Wrap it up

Hope everyone had a great weekend and is getting through the always treacherous Monday. This weekend was filled with big sporting events, that hopefully you at least peeked at. The PGA (Professional Golfers Association) Tour took place in San Diego, and finished up yesterday. The Winter X Games were taking place all weekend in Aspen, CO and the Pro Bowl took place on Sunday, in Hawaii. Here's a little wrap up on the weekends events, in case you missed out or blacked out.

PGA TOUR

Golf is a sport that I just can't do. Miniature golf is cool, but in my opinion, there is nothing appealing about the real deal. Sure, the golf carts are fun and the courses can be gorgeous, but it's just not my cup of tea. Thanks to some of my awesome friends, I was forced to watch the end of the PGA Tour yesterday. After truly "trying" to enjoy watching, my feelings still result with a dislike for the sport (sorry Dad!). But in case you're a golfer, here are some highlights from this weekends tour.  

Bubba Watson was the big winner this weekend - this was his 2nd PGA Tour win.

photo via The Daily Inquirer

Winter X Games

As I mentioned in this post, the 15th Winter X Games were in full gear this weekend. 

Instead of me boring you with a list of winners, here is a pretty cool video with some of the craziest tricks, biggest wipeouts and best moments from the games.

American boys celebrate their halfpipe medals (Shaun White - gold, Scotty Lago - silver, Louie Vito -bronze & Kevin Pearce, who didn't compete)

photo via Snowboarder Mag

For full results of the all the WX competitions, click here.

Pro Bowl

The NFC spanked the AFC for the majority of the game, with a final score of 55-41 - NFC taking the win. The game was pretty standard for a Pro Bowl, with one of the best highlights being the streakers who provided the players with a few good laughs.

In case you were too busy to catch the game, check out these highlights. 

Enjoy the rest of your week. Only 4 days til Friday!

Bowlin'

No plans tomorrow? Well, now you do! The Pro Bowl is on and you should probably watch it. Just think what a wonderful evening you could have - BBQ, beer, friends, football.. pretty much my idea of heaven. Even if you don't have a BBQ, or beer, or friends, at least you can turn on the tube & catch some football (you'll just be hungry, thirsty and lonely - but football can cure all). 

For those of you wondering what I'm talking about...

Who?

Players are voted on by NFL coaches, NFL players and fans. (It used to only be coaches & players voting, until fans were brought into the ballots in 1995). The top players from the AFC are selected and same goes for the NFC, but players competing in the Super Bowl are left out. (A cheerleader from each pro team gets to go too!)

*complete roster*

What?

The Pro Bowl is when NFL players from both sides (both conferences - AFC vs. NFC) duke it out. It's played like any other football game - players, coaches, plays, positions, rules (a bit different then regular NFL games), guys in crazy tight pants - 2 teams, 1 winner.

Where?

Aloha Staidum, Honolulu, HI

photo via ezplanit

When?

January 30, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

Why? 

Not only does the winning conference (team) get bragging rights, but the players get $$$. The winning team gets more bread than the other, but even the losers come out with a nice prize. Also, to be selected as "Pro Bowler", is a huge honor for these egos. It's just a fun event for NFL fans (and for the NFL to rack in more dough).

It's the perfect end to a weekend!

Enjoy.

Snowed In

It's winter - that's obvious. Maybe to you that means cozy trips to the snow, pulling out your cutest boots & scarves, or OD'ing on hot cocco. But in the world of sports, the winter wonderland brings NFL playoffs, a big chunk of the NBA season and time off for the MLB studs. A sporting event some people tend to forget about though, are the ESPN Winter X Games. The games start today, and go until the 30th. The cold brings out some of the most extreme sports and the X games are the place to see it all. One of my very best friends is currently working for ESPN (props to you, Meg!) and living in Aspen, CO, where the Winter games are taking place this year. From her recent photos, it looks like the most gorgeous setting EVER...

The X games involve action sports, for the boys AND girls - which is refreshing. Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowmobiling - in all different variations. Athletes come from all over the world to compete for the Gold, Silver and Bronze.

A few of the USA contenders I'll be paying close attention to at the 15th WX are:

*SNOWBOARD*

Sage Kotsenburg & Tyler Flanagan - the Babies. 

Both only 16 and rookies to the games.

Shaun White - the Ginger. 

He's not only a pro snowboarder, but a pro skateboarder too! He's been competing in the X games since he was 13 and is a San Diego local - love that.

Louie Vito - the Dancer. 

You may remember him from Dancing with the Stars, in 2009, where he showed that dancing wasn't his strongest talent.

Gretchen Bleiler - the Face. 

Probably the most publicized female, American snowboarder, Gretchen has graced the pages of Self, Glamour & Vanity Fair, to name a few. 

*SKI*

Bobby Brown - the Man. 

Last year, Brown broke records, being the first skier to win 2 gold medals in one Winter X. He's the one to beat this year - and he's a cutie. 

Jen Hudak - the Baller. 

Jen racked up all sorts of medals over 2009 and 2010 and is one of the only girls able to pull off the big boy tricks. 

*SNOWMOBILE*

Heath Frisby - the Original. 

