Alright, I love the radio. I can listen to the radio and practice. I can listen to the radio and study. I love to just find something going on on the radio and listen. When we've made our recent pilgrimages to Disney I've used the FM band on mp3 player to just find whatever I can get a signal for. (You'd be amazed how many sports talk stations there are in Florida!)
Anyways, back in the day I listened to NPR all the time. Not really for the music (let's face it, whoever program directs NPR stations is required to only like the Haydn Complete Symphonies or the Complete Works of Telman Susato...can we say, BORING!!!) I have only one time turned on NPR during the day to hear music I thought was cool. One time! Yikes! The good thing is that their talk shows don't suck. In fact, they are the best thing on radio. Prairie Home Companion, Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me, Car Talk,(all of which I highly reccommend!) and more. There's some I only rarely hear, can't remember the names of, and I can't find them on NPR's website. It's that colorful!
Out of all those my favorite is, BY FAR, This American Life. Ira Glass has the smoothest voice I've ever heard and his shows are so well put together that it makes sick, like in a "I wish I'd thought of that" kind of way. They do the best storytelling anyone can find.
In honor of this show I thought I'd post links to the podcasts of my two favorite episodes of my favorite show:
The first one is an episode called "Detectives." I remember distinctly listening to this episode in the car on the way to visit Heather where she went to college. It was dark when the show came on and if you're in the car and listen to Act 3 in the dark, it takes on a whole new meaning and significance.
The other is pretty depressing, but it's a really smart commentary about what happens when there is imbalance in a relationship. Alot of it is sad, but they should've been fair and titled the episode "The Decay of Society." That's just me. Act 3 is especially good. Starley Kine talks with her Dad about his marriage to her mother (who completely steamrolled him) and about how she always wanted her parents to get a divorce (isn't that sad!?) Anyways, it's telling and that's what makes it good.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Superior Performances 1.30.09
I know, this is pretty close to the last one, but I realized that I waited 16 days between the last two, so I figured I should stick with Fridays.
I'm actually posting a link and hoping you'll go there to listen.
This is the final movement of David Maslanka's Symphony no. 2. I actually played this at All-State in H.S. and thoroughly enjoyed: It's also the hardest thing I've ever played. Apparently, he was working on the piece when the Challenger exploded and he tore a great deal of it up and rewrote it. It rocks. I promise. Don't fear the link, it's just a Rhapsody player.
I'm actually posting a link and hoping you'll go there to listen.
This is the final movement of David Maslanka's Symphony no. 2. I actually played this at All-State in H.S. and thoroughly enjoyed: It's also the hardest thing I've ever played. Apparently, he was working on the piece when the Challenger exploded and he tore a great deal of it up and rewrote it. It rocks. I promise. Don't fear the link, it's just a Rhapsody player.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Ooooh, this is a good one
Heard this one at a men's group and couldn't pass it up.
In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock boy, was busily working when a
new voice came over the asking for a carry out at check register 4.
Kurtis was almost finished, and wanted to get some fresh air, and
decided to answer the call. As he approached the check-out stand
a distant smile caught his eye, the new check out girl was beautiful.
She was an older woman (maybe 26, and he was only 22) and he
fell in love.
Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the punch clock
to find out her name. She came into the break room, smiled softly at
him, took her card and punched out, then left. He looked at her card,
BRENDA. He walked out only to see her start walking up the road.
Next day, he waited outside as she left the supermarket, and offered
her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she accepted.
When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again,
outside of work. She simply said it wasn't possible. He pressed and
she explained she had two children and she couldn't afford a baby-
sitter, so he offered to pay for the baby-sitter. Reluctantly she
accepted his offer for a date for the following Saturday.
That Saturday night he arrived at her door only to have her tell him
that she was unable to go with him. The baby-sitter had called and
canceled. To which Kurtis simply said, "Well, lets take the kids
with us."
She tried to explain that taking the children was not an option, but
again not taking no for an answer, he pressed. Finally Brenda,
brought him inside to meet her children. She had an older daughter
who was just cute as a bug, Kurtis thought, then Brenda brought out
her son, in a wheelchair, he was born a paraplegic with down
syndrome. Kurtis said to Brenda, "I still don't understand why the
kids can't come with us?" Brenda was amazed. Most men would
run away from a woman with two kids, especially if one had
disabilities. Just like her first husband and father of her children
did.
