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Will PCs Make a Comeback Through Windows 10?

We know PC sales have taken a nosedive in the current tablet/smartphone era. Back then, PC sales surged due to the fact that to get to the internet, a desktop or laptop computer was required but now, consumers find that all they really needed was a light tablet or a good smartphone in order to browse the internet or communicate through social media. That lead some people to push the ridiculous notion that PCs are on the way out.

What’s New For Windows 10

There are still many things that PCs can do that tablets and smartphones can’t which is why we still need them around such as creating professional documents, professional video and image editing, spreadsheets, databases, and other business programs, CAD as well as processing the thousands of songs, images, and videos taken by the very same tablets and smartphones. The problem is actually market saturation and Microsoft’s Windows 8 was also blamed in part due to its quirky new interface. From what seemed to be an alarming decline, PC sales have leveled off to 300 million units last 2014 and vendors are hoping that Microsoft’s new Windows 10 operating system could remedy the situation and convince users to get over Windows 8 and let go of their aging Windows 7 and XP systems.

No More Tiles on Shelves

Consumers thrown off by Windows 8 may get more enticed once they see laptops and desktops with the familiar Windows Desktop on store shelves and plan or decide to purchase. That along with posters, flyers, and brochures showing off the desktop with an open Start Menu could bring the Windows faithful back to the fold. Lately, desktops and laptops on display shelves are dominated by the colorful tiles of Windows 8.1, unaware that the desktop is simply hidden under them. Consumers misled by rumors that the OS was dismal overall due to the loss of the Start Menu, decided to keep their old systems until something better comes along or try out other things like Macs.

A few other features, such as Cortana, assuming Microsoft makes her live up to the hype could convince consumers especially busy executives to purchase new systems. If Microsoft could work the bugs out and truly enable her to do almost anything such as being able to “call my partner on Skype” or “open up this or that spreadsheet” and not just to search for files, websites or the nearest restaurants. In Windows 10 Build 10049 however, Cortana continues to search ‘out-of-the-box’ by default instead of inwards when looking for apps and files unlike the efficiency Search had in Windows 8.

Biometric Security

Windows Hello biometric security could also convince company users that need the added security, with its built-in fingerprint scanning, facial and retinal scanning functions. A new PC unit can come with built-in Intel RealSense cameras or a fingerprint scanner on the keyboard. Project Spartan, being the new browser on the block might entice consumers who are bogged down by security issues present in current browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer.

windows 10 for pcs first 2015

The Killer App, not Just the OS

The term ‘killer app’ once dominated the desktop world and pushed desktop sales up the roof just like it does so in the mobile world today. People and businesses once bought PCs to run Lotus 123 and dBase and later Microsoft Office. If Microsoft can convince developers to create revolutionary apps exclusive to Windows 10, PC sales could go up again. If there are any killer apps out there that’s keeping PCs alive, it’s Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and CAD. Many developers right now are preoccupied with mobile apps or porting existing apps to the cloud, making things accessible via browser or web app thus reducing the need for Windows-based PCs. What the PC industry needs to do is to come up with new killer apps that can’t be used on pure tablets but can run on Windows 10 hybrids.

Killer Games

Windows has long been the base platform for many games in the PC industry. If Microsoft can create new versions of its hit franchise Halo or even a new Windows 10 dependent Minecraft version, then PC sales could go up. With the help of Holo Lens to enhance games like Halo, Crysis and even GTA, Windows 10 and its integration with Xbox would surely help PC sales if only among hardcore gamers.

Price?

Microsoft already slashed its OS prices by as much as 70 percent, going as far as letting Windows 7 and Windows 8 users (including pirates) upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Lately, the industry is in a catch-22 with PC and component prices getting higher due to less demand. If vendors could charge less or introduce cheap yet appealing entry-level systems, then consumers and businesses would have compelling reasons to upgrade.

More Style?

Or PC makers might just be taking things the wrong way. Sometimes, it takes more than an operating system or processing power to drive sales. Vendors could take a page from Apple and come up with cool external designs like what Apple did for the iMac and Macbooks in the 90s. Many movies and TV shows featured them and everyone had to have them. They could make designs that appeal to gamers (who often go DIY and purchase cool-looking cases and water cooling systems), PCs with fully integrated media systems for homemakers, or retro designs for old people and even a plain white box with a red-eye with Cortana’s female voice talking back while opening pod bay doors. At least many laptop models already sport stylish metallic finishes and slimmer builds.

Overall Thoughts

In the end, the PC industry isn’t just dependent on the current or upcoming Windows version, but hardware and software vendors as well. A hopefully fast, easy-to-use final version of Windows 10 would surely help bring back the PC. Windows 10s new features give PCs enough room to innovate and people like seeing something new.

