Miss Cougar USA Crowned

Cougar lovers rejoice! The National Single Cougars Convention was held in Palo Alto, California last month.

The big gala began with cocktails and appetizers, served by Trader Vic’s, as well as presentations from various booth sponsors.

Francesca Gentille, an author, and Tahil Gesyuk, her love interest who is 14 years younger, addressed a room of almost 60 “cougars”. The topic? Relationships with younger men, of course.

After the presentation, the Cougar Ball took place with more than 100 “cubs” (younger men) who were there to mingle with the singles.

The highlight of the night was the crowning of the very first Miss Cougar USA. That prestigious honor went to Gloria Navarro of Redwood Shores. Next year, we might have to check this one out first-hand.

Race Across the Sky

Last weekend, I lined up at the start line of the Leadville 100, the highest altitude and biggest endurance mountain bike race there is. Over 1500 people, including Lance Armstrong, lined up for the event in the frigid, wee hours of the morning at 10,200 ft. I traveled to the race with Mike Sinyard from Specialized, Blair Clark from Smith Optics and a few other friends from Idaho. We were all Leadville virgins, so I relied heavily on course information from other athletes and the race website. I knew the course was primarily fire roads, so I chose to ride my brand new Specialized S-works 29er hard tail for this event. It was a bit of a whirlwind getting the bike and myself sorted to race so soon after coming home from 24 hour World Championships, but I did not want to pass up the opportunity to compete in the Leadville 100. It’s a legendary event, but I did have some major trepidation about how I would perform at such high altitude so soon after a grueling 24-hour solo effort. It normally takes me at least four weeks to feel right again after a 24, and I was sitting right on three weeks for the Leadville start. I spent the 3 weeks in between Worlds and Leadville riding the fine line between recovering, healing my body and trying to milk the season’s peak to last a bit longer than originally planned.

My coach Matthew was once again able to pull a rabbit out of a hat and keep the elusive peak going for an extra few weeks. It’s intoxicating to peak for an event and feel as if the race is almost easy. However, the weeks, months, years leading up to that peak are nothing but suffering, hard work and insecurity about your fitness. After events like Leadville 100 and 24 Hour Worlds where it all comes together on the right day, it’s impossible not to be seduced by that feeling and want it over and over again at every single race. However, fitness peaks cannot last the whole season and what goes up must come down so that it can go back up again. It’s a frustrating process, but oh so sweet when it comes together.

Leadville was one such occasion where everything fell into place beautifully. I was not sure of my participation until just five days before the race. At that point, I scrambled to get hotel, flight and logistics sorted. I also had to get my new Specialized 29er race ready. I’ve packed my gear enough times before and I got myself to the very early morning start on Saturday. The town of Leadville sits at 10,200 ft and the weather Friday and Saturday was cold and dismal.

I was flattered to be invited to line up on the front line with all of the big name athletes and past winners of the race. I had not seen a start list for the women’s field, so I was unaware of whom I was racing against. The shotgun start was fairly civilized with a neutral roll out for a few miles until we hit the dirt road and started climbing. I felt the mass of 1500 people behind me and just concentrated on staying near the front pack and staying upright. There are five major climbs on this course and the total ascent is about 13,000 feet over the course of 103 miles. I looked at some past women’s times and used that as a gauge for myself. With the help of another athlete, I put together a race profile with time estimates, distances of climbs and elevations. I taped this mini course map to my top tube and relied on it heavily during the race to keep track of how I was doing.

I led the women’s race from the start. I was not getting time splits, so I was unaware of what sort of gap I might have established. I assumed that someone was probably right on my tail and kept the pressure on the whole race. I imagined that every guy in front of me was a woman and tried to keep catching people. The crowds were insane and they cheered wildly when they saw I was the first female. The first ½ of the race was bitter cold, freezing rain and even sleet. I was barely able to shift or hold the handlebars and had to stop to put on shell gloves. Thankfully I was prepared with a thin jacket, arm warmers, shell gloves and a Buff for my head. I didn’t put the extra clothing on, but was somewhat comforted to have it with me. Instead, I just kept riding harder and pushing the pedals in an attempt to stay warm.

