The Weak In Sports...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wZBhuHtA6s

We all have our moments, right? And in those moments we seem to get through each one, correct? I feel as though I can justify that statement by saying one thing; if you're reading this now then you, like me, have overcome something at one point or another in your lifetime.

Overcoming adversity, out smarting the competition, that's what fashions ones heart to acknowledge the greatness of sports. I am a sports fan from way back, but the sporting world has, from decade to decade, and year to year, changed. I enjoy anything competitive. I'd watch UCLA beat up USC in the thumb wrestling collegiate national championship if there was such a thing. I just love a good competition. However, I have to admit the one thing that turns me off is a tainted title. Sosa and McGuire, "Marion" Jones and Lance Armstrong, to me all huge let downs.

Lance Armstrong led the way for my decline in watching cycling. I still love to ride, but do not watch with near the enthusiasm as I once did, because of the tainted titles. Lance dealt a devastating blow to a few communities. In his cheating, he not only cheated the cycling world, but the great people and companies (Trek, Bontrager, and others) that manufactured bikes for him to compete earnestly, the honest competitors (few and far between seeing how asterisks plague the 7 years he has been forced to vacate), and the millions of cycling fans worldwide, but most of all Lance let down the community that battles cancer. Is that to say that they should give up hope, and no longer continue to fight, or even abandon "Livestrong?" Absolutely not! But the cheating knocked the wind out of a lot of good people.

Lance at that time was the 7 time, Tour de France champion, and championed Livestrong in the fight against cancer. People believed in him. People with cancer found hope through Lance. The people believed in their superman cyclist because he (Lance) fought and overcame every obstacle; the competition, the terrain, the elements, and his biggest rival and main foe, cancer! Then after years of investigating, things turned sour. Lance confessed to cheating through transfusions, and admitted that he took banned substances, and was denounced as the world's greatest cyclist of all time. The USADA finalized their investigation, and Lance went from hero to near zero, and was almost immediately labeled the biggest fraud in cycling history. With that turn of events, what would come next? Would his tribe and sponsors stay with a liar, stay with a fake, or would his community and remaining sponsors if any remained, try and understand his reasons for cheating and being human, or would they spimply abandon a liar, and a cheat? Lance's cheating was done while in competition, and costs him all 7 of his titles, fortune, and fame. Now let's take a peek at another example of drugs devastating the sports world, and look at the out of competition struggles of doping.

Do you remember, as Celtics fans, when Len Bias fatally OD'ed? That was a tragedy that I will not soon forget, if ever. I am as anti-Celtic as any "true" Lakers fan, but I am human first, and the humanitarian inside of me cringes with the memory of the news of Len Bias' heart succumbing to the nefarious, toxic ways of cocaine. Len Bias' death was as difficult as it was painful to hear. Len Bias' death was a most traumatic event to his family (both at home and on the court). It was tragic to come to the reality that such a great, young talent was gone way too soon.

Switching gears yet again, I turn to the here and now, and to the UFC. Mixed martial arts, like boxing has to adhere to the rules and regulations of the athletic commission when fighting within certain countries, provinces, or states. They like most professional sports have a list of banned substances. I mentioned the lethal usage of cocaine in the Len Bias tragedy, and now turn to Jon Jones usage of cocaine. Jon Jones was fortunate. Jon Jones was blessed not to fall victim to the same fate that Mr. Bias did. Jon (aka Bones) Jones in an interview (see above video), talked about the older guy in competition being unfair in using PED's (specifically TRT), and said that they (the older more experienced guys), should go home and raise their families and leave the sport if they had to cheat to compete. Once again, Bones Jones should count his blessings, because first of all, he still has life to enjoy, a life to spend with his family (a precious daughter), and team family. With the mention of his team, that leads me to the second point in counting his blessings. Jon Jones is still the champ, and was not even suspended, so he is still at the top of his division, and still making money to support his family, and speaking as a proud papa, still take care of that baby girl, his primary blessing. Therefore, with the proper management, and self-discipline, Bones could bounce back just as awesome if not newer and more improved than he was before the finding of drugs in his system on December 4th, 2105.

