'm pretty darned impressed with the diceman who does his own variation on stacking ... plus it's with Johnny Cash accompanying. As my Sun colleague Rick Maese puts it, it may not be a sport -- yet -- but considering the hand-eye coordination and dexterity involved, it's still a "Wow!"

First the cups and below that, the dice.

This guy would make a casino pit boss very nervous.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

Today, the world of Internet video as it collides with sports takes us to a very unusual place indeed. Timely -- but certainly unusual.

As we discussed earlier today, a tag play call at home plate in the bottom of the 13th inning by umpire Tim McClelland decided not only the game but the season, so far, for Colorado and San Diego. The Rockies' Matt Holliday scored on a sacrifice fly to lift Colorado, 9-8, in a one-game showdown for the National League wild card spot sending them into the playoffs against the Philadelphia Phillies. But the call remains controversial because San Diego catcher Michael Barrett was effectively blocking the plate and after losing the handle on the ball, he tagged Holliday who was dazed on the ground. Replays did not show conclusively whether Holliday ever touched the plate. McClelland, in a delayed call, said he did.

But one can easily see that life for an umpire is frequently difficult, as our friend the duck (yes, the duck) explains here ...

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:24 AM | Permalink
                    

There are several Brett Favre musical tributes out there in Internet-land and given Favre's record-breaking performance yesterday, we were fairly set on offering one of those up today. As you may know by know, Favre broke Dan Marino's all-time record for touchdown passes with his 421st yesterday in a win over Minnesota.

But even though some of the musical videos are well done, they all smack of a certain sentimentality that Favre himself would probably find just a bit embarrassing. So instead, we want to bring you this video of Favre unfiltered.

His good-natured sense of humor, appreciation for the people around him and love of the game are all unmistakable and stand as their own tribute.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:51 PM | Permalink
                    

We're always a little dismayed by the lack of Ravens videos available on the Internet while YouTube seems to be brimming with stuff about teams such as the Cowboys and Packers.But this one has come to our attention and props go out to WHFS 105.7 for its role in this outstanding tribute to Baltimore's Mr. Clutch, Matt Stover. The YouTube liner notes credit radio personalities Kirk & Mark. Last week, Stover was four-for-four on field goal tries in the 26-23 win over Arizona with each attempt being progressively longer -- 21, 28, 43 and finally, the 46-yard game-winner at the buzzer. We encourage Ravens fans to let us know if they produce music videos and post on YouTube. We'll try to make you a star. Thanks to colleague Rick Maese and D.C. Sports Bog's Dan Steinberg for pointing it out. Music fans will recognize Daughtry's It's Not Over here. Photo credit: Associated Press

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

Just three weeks into the NFL season only five teams remain undefeated and the surprise among that group, especially considering they've beaten three playoff clubs, is Green Bay.
This Sunday, the Pack plays the Vikings in Minnesota, where they are 1 1/2-point favorites. As the object of adoration by a fanatical following, the Packers are the subject of numerous Internet tributes and this is one that we like best -- mainly because of the Vince Lombardi speech a couple of minutes into it where the NFL's patron saint preaches the gospel of victory (with a backdrop of America the Beautiful).

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                    

Lingering over the fortunes of the New Orleans Saints, we bring you this historical video montage of the Saints from the days of Archie Manning and Danny Abramowicz through the Bobby Hebert-Sam Mills era up until today's Drew Brees-Reggie Bush edition. It's set appropriately to Phil Collins' "Survivors."

These are the lyrics I think are most appropriate:

When all is said and done
we'll find a way
to put all this behind us
we'll find some way
'cos you know that I won't be leaving
yes I'm here and i won't be leaving

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:02 PM | Permalink
                    

It's not that we endorse kicking someone when he's down ... but. But when the usually generous John Madden says that for Rex Grossman to be successful he needs, I think I'm close on the quote, perfect pass protection, you know things are pret-ty bad. Can you imagine Madden saying anything more damning?

What you begin to notice about the Bears' quarterback is that when things aren't going well -- as they certainly were not in last night's 34-10 embarrassing loss to the Cowboys on national TV -- he just can't find another gear. In fact, he just gets worse.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                    

Among my rather lengthy list of time-wasting obsessions and petty (or at least I think so) vices, Fantasy Football is not one of them.