Tyson Beckford Makes You Want To Live In His CHOCOLATE CITY

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tyson beckford chocolate city movie images 2015

When I saw the trailer was released for Tyson Beckford‘s Chocolate City I was hyperventilating before I even pressed the play button! I was just so elated that the trailer had finally come out. The trailer does not disappoint and the only way to experience it is to watch it for yourself!

tyson beckford eating money with girls on chocolate city 2015Chocolate City follows a struggling college student who’s having a hard time making ends meet. When he meets the owner of a male strip club, he decides to give amateur night a go and finds that stripping is the answer to paying all his bills.

hot black man leathered for chocolate city 2015

To call this movie the black Magic Mike is a big insult. There’s no reason why it can’t be seen as its own movie. Magic Mike was a big let down for me for two reason. Magic Mike came across as a very boring, lackluster film about the world of male stripping. The stripping scenes were short and stretched out in between corny, half-hearted love story. The writing was no where near engaging either. The second reason Magic Mike missed the mark was because of its total lack of diversity. The one man of color ( a Hispanic and Cuban dancer) in the film has a severely limited role. The stripper world is just as diverse as any other profession so why where there no black or Hispanic men with main roles in Magic Mike?

hot black man stripper on chocolate city 2015

There is no talk as of yet about which cities will be showing Chocolate City. There are already rumors floating around the web that some theaters refuse to show Chocolate City because they’ve “invested” too much in Magic Mike.

Oh really?

chocolate city tyson beckford movie 2015

This smells a little bit like discriminating to me. Since when did theaters have more loyalty to one film than another? Chocolate City will be released on May 22, 2015 while Magic Mike will be released on July 1, 2015. So, maybe the studios also don’t want Chocolate City to steal their thunder.

chocolate city male strippers 2015 images

The film’s release comes at a great time when producers, film studios and TV studios are finally starting to realize that black audiences are a huge part of the entertainment market. We want to see ourselves represented too!

tyson beckford tatoo shirless for chocolate city movie 2015

The film that’s sure to have at least a few scorching hot scenes in it stars Rober Ri’chard as the struggling young college student ready to dive in to the world of stripping. Michael Jai White plays the highly successful club owner and long time model/actor Tyson Beckford plays the club’s star attraction that’s starting to fade due to the new kid in town. The film is written and directed by Jean-Claude LaMarre.

black man with girls legs wide for chocolate city 2015

It will be interested to see who comes out on top.

Pun totally intended.

Tyson Beckford has been promoting his movie like crazy, and he popped into the LA Chippendales to give the ladies a hypnotic snake charmer dance in the video just below:

Synopsis: Welcome to Chocolate City, where the music is hot, the mood is magical, and the exotic male dancers are simply delicious. Women go wild as these toned, talented men make fantasies come true… and the arrival of a young, new exotic dancer (Robert Ri’chard) has the spot sizzling like never before. At home, he is Michael, an inner city college student struggling to help his mother (Vivica A. Fox) make ends meet. However, when his part-time job doesn’t pay the bills, Michael begins to find success at a nightclub dancing as “Sexy Chocolate.” As the money starts rolling in, Michael must deal with the unexpected pressure of being the female clubgoers’ favorite flavor while hiding his new “job” from his mother and girlfriend. Co-starring Tyson Beckford and Michael Jai White, Chocolate City is a steamy, fun ride that has all the right moves.

Chocolate City Movie Trailer

Tennessee Titans Turn Down Eagles Offer Drafting Marcus Mariota at No 2

marcus mariota drafted by tennessee titans nfl 2015

In one of the most surprising developments in the 1st round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans selected Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota with the 2nd overall pick.

Sure, Mariota was the best option available at quarterback with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selecting Jameis Winston with the top pick, but the Titans incurred a large opportunity cost by taking the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner—the Philadelphia Eagles were reportedly offering two 1st round picks, a 3rd round selection, defensive end Fletcher Cox, cornerback Brandon Boykin, linebacker Mychal Kendricks, and possibly even more for the No. 2 pick in the draft. Wow.

That says a lot. Eagles head coach Chip Kelly coached Mariota at Oregon, and clearly he believes that the young quarterback is ready to start and win come Week 1 if he’s willing to mortgage the franchise’s future and defense in order to select him. Maybe Kelly has seen something the rest of us haven’t.

titans draft number 2 nfl marcus mariota 2015

Either way, Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt has already announced that the team has no plan to trade their new quarterback to the Eagles, instead the plan is that Mariota will be the starter in Nashville come Week 1. Tough break for second-year quarterback Zach Mettenberger who—although he isn’t exactly qualified to be a starting quarterback in the NFL—was supposed to be the guy for this team in 2015.

Mariota is certainly an interesting selection for the Titans. Leonard Williams and Dante Fowler, Jr. were still on the board, both being players that could immediately come in and improve a defense.

Now the question becomes where does Mariota fit into Whisenhunt’s scheme. If the Titans want to really get the most out of Mariota’s first professional season, they will need to adopt a spread offensive style with read-options to make the most of his strengths. Mariota isn’t exactly great when it comes to finding open receivers past his first read, so the Titans will need to make things as simple as possible for the rookie.

The Tennessee Titans were on the clock after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked Jameis Winston No. 1 in the NFL Draft. Mariota’s phone rings. It’s the Titans. And then … click?

According to NFL.com, the Titans, who reportedly were listening to offers for the No. 2 pick, accidently hung up on Mariota while they were telling him his life-long dream had come true.

Freudian slip? Who knows? Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt said that he expects Mariota to be the starter for Week 1.

But do you think this would have happened if Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly, who attempted to land his former Oregon quarterback, had taken Mariota?

At the end of the day, most people say that Marcus Mariota looks most like Colin Kaepernick. If that’s the case, the Titans better make good use of his first two or three seasons, because those will be the only good ones.

St Louis Rams Shocker: Todd Gurley Picked 10th 2015 NFL Draft

st louis rams pick todd gurley shocking nfl 2015

In easily the most shocking pick of the opening round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams selected Georgia running back Todd Gurley with the 10th overall pick in the draft. Gurley is the first running back to be drafted in the first round since 2012.

