Congratulations Curt Schilling

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Congratulations go out to Curt Schilling who recorded his 3000th career strikeout yesterday in Oakland - in what has turned out to be a forgettable season, nice milestone for Schilling to hit.

Eric Hinske had an RBI yesterday, but it wasn't enough to keep him on Renee's Naughty Girls' roster - Renee dumped Hinske like a high school girl dumps her geeky BF after her first couple of weeks of college. Made me smile.

I'm hating Adam Dunn this morning - yup, you guessed it; Dunn's 0-fer last night cost me big time...feast of famine with Dunn - apparently there was nothing in the cupboard yesterday. The Dodgers beat the Reds though.

I've got to book gang...have a great one peeps.

HAZEL'S THURSDAY HOROSCOPE
The more entertaining you are, the better. You can convince anyone of anything today. Money matters are looking good and you can expect to receive an old debt, winnings or a gift. 5 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - just because

Big Hot Sun - Indio

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

All About David

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Wednesday entries are usually reserved for a look back at some of the more "notable" newsmakers from the world of sports - if you have been here before you know all about Weird & Whacked Wednesdays. While we laugh or shake our heads at the trials and tribulations of some of today's most prominent sports figures - the events of the last few days make some sports fans seem even more moronic than the guys we love to laugh at.

Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz was admitted to hospital earlier this week - he has been having some trouble of late with an irregular heartbeat. While most fans were quick to pass along their well wishes to David and his family - it was only a matter of time before unfounded accusations and suspicions were brought to the fore. Over the last couple of days, there has been speculation that perhaps David's condition was brought about by use of steroids or performance enhancing substances.

It all started with a radio show in the U.S. (I won't publish the name) that wondered if prior substance abuse could have been a contributing factor in what Ortiz is going through right now. These accusations gave rise to a legion of moronic sports fanatics who have changed the focus of this situation from Ortiz' health - to whether or not he has taken steroids or other drugs. With no basis for this argument, legions of Red Sox haters (and members of Red Sox Nation) are hitting the message boards pointing to drug use as the reason for the irregular heartbeat. These angry, jaded, so-called fans are pointing to supposed rampant drug use in all sports to make a link to Ortiz. Some have gone to great lengths to post pictures of Ortiz taken over 7 years ago (in a Minnesota Twins uniform) - comparing them to his current pictures trying to draw a parallel between his weight gain and drug use. They have drawn Ortiz' fans into the discussion - with some pointing out that his head isn't any bigger (I'm serious...they are looking to the size of his head to defend him) - comparing him to before and after pics of Barry Bonds.

Ortiz' supporters have come out in full force to battle the meaningless accusations being made - some of the more "caring" members of Red Sox Nation were quick to wish him a speedy recovery, "because we are going to need you next year." I'm sure his wife is comforted by the fact that his army of fans seem more concerned with him being ready for spring training 2007 - than anything else.

Boston website are publishing editorials and commentaries on why it is unfathomable to think Ortiz has taken drugs - not that the arguments aren't convincing; but I am at a loss to understand why they believe they have to defend a man against accusations like this that aren't grounded in fact or backed up by evidence. Ortiz is one of the few superstars who has never been mentioned in the same sentence as the word "steroid" or "performance enhancer" - so why the need to defend him on this?

As an aside, I don't buy the "drugs" talk - coming from a family that was raised overseas, I have seen a generation of older Portuguese people being diagnosed with various heart ailments - a lot of them have to do with growing up in poverty and not having access to medicines for ailments they suffered through as children; scarlett fever that was untreated during childhood has led to a generation of people with heart murmurs and irregular heartbeats. In my opinion, Ortiz condition can be traced to genetics or lack of proper medical care when he was younger...I'm guessing he and his mom weren't exactly rich back in the Dominican Republic.

All this talk, all this conjecture, all this arguing without any definitive answers from trained medical staff on what Ortiz is suffering from. Lost in these arguments and discussions is that a man has a potentially serious condition that could impact on his life and the lives of his family and friends. His teammates say that incidents like this put everything in perspective - that good health and a happy family come above anything else - yes Red Sox Nation, even above a pennant race (that is pretty much over) and spring training 2007 .

There is so much more to write - but its been a long day and I'm worried that what started out as an objective piece is going to turn into preaching.

To David Ortiz, a favourite on "Thoughts of Hazel Mae" - I join 95% people (sports fans or not) who wish you well, who wish you a speedy recovery, and who pass along their good thoughts and prayers to you and your family - over and above anything you may or may not do at Fenway Park in the future. Because I don't speak or write Spanish, I will say "Nosso Senhor esteja com voce e a tua familia." I'm going back to the old country for a special rosary (Menino Jesus de Praga).

That's about it for tonight gang...not a usual Wednesday update - but you have heard all the news and I needed to vent a little. Have a great one peeps.

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world. The peeps got a great picture of you in the Herald today...if you read this, check it out - its the homepage pic.

Song of the day on Hazelspeeps - for Big Papi, the song that makes me think of him

Oye Mi Canto - N.O.R.E

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Red Sox West Anyone?

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Same old story these days - Red Sox drop another and Red Sox West win again. No time this morning but to wish all the best to David Ortiz and his family.

Have a great one peeps.

HAZEL'S WEDNESDAY HOROSCOPE
Don't overspend on products that promise to make you better looking. Be smart and focus on bringing cash in, not letting it dwindle away. An opportunity that interests you will not be what it appears. 3 stars

A product to make Hazel BETTER looking? Impossible!

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - just because its Wednesday and that means another rap sheet Wednesday

Police On My Back - The Clash

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

And The Beat Goes On

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

What else can possibly go wrong for the Boston Red Sox? David Ortiz sat out last night's game and returned to Boston to be examined for an irregular heartbeat - Terry Francona was spitting up blood after Sunday's game. I guess that about wraps it up for the 2006 edition of the Red Sox - oh well, means I'll pick up a cheap ticket from a scalper when I go see the Sox and Jays in late September.

Red Sox West held on to beat Cincinnati last night - increasing the lead over San Diego to a comfortable 3 games.

Ichiro Suzuki - I'm really hate you this morning. If you are a regular, you know that when I call someone out in the morning, 9 times out of 10 it was for a bad performance that cost me on one of my sports lottery tickets - Ichiro your 1-4 last night blew up a long shot worth a few hundred...thanks for nothing.

Fantasy Footbal draft so there may not be an update tonight - or I may come back to post the roster for Hazel Mae's Cowboys. Ok peeps, I gotta book. Have a great one.

HAZEL'S TUESDAY HOROSCOPE
Question anyone trying to get you to contribute to something that isn't your main focus. You have to protect yourself. A chance to make a personal improvement will result in compliments from friends and loved ones. 3 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world - the Sox may be out of it, but the NFL is starting and the NHL is around the corner. Go Leafs Go!

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - for Red Sox Nation

Good People - Jack Johnson

"Where'd all the good people go - I've been changing channels - I don't see them on the tv shows"

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Peesth

We Have A Hazie!

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

For those of you who haven't been here before, Monday night entries take a look back at the week or so that was in the world of sports, highlighting some of the more notable performances. To those who have risen above the rest, we award them with an honourary "Hazie" - the lucky few have the title of "Hazel's Hero" bestowed upon them. On the flip side, there are the special few who make news for the wrong reasons - they get tagged with the "not so heroic" label. While Hazel hasn't officially approved this week's winners and "runners up", we'd like to think she would give her trademark smile and thumbs up.

HAZEL'S HEROES

MLB

Futures MLBers - Columbus Georgia won the Little League World Series today with a 2-1 victory over a team from Kawaguchi City, Japan. Kody Walker hit a HR and Kyle Walker was dominant on the mound today.

You know Hazel would be giving these kids some recognition for their achievement.

Chicago White Sox OF Jermaine Dye was awarded with the American League Player of the Week honours. Dye hit close to .392 for the week and added 5 HRs and 10 RBI. You know what they say...Chicks dig the long ball.

Florida Marlins 3B Miguel Cabrera was a co-winner of the National League Player of the Week. Cabrera hit .409 with 3 HRs - including his 100th career long ball - can you hear Hazel saying "Buh Bye".

San Francisco Giants P Noah Lowry was the other winner. Lowry was 2-0 with an ERA of .053 with 9 Ks.

Special mention goes out to a couple of other players that weren't recognized by MLB but are great stories nonetheless.

Houston Astros OF Willy Taveras is currently in the midst of a 30 game hitting streak. While chicks may not dig "fast guys" - they do on the ball field.

What would a Monday entry be without David Ortiz - with the wheels falling off the Red Sox bus - he continues to excel. Ortiz who was hospitalized last week with and irregular heart beat keeps hitting HRs and fighting to try to get his team back on track. What makes Ortiz's week all the more amazing is that he hasn't had Manny Ramirez hitting behind him. The Sox are terrible right now - but Ortiz is the man.


GOLF

We normally don't do golf - even though we know Hazel loves golf. But you have to give it up for Japan's Yusaku Miyazato; who lived out every golfer's dream (over and above playing a round of golf with Hazel) not once but twice in the SAME ROUND. Miyazato had two hole in ones last week. He may not have won the tournament...but he made history.


