FOR CONQUEST, HOUSTON IS THE VOICE OF LEADERSHIP.(SPORTS) - Albany Times Union (Albany, NY)

Byline: MARK SINGELAIS Staff writer

ALBANY -- That smooth bass voice has entertained an American president.

It can be heard singing hymns in church. Or it can get loud and passionate, if the Albany Conquest of arenafootball2 is struggling.

That voice belongs to Conquest lineman Alex Houston, a Colgate graduate who is tied for second in af2 with seven sacks entering tonight's game at 7:30 against the Roanoke Steam at Pepsi Arena.

``He makes the music come alive,'' said Mary Houston, his mother. ``Sometimes he even brings tears to your eyes.''

In college, Houston performed with the prestigious Colgate Thirteen, an all-male a cappella singing group that entertains audiences around the country. Once, Houston and his 12 partners did the national anthem for Bill and Hillary Clinton at an appearance in Upstate New York.

Houston got his start singing in the choir at Christian Church of Philadelphia, where his father, Gordon, is a pastor.

Alex Houston, 23, said he doesn't see any contradiction between his hard-hitting profession and his sweet-sounding recreation.

``People get the wrong idea about football players,'' he said. ``We play a tough sport. We play a physical sport and it's violent. I'm the first one to admit part of the reason I play is I like the physical nature of the game. But everyone does something else besides play ball.

``I just found (singing) to be something I like to do and I'm pretty good at it,'' he continued. ``So why not do it, as long as it doesn't interfere with me playing football?''

Houston, who plays offensive guard and defensive end, said the chances are almost nil that he'll ever sing the national anthem before a Conquest game. He's too busy psyching himself into a competitive frame of mind.

That game face, combined with uncommon agility for a big man, has Conquest coach Ron Selesky convinced that Houston can get back to the Arena Football League -- where he spent three games with the New Jersey Gladiators last year -- and maybe even get a shot in an NFL training camp.

``He's very intense and he's very committed,'' Selesky said. ``He runs as well as any big guy I think I've seen in this league in a while. He's got a first step that is comparable to a lot of guys who are lining up and playing on Sundays (in the NFL).''

Selesky added that Houston should try to add bulk to his 6-foot-4, 258-pound frame -- perhaps another dozen pounds. Houston, who has trouble keeping on weight, wolfed down a pair of cupcakes and an energy bar before Wednesday's practice.

Nor has Houston allowed himself to starve spiritually or intellectually. He holds a double major in philosophy and religion from Colgate, and considers his father's congregation to be an extension of his family.

Though he grew up in a pastor's home, Houston said his father was firm, but fair.

``My father understood that we were kids,'' he said. ``He would discipline you, but at the same time, he let you make mistakes and you learned from them. He's not a big sports guy. He's from the country (Mississippi) and he's not into sports. But he came to the games because me and my brother played. He and my mom brought us along and taught us good human values, to be good human beings.''

His leadership is among Houston's strongest qualities.

``He has that booming voice,'' Selesky said. ``And he's very enthusiastic about what he does, and that lifts guys up in a tight game.''

Houston credits his faith with allowing him to accept the bumpy path his career has taken. He was a 6-foot, 190-pound linebacker coming out of Bensalem (Pa.) High.

Going to Division I-AA Colgate, he bulked up to 250 pounds and made all-Patriot League as a defensive tackle. But he was small for an interior lineman and wasn't invited to an NFL training camp.

After spending part of last season with the Gladiators, who moved him outside to end, the AFL team had a coaching change and didn't invite Houston back to training camp. Selesky, who has great respect for Colgate players, then picked him up.

HOUSTON BUSINESSMAN SAYS BOWLEN BACKS EXPANSION TO CITY.(Sports) - Rocky Mountain News (Denver, CO)

Byline: Sam Adams and Lynn DeBruin News Staff Writers

GREELEY -- Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen took in his first training camp session of 1999 Monday afternoon. After watching his team, Bowlen spoke about the efforts being made in Los Angeles and Houston to regain NFL franchises.

Groups vying for an expansion team in Los Angeles have a deadline of Sept. 15 to arrange a stadium financing plan. Meanwhile, businessman Robert McNair already has the pieces in place to bring a team back to Houston.

On Sunday, McNair told Houston television station KRIV that some NFL owners - including Bowlen - have given him hope that Houston beat out Los Angeles. Bowlen, McNair said, believes the financial environment isn't right for Los Angeles, and it might take several more years before it is right.

``I think that's generally what I did tell Bob McNair,'' Bowlen said. ``That was one man's opinion - not the league's opinion. Further to that, my opinion is we have to give a window of time to a group in Los Angeles to come up with a solution or proposal.

``I believe we really have to give - whether it's Eli Broad and (Michael) Ovitz combined, which has been talked about - we've got to give them a specific window of time to say either get to us with your proposal, something realistic, not necessarily all ready to go but a few months of being ready, or we're going to have to stop worrying about L.A. That's really where I'm at.''

