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Beard, 26, denied yesterday that she was dating Phelps, 23, saying, "Eww, that's nasty."

"I have never, ever hooked up with Michael Phelps," Beard said via telephone from Beijing on the "Johnjay and Rich Show," which is broadcast on Kiss FM 104.7 in Phoenix.

Honestly, there couldn't be a more American moment than in the wake of one of the greatest sports feats in our history, we have tabloids and radio shows talking about "hooking up."

Wu Dianyuan, 79, and Wang Xiuying, 77, had made five visits to the police this month in an effort to get permission to protest what they contended was inadequate compensation for the demolition of their homes in Beijing.

During their final visit on Monday, public security officials informed them that they had been given administrative sentences for "disturbing the public order," according to Li Xuehui, Ms. Wu's son.

Mr. Li said his mother and Ms. Wang, who used to be neighbors before their homes were demolished to make way for a redevelopment project, were allowed to return home but were told they could be sent to a detention center at any moment. "Can you imagine two old ladies in their 70s being re-educated through labor?" he asked.

Harbaugh's explanation was simple and very logical. He said the Ravens were already aware of what veteran Kyle Boller could do at the position, and the coaching staff wanted to see more of Smith.

Boller has been fairly steady throughout training camp and the preseason, and everyone is aware of his strengths and weaknesses. We also know something about Smith, but really haven't seen enough. Smith didn't get the chance to throw a lot last week against the Minnesota Vikings because the Ravens ran the ball so well. Like many of us, it seems that Harbaugh has come to the conclusion that throughout the season we're probably going to see both quarterbacks, because there will be a lot of ups and downs between the two of them.

After analyzing league statistics-including penalty minutes, goals scored, and salary figures-the authors determined that strategic fighting can improve a team's playoff chances, and that players possessing the unique skills of an enforcer are duly rewarded for their efforts.

[...]

While a player earns a "wage premium" of $10,925 when he assists on a goal, they calculated, he earns $18,135 for winning a fight and $11,993 even for losing a fight.

''People have criticized,'' he said recently, talking about a track record that includes five trips to the disabled list the last four seasons, including a 15-day stretch with a strained shoulder this season with the Oakland Athletics. ''That's just -- whatever.''

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded NBA Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos.

In this exclusive video we fly out to Jerusalem, Israel to catch up with NBA star Jordan Farmar. While touring the Holy Land the LA Lakers star used his basketball skills and leadership to build bridges between young Jews and Arabs in a region that has known bloodshed for thousands of years, the results of his efforts may surprise you.


AOL Video link. Youtube link.