SundayPaper.com

You win some ...

Kevin — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 21:01:00 GMT

The Bravo cable network confirmed that it has picked up "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" for a second season.

Workin' 9 to 5

Kevin — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:49:00 GMT

This Falcons team has proven—to the city, to the league, to the nation—that it's for real.

It's a marathon, not a sprint

Kevin — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:59:00 GMT

Are we so cynical, so jaded, so conditioned to expect failure that one loss (or two or three) automatically makes us feel foolish for feeling proud of what's been accomplished so far?

Enjoy the Ride

Kevin — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:24:00 GMT

The Hawks lost the game last night, but they've clinched something far more valuable: respect.

The Professor steps down

Kevin — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:57:00 GMT

The phrase "the end of an era" is trotted out so often that it's all but lost its meaning, but this is one occasion where it really fits. Atlanta Braves announcer Pete Van Wieren announced his retirement today, capping a 33-year career calling Braves games on radio and television.

Skip Caray, R.I.P.

Kevin — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:42:00 GMT

It is with great sadness that I report that veteran Atlanta Braves broadcaster Harry Christopher Caray Jr.--you know him, of course, as Skip Caray--died yesterday. Caray, son of the legendary Chicago Cubs announcer Harray Caray, became the voice of the Braves over 33 seasons.

Caray had been struggling with congestive heart failure, diabetes, reduced kidney and liver functions and an irregular heartbeat. Health issues sidelined him for several weeks at the end of last season, and had relegated him to calling home games only this season. He appeared to have been doing better recently, and his voice, which sounded shaky often this season, was sounding better as well. Fans tuning in to the Braves' most recent homestand no doubt noticed Mark Lemke sitting in for an ailing Caray, although there were no outward signs that Caray wouldn't be back at the mic soon.

Our condolences go out to his family, including sons and fellow broadcasters Chip and Josh Caray. He will be missed.

NO BEACH REQUIRED

Kevin — Fri, 30 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Atlanta is a land-locked city, but there’s no reason we can’t still enjoy some beach volleyball. The AVP CROCS TOUR, featuring some of the world’s best players and potential Olympians, returns to Atlanta this weekend for three days of intense play. The games take place at Atlantic Station through June 1. General admission is $20, with reserved courtside tickets for $35. For more information, visit www.avp.com.

SHOOTING FOR THE STARS

Kevin — Thu, 22 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Wake up to a new day in women’s basketball with the ATLANTA DREAM home opener. The team’s first-ever home game (against the Detroit Shock) starts at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow night, Friday, May 23, at Philips Arena, and includes a performance by Sean Kingston. After the two teams battle it out, fans can stick around for the “Guns N’ Hoses” post-game match-up between the Atlanta Police Department and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. Ticket prices range from $10 to $350. 404-249-6400. www.wnba.com/dream.

READY, SET, GO

Kevin — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 05:29:00 GMT

Just because you’re not ready to participate in a seven-day bike race across the state, doesn’t mean you can’t live vicariously through the riders of the TOUR DE GEORGIA. The race finishes up today on the streets of downtown Atlanta with a circuit course of 10 laps that includes Centennial Olympic Park.

The race gets started at 1 p.m., but before that, take part in the TOUR DE KIDS 5K RUN/WALK at the park. It begins at 8:30 a.m. and benefits the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorder Service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Race-day registration is $25. www.choa.org/tourdekids. www.tourdegeorgia.com.

A HOLE IN ONE

Kevin — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 04:30:00 GMT

Attention golfers: The only thing better than playing a round is doing so to raise money for a good cause, are we right? TAKE A SWING raises funds for uniforms and programs for students at the Coretta Scott King Leadership Academy. The festivities kick off with a “Legendary Style” gala tonight at a private residence, and continue at 10 a.m. tomorrow, April 28 with the golf event at Tucker’s Heritage Golf Club. Tickets are $200. For more information, call 404-349-0233.

THE WHOLE NINE YARDS

Kevin — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Catch up with football coach, NFL player and ESPN football analyst BILL CURRY as he discusses “The Five Characteristics of a Leadership Champion.” Curry played pro football from 1965 to 1974, was an assistant coach for the Green Bay Packers and coached teams at Georgia Tech, Alabama and Kentucky. He speaks at 5 p.m. today at the Carmichael Student Center at Kennesaw State University. Admission is free, but registration is required. 678-797-2204. www.siegelinstitute.org.

BREAK BREAD WITH THE BRAVOS

Kevin — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:01:00 GMT

Ever wanted to feel like a member of the team? Well, it’s too late to make this year’s roster, but you can experience the next best thing at this year’s BRAVES LEAD-OFF LUNCHEON at the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead on Tuesday, April 22. Dine with current players, coaches and staff, and enjoy a silent auction and fun activities with the Tomahawk Team and the Heavy Hitters drum line. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. For information on tickets and reserved tables, call 404-614-1367.

