Doug McDermott Has 99 Problems
With NBA Draft coming up, NCAA Player of the Year and noted sharpshooter Doug McDermott partnered with M&M’S Peanut to play an epic game of H-O-R-S-E … against 99 other people.
It’s Doug just dominating the field by doing epic trick shots – half court, no look, blindfolded at one point. Very cool moments – might make for a fun piece heading into Draft Week, especially as there’s tons of speculation where in the First Round Doug will go.
M&M’S Peanut cares about quality peanuts, and only 1 in 100 peanuts will become an M&M’S Peanut. So to help illustrate how quality matters when picking ingredients, M&M’s pitted 1 future pro basketball sharpshooter (Doug McDermott) against 99 regular folks in games of H-O-R-S-E. Naturally, Doug dominated the field with some wild trick shots – proving how important it is to choose the very best 1 in 100, like M&M’S does with its peanuts
Jun 19th
Limited Edition Stash x Reebok Question Mid From Reebok Classic
Jun 18th
A Pizza Party For The Ages
$tandard ©reative threw Pizza a 125th Birthday Party and ordered delivery from every pizzeria in NY. It was a great idea from Matt Capucilli! All made possible by Shock Top Brewing Co., who sponsored the project.
Pizza was created on June 11, 1889 by hero genius Raffaele Esposito. We celebrated Pizza’s 125th birthday at our studio by ordering delivery from every pizzeria in New York.
Jun 17th
The Valvoline Reinvention Project
Back in the spring, our friends from Valvoline hooked us up with an amazing trip as part of their Reinvention Project campaign. The Reinvention Project celebrated Vavloline’s 140th anniversary and the official partnership of the company that invented motor oil and Hendrick Motorsports, the Rick Hendrick-led four-car auto racing team responsible for winning the last five Sprint Cup races. It was a unique competition that pitted Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a head-to-head battle to restore two classic trucks (with the help and resources of the full Hedrick Motorsports team) and clash these modified monsters in a series of exciting challenges.
Fans were encouraged to follow all the restoration action, vote on their favorite ride and even build their own custom truck at ReinventionProject.com. Footage of the restoration and subsequent competition can also be viewed at the official site.
Jimmie started off with a ’55 Chevy truck and Junior rolled with a C10 from his birth year, 1974. Each truck was modified with an LS3 Corvette V-8 engine and a 4L60 transmission with a limited-slip rear differential. The suspension of each ride was also modified to improve overall handling.
I got an inside look at the Valvoline Reinvention Project when I visited Charlotte in the spring. Before the media trip, Valvoline sent out a survey asking what my level of expertise was when it came to overall car handiness. I answered honestly. On a scale of 1 to 10, I’m about a zero when it comes to overall auto mechanic know-how.
I mean, I know how to change a tire and check my oil. I’m not an animal. But I’m by no means an all-star mechanic either. I’ve never changed my own oil. Never really repaired my own car. I know enough to know I don’t know nearly enough to fix things myself. So yea, in short, when it comes to cars, I basically have no idea what I’m doing.
But that was the old me. That was before I represented #TeamJimmie in an engine building competition that was held at the Hendrick Motorsports Headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Not only did I get to rebuild a NASCAR engine, I also got to see these two sweetly restored rides up close and personal (complete with a #TeamJimmie ride along) and watch as Jimmie and Dale battled through a series of burnouts, drag races and autocross runs. Check out the video:
These two trucks were absolutely gorgeous, and they weren’t just build for show. I was partial to Jimmie’s ’55 Chevy, but then again, I had to represent #TeamJimmie, so maybe I was a bit biased. There was just something to the voluptuous, curvilinear lines on that truck. Just timeless appeal all around. Check the photos of these shiny, well-restored, suped-up beasts below. They’re pretty.
One of the major highlights of the trip was a tour of Rick Hendrick’s private car collection. I’ve never seen so many gorgeous cars in my life. Wall to wall Corvettes. Muscle cars from every conceivable era. It was borderline obscene. I don’t know how the man could possibly keep track of all the cars in the collection. Every one of them restored to flawless condition, too. They need to include a box of Kleenex on the tour, because the site of that many amazing cars in one spot is enough to make any grown man cry.
