Aretha loses r-e-s-p-e-c-t
A Detroit music producer confirmed suspicions that Aretha Franklin was lip-syncing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday at Auburn Hills, Mich.
Brian Pastoria told the Detroit Free Press that the vocals were recorded last year at Franklin’s house.
Some had questioned whether Franklin was singing when television revealed a disparity between the sound and images of Franklin.
Matt Dobek, spokesman for the Detroit Pistons, had initially asserted that Franklin sang live but conceded Thursday that he was mistaken.
“I was unaware,” Dobek said. “She did something I did not know about.”
And no stick of bubblegum either
Sports cards were once marketed for kids, but this week Upper Deck released the most expensive pack of cards ever produced, the NBA Exquisite Collection, which costs $500 for a package of five cards.
Responded Toronto Sun columnist Bill Lankhof: “Once, people memorized the stats on the back of every card. Now, the only number that counts is the price.”
A degree in smugness
Rock star and Detroit Pistons fan Kid Rock had these reassuring words for LeBron James, who went to the NBA straight from high school, when they appeared on NBA TV’s “Live at the Finals” earlier this week:
“I didn’t go to college either and check me out.”
See you in 20 years
Cesar Carrillo has a problem many people wouldn’t mind having. No matter how much the 6-foot-2 University of Miami pitcher eats, he can’t bring his weight above 168 pounds.
Carrillo, whose team played Louisiana State Saturday in the College World Series, told the Miami Herald, “I was always real skinny. It’s just my body. No matter what I eat, I just can’t gain weight.”
Poor guy.
Leave her out of it
Tiger Woods’ golf game is slumping, but not because of his impending marriage to Elin Nordegren, a sports psychologist told the New York Post.
“His ego got in the way of his relationship with (coach) Butch Harmon and their parting of the ways is much more significant than any girlfriend,” Tom Ferraro said. “My general sense is that marriage is a positive and not a negative for him. It’s a comforting experience that makes you feel more relaxed than focused.”
Dressing down
Figure skating is getting a new look. And it has nothing to do with the new judging system.
Along with approving a new scoring system that eliminates the century-old 6.0, the International Skating Union decided to allow women to wear tights or trousers during competition. Until now, women could only wear skirts or dresses.
Women competing in ice dance will still have to wear skirts or dresses.
But don’t expect to see the costume changes right away. Most skaters already have their programs set for the upcoming season, and that includes their costumes.