Yardbarker: WNBA

The Return of Seimone Augustus

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:00:53 -0500

by Ben York There’s an age old saying that the night is darkest just before the dawn. For Seimone Augustus, the dawn is finally coming. Just 6 games into the 2009 WNBA season, the Minnesota Lynx were flying high under new head coach Jennifer Gillom, rivaling the Phoenix Mercury in terms of excitement and scoring. Seimone Augustus, Minnesota’s perennial All-Star and one of the best players in the game, was third in the league in scoring, averaging 21 points per game and shooting 57% from the ...

Yes, I Will Check

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:35:16 -0500

Notice: If we’re dating, expect me to check out your twitter, facebook profile, and whatever else. I’ll tell you why. Because I believe in certain transparencies in all intimate (emotional or physical) relationships. How’s that for an opening to inspire disagreement? But that’s ok; let me explain.

With technology seemingly taking over the world, we have found a new way to ruin relationships: the internet. The world wide web does more than allow us to keep in touch with out of town friends and family. It exponentially multiplies everyone’s possibilities for much less innocent connections.

Facebook can tell a lot about a person, although it’s not hard to manipulate. You simply don’t put up (many) pictures, untag yourself in other peoples, and make something up about why your status still says single (baby I just don’t like my business out there for everyone to see….ya, ok). Same thing with myspace. Twitter is a little more difficult because you can’t control what other people tweet about what they’re doing, even if it involves you. And if you don’t want someone to know you’re playing them, you can’t check them when they inadvertently shout you out for the world, or the other people you’re trying to get at, to see. But since Twitter is still catching on, it depends on if your social circle has decided to participate.

So the question is, if you’re dating someone, should using the internet to check up on them be off limits?

Some people say yes. I mean, where’s the trust? If you’re with someone who you can’t trust then should you really be with them? I’ve always thought that if I’m dating you and feel like I need to sneak through your phone or email, then we don’t need to be dating in the first place. So isn’t checking their facebook or twitter page the same thing? I say no.

Social networking is a public platform. If it’s out there for everyone to see then it’s not dishonest to look for it. Kind of like the “in plain sight rule” always referenced on Law & Order – my favorite show by the way. If incriminating evidence is in plain sight, where a normal person could have seen it, it’s fair game. Same goes for relationships. If I don’t have to violate personal property to see it, then it’s legal.

As long as the information isn’t obtained through dishonesty (stealing passwords and breaking in), it’s their bad for letting it get out there. Because bottom line is, the internet can only ruin relationships if one or both people involved are lying and/or misrepresenting something.

Yes, we should all trust the person we’re with. I’m not talking about cataloguing their every move, or constantly stalking their ex’s or friend’s pages. But we have a responsibility to ourselves to do what we can to protect our hearts, our time, and our health (because all cheating is not kept strictly online).

In my Pimpin vs. Playin post, I’ve already argued that people should be honest about their intentions and needs in all relationships. If you are really doing this, there should be nothing to worry about when the person you “care” about sees what’s out there for everyone else to see.

Thoughts anyone?

The choice between sports and sex appeal

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:18:39 -0500

The other day I was going through pictures trying to decide which ones to use for my website. I came across a picture of me in a bathing suit from a photo shoot I did not too long ago. It was a good picture and I wanted to use it, but I was hesitant. Was it too revealing? Was it unprofessional? Could I post that picture and still be considered a role model? My uncertainty about a simple picture got me thinking about a much bigger issue: Can a woman realistically expect be seen as a great athlete AND a sex symbol?

To begin researching my question, I Googled "female athletes posing nude." The results included a variety of articles debating whether or not female athletes posing for sexy photo shoots marginalized everything else she did on her respective playing field. Some called it insulting, saying that these women are discounting the other qualities that make them great athletes. Others argue that women are posing in overly sexual ways to compensate for homophobia and the masculine aspects of playing sports. While still others point out that these women have worked hard for their bodies, so why not show them off and gain recognition for their hard work.

So what's my take on it? Well, as usual, I have a few things to say, so here goes...

First, I don't understand why posing for sexy pictures automatically means we are denying the toughness and strength it takes to be an elite athlete. To me it means that we want people to see us in totality, as multi-dimensional women who are not afraid to embrace all sides of ourselves. The coolest thing about the evolution of the modern day woman is that we have the ability to be so many things at once: career women, wives, mothers, etc. So it seems unfair to limit a female athlete by putting her in a box pre-determined by her sport. If it would be wrong for people to see us as just a sex symbol, is it any less wrong for them to see us as just an athlete? Either way, it's only a portion of who we are as women.

Second, some say we want to be photographed in sexy and ultra-feminine ways so people won't think we're gay just because we play sports. But what if it's instead to show people how we look the other 80% of the time when we're not playing? I wear short dresses out to the club and bikinis on the beach; it's not out of the norm for me, or many other female athletes. So I look at such photo shoots as a way to represent something we are, rather than to "prove" something we're not. Plus, these days there are lots of beautiful femme chicks that like women, so it really doesn't prove anything anyway.

