Maino

“Let’s Make A Movie” is just one of the many highlights on “IF TOMORROW COMES…” Stacked with a broad spectrum of bangers, the album makes an indelible first impression of a serious new hip-hop star. The first major label debut to be released by a new Brooklyn-based rapper since Fabolous’ 2001 classic “GHETTO FABOLOUS,” “IF TOMORROW COMES…” sees Maino showing off his unadulterated candor and staccato flow on such recent singles as “Hi Hater,” “Million Bucks (Feat. Swizz Beats),” and the RIAA platinum certified smash, “All The Above (Feat. T-Pain).”

Produced by Just Blaze (T.I., Jamie Foxx, Saigon) and Nard & B (T.I., Plies, Ludacris), “All The Above” was an out-of-the-box sensation upon its March release, scoring the highest first week single sales for a new rap artist since Flo Rida’s “Low.” The single went on to become one of the summer’s biggest hip-hop radio hits, riding high on the Rhythmic Top 20 and Urban Top 40 (having impacted as the #1 most added single at the format).

JAY-Z will perform on The American Music Awards, airing live this Sunday, November 22nd on ABC. JAY-Z has scored a # 1 Billboard HOT 100 single with “Empire State Of Mind.” Featuring Alicia Keys, the song has become an unofficial hometown anthem. This is the first time JAY-Z has topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart with a song featured on his album. Previous #1 singles include, “Heartbreaker” with Mariah Carey, “Umbrella” with Rihanna and “Crazy In Love” with Beyonce.

JAY-Z’s landmark # 1 single is the second “The Blueprint 3” release to sell over 1 million copies. Both “Empire State Of Mind” and the hit “Run This Town” with Rihanna and Kanye West have been certified platinum. On the hit single, JAY-Z remarked, “Really, “Empire State Of Mind” is about inspiration, it’s about hope. I think that’s what connects with people.”

“Empire State Of Mind” is the latest single from JAY-Z’s platinum plus album “The Blueprint 3.” Selling over 475,000 copies in its first week, “The Blueprint 3” became his 11th # 1 on Billboard’s album chart, propelling him past Elvis as the solo act with the most # 1 albums in Billboard’s history.

The NiMH rechargeable battery fits perfectly on the Xbox controller, as it locks in place. What more can you ask for? You get to two charge packs, say two Xbox controllers can recharge. Already, you’re saving money, instead of having to go out and purchase another charging unit to charge two controllers.

One small issue is that the controllers have to be on the charge base to charge. The charge base is a great place to store your controller or controllers when not in use too, as the controller fits securely in its charge base. Also, the lights in front of the charge base light up to a color red when it’s charging, when it’s charging the light turns green, to indicate that’s it’s working, then finally when the pack is fully charged, the light turns off.

Extremely fast charging, I’ve left the battery almost completely depleted, and its been able to fully charge within 1.5 – 2 hours, but if you’re in a hurry, and don’t want to wait, a quick 30 minutes or so to charge will have sufficient enough battery life for a couple hours.

Overall, the Xbox 360 Charge Base made by Nyko is simply the best battery charger on the market, as it’s Charge base also holds two controllers in place, giving you a nice place to put your controllers when not in use. The batteries charge fully and last long. You can’t go wrong with this purchase as you’ll save money, from having to buy batteries every week or so. -Product reviewed by Mario Diaz, So Hood Magazine, SoHood.com

About: Charge Base 360 comes with two custom NiMH rechargeable batteries and a charge base. It was developed and produced by Nyko for Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Console. It retails for $29.99 USD

The Wand is about the same size as a standard Wii Remote, but upon close, a closer look, you’ll notice some visual differences, like the changes of the buttons including the Menu button to a square shape on the Wand.

