Viper Losing Its Bite

The Viper captured the hearts and imagination of performance enthusiasts around the globe. That's what Dodge boss Mike Accavitti said in a recent statement. Viper did indeed capture hearts, once upon a time, but with the weakened economy all that's left are broken hearts and bank balances. As the Black Eyed Peas say, where is the love?

At $91,000 a pop this was hardly an affordable vehicle in the first place, and now in these tougher times, it's simply become an unnecessary luxury. A shame really. This is one cool looking car, with more than a little venom under the hood in its 8.4-liter, 600-horsepower V-10 engine.

Chrysler will continue production until 2010 when the factory will be closed.

Roger Federer's Midas Touch

Roger Federer has copped a bit of a serve for his flamboyant gold-trimmed jacket in The Sydney Morning Herald this week. Writer Alan Attwood declares, "Tennis is about swinging a racquet, not a jacket." Funny stuff.

But while I tend to agree with Attwood's assessment of Roger's Nike-loving ways, I think there's room for a little flair in tennis. Tennis is, after all, one of the few sports that hinges on personalities. The inherent drama of singles tennis, for instance, is created by our perception of the personalities at play. What are they thinking? How are they coping? What's the strategy for the next point? Does this player have the nerve to defy another match point? Do you think he turned the iron off this morning?

Tennis, while not physical like football or even basketball, calls for a gladiatorial-like spirit. It's a battle of wits, focus and courage. Even Russell Crowe seemed uneasy during Sunday's marathon battle between Federer and Andy Roddick. And he's The Gladiator!

So my point is that because of this individuality - this "internal struggle" - tennis personalities should be allowed some flexibility when it comes to personal style. Without it, we're simply looking at a couple lanky ball bashers in hospital whites. What's fun about that? Without it, would we have had Bjorg's headband, McEnroe's hair, Connor's sweatbands, Nadal's pedal pushers and everything Serena Williams wears?

Federer maybe takes the "goldness" a little further than most, what with his embroidered RF branding on everything from his shoes to probably his underpants. The guy could have played Goldmember in Austin Powers. But he's won 15 Slams, so I'm prepared to cut him some slack on this one.

Andy Murray, Fred Perry And Others With Money, Perhaps?

Andy Murray may have crashed out of Wimbledon last week but his brand stock only rose. Newspapers are already reporting the Scotsman's ability to pull a crowd, with The Times' Kevin Eason noting that The All England Club "made a mint out of Murray" these past two weeks. Maybe Murray could play to London crowds everyday and turn the economy around?

With his gutsy approach, toned physique and John McEnroe-like demeanor, Murray will surely be a box office smash for years to come. I mean, 500,000 fans through Wimbledon's gates this past fortnight can't be wrong can they? Well, presumably they could be if they only rocked up for a glimpse of Sharapova or Ivanovic and Murray was merely in the line of sight.

We'll give you the benefit of the doubt Andy.

A semi-final finish at the world's most prestigious tennis tournament means something, you know. Certain people with fat wallets tend to throw a little coin around in the hope that they can fatten up said wallets even further. It's the circle of tennis life. So the prediction is that endorsement offers will start to pile up for Murray now. The likes of Reebok, Nike and Adidas should soon be bidding for a piece of Murray Mania. And don't forget, Murray has already signed a £750,000 (US$1.2 million) deal with Fred Perry, the brand named after the last male British Wimbldeon winner, 73 years ago. It's a modest but stylish start for Brand Murray.

Vancouver 2010 Posters


The next Winter Games are not far off now, so wipe down those skates and dust of the goggles, Olympic fever awaits! (Okay, fine. Let's enjoy some more sun for a while).

But for a taste of the inspiration to come, the organizers of the Vancouver Games want you to see their latest poster. It's not Canadian born Elisha Cuthbert or anything, but it's still pretty cool.