NFL

Yes, I know its only pre-season, but...

Drew Bledsoe and Terry Glenn are taking Cowboys fans' minds off of the Terrell Owens saga. Bledsoe has been red-hot in his last two starts and Glenn has been making highlight reel catches so far - who says players don't care about pre-season?

Carson Palmer picked up where he left off last year in his comeback game against Green Bay. Palmer went 9-14 with 3 TDs.


NOT SO HEROIC

It starts and finishes with Terrell Owens. Terrell has been up to his old self so far this year - I thought Parcells would be able to handle Owens and get this team into the Super Bowl; Owens isn't going to make it easy on any of us this year.

For those of you keeping track - the Hazelspeeps Fantasy Baseball Pool has a trophy (Hazie). Yes, El Presidente came through for the group - NO I didn't get the Coors Light "Win a date with Hazel Mae" display - but we have something else. Speaking of which, who in the hell was the lucky winner?

Changes in the standings over this past week with Hazel Mae's Hackers charging up into second place. Big mover of the week was George's GB Steam Boys - adding seven points and jumping up a couple of spots in the standings. Standings for the week ending August 27th.


84.0 - The Bronx Zoo - owned by Sparky. Who has come up with the brilliant idea of tagging his name as the inaugural winner of the Hazelspeeps trophy - easy when you are coasting to victory.

69.0 - Hazel Mae's Hackers - owned by El Presidente (me) who may or may not be back in Renee's doghouse. Feeling a little funny not being directly on top of Renee this week.

67.0 - Shuggysux - owned by Pogue (the other Pogue) who is still hanging on 2 moves this year - and still the leading candidate for league MVP....MAYBE

60.5 - Naughty Girls - owned by Renee who is making a case for taking over Theo Epstein's job next year - she's bringing in Oswalt and Clemens if she gets Theo's job.

57.0 - GB Steam Boys - owned by George who made the biggest jump of the week - George checks in with the group and his team gains 7 points - Hazel Karma?

54.0 - Tom Sawyer - owned by Hubie who is on track to set an all-time record for moves in a fantasy baseball pool...he's going for 200+ moves in one season.

51.5 - Tina's Team - owned by Tina who has been pretty quiet - I mean, REALLY quiet...Tina phone home - or check in, the peeps are worried!

44.5 - Fighting Bobcats - owned by Commish Drisc who may wind up being the Treasurer for Hazelspeeps - if we get a bank account.

36.5 - Banana Peels - owned by the Golden Banana who has been quiet after not finding any takers for his offer to swap entire rosters.

26.0 - Leprachauns - owned by Irish who changed his team name to Rebel Without A Clue, I'll let you make the joke on this one.

That just about wraps it up for this week gang...have a great one peeps!

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world (I got an email from someone today - telling me that I didn't say that this morning. I was in a rush, but its understood right?)

Song of the Night on Hazelspeeps - for Terrell Owens "oversleeping"

Angels Losing Sleep - Our Lady Peace

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Monday Morning

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Running late this a.m. - really late. No time this morning. Have a great one peeps.

HAZEL'S MONDAY HOROSCOPE
Take an interest in what the younger people in your life are up to. You will learn a valuable lesson. Someone you respect for his or her business savvy will be interested in a proposal you offer. 3 stars

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - just because

Monday Morning - Skydiggers

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Lost Weekend

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Things continue to get worse for the Boston Red Sox - another loss to Seattle last night, this time Mike Timlin being the culprit. Oh where is the Hazel Karma when they need it...hell, the Boston Globe is already talking about next year.

Some of the good stories from yesterday -

Red Sox West beat Arizona to stay a game up on the Padres;

Astros OF Willy Taveras extends his hitting streak to 29 games;

Former Patriots Drew Bledsoe and Terry Glenn are looking pretty damn good in Big D - another highlight reel TD catch from Glenn;

Luis Figo scores on a free kick with four minutes left in extra time to give Inter Milan a 4-3 victory over Roma yesterday in the Italian Cup.

Just a few thoughts on this Sunday morning/afternoon. Back later...have a great one peeps!

HAZEL'S SUNDAY HOROSCOPE
You have lots to think about regarding your partnerships, friendships and family relationships. A big decision has to be made about future plans. Ease your stress by lowering your overhead and getting back to basics. 3 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the day on Hazelspeeps - a just because kind of day

White Trash Beautiful - Everlast

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Up, Down & Out

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.


Just a quick Saturday afternoon update - nothing you haven't already heard or seen. Bad night in baseball last night - start off with the worst.

Red Sox West lose in 15 innings to the Diamondbacks - Hazel's buddy Orlando Hudson kills the Dodgers with a 2 out, 2 run HR in the bottom of the 15th.

After a very encouraging performance by Josh Beckett on Thursday night - Curt Schilling got smacked around by the hapless Mariners last night. Sox lose a game to the Twins and fail to pick up any ground on the Yankees or the White Sox. The one guy the Sox can count on, Schilling, goes out and gives up 5 runs to the Mariners...looking at last night's lineup, I can't see them pulling it out. Sorry Red Sox Nation.

Oh yeah, to add insult to injury, the Sox loss blew up my Pro-line ticket last night...so much for sure winners.

A slow motion Saturday after a bachelor party for my cousin last night - enjoy your Saturday folks...have a great one peeps.

HAZEL'S SATURDAY HOROSCOPE
Things are moving fast but, if you aren't careful, you could be hit with an emotional crisis. Don't make a fast decision based on false information or what someone else thinks you should do. 3 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - after a night with far too much to drink, we somehow wound up in a country bar. For my cousin Mike, who was a sight to behold - because its not every day you see a dark-skinned, metrosexual porkchop country dancing with a bunch of cowgirls...his only saving grace was that it had a latin beat

All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down - The Mavericks

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Here Comes The Weekend

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Running late this morning - about last night...quickly.

Josh Beckett finally pitched the way Josh Beckett is supposed to - leading the Sox to a 2-1 victory over the Angels in Anaheim last night. Of course David Ortiz helped a little too with his 46th HR of the season. Sox don't make up any ground in the Wild Card race though - Twins and White Sox both win; they did however pick up a game on the Yankees...Renee and I think its too late to catch them though.

More later though...we have to discuss the fool that is the Chickenhawk (aka J.P. Ricciardi). Have a great one gang.

HAZEL'S FRIDAY HOROSCOPE
You can't just throw things together and expect to make it work. You must spend more time on detail. A chance to improve your personal life, relationships or even a peer connection is looking good. 3 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world - have a great weekend.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - because the title comes from a song by The Jam - and The Jam's lead singer went on to front Style Council...

My Ever Changing Moods - Style Council

Peesth Out...Buh Byb!

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

What can you say about last night?

The Good - The Red Sox get a decent outing from John Lester and win in Los Angeles.

The Bad - The White Sox and Twins both win (not to mention the Yankees).

The Ugly - Red Sox West gets swept in San Diego.

I've got to book gang...Have a great one peeps.

HAZEL'S THURSDAY HOROSCOPE
You'll be torn between doing things the easy way and putting an all-out effort into something worthwhile. Don't let your laziness lead you to neglect your responsibilities. You will do much better in competitions if you feel good about other areas of your life. 3 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - morning wakeup song

Wisemen - James Blunt

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Another Weird & Whacked Wednesday

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

For those of you who haven't been here before - welcome to this week's edition of Weird & Whacked Wednesdays. Wednesday entries take a look back at some of the more "notable" newsmakers from the world of sports from the last week or so - the stories that make us laugh, or just shake our heads at the geniuses we cheer for week in and week out. Generally the stories are filed under "the weird" or "the whacked" with a select few being singled out for being "just plain dumb" - I'll let you decide where what you think of each.


NFL

DOLPHINS LOVE THE WAY NICK LOVES THEM
This one had to be put out by Miami's PR department. While some players have not taken to Nick Saban's approach to coaching - yelling, screaming, berating, humiliating etc (or as he refers to it - "tough love") some young players actually appreciate what Nick is "trying to teach" them. Rookie defensive back Jason Allen was recently chewed out by Saban during a pre-season game, but says that he understands that Saban is trying to make him a better player.

File this one under "whacked" - Saban's tirades were the main reason one young Dolphins' player left camp and he continues to berate his young players. I wonder how much of this is coaching, and how much of it is beating up on young players because the vets would tell him where to go. I can't see Saban tearing a strip out of Zach Thomas or Jason Taylor. Maybe Nick needs anger management classes - I mean...its a rookie in a pre-season game. Lighten up Nick.


MUST HAVE BEEN A SLOW NEWS DAY
Things must be pretty slow in Denver these days - making news at Denver's camp was that BOTH Champ Bailey and Al Wilson fell asleep after practice and didn't make it to the hotel the team was staying at IN DENVER - thus breaking team curfew. Both were held out of Saturday's game against Tennessee.