That evening Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids, went to dinner
and the movies. When her son needed anything Kurtis would take
care of him. When he needed to use the rest room, he picked him
up out of his chair, took him, brought him back. The kids loved
Kurtis.
At the end of the evening, Brenda knew this was the man she was
going to marry and spend the rest of her life with. A year later, they
were married and Kurtis adopted both of her children and since then
they have added two more kids.
So what happened to the stock boy and check out girl? Well, .....
Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner, now live in St. Louis, where he is employed
by the St. Louis Rams and plays quarterback.
Let me add an addendum to this:
Now he's on his 3rd Super Bowl already had his 2nd MVP and is probably going to the Hall when he's done. You know you want to pick the Cardinals now. Come on, admit it. That's a good story.
In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock boy, was busily working when a
new voice came over the asking for a carry out at check register 4.
Kurtis was almost finished, and wanted to get some fresh air, and
decided to answer the call. As he approached the check-out stand
a distant smile caught his eye, the new check out girl was beautiful.
She was an older woman (maybe 26, and he was only 22) and he
fell in love.
Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the punch clock
to find out her name. She came into the break room, smiled softly at
him, took her card and punched out, then left. He looked at her card,
BRENDA. He walked out only to see her start walking up the road.
Next day, he waited outside as she left the supermarket, and offered
her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she accepted.
When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again,
outside of work. She simply said it wasn't possible. He pressed and
she explained she had two children and she couldn't afford a baby-
sitter, so he offered to pay for the baby-sitter. Reluctantly she
accepted his offer for a date for the following Saturday.
That Saturday night he arrived at her door only to have her tell him
that she was unable to go with him. The baby-sitter had called and
canceled. To which Kurtis simply said, "Well, lets take the kids
with us."
She tried to explain that taking the children was not an option, but
again not taking no for an answer, he pressed. Finally Brenda,
brought him inside to meet her children. She had an older daughter
who was just cute as a bug, Kurtis thought, then Brenda brought out
her son, in a wheelchair, he was born a paraplegic with down
syndrome. Kurtis said to Brenda, "I still don't understand why the
kids can't come with us?" Brenda was amazed. Most men would
run away from a woman with two kids, especially if one had
disabilities. Just like her first husband and father of her children
did.
That evening Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids, went to dinner
and the movies. When her son needed anything Kurtis would take
care of him. When he needed to use the rest room, he picked him
up out of his chair, took him, brought him back. The kids loved
Kurtis.
At the end of the evening, Brenda knew this was the man she was
going to marry and spend the rest of her life with. A year later, they
were married and Kurtis adopted both of her children and since then
they have added two more kids.
So what happened to the stock boy and check out girl? Well, .....
Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner, now live in St. Louis, where he is employed
by the St. Louis Rams and plays quarterback.
Let me add an addendum to this:
Now he's on his 3rd Super Bowl already had his 2nd MVP and is probably going to the Hall when he's done. You know you want to pick the Cardinals now. Come on, admit it. That's a good story.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Peyton or Kurt? Larry or Jerry? Optimist or Pessimist?
Down here I listen to 790 AM and the midday show is great. Actually, the midday show's always been great, it just changes hosts alot. The other day they posed an interesting question(actually they do that everyday.) Who's better? Peyton or Kurt?
Well dang, I had to think about it. Peyton's been to 2 AFC title games. Kurt's been to 3 NFC title games. Peyton's won 1. Kurt's won 3. Peyton's won 1 Super Bowl. Kurt's won 1 Super Bowl. Peyton's won 2 MYP's. Kurt's won 2 MVP's. Peyton's had a gazillion more chances than Kurt Warner. Peyton's never been a journeyman. He's never had to be cut by the team he took to the Super Bowl and then be the "old guy" who can develop the "kid". Then, be cut again to be the "old guy" again to the "kid" and then take over for the kid and take his team (who has never been to the Super Bowl) to the Super Bowl on his BACK! I'm not saying they don't have other players, but him being in there was what made it for the Cardinals. Kurt IS clutch. Peyton has been clutch ONCE. Dangit, I love Peyton Manning, but he's not AS good as Kurt when you are simply looking at postseason success (which is what most people use to judge professional athletes.) The comparison is almost unfair to Kurt, and yet he still comes out looking like gold.
