Happy Hiatus, Be back Soon!

Hey readers! Just a quick note...I am so happy to announce I have a publisher for my first book...A Women's Guide To Business Success After Setback. With it, however, comes a looming deadline. This means I'm going to be out of the blogosphere for awhile because all of my time and attention will be on getting this book published and promoted.  I will be back as soon as I possibly can!

I appreciate your understanding and support, and look forward to writing and hearing back from you again soon. I will keep you posted as to my progress!  It is because of the encouragement and feedback from readers like each of you, that I have felt confident enough to pursue my dream of becoming an author. Thank you so much and I'll be in touch!

April Scarlett

Sex Harrassment in Sports Reporting

There has been a lot of hubbub about Mexican sports reporter Ines Sainz and whether or not she instigated cat calls in the locker room while covering the NY Jets, because she is stunningly beautiful and does not dress in a shy manner.  This blog isn't about her today.  It was going to be, but there are two sides to her story, everyone is covering it...blah blah blah...my opinion on the matter is no woman at anytime should be verbally abused period, don't care if she's naked.  IF she is or dresses unprofessionally, that is poor judgment on her part but doesn't excuse derogatory comments.   Now, on to my next point.

I want to be very clear here...in this blog I do sometimes reference a great looking bicep, a gorgeous face, or even how "generally" awesome someone looks in their tennis outfit (fashion is a chick's second language, doesn't matter who is wearing it!). Never do I inappropriately comment on a person's body, or make any inappropriate suggestions/innuendo therein.  And always, the fluff comments are color commentary for the substance.  I talk sports first, tasteful flattery second.

Imagine how surprised I was then, and admittedly naive, to find a website (while researching the Sainz story) who's sole purpose was to sexualize and exploit female sports reporters. This "guy" who calls himself HogWild and considers himself a dating expert (gag!) has a page where he pictures his top five hottest women who report on the sidelines.  Not only does he post their photos, but the captions underneath those photos are disgusting. He speaks of what he'd like to do to the women, exploits their sexual body parts, and makes jokes about his own physical reactions to the pictures.  As his name depicts, he is a pig.  He is also a coward.  If he yelled out the things he posts on his site, down to the sidelines toward one of those women reporters, he'd get kicked out of the venue.

I understand there is free speech on the internet.  Mr. Pig does have the right to say what he wants.   What I'm hoping to do is to make people aware of such sites, and encourage them to boycott them.  Again, I appreciate the handsomeness of an athlete, (as does the Swuiss Chocolate company who, in one of their commercials, has Federer going through airport security, questioned by two female officers), but there are lines that aren't to be crossed.

The other bummer is how bad this pig makes men appear.  He talks like all men share his opinion.  I'm sure he has some followers, but real men don't behave in such a manner.  I guess if Mr. Pig is a dating expert, he is bound to find out that real chicks don't like what he is dishing out.  Yuck.

Hot Rafa Nadal takes it all in New York

What an unbelievable tournament in the men's U.S. Open finals in New York tonight.  Despite a break in momentum by both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic due to two rain delays....they came out of the storm and gave us quite a show!

The last set of the match was breathtaking...and I'm not just talking about watching Nadal play!  It was so fast, so focused, so strong!  That ball was flying across the net as each man tried to out strategize the other.  It was tennis at it's purest, yet most complicated best.  Nadal and Djokovic knew they had to do more than win with endurance.  There would have been no end in sight for the match without each opponent outwitting the other, making him run, making him reach, making him slide and lurch and leap! 

It was truly an emotional win for Nadal, his first US Open Title, giving him his first Grand Slam, and a little check for $1.7 million.  Djokovic was gracious (which surprised me because earlier on he had splintered his racquet in anger) and congratulatory.  Nadal was a true champion.

As I always say...beautiful tennis!

Yes, Lions. Yes.

There isn't too much to say in the matter. 

Yes, the Detroit Lions should have been up in points further than they were. 

Yes, there were other opportunities to prey on some Bears.
 
Yes, Stafford got hurt and that freaked everybody out but the team has practiced with Shaun Hill before

Yes, our defense held firm.

Yes, that was a winning Touchdown pass in the last seconds  of the game.

Yes, the league has it all wrong.

Terry Bradshaw: Big Kiss from women everywhere!

So I am watching the pre-game on FOX (about the only thing I will watch on FOX besides American Idol!) and my fave guy Terry Bradshaw made me so, so, so proud!  Bradshaw was one of the greatest quarterbacks in history.  He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers when they were at their absolute best.  Terry is a classy guy who has gone on to do great things for his career.  He is well respected in the NFL and out of it, on screen in the motion picture industry and is a super-duper announcer for FOX Sports.  That being said and with all the fluff aside, he's a true grit football guy, and that is what makes what he did today so impressive.

