It's pretty rare to feel the need to start off a post with celebrity news but it feels appropriate today. As you probably heard, actor Heath Ledger, 28, was found dead in his NYC apartment earlier today. A drug overdose is suspected at this point. Two years ago he was nominated for an Oscar and now he's gone. How fast they can fall. Sad....even worse is that he leaves behind a two-year-old daughter....

1979-2008

Double whammy for the Pens...they lost last night at home to the Washington Capitals in a shoot out after playing a pretty shotty defensive game AND received confirmation that Sidney Crosby is out for up to eight weeks with a serious ankle injury. Not good news at all even though we are in sole possesion of first place in the division.

The only Penguin to score in the shoot out was Jarkko Ruutu. Alex Ovechkin and Alexander Semin both scored on Conklin after he replaced Dany Sabourin in goal after Ovechkin scored his second goal of the night at 7:58 of the third period. On a positive note we picked up three out of a possible four points without Sid and our records stands at 27-17-3. Geno continues to play well after two goals, an assist and a sweet hit on Ovekchin. It was also announced that Malkin has been added to the Eastern Conference roster for the All-Star game on Sunday. The Pens cross the state to take on the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night.

So, we were hoping for some upsets on Sunday and one of two ain't bad. Eli Manning and the New York Giants are going to the Super Bowl after Brett Favre turned into Brett Favre and threw a really dumb pick in OT. So who do we think is happiest...Tom Coughlin for getting his ass off the coaching hot seat, Eli for finally living up to those ginormous expectations, or Lawrence Tynes who was able to kick the winning field goal after two big misses? Not sure but I can tell you who probably isn't happy....Tiki Barber. That guy left in a huff, threw just about everyone associated with the Giants under the bus and can't figure out why no one likes his whiny ass anymore. Damn I wish the Super Bowl was on NBC this year!

"What are the Giants going to do without me....they're going to the Super Bowl?...oh."

What else is going on in the NFL....Holmgren's staying in Seattle, Tony Dungy staying with the Colts, Tom Brady's foot is in a walking cast and Cedrick Wilson doesn't know how to run routes or pick girlfriends. Hey Ced, Tarentum, PA is not the place to pick up baby mamas....just saying....

Last Manning Standing

So yeah, who thought Eli would outlast Peyton in the playoffs? Anyone...Bueller? Not sure that he has a prayer today heading into Lambeau in subzero temperatures against "Destiny's Darling" Brett Favre and the Packers. Even though a few weeks back I had commented that I wouldn't mind seeing the Packers win it all this year but I also wouldn't mind seeing the Giants pull of th upset. I've said as much to a few of my friends who've responded in shock to my words. Apparently I should hate Eli because of the draft fiasco and well, because he's a Manning. Look,I know he acted like a baby on draft day but I'm not sure that was so much Eli as Eli deferring to what Daddy Manning said was best for him. All the matters to me is that while the Chargers and Giants were battling over Eli and Philip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger fell to the eleventh pick and right into the Steelers' laps. NFL Rookie of the Year, Super Bowl Champion, 2007 Pro Bowl selection....it all worked out if you ask me.

"Who's laughing now....!"

Speaking of Philip Rivers, there is of course another game today. San Diego travels to New England to take on the undefeated Patriots. Now I know I said that pulling for the Pats' last week was a one-time thing...but this Chargers teams has become extremely unlikeable the last few weeks. LT is becoming one of the biggest cry babies in the league and Philip Rivers showed his true personality after taunting Colts fans in Indy last week. And don't forget Shawne Merriman...is there a bigger douche in the league...not to mention a steroid user. If I don't see that obnoxious celebration dance ever again it will be too soon. Besides, can you really trust anyone whose dream date is Oprah? Personnel (or personal) issues aside the Chargers have some key injuries with Rivers doubtful, LT banged up and TE Antonio Gates out. Besides, if the Patriots win it all this year can anyone dispute that the best team won? Deesn't mean we have to be happy about it but you know what I'm saying....

Roy Jones, Jr. took care of Tito Trinidad last night winning by unanimous decision after knocking Tito to the canvas twice. Tito had some great body shots but Jones just overpowered Felix through a majority of the fight. I'm assuming with Roy's win that Tito retires, Jones will use it as an excuse to keep fighting and Don King made a lot of money.



Have a happy Sunday and drink all you want...in the now famous words of my good friend Sherry it's "MLK Day...woo hooooo!"

Upset Saturday

Picking up where the '06 college football season left off, it's tough to be a top 10 team in men's college basketball right now. The #1 ranked UNC Tarheels lost at home to unranked Maryland 82-80 in ACC play this afternoon. I have seen highlights of two female fans in tears about five times already.

