Is She Hot or Am I Missing Something - Maria Bartiromo

It seems like my readers enjoy this series "Is She Hot or Am I Missing Something?"...even two of my co-workers told me they thought Giada was hot...today's featured woman is the CNBC's Money Honey - Maria Bartiromo...

The Money Honey
Maria is the host of CNBC's "Closing Bell" from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. weekdays and is the host and managing editor for the nationally syndicated "Wall Street Journal Report with Maria Bartiromo"...in 2007, she was named one of the 100 most influential business journalists in the country...so we know that she knows money...

Maria was nicknamed the "Money Honey" during the boom years of the stock market in the late 1990s due to her striking looks...she was also nicknamed the "Econo Babe"...since the 90s, the nickname "Money Honey" has spread to refer to attractive female financial news reporters in general...showing her knowledge of business, Maria filed to trademark the term for herself...

Maria was born in 1967 and grew up in the Bay Ridge section of southern Brooklyn...she checked coats at her parents' Italian restaurant...she graduated from New York University with a BA degree in journalism and a minor in economics...

In 1999, the Money Honey married Jonathan Steinberg, son of fallen investor Saul Steinberg...she is not without some controversy concerning her dealings with some business associates...

My thoughts - I know the slighest thing about business, but many times I flip on "The Closing Bell" while I eat dinner just to check her out...Maria is not so much a babe as she is a classy babe...I also loved the clip of her throwing out the first pitch at a Yankees game last September...she fills out a pair of jeans nicely...so yes, the Money Honey is HOT in my book...this leads to the questions:

Do you think Maria Bartiromo is hot?

If so, why doesn't she get the publicity?

Am I missing something?

Leave your comments

NFL Draft Spotlight on . . . New England Patriots

Today's Draft Spotlight is on the New England Patriots who have the seventh overall pick...Mike Reiss of The Boston Globe was nice enough to take the time to respond to some questions....

Q1. I have to ask, how is the team recovering after the devastating loss in the Super Bowl? Are there any regrets or things they would have done differently?
A. The coaches and players are all saying the right thing regarding the Super Bowl loss. It's hard to truly tell how they are recovering from the loss. In terms of regrets or things they would have done differently, the theme has been if they had only made one more play, or one better coaching decision. It was within their grasp had that one play/decision had been made.

Q2. Who do you think the Patriots will select with the 7th overall pick? Is it a given that they will select a cornerback?
A. It's a tough question to answer without knowing who the first six players are, but I'd start by saying I think they'd like to trade down if possible. But if they can't, I think it will be a defensive player, probably someone to play in the front seven. I don't think it's a given they select a cornerback at 7, as they very well could find the best value at that position is in the second/third round.

Q3. If you were selecting for the team, who would you draft with the 7th overall pick?
A. That's tough, because I don't know who is picked before them, and also I haven't extensively scouted the players. If they felt a linebacker was there that could help them get faster and more athletic, I'd go in that direction. So I guess I'll say Ohio State's Vernon Gholston, because he'd be an outside linebacker for them.

Q4. Last season, the Patriots did not draft well besides their first selection of Brandon Merriweather. The other six drafted players have either been cut or hurt. How has the 2007 draft affected the team over the long haul?
A. I can see why some might look at it and say the Patriots did not draft well, but I think it's important to account for the fact they traded a second-round pick for Wes Welker and a fourth-rounder for Randy Moss. I count those players as draft picks, because they were acquired with chips that would have otherwise went toward a college player. They also traded a third-round pick into the 2008 draft. So I think that adds a totally different context to what they did.

They had one draft pick in rounds 1-3 (Meriweather, first round) and the rest in rounds 4-7. While I'm sure they would have liked to hit on some of those later-round picks -- and with the success of teams like the Giants in that area, it shouldn't be dismissed -- those are lower-percentage plays anyway. So all in all, I don't think the 2007 draft was as bad as it seems on the surface. As for what it affects the team over the long haul, with Welker and Moss signed for multiple years, Meriweather primed to emerge, and sixth-rounder Mike Richardson having a shot to make something happens, I think they'll reap some nice benefits.

Q5. Who are some sleeper players that New England may take a chance on later in the draft who can help the team?
A. I'm still becoming more familiar with the prospects, but a few that caught my eye in the mid to late rounds were QB Josh Johnson, DL Keilen Dykes, DL Red Bryant, OL Mackenzy Bernadeau, LB Jeremy Leman, RB Justin Forcett, RB Steve Slaton, WR Danny Amendola.

