Week 3 of ‘Big Break Atlantis’ - “Z” ya Later…

Zakiya "Z" Randall

21-year-old golfer Zakiya Randall, was the latest contestant to be eliminated from ‘Big Break Atlantis’.  The Week  3 episode  “Castles Made of Sand”, had some moments of real intrigue. Randall also known as “Z”, was oh so close, yet so far,  in two of the elimination challenges.

Randall’s departure is surprising. She exudes confidence and in my opinion, was the most fiery competitor. However, as captain of her team, when given a chance to stick with the team or preserve self in Week 2, Ms. Randall chose self-preservation. She was only able to preserve for one more episode. All is not lost, "Z" will undoubtedly grow from this experience, and be a energetic, if not compelling golfer on the LPGA tour.

Oh well, those are the breaks of ‘Big Break Atlantis’. For more coverage of Week 3, click on the following link: http://www.golfchannel.com/media/big-break-atlantis-show-3-photos/

The Lolo Jones and Hope Solo 2012 London Olympics Effect

Lori "Lolo" Jones

Hope Solo

Alfred Lord Tennyson in his poem “Locksley Hall‘ wrote these famous words, “In the spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.”

This year, spring isn’t just monopolizing the fancy of young men.  Quite a few women are having thoughts of love and with a little help from Twitter letting the whole world know about it. Ah, the beauty of today’s technology and social media.

The 2012 Summer Olympics will take place in London from July 27- August 12.  Track and Field star, Lori “Lolo” Jones and Team USA Superstar goalkeeper Hope Solo,  have just added a little extra spice to this years Games. Jones and Solo have publicly announced they are looking for more than Olympic gold-they want LOVE! The Olympics must-see meter TV meter just sky-rocketed. I’ve decided to call it …

The Lolo Jones and Hope Solo Effect

Beautiful women that are world-class athletes,  letting the world know they are single, available and looking for love is a storyline that’s too hard to resist. Lolo Jones and Hope Solo will certainly be “trending” for the foreseeable future.  Since the 2011 World Cup, Hope Solo has become a media Superstar, as well known for her beauty as her fierce competitiveness on the field. Ms. Jones is primarily known in the world of Track and Field having won multiple World Championships in the 60m hurdles.  However, that may have just changed. Ms. Jones with the help of Twitter,  is on the precipice of cross-over, budding Superstar territory with her  tweet that basically stated….

“I’m a  29-year old virgin”

Ms. Jones has expressed that remaining a virgin has been more difficult than training to compete at World Championships and Olympic Games.  Ms. Jones wants to give her virginity as a  wedding gift to her husband. Some fortunate man out there has in my opinion a truly incredible gift waiting for him. Might it be one of you? I’ve been a fan of “Lolo” Jones for years.  Her story has been truly inspiring.  The challenges Ms. Jones has overcome are incredible. As proof , HBO Real Sports is profiling her tonight. Here’s a clip of the interview:

Lori Jones and Hope Solo,  I hope you both realize your goals on and off the field. Millions, for sure will be cheering you on. At this moment, men are preparing their marriage proposal signs globally.  How high will the ratings be when  Hope Solo and  Lori “Lolo” Jones take the field this summer at the London Olympics? We’ll find out soon. Till then, thank you for launching…


The Lolo Jones and Hope Solo 2012 Olympic Effect

Yani Tseng Participates in Week 2 of ‘Big Break Atlantis’

Yani Tseng -the #1 female golfer in the world (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

The #1 female golfer in the world, Yani Tseng and her beautiful swing, paid a visit to ‘Big Break Atlantis’ during week 2 of the show.

Take a look - http://www.golfchannel.com/media/big-break-atlantis-yanis-big-break-052112/

The Beauty of 'Big Break Atlantis'

Meet the 11 remaining competitors of 'Big Break Atlantis':

Kelly

Anya

Gloriana 

Marcela 

Christina

Zakiya 

Selanee 

Shannon 

Natalia 

Aubrey

Allison

For more details about week two, click on this link http://www.golfchannel.com/tv/big-break-atlantis/

The Facebook IPO - All About $100,000,000,000 or You and Me?

