Today's Hot Topic

Last Day For Charlie Weis?

2009-12-01T09:42:00.003+11:00

ESPN Chicago reported this morning that Notre Dame coach, Charlie Weis was "Just not good enough". The report suggests that Weis has seen his last season at the helm of the college team where mediocrity just isn't tolerated.

The story continues:- "You are what you are, folks, and right now you're a 6-5 football team. And guess what? That's just not good enough. That's not good enough for you, and it's certainly not going to be good enough for me." -- Charlie Weis, December 2004

Six and six, or 7-6, wasn't good enough for Charlie Weis to keep his job.

As it turned out, Weis was not good enough to help the Irish avoid more mediocrity at a program that demands greatness. He was dismissed from Notre Dame after five years.

Weis was not good enough for Notre Dame with about five years and many millions of dollars left on his contract.

Not good enough to beat Top 25 teams, basically ever. Not good enough to run the table against Navy, let alone win a game against powerful USC.

Weis wasn't good enough for Notre Dame's ravenous fan base, or even his own outsized expectations.

Weis' tenure at Notre Dame will be forever marked by its brevity and the relative but all-encompassing discontent of Irish Nation. Thirty-five wins and 27 losses is OK if you're coaching at Northwestern, but Notre Dame isn't Northwestern. It isn't Stanford. Notre Dame is unique, and as we've found, it's pretty tough to win there in the 21st century.

Weis' tenure will also be known for the unyielding, gleeful hatred for Weis and Notre Dame by every sports fan not attached to the historic program, and the unforgiving, absolute disappointment by the Domer faithful. From his appearance to his personality, everything was fair game to his critics. His tough talk then seems comically oblivious now.

His players were and continue to be faithful to him. Tom Zbikowski told me how difficult it is for players to deal with the scrutiny in South Bend, but he noted that's why they signed up to play at Notre Dame.

Current Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn, who became a college star under Weis' coaching, recently said it would be a huge mistake for the Irish to fire Weis, but what else is he supposed to say?

Weis was a polarizing figure at Notre Dame, a crackerjack recruiter, an offensive mind and a middling coach. A Notre Dame grad who often rubbed his fellow alums the wrong way, Weis, sadly, will never look at his alma mater the same way.

A Fanhouse writer spent some time with Weis recently, and the coach was quoted as saying this about his teenage son: "I know where he won't be going to college."

If you're a fan of Notre Dame, and not of Weis, you probably have no sympathy for the coach and his son because you have no desire to live through any more 6-6 seasons. Notre Dame's students are young achievers who come to South Bend for three reasons outside of academics: family, faith and football, and not necessarily in that order.

Notre Dame football is big business, from the NBC contract to the licensed tchotchkes under Christmas trees from New Jersey to Arizona.

Weis, a disciple of Bill Belichick and Bill Parcells, was as openly disliked as any coach or player this side of Terrell Owens, so there has been no shortage of schadenfreude as the Irish have struggled the past three years. The boasting, the big recruiting classes, the controlling of the message via the program's treatment of the media, and the connection to Belichick -- all of this worked against Weis' reputation in the public eye.

The kids liked him, and handfuls of big-name recruits flocked to South Bend, but Weis' teams were known for their inability to get over the necessary hurdles that great teams leap with regularity. Weis is 1-12 against teams that finish the season in the Top 25, a number that assured his departure and made it truly deserved. When you play a national schedule, you have to beat good teams.

There will be a lot of clucking about how Notre Dame fans, and the folks in charge of hiring and firing, have unrealistic expectations about the program. That's probably true, but it's not really the issue here. Nor is Notre Dame's outstanding graduation rate.

The issue is winning, and Notre Dame, under Weis, did not win enough, and this season made it obvious that the program needs a change, regardless of the cost, if the people behind Notre Dame think the school should be competing for those BCS dollars. Since the school doesn't share in any conference bowl money, playing in the big-money bowls isn't just a status thing; it's vital to keeping the program modern and profitable. Playing at the Gator Bowl (or whatever), probably costs the school more than it makes.