This is definitely a bold statement by head coach Jeff Fisher and the Rams. Gurley clearly has top-five talent, but a suspension and ACL injury in his last collegiate season don’t usually sit well with NFL franchises on Draft Day. Although Gurley claims he will be ready for Week 1, No. 10 still seems very early to draft a back coming off such a serious injury.

todd gurley picked by st louis rams for 2015 nfl draft

Fortunately for the Rams, they are sitting on some depth and talent at the running back position; but starting back Zac Stacy may be taking the first flight out of Missouri. His Twitter reaction to the Rams selection was short and to the point—“Yikes.”

Clearly Stacy feels the Rams have drafted his replacement, and he’s already asked the team for a trade (On a side note: this could be good news for the Dallas Cowboys and other teams who still need to add a solid back). The Rams already chose Tre Mason over Stacy in 2014, but apparently this is where Zac draws the line.

Either way, Mason will be Gurley’s biggest competition for the starting spot in 2015; but the former Bulldog is a competitor, and he feels that his knee will be ready for him to compete for the top of the depth chart. At the same time however, he understands that sitting the first few weeks out may be better for himself and the team long term:

“Obviously, I want to be the guy,” said Gurley after the pick. “But like I said, nothing is going to be given. I’m going to go in there, work hard, and compete; and at the end of the day, I’m going to do whatever the team needs me to do.”

I wonder if the whole Auburn-Georgia rivalry will make things weird between Todd Gurley and Tre Mason.

San Diego Chargers Pick Up Melvin Gordon As 15th Pick: 2015 NFL Draft

san diego chargers pick melvin gordon 2015 nfl draft

Despite questions about his versatility and ability to live up to the hype of being drafted on Day One, Melvin Gordon heard his named called on Thursday with the 15th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. The San Diego Chargers swapped a couple of picks with the San Francisco 49ers in order to move up the board and select the high-profile back from Wisconsin.

Well the move may raise a few eyebrows from expert analysts, quarterback Philip Rivers should be jumping for joy. Not only did the Chargers save him from being traded to the Tennessee Titans, but they also brought in an outstanding running back who can take some pressure off of Rivers in the Chargers offense.

“He adds another element to our running back group, which is great,” said Rivers after the draft. “I’ve said…a number of times how I think we’re at our best when we are balanced. I think he gives us a better chance to be that.”

melvin gordon nfl draft pick for san diego chargers 2015

Gordon is still a work in progress as a wide receiver coming out of the backfield, but that’s not what the Chargers are looking for with this pick. The Bolts have Danny Woodhead to catch check-down passes, and they also have a lot of young, talented receivers to go along with tight end Antonio Gates who is still playing at a high level. Instead, the Chargers are bringing in Gordon to do what he does best—run the football.

At 6’1, 215 pounds with a 4.52 in the 40 yard dash, Gordon can bring the Chargers back to the run-heavy offense that they used at the end of the 2013 season. Gordon can straight up run. In fact, he was the first person to break LaDainian Tomlinson’s single-game FBS record this past season, scorching Nebraska for 408 yards on 25 carries—that’s over 16 yards per touch. Oh yeah, and he did all that in three quarters.

Let’s not start any LT comparisons on a rookie; but if he can give Chargers fans even a glimpse of the soon-to-be Hall of Famer, they’ll keep him around for a long time.

Serie A Game Week 33 Review: Two massive wins for Inter Milan

serie a week 33 inter milan images 2015

Roberto Mancini’s Inter Milan grabbed two impressive victories in a matter of seven days to take them within three points of Serie A European football. The 2 – 1 win against the third place Roma on Saturday has made them genuine contenders for the finish among the top teams in the country.

inter beats roma serie a soccer 2015

Juventus bounced back from the defeat at Torino with a 3 – 2 win over Fiorentina on Wednesday. The Italian champions can possibly retain their title in the next league match. Massimiliano Allegri wants to go into the Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid after being crowned the champions of Italy.

juventus beats fiorentina serie a 2015

“It’s important to go into it [the Real Madrid match] as Italian champions. The squad is fit so the best team will play [at Sampdoria],” he said. “We’re calm. We know we have the chance to reach the historic milestone of four consecutive Scudetti; four for the players, the club and the fans, and my first as coach of Juventus.”

The Juventus coach is however wary of the threat Sampdoria will offer at the weekend.

He said, “Sampdoria will be aggressive and alert. It’ll be tough for us because they’re very strong at home. It was 1-1 in the reverse game, but we dominated, particularly the first half.

“That teaches us that games are never over until they’re over. We’ve reached the finishing line and now it’s time to cross it.”

carlos tevez top goal scorers serie a 2015

Carlos Tevez scored a brace in the midweek win, keeping him at the top of goal scorers chart in Italy. The Argentine has scored 20 goals after 33 matches, while Luca Toni of Hellas Verona and Mauro Icardi of Internazionale are just two goals behind him. The Argentine has scored 20 goals after 33 matches, while Luca Toni of Hellas Verona and Mauro Icardi of Internazionale are just two goals behind him.

lazio beats parma serie a 2015

Lazio registered an impressive victory with a 4 – 0 win over the bottom club Parma. Parma can’t mathematically climb out of the relegation zone now as 17th place Atalanta are 16 points ahead of Parma. Cagliari and Cesena, both at 24 points, are eight points behind Atalanta and with five games remaining it isn’t out of the equation yet.

roma beats sassuolo serie a soccer 2015

Roma defeated the hosts Sassuolo 0 – 3, after the loss at San Siro against Roma. Napoli suffered a setback this week as Empoli overpowered Rafael Benitez’s side in the midweek games. A total of three own goals were scored during the ninety minutes at Empoli. The Naples based side are five points behind the third place Roma.

ac milan loses two games serie a 2015

AC Milan suffered two back to back losses. With new ownership deal to be finalized soon, we can see a lot of changes at the club in near future. The Italian giants can be revived and it is possible that they might return to the European scene very soon.

