Da-nude-ica Patrick?

• As we head into UFC102 weekend, the story isn't about the fights on the card today - that is tomorrow - the story is Frank Mir, who when we last saw him was having his face turned to hamburger meat by Brock Lesnar, says Lesnar would crush Fedor Emelianenko in the cages of UFC. Now, either Mir is onto something with his new-found respect for Lesnar after that beating a couple months back, or he's concussed and still reeling. Methinks it is the former.
• two things I did not know: (1) Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue is the highest selling mag in the world, year in and year out, and (2) ESPN is rolling out a nude issue in October that will feature, among others, Danica Patrick. That's a helluva start. Seriously?
• the always great Bang! Cartoons have one covering the Michael Vick arrival to Philadelphia. Hilarious stuff.
• the latest and greatest Twitter feed: ShitMyDadSays. Exactly what the title implies.
• this link could be called Old Has Been's All-Stars, except all 10 of these ladies north of 40 have more game than he does.
• more of Them Crooked Vultures, found here.
• Here's a quote, guess the source: "The minute our personality gets in the way of what's going on, then we become an entertainer and we're failing ourselves and failing you." Source below.
• only 25%, of 2 of 8, CFL teams have scored more points than they've allowed. Even the first-place in the West Edmonton Eskimos are -35 on points for/against.
• the Hollywood feature film of the A-Team will cast UFCer Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in the role of B.A. Barracus. Other than a young Sam Jackson, I can't think of anyone more fitting
• what do John Smoltz and Brad Penny have in common? Both released by the Boston Red Sox, both after getting raked by the New York Yankees.
• the Champions League draw was held yesterday and has AC Milan grouped with Real Madrid, and Inter Milan with Barcelona, among the more intriguing groupings. Check out the fixtures here.
  
• answer to the quote above? Chris Berman of ESPN. Seriously.
  

Have a great Friday!

Denver Broncos wideout Brandon Marshall = loser