Queen of Sports

Starbucks Opens Its First Ski-Thru Window

Tom Weir over at USA Today shared the latest way Starbucks is changing the way the coffee giant is doing business, at least in one of its locations.

The Starbucks at the Squaw Valley ski resort near Lake Tahoe is making it possible for skiiers and snowboarders to grab a cup of joe without having to leave the slopes or take off their skis or boards. The shop, which at the top of a slope, now has a “ski-through” window.

Squaw Valley’s president and CEO Andy Wirth told OnTheSnow.com, “We worked closely with the design team at Starbucks to create a one-of-a-kind experience that we know our guests will truly enjoy. Nowhere else in the world can skiers and riders enjoy a delicious Starbucks coffee without missing a beat on the slopes.”

Skiing and drinking coffee at the same time? Sounds like either heaven or a recipe for disaster based on your skill level!

Photo: Amelia Richmond/Squaw Valley

Athlete Sightings At The Cartoon Network Hall Of Game Awards

Shaquille O’Neal hosted the Second Annual Carton Network Hall of Game Awards over the weekend in Santa Monica. The show, which hands out awards in categories ranging from “That’s How I Roll” to “We Got Game” will air tonight on Cartoon Network at 4 pm PST.

David Beckham beat out Giants pitcher Brian Wilson, Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade, and Serena Williams in the “That’s How I Roll” category.

USA soccer goalie Hope Solo got the “She’s Got Game” award, beating out skier Lindsey Vonn, hoops star Maya Moore, and tennis pro Maria Sharapova.

Cam Newton got the award for “Gnarliest Newb.” Other football stars who won awards: Victor Cruz beat out Novak Djokovic for the “Dance Machine” award. Tim Tebow got the “Captain Clutch” award and Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson won the “Dynamic Duo” award.

Always one to make us say, “Awww,” Tim Tebow brought a special date. Presli Collins, a 9-year-old from Colorado with a genetic tumor disorder, got to walk to “green” carpet with the Broncos star.

Photos: Andrew Evans / PR Photos

ESPN Fires Employee Over Racist Jeremy Lin Headline

Whether the headline was intended to be racist or not, the choice of words for the headline on ESPN’s mobile site about the New York Knicks’ loss was obviously poor.

The headline, about the loss in which Jeremy Lin had nine turnovers against the New Orleans Hornets, contained the phrase “chink in the armor.” A headline writer was fired for writing and publishing the headline, and an ESPN anchor was suspended for reading it on the air.

The headline didn’t  ruffle the Asian-American Lin’s feathers too much. He said, after the Knicks’ win in Dallas on Sunday, “I don’t think it was on purpose or whatever, but (at) the same time they have apologized. And so from my end I don’t care anymore.” He said, “Have to learn to forgive, and I don’t even think that was intentional. Or hopefully not.”

Both the writer and news anchor apologized.

LeBron James Hires Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Old PR Handler

It may have been about a couple years too late, but LeBron James must have finally gotten the memo he needs a new PR handler. It was in July of 2010 when his public image took a nosedive with The Decision when he decided to leave Cleveland. Since, his return to Cleveland as a Miami Heat star has prompted loads of boos from fans.

It was no different when he made his first appearance of the season at the Quicken Loans Arena last week. However, he told the Associated Press, “The booing isn’t as bad as it was last year so it’s not even a big deal.” He did make an attempt at pleasing some fans in Cleveland with a comment he made about a possible future return to the Cavaliers.

That comment, we now know, may have been the work of his new PR handler. The News Herald in Cleveland is reporting James has hired someone outside his usual circle of old friends who work for him. This new “strategist” reportedly worked with Arnold Schwarzenegger on his gubernatorial campaign. Of course we know Schwarzenegger won that one, but his own antics led to his downfall.

Will LeBron James’ public image be bolstered with this new hire?

Athletes Pose With Bar Refaeli In Sports Illustrated

The 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition has hit shelves, and we were glad to see they didn’t leave all the eye candy for the men.

A special section of the magazine titled “Bar & The Boys” shows model Bar Refaeli posing with Chris Paul, Michael Phelps, and Rafael Nadal. Chris Paul’s segment had shots of the two jumping on a trampoline, while Michael Phelps got to get close to the supermodel in some pretty sultry shots.

The shots of Rafael Nadal and Refaeli were pretty sultry as well; Refaeli is wearing a Herve Leger swimsuit but covers up her topless frame in some shots.

The segment was photographed by Walter Iooss Jr. in New York.

You can check out all the photos here.

