2

Magazine Layout by bbyao06 Designs

What is SportsJabber? __________________________________________________ 4
Spotlight On SportsJabber Radio __________________________________________ 5
World War I: Christmas Truce___________________________________________________________ 6
SJ College Football Power Rankings _____________________________________________________ 7
The Lion Curse ___________________________________________________________________________ 8
“Ant” Time with Author, Brandon Sneed _______________________________________________ 9
Top Pound-4-Pound MMA Fighters ____________________________________________________ 15
Tilly’s Christmas Treats _________________________________________________________________16
Could Duke actually be BETTER than last year? _______________________________________ 19
Gold Medal Miracle: Olympic Goalie Great, Jim Craig Does SJ _________________________ 20
MLB Free Agency: Shifting the Balance of Power _____________________________________ 23
NHL Power Rankings ___________________________________________________________________ 24
Chiefmom’s Says... _______________________________________________________________________ 29
SJ’s Official Week 14 NFL Power Rankings ____________________________________________ 31
Beyond the Wall with Aaron Yarbough ________________________________________________ 32
Phillips, Childress, and McDaniels Get the Boot. Who’s Next? ________________________ 34
SJ’s Mock Draft Database _______________________________________________________________ 35
SJ’s 2011 Official NFL Mock Draft ______________________________________________________ 36
2010 MLB Award Winners _____________________________________________________________ 37
Movies You May Have Missed __________________________________________________________ 38
SJ’s Official Week 6 NBA Power Rankings _____________________________________________ 42
Heat on the Lake Show __________________________________________________________________43
The Trail to Golden State _______________________________________________________________ 47
The OTHER Big 3 Working Magic ______________________________________________________ 49
Nuggets of Thunder _____________________________________________________________________ 51
Ghost of MJ-Past on Broadway _________________________________________________________ 52
SJ Holiday Greetings ____________________________________________________________________ 54
SJ’s Social Networks & Home of SJ Magazine
3 __________________________________________ 55
Prayer to Scott (NYSportsRule) ________________________________________________________ 57
Recognition ______________________________________________________________________________ 58
 SportsJabber.net provides complete coverage of the sporting world. While best-known for its always-
active forums, it is much, much more. SJ is a multi-verse of inter-connected sports fan sites.

It's an assembly of contributing blogger-authors providing expert analysis of their chosen sports, leaving
no event uncovered or lacking importance. SJ provides a platform and an extensive marketing channel to
promote the authors' original works.

SJ operates multiple interactive sites among the major social networks (Facebook, Myspace, Twitter) &
our home platform, providing fun and informative sports exchange among our many thousands of sub-
scribers, "friends" and followers.

The weekly fun, informative, & interactive Sports Jabber Radio Show, "Cheap Seats Community" (think
Myspace for sports fans) with its included blogs (yours & others) and "Graphics Showcase"), along with
SJ's aforementioned social network sites are directly accessible via the "Sports Community" link on the
home page.

SJ operates one of the largest and most comprehensive NFL mock draft databases on the net. With our
own mock draft, created & maintained by our cross-fan team of experts at its foundation, our database,
unlike most, operates and is updated year-round.

Of course, Jabberheads also unite in our highly interactive member forums, 24-7, for discussion of break-
ing sports news & daily events, enjoyment of competitive fantasy sports, & participation in fun & com-
petitive prize-awarded contests.

If you kick, throw, hit, or drive it...or enjoy watching it done, it's a jabber world made for you.

Are you a Jabberhead? Do you want to be a Jabberhead? Step inside and join the fun.

Interested in Writing/Reading Articles?

Interested in Intelligent Sports Discussion?
Interested in Exploring the Wide World of Sports?
Check out:
4
WWW.SPORTSJABBER.NET
 Written by: Mark

Sports Jabber Radio (or SJ Radio as we call it) was born at the same time as Sportsjabber.net.
Hosted by TV and radio veteran Mark Janda and Sportsjabber.net advisor Ben English, it is the
voice for a vibrant cross-section of sports aficionados and addicts. From the field, ice, court, pitch
or track, you can count on them to talk the sports you love.

Every Wednesday night at 10:00pm Eastern (9:00 Central), Mark and Ben cover the major sports
stories and the happenings in the SJ community. Often they will have guests who share
knowledge, insight and opinion. (Past guests have included best-selling author Jeff Pearlman,
gaming expert Joe Samaurez Smith and US Olympic Gold-Medal winner Billy DeMong.) They also
welcome you to join them on-air or in the SJ Radio chat room while the show is live.

This football season, they have been joined every week by fantasy guru and SportsJabber.net
partner KZ from FansFantasyFootball.com. He makes the picks to help your fantasy football team
keep on winning.

And then there are the prizes. Over the two years it's been in existence, SJ Radio has awarded
T-shirts, autographed books, DVDs and a host of other swag to our listeners.

It's a great time to be a Jabberhead! Expand your Jabberworld with us as we go seriously

multimedia!

Remember, SJ Radio is on every Wednesday at 10:00pm Eastern, 9:00 Central.

Check out SportsJabber Radio

at its home:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/
Sports-Jabber

5
 World War I: Christmas Truce
By Jon M. Tessler (ReveryRoadie)

They say that war is hell, and that is especially true around the holidays. Being away from
home during birthdays and anniversaries is bad enough, but once you get into the holiday
season, the pull of home becomes even greater. Spending Thanksgiving or Christmas with a
couple of hundred of your shipmates cannot replace the comfort and peaceful joy of an
intimate family dinner.

Although wars don't stop for the holidays, during WW1, in 1914, all along the Western Front,
hostilities ceased in an unofficial Christmas truce. This truce was repeated in 1915 and there
was even an Easter Truce in 1916 on the Eastern Front.

Although there was no official truce, about 100,000 British and German troops were involved
along the length of the Western Front. The first truce started on Christmas Eve, December
24, 1914 when German Troops began to decorate their trenches in the area of Ypres,
Belgium. The Germans placed candles on their trenches and Christmas Trees, and began to
sing Christmas Carols. The British troops responded by singing carols of their own. This was
soon followed by shouts of Christmas greetings. Soon after troops from both sides began to
venture into "No Mans Land" and small gift exchanges were made. The gifts included food,
tobacco, alcohol, and even buttons and hats from uniforms were traded. The truce also
allowed each side to recover their fallen comrades, for proper burial. The truce lasted through
Christmas Day, although in some places it lasted through the New Year.

When the British Commander heard of the truce, he was irate, and issued strict orders for the
artillery bombardments be maintained. Troops were also frequently rotated so that they did
not become "overly friendly" with the enemy. However troops worked around these
restrictions by firing artillery at precise times and at precise locations so casualties were
avoided on both sides.

On Christmas Eve in 1915, the peace overture came from the German side, and after a night
of singing, on Christmas Day, a football (soccer) was produced and a free-for-all game of
kicking the ball around ensued and lasted for approximately 30 minutes.

Where the Germans and French troops faced each other, when the bells sounded in the
villages of the Vosges Mountains, French and German troops began visiting each other
through unused tunnels and exchanged gifts.

In 2008, the British and Germans dedicated a Christmas Truce Memorial, at the place where
their ancestors came out of their trenches. The British and Germans played a football match,
in which the Germans
6 won 2-1.
SJ College Football Rankings
As of: December 6, 2010

1.Auburn 87 (3)

2. Oregon 87 (3)

3. TCU 75

4. Stanford 71

5. Wisconsin 70

6. Ohio State 57

7. MSU 48

8. Arkansas 46

9. Oklahoma 45

10. Nevada 29
7
 The Lion Curse
Written by: Lance Schoonover
It seems like in every sport, a team has a curse and in the NFL, it seems like it is the Detroit Lions. The Lions have
been the laughing stock of the NFL for the last decade or so. The ship seems to be turned around now though and
dare I say, heading in the right direction with Martin Mayhew and Jim Schwartz leading the way. The Lions have
been close in every game so far this season and have had chances to win any of them. Now as a fan, that’s nice to
see but sooner or later, the W’s will have to come because as of now, its still the same ole’ Lions.

This season looked promising for the Lions but just like that, that promise was shattered in the first game when
franchise QB, Matt Stafford, went down with a shoulder injury. He would later be able to come back after a bye
week. Until that time came though, the Lions battled and were in every game but again, Detroit just couldn’t seem
to get over the hump and win the majority of those close games. When Stafford returned, it gave a spark to the
team and they were able to beat Washington. The next game would provide a real test for the Lions as they took on
the New York Jets, one of the AFC’s elite. The Lions hung tough and really controlled the game for the most part
besides a couple of plays but late in the 4th when it seemed like Detroit might be able to hang on, Stafford
re-injured his shoulder and had to leave the game. The Lions then went on to lose and since then, have lost to the
Bills and Cowboys on the road. Just when it seemed like all might be well in Detroit, Stafford went down and their
playoff hopes went along with him.

This is also a team that had one of the most electrifying players of all time in Barry Sanders but were unable to ever
win or even appear in a Super Bowl. After his early retirement at the age of just 30, Barry later cited that the losing
took a toll on him and he just didn’t want to put up with it anymore. He also mentioned that it hurt him that the
Lions traded away some key players to save money at that time. He considered some of these guys - - friends like
Kevin Glover.

The Lions did make the playoffs 5 out of 10 seasons with Barry and did make one NFC championship game but
were routed by the Washington Redskins. That is the furthest that the Lions have ever gotten in the modern day
era. Detroit haven’t made the playoffs since 1999 and is only 1 of 4 teams to have never played in a Super Bowl.
They also have the second longest championship drought behind the Cardinals. The Lions last won a championship
in 1957 and in the 50’s, Detroit proved to be a dominant team with 4 championships to show for it but after
trading away Star QB, Bobby Layne, the Lions have had bad luck or a curse. Layne did say that the Lions wouldn’t
win for 50 years after he got traded away so there may be some truth to that.

Detroit also owns a few records that they are not proud of. They are the only team to go winless in a 17 week
schedule which occurred back in 2008. Ironically enough, the Lions went undefeated in the preseason, figure that
one out... This year, the team also passed their previous record of consecutive losses on the road.

I’m not one to really believe in curses but it seems like there is something more going on here than just bad luck.
Detroit has had a plethora of Draft Picks not pan out in recent years as well but that could just be the doing of Matt
Millen. The team has seemed to draft well under the new regime but we still don’t know if they will work out as the
Lions still continue their losing ways. The future could be bright but a lot of that depends on Matt Stafford’s health.

8
 "Ant" Time With
"Ant" Time
Author, With Sneed
Brandon
Author, Brandon
"The Edge Sneed
of Legend"
Written
Written
"The by:
EdgeReg
by:
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Written by: Reg with Brandon
"Brandon Sneed is an author and journalist living in Wilmington, NC. He has contributed to numerous local, regional,
and national
"Brandon publications,
Sneed is an authoramong them being
and journalist Sports
living Illustrated, ESPN,
in Wilmington, NC. He Sports Spectrum,toand
has contributed Our State.
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being Wilmington area. He
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training for and racing triathlons. Unfortunately, this also required he, himself, train for and race triathlons.
regularly for magazines and newspapers in the Wilmington area. He recently finished a five-month column series about But he
survived, andand
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Unfortunately, thisEdge of Legend."
also required http://www.edgeoflegend.com/the-author/
he, himself, train for and race triathlons. But he
survived, and in the meantime, wrote this book... The Edge of Legend." http://www.edgeoflegend.com/the-author/
Brandon and SJ Magazine were introduced to each other via our mutual friend & associate, Best-Selling Author &
Brandon andColumnist, Jeff
SJ Magazine Pearlman...who
were introduced to endorses
each otherBrandon's book and
via our mutual who&we
friend thank immensely.
associate, Best-Selling Author &
Columnist, Jeff Pearlman...who endorses Brandon's book and who we thank immensely.
Brandon has written a great, touching, motivating book about an incredible young athlete with an inspiring true story. We
encourage
Brandon has written a great, touching, you to check
motivating bookitabout
out. You will not be
an incredible disappointed.
young athlete with an inspiring true story. We
encourage you to check it out. You will not be disappointed.
And now, please meet and enjoy...Brandon Sneed...
And now, please meet and enjoy...Brandon Sneed...

