Thursday's This 'N That

The Links
-Why would I post a video that is NSFW on a blog that is dedicated to getting you through your work day? Because this video is friggin' hilarious! Big thanks to Warren S. for sending that one in.

-If you find a video, or an article that you find worth sharing online, please feel free to e-mail it to 8hourstokill@gmail.com. We will post the link and be sure to give you full credit.

Sports
-Last night's Lakers/Rockets game showed exactly why I love watching the NBA Playoffs so much. 5 technical fouls, and 2 ejections were just part of the story last night at the Staples Center. Derek Fisher absolutely had a cheap shot on Luis Scola. There is very little doubt in my mind that he is going to be suspended for Game 3 on Friday night. The Inside the NBA crew breaks it down right here. Ron Artest continues to be one of the most entertaining nut jobs in the Association. Watch his post game comments on his ejection from last night's game, I promise it is worth the time.

Update: I was just told by a friend of mine that Ron Artest apparently applied for a job at Circuit City after his rookie year just so he could use the employee discount. This just keeps getting better and better.

-Rajon Rondo had a triple-double last night to help lead the Celtics past the Magic in Game 2 of their series. Obviously the only reason the Celtics were able to hold on in this game was because JJ Redick fouled out with 4:46 remaining. Had he remained in the game he would have started hitting 30 footers like he was back in college and brought Orlando right back into the game. Believe it.

Entertainment
-American Idol is down to their final 3. I'm not going to post who was kicked off, just in case there are readers who have last night's episode recorded at home. Oh yeah, that and I haven't watched this show in 6 years so I couldn't tell you any of the people's names.

-Last week I mentioned the reality TV show, Jon and Kate Plus 8. Who knew that mentioning it on the blog would lead to such a media blitz? If you've never seen the show, well first of all good work, but you might want to check it out just to see how crazy Kate is. I'm never going to condone cheating on your spouse, but it wouldn't surprise me if Jon was hanging out with some women who were actually sane.

-Do not, I repeat DO NOT mess with Jack Bauer.

News
-President Obama has provided a more in depth look at his 2010 budget. Obama is calling for cuts that will trim $17 billion from the U.S. budget. There are 121 federal programs that the President will cut funding for, including many in the defense department.

-Ahhh, nothing quite like the occasional porn star running for a senate bid in Louisiana. Stormy Daniels is apparently on a tour through the state to see if there is support for her to potentially run against current senator David Vitter. How many jokes will the late night talk shows get out of this?

Tuesday's Tidbits

The Links
-Today's link is sent in by... ME! I saw this picture over at the Uni Watch Blog and couldn't help but want to share it with the world. Check out Mark Sanchez' helmet. Sanchez was the Jets first round draft pick, and should compete for the starting QB job this season. Good times in the Big Apple.

-Lisa R. sent in this video which shows 5 very talented young girls singing the National Anthem at a Texas Tech/Texas men's basketball game. If this doesn't give you goosebumps you might want to check your pulse.

Sports
-Two upsets last night in the Association. The Orlando Magic went into Boston and defeated the Celtics 95-90. The Magic iced the game on free throws by J.J. "Mariano Rivera" Redick. Yeah I said it. J.J. had 12 points in his second consecutive start for Orlando.

-Behind 28 points and 10 rebounds from Yao Ming, Houston went to the Staples Center and beat the Lakers 100-92. Kobe Bryant scored 32 points for the Lakers, but of course he needed 31 shots to get that done. Houston dodged a bullet when Bryant and Yao knocked knees in the 4th quarter. After heading into the tunnel and loosening up again, Yao returned to help seal the deal for the Rockets. Game 2 is Wednesday night in L.A.

Entertainment
-It appears that rookie American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi will be back next season. Simon Cowell told Ellen DeGeneres at a taping of her talk show that the new Idol judge will be back for next season. Hooray.

-Is the season finale of Scrubs going to be the series finale? According to show creator Bill Lawrence, it may be. Lawrence will be departing after this season, as will co-star Zach Braff. The only reason I mention this is for you Jason A. I know you are a Scrubs fan, although I'm not sure why, but read the article and let us all know what you are feeling.

News
-According to Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke, the US Economy should start to recover by the end of 2009. Bernanke says that the economy will bottom out sometime this later this year and begin to turn upward. However he warns that there will be some more bumps along the road, aka more job loss, and the further diminishing of your 401K, and Roth IRA. Not that I'm keeping track or anything.