La Liga Game Week 34 Review: Barcelona & Real Madrid Still At Top

la liga week 34 barcelona real madrid images 2015

We can see the finish line now and there is still no clear leader in the La Liga Spanish league. Barcelona and Real Madrid are separated by only two points after 34 match days.

los blancos beat almerica la liga soccer 2015

Los Blancos won 3 – 0 against Almeria at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. Cristiano Ronaldo seemed frustrated with himself as it was his second match without a goal. The Portuguese ace has a ridiculous goal scoring record in La Liga this season, but Lionel Messi isn’t much far behind him. They are both aiming to finish the season as the top scorer of the league. Also Ronaldo is gunning for his fourth Ballon d’Or trophy, which would make him the joint record holder of the award.

james rodriguez brings in goal for los blancos la liga 2015

In the 3 – 0 win over Almeria, James Rodriguez opened the scoring just a minute before the half time break. The Colombian’s brilliant strike can be ranked amongst the best goals of the season. Arbeloa’s 84th minute tap-in on Chicharito’s pass also made headlines as Ronaldo seemed disgusted with himself for missing the chance to get off the mark.

barcelona beats getafe la liga 2015

The Catalan giants Barcelona thrashed the visitors Getafe 6 – 0 at Camp Nou. Two goals each from Messi and Suarez contributed to the goals of Neymar and Xavi. Barca have amassed 84 points after 34 matches and a perfect record in the remaining fixtures would see them get back the Spanish crown. Although, even one slip can jeopardize their title hopes.

fernando torrest strike for atleti la liga 2015

The current champions won 0 – 1 at Villarreal. Fernando  Torres’s 74th minute strike separated the two sides. It was very good run and finish from the former Liverpool striker. Atleti are currently third on the La Liga table and their chances of ending this season with a silverware are quite low.

sevilla beats eibar la liga 2015

Sevilla and Valencia have equal points tally at present, but Valencia are ahead of Unai Emery’s side on goal difference. Valencia were held at Rayo Vallecano while Sevilla grabbed all three points against Eibar. Carlos Bacca’s brace at Eibar takes his season tally to 19 goals. He is currently fifth on the top scorers chart in Spain with Neymar (20) and Greizmann (22) his nearest rivals.

There wasn’t much movement at the foot of the table. All the teams in the relegation zone lost their respective matches in the midweek games. Granada lost 1 – 2 at home to Espanyol and Levante defeated Cordoba 1 – 0. Deportivo La Coruna lost by a bigger margin than the other two teams. Elche defeated the 18th place side 4 – 0 at home, denying them the opportunity to climb up to the 16th spot. Deportivo can’t afford to lose more games now and they would also have to keep a check on their goal difference as it can be a deciding factor on the final day of the season.

TB Lightning Zaps Montreal Canadiens: 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs

2015 stanley cup playoffs lightning beats canadiens images

The 2015 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs continued on Friday night with the Montreal Canadiens hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tampa Bay entered the game perhaps at a little bit of a disadvantage since they were forced to play seven games in the opening round series, while Montreal only played six. However rest was not to determine the result in game one as the Lightning claimed a valuable road-win.

tampa bay lightning beats monreal canadiens stanley cup playoffs 2015

The scoring in the game all came late as the 0-0 deadlock did not get broken until early in the third period. Tyler Johnson scored his seventh of the post-season to give the Lightning the edge before Montreal’s Max Pacioretty answered back with about five minutes to go in the frame. The score would remain tied at one until Nikita Kucherov’s wrist shot found its way by Carey Price to end the game in the second overtime session.

Nikita Kucherov wrist shot gives lightning game over canadiens stanley cup playoffs 2015

The game was not without controversy as Tampa Bay appeared to have won the game in the first overtime. However a disallowed goal prolonged the game and kept Montreal’s chances alive. Then, on the game-winning goal, it appeared to be Montreal that had a call go against them. Tampa Bay, before scoring the game winner, gained Montreal’s zone on what appeared to be a clear off-side.

The disallowed goal and the missed-call on the offside both promise to be central to a lot of commentary following game one. But the bottom line is that Montreal are now down 0-1 in the series and they are not exactly the hottest team in the playoffs. They’ve lost three of their last four and, having squandered home ice advantage in round two, they could be considered underdogs to make the Eastern Conference finals.

tampa bay lightning vs montreal canadiens stanley cup playoffs 2015

The two teams will not meet for game two until Sunday evening in a game that is scheduled for 6pm ET. Should Montreal lose that game then they will be facing the prospect of heading to Tampa Bay down 0-2 in the series, a situation that few teams survive in the Stanley Cup playoffs. But even if Montreal win they will have surrendered a split to Tampa Bay, something most teams want after two games when starting a series in another team’s building.

Games three and four will come from Florida on Wednesday and Thursday of next week.

