Happy Valentine's Day , Lindsey Vonn

So, Lindsey Vonn is tweeting from the Winter Olympics and inviting people to be her Valentine.

So apparently it’s Valentine’s Day....I forgot all about it because I’m at the #Olympics and I’m single. Anyone else out there single and want to be my valentine? 🤷🏼‍♀️ #worthashot

— lindsey vonn (@lindseyvonn) February 14, 2018

Yes, Lindsey I want to be your Valentine. Sorry, I am not on Twitter. I just have some simple wishes for you. One. Good luck at the Olympics. And HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

How about some beautiful romantic jazz? Here's Eliane Elias with the sweet samba "So Nice."

My favorite John Williams Olympic theme

It's time for the Olympics, the Winter Olympics that is. And you will hear from NBC multiple themes previously written by famous film composer John Williams. He would write for four Olympic games. 1984, 1988, 1996 and 2002. (Variety) My favorite is the one for 1988 games called "The Olympic Spirit." Strong melody. Heroic. It's inspiring. Check it out below.

The Bengals' Super Bowl moment

 I stopped watching the Cincinnati Bengals game against the Baltimore Ravens when it looked like the Ravens were going to take the lead.  Typical Bengals heartbreaking loss.  Then something happened with less than a minute to play and the Bengals down 27-24.

The Bengals were down to their last play.  4th and 12.  The Ravens needed the win to make the playoffs.  The Buffalo Bills needed the Ravens to lose to make the playoffs.  It looks grim if you're a Bills' fan.  But Andy "The Red Rifle" Dalton hit an open Tyler Boyd in the seam. He shot through the defenders for a touchdown.    Hey , no calling Dalton "Opie" today.  For one brief shining moment,  the  Cincinnati Bengals had their miraculous Super Bowl play.  Bengals win 31-27.   The Bills send love and chicken wings to the Bengals.   Check out the play below.  And Happy New Year Bengals Nation and the people of Buffalo, New York. 

Conservative Trump to rich people, "You all just got a lot richer" ; Princess Ivanka shows she's an idiot

Republican President Trump told his rich friends at Mar-a-Lago, "You all just got a lot richer." That's an admission that his Republican tax law would benefit the rich. (Huffington Post) And yes, while the poor and middle class will see tax cuts, it won't kick them up out of their economic class.

So who does the conservative Republican tax law benefit the most? The rich. (Politifact) Corporations will see rates go down from 35 percent to 21 percent. IF you're poor or on lower end of the middle class, you may see a reduction of .7 to 1.1 percent. If you are in the top bracket that is making over one million you'll get a whopping 14 percent reduction in your taxes. And good luck to the poor in eight years because that's when your tax cut evaporates while the corporate rate will stay.

And a couple of days ago, Trump's daughter who I'll call "Princess" Ivanka showed the world she is an idiot. She told Trump State TV... er, Fox News that in April you'll be able to do the tax return on a postcard and see the cuts. Wrong. (Politifact) You won't see the cuts for the year 2017 but 2018. And you will not be filing your return on a postcard. Maybe I shouldn't call Princess Ivanka an idiot. She could be just like her old man. A liar. We need a laugh here. Actress and singer, Maya Rudolph does a pretty funny Ivanka. Check it out when she was on Late Night with Seth Myers.

The Bengals' season is over

Is it too early to call the 2017 Cincinnati Bengals season over? After last week's game where the Bengals couldn't score a touchdown against the Houston Texans who had their two starting cornerbacks injured and now the Bengals drop a game to the Green Bay Packers after leading them 21-7, this long suffering Bengals fans has had it.

Yesterday's game against the Packers had all the hallmarks of your typical Bengals epic meltdown. After leading the Packers at halftime by 21-7, the Bengals scored just 3 points the remainder of the game. It's time to sit Bengals cornerback Adam "Packman" Jones down. His new nickname should be "Toast." Because he got toasted on a 72 yard pass play to set up the Packers winning field goal. Not only has he lost a step, he's an embarrassment off the field and do you all remember his meltdown against the Steelers in that 2016 Playoff game? His temper in that game caused a unsportsmanlike penalty which gave the Steelers a chip shot field goal. (Check out this News Record op-ed piece on Jones.)

