Kia Vaughn coming to NY in the WNBA

The NY Liberty have selected Rutgers center Kia Vanughn in the 2009 WNBA Draft!

Read the full article below....

Article courtesy of by M.A. Mehta/The Star-Ledger at http://www.nj.com/sports/index.ssf/2009/04/new_york_liberty_select_former.html

Kia Vaughn was bouncing all over the place in heels with a trademark smile that let everyone know how downright giddy she was to be staying home.

The former Rutgers center was the eighth overall pick by the New York Liberty at the WNBA Draft at NBA Entertainment studios in Secaucus yesterday.


Vaughn, a native of the Bronx, was selected by her hometown team amid rumors that the Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx might grab the athletic 6-4 post player.

"I was just excited to play anywhere and play for anyone," Vaughn said. "It was a dream to play here, but I had to face reality that anything was possible and anything could happen. But now my dream has come true."

Vaughn will re-united with former Rutgers teammate Essence Carson, who was the Liberty's top pick last season. The Liberty, like most teams, was intrigued by Vaughn's athleticism and her polished defensive skills.

Vaughn, the Scarlet Knights' all-time leader in games played (135), is one of just four players in program history to top 1,000 points and rebounds. She finished as Rutgers' second all-time leading rebounder and shot blocker.

"She brings size, athleticism and toughness that you need to have in this league to win it all," said Liberty head coach Patty Coyle, a Rutgers alum. "When you get a Rutgers player, they're tough, they understand how to win, and I think they're ready to play at the next level."

WNBA general managers were also drawn to Vaughn's pro-ready physique and untapped offensive potential. Vaughn, who averaged 9.9 points and 7.7 rebounds as a senior, shot nearly 56 percent for her career.

"She's going to take New York by storm," said Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer, who was in attendance. "She has the potential to be one of the best -- if not the best -- center in the country. There is nothing that she can't do and nothing that she can't imagine. There's no amount of work that she won't do."

Stringer admitted there wasn't a ceiling to Vaughn's capabilities at the next level.

"She desires to be so good," Stringer said. "She's not lazy. She's a hard worker... In two years, she'll dominate everything. Because she'll grow. She's not going to be satisfied with anything other than that."

Vaughn's entry into the professional ranks came after a roller-coaster season that included a benching midway through the year. She overcame a disappointing couple months by fueling Rutgers' late-season run to the NCAA tournament.

"I've gotten through it," Vaughn said of her uneven senior season. "I believe that now I can get through anything in life."

Vaughn, who will earn $41,574 in the first of a three-year deal with a team option in the fourth year, could make an immediate impact for a playoff team that finished 19-15 last season.

"I can even imagine it," said Vaughn's mother, Aja Ellington. "It's beautiful. ... She's tough. She's strong. And she never gives up."

In the post-selection celebration, it was hard to tell whether Vaughn or Stringer - who now has two former players close to home -- was happier.

"These guys are hard workers and they're winners," Stringer said. "Sometimes you have to hear about that on the other coast. They're right there in New York. I think I'll be going to New York every week."

Vaughn admitted she couldn't wait for the Liberty's season opener on June 7.

"This is a big leap. And it's my life now," Vaughn said. "I'm definitely ready."

NOTES: Angel McCoughtry of Louisville was the top overall pick by the Atlanta Dream... The Liberty selected Duke guard Abby Waner with their second-round pick (21st overall).

Fat Smash Again?

After failing miserably last week at my attempt of losing weight one week ago I decided to try it one more time. I know I can do this I mean its not rocket science right? I just need to get my ass up and get motivated and say "I can do this". So here we go...let me see what happens this week.

Cheers,

Politcs and Pageants.....Comment from CF.com post

IN A PERFECT WORLD...

It's really sad that MGA always gets the blame for this. But to be just a little open, isn't Continental, EOY, USofA that way also?

All pageant contestants pay dues I think a part of it is about growing and showing your dedication to that system. Sometimes judges tend to be repeated and they start to know whose who. If they give you comments they expect you to learn and come back. These ladies and gents spend a lot of money just to walk away with that single title. I must commend all the contestants who go back year after year trying to achieve their goal of being MGA or Miss Continental or EOY. It's not an easy road.

For MGA they have Coti but he finally said no, but what about the others Chantel, China, and of course Victoria. Other winners like Sabrina, Raquel and Charity The same thing at Continental....Monica Munro, Yoshiko and Danielle Hunter went back year after year and through that process they grew and grew. Regine and Sasha are still competing. EOY had Ashley and Dee Ranged. USofA also had Ashley, Necole and Roxy to name a few.

I can't say whether or not these pageants are rigged or not and there have been some really bad results in the past.

Finally I would love a PLUS girl to win one of the three small girl titles. I can see it now your new Miss Continental is _______(Chelsea Pearl or Chevel Brooks) or your new Miss Gay America is _________ (I say Kristina or Porkchop), or how about Miss Gay USofA is _______________ (Angel Sheridan or Charity Case).

Just my two cents.

Oh My God Becky...Look At His...

