Happy Wednesday to you. A few tidbits I came across today while doing my research for this weekend's edition of Sports Business that I thought I'd pass along:

- Forbes has once again compiled its list of top-earning dead celebrities. Three of the top four celebrities on the list are icons from the world of music. Two of the top four are Beatles. There were definitely a few surprises on the list....such as the men who brought us Snoopy and the Grinch.

- The London Times gives us details on the most expensive celebrity divorce of all-time. Michael Jordan is a fierce competitor and is used to winning most every battle he fights. Not this time. Ouch. Look for MJ pitching a product near you to help pay this tab.

- When you're a good looking athlete who is injured all of the time, you have more time to wear expensive designer suits. Here's a familiar name who will be cashing in. I wish I could get someone to pay me $41M to wear nice business suits.

- Looks like Isiah Thomas may be outted by one of his own players. What a mess in New York with the Knicks. Highest team payroll in the NBA, losing team, locker room turmoil and an embarassing sexual harassment lawsuit.

- Speaking of a New York soap opera, the New York Daily News is reporting that the Yankees and Alex Rodriguez are talking again - but without Scott Boras. A few thoughts here: 1.) Boras controls everything. Don't bet against Boras floating this story to the media in an effort to drive up the price for the other teams who are contemplating signing A-Rod. The Yankees have more money than anyone in MLB and if Boras wants to command $30M per season for A-Rod, he needs to make it appear as if the Yankees are in the mix. 2.) In hindsight, it probably would have been much more prudent of A-Rod and Boras to meet with the Steinbrenners before opting out. Even if they were going to opt out, they should have at least given the Yankees brass a chance at a conversation. 3.) I still think A-Rod can't stand New York or the Yankees because he hates being under the microscope and I ultimately think he'll sign elsewhere. The Angels would be the perfect fit for him, but Angels owner Arte Moreno will have to be convinced that A-Rod can help his team rule the LA market. The Dodgers signing of Joe Torre (190 media showed up to cover Torre's introductory press conference) may just convince Moreno he needs to sign A-Rod to stay on top in LA.

- And the Portland Trail Blazers have been the early surprise in the NBA so far this season.....on the court, at the box office and on TV. Rip City is back. I've been to two games this season (Dallas and Detroit) and I haven't seen the Rose Garden rock like that in years.