Bowlen will join NFL owners in Chicago on Wednesday for league meetings. Any talk that doesn't favor Los Angeles is only good for McNair's bid in Houston. ``I told Bob, in one man's opinion, it appears where (Los Angeles) is at now is a long way from where they need to be,'' Bowlen said.

New deal for McCaffrey? - The Broncos have been working on redoing Ed McCaffrey's contract but coach Mike Shanahan said Monday that nothing has been finalized.

He said he couldn't comment on anything until it was signed.

General manager Neal Dahlen also said no extension has been reached.

McCaffrey's teammates and position coach, however, said the Pro Bowl receiver definitely deserves to be rewarded for his effort.

McCaffrey has yet to drop a pass in training camp, and has made several diving catches.

Receivers coach Mike Heimerdinger said McCaffrey strives to get better every day.

``He made his first mistake today and I couldn't talk to him for about 10 plays,'' Heimerdinger said. ``He missed a block. He was mad at himself. He's a perfectionist. He has a standard and works hard at that.''

Heimerdinger said of any contract discussions: ``I'm happy for him if it happens, but that won't affect him or his work habits.''

Quarterback Bubby Brister said McCaffrey is one of the best receivers in the league. ``He's proved he can get it done and deserves to be paid like a top guy,'' Brister said.

New man - Brian Griese is no track star but is convinced off-season speed drills helped with his quickness.

``It was a different kind of conditioning than I've ever done,'' said Griese, who enters the season as Denver's No. 2 quarterback behind Bubby Brister. ``It was track work. I'm not a sprinter of any kind, but I think the things we worked on should transfer to the field.''

Randy Huntington, whom the Broncos hired as a speed coach this off-season, said Griese made the biggest improvement of any player.

``I saw incredible changes in his speed, ability to move,'' Huntington said. ``He's more flexible. His strength is up. He's a different athlete today. Obviously, he was a very skilled quarterback but now he's a different athlete in general. The bar has been raised there. How that will (carry over) to quarterback remains to be seen, but I'm still impressed.''

Millennium schedule - The dates won't be set until spring, but the Broncos will play the NFC West in interconference games in 2000. Denver will face San Francisco, Atlanta, New Orleans and St. Louis, but not Carolina.

Say what? - That wasn't gibberish from Shanahan on Monday. Asked how he communicates with Jesus Angoy, a kicker from Spain, Shanahan started in with his high school Spanish.

Et cetera - Four Broncos starters missed Monday morning's practice session: tight end Shannon Sharpe (death in the family), linebacker John Mobley (hamstring), fullback Howard Griffith (ankle) and defensive end Neil Smith (ankle). A fifth starter - left tackle Tony Jones - sat out the afternoon session, not because of injury, but to give other linemen a chance to compete in drills. ``Tony's an older vet and he's got a lot of reps, so we don't feel like he needed to practice the way he's been practicing,'' Shanahan said. ``Mobley's getting a little bit better. I'm hoping (he'll practice today).'' . . . Coaches from the University of Montana have been watching practices. Another group of coaches from the Montana school are at the San Diego Chargers' training camp. The Broncos and Chargers open preseason Aug. 7 in Sydney, Australia.

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Pick the bar of the year; Your country needs you to track down Scotland's local heroes.(Features) - Sunday Mail (Glasgow, Scotland)

FOR many, it's more homely than their own living room. Always a warm welcome, good food and drink, top music, plus the sport's always on the telly...

But is your local good enough to be crowned Scotland's Pub of the Year?

Your barmaid doesn't have to be as famous as the ones on our cover - EastEnders' Peggy, Mel and Tiffany, Coronation Street's Bet, Geena and new barmaid Shelley, or Emmerdale's Tricia - all they need to have is your vote.

The Sunday Mail has joined forces with trade mag The DRAM to find the best boozer in the land.

Our pub trawl will take in all corners of Scotland and the winner will pick up the prestigious title at a classy awards ceremony in July.

The Sunday Mail's team of pub spies will be out in force, but we need your help to draw up the definitive list of the best bars in Scotland.

Just tell us why you think your favourite pub should win. It could be because its food would rival Betty's hotpot in Coronation Street or that the bar staff pour a better pint than Bet Lynch.

Or maybe the landlord and landlady are more entertaining than Den and Angie were in EastEnders. Whatever the reason, we want to know about it.

Our staff know a thing or two about pubs, but for a true expert opinion we've drafted in Susan Young, publisher of The DRAM and author of the book, Scotland's Best Bars. Today, Susan names 40 of her favourite bars.

She has visited more than 400 pubs in her quest to find the perfect place to have a pint and has strong ideas about what she is looking for.