I know, I know. I'm far outside the mainstream on this one, but I've alway considered myself a maverick, a contrarian, if you will. And for Fantasy Football advice, I direct you to the Sun's own Fantasy mavens. Having said that, if you're among the 300 or 400 million Americans who agonize over whether to start Julius Jones or Julius LaRosa (look 'em up) ... or actually drafted Rex Grossman, figuring that he couldn't possibly be worse this year, this music video is for you.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

So you think criminal court in a place like Baltimore is a busy place? Well, how about the NFL offices on Park Avenue?
If it's not "Pacman" Jones or Michael Vick or Tank Johnson or Chris Henry or Frostee Rucker or (I'm running out of breath) ... Well, it's Bill Belichick and the video scandal or Rodney Harrison with human growth hormone.
But apparently, those folks up on Park Avenue still have plenty of time to hand out some speeding tickets for end-zone celebrations.
And who just got one? Our old pal, T.O.
After scoring against Miami last Sunday, Owens performed what I though was a pretty clever spoof of Videogate by pretending he was using the ball like an old-time motion picture camera with a hand crank. It was kind of funny, and he wasn't mocking the opposition. Here it is. But we have this rule now about using the ball as a prop. It's a no-no. So, Owens' topical humor reportedly is costing him $7,500.

This is what I imagine the league office has to say to Owens and all of his class cut-up colleagues.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

We've already featured a couple of Ryan Parker songs here. Parker, a Cincinnati fan who lives in Kentucky, wrote and performed a couple of satirical songs, one on the Bengals' legal problems and another on the Bill Belichick dust-up. But Parker also does some serious ballads and this one is about the Marshall football program and it's revival after the 1970 airplane crash that killed most of the team and coaching staff. A movie on the same subject was released last year.

This is nicely done.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:48 AM | Permalink
                    

Packers great Brett Favre set the all-time record for most wins by a quarterback when Green Bay walloped the New York Giants, 35-13, yesterday. Favre now has 149 victories, moving ahead of John Elway. Now, there are quite a few tributes to Favre out there in cyberland but none has quite the bounce of this tune by Packer backer Eddy J, Lemberger.

Photo credit: Mike Roemer/AP

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:00 PM | Permalink
                    

Earlier in the week, we brought you a music video by a fellow named Ryan Parker, who lives in Flatwoods, Ky. Parker's tune, Marvin's Reindeers, lampooned the Cincinnati Bengals and all their legal problems. To our surprise, that night Parker and his daughter showed up on Monday Night Football itself with a guitar-strumming rah-rah to their hometown Bengals as part of an ongoing ESPN promotion that hopes to engage fans during the broadcast.

Well, the talented Mr. Parker is on a roll because now he's the first with a musical shot at Bill Belichick. Poor Tom Brady gets it as well.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

Yesterday, we brought you a video of Johnny Unitas in observance of the five-year anniversary of the passing of Baltimore's great quarterback, who died Sept. 11, 2002 of a heart attack. Today, we present still another musical remembrance of Johnny U. In this case, we don't think you can have too much of a good thing.

Today's video is below. To catch up with yesterday's, click here.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:00 PM | Permalink
                    

With the angst over the Ravens' Monday night loss to the Bengals still fresh yesterday, we allowed an important anniversary to pass without some recognition. Yesterday, was the five-year date of the passing of Johnny Unitas, who died Sept. 11, 2002 of a heart attack.

So in honor of the most significant player in Baltimore football history, we bring you this well-done tribute to Unitas and the Baltimore Colts.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 1:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
                    

With the Orioles' miseries of late and the opening of the NFL season, we didn't pay much attention to the U.S. Open won, not surprisingly, by Roger Federer and Justine Henin. Yesterday, Federer -- who is just two Grand Slam titles away from Pete Sampras' record of 14 -- said that he and Tiger Woods were the world's only dominant athletes. Perhaps, but Henin was a machine as well. Here's a video tribute to the Swiss men's tennis champ.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:52 AM | Permalink
                    

This Ravens video was produced in anticipation of last season's playoffs, but the sentiment remains unchanged.

Baltimore is extraordinarily talented and one of the top four teams in the NFL, joining the Patriots, Colts and Chargers. But there is a lot of unfinished business for this group. Last year's discouraging playoff loss to Indianapolis left a bitter taste that has lingered for eight months.

Assuming left tackle Jonathan Ogden is ready to play, this Ravens team is -- on paper -- as good or even better than the one that went 13-3 in 2006. So we offer this as both introduction and rallying cry (albeit the dated inclusion of Jamal Lewis) for tonight's game and the coming season.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:11 PM | Permalink
                    

I rely on Sun colleague Childs Walker for all thing related to mixed martial arts.  I've been getting into it a bit myself lately, but Childs is the real expert around here.