"The Edge of Legend" is your first book. How did you get into writing and do you author books as a career?
"The Edge of Legend" is your first book. How did you get into writing and do you author books as a career?
I got into writingI because
got into writing
while growing
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up, reading.
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me,allso....yeah,
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to that.)
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don't author books as a career. I love it, but it's not my "day job" yet, although hopefully it will be one day. not my "day job" yet, although
hopefully it will be one day. How did you meet Anthony "Ant" Atkinson?
How did you meet Anthony "Ant" Atkinson?
In college. We both went to Barton. I How was adid freshman
you meet when he was"Ant"
Anthony a junior, so that made me a sophomore when he
Atkinson?
was a senior.
In college. WeI both
was thewentsports editorIfor
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a freshman student
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me a sophomore whengothe to
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each We
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him throughout
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me a sophomore game. when he
was
knowa each
senior. I was
other as the sports editor
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him throughout thestudent
season.newspaper,
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know
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did you as I covered
realize that there himwas throughout the season.
an incredible human Especially after behind
interest story that national
Anthonychampionship
Atkinson'sgame. great basketball
When did you realize that there was an incredible abilities human
and accomplishments?
interest story behind Anthony Atkinson's great basketball
When did you realize that there was an incredible human interest story behind Anthony Atkinson's great basketball
abilities and accomplishments?
Just from getting to know him, I knew he was an awesome
abilities guy, but I also knew there was something to it. There was a
and accomplishments?
catalyst to that awesomeness. There was
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but I also to be,
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talked actually,
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seemsthat
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came of it. stories.
the YouTube
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of this
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later--in
one."
comeback,
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and I
for
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to looking
hours. At
through
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old notes
we talked
and interviews
about a book,
and but
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nothing
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him, ofand
it. Then
I just two
got years
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later--in
of,
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March there's
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notes So
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emailed
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of,
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and it
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"Hey, there's really something else behind
talked withallthem,
this."and
So Iitemailed him, andfrom
just snowballed we got to talking, and I met his parents and
there.
talked with them, and it just snowballed from there.
 "Ant" Time With
"Ant""Ant"
Time
Author,Time
With With
Author,Sneed
Brandon Brandon Sneed (cont.)
"The
Author,
Edge Brandon
"The ofEdge
Legend"Sneed
of Legend"
Written
This Written
by:
is a book
"The EdgeReg
by:with
Reg
about,
of Brandon
with
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among other things, tremendous faith, overcoming personal challenges, and highly-skilled
Written by: Reg with Brandon
This is a book about, among other things, tremendous faith, overcoming personal challenges, and highly-skilled
basketball. Which aspect intrigued or inspired you the most, and why?
"Brandon Sneed is an author basketball. and journalist
Which aspect livingintrigued
in Wilmington, or inspired NC. you He has thecontributed
most, and why? to numerous local, regional,
and
"Brandon national
So many Sneed publications,
things.isIt's anaauthor among
compelling them being
story of a living
and journalist Sports
boy forsaking Illustrated,
in Wilmington, his hometown ESPN,
NC. He in Sports
haspursuit Spectrum,
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of his dreams, numerousOur only State.to have
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regularly
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he returns in
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faith, his Unfortunately,
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in the this also
he's a Christian.
Wilmington required
area. He Christians he, himself,
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verses in his eye black. he returns
Josh Hamiltonhome and
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of Legend." their faith defines them. greatness.
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guys, Magazine
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a lover ofviaChrist.
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and I thank
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associate, immensely.
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Best-Selling Christianstoo. But
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we thank closest screamed
to him loved
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him. after Dude
Brandon
winning has written a great, touching, motivating book about an
went through some stuff, and he never tried to act perfect. He was known for being a hilarious, fun-loving, in his
Super Bowls. Tim Tebow incredible young athlete with an
writes inspiring
Bible true
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Brandon eye black. Josh Hamilton
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hell itself. I'm not knockingencourage any you to check it out. You will not be disappointed. of those guys, but their
faith
I justdefines
got lucky, them. And that
really, yeah, And now, please meet and enjoy...Brandon
I'm this incredible story underneath it all. What I found was seriously
I found Sneed... sure they're nice guys,
the stuff good
but they're
novels are made known of. And as Christians
that's what kept me going when
And now, please meet and enjoy...Brandon Sneed... things became a grind. Because in above
writing all.
books, You'll
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Top Pound-4-Pound Fighters in all of MMA
Rankings by: Dalton 1. George St. Pierre
20 - 2 - 0
5'10" (178cm)
170lbs (78kg)
2. Anderson Silva
27 - 4 - 0
6'2" (188cm)
185lbs (84kg)
3. Jose Aldo
18 - 1 - 0
5'7" (171cm)
145lbs (66kg)
4. Mauricio "Shogun" 10a. Rashad Evans
Rua 15 - 1 - 1
19 - 4 - 0 5'11" (181cm)
#1 - George St. Pierre
6' 1" ( 185 cm ) 206lbs (94kg)
201lbs (92kg)
5. Lyoto Machida
#6 - Jake Shields 16 - 1 - 0
6'1" (186cm)
205lbs (93kg)
6. Jake Shields
26 - 4 - 1
6'0" (183cm)
170lbs (78kg) 10b. Cain Velasquez
7. Frank Edgar 9-0-0
13 - 1 - 0 6'2" (188cm)
5'6" (168cm) 244lbs (111kg)
154lbs (70kg)
8. Dominick Cruz
#9 - Fedor Emelianenko 16 - 1 - 0
5'8" (173cm)
134lbs (61kg)
9. Fedor
Emelianenko
31 - 2 - 0 Honorable Mention:
15
6'0" (183cm) BJ Penn,
229lbs (104kg) Shinya Aoki
 December for me means the holidays and lots and lots of baking. Really, LOTS of baking. I
could probably fill my own cookbook with all the recipes I make.

Here are some of my favorite Christmas recipes. I hope you all enjoy them.
Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanza, and Happy Winter to all!

Eggnog Logs

2 1/2 cups butter, softened

1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
7 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3 1/8 tsp nutmeg
5 tsp rum extract
(can use real rum if desired-I prefer it!)
5 tsp vanilla

Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Cream

butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs and mix well. Stir in
flavorings. Combine flour and nutmeg, add to creamed mixture, mixing until well
blended. Shape dough into 6 logs 3/4-inch diameter. Cut into mini logs 1-inch long and
place on baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cool completely before serving.

Vanilla Rum Frosting

1/4 cup butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar, divided
4 TBS milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp rum extract (or rum if desired)
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Stir together butter and powdered sugar added 1 cup at a time. Beat well. Add milk,
nutmeg, and flavorings. Blend well. Pour into a squeeze bottle or pastry bag. When
logs have cooled, drizzle frosting over logs.16Drag a fork over frosting to resemble bark
on a log. Grate nutmeg over logs for color if desired.
 (cont.)

Oreo Balls

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

18 ounce package Oreo cookies, crushed
2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
1 TBS shortening

Mix cream cheese with electric mixer until fluffy. Add

the crushed Oreos and beat on high until well mixed.
Chill for at least 2 hours in the freezer. Remove and roll Oreo cookie mix into one inch
Oreo balls. Melt chocolate chips and shortening with a double boiler or in the
microwave. Dip the Oreo balls completely into the melted chocolate using tongs or a
toothpick. Put on wax paper. After they harden, keep in refrigerator. Makes about 3-4
dozen balls depending on size.

Bourbon Balls

9 1/2 cups vanilla wafer cookie crumbs

1 cup bourbon
3 3/4 cups ground walnuts
2 1/2cups powdered sugar
5 TBS cocoa
1 1/4 cups light corn syrup
powdered sugar for rolling cookies in

In a food processor, grind vanilla wafers very fine. In

large mixing bowl, combine wafers, walnuts,
powdered sugar, and cocoa. Mix well. Add bourbon
and drip in corn syrup. Mix thoroughly. Roll into 1
inch balls. If mixture is too dry to hold together, add
additional corn syrup one TBS at a time. In a separate
bowl, put 1-2 cups powdered sugar. Roll each ball in
the sugar. Place on parchment paper. Store in an air
tight container. 17
 (cont.)

Since we have 2 recipes this issue with alcohol in them...let's go for something classic.

Basic Sugar Cookies

1 1/2 cups butter, softened

2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
5 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

Cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in
remaining ingredients. Cover and chill dough at LEAST one hour (or overnight).
Preheat oven to 400. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Roll out dough directly
onto cookie sheets (sprinkle with flour or sugar if needed) to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
Cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Peel excess dough away leaving just the cookies.
Bake 6 to 8 minutes until lightly browned. Cool completely. Decorate as desired with
icing, colored sugar, frosting, sprinkles etc or leave plain.

18
 Could Duke Actually be BETTER than Last Year?
Written by: Golden_State_of_Mind
Back-to-back?

With a 9-0 record and a CBE Classic title, the Blue Devils seem to be unstoppable. They have already beaten the #5
Kansas State Wildcats and #7 Michigan State Spartans while replacing their graduates with ease.

Freshman Kyrie Irving has seemed like the Freshman of the Year Favorite so far. Kyrie is now averaging 17.4
points with a 5:3 assist:turnover ratio. The point guard had 31 points, 4 assists, and 6
rebounds against Michigan State and has been one of the most electrifying players in
the nation. Irving has been, if anything, an upgrade from Jon Scheyer. In fact, Kyrie has
shown he can shoot like Scheyer with a 89.4 % free throw percentage and has shot 45%
from behind the arc.

Another key to a Duke repeat is replacing big men Brian Zoubek and Lance Thomas.
Zoubek and Thomas were monsters on the boards during Duke's title run, but the trio
of sophomore forwards have gotten the job done.
Mason Plumlee has done most of the work, grabbing
over eight boards a game, while twin Miles,
alongside Bryan Kelly, have averaged a rebound
every 3.5 and 5.5 minutes respectively. Zoubek and
Thomas will be missed greatly, but the trio of
sophomores have helped relieve the pain.

A new found addition to Duke's success this season has been their improved
bench play. Guards Andre Dawkins and Seth Curry have averaged a combined
17.5 points per game and are two of the most deadly shooters in the country.
They both shoot over 45% from 3-point land and provide tremendous depth in
the backcourt.

Up front, Miles Plumlee and Bryan Kelly have traded spots in the starting five, but have played very well in their
limited minutes. They have played proficiently whether they start or come off the bench, and will be key factors
during the course of the year.

Oh, and let's not forget about Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler. There is no denying that these seniors are both Top 10
players in the country. Their leadership, experience, and simply, their games will be needed in 2011.

I hate to look ahead, but it seems as if we should start filling our brackets out now. There is no denying Duke is the
best team in the country and another championship banner should be in the making.