Her criteria for the best boozer include:

High standard of service

Great atmosphere

Friendly and efficient staff

An excellent selection of beers, spirits and wine at reasonable prices

Tasty snacks and great pub grub

Clean and tidy interiors

Susan said: 'I am delighted the Sunday Mail is backing the search for the best pub in Scotland. I have visited many and there are a great number of fabulous ones out there.

'The Sunday Mail Pub of the Year Award is the accolade every pub owner in the country wants to win and I'm delighted Sunday Mail readers are getting the chance to nominate their favourite pub. Good pubs come in all shapes and sizes and are located all over the place, but they have some common elements such as a welcoming atmosphere and good staff.

'These awards seek to reward bars, pubs, hotels and restaurants that have excelled throughout the year.

'I don't know anyone who doesn't have a favourite place they like to go... and now they have a chance to see if their favourite pub stacks up against the best in Scotland.'

The first 100 people to enter Pub of the Year will be given a free copy of Susan's book, Scotland's Best Bars.

Susan added: 'I've been writing about pubs, clubs and bars for seven years and felt we needed one detailing Scottish pubs.

'The great thing about Scotland is that pub culture is alive and kicking and I am delighted to be able to show you some of the best places to have a drink.

'My list is not a definitive guide, merely a collection of some of the best in Scotland. I look for service and atmosphere, followed by a degree of cleanliness. Some are renowned for their beer and some for atmosphere.

'But every one I've featured I've visited personally and I hope you will, too.'

We launched our Pub of the Week series last October and every bar featured so far will be entered into the Pub of the Year competition.

Our pubs of the week have been: West of the Moon, Ayr; The Mallard, Dingwall; The Old Aberlady Inn, Aberlady; Fox and Hounds, Horseshoe Bar, Houston; Oban Inn, Oban; World's End, Edinburgh; Auld Cross Keys Inn, Denholm; Deacon Brodie, Dundee; The Loft, Troon; Blackfriars, Inverness; The Champion Shell Inn, Stevenston; Drouthy Neebors, Stirling; Drovers Inn, East Linton; Gold Hotel, Crail; Old Chain Pier, Edinburgh; Wheatsheaf Inn, Symington; Allanton Inn, Allanton; Bridge House Hotel, Ardrishaig; The Burnbrae, Bearsden; Sullivan's Bar, Saltcoats; Clyde Tavern, Auchtermuchty; Athenaeum, Aberdeen; Cottier's, Glasgow; Tannahill Bar, Paisley; Kilberry Inn, Kilberry, Argyll; The Garvel Point, Greenock; The Salt Cot, Saltcoats; and Flannigan's Cafe Bar, Largs.

But even if your favourite has been mentioned, please still fill in the entry form on the right because the more we know about every pub the better.

Alongside the Pub of the Year award sponsored by the Sunday Mail, other categories in the licensed trade competition are: Bell's Community Pub of the Year, Carlsberg Award for Customer Service, Coors Light Nightclub of the Year, Cuervo Style Bar of the Year, ic scotland Hotel of the Year, The Famous Grouse Manager of the Year, The Macallan Whisky Bar of the Year, McEwan's SPA Successful Progress Award, Morgan's Spiced Gold Bar Personality and Repertoire New Restaurant of the Year.

THE GRANARY

14-16 Kilmarnock Road, Glasgow

Tel: 0141 632 8487

A real southside institution, where you may spot the odd celebrity.

What to look out for

The life-sized stuffed ostrich and the draught beer and lager pitcher deals on Sundays.

TORMAUKIN HOTEL

Glendevon, near Gleneagles

Tel: 01259 781295

A haven for hungry hillwalkers and locals, who flock to enjoy the excellent dining.

What to look out for

Wine and whisky tastings, jazz evenings, quiz nights, pub grub and a la carte food.

ALL BAR ONE

62-72 St Vincent Street, Glasgow

Tel: 0141 229 6060

Massive, glass-fronted bar, ideal for meeting a crowd and popular with office groups. What to look out for

Champagne by the glass, friendly, helpful staff, the queue on a Friday night.

THE CAIRN

Main Road, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire

Tel: 01479 841212

An excellent local, popular with skiers and tourists. Fairly jumpin' at weekends.

What to look out for

A warm welcome, The Carrbridge Music Festival and chatty bar staff.

PARAMOUNT

21 Bon Accord Street, Aberdeen

Tel: 01224 590500

A talking point when it first opened, for the TVs in the loos, and still a trendy haunt.

What to look out for

Cheap drinks for the girls on Thursdays, good-value food and the pre-club buzz.

LISMORE

206 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow

Tel: 0141 576 0103

Public bar is never empty, as customers relax with their pints and a newspaper.

What to look out for

The stained glass windows, the characters propping up the bar and the live music.

THE FISHERMAN'S TAVERN

10 -14 Fort Street, Broughty Ferry

Tel: 01382 775941

This pub is a real local, fitted with original ships' tables. Renowned for its beer.