Yesterday, the Bengals lost in the usual heartbreaking way. I've seen this movie before. Time to call the season. Not really interested in writing about the Bengals until they do something sustainable in a positive way. Time to think about the draft. Here's Lance McAlister's report.

Bungle in the Jungle: Bengals lose opener

The Cincinnati Bengals started the day by introducing its greatest players for the fiftieth anniversary.  They should have stopped there and not play their opening and first home game with the Baltimore Ravens.  You knew the day was going to be bad when Bengals quarterback Andy "Opie" Dalton threw a red zone interception.  Doh.  Bengals humiliated,  20-0.  If you want the depressing details, read Lance McAlister's summary. 

Scooter Gennett makes Reds history by slugging four home runs

Yesterday, against the St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds' Scooter Gennett slugged four home runs. Here are the video highlights. No Cincinnati Reds player has ever done this. Gennett is also a Cincinnati kid. And by the way, the Reds won, 13-1.

Check out Scott Van Pelt of ESPN who details how rare this feat is. It's only been done seventeen times in the history of baseball.

Bengals gamble in picking John Ross

With their first draft pick and ninth overall, the Cincinnati Bengals gambled big time by selecting Washington wide receiver John Ross. The weaknesses are his size. 5' 11". 190 pounds. It's a little small for the NFL. The bigger problem is that he missed 2015 with an ACL injury. The upside is that he has blazing speed. He broke the 40 yard dash record for the NFL combine. He runs good routes. He's played defensive back so he knows how to exploit defenders. That should translate to an ability to outrun defensive backs and get open. But with that injury, I judge this to be a high risk-high reward draft pick. The grade is C Plus because of the risk. Check out his video highlights from last year below.

The A.J. McCarron era starts

Wow, the usual Cincinnati Bengals' tragedy came early. Remember Quarterback Carson Palmer getting his knee shredded in the 2006 playoffs, Defensive tackle Tim Krumrie breaking his leg in the 1988 Super Bowl and fullback Stanley Wilson high on cocaine before that game? Now, star quarterback Andy Dalton broke his thumb yesterday on a tackle during an interception. To add insult to injury, the hated Pittsburgh Steelers thumped our men in orange and black, 33-20. Is the Bengals' season over?

Maybe not. Playing backup for Dalton is A.J. McCarron, the former Alabama quarterback and two time national champion. And already, he's cocky. He's already compared himself to the Patriots' Tom Brady.

"I guess Tom Brady was in the same situation when he had the opportunity, so I gotta make the most of it, do my job each week, know we have an unbelievable defense, don't turn the ball over and we have a chance to win. I promised the guys I'll work my tail off and be ready to go."

Yahoo's Ben Rohrbach writes McCarron is better off than Brady when he took over!

Let's face it. He's not Tom Brady. Well, he is a two time national champion quarterback. And before you say, I'm a fan and it's not possible for the Bengals to win the Super Bowl, need I remind you that Ohio State won the 2015 college national championship with a third string quarterback. McCarron has been in the national spotlight and will not wilt under pressure. So, Bengals nation, believe. Here are some scouting reports on McCarron. Let the A.J. to A.J. (Green) era begin.

Check out these videos on McCarron's weaknesses and strengths.



NFL interview and report.

Bengals make history

Let's face it Cincinnati Bengals fans. You thought when quarterback Andy Dalton threw that interception in the end zone with a little over nine minutes left in the game that this would be the Bengals first loss. But great teams overcome their mistakes and find ways to win. And the Bengals have all the markings of being a great team. Because the Bengals' defense held. They picked off Steeler quarterback Benji... er Ben Rothelisberger. twice in the quarter to stop drives. That gave the Bengals the opportunity to put together two drives to score ten points. The result was the Bengals won, 16-10.

With the victory, the Bengals climb to 7-0. No Bengals team has won its first seven games. It's a first for the franchise. Let's hope there's more winning to come. Maybe even a Super Bowl victory. Here are the highlights.

An open letter to Jay Bruce

Dear Jay Bruce,

As I watched you strike out with the bases loaded in the eighth, it's become clear you have not been paying any attention as to how the opposition plays you or pitches to you. Because we see the same results with the same defense all the time. You make an out, usually by striking out. Mind you, I'm not asking for a four hundred batting average. I just want to see contact and clutch hitting. So, let me tell you how they're defending against you.