Once again, I want to thank Mike for his time...

Five Good Questions with Mike Elliott about The Master's

The most historic golf event begins this Thursday when The Master's opens play in Augusta, Georgia...Mike Elliott of The Tampa Tribune was nice enough to respond to our questions about this year's event...

Q1. Straight out, do you see Tiger Woods winning this year's Master's? Why?
A. Yes, I’d take Tiger vs. the Field. If you built a golf course to set up for Tiger’s strengths, it would look a whole lot like Augusta National. Even when he does not have “my A game,’’ Tiger can labor his way through a Masters as well as most tour players can on their best days. He’s that much better than the rest of then.

Q2. Is Tiger playing the best golf you have ever seen?
A. Too early to say this is his best golf, but for him to actually acknowledge that a Grand Slam is do-able, suggests he is not displeased by how he’s playing.

Q3. Who are some "sleeper" picks (golfers) that we the fans should pay attention to?
A. Adam Scott seems to be this year’s flavor of the day for people trying to pick a surprise. Luke Donald, and Justin Rose could play well. Vijay Singh should be considered.

Q4. Sergio Garcia has yet to win a major. I have read recently that he could surprise some people and win The Master's. What are your thoughts?
A. Personally, I cannot imagine Sergio putting well enough for four days on Augusta National greens to even be close.

Q5. What do you see "Lefty" Phil Mickelson doing this year?
A. Phil Mickelson probably is the best player in the world right now after Tiger. He should win a couple of events this year. Might even be in contention this week.

Q5a. I have to ask, who would you take in their prime, Tiger or Jack? Why?
A. I don’t think we have even seen Tiger’s prime. Baring injury, Tiger will break every record Jack ever imagined. And saying that, Jack Nicklaus is the standard every golfer even hopes to be measured by. Until Tiger’s finished.

Once again, I thank Mike Elliott for his time...

Cleveland Legend Dies - Gib Shanley

A legend in Cleveland broadcasting and journalism died on Sunday...Gib Shanley, the voice of the Cleveland Browns, was 76-years-old...as a kid growing up in the late 1970s and 80s, I would listen faithfully each Sunday to Shanley and his partner, the late Nev Chandler, announce the Browns games...even if the game was televised, I would still plug in the earpiece to my dad's transistor radio and listen to Shanley and Chandler...

Here is what former Browns running back Greg Pruitt said about Shanley, "As a broadcaster, Gib was one of the few people you could really trust not to take your words out of context. We always trusted him with our interviews. I’m greatly saddened by his passing. I want the family to know my heart and prayers go out to him. We lost a great man.”

Bob Dolgan of The Cleveland Plain Dealer writes about Shanley and the day he burned the Iranian flag in 1979... "Shanley was merely a successful Cleveland sportscaster until Nov. 8, 1979. That night be burned a flag of Iran on television and became a folk hero. The incident took place while Iran was holding a group of Americans hostage in Tehran. Near the end of his broadcast on WEWS Channel 5, Shanley said, "I know this isn't sports, but I'm going to do it anyway." ...

Bob Dolgan

NFL Mock Draft

Every Monday until the NFL Draft, Stiles Points will be showcasing a mock draft...these are the players who I think will be taken by each team...

1. Dolphins - Chris Long, de, Virginia - everything I read indicates that Long can play DE or LB...Parcells will like that versatality...

2. Rams - Jake Long, ot. Michigan - the Rams need to get ready for the soon-to-be retirement of Orland Pace...plus Long will help open holes for Steven Jackson...

3. Falcons - Matt Ryan, qb, Boston College - most publications have the ATL taking Glenn Dorsey...but the Falcons need a QB bad after the Vick/Schaub disaster...

4. Raiders - Darren McFadden, rb, Arkansas - the publications have them taking D. Mac...it will be tough passing on Dorsey especially because the Raiders have a glaring need at DT...but I agree that Al Davis cannot pass up McFadden...

5. Chiefs - Ryan Clady, ot, Boise State - Dorsey will be so tempting to take because he was not expected to be here...but Herm Edwards is a smart coach and he knows he needs O-line help ASAP...