2015 Kentucky Derby Betting Odds & What To Watch For

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kentucky derby odds and what to watch for 2015

This is a jam packed weekend of sporting events, and the 2015 Kentucky Derby is one of them keeping odds makers busy getting ready for the gates at Churchill Downs to open. As of this morning American Pharoah is still set as the betting favorite while Dortmund is right behind and a very close second. Check out the full odds below along with an infographic that breaks down post positions and odds.

2015 kenrucky derby odds 2015

Bob Baffert jokes that his last Kentucky Derby victory was so long ago, he doesn’t remember.

The Hall of Fame trainer could make some new memories Saturday if either of his top two favorites — American Pharoah or Dortmund — end up wearing the garland of red roses in the winner’s circle.

Baffert is seeking his fourth Derby win and first since 2002. Back then, his youngest son, 10-year-old Bode, wasn’t even born.

“We just have to contain ourselves,” Baffert said. “It’s exciting coming in here with two good horses.”

The 62-year-old trainer has what some believe is the strongest 1-2 punch since trainer Ben Jones won with Citation and finished second with Coaltown in 1948.

“Hope for a dead-heat,” Baffert joked.

American Pharoah — winner of four straight races by a combined 22 1/4 lengths — is the early 5-2 favorite. The brown colt has an unusually short tail; another horse chewed the end of it off on the farm. He’ll be ridden by Victor Espinoza, who won last year aboard California Chrome.

Dortmund, the 3-1 second choice, comes into the Derby with a 6-0 record, equaling the undefeated marks of Seattle Slew and Smarty Jones when they won in 1977 and 2004. His sire Big Brown won in 2008.

“It might be the toughest Derby that we’ve had in quite a few years,” said Kiaran McLaughlin, who trains Wood Memorial winner Frosted.

Some things to look for at the 141st Kentucky Derby:

Bob Baffert jokes that his last Kentucky Derby victory was so long ago, he doesn’t remember.

The Hall of Fame trainer could make some new memories Saturday if either of his top two favorites — American Pharoah or Dortmund — end up wearing the garland of red roses in the winner’s circle.

Baffert is seeking his fourth Derby win and first since 2002. Back then, his youngest son, 10-year-old Bode, wasn’t even born.

“We just have to contain ourselves,” Baffert said. “It’s exciting coming in here with two good horses.”

The 62-year-old trainer has what some believe is the strongest 1-2 punch since trainer Ben Jones won with Citation and finished second with Coaltown in 1948.

“Hope for a dead-heat,” Baffert joked.

American Pharoah — winner of four straight races by a combined 22 1/4 lengths — is the early 5-2 favorite. The brown colt has an unusually short tail; another horse chewed the end of it off on the farm. He’ll be ridden by Victor Espinoza, who won last year aboard California Chrome.

Dortmund, the 3-1 second choice, comes into the Derby with a 6-0 record, equaling the undefeated marks of Seattle Slew and Smarty Jones when they won in 1977 and 2004. His sire Big Brown won in 2008.

“It might be the toughest Derby that we’ve had in quite a few years,” said Kiaran McLaughlin, who trains Wood Memorial winner Frosted.

Some things to look for at the 141st Kentucky Derby:

TODD SQUAD: Todd Pletcher will saddle three horses: Carpe Diem, the 8-1 third choice; Materiality; and Itsaknockout, fittingly running on the same day as the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight in Las Vegas. Jockey Luis Saez will wear the name of each fighter on his pants as part of a promotional tie-in. Pletcher won his first Derby in 2010 with Super Saver.

OFTEN A BRIDESMAID: Ahmed Zayat is looking to shake his bad luck at the Derby. Three times horses owned by the Egyptian have finished second behind long shots. In 2009, 50-1 Mine That Bird sneaked up along the rail and beat Pioneerof the Nile. In 2011, Nehro was defeated by 20-1 Animal Kingdom. A year later, 15-1 I’ll Have Another beat Bodemeister. Baffert counts two of those losses among his Derby defeats, having trained Pioneerof the Nile and Bodemeister. Zayat experienced more misfortune Friday when El Kabeir was scratched from the race with a sore foot. That leaves Zayat with American Pharoah and Mr. Z in the 20-horse field.

BIG NUMBERS: The Derby attendance record of 165,307 was set in 2012, when I’ll Have Another won. Saturday’s forecast calls for sunny skies and 73 degrees around race time at 6:34 p.m. ET. The Kentucky Oaks on Friday drew a record of 123,763, setting the stage for a big crowd to pour through the gates at Churchill Downs to party, drink and maybe even see a horse or two.

SIZE MATTERS: Dortmund stands 17 hands; in human terms that’s 5 foot, 8 inches from the ground to the area between his shoulder blades. Each hand equals 4 inches, so when Dortmund raises his head and neck, add another 2 feet or so, making for an imposing beast. By comparison, 2009 Derby winner Mine That Bird was just 15 hands. Baffert likens lanky Dortmund to 7-foot Wisconsin center Frank Kaminsky. “He can dunk,” the trainer joked.

BIG BUCKS: The owners of Carpe Diem plunked down $1.6 million for him as a 2-year-old, making the colt the priciest in the 20-horse field. Return on investment in the Derby is often disappointing. The only million-dollar colt to have won was Fusaichi Pegasus in 2000; his owners paid a whopping $4 million.

