(from Yahoo! Sports) What do Miguel Tejada, Garret Anderson, and Jason Giambi have in common? Well, along with raking in big bucks, each has been a Home Run Derby champ in the past three years. The Derby, which takes place the day before Major League Baseball's All-Star Game, brings together eight players to slug it out. The batter who emerges with the most home runs is crowned winner. Is it true competition or just good TV? You be the judge, as you sit back and watch the balls fly out of the park. Suggested Sites... 2005 Home Run Derby - all the news, video, and history you need from the official Major League Baseball site. Baseball Almanac: Home Run Derby - Home Run Derby results and analysis by year. Heavy Hitters Invade Comerica - Motor City will rock! MLB Home Run Tracker - stats heaven for home run fans. Beat the Streak: Home Run Edition - MLB's fantasy game for home run buffs.

Directory categories: All-Star Game, All-Star Game History, 500 Home Run Club

Archived under: Baseball, Events, Sports

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(AP Photo) Tonight Big Brother 6 premieres, adding to an already crowded summer lineup with 28 other reality series. While international versions of the show are a big hit, it's been a bit of a flop in the U.S. In countries like Bulgaria and Romania, Big Brother faces no other competition. Other small countries, like Sweden and Norway, have joined forces to create regional versions of the show to draw larger audiences. More populous countries, like the United Kingdom and Australia, have enjoyed at least five seasons of successful programs. Africa even aired a continental version of the series, which amassed a wide following. Big Brother may not be the most popular reality series in the U.S., but one thing's for sure: The Big Brother franchise is a hit around the world. Suggested Sites... Gran Hermano del Pacífico - contestants from Chile, Ecuador, and Peru are about a month into their regional competition. Big Brother Thailand - Thai competitors are halfway through their battle to win the prize. Big Brother Germany - German contestants are nearing the end of their stay at the Big Brother house. Big Brother VIP - competitors from Mexico are heading into the home stretch of the competition.

Directory categories: Big Brother, Big Brother U.S., Big Brother U.K., Big Brother Australia

Archived under: Entertainment, Reality TV, Regional, TV

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(Photo by anachronist) If you've heard of the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, you might have Ernest Hemingway to thank. He helped to popularize San Fermín and the bull run in his novel, "The Sun Also Rises" ("Fiesta" in Spanish translations). But it's more than just a run with the bulls. The 204-hour bash kicks off at noon on July 6 when a Pamplona official fires the festival's first rocket, the chupinazo. A throng of onlookers ties red scarves around their necks. The mayor shouts, "Viva San Fermín! Gora San Fermín!" Champagne corks explode above the crowd. And, so, the party reels until the pobre de mi (poor me) closing ceremony marks its end at midnight on July 14. Suggested Sites... Guía San Fermín - arm yourself with a survival kit and official festival program. San Fermín Festival - how did San Fermín end up the patron saint of partying? The Bull Run - should you fall at the bend in Estafeta Street, cover your head and try to squeeze between the bull's horns.

Directory categories: San Fermín, Running of the Bulls, The Sun Also Rises

Archived under: Entertainment, Events, Literature, Regional, Spain

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Banksy's "Thug for Life" (from Art of the State) The British guerrilla artist Banksy has taken culture jamming to another level with his criminal stunts. The mysterious prankster has illegally exhibited his artwork in several world-famous museums. He's created mockeries of ancient artifacts, classic portraits, and examples of biodiversity. From an aerosol mural to a large bronze statue, Banksy addresses social issues with commando communication in the form of cartoons, clever phrases, and imitations. Although he's gained notoriety, no one really knows his true identity. Is he a villain or an artistic genius? Suggested Sites... Banksy - discover the art and adventures of the notorious graffiti artist through articles and images. Flickr.com: Banksy Slideshow - see over 50 stencils of rats, monkeys, words, children, soldiers, and bombs. NPR: 'Hang-and-Run' Artist Strikes NYC Museums - listen to an interview with Banksy -- or somebody impersonating Banksy -- and view the prankster in action. Art of the State: Banksy - photo collections of stencil graffiti images by Banksy in London, Brighton, and Bournemouth.

Directory categories: Banksy, Culture Jammers, Guerrilla Art

Archived under: Artists, Arts, Culture Jamming

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(from Fiery-Foods.com) So you might impress a few friends with your ability to cook burgers and hot dogs to perfection. You may even be able to grill a steak exactly to Grandpa Charlie's liking. But are you ready for the big time? Every year folks from across the country travel to barbecue hotbeds to pit their skills against the best in the business. Teams compete in different categories including chicken, ribs, brisket, and pork, to see who can tantalize the judge's taste buds the best. So find a good rub and work on your secret sauce -- this is as serious as barbecue gets. Suggested Sites... How Barbecue Contests Work - good info for those looking to go pro. Kansas City Barbeque Society - sanctioning body for many BBQ contests. Also info on becoming a certified judge. BBQ Pits by Klose - the Cadillac of custom barbecue pits. Barbecue America - a pilgrimage in search of America's best barbecue.

Directory categories: Barbecue Contests, Barbecue Teams, Barbecue Organizations

Archived under: Barbecue, Contests, Cooking, Festivals, Food and Drink, Recipes

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