File this one under "just plain dumb" - I'm all for team unity and that bunker mentality NFL coaches like to instill in their teams, but we are talking about two veterans who fell asleep on their damn couches; they weren't out partying or causing trouble...THEY WERE FREAKING SLEEPING AT HOME. I think Mike Shanahan is losing it here - having the team stay in a hotel the night before a preseason game...AT HOME. Hey, Clinton Portis...if you are listening, when you want to get out of a pre-season game next year - just sleep through the curfew; your shoulder will thank you for it.


THE ANTI-RANDY MOSS
Speaking of slow news days - the San Jose Mercury News published a story about the great camp WR Antonio Bryant is having. That's all fine and good, he's having a great camp and hasn't thrown a towel in the coach's face - good for Antonio. But to be pumping this guy up because he had a good season last year and his having a good training camp is a little much. He refers to Bryant as the Anti-Randy Moss - this is where it gets good.

"He isn't as talented as Moss, since nobody is. He isn't as accomplished as Moss, isn't as rich, and isn't as analyzed or feared, though that time may come soon."

File this one under "just plain dumb" - you want to mention Antonio Bryant and Randy Moss in the same sentence? Son, I knew Randy Moss...and you (Antonio Bryant) are no Randy Moss. I know about the proximity of San Jose to the Bay region - but you are talking about Antonio Bryant...he doesn't get to be mentioned or compared to Moss until he has a dominant season. Must have been another slow news day in the Bay area...why not do what the rest of the U.S is doing...watching and wondering about the Red Sox (and what Hazel will be wearing on SportsDesk that night).


THE "OTHER" FOOTBALL

IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED...TRY TRY AGAIN
The story out of Turin keeps getting more and more pathetic. The latest Juventus story to hit the wire is how two former team officials went to court to appeal their sentences after being found guilty of being involved in the match fixing scandal that rocked Italian soccer and saw four teams punished for their roles in the scandal - Juventus being relegated to Serie B with a points penalty tacked on for good measure. Former GM Luciano Moggi and former chief executive Antonio Giraudo asked that the appeal court suspend the banishment and fines imposed on them by an Italian soccer tribunal. The court rejected their appeals.

File this one under "whacked" - the team you worked for has been relegated to the second division, stripped of their last two league titles AND have had their request to be re-instated to Serie A (after firing BOTH of your cans) denied - yet, Dumb and Dumber think that somehow the court will feel differently than the tribunal that sentenced you. Dudes, the guys in the appeals court likely lost money betting on soccer because of your shenanigans - what makes you think they don't want to exact some revenge on you?


WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' LUNCH PROGRAM
Students at a sports school in northeast China were caught using performance enhancing drugs after a doping raid in August (gotta love how China shares information huh?). Read the story to find out what these kids were taking - I guess it should come as no surprise that the school is reknowned for churning out Olympic and world champions. The U.S. has state sponsored lunches for kids in school - the Chinese opted out of the lunch program and instead provided a chemical cocktail to build those young bones and muscles.

File this one under "whacked" - I know it happened in August...but even the Chinese must know what is going on in the world of sports with all of the controversy and suspicion around drug usage...don't they?

Ok gang, its been a long freakin' day of work - and an abbreviated entry...but part II will be focused on MLB and the NHL (sorta, you have undoubtedly heard about David Frost's arrest) - that will come tomorrow night. Have a great one peeps.

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world. Enjoy the late night games on the West Coast this week.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - for Nick Saban who screams too much, for the reporter from the San Jose Mercury News who dreamed the idea of comparing Randy Moss and Antonio Bryant - and to Dumb and Dumber from Juventus who went to court...

Shut Up - Black Eyed Peas

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Bad Night On The Left Coast

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Everybody lost last night - the Red Sox, Yankees, White Sox and Twins all lost last night - so no ground lost or gained last night.

In the National League Red Sox West lost again last night in San Diego - the once comfortable four game lead is down to two.

Wednesday morning Hazies go out to:

Albert Pujols who hit 2 HRs and added 7 RBI last night in a loss to the Mets.

Jake Peavy who pitched 7 shutout innings in a win over the Dodgers last night.

Adrian Beltre who 2 HRs and added 3 RBI in a win over the Yankees.

Nick Markakis who hit 2 HRs in leading Baltimore to a win over the Twins.

Kenny Rogers who pitched 7 shutout innings against in a win over the White Sox.

The performances put in by Pujols and Peavy catapulted Hazel Mae's Hackers into 2nd place in the Hazelspeeps Fantasy Baseball Pool. The latter three helped keep the Sox in the thick of things...which has to make Hazel happy.

Have a great one peeps.

HAZEL'S WEDNESDAY HOROSCOPE
Plan to make a statement. A connection you make with someone will benefit you regarding one of the projects you want to engage in. Sharing and compromising will lead to success. 5 stars

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - For my girl Renee's poll on the yahoo group...she beat me to it yesterday

Wake Me Up When September Ends - Green Day

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

The Hazies - Streamlined

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

For those of you who haven't been here before, Monday night entries (yes, I'm late again) take a look back at the week or so that was in the world of sports, highlighting some of the more notable performances. To those who have risen above the rest, we award them with an honourary "Hazie" - the lucky few have the title of "Hazel's Hero" bestowed upon them. On the flip side, there are the special few who make news for the wrong reasons - they get tagged with the "not so heroic" label. While Hazel hasn't officially approved this week's winners and "runners up", we'd like to think she would give her trademark smile and thumbs up.

I'm not going to go into the NFL Pre-season to hand out the hardware - but if I was, you know some Dallas Cowboys would be singled out for their performances against the Saints on Monday night.

HAZEL'S HEROES

MLB

Red Sox Nation is going to hate me for this one, but Johnny Damon gets a Hazie for being named the American League Player of the Week. I know Damon is persona non-grata to most New Englanders, but he was one of Hazel's buddies before making the move to the evil empire. Damon had a great series against his former team, capping off what was a great week at the plate. Damon hit .390, with 4 HRs, 12 RBI, with a slugging percentage of .878. Damon also had 4 doubles and 2 triples. While most of the Yankees laid the wood to Boston's depleted (and at times downright awful) pitching staff - Damon set the tone in every game he played.

St. Louis Cardinals' P Chris Carpenter and 1B Chris Duncan were named co-winners of the National League Player of the Week. Carpenter was 2-0, with a a complete game shutout, an ERA of 1.06, and struck out 13 batters. Duncan (who Renee picked up in the Hazelspeeps Fantasy Baseball Pool) hit .583 for the week, with 4 HRs, 6 RBI, a slugging percentage of 1.125 and an on-base percentage of .593. Looks like someone is trying to emulate Albert Pujols huh? Have I mentioned lately that Albert is a member of Hazel Mae's Hackers in the pool?

Toronto Blue Jays P Ted Lilly gets a Hazie for the action that no one is willing to confirm. If you missed it, after being pulled in Monday night's game vs the Oakland A's, Lilly had a confrontation with Manager John Gibbons in the tunnel of the Blue Jays clubhouse - Gibbons emerged with a bloody nose...though everyone is denying that a punch was thrown. I'm going with the video evidence of Gibbons wiping blood from his nose - he got popped by Lilly. Way to go Ted!


NOT-SO HEROIC

Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons - for a guy "manager" that challenges his players to fights.

American Sprinter Justin Gatlin has accepted an 8-year ban after testing positive for a performance enhancing substance. Gatin accepted the ban in order to avoid a lifetime ban - oh yeah, he is going to cooperate with doping authorities...in other words, he is going to turn on his coach.

We'll save Marion Jones for Wednesday's entry. That's about it for now...have a great one peeps!

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - for Johnny Damon's return to New England this past weekend...

English Civil War - The Clash

"When Johnny comes marchin home again...hurrah."

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

I've Known John Gibbons For 25 Years

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

"If you can't play for John Gibbons...there isn't too many guys you can play for." Words spoken by the Jays' Chickenhawk after Manager John Gibbons challenged, then DH, Shea Hillenbrand to a fight. Now its Ted Lilly who can't play for John Gibbons...this is shocking, but not for the reason you may be thinking. It has to do with the Chickenhawk more than Gibbons...but I have to run to work - so later.

Have a great one peeps.

HAZEL'S TUESDAY HOROSCOPE
You are in control. You can and will get what you want if you concentrate on your own goals. Don't let someone else take up your time. Love is looking very positive but take care of business first. 5 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - for Ted Lilly...aka Rocky in the clubhouse.

Eye of the Tiger - Survivor

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

For those of you checking in for the Hazies - I was watching the Cowboys and Saints tonight. So this week's Hazies will be published tomorrow.

If you are a member of Red Sox Nation - the subject line was all about the game tonight and had nothing to do with Red Sox dropping another today to the Yankees. Speaking of today's game, while the Sox hopes of winning the A.L. East may have went up in smoke with the sweep - they are not out of the Wild Card race. With the way they have been playing over the last few weeks, it may be tough making a case that they can overtake both the White Sox and the Twins...remember one thing Red Sox Nation, the Red Sox have one intangible that the White Sox and Twins don't have - Hazel Karma! Keep the faith gang - Hazel won't let you down...she'll do something on Red Sox Rewind to give them a little bit of good karma.