What to look out for

Its range of real ale, the chatty staff, regulars with a tale or two and the food - lots of it.

RAB HA'S

80 Hutcheson Street, Glasgow

Tel: 0141 572 0400

Cosy, traditional bar, with a roaring fire. Full of chat that's well worth eavesdropping on.

What to look out for

The roaring fire, leaflets about what's on in Glasgow and a wide range of customers.

SCOTIA BAR

112 Stockwell Street, Glasgow

Tel: 0141 552 8681

One of the city's most famous pubs, a haunt of musicians, artists and comedians.

What to look out for

Traditional Scottish entertainment, great banter and the snooker hall upstairs.

ESTAMINET

Littlejohn Street, Aberdeen

Tel: 01224 622657

Housed in the former anatomy building of Aberdeen University. Bright and airy.

What to look out for

The bongo and saxophone sessions, lively DJs and the tempting snack menu.

CAFe ROYAL

17/19 West Register Street, Edinburgh

Tel: 0131 556 1884

Two bars - the Circle Bar and the Bistro Bar next door which is a haunt of rugby types and a must during rugby internationals.

What to look out for

The striking architecture in the Circle Bar and rugby memorabilia in the Bistro.

THE BEN NEVIS

1147 Argyle Street, Glasgow

Tel: 0141 576 5204

A mix of modern and traditional Scottish, a city centre pub with the attributes of a local.

What to look out for

Scottish folk music, the 'stork's nest' log fire, friendly staff and lot of whiskies.

OXYGEN

2-5 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh

Tel: 0131 557 9997

Light, airy and comfortable. Won the Cuervo Gold Style Bar of the Year 2000.

What to look out for

Fabulous Sunday brunch - the perfect hangover cure, I'm told.

NEO

9 Queen's Road, Aberdeen

Tel: 01224 208494

Popular with mums, who pop in for morning coffee, and a trendy crowd at nights.

What to look out for

An extensive menu, outdoor dining in summer and big plasma TV screens.

THE HORSESHOE

17-21 Drury Street, Glasgow

Tel: 0141 229 5711

The longest continuous bar in the UK - and one of the most successful. Very traditional.

What to look out for

The karaoke, and the gold, silver and platinum discs of Travis, who rehearsed here.

FOX & HOUNDS

South Street, Houston

Tel: 01505 612448

A family-run pub which brews its own beer and hosts beer festivals in the car park.

What to look out for

Award-winning own brew St Peter's Well, renowned food and cosy atmosphere.

THE PARK BAR

1202 Argyle Street, Glasgow

Tel: 0141 339 1715

Busy Heilan' bar. Regulars come from as far as Lewis - every weekend - but non-teuchters are also very welcome.

What to look out for

CDs recorded live in the bar, big screen for the football and cheap, but hearty, lunches.

THE DOME

14 George Street, Edinburgh

Tel: 0131 624 8624

Domed main bar, with a more intimate Cocktail Bar and superb beer garden.

What to look out for

The imperious glass-domed interior, a good cocktail list and posh nosh

BANNERMAN'S

212 Cowgate, Edinburgh

Tel: 0131 556 3254

Student haunt that's so dark you can't help but wonder what everyone is getting up to.

What to look out for

The dripping candles, people watching, two-for-one offers and the snooker room.

THE TARTAN ARMS

Main Street, Bannockburn

Tel: 01786 812056.

Won Bell's Community Pub of the Year 2000. Boasts snooker, a disco and cabaret.

What to look out for

The warm welcome, huge entertainment area and fabulous weekend atmosphere.

GUILDFORD ARMS

1 West Register Street, Edinburgh

Tel: 0131 556 4312

Predominantly a male domain, the sort of place where men could nurse a pint all day.

What to look out for

Its range of cask beers, a wide variety of malt whiskies and good-value lunches.

THE MISHNISH

Main Street, Tobermory, Mull

Tel: 01688 3020098

Known the world over to sailors and visitors to the island as a welcoming, friendly pub.

What to look out for

A game of pool with locals, the lively entertainment at weekends and filling pub grub.

THE CORINTHIAN

191 Ingram Street, Glasgow

Tel: 0141 552 1101

A restaurant, nightclub and private members' bar - and a real mix of customers.

What to look out for

Stunning architecture, people-watching, The Piano Bar - when the pianist's in.

INDIGO YARD

7 Charlotte Lane, Edinburgh

Tel: 0131 220 5603

Mellow surroundings, quite a haunt for the young, and not-so-young, free and single.

What to look out for

A yummy, frequently-changing menu, tasty cocktails and the beautiful bar staff.

THE OLD MILL INN

4-6 Balfron Road, Killearn

Tel: 01360 550068

A pub with a beer garden, gift shop and baby shop, too - very popular on Sundays. What to look out for

The welcoming atmosphere, regular entertainment, parties and summer barbecues.