He passes along that one of more intriguing UFC matchups of the year will be available Saturday on regular cable TV (in this case, Spike TV). It'll be a 9 p.m. fight between Dan Henderson and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. Henderson is a former Olympic wrestler and Childs describes him as one of the best all-around MMA fighters in the world. Jackson has been known to dispatch opponents with pro wrestling-style slams and was on the winning end of a much-publicized light-heavyweight match with Chuck Liddell in May. Jackson made surprisingly short work of Liddell with a TKO in 1:53 of the first round.

The Jackson-Liddell lightweight championship fight was noteworthy because Liddell had avenged every loss he had suffered up until that point (Jackson had beaten Liddell back in 2003) and because it was something of a publicity watershed for MMA in that it attracted so much attention from mainstream media, particularly ESPN.

Tomorrow's bout will unify the 205-pound titles from the UFC and Pride FC, a Japanese organization that UFC bought.

Here we have Rampage Jackson in action. (No one can say we're not musically diverse around here. Yesterday, it was Pavarotti and today, it's German heavy metal).

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:00 PM | Permalink
                    

We would be foolishly remiss if in offering these daily musical numbers, we didn't acknowledge today the passing of one of the music world's irreplaceable treasures -- Luciano Pavarotti.

Among the good works that Pavarotti performed on behalf of the world of great music was to bring opera to the masses.  He bridged that yawning chasm between highbrow and popular.

As a youth, Pavarotti, like any Italian youngster, wanted to be a professional soccer player.  Obviously, his world-class talents were in another arena.  But one of his trademark songs, Nessun Dorma, an aria from the Puccini opera Turandot, is also widely associated with soccer because it was the theme song of the 1990 World Cup held in Italy. 

So, in honor of the great tenor and his favorite sport, we offer Luciano Pavarotti in this tribute that unites this splendid aria, Brazilian soccer star Ronaldo and that wonderful, inspirational voice.

  Photo credit: Associated Press

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:00 PM | Permalink
                    

Following Michigan's loss to Division I-AA Appalachian State, there is concern in Ann Arbor that fan and alumni support will fall off dramatically. As a result, it is unlikely that the University of Michigan will be able to field its magnificent marching band that normally includes about 265 talented musicians.

However, Michigan administrators are mindful of both the need and the tradition for halftime entertainment and have been auditioning less costly replacements for the now prohibitively expensive marching band.

Here, we introduce the winners.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:00 PM | Permalink
                    

Is there anyone in America who is not at obsessed at the moment with their fantasy football team? On Friday, we told you about a chain of casinos in Las Vegas, the Stations Casinos, which is offering its own weekly set of fantasy football wagers. And now, we have what the music world has been waiting for -- a fantasy football rap. I give this guy credit for somehow getting Vanderjagt and Jaworski in his lyrics.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:41 AM | Permalink
                    

Today's music video has no relevance to anything in the news but I happen to like it a lot.

The subject is the late Kirby Puckett. Now, I know all about the unpleasantness and controversy that occurred after the Minnesota Twins Hall of Famer was forced to retire in 1996 because of the sudden loss of sight in one eye. Certainly he could have worn the mantle of retirement in a more dignified manner as accusations of inappropriate public behavior sullied his reputation. And he obviously could have taken much better care of himself considering the stroke that killed him in 2006 was due, in part, to weight gain.

But as a player, the always smiling Puckett not only embraced the game with both arms, he invited the fans to the same. So, we remember the good times.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:50 PM | Permalink
                    

I'm not sure how often we'll wind up writing about the University of Hawaii this season but since we're on the subject (see previous item), it's worth noting that the Warriors have become one of college football's glamour teams since coach June Jones showed up with his turbo-charged offense. Last year, Hawaii went 11-3 and finished the year with a 41-24 victory over Arizona State in the Hawaii Bowl. An interesting sidebar -- quarterback Cody Brennan (No. 15) took Samoan classes so he could call audibles that his teammates would understand but would confuse the opposition.

Here's a look at the Warriors from a year ago.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:00 PM | Permalink
                    

As the U.S. Open got under way in Flushing, N.Y., Althea Gibson was being honored for her pioneering efforts in tennis.  Gibson was the first African-American to enter and win titles at both Wimbledon and the tournament now known as the U.S. Open. The Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, were part of that tribute to Gibson yesterday in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Gibson's first of two U.S. Open titles.

