“Dog Names of the Future - Daily Beast (blog)” plus 2

Dog Names of the Future - Daily Beast (blog)
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Ethan, Olivia top Alberta baby names in '09 - Calgary Sun

Dog Names of the Future - Daily Beast (blog)

Posted: 14 Feb 2010 09:03 PM PST

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Chris McGrath / Getty Images Shove over, Rover and Spot. Coco and Riley are moving in. As Westminster begins, name expert Linda Rosenkrantz analyzes doggy data to predict the top canine names of tomorrow.

When the Best in Show champ is crowned at the climax of the Westminster Kennel Club Show on Tuesday, as much fuss will be focused on the winner's name as on its breed and aristocratic bearing. Will it beat last year's Ch Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee or 1924's date-stamped Ch Barberyhill Bootlegger? With all the rules and conventions that have evolved over the years, it certainly won't return to the simplicity of the 1911 winner, Slumber.

But although those lengthy aristo names may look impressive on paper, even show dogs need an everyday "call name" for when they're cavorting with the more ordinary mutts and pooches in the park, be it a shortening of their official name or just a more common moniker, trendy or unique.

Click Image To View Our Gallery Of Westminster's Top Dogs: 2000-2009

Chris McGrath / Getty Images; Mark Lennihan / AP Photo

So what are the hot dog names of today—and which are trending up? The big news is the blurring of lines between human and pet names—the most popular lists of baby and dog names aren't that dissimilar. Of the 20 most popular names for dogs in the U.S.—according to a survey by VPI pet insurance company based on its database of 475,000 canines—18 were people names—and if you count in Buddy and Rocky, it was 100 percent. The top three: Bella, Max, Bailey.

• Top Baby Names of the Future"The undeniable trend in pet names is 'humanization,'" says VPI's Grant Biniasz. "Names traditionally associated with pets: Rover, Fido and Spot, for example, have been replaced by Max, Bella, and Lucy. This may be indicative of a shift in the perception of pets, from property to four-legged family members."

Will this trend continue? Yes, though not universally (Pepper, anyone?). To try to divine the dog names of tomorrow, The Daily Beast took VPI's numbers over the past two years, and crunched the numbers to determine the names with most upward trajectory. Some are already near the top, while others are just beginning to make their move. Either way, we have a pretty good fix on what names are destined to fill the local dog run.

1. CASEY jumped from also-ran to No. 41 over the past two years. Like several of the other rising stars, it's a friendly Irish surname that can be used for either boys or girls. In human terms, Casey peaked for boy babies in 1987 and for girls in 1986; it's now gone to the dogs. Two-year trend: Up 102.4 percent.

2. RILEY, on the other hand, is still a current baby name favorite—now used about twice as often for girls as boys—chasing at the heels of the Kylies and Mileys. It's in the canine top 20, and moving fast. Two-year trend: Up 77.7 percent.

3. BELLA. The Twilight phenomenon propelled this name to the top spot in 2009. Dog experts were astonished when Bella ended the long reign of Max as Top Dog. It's been a popular choice for mini dogs such as Justin Timberlake's Yorkie and Demi Lovato's shih tzu, as well as Elle McPherson's labradoodle. Another possibility: Esmé, Twilight's vampire matriarch of the Olympic coven. Two-year trend: Up 75 percent.

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Posted: 15 Feb 2010 06:35 AM PST

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Compiled by Chris Bernucca

NBA: With 108,713 in Cowboys Stadium, at premium prices up to $500 for however many of the field-level seats that weren't given to corporate sponsors, it was the biggest crowd for any game, or exhibition, in basketball history. An NBA source said 20% of the house was "comps" -- complimentary tickets -- but the gate could still reach $8 million . . . or about what the NBA made from the last four All-Star games. Mark Heisler in the Los Angeles Times

NBA: There is some concern that the NBA has become almost too reliant on the 3-pointer, a seductive and often irresistible force for marksmen and bricklayers alike. "There's definitely a lot of guys shooting the 3 that shouldn't be," said Mark Price, the Atlanta Hawks' shooting instructor and a two-time champion of the event. "I know guys on our team who are always looking for that line." Scott Cacciola in the Memphis Commercial Appeal

NBA: Dear David Stern, The All-Star Game is boring. Like C-SPAN2 boring. Like Padres-Pirates boring. We're the NBA, darn it, the Barnum & Bailey of sports leagues. Let's give this thing a Heidi Montag face-lift and get people buzzing about who's on the court, instead of just who's sitting courtside. 1. A 4-point shot. Now, I'm not trying to tarnish the game here, I'm just trying to spice up this exhibition by adding a 4-point, sideline-to- sideline arc, perhaps 3 feet deeper than a 3-pointer. It wouldn't be tacky, it would be tactful — a clever way to create a buzz. Benjamin Hochman in the Denver Post