So yea, I’m pretty much qualified to be an official NASCAR pit crew member at this stage. Haven’t gotten any calls so far, but I’m ready if need be. Who knows, I may even change my own oil soon. I’ll be putting in some Valvoline NextGen in my ride either way!
Jun 17th
Fans Surprise U.S. Men’s National Team
Before the United States Men’s National Team departed for Brazil they received a surprise in Jacksonville following their 2-1 win against Nigeria.
With help from fans across the country and soccer legend/ former USMNT player Brian McBride, Allstate Insurance, sponsor of the USMNT, surprised the US team with a send-off video that was unveiled at EverBank Field.
Their reaction to the send-off is being brought to life in the “Surprise send off for the U.S. Men’s National Team” video (see below), which truly highlights the passion that fans have for the USMNT and soccer.
Jun 16th
Adam Carolla Interview
Funnyman Adam Carolla has been making us laugh since his days of doing Mr. Birchum skits on KROQ’s Kevin and Beane Show back in the day. Carolla’s resume is decidedly manly. He followed up his stint as a co-host of Loveline with a solid run with Jimmy Kimmel on The Man Show. He served as the co-creator of the genius muppet prank-calling series Crank Yankers and had stints as the host of the TLC home improvement show The Adam Carolla Project and Speed TV’s The Car Show. Now he produces one of the most popular and entertaining daily podcasts around.
Carolla’s also spent some time as a boxer, a serious car collector and he’s even won some competitions as a celebrity race car driver. Dude knows his man-stuff. And that includes cars. Carolla owns multiple Lamborghinis and five of Paul Newman’s race cars.
Carolla is actually wrapping up a documentary that he made on Newman. The film focuses on Newman’s exploits as a race car driver first and foremost and shows additional layers to this titan of the silver screen by shining a bright light on his one true love.
Last week, Carolla partnered up with Edmunds.com for the first ever Car Week. Launched in New York and Los Angeles, Car Week featured hundreds of local dealers offering prices at or below Edmunds.com’s True Market Value®.
We had a chat with Carolla to discuss his sweet collection, his involvement with Car Week, his fellow Hollywood car nut homies and his new Paul Newman project. Here’s the interview:
Jun 16th
World Cup 2014 Preview – Group H
If ABC and ESPN can do anything to improve their World Cup coverage, it would be less comments about “goal line technology” and show us far more hot girl fans from around the world.
World Cup Group H 
Belgium
Russia
Algeria
Korean Republic
Belgium arrive in Brazil looking to make some moves. Many people’s favorite dark horse pick among the European sides, Belgium is enjoying the emergence of a golden generation of talent. This group is also more favorable to Belgium than some of the others they could have been drawn into. But belgium cannot write their ticket to the knockout stage just yet. Historically Russia has been up and down at the World Cup. They always possess some quality talent but it doesn’t always come together. The Korean Republic has been slowly building their reputation since co-hosting the 2002 World Cup where they reached the semi-finals. With goals and comebacks being the story of the 2014 World Cup so far, this group could go in a different direction than the pundits predicted.
Belgium 
Fifa Rank: 11
Odds: 21-1
Manager: Marc Wilmots
Key Players: Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Coutois, Vincent Kompany
Best World Cup Finish: Semifinals (1986)
Fun Fact: 24 million tablets of MDMA are consumed in Belgium per year, a country with population 11 million.
Much has been talked about in Europe over Belgium’s young golden generation. For at least the past year they have been brought up as having an outside chance of winning the World Cup for the first time. The oddsmakers had them the fifth favorites to win before the heavy betting started. This Belgium team should be exciting to watch with a lot of dynamic attackers. Coached by Belgium legend Marc Wilmots, they have at times struggled to play as a cohesive unit.
Belgium has star talent for sure. Eden Hazard was one of the best players in the English Premier League and young striker Romelu Lukaku has enjoyed two success years and is on the verge of reaching the next level. They could be primed for a historical World Cup run. Their goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois enjoyed an outstanding year winning the Spain’s La Liga. Vincent Kompany offers power and experience in the heart of defense.
The only odd thing about Belgium is that they seem to have produced a wonderful generation of talent at every position but at fullback. Belgium’d four best defenders are all center defenders although a few have played as full back in emergencies at their clubs. Wilmots’ challenge is going to be making this system of four center defenders work well on the flanks. If the defense can adapt and the attackers can connect as a cohesive unit, Belgium should play some exciting football. In this group playing with four center defenders shouldn’t matter but Belgium might be in for a rude awakening when they reach the knockout round.