The recently released promotional poster is actually a "half-poster" - a two-part puzzle that's displayed in separate sections. Again, unfortunately neither half features a maple syrup-loving beauty like Emmanuel Chriqui but at least there's the country's national emblem, the maple leaf. The visual only becomes complete when the posters for the Olympic and Paralympic games are placed side-by-side. Clever.

But why?

Well, the Vancouver organizers say they've always treated the Olympics and Paralympics as two parts of the same celebration and the posters are designed to make that point.

Vancouver's Olympic branding takes on a fairly "earthy" feel too, with parts of the blue-and green-colored maple leaf dotted with smaller images such as trees and waves. Think beautiful Pacific, north-west land and ocean...and then British Columbia's own Pamela Anderson strutting towards you in a red swimsuit.

Ahhh. Viva Olympics!

NFL Is The World's Biggest Sports Brand


The NFL is the world's strongest sports brand according to Sports Pro Magazine. The National Football League, not surprisingly, is valued at a whopping $4.5 billion. That's a little more than Major League Baseball, about double the value of the NBA, but still probably less than Larry King's per show kitty.

In Sports Pro's recent "most valuable brands survey", the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket competition amazingly featured amongst the biggest brands too. Despite being only two years old, the IPL is valued at US$1.6 billion, or just under the cost of Mr. King's monthly hairdressing bill. That's when you know you've made it folks.

Wrigley Field's brilliant brand spots

While the club owners have thankfully bucked the trend of selling venue naming rights to the corporate world, they've obviously found other ways to turn a profit in recent years. The Friendly Confines are also financially friendly...so to speak.

Chief among the advertising options are on-field placements, which re-emerged a couple of years back. One I always notice during televised Cubs games is Under Armour, plastered on the double-doors between the ivy, in left-center and right-center fields. Commercial space doesn't come much better. Unless it's on Kim Kardashian's backside, that is.

You've probably noticed the dugout logos too, which have displayed Sears, Walter E. Smithe and more recently, State Farm. But perhaps the most innovative are the ads on nearby buildings, especially those across Waveland and Sheffield Avenues.

In Sunday's game between the Cubbies and Dodgers, the broadcast team discussed various "landmarks" just outside the park, including the Miller beer sign atop one of the residential properties. I'm sure the owner loves the goldmine he's sitting on, but you wouldn't want to be caught walking by a window in your jockey shorts would you?

David Beckham, Missy Elliot and Katy Perry at an Adidas House Party

Maybe I'm a sucker for classic Adidas shoes and a good beat, but this is one hell of a commercial from Adidas.

"The House Party" TV ad features David Beckham, Katy Perry and Missy Elliot among other big names tearing it up in their Adidas Originals. But according to The Guardian in the UK, the Advertising Standards Authority actually received a complaint that the footage "condoned and promoted antisocial activities". The commercial is good to go, however, after the ASA recently dismissed the claim.

Looks like good, clean fun to me. The music and atmosphere really set an uplifting emotional tone I think, an Adidas brand standard in recent years. Makes you want to hit your next party in some three stripes, no?

Lululemon Has Taken Lemons And Made A Lemon Loving World

lululemon is sweeping the nation, in case you hadn't heard.

If you're into yoga, it's likely you have some lululemon athletica clothing in your wardrobe. I'd put money on it. If you don't, no doubt it's on your shopping list. Why? Well because this stuff is to yoga enthusiasts what Nike Air is to hoopsters. It has major brand appeal. Just ask Minka Kelly, a devotee of the product.

The label focuses on form-fitting lycra and nylon garments, which impressively adopt consumer ideas in order to constantly evolve. Some lululemon products are so specified and catered to customers, that they integrate materials to help prevent odor, or moisturize skin.

Nice. But this isn't just about yoga pants that make you look and feel good - lululemon is offering a lifestyle here.

Riiiiight, you say. What does that mean exactly?

Well, yoga instructors associated with the company help promote the brand within specific neighborhoods, teaching classes, but also talking fitness, health, motivation and a culture around these things. Stores even provide public notice boards with information on local yoga studio and events - and to encourage feedback.

