Hit & Run: Stop me if you’ve heard this one before…

Dunzo.

In case you hadn’t heard, Alex Rodriguez’s wife Cynthia filed for divorce in Miami yesterday. The reason behind the split? Apparently A-Rod is having “an affair of the heart” with the one and only Madonna. This “emotional abandonment” was the latest in a string of infidelities for the Yankee All Star, including a well publicised fling with a Canadian stripper last year (or maybe it was just a stripper and he took her to Canada? I don’t remember the specifics) But yeah, moral of the story: A-Rod = cheater. There were also rumors that Cynthia shacked up in Paris for a week or so with none other than Lenny Kravitz (WTF??). Turns out, while she may not have been bumping uglies with Lenny, she was giving A-Rod’s credit card quite the work out, to the tune of 100,000 bucks on various shopping excursions and spa treatments. Hit him where it hurts honey.

2008 MLB All-Star Starters … Take A Peek!

The starters for the 2008 Major League Baseball All-Star game have been announced, and the game is a mere week away. It will be the last All-Star game ever played at Yankee Stadium, as the Bronx Bombers move into their new digs next season. While all of the elected starters are obviously talented, only some of them managed to avoid the editing room floor for getting their photos included here - after the jump…

ROGER LOST!! And, more importantly, RAFA WON WIMBLEDON!

VAMOS RAFA!!!!

Rafael Nadal beat Roger Federer to win the Men’s Wimbledon Championship! He won in five sets (6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7), in what was probably the best Wimbledon final I’ve ever watched. I was convinced the 5th set would go on forever. Once it hit 7 all, I just couldn’t picture either of these men getting broken. And then he did it. Rafa broke Roger to make it 8-7. I nearly lost my mind.

Wrap-up, Special Weekend Edition: WRRRRYYYY, Hot Dogs

Happy long weekend! It’s the NBA offseason, and I’m here to bring you the moves – or not-moves – of this week in the NBA, as well as hot-dog eating, just because.

Filmmaker, friend of Alba, and noted bearded hottie Baron Davis opted out of his contract with the Golden State Warriors a year early this week to sign a million, six-year contract with the LA Clippers. So…what exactly is Fear the Beard supposed to do now?

Why, Baron? However is the Bay area going to be cool again without you?

Go Argos! Or not.

Yeah, okay. Go back to Steeltown… or wherever the hell.

Last night the Toronto Argonauts lost their home opener.

Ticats’ owner, Bob Young on Hamilton’s win: “We’re the blue-collar team from down the road, and to beat up on all these white-collar guys is great. The fact that I’m actually a white-collar guy doesn’t matter.”

Do you hear yourself, Bob? Yeah, because you kind of sound like an asshole.

Hump Day Hottie: Ryan Lochte

You might already know this, but I’m sort of obsessed with the Olympics. The sports, the pageantry, the athletes who are not, for the most part, in it for the money - I love it all. Since Sunday, I have been ensconced in the swimming Olympic Trials. One look at Ryan Lochte - who will be swimming the 400 IM and maybe more - I knew I had to share him with you.

He’s looking in the stands for me. I’m right here, Ryan!

The Tampa Bay Lightning Are Electric

Who says the off-season in the NHL is boring? The Tampa Bay Lightning are poised to make a strike at becoming arguably the most exciting team in the NHL, and they’re sparing no expense. From the top all the way down, they are adding quality and hotness across the board. Follow me after the jump to learn see why.

Spain Ignore the Dame’s Request, Win Euro 2008

I didn’t mention Rosetti was going to ref, did I? We need a refs’ edition of tour o’ sex.

One goal, one piece of shoddy defending, one missing headband and one keeper who didn’t beat a man to death.

Live Blogging the Euro 2008 Final a.k.a. Spain, Tell Me How My Ass Tastes

Need a reason to support the Germans today? Oliver Bierhoff. Done.

Most overused post title ever? Why, yes.