The big news from the NFL this past weekend was that Chris Mortensen of ESPN and Peter King of SI were both speculating that Dallas Cowboys' coach Bill Parcells was considering making backup QB Tony Romo the starter over Drew Bledsoe in Big D. I wasn't buying it for a second - come on gang, we are talking about Bill Parcells here; New England Patriots fans know what Parcells is all about.

Parcells may have mentioned this to both Mortensen and King, but it was simply to deflect attention from the ongoing saga of Terrell Owens. Parcells has always favoured veterans over young, unproven players - to suggest that Parcells would go with an untested and inexperienced Romo over a proven vet like Bledsoe is nuts. Parcells did what he does best - deflect attention from controversial issues on his team, and directing them to non-issues - he knows the media likes to speculate. The media couldn't get Parcells to go off on Owens this pre-season...so Parcells played with them a bit by giving them a story about his QBs. Its called a red herring gang - this could be Parcells last season, he isn't going to go out with questions about choosing Romo over Bledsoe...it isn't going to happen.

Speaking of Bledsoe - his performance tonight should be enough to end speculation about who is going to line up under center when Dallas opens up against Jacksonville. Bledsoe made all the throws, made the right reads and made the right decisions ; when the throws weren't quite there, he had playmakers step up and make him look good. Terry Glenn's TD catch was unbelievable - Hazel had to have spoken about that catch tonight on SportsDesk. Glenn is serving notice that he isn't going to take a back seat to Owens this year - together these two are going to be deadly. Sam Hurd, who is being schooled by Terrell, is making a case for a spot on the team by making a great catch in the 2nd quarter for a TD.

One other note about the Cowboys game tonight - DeMarcus Ware ate Reggie Bush up tonight. Bush was inside the 10 and tried to juke Ware out and cut back inside to head in for a TD. Ware stopped on a dime and pulled Bush down (the Saints ended up turning the ball over after missing a 4th down conversion). DeMarcus Ware is a monster out there.

Are you ready for some football? Hazel, if K.C. ends up biting the big one this year - I've got a seat saved for you on the Cowboys' bandwagon as we head to the big show this year. Its time for the sixth Super Bowl.

Big news out of Toronto - the Jays blow a second inning 8-0 lead to Oakland and manager John Gibbons takes a shot to the nose for his troubles. Yes, your favourite fighting manager John Gibbons chased Ted Lilly down into the tunnel after he pulled Lilly tonight (they had a heated discussion on the mound) - Rogers Sportsnet and TSN are reporting that a fight ensued and Lilly popped Gibbons, leaving the manager with a bloody nose.

What's wrong with this guy? Did Gibbons think that Lilly was going to pull a Hillenbrand and NOT fight him? John Gibbons, the Chickenhawk's man, is proving to be a joke of a manager...bush league. But then again, look at who is biggest backer is? The manager challenges his players to fights - the GM calls out his best players (ignoring the terrible off-season signings he made); no wonder this team is in shambles. Mr. Godfrey, it is time to blow this thing up and pull the plug on both of these jokers. Hazel, if you still a Blue Jays fan...its time to officially make the move over to Red Sox Nation...or "Red Sox WEST Nation"...we'd love to have you on the Big Blue bandwagon.

For those of you keeping track of the Hazelspeeps Fantasy Baseball Pool on Yahoo - the big news it that the gap is shrinking. Renee, who ended her self-imposed exile last week, is moving up the standings and challenging yours truly for 3rd place. Things are tightening up and there might actually be a race after all. This week's standing for the week ending August 20th.


82.5 - The Bronx Zoo - owned by Sparky. Who introduced himself to the yahoo board by calling me out last week...issue resolved, its all good now.

68.5 - Shuggysux - owned by Pogue (the other Pogue) who is still hanging on 2 moves this year - and still the leading candidate for league MVP....MAYBE

67.5 - Hazel Mae's Hackers - owned by El Presidente (me) who was slapped around by Renee a little bit last week - but seemingly out of the doghouse...for now.

63.5 - Naughty Girls - owned by Renee who is quietly working the waiver wire to jump over her "buddy"...guess who? Oh yeah...and she likes Eric Hinske - grrrrrrr

55.0 - Tom Sawyer - owned by Hubie who still hasn't started an English Premier League pool on the yahoo site; but is considering a trip up north to meet El Presidente for beer at the Rogers Centre when the Sox come to town.

52.0 - Tina's Team - owned by Tina who has been pretty quiet - but found enough time to register for the Hazel Mae Football pool on yahoo.

50.0 - GB Steam Boys - owned by George who came back to the yahoo group with his insightful thoughts on the current plight of the Red Sox.

43.0 - Fighting Bobcats - owned by Commish Drisc who has yet to accept his new title as a "member of the Junta" on Hazelspeeps.

42.0 - Banana Peels - owned by the Golden Banana who has been quiet after working the wires trying to trade his entire roster.

26.0 - Leprachauns - owned by Irish.

There you have it gang. A Monday recap that didn't include the Hazies...but if they did - a few Dallas Cowboys would be lining up to shake hands with Hazel. Have a great one peeps.

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Night on Hazelspeeps - a dedication from Renee to the Red Sox as they head West (yes I think she checks in her...but shhhh don't tell anyone).

Somebody Save Me - Cinderella (hey, its RENEE's call).

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

There's Always The Wild Card

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

What's making news this morning?

Tiger Woods won his 12th major yesterday by capturing the PGA Championship.

The Los Angeles Dodgers (aka Red Sox West) won again yesterday afternoon in San Francisco - they now have a four game lead in the NL West.

Roy Halladay and Derek Lowe both won to bring Hazel Mae's Hackers to within a point of second place in the Hazelspeeps Fantasy Baseball Pool.

We are just going to avoid what happened last night in Boston - I don't think Hazel would want to talk about that.

Gotta book gang...work. Have a great one peeps.

HAZEL'S MONDAY HOROSCOPE
Social events or a networking group will enable you to show your talents. You have something going for you that will separate you from the rest. Take advantage of your ability to speak and be heard as well as being taken seriously. 5 stars

Hazel I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - in a just because mood

Jesus of Suburbia - Green Day

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Sunday Morning Shots

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in today. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

While the world watches the Red Sox and Yankees' series (of course the whole world is watching) - the big news up here was that Hazel's pal, CF Vernon Wells, informed the Chickenhawk that he intended to leave the team after playing out the final year of his contract in 2007. Think of how bad that is if you are the Chickenhawk - your franchise player is giving you 14 months notice that he is leaving. Its time for Blue Jays fans to unite and call on team ownership to fire the Hawk - he has completely destroyed the chemistry in that clubhouse and they will never win with him there...more later.

I couldn't get on with my day without mentioning the Sox-Yankees series - interesting factoids

• the Sox had never given up 12 runs in three straight games before this weekend;
  
• Johnny Damon joined a list of four other players who have hit 20 HRs for both the Yankees and the Red Sox - hey, I know Red Sox Nation is still angry...but I like Johnny.
  
• Sal Fasano was brought in to pinch run for Jorge Posada - I said SAL FASANO was brought in to pinch run.

That's about it for this morning gang...gotta book. Have a great one peeps.

HAZEL'S SUNDAY HORSCOPE
Your attitude regarding a partnership is changing. Don't keep secrets. Get things out in the open. Once you are in the clear, you can move in a direction far better suited to your needs. 2 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the day on Hazelspeeps - just because

Wisemen - James Blunt

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Time To Step Up

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

The Sox and Yankees hit the field this afternoon for game 3 of the five game series at Fenway, and while the season doesn't rest on today's game, today's game means a lot more to Boston than it does to New York. The importance of today's game doesn't really have much to do with yesterday's double-header disaster (from Boston's perspective) - today, Josh Beckett needs to dominate the Yankees and show his teammates that his head is in the game and that he can do for Boston what he had done for Florida in the past. A bad game by Beckett today could signal the beginning of the end for the boys in Boston - if he doesn't get it done today, and Schilling is seen as the only hope, it doesn't bode well for this team's confidence - especially as they hit the road for nine games. Good luck boys...let us hope that Hazel Karma is with you today.

Speaking of stepping up - word today that America's track and field sweetheart Marion Jones tested positive for EPO in June. No official comment from Ms. Jones...but you can almost guess what the excuse is going to be.

And to you - whoever you are reading this page. I went on to the NESN site yesterday and watched the video of Hazel and the NESN gang visiting the Dana Farber institute. To see how Hazel handled herself around those kids - that's what makes her a super cool chick and a damn good person. Hey, if you are reading this page because you are a fan of Hazel...why not throw a few bucks over to the Jimmy Fund...I have challenged anyone on the yahoo site to - hell, some of us are in Canada and we are donating. Just tell them Hazelspeeps sent ya - be interesting to see how much $ the readers here and the gang at yahoo could combine to donate. To anyone reading this - donate 20 bucks to the Jimmy Fund, and I will personally burn and mail you a copy of Hazelspeeps Greatest Hits...if you are interested.

Have a great one gang...later peeps.