Hoooooowever, if you take into account a FULL career, regular season and everything, then Peyton Manning is BY FAR the better quarterback. (You see why I'm so conflicted?( Peyton Manning is 3839-5960 for 45,628 yds and 333 TD's for his career! He's only 32! If he's doesn't suffer a major injury he can play probably 4 or 5 more years. Look out Brett Favre and Dan Marino! Kurt's not even close to that. Granted, he hasn't started every year of his life like Peyton, but Peyton's numbers are sick! How can you argue with that? Even before Peyton won the Super Bowl everybody crapped on him, but I was always thinking "But, he's sooooooo good. Give him a break." Who do you choose? Let's call it a pick 'em and call it a day...
Larry or Jerry? Well dang again. Jerry Rice is probably the best FOOTBALL player ever. Regardless of position. He's the man. I would post his career stats, but they may stop your heart right at your computer. (No, really. Ok, here's the link, but I warned you. If you're infirm or have cardiac problems, don't look!)
Is Larry looking like Jerry right now? Ummmm, yeah (Well, except for the coronary part.) What happens if Kurt's no longer throwing him the ball? What happens if he suffers a major injury (which Jerry never had?) Can he make it to more Super Bowls with the Cardinals? I don't know. But yeah, right now, he's looking like Jerry. He'll get a little bit closer if he blows doors on that incredible Steeler secondary.
Then, another interesting question was posed. Barack Obama's got 4 years in office (at least.) Do you have hope that your team could meet President Obama in the next four years? I kind of seized up thinking about it. The Lakers (ummm, yeah, but I don't want to jinx them), they have the best record in the NBA as of today, I'm feeling pretty good.
The 49ers? I'm feeling better because we have a new coach (who doesn't love Mike Singletary?) and the team is being turned over more to football people every year(like, they're about to hire Dan Reeves as the Offensive Coordinator), but the Super Bowl? I don't know *can't you hear the teeth gritting?*
The Braves? Yikes! We went to the World Series 5 times and lost 4(with, perhaps, the best staff in history) (although the Kent Hrbek pulled Ron Gant off first base, so really it should be lost 3, but I'm not bitter, promise.) Do I think we can go back NOW, with all of the parody in Baseball? I don't know *I know, the teeth gritting sound is bad, sorry.* But, you never know. The Arizona Cardinals are in the Super Bowl. The Tampa Bay Rays went to the World Series. The Celtics picked themselves up out of the basement and won The Finals. The Hawks took the Celtics to 7 games in the playoffs. George Mason went to the Final Four. Anything is possible.
So, yes, we have reason to be optimistic. Reality may set in at some point during a particular season, but that doesn't mean that things won't pick up next season. I said last week that Donovan McNabb is not clutch. I may say that again next year and he might prove me wrong, you never know.
I think sports are a venue for optimism. The rare sports fan finds their team to be reprehensibly far behind before the season even starts(you know, Sox fans, Cubs fans, Lions fans), but most are optimistic and ready for next year. I don't get too sucked in because I don't want to get majorly disappointed, BUT, I do think each of my teams has at least an outside chance of meeting the President.
Come on, you know your team has a shot. That's my challenge to you. Who are your teams and how much hope do you have in their chances? I'd be interested to see who REALLY thinks their team has a chance and who completely disagrees and cannot shake the feeling that their beloved team is sunk before the season has even started.