NBA: After a Saturday series of events that were among the worst ever of its kind, the call has been issued once again for help. That's what I'm here for. I offered this idea about 10 years ago, and it just keeps getting better with every year that the NBA ignores my advice. The idea is to play simple three-on-three games, pitting teams of players representing their home towns. LA versus the Bay Area. New York versus Boston. DC versus Philly. LeBron doesn't want to dunk? Fine. Players would be asking to be in those games. And they would play to win them. They would trash talk through the season, bringing attention to the event that you just don't get for shooting stars, or whatever they call that thing. Jonathan Feigen in the Houston Chronicle

BOBCATS: NBA Commissioner David Stern couldn't have been more definitive - he expects the Charlotte Bobcats to be sold "within the next 60 days or so." The team has been up for sale to one extent or another since last spring. Sources say multiple bidders - including managing partner Michael Jordan and a group led by former Houston Rockets president George Postolos - are negotiating with majority owner Bob Johnson. Responding to an Observer question at Saturday's news conference, Stern said of Jordan, "I like the level, (the) increased level, of Michael's involvement and if Michael were a buyer, that would be a good thing." Rick Bonnell in the Charlotte Observer

CAVALIERS: LeBron James loves to watch ESPN Classic and study teams who came before him. His sense of history about the NBA is nearly as strong as his current grasp of it. What does James remember about great teams of the past? "The league was smaller, they had three or four All-Stars on the best teams," James said. "Sometimes they had three Hall of Famers." A trade to acquire Amar'e Stoudemire's power game would statistically make the Cavaliers the equal of any lineup in the NBA, but carries plenty of risk. This, in a nutshell, is what James dreams of. And this, in a nutshell, is what the Cavaliers are trying to give him -- the kind of star-laden team the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs have all had in winning the last three titles. So the Cavs are deeply considering a another major trade, their fourth in two years, one that would net them Phoenix Suns All-Star Amar'e Stoudemire. Brian Windhorst in the Cleveland Plain Dealer

CELTICS: The problem won't solve itself in 16 months because the financial repercussions already are being felt throughout the league. Most affected locally is Celtics forward Paul Pierce, who has a $21.5 million option for next season and then will be a free agent. Although Pierce would relish a long-term contract extension so he could finish his storied career in Boston, ownership may opt to wait until the new CBA is in place before agreeing to even consider an offer. Pierce will be a free agent in the summer of 2011 and with a lockout expected, he may feel a need to accept a new contract until a new agreement, which almost certainly would be a less generous deal than the old one, is reached. Gary Washburn in the Boston Globe

HEAT: Dwyane Wade had big-time visions of being a perennial All-Star when he entered the league. But in seven seasons, including six trips to the NBA's midseason showcase, Wade never experienced the enormity of what he got himself into at Cowboys Stadium. Wade stood at midcourt moments before the start of Sunday's All-Star Game and was engulfed by the attention of the largest crowd in history to watch a basketball game, which the East won 141-139. Wade garned attention of his own, earning Most Valuable Player honors with 28 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and five steals in 31 minutes. Michael Wallace in the Miami Herald

HEAT: That was back on Jan. 9, when Wright still was what he had been for most of these six NBA seasons -- an afterthought. At that stage, Feb. 18 was going to be the easy part: Find someone operating below the tax to take on the $951,066 remaining on Wright's contact, throw in some extra cash or a draft pick to make it worth their while, and then take a place in line for a $4.5 million rebate check that goes to all non-taxpayers. That was five weeks ago, when Wright still was a bitter reminder of a 2004 draft gone bad. Now? Now Wright is, undeniably, the Heat's best small forward, a significant contributor, an anchor of the second unit. And that has created a $7 million dilemma (the tax money that would have to be paid to keep Wright, plus the rebate money lost). If winning still matters, if showing Dwyane Wade that such focus is unwavering, if Erik Spoelstra is to have a chance to comfortably secure a postseason bid, then how can Riley simply sell off an asset who finally has arrived? Ira Winderman in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

LAKERS: Americans have always taken cues from Hollywood on everything from clothes to cars to charitable causes, so it's no surprise that baby names are celebrity-driven. You're more likely to meet a newborn "Rihanna," "Jude" or "Jada" these days than you are a "Jane," "Harold" or "Helen." The name "Kobe" never cracked the Social Security Administration's list of the nation's 1,000 most popular boy's names until Bryant's rookie season, but its stature has mirrored the ebb and flow of the Lakers star's career ever since. It rocketed into the low 200s by the time Bryant captured his first championship in 2000, dipped noticeably after he was accused of rape three years later and more recently has steadily climbed again. Jeff Eisenberg in the Riverside Press-Enterprise