HAZEL'S SATURDAY HOROSCOPE
You are up for a good time and should make plans to socialize, network or entertain. You will be able to help a younger member in your family. Don't overreact to someone who is overindulgent. 2 stars

Song of the day on Hazelspeeps - the last in a series of August birthday parties for friends and family last night

I Got Loaded - Los Lobos.

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Friday Morning Flash

Sox and Yankees kick off a big five game with a day night double-header. If I was John Henry, I'd be giving up those seats in the owner's box to Hazel today...the Sox could use a little Hazel Karma.

I'm running late today...gotta book. Have a great one peeps.

HAZEL'S FRIDAY HOROSCOPE
You'll be excitable, anxious and running about like crazy. A fun time can be had if you put yourself in the position of the organizer and coordinator. Put your energy to good use and you will be rewarded instead of reprimanded. 2 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world. Two years out and it seems you are doing great...good for you. Yep, I remembered.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - for Hazel...Canadian fans know why.

All Come True - World Party

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

The Albatross

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

The big news story from my perspective is that the Boston Red Sox have acquired utility man Eric Hinske from the Toronto Blue Jays. If you have read this page before - you know I can't stand Hinske.

While Red Sox Nation seems to like the trade, let me be the first to say that this is a bad one. When teams make trades, you often hear them say it was a "win/win" situation - from where I sit, this one is definitely a lose/lose situation. I'll be back later to tell you why, but this trade sucks for all involved. Hey Chickenhawk, you should wipe that smug smile off your face - I know you are probably thinking that Epstein saved your hide by taking that $5.6M mistake you made off your hands...but you are still on the hook for part of it.

Have a great one peeps...

HAZEL'S THURSDAY HOROSCOPE
This is the perfect day to network, tie up loose ends and sell your ideas. You will have a good handle on what's marketable. A social event or an evening out with the one you love will bring passionate results. 4 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world - I hope you don't get stuck interviewing Hinske...it is time you'll never get back.

Song of the day on Hazelspeeps - for the spin doctoring that will be going on around this trade

The Great Rock and Roll Swindle - Sex Pistols

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Whatcha Gonna Do?

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

For those of you who haven't been here before - welcome to this week's edition of "Cops"; better known as Weird & Whacked Wednesdays. Wednesday entries take a look back at some of the more "notable" newsmakers from the world of sports from the last week or so - the stories that make us laugh, or just shake our heads at the geniuses we cheer for week in and week out.

NFL

RUN KOREN RUN
The Minnesota Vikings have rid themselves of some bad boys over the last couple of years - Randy Moss, some of the participants in "Tub Rub" (the Sex Boat) and the "Whizzinator (Onterrio Smith) all in the name of cleaning up the team's image and promoting team unity. They took a chance on Seattle Seahawks' castoff WR Koren Robinson. Didn't work out so well.

Koren was arrested early this morning and on two charges of driving while intoxicated, fleeing police (a felony), and three other misdemeanors. Robinson was clocked driving at 100 MPH in a 55MPH zone - The funny/sad thing about this charge is that it came two days after the guys on Monday Night Football were praising Robinson for pulling his life back together after battling problems with alcohol - talking about how he went back to the detox center just to reaffirm his decision to quit drinking.

File this one under "Whacked" - you sign a multi-million dollar contract with a team that took a chance on you, you tell the football world that you are clean and sober and have quit drinking, you tell a national network that you are so committed to your new life choice that you still visit the detox center to remind you of what you went through - and you go get busted for DWI? What were you thinking Koren?


SPARE THE ROD
Former New York Giants DT Keith Hamilton was sentenced to three years probation for beating his son. Seems as though Keith, the concerned and involved parent he is, beat his son with an electrical cord and surge protector, as well as picking his son up by the throat and elbowing him in the chest - but it was his son's fault for bringing home a poor report card.

File this one under "just plain dumb" - an ex-NFLer beating up on his son like that. I guess all those NFL paycheques (and pension plan) aren't enough to hire a tutor for the boy...no, lets beat the tar out of him and whip him. Don't you love it when players who retire tell the world that they want to leave the game to spend more time with their family? Their families must be thinking - "NO...keep playing. We like it when you are on the road." What do you expect from a former Giant?


A CHANGE OF HEART?
Pittsburgh WR Santonio Holmes' trial on charges of domestic violence has been postponed. Holmes was charged with assaulting Ms. LaShae Boone, the mother of ONE of his THREE children. Holmes' attorney is trying to get the case thrown out because Ms. Boone told authorities that she no longer wanted to press charges.

File this one under "just plain dumb" - both on the part of Santonio and LaShae Boone. From the part of Santonio - beating the mother of one of your children...what possible excuse is there for that? On the part of LaShae - dropping charges against the man who assaulted you because you think that things will get better - or richer. Yes, I am thinking Santonio's contract had something to do with her change of heart.


NHL
Its about time some NHLers made a Wednesday entry.

WE'LL TELL YOU WHO IT IS...LATER
Police in Vernon, British Columbia are looking for a former NHL enforcer (they think) after an altercation at a hotel last week. Details were few - but police think the person in question was an enforcer in the NHL in the late 90's. They will not release the name of the individual until he is charged.

I don't know where to file this one - but an NHLer (or former) makes a Wednesday entry for being a bad boy.

NBA
Now I normally don't do NBA stuff - but there was a couple of stories too good to pass up.

PROTECT YOURSELF
Former Indiana Pacers, now a member of the Sacramento Kings, was speaking to a group of children as part of his community service sentence - stemming from the brawl in Detroit. I'm guessing he was supposed to talk to them about violence and how to stay away from situations like that - instead Ron starts out with "Someone started trouble and I ended it." Let's hear it for Ron!

File this one under "whacked" - you were sentenced for your actions in a brawl with fans, and that's how you start your speech to impressionable kids? There are no words...


GEORGE'S BOYS ARE WATCHING
Former Charlotte Bobcat Lonny Baxter was arrested after shots were fired from a vehicle about two blocks away from the White House. Of course Lonny, through his attorney, said he feels very bad about what happened; his attorney added that he hopes this isn't a life altering event in Lonny's life.

File this one under "just plain dumb" - no explanation needed.

That's about it for tonight gang. Have a great one peeps.

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the night on Hazelspeeps - I won't go with the obvious choice, so instead I'll go with a classic that was made into a punk classic

I Fought The Law - The Clash

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

KerPlunk'd

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

An eventful night in the world of Major League Baseball last night. It was good, bad and downright ugly for Red Sox Nation.

The Good - Dennis Leary and Lenny Clarke stars of "Rescue Me" were on hand to take in the game. They were hysterical from what I saw of the highlights - I would have loved to have watched the game.

The Bad - Wily Mo Pena's error...would Carlos Guillen have scored had Pena made the catch? Who knows...but initial reaction from Red Sox Nation is that the error cost them the game.

The Ugly - Boston loses the first two of the series with their big guns going. Tuesday was a rough day to be a Josh Beckett fan...

Five game set against New York coming up Sox need some Hazel Karma.

To add insult to injury - the Yankees get a HR and 3 RBI from Johnny Damon to beat Baltimore by a 6-3 count to go three games up on the Sox. Last night on "Planet Mikey" some half-wit called in to suggest that Damon was on steroids - he drew the link between Damon and Giambi being teammates in Oakland. Who says all Sox fans are knowledgeable?

I wonder how many Sox fans smiled after seeing Roger Clemens get plunked last night against Chicago. I bet there were more than a few American Leaguers smiling after seeing that one. I'm giving Cubs pitcher Juan Mateo a Hazie for that one.

Mets SS Jose Reyes hit 3 HRs tonight against Philadelphia - pretty impressive for a SS.

Chris Carpenter of the Cards (a former Jay that Hazel would know) pitched a complete game 4-hit shutout against the Reds tonight.

The Dodgers' win their 17th of the last 18 games - looks like Grady is setting up to go back to the playoffs - this time with Red Sox West.

That's about it gang...have a great one peeps.

HAZEL'S WEDNESDAY HOROSCOPE
You can make anything happen if you take the right steps. You will be difficult to turn down, hard to resist and should be able to get others to help you. Set aside some time for love. 4 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the day on Hazelspeeps - wake up song.

Fiesta - The Pogues

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Rescue Me

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in tonight. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Tuesday nights are now quiet nights - after the one of the "peeps" on yahoo turned me on to the Dennis Leary show "Rescue Me"... I'm hooked.

A few of you have emailed me about the songs of the day/night on Hazelspeeps - and how my choices (I'm assuming that means my music tastes) range from "eclectic" to "different" to "old" (where in the hell did you come up with that) - I'm guessing that "old" refers retro choices. This morning was the calm before the storm at work - so I start goofing about putting together the Hazelspeeps Greatest Hits - The Lost Sessions compilation.

The double CD set would comprise great songs from the past and relative present that most of you have probably never heard (apologies to those of you with evolved musical tastes that know the songs about to be listed - bravo!). In no particular order and not confined to any particular genre of music - I give you the collection:

Disc 1 - Songs to start of your day.

Kotetja (Oh Bolilla) - Stewart Copeland. African rhythms and lyrics - great beat. A celebration song.

