It’s mid-week again – and that means time for “Hump Day Links”… featuring various entertaining reads throughout the online sports world.

Hump Day Links (Vol. 7): August 18, 2010

NFL Hall of Famer says he’s lost respect for Brett Favre… wait, someone’s lost respect for Favre? Get outta here! [MoonDog Sports]

With his decision to return to the Vikings, have we finally seen the end of “Favreapalooza”, at least for this offseason?  Here’s hoping so – and here’s a poll on the most annoying folks in sports over the last year…

Joe Maddon – one of the best in baseball [Tophatal's Blog]

What cliché lines like “one game at a time” really mean [Guyism]

Hate it when players flop?  Here’s a guy DEFENDING the flop – gasp! [Sports Chump]

Comparing Bryce Harper to Top Draft Picks of the Past [Mr. Irrelevant]

How good will Bryce Harper be once he reaches D.C.?

Don’t believe every NFL preseason thing you hear, such as Super Bowl losers struggling during the following season [FPL]

Various types of people that you could meet at a Fantasy Football draft [Gunaxin]

Jose Canseco is still talking through something other than his mouth – including on Twitter [Wicked Good Sports]

Still talkin’ Dustin Johnson, Whistling Straits, plus photos of the famous bunker [Wei Under Par]

One man lists his sleepers in Fantasy Football this season [Josh Q. Public]

Hazing Comes to Head With Jacksonville Jaguars [Sports by Brooks]

Derrek Lee finally accepts a trade – and is bound for Atlanta [New York Times]

Will the Phillies counter before the end of the waiver deadline?  I wouldn’t rule that out, though with that rotation, they are in great shape…

New York’s latest basketball crush is on Carmelo [The Big Lead]

Yes, “distracting” is one way to refer to Eva Longoria (below) [With Leather]

Eva Longoria - wife of Tony Parker - is one of the most beautiful sports wives today

So very, VERY distracting…

The concept of a man hogging the remote is an old wive’s tale – literally.  Face it, the women get their hot little hands on the TV’s main life force just as much as we do – and that can result in a mean-spirited battle for couch potato domination… or perhaps something not quite that dramatic.

Either way, every man could use a leg up on the wife when it comes to the TV – and if I can do my part to help the men of the world survive, then gosh darnit, well… I’ve earned my man card for the week.

Take these TV nuggets of advice – coupling a great MAN event against something that’s syrupy sweet and PURE EVIL a.k.a. something the WIFE may want to see.

TAKE BACK the TV!!

Note: All times based off Eastern Time schedule – Check local listings for channel info

Remote Controlling: The Man’s TV Guide to Outsmart The WIFE

(August 11-15, 2010)

Wednesday August 11, 2010: Primetime

Balance a BEER on your stomach while you watch Jeter and the Yankees take on the Rangers

Two of the American League’s best teams face off, with the “Evil Empire” taking on Nolan’s boys in Arlington.  We’re not just talking must-see baseball, but plop your ass down the couch, see if you can balance a beer on your stomach baseball.

But don’t get comfortable, because that remote could be gone quicker than Ellen could be off of American Idol, because…

8:00 PM on TVGN – French Kiss – Starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline

Any romantic comedy that’s based in Paris – the city of love – is cause for a red flag.  We don’t care how bad Kevin Kline’s accent is in this movie THE WIFE is likely to be tempted to switch over.  Besides, there’s a character named Jean-Paul in this flick, and that’s never good.

SIDE NOTE ALERT: How has Big Brother managed to outlast shows like 24, or really any show that has carnage and explosions?  Seriously, if you actually watch Big Brother please raise your hand.  Scratch that… speak up – because I seriously don’t think I know one person that watches.

Thursday August 12, 2010: Primetime

8:00 PM on ESPN – NFL Exhibition – Carolina Panthers at Baltimore Ravens

8:00 PM on GOLF – Live From the PGA Championship

Men: Do your thumb exercises on the way home from work and prepare to get ready to use the “Previous Channel” button on your remote.