JAZZ: He often has played second fiddle. But Deron Williams can't stand anything shy of first place. Matt Mitnick — best friend since the two were in day care together, close confidante and frequently nearby right-hand man — knows. Oh, does he know. "Everything we ever do is a competition," said Mitnick, whose business card says "Personal Assistant" on one side and "Special Projects Coordinator" for Williams' Point of Hope foundation on the other. "Everything from playing pingpong to playing basketball, football, baseball. Cards, dominos, whatever. "He gets real mad if I beat him in anything," Mitnick adds, "so I try to help his ego and let him win as much as I can." Tim Buckley in the Deseret News

KNICKS: Four days before the N.B.A.'s trading deadline, the Knicks have renewed efforts to acquire the former All-Star Tracy McGrady from the Houston Rockets, according to two people close to the talks. There were substantive discussions on Sunday between the Knicks' president, Donnie Walsh; Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey; and McGrady's agent, Arn Tellem, according to the people, who did not want to be identified discussing the negotiations. The Knicks and the Rockets are trying to make the trade without the assistance of a third team, but the Knicks may not have the pieces necessary. There is also the challenge of matching McGrady's $23 million salary. Howard Beck in the New York Times

MAGIC: Growing up Van Gundy, this is a foreign concept. It goes against everything ingrained in you by a competition junkie (Dad) and a perfectionist (Mom). Van Gundy 101: If there's a court, a ball and enough guys to run a pick-and-roll, well, you figure out how to do it right and beat the other guys. Anything else is basketball blaspheme. And no quote captures the Van Gundys more than one uttered by various coaches: "There's winning and there's misery." Everyone in Orlando has watched Stan suffer on the bench. His Dad was an intense, tortured soul, too, although recently he said, "If I had a regret, I wish I had enjoyed winning more." Brian Schmitz in the Orlando Sentinel

MAGIC: My early favorite for Stud of the Week is Dwight Howard, who incredibly made his way into the Guinness Book of World Records during All-Star Weekend when he made a shot from more than 52 feet away while sitting down on the floor. (Video included) Mike Bianchi in the Orlando Sentinel

MAVERICKS: Kobe Bryant knows Caron Butler about as well as anybody in the NBA. They were Los Angeles Lakers teammates in 2004-05 and became workout buddies and close friends, spending early mornings on the track running sprints and afternoons in the gym. Bryant said the player the Mavericks are getting as the centerpiece to their trade with Washington will be an instant fan favorite. "You're going to love him," Bryant said. "I hate to say that, but you guys are going to absolutely love him. You put him on a contender and I'm telling you, you're going to love him. And he's tough as nails, too." Eddie Sefko in the Dallas Morning News

NETS: Jerry Colangelo revealed Sunday that he would consider running an NBA team again, including the Nets, but only if he is given full control of the organization. "I would have to have full autonomy," Colangelo told the Daily News. "I'm not looking to become a general manager. But if the right job came along I'd be willing to talk to anyone. Life is all about opportunities." Colangelo, a highly respected power broker within NBA circles, says he had not spoken with Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, who will become the Nets' new owner. There have been various reports that Colangelo is Prokhorov's first choice to run the club. Moreover, there is a belief that Colangelo, the director of USA Basketball, would then hire USA Basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski to become the Nets' coach and GM. Krzyzewski, who once turned down the chance to coach Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, recently said he has no interest in the Nets job. That could change if Colangelo is installed as the president of the team. Frank Isola in the New York Daily News

PISTONS: Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince, cornerstones of the dynasty, could see themselves wearing something other than the Pistons' colors. Hamilton and Prince are the most likely players to be traded before Thursday's deadline, although Pistons president Joe Dumars insists he wants to take a longer look at his team that has been devastated by injuries, before making any decisions. But there are five players who could bring the Pistons some youth and pop for the future via trades. Terry Foster in the Detroit News

SPURS: Pain in his right knee, from a chronic condition called quadriceps tendonosis, never goes away. But now he wears a lightweight brace — made from space-age material — on his surgically repaired left knee. It serves a dual function, stabilizing the left joint to the point that the star power forward swears he isn't aware the device is strapped on, while also retarding the spread of the tendonosis. Duncan said he feels better on the court than he has for a long while, and the numbers bear out this belief. Shooting 52.7 percent, higher than any season since his 1997-98 rookie year, he is scoring 19.4 points per game despite playing a career-low 32.1 minutes. He is averaging 10.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocked shots. He has made 75 percent of his shots at the foul line, which had served as his personal basketball purgatory. Mike Monroe in the San Antonio Express-News