You might think someone like Bradshaw might protect his alum no matter what.  You might think he'd want his team's QB in the game to rack up the W's regardless of whatever wrong doings or bad behavior he had participated in. This is where class trumps macho.

Terry Bradshaw made it very clear today on his FOX pregame appearance that star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger should be out on his tail.  Bradshaw said, "I'd have gotten rid of him."  He spoke out about how "in his eyes" what Roethlisberger did is inexcusable, pointing out the partying and disrespect of women. 

Now I have been booing Roethlisberger for months and months as he continues to get away with alleged rape (I have to say alleged because he's not been formally charged), abominable behavior patterns with women that any other man would be locked up for.  But he's "Big Ben" and the Steelers need him so I guess the NFL Commisioner and the Steelers machine think winning games is more important than women's rights.

Anyway...HUGE kudos to Terry Bradshaw. Muah!  He is a guy's guy, an NFL icon and he has bigger cojones than not-so-big Ben will ever have.  Thank you Terry.  You've made my first Sunday of the season a proud one.

Down with the sweet, Up with the spice

U.S. Open Tennis in New York today was electrifying.  For those of you who read me, when it comes to the Men's competitors, I am a hardcore fan of both Swiss Roger Federer (sweet) and Spanish Rafa Nadal (spice, and seen left, as if you didn't know!).  Both of them competed in the semi-finals today.  Nadal played Youzhny of Russia and easily overtook him 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.  I definitely look forward to seeing Nadal in the Final tomorrow.  He is SO driven, forcing every ounce of energy into every point, he is really fast and really explosive on the court. He looks fantastic in his new short hair and he is also a class act, as he totally acknowleged the very real and important date he was playing on today, the 9th anniversary of 9/11.

Now, for my bummer-mobile to roll in.  Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic (Serbia, seen right) duked it out, like, forever.  It was the kind of tennis match that keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly back and forth, passing the advantage back and forth as much as they were the ball.  And the shots!  Unbelievable reach and speed.  Unfortunately (according to me, of course), Djokovic came out on top leaving my sweet Federer out of the finals.  Ho hummmm....at least I'll only have one guy to really root for tomorrow.  Let's hear it for Spain!

As for the ladies...neither of my gal pals played the finals.  Serena was out of the tournament altogether because of a foot injury and Venus was beat in the semis.  The only cool thing, is that Kim Clijsters (Switzerland) is the one who beat her, and I just love Kim Clijsters.  She is a mom and is still rockin' it out on the court.  Tonight, she played Russian Vera Zvonareva and took the title easily in two sets.  The only thing that bugs me about Zvonareva is her temper on the court.  She crashes her racquet on the ground, yells, etc.  She's a lot like Djokavic in that regard.  He hits himself in the head with his racquet and slams it around too.  Gimme a break.  Clijsters won tonight for her 3rd U.S. Open title.  Atta girl Kim!  With the win came a check for 1.7 million dollars, and a $500,000 bonus.  All in a summer's work, I guess. 

Sports Concussion Conference to be held

Perhaps, like me, you've received a phone call in the middle of your son's football practice from his trainer. "...he took a pretty hard hit to the head". Not the call you want to get.

Sure enough, after picking up my teenager and taking him to the emergency room for evaluation, he was diagnosed with a concussion.

It is frightening to see your A student struggle to count backwards, really have to concentrate to come up with the backward sequence of the months in a year, or look like he just woke up and is still a little foggy, and see him stay that way for the rest of the day.
My son is fine now, but I was rattled a bit. Thus the reason I think it is important to pass along this information about a Sports Concussion Conference coming up on Sept. 12.

The Michigan NeuroSport Concussion Program and Michigan Athletics is holding a conference called, "Keeping your head in the Game." It is for parents, trainers, coaches, athletes or whoever else wants to learn the ins and outs of all things related to concussions, including how to manage concussions and when it is safe for your child to return to play.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, director of Michigan NeuroSport and Team Neurologist of Michigan Athletics and NCAA and Big Ten Conference Concussion consultant and advisor. Sounds like he knows his stuff!

You'll need to register to attend. Here is all of the information:
Registration:
734-998-7432 or email
concussion.registration@umich.edu
Date & Time:
Sunday, Sept. 12, from 3-5 p.m.
Location:
Detroit Country Day School
Performing Arts Center
22305 W. 13 Mile Road
Beverly Hills, MI 48025

Settle down Suh...