I've been looking for a 2nd news story to link, I can't find anything that I think is interesting enough to post. So take that news world! Come up with something better for me and I'll link it!

Wednesday's Works

The Links
-Another gem sent in by Kami C. Check out what she calls the best blog ever. Apparently she is not fond of this one.

Sports
-Another fantastic night in the NBA Playoffs. The Bulls and Celtics are quickly playing a series that will be shown on ESPN Classic for years to come. Dallas eliminated the Spurs last night which is good because now I don't have to listen to the terrible PA announcer in San Antonio shouting "HERE COME THE SPURS!"

-Lots of people are weighing in on whether or not Dwight Howard should be suspended for throwing an elbow at Samuel Dalembert. The Inside the NBA crew breaks it down right here. It will be real interesting to see whether or not the Association hands down the suspension to one of its marquee players.

-Just what I wanted to read today, another Brett Favre story. Seriously, just retire and leave me alone!

Entertainment
-Ferris Bueller is having twins! Actor Matthew Broderick and his wife Sarah Jessica Parker are expecting twins through a surrogate. Broderick is currently starring in a Broadway musical, while his wife is filming a movie and also preparing for the Sex and the City sequel due out next summer.

-The hot girl from Utah was eliminated from Dancing with the Stars last night. Chuck Wicks and his partner and Utah native Julianne Hough were booted from the ABC reality dancing show. I still have never seen an episode of this show. Have you?

News
-There are now 91 confirmed cases of the Swine Flu in the United States. A 22 month old Mexican boy has died from the disease after receiving treatments in Houston. Make sure you read the last paragraph in this article to gain some perspective on the "outbreak".

-There are lots of reports out today about President Obama's first 100 days in office. I found this slide show from MSNBC. There really are some fascinating photos of our Commander in Chief, I highly recommend checking this out.

The First Day of the Rest of My Life...

Today's link was sent in by Jessica B., she is excluded from all of my anti Lakers fans comments. Thanks for the link(s) Jess. She sends in a link about some of the major problems facing NASCAR and their restrictor-plate races. After a major crash this past weekend at Talladega it remains to be seen what the sport will do to increase safety both for drivers and for the fans.

By the way, if I had to guess what links Jessica would send me, a NASCAR link would have been my 3,344,589th guess.

After this happened last night, I decided to use today's to mourn the end of the Jazz season.

To all the Lakers "fans" who decided chanting "Utah Sucks" in the final minutes of the game last night, you stay classy. I know coming from a Jazz fan that might sound ironic since we have been known for throwing items on the floor, but one moron does not represent us all. You had 20,000 chanting Utah Sucks last night at the end of a tightly contested series.

You had Lamar Odom, who is only playing well because he will be a free agent at the end of the playoffs, dunk and then take exception to a foul my Mehmet Okur while L.A. was up 10 with under 20 seconds to go.

You had Kobe and Derek Fisher get in Ronnie Price's face after he said something about how bush league that was, and then Fisher put something extra into a foul on the other end which resulted in Price saying something to him and getting T'd up.

I respect Kobe's game, but I think one sign at the ESA last week summed up the Lakers and their best player:

Kobe:
3 Rings
1 MVP
0 Class

Weekend Update

Sports
-Too many links from the NBA Playoff games this weekend, so I'll just link you over to NBA.com's Playoff Coverage. Nice to see Detroit put up a fight in game 4 at home against Cleveland... eh... not so much. Double OT classic in Chicago, looks like we've got a series there. Houston is one win away from advancing to the 2nd round, good thing T-Mac is hurt, they might actually win. Kobe... psh.

-The most over hyped, and overrated event of the year happened over the weekend, the NFL Draft! How excited am I that I no longer have to watch NFL live 4 months before the start of the season? At least we got to watch Erin Andrews do what she does this weekend. Oh, and yes that's former Provo Angels outfielder Quan Cosby with her.

Entertainment
-Beyonce is number 1 at the box office. Her new movie, Obsessed, pulled in $28.5 million to capture the box office crown. Zac Efron's movie, 17 Again, came in 2nd place with a respectable $11.7 million.

-This weekend's movie for me was Observe and Report. As much as I like Seth Rogen, this was BY FAR his worst movie. No point, and lots of wiener. Not a good combo.

-Sad news from Hollywood over the weekend, former Golden Girls actress, Bea Arthur died at the age of 86. Arthur won two Emmy Awards, and was best known for playing Dorothy on Golden Girls.