19
 Gold Medal Miracle: Olympic Goalie
Great Jim Craig Does SJ
Foreword/Compilation by Deb
There have been a lot of great teams in history. They were expected to do well. The
Steelers, the Cowboys of the 90's, the Lakers in the last decade.

No surprises.

What made the Olympic Hockey Team of 1980 so incredible, is they weren't the best team
there. Playing the Russian hockey team during the Cold War would have been like
putting a kindergartner in a fist fight with Ali. They weren't the best, but they beat the
best.

People call it the Greatest Moment in Sports History for that reason. I can't think of any
other time, a group of underdogs worked so hard in so short of a time to accomplish so
much. It's the epitome of teamwork and something Goalie, Jim Craig, still tours and talks
about much today.

He is professional, motivational speaker. People pay a lot of money to hear what he has to
say, but Mr. Craig recently took some time to answer questions sent to him by our own SJ
members and the following is a compilation of those
answers and questions.

NYSportsRule: How realistic was the movie compared to what really went on
behind the scenes?

Jim Craig: The movie was very realistic. As a Consultant, it really helped to keep it as close as you can for a 2
hour movie.

NYSportsRule: How difficult was it to stay focused and beat Finland after such a huge win in the semi-finals? Is
the team still close today?

JC: It was just the makeup of the team that made it easier than most because we knew we hadn’t reached the
final goal and the characters of the players on the team made it easier because they were focused on a team goal
versus individual goals.

Yes and probably more than you could imagine based on only being together for 6 months.

Reg: What was the mood of the team going into that final game?

JC: We were apprehensive, so close to our goal that we couldn’t get excited and everyone was encouraging and
expected each player to do their job.

G-Men: Do you still get chills when hearing Al Michaels call at the end of the game?

JC: Of course, it reminds me of all the personal sacrifices...

20 parents, team members, coaches, and everyone made
for our country.
 Gold Medal Miracle: Olympic Goalie Great Jim Craig Does SJ (cont.)

Tilly: That match and its outcome inspired a lot of kids to take up hockey and created a new crop of
future NHL players. What was your inspiration to start playing?

JC: First, the love of the game, and that I had my own superstars and players that I looked up to –
like Bobby Orr.

Mark: What are your memories of Herb Brooks?

JC: A great mentor, a father-like figure, a person that could help us reach a goal that no one else believed
possible.

Becky: My question: What made YOU agree to accept the challenge that
so many others
thought was "too hard" and did you ever regret doing so?

JC: I think when you’re young, it is more of an opportunity to represent

my country – never thought about the challenge.

Deb: With all the memories, with the achievement, and hard work…
what are your thoughts about the Olympic dream teams of today?
Of professional athletes meeting up to play. Has it hurt the Olympics?
Are the miracles not as bright?

JC: First, the best players are now playing from a fan standpoint. Right
now, the Olympics are seeing the best athletes in the world. The problem is that they are maybe not as commit-
ted as amateurs were because they are already professional athletes making a living. I don’t think there are
miracles anymore when you have the best athletes competing against each other –
no longer pros playing amateurs.

SoonerChuck: What did you enjoy most about your Olympic experience besides the hockey games?

Did you get much opportunity to visit with athletes from other nations & cultures?

JC: Representing my country, the Olympic spirit, opening ceremonies.

We had a chance to visit in the Olympic village during the meals and
watch them perform.

GSOM: Who was your biggest idol growing up?

Coming into the Olympics, what were your expectations for team USA?

JC: In sports, it was Bobby Orr (Hockey), Bill Russell, Bart Star (Football) and
Tony Conigliaro (Baseball).

To have everyone play up to their capabilities and to be proud to have everyone

21
represent our country.
 Gold Medal Miracle: Olympic Goalie Great Jim Craig Does SJ (cont.)

Todd: (NovaSteelers): Was Mikhailov (Boris) the toughest goal scorer you ever faced? If not, who?

Was the Russian team, in your opinion, overconfident and cocky going into the 1980 Olympics?

What Goalie growing up was your role model?

JC: There are a lot of great goal scorers. He was one of many...Wayne Gretzky,
Mike Bosse, Marcel Dionne,
Guy Lafleur.

They were the greatest hockey team ever put together and we were amateurs –
so they were overconfident and they had just beaten us 10 to 3.

Gerry Cheevers and Gump Worsley.

Dalton: What's it like now looking back on the game? Does it seem like it was
all a dream, or can you still feel every emotion you felt then?

What's it like being such a huge story here in the USA? Did your everyday life
change after that, or did everyone still treat you like normal?

JC: It just seems like it was a long time ago and I remember it vividly, but a different part of my life.

Everything changed after that and I had to get used to that and figure out how to become normal.

Jon: You played the Russians at the Garden right before the Olympics and lost 10-3. What if anything did you
learn about their style of play in that game that helped you when you played them in the semi-finals?

JC: I think we were such big fans that we learned that you have to learn to compete, and the loss and
embarrassment helped us prepare.

RoatanCharlie: What do you feel when someone brings up the conspiracy theory about the game being fixed?

JC: I laugh!

(Lisa Note - When I asked Jim this question, his response was – a laugh and then he said “Don’t think I’ve ever
been asked that before - good question”.)

Thanks again to Mr. Craig, Lisa, and goldmedalstrategies.com. Please check

out his site at www.jimcraig.net. There are some wonderful features.

22
 MLB Free Agency: Shifting the Balance of Power?
Written by: Stephen “G-Men” Chott

During the past season, the King of Free Agency, George Steinbrenner, passed away at the age of 80. Free Agency
goes on though, and there could be many big changes.

The biggest free agent this offseason would have to be Cliff Lee. Lee put
together a 12-9 record with a 3.18 ERA in 2010. Those numbers may not
seem too eye-popping, but Lee really turns it on in the postseason. In two
years, with the Phillies and Rangers respectively, he has put together a 7-2
record with a 2.13 ERA and helped lead both of them to World Series berths.

The apparent leader in the Cliff Lee sweepstakes is the New York Yankees,
naturally. Lee was almost a Yankee this season until the Texas Rangers
swooped in and stole him from the Empire. Texas is another player for Lee as
well as the Nats and many others. Lee is a former Cy Young winner and has
the ability to win another and get his team
to a World Series.

The next biggest free agent is Carl Crawford. The speedy Crawford had 90 RBI's,
47 stolen bases, a .307 BA and won the Silver Slugger and Golden Glove awards
for AL left fielders.

Crawford's former team, the Tampa Bay Rays, aren't going after Crawford but
their division rival, the Boston Red Sox, have Crawford on the top of their
priority list. Also, in the hunt are the Detroit Tigers, LA Angels and New York
Yankees.

Two final people to touch on are Derek Jeter and

Mariano Rivera. Two players who both have spent their whole careers with the
Yankees; both haven't come to an agreement with the Yankees and are reportedly
far away, in Jeter's case. Hopefully, they can come to agreement with the Captain
and Rivera, because it would definitely be weird to see them play elsewhere.

Other big free agents this offseason include Jayson Werth, Zack Greinke and Victor
Martinez. You can also find a full list of 2011 free agents at Sportsjabber.net.

23
 NHL Power Rankings, as of November 22, 2010
Written by: Kyle Whitely (Gabs)

1. Philadelphia Flyers – After winning the Eastern

Conference Finals last year, the Flyers are looking for
redemption, and are on the right path, as they have the
best goal differential in the league, and are doing it with
sub-par goalies. This is after having a mediocre free
agent signing season.

2. Washington Capitals – Having a star studded front

line, of Ovechkin, Semin, and Backstrom, and all three
putting up a point per game, while rookie sensation
Neuvirth is posting a 12-3-1 record, I don’t see this
team falling past Top Three for the rest of the year.

3. Detroit Red Wings – Over the past two years,

Jimmy Howard has found his place as the starting goalie
for the Wings and has been tremendous, posting an
11-1-2 record this season. With the Red Wings, there is
really no way you can hate this team. As they keep
getting older, they just continue being the best.

4. Los Angeles Kings – After a somewhat surprising

entry to the playoffs last season, the Kings are hungry
to make another run. With the likes of Brown, Williams,
Kopitar, Doughty, and Quick in net, this team will likely
do just that, and win the Pacific Division.

5. Montreal Canadiens – Many hockey critics

(including myself) thought the Canadiens were making
a dumb move by giving up Halak. But, with Price having
an outstanding season thus far, it seems that they may
have made the right move.

6. Colorado Avalanche – The Avalanche just keep

surprising people. I mean, last season they were sought
to finish within the Bottom Three, and made the
playoffs. And with the likes of Stewart putting up more
than a point per game and Budaj having a stellar year, I
guess they will keep on surprising us. 24
 NHL Power Rankings, as of November 22, 2010 (cont.)

7. St. Louis Blues – Probably the most surprising team

within the Top Ten. With the offseason signing of Halak,
people knew they were going to be a better team, but
competing for top spot, was unheard of. Another
surprising feature, regarding this team, would be that
no player has really stepped up to be an "elite,"
they just seem to find ways to win games.

8. Phoenix Coyotes - Oh, the Yotes, and all the drama

facing them, and the attendance crisis.
Wake up Phoenix, you have a tremendous hockey team,
and will for a long, long time.

9. Columbus Blue Jackets – Steve Mason is out of his

sophomore slump, which is good news for the Jackets.
Playing in what I believe is the hardest division in the
NHL this year, they are on pace to have a great year after
a downfall last season.

10. Tampa Bay Lightning – With the most prolific goal

scorer, Stamkos has taken the NHL by storm. With being
selected First in the 2008 NHL Draft, it came to no one’s
surprise. I am excited to see him emerge into one of the
best ever. But, why are they not closer to the top? Easy...
Being in the easiest division in hockey, and just because
Stamkos is leading the league in goals and points, doesn't
always necessarily equal wins for the team.

11. Boston Bruins – With Horton being traded to the

Bruins, he finally has a good set of teammates that he
plays with, and it shows. To start the season, he had a six
game point streak and thus far, is having the best start of
his career. As well, having the best goalie in the league
doesn’t help matters either, with Thomas back to his
Vezina form, they will move up these Power Rankings
soon enough.

12. Pittsburgh Penguins – What can I really say

about the Penguins? I mean Crosby and Malkin. The best
two punch in the NHL. They maybe should be higher, but
the Penguins have had a horrible start, but are now
25
finally on the right path.
 NHL Power Rankings, as of November 22, 2010 (cont.)

13. New York Rangers – After a horrible 2009-2010

campaign, the Rangers are looking for redemption. They
have a good level of players and one of the best goalies in
the Eastern Conference, they should make it to the post
season….right?

14. Nashville Predators – This team is always a

stunning team. I mean, they make it to the playoffs
regularly, and yet nobody really gives them a chance.
And with the departure of Ellis, goalie Rinne has finally
earned his starting job.

15. Dallas Stars – After the 2010 Winter Olympics,

Morrow has gained a lot of needed respect around the
NHL. And with Richards being, well the player he is, this
team always has a chance of winning. As well, with the
departure of Turco, I thought this team would be lost in
net, but a fresh start for Lehtonen seems to be working
for this team.

16. Vancouver Canucks – With arguably, the best

goalie and the best set of twins in the NHL, the Canucks
are a force to be reckoned with. But yet….somehow we
find them in the middle of the pack...

17. Minnesota Wild – With Havlat finally finding his

place with the Wild, this team is surprising a lot of peo-
ple with their play. And with a Top Five goalie, who has
found his form again, (Look at Boston) they seem to find
crazy ways to win games. Also, having a Top Five Power
Play and penalty kill may help a bit.