Well dang, I had to think about it. Peyton's been to 2 AFC title games. Kurt's been to 3 NFC title games. Peyton's won 1. Kurt's won 3. Peyton's won 1 Super Bowl. Kurt's won 1 Super Bowl. Peyton's won 2 MYP's. Kurt's won 2 MVP's. Peyton's had a gazillion more chances than Kurt Warner. Peyton's never been a journeyman. He's never had to be cut by the team he took to the Super Bowl and then be the "old guy" who can develop the "kid". Then, be cut again to be the "old guy" again to the "kid" and then take over for the kid and take his team (who has never been to the Super Bowl) to the Super Bowl on his BACK! I'm not saying they don't have other players, but him being in there was what made it for the Cardinals. Kurt IS clutch. Peyton has been clutch ONCE. Dangit, I love Peyton Manning, but he's not AS good as Kurt when you are simply looking at postseason success (which is what most people use to judge professional athletes.) The comparison is almost unfair to Kurt, and yet he still comes out looking like gold.
Hoooooowever, if you take into account a FULL career, regular season and everything, then Peyton Manning is BY FAR the better quarterback. (You see why I'm so conflicted?( Peyton Manning is 3839-5960 for 45,628 yds and 333 TD's for his career! He's only 32! If he's doesn't suffer a major injury he can play probably 4 or 5 more years. Look out Brett Favre and Dan Marino! Kurt's not even close to that. Granted, he hasn't started every year of his life like Peyton, but Peyton's numbers are sick! How can you argue with that? Even before Peyton won the Super Bowl everybody crapped on him, but I was always thinking "But, he's sooooooo good. Give him a break." Who do you choose? Let's call it a pick 'em and call it a day...
Larry or Jerry? Well dang again. Jerry Rice is probably the best FOOTBALL player ever. Regardless of position. He's the man. I would post his career stats, but they may stop your heart right at your computer. (No, really. Ok, here's the link, but I warned you. If you're infirm or have cardiac problems, don't look!)
Is Larry looking like Jerry right now? Ummmm, yeah (Well, except for the coronary part.) What happens if Kurt's no longer throwing him the ball? What happens if he suffers a major injury (which Jerry never had?) Can he make it to more Super Bowls with the Cardinals? I don't know. But yeah, right now, he's looking like Jerry. He'll get a little bit closer if he blows doors on that incredible Steeler secondary.
Then, another interesting question was posed. Barack Obama's got 4 years in office (at least.) Do you have hope that your team could meet President Obama in the next four years? I kind of seized up thinking about it. The Lakers (ummm, yeah, but I don't want to jinx them), they have the best record in the NBA as of today, I'm feeling pretty good.
The 49ers? I'm feeling better because we have a new coach (who doesn't love Mike Singletary?) and the team is being turned over more to football people every year(like, they're about to hire Dan Reeves as the Offensive Coordinator), but the Super Bowl? I don't know *can't you hear the teeth gritting?*
The Braves? Yikes! We went to the World Series 5 times and lost 4(with, perhaps, the best staff in history) (although the Kent Hrbek pulled Ron Gant off first base, so really it should be lost 3, but I'm not bitter, promise.) Do I think we can go back NOW, with all of the parody in Baseball? I don't know *I know, the teeth gritting sound is bad, sorry.* But, you never know. The Arizona Cardinals are in the Super Bowl. The Tampa Bay Rays went to the World Series. The Celtics picked themselves up out of the basement and won The Finals. The Hawks took the Celtics to 7 games in the playoffs. George Mason went to the Final Four. Anything is possible.
So, yes, we have reason to be optimistic. Reality may set in at some point during a particular season, but that doesn't mean that things won't pick up next season. I said last week that Donovan McNabb is not clutch. I may say that again next year and he might prove me wrong, you never know.
I think sports are a venue for optimism. The rare sports fan finds their team to be reprehensibly far behind before the season even starts(you know, Sox fans, Cubs fans, Lions fans), but most are optimistic and ready for next year. I don't get too sucked in because I don't want to get majorly disappointed, BUT, I do think each of my teams has at least an outside chance of meeting the President.
Come on, you know your team has a shot. That's my challenge to you. Who are your teams and how much hope do you have in their chances? I'd be interested to see who REALLY thinks their team has a chance and who completely disagrees and cannot shake the feeling that their beloved team is sunk before the season has even started.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Superior Performances 1.27.09
Alright, this is The 1999 Concord Blue Devils Bass Drum Ensemble. I discovered them when I got a CD of the Blue Devils percussion line. This is the last track on the CD (like number 22) and discovered it by accident because I actually had time for the whole CD to play through. Yay for me!
