The NBA Playoffs are back, and they are certainly alive and well. Saturday's quadruple header provided us with some amazing moments and definitely some new insights. However, due to inclement conditions my personal knowledge of the later games may be diminished. Regardless, we begin.
First, Lebron and his gang of flukies against the Wiz and Agent Zero's comeback. Lebron threw his body around, got in a few battles, and came out alive up 1-0. We'll see if he continues to get 4 steps on half of his drives to the basket throughout the series. The big thing here, however, was Gilbert Arenas stepping up and making his return. I was one who definitely thought he was not yet ready to come back, but his 1st half performance said otherwise, 14 points on 4-4 from 3 point land, not too shabby. Looking forward to seeing if Lebron can continue to carry his "role players."
Our second game deserves a column of its' own. Absolutely fantastic theater for a 1st round playoff game. I was absolutely enthralled. Spurs and Suns, rematch of last year's great playoff series. This one without Tim Donaghy involved. It was already being hyped as the best 1st round matchup and I will say after game 1 that it already lived up to the hype. For those of you who may have been outdoors all day, it was a double overtime battle that the Spurs tied twice with threes to send into extra periods (one by Finley, one by Tim Duncan). That's correct, Tim Duncan, his first three pointer of the year. Then in the second overtime, Steve Nash hit a fall away three from the corner to tie. If it weren't for Manu Ginobili's driving layup for the win, it's like this game would have lasted another 3 hours. The coolest part about games like this is the people you watch the game with. In my case I watched with a big Suns fan, 3 people who were railing me all game for cheering for the Spurs, and another who just wanted a great game. Well, we all got what we wanted, except for the Suns fan, but even he had to enjoy the thrilling nature of clutch shots being hit to tie games.
The third game was home to my favorite team in these playoffs, the Hornets. I have to admit, I jumped on this bandwagon this year. But unlike others, it was at the beginning of the season when I was riding them to a streak of 8 straight winning parlays. When money is coming in, it's hard not to cheer for the team that has been your horse. On top of this, my strange man love for Chris Paul has come out and gave me a sleeper team to watch in the West. As you all know, the Hornets had a gigantic season, roping in a 2 seed in the wild West. So, with all this love, I'd obviously take the Hornets over the Mavs in Round 1, right? Wrong, but I have the right to change my mind. As good as Paul is, I expected the experience of Dirk's Mavs to overcome the best point guard in the world. What I didn't expect was Avery Johnson not throwing everything he had against Paul. Paul repeatedly ran down the court yelling, "He can't guard me!" in regards to future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd. He was completely correct, and Avery didn't do anything to stop it. Paul finished with 35, 10 assists and 3 steals, and confirmed to me that he is one of the most unbelievable players in the Association.
Game 4, what can I say? I was rediculously drunk at this point, struggling to stay awake and watch. But I made it and here are some notes. T-Mac, you choked. Loved the early play in this game from you, but the lack of impact late led to the game getting away from the Rockets. Deron Williams, I've always disliked you, leading back to this game in 2005. It so happened to be just a year and a half after another tragedy in my life, so I can't get over it. Anyway Deron Williams played great, with 20 and 10 assists. But, the real step up player was Andrei Kirilenko. Old AK-47 put up 21 on 8-12 shooting, and played excellent defense to shut the Rockets down late. By the way, how many shots does Bobby Jackson have to put up for Rick Adelman to realize that this is not a 2001 Lakers-Kings showdown. I mean 3-15 from the field, honestly? I have no more.
So, after 11 hours of basketball, 1 thriller, 10 too many beers and tons of food later what have we learned? Two things, I would kill to see Spurs-Suns Round 2, and all day drinking often results in more fun than being sober all day. Just a thought, give it a shot again sometime soon.
So I've got to give you a song of the day, and it will be..."Your Time Has Come" by Audioslave. I'll be honest, I just turned my iTunes on and this song was the last one playing, God only knows how it got on here. However, it's a fire-you-up tune and sometimes we all need to get a bit juiced. One final note, the Cubbies are 11-6 and riding over crappy teams. So 'til next time, catch Playoff fever or a smooth D Lee jack.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Back From the Dead Vol. 1
The title says it all, I've been gone forever. I'll probably go on a hiatus at some other point during my time on this site. So, like I said, the title says it all.