Columbine Mine at 12,500 feet is the 50-mile turnaround and the high point of the race. There is a 3000 foot, 7 mile climb to get up there. The course is an out and back format, so as I was climbing up, I got to see Lance Armstrong, Dave Wiens and the rest of the top men come flying downhill. As I reached the turnaround, the cold rain turned to stinging sleet. Descending Columbine was my one and only chance to see how close the next female was. I looked at my Suunto watch at the top of the climb and tried to look for women in the crowds going uphill. It was a tricky descent with loose rocks, rain ruts and 1500 people all coming up the same way, so looking at the other riders was difficult. I was freezing and focused on going fast downhill, but not crashing. I got a quick glimpse of Amanda Riley Carey who was in 2nd place. At that point, she was probably 15 minutes behind me, but I still had 50 miles to go and plenty more opportunity for flat tires or other problems. I made it down Columbine safely and that meant a big road flat, windy road section and two more monster climbs left in the race.

I was feeling decent, but the cold was making my legs cramp. I took some Endurolytes and tried to make an effort to finish my water. My motivation was elevated every time I went through an aid station by the thousands of people cheering and ringing cowbells. This was by far the biggest turnout I’ve ever seen for a mountain bike race and I felt like I was in the Tour de France as I rode through lines of people crowding the course. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face as they were all cheering.

The hardest climb of the course is the Powerline climb at mile 80. I had to walk the steepest portions of it, but was still keeping up with the guys around me. A little group of about four of us had formed and we were silently riding together with only the sound of our heavy breathing and a few words of encouragement between us. Misery loves company, so it was nice to have a little support out there on the hard parts of the course.

After the last big climb, I was smelling the barn and the numbers on my odometer were very near triple digits, so I shifted into the biggest gear I could push and left my little group of guys as I motored toward the finish. The last few miles ticked by very slowly, and the course is actually 103 miles!

The final road stretch into Leadville was a welcomed site. I had ridden this short stretch on Friday and visualized myself finishing the race. You can see the finish for about a ½ mile and it’s the sweetest site with the finish banner, the only stoplight in Leadville and so many people lining the streets. I got one little scare as I crested the very last hill and saw someone in front of me with curly blonde hair and a pink jersey. From the back and in my oxygen-deprived state I was not sure if it was a male or female rider. As I was rolling toward the finish I nervously asked one of the bystanders if the person in front of me was a guy. Thankfully, he was and I could roll into the finish line with my arms up and a huge sense of accomplishment in my heart.

It was one of the most exciting race finishes I have ever experienced. I finished in a time of 8:14 and was 30th place overall. The next female rider was 25 minutes behind me. At the finish, the sound of the crowd was deafening and exhilarating. I was immediately given flowers, a medal, hugs, and whisked off to the media room for an interview. In the interview, I was in a bit of shock to quickly try to re-live the moments of the race.

After a quick shower, I went back out onto 6th street to watch my friends finish and be part of the whole crazy scene. At this point the sun had finally come out and the freezing rain from Columbine was a distant memory. I couldn’t help but cheer for other finishers and smile as their families and friends hugged them.

Sunday morning awards were chaotic and extremely entertaining. All 953 official finishers received a sweatshirt with their name and finishing time printed on the sleeve. It was finally warm and sunny and so many people were milling around sharing race stories. I saw a lot of old friends and had multiple strangers come up and congratulate me. Obviously, the highlight was the awards ceremony where I got to share the podium with Lance Armstrong and Dave Wiens.

They both had the same sentiment about the race that I did. The sheer number people who came out to race and to cheer provided an intoxicating vibe that just made you happy to be riding your bike. The Leadville 100 was definitely one of the most organized races I’ve done and one of the most spirited. It’s a unique combination of a huge race with a hometown feel. It was honor to be among such strong athletes and to stand at the top of the podium with a legend. It is a day that I will not soon forget and a wonderful cap to an already incredible race season!

Thanks to everyone who gave me advice on the course, cheered for me, sent me photos and gave me motivation along the way. Thanks to Red Bull and Specialized for getting me to the start line!