Another argument is that using sexual images to get publicity sets women's causes back hundreds of years by cheapening everything else we do in sports. I understand that women have had to struggle (and still struggle) to earn respect for women's athletics. And true, taking your clothes off is the easiest and quickest way to get some cheap attention. But this very blog is evidence that there are other ways to draw attention to women's sports and issues. Kara Lawson is another player representing women's athletics through a different medium: broadcasting. Yes, stripping down to a bathing suit is easier, but it is far from the only way. Why can't we be athletic enough to play at the highest level, smart enough to write about important issues, articulate enough to be a sports broadcaster, AND hot enough to pose for a men's magazine? Call me ambitious, but I think we can do it all.

As females we are judged by our looks anyway. We are commented about and ridiculed if we don't meet other people's standards of physical attractiveness. So if our looks can work against us, we should have the option of allowing them to work for us too - without being looked at as a traitor to our gender or our sport. Also, societies' definition of beauty is dangerously narrow, often convincing young women that they must be stick skinny and always "put together" to be attractive. In my opinion, it's a great thing that men's magazines are stepping away from the stick skinny models and not only featuring curvier women like Beyonce and Kim Kardashian, but also tall, lean, muscular women like the Team USA Olympians that did the cover shoot for FHM in 2004. As long as the pictures are classy and not raunchy, I don't have a problem with it at all.

Thoughts anyone? For the women, how do you feel about female athletes posing for sexy pictures? And men, while you may not mind it, would you look at her as less of a "serious athlete" for doing so?

Top 10 worst pick-up lines I hear on a regular basis

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:11:50 -0500

10. I'd love to climb that tree...

9. Baby you real cute for a tall girl.

8. You need a groupie?

7. I looooove tall women. Am I too short for you? (coming from a guy who's 5'6" in Timbs)

6. Can I be your boy toy?

5. Girl come over here and post me up.

4. Damn girl...those legs could wrap around me twice!

3. Can I just be your man on the side? You can call me when your BF ain't actin right.

2. Now you know you a tall drink of water, and I'm thirsty!

1. Hey girl come'er. Lemme take you 1 on 1.

LOL

Why Men Hate Lesbians...

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:25:44 -0500

-- Let me preface this by saying this is all in good fun and not meant to offend ANYONE! That said, here we go -- You always hear about men having lesbian fantasies, or how they thing its hot for two women to hook up. So why then, do people always use the "lesbian factor" as an excuse to hate womens basketball? I'll tell you why: because men love lesbians, as long as they're straight. I realize a straight lesbian is a total oxymoron. But what I mean is, men don't mind girls getting drunk and making out with each other, or singing songs about kissing girls, because at the end of the day, those same girls are still in the market for men. Meaning the guys still have a chance to have sex with them. But as soon as you remove the do-ability factor, the hope that he might have a chance at getting her in bed, men all the sudden are just not that interested. Random men come up to me all the time and tell me, "I could take you 1 on 1." It doesn't matter if they're 50 pounds overweight or haven't picked up a basketball since high school. For their ego to stay in tact, they need to sincerely believe its impossible to get beat by a girl. The same applies in relationships. A guy imagining another man being able to satisfy a woman better is uncomfortable. But to think a woman could do it? Now that's just downright insulting! What you men have to understand is that its not even about you. For example, if a guy I was dating came to me and said he was attracted to men, should I get mad and assume its because my sex was terrible? No, because obviously a man can offer him something very different than I can. And if that's what he wants, there is NOTHING I can do for him. Same thing! If a woman truly wants a woman, then it has nothing to do with the quality, or lack thereof, of your "lovin". Now I know its going to take y'all a little while to internalize this information. So in the meantime, here are some tips to enjoying the WNBA this summer: 1. Pay attention and appreciate the basketball being played (similar to listening to a woman with a degree from Harvard talk instead of staring at her boobs - it won't kill you, I promise) 2. Bring you daughter and her AAU teammates. You can check out our dancers while they enjoy the game (our dancers are pretty hot) 3. Come with your hot wife and enjoy watching men AND women checking her out with the knowledge that you can "hit it" anytime you want (lol) 4. And finally, fantasize about the straight players that you can still dream about doing (there are A LOT of us, and this is probably the easiest solution for you) I look forward to seeing you all at a WNBA game this summer! Opening day is June 6th. LOL

Ugly, Manly, WNBA Players

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:18:43 -0500

Ok so, I was on mediatakeout.com yesterday, and there was a post saying that one of my really good friends in the league looks like a man on the court. Now I'm not even gonna complain about the fact that male athletes rarely get judged negatively based on their physical appearance (even though its true). I realize that, fair or not, we as women are held to a different standard in terms of appearance; and I'm ok with that. I will however argue that many of us are at least as attractive, if not more attractive, than your average woman.