Day 1 of that crazy weight loss thing saw me getting up at 545. Talk about crazy. I actually didn't get out of bed until 645. Got out the Wii and measure myself and wasn't happy with what I saw. I gained pounds over a 2 month period....talk about going in the wrong direction. In the next 2 months my goal is to lose a total of 22 pounds. This would put me at 189. My overall goal as mentioned previously is 175. Well its time to get going on Doc Ian's crazy regimen and see if I can stick it out. Cycle 1 (the first part) will last a total of 7 days. At that point I will reweigh and myself and see where I am at. Time to workout.

The Fat Stops Here....It's Time To Go To The Extreme

For years I have been struggling with my weight. I'm always dieting here and dieting there. Trying this and trying that. It's really crazy. I will start a diet and it will last a day or two before I give up. Stress controls everything when it comes to my weight and I end up giving up. Last year I weighed 230 pounds. I was very disgusted in myself. I was bloated and well my clothes weren't fitting. I was so depressed. Since then I have lost some weight I am now at 203, however I am still not comfortable in my skin and I got a long way to go. My goal weight is 175. So I am 28 pounds a ways. My height I am not sure about , I'm either 5'10 or 5'11 not sure. But my BMI is high and says I am am overweight (29.9) on the verge of obesity. However if you were to look at me you couldn't tell that I was a fat guy.

Ok so the point of this entry is to say I am going to try Dr. Ian Smith's Extreme Fat Smash Diet. For the next 9 weeks I will follow the diet to the "T" and see where it lands me. I will try my best not to cut any corners along the way and I will post my progress on here. I am also using Bally's Total Fitness, The Biggest Loser Cardio Max DVD, and Wii Fit.

Let's see if I can do it. The journey starts tomorrow at 6am.

Miss USA scheduled for April 19 in Sin City

The Miss USA Pageant is just one month away and I am excited to attend this years pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada. Last year Texas's (my home state) Crystal Stewart would easily walk away with the coveted title after her 5th attempt at the Texas title Did you know over 151 contestants compete every year in the Texas preliminary. Talk about competition.
I knew from the moment that I attended rehearsals Crystal would walk away with the title leaving all of her competitors in the dust. Unfortunately, Crystal, a heavy favorite to win the Miss Universe title in Vietnam, would fall on stage during the evening gown competition and lose it all. This is the second year in a row a contestant representing the US would fall during the evening gown competition. Remember in 2007 Rachel Smith would also fall in her evening gown. Unlike Smith who placed 3rd runner-up Stewart would go onto to finish in 8th place.

It's now time to take a look at the ladies competing at the years pageant. Here are just a few of my favorites. Since its hard to tell a lot from just a photo I am going to call it my Miss USA Photogenic Picks...

Top 20

Arizona
Arkansas
California
Connecticut
DC
Georgia
Hawaii
Iowa
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
Oklahoma
Ohio
Nevada
Minnesota
Louisiana
Texas
New York

Top 10
New York
Texas
Nevada
Washington
Tennessee
South Carolina
Iowa
Georgia
DC
California

Top 5
Texas 3rd Runner Up
Georgia 1st RunnerUp
Washington 4th Runner Up
Tennessee Winner
DC 2nd Runner Up

Early Prediction Winner: Miss Tennessee

RIP Natasha Richardson :(

Actress Natasha Richardson dies after skiing accident
The wife of actor Liam Neeson and member of the Redgrave theatrical family was 45.
By John Horn
6:03 PM PDT, March 18, 2009

Natasha Richardson, the luminous British actress from one of the world's great acting families, whose performances ranged from the high-brow drama "The Handmaid's Tale" to the lightweight comedy "The Parent Trap" and the Tony-winning Broadway production of "Cabaret," died Wednesday. She was 45.

The wife of "Schindler's List" actor Liam Neeson and the daughter of actress Vanessa Redgrave and the late film director Tony Richardson died at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. The cause of death was not announced, but she had been hospitalized after suffering a devastating brain injury while skiing Monday.

"Liam Neeson, his sons and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha," said a statement released by publicist Alan Nierob. "They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time."

Courtesy of LA Times




"What good is sitting alone In your room?
Come hear the music play.
Life is a Cabaret, old chum,
Come to the Cabaret.

Put down the knitting, The book and the broom.
It's time for a holiday.
Life is a Cabaret, old chum
Come to the Cabaret.

Come taste the wine, Come hear the band.
Come blow a horn, Start celebrating;
Right this way, Your table's waiting.

What good's permitting Some prophet of doom
To wipe every smile away.
Life is a Cabaret, old chum,
So Come to the Cabaret!

I used to have a girlfriend Known as Elsie,
With whom I shared A four sordid rooms in Chelsea
She wasn't what you'd call a blushing flower...
As a matter of fact she rented by the hour.

The day she died the neighbors Came to snicker:
"Well, that's what comes from too much pills and liquor."
But when I saw her laid out like a Queen,
She was the happiest... corpse... I'd ever seen.

I think of Elsie to this very day.
I remember how she'd turn to me and say:
"What good is sitting all alone in you room?
Come hear the music play.
Life is a Cabaret, old chum,
Come to the Cabaret.

And as for me, And as for me,
I made my mind up, back in Chelsea,
When I go, I'm going like Elsie.

Start by admitting, From cradle to tomb
It isn't that a long a stay.
Life is a Cabaret, old chum,
It's only a Cabaret, old chum
And I love a Cabaret.