FRANKENSTEIN'S

401-405 Union Street, Aberdeen

Tel: 01224 626720

Features Frankenstein memorabilia and spooky music in the toilets. Good, fun pub.

What to look out for

Frankenstein - he drops in, literally. Good, reasonable food and the weekend parties.

IGUANA

41 Lothian Street, Edinburgh

Tel: 0131 220 4288

Has its own magazine to tell regulars what's happening in the chilled-out tropical bar.

What to look out for

The chilled atmosphere, all-day breakfasts and an extensive list of cocktails.

CONNELLY'S BAR

23 Nicolson Street, Greenock

Tel: 01475 888972

Rustic and earthy, but the party kicks off big time at nights, with great music and DJs. What to look out for

Live music and disco most nights of the week and their legendary Steak Sandwich.

RICK'S

55a Frederick Street, Edinburgh

Tel: 0131 622 7800

Has one of the best cocktail lists in town and the bar staff really know how to make them.

What to look out for

Raspberry Martinis, the posh menu, featuring lobster, and all the beautiful people.

MA' CAMERON'S INN

Little Belmont Street, Aberdeen

Tel: 01224 644487

The oldest pub in the city. Traditional snug packed with regulars, plus a modern area.

What to look out for

The atmosphere and people saying: 'I've been to the oldest pub in Aberdeen.'

THE CLACHNAHARRY INN

17 Clachnaharry Road, Inverness

Tel: 01463 239806

People come from miles around to enjoy the ale and the view from the lounge bar.

What to look out for

Ales commended by CAMRA, a pint on the old station platform and range of whiskies.

BAR SIRIUS

Dock Place, Leith, Edinburgh

Tel: 0131 555 3344

Busy, revamped bar, full of lush greenery. Laidback evening atmosphere.

What to look out for

The food - very tasty - the live music and DJs and a good range of cocktails.

JINTY McGINTY'S

23-29 Ashton Lane, Glasgow

Tel: 0141 339 0747

A real Irish bar that's jumpin' most nights. Great Guinness and good craic guaranteed. Serves traditional Irish fare.

What to look out for

The chance to chat away to strangers, and outside drinking in fine weather.

THE DORIC TAVERN

15-17 Market Street, Edinburgh

Tel: 0131 225 1084.

A long-time media haunt, with an excellent menu at around pounds 20 for three courses.

What to look out for

The bar snacks, including stovies, and the paintings on sale.

AZZURRO

The Academy, Schoolhill, Aberdeen

Tel: 01224 640900

Situated on top of a shopping centre, its roof terrace is a real hit on sunny days.

What to look out for

The cheap and tasty food, DJs most weekends and the resident jazz/funk band.

SEAMUS' BAR

Sligachan Hotel, Sligachan, Skye

Tel: 01478 650204

A haven for hillwalkers, popular summer and winter, with a September beer festival.

What to look out for

The spectacular view, good cask ales, regular entertainment and 80 malts on optic.

SIMPSON'S

59 Queens Road, Aberdeen

Tel: 01224 327777

All palm trees and tall columns, it's very popular with Aberdeen's style crew. The terrific restaurant is something else.

What to look out for

The sweeping staircase, the sun terrace, the colonial feel and spaciousness.

CUBA NORTe

192 Morrison Street, Edinburgh

Tel: 0131 221 1430

Learn salsa or merengue in this lively bar, or just watch others strut their stuff.

What to look out for

A healthy collection of cigars, the party atmosphere and tasty, Cuban-style food.

THE ILLICIT STILL

Nether Kirkgate, Aberdeen

Tel: 01224 623123

Traditional, but modern. If you have good arm muscles look out for the two-pint mug.

What to look out for

The literary quotes on the bar mirrors, the candle sculpture and weekend DJs.

BLACKFRIARS

Bell Street, Glasgow

Tel: 0141 552 5924

Still one of the most popular pubs in the area. Great range of real ales and whisky.

What to look out for

The comedy club downstairs, live music at the weekends and the caricatures.

HERE is your chance to vote for Scotland's best pub. Size is not an issue, but atmosphere is.

We're looking for great pubs that have:

A welcoming atmosphere

Friendly and efficient staff

Excellent selection of beers, spirits and wine at reasonable prices

Tasty snacks or great pub grub

Clean and tidy interiors

High standard of service

Lakers want to stay in control NBA: L.A. hoping not to follow same path as Houston series.(Sports) - Daily News (Los Angeles, CA)

Byline: Elliott Teaford, Staff Writer

DENVER - Carpe diem. Seize the moment. Seize the day.

Seize control of the Western Conference finals.

The Lakers vowed to do all of the above in Game 4 tonight against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. They said Sunday they learned their lesson after seizing nothing of significance the last time they played a Game 4 with a 2-1 series lead.