First, it’s NFL preseason – and we don’t care if Joe Blow or Johnny Underpants are playing for three-quarters of the game, it’s football and our mouths have been watering for it for months.  Here’s a dose where we could get a peak at Ravens newcomer Anquan Boldin or Carolina rookie QB Jimmy Clausen.

Will Tiger rebound at the PGA or be a train wreck again?

Second, there’s first round coverage of golf’s final major of the year – and people will be curious to see if Tiger will rebound, or continue to be a train wreck.

So, SECURE THE REMOTE because…

8:00 PM on FOX – So You Think You Can Dance – Season 7 Finale

If THE WIFE is hooked on this show, there’s a good shot that you’ll have your hands full, because tonight is finale night.

Personally, I get annoyed when a show that has judges that consistently showers its contestants with kindness.  This show needs a little dose of Simon Cowell.

Friday August 13, 2010: Primetime

Fridays are tough, because we all know there are a lot of different options – so it’s PICK YOUR PLEASURE – and among my recommendations from the sports world include Live From The PGA Championship (GOLF), NASCAR Racing Spring Cup Qualifying (SPEED), Little League Baseball (ESPN) and Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the New York Jets (HBO). There are also a few classic comedies (American Pie 2) and bang ‘em up, shoot ‘em up action flicks (Die Hard 2), too.

Unfortunately, it’s also PICK YOUR POISON…

YOU’VE BEEN WARNED:

8:00 PM – When a Man Loves a Woman – Starring Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia

Damn you, Meg Ryan – you’re up to no good again.  Let’s hope THE WIFE didn’t notice.

8:00 PM – Monster-InLaw – Starring Jane Fonda and Jennifer Lopez

C’mon now, the New York Jets will never let you hear the end of it if you wind up avoiding Hard Knocks for a romantic wedding comedy.  Oh and I’ll definitely tell Rex Ryan…

Saturday August 14 and Sunday August 15, 2010

Afternoon Hours – PGA Championship Third and Final Round Coverage

Avoid "The Cougar Click": Locklear's not worth getting stuck watching this movie

The headliner this weekend is the PGA Tour’s final major of the year – and by this point, we’ll have a good idea as to whether any of the big names like Tiger or Phil have a shot.

But before then, we must make sure that we don’t need to take a mulligan on remote access…

ESTROGEN COMPETITION:

Saturday August 14, 2010

2:30 PM on Oxygen – The Perfect Man – Starring Heather Locklear and Hilary Duff

Fight the urge to sneak a peak at the cougar Locklear.

3:00 PM on Lifetime – Because I Said So – Starring Mandy Moore and Diane Keaton

Don’t watch.  Why?  Well, because I said so… duh.

Sunday August 15, 2010

You’re likely to get competition from Definitely, Maybe on Oxygen at 4:30pm, plus He’s Just Not That Into You at 5:15pm on MOMAX.

However, if the PGA Championship and other events are not cutting the mustard, then the classic comedy Wedding Crashers is on Comedy Central at 5:30pm.

“Yes! Crabcakes and football, that’s what Maryland does!”

Jennie Finch started playing softball at the age of five – developing a talent and a love for the game so strong, that it vaulted her to being a two-time Player of the Year and three-time All-American at the University of Arizona.

Finch also won two Olympic medals – a gold and silver, and has become the face of USA softball, not just because of her vicious windup and dominant pitching performances, but also because she’s become widely known as one of the most beautiful women in all of sports.

Now, as her 30^th birthday quickly approaches, Jennie Finch has decided to retire this year – and to honor Finch for her career achievements (and physical beauty), TWHS would like to provide the following mini-tribute to recognize Jennie Finch and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors, whatever they may be.