A simple answer to what the Facebook Initial Public Offering is, it’s about $100,000,000,000. Of course, simple answers don’t normally satisfy. So how about a complex answer, explained somewhat simply, on the eve of this historic IPO.

The Facebook was launched in February 2004 by Harvard undergrads led by Mark Zuckerberg. Their main focus was to provide a facebook (college speak for a student photo directory) for Harvard University. Zuckerberg began writing code, enlisted the help of trusted, capable, fellow-students and well, here we are on the eve of history.

Why is Facebook so fascinating? It depends on what importance Facebook has in one’s life. Today Facebook is probably a lot more important to Wall Street than to one of the 900 million users of the site. Nothing gets Wall Street excited, quite like an Initial Public Offering! IPO’s generate millions of dollars in fees and commissions for the participating underwriting investment banks and the exchanges the stock will trade on. It’s estimated Facebook will raise approximately $18 billion dollars.

How does an IPO work?  Here’s an oversimplified explanation:

A private company with the help of an investment bank(s) files for permission with the Securities and Exchange Commission to register and sell a percentage of  privately owned stock to the public. The SEC reviews the submission package, and gives it a yay or nay as regards approval. The SEC is a regulatory body that’s chartered to protect the investing public. The company then makes presentations (also known as a roadshow -here's a link to facebook's video version http://facebook.retailroadshow.com/launch.html) to qualified investors in order to procure “indications of interest”.  Once the indications of interest are reviewed, the company decides if, when and at what price to offer their stock to the public. The private stock that‘s registered to sell to the public is many times owned by “Insiders” - those who own shares of the privately owned stock at a base price far less than the proposed offering price. One more bit of information. When a company is brought public, some investors will have access to the IPO priced stock, most the after-market.

Once again, the above is for sure, an oversimplification of the IPO process. The Facebook IPO phenomenon is fueled by the sheer size and speed at which this company founded by 20-year old Mark Zuckerberg has gone from an initial investment of $1000 dollars in 2004 to $18 billion dollars in 2012. Facebook the company, will be valued publicly at over $100 billion dollars once it starts trading as FB on The NASDAQ, Friday, May 18, 2012.

$100,000,000,000 or You and Me ?

What if one isn’t an employee of a participating Wall Street investment bank or exchange or an “insider”?  Is there any reason to be excited about The Facebook IPO? Yes, possibly. If an investor  is privileged to purchase actual IPO stock, many times a nice payday ensues. Sometimes investors purchasing after-market shares can also flourish.  I dare say, most of the 900 million worldwide users aren’t participating in any of the above scenarios.

The scenario most of the 900 million Facebook users participates in is usage of  facebook.com  Every company or advertiser that wants to grow it’s footprint (with the exception, I guess of General Motors) wants access to the collective 1.8 billion eyeballs Facebook claims access to.  These business people want to communicate with Facebook Nation, on the personal level Facebook affords. Facebook  states it’s objective is to help provide more open communication for humans in today’s world. Facebook’s ambition, so they say, is to create the ultimate online experience, a win-win for it’s users.

The Facebook IPO - All About $100,000,000,000 or You and Me?

Starting tomorrow morning, we’ll find out….

Khloe Kardashian - Is She or Isn’t She?

Kris Jenner pictured with daughter Khloe Kardashian

Once again the Kardashians being the Kardashians has been the catalyst for  reflection. Admittedly, I’ve not watched more than a few minutes of their shows.  However, the media headlines over the last few months regarding the paternity of Khloe Kardashian came to a head a few days ago-at least on TV.


Mother Kardashian, better known as Kris Jenner, published a book, in November 2011, acknowledging unfaithfulness while married to Robert Kardashian.  Throw in some he-said, she-said and simple arithmetic, and the question presents itself…

Khloe Kardashian - Is She or isn’t She?

Kris Jenner is at minimum, a savvy,  if not brilliant marketing strategist.  The Book entitled, ‘Kris Jenner…and All Things Kardashian’ has fueled quite a bit of chatter. Two of those chatting are Mrs. Jenner and her daughter Khloe. In true Kardashian style, their chat was aired a few days ago on one of the Kardashian  reality television shows. “Why not get a DNA test?”   Mother asked daughter. What a question, I said to myself after watching the video clip while web-surfing.