There's been quite a bit of buzz about Detroit Lion Ndomakong Suh, mega-rookie, since he horse collared Jake Delhomme (Cleveland QB and mega-NFL veteran) during Saturday's game.  I wasn't going to talk much more about it until I heard Suh's comment in a post game interview.

He said he can't be bothered with how hard he's hitting, can't worry about how hard he hits.  I get it.  He is a hard hitter, which is why Detroit picked him.

BUT...

Mr. Suh, if I may have your attention please.  You are in a professional league now, so it is time to behave like a professional.  You hit hard, but you hit LEGAL.  You could have snapped Delhomme's neck for Pete's sake!  Who do you think you are?  Let me tell you who you are.  You are a ROOKIE.  Time to check your ego at the door. 

All about the hit...

I'm a chick after all, so in my opinion, hitting isn't nice--unless it is on the football field, of course.  I'm talking Lions v. Browns, third pre-season game of the year, where it has been super hard hit after super hard hit.  Whom is hitting who? Let's talk about Louis Delmas of the Detroit defense with two mega hit tackles in the first quarter. Running into Delmas has got to feel like smashing into a brick wall. He is 5'11" and 202 lbs. and the guy is lightening fast.  Man I just love him!  You know what else I love about him?  His Lion mane of hair and biceps that bulge even when they aren't doing anything!

On a very serious note about a very serious hit, Nick Sorenson of Cleveland took a double helmet hit to his head, a good, legal hit, nothing malicious.  What did suck about it though was the way it forced Sorenson's neck back a bit like a Pez dispenser which resulted in an automatic trip onto a backboard.  Better be safe than sorry and last reported Sorenson was moving well and just being held for observation.  That's what we want to hear.  Hurry back Nick!

It's true, the defense hasn't been pefect this game.  To quote Jim Schwartz at the half, "we're playing some crappy football".  A lot of scoring going on for both sides, but Detroit has had several opportunities to keep the dogs at bay.  It's kind of been like the old Tom and Jerry episodes with Spike the bulldog. (Get it?  Tom is a cat, a lion is a cat-Spike is a dog, the browns are dogs...I know....I know....just keep reading!)  No matter how sneaky or fast Tom is, Spike always ends up getting past him to save Jerry. I'm not saying the cat's in the bag for Cleveland (I'm on a roll!), I'm just saying the big D of D better get that pretty choreography and hard hitting line up of theirs into more of a halting, stopping, do not pass go mode.

And in the Not Suh Fast category, he may have a ton of letters in his first name, but he'd better watch his p's and q's when it comes to sacking Delhomme.  He horse-collared the QB, and I mean in the twist his head off kind of way, which resulted in a mega penalty, half the distance to the goal.  Chill out Suh.  True, you are awesome and worth the money honey, but plays like that will only hurt your team.

Proof that women and football go together...

So last week I posted how excited I was to be celebrating three women on the Supreme Court and the beginning of football season in the same week.  Women and football.

Turns out, there is something to that...

August 19th was the 90th anniversary of women winning the right to vote in America.   

August 20th was the 90th anniversary of the National Football League.

I wonder if women back then were hiding pink jerseys under those hip, charleston-type, flapper dresses?

"Hausch"ka Now (Hush now!) Lions over Broncos 25-20

Well well well, it was a beautiful night in the Mile High city as my Lions out-performed the Denver Broncos.

Disclaimer:  The Denver Broncos are my least favorite team in the NFL.  

Now, back to biz.....Sing it with me... "Go Lions, go Lions, it's your birthday, it's your birthday....."  They looked so great last night!  Matt Stafford actually had a solid offensive line to work with and utilize that arm we all know he has (yep..seen it).  For those of you who might not know the importance of an offensive line, they are the line-up of players that keep the big, beefy opponents from sacking our quarterback.  As long as they keep the beef at bay, Stafford has all the time he needs to find an open player down field, or hand it off close by. (Which he did a little of both). 

Everybody looked good.  Jahvid Best is BEST at what he does.  He said in a post-game interview, "I got my legs under me now".  Oh yes he does, he did an excellent job running that ball, just when I thought we were sunk withount Furrey, Jones or even Smith as a starter. 

My player of the game though, was Steven Hauschka.  Who? Say it with me, "HUSH-KA".   He just joined the roster this week and came in to kick in place of  hero Jason Hanson (still recovering from knee surgery) and did a bang up job, putting 12 points on the board via 4 field goals.  Woo hoo!

Then, as if there hadn't already been enough excitement, third stringer Drew Stanton (of MSU fame) came into the fourth quarter and scored the winning touchdown with under 2 minutes to go in the game.  Fantastic!