First, a few jawdropping stats highlighting portions of Jennie Finch’s career – followed by a few pictures of her throughout the years…

Jennie Finch: A Few Stats

Arizona: 2001 – 32-0 record

Arizona: Career Record 119-16

Arizona: 64 career shutouts

Arizona: 1,028 career strikeouts in 876 2/3 IP

US National Team: 36-2 career record

US National Team: Career 0.42 ERA

US National Team: 23 CG and 19 shutouts in 40 career starts

US National Team: 397 K’s in 239 1/3 IP

Career 0.15 ERA at La Mirada High School

Jennie Finch: A Few Photos

 

Best of luck to you, Jennie – and thanks for the memories!

Beer, sports and football are three of the main staples in the daily lives of many men.

Tie in TV – the way most of us catch a big game – and more than likely, we’ll see a number of comical, amusing and creative commercials on beer.

For example, there’s Dos Equis – featuring the “most interesting man in the world”.

Just in case you live in a bubble, here’s a montage:

Now that you have your Dos Equis in hand (and the concept in mind), you’ll need a little sports to wash it down – so why not do so by gorging on a little college football?

If you had to discuss some of the bigger names in college football with a Dos Equis “most interesting man” spin – how would you handle it?

Here are 12 ways that I would:

The Dos Equis Spin: The Most (Insert Word) Men in the College Football World

Lane Kiffin

He’s managed a pro job in Oakland, a high-profile college gig (while sporting neon orange) and then skipped town to nab his dream job – all while really posting what many would simply (and generously) call mediocre career numbers.

He has more connections than US Airways.

He’s Lane Kiffin…. and he’s the most unaccomplished-accomplished man in the football world.

Randy Edsall

He’s had to fit a pigskin-shaped peg into a round basketball hole for years – and done it with class and passion.

Last year, he stared tragedy right in the face and said, “Bring it on”.

His talents are just a phone call away and it won’t be long before he’s the big man on campus

He’s Randy Edsall… and he’s the most underrated man in the college football world.

Pete Carroll

For years, the NFL kept calling and flirting with this king of southern California – but he was having too much fun in the sun.

Perhaps he brought new meaning to the phrase, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” – Reggie Bush, that is.

Only he truly knows the real truth – but speculation takes a backseat to no one, especially when traveling north on the roads of the Pacific up to Seattle.

He’s Pete Carroll… and he’s the biggest escape artist in the football world.

Urban Meyer

If his passion were bottled and sold, you couldn’t keep him on the shelf.

But passion can come with a hefty price – in the form of health issues, then juggling between an ongoing coaching career and retirement.

One can’t help but notice one moment of sincerity with a talented QB that’s tears can save lives, countered with another moment of ferocity and anger directed at an innocent reporter.

Conclusion: He’s less Superman and more like a Batman character instead.

He’s Urban Meyer… and he’s the most two-faced man in the college football world.

Jake Locker

In a world where everyone tries to prove that money can indeed buy happiness, he puts that theory on hold.

Even with all the number one overall draft pick hype, he refuses to pick up call waiting when the pros come callin’.

Even when a star like Sam Bradford falls victim to a major injury, he stays put.

Money and fame are instead replaced by college, graduation and learning.

He’s Jake Locker… and he’s the most refreshing man in the college football world.

Brian Kelly

(AP Photo/Joe Raymond)

He took a non-existent football program and not only made them relevant, but put them in the BCS spotlight.

He’s not afraid to speak his mind – as his opinion on conference expansion is well documented.

He’s also not afraid to take on a big role and a huge responsibility – one where expectations are attacking him from all possible angles.

He’s Brian Kelly… and he’s the most pressured man in the college football world.

Joe Paterno

While the majority of football schools have a revolving door entrance into the coach’s office, his has a name plate written in permanent ink.

He’s charismatic, passionate, knowledgeable and experienced.

He’s also witty, feisty, stubborn and demanding.

No matter what he is, one thing’s for sure: he keeps on going and going.