Watusi Rodeo - Guadalcanal Diary. I will never forget the dance of the two Asian cuties. You have to see the video - one classic scene when they sing "Warriors standing with spears in their hands, wondering whats next from a crazy white man."

Love Kills - Joe Strummer. Memories of mornings in Acapulco that began with a king can of Tecate. From the Sid and Nancy soundtrack.

Gypsy Blood - Mason Ruffner. A great driving song - definitely a guy song.

Mystic Eyes - Van Morrison. Another great driving song - everyone should listen to Van Morrison.

Tearin Us Apart - Eric Clapton and Tina Turner. Just listen to it - trust me.

Set Me Free (Rosalee) - Los Lobos. Latinos that can rock with anyone. How many have "Thoughts of Hazel Mae" after hearing this one?

Saturday Night - The Razorbacks. A Sunday morning song if there ever was one - these guys were big on the University circuit back when Hazel was hangin' in Toronto.

Conductin Thangs - Maestro Fresh Wes. Rap with music - Wes was very fresh when Hazel was hangin' in Toronto.

Voices/Cars - White Label Remix. A mash up of a Police song with a tecnho classic from Gary Numan.

Disc 2 - Night time songs your girls will love you for (or guys if you are so inclined - not that there's anything wrong with that).

All Come True - World Party. Look it up on the blog - you'll get it.

When Ye Go Away - Waterboys. See above.

Big Log - Robert Plant. A slow groovin song with a latin flavour to it - it definitely isn't Zeppelin, but believe me it works...one of my all-time favourites.

Suedehead - Morissey. A great great song - period.

Long Hot Summer - Style Council. A slow sultry jazzy little number.

Let Me Be The One - Expose. Cuban hotties doing latin flavoured dance music - 80's style.

Just An Illusion - Imagination. 80's house/dance music - great beat.

Bed's Too Big Without You - The Police. If you have the box set - check the live version...it really kicks.

Locura - Mariza. New style fado from Portugal...you don't have to understand the words to get the message.

Minha Alma de Amor Sedente, Sequiosa - Misia. This one will get you if you read the English translation.

There you have it...try finding some of them, they have the Hazelspeeps seal of approval on them. Enjoy!

Have a great one peeps.

Hazel I hope things are groovy in your world - this double CD set is available upon request. haha

Song of the night - I just gave you 20 - take your pick.

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Quick Hits

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Great night for the Dodgers last night - winning 16 of their last 17 games...1st place feels good.

Tough night in Boston as Beckett gets roughed up again and the Sox drop to 2 back.

Chipper Jones hits three HRs last night to lead Atlanta to a win over the Nationals.

Running late here...have a great one peeps.

HAZEL'S TUESDAY HOROSCOPE

You can mingle with the best today. You'll have all the right moves and will be able to capture the interest of the people you deal with. A secret will help put you in a winning position. Prudence will be what makes you a winner. 3 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the day on Hazelspeeps - wake up song

Flagpole Sitter - Harvey Danger

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Monday's Notables

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

For those of you who haven't been here before, Monday night entries take a look back at the week or so that was in the world of sports, highlighting some of the more notable performances. To those who have risen above the rest, we award them with an honourary "Hazie" - the lucky few have the title of "Hazel's Hero" bestowed upon them. On the flip side, there are the special few who make news for the wrong reasons - they get tagged with the "not so heroic" label. While Hazel hasn't officially approved this week's winners and "runners up", we'd like to think she would give her trademark smile and thumbs up.

HAZEL'S HEROES

JUNIOR CALLS IT A CAREER
If there is one thing everyone knows about Hazel - she is a rabid NFL fan; and I'm sure that in her days as a Kansas City Chiefs fan she must have gotten sick and tired of watching Junior Seau tear all over Kaufman Stadium chasing down everyone from Christian Okoye to Priest Holmes.

Junior Seau retired from the NFL on Monday, saying that while he still felt that he could play - he didn't think anyone "needed" him. In his 16 year career, Seau made 12 trips to the Pro-Bowl and was one of the dominant players at the LB position. Fast, tough, intense and a competitor through and through - the NFL lost a great one today. His last three years in Miami weren't very memorable - San Diego fans will never forget the Junior fist pump. The only sad thing about Junior's retirement is that the Chargers couldn't clear a roster spot for him to retire as a Charger - bad decision, bad karma for San Diego...it was the least they could have done.


COMING UP "DEROSAS"
No surprise this week - Texas Rangers' utility man Mark DeRosa was named the American League Player of the Week. DeRosa had two 6 RBI games this past week; he hit .433, with 4 HRs, 15 RBI, and had a slugging percentage of .900.


RED HOT RED
Cincinnati Reds 3B Edwin Encarnacion was named the National League Player of the Week. Encarnacion hit .440, with 4 HRs, 8 RBI, with an OBP of .533 and a .960 slugging percentage.


HONOURABLE MENTIONS
One last time to mention a few outstanding performances from the past week - they have all been mentioned before, but they all deserve mention on a Monday night.

Mark Texiera saw his consecutive game streak of reaching base safely end at 36 - again I say, not bad for a Portuguese kid huh?

Manny Ramirez saw his hitting streak end at 27 games - pretty damn good for a power hitter.

Greg Maddux, who was thought by many to be washed up, has been lights out for the Los Angeles Dodgers since being traded from the Cubs. Maddux has pitched three very good games - the latest being shutting out the Giants over 8 innings on 68 pitches; after giving up two first inning hits, Maddux went on to retire 21 straight.

NOT-SO-HEROIC

INJURIES ARE NO EXCUSE
New York Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez says he has been battling injuries this year - injuries that would have landed him on the DL in past years. After sharing this little tidbit, ARod went on to say that he wasn't going to use the injuries as an excuse. So you tell everyone that you are hurt, but you aren't going to use injuries as an excuse for a bad year. Then why not just say "I'm not playing well."

For those of you keeping track - big news in the Hazelspeeps Fantasy Baseball Pool. After announcing her withdrawal from the pool, it seems that Renee has had a change of heart and has slipped back undercover to make a few moves over the weekend. I will hold firm on my commitment, I will not completely abandon my team, but I will NOT be making any more moves this year. No real change - standings for the week ending August 13th.

82.5 - The Bronx Zoo - owned by Sparky. How found time to finally join the yahoo group...to tell us about his strategy to win this year - but not to gloat about being in first place.

68.5 - Shuggysux - owned by Pogue (the other Pogue) who is still hanging on 2 moves this year - and still the leading candidate for league MVP.

63.5 - Hazel Mae's Hackers - owned by El Presidente (me) who is still in the doghouse, but slowly moving up the standings.

59.5 - Naughty Girls - owned by Renee who is quietly working the waiver wire to jump over her arch enemy...guess who?

58.5 - Tom Sawyer - owned by Hubie who should be thinking about an English Premier League pool on the yahoo site.

56.5 - Tina's Team - owned by Tina who has been pretty quiet.

49.5 - GB Steam Boys - owned by George who finally checked in after a few weeks away...our boy George is studying hard.

43.5 - Fighting Bobcats - owned by Commish Drisc who was recently referred to as part of the Junta on the yahoo site after I called him Vice El Presidente.

42.5 - Banana Peels - owned by the Golden Banana who is trying to trade his entire roster.

25.5 - Leprachauns - owned by Irish who still claims to be happy with his team.

That's about it for tonight. Have a great one peeps.

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the night on Hazelspeeps - just because its on right now...it has absolutely nothing to do with the hopes and aspirations of some of the pool members - going to some retro House music from the 80's.

Just An Illusion - Imagination

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Monday Morning Newsmakers

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

It would seem all is relatively well in Red Sox Nation again - Boston beat the Orioles for the eleventh time this year and pulled within a game of the Yankees for first place in the A.L. East. Of note, Manny Ramirez's hit streak ended yesterday with an 0-3 game; leave it up to a jackass covering the game to say Ramirez might have been credited with a hit had he not jogged to 1st base on a grounder to the pitcher, which wound up being scored an error. Also of note, the Peeps say Hazel was taking in the game at Fenway yesterday...from my perspective the most important game note to be recorded.

Another streak came to an end last night - my boy Mark Texeira failed to reach base safely last night ending the streak at 36 games...good show though.

While it is widely accepted that David Ortiz is the best DH in the American League - you have to give it up to Cleveland's Travis Hafner who hit his sixth grand slam of the year yesterday, tying former Yankee Don Mattingly's mark. While Ortiz is the man in the clutch - there is something to be said for hitting six grand slams in less than 400 AB.

Speaking of clutch - Los Angeles Dodgers' rookie catcher Russell Martin hit a 10th inning HR to lead the Dodgers (aka Red Sox West) to a 1-0 victory over the hated Giants. Red Sox Nation - look on the bright side, if things don't work out in the A.L., I will personally invite you to join our World Series party...cuz it looks like we are back. Oh yeah, the other thing I forgot to mention - our boy Russell is from East York, Ontario - so I have to think Hazel would be down with a hometown boy getting some mention on this page.