That question prompted me to reflect on this question- Should family secrets remain secret? Every family has secrets or skeletons which we may or may not know about. Is the Kardashian style of, there are no secrets, the preferred way, or is it best to stay silent about family misdeeds?

Most of us were taught by our families, honesty is the best policy. Yet, how honest are most parents/families with their children? Is Kris Jenner to be given credit for her open admission of infidelity or is the opposite reaction in order? Would any of us want to know if either of our parents were unfaithful, possibly casting doubt on our DNA parental link? How would we handle or better yet, could we cope with that type of honesty?

Khloe Kardashain, at least on TV, handled her Mom’s proposal admirably.  She gets my vote of respect.
Has this impacted Ms. Kardashian’s family dynamic with her siblings, primarily Kim and Kourtney? What changes would happen within our family dynamic if our DNA parental link was challenged?

Family secrets/misdeeds and the ripple effects they have on families are probably more underestimated than any of us realize. In some strange way, should we be thankful to the Kardashians for igniting the conversation about family misdeeds? How many of us, even jokingly, have thought, “ are you sure you’re my parents?”  Very interesting, kinda of like the interest that’s been generated by the question…

Khloe Kardashian - Is She or Isn't She?

'Big Break Atlantis' - I’m Hooked!

Anya, Meghan, Gloriana, Marcela, Christina, Kelly, Aubrey, Allison, Zakiya, Selanee, Natalia, Shannon are  the competitors on 'Big Break Atlantis'.

The Golf Channel has accomplished what no other network (not that they care) has been able to with me. ‘Big Break Atlantis’ is the first reality TV show I’ve watched of my own accord.  With an assist from my DVR,  I was able to watch the NBA playoff games between the Celtics/Sixers and Lakers/Thunder and ‘Big Break Atlantis’- a pretty busy Monday sports night.

What initially lured me in to ‘Big Break Atlantis’ was the resort itself.  I’ve always wanted to visit Atlantis, but somehow I found myself in Hawaii or Mexico instead. Oh well, guess that’s what happens when one lives in California.  Anyway, the chance to see the resort featured in a golf setting, was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

Atlantis was showcased beautifully with camera shots of dolphins leaping out of the water, beautiful white sandy beaches and the ocean surrounding the resort.  The introduction of the golfers, receiving their phone invitations to participate in the competition and arriving at the resort seemed a bit staged.  Once the golf challenges started, the pace of the show improved.

Each of the 12 participants were introduced walking along the beach, expressing themselves on the way to a putting green where their first opportunity to accrue Championship points awaited. Watching the women, push, blast and in some cases completely miss a 5 or 10 ft putt was entertaining TV.  Allison, Kelly, Anya, and Zakiya were the only golfers to sink their putts and score Championship points.

A par-5 elimination challenge was used to determine which golfer would be the first sent home. Meghan a 19-year old from California, that turned pro to compete in the ‘Big Break’ and Selanee a 25-year old pro also from California, shared the honor. In the end, Selanee birdied the hole, sending Meghan home shocked and in tears, as reality sunk in.

‘Big Break Atlantis - I'm Hooked!Ga8


http://www.golfchannel.com/tv/big-break-atlantis/enc=AZOFK2vgOoz_T0bpzIoaiU3IHJ_XUcayaFDK4h4edl9Wssional golfers attempting to take that next step in their golf careers, will premiere May 14 at 9 p.m. ET on Golf Channel.

Inaddition to the tournament exemption and cash, the winner also will receive an endorsement contract from Adams Golf, which includes an additional $10,000 in cash; a $10,000 shopping spree from Dick’s Sporting Goods; a $10,000 car rental credit courtesy of Avis Car Rental, full exempt status and all entry fees waived for a full Symetra Tour season and an all-expense paid return trip for two to Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Big Break Atlantis will showcase a cast of 12 women at different stages of their golf careers. Several are currently playing on the Symetra Tour (LPGA developmental tour), while others either turned professional for the series or are giving professional golf a second try. The series also will feature special guest appearances from Women’s World No. 1 Yani Tseng and LPGA Tour professional Gerina Piller, a former Big Break competitor from the series’ 11^th season taped on Prince Edward Island. Golf Channel’s Tom Abbott and Stephanie Sparks return as co-hosts for the series.