SUNS: If there was any inhibitions or prohibitions about trading Amar'e Stoudemire before he started Sunday night's All-Star Game, those are gone. The Suns have continued at least a month of exploring the idea of trading Stoudemire to Cleveland with face-to-face meetings and phone discussions in recent days but no deal was imminent Sunday night. The trade deadline is 1 p.m. Arizona time Thursday and the Suns figure to use the time with the chances of him being moved being 50-50. Phoenix is considering various deals, some involving other players, but the most-visited scenario would send Stoudemire to the Cavaliers in exchange for starting second-year power forward J.J. Hickson, Cleveland's first-round draft choice, possibly another player such as swingman Danny Green and veteran center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who could be bought out for Phoenix to pursue a multi-million dollar turnaround from luxury-tax payer to luxury-tax recipient. Paul Coro in the Arizona Republic

WIZARDS: There are a lot of reports out there that the Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns are closing in on a deal that would send Amaré Stoudemire to Cleveland. The Suns, according to reports, are said to be mulling an offer of Zydrunas Ilgauskas's expiring contract, second-year forward J.J. Hickson, and a draft pick. The discussions between Cleveland and Phoenix make sense since Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry and Suns general manager Steve Kerr are former teammates with the San Antonio and close friends. They've also collaborated on deals in the past; most notably the Shaquille O'Neal deal last summer. But there is also speculation that the talk is actually a smoke screen to get the Wizards to give them Jamison. As I said before, there is a lot of posturing at this time. The Wizards did the same thing with Cleveland with all of those rumors about sending Butler and Jamison to Boston. Michael Lee in the Washington Post

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Ethan, Olivia top Alberta baby names in '09 - Calgary Sun

Posted: 14 Feb 2010 04:03 PM PST

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To each their own — unless, of course, you're an Albertan named Ethan, and you were born in 2009.

In which case, you'll be sharing your first name with 334 other Ethans who arrived in this province last year, to parents who chose the most unoriginal name available.

And don't think you're so special, all you baby Olivias out there — according to the Alberta Government website, you are the most typically-named newborn girl in this province, with 245 of you born last year.

Safe and ordinary. That's Ethan and Olivia, closely followed by Liam and Isabella.

You've all landed the Labrador retriever, or Honda Civic of baby names — reliable, common and as exciting as vanilla ice cream in a plain cone.

But take it from a Michael born when 'Michael' was as ubiquitous as shag carpet and indoor smoking: You may be thanking your boring, predictable parents later.

Just as Alberta now has hordes of Jacobs and Avas (the number three names by gender), there are unique names, to be forever worn by the bearers as a testament to their parents' creativity, individuality and taste.

Whether that parental taste results in a sweet or sour experience for kids like Crazyhorse, Goblin and Uniquewa remains to be seen.

At least no one is going to confuse you with anyone else when your mom is at the door, hollering, "Wowie, time for dinner!"

They're real names, given by real parents to Alberta babies still too young to understand.

Consider, if you will, what Echo, Lyric, Whip and Wang are headed for, as they undergo the cold inquisition of the elementary school playground.

"I've been trying to get a straight answer from my parents for years — I'd ask them, why, why did you give me this name," said Nova Pierson, an archeologist who once worked as a reporter at the Calgary Sun.

"One parent would say, 'ask your mother,' the other would say, 'ask your father.'"

Nova means 'new' in Latin, and her mom's liking of the word is apparently behind Ms. Pierson's early struggle with her unique name.

Nova says she spent her youth wishing for a common name, like the Susans and Kims around her.

"When I was younger I wished for a more normal name — something like Jane," said Nova.

"But then, at some point in your life, you become your name, or maybe it becomes you."

Nova said having a name like no one else had an impact on her life, for the better.

Because people assumed she was unique, she felt inspired to live up to her name.

"There's automatically something unique about you, when you have a unique name — I do think it changes you as a person," said Nova.

As a Michael, I can attest that having six Mikes in the same class had a similar effect — except in my case, the impact was a desperation to be noticed in a crowd of Michaels.

I was the Ethan of my generation; Nova the Whysper of hers.

And so parents continue to ride the pendulum between ordinary and outlandish, forcing their children to handle the handle they are given — they either learn to accept it, or head to court for a name-change at 18.

It'd be interesting to see which path a boy named Ebenezer or Chaos chooses, or whether girls named Libertee and Storm end up switching to Lily and Sandra as soon as they're legally allowed.

There's a lifetime of scrutiny in store for a girl named Mylexyia, Tennessee or Memphis, or a boy sporting Tiberius, Soul or Morpheous as his monicker.

A young lad named Lightning may bask in playground cool, but the name may not translate so well for a middle-aged businessman. The same goes for Thor, Mystery and Rainbow.

And so on, whether you're Venice, Wisdom, Sunrise, Ozzy, Nashville, Infiniti, Saxon and Lyric. They were all babies born in Alberta last year.

They're the kids with unique names, in a sea of Ethans and Olivias.

Whether it's best to go with the flow, or fight against the tide, that is the question for all parents.

The answer is worn by the children.

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