Weis practically admitted that he would be fired after that overtime loss to Connecticut, which followed losses to a top-10 Pittsburgh team and a tough but ultimately beatable Navy team at home.

"If they decide to make a change, I'd have to say I'd have a tough time arguing with that. If they decide to make a change, I'd have a tough time arguing that, because 6-5 is not good enough," he said the day after UConn upset the Irish on Senior Day. "Especially when you've lost five games by a touchdown or less and several three-point games that went right down to the wire."

Weis will get another job running the offense of an NFL team either next season or the one after that. He will make millions upon millions of dollars, but for the rest of his life, he will be haunted by his experience at Notre Dame, as will his family, and I can't help but feel a little sorry for him.

I know I'm practically alone here -- after all, who feels sorry for the unsuccessful braggarts in society? But it's true. It's fun to root against someone, but it's not rewarding to see people fail, even if they're as grating as Weis can be.

Now, if you're a Notre Dame fan, you have to wonder how the folks in charge, the athletic director, Jack Swarbrick, and the university president, the Rev. John Jenkins, can screw up another coaching search, or get rejected by more big-name coaches.

University of Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly is a strong contender after building three programs, from Division II to the Mid-American Conference to the Big East, where he has the Bearcats undefeated and on the precipice of playing for the national championship. Kelly, not a young hotshot at 48, has experience coaching winning college football teams, and there is no more important dynamic in his favor -- or there shouldn't be.

Other bigger-name coaches are linked to the gig: the golden boy, Oklahoma's Bob Stoops; the big prize, Florida's Urban Meyer; and the wild card, Texas Christian's Gary Patterson. But I'm fully in the Kelly camp. He's paid his dues in the college game. He can recruit, and he wins. When his Heisman candidate, Tony Pike, went down this year, he inserted backup Zach Collaros, and the team didn't miss a beat. Sure, he's not known for coaching defense, but when it comes down to it, coaching a successful college defense relies on finding a coordinator who knows how mix and match athletes while coaching effort.

Forget about chasing the big names like Stoops and Meyer. Kelly is the man, and if he wants to come, the Irish should do everything possible to land him.

There is no question that being Notre Dame's coach is a difficult job. Notre Dame is a private school with actual educational standards. It relies exclusively on national recruits, has no conference affiliation, and has to please peacocking fans who expect nothing but top-10 finishes and BCS bowls. Sounds ideal, right? Maybe it doesn't to civilians, but to a coach, taking Notre Dame back to the mountaintop is an intriguing situation that one coach will take with both eyes open.

Because Notre Dame is a place that will lionize you if you win and pillory you if you lose. Six and six, or 7-6, will never be good enough. Weis knew it then and definitely knows it now.

Jon Greenberg is a columnist for ESPNChicago.com."

This is a pretty punishing indictment of coach, Charlie Weis but in my opinion, he knew what he was in for when he took the gig and would be expecting this. Who'll replace him if he goes? I'll leave that to the pundits but meanwhile, you gotta love this....

Image credit: Senior Airman Mildred Guevara. This image or file is a work of a U.S. Air Force Airman or employee, taken or made during the course of the person's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image or file is in the public domain.

The Best Thanksgiving Gravy

2009-11-27T09:50:00.001+11:00

Ok, the menu is planned, the shopping done, the vegetables prepared, the turkey is stuffed and in the oven, dessert is all but done. So what about the gravy? Your gravy can make or break your whole dinner, right? Well, yes and no. Firstly, relax! If gravy isn't your strong point and it hasn't been happening for you, it's not the end of the world. Second, there are a few tips to getting it right. I've pulled together some of the easiest tips for you in one easy to search through place. So let's take a look:-

The first one is really quick and easy.

This one has vermouth or white wine added.