18. Chicago Blackhawks – The defending Stanley

Cup champions may have that curse upon them. But,
playing in the hardest division in the NHL doesn’t help
them either. And, having been victims of the salary cap
put a hit on the team that won it all last year. I wouldn’t
be surprised to see them not make the playoffs this year.26
 NHL Power Rankings, as of November 22, 2010 (cont.)

19. San Jose Sharks – With the departure of Nabokov,

this team almost looks lost on defense. But, having one
of the top lines in all of hockey, Thornton, Marleau, and
Heatley have given this team hope for another playoff
appearance.

20. Atlanta Thrashers - After trading Kovalchuk, this

team looked like a bottom tier team, but with better than
normal drafting, this team seems to be doing okay with-
out him. With the additions of Byfuglien and Ladd from
the Blackhawks, these two are trying their best to pick
up the goal scoring gap left by Kovalchuk.

21. Anaheim Ducks – The Ducks got off to a

horrendous start. Just horrendous. But with Selanne,
Perry, and Getzlaf putting up the numbers, maybe the
Ducks have a chance of saving their season….

22. Florida Panthers – Oh, the Panthers. The team,

that is just not good. The only way this team may have a
chance of sliding into the post season is if, Vokoun, whom
is already playing stellar, somehow picks up his play and
steals them like thirty wins in the next 40 games.

23. Carolina Hurricanes – With Skinner already be-

ing the front runner for Rookie of the Year, this team has
a bright future and young star captain in Eric Stall,
whom is a great mentor for the younger Skinner, will
have plenty of great seasons ahead.

24. Ottawa Senators – Again, having drama between

the pipes, the Senators seem to never find a fix for the
goalie position. But one thing is for sure, the addition of
27Gonchar on the blue line will help the defensive core for
the Senators.
 NHL Power Rankings, as of November 22, 2010 (cont.)

25. Toronto Maple Leafs – Oh, the Leafs. How many,

many, many, many people wish you could be better? But,
what is the bottom half of the NHL without the Leafs?
Alright, seriously though, the rise of Gustavsson, with
Giguere out, is one of the few bright highlights for the
Leafs, and with the loss of captain, Phaneuf, the jokes just
keep piling up.

26. Buffalo Sabres – What happened to Ryan Miller?

Vezina goaltender? Oh, that’s right. Maybe he could get
some help defensively, or even get some goals scored?
Critics thought the Sabres would have at least cracked
the top half of the league by now…..

27. Calgary Flames – Iginla has finally figured out a

way to hit the score sheet in the 2010/2011 NHL season.
That is really the only highlight for the Flames this year,
with Kiprusoff off to a poor start; don’t expect the
Flames to climb the Power Rankings any time soon.

28. Edmonton Oilers – The only thing I can say about

the Oilers. The future does look bright for the
Oilers, and fans of this team, or just the NHL in general,
just give them time. I can see Hall becoming an elite goal
scorer soon enough, and with the help of Eberle that
may come true.

29. New Jersey Devils – Every year, critics say this is

the year Brodeur will have a poor season, and that the
Devils should part ways. Well, it looks like this may be
that year. Hats off to Brodeur, the best goalie to ever play
the game.

30. New York Islanders - After having a 0-8-2 record

after their latest ten game stand, the Islanders better get
their scouting out, to determine whom to pick First
overall in the upcoming NHL Draft….
28
 Referees

A subject that we all love to disagree on.

I figured that since I have been given free reign to "speak my piece" once a
month, that this was the ideal topic to get people to either love me, hate me,
or at least wonder what the heck I was gonna do next...

So, a little background. I'm using the title "referee," as I am, MOSTLY
discussing our NFL refs. However, officials in various sports are known by a
variety of titles, including referee, umpire, judge, linesman, commissaire,
timekeeper or touch judge. There are an enormous number of sports that
USE these officials, including (and I may have forgotten some), Australian
Rules Football, Baseball and Softball, Basketball, Boxing, Cricket, Cue Sports, Cycling, Fencing, Field
Hockey, Floorball, Football (American and Canadian), Football (Association), Handball, Ice Hockey, Korf-
ball, Lacrosse, Lady's Arm Wrestling, Lawn Bowls, Mixed Martial Arts, Roller Derby, Rowing, Rugby
League, Touch Football, Rugby Union, Sailing, Sumo, Tennis, Underwater hockey, Volleyball, Amateur
Wrestling, and Professional Wrestling.

The term "referee" originated in association with football. Once upon a time, the teams' captains would
consult with each other if there was a question about a call. Eventually, each team appointed an
"umpire" to speak on their behalf...or to keep watch for them, so that they could deal with the team itself.
Later, a third "neutral official" was added...someone who could be turned to if the dispute could not be
settled between the two team refs....The term "referee" is a fairly new one, as far as officiating goes.

As John Lindell says, “The term referee, when used to describe National Football League officials, is a bit
of a misnomer since technically there is only one referee on the field. The other officials are the umpire,
head linesman, side judge, back judge, side judge and the field judge. Each of these “referees” has a
specific job to perform during the course of an NFL game. By doing so, they make sure that the
participants are observing football's rules.”

The Referee is the Crew Chief. Overall...his responsibilities are many and varied, including announcing
every penalty and explaining them to the captain and the coach of each team. The referee stands ap-
proximately 10 yards behind the quarterback and looks for illegal hits and blocks against the quarter-
back and in the region of the quarterback. The referee also calls for the chains in the case of a first down.
Calls such as whether a forward pass was actually a fumble are the referee's job and if a call is disputed,
he has the final say on if the call is upheld or overruled.

But, enough about background and on to my thoughts, opinions, etc....

(c'mon...stick with me.)

29
 (cont.)
Referees, officials, if you like, are athletes in their own right. Like many great quarterbacks, they are men
who have a skill that they are BORN with, not learned.

I can hear the screams already....

"Have you SEEN some of the calls this year?"

"The refs are crazy!"

"Insane!"

"Idiots..."

To that I say, have you guys been watching Brett Favre play this year? Eli Manning? Tony Romo? And
yes, even Peyton Manning? All good or even great quarterbacks, who, this year have not played to their
potential.

Let's forget about the fact that the NFL makes constant changes to the rules of the game that the refs are
bound to uphold, whether WE like them or not, and go straight to the fact that:

All refs have bad days.

And have any of you stopped to think about the skill it takes to BE a ref? It is, LIKE the skill it takes to be
a truly great QB, again, a skill that you are BORN with, not one that is learned. Just like a QB, they have to
be able to stand there amongst the players and SEE the field of play, AS it is moving, shifting, unfolding
before their eyes, AND not miss a THING, never lose track of the ball, miss a foul, a hold, AND know
exactly where that play ends.

Folks.....these are men that we should respect, not only because they stand out in the field of play
WITHOUT pads, hoping that men 2-3 times their size will have the goodness not to run over them...
(actually, that is another of their skills, to be able to move and shift out of harms way as the field of play
comes close to them), but because they have a skill that not many have.

AND because they do, every Sunday, KEEP this great game of ours going, perhaps not AS much as the
athletes do, but darned close.

Their skills are like a quarterback who found along the way that
he wasn't such a great passer....and looked into a new profession.

Start thinking about the referees in a new light.

They are warriors.

TRUE weekend Warriors.....lol

30
chiefsmom
Once again, brought to you by
Titans4Vols, Dalton, Leon,
Golden_State_Of_Mind, and
SoonerChuck.

The way it works:

Each member that

participates submits their own
ranking to Titans4Vols which
are then aggregated and
combined into one Official SJ
NFL Power Ranking.
However, if for any reason,
there are any ties, they are
broken by the point
system (how they are ranked
on everyone’s polls).

Do you agree or disagree with

this week’s rankings? Want to
make some predictions of
your own?

SJ’s NFL Week 14 Rankings

Want to see past weeks’

rankings?

SJ’s 2010 NFL Rankings

Archive Edition 31
 Beyond The Wall With
Aaron Yarbough
Written by: Tim Lumber
He is one of the most talented WR’s in arena football. He was a starter on perhaps the greatest arena football team to
ever play. His team went unbeaten, and won the AIFA Championship this past season.
He scored 2 crucial TD’s in the second half of that game. His name is Aaron Yarbough,
and in 2010 he was a star WR for that legendary Baltimore Mariners Championship
team. Aaron Yarbough, in my opinion, has the skills to play at the NFL level. Upon first
covering the Mariners, I could tell he was clearly a fan favorite. In Baltimore, the Mari-
ners had a diehard fan group called the Mariner Maniacs. This past week on Facebook,
there were pictures of Aaron, still making time for the fans of the Mariners Maniacs,
posing in pictures with them. After the Baltimore Mariners 2010 Championship vic-
tory, their team owners, Dwayne Wells and Kevin Fash, were forced to resign as league
owners, jeopardizing Baltimore’s arena football future. Currently no team exists in Bal-
timore.

But that hasn't stopped the diehard Mariner Maniacs. They still love Aaron Yarbough,
and the rest of that fabled 2010 Championship team. Mariner Maniac member Bruce
Lawrence Ginevan Jr. said ” Aaron is a super nice person. He always made time for us before and after the games.
Aaron is a true Professional on and off the field. We wish him all the best of luck wherever his career may take him.” I
also talked to 2010 Mariners QB and Offensive Player of the Year, E.J. Nemeth, about Aaron recently. “Aaron was the
seasoned vet of my WR’s. Aaron and I had great chemistry with the fact he could adjust his routes when needed and I
knew where he would be. He’s an intense competitor who is a team-first guy. As Aaron always did, he came up big in the
championship game for us which helped us complete the first undefeated season in AIFA history. It was a pleasure being
able to throw his passes the past two years,” said QB E.J. Nemeth.

I recently had the chance to interview Aaron Yarbough, and here is what the legendary WR had to say…

Tim Lumber: First off, congratulations on winning the AIFA Championship this season, to you, and the entire
Baltimore Mariners arena football team. You had a big game in the Championship. You scored 2 touchdown
passes in the second half of that game. You are clearly one of the premier WR’s in arena football today. Can you
tell us a little about this past season, and what it felt like going unbeaten all season, winning a championship, and
helping bring Baltimore its 8th pro football title?

Aaron Yarbough: Thanks Tim. I’d first like to thank God for the blessings and the ability to play this game. I’d also like
to thank SportsJabber for this opportunity.

As you can imagine, this past year was an incredible ride, capped off with the perfect ending. It was sort of like a movie
(comedy, action, drama…all rolled into one). But it also was a very diffi-
cult journey. One that saw each opponent’s “A” game, week in and week
out. There were no easy games. There were no weeks off. Each week, we
knew that we had a bulls-eye on our chest. And every team was coming to
be the first team to knock us off course.

Tim Lumber: When you first heard the news that Baltimore
Mariners team owners, Dwayne Wells and Kevin Fash, were being
kicked out of the AIFA as the Mariners owners, what was your reac-
tion and would you be willing to tell us anything about them?
32
Aaron Yarbough: I was caught off guard, just like everyone else, when the
news came out. From what I knew of Dwayne and Kevin, they were very
supportive. It was one of those unfortunate events, but we use it as a stepping stone to the next chapter of our lives.
 Beyond The Wall With Aaron Yarbough (cont.)
Tim Lumber: A lot of people, including myself, have gone on record
that the 2010 Baltimore Mariners were the “Greatest Arena Football
Team to Ever Play.” How good do you think this team was?