I know it is only pre-season, but I really like what I see.  And yes, I especially like it when it's against the Broncos.  Oh, and especially, especially like it when we beat them on their home turf...

See you at Ford Field against Cleveland...

Drama, excitement, suspense, Oh my! It's Football season baby!

  If you've never taken a moment to appreciate football--I suggest you do.  It's got drama, excitement, suspense, speed and leading men, baby!  Once you're with a team (for me it's the LIONS) a bond is formed between team and fan and there's no looking back, you'll be hooked.

Nothing is like the final play for the win, with 11 seconds on the clock, the ball snaps, the QB's got it, the offensive line does everything they can to keep the defense from clobbering your guy, 8 seconds, 7, the receiver in a mad sprint down field, chased down by two beefy villains panting behind him!  Finally, 4 seconds, the ball is in the air, the receiver is at the 5 yard line, the 4, the ball drops into his hands, it topples, he almost drops it!  The villain tips it, they both are reaching for it, still bobbling, their huge bodies (big beefy guy bodies) collide and their massive legs trip each other up.  They fall together hard into the end zone, no ball in sight.  Two huge men bounce off the turf, the whistle blows, no more clock.  Who will come up with the ball?  Can it get more exciting?

  Yes, it can!  You see the ball--your guy has it!  Complete pass. TOUCHDOWN!  He stands, he growls, he slams the ball to the ground in victory.  The crowd is deafening and on their feet--and you are too--off the couch, a high five to your kids, a victory kiss with your husband.  You're exhilarated, there are tears in your eyes.  Yes!  The underdog proves triumphant, pride abounds both on the field and in the suburbs in your living room.

It's true, the LIONS had a rough season last year, but it was better than the last, and we are still moving forward.  It is time to pull my Lions Blue Nail Polish out of the drawer, and practice my Roar so it can be heard from the burbs clear to Ford Field.

It is football season baby!  Let's toss that coin and get started!

Posted by A. Scarlett at 4:46 PM

T.O. and Ochocinco in the same house, hope it has two mirrors

I made a post on Facebook the other day that said..."I don't know what is more exciting, three women on the Supreme Court or live NFL Football tomorrow night.  Both thrill me!"

Isn't that the truth? Since this is Sports For Chicks and not Successful Women Weekly, lets talk football.

Terrell Owens played a bit of ball for his new team last week, facing one of his old teams.  Clarification: T.O. is on the Bengals, and just got spanked by his old team, the Cowboys.  He spent three seasons with Dallas, was let go in a swarm of controversy, and signed with the Bills last year.  This season, he stepped out onto the field wearing a Bengals jersey.  The Cowboys beat the Bengals 16-7 in the Hall of Fame Game.

So you have to wonder how much ego can fit into one locker room.  Ahem, ego...I said ego.  Think about it.  The Cincinnati Bengals have Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco on the same team!  How is that going to work?  I can't wait to see who will try and steal more of the spotlight?  Who will be more outrageous and how much one-upmanship will we see?  I say "good luck" to the Bengal's management trying to keep these two focused on the game and out of the media.  It is going to be entertaining to say the least.  I hope, for Bengal's fans, Owens and Ochocinco put the mirrors down and play to their potential.

So Many Hunky Sports, So Little Time

So what's a sporty girl to do?

So many hunky sports, so little time! First and foremost I'd like to remind everyone it is football season.  Yep--this week is chock full of pre-season NFL knock down, run hard, hike it, kick it football.  Personally, I'll be watching my Lions (hush now!  I know Pitt beat them 23-7 but we're only trying out our rookies).  I know you've probably got a favorite team too and if you don't then you probably have a favorite player, and if you don't--you should. There are so many hot ones--ahem, I mean skilled athletes--to root for.  Are you ready for some football?  I am.  My prediction the Lions are the Wildcard in the Playoffs (no scoffing allowed).

Also, Phil Mickelson is rockin' it at the PGA Championship in the mid-west this weekend, while Tiger has got some assistant golf guy holding his chin straight when he tees off...what?  Yep, Tiggy's form has gone to hell and if he's not careful he is going to lose his numero uno world ranking!  C'mon Tiger, we need you to finish strong (we'll have no colorful comments inserted here either!).

Did someone say hunky sports?  It will soon be US Open time in New York.  Ya know, I plan to make it there to watch a finals match at center court someday. Until then, we'll have all the usual fantastic fare this year:  Nadal, Federer, Roddick, Williams and Williams--and so many more who are moving up fast to kick the aforementioned off the court.  Two weeks to count it down...US Open starts Aug. 30th.