Lots of things have happened since then. The Cubs are 7-5. I went to Opening Day. I saw Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds in a free concert at Assembly Hall. Little 5 came and went. I acquired strep throat. I shot a 57 through 9 holes in my first golf round of the year, and the next day I shot 42. That was just messed up. But probably the most important thing I found was randomly discovered. The band Back Door Slam and their 20 year old guitarist Davy Knowles.
My roommate runs into my room and tells me to turn on Jimmy Kimmel immediately, he was randomly watching. We proceed to see a little white kid from Isle of Man, England singing in a deep black man's blues voice and shredding a guitar in every perfect way possible. This led to a night of Youtube searches on him and the band. I was immediately hooked. So, I email my dad right away since he is a blues nut and tell him to check it out. He is immediately hooked. He emails his friends that are blues fans and they are immediately hooked. So, I'm thinking, if all these people love them, what about people who aren't blues fans. And I go off and tell some of them, and they love it. And now I'm thinking to myself, Back Door Slam is going to be huge. If it's not them, then it's going to be Davy Knowles, because the kid is absolutely amazing. Just tremendous. Their website's opening page has various quotes from critics who have seen them. Some of the quotes are, "I heard the spirit of Jimi Hendrix...it was a group called Back Door Slam." Or, "A guitar god in training." Other people have recognized, now it's time for the rest of the world to do so.
So, in tradition with tonight's post. Here's the kid shredding a couple great covers, and the last one is his own.
"Red House"
"Almost Cut My Hair"
"Come Home"
Hopefully you all like these, real good musical talent here.
Lots of things have happened since then. The Cubs are 7-5. I went to Opening Day. I saw Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds in a free concert at Assembly Hall. Little 5 came and went. I acquired strep throat. I shot a 57 through 9 holes in my first golf round of the year, and the next day I shot 42. That was just messed up. But probably the most important thing I found was randomly discovered. The band Back Door Slam and their 20 year old guitarist Davy Knowles.
My roommate runs into my room and tells me to turn on Jimmy Kimmel immediately, he was randomly watching. We proceed to see a little white kid from Isle of Man, England singing in a deep black man's blues voice and shredding a guitar in every perfect way possible. This led to a night of Youtube searches on him and the band. I was immediately hooked. So, I email my dad right away since he is a blues nut and tell him to check it out. He is immediately hooked. He emails his friends that are blues fans and they are immediately hooked. So, I'm thinking, if all these people love them, what about people who aren't blues fans. And I go off and tell some of them, and they love it. And now I'm thinking to myself, Back Door Slam is going to be huge. If it's not them, then it's going to be Davy Knowles, because the kid is absolutely amazing. Just tremendous. Their website's opening page has various quotes from critics who have seen them. Some of the quotes are, "I heard the spirit of Jimi Hendrix...it was a group called Back Door Slam." Or, "A guitar god in training." Other people have recognized, now it's time for the rest of the world to do so.
So, in tradition with tonight's post. Here's the kid shredding a couple great covers, and the last one is his own.
"Red House"
"Almost Cut My Hair"
"Come Home"
Hopefully you all like these, real good musical talent here.
Monday, March 31, 2008
MLB Opening Day
Today is the day, well kind of, I haven't gone to bed yet but we are past midnight. In about 9 hours I'll head up to Wrigley Field for the Cubs opener vs. the Milwaukee Brewers. I've been to the last few Opening Days, but there is honestly nothing like it. The pure electricity in the building of all the fans knowing they have a clean slate to work with this year is unbelievable. I just hope this can be a year for my Cubbies to go further than last year's successes.
On to other things, my Angels pick does not look so hot after the whole Escobar season ending injury and Lackey being out for an unknown period of time. I still think they will make the playoffs, but they are going to need one or more of their young pitchers to step up and fill the role of these pitchers as long as they are out.
Four #1 seeds in the Final Four. At least that will end speculation of who the best teams have been all season. That is going to be a fun weekend for basketball.