The competitors on Big Break Atlantis are:

Anya Alvarez, 22, Pittsburgh, Pa.Shannon Fish, 23, Spring, TexasNatalia Ghilzon, 21, Windsor, OntarioMeghan Hardin, 19, Lake Arrowhead, Calif.Selanee Henderson, 25, Temecula, Calif.Marcela Leon, 31, Orlando, Fla. / Monterrey, MexicoAubrey McCormick, 29, Arlington, Va.Allison Micheletti, 24, Scottsdale, Ariz.Zakiya Randall, 20, Atlanta, Ga.Gloriana Soto, 25, Windermere, Fla. / San Jose, Costa RicaChristina Stockton, 24, Rocklin, Calif.Kelly Villarreal, 29, Birmingham, Ala.Shot in January at the Bahamas resort, the 11-part series will unfold on the Tom Weiskopf-designed Ocean Club Golf Course, a picturesque par-72 championship layout featuring breathtaking signature holes, and seaside greens and tees stretched over 7,100 yards of coastline.

The Big Break show concept pits highly skilled golfers against each other in a variety of challenges that test their physical skills and mental toughness. One contestant will be eliminated each week during Big Break Atlantis, with the last player standing awarded her Big Break, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in an LPGA Tour event.

Past Big Break champions have won tournament exemptions to compete on some of the world’s top professional circuits, including the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour, Nationwide Tour and Canadian Tour. Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey, Big Break VII: Reunionchampion and PGA TOUR professional, caught the world’s attention in 2011 with three top-five finishes, and Ryann O’Toole, competitor on Big Break Sandals Resorts in 2010 competed on the U.S. Solheim Cup Team as a Captain’s Pick during her rookie year in 2011.

Several other past Big Break competitors are currently competing on the world’s top tours, including Matt Every (PGA TOUR), James Nitties (Nationwide Tour), Kim Welch and Sara Brown (Ladies European Tour); and Piller, 2011 U.S. Solheim Cup Team member O’Toole and 2009 U.S. Solheim Cup Team member Kristy McPherson (LPGA Tour).

About Golf Channel

Golf Channel is a multimedia, golf entertainment and services company based in Orlando, Fla. The Golf Channel cable network, co-founded by Arnold Palmer and part of the NBC Sports Group, is available in more than 120 million homes worldwide through cable, satellite and wireless companies. Exclusive partnerships with the world’s top tours allow Golf Channel to feature more live golf coverage than all other networks combined, added to a programming schedule distinguished by golf’s best news, instruction and original programming. Golf Channel’s digital platform of businesses is led by www.GolfChannel.com, a leading golf destination on the Internet, delivering unmatched coverage of the world of golf, as well as services that help the recreational player with how to play, what to play and where to play golf.

About Atlantis, Paradise Island resort, The Bahamas

Atlantis, Paradise Island is the flagship resort of Kerzner International, a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, casinos and luxury hotels. This unique, ocean-themed destination is located on Paradise Island, The Bahamas, and features a variety of accommodations, all built around a 141-acre waterscape comprised of over 20million gallons of fresh and saltwater lagoons, pools and habitats. Home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, there are over 50,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays, including The Dig, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis. Atlantis is home to Aquaventure, a non-stop water experience consisting of thrilling water slides, a mile-long river ride with high intensity rapids and wave surges, and never-before-seen special effects. Dolphin Cay, the resort’s interaction and education center, was created with the goal of enlightening visitors about the wonders of these remarkable ocean inhabitants. The Cove Atlantis, a 600-room resort, features oversizedrooms with a step down living space, spectacular designs by acclaimed interior architects Jeffrey Beers and David Rockwell, unprecedented services and amenities, private all-adult and family pools, lavish cabanas and breathtaking views of the ocean. Atlantis is also known as THE culinary destination in The Caribbean with a collection of restaurants from world-renowned chefs including Nobu Matsuhisa, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Bobby Flay. The resort boasts an impressive collection of luxury boutiques and shops, and the largest casino, conference center, meeting and convention facilities in The Caribbean.