The nunchuck, which Nyko calls Kama, is considerably larger than the standard Nintendo Wii nunchuck, as you’ll notice once you firmly hold it in your hands. A great addition is that the back portion is coated in a non-slip surface, a rubber that makes it easier to hold the controller when you hands get sweaty .The buttons on the Kama also have larger buttons then the Wii nunchuck version, making it easier to press them.

The controller buttons feel like Nintendo Wii version, as it isn’t any less or more responsive, the overall quality of the buttons do feel as if it will last the normal amount of mashing a normal person will inflict on it.

Overall, the Nyko Core Pak is a great option for those looking for a cheaper alternate then buying the Nintendo Wii controllers, but it won’t feel cheap, as you’ll be getting a great wand and Kama worth it’s value. -Product reviewed by Mario Diaz, So Hood Magazine, SoHood.com

About: Wand Core Pak Includes a Wand Controller and Wired Kama with Rumble for Wii. It was developed and produced by Nyko for the Nintendo Wii System. It retails for $39.99 USD

PIT(6-3) @ KC (2-7) -Arrowhead Stadium. Pittsburgh Steelers Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Ben Roethlisberger Rushing-Rashard Mendenhall Receiving-Santonio Holmes. Kansas City Chiefs Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Matt Cassel Rushing-Larry Johnson Receiving-Dwayne Bowe.
Picks: MD PIT WIN 28-10 – ED PIT WIN 45-15

SF(4-5) @ GB (5-4) -Lambeau Field. San Francisco 49ers Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Shaun Hill Rushing-Frank Gore Receiving-Vernon Davis Green Bay Packers Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Aaron Rodgers Rushing-Ryan Grant Receiving-Donald Driver.
Picks: MD GB WIN 21-14 – ED GB WIN 35 -14

CLE (1-8) @ DET (1-8) -Ford Field. Cleveland Browns Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Derek Anderson Rushing-Jamal Lewis Receiving-Mohamed Massaquoi. Detroit Lions Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Matthew Stafford Rushing-Kevin Smith Receiving-Calvin Johnson.
Picks: MD CLE WIN 10-3 – ED CLE WIN 21 -7

IND (9-0) @ BAL (5-4) -M&T Bank Stadium. Indianapolis Colts Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Peyton Manning Rushing-Joseph Addai Receiving-Reggie Wayne. Baltimore Ravens Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Joe Flacco Rushing-Ray Rice Receiving-Derrick Mason.
Picks: MD IND WIN 28-14 – ED IND WIN 31 -24

SEA (3-6) @ MIN (8-1) -Mall of America Field. Seattle Seahawks Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Matt Hasselbeck Rushing-Julius Jones Receiving-T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Minnesota Vikings Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Brett Favre Rushing-Adrian Peterson Receiving-Sidney Rice.
Picks: MD MIN WIN 34-14 – ED MIN WIN 31 -7

WAS (3-6) @ DAL (6-3) -Cowboys Stadium. Washington Redskins Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Jason Campbell Rushing-Clinton Portis Receiving-Santana Moss. Dallas Cowboys Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Tony Romo Rushing-Marion Barber Receiving-Miles Austin.
Picks: MD DALWIN 24-14 – ED DAL WIN 28 -14

BUF (3-6) @ JAC (5-4) -Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Buffalo Bills Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Trent Edwards Rushing-Fred Jackson Receiving-Lee Evans. Jacksonville Jaguars Regular Season Leaders: Passing-David Garrard Rushing-Maurice Jones-Drew Receiving-Mike Sims-Walker.
Picks: MD JAC WIN 14-10- ED JAC WIN 21 -7

ATL (5-4) @ (5-4) NYG -Giants Stadium. Atlanta Falcons Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Matt Ryan Rushing-Michael Turner Receiving-Roddy White. New York Giants Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Eli Manning Rushing-Brandon Jacobs Receiving-Steve Smith.
Picks: MD NYG WIN 17-14 – ED NYG WIN 21 -14