Other upsets today included Kansas State blowing out #9 Texas A & M, unranked USC taking care of the 4th ranked USC Trojans and Cinci had a crucial tip in to upset #16 Pitt. After pulling a great upset win of G-Town last week the Panthers suffered yet another injury today of forward Keith Benjamin. He cut his hand but returned and had trouble shooting but already down two starters this season sitting out wasn't an option. They will hope to rebound next week on the road at St. Johns.

In SEC action the Gators are taking on Kentucky in the O-Dome as I type. Florida, for the most part, has outplayed the Wildcats even with the turnovers approaching double digits. Lots of folk on hand for the game including former Gator Al Horford, Urban Meyer and of course Timmy T, the Mayor of Gainesville. Since Both Florida and Kentucky are not ranked at this point I don't know that you could put an upset alert on this game. But if the Gators don't take care of business tonight it will certainly upset me! Update: Game's in OT, Walter Hodge just hit a big three pointer to put the Gators ahead.

Following the continuing pattern of devastating injuries in the 'burgh, Sid the Kid is out indefinteily after suffering a serious ankle injury after hitting the boards hard in a loss at Tampa Bay last night. Sucks for the Pens and all hockey fans as Sid will have to sit out of the NHL All Star game next week after being the top vote getter. However, it doesn't appear to be time to hit the panic button just yet as the Pens topped the Canadiens 2-0 in Montreal today.

The upsets have not been limited to basketball as Andy Roddick bit the dust in the Australian Open yesterday after a four hour plus match against some German guy named Kohlschreiber.

He had career high 42 aces but when your opponent hits about 100 winners there's not much you can do. The majors have not been kind to Andy since his '03 win at the US Open, his only major career win. Since the Open airs in the early morning hours I only caught the final set but that was enough to catch Roddick asking the chair ump if he had made it past 2nd grade. Good stuff...Tennis Jesus , Roger Federer also had quite the scare needing five sets to take out Janko Terpasevic. Just once can we have a tournament without him....sure his record is impressive but it has turned men's tennis into a real bore for me.

Big fight in NYC tonight. At least in terms of big names since both fighters are on the downward spiral in their careers. Felix "Tito" Trinidad and Roy Jones, Jr will be throwing down in the Garden later tonight.

Kieran Mulvaney is live blogging the event over at ESPN.com. Looks like the crowd will be pulling for Tito even though Jones is a heavy favorite. But upsets are in the air tonight...

Winehouse check...yep...still batshit crazy.

Sad news for Steeler Nation. Ernie Holmes was tragically killed in a car accident yesterday in Texas. Ernie was a part of two Super Bowl winning teams and a member of the Steel Curtain. He was 59.

Can the Chargers and Giants pull some upsets of their own tomorrow? We shall see...

Don't fret my pets...I'm back!

Sorry all...had to take a break this weekend which turned into a loooonnnng weekend. I wish I had a good reason but really I'm just lazy.

No reason to rehash the whole weekend but of course the Jags demise must be mentioned. I especially enjoyed this loss since I was in a house full of people rooting for the Jags. Even before the 2-minute warning they were already making excuses why they wouldn't win. I'll sum it up for you...your QB turned into a turnover machine and Rashean Mathis (arguably one of the better corners in the league) really didn't play up to par. I came across this photo in my search for Jacksonville news worth sharing....can this be considered animal cruelty??

• The drama continues for Rich Rodriguez and WVU...wow, this divorce is turning uglier than Britney and K-Fed's. Rodriguez claims he was "trying to take that high road" and knew that there would "be some emotions involved" but say WVU peeps are spreading lines about him and tarnishing his good name. Whatever pal, not sure who is more wacked out....Rich or WVU fans.

• This just in....most kids think clowns are scary....why is this new information? Pennywise has been around since the 80's.

• To paraphase Chris Rock, "I'm not saying he should of done it, but I understand."

• As a Gators fan I am a big fan of Joakim Noah (except for that unfortunate celebration dance). His passion for UF and his competitiveness were second to none during his time in G-ville but of course, the Gators won back to back national championships. Apparently, playing on a team that sucks is a bit of a problem for Jo in Chicago. Benched by your teammates?? That's one I haven't heard before...

Because I actually have a job that pays me I have to cut this short. More to come, stay tuned....

"Is Jacksonville a sleeper?"

I freakin love these commercials!

8 straight!

Pens won their eighth straight game ending a 12-game losing streak against Tampa Bay last night winning 4-1. Ty Conklin remains undefeated (9-0-0) and that is amazing considering this kid hanging out in Scranton about a month ago. The Pens seem to be clicking on all cylinders right now and Staal scored for the first time in seven games. Fleury is due back from injury soon but I think Michel Thierrien would be nuts to mess with the vibe on this team right now. Historically Tampa Bay has been a tough place to play for the Pens (they hadn't won there since 2003) so this was a big win on the road. The Pens remain one point behind New Jersey as they travel to Atlanta tomorrow night to take on the Thrashers.