Essentially, this is what drum corps members do when they're not busy (in this corps' case) winning titles. These kids won the I&E Bass Drum Ensemble World Title AND marched the corps that tied with Santa Clara for the Div. I championship that season. All that is band nerd code for....they can flat, stinkin' play. You'll see what I mean. Enjoy!
Essentially, this is what drum corps members do when they're not busy (in this corps' case) winning titles. These kids won the I&E Bass Drum Ensemble World Title AND marched the corps that tied with Santa Clara for the Div. I championship that season. All that is band nerd code for....they can flat, stinkin' play. You'll see what I mean. Enjoy!
Monday, January 26, 2009
This is not REALLY about Basketball
I remember when Albert Haynesworth stomped on Andre Gurode's head. He got 5 games without pay. He even copped to it almost immediately (which I respect.) Now, I don't remember when Kermit Washington essentially broke Rudy Tomjanovich's face (since I wasn't born yet)(apparently, it was determined later that Rudy almost died) but I've seen more than one story on it and Rudy has long since forgiven Kermit, and I think he's even railed against the idea that Kermit should be defined by this one action.
So, now we're onto a new I-hope-it's-not-defining-moment. Chase Buddinger's face was stomped on by an opposing player today.
Do I know the long term ramifications of what's going on? Do I know why it was done? Do I know if Buddinger will ever forgive? Or if the other player will ask for forgiveness? No. I do know this. I hope that we can take a page from Albert Haynesworth, Kermit Washington, and Rudy Tomjanovich. Accept your responsibility, ask for forgiveness, and stand up and say "this one thing does not define me, God does."
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:9
If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6:14-15
I'm not saying forgiving is easy. But I am saying that it takes a strong person (imagine how strong Rudy Tomjanovich is)(or how hard it was for Albert to say after the fact "What I did out there was disgusting") to forgive. I don't know if Rudy, Albert, or Kermit are Christians, but this sure is a good example of how to deal.
So, now we're onto a new I-hope-it's-not-defining-moment. Chase Buddinger's face was stomped on by an opposing player today.
Do I know the long term ramifications of what's going on? Do I know why it was done? Do I know if Buddinger will ever forgive? Or if the other player will ask for forgiveness? No. I do know this. I hope that we can take a page from Albert Haynesworth, Kermit Washington, and Rudy Tomjanovich. Accept your responsibility, ask for forgiveness, and stand up and say "this one thing does not define me, God does."
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:9
If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6:14-15
I'm not saying forgiving is easy. But I am saying that it takes a strong person (imagine how strong Rudy Tomjanovich is)(or how hard it was for Albert to say after the fact "What I did out there was disgusting") to forgive. I don't know if Rudy, Albert, or Kermit are Christians, but this sure is a good example of how to deal.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
It's Basketball Time!
Alright, the NFL season is almost over and I've already made my Super Bowl pick, so I figure I can move on to the NBA. I'm not touching college basketball until it's time for the tournament. Let's face it, there's too many teams and too many players for me to even act like I even have a clue what's going on. When they get it down to 65 teams, then I'll have an opinion.
Let's just break it down to the teams that matter today(I almost tried to do a power ranking and then I realized they never take into account age, injury, or mental stamina):
The Orlando Magic... They made 23 3's in Sacramento...hmm, I think they can shoot. You know, you could analyze the heck out of this team, but let's keep it real. Dwight Howard is Superman. Even is he's not perfect every night, his presence still makes a huge difference in the lane. He's big and imposing, and he THREW his dunk into the basket last year at the Dunk competition. Jameer Nelson is turning into the man on the point everyone thought he would be when he took St. Joe's on that undefeated run. Can we say big guy, point guard combo? (Magic and Kareem people!) Oh, and they also have Rashard Lewis just hanging out and creating shots every night. Yeah, no wonder they're REALLY soaring right now.
Hope - That Dwight Howard becomes more like Bill Russell than he already looks.