Um... Jay, have you noticed that the third baseman, shortstop and second baseman all move to the right, i.e. towards first base? That's because you pull a lot of balls even ground balls. Now, I'm not against pull hitters but they're going to get you out because balls that would be hits if the defense played regularly would be fair. To keep them honest, why don't you try going the other way? Heck, a weak ground ball at third base is likely going to be a double, maybe a triple. You do that enough times and guess what happens? They'll play you honestly. Then you will be able to get better pitches to hit and pull.

Second, do you know how they're pitching to you? Let me put it this way. They're not coming in. It's away. Away. AWAY. Most of the time it's a low and away breaking ball. Now, q lot of these pitches are balls. Why swing at them? You won't make good contact. Hit strikes.

I hope this helps.

Sincerly, a life long Reds fan.

Stephen Colbert rips Jeb Bush for fundraising off his show

New Late Show host, Stephen Colbert, had some fun with conservative Republican Presidential candidate Jeb Bush. You see, Bush is trying to raise money off his appearance on The Late Show by having a contest where you give him a contribution with a chance to attend the show. Check out Colbert's funny video which is reminiscent of his Colbert Report show with his signature witty sarcasm. Oh, and watch out for some salty humor about New York Jets owner Woody Johnson.

Reds are the champions of the.... Ohio Cup

With today's 4-0 victory over the Cleveland Indians, the Cincinnati Reds are the champions, my friend. They'll keep on fighting till the end. The Reds are the champions. Reds are the champions. No time for losers, the Reds are the Champions of the .... Ohio Cup.

Reds should stand pat at trade deadline

Yesterday, the Cincinnati Reds lost a series to the Washington Nationals. They're not scoring runs lately and have lost eight of the last nine. The Reds at the at the All Star break were 1.5 games out of first place in the Central Division. Today, they are six games out and the 2014 season is about to become another year the team doesn't make it to the World Series.

The Cincinnati Reds should stop shopping for players as if they're buyers. They should not be sellers either, unless another team gives them a deal they can't refuse. As bad as it is right now, the Reds are still in it. Yes, it will take a small miracle for the Reds to make the playoffs. But the team is not out of it.

The Reds should stand pat at the trade deadline. The team is more than one player from making the playoffs. So all the talk about trading for Philadelphia Phillies' Marlon Byrd makes no sense. But should the Reds do anything? Yes. Sign a free agent that will come cheap and has gas in the tank. The St. Louis Cardinals just signed A.J. Pierzynski who was cut from the Boston Red Sox. The Yankees cut Alofonso Soriano. Reports indicate that he's done for this year. But money talks. The Yankees are on the hook for the bulk of his contract. But could the Reds add a little money to get him to play this year? And I mean a little compared to what he makes now. Maybe he needs a week to get back into the swing of things. The Reds could get him to "rehabilitate" at their AAA affiliate in Louisville. A small but "Hail Mary" move is what the Reds need. I believe Soriano would do well at Great American Ballpark. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Sign Alfonso Soriano.

Stephen Colbert Recaps the World Cup

Here's Stephen Colbert's satirical take on the 2014 World Cup. Very funny stuff.

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Reds should pursue Alfonso Soriano

Okay, the Cincinnati Reds are in the hunt for Reds October. They're only 1.5 games out of first place in the NL Central Division. With injuries to second baseman Brandon Phillips and superstar Joey Votto, the Reds need offensive help. But where? Trade? Give up shut the door closer Aroldis Chapman or the very good starter Johnny Cueto? No. Don't mess with what got you here. It was the pitching. And don't think about the kids in the minors. They won't get you much and you don't want to mortgage the future.

That leaves looking for guys who have just hit the streets. The New York Yankees have just released Alfonso Soriano. He can play outfield and second base. He's 38. He's hitting a paltry .221 with six home runs and 23 RBI in 238 at bats. He's known for being a power hitter. I think there's still gas in the tank for Soriano. I believe playing in hitter friendly Great American Ball Park will rejuvenate him. He brings world championship experience to the Reds. And he won't cost you much in salary or minor league talent. I believe by releasing him, the Yankees will eat his salary. So what do you say Reds GM Walt Jocketty?

Reds biggest win of the season and Chapman sets major league record

Where in the world did Ramon Santiago come from? The Cincinnati Reds utility player is filling in for the injured Brandon Phillips. And he's making the best of it. He was a hero in yesterday's game with the Pittsburgh Pirates, leading the Reds to victory.

