Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween: Running back Frank Gore was feeling good a day after matching his career high of 31 carries, and coach Jim Harbaugh was still calling Sunday’s 20-10 slugfest with the Browns a “beautiful” win. Here are the highlights from their media sessions Monday:
 
With a four-game lead in the NFC West, the 49ers’ magic number to clinch is six. But the magic month is Decmember, at least in Harbaugh’s mind when it comes to spying the 49ers’ playoff position. “Get to December, see how many we have and how many wee need as it relates to the season,” said Harbaugh, adding that he’s always looking to the future to make the team as good as possible.

Harbaugh was the master of the obvious when he said Sunday’s second half wasn’t as clean as the first half. Specifically, he wished Braylon Edwards didn’t step out of bounds on a fourth-quarter catch, that Alex Smith didn’t overthrow Michael Crabtree on a deep pass, or that Ted Ginn didn’t get stopped for an 8-yard loss on a reverse.

 Wide receiver Michael Crabtree earned rave reviews, and not just because he had his first official touchdown catch. “I spoke with him after Detroit because I really think Michael has been playing great football the last three weeks,” Harbaugh said. “He keeps getting better and more confident. His abilities are shining through.” Harbaugh said Crabtree switched positions — from split end to flanker — on a week’s notice because his approach has been, “whatever he could do for the team.” Crabtree had a team-high five catches for 54 yards and again showed what Harbaugh termed “extraordinary” catching ability.

Harbaugh wouldn’t reveal the severity of a hamstring injury that forced defensive end Ray McDonald to miss the final 2 1/2 quarters.

Fullback Bruce Miller said X-rays were negative on his right thumb and downplayed the injury.

Gore ran 31 times for 134 yards. He also ran 31 times in the 2006 finale, for 153 yards at Denver. “I felt better yesterday than after a couple games before the bye. The bye week helped me good,” said Gore, noting that his right ankle got twisted in a pile and felt weak but it wasn’t severe enough to keep him from returning. After his media session, Gore spent 30 minutes doing a cardio workout before heading to the outdoor weight room to lift.

Gore moved past Roger Craig into the No. 2 all-time rushing spot on the 49ers, and that duo spoke after the game. “Yeah we talked last night. He’s happy for me,” Gore said. “Roger and I became really close these last two years. When I got injured, he called me a lot this offseason, telling me what I had to do and I’d be fine, that this year I’d come back and prove a lot of people wrong who thought I couldn’t be the guy I’ve always been.”

Told that the 49ers could clinch the NFC West before their Thanksgiving night game at Baltimore, Gore replied: “For real? That’d be great. … We just take one game at a time. We can’t look that far ahead. Now we’re worried about the Washington Redskins and we need to go out and win that game.”

The 49ers defense is ranked No. 1 in points allowed, and Harbaugh attributes a “huge” part in that to the run-stopping ability of the front seven. “Our guys take great pride in it and do a great job coming off the ball and knocking players back,” Harbaugh said.

Ever wonder what Patrick Willis says in those pregame team huddles after warmups? I did, so I asked Harbaugh to share. “It’s very team oriented. It’s offense. It’s defense. It’s special teams. It’s the mentality of starting fast. Those are things he emphasizes. He’s lets his passion out and lets it show. … Guys have gravitated toward him. They want and expect a shot of adrenaline from him in that situation.”

Yes, Harbaugh also would like to see more downfield completions. But he knows those attempts come with a risk. “Completion percentage will lower the farther you throw the ball down the field,” Harbaugh said. “It is nice to hit ‘em. We’d like to hit ‘em more.”

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Kris Humphries

Kris Humphries: Just 10 weeks after their lavish, made-for-TV wedding and less than a month after the wedding special aired, reality starlet Kim Kardashian is canceling her marriage to NBA player Kris Humphries.

The "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" star filed for divorce Monday, citing irreconcilable differences. "I hope everyone understands this was not an easy decision," she said in a statement. "I had hoped this marriage was forever but sometimes things don't work out as planned."

Humphries told TMZ he was "devastated" to learn his bride had filed for divorce and is "willing to do whatever it takes to make it work."

The filing in Los Angeles County Superior Court provided few details, other than to state the couple have a prenuptial agreement that will dictate how they divide up their assets. Kardashian is asking that both sides pay their own attorneys' costs and that a judge terminate Humphries' rights to spousal support.

Kardashian, 31, and Humphries, 26, were wed Aug. 20 in a star-studded, black-tie ceremony at an exclusive canyon estate in the seaside enclave of Montecito, Calif., near Santa Barbara. The couple's wedding registry at a Beverly Hills jeweler totaled $172,000 and included such items as a $1,650 coffee pot and two $1,250 sterling silver vegetable spoons.

It was the first marriage for Humphries, who last played for the NBA's New Jersey Nets, and the second for Kardashian, who was married to music producer Damon Thomas from 2000 to 2004.