Fear - That when Dwight can't keep it up Jameer and Rashard won't be ale to step up consistently.
The Cleveland Cavaliers... LeBron, LeBron, LeBron. Ok, a little Daniel Gibson sprinkled in there. Alright, I'll give you Anderson Varejao too. I love Kobe, but LeBron is the MVP today, tomorrow, and the next day.
Hope - LeBron keeps getting better
Fear - LeBron gets attacked by a Tonya Harding fan club member.
The Boston Celtics... As much as I have a distaste for the Celtics, KG can ball. He's not a guy who has to have the ball in his hands at the end of the game, but he's going to the Hall for sure. Ray Allen never really lived up to the major hype he got coming out of UCONN, but I think alot of it was unfair. Did we REALLY think he was going to be on the level of someone like Kobe or LeBron? Paul Pierce is the man on this team. AS much as I just don't like him, he took games into his hands in the Finals and he forced the Celtics to beat my Lakers last year.
Hope -Paul Pierce has the playoffs he had last season.
Fear - Someone else has to have the ball in their hands at the end of games.
The Los Angeles Lakers... Kobe, Kobe, Kobe. He should've already been the MVP at least 2 other times, he's one of the best to ever do it. Pau Gasol isn't the inner presence that can halt a team's offense all by itself, but he's so solid that I'll forgive him. Andrew Bynum is maturing very quickly (I mean, when Kareem's mentoring you all the suck better leave your game immediately.) He's the answer to the fact the Pau can't live in the lane all day.
Hope - Andrew Bynum becomes more like Kareem everyday
Fear - As Kobe transitions the team every so slowly to Bynum we all keep expecting 81 points a night
I think even the casual fan sees these 4 teams as the odds on favorites to win a title this season. There's a problem though..3 of these teams are in the Eastern Conference. If we keep this up until the playoffs someone is going to be genuinely upset before conference final time.
Can't someone step it up in the Western Conference? I know the Spurs are hot right now. They're also getting old. I don't think Shaqavich (yes, he decided folks should call him that because he improved his shooting and he said everyone whose name ends in -vich is a good shooter) is gonna get it done. He's old, out of shape, and has a bad hip. The same bad hip he had in 2003. Maybe Tracy McGrady and Yao can get past the 1st round this season. But really, who's going to bet on that given the fact that poor Tracy's (I actually do feel bad for him) never ben past the 1st round. Ooooh, maybe Portland and Greg Oden. He's the new........yeah, he's too injury prone to know what's he's the next new of. (I know, Brandon Roy's sooo great. Sorry folks, all the LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy in the world ins't makng them the sleeper right now.) DENVER! Melo is great! They dumped Allen Iverson (very smart, I like AI alot, but the train's left the station I'm afraid), picked up Chauncey Billups (HIGHLY smart. You think he's not upset that Detroit traded him? I'd be HOT!), and are playing well right now. Never underestimate the fury of a point guard scorned.
Dark Horse du jour: Denver
Worst move of the Week: The Grizzlies fired Mark Iavaroni. They gave him a year and half with a laughing stock team and they expected more? Are you serious? They must be looking back to '04 they were the 6 seed and thinking "How come we can't do that every year?" Ummm, hello, no Hubie + no White Chocolate (oh yeah, and that Pau guy the Lakers gave you a sack full of shredded newspaper (Kwame Brown) for) = no Playoffs. Now they have to pay out his entire contract (good for him) and find another coach. Well, they really wanted Avery Johnson but he told them "Hell no, I'm not taking that job." Actually, that's what he old his wife just to reassure her, but you get the idea. Now they're stuck with no coach, no good prospects, and a pathetic team. Good job Memphis! Don't you wish you could get Big Country back?
Let's just break it down to the teams that matter today(I almost tried to do a power ranking and then I realized they never take into account age, injury, or mental stamina):
The Orlando Magic... They made 23 3's in Sacramento...hmm, I think they can shoot. You know, you could analyze the heck out of this team, but let's keep it real. Dwight Howard is Superman. Even is he's not perfect every night, his presence still makes a huge difference in the lane. He's big and imposing, and he THREW his dunk into the basket last year at the Dunk competition. Jameer Nelson is turning into the man on the point everyone thought he would be when he took St. Joe's on that undefeated run. Can we say big guy, point guard combo? (Magic and Kareem people!) Oh, and they also have Rashard Lewis just hanging out and creating shots every night. Yeah, no wonder they're REALLY soaring right now.