You can click on the infographic below to read it better if needed:

kentucky derby pole and odds 2015

Odds to Win the 2015 Kentucky Derby:

1. OCHO OCHO OCHO (E. Trujillo / J. Cassidy) 25/1
2. CARPE DIEM (J. Velazquez / T. Pletcher) 8/1
3. MATERIALITY (J. Castellano / T. Pletcher) 16/1
4. TENCENDUR (M. Franco / G. Weaver) 50/1
5. DANZIG MOON (J. Leparoux / M. Casse) 33/1
6. MUBTAAHIJ (C. Soumillion / M. de Kock) 12/1
8. DORTMUND (M. Garcia / B. Baffert) 18/5
9. BOLO (R. Bejarano / C. Gaines) 40/1
10. FIRING LINE (G. Stevens / S. Callaghan) 12/1
12. INTERNATIONAL STAR (M. Mena / M. Maker) 25/1
13. ITSAKNOCKOUT (L. Saez / T. Pletcher) 33/1
14. KEEN ICE (K. Desormeaux / D. Romans) 40/1
15. FROSTED (J. Rosario / K. McLaughlin) 16/1
16. WAR STORY (J. Talarno / T. Arnoss) 50/1
17. Mr. Z (R. Vazquez / D. Wayne Lukas) 50/1
18. AMERICAN PHAROAH (V. Espinoza / B. Baffert) 13/5
19. UPSTART (J. Ortiz / R. Violette Jr.) 25/1
20. FAR RIGHT (M. Smith / R. Moquett) 40/1
21. FRAMMENTO (C. Nakatani / N. Zito) 66/1

WHEN: Saturday, May 2, 2015. 6:44 p.m. ET

WHERE: Churchill Downs, Louisville.

IMPORTANT TIMES:

Gates open: 8 a.m.

Post times: Race 1 (10:30 a.m), Race 2 (11:01 a.m.), Race 3 (11:31 a.m.), Race 4 (12:04 p.m.)

Kentucky Derby post time: 6:40 p.m.

Kentucky Derby race time: 6:44 p.m.

HOW TO WATCH:

Kentucky Derby prep, NBC Sports Network, 12:00-4:00 p.m.

Kentucky Derby coverage, NBC, 4:00-7:30 p.m.

Why Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao fight is so important

mayweather pacquiao fight 2015

After our sports writer Shane McLendon did his opinion piece on how the Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao was boxing’s funeral, we thought it would be great to also bring in an opinion of why boxing and this fight is so important to so many people. It’s been hyped for months and months as the ‘fight of the century,’ and everyone involved will make a fortune, but why exactly has this fight over so many others gotten people so excited?

Boxing has definitely seen a decline as UFC and MMA fighting has really taken a foothold in the mainstream public. As Shane mentioned that this fight would give the sport of boxing another few years before it limps away, but as we did with the Tim Tebow being signed by the Philadelphia Eagles debate, something it’s great to hear a viewpoint from differing sides.

Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather fight of the 21st century 2015 images

This weekend, millions of people are expected to tune in to watch two men beat each other up. Why is this?

We’ll explore, but first let’s get something out of the way: The big fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather won’t “save” boxing, a sport that has fallen precipitously since its 20th century heyday.

If anything, the so-called “Fight of the Century” just reinforces the sport’s problems, as two aging heroes collide in what might be the last nationally relevant fight for a very long time.

There’s so much wrong with boxing’s business model, but all you really need to understand is this: Most sports fans probably can’t name a single active boxer after Mayweather and Pacquiao. Some might know that the long-reigning heavyweight champ is a towering Ukrainian with a boring jab-happy style, but most wouldn’t come up with his name (Wladimir Klitschko).

Boxing isn’t fading away because we’ve finally awoken to its brutality but from a combination of catastrophic mismanagement and competition from Mixed Martial Arts — a younger, more dynamic and better-managed competitor. The rocket rise of MMA’s premier organization, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, has matched boxing’s equally dramatic decline.

In the course of just two decades, the UFC has grown from a freaky-violent carny sideshow into a mainstream sport. In fact, the fan base of the UFC now rivals that of the world’s most popular fighting sport: ice hockey.

Some aficionados spin elaborate defenses of the hundreds of fist fights that break out every year in NHL games, claiming they make the game safer by punishing dirty play. But that’s so weak. Everyone knows why the NHL hasn’t cracked down on fighting hard enough to end it: fans love it way too much.

As the hockey announcer Don Cherry once said, “When [legendary tough guy] Bob Probert was fighting, did you ever see anyone get out of their seat and go get coffee.”

But why do we like to watch fights in the first place? Over the past 20 years, I’ve watched boxing and MMA in a spirit of nervous fascination. Watching fighters kick, punch and strangle each other, I’d be thinking, I’m a civilized person. I appear not to be a sociopath.

So why am I watching? What’s wrong with me? And what’s wrong with all of us? Who among us hasn’t felt the giddy, guilty thrill of a fistfight breaking out — whether in a schoolyard, a hockey rink or a prize ring?

We all claim to hate violence, but I think we protest too much. Inside us all, there’s a creature that adores it. How else are we to explain our yen for carnage in rough sports, films, gory video games and literature?

So is that it? Are we drawn to a big fight like Mayweather-Pacquiao simply by bloodlust and barbarism? Actually, I think that’s only part of the story, and not the biggest part.