6. Jets - Glenn Dorsey, dt, LSU - the Jets fans will go nuts with excitement as this stud falls into their laps...

7. Patriots - Vernon Gholston, de, Ohio State - the Pats need to go with a defensive player...Gholston is a solid pick...

8. Ravens - Mike Jenkins, C. Florida, cb - I could see this pick being traded...they need a QB and it is too early to take Brohm...the CB position is an area of need for this team...

9. Bengals - Sedrick Ellis, dt, Southern Cal - is it just me or are the Bengals always drafting defensive players every year in the first round and their defense still sucks!?!?...

10. Saints - Derrick Harvey, de, Florida - Saints need to plug up many holes in their defense...

11. Bills - Devin Thomas, wr, Michigan State - Buffalo lacks another playmaker at WR...

12. Broncos - Chris Williams, ot, Vanderbilt - Denver needs to retool their aging offensive line...plus they lost Matt Lepsis to retirement...

13. Panthers - Branden Albert, og, Virginia - Albert is the latest Kiper special...in fact, Mel has Albert going to KC at #5...

14. Bears - Rashard Mendenhall, rb, Illinois - this is a no-brainer pick...Cedric Benson sucks...

15. Lions - Leodis McKelvin, cb, Troy - CB is a position of need...they are fortunate there are many quality CBs this year...however, don't be surprised if Matt Millen goes with Mario Manningham here either...(just joking Lions fans)...

16. Cardinals - Keith Rivers, lb, Southern Cal - the Cardinals may have other needs, but they cannot pass on Rivers who is a top 10 talent...

17. Vikings - Brian Brohm, qb, Louisville - originally I had them taking a D-lineman, but all indications point to Brohm...and it is understandable being their QB situation is not the best...

18. Texans - Felix Jones, rb, Arkansas - the Texans RBs are all garbage...plus by taking Felix, they will screw over Jerry Jones who supposedly covets him...

19. Eagles - DeSean Jackson, wr, Cal - the Eagles lack playmakers at the WR spot...plus, Jackson is also great on kick returns...

20. Buccaneers - Malcolm Kelly, wr, Oklahoma - here goes the run on WRs...Kelly is a big, physical receiver...

21. Redskins - Mario Manningham, wr, Michigan - M2 does not have the great Combine numbers, but he is a person who can stretch the field...

22. Cowboys - Jonathan Stewart, rb, Oregon - Stew will be out until late August, but that will give him time to study the playbook...plus, the Cowboys need him in December and January, not September...

23. Steelers - Jeff Otah, ot, Pitt - Steelers need offensive line help...they stay at home and take Otah...

24. Titans - Limas Sweed, wr, Texas - the Titans have needed a quality WR for the last two years...they keep Vince happy by getting a fellow Longhorn...

25. Seahawks - Philip Merling, de, Clemson - Patrick Kearney is getting a tad old...

26. Jaguars - Kentwan Balmer, dt, North Carolina - this is not a sexy pick, but most of the Jags picks are not your Jessical Alba-type selections...

27. Chargers - Gosder Cherilus, ot, Boston College - versatile player who can play either tackle spot...

28. Cowboys - James Hardy, wr, Indiana - Jerry Jones saw how Plaxico Burress can be a game changer...Hardy is in that same mold at 6'6"...

29. 49ers - Calais Campbell, de, The U - this is a boon-or-bust pick...they kid has talent, but he could also be out of the league in 2 years...

30. Packers - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, cb, Tennessee State - DRC is a difficult player to place...he is a 6'2" corner who runs the 40 in 4.3 or faster...he is almost freak-like...I just read though that teams are scared of him because he has only 1 kidney...Packers need CB help after Eli sliced 'em to pieces in the title game...

31. Patriots - FORFEIT

32. Giants - Dan Connor, lb, Penn State - this guy will probably get selected earlier, but if he is still there, the G-men will celebrate...

Sunday Stories

Pete Thamel of The New York Times writes about William Wesley...never heard of him?...then you should read about this powerful man in sports... "In recent years, he has extended a puzzling and powerful reach throughout sports. A confidant of Michael Jordan, a close friend of James and a sideline presence from summer basketball games to the N.B.A. finals to the Super Bowl, Wesley has gained power through his connections. He has the ear of N.B.A. owners and junior high phenoms alike. He had strong enough ties in the music and sports worlds to introduce James and Jay-Z." ...

