With another 4th of July in the books, it’s important that we as Americans take a look back and appreciate the things that best embody this great nation of ours. I’m talking, of course, about the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. As you no doubt already know (in part because we mentioned it earlier today), […]

For generations, the Chicago Cubs have provided the nation with baseball punchlines - think of 1908, Eamus Catuli, Lee Elia, billy goats, Harry Caray, and any number of other Cubs-related names/dates/objects that instantly convey the idea of the “lovable losers” from the North Side. Even the stadium has evolved into a tourist attraction, something to […]

For many of us, Simona Halep’s abrupt breast reduction was a sad, slightly strange tale. Why would a semi-accomplished yet obscure pro tennis player have her breasts reduced shortly after her career highlight? (Winning the Junior French Open.)

(Translation: The blacked out word starts with “T” and ends with “S”)
It now goes without saying that […]

Two weeks ago, in the aftermath of the Lakers’ triumph over Orlando, I brought you photos and observations from ground zero of what would become a full-blown fan riot in downtown Los Angeles.

(I look like Van Pelt now, but only if he’d lost a kidney as a child)
Today, at least for a moment, I […]

Here’s a photo I snapped this week on the Venice Beach Boardwalk:

(U.S. Snowboard team raises funds between dry land training sessions) 
Those sorts of signs are popping up more and more on VB, which is fine by me. Keeps my daily rounds all the more entertaining. And lest you think that’s all there is to […]

Sorry, I can’t separate the *man* from his art. I grew up during the height of M.J.’s popularity, and to hear people compare his death to 9/11 or JFK’s assassination saddens and disturbs me.

Here’s some well-meaning young ladies on the beach in Los Angeles today who don’t share my cynicism. Ah, the innocence of youth […]

Without a doubt, Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin has been one of the most flamboyant personalities in sports over the past 25 years. Whether one discusses his incredible football abilities, his even more incredible mouth, his affinity for drugs, his attempts to stab teammates, or his generosity to those in need, there’s a […]

One of my favorite women’s tennis players of all time is Steffi Graf, who celebrated her 40th birthday this week. Thanks to her bullet-like forehands and unparalleled athleticism, Graf was as dominant in her era as any women’s player in history.

But of course as a teenager, all I remember were those unbelievable legs. My god, […]

It’s nearly impossible to believe now, but there was once a time when MTV was considered a groundbreaking, trendsetting television network. In between showing actual music videos, they developed a series of programs that set the stage for later, larger cultural development. Just like music videos changed the way people listened to and learned about […]

Eating contests are gross enough, but the competitors are horking down too much of something that’s at least meant to be edible. Then you’ve got the stinging nettle, a plant that’s grown tiny spines to avoid being eaten. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the World Stinging Nettle Eating Championship!

Taking place yesterday in England […]