NO (9-0) @ TB (1-8) -Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans Saints Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Drew Brees Rushing-Pierre Thomas Receiving-Marques Colston.Tampa Bay Buccaneers Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Josh Johnson Rushing-Cadillac Williams Receiving-Kellen Winslow.
Picks: MD NO WIN 38-21 – ED NO WIN 48 -7

ARI (6-3) @ STL (1-8) -Edward Jones Dome. Arizona Cardinals Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Kurt Warner Rushing-Beanie Wells Receiving-Larry Fitzgerald. St. Louis Rams Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Marc Bulger Rushing-Steven Jackson Receiving-Donnie Avery.
Picks: MD ARI WIN 24-14 – ED ARI WIN 30 -14

NYJ (4-5) @ NE (6-3) -Gillette Stadium. New York Jets Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Mark Sanchez Rushing-Thomas Jones Receiving-Jerricho Cotchery. New England Patriots Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Tom Brady Rushing-Laurence Maroney Receiving-Randy Moss.
Picks: MD NE WIN 21-9 – ED NE WIN 31 -3

CIN (7-2) @ OAK (2-7) -Oakland Coliseum. Cincinnati Bengals Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Carson Palmer Rushing-Cedric Benson Receiving-Chad Ochocinco. Oakland Raiders Regular Season Leaders: Passing-JaMarcus Russell Rushing-Michael Bush Receiving-Zach Miller.
Picks: MD Eagles WIN 17-14 – ED CIN WIN 21 -14

SD (6-3) @ DEN (6-3) -Invesco Field at Mile High. San Diego Chargers Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Philip Rivers Rushing-LaDainian Tomlinson Receiving-Vincent Jackson. Denver Broncos Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Kyle Orton Rushing-Knowshon Moreno Receiving-Brandon Marshall.
Picks: MD DEN WIN 17-10 – ED DEN WIN 21-10

PHI (5-4) @ CHI (4-5) -Soldier Field. Philadelphia Eagles Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Donovan McNabb Rushing-LeSean McCoy Receiving-DeSean Jackson. Chicago Bears Regular Season Leaders: Passing-Jay Cutler Rushing-Matt Forte Receiving-Devin Hester.
Picks: MD PHI WIN 30-21 – ED PHI WIN 35 -17

Funny People (2-Disc)

Overview: George Simmons is a famous stand-up comedian who learns that he has a terminal illness and less than a year to live. When, he meets Ira, a struggling comedian at a comedy club where both the comedians are performing, George hires Ira to be his personal assistant and opening act at his performances. The two forge a close friendship as George helps Ira with his career and Ira helps George find closure in his legacy. However, when George learns that his disease has gone into remission and an ex-girlfriend re-enters his life, he’s inspired to reevaluate what is important to him and what truly gives meaning to his life.

I must admit that this film wasn’t very funny but very long and boring, too much dialogue, meaning too much talking, and nothing really happened. It was actually depressing at times, yes, you had a few funny punchlines but let’s face it, Adam Sandler was subpar in this role of a comedian named George Simmons,who learns that he has an untreatable blood disorder and is given less than a year to live. I wasn’t into the film even though, I had to finish watching it for the sake of writing this review.

The first half of the film, we meet Ira (Seth Rogen) trying to do stand up comedy, which he wasn’t funny at all. He did get laughs from the crowd after taking pop shots a George for coming out of retirement to do stand up again, which he bombed. After Ira comes out of the comedy nightclub, he sees George banging his head on the car wheel disgusted and almost in tears from his awful performance, he tells Ira if he would like to ghost write some funny material for his act. Ira then agrees and then we are led to a lot of talking.

The second half of the film turns weird. Why? George finds out that he is all fine, the Doctor clears him of any life threatening disease. So George goes over to Laura’s house, his ex-girlfriend, the love of his life, you know, the one who got away. George has sex with Laura and then tries to ruin her Family, by almost breaking up her marriage. There are a couple Hip-Hop rapper cameos from Eminem to RZA, they did  a fair job in their small roles. But I can’t really tell you to watch this film but if you’re bored out of your mind and have time to spare, then I guess watch it.