Regardless, here are three reasons why Spain can kiss my blessed behind:

1. My pre-tourney predictions had Spain going out in the quarters. At literally every single stage of this thing I’d be all ‘Spain? pfffft! NEVER!’ and then they’d go beat Italy and make me look like a complete dumbass. Looking over our guest Ladies’ predictions now, only Martha tipped them to win the thing, actually. Everyone else had them going out in the quarter like I did.
2. I can’t really get behind a team that has Aragones at the helm. Sorry. Not in a million years.
3. Ramos, Puyol and Torres all make the case for the importance of a decent haircut. Torres, you especially. Your hair can really tell me how my ass tastes.

Join me and the ladies over at This Is Extra Time for the live-blog at 2:30PM ET.

Michael Beasley Looks Better Horizontal, Or, The Only Draft Preview You Need

What? Don’t look at me like that. He does.

No, it’s okay, Mike. You don’t have to get up…

It’s that time of year again, kids – the best time of year for nineteen-to-twenty-two-year-old tall-skinny-hottie watching. That’s right. The 2008 NBA draft is tonight, and I’m here to guide you through it, player by player (but not pick by pick, because then I’m always wrong). So, here it is: Your absolutely objective, totally informed, journalistically integritous draft preview, courtesy of your friends here at the Ladies.

Live Blogging Russia v Spain a.k.a. Power, Please Stay On

A child, I tell you. Not a day past puberty.

Russia and Spain today in the semifinal.

I have exactly nothing invested in this match and so don’t really have much to say other than three things:

1. That Andrei Arshavin fellow looks about 12. Hair included.
2. The power better not go out again or I’m punching someone and then taking a bat to my TV.
3. Guus Hiddink. That’s all I’m saying: Hiddink. That and the Spanish are a bit overdue for a crashing out, don’t you think?

Live-blogging the match once again over at This Is Extra Time at 2PM ET. Join me and such.

The Dame’s Football Tour o’ Sex: Euro 2008 - Hotness XI - Pt. II

This is Rustu Recber.

When a lady finds herself subscribing to the ‘I started it; I might as well finish it’ philosophy to get through a match or is reduced her lowest possible ‘well, someone better take of their shirt, at least…’ moment, there are issues with a tournament.

Especially when no one does.

[Dame's note: Or does and is wearing an undershirt.]

Hit and Run: Because things need to be said, and briefly.

I don’t know if you all knew this, but the Celtics won the NBA Championship! As the resident NBA posting Lady, I feel remiss that I didn’t post about this last week! But oh well. Congrats Celtics! Now I must also apologize to the Celtics franchise and their fans. I had them pegged to lose to the Lakers. Not that I wanted them to lose (as I hate the Lakers), but they had just played so inconsistently! Heck, Atlanta took them to seven games! So I’m sorry KG, Paul, Ray. I’m sorry Boston. I should have kept the faith. You deserved to win. Now please, if you don’t mind, could you keep the douchey fandom to a minimum? Nothing is worse than an asshat, cocky, Boston fan. (Except maybe an asshat, cocky Yankees fan…)

Italy v Spain a.k.a. Canna’s Not There

Italy will square off against Spain in today’s fourth quarterfinal at Euro.

Will David Villa and his penciled in facial hair manage to run up the score like he’s been doing all tourney long?

Only time will tell.

The ladies are live-blogging the match once again over at This Is Extra Time at 2:30PM ET.

Live Blogging Netherlands v Russia a.k.a. Do NOT Touch Robin

Don’t stretch too hard now, Porcelain.

The Netherlands will take on Russia in today’s third quarterfinal at Euro.

Robin van Persie here found it in his fragile little bones to manage 90 minutes against Romania the other day. He may very well crack at any moment. In fact, I’d advise Van Basten to do the wise thing and wrap the boy in bubblewrap now while the going’s good.

As for the Russians, they’re the reason Freddie Ljungberg’s not in this anymore so they can pretty much kiss my ass. Although, they do have nutter Guus Hiddink at the helm so I suppose I shouldn’t count them out just yet.