News
-There have been 73 confirmed cases of the Swine Flu around the world over the weekend, 40 of in the United States. The European Union Health's Commissioner has warned against travel to Mexico. President Obama has stated that the outbreak has caused for a heightened state of alert. Yikes.

-Good news for Verizon Wireless customers, apparently the wireless company is in talks with Apple to sell the iPhone as early as next year. Apple's exclusive deal with AT&T runs out next year, the question will remain whether or not that deal is extended.

TGIF

We are a little delayed in getting today's post up, but an 8:40 tip for the Jazz playoff game last night didn't exactly help me get out of bed this morning. Remember to check back this afternoon for the Moron of the Week. Any who... onto today's headlines.


Sports
-Oh man! What a game last night at the EnergySolutions Arena! The Jazz fought back from 13 down in the 3rd quarter to win game 3, 88-86 over the Lakers. The ESA was rockin' last night, and the two teams did not disappoint. Can't wait to hit up game 4 tomorrow night!

-Elsewhere around the Association, Dallas pounded the Spurs 88-67. San Antonio Coach, Greg Popovich pulled his starters halfway through the 3rd quarter, and after the game instead of yelling and screaming, took the team out to dinner.

-In Chicago, the Celtics blasted the Bulls 107-86. Rajon Rondo led Boston with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals. Talk about filling out the box score. Chicago shot just 38% in the game from the floor.

Entertainment
-Comedian Jay Leno has canceled tapings of the Tonight Show for the first time in his 17 years on the job. Leno checked himself into a California hospital for an undisclosed illness. According to reports Leno is doing well, and should be out of the hospital soon.

-British singing sensation Susan Boyle apparently has gotten a makeover. After appearing on Britain's Got Talent and becoming an internet sensation nearly overnight, Boyle has decided to clean it up. Good for her. Hopefully the peeps in England will still give her the respect she deserves for her talents.

News
-The US Treasury announced today that it has given General Motors $2 billion more in bailout money. The Treasury said that this will give the company some working capital. Uh... you think?

-Hmmm... what to use for the middle name of your child? How about Bear? Apparently a Colorado woman is going to use Bear as the middle name for her unborn boy or girl after she was chased by a furry fella in the hills outside of Colorado Springs. Oh don't worry, the story gets better. While she was running away from the bear she was hit by a slow moving car. Although she was taken to the hospital for evaluation it appears that both she and the baby are doing fine.

The Links
-Kami C. (yes that would be my wife) sent along a couple of links for us today. First the story about former Angels (and Orem Owlz FYI) pitcher Darren O'Day pitching for the Rangers as someone else. Truly an equipment managers nightmare by the way.

-Second she sends along a Fox News story about a 12 year old New Jersey girl who threw a perfect game. The young lady is one of only 2 girls to play in this league, and is the first to accomplish the feat.

Got a story you want to share? Send it to 8hourstokill@gmail.com.

Wednesday's Works

Sports
-It's such a great time of year to be an NBA fan. The Playoffs continued last night with 3 games. The Cavs tried to blow a 29 point 4th quarter lead, but LeBron James wasn't about to let that happen. The King had 29 points and 13 rebounds to lead Cleveland to a 94-82 victory over Detroit.

-One of the most underrated players in the Association helped lead the Blazers to a 107-103 win over the Rockets. Brandon Roy dropped in 42 points and 7 rebounds for Portland. Roy may be underrated, but his teammate Greg Oden continues to be one of the most overrated players in the land. Oden played 11 minutes last night and had 4 points and 4 rebounds, 3 of which were offensive. Not a bad line, one that you'd probably be happy about as a fan, but it's quite easy to get 4 boards when you record 6 fouls in 11 minutes jumping all over everyone! Ugh, I will have another rant on him one day soon.

-This never happened. It's a good thing I spent 4 hours in a sports bar watching what didn't happen last night. That may need to be my destination for all future Jazz Playoff games.

Entertainment
-The Govenator may make his return to the Terminator series. With the 4th installment of the movie series coming out in May, the California Governor doesn't have the time to film any scenes, but the producers of the movie are working on using him image from the earlier Terminator movies to put into Terminator: Salvation. Good work California.

-American Idol judge, Paula Abdul told Dateline that she has never been drunk in her life. Eh.... so you're telling me that you are just that stupid naturally? I'd rather think you were drunk on the air as opposed to just being a moron. I'm just saying.

News
-The CFO of struggling financial company, Freddie Mac, was found dead of an apparent suicide at his home in Virginia. David Kellerman was 41 years old, married with a young daughter. Truly just another sad story of our economic problems. Police are investigating Kellerman's death.