Two weeks ago Sunday, the Lakers strolled onto the court and got their heads handed to them by the Houston Rockets. That defeat meant the difference between a short and sweet series victory and a lengthy, drawn-out battle with the Rockets.

The Lakers needed seven games to eliminate the Rockets in their second-round series, and they're still paying the price for having to play an extra game or two. They were weary beyond words after taking a 103-97 victory from the Nuggets in Game 3.

Kobe Bryant needed intravenous fluids in order to refuel after scoring a team-leading 41 points Saturday night.

He said his wife called him after the game and said he looked terrible. He also said he went right to bed after the game and slept for 10 hours.

'Brutal,' he said. 'We've got two more series (this one and the NBA Finals). We've just got to get through it. There's two more series and we've just got to get it done, got to get it (freaking) done. We can be tired in August.

'We were in this position in the last series. We've got to come out with more focus, more energy, and really just execute a lot better on the defensive end.'

Indeed, the Lakers played it too fast and too loose after taking a 2-1 series lead against Houston with a sound victory on the Rockets' home floor. They barely played a lick of defense as the Rockets swept past for easy baskets in a 99-87 victory in Game 4.

The Lakers went on to defeat the Rockets in Game 5, but the Rockets forced the series to Game 7 with a strong showing in Game 6. The Lakers advanced by hammering the Rockets in Game 7, but everyone agreed they had to work too hard to win the series.

As in the last round, the Lakers split the first two games against the Nuggets at home and then produced a head-turning victory in Game 3. Now as then, it appeared the Lakers had taken command of the series. They must hammer the point home tonight.

'Everybody is still a little edgy,' Bryant said. 'Everybody's still a little upset. We haven't done anything. We're just ready to get after it again. ... We just want to win, we just want to win. We just want to come in here and take care of business.'

In other words, the Lakers want to do all the things tonight they didn't do in their last Game 4 on May 10 in Houston. They want to start fast, muzzle the Nuggets and their enthusiastic fans and seize a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.

The Lakers don't want the series to be deadlocked at 2-all heading back to Staples Center for Game 5 Wednesday night. They made the most of their chance to take control of the series by rallying from a 79-71 deficit to start the fourth quarter of Game 3.

A loss tonight, while not devastating, would nullify their remarkable finish Saturday, when Bryant scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, when Trevor Ariza had eight points and a key steal of an inbounds pass, when Pau Gasol scored eight points.

It would mean the Nuggets essentially would get a do-over after leading scorer Carmelo Anthony got into foul trouble in the second half and only scored three of his 21 points in the fourth quarter. It also would mean they would be even again.

'We don't want to relax,' Gasol said. 'We don't want to be too confident for (tonight's) game. They're not going to lower the bar. It's going to be even tougher than it was (in Game 3 on Saturday).'

It concerned the Lakers so much that they addressed the subject immediately after the final buzzer sounded on their victory over the Nuggets in Game 3 on Saturday.

'We talked about it,' Derek Fisher said. 'We're holding ourselves accountable to not allow what happened in the last series to happen again in terms of having solid performances in one game and then not being ready to go at the start of the next one.

'We've challenged ourselves in terms of where we go in the next 36 hours. ... Don't take that sigh or that relaxed deep breath. We told ourselves (Saturday) night, immediately after the game, to start thinking about the next game.

'I think everyone will respond the right way.'

elliott.teaford@dailybreeze.com

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Golfers tee off for big money in a Hoffman Estates sports bar.(News) - Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL)

Byline: Eileen O. Daday Daily Herald Correspondent

Greg Kinzler, 22, of St. Charles scoffs at the notion, but in the world of simulated golf, he just may be the next Tiger Woods.

Kinzler plays his game in bars, teeing up along the fairways of the Golden Tee video games. He took up the game only 18 months ago, but in the last year, he figures he has earned more than $12,000 in prize money.

Not bad for a hobby, he concedes.

'It's the money, and the competition,' Kinzler says. 'That's what drives me.'

On Sunday, Kinzler was one of 32 competitors to make the final cut in one of the game's biggest tournaments, the Golden Tee Fore! Chicago Challenge. It played out over the weekend at Official's Time Out Sports Bar in Hoffman Estates.

At stake was $20,000 in prize money, with $5,000 going to the first place winner, $2,500 for second place and $1,500 to the third place golfer.

Kinzler was the only local golfer to survive into the semi-final round. He wound up finishing fourth, and earning a cool $1,000 for his weekend's work. Jim Johnson of Los Angeles earned the top prize.

The tournament started Saturday with 106 players - including two women - hoping to make Sunday's cut. Only the top 32 players made the draw, based on their combined scores from three rounds of 18 hole games Saturday.

'This is a chance to play with some of the top people in the country,' said Steve Churak, 30, of Palatine.

Bar manager Kevin Fuery estimates that roughly 25 percent of the players came from the Chicago area, while the rest came from across the country, including Toronto, Houston, North Carolina and Long Beach, California.