These ones are a bit more detailed but give some interesting variations.

How To Make Turkey Gravy For Thanksgiving from The Kitchen.

And finally, this one is a little more complicated but full of flavour!

Photo credit: Photo used under a Creative Commons licence from The Kohser

The Best Cranberry Sauce

2009-11-25T10:50:00.002+11:00

It's Thanksgiving and although we are all probably thinking about putting the finishing touches on the table, there is still time, if you haven't already done it, to make some delicious Cranberry Sauce. Come with me while I hunt down the best recipe to use.

Since I am a member of the Squidoo community, I started there first and found some wonderful items there. Here are three of the best in my opinion:-

Lensmaster happynutritionist gives step by step instructions for her Cranberry Sauce with honey as well as some interesting background in her lens Cranberry Sauce - From Bog to Table

Lensmaster j_barnhart4 uses fresh orange juice in her yummy Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Lensmaster CherylK has added something very unusual to her Cranberry Sauce Recipe with a Twist

There are literally millions of recipe websites out there and they all have thousands of recipes so I've narrowed it down to a few sites I like to come up with some more Cranberry Sauce recipe suggestions:-

Allrecipes.com contributor William Anatooskin uses Jalapeno peppers in his Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce

Of course, in some parts of the world you just can't get fresh cranberries so there really is no alternative but to use what is available. But that doesn't mean you can't dress it up:-

This recipe from Taste.com.au combines canned Cranberry sauce, frozen cranberries and a mixture of spices to produce an interesting combination in their Cranberry Sauce recipe.

In this video, Jamie Oliver uses port in his Christmas Cranberry Sauce which cooks away while he makes stuffing as well.

This Youtube video from Goodhousekeeping.com shows how to make a really easy Cranberry Sauce that uses apple in the recipe:-

Photo credit: used under a Creative commons licence from Silenceofnight

Adam Lambert Performance Edited For West Coast

2009-11-24T10:44:00.002+11:00

Radaronline.com reported today that "Network's Editing Of Adam Lambert Called Double Standard Because He's Gay". They went on to say "Adam Lambert wowed the crowds Sunday night at the American Music Awards with an outrageous on stage performance, part of which was later edited out of the west coast feed. In his performance the American Idol alum pulled the head of one of his back-up dancers to his groin as he thrusted backwards and forwards, this was later deleted.

In a statement ABC and Dick Clark productions explained away their decision to edit Lambert’s saucy moves, "Due to the live nature of the show we did not expect the impromptu moment in question.”

However, major gay publication The Advocate is calling double standards on the AMAs, in a statement to RadarOnline.com they say, “In his first major television performance outside American Idol, Adam Lambert delivered the sexually charged number we expected from him last night on the AMAs. It was reminiscent of other envelope-pushing performances by provocative artists like Madonna and Janet Jackson. It’s unfortunate that ABC and Dick Clark Productions censored the performance for west coast audiences highlighting the double standard that still exists for gay entertainers.”

Meanwhile Lambert himself was making no apologies for his stage show which also included a man on man smooch. In a red carpet interview the singer told CNN that his act happened “in the moment” before going on to say it is "a form of discrimination and a double standard" for anyone to object since "women performers have been pushing the envelope" for decades.

In other American Music Awards news the West Coast also missed the action when JLo took a tumble in her Christian Louboutin shoes landing badly while leaping from the back of one of her dancers during her routine. Footage of her fall was replaced by a slow motion view of the jump during the later west coast airing.

Adam Lambert at The 2009 American Music Awards

2009-11-23T11:01:00.000+11:00

The 2009 American Music Awards will air tonight, November 22nd on ABC at 8/7c. Nominees include some of Music City's finest artists, including Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, and Taylor Swift. And, Adam Lambert says, "the wardrobe is amazing."

Adam Lambert dress rehearsal "This sound is beautiful. Thank you Sound, You guys ROCK. Awesome!"