Aaron Yarbough: You might have a strong argument, Tim. This team was special. Talented, classy,
and had character on and off the field. Not to mention the support of the Mariner fans. Simply incredible! In 2009, we
preached about being a family and needing to play as “one team”. In 2010, all of the broken records, the excite-
ment, the AIFA championship, and the perfect 16-0 record was a direct result of the Mariners playing as a family. As I
mentioned before, there were many challenges throughout this season. Every game did not go smooth and there were
some close calls. But to see the Offense score a TD after the Defense forced a turnover... Then Special Teams kicks an
UNO and pins the opponent on their own 5-yard line. Next thing you know, the opponent is facing 3rd down and 10,
with the Mariner fans erupting as the 9th man, and Defense gets another turnover. That’s playing as ONE TEAM. Who
can ask for better scenarios than that?

Tim Lumber: Now that the Mariner owners have been booted from the league, Baltimore appears to be without a
team, at least for the time being. Several of the Mariners have already signed elsewhere. Have you signed with
another arena football team yet, and if not, what teams most intrigue you?

Aaron Yarbough: Right now I am undecided. My off-season training is progressing as usual and I’m hopeful to make a
decision in the near future.

Tim Lumber: You had perhaps the most dedicated arena football fan group, following you in the history of arena
football in the Mariner Maniacs. I know you were one of their favorite players through the years here. Is there
anything you would like to say to them, and the rest of the Baltimore football fans who supported you and the rest
of the Mariners these past few seasons?

Aaron Yarbough: Tim, you said it correct. The most dedicated fans in arena football. Our fans are there with us at train-
ing camp, they come to our film sessions and provide food, they greet us early in the morning for away trips, and they
even travel with us to away games. The love and support they voluntarily show is unmatched. I greatly appreciate them
and all they do.

Tim Lumber: This Mariners team was loaded with what I believe to be legit NFL talent. You clearly could be a
NFL WR. I wonder at times why some of you guys are not in the NFL after dominating the AIFA. Do you feel you
belong in the NFL, and do you feel the AIFA gets the proper NFL scout treatment that it should, or do you feel
the NFL has overlooked this league?

Aaron Yarbough: I definitely believe that there are NFL quality players in this league. The NFL is a hard market to get
into and the AIFA provides means for athletes to showcase their talents to make that next step. Some current AIFA
players have played in the NFL. And some current NFL players have played in the AIFA. I do not know of any relation-
ship between the NFL and the AIFA, but certain things, you just cannot concern yourself with. As a player, I am confi-
dent that I can compete at the NFL level. But I’m focused on preparing myself to be the best that I can be and letting my
performance speak for itself. I’m a firm believer that good talent will be seen.

Tim Lumber: This is your chance to say anything you want. It can be on any subject or topic.

Aaron Yarbough: I’d like to thank my parents and my sister for all of their support. They made it to just about every
game (home and away) this year. They have truly been the backbone of my football career.
33
I also want to thank my extended family and my church family for all of their love, support, and prayers.

Thanks again to Tim and Sports Jabber for providing this opportunity.
 Philips, Childress, and McDaniels Get the Boot. Who's Next?
Written by: Golden_State_of_Mind

The 2010 NFL coaching carousel has begun.

It started with Dallas firing Wade Phillips and replacing him with now 3-1
Jason Garrett. Garrett has already beaten Phillips' 2010 win total and has
become the leading candidate for the 2011 head coaching job. This move
was only a matter of time, and I don't think anyone can question this
decision.

Next was the long-awaited firing of Brad Childress. It was obvious the
Vikings would dump Childress after his controversy with Brett Favre and
Randy Moss, as the Minnesota organization chose their players over Childress. Leslie Frazier has started his
internship with a 2-0 record and, like Garrett, has become the likely candidate for the 2011 job. Interim head
coaches have had a combined 5-1 record so far, which is a stat we'll rarely see in the NFL. And just recently the
Broncos dumped coach Josh McDaniels. After only two seasons, Denver let the 33-year-old go after obtaining a
11-17 record. We'll have to wait and see how interim (Insert Name of whoever they pick) does, but he'll have four
games to make his case as the permanent head coach.

It's evident that there will be more coaches on their way out. A few seem obvious and a few are still fighting for
their job.

Panthers' John Fox seems the most likely candidate to join the unemployed coaches club. Seven years ago, Fox lead
Carolina to Super Bowl 38, but has not won a playoff game since suffering a loss in the 2005 NFC Championship.
Fox has been 36-40 since 2006 and a 1-9 record with the NFL's lowest scoring offense will definitely hurt your
cause.

It seems the only thing Fox will leave the Panthers with in 2010 is a #1 pick and a hopeless team. The one team
who Fox did beat was the disappointing 49ers, who also have a decision to make.

In 2008, the 49ers season was hopeless, but had hope for the future. Interim head coach Mike Singletary ended the
season with a 5-4 record, becoming the first interim coach to ever have a winning record. He was officially given
the head coaching spot in 2009, but that feeling of hope has been lost for the San Francisco organization.

Although Singletary led his team to a 8-8 record in 2009, 2010 was the year the Niners would return to contention.
That statement could not be more incorrect.

The Niners lost their first 5 games and now stand 3-7, including a loss to Fox's Panthers. Luckily for Singletary, he
coaches in the NFC West where the Niners are actually only two games back behind the 5-5 Seahawks. Can
Singletary use the final six games to keep his job and be the comeback team of the year, somehow managing to
make the playoffs?

The final candidate that I have on the hot-seat is Cincinnati's Marvin Lewis. We were all told by "Batman and
Robin" to get our popcorn ready, but it's still cooking.

The Bengals are 2-8 and sit last place in the AFC North. Despite all the preseason hype and high expectations,
Lewis' team has been very disappointing. Instead of competing for the division, they're playing for third place. Cin-
34
cinnati has lost seven straight games and Lewis may be gone soon.

So, the question is: Who's next?

 SPORTSJABBER PRESENTS:
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SportsJabber Mock Draft Database
The Sports Jabber Mock Draft Database is one of the largest and most
comprehensive mock draft databases on the net.
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35
 SportsJabber.net
2011 Official NFL Mock Draft
1. Buffalo Bills (0-8) - Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
2. Dallas Cowboys (1-7) - Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
3. Carolina Panthers (1-7) - Marcell Dareus, DE/DT, Alabama
4. San Francisco 49ers (2-6) - Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
5. Detroit Lions (2-6) - Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
6. Denver Broncos (2-6) - Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
7. Cincinnati Bengals (2-6) - Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
8. Minnesota Vikings (3-5) - Jake Locker, QB, Washington
9. Arizona Cardinals (3-5) - DeAndre McDaniel, DB, Clemson
10. Cleveland Browns (3-5) - AJ Green, WR, Georgia
11. Houston Texans (4-4) - Brandon Harris, DB, Miami
12. St Louis Rams (4-4) - Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
13. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4) - Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
14. San Diego Chargers (4-4) - Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
15. Seattle Seahawks (4-4) - Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
16. Washington Redskins (4-4) - Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
17. Miami Dolphins (4-4) - Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
18. Chicago Bears (5-3) - Nate Soldier, OT, Colorado
19. New England Patriots (6-2) (from Oakland) - Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
20. Tennessee Titans (5-3) - Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
21. Kansas City Chiefs (5-3) - Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
22. New Orleans Saints (6-3) - Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
23. Green Bay Packers (6-3) - LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-3) - Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
25. Philadelphia Eagles (5-3) - Demarcus Love, OT, Arkansas
26. Indianapolis Colts (5-3 - Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
27. New York Giants (6-2) - Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma
28. New York Jets (6-2) - Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
29. Baltimore Ravens (6-2) - Brandon Burton, CB, Utah
30. New England Patriots (6-2) - TBA
31. Atlanta Falcons (6-2) - TBA
32. Pittsburgh Steelers
36 (6-2) - TBA
*Go to Sportsjabber.net to find out who our Mock Draft team predicts for the Patriots, Falcons, and Steelers.
Disagree with these picks? Want to give your own predictions? Go to the Mock Draft Database.
 2010 MLB Award Winners
Written by: Golden_State_of_Mind

AMERICAN LEAGUE NATIONAL LEAGUE

MVP MVP
Josh Hamilton, OF, Texas Rangers Joey Votto, 1B, Cincinnati Reds

Cy Young Cy Young
Felix Hernandez, SP, Seattle Mariners Roy Halladay, SP, Philadelphia Phillies

Rookie of the Year Rookie of the Year

Neftali Feliz, SP, Texas Rangers Buster Posey, C, San Francisco Giants
AL MVP -
Manager of the Year Josh Hamilton Manager of the Year
Ron Gardenhire, Minnesota Twins Bud Black, San Diego Padres

Comeback Player of the Year Comeback Player of the Year

Francisco Liriano, SP, Minnesota Twins Tim Hudson, SP, Atlanta Braves

Hank Aaron Award Hank Aaron Award

Jose Bautista, OF, Toronto Blue Jays Joey Votto, 1B, Cincinnati Reds

Rawlings Gold Glove Award Rawlings Gold Glove Award

P- Mark Buehrle, Chicago White Sox
C- Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
1B- Mark Teixeira, New York Yankees
2B- Robinson Cano, New York Yankees
3B- Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
SS- Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
OF- Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay Rays
OF- Franklin Gutierrez, Seattle Mariners
OF- Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle Mariners
P- Bronson Arroyo, Cincinnati
C- Yadier Molina, St. Louis
NL Cy Young - 1B- Albert Pujols, St. Louis
Roy Halladay 2B- Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati
3B- Scott Rolen, Cincinnati
SS- Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado
OF- Michael Bourn, Houston
OF- Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado
OF- Shane Victorino, Philadelphia

Silver Slugger Silver Slugger

C- Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
1B- Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
2B- Robinson Cano, New York Yankees
3B- Adrian Beltre, Boston Red Sox
SS- Alexei Ramirez, Chicago White Sox
OF- Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays
OF- Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay Rays
AL Comeback Player -
OF- Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers
Francisco
37 Liriano
DH- Vladimir Guerrero, Texas Rangers
P- Yovani Gallardo, Milwaukee Brewers
C- Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves
1B- Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
2B- Dan Uggla, Florida Marlins
3B- Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals
SS- Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies
OF- Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers
OF- Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies
OF- Matt Holliday, St. Louis Cardinals
 Movies You May Have Missed
Written by: GeraldGreen5
With the holiday season quickly approaching, Hollywood has its share of big budget movies set for release as well
as those films by well-known directors and production/distribution studios. The holiday season also marks the
tail-end of another year. 2010 had its share of big hits, sleepers and busts, but it was also a year in which the low
budget, independent movies were plentiful. Here’s a couple of films that you probably missed, but are worth
checking out.

Leaves of Grass
Plot: An Ivy League professor is lured back to his Oklahoma hometown, where his twin
brother, a small-time pot grower, has concocted a scheme to take down a local drug lord.

Directed by Tim Blake Nelson. Starring Edward Norton, Keri Russell, and
Tim Blake Nelson.

What’s better than a movie with one performance by Ed Norton? A movie with TWO
performances from Ed Norton. In “Leaves of Grass,” Ed Norton played twin brothers, both
at different junctures in their life. They’re brought together and chaos ensues. When you
tear back the layers, it’s simply a story about a drug deal gone bad, but it offers mature
themes such as reconnecting with your family, going back home, sticking your neck out for those you love and
finding new love in the process. From crime to romance, “Leaves of Grass” has it all, including Ed Norton, which
shouldn’t be forgotten.