It looked bleak. The Reds were reeling from injuries from the last few days. Brandon Phillips out for up to eight weeks. Previously, superstar Joey Votto was hurt and is out indefinitely. Reds starter Mat Latos left the game early due to pain in his back. The Pirates took a 5-1 lead. It looked like the end of the season. And make no mistake, the Pirates are a good team. They're made the playoffs last year and are in the hunt this year. A defeat may have signaled the end of the season.

Then something magical started to happen. In the seventh, Ramon Santiago knocked in a run with a double to bring the Reds to within two runs at 5-2. He would later score. In the eighth, the Reds made a quick two outs. Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco blasted a 419 foot home run. Then singles by Ryan Ludwick and Chris Heisey. Now up comes the unheard of Ramon Santiago. Could he get another hit? The odds were against him. He was facing All Star Pirates reliever Tony Watson. The answer was yes. Santiago hit a sharp line drive for a single. Game tied. (Video) Now all that was needed is the hit to win it. Pinch hitter Bryan Pena singled in the go ahead run. Reds lead 6-5.

Oh yeah, there's more. Reds closer Aroldis Chapman would set a major league record for consecutive innings with a strikeout for a reliever. He did so with three straight strike outs. Each pitch that struck out a batter was over one hundred miles The speed of the pitches was 101, 102, and 103. Game over. And as Marty would say. "This one belongs to the Reds."

With the victory, the Reds move within 1.5 games of the division leading Milwaukee Brewers. Season is not over yet. It ain't over till it's over. Here's the story with video.

The Cincinnati Reds 2014: Season over?

With the Cincinnati Reds just 2.5 games out of first and having taken four out of five from the lowly Chicago Cubs, is the Reds season over? How could I ask that? Here's why. The Reds biggest offensive threat in first baseman Joey Votto looks to be out indefinitely. Now second baseman Brandon Phillips is out for 8-12 weeks with torn ligaments. Oh, and today, starting pitcher Homer Bailey came out of the Cubs game early with a right knee injury. Want more? Centerfielder Billy Hamilton has tweaked his left hamstring. The baseball gods are not smiling at the Cincinnati Reds.

But seriously, can the Reds survive and thrive? Maybe. It requires good performances of the Reds bench to take over. At the start of the season, you couldn't ask me to pick Ramon Santigo out of a lineup. He's a utility infielder now with a chance to shine. Fans have regularly called on outfielder Chris Heisey to start. Today, he struck out four times. Not a good way to show you are going to help this team offensively. He's got a hole in his swing. But when he makes contact, he hits the ball hard. The Reds are going to have to look internally, i.e., the minor leagues and even any free agents wondering around out there. They can't give up their young minor league talent and mortgage their future. Regardless, there's little there to offer another team. In 1969, the New York Mets won the World Series. They were called the Miracle Mets. Maybe it's time for the Reds to offer their version of a baseball miracle. When it comes to this great sport, one can hope.

Reds win a big one over Washington

The Cincinnati Reds were reeling after dropping two straight to the Philadelphia Phillies. Last night, the Cincinnati Reds endured and beat the Washington Nationals, 4-3 in extra innings. Those extra innings numbered six. Here's the story from MLB. It was an important win because it stopped the bleeding. The Reds climbed back to within three games of .500.

But why was this game big? The Reds didn't quit. They don't have their big bats in Joey Votto or Jay Bruce due to injuries. In the thirteenth and fourteenth innings, the Nationals came within a glove's length of winning the game. First, Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips made a diving catch to end the inning. Then in the fourteenth, Reds centerfielder Billy Hamilton made another diving catch to end that inning. Both would have scored winning runs. Finally, in the fifteenth, Reds third baseman Todd Frazier hit a two run home run to give the Reds the winning edge. They endure and win, 4-3. The Reds move to within six games of division leading Milwaukee Brewers. Season isn't over yet. Here's Lance McAlister's blog post with video of the two catches and the home run.

Jon Stewart on the Donald Sterling interview

Clippers Owner Donald Sterlng shows us what a racist idiot he is with his CNN interview. Sounds like great comic fodder for The Daily Show's Jon Stewart. Here's his very funny piece.

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