Lets say you were walking down the street and selected 10 women at random. Take their make-up off, put their hair up, dress them in a baggy, unflattering uniform, and make them sweat for two hours. Then see how hot they look. My guess is that you'll have a couple cute ones, some relatively average ones, and probably one or two that are flat out unattractive. Of course they are gonna look better when they are all "put together". And the same can be said for us female ballers. The only difference is that our job puts us in front of everyone all sweaty and gross, all the time.

Trust me when I say the guys that say WNBA players are ugly or manly are the first ones to try and holla when they see us dressed up and out in the club. So that said, here is a picture tribute to just a few of the hot women in the WNBA. Jen Lacy, Atlanta Dream Kristin Mann, Washinton Mystics Shyra Ely, Chicago Sky Erin Beuscher, San Antonio, Silver Stars
Ashley Robinson, Seattle Storm
Janel Burse, Seattle Storm And me of course! LOL. Chantelle Anderson, Atlanta Dream(These are JUST A FEW of the beautiful women in the WNBA, but y'all get the point)

Ultimate Panty-Droppers

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:50:20 -0500

Well, since USAToday thinks I'm hot, I might as well ride the wave...The car ride home today (to DJ Shoshonna's - AKA Sue Bird's latest mix CD) produced a new battle: Who is the Ultimate Panty-Dropper Musical Artist? Now see, Urban Dictionary defines panty dropper as: "A guy who is so good looking, or has so much money, or some other such quality, that women will drop their panties at the sight of him." (or) "A song upon hearing makes it near impossible for a girl to Not drop her panties." So, in combination we're judging the Ultimate Panty Dropper Musical Artist as one possessing superior ability to well...ilicit panty droppage. How else do you state that? Its one of those things you just know. Its like being in love...for a really abbreviated time and minus a lot of talking. My top nominee? Pac. Is there anybody sexier? Was there anybody? Not in my lifetime. Other picks? + Robin Thicke + Marvin Gaye + Sade + R Kelly (Had he not peed on an underage girl, he might have ranked higher in nominations) + Teddy Pendergrass + Jodeci + Maxwell + Ginuwine All I want to know is...Are you Still Down?

My take on the VP Debate

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:37:03 -0500

Watched the debates Thursday night. (Yeah, I do the politics thing!) Hardly as entertaining as I thought it would be. I would've much rather watch Tina Fey and Steve Martin do a parody. One thing does burn me up, though. I think it is insulting to women everywhere that Sarah Palin was somehow considered successful for not falling on her face. As much as women don't like the glass ceiling, we should despise the closer tee. Low expectations are as dangerous as limited opportunity. If she's going to be in the race for vice president, we need to apply to her the same standard as we would a man. We should expect the same level of intelligence and the same command of the issues as we would from any other candidate. Why? Because we can meet it! When Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama went at it in the Democratic Primary, nobody was saying, "Wow, Hillary isn't making mistakes! She can win!" The stride she made was that she proved we can go toe-to-toe, we can be as capable and knowledgeable as any man. I respected Obama because he never tried to belittle her or act as if he expected anything else. A woman meeting the same academic or professional standard as men is normal! (And to all of you trying to apply this to my arguments for the WNBA -- this isn't about dunking, this is about mental aptitude and political expertise.) A woman not making herself look stupid is not an accomplishment! The fact that Sarah Palin didn't implode at the podium is not a victory. That's like somebody saying I had a good game because I didn't double-dribble. Or being surprised when a Black man "speaks so well." Or Sue Bird accusing me of not knowing the meaning of unevolved and antiquated. LOL Sorry. That whole hooray-she-didn't-fall-on-her-face bit just pisses me off a little. Anyway, there were some highlights, though: *Sarah Palin was a gangsta. She came out practically from the get-go and punk'd the moderator and Biden. "I ain't answering yo questions, fool!" I can't believe they let that go. I would've kept asking her the same question. Why agree to a debate if you're not going to, uh, debate? She should've at least explained why she was different from Bush when Biden went on that tirade about McCain being the same as Bush. *Biden choking up talking about his kids was deep. Something about seeing a grown man cry, or on the verge of tears, is touching. Well, not any grown man. It's always some dude crying on Project Runway and, somehow, it doesn't tug at the heart strings. While we're talking about tears, it is kind of shady that when Biden cries, it's accepted as genuine and moving (and no disrespect to him, what he went through has to be painful still). But when it was a woman, such as when Hillary Clinton caught a little fur ball in her throat during the primaries ? actually, it wasn't even choking up as much as it was a sudden switch to a somber tone ? it's a sign of weakness! What if Palin had choked up? The Sandman woulda came on stage with a cane and yanked her off and asked her if she was on her period! It just amazes me, the double standard. *Those winks into the camera were a knee-slapper. What was that? I felt like I just got holla'd at in the mall, like she wrote her number on my hand outside of Cinnabon and the wink was the goodbye. C'mon, Mrs. P! This is the presidential arena here. The winking and the Joe Six-Pack lines make you sound like the prep jock running for Student Body President. This debate was the time to show them you are also intellectual and intelligent. We know the hockey mom, pit bull with lipstick, moose-hunting stuff. You missed a chance to show us more. In fact, you probably made yourself a little too down home. Nuff politics for now. Check out the WNBA Finals. Game 3. Going down tomorrow night.