It may only be pre-season, but count me as one of the happy people now that the NFL is back. I'm not going to go on and on about the Cowboys beating Seattle on Saturday night - but it looks like the Tuna has these guys ready to play this year.

Leave it to the French - who would guess that their favourite "celebrity" would be the Marseille's Mad Minator. Yes, 987 morons were polled and Zidane beat out former tennis star Yannick Noah for the honour. I don't know about you, but I was shocked to hear the French would admire such wonderful qualities as arrogance, aggression, selfishness and poor sportsmanship - oh wait, we were talking about the French...never mind, I get it now.

That's about it for this morning. Have a great one peeps.

HAZEL'S MONDAY HOROSCOPE
Don't make financial decisions today. This is not the time to gamble or to take on costly, major renovations. Concentrate on your home, family and easing the stress you are feeling. 3 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - this one goes out to our friend Scott who likes to take the occasional cheap shot at our girl. Dude, I know you think you are funny and all - but the latest effort was weak. Come on dude...you can tell us. You have a crush on her don't you? You just don't know how to express it...right? You can tell us. Anyways, here is the song I came up with today...just for you buddy.

Jerk It Out - The Caesars

Shut up - hush your mouth
Can't you see you talk too loud?
No I can't hear nothing
Cuz I got my head up in the clouds
I bite off anything that I can chew
I'm chasing cars up and down the avenue
But that's ok

Cuz its easy - once you know how its done
You can't stop now - its already begun
You feel it - running through your bones
And you jerk it out

Peesth Out...Buh Bye

Sunday Morning Newsmakers

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

What's making news this morning?

Manny Ramirez extends his hitting streak to 28 games - and he waited until the 10th to do it.

Mark Texeira had three hits last night - he has reached base safely in 36 straight games.

Pittsburgh Penguins' property - Evgeni Malkin goes AWOL from his Russian club team.

Lance Armstrong finally speaks out on Floyd Landis - saying Landis did too much talking.

More to come later...gotta go have some breakfast. Have a great one peeps

HAZEL'S SUNDAY HOROSCOPE
You will be able to manipulate situations and make things happen if you are aggressive in your pursuits. You will have the competitive edge and must step up to any challenge that comes your way. 3 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the day on Hazelspeeps - for last night's birthday celebration for my man Jae

Roaring Days - Weddings, Parties, Anything

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Saturday Morning Musings

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

A slow start to the day today - but a few things got my attention:

Justin Gatlin can save his career by testifying against his coach; word is that he won't be suspended for life if he spills the beans - this promises to be interesting.

Maurice Clarett might be undergoing a psychiatric evaluation to determine his competence to stand trial - this story get sadder by the day.

Texas Rangers' utility man Mark DeRosa had six RBI last night in a win over Oakland - it was the second time in three days he had six RBI in a game. He had a five RBI game last week.

Speaking of the Rangers', Mark Texeira reached base with a couple of walks and a double last night - making it 35 straight games that he has reached base safely.

Big news out of England - Wayne Rooney says he has "forgiven" Cristiano Ronaldo for the incident in Germany...pretty big of Rooney to forgive Ronaldo for his (Rooney) own stupidity. Oh yeah, looks like pretty boy David Beckham's international career is over - he has been left off the National team for an upcoming friendly.

That's about it for now...have a great one peeps!

HAZEL'S SATURDAY HOROSCOPE

Do your thing and tell it like it is and you will be taken seriously. Entertaining, networking and travel will all lead to success. You have a great way of dealing with anything that comes your way today. 3 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the day on Hazelspeeps - wake up song

Devil's Party - INXS

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Oh What A Freakin' Night

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

I don't know who won or lost tonight (last night), and who cares? Tonight was a great night - the kind of nights only Canadians can truly appreciate. A birthday party for my buddy, sitting on a patio in 14 C weather (58 F) having Guinness, Stella, Red Bull and Vodka, and Jaeger Bombs. The whole night wasn't spent on a patio though - we hit the club to warm up a little. More later...

Peeps, I hope your night was half as great as mine. Have a great one

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the night on Hazelspeeps - because the only person in this world that would get this one is my man DJames...

Promiscuous - Nelly Furtado

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Step Back From The Edge

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Things were quiet on yahoo last night after the Sox loss - I think the peeps headed for the bridge to jump off. Dropping three in a row to the Royals is NOT the way to go into a weekend. Speaking of which, have a great one peeps.

HAZEL'S FRIDAY HOROSCOPE
You can finish off all the little things that have been left undone today. Once you clear your slate, you will be ready to take on something new and exciting. A chance to get involved with someone unusual will result in a very interesting and intense relationship. 3 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world - have a great weekend.

Song of the day on Hazelspeeps - wake up song

Is It Any Wonder - Keane

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

What Were They Thinking?

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Again this week, I'm a day late with the Weird & Whacked Wednesday update - I had to set up my new computer. For those of you who have been here before you know what Wednesday entries are all about. For those of you who haven't been here before, Wednesday is the day when we look back at some of the more colourful and interesting events that have taken place over the last week or so in the world of sports. Some of the stories fall under the category of weird - where you wonder how this could happen; some of the stories fall under the category of whacked - where you wonder what they were thinking when they did this; and the truly outstanding newsmakers and their stories fall under the category of "just plain dumb" - where you don't even try to understand it. I will let you decide where each fits.


STAY IN SCHOOL
Former Ohio State RB Maurice Clarett really has himself in a world of trouble now. Clarett, who is already facing a charge of robbery, was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon(s) after a chase with police on Tuesday night. Clarett was found with four loaded weapons and body armour - who wears body armour while driving around? He had a half empty bottle of vodka for good measure. Clarett's bail has been set at $5 million.

File this one under "weird", "whacked" and "just plain dumb" - that's right ladies and gentlemen, Maurice is the first trifeta winner ever on this page. We need bullets for this one (no pun intended):

• Weird - he goes from being a star at Ohio State to an NFL bust, to an arena football player - what happened to this guy? Great quote from the team's owner Jim Terry "We gave him a chance and now we'll wait to see what happens. I've seen far worse situations that this." HUH? Think Jim Terry has been involved with the Bengals?
  
  
• Whacked - he is wearing body armour, carrying loaded weapons and drinking - but police also find a compact disc of children's songs recorded by Ohio prison inmates. I can't even begin to imagine what was going through this guy's head at the time.
  
  
• Just plain dumb - he is being chased by police and winds up a block away from the people he is alleged to have robbed. Go figure.

I think Maurice deserves a round of applause for this one.

FEELING MIGHTY LO-DUCA
New York Mets' catcher Paul Loduca made news this week as it was revealed that he was having an affair with a 19 year old university student in Long Island. So what you say? Baseball players do it all the time? Maybe...but how many of these guys are married to Playboy models? If that wasn't enough - it is alleged that Loduca is heavily in debt from gambling...speculation is that he is flat broke. Read the story.

File this one under "whacked" - the guy is carrying on an affair with a teenager in the biggest media market in the U.S. - telling her that he was not with his wife. He was not only dating her, he would go pick her up and chat with her parents. Need more convincing? He trusted a friggin teenage girl to keep her mouth shut (again, NO PUN INTENDED). The foul ball off the groin for Loduca? His teenage girlfriend was quoted as saying "He's fun - for an older man." For his part, Paul wants everyone to know that he loves his wife and is friends with her...and he wants to concentrate on playing baseball.


DON'T DRINK AND BOAT - EVEN IN KENTUCKY
For those of you keeping track - the Bengals are back out in front of the Chicago Bears in terms of player arrests, 5-4. Guard Eric Steinbach was charged with boating under the influence on the Ohio River - relatively tame in comparison to his teammates, but an offence nonetheless. He of course is pleading not guilty in this one. I'm waiting to hear Bengals' owner Mike Brown's speech about "standards" for his players.

File this one under "just plain dumb" - I've said it before; because of the actions of your teammates your entire team is under a microscope and you do something this stupid? There are just no words.

AT LEAST HE WASN'T DRUNK
Pittsburgh Steelers OL Barrett Brooks was charged this past weekend with fleeing from police. Brooks was on a motorcycle when being chased by police, and while he was not drunk - he wasn't wearing a helmet, which apparently isn't exactly against the law in Pennsylvania. Brooks claims it was a result of miscommunication and he will explain everything in court. Coach Cowher isn't buying it though.

File this one under "just plain dumb" - two words for Brooks - Ben Roethlisberger. Enough said.

JUST CALL MIKE
Seems like Bengals' owner Mike Brown has standards for his team AND his fans. Bengals' fans who are annoyed with bad behaviour of other fans in the stands can now use their cell phones and report any incident to the Bengals. The number to call is (513) 381-JERK - seriously. Bengals management is threatening to revoke season tickets from repeat offenders - and arrests for more serious offenders. I wonder if those bad-asses get a spot on the Bengals' practice roster.

File this one under "whacked" - your team is leading the league in arrests and you are going to deflect attention and heat by turning on your fans? I thought fans were an extension of their team? I can't believe the Bengals are serious about this - with any other team, I might understand - but given their off-season? Why not let fans report players' bad behaviour? This has to be a joke.