McFarlane SportsPicks is no stranger to recreating some of the NBA’s greatest players as highly detailed action figures and our seventeenth lineup is no exception. Coming to stores in February of next year, we couldn’t wait to give fans a sneak peek at our upcoming NBA product.

Take a quick time out from what you are doing and feast your eyes on the newest NBA action figures from McFarlane Toys. Coming to stores in February 2010.

NBA SERIES 17: * KEVIN GARNETT — Boston Celtics * CHRIS PAUL — New Orleans Hornets * PAU GASOL — Los Angeles Lakers * DERRICK ROSE — Chicago Bulls * LEBRON JAMES — Cleveland Cavaliers * KOBE BRYANT — Los Angeles Lakers * DWAYNE WADE — Miami Heat * ELTON BRAND — Philadelphia 76ers.

McFarlane Toys produces action figures of popular players from all four major sports including Baseball, Football, Hockey and Basketball.

KISS three-song track pack is available today for Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii. The KISS Track Pack features an all-new track by the legendary rockers—“Modern Day Delilah,” along with “Lick It Up” and “I Was Made For Lovin’ You.”

Also, as a special treat, Guitar Hero and KISS fans can catch KISS on Facebook via a Ustream streaming link live from their show at the Staples Center in Los Angeles at 9pm PST on Wednesday, November 25th. This is their first-ever live web concert, and they are doing it to celebrate the launch of the KISS Track Pack. Fans can visit the official KISS Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KISS to connect with others for a personal chat and live video experience in real-time during the show.

The KISS Track Pack is now available via Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 440 Microsoft Points, from the PlayStation Store for $5.49 and the Wii Shop Channel for 550 Wii Points. The three songs are also now available as single downloads for Xbox 360 for 160 Microsoft Points, PlayStation 3 for $1.99 and Wii for 200 Wii Points each.

Downloadable content featured for LEGO Rock Band kicks off with three songs featured in both the Rock Band Music Store and the family-friendly LEGO Rock Band Music Store with “Girls Who Rock!” Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum selling recording artist Kelly Clarkson will make her Rock Band debut next week with “Miss Independent,” the Grammy-nominated single from her 2004 album, Thankful. The 80s anthem, “Our Lips Are Sealed,” from The Go-Go’s and P!nk’s “Who Knew” will also be available in the Rock Band Music Store and the LEGO Rock Band Music Store next week.

Available on Xbox 360 and Wii (Nov. 24) and PlayStation 3 system (Nov. 26): ·Go-Go’s – “Our Lips Are Sealed” +·Kelly Clarkson – “Miss Independent” +·P!nk – “Who Knew” +·Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – “A Thing About You (live)” +·Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – “American Girl (live)”·Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – “Even the Losers (live)”·Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – “Here Comes My Girl (live)” +·Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – “Mary Jane’s Last Dance (live)”·Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – “Refugee (live)”.

The DVD contains knockout bonus materials including animated trivia cards for each of the boxers, three featurettes – looking at the fighters and their experiences with Ali, the making of the film and the unique way this book was adapted for the screen as well as the process used to restore and upgrade the archival fight footage to HD quality. Based on the Random House book of the same name by Stephen Brunt, Facing Ali will knock out the competition when it debuts on DVD December 29, 2009.

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES

• Animated trivia cards
• “After the Bell ” featurette – Director Pete McCormack shares his experience with behind the scenes details about the making of the film and stories from the boxers that didn’t make the final cut
• “Facing Ali: Book to Screen” featurette – Producer Derik Murray, director Pete McCormack and executive producer Paul Gertz share stories about how they brought the book Facing Ali to film in a unique way using only the boxers who faced Ali in the ring
• “Bringing The Fights To Life” featurette – In-depth behind the scenes look at the technology used during the filming of the movie and the restoration process that brought the old Ali fight footage to HD quality
• Theatrical trailer

Iverson clears waivers, now a free agent.