Me + the LA Times = ....

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 22:39:41 -0500

I had my appetite ruined on Saturday. It happened right after I read Melissa Rohlin's piece "Why this woman is a fan of basketball, but not the WNBA." It's hard to tell what's worse about the commentary: a) that the opinion offered was so antiquated and un-evolved; b) that a woman would go out of her way to hate on such accomplished professional women; or c) that the reality is, there are people who actually share such a sheltered view. (Link to article: http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/wnba/sparks/la-spw-rohlin20-2008sep20,0,7436798.story) Nevertheless, I can cosign on three sentiments conveyed by Ms. Rohlin: that the NBA does feature the best athletes and the highest level of basketball in the world, that women's sports receive far less media coverage than men's and that discussion is always healthy. Of course, those facts are as much of a news flash as word that an African American is running for president. What may not be common knowledge, however, is that the WNBA features the world's best women's basketball, which was proven by the fact that 26 medals were awarded to current and former WNBA players. And, contrary to Ms. Rohlin's opinion, many think the WNBA is entertaining. She would've known that had she looked beyond the 12 girls "trying out" for the team at her alma mater. Ratings, attendance and website traffic aren't up because it's boring. No offense to the caring progressives at ESPN, but the network didn't commit to pay millions for the right to exclusively televise WNBA games because it wants to, as Ms. Rohlin said, "support the cause." The WNBA, in its 12th year, is the longest-running, most-successful professional women's league in America because it IS entertaining. Taurasi and teammates after winning the gold medal in Beijing. Perhaps those like Ms. Rohlin who find us so boring are simply too close-minded to give the WNBA a chance, shackled by stereotypes, homophobia or an obsession with being accepted by men. Perhaps they aren't real basketball fans. That's what makes the premise of Ms. Rohlin's commentary so absurd. It's not even possible to be a basketball fan and not be at least somewhat entertained by the WNBA. Sure, you can be an NBA fan and not have interest in our league. But basketball fans, real basketball fans -- who see the game as more than dunks and athleticism and personalities -- can enjoy all levels of basketball without being herded toward it by big-budget commercials. Yes, even varsity games at Palisades High. Real basketball fans, like the NBA stars who watched our every game in Beijing, appreciate the game and its beauty, the athletes and their dedication, the competition and its intensity. Will many think the NBA is more entertaining? Of course. How that means the WNBA is NOT entertaining is beyond me. That's what is disappointing, that when it comes to the WNBA, some people, even women such as Ms. Rohlin, (who can probably see Russia from her porch) still can only regard our league as the NBA's kid sister. Where was the NBA in its 12th season? Furthermore, the idea that if it isn't the MOST watched or MOST marketed that it isn't worthy is unfairly applied to women's sports. Such a rationale belies not only an ingrained sexism, but ignorance over the fact that NBA versus the WNBA doesn't have to be an either/or conundrum: we have different seasons. Ms. Rohlin, are you a fan of college basketball, which doesn't feature Kobe Bryant or any of the world's best players? Is Serena Williams not entertaining because her serve isn't as fast as Andy Roddick's? Are you bored by sprint star Allyson Felix because women's 200-meter times haven't cracked the 20-second barrier like the men? What does Dara Torres mean to you? The WNBA is celebrating its 12th season because women's basketball is proven entertainment, the league where the world's best come to play, and it's growing. The WNBA set a record with 46 sellouts this season. National TV ratings increased 19% over last year. Jersey sales jumped 46%. Contrary to popular belief, men are watching the WNBA. Games on ESPN2 saw viewership among men ages 18-34 increase 28% (71% among women 18-34!). Attend a game and you'll regularly see NBA players sitting courtside. Oh, and that lone player from the 12 Palisades varsity hopefuls you found that actually watched the WNBA? She just happens to be the best player on the team, the 23rd ranked scorer in Los Angeles' City Section. It seems as if Ms. Rohlin and the L.A. Times are just late catching on. Fortunately, you still have a chance at redemption. I challenge anyone who calls themselves fans of basketball, or even just a fan of sport, to watch the 2008 playoffs. If you agreed with Ms. Rohlin, but teared up during the Olympics, pick a team and follow them through (Ms. Rohlin, I'll even get you some tickets to see it live. I already have Coach Brown bringing the Palisades team to the game Thursday). Or watch the WNBA Finals from start to finish. Media and sponsors? Lead the way and provide enhanced activation and coverage. I guarantee you will be entertained. -- Diana Taurasi Diana Taurasi is a three-time WNBA All-Star with the Phoenix Mercury.