Hope - That Dwight Howard becomes more like Bill Russell than he already looks.
Fear - That when Dwight can't keep it up Jameer and Rashard won't be ale to step up consistently.
The Cleveland Cavaliers... LeBron, LeBron, LeBron. Ok, a little Daniel Gibson sprinkled in there. Alright, I'll give you Anderson Varejao too. I love Kobe, but LeBron is the MVP today, tomorrow, and the next day.
Hope - LeBron keeps getting better
Fear - LeBron gets attacked by a Tonya Harding fan club member.
The Boston Celtics... As much as I have a distaste for the Celtics, KG can ball. He's not a guy who has to have the ball in his hands at the end of the game, but he's going to the Hall for sure. Ray Allen never really lived up to the major hype he got coming out of UCONN, but I think alot of it was unfair. Did we REALLY think he was going to be on the level of someone like Kobe or LeBron? Paul Pierce is the man on this team. AS much as I just don't like him, he took games into his hands in the Finals and he forced the Celtics to beat my Lakers last year.
Hope -Paul Pierce has the playoffs he had last season.
Fear - Someone else has to have the ball in their hands at the end of games.
The Los Angeles Lakers... Kobe, Kobe, Kobe. He should've already been the MVP at least 2 other times, he's one of the best to ever do it. Pau Gasol isn't the inner presence that can halt a team's offense all by itself, but he's so solid that I'll forgive him. Andrew Bynum is maturing very quickly (I mean, when Kareem's mentoring you all the suck better leave your game immediately.) He's the answer to the fact the Pau can't live in the lane all day.
Hope - Andrew Bynum becomes more like Kareem everyday
Fear - As Kobe transitions the team every so slowly to Bynum we all keep expecting 81 points a night
I think even the casual fan sees these 4 teams as the odds on favorites to win a title this season. There's a problem though..3 of these teams are in the Eastern Conference. If we keep this up until the playoffs someone is going to be genuinely upset before conference final time.
Can't someone step it up in the Western Conference? I know the Spurs are hot right now. They're also getting old. I don't think Shaqavich (yes, he decided folks should call him that because he improved his shooting and he said everyone whose name ends in -vich is a good shooter) is gonna get it done. He's old, out of shape, and has a bad hip. The same bad hip he had in 2003. Maybe Tracy McGrady and Yao can get past the 1st round this season. But really, who's going to bet on that given the fact that poor Tracy's (I actually do feel bad for him) never ben past the 1st round. Ooooh, maybe Portland and Greg Oden. He's the new........yeah, he's too injury prone to know what's he's the next new of. (I know, Brandon Roy's sooo great. Sorry folks, all the LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy in the world ins't makng them the sleeper right now.) DENVER! Melo is great! They dumped Allen Iverson (very smart, I like AI alot, but the train's left the station I'm afraid), picked up Chauncey Billups (HIGHLY smart. You think he's not upset that Detroit traded him? I'd be HOT!), and are playing well right now. Never underestimate the fury of a point guard scorned.
Dark Horse du jour: Denver
Worst move of the Week: The Grizzlies fired Mark Iavaroni. They gave him a year and half with a laughing stock team and they expected more? Are you serious? They must be looking back to '04 they were the 6 seed and thinking "How come we can't do that every year?" Ummm, hello, no Hubie + no White Chocolate (oh yeah, and that Pau guy the Lakers gave you a sack full of shredded newspaper (Kwame Brown) for) = no Playoffs. Now they have to pay out his entire contract (good for him) and find another coach. Well, they really wanted Avery Johnson but he told them "Hell no, I'm not taking that job." Actually, that's what he old his wife just to reassure her, but you get the idea. Now they're stuck with no coach, no good prospects, and a pathetic team. Good job Memphis! Don't you wish you could get Big Country back?
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