Levi Johnston Vanity Fair Photos

Levi Johnston In Vanity Fair For October 2009

The father of Sarah Palin’s grandson and her daughter’s former fiancé Levi Johnston will graces on the cover of Vanity Fair magazine for October 2009 issue. He told about former Alaska Gov. in the interview with Vanity Fair magazine. This magazine news stands on month of October with teasing headline “Me and Mrs. Sarah Palin by Levi Johnston”

He talks about his woman who almost become his mother-in-low is Alaska GOP vice president Sarah Palin. He said that, he lived for two months after over the course of his two-and-a-half-year relationship with Bristol Palin. Sarah Palin is a purportedly loving mother, prolific hunter and devoted wife.

Sarah Palin’s 17 year old unwed daughter Bristol Palin was pregnant. Levi Johnston is her baby’s father. They have been dating for a year. Levi told about what happened behind the curtains of the movement and his life in the Palin’s house, The Palin house was much different from what many people expect of a normal family.

Levi Johnston also said about palin, Palin wanted to keep Bristol pregnancy a secret and adopt the baby, she told to Levi she had a great idea and says, “We would keep it a secret, nobody would know that Bristol was pregnant.”

Palin told that she and Todd (Her husband) was adopted Brishtol’s baby.

Ashley Dupre Prostitutes Herself for Music Career Publicity

The New York Post's plan to resurrect the Eliot Spitzer hooker scandal story is turning out fabulously. Day one was the "Spitzer comeback?" rumor. Day two was the Shocked Response. Now, day three: Ashley Dupre makes her return. Musically, too!

What did we tell you about this, Ashley? If you had followed our advice you would have already built your trashy faux-media empire and stacked enough cash to drop out of the public eye forever by now, via porn. We told you specifically to give up the music. Your music sucks. But what do we see, today? You, writing on a blog, for free, playing right into the hands of the bloodsucking tabloids, and plugging another god damn song!

People think I made money off music that was exploited when the scandal first broke, that I am doing reality television, and that I made millions posing nude for magazines... I never sold any photos of myself - but people who I trusted did. And the "millions" for the nude pics? I was offered that, repeatedly – and turned them down because I didn't want to perpetuate the problem or feed into the stereotype.

We know, that's the problem! You could be rich by now! Look, Ashley, the fact is that you are right, morally. You are doing the right thing to retain your humanity. But then you let the devil, in the form of the New York Post, sneak in through the back door because you think it will help your music career, of all things. Not only did you start "speaking out" right on schedule for the tabloid, but they also ran your entire Global Grind blog post in the paper, and did a review of your new song. We're not saying you struck some sort of deal with them, but if you did, you got conned. The tabloids will cover whatever you do no matter what. Your reputation is not going to change substantially. And you will never get rich off music—because, as we mentioned, your music sucks (but not in a lucrative way).

So sell out like the evil world wants you to, or just fade into obscurity. One's good for your soul. The other's good for your wallet. Playing footsie with the Post will only lead you off the cliff. Trust us here. We are your friend.

OU's Gresham has cartilage damage, won't play against BYU

Oklahoma All-America tight end Jermaine Gresham has cartilage damage to his right knee and will not play Saturday against BYU, but the extent and treatment of the injury are currently uncertain.

According to a press release today from the university, the "evaluation process is continuing" regarding Gresham's playing status this season.

Rumors began swirling Wednesday night, and Internet message boards became clogged with thousands of posts into the early morning hours.

It's not known when or how the injury occurred. Gresham was seen by reporters on Tuesday night after practice, still in full pads, looking at pictures of former teammates hanging in a hallway of the team's renovated Switzer Center.

OU offensive Kevin Wilson will have Trent Ratterree and James Hanna listed on the depth chart at tight end, according to the press release from OU.

Gresham is a senior from Ardmore who returned for his final season at OU instead of testing the NFL waters, where many analysts think he would have been a first-round draft pick last April.

Gresham is the Sooners' leading receiver from 2008's record-setting offense. He caught 66 passes for 950 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

2009 Deutsche Bank Championship Picks

Round two of the FedEx Cup Playoffs is next, with the Deutsche Bank Championship. It’s an odd Friday to Monday event, which came at a great time for me since I’ve been traveling and needed the extra day to get this masterpiece together.

The Deutsche Bank has been played since 2003, at the TPC Boston in Norton, MA. For past results, and a bit of data crunching to find best performers, please see my research page.