Lisa Leslie in her comic debut

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:37:28 -0500

Check out Los Angeles' CW uh, weatherman (and bonus info, DJ for KBIG 104.3 in Los Angeles on Disco Saturday Night!) Mark Kriski's meeting with the Los Angeles Sparks after he made some foul remarks about women's basketball and the WNBA. When Kriski asks Leslie when their next game is to give them a plug, Leslie replies, "If you were so great at your job, you would know," and then grabs the microphone to talk about the team. Unfortunately we don't get to see this clown get some shots up, but I'm sure that would add substantially to the comedic value. What's also funny is his MySpace page. I had to check to see if he had daughters and its tough to tell...definitely a son, but only one kid of the multiple he claims in his bio gets love in the slideshow. His wife gets a few peeks though - as do his dogs. http://www.myspace.com/markkriski . For anybody who thinks this guy is hot, note his personal details on the page: Mark Kriski's Details Status:Married Here for:Networking, Serious Relationships, Friends Hometown:Montreal, Canada Body type:6' 0" / Athletic Ethnicity:Other Zodiac Sign:Cancer Children:Proud parent Education:College graduate Married "Other" - seeking Serious Relationships on MySpace. Yesssssss...His wife Samantha, who resides as his top friend, her profile is set to private, so its tough to see if they're synced up in their search for Big Love...but her mood says "loved" so, apparently all is well in Weatherboy's world. That's cool.

Best Craigslist Post Ever..and a Va Jay Jay for the office?

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:44:23 -0500

F BOMB CELEBRATIONNNNNNN This guy is my hero. See the jpeg here from craigstlist...Does somebody know him? This post is awesome. Do you think he would ship them? I think I will ask him. If he responds, I will post it. OK update - apparently this jpeg is difficult to read. if anybody has the time to transcribe it, please post it in the comments for me. So, as a meager substitute for those of you without zoom-vision, i am sharing my newest discovery: I will be torn between sharing youtube gems and items from...THE BEST OF CRAIGSLIST. some of my most recent favorites: 8 May 2008 - anc - Dead Moose 14 Apr 2008 - lax - For Sale?One (1) Wife, slightly used, 1964 Model 04 Mar 2008 - chi - Reactions to small d*&% 30 Mar 2008 - sfo - A public service announcement: Please stop asking me if I'm pregnant. 05 Jun 2008 - pit - To my neighbor who I saw pooping in his yard yesterday - w4m and drumroll, for the bargain price of $600... Pink Upholstered Vagina Couch http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/sfo/540076210.html do it.

South Beach in Phoenix

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:15:40 -0500

The new digs.........flyyy

Happy Birthday to Meeeeeeee (WHAT UP TIGER WOOOOOODS)

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:13:00 -0500

so I rang in my birthday in style up in Seattle - Lauren, Sue, Swin and the gang threw me a party for the ages. Check out the G-rated pics below... And, for my birthday i decided to purchase myself something nice........like....a condo! Move in mid-July. With decor, inspired by our party of the year post Euroleague All Star in Russia (complemented nicely with an appearance by such celebrities as Cappie Pondexter and Kelis) I'm going South Beach to Phoenix. its gonna be fllyyyyyyyyyy. I've been doing a lot of online shopping for furniture etc. Possibly, after my Cribs episode I will share some of my sources. Biggest question is whether I keep the walls white or go with a splash of color. Probably going to hold off for a bit on all that...first things first. Bed, food, TV's, my new wii + Rock Band (holler at the bday presents!) and of course, some pieces of art to set it all off. BTW - shouts out to Tiger, the biggest Boss of them all. That dude...WOWWWWWW. He's amazing, really. Just Amazing. I would like to shake his hand. Check me out after the jump...

Broke Jumpers and Man Boobs

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:05:57 -0500

You know, between avoiding Kujo in the front yard (the wolf-bear-lion mix of a dog with .5 ears that prowls our property and belongs to Babushka) and winning Euroleague titles - I have found some time to browse the offerings of youtube. Not that this should come as a surprise to anybody who has spend time on my blog.... Anyways - I was directed at this video by several people...and I figure a lot of initial reaction was that I would fly into some sort of defensive bra burning feminist fury. Nah. This junk is funny. I think actually - I think I'm flattered? Yes. Name recognition is pretty sick when it comes from some scrubs with broke jumpers and man boobs. And who said the WNBA isn't marketable. We're reaching all sorts of demographics. I must give credit where its due though - clever stuff.

