Katy Perry is the Biggest Pop Star on the Planet

Katy Perry's single "E.T." is currently sitting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the third consecutive week, making it the fourth track off her album Teenage Dream to reach the top spot.

Teenage Dream is only the ninth album to accomplish that feat. And whether you like her music or not, you have to admit it's impressive. In a music industry where very few can replicate success, she took it to a new level with this album.

KP was nominated for four Grammys this year, including Album of the Year. Her electropop album has already sold 1.3 million copies in the US alone and topped the charts in eight other countries.

The first three singles to peak at No. 1 were "California Gurls," "Teenage Dream," and "Firework."

Perry married British comedian Russell Brand in October and things could not look much brighter for this California Gurl.

I'm a fan. And happy to admit it.

2011 NBA Playoff Predictions

Eastern Conference


Opening Round

(1) Chicago Bulls over (8) Indiana Pacers

(2) Miami Heat over (7) Philadelphia 76ers

(3) Boston Celtics over (6) New York Knicks

(4) Orlando Magic over (5) Atlanta Hawks


Conference Semifinals

(1) Chicago Bulls over (4) Orlando Magic

(2) Miami Heat over (3) Boston Celtics


Conference Finals

(2) Miami Heat over (1) Chicago Bulls

The top two teams in the East have very little playoff experience. El Heat have two of the five best players in the world in LeBron and D-Wade. I've picked them to win it all from the beginning. Derrick Rose is without a doubt the MVP of the League this year. I don't think he will be enough. Miami has the most to prove. And they will.


Western Conference


Opening Round

(1) San Antonio Spurs over (8) Memphis Grizzlies

(2) Los Angeles Lakers over New Orleans Hornets

(6) Portland Trail Blazers over (3) Dallas Mavericks

(4) Oklahoma City Thunder over (5) Denver Nuggets


Conference Semifinals

(4) Oklahoma City Thunder over (1) San Antonio Spurs

(2) Los Angeles Lakers over (6) Portland Trail Blazers


Conference Finals

(4) Oklahoma City Thunder over (2) Los Angeles Lakers

People called me crazy when I said I would draft Kevin Durant over Greg Oden in 2007. Durant is NBA's leading scorer and the injury-prone Oden has had zero impact. The Thunder gave the Lakers its toughest test a year ago. I expect them to get over the hump this time.


NBA Finals

(2) Miami Heat over (4) Oklahoma City Thunder

LeBron James is the best basketball player on the planet. This is his time to prove it in the playoffs. He has the world's worst marketing team, but that won't matter if he adds a championship to his resume. This is the year.

Manny Ramirez Retires

Tampa outfielder/designated hitter Manny Ramirez has officially retired from Major League Baseball.

The 12-time All Star tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug during Spring Training, his second violate of the League's policy. Instead of accepting the 100-game suspension, Manny chose retirement.

Ramirez, 38, was one of baseball's elite hitters as recently as two seasons ago. He served a 50-game suspension while playing for the Dodgers in 2009. His 555 home runs rank 14th in MLB history.
Ramirez also owns the records for most postseason home runs and RBIs, with 29 and 78 respectively.

2011 Final Four Predictions: Cats and Dogs...And Rams

VCU vs. Butler

VCU is a nice story, but who can choose against Butler? Their back-to-back Final Four appearances is an amazing accomplishment for an elite program in a mid-major conference. VCU has gotten this far playing overrated teams, including top-seeded Kansas. Butler has found a way to grind out each game, the same way they made the title game last year. With Matt Howard inside and clutch guard Shelvin Mack, the Bulldogs are going to have another chance at the championship.

Kentucky vs. UConn

UConn has the best player in the tournament in Kemba Walker, but their other options are limited. Alex Oriakhi needs a huge game against Josh Harrellson and Jeremy Lamb has to hit some outside shots to keep the lanes open for Walker. However, this is a far different Kentucky team than the one that lost to the Huskies by 17 in November. Kentucky has too many offensive options and just knocked out two of the favorites last weekend in Ohio state and North Carolina. Can Deandre Liggins contain Walker? I think so. The Wildcats march on.

The Meaning of Life