Serena was the first African-American woman since Gibson to win the U.S. Open (1999) and Venus was the first African-American woman since Gibson to take the championship at Wimbledon (2000). Since then, the Williams sisters have won six of the last eight Wimbledon titles and four of the last eight U.S. Open titles

Both have been nursing injuries but each won yesterday. Here's a musical look at Serena, courtesy of Nike.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:00 PM | Permalink
                    

Tired of Michael Vick and assorted unpleasantness in the sports world?

Me, too.

So, for today's lunchtime music video, we're going with something decidedly more upbeat from a gentler, simpler time. Here's a clip from a 1949 Busby Berkeley feel-good charmer starring Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly as old-time baseball players (Ryan & O'Brien) -- the keystone combination as they put it in the old days -- who also happen to be song-and-dance vaudevillians. Plausible, right? Who cares. It was fun. Esther Wiliams is in it, too.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:43 AM | Permalink
                    

Here's another YouTube phenomena. About a week ago, Ken Mann, of Coral Springs, Fla., posted an old home movie of daughter Carly playing flag football when she was 9 years old. Since then, the Carly highlight reel has raced across cyberspace like Reggie Bush in the open field.

I talked with Mr. Mann earlier today to help give the old video some context. The football scenes are from 1991, and Carly was the only girl in the league (and the No. 1 draft pick), according to her father. She played high school basketball and tennis but gave up organized sports when she attended the University of Florida. Carly, now 25, lives on the West Coast, where she works in the entertainment management industry and is currently traveling in Israel. More recently, she has limited her sports involvement to rec league basketball.

However, as a 9-year-old, she was NFL Films material.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

Yesterday, Childs Walker reflected here on the passing of Baltimore's No. 1 sports fan, Wild Bill Hagy, "The Roar from 34." Hagy, who reigned from Section 34 at Memorial Stadium, died Monday morning.

We in the sports journalism business try to keep our eye on the ball when it comes to what this is all about -- and that's the fans. But in the day-to-day whirlwind of keeping track of game results, player movements and, unfortunately, court cases, the fans tend to get lost in the shuffle.

So we wanted to take an opportunity today at midday, when we usually offer a musical tune, to remember Wild Bill Hagy. This is an Evening Magazine piece from the late 1970s and not only does it capture Hagy, an authentic Baltimore personality, but the spirit of Orioles fans in an era that, at times, seems like a distant memory.

So here's hoisting a Natty Bo to Wild Bill and everyone who ever roared from Section 34, or anywhere else in Memorial Stadium.

O---R---I---O---L---E---S

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

Today at The Sun, one of our colleagues, metro editor Mike Leary, is leaving for another editing position in Philadelphia. Leary is as earnest and knowledgeable a sports fan as there is and has even served his time in newspaper sports departments during his distinguished career, which includes witnessing the fall of the Berlin Wall as a European correspondent.

Anyone who chats with Mike at any length, especially about college sports, will soon figure out that he's a Notre Dame grad and a passionate follower of the Irish. So in honor of Mike's departure -- and all you Fightin' Irish out there -- we offer this good-natured and truly fond farewell.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:57 AM | Permalink
                    

As regular visitors here know, we usually have a music video every midday with a sports theme. But in recognition of the 30th anniversary of the passing of Elvis Presley, we're breaking with our own tradition to give you a performance by the King.

However, the song title does remind us of how sports fans must feel these days with ex-NBA referee Tim Donaghy admitting to gambling-related crimes, quarterback Michael Vick in a legal fourth-and-long because of his alleged involvement in dogfighting, and slugger Barry Bonds breaking the home run record while dogged by steroids rumors. Here's Suspicious Minds.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:26 AM | Permalink
                    

Just proving EVERYTHING is on the Internet, we offer today's music video that is actually tied to an earlier item today about Ravens rookie linebacker Antwan Barnes walloping Eagles backup punter Sav (short for Saverio) Rocca on Monday night. Rocca, 33, 6 feet 5, 265 pounds, is a rookie himself who apparently had a terrific career playing Aussie Rules football, where they're used to pummeling each other wearing just T-shirts and gym shorts. Guess that explains why he was able to come back and punt again after Barnes tried to turn out the lights on him at M&T Bank Stadium. So, here we have Sav Rocca (No. 36 and No. 26 and occasionally his brother, Anthony, No. 23) in a Down Under tribute. (And when you look at these kicks, you understand why the NFL has been recruiting Australians as punters lately.)