Before I give my picks, let me just say, please don’t yell at me for the big names on the list. It’s the Playoffs, and the fields are getting small, and sometimes it’s just not plausible to have a whole slew of darkhorses. Still, I’ve included a few names with longer odds, and as usual I’m not including Tiger because that would be too easy. So here you go, my list of 10 players to watch at this week’s Deutsche Bank Championship:

Robert Allenby: A great record at this event: 8th ’07, T4 ’06, T15 ’05, T19 ’03. And he’s playing well right now, with T2, T24, T15 in his last three events.

Jonathan Byrd: Byrd has some success at this course, with T23 ’07 and T13 ’03. He’s playing solid, reliable golf—in his last 14 starts, he has eight top-25s and only one missed cut.

Ernie Els: Els has a T3 here in ’08, but more importantly he’s playing great golf right now: four top-10s in his last six events, which includes a T6 and T2 in his last two.

Padraig Harrington: Harrington is too hot right now to ignore: T2, T10, T2 in his last three events.

Fredrik Jacobson: A T9 here in ’08 shows he can score on this course. He’s a inconsistent, streaky golfer, currently in the middle of a good streak: T17, T6 in his last two events.

Ian Poulter: Poulter seems just about back into top form, with T15, T19, T9 in his last three starts.

Justin Rose: Rose has success here at the Deutsche Bank, with T4 ’06 and 3rd ’03. He has underperformed this year, but he’s coming off a T5 and T41 in his last two starts that shows promise.

Steve Stricker: One of the big names this week, of course. Stricker at this event has a T13 ’08, T9 ’07, and T7 ’06. And we all know about the year he’s having, with two wins, two 2nds, one 3rd, and coming off a T2 at last week’s Barclays.

Nick Watney: Watney had a fantastic start to the year but then cooled down—I’m hoping that last week’s T6 at the Barclays is a sign he’s ready to heat up again.

Y.E. Yang: Why not? Yang has three top-10s in his last five events, including of course the amazing takedown of Tiger at the PGA Championship. It impressed me that he followed up that career-changing victory with a solid T20 at the Barclays; I’m expecting another good week from Yang.

Lefty Watch: Five lefties in the field this week: Greg Chalmers, Phil Mickelson, Nick O’Hern, Bubba Watson, Mike Weir. Go lefties.

Rihanna Italian Vogue photos and video

The Rihanna Italian Vogue photo shoot is taking the world by storm, but not only for the racy images, but for the meaning behind the photos. You can see photos from the quickly going viral ‘Rihanna Italian Vogue’ photo shoot in the video below. The photos show Rihanna in bondage and half clothed, but is this more than an Italian photographer’s depiction of art, or does it send a message regarding Rihanna’s recent assault from her ex-boyfriend, Chris Brown. The photos themselves are racy, but when you consider that they are from Italian Vogue, the shock lessens. Italian Vogue, as well as other European based fashion magazines often portray racy, semi-nude, and sexually suggestive images. Is there really anything ‘behind the scenes’ in these photos?

It’s also interesting to note that on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, Chris Brown spoke with Larry King about his recent assault and conviction on the Barbados beauty and singer. During that interview, Chris Brown alleged that he didn’t remember assaulting Rihanna, but he did admit to losing his temper in the heated moments while arguing. Chris Brown also stated that he pled guilty to felony assault. When asked if he still loved Rihanna he replied yes.

Many people are outraged that Chris Brown avoided jail time. He plead guilty on June 22, 2009, and the deal ensured that he would avoid jail. He was additionally sentenced to five years of probation and six months of community service. There is a protective order in place making certain that Chris Brown has no contact with Rihanna.

After the assault, Rihanna began sporting a new tattoo, causing more to speculate if the choice of a gun was meant to empower herself. Along with the Italian Vogue photos, the new haircut, and tattoos, we can be sure that the spotlight will continue to follow Chris Brown and Rihanna as they go their separate ways. As for the photos, well, they are the closest thing to Rihanna that Chris Brown is going to get for a long time.

Photo 1- AP Barbadian singer Rihanna poses for the photographers as she arrives for the British premiere of US director Quentin Tarantino's latest film 'Inglourious Basterds' at a central London cinema, Thursday July 23, 2009.

Photo 2- Barbadian singer Rihanna arrives at a cinema in London for the British premiere of Inglourious Basterds,