-President Barack Obama is in Iowa today to discuss his alternative energy plan on Earth Day. Obama is expected to tour a wind energy plant and also take a look at trying to create more jobs based on the plant which was closed down in 2007.

Weekend Update... This Time w/ Tina Fey, and Jimmy Fallon!

Sports
-Tons of great NBA moments this weekend. Instead of linking to each individual game I am just going to provide the link to NBA.com's Playoff Section. Quick highlights from the weekend, Derrick Rose leads the Bulls past the Celtics. The Sixers stun the Magic in Orlando with a last second shot. Miami gets blown out by Atlanta. Chauncey Billups makes everything to lead Denver to a victory, and I refuse to mention anything that may or may not have happened Sunday afternoon at the Staples Center.

-Mark Martin turned left better than everyone else yesterday in Phoenix. Apparently this is a big deal because he is old. Senior Citizens everywhere can now rejoice.

Entertainment
-The Screen Actor's Guild is ready to recommend a new contract to its members. The tentative deal still needs to be voted on by the members of the Guild, but if it is approved it will end the threat of Hollywood's actors going on strike later this year.

-Zac Efron is the king of the box office this weekend. His new movie 17 Again, captured the crown at the box office. The movie brought in $24.1 million according to studio estimates. State of Play came in 2nd place with $14.1 million.

-For what it's worth I watched State of Play yesterday and thought it was fantastic. Maybe one too many plot twists at the end, but definitely worth the money.

News
-Today marks the 10th anniversary of the tragedy at Columbine High School in Colorado. I can still remember leaving my Jr. High School and having my friends little sister telling me all about what happened. My thoughts are with the families of all those effected by the shootings a decade ago.

-Miss North Carolina, Kristen Dalton, was crowned Miss USA last night. Sadly I can say that I knew this from watching the show with my wife last night. I will now hand in my man card.

As usual there was some controversy from the pageant as Miss California honestly answered a questions about gay marriage. There is some question as to whether or not she cost herself a chance at the crown with her answer. Ohhhhh the drama!

Thursday's This 'N That

Sports
-Hall of Fame coach and broadcaster, John Madden, has announced his retirement from the broadcast booth. Madden led the Raiders to victory in Super Bowl XI, has been a staple on NFL broadcasts since 1979. He has won 16 Emmy awards for his work. Of course he is known by more people around the world for lending his name to the best selling video game of all time, Madden NFL Football.

-It appears that Kevin Garnett may not be ready for the playoffs. Garnett injured his knee in February against the Jazz and has returned to play in 4 games since, but according to his coach, Doc Rivers, Garnett is not going to be ready to start the playoffs, and could miss the entire post season. This would be a huge blow to the defending champs, a potential Game 7 in Cleveland without KG is not a pretty sight for the men in green.

-The 2009 NBA Playoffs are set. A full first round schedule is available right here.

Entertainment
-Former American Idol, Fantasia Barrino, has landed a reality show on VH1. Seriously, is there anyone that VH1 will not offer a reality show to? I mean honestly, anybody who has appeared on another reality show is bound to get an offer for their own show on the network. I can't wait to see what they have coming out next.

-Actor Jamie Foxx has apologized to Miley Cyrus for a segment of his radio show when he talked about how the 16-year old star needed to "make a sex tape, and grow up". Oh geez, the nominees for Moron of the Week are through the roof this week.

News
-JP Morgan Chase announced today that it has posted a $2.14 billion profit in the first quarter of 2009. While the profit was 10% lower than last year's, it was still higher than originally expected. This is great news for the economy, especially coming only days after Wells Fargo announced a $3 billion profit in the first quarter. Hopefully these are small signs that the recession is on the way out.

-The crew of the Maersk Alabama has returned to US soil just a few days after their ship was taken over by Somali pirates. The crew returned to the states around 11 p.m. Mountain Time last night. The ships captain, Richard Phillips, did not accompany the rest of the crew back to the USA as he arrived in Kenya yesterday aboard the very ship that helped rescue him from the pirates.

The Links
-HUGE shout out to Jessica B. for sending in the following links:

-It appears that former Illinois Gov., Rod Blagojevich, will be starring in a reality TV show.

-Oh. My. Goodness. Have you seen Lindsay Lohan's eHarmony profile? This is an instant classic. Kudos to the crazy red head for having a sense of humor.

If you run across an article, video, or anything you find interesting on the internet and want to share it with our readers, send the link to 8hourstokill@gmail.com.