Shoutout to IU baseball. Their opening weekend series in the Big 10 got them a split. Those 2 wins are 1 more than they had on the road all of last year. They have some serious talent this year and look to be much better than the previous years.
Going to see Modest Mouse and R.E.M. in concert June 6 up in Chicago. Absolutely can't wait, due to my love for Isaac Brock and Modest Mouse. Phenomenal band. Not to mention I get to see R.E.M. on top of it. Can't wait.
Little 5 week coming up down at IU. It starts April 6 and the race is on Saturday the 12th. Greatest. College. Weekend. Ever. Not sure that I'll be coherent to write during that week BUT, I am sure I will, and I am sure you'll enjoy some of the stories.
That's all for tonight. Got to get some rest. Adrenaline is really rushing through my veins for this Opener tomorrow. Hopefully I'll bring back a win. How about we take the song of the night from Modest Mouse tonight. We'll take "Ocean Breathes Salty." This song was picked at my brother's request. It happens to be his favorite. While it's not my personal favorite, it is very easy to listen to. If you do happen to like the song and want to hear more Mouse, leave me a message and I can turn you on to much more of their music.
One more note...
GO CUBBIES!!!
On to other things, my Angels pick does not look so hot after the whole Escobar season ending injury and Lackey being out for an unknown period of time. I still think they will make the playoffs, but they are going to need one or more of their young pitchers to step up and fill the role of these pitchers as long as they are out.
Four #1 seeds in the Final Four. At least that will end speculation of who the best teams have been all season. That is going to be a fun weekend for basketball.
Shoutout to IU baseball. Their opening weekend series in the Big 10 got them a split. Those 2 wins are 1 more than they had on the road all of last year. They have some serious talent this year and look to be much better than the previous years.
Going to see Modest Mouse and R.E.M. in concert June 6 up in Chicago. Absolutely can't wait, due to my love for Isaac Brock and Modest Mouse. Phenomenal band. Not to mention I get to see R.E.M. on top of it. Can't wait.
Little 5 week coming up down at IU. It starts April 6 and the race is on Saturday the 12th. Greatest. College. Weekend. Ever. Not sure that I'll be coherent to write during that week BUT, I am sure I will, and I am sure you'll enjoy some of the stories.
That's all for tonight. Got to get some rest. Adrenaline is really rushing through my veins for this Opener tomorrow. Hopefully I'll bring back a win. How about we take the song of the night from Modest Mouse tonight. We'll take "Ocean Breathes Salty." This song was picked at my brother's request. It happens to be his favorite. While it's not my personal favorite, it is very easy to listen to. If you do happen to like the song and want to hear more Mouse, leave me a message and I can turn you on to much more of their music.
One more note...
GO CUBBIES!!!
Monday, March 24, 2008
MLB Picks
Ok, for the sport that I follow more closely than any other. For the record, these picks are compiled using both PECOTA and ZiPS projections along with the most prominent factor, my instincts. For each team I'll project my win total for the team, and at the end I'll put in a playoff bracket. I'll also supply my Cy Young, MVP and Rookie of the Year Award winners as well.
AL West
Los Angeles Angels 91
Seattle 87
Texas 72
Oakland 67
AL Central
Detroit 94
Cleveland 92
White Sox 82
Minnesota 80
Kansas City 68
AL East
Boston 95
Toronto 89
Yankees 88
Tampa Bay 82
Baltimore 57
NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers 89
Arizona 88
Colorado 86
San Diego 85
San Francisco 61
NL Central
Cubs 90
Milwaukee 87
Cincinatti 80
Houston 78
St. Louis 71
Pittsburgh 64
NL East
Mets 93
Philadelphia 88
Atlanta 87
Washington 71
Florida 70
NL
Dodgers over Mets
Cubs over Diamondbacks
Dodgers over Cubs
AL
Red Sox over Indians
Angels over Tigers
Angels over Red Sox
Non Homer Pick - Angels over Dodgers
Homer Pick - Cubs over Angels
NL MVP - David Wright
NL Cy Young - Johan Satnana
NL Rookie of the Year - Kosuke Fukudome
AL MVP - Miguel Cabrera
AL Cy Young - Roy Halladay
AL Rookie of the Year - Phil Hughes
As you can see, my Cubs bias comes out in my homer picks, but without those picks I really believe that the Angels will be huge this year. I am trying to stay away from Red Sox nation, I picked them last year. I really think that LAA will be good this year, and I am also a fan of the Dodgers in the NL. The deep pitching staffs of both these teams will be key.