Adam Lambert Rehearsal and ET Interview

Also performing at the AMA's will be The Black Eyed Peas, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry, Eminem, Green Day, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Shakira, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban

According to examiner.com:-

"Here is a list of the 2009 American Music Awards Nominees:

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kings of Leon
Taylor Swift
Lady Gaga
Eminem
Michael Jackson

POP/ROCK - Favorite Male Artist
Eminem
Michael Jackson
T.I.

POP/ROCK - Favorite Female Artist
Beyonce
Lady Gaga
Taylor Swift

POP/ROCK - Favorite Band, Duo or Group
The Black Eyed Peas
Kings of Leon
Nickelback

POP/ROCK - Favorite Album
Fame - Lady Gaga
Number Ones - Michael Jackson
Fearless - Taylor Swift

COUNTRY - Favorite Male Artist
Jason Aldean
Darius Rucker
Keith Urban

COUNTRY - Favorite Female Artist
Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

COUNTRY - Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Rascal Flatts
Sugarland
Zac Brown Band

COUNTRY - Favorite Album
Unstoppable - Rascal Flatts
Fearless - Taylor Swift
Foundation - Zac Brown Band

RAP/HIP-HOP - Favorite Male Artist
Eminem
Jay-Z
T.I.

RAP/HIP-HOP - Favorite Album
Relapse - Eminem
Blueprint 3 - Jay-Z
Paper Trail - T.I.
SOUL/R&B - Favorite Male Artist
Jamie Foxx
Michael Jackson
Maxwell

SOUL/R&B - Favorite Female Artist
Beyonce
Keyshia Cole
Keri Hilson

SOUL/R&B - Favorite Band, Duo or Group
The Black Eyed Peas
Day26
Mary Mary"

More rehearsal footage:-

The Hulk Hogan And Kate Ellis Showdown

2009-11-20T13:35:00.000+11:00

The early money was on obvious favourite Hulk Hogan to beat petite politician Kate Ellis hands down when the two met to fight it out at a charity event to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation. Onlookers included tradies, journalists, security guards and the odd politician as the pair faced off in front of a crowd which possibly rivalled that of The Hulk's WWF turnouts.

In the first arm wrestle to be staged at Parliament House, Canberra, Sports Minister Kate Ellis, with the help of 17 year-old cancer patient and Make A Wish Foundation recipient Mark Dunn, had Hogan's arm down within seconds.

According to ABC News "The event, staged for children's charity the Make a Wish Foundation, drew at least 100 journalists, parliamentary staffers and MPs who turned out to witness the Hulk/Kate face-off in the Senate courtyard."

In other Hulk Hogan news, Charlotte's Ric Flair apparently punched Hogan in the head causing blood to pour all over Hogan's face during a press event to promote their upcoming wrestling event, although it appears the brawl was staged.

See the encounter here

Darius Rucker Breaking New Ground In CMA Awards

2009-11-12T15:57:00.000+11:00

The CMA Awards have been handed out and in in awards first Darius Rucker became the first black performer to be named "Best New Artist". Gen X-ers will remember Rucker as frontman for Hootie and the Blowfish who were best remembered for the album released in 1994, "Cracked Rear View". The record skyrocketed to No.1, and featured smash hits such as, "Hold My Hand," "Time," "Let Her Cry," and "I Only Want to Be With You."

By 1998, two albums later, Darius Rucker began focussing on his solo career but due to contractual hurdles it would be four years before his mellow R&B record, Back to Then, on the Hidden Beach Recordings label would be released in 2002.

Darius Rucker's country album "Learn To Live" has earned him many firsts including "first African-American singer to reach the top of the country charts since Charley Pride in 1988"; and "first country music singer to have his first three singles reach No. 1 since Wynona Judd in 1992".

Today Rucker, who had said on the red carpet that he didn't "have a chance" of winning adds "first black performer named best new artist" to his list.