With all that said, I now ask you, what's worse, taking a performance enhancing drug, or taking a drug that's totally illegal anywhere in the country, and most of the free world? I am one that believes in second chances, but I also believe in justice. Bones has already had trouble in his young career, so is his voluntary admission into rehab a lesson learned, or another slap on the wrist that encourages him to fake his way through this fiasco until something fatal takes place for him as well? I say this in reference to his abusing of alcohol that contributed to the destruction of his new Bentley shortly after his winning the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Sadly enough, (if I recall correctly and I am humble enough to be corrected if incorrect), Bones was fined heavier for his skirmish with Daniel Cormier prior to their actual bout at UFC 182 than he was for the DUI incident. I pray that the rehab is truly rehab for Jon Jones, and that this is not just another cover up to help him walk into his next set back. The last thing that I want is for a child (possibly his own) that finds hope in Jon Jones to be as disgusted as I have been with the sporting world, and to a point of not even caring about sports. I used to embrace a challenge of any good, clean competition, and now I find myself sitting and waiting for the news of the next drug scandal, the next asterisk, or next title stripping. The unfortunate thing in all of this, is that doping, and drug use will continue for as long as there is an audience that doesn't care that it (doping, and drug abuse) exists. So long as there is cash flow, there is show flow. How many chances are you willing to give competitive sports? How long are you willing to stay away until the competition is true, clean competition? I won't be holding my breath, but I will be praying. My heart continues to go out to those in the fight against cancer, drug abuse, and alcoholism. Be blessed, and keep counting your blessings.

How Many We're Left?

How many gears are left? When do we switch gears? For Kobe Bryant it was around game # 32. Ironically enough, it is not only my old number, or baby girls current number, it also happens to be Earvin "Magic" Johnson's old number. What's ironic about that? Well the Lakers are a sub .500 team, which for you math buffs and non-sports fans means they have not won as many games as they have lost. They have, however, improved. They are only 3 games below .500 (24-27) now and on a tough East Coast road trip. They've battled injury and managed to get closer to .500 in part, due to Kobe Bryant changing the way he plays. Now the heavy non-sports critic might ask, "Seriously, one guy really made that much of a difference?" The answer is, somewhat, yes he did. It's a collective (team) effort, but it has to start somewhere right? So goes life.

Kobe stepped away from the "me first, me only," scoring mentality and dared to be more like a previous Laker great Magic Johnson, and has began to get his teammates involved. The Lakers are more productive as a team, and gradually getting back to the Laker norm, and winning games. Also bettering their chances at another title. So how many losses does it take to realize it's time to switch gears?

With that said, how many are left? Meaning how many are left that would want to play with a ball hogging, shoot first, washed up scoring champion, that couldn't help "them" win an NBA Championship? Not many. But how many would desire playing with a past NBA Champion, that was also the NBA Scoring Champion, and made them a part of that championship legacy? Most!

What's better, telling your kids or grand kids that you played a solid defensive game, while Kobe did not, but that he scored 45 points that night as you lost by 12, or... telling them that he set you up for 3 wide open 3's that you drained like lay-ups, and he led you with a sweet pass that turned into a dunk? Let's say also, WHILE he scored 4 or 44 (who cares because you won by double digits), and took the NBA crown all in the same breath! Yeah the latter sounds much more appealing right?

So how about friendship? What about family? Do you have a me first and me only mentality? Yes, I'm speaking to self most of all. What are you going to do when there are none left that want to play in YOUR game, or on YOUR team? Will you switch gears keep family together, to keep old friends around, gain new ones along the way, or will you be all about self and retire lonely? YOUR worth, good times, and attractiveness are fading, what do you have left... money? If so I can assure you not near enough to buy love, just enough to fake it and get lost in it. Wait though, you don't need money or anything else, after all they're family and friends, right? They're family and friends, they have to love you, right? Isn't that a given, won't they get over my abusing them? Physical abuse might leave a memorable fleshy scar, but what if the physical or even verbal abuse cuts deeper? You can put a band-aid on a surface wound, or a cast on a broken limb. You can see those things. Smoking around your children and exposing them to second hand smoke or teaching them that smoking is cool and creating an illness like asthma, emphysema, or bronchial diseases you can't see. It's the me first mentality talking.

Yelling at your partner in front of your children, or parents for that matter, you don't physically see the trauma until they express it. Cancer works that way. The way you're acting in a situation like that is the same difference as cancer, you can't see it.

So was your action a scratch, cut, or broken bone or was it a cancer? Choose your words wisely, and your actions even more wisely, and make sure that they are not cancerous. You may kill off the love of those closest to you with no hope of remission. Who knows? Let's hope that's not true, but let's not test it either. You can only ignore the wrong so many times, and only say I'm sorry (if you even really mean it) so many times. So how many are left today? How many will be left, providing you, or they see another tomorrow? Just a little something to think about this week as you leave home, career, and any other activity I may have missed.

Thank you Andrew Gall and class for the Einstein quote:

Insanity is doing the same old, same old and expecting a different out come.