However, I am in love with this year's Cubs team, and I really believe they will have a huge impact on the upcoming playoffs. As everyone knows, the playoffs are quite the crapshoot, many top teams struggle even after having great regular seasons. This year should prove to be no different. Anyway, those are my picks. We will see how they turn out.
Song of the night - "Swing Life Away" by Rise Against. One of my all time favorites. Hope you approve.
AL West
Los Angeles Angels 91
Seattle 87
Texas 72
Oakland 67
AL Central
Detroit 94
Cleveland 92
White Sox 82
Minnesota 80
Kansas City 68
AL East
Boston 95
Toronto 89
Yankees 88
Tampa Bay 82
Baltimore 57
NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers 89
Arizona 88
Colorado 86
San Diego 85
San Francisco 61
NL Central
Cubs 90
Milwaukee 87
Cincinatti 80
Houston 78
St. Louis 71
Pittsburgh 64
NL East
Mets 93
Philadelphia 88
Atlanta 87
Washington 71
Florida 70
NL
Dodgers over Mets
Cubs over Diamondbacks
Dodgers over Cubs
AL
Red Sox over Indians
Angels over Tigers
Angels over Red Sox
Non Homer Pick - Angels over Dodgers
Homer Pick - Cubs over Angels
NL MVP - David Wright
NL Cy Young - Johan Satnana
NL Rookie of the Year - Kosuke Fukudome
AL MVP - Miguel Cabrera
AL Cy Young - Roy Halladay
AL Rookie of the Year - Phil Hughes
As you can see, my Cubs bias comes out in my homer picks, but without those picks I really believe that the Angels will be huge this year. I am trying to stay away from Red Sox nation, I picked them last year. I really think that LAA will be good this year, and I am also a fan of the Dodgers in the NL. The deep pitching staffs of both these teams will be key.
However, I am in love with this year's Cubs team, and I really believe they will have a huge impact on the upcoming playoffs. As everyone knows, the playoffs are quite the crapshoot, many top teams struggle even after having great regular seasons. This year should prove to be no different. Anyway, those are my picks. We will see how they turn out.
Song of the night - "Swing Life Away" by Rise Against. One of my all time favorites. Hope you approve.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Collection of the Week's Experiences
Well it was a rough week; disappointing losses from my two college teams for early exits out of the NCAA Tournament. On the plus side, we are only 8 days from Opening Day for my Cubbies, and actually only 2 days away from the season opener in Japan between the Red Sox and A's. So, knowing that, my season picks will be out tomorrow night, and then you all can rip them to shreds. I know I forgot to tell you all my Final Four picks, I apologize. I had North Carolina, Kansas, Stanford and UCLA. Three 1 seeds is real bold, I know. Anyway, I had Kansas over UCLA, but my brackets are so screwed up that it does not really matter anymore.
This week is going to be a little jam packed for me, I have a couple tests and a good amount of homework and projects to work on, so writing will probably be tough again. But next Monday I'll be up at Wrigley celebrating the start of the season. I am all geared up, just waiting on the games. Hopefully I can write a piece on my Opening Day experience this year.
In blog news, I got another suggestion from one of my readers who told me that I should put the links to all my songs in one area, including the ones from early on that I did not link. I will work on this sometime this week, making them available on the sidebar hopefully so you can easily access them. Also, one of my roommates has been wanting to write in my blog, so sometime in the near future you can expect a guest blog entrance. From what I have read so far it's about the world changing around us. On top of that he was the valedictorian of our high school class, so I would recommend reading it, it should be good.
Well, I am off to the IU baseball game on this Easter Sunday, then I'll end up at Church. I couldn't make it home due to a test tomorrow, which really sucks, but I guess this is kind of what happens when you grow up a bit. So enjoy your families and friends today. I'll see you tomorrow for MLB season picks. Song of the day - "Hands of Time" by Groove Armada. Real cool and smooth song, hope you like it.