Well, that's about it for tonight. There were a few more stories I was going to highlight, but they were all about soccer in Europe - so maybe tomorrow or the weekend. I've got to get on over to the yahoo site to see what's up...Sox lost again to the Royals - so things could get a little heated.

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the night on Hazelspeeps - tonight's song has nothing to do with this entry. I'm going to get it from my man Drisc for a post on site tonight...so tonight's song, NOT for Drisc...but offered up as a funny explanation of sorts

Beautiful - James Blunt

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!

Bigger, Faster, Better

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Wondering about the title? No, not another performancing enhancing substance story - I am referring to my new computer; spent last night setting it up, we'll see how it goes tonight with the Wednesday update. Gotta book peeps...have a great one.

HAZEL'S THURSDAY HOROSCOPE
You may feel as if you are in a tug of war with family and friends. Refrain from making comments and, instead, size up the situation. There will be a way to satisfy everyone if you are considerate. Finding solutions will make you the hero. 3 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - cuz I'm still feelin' Madonna

Hung Up - Madonna

Peesth Out...Buh Bye

Time To Panic?

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Well, yesterday I was hating on Andruw Jones - today it is the Red Sox after they somehow lost to the Kansas City Royals last night. Yes, Boston blew up a winning Pro-line ticket for me - so I'm hatin' on them a little this morning. I know its only August, but I think it is time that Sox fans start to worry a little...something isn't right there.

Gotta book peeps - have a great one.

HAZEL'S WEDNESDAY HOROSCOPE
Don't let someone shut you down before you begin. Not everyone will agree with you today but, if you feel strongly about something or someone, follow your own instincts. Keeping a secret will be in your best interest today. 4 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - wake up song today.

Wake Me Up When September Ends - Green Day

Peesth Out...Buh Bye

Andruw Jones I Hate You

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Quick post before I get up and out here this morning. The only thing on my mind this morning is how much I hate Braves OF Andruw Jones. Andruw Jones is approaching Big Papi like numbers when it comes to screwing my Pro-line tickets - last night Jones' hit a meaningless HR in the ninth to tank another ticket. Andruw Jones is the NL version of ARod - great numbers, most of them built when the game has been decided. Andruw Jones...you suck.

Have a great one Peeps, that's it for me this morning - I just had to come on and vent about that one.

HAZEL'S TUESDAY HOROSCOPE
Someone may try to talk you into something you don't need. Work with your own ideas and perfect them. The time to present what you do will come. However, today, be quiet and work diligently alone. 4 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the day on Hazelspeeps

She Talks To Angels - Black Crowes

Peesth Out...Buh Bye.

Great & Not So Great Long Weekend

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

The last long weekend of what we know as summer up here wrapped up today - and it was a great one...but that is not a story for here.

For those of you who haven't been here before, Monday night entries take a look back at the week or so that was in the world of sports, highlighting some of the more notable performances. To those who have risen above the rest, we award them with an honourary "Hazie" - the lucky few have the title of "Hazel's Hero" bestowed upon them. On the flip side, there are the special few who make news for the wrong reasons - they get tagged with the "not so heroic" label. While Hazel hasn't officially approved this week's winners and "runners up", we'd like to think she would give her trademark smile and thumbs up.

HAZEL'S HEROES

NFL
The NFL welcomed six new members this past weekend, and as it should always be, two former Dallas Cowboys were part of the festivities. While Hall of Fame inductions normally start a debate about whether or not a person is "worthy" - this year's inductees all have solid cases.

Troy Aikman - the number 1 or 1A quarterback in Dallas Cowboys' history. He was the QB of the 90's - taking a team that was 1-15 to three Super Bowl victories. He was often overshadowed by Emmitt Smith, and to some extent Michael Irvin, but he was one of the best of his generation. The Hall welcomes one of the classier players to step on an NFL field.

Rayfield Wright - one of the key members of the great Dallas teams of the 70's. He went up against a number legendary defensive ends and won more than his share of battles with them. A member of Dallas' ring of fame in Irving, TX.

Warren Moon - Hazel has to like this one. Canadian football fans remember Moon as the QB for the great Edmonton teams of the early 80's (though Hazel was a kid back then). If you combined Moon's CFL and NFL stats - he passed for over 70,000 yards. New England football fans will hate this - but Moon was better up here than Flutie.

John Madden - BAM! When I first heard about Madden, I thought it was as much for his work in the booth than his coaching record. While often criticized for being a master at stating the obvious - Madden revolutionalized broadcasting in the NFL. A closer look shows that Madden had the highest winning percentage for coaches with over 100 victories. Oh yeah, his EA Sports games are good too.

Reggie White - the Minister of Defence. He played for two teams I hate - the Eagles and the Packers...a great player though. I will remember how he so eloquently told the world about how "those Asians...they can turn transistor radios into big screen TVs."

Harry Carson - the heart and soul of the Giants' teams of the 80's...given that he played for the Giants, I can't say too much. Good for him though, he was actually one Giants' player I didn't hate.


MLB
Hazel's pal, Orlando "the O-Dawg" Hudson was named the National League Player of the Week. Hudson hit .435, with 2 HRs and 10 RBI, with a slugging percentage of .935. For those of you in Canada, you'll remember that the O-Dawg finished out the 2004 as host of JZone when Hazel left for NESN.

What would a Monday entry be without mention of another one of Hazel's pals? David Ortiz was a co-winner of the American League Player of the Week. Big Papi hit .370, with 5 HRs and 8 RBI, with a slugging percentage of 1.000. For good measure he had his 5th walk-off hit of the season. Ortiz became the third Red Sox player to have three 40 HR seasons, and the first to do it three years in a row. One last thing - he was the American League Player of the Month...can you say MVP?

Travis Hafner was the other winner. Hafner hit .385 with 4 HRs and 9 RBI, with a slugging percentage of .962. If I don't sound too excited about Hafner's award - it was because he screwed one of my Pro-line tickets last week.

Two of Hazel's pals win PoW - shall we discuss Hazel Karma again? I guess it pays to be one of Hazel's buddies.

Other notable performances this past week were turned in by Greg Maddux of the Los Angeles Dodgers who threw a no-hitter for six innings against the Reds last week; and Canadian Adam Loewen limited the Yankees to 1 hit and no runs over 6.1 innings last Saturday.


NOT SO HEROIC

Disgraced American cyclist Floyd Landis spoke out today for the first time. Landis was critical of Tour de France officials and the doping labs, and went on to backtrack on all the excuses initially put forth in his defence, blaming his lawyers and anyone else he had spoken to. Fear not American cycling fans - all 73 of you - Floyd vows that he will fight to clear his name.

England's Wayne Rooney stepped in it again last week. Rooney was shown ANOTHER red card for a challenge on F.C. Porto defender Pepe Ferreira. Imagine that, Rooney getting shown a red card in a game against a Portuguese team, and Manchester United Coach Sir Alex Ferguson dismissing it by saying "The defender made a meal of it..."

One of my best friend's father used to say to us "Go in peace - but for Christ's sakes just go." I hope Red Sox Nation will join me in passing along that nugget of wisdom to Baltimore Orioles' DH Kevin Millar. The Boston Globe reported last week that after the Javy Lopez trade was announced, Millar called Sox Manager Terry Francona to tell him that Lopez was really looking forward to going to Boston. If Millar concentrated a little more on his game, and a little less on what is going on in Boston...he might actually get back to what he was - a pretty decent hitter. Kevin, dude, they cut you loose - move on...the Red Sox have.

Controversy in the Hazelspeeps Fantasy Baseball Pool. My pal (I think it might now be "former pal") Renee announced last week that she was abandoning her team and the group (for a few weeks - possibly permanently) after yours truly questioned a trade she made with cellar-dweller Irish - and asked the Commissioner to keep an eye out for subsequent lop-sided trades being made by Irish. While I think she took my comment out of context, it is her perogative to leave her team be. As a result of her announcement, I have decided that Hazel Mae's Hackers will make no further moves this year...the team stays as is, for better or worse.

In her flamboyant, pull no punches, style - Renee announced her exit from the league thanking the group and bitch-slapping me. Ya just gotta love her sometimes.

For those of you keeping track - standings for the week ending August 6th.

83.0 - The Bronx Zoo - owned by Sparky.

70.0 - Shuggysux - owned by Pogue (the other Pogue).

63.0 - Hazel Mae's Hackers - owned by El Presidente (me).

59.0 - Naughty Girls - owned by Renee.

56.0 - Tom Sawyer - owned by Hubie.

54.0 - Tina's Team - owned by Tina.

52.5 - GB Steam Boys - owned by George.

43.5 - Banana Peels - owned by the Golden Banana.

42.0 - Fighting Bobcats - owned by Commish Drisc.

27.0 - Leprachauns - owned by Irish.

There you have it gang. That's about it for tonight - have a great one peeps.

Hazel, I hope things are "groovier" in your world than they are in the baseball pool these days.

Song of the day on Hazelspeeps -

The Grass Is Green - Nelly Furtado

Peesth Out...Buh Bye.