STOP, DROP AND ROLL

Kevin — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:00:00 GMT

Whatever your technique, sign your team up for Chick-fil-A’s first DUCK ’N’ DODGE TOURNAMENT. The day of dodgeball games starts at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 19 at the Cobb Galleria. The winning teams in each age division—middle school, high school and adult—receive free Chick-fil-A grub for a year. The adult team also gets $1,000. Registration is $200. Proceeds benefit Chick-fil-A’s WinShape Foundation and Schools for Niger, which helps build and fund schools in the African nation.
www.CFABDodgeballAtlanta.com.

BUY US SOME PEANUTS AND CRACKER JACKS

Kevin — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 04:05:00 GMT

Because we'll most definitely be in the stands at Turner Field tonight for the ATLANTA BRAVES HOME OPENER against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Root, root, root for the home team, including scheduled pitcher Tom Glavine, starting at 7:10 p.m. Tickets range from $6 to $75. 404-522-7630. www.atlantabraves.com.

ATTEND A RECEPTION WITH DOUG FLUTIE

Kevin — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 04:45:00 GMT

Reception? Get it? See, DOUG FLUTIE is a famous former NFL quarterback, and tonight offers a rare meet and greet with him at 5 p.m. tonight (donation required), followed by a 6 p.m. presentation covering Flutie’s career and his experience as the father of a child with autism (open to the public). The event benefits Jerry’s Habima Theatre, Georgia’s only theatrical company featuring actors with developmental disabilities, a part of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. A production of “Footloose” follows. For more information, visit www.atlantajcc.org.

SLAM-DUNK ACTION

Kevin — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 06:30:00 GMT

Sure, the team’s lineup may have changed a little since they solved mysteries alongside Scooby Doo and visited Gilligan’s Island. But the HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS still have a few tricks up their sleeves (well, technically, tank tops don’t have sleeves, but we think you know what we mean).

College Hoops Air Balls

Hunt — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 19:49:00 GMT

Both Tech and Georgia lost road games Saturday as expected. The Yellow Jackets bowed 80-68 at UConn to fall to 11-11 on the year. The Bulldogs, 11-10 overall and 2-6 in SEC play, dropped their sixth consecutive game by a 77-67 count at Florida.

Five times this year Georgia coach Dennis Felton has had to suspend a player for at least a game due to off-the-court circumstances. He inherited a mess in Athens, as well as NCAA probabtion, in the wake of former coach Jim Harrick. His record now with the Dawgs after Saturday's loss is 69-73 overall and 24-47 in SEC play.

Since playing in the 2004 NCAA title game against UConn, the Jackets are only 62-52 in the last three-plus seasons after Saturday's loss to the Huskies. Thanks in-part to a very tough schedule, the Jackets have a decent RPI (57) and at 4-4 in ACC play, could position themselves for a Bid Dance Invitation with a strong finish.

The point here is there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of excitement surrounding these two programs. The attitude is almost apathtic in Athens, while the buzz has certainly been missing for the most part at the Thrillerdome this year. I think for different reasons, both Felton and Hewitt deserve to be back next year, but there's no doubt that the fans of both programs are growing restless. What do you think?

Mike Woodson Must Go

Hunt — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:13:00 GMT

We all know that the Atlanta Spirit is an absolute mess on so many levels, but the time has come for Michael Gearon and his partners to show Hawks coach Mike Woodson the door. Woodson, who is 87-201 in three-plus seasons with Atlanta, described his team this week as in a "funk'' following their seventh loss in eight games. Well, that funk on the bench starts at the top, with Woodson.

Are you Brave enough?

Kirsten — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:56:00 GMT

If your love for baseball is eclipsed only by your impregnable self confidence, listen up. The Atlanta Braves will host open auditions at Turner Field for members of their "game entertainment teams" in coming days. Tryouts for the Tomahawk team will be 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 23 and 24. These hardy souls are "high-energy, spirited individuals with the ability to engage fans, work within a family environment and perform in front of large crowds," according to a release. Auditions for game entertainment hosts are 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 28 and 29. These crowd pleasers "must have the ability to interact with fans in the stands and in Fan Plaza. Hosts must be comfortable performing in the spotlight in front of thousands of Braves fans at Turner Field." For these high-profile positions, the Bravos prefer "previous emcee experience."

And finally, tryouts for the Heavy Hitters drum line are 5 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 and 31. These power players perform before, during and after Braves games at Turner Field and should be "musicians with confidence and charisma, a flexible schedule, and the ability to work games in their entirety." Those interested in showcasing their talents should call 404-614-2441 or e-mail Braves.Entertainment@braves.com to set up an appointment. Walk ups will be auditioned first-come, first-served. More information: www.Braves.com/auditions.

Michael Vick Sentenced to 23 Months in Prison

Kevin — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:04:00 GMT

U.S. District Court Judge Henry E. Hudson this morning sentenced former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick to 23 months in prison and three years' probation for his role in a dogfighting operation. That puts him out of commission, football-wise, until late 2009, meaning the earliest he could return to the NFL would be the 2010 season.

For Whom Extols Bell

Kevin — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 14:33:00 GMT

From the "We Beat Them To It (Once Again)" Department: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ran a very nice feature in Sunday's Living section (Nov. 4) on local radio personality Mike Bell, co-host of "Mayhem in the A.M." on sports radio station 790 the Zone.