It truly is an all encompassing idea that perfectly utilises positive brand association. And Minka's approval doesn't hurt either.

The NBA's new "Showtime"?

I think it's high time we all get on the Clipper bandwagon. This is a club that needs some love and a little luck. And I'm onboard for '08-09.

Why exactly? Well take a look at the team's new roster - this is a line-up with the potential to bring Showtime back to LA.

One of my favourite players, Baron Davis, will be leading from point: that's 20 points and eight or nine assists per game right there. Not to mention the intagibles B-Diddy brings to the court - flair, energy, speed, the ability to lift the crowd and the strength to overpower smaller guards. Throw in a few of his Hollywood pals courtside and this will no doubt be entertaining.

At the "2" there are a few options but I like the idea of giving first-year man Eric Gordon a shot at the starting spot. He may not come in on opening night but this guy is a flat out scorer with unlimited range. At some point he has to start. In the interim, there's Cuttino Mobley and Kelenna Azubuike (who looks likely to officially join the Clippers this week) to bring solid contributions to the role. Both are skilled enough to mix it up with most western conference guards.

In the frontline, we're looking at newly signed block monster, Marcus Camby, Chris Kaman and Al Thornton. I mean come on - are you kidding me!? That's a hell of a starting squad. That's a playoff potential squad.

I can see Davis pushing it with this mobile unit, throwing plenty of alley-oops and enough behind the back passes to make us think we're in the Great Western Forum circa 1987. This could be the best thing since B-Diddy's buddy Jessica Alba hit Hollywood folks...stay tuned.

NBA Draft day 2008

Well it's that special time of year again - NBA draft day - and it's anyone's guess as to how this thing will play out. All that seems certain is that Derrick Rose of Memphis is set to go No.1 and join an already crowded Chicago Bulls backcourt.

Of course someone's going to squeezed out of the Windy City team huddle, as a result, and that player will likely be Kirk Heinrich. Too bad really because Heinrich has arguably been the best player in the Bulls for the last few years and definitely sports the best small guard haircut since John Stockton.

In addition, I have serious doubts about Rose.

Yeh sure, he's fast, athletic and can score but I can't recall the last time a player was so heavily backed like this at No.1 when he's really done very little to prove himself. I mean it's not like he's a dominant presence in the way Lebron James was out of high school. Or that he has terrific size like last year's No.1 Grege Oden. I even heard one Espn analyst call him the next Jason Kidd. As Dr. Evil says, "Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiighhhht".

A few announcers go ballistic over a player in the tournament and suddenly everyone's raving about the guy as the point guard of the future. Hey that'd be great if Rose actually played the game like a point guard but check the highlight reel folks - not a lot of passing going on there. He's a pure scorer and nothing like Jason Kidd.

In other news looks like Michael Beasley is a lock at No. 2 for the Heat. And in a very thin draft, Kevin McHale and the T-Wolves should to go with USC's O.J. Mayo. But nothing's a certainty on draft day and more than in any other year, 2008 appears destined for a lot of trade talk.

Just don't trade up your front row seat.

A Friendly Beating

The Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field are just perfect for a night of baseball. I mean it's been asked a million times before but is there a better ballpark in the Majors? Probably not.

You have a the great seats, the old school park, the hot dogs and the clear, crisp Chicago sky. Then to top it off, your team slams the Atlanta Braves for seven runs before the fourth inning is over!

The Cubs are looking lethal against Atlanta today and it's hard to argue that they won't figure in some October activity. Could this, their 100th year, really be the season that breaks the drought?

Well with Ryan Dempster well in control with 39 strikes from 63 pitches at the fifth inning mark, things are looking very good right now.

New crowd favourite, Ana Ivanovic

Pro Tennis' lastest crowd pleaser is 20-year old Serbian Ana Ivanovic. The No. 2-seed at the 2008 French Open and the runner-up at Roland Garros last year, returned to the quarterfinals with a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Petra Cetkovska last weekend.