SWITCH GEARS before there are none! Peace...

The To Do(n't) List! (Who to Keep, Who to Drop...)

Most have "New Years Resolutions," or "To Do" lists. Well today I am starting a "Mid Year Rebellution!" A "To Don't List!" I am also dropping a few things along the (social media) way. And here is the list.

The To Don't List:

10. Don't believe everything at first glance. Dwight Howard is not a Laker, "yet"!
9.   Don't believe everything rumored. Dwight Howard is not a Laker "yet", but Steve Nash is!
8.   Don't make remarks that could misguide the government into believing you're a terrorist!
7.   Don't laugh at the poor sap that only has women friends on his social networks and deletes the ones that don't give him their undivided attention, or their...
6.   Don't laugh at the poor sap that believes that every negative post from the women that have turned him down, are all about him.
5.   Don't post before you're certain that your posts cannot be mistake for something that they're not. 4.   Don't drop it like it's hot, drop it like it's not!
3.   Don't follow anything that, even remotely, attempts to be negative.
2.   Do not watch any professional sports where athletes use performance enhancing drugs. Sports included:

              A) Bicycling
                 a. Tour de Farce
                 b. Giro d' It'sDopia
                 c. Cheata de España
              B) MLB (unless the Dodgers are playing for the Series)
And the #1 Don't....

1. Don't finish with a don't! The only pro sport that I can watch is basketball. The NBA is good to go. Their athletes take performance altering drugs, not performance enhancing ones. I don't have to worry about asterisks, or titles changing hands 10 years after they played the title game! Go Lakers, and Howard is not a Laker, yet!

Observe & Learn

Over time you can develop a great deal of discernment for life matters. You can learn through observation, & see trends take place, and in some cases make likely predictions. Albeit, nothing is ever guaranteed, with the exception of God being Almighty God all by Himself, you can still see the end result through observation and developing trends.

Some individuals, teams, or groups just have the oppositions number. No matter how hard a person or group tries, there is that one team or individual that they just cannot get past, no matter what! In those times you can see a defeated team, or individual. You can see it in there eyes, or in their mannerisms, and on the other side of the spectrum, you can see the winner claiming what's theirs before the competition ever gets started.

Alexis Arguello was a tough, tough fighter. He fought hard, and stopped some great fighters in his day, then along came Aaron Pryor. Pryor beaming with confidence had Arguello's number. I remember watching them fight when I was a kid, and thinking even then, "Pryor has Arguello on lockdown!" Watching the ref give the pre fight instructions, you could see that the fight was over before it got started. Rocky Balboa (a fictional character) wouldn't always stare down his opponent, and in one of the Rocky movies, even admitted to being nervous before the fight. However, in most cases the Rock came out ready to do battle. Ready that is with the exception of the James "Clubber" Lang (Lang being the main antagonistic in Rocky III) fight. Rock just wasn't ready for that fight, and couldn't get ready for it. The rematch was a different story. For Arguello, unfortunately it was not. The shorter, more confident, and aggressive Pryor stopped Arguello early in both fights.

Tonight I watched Kobe Bryant take on the roll of Alexis Arguello. He had 'an' attitude, and 'a' want, just not the desire. Bryant was caught in a pick while guarding Kevin Durant, and Kobe gave up on the play.  On that play Kobe didn't even try to box out Russell Westbrook (I believe it was, a smaller point guard) who crashed the board hard, only to botch the put back attempt on the missed layup by Durant. The sad thing is, although Westbrook missed the put back, his teammate Kendrick Perkins was there to retrieve his miss, and score. Kobe not only failed to box out his man on the pick, but allowed his big men to be placed at a disadvantage and allow the opposition to out number his front court bigs, and score on his team. He is relentless on getting free on offense so he can get a touch and a shot, but didn't even try on defense. He failed because he did not even try! Arguello at least put on the gloves. Kobe wants to be mentioned with the names Johnson, and Jordan, but doesn't put forth the effort to be deserving of that mention. When did you ever see Magic, or Air Jordan give up? You didn't! They played til the end. Kobe sees his squad down by three with 13 seconds left, and he immediately starts to pout. His attitude doesn't change either. He has to be given the opportunity to be the hero, and hit the game tying three, or be able to cast the blame on someone else. Well he had several opportunities tonight to be the hero, and he blew it. He missed a long forced 3, and wouldn't have needed it, if he had played a little team defense. I love the Lakers, but this is one era that I will be glad to see come to an end. Kobe needs to go. How about Iguodala and two first round picks Mr. Stern? Will the league approve that? Kobe goes back to his old stomping ground in Philly, and the Lakers get to remain competitive, and hopefully pick up a first round player that puts them back on top in a few years.