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:00 PM | Permalink
                    

I had been looking for a music video that addressed Barry Bonds, the home run record and the obvious controversy. There seems to be no end to the anti-Bonds tunes on the Internet and as part of the latter stages of the chase to catch Hank Aaron, there's even a whole genre of pro-Bonds tributes. But most, on both sides of the Bonds argument, are heavy-handed or slightly obscene or just plain bad. Then, we found this one. Granted, it's a bit dated because it was done after Bonds passed Babe Ruth and well before he caught Aaron, but it's terrific and strikes just the right note.

It's called, Oh Babe, What Would You Say, and it's quite the stylish tune based on a jaunty Hurricane Smith love song by the the same title done in the early 1970s. An aside: Smith is a native Londoner who was the engineer for groups such as the Beatles and Pink Floyd.

But here's the baseball version of Oh Babe. The song was produced by Joe "Sonny" Barbato and Ricky Gordon. Vocals and drums by Alex McDougel.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:34 AM | Permalink
                    

We have to admit that a sport we don't pay a whole lot of attention to is bowling. And in a town that's said to be the birthplace of duckpin bowling, we probably should try to do better. Hey, I admit that there was actually a time when I used to watch weekend bowling featuring guys like Don Carter and Billy Welu with Chris Schenkel doing the frame-by-frame call, which I suppose really dates me.

Well, we recognize that bowling is still a popular participatory sport even though the PBA doesn't make it onto SportsCenter very often (ever?). And so we'd like to take this opportunity to acknowledge bowling's enduring -- if not necessarily high-profile -- place on America's cultural landscape. Please, keep the hate e-mails to the minimum. It's all in good fun.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:14 AM | Permalink
                    

Posted by Milton Kent at 11:38 AM | Permalink
                    

Say it ain't so, Reggie.

The NBA's all-time three-point leader, former Indiana guard Reggie Miller, is reportedly being courted by the Boston Celtics to come out of retirement at the tender age of 42 and make a run for a title ring that eluded him in 18 seasons.

Miller, who hung up his sneakers two years ago, would presumably come off the bench to spell newly acquired Ray Allen or possibly holdover Paul Pierce, who will team with Kevin Garnett to form a new Big Three.

For today's dining and viewing pleasure, we offer a video salute to the skinny guy with funny ears who just might be as good a player as his big sister, Cheryl. If Reggie Miller is as smart as we think he is, he'll remember how Michael Jordan looked in a Washington Wizards uniform, and stay retired.

Posted by Milton Kent at 11:40 AM | Permalink
                    

Posted by Milton Kent at 12:04 PM | Permalink
                    

A career in stand-up comedy might not be in the offing for Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas, but it is great to see him back on a basketball court just a few months after he had a season-ending knee injury.

With his personality and skills, if Arenas played virtually anywhere other than the relative hoops outpost of Washington, he would be celebrated. Wizards president of basketball operations Ernie Grunfeld needs to shore up the Wizards frontcourt to give Arenas some hope that he can compete for a title, otherwise he will seriously considering walking after this coming season. Still, you gotta love a big-time star that still wants to mix it up on the playground. Enjoy!

Posted by Milton Kent at 12:37 PM | Permalink
                    

Today's video clip isn't so much musical as it is dramatic.

Former Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin, officially inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame over the weekend along with five other former players, was known for his knack for making big catches, not to mention his flair for letting you know about it afterward.

Irvin is in the record books for nearly 12,000 receiving yards, 65 touchdown catches and three Super Bowl rings in a 12-year NFL career, but in years to come, he may also come to be known for his blubbery induction speech, during which he laid bare some of his misdoings during and after his football playing days.

What follows is the most lachrymose moments of his talk Saturday. Enjoy!

Posted by Milton Kent at 12:23 PM | Permalink
                    

Sometimes you can play a game a baseball with a team of one -- and many of us have done just that as children, making up the rules and starring as the heroes of our daydreams.

This Kenny Rogers' tune takes us back to just such a time, and with a whimsical punch line as the payoff.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:55 AM | Permalink
                    

While things are serene in the Ravens' training camp -- all troops present and accounted for and everything -- in Berea, Ohio, where the Cleveland Browns go through their summer regimen, things are less simpatico.

Quarterback Brady Quinn, who survived that nasty fall to No. 22 on draft day, is a holdout. The organization (with the notable exception of incumbent starter Charlie Frye) is aggravated. The Browns do have their first pick in the first round, offensive tackle Joe Thomas (No. 3 overall), signed and in camp.