It’s Kind of a Funny Story

Plot: A clinically depressed teenager gets a new start after he checks himself into an
adult psychiatric ward.

Directed by Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck. Starring Keir Gilchrist, Zach Galifianakis, and
Emma Roberts.

A fair warning, to those who don’t like independent movies that insist about the
artsy-ness of themselves should probably take some scenes with a grain of salt;
however, “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” offers a look at a wide range of depression and
how people under that current circumstance can come together and fill a void in their
life. It switches tones exceptionally well; one minute it’ll be firing off its oddball jokes
and the next, it’ll be discussing suicide. Highly tasteful and intelligent without trying to
be overly informative, “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” isn’t really so much a funny story, as it
is, a story of finding oneself and starting new.

Jack Goes Boating

Plot: A limo driver's blind date sparks a tale of love, betrayal, friendship, and grace
centered around two working-class New York City couples.

Directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman. Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, John Ortiz,
Richard Petrocelli, and Amy Ryan.

In terms of being a character study, “Jack Goes Boating” offers an intelligent and rather
realistic look at dating and relationships
38 while also tackling the desperation to keep a
marriage intact and the drive to make a perfect first impression. It’s eloquently shot and is
at its strongest when it goes into the mind of its characters and portrays their concentra-
tion, but it also suffers from forced dialogue in order to produce laughs that, at times, will strip the realism away.
Movies You May Have Missed (cont.)

Never Let Me Go
Plot: As children, Ruth, Kathy and Tommy, spend their childhood at a seemingly idyllic English boarding school.
As they grow into young adults, they find that they have to come to terms with the strength
of the love they feel for each other, while preparing themselves for the haunting reality that
awaits them.

Directed by Mark Romanek. Starring Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley.

As the chips fall into place, “Never Let Me Go” becomes one of the most tragic and difficult
to accent stories in film this year, which, in large part, makes it more understandable why
the film was subject to limited release. “Never Let Me Go” is a rare breed that mixes science-
fiction and drama and emphasizes the latter more so than the former. It tugs at the heart
strings, especially when one factors in the build of the story. The viewer comes to relate to
the characters and cares for them, thanks in large part to its cast, which is as strong as any
in 2010.

The Kids Are All Right

Plot: Two children conceived by artificial insemination bring their birth father into their
family life.

Directed by Lisa Cholodenko. Starring Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, and Mark Ruffalo.

It’s hard to believe that this movie, which features two Oscar-worthy performances and
could get nominated for Best Picture itself, was a limited release around the United States.
Offering a modern twist of family life, “The Kids Are All Right” is brutally honest, touching,
and the perfect balance of humor and sentimentality. An all-around winner, the film offers
some of this year’s best writing and an impeccable cast driven by its two female leads. If it
has a flaw, it’s that it chooses sides and may be a little too feministic.

The Killer Inside Me

Plot: A West Texas deputy sheriff is slowly unmasked as a psychotic killer.

Directed by Michael Winterbottom.

Starring Casey Affleck, Kate Hudson, and Jessica Alba.

Not intended for the weak-hearted nor the feminist, “The Killer Inside Me” made
headlines for its controversial images, which led to a poor reception, limited theatrical
run, and early DVD release. Sadly, those who see meaningless violence miss out on one
of the year’s most brilliantly shot and acted films. It’s tale is seen from the eyes of its
killer, the viewer gets to see just what drives Ford towards his actions and,
frighteningly enough, starts to empathize with him. It’s daring, bold, and an interesting
spin on the character study. And hey, it’s got Kate Hudson’s bare ass. Getting spanked.
Sounds like a winner to me. 39
Movies You May Have Missed (cont.)

Cyrus
Plot: A recently divorced guy meets the woman of his dreams. Then he meets her son.

Directed by Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass. Starring John C. Reilly, Jonah Hill, and Marisa Tomei.

It’s not the arena that many are used to seeing Reilly and Hill play in, but “Cyrus” touched
on surprisingly, honest ground using simple, yet compelling and entirely believable
formulas. More thought-provoking than funny, the film focuses on the aspect of letting go
and the extremes that one will go to avoid it and another will go to attempt it. Reilly and
Hill play off each other perfectly, but it is Hill who will raise some eyebrows as his
performance is not quite like anything else he’s ever done. It’s limited release was, again,
understandable as the pace, tempo and multitude of dialogue is a certain turnoff to those
fans of Reilly and Hill’s raunchier work.

Paper Man
Plot: A washed-up writer forms an unlikely friendship with a teenager from Long Island.

Directed by Kieran Mulroney, Michele Mulroney. Starring Jeff Daniels, Emma Stone, and
Ryan Reynolds.

While it’s not quite on the level of quality as others listed, “Paper Man” combines quirky
comedy with some deep issues of its own. It’s uneven and slightly underdeveloped, but with
the theme of loneliness at its heart, the film is easy to relate to. “Paper Man” offers an inter-
esting twist with the inclusion of imaginary friends and though, they, too, are underdevel-
oped, the idea of them, is intriguing enough to warrant a watch. Likewise, the film dishes
out strong performances from its cast, though it doesn’t offer nearly enough screen time to
the ever-improving Ryan Reynolds.

The Runaways
Plot: A coming-of-age biopic about '70s teenage band, The Runaways.

Directed by Floria Sigismondi. Starring Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, and

Michael Shannon.

Though it probably short-changes the real story, “The Runaways” gives an interesting and,
at times, breathtaking look at the creation, uprising and downfall of the band, The Run-
aways. The vehicle is entirely powered by its two female leads, Kristen Stewart and Dakota
Fanning, the latter of whom heavily impacts the story. Fanning, a proclaimed nice, little
girl, plummets to the lowest as Cherie Currie and it’s a shock to see the innocent Fanning
having a hand in such sleazy material. In retrospect, the casting IS the movie.

40
Movies You May Have Missed (cont.)

Greenberg
Plot: A New Yorker moves to Los Angeles in order to figure out his life while he housesits
for his brother, and he soon sparks with his brother's assistant.

Directed by Noah Baumbach. Starring Ben Stiller, Greta Gerwig, Koby Rouviere, and
Sydney Rouviere.

You’ve never seen Ben Stiller like this…or maybe you have depending on how you feel
about him. Greenberg, the title character, is without a doubt the least likeable character in
film in 2010. He’s rude, self-centered, and obnoxious. Yet, "Greenberg” gives a glimpse at
the socially awkward, both from an insider and outsider perspective. It’s a difficult watch
from start to finish; its lead being so unlikeable that not only are his scenes awkward, but
they’re tormenting. One of the best edited films of the year, scenes are cut away from mid-
dialogue, almost hinting at the lack of interest in the characters' conversation. It is the best
film about the social outcast in a while.

Defendor
Plot: A comedy centered around three characters: an everyday guy who comes to be-
lieve he's a superhero, his psychiatrist, and the teenager he befriends.

Directed by Peter Stebbings. Starring Woody Harrelson, Elias Koteas, Kat Dennings,
and Sandra Oh.

The capper to Woody Harrelson’s incredible 2009, “Defendor,” technically released in

2010, is a dark, yet heart-warming spin on the typical superhero movie. Harrelson, as
the self-proclaimed Defendor, believes he is a superhero, no matter what anyone else
tells him. What stems from this, is a mix of emotions: Defendor is beaten down several
times and the reflection of the grime of the world is undeniably sinister and relentless.
At the same time, “Defendor” is the simple story of a good guy looking to do good and
to live his life exactly as he wants to live it.

Frozen
Plot: Three skiers are stranded on a chairlift and forced to make life-or-death choices
that prove more perilous than staying put and freezing to death.

Directed by Adam Green. Starring Emma Bell, Shawn Ashmore, and Kevin Zegers.

Its story is exactly as it says, but “Frozen” is highly entertaining. While it gets off to a
slow start, the tension and panic quickly builds and gives honest insight to not only how
its characters would act, but also how they’d react to their circumstance. The film offers
several brutal scenes that will please those looking for a more outright horror film, but
“Frozen” benefits MOST off its characters and their dialogue. In the end, it all feels too
realistic and entirely possible.
41
 Once again, brought to you by
Golden_State_of_Mind, Dalton, Janna “Tilly”
Florie, and mrtxstar.

The way it works:

Each member that

participates submits their own ranking to
Janna “Tilly” Florie which are then
aggregated and combined into one Official SJ
NFL Power Ranking. However, if for any
reason, there are any ties, they are broken by
the point system (how they are ranked on
everyone’s polls).

Do you agree or disagree with this week’s

rankings? Want to make some predictions of
your own?

SJ’s NBA Week 6 Rankings

Want to see past weeks’ rankings?

SJ’s 2010 NBA Rankings Archive Edition

42
 Heat On The Lake Show
Written by: Reg
Dateline: Christmas Day, 2010, City of Angels (& of Ron Artest)

Despite a tip-off of 2:00 PM L.A. time, the stars will

be out and shining brightly. Mel Gibson will be out
(temporarily) of anger management classes. Charlie
"Wife Smacker" Sheen will be there with his "Ho of
the Day". Lindsay Lohan will have the limit on her
dope-sensor ankle bracelet extended to include The
Staples Center. And of course "Jack" will be there
scowling, screaming & grinning at the Heat & the
refs because...well...that's what "Jack" does and that's
where "Jack" lives. Of course, there also will be "a
zillion" other Hollywood stars there, including some
who actually know basketball and/or give a flying frog about the Lakers or the Heat.

Oh...There will also be some pretty good basketball individuals there for this NBA Yuletide extrava-slam-za. You
know the names...The King, The Black Mamba, D-Wade, Ka-Pau (I just made that one up), Chris B, Ron-Ron,
Bynumite (maybe), a coupla "Houses", a hubby of a Kardashian, The Zen Master, Spo, et al.

Since this preview is being written over a month before Christmas (mean ole Editor-In-Chief and her early
deadlines. LOL), it makes no sense to compare/contrast team records. However, I will say that as of right now, both
teams are playing great basketball. The Heat struggled early as they sought/still seek team chemistry. Meanwhile,
The Lakers have played steadily at a high level. Neither teams are undefeated, but for great teams, records in
November and December do not portend much. Frankly, for great NBA teams, the regular season doesn't mean
much, except as practice and high-seed playoff positioning....the caveat being big high-profile "everyone-will-be-
watching" games like this one.

The potential for much spectacular play and competitiveness certainly meets or exceeds the hype. The Heat roll
into L.A. with their justifiably-heralded "Big Three". Meanwhile the Lakers bring their brand of "heat" with a "Big
Three...or Four" of their own...not to mention back-to-back NBA titles. Of course, just having LeBron and Kobe on
opposite sides of the ball would be more than enough to justify splitting up eating your X-Mas dinner entrees &
trappings from eating your dessert and drinking your post-dinner black market "Four Loko" to watch this game.

To say that both teams enter this game and
the understatement of this as well as the last
the Heat as 2010-11 champions the second
teammates. The pressure that this (in my
brings to the Heat is surely formidable.
improved their roster during the off-season
incredibly difficult-to-attain Three-Peat, are
much attention on the Heat. This perceived
the Lakers. You have to know that Kobe and
NBA at their respective positions, have to feel
Florida...and intend to make someone pay for
Three" must grate on the Lakers as if people
and "And Some Guys"...as if Gasol, Bynum,
something. Likewise, LeBron is surely highly
for his now infamous "The Decision".
season with high expectations would be
century. Many pundits and fans declared
that the "Big Three" were announced as
opinion, premature) pronouncement
Meanwhile, the Lakers, who quietly
and are shooting for a coveted but
sort of "flying under the radar" due to so
disrespect has to be extra motivation for
Pau, two of, if not, the best players in the
slighted amongst all of the focus on South
it. Also, all the talk about Miami's "Big
believe that the Lakers comprise Kobe
43 Artest, Odom & Fisher are towel boys or
motivated by all the "heat" he has taken
 Heat On The Lake Show (cont.)