-NBC Sports Group-r golf career on the fast track with an invitation to compete in the 2012 LPGA Kingsmill Championship (Sept. 6-9) on the LPGA Tour and $50,000 in cash – one of the biggest prizes in the series’ 17-season history. Big Break Atlantis, featuring an all-female cast of 12 professional golfers attempting to take that next step in their golf careers, will premiere May 14 at 9 p.m. ET on Golf Channel.

Inaddition to the tournament exemption and cash, the winner also will receive an endorsement contract from Adams Golf, which includes an additional $10,000 in cash; a $10,000 shopping spree from Dick’s Sporting Goods; a $10,000 car rental credit courtesy of Avis Car Rental, full exempt status and all entry fees waived for a full Symetra Tour season and an all-expense paid return trip for two to Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Big Break Atlantis will showcase a cast of 12 women at different stages of their golf careers. Several are currently playing on the Symetra Tour (LPGA developmental tour), while others either turned professional for the series or are giving professional golf a second try. The series also will feature special guest appearances from Women’s World No. 1 Yani Tseng and LPGA Tour professional Gerina Piller, a former Big Break competitor from the series’ 11^th season taped on Prince Edward Island. Golf Channel’s Tom Abbott and Stephanie Sparks return as co-hosts for the series.

The competitors on Big Break Atlantis are:

Anya Alvarez, 22, Pittsburgh, Pa.Shannon Fish, 23, Spring, TexasNatalia Ghilzon, 21, Windsor, OntarioMeghan Hardin, 19, Lake Arrowhead, Calif.Selanee Henderson, 25, Temecula, Calif.Marcela Leon, 31, Orlando, Fla. / Monterrey, MexicoAubrey McCormick, 29, Arlington, Va.Allison Micheletti, 24, Scottsdale, Ariz.Zakiya Randall, 20, Atlanta, Ga.Gloriana Soto, 25, Windermere, Fla. / San Jose, Costa RicaChristina Stockton, 24, Rocklin, Calif.Kelly Villarreal, 29, Birmingham, Ala.Shot in January at the Bahamas resort, the 11-part series will unfold on the Tom Weiskopf-designed Ocean Club Golf Course, a picturesque par-72 championship layout featuring breathtaking signature holes, and seaside greens and tees stretched over 7,100 yards of coastline.

The Big Break show concept pits highly skilled golfers against each other in a variety of challenges that test their physical skills and mental toughness. One contestant will be eliminated each week during Big Break Atlantis, with the last player standing awarded her Big Break, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in an LPGA Tour event.

Past Big Break champions have won tournament exemptions to compete on some of the world’s top professional circuits, including the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour, Nationwide Tour and Canadian Tour. Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey, Big Break VII: Reunionchampion and PGA TOUR professional, caught the world’s attention in 2011 with three top-five finishes, and Ryann O’Toole, competitor on Big Break Sandals Resorts in 2010 competed on the U.S. Solheim Cup Team as a Captain’s Pick during her rookie year in 2011.

Several other past Big Break competitors are currently competing on the world’s top tours, including Matt Every (PGA TOUR), James Nitties (Nationwide Tour), Kim Welch and Sara Brown (Ladies European Tour); and Piller, 2011 U.S. Solheim Cup Team member O’Toole and 2009 U.S. Solheim Cup Team member Kristy McPherson (LPGA Tour).

About Golf Channel

Golf Channel is a multimedia, golf entertainment and services company based in Orlando, Fla. The Golf Channel cable network, co-founded by Arnold Palmer and part of the NBC Sports Group, is available in more than 120 million homes worldwide through cable, satellite and wireless companies. Exclusive partnerships with the world’s top tours allow Golf Channel to feature more live golf coverage than all other networks combined, added to a programming schedule distinguished by golf’s best news, instruction and original programming. Golf Channel’s digital platform of businesses is led by www.GolfChannel.com, a leading golf destination on the Internet, delivering unmatched coverage of the world of golf, as well as services that help the recreational player with how to play, what to play and where to play golf.