Russia 
Fifa Rank: 19
Odds: 100-1
Manager: Fabio Capello
Key Players: Alexander Kokorin, Alan Dzagoev, Alexander Kerzakov
Best World Cup Finish: Group Stage (1994,2006)
Fun Fact: In 1994 Oleg Salenko scored a record 5 goals in a single World Cup group stage match.
Russia enters the World Cup after a disastrous few tournaments. Former England manager Fabio Capello took over in 2012 and guided Russia to the 2014 World Cup. They could challenge in this group but with Russia hosting the 2018 World Cup, Capello could be using this World Cup as a test run for the next generation of Russian talent. Veterans were left at home and this team is clearly focused on the young exciting Russian stars.
Dzagoev and Kokorin are the attacking leaders of Russia’s next generation. With Capello heavily focusing on Russian youth these players will have a chance to shine. Alexander Kerzakov offers movement up front that is crucial to the style Capello has Russia playing. Dzagoev and Kokorin are likely to be Russia’s most dynamic attackers who create the goals.
If Capello can set up to effectively counter the weaknesses in his Group H opponents, Russia could be a surprise winner. One danger might be in setting up too defensively and even leaving the dynamic Dzagoev on the bench. With this World Cup already offering such exciting displays, Russia would benefit greatly from some thrilling performances to help build some goodwill towards them hosting in 2018.
Algeria
Fifa Rank: 22
Odds: 1000-1
Manager: Vahid Hililhodzic
Key Players: Sofiane Feghouli, Yacine Brahimi, Habil Bentaleb, Saphir Taider
Best World Cup Finish: Group Stage (1982, 1986, 2010)
Fun Fact: Only 7 of Algeria’s 23-man squad were born in Algeria, the rest were born in France.
Neutrals will hope Algeria improves upon their ugly 2010 matches. They offered little for the fans with droll, unexciting football. Possibly the most boring side in 2010 Algeria has small shoes to fill this time around. But Algeria should be much improved in the entertainment value this time around.
Manager Halilhodzic has focused on bringing through exciting young talent and building a more attacking system than the dull 3 center defenders Algeria used in 2010. The main weakness to Algeria will be teamwork. None of Algeria’s team are club teammates and many are young players who only recently broke into the national team. While this team’s football is much more exciting, the players will not be nearly as used to playing together as any of their Group H opponents.
Sofiane Feghouli has emerged as their creative outlet. He displays great energy for Valencia in Spain and his passing skills will see him as Algeria’s likely playmaker. Beyond that any number of Algeria’s young promising talent could play their way into history on the world’s stage.
Korean Republic 
Fifa Rank: 57
Odds: 400-1
Manager: Hong Myung-Bo
Key Players: Son Heung Min, Park Chu-Young
Best World Cup Finish: Semifinals (2002)
Fun Fact: Son Heung Min is the only Korean that played in the Champions League last year.
While stories are likely told of South Korea’s remarkable run to 4th place in 2002, that achievement happened when they were co-hosts. Close to the lowest ranked team in the tournament with players that have the least experience in the top leagues around the world, South Korea will need some magic in Brasil to advance even in one of the weakest groups.
There is some hope for Korea. Manager Hong Myung-Bo was the captain of Korea’s 2002 4th place side. In the year he has been in charge, he has instilled a better system for Korea. Focusing on defensive organization as a platform to launch the young attacking talent, Hong Myung-Bo might be the perfect manager for this new look Korean team. Son Heung Min had an excellent year in Germany for Bayer Leverkusen. He put in some amazing performances that have him on a lot of manager’s shortlists. Korea needs him to step up to the World Stage.
Jun 16th
World Cup 2014 Preview – Group G
The 2014 World Cup has so far proven to be one of the most exciting ever. More goals so far than any since the 1958 World Cup. Five come from behind victories already. No lead is safe. Group G has a lot to live up for entertainment value and with Germany-Portugal and USA-Ghana on Monday it should live up to expectations.