Heath is a snowmobiler who's been competing since the beginning. He'll be in 3 different snowmobiling events this year and is hoping to pull a trick called Tsunami flip. Fingers crossed!

Joe Parsons - the Trickster. 

He pulled two gold medals at Winter X '09 and has been preparing all sorts of new tricks for this years course. 

To get a full list of the athletes competing and more info on WX15, click here. 

If you're stuck indoors this weekend, due to brutal winter weather, snuggle up to the X games! And if you're fortunate enough to be in CA for this beautiful January weather, you can always soak up the sun and DVR the events! Nothing, and I mean NOTHING is better than hot guys in snow gear, plus the tricks are pretty insane. Have fun watching the babes competition! 
TV schedule


Here's a little fun from last years WX too!

Next up: Winter X Europe, March 16-18 in Tignes, France

Baby Dunks

Though I think it's one of the most exciting sports, basketball is one sport I don't know much about. Not because I don't like the sport, or enjoy watching it, but San Diego (where I grew up) doesn't have a team, and hasn't since before my birth. I've been sporting Chargers face tattoos and Padres gear since before I could walk, but without a hometown team, I never really caught on to bball.  I do catch a game here and there, but most of my basketball viewing consists of the clips I see on Sports Center. 

There is one name that I've been hearing OVER & OVER and some of the footage I've seen on this guy is INsane. No, it's not Kobe Bryant or LeBron James. This unbelievable athlete is Blake Griffin, a player for the Los Angeles Clippers.

photo via Opposing Views

 He's just a baby at 21 years old and is in his 2nd* season of the NBA. He attended the University of Oklahoma for only 2 years, before entering the NBA Draft in 2009. After having outstanding high school and college careers, it was no surprise when Griffin was selected first overall by the Clippers. He's KIND OF tall - 6'10 - no big deal - and weighs in around 250 lbs. His XL size isn't something that weighs him down though - he's known for his unreal dunks. He's breaking all kinds of records and doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon!

Check out a few of my favorite clips of this beast of a baller:

He is NUTS, right??

Keep an eye out for Griffin at the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Feb. 19!

White men CAN jump.

*It's his 2nd season, but he was out his whole 1st season, due to an injury. 2010-2011 is still considered his "rookie season".

Goin to the ship!

IT'S BEEN DECIDED...

photo via NFL

VS.

photo via NFL

The two teams going to Super Bowl XLV are the Green Bay Packers & the Pittsburgh Steelers! Green Bay beat the Chicago Bears and Pittsburg won over the New York Jets yesterday. Both games were exciting and pretty close - I hope you had a chance to catch some of them (yes, sitting in a bar while the game is on counts). If not, here are some highlights from the Packers & Steelers victories.

Green Bay already has 3 Super Bowl rings & Pittsburg has 6 (the most in the NFL). Greedy much?

Super Bowl XLV is on Feb. 6, 2011 at the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium, located in Arlington, TX. 

photo via The Truth Sports

The stadium is ginormous and will be plenty of room for all the cheese heads and terrible towels. Clear your calendar for that date and start planning your Super Bowl soiree! 

Congrats to all the Packers & Steelers fans!

Know your game - Part 2

Now that you're pretty much a pro when it comes to the NFC Championship game, get a look into the AFC game: New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers. Hopefully now you won't feel like the know-nothing-loser on Sunday!

AFC Championship Game

Sunday, 6:30 E.T.

Unlike the match up in the NFC, these teams have been feeding each other endless amounts of praise leading up to Sunday's game. Both defenses are incredibly physical and we should expect a defensive battle well into the 4th quarter. Jets have a young QB, while the Steelers have an experienced one who has not only been to the Super Bowl, but won twice. The Jets were most definitely the underdogs in the AFC playoffs, but have been knocking out prestigious, tough teams in recent weeks. These two teams met earlier in the season and with a few key Steelers players injured, and playing on home turf, the Jets won the game 22-17. The Steelers are known to be backed up by a huge fan base, sure to be waving the famous "terrible towels". This off-the-field distraction will be an extra boost for Pittsburgh. For this Sunday's game in Pittsburgh, players & fans should expect temperatures at a comfortable 10 degrees, plus a wind chill. Better stock up on hot chocolate and Snuggies if you'll be in The Steel City!

Jets QB - Mark "Babe of ALL babes" Sanchez 

photo via Sports Fan 4

New York Jets - The Jets were a wildcard contender in the playoffs this year, with a regular season record of 11-5. They have a gorgeous 2nd year QB on their side, Mark Sanchez, who has been pretty strong in tough situations and away playoff games. Sanchez will have to be on his A-game Sunday though, with the Steelers defense able to put major pressure on. Jets have a creative running game with LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene, but will have to work extra hard against the leagues top run defense (Steelers). The Jets also have a pretty impressive Special Teams (kick offs, punts, punt returns, etc.), who produce regularly. 

Bottom Line: Jets have a young, but capable QB, who will along with the rest of the team/coaches, have to be extra clever to beat the brutal Steelers.