In Honor of Shannon Veal

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:25:05 -0500

On Monday night, after sinking two free throws, and with the LSU coaches in the stands, Shannon Veal passed. I heard from my mom who had just seen the story on the news. In fact, my dad was supposed to go to that game. I had boarded a plane to return to Russia at 4pm that day and was in the air when it happened...I was incredibly sad. Shannon was just beginning to shine and had a promising future. I feel like I saw Shannon grow up right in front of me. I saw her at LSU camp as a kid, in summer league and in high school games. I went when I was in town to support and know that Shannon will really be missed. Its been reported that she died of an enlarged heart ? which in so many ways, as time passes, may be seen as fitting. Shannon's heart was big ? bigger than the average person and it showed on her face and in everything she overcame. Shannon, in managing her diabetes always kept a positive spirit and displayed a tremendous work ethic. She was a joy and will always be an example. To her family, friends and teammates ? stay strong and god bless. In her memory, I've worked with the Baton Rouge Area Foundation to establish a memorial scholarship fund. The scholarship will be awarded in May of each year to a Baton Rouge high school female attending a 4 year college or university who has overcome significant challenges or obstacles in her pursuit of excellence in sport, education and/or community service. Nomination forms will be available on my website (www.seimone33.com), on the Baton Rouge Area Foundation's website (www.braf.org) and in various guidance counseling offices by March 3, 2008. Donations of any amount can be made by check made out to the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, noting "Shannon Veal Scholarship" in the memo line and sent to: Baton Rouge Area Foundation Attn: Shannon Veal Scholarship 402 N. Fourth St. Baton Rouge, LA 70802 If you'd like to leave comments for Shannon in response to this post, I will make sure to forward them to her family.... Shannon overcame so much to put herself in a position to fulfill her dreams and attend college. She's a beautiful example of what we as young women can accomplish when we set our minds to it and hopefully, this scholarship serves as a celebration of that spirit. My family and I are deeply saddened by her loss...but hope that through Shannon's memory, we as a community can help other women pursue their dreams.

Refined

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 01:29:19 -0500

Seriously. I don't just post videos....I do other stuff too - like cook eggs and make tea. there is also this new cappuccino mix I like. One packet per mug of water = creamy goodness. we'll have to see if there is a comparable product in the US. Possibly this is that little rectangular tin thing I remember being so fancy when I was a kid? I didn't appreciate the whole coffee after dinner thing until I started spending time in Europe. Sipping cappuccino after dinner makes me refined, no? Don't answer that. Do get the Lupe Fiasco new one... And DO check out this video. Its fantastic.

I Thought I Told You...

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 01:34:39 -0500

I was a champion procrastinator? But I'm back! Been a bit and there is much to catch up on. Better late than never, my favorites for 2007 are on their way. In the meantime, check out the NIKE iD shoe I hooked up...Inspired by the sunset - a central theme during my vacation in Hawaii, at night (this is when I love) in Phoenix and of course...around 5pm in Russia LOL You can cop my design at NIKEiD.STUDIO in Niketown New York.

Get Out the Vote

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 20:11:35 -0500

In honor of the Oprah-effect (and all the coverage its getting) and caucus buzz and most importantly the NBA All Star vote, I have my own campaign running: the WNBA Photo of the Year! LOL My favorites? The Fist Pump and Hug it Out. The Game 3 Screamer isn't bad either - and Barry Gossage, Photog Master is my maaaaaaan!

Hope is not lost.

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:08:16 -0500

This ad is nothing short of inspiring. Lets elect this guy. We need him.

NASTY

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 06:34:58 -0500

True: I have not received my bags yet. They said...Monday? False: My bags will come Monday True: Steve Nash is so damn cool...and this docu-ad of sorts is awesome. I am officially accepting submissions for a producer and director of my own personal virus. viral ad. mini-film. whatever. any filmmakers out there? youtube is calling my naaaaaame. sue's too. sue can be in the movie. we're here in Russia, bring the cameras!

If you're wanting more...

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:04:18 -0500

Hit up the link here for More on the tour from Seimone...she gets into each team more in case you want more specifics...she also has some photos up from our dinner in TN with the young buck CP and the both of us with hair and makeup crew from the Nike shoot in LA. I hear Mone will be joining us in the Yard anyday now.. Plus, bonus feature - a photo of me, Kara Braxton, Mone and Sue at the ATHLETE event. Nothing like the Sidekick candid. I look like the devil for real...as you can see, we got really dressed up. Taj also has some good stuff to share. Check out her blog on the College Tour, complete with Tour "Tajie" Awards: http://my.wnba.com/forum.jspa?forumID=1700001505&start=0 Best Game of the Tour for Our Team Toughest Opponent" Toughest Opposing Player Most Fun Teammate to Spend 2? Weeks With Most Pleasant Surprise on the Court Toughest Thing About the College Tour There are some good surprises...

From LA to the Bay...to Brussels?