World Cup Group G 
Germany
Portugal
Ghana
United States
This is a nightmare draw for the United States. Germany, coached by USA manager Jurgen Klinsmann’s former assistant Joachim Low, boasts a squad of players among the best in the world at their position. Portugal comes to Brazil with an experienced squad led by one of the best two players in the world. If that wasn’t enough for poor Uncle Sam’s Army they also draw Ghana. Ghana has been the United States’s bane directly knocking them out of the last two World Cups. The match between Germany and Portugal on Monday, June 16th is set to be one of the best of the group stages. Ronald is the best left winger in the world but Germany counters with Phillip Lahm, the best right fullback in the world. However things shake down, the “Group of Death” will certainly provide entertaining matches.
Germany
Fifa Rank: 2
Odds: 6-1
Manager: Joachim Low
Key Players: Phillip Lahm, Mesut Ozil, Manuel Neur, Thomas Muller
Best World Cup Finish: Champions (1954, 1974, 1990)
Fun Fact: Germany’s game with Portugal marks their 100th World Cup game as nation; this is more than any other nation.
Germany have been many observer’s favorite to win the 2014 World Cup for the past year. Having reached at least the semi-finals in the last four major international tournaments, the Germans have been great but not quite enough to win, Germany appears ready to make a run at the championship. Historically they seem to win one World Cup roughly every 20 years so this might be their year.
Unfortunately they are missing a number of players due to injury. Marco Reus was tipped to be a star in this tournament but injuries have kept him out of the team. Even missing first teamers like Reus, Ilkay Gundogan and the Bender twins Germany still has one of the most talented and deepest teams at the tournament. Manuel Neur is a wall in front of goal, currently considered the best goalie in the world. Phillip Lahm showed he can play as a midfielder if needed this year but he is still arguably the best fullback in the world.
One area Germany seems to lack is upfront. Only 36 year old striker Miroslav Klose was selected. This shouldn’t be too much of a problem as Germany still can count on 2010 World Cup Golden Boot winner Thomas Muller. Mesut Ozil has the vision and passing skills to unlock any defense. Manager Joachim Low’s main challenge lies in finding the right balance on the field. Expect to see different lineups in the group stage as Low tweaks and tunes the team in order to find a World Cup winning mix.
Portugal 
Fifa Rank: 4
Odds: 22-1
Manager: Paulo Bento
Key Players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Moutinho, Pepe
Best World Cup Finish: 3rd (1966)
Fun Fact: Portugal have won only one World Cup game in their last seven.
Portugal almost didn’t make it to Brazil. With some bumps in qualifying, they had to beat Sweden in a playoff to make it in. Unsurprisingly it was Cristiano Ronaldo’s spectacular hat-trick that single handedly beat Sweden’s 2 goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic. While it’s a bit unfair to call Portugal a one-man team as they have many talented players, the reality is Portugal will most likely rise or sink based on how well Cristiano Ronaldo performs.
Portugal calls upon quality all over the pitch. Joao Moutinho controls the tempo of the game from midfield, releasing Ronaldo down the flank to attack with pinpoint passing. Pepe is a fast, aggressive defender who sometimes loses his temper. If he can remain in control of his emotions he anchors a very solid defensive line. The emergence of young, talented defensive midfielder William Carvalho solidifies the Portuguese from a defensive perspective.
Portugal will likely play a more exciting brand of counter attacking football than they did in 2010. Built around the freedom afforded Ronaldo to produce moments of individual brilliance, Ronaldo is the key for success or failure. If Ronaldo’s hat-trick against Sweden to bring Portugal to Brazil is any indication, we’ll be in for some thrilling games. Teams will know exactly how Portugal will attack. Stopping them though is another issue.
USA 
Fifa Rank: 13
Odds: 250-1
Manager: Jurgen Klinsmann
Key Players: Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley
Best World Cup Finish: Quarterfinals (2002)
Fun Fact: All-time leading USA goal scorer Landon Donovan was left out by Klinsmann prompting former USMNT Coach Bruce Arenas to say if the USA has 23 better players than Donovan they should win the World Cup.
Perhaps due to a recent poll where Americans stated the USA had a chance to win the World Cup, Klinsmann recently said in an interview that winning the World Cup was beyond this team. Considering most observers will think the USA should be extremely happy to even win a single match, it is probably good for Klinsmann to manage expectations.