About Atlantis, Paradise Island resort, The Bahamas

Atlantis, Paradise Island is the flagship resort of Kerzner International, a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, casinos and luxury hotels. This unique, ocean-themed destination is located on Paradise Island, The Bahamas, and features a variety of accommodations, all built around a 141-acre waterscape comprised of over 20million gallons of fresh and saltwater lagoons, pools and habitats. Home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, there are over 50,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays, including The Dig, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis. Atlantis is home to Aquaventure, a non-stop water experience consisting of thrilling water slides, a mile-long river ride with high intensity rapids and wave surges, and never-before-seen special effects. Dolphin Cay, the resort’s interaction and education center, was created with the goal of enlightening visitors about the wonders of these remarkable ocean inhabitants. The Cove Atlantis, a 600-room resort, features oversizedrooms with a step down living space, spectacular designs by acclaimed interior architects Jeffrey Beers and David Rockwell, unprecedented services and amenities, private all-adult and family pools, lavish cabanas and breathtaking views of the ocean. Atlantis is also known as THE culinary destination in The Caribbean with a collection of restaurants from world-renowned chefs including Nobu Matsuhisa, Jean-Georges Vonge

Justin Bieber and Justin Timberlake- Celebrity Fans of The NBA In Los Angeles

Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber

The Stars are shining brightly in Los Angeles these days!

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers are in the semi-final round of the Western Conference playoffs. Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum lead their team against Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, former Laker Derek Fisher and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will face Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli and the San Antonio Spurs.  Star Power indeed!

Kobe Bryant and Justin Timberlake

What's beautiful about Los Angeles is the star power isn't limited to the court. In fact, NBA games in Los Angeles feature more star power off the court, than on.  Some of the biggest names in entertainment enjoy watching the Lakers and Clippers in Los Angeles.

2012 NBA Western Conference Playoffs, "It's A Man's World, But...

                             .... it wouldn’t be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl”

The NBA Western Conference semi-finals is indeed a man’s world. Truly some of the biggest names and superstars in the NBA will battle for supremacy of the NBA Western Conference.

                                         

Semi-final #1 :

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum matching up against Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka, not to mention ex-Laker Derek Fisher.

                                             

Semi-final #2 :

San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli vs. Los Angeles Clippers Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and growing legend Reggie Evans.

                                 


Speaking of legends, the legendary James Brown reminded us way back when:

                                              “This is a man’s world, this is a man’s world
                                  But it wouldn’t be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl”


Having said that, here’s a photo tribute to the women that will be inspiring the Spurs, Thunder, Laker and Clipper players and fans during the 2012 NBA Western Conference playoffs:

Los Angeles Clippers Spirit

Los Angeles Laker Girls

Oklahoma City Thunder Girls

Silver Spurs Dancers

Will Tiger Woods Avoid “The Big Miss” at TPC Sawgrass?

“The Big Miss” was the first thought that came to mind as Tiger Woods missed the cut last week at the Wells Fargo Championship. To his credit it’s only the 8th time in his professional career that he’s missed the cut.  Woods looks to put last week behind him at The Players Championship starting today in Pointe Verde, Florida. TPC Sawgrass with it’s par-3 17th hole, featuring an island green, is one of the scariest holes on tour.

Woods tees off today with playing partners Hunter Mahan and Rickie Fowler (winner of last week’s Wells Fargo Championship) at TPC Sawgrass. The field also includes Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald  (battling for #1 world ranking, in an interesting sub-plot) and too many others to name. Woods, hopefully will make the cut, and play through the weekend.

Did I really just type the words, ‘Woods, hopefully will make the cut?’  Since 1997, Woods has dominated the world of golf, both on and off the course.   In 2007, I traveled  to Torrey Pines to watch Woods play  at The Buick Invitational (now known as The Farmers Insurance Open).  I’ll never forget his commanding presence, his aura,  the way the field withered, not to mention his shot-making ability. Of course, Tiger won the event and left me in awe of his talents on the golf course. That was then, this is now. Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, pretty much all the  players on tour, now look forward to playing  Woods and winning against him.

Which brings me to Hank Haney-Tiger’s swing coach from 2004-2010. Haney has authored a new book entitled ‘The Big Miss: My Years Coaching Tiger Woods’.  I haven’t read the book, Reportedly,  it’s Haney’s first person account of his life with Tiger Woods. What a life on the golf course the relationship produced. Tiger won six majors with Haney as his swing coach.  The famous 2008 U.S. Open one-legged win at Torrey Pines in a Monday playoff against Rocco Mediate, was and is my favorite. Once again-that was then, this is now. Does Haney know Tiger Woods than even Tiger is comfortable admitting?