Onto bigger observations... The Preakness saw the same results as the Derby, today. I'll Have Another, had Bodemeister's number. I'll Have Another ran down Bodemeister, and beat him again, only this time by a nose! On June 9th could he be the first horse in 34 years (and 1 of 12 in the 138 year history) to win the coveted triple crown? I'm going to say yes. I say yes for two reasons. Even though he's a horse, you can still see his swagger, and also because I feel that Bodemeister, and his jockey are going to be thinking, "I have run my heart out, and that joker always shows up in the last 110, and runs past me!" That does something even to a horses morale. I feel that if I'll Have Another stays close enough that he will take a late charge again, and win the Belmont. The only way to beat him in my opinion is if Bodemeister can discourage him with a larger than life mid race lead, one that is seemingly unsurpassable. If not, then I see big brown running them down for the triple crown.

And in life, let this be a lesson. Just because you are midpack during the race, doesn't mean that you need to give up, or throw in the towel. It simply means that it's time to make your stand, by making a charge, and know that every true champion makes a run! If the other guy(s) can take lead, then know that you can make a run, to not only challenge, but go ahead! Be inspired, be successful... Observe and learn.

Saying Goobbye...

George Lindsey portrayed the character "Goober Pyle" on the Andy Griffith show. His character was a big hearted auto mechanic that knew little about much, other than working on cars, and caring for people. He passed away today at the age of 83. A West African Congo word "Nguba" is where the slang term goober comes from. Mr. Lindsey made the word a Southern household name, and a Southerners favorite nickname, for a friend that has done something a little off beat. It is a name that is not easily forgotten and once used often. Goober as in goober peas, peanuts, and a term that I have been called a few times myself is a name that lives on. Goober Pyle (George Lindsey), God rest his soul, he will be missed.

Speaking of great names, the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby had some great names this year as well. This years line up featured the winner, "I'll Have Another," and he may do just that with a Preakness victory! Second place finisher, Bodemeister. Fifth place finisher Creative Cause, followed by Liason, and race favorite Union Rags. My favorite name goes to the eight spot, "Rousing Sermon." However Daddy Nose Best was a very close second on my favs list! Done Talking, Prospective, and Daddy Long Legs round out my Top Ten. I would love to see "I'll Have Another win the Triple Crown. That is the perfect name for the trifecta!

Nothing to do with names in this group, other than Mayweather remaining undefeated winning by unanimous decision over Miguel Cotto, in the squared circle. The name missing here? Manny "Pac-Man" Pacquiao. This should set up the fight that every boxing fan wants, but it's not happening! Mayweather said Cotto accepted the blood and urine tests, and they fought. Pacquiao has said previously, that the blood test is not necessary, and weakens a fighter before a fight. So the only thing note worthy name wise here, is the nasty ones that can't be mentioned in front of women and children. Therefore, I will move on the MMA. Diaz submitted Miller in the octagon, and Josh "Kos" Koscheck lost in a very close decision to Johny Hendricks.

Some familiar names in cycling finished strong today in Italy. It is the first big bicycle race of the year, being one of three Grand Tour events. The Giro (Italy's biggest race) started Saturday, and young American Taylor Phinney won the Time Trial Stage. The second stage was clean and smooth up until the last 500 meters of the second stage, and it was there that the races first nasty crash took place. What was even nastier, was watching Brit and Team Sky hopeful, Mark Cavendish leg his way to another stage victory. Like him or not that man has some killer finishing skills!

A NASCAR name that many are loving to hate "Keselowski," wins at Talledega, and a name unfamiliar to many in hockey (LA Kings), went on to sweep the St. Louis Blues today, and earned a spot in the NHL Western Finals. Nicely done Kings, nicely done!

Last but not least, and to conclude the Lakers should put away another seldom heard of name in the NBA (Denver Nuggets), or seldom in the sense that haven't been mentioned much as true contenders since the names Issel, Vandeweghe and English were mentioned in the same sentence. Go Lakers!

Goobnight everyone!

Ride of the Century (Prepping 4 Trek 100)

This is how a pro dresses in the cold...

This is how a non-professional, (poor man) dresses in the cold...