Does The Verizon Droid by Motorola Have What It Takes To Rival Apple's iPhone?

2009-11-07T19:28:00.000+11:00

Across the US on Friday morning Verizon stores opened two hours early to meet the expected rush of customers eager to get their hands on the new Droid following a strong pre-launch media campaign. Motorola are confident that the new Droid offerings have what it takes to take on the iPhone market.

Just so you know where I'm coming from before I start, I am a true Apple devotee. But I don't have an iPhone. Frankly, I just don't need all those features. So what would I know about the looming battle between the self-proclaimed king of the smart-phone, the Apple iPhone versus the pretender, the Verzon Droid by Motorola you ask. Well, my husband has an iPhone. My teenage son has both a phone and an iPod Touch and can make his father's phone sing and dance. So I do know what they're capable of, it's just that I don't need all that stuff. If I did, what would I choose?

Well first, let's have a look at the promo stuff being pitched from both sides of the fence. First, from androiddevelopers, the techies behind the Droid:-

OK, that looks pretty good. so what does Apple have to say about the iPhone 3GS?

iPhone 3GS

I like the camera functions, they look pretty cool. OK, so if I listen to the Verizon marketing it would seem that ‘Everything the iPhone doesn’t do, we can do.’

Perhaps I'd better have a listen to what a phone expert has to say:-

Apparently there's more, hang on:-

Hmm, I don't know. You know what. I'm just glad I don't have to make that decision at the moment. Although, according to orangetech.info "Insider sources claim that “Apple is in the final stages of prepping a bargain-basement priced iPhone, which would undercut the Droid, and bring the Droid launch party to a screeching halt.” In other words, you might be seeing a $99 iPhone 3G S (8GB) as early as next month."

Want to be part of this debate? Have your say at iPhone vs Droid

Lil Wayne's 'No Ceilings' Mixtape Could Be His Last For A While

2009-11-06T16:11:00.000+11:00

Lil Wayne may be getting locked up but his 'No Ceilings' Mixtape' should keep fans happy while he's away. While some fans are raving about this latest from the rapper who could spend anything from one to seven years behind bars on weapons charges, others are more cicumspect

According to FilmyFair.com the tracklist looks something like this:

01. Swag Surfin’ 
02. Ice Cream Paint Job 
03. D.O.A. 
04. Interlude 
05. Wasted 
06. Watch My Shoes 
07. Break Up (feat. Short Dawg & Gudda Gudda) 
08. Banned From TV 
09. Throw It In The Bag (Remix) 
10. I Think I Love Her (feat. Tyga & Shanell)
 11. Interlude #2 (feat. Shanell) 
12. Wetter 
13. I’m Good (feat. T-Streets)
 14. Poke Her Face (feat. Jae Millz)
 15. Run This Town 
16. I Gotta Feeling
 17. Outro

AssociatedContent.com's Meg C. had this to say on the new release:-
"The really cool think about the "No Ceilings" mixtape is that the mixtape includes Lil' Wayne's rendition of these songs. For instance, "I gotta Feelin" is an upbeat pop-like song sung by the Black eyed Peas. On the "No Ceilings" Mixtape, Lil Wayne showcases his version to the world.

The incident that landed the mastermind behind the "No Ceilings" mixtape could have been easily avoided. Police raided Lil' Wayne's bus and found Lil Wayne with a gun on his person, and some reports indicate that he may have been under the influence of marijuana at the time as well, although his charges are weapons and not drug charges.

The "No Ceilings" mixtape has received a lot of publicity, and Lil' Wayne's fans are all excited about their favorite mix-master's newest endeavor. It's great that the "No Ceilings" mixtape is getting so much positive publicity, as it will give Lil Wayne the inspiration he needs to help him get his next album out as soon as he is released from jail.

Reviews are mixed about the "No Ceilings" mixtape are mixed. Paste Magazine states "No Ceilings? More like no expectations."