But in recognition of Brady Quinn courageously sticking to his guns in the face of 20 or so NFL teams' foolish disregard for his talents, and the money he so richly deserves, we offer this cocktail lounge tribute the charming Mr. Quinn.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:07 PM | Permalink
                    

You may have heard that there are Congressional hearings going on in Washington that are looking further into how the news regarding the friendly-fire death of former NFL player and Army Ranger Pat Tillman was handled. Today, former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld appeared at the hearing. He took no responsibility for the misinformation given to Tillman's family and the public.

We are not going to discuss the politics of the events surrounding Tillman's passing in Afghanistan in 2004. This blog is simply not the place for such discourse. But we will make this observation -- what should not be lost in the serious and necessary discussions of the broader issues are Tillman's personal values and sacrifice. And so we offer this somber music video that simply remembers Tillman.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:55 AM | Permalink
                    

Debate, if you will, the relative merits of the NFL's greatest teams -- the Packers of the 1960s, the Steelers of the '70s, the 49ers of the '80s, the Cowboys of the 90's and the Patriots of the first decade of the new century. Arguments can be made on behalf of all of them.

As dangerous as it may be to say outloud in Baltimore, I cast my vote -- by a small margin -- with the Pittsburgh team that dominated the 1970s, in part for striking sheer terror into opponents for so long. But close behind, I'd go with the San Francisco 49ers because of the panache and style that went along with the most entertaining offense of any era.

Of course, the death of former San Francisco coach Bill Walsh, who led the 49ers to three Super Bowl titles and laid the foundation for two more, has us reflecting on such things. And in that spirit, we offer what now appears to be something of a campy rap featuring many of the stars of that 1980s 49er team. It's hard to believe Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott and Roger Craig were once that young.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:36 AM | Permalink
                    

Yesterday was Cooperstown Day for the Orioles' Cal Ripken Jr. and the Padres' Tony Gwynn, both of whom are the inspirational types who take us back to a time when baseball appeared more pristine.

And, I think, with both players, we see an emphasis on kids and the kid in all of us -- that the game should be about both competition and fun. And that there should be pride in an honest effort.

So with that in mind, we bring you a Cooperstown-flavored music video that, with both humor and some sentiment, just makes you feel good about baseball.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:59 AM | Permalink
                    

Posted by Milton Kent at 11:55 AM | Permalink
                    

The Maryland women's basketball team may not have successfully defended their 2006 national championship, but they've had a pretty good summer.

Three players, rising junior Marissa Coleman and rising seniors Crystal Langhorne and Laura Harper, have captured gold medals as members of championship teams involved in international competitions on behalf of USA Basketball. Coleman played a key role on the United States' Pan American Games team, while Harper and Langhorne were members of the under-21 year old squad. And Maryland announced that the 9,533 fans it drew per game last season was sixth in the NCAA in average attendance, while the 241,280 total attendance was fourth best in the NCAA.

For your midday enjoyment, we offer this clip of former Maryland star Shay Doron, who graduated this spring as the program's second all-time leading scorer. Doron is a rookie with the New York Liberty of the WNBA, and this story was shot for a television channel in her native Israel. Enjoy.

Posted by Milton Kent at 11:33 AM | Permalink
                    

Today's midday presentation is a confluence of reality television, speed dating and the Boston Red Sox.

The Sox, in conjunction with the New England Sports Network, their television carrier, have come up with Sox Appeal, a new contest in which single fans who want to meet like-minded singles at Fenway for dating purposes, agree to go on three speed dates during a game, each date lasting only two innings. The contestant then selects one of the three they've met during the seventh-inning stretch in the hopes of making a love connection.

NESN is filming some of the dates for a show that premieres next week. What follows here is a long clip of NESN announcers Jerry Remy and Don Orsillo doing their best Statler and Waldorf as they watch some poor slob trying to make his move, while the Red Sox get clubbed by Colorado. Enjoy!

Posted by Milton Kent at 12:13 PM | Permalink
                    

Today's noontime romp through the video vault provides a double scoop of NBA goodness and a couple of players with local ties.

Leading off is a clip of former Maryland guard D.J. Strawberry as he tries to land a spot on the Phoenix Suns. Strawberry, a second-round pick in this year's draft, will have his hands full trying to crack the Phoenix roster, but as the clip shows, he's on board with the Suns' up-tempo pace.

The second selection is of Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay. The Archbishop Spalding graduate averaged 10.8 points and 4.5 rebounds a game last season and should play a more vital role this season with Memphis.