Kardashian's sisters and TV co-stars Kourtney Kardashian, 32, and Khloe Kardashian, 27, served as co-maids of honor.

Kim Kardashian and Humphries began dating late last year and announced their engagement in May. He proposed on bended knee with a 20.5-carat ring by spelling out "Will you marry me?" in rose petals.

The couple's marriage was the subject of a two-part special on E! Entertainment Television, which televises Kardashian's show that follows the model and her family.

The special aired Oct. 9 and 10, two months after the ceremony, prompting online card company someecards.com to offer a greeting last summer that read: "Here's hoping Kim Kardashian's marriage lasts until her wedding special airs in October."

Entertainment media have breathlessly reported every available detail on the relationship since it began, including signs of trouble earlier this month. Court filings show that Kardashian signed the petition on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Kardashian appeared to be getting on with her life on Monday, tweeting that she was looking forward to Tuesday's opening of her Kardashian Khaos fashion boutique in Las Vegas. "We are so excited!! Kardashian Khaos has arrived!," said the message.

Kardashian's divorce attorney, Laura Wasser, did not return a phone message seeking comment. Humphries' sports agent, Marc Cornstein, also did not return a phone message.

Humphries played high school basketball at Hopkins before playing one season at the University of Minnesota. He was selected 14th overall in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz. Humphries spent last season with the New Jersey Nets, but is currently a free agent.

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Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian: After weeks of speculations, Kim Kardashian confirms that she is ending her 72 days of marriage to Kris Humphries.
 
While she said in a statement that divorce was not an easy decision, sources believe that her wedding to the New Jersey Nets was nothing but a "hoax and a publicity stunt".

A source close to the "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" production told Radar Online, "It was pretty much an arranged marriage right from the start.

" The inside source explained, "Kim was looking for a husband and Kris was selected for her, amongst others. She wasn't really into him but she hoped she would be able to develop some feelings, but it never happened."

"She was never particularly attracted to him, and by all accounts absolutely hated sleeping with him or even having to make out with him," added the source. "The whole wedding was a total hoax and a publicity stunt. It was great for ratings and it was an amazing money maker.

That's it though, period. Kris turned out to not be as malleable as everyone hoped he would be, he was pictured out partying with other girls, Kim really couldn't care less for him, she decided to end it."

The insider further noted that the divorce could turn out to be another publicity stunt. "It wouldn't surprise me, in the slightest, if Kim and Kris managed to 'reunite' and the divorce filing gets brushed aside as they go to counseling and couples therapy," so the source said. "Basically, Kim will do anything and everything for the maximum amount of attention and TV time."

Former friend and owner of JJ Public Relations, Jonathan Jaxson, also thinks that part of Kim's marriage was publicity. "She knew they were going to make a lot of money from her wedding.
 

It made them millions," he said. "I do think she fell in love but once she got to know him and being married she realized he wasn't her match."

"Everything is business for Kim now, she's lost the sense of quality of life," Jonathan added. "She doesn't want to commit the time to a relationship even though she wants one.

The breakup started two weeks ago because she didn't want to be in Minnesota, and she didn't want to make New York her home."

Kim, who married Kris on August 20, filed for divorce in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, October 31, which is listed as their date of separation as well.

Since the couple have a prenuptial agreement, she asked that the division of their assets was done accordingly. She also requested that each party pay their own court fees.

The 31-year-old beauty has since released a statement concerning the separation. "After careful consideration, I have decided to end my marriage," she told E! News.

"I hope everyone understands this was not an easy decision. I had hoped this marriage was forever, but sometimes things don't work out as planned. We remain friends and wish each other the best."

Kris, in the meantime, claimed to be left devastated by Kim's decision. In his statement, the NBA player said, "I love my wife and am devastated to learn she filed for divorce.

" He added, "I'm committed to this marriage and everything this covenant represents, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make it work."

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Ttim Tebow

Ttim Tebow: Tim Tebow lingered on the field after the game, sharing congratulatory hugs with teammates and handshakes with opponents. He was the last player to head for the locker room, and when he finally departed through the tunnel at a trot, a small cluster of remaining fans gave him one more ovation for a job well done.

Making his first start of the season, Tebow showed his characteristic flair for the dramatic and knack for winning Sunday. He overcame lots of ragged moments by throwing two touchdown passes in the final 2:44 of regulation to help the Denver Broncos beat the winless Miami Dolphins in overtime, 18-15.

“That’s Tim,” said Dolphins center Mike Pouncey, who was Tebow’s college teammate. “You saw what he can do today.”

The Broncos appeared beaten when they trailed 15-0 with 5:23 left and took over at their 20. At that point Tebow was 4 for 14 for 40 yards, and Denver was 0 for 10 on third-down conversions.

“It’s my fault that we were in that position in the first place,” Tebow said. “I just have to play better in the first three quarters so we don’t have to make that comeback.”

In the frantic final minutes of the fourth quarter, Tebow led TD drives of 80 and 56 yards sandwiched around a successful onside kick. He scored a 2-point conversion standing up with 17 seconds left to tie the game.