'This is different than when you're playing at some bar, having a beer,' said Sonny Turnstall, 28, of Houston. 'This is match play, and there's a lot more pressure. It's about staying even with your opponent, and only taking chances if somebody makes a mistake.'

'You have to have smart course management,' added Kinzler.

Consequently, strategy involves everything from deciding what club to use, to deciding whether to strike the ball or hook it, and where to put the ball to leave the best putt.

The game was launched five years ago by Incredible Technologies, a company located in Rolling Meadows. Company officials now estimate the simulated video golf game is played in 70,000 bars across the country and overseas, and has made them the leading game producer in the world.

Some 200,000 players alone play in the league play, vying for ranking in the bronze, silver or gold divisions. They pay $4 a game to play, and avid players like Kinzler play up 15 hours a week.

OUTER BANKS BARS SCORE HIGH WITH AVID SPORTS FAN AMBIENCE,FOOD AND LOTS OF TVS ARE A WINNING TEAM.(CAROLINA COAST) - The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, VA)

Byline: MARSHA BACENKO, CORRESPONDENT

IT IS A NEVER-ENDING saga for the true sports fan: finding the perfect place to hang out on a cool Sunday afternoon.

My husband and I were looking for a spot with more than one TV, a decent bar menu and a comfortable ambience. Also, and this is a little harder to pin down, patrons who are there to watch sports. If I stand up in my seat and yell at Jets' coach Bill Parcells, this should be viewed as normal behavior.

We started at the Black Pelican in Kitty Hawk. In one way this is the male sports fan's dream. Anyone who has tried to wrestle the remote from a spouse's firm grip will appreciate the wraparound lineup of 15 TVs at the bar. On one afternoon we watched two football games, a baseball playoff game and the end of a NASCAR race simultaneously. You would think this is visual overload, but it is amazingly easy to get used to.

The Pelican's menu is a little different from other bars on the beach in that it doesn't offer standbys like chicken wings or stuffed spuds. It does offer a Kitty Hawk Beach Blossom ($6.95), an enormous deep fried onion big enough to feed four people (or two exceedingly hungry ones.) The Pelican also features an array of tempting wood-fired pizzas ($8.25-$10.95) with unusual and varied toppings, from BBQ Chicken to Red Hot Tuna.

A very popular special every day is steamed oysters for $2.99 a dozen.

Another sports bar in Kitty Hawk, but one with a completely different atmosphere, is Frisco's. The dark wood bar and high-backed bar stools are comfortable, and every seat has a view of one of the four TVs, including one big screen.

Co-owner and chef Mark Dough sets up a free make-your-own nacho and chili bar every Sunday. We enjoyed a plate piled high with our own special combination, heavy on the jalapenos.

We ordered a pitcher of Bloody Marys ($7.50), and ate our fill of the special of the day, 10-cent steamed spiced shrimp. A warning: it's just about impossible to stop at half a dozen. And with the special offered from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., you can put away a lot of shrimp.

Slammin' Sammy's in Nags Head was our next destination. Slammin' Sammy's is probably the ultimate sports bar on the beach, from the sports influenced menu to the abundance of TVs. In fact, there are almost too many TVs. Pockets of fans would gather in front of TVs, each tuned to a different game, thanks to a satellite hookup. Every so often I would hear yells or groans from a distant part of the room in reaction to a play.

At first I tried to watch a little of everything. But after a few minutes of intense head swiveling, I started to feel like the lead character in ``The Exorcist'' and settled down to watch just one game.

While my husband and I argued over a Dallas pass-interference call, one of the two men at the bar in front of us stopped his conversation, leaned over and told my husband he was right. Well, shut my mouth. What do men know, anyway?

Pitying me, my husband bribed me with food. After 10 minutes of studying the very large menu, I decided on a Shrimper Boy ($6.99), a spicy sandwich made in the style of a New Orleans po' boy. The menu is heavy on finger foods; sandwiches, stuffed potatoes, poppers and the like - the better for keeping one's concentration where it belongs - on the TV.

Bottom line? Although it's nice to try different places, proximity to one's home seems to be the key that determines where people watch sports. In fact, proximity to one's couch and refrigerator oftentimes proves to be too much to resist.

But what brings people out of the comfort of their homes and into local watering holes? Frisco's co-owner Cyd Dough said it best - ``Camaraderie, a warm atmosphere and great eats!''

Outer Banks sports bars may lack the slickness of big city franchises, but they more then make up for it in a laid-back atmosphere.

Besides, how many sports bars in Houston or Detroit offer an ocean view?

Here are some other places on the beach to watch football:

Barrier Island Inn, Duck, 261-3901; four TVs, including one big screen; Monday night, free wings at half-time, QB1 sports trivia.