Sure, Woods has one win this season, at Bay Hill, breaking a 30-month drought. However, his performance in the tournaments since, at The Masters and last week at Wells Fargo, leaves one wondering. Woods attributes it to “combo-platter” swing issues. Old habits learned from Haney , in combination with new techniques taught by current swing coach Sean Foley. Just writing that is confusing, imagine trying to play golf like that. It seems Tiger Woods is experiencing the same feeling on the golf course.

I miss the days of Tiger, Stevie (Steve Williams) and Hank Haney. I miss the days of what it used to mean when Tiger had an outright or share of the lead after 54 holes. I miss the fist-pumps.  I miss the entertaining Tiger commercials.  I miss Tiger Woods being the #1 player in the world. What I miss most is the conversation about when Tiger would win his 18th and 19th major. The question now is- Will Tiger win a 15th ?   Does Hank Haney “miss” those days too?  Is that what “The Big Miss” is about?

Sure, Tiger Woods is only human. To his credit, he’s moved forward, and is giving it all he’s got. At times this year Woods shot-making has been brilliant.  I’m looking forward to an exciting Players Championship this weekend.  Wouldn’t  be nice if Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy and Woods on Sunday, are making a hard charge on the back-nine. Follow the action live at http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboards/current/r011/ Hopefully starting with TPC, Tiger’s performance renders “The Big Miss” as an insightful read,  as opposed to a post-mortem on one of the most fascinating sports careers of our time.

Duke's Lindy Duncan and Dan Brooks Win ACC Player & Coach Of The Year

The awards continue to pile up for the Duke Women’s Golf Team. Lindy Duncan, the #1 golfer in the country, was named The Atlantic Coast Conference Player of The Year.  Head Coach Dan Brooks, was voted by his peers, to be the 2012 Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of The Year.

Brooks has coached his teams to 112 victories in his 28 years at Duke - a NCAA Division I record. This year the Duke women won two tournaments, including the 2012 ACC Tournament. In addition, for the 13th  straight year, two members of the Duke squad were named to the All-ACC squad - Lindy Duncan and Laetitia Beck.

What a standout year for Ms. Duncan! She has four victories and eight top-ten placements in eight tournaments. Duncan leads the ACC with a 70.71 scoring average, on pace to set a new single-season record.

Next up - Duke will travel to State College, Pa., to compete in the 2012 NCAA East Regional on May 10 - 12. Penn State plays host at the 6253-yard, par 72 Penn State Blue Course. Duke tee times are as follows:

Round 1 - Thursday, May 10th at 8:36 a.m. Eastern off No. 1

Round 2 - Friday, May 11th at  12:56 p.m. Eastern off No. 10

The action can be followed live by visiting www.GoDuke.com

Mariano Rivera - Is This The End?

Yankees fans worldwide, or at least this Yankee fan,  has one thought today-has the career of Mariano Rivera come to an end?

The news of Mariano Rivera tearing his ACL while catching fly-balls as part of his pre-game routine, was shocking. Yes, talk of this being Rivera's last year has been circling, but this is only May, quite a few months left to enjoy the 'Sandman', right? After yesterday, wrong.  Just like that,  the Yankee organization and fans have to adjust to a different Yankee team.

Rivera and Derek Jeter are the last of the Big 3 or Big 4 if you want to count Andy Pettitte, that have been Yankee fixtures since 1996. As much as i respect and enjoy Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera has been nothing short of incredible to me. How many times have we all said, jut get us to the 9th and we'll be ok? The Mariano Rivera cutter has been as dominant a pitch as there is in MLB.  Even Rivera's intro music-'Metallica's Sandman' is legendary. The legend may have come to end.

Shocking! In the world of sports,  it seems almost every day we all wake up to the newest shocking, or unexpected story.  These last few days have been no exception.  Talk about not knowing what you have until it's gone...

Ok, so this does open up an opportunity.

Truthfully, not in the mood to go there yet. right now a bit numb pondering....

Mariano Rivera-Is This The End?