In overtime, Denver’s D.J. Williams sacked Matt Moore to force a fumble and recovered it at the Miami 36. Three plays later Matt Prater clinched the win with a 52-yard field goal.

The Broncos (2-4) became the first to rally from a deficit of at least 15 points in the final three minutes since at least 1983, according to STATS LLC. Miami (0-6) extended the NFL’s longest losing streak to nine games, leaving the status of embattled coach Tony Sparano even more tenuous.

“At this point in time, with where we are, you find out about the real mettle of the guys in that locker room,” Sparano said.

The Dolphins lost for the 12th time in their past 13 home games. Some Miami fans have started rooting against their team, hoping for a shot at Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck in next year’s draft.

“My Fins almost had it,” former Dolphin Ricky Williams tweeted. “All that ‘Suck for Luck’ chatter can’t be good for morale.”

While the Broncos were two time zones from home, lots of fans wore Tebow jerseys, and the popular quarterback drew a big roar trotting onto the field for his first series. Tebow won a 2005 high school state championship and the 2008 national title with the Florida Gators in the same stadium.

“This field has a lot of good memories,” he said.

Crowd loyalties were divided even at halftime, when the Dolphins paid tribute to the 2008 Gators, who drew a mix of cheers and jeers.

Tebow started for the benched Kyle Orton, and through much of the game the Broncos sputtered. Tebow was sacked seven times as he struggled to identify blitzes, and several throws landed nowhere near a receiver.

As he walked to the sideline after one short series stalled, spectators chanted his name in derision, and Dolphins linebacker Jason Taylor gestured to the crowd for more noise.

“He’s a polarizing figure,” Taylor said.

“When you get knocked down, you’ve got to keep getting back up,” Tebow said.

That’s what he did. With the Broncos on the verge of being shut out for the first time since 1992, he led an eight-play touchdown drive that got them back in the game.

Then came the onside kick. Miami receiver Marlon Moore leaped to catch the ball but bobbled it and the Broncos’ Virgil Green recovered at their 44 with 2:31 left.

“They made the play. I didn’t,” Moore said.

After the recovery, Tebow drove Denver to the 3. Then on second down he fooled the Dolphins by rolling left and throwing back to the right to Daniel Fells, who dived across the goal line for a 3-yard score.

Denver still needed a 2-point conversion to stay alive, and Tebow kept up the middle to score.

“I’m so proud of the guys,” he said, “and I’m very blessed that they believed in me for more than 60 minutes.”

Notes: Broncos RB Willis McGahee left the game in the third quarter with a broken hand. It was wrapped afterward, but he said he would be fine. Denver DE Robert Ayers sprained his knee, and DE Elvis Dumervil sprained his ankle. ... LeBron James tweeted: “Congrats to (at)TimTebow for that comeback win today. Impressive! He’s just a winner.”

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Once Upon A Time

Once Upon A Time: Jennifer Morrison of "House" fame says her new ABC show "Once Upon a Time" is a similar to "Harry Potter."

The 32-year-old actress is trading in the medical scrubs for a more fanciful role in ABC's fairy-tale inspired "Once Upon a Time," where she plays the daughter of Snow White, played by Ginnifer Goodwin, and Prince Charming, played by Josh Dallas.

Her character, Emma Swan, is a sassy bail bonds collector who appears to be a modern-day warrior princess. The Evil Queen is portrayed by Lana Parilla of "24" fame. The show was created and penned by "LOST" screenwriters Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz. The duo has recently compared the two shows, and pointed out that they're both "about the characters."

"It's a little bit complicated to explain, even though it makes total sense when you see it," Morrison told OnTheRedCarpet.com host Chris Balish during the ABC Press Tour in August. "It's as if every fairytale character ever created actually exists, and in a universe where there are happy endings, and the fairy tales are as they truly seem to be.
 
But they've been cursed by the evil queen to live in reality and part of the curse is that they don't know who they really are anymore -- so they're living amongst us not knowing who they are."

Morrison went on to explain her character's significance in the show.

"Within the show, it's prophesized that the child of Snow White and Prince Charming is going to come back and help reverse the curse," Morrison added. "I play the child of Snow White and Prince Charming, her name is Emma Swan, and she's been living in reality her whole life -- kind of had a tough life, just thought she was abandoned, not knowing that her parents were trying to protect her from the curse."

The actress described the magical show as something that's "kind of like Harry Potter."

"It's kind of like 'Harry Potter' coming into your house every week," Morrison added. "That kind of magic, and mystery and good versus evil, and the mythology of a show -- it's pretty cool."

Morrison is known for playing Dr. Allison Cameron on the hit medical drama "House M.D.", and was also in the 2011 film "Warrior."

"It's kind of reality, and fantasy and all sorts of exciting adventure," Morrison said.

Reporting by Chris Balish, co-host of KABC Television's entertainment show "On The Red Carpet"

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