If we just wanted blood and pain, we wouldn’t bother with the tame violence of pay-per-view fisticuffs. Instead, we’d fire up a web browser and watch ISIS snuff videos for free. But many people who feel no temptation to watch Internet snuff feel sorely tempted to watch a big fight. What’s going on?

But why do we like to watch fights in the first place? Over the past 20 years, I’ve watched boxing and MMA in a spirit of nervous fascination. Watching fighters kick, punch and strangle each other, I’d be thinking, I’m a civilized person. I appear not to be a sociopath.

So why am I watching? What’s wrong with me? And what’s wrong with all of us? Who among us hasn’t felt the giddy, guilty thrill of a fistfight breaking out — whether in a schoolyard, a hockey rink or a prize ring?

We all claim to hate violence, but I think we protest too much. Inside us all, there’s a creature that adores it. How else are we to explain our yen for carnage in rough sports, films, gory video games and literature?

So is that it? Are we drawn to a big fight like Mayweather-Pacquiao simply by bloodlust and barbarism? Actually, I think that’s only part of the story, and not the biggest part.

If we just wanted blood and pain, we wouldn’t bother with the tame violence of pay-per-view fisticuffs. Instead, we’d fire up a web browser and watch ISIS snuff videos for free. But many people who feel no temptation to watch Internet snuff feel sorely tempted to watch a big fight. What’s going on?

Dallas Cowboys 2015 NFL Draft & Offseason Recap

dallas cowboys nfl offseason recap images 2015 tony romoAfter three straight 8-8 seasons, the Dallas Cowboys broke the trend in 2014 with a fantastic offense and an unusually decent defensive unit. The team finished 12-4 and made it all the way to the Divisional Round of the playoffs before losing to the Green Bay Packers.

Now that America’s Team has shown they have the potential to win, America will start to expect a little bit more from the Cowboys and quarterback Tony Romo. Fortunately, the team was able to avoid losing too many of their key players. Star running back DeMarco Murray walked to join the Philadelphia Eagles; but, more importantly, superstar wide receiver Dez Bryant was franchise tagged to prevent him from leaving Dallas.

Bryant is the real star of the Cowboys’ offense, so even without Murray on the field the team should have no problem maintaining the same high-powered offense they had in 2014. Sure, Murray was the NFL’s leading rusher with Adrian Peterson missing the season; but the Cowboys’ offensive line deserves just as much credit for that feat as Murray himself.

Former Oakland Raiders 4th overall draft pick Darren McFadden will be the Stars’ go-to guy this season, and everyone can expect a career-year from the 27 year old. Since being drafted in 2008, McFadden hasn’t had a good offensive line or team in general. The Cowboys retained their top-ranked line, and even brought in LSU tackle La’el Collins as an undrafted free agent—a guy who was supposed to be a top 10 pick but never heard his name called amongst murder allegations.

As for the defense, the Cowboys brought in Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory as well as resigning linebacker Rolando McClain. Gregory will be a solid end for the defensive line; however, the Cowboys will have to wait before utilizing Hardy. Fans thought their team really got a steal signing the former Carolina Panther Pro Bowler, but Hardy will be sitting out the first 10 games of the season for his domestic violence punishment that forced him to miss last season as well.

The biggest improvements to the team’s defense came in the NFL Draft. With the 27th overall selection, the Cowboys addressed their glaring need for secondary talent by bringing in Byron Jones from Connecticut. Jones was a highly-scrutinized pick at first, being touted as nothing more than a late-round talent who is really good at working out, but the first round was correct for such an athletic player. Jones will not only contribute his own skills to the Dallas secondary, he will also whip players like Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr back into shape by threatening their futures with the team.

In the second round, however, the Cowboys made what could become one of the best picks of the draft. Nebraska outside linebacker Randy Gregory is a top-five talent with an amazing pass rush ability. The only potential problem with this pick is that the Jerry Jones is taking a kid with failed drug tests and other off-the-field issues and putting him in the same locker room as Dez Bryant and Greg Hardy.

Gregory was heavily criticized heading into the draft, and some NFL executives were quoted saying that they don’t think he’ll last five years in the league. The Cowboys will need to really keep an eye on this man to keep him out of trouble and playing at full potential. If everything works out, Dallas acquired a heck of a pass rusher and a franchise player at No. 60.

Overall, the Cowboys had a good enough offseason to keep their spot on top of the NFC East; however, the competition this season will be much tougher. The New York Giants had an equally great draft, and the Philadelphia Eagles…well, they did a lot. If Dez Bryant is on top of his game, and this offensive line can continue to move bodies and keep Tony Romo on his feet, the Cowboys may be able to go even further in 2015.

Celebrity Gossip Roundup: NeNe Leakes Speaks, Freddie Gray Homicide & Bristol Palin Blames Riots

celebrity gossip freddie gray nene leakes bristol palin baltimore riots 2015 images

It’s Friday and the rumor mill is cranking out with Wendy Williams claiming Ciara and Russell Williams are just playing show and tell with the media. NeNe Leakes once again shows her rear in making Real Housewives of Atlanta claims while Freddie Gray’s death is ruled a homicide and Bristol Palin blames the Baltimore riots for delaying her life.

wendy williams claims ciara with gay russell williams for publicity 2015 gossip

Wendy Williams Calls Out Ciara’s Relationship

For the life of me, I don’t understand why some people just can’t keep their mouths closed. And in the world of entertainment this probably doesn’t ring truer for anyone more than talk show host Wendy Williams.

