Friday, February 22, 2008

Lean Nights and Great Jams

Let's face it, I have to be the worst regular blog poster in 11 surrounding states, but here's a little something for you about my last couple weeks.

Starting off with big events, I journeyed to Wabash University for a concert of a band that I've liked since the first time I heard them, Third Eye Blind. Now, I was skeptical because they haven't put out a decent new song in about 8 years, but I still gave it a shot. Their self-titled album was so good that it could easily be recognized as one of the best of the '90s. My hope for the concert was that they would play a lot of their old stuff. Well they did not disappoint. Steven Jenkins came out rocking with Never Let You Go, off of the Blue album. They went on to play all their hits, played a 4 song encore and had me in a drunken daze of wonder and sweat. At one point the hair was flying around spraying perspiration around like I just got out of a pool. You can only imagine what I looked like at the end of the show. Let's just say I didn't appeal to many females.

After the show, Scott and Nick decided to stay with me at Wabash and have a great time with all our high school buddies from back in the day. The night was fantastic and I can't wait to do it again. And in all honesty, I have got to say that of the concerts I've been to, this ranked at least in the top 2 or 3 (discussion for another day), and possibly the best of all time. Absolutely great show, I can't say enough about it.

Anyway, onward to more recent events, especially the political race. Those of you who know me closely know that I've never been one to pay attention to current events or political news closely. That is until now, I don't know what's gotten into me but I really can't pull myself away. If you don't know, I have become a big fan of Barack Obama has to say. For some reason he really resonates with me and I enjoy hearing him talk. He has some great things to say.

I know it's been awhile because I haven't even written about Super Tuesday. Scott and I decided to follow the coverage in the classiest way we knew how...drinking 40's of Mickey's Malt Liquor. Always a fine decision, and we would continue to pay for it the next day. Like I'm honestly ever going to grow up, even with political talk there's the presence of cheap liquor from Compton. Back to real events, on that night he lost a couple of the big states but won across the country, and to this point its still the last time that he lost. Barack has won 10 straight primaries and actually looks like he is now the favorite to become the Democratic representative for the Presidency. All I can say to this is Bravo, he has done a great job gaining faith of the American people, and I hope he can take his great words into the White House and give us the change that we can believe in. To continue taking his words, yes we can.

For those of you not interested in my political interest BS, we move on. The NBA trade deadline just passed and as many of you know, I am a huge supporter of the Association. I thought there were some HUGE deals that went down, really a lot bigger than the previous few years. I guess I'll give you my opinion on the trades.

  • Lakers acquire Pau Gasol for just about nothing. Anytime you can gain a 27 year old All-Star center for some expiring contracts and bad attitudes, I am going to say that you made a dominant trade. I really think that when Andrew Bynum gets back to game shape this is a Championship caliber team.
  • Suns acquire Shaq for Shawn Marion and a horrendous contract. This trade is getting ripped on a lot since a lot of people don't think Shaq can run and gun with the Suns in the desert. Well, I tend to agree with them, I really don't think this is the move that is going to help them win a title down in Phoenix. The fit to me just isn't there. However, I will say that Shaq is going to be rejuvenated and I never would like to bet against a team that runs on Diesel fuel. I can't wait to see a Kobe Shaq meeting in the playoffs. Please make this happen.
  • Of course, we've also got the big one that happened yesterday; the three-team deal sending the Cavs, Bulls and Sonics some new players. I think Big Ben and Z can be formidable down low, and then a 2nd line of Joe Smith and Andy Varaejo isn't too shabby either. I really like the deal for that reason first off. Second, you get the underrated Delonte West to run the point for you, I like it. Third, another gunner added in Wally World. I like this move. But also I like it from the Bulls standpoint. I've just got the feeling that Larry Hughes is going to thrive in Chicago. Definitely not living up to the contract he got, but if this guy gets to control the ball in the offense, he's going to make a positive impact. On top of that, the Bulls got a solid post scorer in Drew Gooden and can open up some more time for Ty Thomas' high flying act and Joakim Noah's hustle hour. Good deal all around.
  • Hornets add bench depth. Solid trade, opens up a spot for Jannero Pargo with the departure of Livewire Bobby Jackson, and adds Bonzi Wells. That is the biggest part, Bonzi's ability to take smaller guards in the post is only going to add to Chris Paul droppin' a few more dimes a game.
  • I also liked the addition of Kurt Thomas to the Spurs, giving them some bench depth. And rumor is they'll get Brent Barry back through waivers so it's even bigger.
Let me just say that I'm ready for the Playoffs to begin, and I absolutely can't wait for the action that it's going to bring this spring and summer.

One final note, on one of my favorite times of the year. Pitchers and Catchers reporting to Spring Training. I can not wait for the start of the season. I really like the makeup of my favorite team, although I think they could use some help at SS, but we'll see where it goes. You'll have my season projections by the end of Spring Training, don't worry.

And to close, let's toss out a tune that appeals to me in so many ways - Almost Cut My Hair by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young off of the Deja Vu album. Such a great song written by David Crosby about his hippie lifestyle among other things. I just felt like I owed it to someone to post that note. Check it out.

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