Steelers QB - Ben "Big Ben" Roethlisberger

photo via Chicago Now 

*if you don't know much about Big Ben's past, you may want to check this out

Pittsburgh Steelers - Pittsburgh had a strong regular season (12-4) and clinched their division, getting them into the playoffs. Steelers QB, Ben Roethlisberger (roth-lis-burger - say it slow) is a big dude, and is a quarterback that can get the job done and take hard hits. Steelers solid defense can usually shut it down and are hoping to dominate the Jets running game. Long haired (you've probably seen him in this commercial), Troy Polamalu is set to play this Sunday, after injuries had kept him out of some games (and the last match up vs the Jets). This monster of a safety is usually a big boost for the Steelers and something the Jets offense needs to be fully prepared for. Steelers are also home to leading wide receivers Mike Wallace & Hines Ward, who will be covered by one of the Jets talented corner backs (Antonio Cromartie or Darrelle Revis - both ballers). The matchup of those four players will be fun to watch. 

Bottom Line: Steelers are Super Bowl experienced and come with a QB and defense package a bit above the Jets. 

Steelers are picked to win this one by most, which would add another possible Super Bowl trophy to their dynasty. Personally, I'm hoping my all time favorite player, LaDainian Tomlinson & the Jets get a shot at the bling (but if I hear the ever so annoying J-E-T-S chant one more time, I may be picking up a terrible towel and singing to this!)

Want more?

Know your game - Part 1

Want to watch the games on Sunday but have no clue about the teams? Like I mentioned in this post, there are four teams left: Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, New York Jets & Pittsburgh Steelers. Here's the 411 on the NFC game, which will help step your game up. (Look out for a post on the AFC game tomorrow). 

NFC Championship Game: Packers vs. Bears

Sunday, 3:00 E.T.

These teams are in the same division and are old school rivalries. It's been stated by both teams that they don't like each other and this game will be a fight of the fittest. (The reason two teams in the same division are playing each other is because the Packers won a Wild Card spot - placing them in the playoffs). These teams squared off a few weeks back, and the Packers took the win with a score of 10-3. These teams haven't played in the PLAYOFFS though, in almost 70 years - which will make for extra high tension. It's supposed to be pretty much freezing in Chicago, where the game is taking place. These boys are all used to sporting gloves and earmuffs daily and can handle the cold, but if there's a wind factor, this game will be won in the trenches. Both teams are legendary and have an impressive past - should be a fun game to watch!

Packers QB - Aaron Rodgers

photo via Bank Roll Sports

Green Bay Packers - First off, let me give a little shout out to the Chico born & bread Packers quarterback - Mr. Aaron Rodgers! Though the Packers finished 2nd in their division, following closely behind the Bears, they are coming into Sunday's game strong & ready to go. Rodgers has been on top of his game and the Packers are coming off a high scoring win last week. Regarding their running game, the Packers lost starting running back Ryan Grant earlier in the year, and have been using a couple of backups all season. Their defense has also been AH-mazing recently. Rodgers will have to keep his composure in a high intensity game and the Packers defensive will have to continue dominating. 

Bottom line: The Packers have been DOIN' IT both on offensive and defense lately and are coming into the game with loads of confidence. 

Bears QB - Jay Cutler

photo via Every Joe

Chicago Bears - The Bears were their divisions (NFC North) champs this season, and finished with a 11-5 record. The Bears' quarterback (who is a b.i.t.c.h in my opinion) has been pretty legit recently and is trying to prove that he's a QB not to be forgotten. The Bears player David Hester has been excellent at returning punts, and the Packers will try to avoid him at all costs. Running back Matt Forte has been solid all year and is really important to the Bears if they want to win. Their defense has also been in beast mode, but you need more than defense to win a game. 

Bottom line: The Bears are tough (with a crazy-strong defense) and have home field advantage, but are going up against a team with a lot of heart.

Most of the predictions I've heard pick the Packers to win. My vote and hopes are for the cheese heads!

Want more? 

Courtside Celebs

Basketball is in full swing and it seems to be the sport of choice for celebs. Here are some Hollywood favorites making courtside appearances.

Baby Biebs roots on the Lakers, sporting H20, a leather jacket & fist pumps. 

photo via LA Times

David Beckham catches a Lakers game solo. Am I the only one not diggin' the greasy, girlish haircut?

photo via LA Times

Lindsay Lohan takes a break from rehab/jail/cocaine/girlfriends to "watch" some ball. 

photo via LA Times

The Kardashians are now courtside regulars at Lakers games, with Khloe's husband playing for the team. Kim looks like she understands the game, but Khlo - not so much. 

photo via TMZ

Jack Nicholson is a huge Lakers fan and often catches games with his gorg daughter, Lorraine. 

photo via Huffington Post

Justin is all smiles at a recent Lakers game. Can't say the same for Jess though. Get the girl a drink!

photo via FanShots

This babealicious couple enjoys a beer and some hoops at a Lakers game.

photo via Global Grind

Jay Z and Beyonce are a regular powerhouse couple at New Jersey Nets games - J is part-owner of the team.

photo via GumBumper!

So the next time you find yourself courtside, don't forget your camera and pen for autographs - especially if you're in La La Land!


Check out the schedule for your team and catch a game!