"It was much tougher than it probably looked," Ivanovic said after the match. But I don't think the men in the crowd were pondering the dynamics of the contest at all.

No matter, Ana has reignited the womens tour with her sizzling play and is quickly filling the void of other Annas - I mean players - who've come and gone in recent years.

Lakers should beat Spurs, they must

The Lakers used to be my team. But once Magic Johnson retired I lost interest. Showtime was gone and what did we have to look forward to? Sedale Threatt?

Hey I'm not knocking Sedale but he was no Earvin Magic, nor was he Byron Scott for that matter. The Lakers plodded along, Kobe came onto the scene, then Shaq, and basically the wheels fell off if you ask me. Yeh they won a few championships but it never inspired me the way the 1980s Lakers did.

I moved on, sometimes supporting random teams, mostly cheering for good West Coast basketball such as that played by the current Golden State Warriors or the now busted up Phoenix Suns.

To my delight, however, the Lakers are back. They're in the Western Conference Finals and dare I say it, their basketball is attractive - perhaps even inspirational at times. Kobe is finally sharing - big change. The role players are fulfilling expectations and it's almost as if Jack Nicholson's unwavering loyalty is starting to pay off. Good for you Jack.

But unfortunately, the Lakers lost to the Spurs in Game 3 today and I'm starting to wonder whether it's all a sham. It might just be a whole lot of hocus pocus - Kobe style - in which a team that looks positively brilliant could unhinge at any time. I don't know what to think anymore. I'm not back on the L.A. bandwagon by any means, but more than ever we need the purple and gold to knock off the most boring team in basketball. Don't we?

God speed to you Lakers. This is your series...for old times sake.

Celtics win series but have no time to relax

With the Celtics dramatic Game 7 win over the Cavs, it's time to turn our attention to the upcoming Conference Finals.

Here are the facts:

The Cs needed a monster effort from Paul Pierce to conquer a sub-par Cavs team.

Ray Allen was absent in this past series, culminating in his four points in Game 7.

The Pistons will have a week's rest and Chauncy Billups' leg injury will be ready.

Here is the prediction:

Billups will control the series.

Rip Hamilton will score in bundles because who's going to stay with him?

Rasheed Wallace will step up and nullify The Big Ticket.

Here's the summary:

The Big Three are up the creek!

The Utah Jazz are money

The Utah Jazz are pushing the Western Conference favourites and it's startling. The L.A. Lakers should be winning and winning everything comfortably in my view. They have the game's best player in Kobe Bryant, fantastic backcourt support in Derek Fisher, Sasha Vujacic and Jordan Farmar, as well as the most versatile big man in the game, Pau Gasol. Throw in one of the NBA's greatest ever coaches (plus the world's most popular pro hoops dance team) and well, what excuse is there to lose?

None. Now it's 2-2 in the series.

The Lakers are stunning to watch when it all works; when they feed Gasol and he then returns the ball to Kobe who drives and kicks it to Fish for a three. As Chick Hearn used to say, "That's Laker - Showtime - basketball."

But there's a feeling one gets, kind of like that unsettling rumble in your stomach after a bad Vindaloo, that perhaps these Lakers can be rattled - that when push comes to shove, the tougher, more bruising Jazz have L.A.'s number. They are just such a well-rounded unit, highly underrated, and their execution is superb.

Carlos Boozer, for instance, rampages through the lane like a grizzly in the Wasatch Mountains. And when he's active on the boards you wonder if the defense can cope with his size. He's swatting loose balls with his giant paws. He's like a big bear man...with fangs. He's so money and he doesn't even know it.

Sure Boozer can fade in and out of games but he's a menace when he wants to be. Teamed with point guard sensation Deron Williams, the Jazz are a force to be reckoned with. Yes, Williams scores masses of points but look at his assists (14 in Game 4). People in Salt Lake are starting to ask John who?