Posted by Milton Kent at 12:38 PM | Permalink
                    

Today, for your lunchtime entertainment, we present a clip of former Nebraska quarterback Tommie Frazier.

Frazier, the 1995 Heisman Trophy runner-up had a pretty good collegiate run, becoming only the second quarterback to lead his team to consecutive national championships, the first of which came at the expense of Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, when he was at Miami. Unfortunately, Frazier, who suffered a serious blood clot in his left leg, was unable to parlay his Cornhuskers success into an NFL career, but he has gone on to coach in college and in high school.

We'll leave it to you to determine whether he missed his calling as a rapper. Enjoy!

Posted by Milton Kent at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

Well, it seems like we're all going to have to wait a bit longer to see soccer import/marketing superstar/gosh-darn-good-looking David Beckham make his debut for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

A nagging ankle injury he suffered in June while playing for England and aggravated when he was still with Real Madrid has limited him in practice since he arrived in L.A., and he's unlikely to play in an exhibition match tomorrow against Chelsea, an English Premiere League team.

But since this is still a big week for American soccer, we wanted to stay in the spirit with this little soccer training video. We don't mean to make fun, but they kind of go out of their way to look a little silly, don't they?

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:12 PM | Permalink
                    

The Cubs' Carlos Zambrano became the first National League pitcher to reach 12 wins yesterday when Chicago routed the San Francisco Giants, 12-1. Zambrano, 12-7, is part of the Cubbies' recent surprising surge -- they've gone 17-5 in the last few weeks -- that has Chicago back in the NL Central race.

Now, we don't expect too much here. We are talking about the Chicago Cubs, after all. But it is a cool midsummer's run -- almost as cool as, say, Miles Davis here (with a big assist from Harry Caray).

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                    

Granted, baseball life in Baltimore sort of stinks (last night's win notwithstanding). But in Pittsburgh, it's 50 percent worse. The Orioles are in danger of their 10th straight losing season. The Pirates, with a death grip on last place in the NL Central and currently on a five-game losing streak, are going for No. 15 in a row.

And here's what ownership thinks of the fans. With a payroll of about $38 million, Pittsburgh spent less on its whole team this year than the Orioles spent on their bullpen. The target of fans' ire there are board of directors chairman Robert Nutting and CEO Kevin McClatchy, who is stepping down after the season.

So here's a musical tribute to the Bucs -- an organization that refuses to part with any. Oh yeah, the June 30 fan protest referenced in the video kind of fizzled, too.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

The World Series of Poker's main event final table begins today with nine players, and sometime in the wee hours of the morning, there will be a new No-limit Texas hold 'em world champion who is $8.25 million richer.

The field, the last table from 6,358 starters, features seven players who can be called either professional or aspiring professional players but that designation has a lot of shadings these days. It could mean that a player actually spends the majority of his time playing in cash and tournament games in casinos, or spends most of his days on the computer in Internet poker rooms, or just took a break from a real job to chase the poker dream -- circumstances that would describe most of the players at the current final table.

But there was a time when a poker professional meant one thing -- a rounder who made the rounds from town to town scratching out a living in the back rooms of pool halls and bars, plying his trade while evading the law and dodging robbers. So as the World Series of Poker ends, we recall some of those old rounders, guys like Puggy Pearson and Amarillo Slim and Johnny Moss but especially Texas Dolly, Doyle Brunson.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:01 PM | Permalink
                    

Speaking of 0-for-20, NASCAR driver Tony Stewart was winless in his last 20 races until his victory at Chicagoland over the weekend.

I have to tell you, I like Tony Stewart. I know he was being his old whiny self a week ago at Daytona when he ripped teammate Denny Hamlin, contending that Hamlin slowed down in front of him and caused both cars to wreck. And there's no arguing that Stewart makes a habit of shooting his mouth off, that he occasionally thinks it's funny to draft the pace car and he does that goofy climbing-the-fence thing -- but anyone who can irritate NASCAR the way he does, is OK in my book.

So, here's a tribute to "Smoke" Stewart with Deep Purple's Smoke on the Water.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

We've all seen the "dogs playing poker" painting. And, of course, the World Series of Poker is check-raising its way to its conclusion out in Las Vegas. So here we offer on a Friday the 13th what I'd say was a slightly bizarre twist on the dog-poker thing. It's a rap of sorts and, as I said, a little weird.

