Okay, I don't know how Hollywood works, but how on EARTH has Kelly Monaco go from her smash breakout appearance on Dancing With the Stars, to doing basically NOTHING since then?
How bad could she be as an actress? Honestly?
Just put her in some TV shows and/or movies. Look at her. Smoke show. It's a damn shame, and an outrage. A shamerage, I say.
There's a saying that some things in life - like gambling and booze - are "recession" proof.
It's not really true, but the perception exists that some things are ever enduring in popularity.
Duke basketball under Mike Krzyzewski, I once thought, was also "recession proof."
Apparently, not.
I was stunned when a caller to my afternoon show here in D.C. said that Duke - the GOLD STANDARD of college basketball enthusiasm - was having a tough go of attendance.
Now mind you, Duke is NOT having problems selling out their 9,000+ throwback gymnasium. Yet. They are just losing the fervent support of the so-called "Crazies." The students get 1300 seats allotted to them, and they are down to about 500-600 students per game actually claiming them.
Gulp.
The enthusiasm hasnt been there, Forman said. [Head coach Mike Krzyzewski] has had to drum up enthusiasm himself, which he shouldnt have to do. The students should be doing that themselves... whether 500 or 1,200 of them are there.
One of the biggest causes of the declining attendance is the students misconception of the time commitment involved, Garrett said, along with the increasing prevalence and popularity of online streaming on sites like WatchESPN.com.
The rumor weve had to deal with over the past couple years is that its hard to get into games, and if you show up half an hour before tipoff you wont get in, Garrett said. Weve been trying really hard... to really debunk those rumors because theyre simply not true.
Another part of the problem has been an underwhelming home schedule over the past several years due to a down ACC and marquee nonconference matchups moving to Madison Square Garden. Duke has played just three ranked nonconference teams in Cameron Indoor Stadium over the last four years, and only three ACC teams are currently placed in the Associated Press Top 25.
Diminishing student attendance is a national trend, Forman said, and collegiate sports marketing departments have been combating it in a variety of ways. Many have altered their in-game experiences to become more engaging during stoppages in play, especially timeouts and halftime. Over the last few years, Duke has begun incorporating highlight videos, player introductions and popular music into its pregame festivities, but the marketing department currently has no plans to significantly alter the in-game atmosphere.
I once said that even if you HATE Duke basketball, you owed it to yourself to go to a came at Cameron Indoor. It's a throwback, old school, melt-your-head kind of experience that doesn't exist anywhere else in sports. And someday, may be gone.
Once upon a time, ANY Duke game was a very challenging scalper ticket. There just wasn't many of them to be had. Now, I suppose, your chances are better than ever of getting in. But, if the vaunted "Cameron Crazies" aren't so crazy anymore, then your impression of the place, might not be as impressive as I once remembered it.
So I get the following email from a listener who DEARLY wants to go on our yearly excursion to Las Vegas for the Sweet 16 - CzabeVegas 2012 - but has a small problem.
He just knocked up his ol' lady.
Czabe,
Just trying to gauge how many of the guys at Czabe Vegas show up with their wifes/girlfriends/significant others? I'm trying to make it out this year but my wife and I just found out she's pregnant (been only about a month). So you see the obvious dilemma here...husband goes to Vegas and leaves the pregnant wife at home by herself. The only option I can potentially see is bringing her with me (Albuquerque to Vegas is a relatively short trip). Your thoughts based on previous years?
D.K.
Dude, she's not sacagawea. She's one MONTH pregnant!
But okay, so maybe you shouldn't print out and show your wife the wikipedia page on Lewis and Clark's hired (kidnapped?) native American tour guide (mistress?) who helped his group WALK from Missouri to Oregon ("Hey, it'll be FUN! Come on!") while both 9 months pregnant and then who HAD HER CHILD, and then carried the child WITH THEM as they walked to f***ing Oregon!
I'm sorry. I am yelling?
Here's the deal. In a word: YES, absolutely bring your wife/girlfriend/fiancee to the event. Vegas is a big fun city, with lots of mature things to do, shows to see, and really nice romantic restaurants.
If your girl hates sports/basketball then just have her do her own thing during the games, and then meet up with her afterward.
In fact, in the 3 years we've been doing this CzabeVegas thing, I have had NUMEROUS married couples come out together, and have a blast. One couple - believe it or not, but I swear it's 100% true - actually RENEWED their vows at the legendary little Vegas chapel with the Elvis pastor.
Nice.
But yeah, the pregnancy thing is like a woman's possession of a nuclear bomb. You gotta negotiate much more GENTLY with them when they are "with child" , so to speak.
Some wives (and husbands) are more than happy release their spouse for a weekend. So to each their own. We don't discriminate. And no, for the record, there are no strippers in the VIP area for our group, and there's no sex in the champagne room.
What can I add to the wonder that is, Scarlett Johansson? Nothing, really. Just look at her. Geezus. The only nit to pick, is this particular shot is a little bit over-airbrushed. But I liked the pose. So screw it. Enjoy.
You can reserve both your spot in the VIP party for either one or both nights of the Sweet 16 right now. Anyone who reserves a VIP spot can also put a reserve HOLD on a room at the Hard Rock Hotel at these incredible, "Czabe-has-the-hook-em-up rates" you see here.
Q: Do I have to stay at the Hard Rock to come to the VIP Party?
A: No.
Q: Why should I stay at the Hard Rock if I am coming to the VIP Party?
A: Because it's an awesome place to stay, totally different vibe than any other casino in town. Lots of young pretty people, fun dealers, music, food, and more. Trust me, it's "the scene" baby.
Q: Will you be mad at me if I stay at Circus Circus for $8 a night?
A: Of course. Don't be a schmuck. You can always find a "cheaper room" somewhere else in Vegas. Whatever. Are you here on a budget, or here to have fun? The Hard Rock is going to treat us RIGHT! So do them a solid and throw 'em your business for Wayne Newton's sake! Split the room with a buddy, and we're talking $50 a night! That's two bad hands at blackjack. Come on!
Q: What do I get for my $40?
A: You get a nice unobstructed spot to watch the Sweet 16, and un-fettered access to hang out and drink, gamble, and bitch at the refs with ME, your radio buddy! Also, I plan to get everyone "A Shirt, A Shot, and Some Shit." Details TBA.
Q: Will Scotty, Solly, and Galdi be with you?
A: God willing! First, however, I need to get a good group of you people signed up and paid. Once that happens, I can gently re-direct some funds to bring the gang with me. As I am sure you know, Scott's appearance fee is not cheap!
Q: Do I need to book all four days at the Hard Rock to get the rate?
A: No, you can tailor your stay to your travel plans as you wish.
Q: Know of any cheap airfares?
A: Not really. But, I highly recommend Travel Mart Vacations for anybody who needs some expert help on getting there. These people are the best!
Q: Will you be playing golf with any listeners while out there?
A: Generally, no. BUT, I have 2 foursomes on hold for my "inner circle" and depending on who gets arrested and can't make their tee time, it has happened in the past where guys can slip in and play. I would not count on it, however.
Q: Will there be a game that costs me money because of a last second 3-point dagger?
A: You bet your ass.
So I'm happening across one of my wife's shows the other day walking through the living room and - WHOA - who the snickity-doo-da-day is THAT who looks like a younger, blonder version of Julia Roberts?
Answer: Monica Potter, of NBC's ensemble show "Parenthood."
Nice. Let's get this gal into more movies and TV shows, and not just slasher dreck like The Last House on the Left.
HYBRID: Julia Roberts, Kim Basinger, and a splash of Kristina Applegate.