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 23:55:00 -0500

I can hardly believe its over. From one season to the next...from Europe, straight to the WNBA, right into USAB training - Chile, Russia...8 cities across the US. Whew. Toss a lil Hawaii in there and there you have it - my "offseason." Clearly we need to come up with another term for this period between the WNBA and Europe, because there is not much "off" about it. Its more like the Amazing Race. To what have I missed covering in the last few entries. We left off at Alicia Keys. Did you hear her stage name was going to be Alicia Wild instead of Alicia Keys? Yeah. Good call on whoever told her to swap in Keys for the stripper surname. She's killing it right now isnt' she? Did you see the American Music Awards last night? If given the choice I would have passed on that mess they had Beyonce up there doing, but coincidence that Alicia had the reggae performance? I think not. She must have seen the massive response my blog got and decided to that direction. And who knew a unitard could be so fly...I suppose if you add Beanie Man to most anything and its dope. If he performed at a Mercury game I think I might dunk. Just for good measure I might hand on the rim so I can get a T. So on the hoop tip yes - we went to Phoenix. We played ASU. I got a T...you remember all that. I opened my Reading and Learning room...we did a nike shoot...and then, we headed to LA! In LA we did another NIKE event - at the Point. See the link here for more on the event. It was in celebration of the ATHLETE campaign. Donna Orender, our WNBA President brought her game...Nancy Lieberman was throwin' no looks and catching everybody off guard (don't trip Nance, I saw you workin') and RUTHIE BOLTON. Get OUT. Ruthie was REEEEAAAADDDDDDDDYYYY. I think she went like 9-11 or something. Mone kept track...then Ruthie showed up to our Stanford game in the USA uniform. I know she was taped below those warmup pants too. Guns BLAZIN....if we slipped at Stanford, Ruthie was ready to come off the sidelines. We hit USC up the day after the ATHLETE event. I saw my family and got some rest - had an early call the next day. Car picked me and Sue up at the hotel for an NBC pre-Olympic photoshoot. We did green screen work, hair and makeup (I need a HAIRCUT), photos for getty and AMP. It was ALL day, but we got some good stuff. Hopefully I'll be able to share the official joints soon - or you can catch some on TV? Women's hoop on the promotional come upppppppp! So with Stanford, we concluded our College Tour. Most of the teams gave us a good run - it was mostly a matter of being able to keep up the pace for the entire time. The kids were tough though. There is good talent coming up. This is going to be an exciting college season to watch... BUT, let me not leave out the most exciting piece of information about our Stanford stop. Outside of a glorious campus tour where Lindsay pointed out all the libraries, fountains (and yes, there are a lot at Stanford) and the Palm Drive Church shot (ok ok, its nice. It is. I admit it. Tara, take ALL your recruits down that road at night), the most memorable experience about being at Stanford was my session with Dr. Lambert. The video will follow - but the summary goes like this: Dr Lambert drained this incredibly painful infected hair follicle in my back. I have video and I plan to share it. Before doing so though, I must think of a name for the beast. Maybe a soundtrack for the process? I could feel this creature in every nook and cranny of my back. When I moved my arm, it hurt. When I turned my head, it hurt - and it definitely hurt when Dr. Lambert sliced into my back. Anyways, its feeling better now. I felt like some episode of House. I got some antibiotics and over the weekend, my mom went to work on it...and now, I'm off to Brussels to meet up with my Russian team, Spartak for a Euroleague game. Nothing like a little Tylenol PM, an ipod and some books (the Atheists Bible and Julius Ceasar lol...you know, Huskies get their nerd on too) to get you through a long flight! Ciao!

Upgrade?

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 05:32:00 -0500

check out this link...the alicia keys, ross hogg reggae remix? what do you think? i didn't think it was possible to improve on the original, but this is the joint! though I can't seem to download it, check out under S O U N D S, DJ Neta: Live at Feel Good Sessions. Its a "collection of soulful sounds, new and old, smoovely mixed by the one DJ Neta." In short, its dope. I'm also not sure smoovely is a word, but I think its tremendous and I plan to use it. Smoove it out on the laptop. If somebody figures out how to download the thing, hollleeeeerr. I figure we all need a break from Crank That, no? Along those lines. when is Lil Mama or some other random female MC going to do a response? If you have looked up what "Superman" means, you will concur that there may need to be one.

Stepping my geek game up

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 04:17:39 -0500

pictures! yessssssss. is this a whitestrips ad or what?

Breakfast of Champions

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:59:22 -0500

I should have posted this a long time ago...what kid doesn't dream of being on the Wheaties box? I admit, the picture isn't the most exciting I've ever seen, but hey. its Wheaties! The only upgrade I can think of is maybe Fruity Pebbles.

Don't call it a comeback...