Knicks must weigh Iverson’s pluses, baggage. Allen Iverson would bring some baggage to the Knicks — something the organization is worried about after the Stephon Marbury fiasco. “We’re not there yet,” coach Mike D’Antoni said after Thursday’s practice at the MSG Training Center. “We’re just trying to evaluate where we are with our team and sit down with everyone and make a decision.”-Newsday.com

Iverson A Good Fit? Depends On Who You Ask. So the Knicks are considering bringing in Allen Iverson. I have mixed feelings on this, as should most Knicks fans, Apparently the Knick brass has misgivings about A.I. too.The biggest upside Iverson coming here is the name. He’ll put fannies in the seats, and legions of fans will buy an Iverson jersey.

If you’re Jim,”Mr. Bottom Line Even If We Haven’t Won in 37 Years” Dolan, you like this move. The Knicks had no interest in Iverson during the summer. Things change when you’re 2-9 and every hoops fan in America knows that deep down the Donnie Walsh-Mike D’Antoni Era starts July 1st. Dolan needs a reason for a few fans to show up THIS season. -CW11 New York WPIX-TV

Martin plays against Dolphins. Martin, wearing No. 83, played on special teams and finished with one tackle on a late onside kick.The Panthers signed Martin to their practice squad after the San Diego Chargers cut him near the end of training camp. -Farmington Daily Times

NY Giants looking for big play opportunities on the ground against Atlanta Falcons. Brandon Jacobs, going up against Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard in Week 5, says he looks to make big plays against every opponent.After nine games, Jacobs has just two runs of 20 yards or more, a 31-yarder against Dallas and a 25-yarder against Arizona. Teammate Ahmad Bradshaw has four, all in the first five weeks of the season. -The Jersey Journal

Concussions put Westbrook’s future in doubt. Questionable. Such is the career status of Fort Washington, Md., native Brian Westbrook after Philadelphia’s franchise running back suffered the second concussion of his NFL career in less than three weeks Sunday.While the initial prognosis for Westbrook is cautiously optimistic, players today are more aware than ever of the dangers of repeated head trauma, particularly when concussions begin to multiply. -Washington Times

Rollins, Victorino win NL Gold Gloves. Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins and center fielder Shane Victorino won National League Gold Glove Awards today.Rollins is the fifth Phillie to win at least three Gold Gloves joining Mike Schmidt (10), Garry Maddox (8), Manny Trillo (3) and Scott Rolen (3). The last NL player to win three straight Gold Gloves at shortstop was Rey Ordonez of the New York Mets (1997-99). -Delawareonline.com

Cubs deal Heilman to D-Backs. The Chicago Cubs today acquired left-handed pitcher Scott Maine and first baseman Ryne White from the Arizona Diamondbacks for right-handed pitcher Aaron Heilman.’We feel like we’ve picked up two solid prospects from the Diamondbacks,” Hendry said. “As we move forward in the winter, the way our big- league club sets up and the way we have a lot of arbitration guys, we just felt like we needed to move some people before we got to Indianapolis (for the winter meetings). -Daily Herald

Award-winning director Michael Mann (Last of the Mohicans, Heat, Collateral) transports audiences back to the era of the 1930s American gangster in the critically acclaimed crime saga Public Enemies, coming to two-disc Special Edition Blu-rayTM Hi-Def, two-disc Special Edition DVD, single disc DVD and digital download on December 8, 2009 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Starring Oscar nominee John ny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean series), Christian Bale (The Dark Knight) and Oscar winner Marion Cotillard (La Vie En Rose), Public Enemies places you in the center of the fast and dangerous life of outlaw John Dillinger (Depp), whose cascade of heists, breakouts and charismatic press conferences captivated a nation and won him the heart of Billie Frechette (Cotillard) who went along for the ride. Meanwhile, at the same time, he was being hunted nationwide by crime buster Melvin Purvis (Bale) and the FBI as the nation’s first Public Enemy No. 1.