He’s Joe Paterno… and he’s the Energizer Bunny of the college football world.

Nick Saban

If you ask him to “say cheese”, he’ll respond by saying “Limburger”.

If you gave him a dollar every time he smiled, he’d be more broke than MC Hammer.

Call it focus… call it determination… call it intensity.

Call it whatever you want – because no matter what, it’s working.

He’s Nick Saban… and he’s the least photogenic man in the college football world.

Adrian Clayborn

He has a tank-sized frame coupled with cartoon-like Road Runner legs.

He has the ability to change a game with one play and change a conference standing in one quarter.

He’s only begun to tap into his potential.

He’s Adrian Clayborn… and he’s the most talented defensive man in the college football world.

Terrelle Pryor

His choice as a freshman was LeBron-like in nature – and his talents are in that ballpark, too.

But to this point, he’s yet to be the best quarterback in his conference, let alone all of college football.

His potential has been growing and his game has been becoming more fine-tuned – so much that in the end, he may just match the hype he entered with.

He’s Terrelle Pryor… and he’s the most vigorous man in the college football world.

Rick Neuheisel

He stares adversity in the face and laughs at its appearance.

He’s reached settlements and gambled in the past – literally.

He renewed the passion and fire in an old Los Angeles area rivalry – all the while being the whipping boy to his next door neighbor.

Now, the doorway is open for him to walk through and own his new home – making it a one-horse town sporting powder blue.

He’s Rick Neuheisel… and he continues to be the most vindicated man in the college football world.

Rich Rodriguez

He left his former state of West Virginia feeling hot under the collar, only to plant himself in his current chair, which is hotter than Hades.

He went from six straight bowl games at WVU to the toilet bowl in Ann Arbor – taking over a legendary program and littering it with question marks, from losing records, to departing players, to rule violations.

Calling this season a “make-or-break year” is the understatement of the century.

He’s Rich Rodriguez… and he’s the most scrutinized man in the college football world.

Stay thirsty for football, my friends…

Drink Dos Equis - and maybe if you listen, the folks there will advertise with TWHS

* Also posted to my Bleacher Report page

Game over, Carmelo – literally.

After tonight, there will be a NEW WIFE in sports – as NBA superstar and Denver Nuggets small forward Carmelo “Melo” Anthony is tying the knot with TV personality Alani “LaLa” Vazquez.

It sounds like it promises to be quite an event, with plenty of well-known names attending,including newest unofficial member of the Miami Heat – and least favorite person in Cleveland – LeBron James.

The couple has been engaged since Christmas of 2004, and they have a son – Kiyan Carmelo Anthony, who was born in 2007.

It’s safe to say that a lot of us sports fans know who “Melo” is: key member of a national champion Syracuse team and later drafted by the Denver Nuggets with the third pick in the first round in the 2003 NBA Draft.

Since entering the NBA, Anthony has helped push his team to the playoffs every year.  Carmelo is also a three-time All-Star, winner of multiple Olympic medals and has scored 20+ plus points per game every season since entering the NBA.

But many ask the question, “Who’s LaLa?”

I know this because upon researching her, the majority of people can’t even spell her name correctly – including via this New York Post piece discussing their wedding.

Well, that’s the case if her official blog site is correct – which I assume that it would be.

Between “Lala” and “LaLa” or “Vasquez” and “Vazquez”, the options almost feel endless – but who is she, you may ask?

In a nutshell, Alani “LaLa” Vazquez is a former MTV VJ, a radio personality and a whole lot more, from producer to mother to aspiring actress.

On top of all that, she’s also quite striking – as you will see below in a pictorial presented by The Wife Hates Sports – in honor of the NEW WIFE in sports.

Well, officially new, at least.

LaLa Vazquez – Wife of Carmelo Anthony

 

Nice catch, Carmelo – and good luck to you both.

Image Credits: Bikini Shots SI.com – as you will see via the blown up images