Not even the Mayor's car is safe in the Big Apple. Two suspects car-jacked his whip (he wasn't in it at the time) and socked an assistant in the face.

Alright everyone, another stingray has killed one of us and we cannot let these violent acts continue. Every God-fearing American must take up arms and fins and get rid of these aquatic extremists. I'm pretty sure their home base is Canada, so we might ruffle a few feathers. But we can't let these agregious acts go unpunished

Last year, I was sans cable, so I got my NBA fix by downloading games and Toronto fans seemed to love to upload. So, I saw a lot of Raptor games last year. It's not always fun watching Matt Bonner launching treys, or Mike James chucking but there was plenty of upside. Seeing Chris Bosh become an All Star was special (he still takes too many mid-range jumpers, get in the paint big), as was the development of a firecracker known as Jose Calderon. After coming off a gold medal with Spain, this looks to be a good year for the Spaniard.

This article is mainly about the "Spanish Connection" with him and newly-signed Garbajosa, but I want to talk about Jose-can-you-see.

This may sound crazy, but I see a lot of Steve Nash in Calderon. He has unbelievable ball control and court vision. He's nowhere near the shooter or floor general that Nasty Nash is. Also, with the trade for TJ Ford, Calderon might not get that much burn. But Ford isn't the long-term answer. I'm a big fan of Ford, and think he truly was a point god before he got hurt. But the guy's too small. He's a liability on defense (Rip Hamilton scored 40 on him in three quarters), injury-prone, and has yet to develop a jumper.

Looks like Matt Leinart's going to be a father. USC basketball player Brynn Cameron is supposed to be the mother, and the baby is expected in November. Leinart, who has had many reported 'meetings' with Paris Hilton, seems like he's already ready on the field; and by already having an illegitimate child, he seems to be ready off the field as well.

The folks over at RealGM give their top ten list of shooting guards in the NBA, and it's a pretty solid list. BUT, it's inexcusable to put Steve Franchise on the list and leave T-Mac out. I know T-Mac was hurt last year, but Franchise was horrible last year.

As the police investigate possible wrong doing for lovable Zach Randolph, the (always great) Oregonian wants to get rid of him. The article brings up his past run-ins with the law, as well as former Jailblazers. They're trying to use the morals clause to get rid of Z-Bo, but if you can't invoke that for Sprewell giving P.J. a new neck tie, then I don't think the Blazers have a shot.

The thing about Z-Bo is that he is a really good power forward. He's grossly overpaid, no doubt. A dead man probably has more athleticism, and his defense and shot selection need work. But this dude has the fundamentals to get 20 and 10 every night. He game is based on his wet mid-range jumper, and his deceptive post moves. Off the court, I can't defend anything he's done (although it's not a crime to hire strippers to perform simulated sex shows, thank god). If he can just get his head on straight, on talent alone, he'd be a solid building piece for any team

Umm, kind of a weird assertion that Chris Paul playing with LeBron and the like in the World Championships will make the Hornets better next season. I don't know about that one. True, it will give Paul more experience and confidence. But, he's not the most well built guy, and he might wear down. Also, there's a big difference between dishing the rock between LBJ or Melo than to Peja or Desmond Mason. Lot of difference between dropping an entry pass into Dwight Howard or Chris Bosh than to Tyson Chandler.

Not a good sign when you have some columnists openly questioning if the city needs the team. Milwaukee could actually make some noise this year too. I wonder what they would do without the Bucks

http://beta.yardbarker.com/author/article/1562

The Shaq Diesel gives some of his thoughts on the upcoming season. "I actually want to play all 82," he said. Gee, thanks Shaq. It's not like you're getting paid the most the league or anything. I'm so glad that you actually want to play every game that you're paid for. How bout actually hitting free throws? or actually winning a rebounding crown as one of the biggest men in the league? or actually outplaying dampier in the finals? or actually....

never mind me, I'm still a bitter Lakers fan. Congrats on the ring big fella.

A little in-depth on Celtics rookie Rajon Rondo. He seems like he was a steal in the draft, but I don't know if he'll get any burn. I'm a big Telfair guy, and Delonte West's supposed to be ready to make a big contribution. Seems like the Celtics put all their eggs into the "get Iverson" basket. Of course, one can still dream of an AI and Paul Pierce backcourt. What do you think Barkers, is Iverson just lacking a superstar next to him, or is his style just too selfish to co-exist with others?

Little Q & A with the Bulls' best player, Kirk Hinrich. It's kind of amazing when you think of that 2003 draft class. You got the dominant trio of Melo, LBJ, and Dweezy, but even the second-tier guys like Bosh, Hinrich, Josh Howard, and Chris Kaman have some serious game.

Will he befall the same fate as past cover boys and get hurt? I think the curse thing is kind of silly, sure it may be a bit coincidental. But the thing is, THIS IS PROFESSIONAL FRIGGING FOOTBALL! 300+ lb men who can run a 40 yard dash faster than I can. Of course people are going to get hurt. And if it's assumed that you're going to be hurt, might as well get some scratch out of it from the EA guys