The video is actually a promotion for a Web site that will take your pet and make Fido or Muffy or Charlemagne or whoever sing and dance. So here we have that dogs playing poker painting come to life -- sort of. Hope this doesn't give you bad dreams.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:14 PM | Permalink
                    

In an unabashed a splash of self promotion, ESPN held its ESPY Awards last night (the show airs Sunday, 9 p.m.) and we hate to be spoilers but San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson was the big winner carting off four awards, including best male athlete and best NFL player. The best part about all this, I think, is that Tomlinson's 31 TDs and 1,875 yards trumped Peyton Manning, who still got his own award for championship performance. If there's one thing to recommend in the show, it appears to be a song-and-dance routine by Cleveland Cavalier LeBron James, who really does have stage presence.

But since it was Tomlinson's big night, we bring you this video tribute to the Chargers' great ball carrier. You may notice one small glitch. In the last few seconds, LaDainian's 'spelling demon' of a first name is misspelled. But it's still a good video combining an appreciation of Tomlinson's virtuosity with the failing of his team to win the big one so far.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 11:53 AM | Permalink
                    

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, a traveling baseball exhibit, "Times of Greatness," will pull into Camden Yards. The 53-foot trailer, sponsored by Roadway, is a tribute to baseball's Negro Leagues and features photos, video, uniforms, artifacts and even a life-size replica of pitcher Leroy "Satchel" Paige. The tour this year is in special honor of John Jordan "Buck" O'Neil, who died last year at age 94. O'Neil had served as chairman of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and on the veterans committee of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

The exhibit will be open 4 p.m.-7 p.m., Friday; 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Saturday, and 10:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m., Sunday. Please note, the times reflect a change from earlier today based on updated information.

In remembrance of the Negro Leagues and as reminder that sports is for everyone, we offer this musical number by Tom Petty, American Girl, that serves as the backdrop for illustrations from a children's book, Just Like Josh Gibson. In this story, Grandma shows that when she was a girl, she could be a star too -- just like the great Josh Gibson.

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:00 PM | Permalink
                    

Here's a warning: Today's lunchtime video offering is painful to watch on two fronts for Baltimoreans. First, for Charm City denizens of a certain age, seeing this clip of the San Diego Sockers video likely brings back not so pleasant memories of the days when the Blast did battle with the Sockers usually for a title, usually coming up on the short end of things.

The other bit of pain attached to this clip comes from, well, the clip itself. The 1985 Chicago Bears might have been one of the greatest single-season teams in NFL history, but that 'Super Bowl Shuffle' clip inflicted a misery on the sports culture that we are just now shaking off, as you can see from this clip.

Posted by Milton Kent at 12:37 PM | Permalink
                    

After watching this clip of an interview that New York sportscaster Bruce Beck attempted to conduct with Knicks guard Stephon Marbury Sunday night, I have searched my brain to come up with an apt analogy to describe what I've seen. The best thing that I can relate this to is the performance of actor Tracy Morgan on NBC's "30 Rock," where Morgan portrays an actor on a "Saturday Night Live" style sketch show.

Bear in mind, though, that Morgan is playing a role. This, apparently, is Marbury in real life.

Enjoy the train wreck that is Starbury.

Posted by Milton Kent at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

It's hard to know what exactly is the most revolting thing about the hype surrounding the annual hot dog eating competition, held yesterday in New York.

Perhaps it's the notion of glorifying gluttony when there are hundreds of millions around the world who wonder from where, and for that matter, when their next meal will come. Watching someone down 66 hot dogs in 12 minutes with a crowd of thousands cheering him on seems a tad barbaric, even if it's done with a side of irony.

Or maybe it's how ESPN has taken an "event" that thankfully labored in obscurity for more than 70 years before the self-proclaimed, self-congratulatory "worldwide leader in sports" turned it into an event that is actually discussed as though it were an athletic event, rather than the sideshow that it is.

What's next from Bristol: Televising little boys focusing magnifying glasses on ants?

At any rate, enjoy the gorging.

Posted by Milton Kent at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                    

Most of our national holidays come with lulls in between the requisite eating and the designated entertainment, which, in many cases, leads to more eating.

To fill in the gaps in between tomorrow afternoon's hot dogs and hamburgers and the evening's fireworks, we offer the latest rage: Finger baseball.

Here's a suggestion: Make sure everyone at your picnic is aware of what you're doing, or it might appear, depending on which combination of fingers you're using, that you're just trading vulgarities.

Oh, and there's no truth to the rumor that Cynthia Rodriguez is the commissioner of finger baseball.

Posted by Milton Kent at 12:40 PM | Permalink