Join me over at This Is Extra Time at 2:30PM ET for the live-blog.

Live Blogging Croatia v Turkey a.k.a. Do It for Bilic

Bilic is my new favourite person.

Croatia will be taking on Turkey in today’s second quarterfinal at Euro.

Advantage Turkey: The Turks are psychos. Yes, that is indeed my expert analysis of this side. Half their team is either suspended or injured however — a massive roadblock, obviously.

Advantage Croatia: Slaven Bilic, their hunk of a manager. Hotness like that never lets you down.

The girls will be live-blogging the match again over at This Is Extra Time starting at 2:30 ET.

Join us if you’re feeling up to it.

Live Blogging Germany v Portugal a.k.a. Kill him, Lehmann

Waaaaaa!!!!

The knockout rounds start at Euro today with Portugal taking on Germany in the first quarterfinal.

Of course, whenever Portugal is involved there’s always the chance that Cristiano might finish the night off bawling like a two year old which is always fun to watch. I’m personally hoping that Xtina attempts the ol’ winky-wink of ‘06 causing Jens Lehmann to just strangle him to death right then and there.

Join the girls as we live-blog the match over at This Is Extra Time at 2:30 ET.

Au Revoir, France.

Eva obviously had a make-France-lose machine in her hands. Killll herrrrr!!!!

Au revoir, Thierry.

Au revoir, Coupet.

Au revoir, Broken Paddy V.

Rocco Mediate Is #1 In My Book!

I love to watch golf. I even like to golf. I wanted to write about the winner of yesterday’s round at Torrey Pines. I wanted it even more when the U.S. Open outcome came down to sudden death. Until Tiger Woods won. I could tell you all about him, how he’s won 13 majors (now 14) when leading going into the final round Sunday … how he’s recovering from his knee surgery … how he did it for his dad and his baby girl. But what can I say about Tiger Woods that you don’t already know? Read on to learn something new about Rocco Mediate.

THEY’RE ALL COMING BACK!!

 

I know. I know. I just posted. But this had to be said. MY BOYS ARE COMING BACK TO ME! The University of North Carolina Men’s basketball team is returning its ENTIRE Final Four reaching starting line-up from last season. All of them. Coming back. Three of them cruelly tested the draft waters, making us wait and ponder while they hung out with NBA stars and got injured (seriously all 3 of them got hurt at least a little). But they have redeemed themselves in my eyes by returning to the fold. All will be forgiven. It’s time for a national championship boys! Waiting four years for another one is just way too long. :)

Damn you, Supreme Court! Thank you, Dame!

So I generously (I am such a good person :)) switched days with one of my fellow Ladies… so that she could focus on the hideous and all encompassing task of registering for classes. I presumed I would have plenty of time to come up with an excellent post for today, given that I have non-stop access to a computer and at least an hour for lunch.  But, when I got into work this morning and was finishing up some research for a memo I’m writing for one of my bosses (I work at a law firm), I found out that the Supreme Court had spent Thursday afternoon literally destroying my argument piece by piece. Thanks a lot, Ginsburg. I now have to write a new memo, taking into account that my really strong case just got shat upon by the highest court in the land. Woot.

The Ladies… This Week

Hey all, it’s time for our newish weekly feature: The Ladies… This Week. Pretty simple — It’s new stuff from the Ladies’ other websites this week.

At DeadOn, read along with Lady Andrea as she revisits Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. She’s got chapters 1-5 up right now.

Chitown Chick previews two soldier-athletes who have a chance to qualify for the Olympics via the Army’s World Class Athletic Program.

Miss Minda shares what Omaha is like (Hint: it’s awesome!) during the College World Series.

The Dame of Extra Time has been busting her gorgeous booty keeping up with all the Euro 2008 action - way too many posts this week for me to choose from. Check out all the coverage at This Is Extra Time.