One surprise was Klinsmann leaving the USA’s all-time leading scorer at home. Landon Donovan was the face of US Soccer the last few years but he will only be watching the games from a widescreen. It seems an odd decision to exclude Donovan who is still playing near the top of his game and he always steps up for international tournaments.
Klinsmann built this edition of the USMNT around Michael Bradley’s playmaking skills. With the experienced Clint Dempsey and the promising but slumping Jozy Altidore upfront as forwards, Klinsmann’s USA will play a compact diamond midfield. This is a change to tactics USA used in 2010 and leaves little room for Donovan to start. If Klinsmann is right and Michael Bradley is ready to shine on the world stage then this move will appear genius. If the USA goes home without a point, Klinsmann might be looking for a new job.
The USA also have the toughest travel schedule, traveling more than any other nation with all three games requiring a 3,000 mile journey from their homebase in Sao Paulo. With so many obstacles stacked against them, the USA should feel free to play without any pressure.
Ghana
Fifa Rank: 37
Odds: 200-1
Manager: Akwasi Appiah
Key Players: Kwadwo Asamoah, Andrew Ayew, Kevin Prince-Boateng
Best World Cup Finish: Quarterfinals (2010)
Fun Fact: Kevin Prince-Boateng only declared for Ghana right before the 2010 World Cup. His brother plays for Germany.
Ghana was a cinderella story in South Africa in 2010. A penalty shootout away from being the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals had Ghana the favorite of the neutral fans. Well, except maybe the USA whom Ghana knocked out for the second straight World Cup.
Ghana boasts some interesting characters. Attacking midfielder Kevin Prince-Boateng returns to Ghana after “retiring” from international football to avoid playing in the qualifying matches. The Ayew brothers provide defensive discipline on one flank and trickery and goal scoring on the other. Sulley Muntari and Michael Essien still offer solid protection Ghana’s defensive line.
The key player could be Kwadwo Asamoah. Once believed to be a dominating midfielder before his club managers converted him into a full back, Asamoah is still a dynamic leader for Ghana. Drawn into an easier group, Ghana would have liked their chances to advance. They have good players all over the pitch. But they were drawn into the toughest group of the tournament. To advance, they will have to make no mistakes and play excellent counter-attacking football against Portugal and Germany and hope that the USA’s new midfield diamond does not work out.
Jun 16th
Charles Baker Talks “Murder In The First,” “Breaking Bad,” & More
Charles Baker made a career for himself in Texas and before even stepping foot in Hollywood had thirty-seven credits. Known for his role as ‘Skinny Pete’ on “Breaking Bad,” Baker can now be seen in the new TNT drama “Murder in the First” alongside Tom Felton and Taye Diggs. Set in San Francisco, the series will follow a single case across an entire season.
Later this year, Baker will star opposite Reese Witherspoon in the Fox Searchlight picture “Wild,” set to open in select theaters countrywide on Friday, December 5, 2014. “Wild” powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that angers, strengthens, and ultimately heals her.
Baker will be in a variety of independent films including “You Can’t Win” as ‘Fremont Older,’ (based on a real journalist) in a drama set in the 1920s centered around the unusual friendship between an adventurer and a young prostitute, opposite Hannah Marks, Michael Pitt, and Jeremy Allen White, “Ad Inexplorata” as ‘Captain Frank Worsely,’ the captain of a supply station in space, and “Eleven Eleven,” as ‘Tim Faris,’ a UFO fanatic desperately trying to prove to his family that abductions are real.
You can listen to my interview with Charles Baker HERE!
Jun 15th
Jimmy Kimmel Puts Kobe Bryant In The Hot Seat
Jimmy Kimmel was at it again with his “3 Ridiculous Questions” – a playful Q&A session where the host has a chance to sit down with some of America’s biggest celebs or athletes during “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” In the midst of the NBA Finals hype, who better to chat with than the man who has visited the Finals seven times – basketball superstar, Kobe Bryant!
During the Q&A session, Kimmel and Bryant joked around over a glass of the new Crown Royal Monarch 75th Anniversary Blend – a limited time offering featuring a special rye from the brand’s historic Coffey Still.
How many times have you caught yourself wondering where Kobe Bryant would go to the bathroom if he could fly? Jimmy Kimmel isn’t afraid to ask those tough questions. Find out that and more on Jimmy Kimmel Live’s hard-hitting “3 Ridiculous Questions.”
Jun 15th