In Public Enemies, Mann recreates Dillinger’s glory days with ferocious clarity in an explosive saga that also stars Billy Crudup (Watchmen), Steven Dorff (Felon), Stephen Lang (Tombstone ), Channing Tatum (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra), Emilie de Ravin (“Lost”) and Giovanni Ribisi (Perfect Stranger). Fans can experience every exhilarating moment of Public Enemies with perfect picture and the purest digital sound available on Blu-rayTM. Through the Blu-rayTM exclusive interactive timeline, audiences can also explore the amazing true-life events depicted in the movie. And, through Universal’s all-new acclaimed BD-LiveTM Center , fans can access additional content, movie trailers and more with a click of the remote!

5 Lucky Winners will get
- 1 Public Enemies DVD

No purchase necessary. Just sign up to the The SoHood.com Newsletter and fill out your information, you’ll be automatically eligible to win. Winner will be notify via e-mail. Entry deadline December 28, 2009. Winner will be notified by e-mail by January 4, 2010.

Sign Up to The SoHood.com Newsletter on the right hand side of the site

Katt Williams has been hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as “the next Richard Pryor.” He’s won over countless fans with sold out shows across the US , unforgettable TV and movie appearances, and numerous popular comedy CDs and DVDs.  Now Katt Williams’ best material is available in the Katt Box, a 3-CD box set collection of Katt’s top three selling albums; American Hustle, It’s Pimpin’ Pimpin’, and The Pimp Chronicles, in stores November 17^th 2009.

1 Lucky Winner will get
- 1 Katt Box

No purchase necessary. Just sign up to the The SoHood.com Newsletter and fill out your information, you’ll be automatically eligible to win. Winner will be notify via e-mail. Entry deadline December 28, 2009. Winner will be notified by e-mail by January 4, 2010.

Sign Up to The SoHood.com Newsletter on the right hand side of the site

Included in Series 2 are Martian Manhunter, the second named member of the lifeless, emotionless Black Lanterns to be revealed; John Stewart, the Green Lantern charged with the task of protecting Earth; Kryb, the sinister, infant-stealing Sinestro Corp member; and the nameless, mysterious Indigo, who personifies compassion.

All four figures feature multiple points of articulation and include a display base. The Martian Manhunter figure stands at 7′ high. John Stewart and Indigo each come with their own version of a lantern, and Kryb comes with a baby accessory that fits into the cage-like sack affixed to her back.

Should Knicks take a chance on Iverson? 2 answers, pro and con.

LeBron James Is not Michael Jordan. In the past 10 days, King James has stated that he wants to retire Michael Jordan’s number and perhaps try his hand at NFL tight end.

I mean this respectfully: Shut the hell up, LeBron. Jordan won three titles before he gambled on (pun intended) a baseball career. Yes, Deion Sanders dabbled in baseball when he wasn’t playing his other non-contact sport, football cover corner. -Fox Sports

Not To Worry About Derrick Rose. John Jackson has an article in today’s paper titled “Passive Rose has to get aggressive”. It’s a fine piece, notable mostly because Rose says he’s not going to cut his hair until he gets out of this funk, and I happen to think Derrick Rose would look awesome with an afro.

But I digress. Aggressiveness isn’t Rose’s problem right now. His problem is his bum ankle. No offense to our hard-working copy editors at the Sun-Times, but this article should really be titled “Injured Rose needs to get healthy”. -Sun Times

Matsui, Damon, Pettitte set to hit open market

One stroke past midnight the Yankees lose exclusive negotiating rights to Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon and Andy Pettitte, who as of 5 o’clock last night hadn’t filed for free agency though he is expected to do so.