I have been scouring the 'net looking for sports news worth talking about (ok, that I am interested in talking about) when I remembered that for some of you football season isn't over. So I guess it's my obligation to cater to all demographics. On that note, the NFL Playoffs continue tomorrow. It appears that the Jags are no longer the "team under the radar" as I have heard lots of sport folk picking them to upset the Pats this weekend. I expect to see a good game and I do think the Jags have a shot to win in Foxborough. However, I hope Tom Brady lights them up like a Christmas tree. The bandwagon is getting crowded here in Jax...don't strain your backs jumping on! (Reader Mrs. B probably needs a heating pad right now...)

Oh yeah, the Seahawks are traveling to Green Bay tomorrow for the NFC divisional game. Since I wouldn't mind old Brett Farrrvreee winning it all this year I guess the Packers are my pick. Anyone have the over under on how many times the broadcasters will use the following sentences; "He just has so much fun out there!", "That interception wasn't his fault.", or my fave, "He's a gunslinger!!" You can't deny he is a funny guy though. Here's some classic video.

A cool story from Big Ben News....Ben is involved with PROTRADE, a twist on fantasy football where you buy and sell players based on their market value. The winner this year was a guy named Bob from Rochester who traveled to Pittsburgh last month to hang out with Ben. He blogged about his trip and took plenty of pics.

To read Bob's story click this link: http://www.protrade.com/content/DisplayArticle.html?sp=Sb6ae7d38-bf11-11dc-ba00-574828460f5a

Our favorite Brit is up to her old tricks. Whether blondes have more fun has yet to be determined. At least in Amy's case.

Tuesday Sports Talk

LSU - 38

Ohio State - 24

The Blowout Championship Series concluded with LSU's victory against Ohio State last night in New Orleans. I guess I should be happy since I'm hardly and OSU fan and my team plays in the SEC but I have never been one of those "root within your conference" folks. Logically I suppose I should be since who's in your conference in important is important in the rankings but I really couldn't care less about last night's game. Now of course, the debating on if either team really belonged in the National Championship game continues....on that note the SEC and ACC are trying to establish a +1 playoff system. Anything would be an imporvment over the current system but I think they need to go with 16 playoff teams. That would include the 11 conference champions and give bids to five at large teams. We will see if anything comes of it. Of course the Pac 10 and Big Ten both oppose any kind of playoffs. Oh, the politics of sports!!!!

One of my Steelers peeps comments was published in the Jacksonville Times-Union's Monday Morning Quarterback.

"Pittsburgh's prevent offense displayed with three minutes left in the game once again takes the ball out of Ben's hands after scoring on the four previous possessions. The loss is on the Steelers coaching staff."

Well said, Ralph but I still can't forgive our horrendous special teams who did what they did best all year....SUCK! There is so many holes in the team that it really is a wonder looking back we ended up with a winning record this season. The off season agenda should start with Ben restructuring his contract. He has two years left on his original deal and is scheduled to pick up a pretty hefty bonus but considering Charlie Batch's salary was actually more than Ben's this year I can expect something will get done soon. Especially after Romo's outrageous deal in Dallas. Plus I want to go into next season knowing Ben's going to be around for long haul.

In happier 'burgh news Sidney Crosby led all NHL All Star voting again this year with more than 200,000 votes than the next player.

So far, he's the only Penguin heading to Atlanta but the remainder of the rosters will be announced later this week. Speak of the devil, Sid just scored to put the Pens up 2-0 on the Panthers....woot!

No surprise that Fred Taylor was added to the AFC's roster for the Pro Bowl but this did shock me a bit:

"Taylor initially considered turning down a Pro Bowl invitation if either Tomlinson, Addai or Parker couldn't make the trip for the Feb. 10 game -- he even said "maybe the Pro Bowl doesn't deserve Fred Taylor" -- but his wife convinced him otherwise."

He's a good back and has been an important player for Jacksonville but to think he deserved to go over any of those three players...okay, sure. He wasn't even one of the top five rushers this season. When he's been healthy he has been solid for the Jags and reaching the 10,000 yard mark is a great milestone for him but that's a lot of sour grapes to consider turning the invite down.

So American Idol is starting up again here soon. I know millions and millions of folk religiously watch this show and I am not one of them. I did watch quite a bit of the season with Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin and company. I love those guys but of course neither one of them won despite being the most talented vocalists. That's why I don't watch, it has nothing to do with who is the best singer. Case in point...this guy.

He was dropped from his record dealwith J Records today. Shocking.

The New Hampshire primaries were today and with a majority of precincts reporting it appears McCain has won the Republican race there. Who says Americans won't vote for the old guy?

The Democratic race is too close to call but Hilldo has a slight lead on Obama at this point. There was record turnout today and that's great to hear. This is one of the most important Presidential races in history and it's good to see that people care.

That's it from me for the day. Until tomorrow....