The Rocket IS Back

Roger Clemens has decided to return to baseball and pitch for the Houston Astros. Read more about it here.

The End of the Line

I think the Pistons are going to reach the end of their playoff run tonight. If you're wondering how the best team in the league got to this point, here's a quote from Bob Wojnowski:

They got here by taking the easy way out, by blaming the coach, by thinking they were better than they were, or assuming the opponent wasn't as good. To be fair, tonight will mark the Pistons' 82nd playoff game in four years, a full extra season of toil. They look worn down, mentally and physically, which was always the risk.

Read the rest here.

The Return of the Rocket?

ESPN is reporting that Roger Clemens has agreed to return to the Houston Astros. The Astros are denying the report, calling the situation "status quo." The Rocket returning is certainly interesting, but what's taking so long? I guess when you're 40+ and a great pitcher you can just sit back and wait for a sweetheart deal.

Can You Believe It?

It's Memorial Day and the Tigers are still the best team in baseball, at least record-wise. They have the best winning percentage at .700; the next best is .653 by the White Sox. Sit back and enjoy. (Photo from AP)

Hall of Heroes

Hall of Heroes lists many servicemen whose heroic efforts are worthy of special note. Might be worth while stopping by on Memorial Day.

Poor Hugo

Hugo Chavez, the "president" of Venezuela, is unhappy about the upcoming video game Mercenaries 2: World In Flames. Or at least his supporters are unhappy. The game is set in a war-torn Venezuela. So, obviously, it must be a plot to prepare the American people to overthrow Chavez. Of course! It's brilliant. A whole generation of soldiers ready to fight Chavez, errr, if they can afford the PS3's $600 price tag. Not that I'd be against overthrowing the crazy commie. Here's all you need to know: "But Cuba doesn’t have a dictatorship – it’s a revolutionary democracy." Or maybe this: "The grand destroyer of the world, and the greatest threat ... is represented by U.S. imperialism." Or maybe one more: "Everyday I become more convinced... that it is necessary to transcend capitalism. But capitalism can’t be transcended from with capitalism itself, but through socialism, true socialism, with equality and justice. But I’m also convinced that it is possible to do it under democracy, but not in the type of democracy being imposed from Washington." (All from WikiQuote) Those crazy dictators. Makes me want to play Mercs 2.

$250...

...or less. That's how much Nintendo's new console will cost. That's more or less what Nintendo fans expected, but it's good news anyway, especially when compared to the hefty price tag of the PS3.

In other Nintendo-related news, Gamedaily.com has a fun article up about the history of Mario. It's really quite amazing how many hit games have been spawned from the franchise.

Up, up, down, down...

This is one of the funniest comics I've ever seen. Look closely at the position of the hands if you don't get it at first. If you still don't get it, well, you haven't played near enough Contra. Or you could just read up on the object of the comic here.

Ghost Rider

I have to say that I've never been a big fan of Ghost Rider. But, if nothing else, you have to admit that he looks really cool. And never more cool than in these trailers. I'm a little apprehensive about Nicolas Cage, but on the other hand, he did take his stage name from a Marvel comic book character. Hopefully this will be as cool as it looks.

Joey on the Lions

Joey Harrington didn't complain while he was Lion, even under the strain of tremendous pressure and derision. Well, now that he's gone to Miami he's free to share his real feelings about the team. Check it out here.

They Didn't Blow It

Well, I'm surprised. The Pistons didn't blow it in game 7 tonight. They played some defense and sent LeBron home. Good riddance. Can you imagine how commentators are going to be slobbering over him next year? Ugh. Now that the ship is righted, it's time to finish this thing off. Go to work, Pistons.

Note to Gatorade

Playing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" behind footage advertising the World Cup? Simply unacceptable.

Great Expectations

John Clayton has an article up on ESPN.com about 1st round WR picks and their failures. Here's a stat: "Eleven of the 16 first-round receivers taken between 2000 and 2003 haven't or won't get second contracts from the teams that drafted them." Interesting reading.

More Mass Effect

You can check out some new screens at Game Banshee.

Power Rankings

ESPN.com has their Power Rankings up, and guess who's #1? Well, it's the White Sox. But the Tigers, who have the best record in the league right now, are #2. And they were close to being 1, and could even be considered 1A. Did you know that "the Tigers' pitching staff leads the majors in ERA (3.13) and shutouts (7)." This is simply amazing. Hopefully the Tigers can keep it going and help wash away the bad taste of the Pistons suicidal end to their season.

Minnesota, here we come

Tickets have been ordered for the 2006 Baseball Trip. I've got 6 tickets coming, so if Matt bails out, hopefully Adam has a "friend" or a "co-worker" who can be our 6th ticket. Tickets are $25/person ($21+$3 service charge+$0.50 delivery fee = $25). Peace out.

Wallpaper 5-16-06

More New Super Mario Bros. goodness:

New Super Mario Bros.

I just saw a commercial for the New Super Mario Bros. I want it. It's old school Mario action. And you can play as a giant Mario and destroy everything in your path. Everything you never knew you always wanted in a Mario game. Sigh. My poor wallet.

Around the NFL

Some news from around the NFL:

-The Dolphins have signed Marcus Vick. Mark my words, the Fish will regret this move before the end. Marcus hasn't changed, but he's suckered some people in. Of course if Nick Saban takes a fall, I can't say it will hurt my feelings much.

-The Lions have re-signed Jeff Backus, their best lineman. Took them long enough to make the right move.

-Doug Flutie has decided to retire. If you can't go out on top, I can't think of a better way to leave than that drop-kick.

-Joey Porter has plans to be an idiot. To the president. Because apparently winning the Super Bowl and going to the White House for a celebration earns you the right to have a one-on-one complaint session. Running your mouth to reporters is one thing, to the president is something else entirely. I hope his ego is actually this big and some Secret Service agents take him down. Moron.

Flying Monkeys

You have to love a comic that features flying monkeys emerging from certain orifices. Check out today's Dilbert.