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:15:05 -0500

Procrastination is the name of my game...and you know how things just get harder to do the longer you put them off? Well, that's me and this blog entry. So much to share, so little inclination to organize my thoughts... It's been a crazy month or so...that's for sure. Try this for a rundown: ...I went straight from our USA Chile trip back to NY for a couple of days before heading out to Vermont (yes, Vermont...JetBlue flies there from JFK) for Ashley Valley's (UConn teammate) wedding. After tremendous build-up over the potential for the debauchery surrounding such a Husky Reunion, lets just say it was quite fulfilling. Check out our wedding party in the photo...complete with custom 1's for the reception. ...From the Husky Reunion, I mean...Ashley's wedding, we headed out to Hartford for the CT Starz Game where I proceeded to give it to several high school players in the name of charity. No, kidding kidding. Sue was the only one really going hard. We had a good time taking the Husky Reunion onto the court and it's always nice to get back to CT to see friends and fans. ...From CT I went right into a much-needed and all too short vacation (that was the start of the absence...no blogging on vacation) to Maui. The usual suspects headed very West for a week of private-villa living where the hard work was limited to my tan-game. I loved it and hated to leave. ..."Leaving" actually is an understatement, given that from Hawaii I heading home to LA for about 12 hours and turned straight around for Russia. That's right, from Chile to Hawaii to Russia. The life of a baller...and let me tell you, it doesn't get much more glamorous than Ekaterinburg, Russia. ...In Mother Russia, we did what most expected us not to do...that's win. That is, until we got to the finals, where we lost. I hate losing. I hate it so much in fact that I'm not going ot rehash this tournament. Seimone was blogging for NIKE....I'm working on getting her over here to the Yard, but for the time being you can hear more on the details of the trip from her. http://tinyurl.com/2o6wky http://tinyurl.com/36mkx2 ...So now, we're into the College Tour. We loaded up the roster a bit, added Lisa Leslie...who is decent in the post. Last night we kicked it off with Maryland, today we got to Connecticut, Friday we play UCONN at Gampel. Crazy to be the visiting team. For today though, I'm looking forward to a new Sidekick (blue, baby) and tomorrow, returning to Storrs to play under those banners and see the Greatest Coach on Earth.

Because posting this is shorter than writing all the answers

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 15:48:28 -0500

Heading out to practice in a few and figured posting the AM call in to my guys at XTRA Sports 910 in Phoenix would give you more info than any of my own journalistic attempts at this point. If the the other link doesn't work, try this one: http://www.xtra910.com/cc-common/podcast.html . Look for the box down on the right. Its one for all the marbles folks: Game 5. 1:30pm PST/4:30pm EST on ESPN2.

Lets get it...

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 21:44:58 -0500

on our way to game 5, baby...see you in Detroit!

This Shock fan is very smart

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 20:03:18 -0500

Just got out of practice. Pissed we let last night get away. We just never quite broke through...Now we're just focused on tomorrow. In the meantime, I thought I'd share one of the most priceless emails I have ever received. This genius, sent the following to me through my agent: ------Original Message------ From: Scott Emerson Crosby (crosbysc@msu.edu) Sent: Sep 12, 2007 12:03 PM Subject: PLease forward to Diana Taurasi Hey Diana, My name is Scott and I am a Shock fan from Detroit. I just wanted to encourage you to hold your head up after Katie Miller serves you a third piece of Humble Pie on Thursday night. It has been fun watching you play in the series, I graduated from MSU when you were playing for Uconn and I was always bummed I never got to see you play. Remember to look on the bright side at least you still have your own website! Adios Amiga, Scott So congratulations, Scott. I am officially giving you the attention you crave and responding to your email in this public forum. I have a question though - who is Katie Miller?

Rise of the Phoenix

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 07:37:58 -0500

So anyways, I'm sure more than one of you swears I still play for UCONN. To bring you up to speed?courtesy of youtube: And, for those of you who are not new to the W ? you're probably looking for some insight into the Finals?I swear, yesterday? I tried to write. I thought about it all through my gourmet late night Champs meal. All I could come up with was?yuck. You can just insert all the right things to say here. You've read them before after tough?so instead of the usual, lets try something new: (drumroll) Ten questions to ask yourself during the Finals: 1) Did I know the WNBA was in season? If not, you have a lot of catching up to do. You've missed some serious, high-level hoop. 2) Do people tune in to bask in the glory that is Bill Laimbeer?s sideline manner? Is that why the league always has him mic'd up? 3) Are the refs going to be interviewed after the game like the players? Why not during the game - like the players! I can already see Rebecca Lobo hustling after a ref in the tunnel, chastising her about a touch foul. Hilarious. 4) How many more pushups can Kelly Miller do than you? one handed? Trust me. It's no contest. Have you seen her arms? She borrowed them from the Governator. 5) Cappie or Tweety? I love Deanna, but I'm ridin' with Cap. 6) Will BD and Teri Hatcher appear courtside and inject some Hollywood into the W, a la Jessica Alba, Owen Wilson, Kate Hudson and Snoop @ the Warriors playoffs? Oh and Too $hort was there too, right? Or no? C'mon people. We need some footage for commercials. Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, Amare Stoudemire. You all have to come out for Game 3 and 4. Chauncey and his daughter represented for the Shock. 7) Karl Malone and Cheryl Ford are?father and daughter? Or twins? It is amazing how much she looks like him, in the face and in the arms. She's a cool girl, and a great player. I hope she gets back to action. (Do I? What am I saying??) 8) Is Don Imus watching? 9) Is Gil, Penny Taylor's Husband the Eva Longoria of the WNBA? 10) Would I rather watch Appalachian State's kid brother, Michigan, Saturday, or watch me and Swin Cash go at it in Game 2? Yeaaahhhhhhh?.See you on Saturday on ESPN 12:30pm PST. It's on.