In her latest bout of messiness, she had the nerve to say that Ciara and NFL star Russell Williams, for whatever reason, relationship is some kind of PR stunt.

“I don’t care what you’ll believe, but if you look at this video in slow motion, you’re going to see that he leaves her behind. They don’t look at each other and listen — the man was married for two years and now he’s divorced. He just got divorced. So do you think he’s boo’ed up that fast? Ciara is one of many.”

I just wish that people nowadays were famous and getting money because they are talented and not because they start viscous rumors (and produce horrible Lifetime bio pics) about people who just don’t give a damn about them.

She further shelled out career advice to the singer telling her pretty much that she is better off modeling than singing. Oh Wendy Williams, I can think of a host of things you are better off doing than being on TV, being acting in movies, producing horrible films and giving out advice on any topic.

Rumors that the singer and football player were an item first started swirling after their appearance at the White House Correspondence dinner last weekend.

future doesnt care about ciara with gay russell williams 2015 gossip

Future Ain’t stunting Ciara

Speaking of Ciara, for all those who are trying to throw her new relationship in her ex’s, Future, face, he really doesn’t give a shit.

“I wished I cared.”

This was his response to Cici’s “fans” that bombarded his social media pages with emjoi’s and other jokes about his ex moving on to bigger (literally) and better.

I think it is funny that people are so vested in these famous folks relationships. There were so many meme’s with the picture of the two from the dinner and all of them pretty much pointed out how much more happy Ciara looks with her new eye candy. One meme had a picture of her with Future and a pic of her and Williams with the caption:

“From the trap house to the White House.”

Mmmm, gloray… thank ya… I almost bused out in a Pentecostal shout on that one. Anyway, wheter or not it is true, whatever is going on between the two of them looks good on her.

nene leakes crapping on real housewives of atlanta

NeNe Leaks Says RHOA should only start married women

Here we go again. Ugh, is there ever getting away from the high horse that NeNe leaks sits on? From prancing around like she’s the queen of the world (in my Leonardo DiCaprio from Titanic voice). She has no filter and once more, she does not care.

Being an original cast member of the popular, albeit ratchet, Bravo show the Real Housewives of Atlanta, (the only original member I might add) I guess she feels like she runs the damn show because in her humble opinion,

“They need to get rid of some folk. Everybody that ain’t married.”

For the record I get what she is saying because sometimes (especially in the beginning of tuning in) I’d think to myself why certain people were on the show, they aren’t even married. Nonetheless, if she really wants to get into the nitty gritty of the word housewife, should any of the current stars be on the show because in the traditional sense, a housewife is someone who stays home, tends to the needs of her husband, children and the house. In my view, none of the ladies, married and non-married, qualify as a housewife… sigh… but that’s none of my business.

She went on further to say that the negativity that we see on the show is due to the addition of people that producers have “thrown in the mix” and it is time to re-cast. She doesn’t mind a couple of single girls but the amount they have right now is too many.

Something Ms. NeNe Leakes might want to remember, if Bravo had listened to this mentality from the start, her ass would’ve been booted off when she got divorced from Greg. She wasn’t a housewife then, so girl before you start throwing all those bricks through the glass houses, get yours in order real quick. You’re losing fans baby, and when they’re gone, you’re gone. Okay…..okay…..

freddie gray death a homicide police charge 2015 gossip

Freddie Gray Death Ruled a Homicide Six Baltimore PD Cops Charged

The tragic events that have happened and continue to happen in Baltimore over the death of Freddie Gray are indeed sad. And it seemed the same cycle of police brutality and abuse of power causing the death of black men would once again warrant no consequences, but today a glimmer of hope was given when the State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced that her office is declaring Gray’s death a homicide.

This is a long time coming for the people of Baltimore. It is not the first time that the police have been shown to be the cause of mistreatment or death (the city has paid out millions of dollars in the past few years to victims and their familys) but it is the first time that it has been done on this scale.

Baltimoreans breathed a sign of release when they heard Mosby’s words and some even posted via social media that justice as been served. But being that I was in the L.A Riots of 1992 and here in Baltimore for what just took place, let me offer this perspective.

We have come a long way from not being recognized as victims of police injustice, but justice has in no way been served. The real test of just actions comes with a conviction of guilty and an appropriate sentence. Don’ think so? Look at it this way, in the Rodney King beating by the LAPD, which was the inciting incident to the subsequent riots, those cops where charged and tried but found innocent and no one would in any form or fashion call that just. Acknowledgment and appropriate protocol is nothing to celebrate for the true test of a change of heart in our court system comes when the presiding juror reads the verdict.

bristol palin complains about baltimore riots

Sarah Palin’s daughter Bristol blames Baltimore Riots On Delayed House Sale

It wouldn’t be a Palin to jump on some national tragedy and turn themselves into a victim from it.

bristol palin home for sale hurt by baltimore riots

Well little Bristol, the Christian girl that learned early on in life that contraception wasn’t such an evil thing, was able to unload her 3 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom, 3,200 square foot home in Alaska in just 3 days for over half a million dollars. This type of thing in the Palin family usually generates a 21 gun salute or killing some moose, but things weren’t so easy.

Seems that Fed Ex is having some problems getting her sale documents to her, and she’s blaming those pesky riots in Baltimore for that. I’m sure now this young Palin will try to sell a book or new talk show claiming she can feel the pain and understand the African-American experience after having to live through it.