Point Guard
Derek Fisher is old & wise for the Lakers. Carlos
Arroyo...who sorta plays the point is younger and less crafty for the Heat. The
Heat don't really have a true PG, but they have D-Wade & Bron-Bron running the
offense much of the time...which is more than adequate. Neither Fish or Arroyo
are big scorers, but youth (and D-Wade & Bron-Bron) is usually served in such
match-ups.
Advantage: Heat

Shooting Guard
It's pretty hard to suggest that the Heat are at a disadvantage here when the guy
playing the spot is the great D-Wade.

However, the guy in purple & gold is

Kobe Bryant aka The Black Mamba. So...Nuff said!
Advantage: Lakers

Small Forward
Ron Artest aka Ron-Ron, aside from being the
ferocious defender and can pop the
Andrew Bynum's health, the versatile,
Odom may be starting at this position for the
versa. However, the Heat have some guy
spot.
most loveable looney in the NBA, is a
occasional open trey. Depending on
athletic, erratic point-forward Lamar
Lakers...with Ron-Ron at PF...or vice
named LeBron aka The King in their SF

So...again...Nuff said!
Advantage: Heat

Power Forward
It gets dicey again here as a function of whether Andrew Bynum is healthy enough to effectively play center for
the Lakers. If he is, then Pau Gasol will be the starting PF. Gasol is agile, mobile, basketball-smart, unselfish, a
strong rebounder & scorer and ambi-dextrous. He's also arguably playing as well as any "Big" in the league right
now...although he's been playing Center, to start the season, in Bynumite's absence.

Meanwhile, Chris Bosh has similar attributes (except the

rebounding and ambi-dextrous parts), but is still looking for
his game and fit in Miami. Bosh is more of a wing PF than a
traditional PF, and that brings advantages and disadvantages.
Regardless, Bosh is a true superstar and should be a force to
be reckoned with offensively in this game.
Advantage: Lakers
44
 Heat On The Lake Show (cont.)

Center
Andrew Bynum or Pau Gasol for the Lakers will mean big trouble for the Heat.
Both are talented, long and agile, with Bynum also being strong and Ka-pau
being super-versatile.

On the other side, Ilgauskas aka "Big Z" is 35 years old and is most famous for
following LeBron around. Big Z can have some flashes of excellence, but that
hasn't happened much so far this season.
Advantage: Lakers

Bench
The Achilles heel of the Lakers last season was their bench. They significantly addressed that problem with the
chasing off of "place-holders" Mbenga, Powell and Morrison (also lost Farmar to free agency), while adding Steve
Blake (PG), Matt Barnes (PF), Theo Ratliff (C), and 6'9", 275 lb rookie Derrick Carracter (F). Ratliff is almost "400"
years old and is currently injured, but when he can walk & chew gum simultaneously, he's a massive upgrade over
Mbenga. Blake is a former starter (Okay...So it was with Clippers) and Barnes is a tenacious defender, a 3-point
threat and is almost as looney as is Ron-Ron. Luke Walton, when healthy (which is seldom), provides hustle,
energy, some defense, but little offense.

The Heat's bench is lined with former stars and current almost-
stars...Juwan Howard, Mike Miller (injured), Udonis Haslem (injured),
Eddie House, and the recently-signed Erick Dampier, et al. As a group,
they are still looking for their groove. However, any one of them can go
off individually at any random point. Haslem, as of this writing, has a
torn foot ligament and is likely out of this game...if not longer.
Advantage: Lakers

Overall Offense
Both of these teams can roll-up serious points, however the Heat have more pure scorers. Phil Jackson's (actually
Tex Winter's) Triangle Offense is so complex that it takes...well...a Phil Jackson to explain it. Basically, they throw
the ball into a "Big" (usually Ka-Pau or Bynumite) and then the other 4 players run around like Globetrotters,
making sharp cuts & scrapes while looking for the pass out of the point (The "Bigs") for the open look or to make
the 2nd or 3rd pass for the shot (Got it? Oh well...I told you it takes a Phil Jackson to explain it. I'm more of a
Ron-Ron. LOL). When that thing is clicking, with the way the Lakers "Bigs" can pass, catch and move inside/shoot,
their half-court offense is one of the best in the NBA. Even when it breaks down, opponents have the daunting task
of dealing with The Black Mamba, Ka-Pau, and even Fish, Artest, & sometimes Mr. Kardashian one on one.

The Heat offense is rooted in the pick & roll with “The Big 3” with the supporting cast floating for secondary open
looks. When that breaks down, The King & D-Wade go freelance. They have some of the quickest players in the
NBA. They rely on speed to compensate for their lack of size among their "Bigs". The King, of course, is a freight
train with wings & warp drive who can do it all offensively. There's no one player in
the NBA that can stop LeBron. D-Wade isn't as big & powerful as LeBron, but is an
incredible athlete who handle the ball, jump, run, drive, pass & shoot with the best of
them. Again, Bosh is still finding his groove with the Heat, but when he does, he's
deadly from the short wing and also inside when he catches45 the ball down low. The
smallish-playing-front line Heat ranks last in the league in points in the
paint per game.
 Heat On The Lake Show (cont.)
Overall Defense
LeBron is defensively famous for chasing
spectacularly blocking the shots. Beyond that,
great offensive players down. The Heat have
although the addition of the 6'11", 265 lb
Without Haslem though, they have no player
season. Weak rebounding = weak defense.
down breakaways from behind and cleanly &
no one on the Heat is famous for shutting any
been relatively small and soft in the middle,
Dampier will add some much needed size.
who ranks in the top 37 in rebounds this

On the other side....Kobe, like MJ, takes as
offense. Ron-Ron refers to himself as the
to score as long as he's stopping his oppo-
D but check the box scores for his "man" and
him. Having stated the aforementioned, the
give up a pile of points as a team.
Advantage: Lakers
much pride in his defense as he does in his
Lakers' defensive captain, and is content not
nent. Gasol never looks like he's playing good
you'll note that seldom does anyone go off on
Lakers still manage to, on many occasions,

Key Injuries
As of this writing, the Heat will be without key wing man, Mike Miller...who would normally provide a very reliable
shooting option when the Lakers (and Charlie, Mel, Li-Lo and "Jack"...and the rest of the Staples Center stars)
converge on the Big Three. Also, as noted above, Udonis Haslem...Miami's acknowledged toughest player and
co-captain, (as of this writing), has a torn foot ligament and is likely out of this game.

The Lakers will be missing "Methusalah" Ratliff

(and who knows about Bynumite), which
means the Lakers will not be as tall & deep as
they could be, and Gasol, Barnes &/or Odom
will play more minutes, but that doesn't
exactly suck.
Advantage: Lakers

Coaching
Coaching in a single game is nowhere near as critical as coaching over a season or in a
playoff series. However, Phil Jackson has more rings than Jenny Buss (Phil's girlfriend &
boss) has "Va-J-J bedazzlements" (You have to just trust me on this). Yet another...Nuff said!

Advantage: Lakers

PREDICTION
This should be a high-scoring, highlight reel-filled, close game. It won't surprise me if either team wins. Teams that
have beaten the Heat this season (i.e. Celtics, Hornets...uhhh...Grizzlies) have over-powered them inside. The Heat
play small up front. This plays to a Laker strength in that, especially if Bynum plays, the Lakers are, even without
Ratliff, better rebounders, taller, longer, stronger, and more athletic (excluding LeBron on the last two attributes)
on the front line. The more-experienced-as-a-team
46 Lakers are also (obviously) at home.
Lakers 110, Heat 103
 The Trail to Golden State
Written by: Golden_State_of_Mind
Although this may not be the game everyone will wake up early on Christmas morning to watch, it has the
potential to be the game of the day.

The Warriors, who have been the surprise of the season so far with a 8-13 record (as of 12/8/10), have drastically
improved from 2009.

Backcourt:
Monta Ellis, is the 6th leading scorer (as of 12/8/10) in the NBA, has
played exceptional. Despite what the stats say, Ellis has become a far less
selfish player than last year who has learned to pass when triple-teamed.
Ellis and teammate Stephen Curry have become one of the most
dominant backcourts in the NBA. The combo is averaging a combined 46
points and 10.7 assists per game. It is clear that Curry hasn't fallen into
the "sophomore slump" and, like Monta Eliis, has become a much
improved player.
Grade: A+

Frontcourt:
Front Court: Up front, the offseason additions of Dorrell Wright and David Lee have played
better than expected. Lee has been averaging a double-double despite an elbow infection
earlier this year. Wright is averaging 15 points per game and has become a big factor for
the offense. At center, Andris Biedrins will not beat you with his scoring, but with his
rebounding. He is averaging 7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. Biedrins' defense has
been sub-par, but his rebounding has helped the Warriors in the beginning of the year.
Grade: B+

Bench:
Bench: Golden State is not very deep besides sixth man, Reggie Williams.
Williams has shot very well from behind the arch with a 37%, 3-point
percentage but the rest of the bench has averaged a mere 22.7 points
per game. Louis Amundson has recently made his Warriors debut, which is good for Golden
State considering the injury problems with Brandan Wright. Hopefully,
Amundson can help the Warriors weak and thin bench. Also, first round pick, Ekpe Udoh has
been out for the beginning of the year due to wrist surgery, but could possibly be back by
Christmas Day. It will be interesting to see Udoh when he finally gets into action. The Warriors
may not be very deep, but their starters usually play about 37 minutes a game.
Grade: D+

Coaching:
New head coach Keith Smart has done great a great job so far. He has preached rebounding and
the Warriors have substantially improved in that department.
The defense still needs some work, but he has been very good for his first year.
Grade:
47 B
 The Trail to Golden State (cont.)
The injury-plagued Trailblazers have managed to obtain a
10-11 record (as of 12/8/10) despite the recent injuries of stars
Brandon Roy, Greg Oden, and rookie Elliot Williams.