There's every chance this Utah squad can take down the Lakers. It's going to be hard work in L.A. but then whoever said making it in Hollywood was easy? It certainly seems achievable this time.

Is this the best sports
cover ever or what?

Atlanta looking peachy

Ray Allen has always been one of my favourite basketball players...BUT...I can't help but jump onto the Atlanta Hawks bandwagon right now. Those guys are awesome and Game 7 in Boston will go off no matter what happens. This could be the biggest upset in NBA history.

Let's go Hawks!

Cubs for sale?

The Cubbies crushed the Brewers today 19-5...it was brutal. But more disturbing than Milwaukee's pitching was seeing Dallas Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban in the stands wearing a Cubs jacket and assessing the prospect of Chicago ownership.

Say it isn't so. Cuban Baseball? In Chicago? At Wrigley? Why? What about the Mavs buddy? The team just got bounced in the first round of the playoffs and "parted ways" with coach Avery Johnson. I think there's more work to be done in Texas. Surely.

But then again, with great payers like Reed Johnson in the Cubs line-up it'd be hard for any millionaire not to reach into his back pocket and make an offer. I mean check out Reed's socks for crying out loud!

Old school cool. Why did Toronto ever let him go?

Draft doctors

So the NFL draft has been and gone...and are you happy?

I know I am - my New York Jets took defensive end Vernon Gholston with the 6th pick overall. Then they landed tight-end Dustin Keller with the 30th pick via a deal with the Packers. That's "quality" as my good friend Marc from Jersey always says. Gholston is the prototype pass-rusher, the experts say, and Keller has great speed and athleticism. What more could you want?

I find it interesting, however, that no matter who the pick, everyone has a unwavering opinion of draft selections. There are more differing points of view on draft day than in a global warming summit or a presidential campaign. Everyone's an expert. Everyone's a scout. And just about everyone - except you and me of course - becomes nonsensical in their assessment of these young athletes.

I mean, sure, make a judgment - predict the board - but let's do away with the 'that guy will never amount to anything' talk. Seriously. The number of times I've read in the mainstream media over the last few days that certain players don't have heart or are not ready for the mental side of the NFL is just ludicrous. Who can really make this type of prediction accurately? Suddenly all sports writers are Dr. Phil with their psycho-babble.

Half the hot air lost over the draft is about players that should never have been picked. So-called experts are always clamouring on about how "needs" weren't fulfilled - that players should be drafted to challenge those current roster players who are suspect. Come on. If you're the Kansas City Chiefs and you have a decent QB in Brodie Croyle or you're the 49ers and think Alex Smith still deserves a shot with some decent blockers in front of him, why would you draft a 50-50 QB? Other than Matt Ryan, the QBs available didn't exactly light my fire, and I'm certain some of the early drafters weren't overly-impressed either. So in these instances you really have to say, "screw needs, we need a good player!"

The same goes for the Jets, who grabbed Gholston as the next best player on the board. All this jibberish about the kid not having heart is going to come back and haunt the doubters. You can just feel it. I can't wait for the season to start.

Magic Bullets...er Wizards...

The Washington Wizards made quite a statement in their Game 3 thumping of the Cleveland Cavaliers yesterday. Not only was the 36-point margin the Cavs worst loss in playoff history and a wake-up call to the rest of the Eastern Conference, but the Wiz's defensive effort was superb.

Lebron James, taunted by D.C. fans with chants of "overrated", coughed-up 4 turnovers. Delonte West and Daniel Gibson each had four too and the Cavs committed 23 altogether (fifteen of them in the first half alone!).

Meanwhile, Washington played a team game, shared the ball and the scoring. DeShawn Stevenson posted 19, Roger Mason 18 and an energetic Caron Butler dropped in 16. This wasn't even the Wizards - it was old school - more like the Bullets. D.C. fans have a squad they can care about again, outside of the Redksins cheerleaders that is.