SA is sick, and we should really bring her some soup.

Live Blogging Spain v Sweden a.k.a. No One Mention France

Fernando and Sergio: They really do bring it upon themselves.

Sweden plays Spain today at Euro.

Sergio Ramos and Fernando Torres play for Spain.

The other day, David Villa, who also plays for the Spain, hugged Fernando Torres so vigorously after scoring a goal that he broke his finger.

Yes, these dudes are that serious and, er, passionate.

Join your girl today as she live-blogs the borderline homoerotic-ness that is La Seleccion over at This Is Extra Time.

EDIT: And now we’re live-blogging Greece v Russia as well - 2:30 EST. Drop in if you’ve got a minute.

[Dame's note: And I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT LES BLEUS. I'm serious, if one more post titled 'Hup Holland Hup' pops up in my newsreader, I'm officially killing someone.]

Three Things, Ladies and Also Those Who Are Not Ladies

1: In the last two weeks or so, I have developed a violent crush on Michael Beasley.

Seriously, y’all. I got it bad. Everything I learn about the kid makes me like him more, from the “I’m nineteen, what do you want from me” thing to autographing his principle’s car to frightening/angering old white men. Michael, I’ll overlook your character issues any day.

Coping with the pain…with cookies!

Sometimes, when I get really really steamed, I can think of only one way to sort through my anger: Bake cookies. Some recipes are better than others for dealing with different types of annoyance, and since I’ve had plenty of opportunities to explore those, I’ll show you the delicious peanut buttery way:

The Dame’s Football Tour o’ Sex: Euro 2008 - Hotness XI - Pt. I

Ouch.

Euro’s still happening.

I’m still watching.

[Dame's note: In fact, I've got one eye on the TV right now. Spain v Russia - 75 minutes in and David Villa's pulled a hat-trick for the Spanish. He skipped straight into the open arms of a grinning Fernando Torres after his third goal. Straight out of a telenovella, I tell you.]

Euro action and the Dame’s Euro Hotness XI after the jump….

The Ladies… Euro Roundtable o’ Doom - Pt. II

Portugal plays Turkey tonight. Crissie better take off his shirt.

Euro ‘08 will finally get rolling today.

I’ve got the ladies back around the table and we’re talkin’ a whole lotta smack.

The Ladies… Euro Roundtable o’ Doom - Pt. I

Why wouldn’t you support France? Oh…that.

If you’ve been living in a box in the middle of the Sahara desert for the past month or so, let me fill you in on some marvelous news: the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship starts tomorrow.

Euro ‘08 shall see a bunch of footballers commune in Switzerland and Austria for a few weeks to kick a ball round some grass and then take of their shirts.

It’s sure to be a riveting affair.

[Dame's note: Have fun on vacay England!]

The Only Finals Preview You Need (Also Christina’s): Lakers Edition

 

The NBA’s most storied franchises, the Celtics and the Lakers, have met nine times in its Finals. Between the two, they hold twenty-nine of the league’s sixty championships, and one or both have been there 39 of its sixty years. As I learned at Basketbawful, home of great basketball analysis, eighteen of the league’s official Top 50 players are from these two. Where do this year’s teams place in the pantheon of great Celtics and Lakers teams of the fifties, sixties and eighties? By extension, how does this year’s Finals match up with those of the past, and how do today’s player’s? 

I think the most important question to ask, though, is this: who cares? We’re all about the here and now, people, and tonight there are talented hotties playing basketball.  

Hump Day Hottie: Urijah Faber

Last weekend saw two different televised MMA events: EliteXC on CBS, and World Extreme Cagefighting on Versus. The latter was a much, much, much better display of mixed martial arts than the former. One of the reasons for the excellent showing by the WEC was the California Kid, Urijah Faber, the featherweight WEC champion. Faber defeated MMA legened Jens Pulver in a unanimous decision. His win is not the reason he was chosen for HDH. His abs are.

Do you have match your shoes to those belts?