Fishbones, Duck, 261-6991; three TVs; Monday night, 10-cent wings

Jolly Roger, milepost 6.75, Kill Devil Hills, 441-6530; four TVs, including one big screen; Monday night, free buffet, QB1 sports trivia, $1 drafts Sunday and Monday.

Awful Arthurs, milepost 6, Kill Devil Hills, 441-5955; three TVs; Monday night drink specials and surprise treats.

Paradise Billiards, milepost 7, Kill Devil Hills, 441-9225; five TVs, including one big screen, two satellite hookups, QB1 sports trivia.

Van's, milepost 9, Kill Devil Hills, 441-5534; four TVs, including one big screen; Sunday and Monday, 10-cent hot wings

Hurricane Alley, milepost 9.5, Kill Devil Hills, 441-1533; three TVs; drink specials; Monday night, free hot dogs and chili.

Mulligan's, milepost 10.75, Nags Head, 480-2000; three TVs; drink specials; Sunday 4-7 p.m., $2.95 a dozen steamed oysters and all day long 25-cent shrimp; Monday night free hot dogs and chili.

Kelly's, milepost 10.5, Nags Head, 441-4116; six TVs; Monday night, free nacho bar.

Woody's, milepost 11, Nags Head, 441-4881; 17 TVs, including one big screen, satellite hook up; drink specials, QB1 sports trivia (closed Monday).

CAPTION(S):

Staff photo by DREW WILSON

BOWL TICKET OR NO, HOUSTON BECKONS - The Boston Globe (Boston, MA)

HOUSTON - Memo to Patriots fans: Houston has you covered.

Thousands of football-hungry fans from Boston and beyond willdescend upon the Bayou City starting late today and tomorrow forSuper Bowl XXXVIII. But only a select few possess tickets to Sunday'sbig game. How, then, to satiate the masses who will take in thePatriots-Panthers face-off from a barstool?

Fear not. New Englanders with or without the coveted tickets canfind something to do within Houston's 633 square miles, as thenation's fourth most populous city welcomes an estimated 100,000tourists. They might even find something resembling the comforts ofhome, from the traffic to the trendy shopping to the . . . well, notthe weather. (Temperatures this week are forecast to be in the 60s,with nary a snowflake in sight. Sorry.)

First things first: A bar outside downtown Houston has alreadyestablished itself as headquarters for Patriots fans, plasteringbanners and pennants outside and flying the Patriots' flag. TheTavern on Gray expects hundreds of Pats fans to belly up to its 187-foot-long bar, which owner Charlie Watkins contends is the longest inthe Lone Star State.

Watkins is a seventh-generation Texan whose forebears fought inthe Battle of San Jacinto. (That was the battle that the Texan armywon in 1836 after being crushed by Mexican forces at the Alamo.) Heis coy about his football loyalties, although he rooted for thePatriots during the playoffs. But he professes admiration for oneteam: Boston sports fans.

'The Patriots bring Boston fans down here, which is a fun, funfootball group,' said Watkins, 47. 'I feel Houston is very, veryfortunate to have Patriots fans, because they're a big, loyal fanbase coming into Houston. And that makes it much, much better tocheer the Patriots on.'

Watkins transformed his bar into a Patriots fan den afterreceiving a telephone call from Brad Darr, a Pats follower who owns abar in the French Quarter of New Orleans. During New England's SuperBowl appearance in the Big Easy two years ago, Darr remade his taverninto Patriots central, and he plans to unleash the same hoopla atWatkins's place.

Darr is not a man who fools around. He and up to 45 Patriots fansflying in from New England will pack two recreational vehicles anddrive to Houston tomorrow morning, heading straight for Watkins'sbar. On Saturday night, they plan a voodoo ceremony with anunsuspecting stuffed panther.

'We've got some pins we're going to be sticking into the pantherto get the crowd riled up,' said Darr, 35. 'After sticking some pinsin, the last thing we do is cut the head off. That's what we did witha ram the last Super Bowl.'

The Patriots, you recall, won that game against the St. Louis Rams20-17.

New England fans can also celebrate at a free downtown streetparty called The Main Event beginning tonight and lasting throughSuper Bowl Sunday. In addition, the NFL Experience at the George R.Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston will let children andadults test their throwing, blocking, kicking, and other pigskinskills.

A word to the wise: Do not expect downtown Houston to lookanything like Faneuil Hall-Quincy Market. Large swaths of thebusiness district are essentially empty canyons amid the skyscrapers,devoid of life after quitting time.

But parts of downtown have come to life. With $4 billion in publicand private money pumped into the area since 1995, new apartments,restaurants, and clubs are enlivening the streets of the financialdistrict.

Driving in Houston is all but unavoidable, and that meansnavigating Houston's freeways. Highways in Houston expand to as manyas 14 lanes, seemingly delighting motorists who weave in and out oflanes because, well, they can. Aaron Katersky, a Scituate native whotraverses the city as a reporter for Houston's leading news radiostation, KTRH-AM, sees it daily.