This week is going to be a little jam packed for me, I have a couple tests and a good amount of homework and projects to work on, so writing will probably be tough again. But next Monday I'll be up at Wrigley celebrating the start of the season. I am all geared up, just waiting on the games. Hopefully I can write a piece on my Opening Day experience this year.
In blog news, I got another suggestion from one of my readers who told me that I should put the links to all my songs in one area, including the ones from early on that I did not link. I will work on this sometime this week, making them available on the sidebar hopefully so you can easily access them. Also, one of my roommates has been wanting to write in my blog, so sometime in the near future you can expect a guest blog entrance. From what I have read so far it's about the world changing around us. On top of that he was the valedictorian of our high school class, so I would recommend reading it, it should be good.
Well, I am off to the IU baseball game on this Easter Sunday, then I'll end up at Church. I couldn't make it home due to a test tomorrow, which really sucks, but I guess this is kind of what happens when you grow up a bit. So enjoy your families and friends today. I'll see you tomorrow for MLB season picks. Song of the day - "Hands of Time" by Groove Armada. Real cool and smooth song, hope you like it.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Serious Gusto From Our Next Prez
Last night's blog was written completely trashed. Honestly, I'm surprised it came together in a decent fashion, for I did not know what I had written about this morning. Happy St. Patrick's Day to me.
Anyway, the only thing I have to say about tonight is in regards to Barack Obama's speech on race today. It's already being hailed as one of the most important things ever said on the topic...and it was spoken before 11 am today. "A More Perfect Union," was precisely Obama's aim, and it is likely that this speech could provide him with a primary victory. As for my opinions on it, I think you already know. He really covered in depth how we have overlooked race in solving all of our country's problems throughout all of time. When someone comes out and says something like this, it really gives me hope that things could change for the better. Then again, I know that other people are going to look at this and say the opposite thing, that he is defending himself and just saving his ass on what his pastor said. Oh well, guess that is just part of life. Everyone has differing opinions.
Sorry I can't make this longer, but it's quite late and with early class tomorrow I have got to get some sleep. Baseball season predictions coming next week. Song of the night - "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder. Oh, and it just so happens to be the big man's campaign song as well.
Anyway, the only thing I have to say about tonight is in regards to Barack Obama's speech on race today. It's already being hailed as one of the most important things ever said on the topic...and it was spoken before 11 am today. "A More Perfect Union," was precisely Obama's aim, and it is likely that this speech could provide him with a primary victory. As for my opinions on it, I think you already know. He really covered in depth how we have overlooked race in solving all of our country's problems throughout all of time. When someone comes out and says something like this, it really gives me hope that things could change for the better. Then again, I know that other people are going to look at this and say the opposite thing, that he is defending himself and just saving his ass on what his pastor said. Oh well, guess that is just part of life. Everyone has differing opinions.
Sorry I can't make this longer, but it's quite late and with early class tomorrow I have got to get some sleep. Baseball season predictions coming next week. Song of the night - "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder. Oh, and it just so happens to be the big man's campaign song as well.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The Greatest
Zona in, IU robbed at an 8 seed, Tiger absolutely unconscious. Those three statements basically summed up my Sunday; an absolutely unreal finish from the greatest golfer of all time (right after I was done arguing to my brother why I watched him...great vindication), my favorite team getting in the tournament (which was really nerve racking), and the place that I go getting owned in the seeding. Oh well, that's about all I can say about all of that, except for Tiger.
Tiger was absolutely incredible at the closing 18th in Orlando. It honestly makes me wonder if anyone in the past could ever compete with him, and if anyone in the future ever will, too. I mean honestly, look at the man, 32 years old, all of those 64 wins and 13 majors. He's going to pass the Golden Bear soon enough in Majors and he'll most definitely reach Sam Snead's total record of 82 PGA Tour wins by the end of his run. It's truly a blessing to be able to watch greatness in front of your eyes, and I personally am glad that I have followed him quite closely since his '97 Masters domination. It's almost the same as hearing from my Dad about watching Walter Payton or Michael Jordan throughout their whole careers; he always said that he wished I would have been able to see them all the way though.