Backcourt:
It doesn't seem that Roy will be out until December, which is good for Portland. Roy is the
team's leading scorer, averaging 22.3 points a game, and is one of the most deadly players in
the NBA. Alongside Roy will be point guard Andre Miller. Miller is averaging almost 14 points
and over 7 assists per game. He's been a quiet but efficient contributor who has been very
consistent.
Grade: A-

Frontcourt:
Surprisingly, the loss of Greg Oden will not be a major loss. Marcus Camby has been,
like always, one of the best rebounders in the NBA. Alongside Camby will be
forwards LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum. Aldridge and Batum have been the
second and third leading scorers on Portland respectively. Aldridge, averaging
almost18 points and 8 rebounds per game, can be very difficult to stop. There are
nights where he scores 33 and nights where he scores 8. Which Aldridge will show up
Christmas morning? Batum has been more than a role player this year. He's been a
great scorer who has helped relieve the loss of Roy. Besides his scoring though, he has
not been a major contributor anywhere else.
Grade: B+

Bench:
Portland is really deep at the two guard. Wesley
Matthews and Rudy Fernandez are averaging a
combined 21.5 points per game off the bench. Up
front, however, the Trailblazers aren't nearly as deep
as they are in the backcourt. First round pick, Luke
Babbit, has played very little and veterans Sean Marks
and Fabricio Oberto will have to help heal the loss of
Greg Oden. Forward Dante Cunningham and rookie point guard Armon Johnson have
played pretty well but again, Portland's front court isn't as deep as their backcourt.
Grade: B

Coaching:
Nate McMillian has his team playing like they always do. They always seem to
be just above middle of the West, but that is definitely not a bad thing. He has
been very good dealing with his team's injuries and has a slight advantage over
Keith Smart.
Grade: B+

Prediction: Golden State- 118, Portland-112

This should be a great game, with the Warriors explosive offense matching up against the Blazers' strong defense.
In the end I don't see Portland stopping the Warriors' guards, especially Monta Ellis. If Lee is out, I see Portland
48
winning, but with Lee, the Warriors are very hard to beat. It is also in Oakland, where the Warriors have been 5-1.
These teams play in Portland a week before Christmas, which can be an early preview for this game, but in the end,
I see the Warriors winning a close one.
 The OTHER Big 3 Working Magic
Written by: Janna “Tilly” Florie

*All statistics are as of 12/8/10*

Backcourt:
Boston’s backcourt consists of Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen. Rondo, despite
missing games in November due to injury is averaging 11.4 ppg, 14.1 assists per
game, and 2.25 steals per game. Not to be outdone, Allen is averaging 15.8 ppg,
3.4 assists per game, and his shooting 41.7% from 3 point range.

Orlando’s backcourt consists of Jameer Nelson and Vince Carter. Nelson, at small
guard, is averaging 14.9 ppg, 7.1 assists per game, and 1 steal per game. Vince
Carter, in his 12th season, is still averaging 15.5 ppg and 3 assists per game. He
is also shooting 34.9% from the 3-point range.

Advantage: Boston

Frontcourt:
Boston’s forwards consist of Paul Pierce at small forward and Kevin Garnett at
power forward. Pierce, in his 12th season, is averaging 19 ppg, 4.6 rebounds per
game, and 2.8 assists per game. Kevin Garnett, while arguably the league’s biggest
jerk and *****, is still averaging a respectable 15.6 ppg, and 9.9 rebounds per game.
He is also averaging 5 glares, 10 foot-in-mouth trash talk episodes, and 20 instances
of picking on the small guy and backing down when the big guy steps in.

Orlando’s frontcourt, on the other hand, consists of small forward Quentin

Richardson and power forward Rashard Lewis. Richardson is averaging 7.9 ppg,
1 assist per game, and is shooting 34.5%from behind the arc. Lewis likes to take
three point attempts and as a result is averaging only 12.3 ppg, and 4.2 rebounds
per game.

Advantage: Boston

Center:
In his 18th season, Shaquille O’Neal for Boston is still averaging 11.3 ppg and 6.5
rebounds per game. While well under his averages in his prime, he is still a force
down low and remains a threat.

Orlando, however, has one of the better centers in the league right now in Dwight
Howard. Howard is averaging 20.9 ppg, 12.1 rebounds per game, and 2.4 blocks per
game.

Advantage: Orlando
49
 The OTHER Big 3 Working Magic (cont.)

Bench:
Equally important as the starting 5 for any team is the bench players. Good
benches with lots of depth helps the starters rest and stay fresh in the long
NBA season. Boston’s bench consists of Nate Robinson, Avery Bradley and
Glen Davis. Of these, Robinson an Davis provide the biggest spark and threat.

Orlando has a pretty decent bench with JJ Redick and Chris Duhon coming in
to relieve Nelson and Carter. Duhon is averaging 3.5 ppg and 3 assists per
game in only 20.5 minutes of play. Redick provides a spark from the bench
with 7.4 ppg and 1.9 assists per game and shooting 28.6% from 3 point
range. The Magic also have Mickael Pietrus and Brandon Bass coming in to provide some rest for the starters.

Advantage: Orlando

Prediction:
Both of these teams should be in the playoff race come spring. In all actuality, either team can win. However, I am
taking the Magic at home on Christmas Day. The Magic will have one extra day of rest and preparation for the
game. IN front of the home crowd, I don’t see them losing. This should be a good, close back and forth game.

Prediction: Magic 110 Celtics 105

50
 Nuggets of Thunder
Written by: Reg

Whenever the Nuggets and Thunder get together, the first topic on
the preview agenda must be the capabilities of Carmelo Anthony
and Kevin Durant.

'Melo is the Nuggets' unhappy, unfulfilled superstar. He wants to

win an elusive championship, as well as, be mentioned among the
best players in the NBA. Neither of those objectives are likely to be
met in Denver. 'Melo is in the last year of his contract and trade
rumors abound. The betting line suggests that "Melo will not be a
Nugget after the trade deadline as otherwise the Nuggets will likely
lose him next summer and get nothing for him.

"KD" is the prime reason that many pundits predict that the
Thunder will challenge the Lakers for the Western Conference title this season. Durant is simply frightening in his
abilities, production, and upside. At only 22 years-old, "KD" is already one of the best players in the NBA and many
pundits & fans believe that he is THE best player.

Team Strengths
For Denver...'Melo at 6'8, 230 lbs is a big, strong, versatile forward who can play four positions if needed. He is
strong inside, yet can handle the ball and shoot with great accuracy from outside. The "Robin" to 'Melo's "Batman"
is veteran guard, Chauncey Billups. "Mr Big Shot" Billups provides veteran, championship leadership, consistency,
and will take the "Big Shot" when needed. Forward-Center, Chris "Birdman" Anderson, provides unrelenting
energy and tenacity on defense and the boards. Center-Forward Nene', Forward Kenyon Martin, and Guards J.R.
Smith and Ty Lawson are all solid, if not spectacular, players.

For OKC...Durant, in addition to his high-level skills, brings amazing leadership at such a young age. He's a renown
superstar yet he's the consummate team player. His main sidekicks include budding stars Forward Jeff Green and
Guard Russell Westbrook. As a team, the Thunder are so young that all except Morris Peterson (age 33) probably
get carded whenever they go to clubs. This youth portends unbridled energy and potential for growth as
individuals and as a team.

Advantage: Thunder...a young, talented, focused team on the rise while the Nuggets still struggle with their
identity and consistency.

Coaching
The Nuggets are coached by the venerable & respected George Karl. His battle with cancer is well documented.
This could very well be his last season in the NBA.

The Thunder's Head Coach is Scott Brooks, a young, up and coming leader.
Advantage: Nuggets

In Summary & Conclusion

I expect a high scoring game as both teams have strong & diverse offensive
capabilities. I predict that both 'Melo and "KD" will score
51 in the 30's. The key, I
believe, will be how the respective supporting casts perform. That factor plus the
game being played in OKC lead me to predict...Thunder 115, Denver 103.
 Ghost of MJ-Past On Broadway
Written by: Janna “Tilly” Florie

Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks:

This should be an interesting matchup. A team ,that as of this writing, is playing pretty good basketball and another
that is falling short of the public’s expectations. Many Knicks fans thought with the signing of Amare Stoudemire,
that the Knicks would improve and be a playoff contender. Landry Fields is one of only 5 rookies this season,
averaging double figures so there is also that to look forward to. Derrick Rose, on the last trip, as of this writing,
was averaging 30.5 ppg, 6.5 assists per game, and 5.7 rebounds per game. The Bulls haven’t seen numbers like that
since MJ left town.

Backcourt:
Chicago has a backcourt consisting of Derrick Rose and Keith Bogans. Rose is
averaging 26.6 ppg on the season, 8.2 assists per game, and 1 steal per game.
The last road trip in November had him averaging MJ spectacular numbers.
Keith Bogans at small guard is not the best SG in the league but he’s playing
hard.

For the Knicks, playing point guard is Raymond Felton, who is averaging 18.1
ppg and 7.9 assists per game. As the Knicks continue to run a fast-paced offense,
his stats should improve. As mentioned before, rookie SG Landry Fields is one of 5 rookies averaging double
figures with 11.1 ppg, and shooting 32.6% from 3 point range. As of this writing, he is also first among all guards
with a 12.6% rebounding rate which is about twice the league average for a guard.
Advantage: Bulls

Frontcourt:
Luol Deng at small forward for the Bulls is averaging 19.3 ppg and 6.9
rebounds per game. The Bulls are looking forward
to having power forward Carlos Boozer back and
very well may have him back in the lineup for this
game. As of now he is on the road to recovery. In
the meantime, Taj Gibson has filled in averaging
11.3 ppg and 6.9 rebounds per game.

Knicks: Danilo Gallinari is starting to get more

comfortable in the fast-paced Knicks offense. He is currently averaging 15.7 ppg and 4.8
rebounds per game. Look for that to improve as the season progresses.

The Knicks made one of the biggest signing of the off season by acquiring Amare
Stoudemire from the Phoenix Suns and reuniting with Coach D’Antoni. While
never much of a defensive threat (did he really say he was NEVER taught
defense?? DOH), Amare gets the job done on the offensive side of the ball
averaging 23.4 ppg, 8.6 rebounds per game, and 2.1 blocked shots per game
so far this season.
Advantage: Knicks 52
 Ghost of MJ-Past On Broadway (cont.)

Center:
Joakim Noah is not the most prolific scorer in the NBA but he always provides a
certain spark when on the court. He plays with fire and passion that is rarely seen.
As a basketball fan, I enjoy watching him play even if he’s not putting up monster
numbers that some of the other centers in the league are putting up. Noah is still
averaging 15.6 ppg and 13.2 rebounds per game.

Knicks: Ronnie Turiaf has never been much of an offensive power house but he
provides that big presence in the paint that teams want and the opponents fear.
He is averaging a meek 4.9 ppg, 3.2 rebounds per game, and 1.6 blocked shots per game.
Advantage: Bulls

Bench:
Most of the Chicago bench is insignificant as far as the impact they have. Kurt Thomas has been a ghost. The only
real players of importance are James Johnson averaging 4 ppg in just about 12 minutes of play and Kyle Korver
provides a legitimate threat from 3 point range shooting 44%.

Coming off the bench for New York,

Toney Douglas is playing a respectable 20+
minutes and is averaging 10.9 ppg and shooting
33.3% from 3 point range. Wilson Chandler is
also seeing high minutes averaging 31.3 minutes
this season and 16.2 ppg and 5.7 rebounds per
game. Mozgov and Randolph fill out the bench
but have not done much of significance.

Advantage: Knicks

PREDICTION
On paper the teams seems fairly well matched and this should be a good game. The Bulls at this point are playing
better ball but with almost a month to go before this game anything can happen. I’m going to go out on a limb and
say the home teams takes it.

Prediction: Bulls 92 Knicks 98

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 PRAYER FOR SCOTT (NYSPORTSRULE)
Dear God~
Please keep Scott and his family in your prayers right now. Scott is as strong as steel
but even he is tired. So please keep an eye on your favorite Jets/TCU Fan and give
him the strength to continue fighting his battle.
Please wrap your arms around his parents and his family. I can't even imagine. but then
again Scott's strength and perseverance came from somewhere.
I know St. Peregrine is the Patron Saint of Cancer Patients. I have read prayers from
Rabbi's online that were similar. Nothing really said what I wanted it to. But how
would you find one that sums up what Scott means to us all.
Maybe those words don't exist.
SO maybe just a simple God, Please Keep Scott pain free and in your care.
I believe in the power of prayer at SJ.
Amen.

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