Pete Thamel

Harvey Araton of The New York Times writes why he would rather cover the Women's Final Four instead of the Men's... "Here I am at another Women’s Final Four, an event I have been covering, it seems, since the days of six-on-six, when defensive players were not allowed to play offense, and vice versa, or just before Pat Summitt and Geno Auriemma met for lunch to reinvent the sport." ...

Harvey Araton

Mike Lupica of The New York Daily News writes how Memphis stud Derrick Rose would look good in a Knicks uniform... "The shot that really ended it, the shot made by a player who could begin to change everything at Madison Square Garden if the Knicks could ever get him, came with a little over three minutes left at the Alamadome. Derrick Rose, the best player in this game against UCLA and probably the best in the country, this year's freshman guard at the Final Four, came hard at the basket one last time and then put up this shot with all this playground spin on it and of course it went in and now Memphis was ahead by 11." ...

Mike Lupica

John "Junior" Feinstein of the Washington Post writes about how this year's freshmen in basketball will soon be wearing an NBA uniform next season... "It would be wonderful if we could watch Rose and Love for another three years at this level, not to mention players such as Indiana's Eric Gordon, Southern Cal's O.J. Mayo and Kansas State's Michael Beasley -- all freshmen who almost undoubtedly will be NBA rookies this fall. It would be great to get to know them better as people, to watch them grow and mature and become comfortable as public figures. By the time Grant Hill graduated from Duke in 1994 after playing in three Final Fours, most college basketball fans felt as if he was an adopted son. But today's reality is that no one wants to wait to get rich anymore than anyone wants to wait for a dial-up Internet connection." ...

John Feinstein

Ed Hardin of the Greensboro News-Record writes how North Carolina got ambushed in Saturday's semi-final game... "With a howling Kansas mob awaiting, the top-ranked Tar Heels walked into an ambush at the Alamodome that will go down in Carolina history as one of the greatest defeats ever. Kansas ran up a 28-point lead in the first half, withstood a UNC comeback in the second, then ran away for a stunning 84-66 victory before wild-eyed Kansas fans." ...

Ed Hardin

Jason Whitlock of the Kansas City Star writes that Kansas' whoopin of Roy Williams made many Jayhawks fans happy... "The Kansas Jayhawks served Roy Williams revenge steaming hot, blazing to a 28-point advantage to open their Final Four semifinal showdown and settling their emotional divorce from Williams on terms KU fans can live with." ...

Jason Whitlock

Jeffrey Flanagan of The Kansas Star writes how CBS' Jim Nantz is dealing with his father's illness... "Nantz said it feels OK these days to discuss his father’s illness, so much so that Nantz wrote a memoir Always By My Side, which looks at not only his broadcasting career but the struggles inherent in coping with someone with Alzheimer’s. The book comes out in early May." ...

Jeffrey Flanagan

Scott Cacciola of the Memphis Commercial Appeal writes how Memphis' Chris Douglas-Roberts is tired of people saying the Tigers are not that good... "All season, the University of Memphis has been fueled by what the team's players and coaches describe as disrespect, by doubters, by people who have no idea what the Tigers do, or how they do it, or why. But during the Tigers' romp through the NCAA Tournament, this team is turning skeptics into believers by making roadkill of opponents. And sometimes they do it by posterizing all-Americans." ...

Scott Cacciola

T.J. Simers of The Los Angeles Times writes that UCLA head coach Ben Howland should not take the fall for UCLA's third straight loss in the Final Four... "Second-guess, if you like, but Memphis was just better than UCLA. It happens. That's usually why only one team emerges the champion, and three others go home wondering what happened." ...

T.J. Simers

Jay Mariotti of the Chicago Sun-Times writes about Memphis star and Chicago native Derrick Rose... "He is painfully modest, which is shocking in a way, knowing his talents are the loudest and most dynamic in college basketball. Everyone wants to talk about Derrick Rose except Derrick Rose, who actually winced by his locker Saturday night when it was suggested he could go down in history as a freshman who leads his team to a national championship." ...

Jay Mariotti

Doug Feinberg of the Associate Press writes how Tennessee head coach Pat Summitt admits that Candace Parker is the best playe she ever coached... "I went into the season thinking she's one of the best ever," Summitt said. "Now that we're approaching the end of her career -- I've coached Cheryl Miller, Chamique (Holdsclaw), Lynette Woodard, Nancy (Lieberman), Anne Donovan -- Parker is the best." ...

Doug Feinberg