Going on with greatness, the more you think about it, how often have you actually seen someone or something that could not be duplicated for such a long period of time? I have often said that we will see basketball players that will be more talented and some even more driven than Michael Jordan, but will they ever be regarded that way? Everyone is so quick to say that Kobe or Lebron is the next Jordan, but will they actually ever give them that credit if they reach that level? I am pretty confident that Lebron will end up with better stats and possibly even more titles than Jordan's 6, but in the end, so many people are obsessed with what MJ did, that I do not think Lebron James will be regarded as the better player. And you know what, even if I do disagree with them, I guess that is fine, as long as those same people realize that what they are seeing is truly different than anything Michael or any other player could ever do.
Now in the end for me, it all comes back to Tiger. I guess that is because he is the legend that I grew up with. I am sure it's different for everyone, but it is always someone who you felt like you could associate with best. I know when I get old, that Tiger Woods will start and end all conversations about who the most amazing athlete I ever saw was. Call me shallow for ending it there, but there is something you need to know. The most impressionable years in someone's life are through the teenage years, and with me being just out of those years, the man who has most impacted my sports life has been Mr. Woods. I can only hope that he keeps up the amazing streak he is in the process of as we all speak.
So, in the end of this long bothersome blog, I know I can always count on Tiger to show me something I have never seen before. And I guess all I can wish for all of you is the same ability to see something that truly blows you away, and makes you remember why we have all of these competitions in the first place.
Song of today - "Intervention" by The Arcade Fire. This is a song that I can say that I honestly really enjoy. I am not sure how to really put it into words, I love it so much. Maybe I am nuts, maybe this band is actually tremendous. I guess it's up to you and the rest of the world.
Tiger was absolutely incredible at the closing 18th in Orlando. It honestly makes me wonder if anyone in the past could ever compete with him, and if anyone in the future ever will, too. I mean honestly, look at the man, 32 years old, all of those 64 wins and 13 majors. He's going to pass the Golden Bear soon enough in Majors and he'll most definitely reach Sam Snead's total record of 82 PGA Tour wins by the end of his run. It's truly a blessing to be able to watch greatness in front of your eyes, and I personally am glad that I have followed him quite closely since his '97 Masters domination. It's almost the same as hearing from my Dad about watching Walter Payton or Michael Jordan throughout their whole careers; he always said that he wished I would have been able to see them all the way though.
Going on with greatness, the more you think about it, how often have you actually seen someone or something that could not be duplicated for such a long period of time? I have often said that we will see basketball players that will be more talented and some even more driven than Michael Jordan, but will they ever be regarded that way? Everyone is so quick to say that Kobe or Lebron is the next Jordan, but will they actually ever give them that credit if they reach that level? I am pretty confident that Lebron will end up with better stats and possibly even more titles than Jordan's 6, but in the end, so many people are obsessed with what MJ did, that I do not think Lebron James will be regarded as the better player. And you know what, even if I do disagree with them, I guess that is fine, as long as those same people realize that what they are seeing is truly different than anything Michael or any other player could ever do.
Now in the end for me, it all comes back to Tiger. I guess that is because he is the legend that I grew up with. I am sure it's different for everyone, but it is always someone who you felt like you could associate with best. I know when I get old, that Tiger Woods will start and end all conversations about who the most amazing athlete I ever saw was. Call me shallow for ending it there, but there is something you need to know. The most impressionable years in someone's life are through the teenage years, and with me being just out of those years, the man who has most impacted my sports life has been Mr. Woods. I can only hope that he keeps up the amazing streak he is in the process of as we all speak.
So, in the end of this long bothersome blog, I know I can always count on Tiger to show me something I have never seen before. And I guess all I can wish for all of you is the same ability to see something that truly blows you away, and makes you remember why we have all of these competitions in the first place.
Song of today - "Intervention" by The Arcade Fire. This is a song that I can say that I honestly really enjoy. I am not sure how to really put it into words, I love it so much. Maybe I am nuts, maybe this band is actually tremendous. I guess it's up to you and the rest of the world.
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