After midnight, Matsui, Damon and Pettitte are free to talk to 30 teams instead of one. -New York Post

Giants’ Lincecum Is Favored to Repeat as National League Cy Young Winner. Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants is favored to repeat as the National Leaguea s Cy Young Award winner, according to Internet gambling Web site BetUS.com . Lincecum had a 15-7 record with a 2.48 earned-run average and led the NL with four complete games, two shutouts and 261 strikeouts. -Bloomberg.com

At This Market, Yankees Feeling No Rush to Buy. “Last year, we had close to $100 million coming off the payroll,” General Manager Brian Cashman said Wednesday. “This year, that’s not the case. Last year, we had more to spend. Every year is different. The talent pool available this year is different.”

Cashman is holding meetings with his scouting staff this week, assessing possible acquisitions. The Yankees have about $50 million coming off their 2009 payroll, but with few elite players in this free-agent class, they are less motivated to make a splash. -New York Times

Holliday, Bay, Lackey top Metsa shopping list.

The Mets have identified Matt Holliday and Jason Bay as top candidates to fill the power void in left, John Lackey followed by Joel Pineiro and Jason Marquis for the No. 2 spot and Bengie Molina and Rod Barajas at catcher.

Aubrey Huff or Carlos Delgado on an incentive-laden deal (assuming he proves he is healthy) are among the options at first, and there are many possibilities for the setup role — maybe even re-signing J.J. Putz.-New York Post

DeRosa’s glove could fit Yanks. Mark DeRosa, who played for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2009, may be an option for the New York Yankees.If the Yankees bring back Johnny Damon, DeRosa would be a good fit because he could play left field on days when Damon serves as the designated hitter. DeRosa, who has started 212 games in the outfield, 311 at third base, 304 at second base, 139 at shortstop and 23 at first base, could also spell Alex Rodriguez at third base on his DH days, making him an ideal addition for the aging Yankees. -NY Daily News

Amazin’s need to make big splash in offseason. General manager Brian Cashman and the Yankees got the memo last off-season and it resulted in the club’s 27th World Championship.The player at the top of their shopping list must be right-hander John Lackey. If not, why are the Wilpons even in the game? The Mets should pull a Cashman and sign both Lackey and Holliday. Win now and the victories come in summer.-New York Post

Kobe Doin’ Work

Overview: Spike Lee calls the shots as he takes you up close and personal with Kobe Bryant the NBA’s most valuable player of 2008. Experience unlimited access as 30 cameras follow Kobe’s every move in the single most important match up of the 2007-08 season. Mic’ed to hear his every word, Kobe puts his leadership skills to the ultimate test as the Los Angeles Lakers take on the San Antonio Spurs for the Western Conference title lead. From locker room prep and strategy talks to the dynamic action of the big game itself, Kobe Doin’ Work is the NBA superstar as you’ve never seen him before, insense, uncensored and totally real!

Watching this documentary which Spike Lee directed and followed Kobe around showed me how dictated the ballplayer is in making his goal of winning a championship without Shaquille O’Neal seem reality. The outcome is that Kobe did win a championship without Shaquille O’Neal in the picture. It was nice to see Kobe interact with his family and how much he enjoyed being around his teammates. For the most part, Kobe Bryant, is a bonafide athlete that we get an opportunity or rather a rare peak at greatest through the eyes of Spike Lee.

In one of the scenes, Spike captures Kobe with his wife coming out of a ballgame getting into the family car with his little daughters singing parts of a Michael Jackson song named Thriller. I think Kobe even tries for a second to make an attempt to show her daughter, the thriller dance. Anyways, beyond the pressures of playing in front of thousands of fans, we do see a human, with emotions and a person who is driven to want to win.

It’s a well pieced together documentary film by Spike Lee showing us “the viewer” how Kobe interacts in team meetings and warm-ups or during the game itself. I highly suggest you guys pick it up on DVD, for your holiday gift list.