Photos: SI.com

Gina Carano Set To Star In Another Hollywood Film

Gina Carano won’t be seen fighting in the cage anytime soon, but fans will get to see more of her on the silver screen. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Carano will be starring in an action thriller film called In The Blood, directed by John Stockwell.

Carano made her acting debut in the Steven Soderbergh film Haywire which was released in theaters last month.

In The Blood is about a husband who disappears while vacationing in the Caribbean with his wife (Carano). Carano goes on to recklessly pursue the men she believes are responsible for her husband’s disappearance. Carano will again be showcasing her fighting skills, and may work with the same stunt team used in Haywire.

Filming is set to begin in Puerto Rico this summer.

Photo: GQ

Athlete QOTD: Tim Tebow Says He’s Not Dating Katy Perry

We told you awhile back about Katy Perry‘s mother trying to set the pop singer up with Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. Perry has also said herself, via OK! magazine, how much she likes the “handsome, charming, intelligent” football player.

Tebow responded to questions about whether or not he was dating Perry, while participating in a Boys & Girls Club event in Los Angeles. Per the AP, Tebow said,

“No, me and Katy Perry don’t have a thing, but she’s a very good artist,” he said, smiling when asked by one of the kids at the event.

“I’m single.”

Of course, if Perry really wanted to run into Tebow she had a chance last weekend when the two were both in Los Angeles. Perry was in LA for the Grammys on Sunday.

“Linsanity” Takes Hold Of NBA

Jeremy Lin was playing in the D-League this time last year, now he’s an NBA sensation trending on Twitter with songs written about him, and a word that sums up the hype: Linsanity.

Lin is the only Asian-American in the NBA, which makes him a sensation both here in the U.S. and overseas. His story is one that everyone can appreciate. He was the underdog, then found himself traded to one of the highest earning NBA teams in the league: the New York Knicks. The Knicks have won their last four games that Lin has started in. That fact combined with a stellar highlight reel has put him in the spotlight, but he remains humble.

Lin has garnered the attention of other athletes, from Tim Tebow (the two are vocal about their Christian faith), who said “It’s awesome to see what he’s done,” to the always controversial boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. who opted to play the race card. Mayweather Jr. said via Twitter, “Jeremy Lin is a good player but all the hype is because he’s Asian. Black players do what he does every night and don’t get the same praise.” Mayweather seems to be missing the Lin back story.

Lin seems to unstoppable, especially after the Knicks’ Friday night win against the Lakers. (Who must be kicking themselves they didn’t offer Lin a contract.)

Linsanity continues tonight as the Knicks take on the Raptors in Toronto at 4 pm PST.

Photo: SI

Los Angeles Dodgers Give Back With Community Caravan

Several past and present Los Angeles Dodgers players gave back to their community on the team’s 9th annual community caravan yesterday.

The day began at the Frances Blend School, the only day school day for the blind on the West Coast. The players interacted with students from the school, engaging them in music, sensory, and living skills activities. Later, the caravan headed to the MLB Urban Youth Academy in Compton. The players had lunch with members of the Compton College baseball and softball teams.

Later, the group headed to Lynwood where they worked on a project for Habitat for Humanity. Finally, the Dodgers, in partnership with the LA84 Foundation and the LA City Department of Parks and Recreation, dedicated a field at the Normandie Recreation Center in the team’s name. The Dodgers Dream Field was the 20th field in the city to be restored over the years.

Yesterday’s caravan was the second day of a two-day tour. On the first day, Clayton Kershaw (who moments earlier had agreed on a two-year deal with the Dodgers to avoid arbitration)  and other teammates visited Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, an elementary school, and a food bank.

Current players involved in the caravan yesterday included James Loney, Javy Guerra, and Jerry Hairston. Former players Lou Johnson, (pictured above with the Compton College baseball team) Bobby Castillo, Maury Wills, and broadcaster Charlie Steiner also participated.

Photos: PRK / PR Photos

New York Giants Celebrate With Parade And After Party

The New York Giants stood aboard a float that made its way through lower Manhattan yesterday, with Eli Manning hoisting the Lombardi Trophy above his head. Manning was joined by his teammates, Mayor Bloomgberg, coach Tom Coughlin, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

A ceremony was held at City Hall Plaza, where the team earned the keys to the city. As many as one million fans were guessed to have lined the streets of the parade route and City Hall Plaza.

Later that evening, the Giants celebrated more with a victory parade after party held at Hudson Terrace. Hosted by Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham (pictured above), Danny Ware, and Bear Pascoe, the evening was complete with go-go dancers wearing skimpy New York Giants outfits.

Photos: Nancy Rivera / Splash News and Wenn