Okay my attire wasn't that hideous, and I didn't fight the wind and the cold in coveralls. Today was actually a great ride, with the exception of my being scatter brained. I forgot my riding shoes in the kitchen, at home, had to wear my running shoes to ride in, then drove into snow to get started. It snowed pretty hard for about the first three miles, and fell at an angle as the SW winds blew hard across my body, forcing me into a slight lean to the right. Amazing the difference in just three to five miles! Almost five degrees warmer in one township, than the other! After I had cleared the snow it was just a bit breezy and the sun shone perfectly in a Carolina Blue sky. I made it back to my mountain top home just before the second wave hit, and in time to watch the Lakers beat the Heat. Kobe scored thirty-three points, D Wade fouled out, and the Lakers held on and won by ten. Plus my Heels won the ACC Regular Season Championship last night by beating the bad guys (Duke) by eighteen. Therefore, it was a great basketball and cycling weekend for me. Now I am trying to get back on track for the count down to the Trek 100! Time to figure out how to set up my Paypal account, get some funds in there for the MACC Foundation, and raise money to help those fine folks find a cure for pediatric cancer.

Oh but before I close this particular blog, let me say this in a picture...

You know you've ridden well when your much younger partner looks like the guy above. Now time for the old guy to go find some hot water and relax!

Bodies, & Body's

Let's start out with bodies...

It was a typical cool, fall, Smokey Mountain morning. On the agenda: drop off baby girl at school, get the upcoming future Federal Agent to the Body Farm Lab, and then get a ride in before time to pick the ladies up.

The fog rose over the mountains just like smoke (henceforth the name Smokey), and set the scene (see third and final picture above) and mood for our trip. Baby girl insisted on walking herself to class as a watchful, proud papa, and protective big brother eyed her trek down the walk, and into the school building. We then drove out of the school lot, and hit the highway after being satisfied with her safe arrival to class. We drove out to the top of the mountain and took a few snap shots of the islands in the clouds. The peaks peeking through the puffy sky pillows can pique your imagination.

We drove from 3,000 feet of elevation to approximately 1,000 feet of elevation, and were at that point, driving underneath the low clouds and in the fog. Our mountain is one of the most beautiful vistas in the world to me. When I am not too shy to be biased I say emphatically, that it "is the most" gorgeous view in the world! Top top o' tha mornin' to ya, from top o' tha world!

We arrived on the campus of Western Carolina University, and asked a campus policeman to help us find our contact. We gave him the doctors name, and told the officer that we had a meeting with the doctor for my son's schooling, that pertained to information concerning the "Body Farm." He said he would take us there, and we could follow behind his car. Sweet a police escort and we weren't even in trouble! The officer led us back to the entrance, and began to lead us as if he were going to take us off campus. I jumped out of the car (stopped and in park of course) at the now red traffic light, and ran up to his car. I explained that the good doctor was also a professor, and gave him the name of the hall in which the doctor had instructed us to go to. The officer then told us to follow him again, and he would take us there, but we were on our own with parking. Perfect weather and perfect timing (thank you Lord), we found a spot first thing.

We made it in and went down to the lab. Skeletal remains have never really bothered me. What hurts me is holding someone when they are dying, and you can feel the warmth leave their body. Especially if it's a loved one, someone in your family, or that has become like family. I have felt that more than once, and the first time was one time too many in my life time. I hope that I do not have to do it again ever, unless there is no way around it, and it is to comfort someone that has to have "ME" be the one to be there. It just hurts so bad to go through that with someone.

Body's...

This old body is ready for rest. The ride up the mountain was great today! I rode with my middle son, and we had a blast. The mountain is a steady climb, but we gain over 1,400 feet of elevation. It's not straight up and down, but will make you work nonetheless. So now that the darkness has fallen over this body of land, it is time to make a few calls, to let folks know we love them, and check up on world events, sports, weather, and tomorrows agenda.

The Governing Body in many sports organizations can't seem to work well with the bodies they are supposed to be governing! The majors have finally gone beyond the "Juiced" days of baseball, or so we hope. At least for now, all is good in baseball. The Yankees lost, the Brew Crew won, no one has been accused of throwing a spit ball, or taking any shots that are disallowed, so all is well. Brewers - Cards! STL shutout, and shutdown the Phils! "Mel Allen this is for you sir, "How about that!" Brewers - Cards in the NLDS, and the Motor City Kitty (Tigers) - Rangers in the ALCS... baseball is sweet this year, welcome back, and thanks for making it entertaining!

The NBA however, is making me think about boycotting for a couple of seasons! I didn't watch baseball or cycling for a good number of years because of strikes, and dopes, I mean doping. Now the NBA can't come to terms! The legalese of the matter is not worth going into great detail, and trying to talk to the bone headed egos (players and owners) that are arguing is senseless as well. Therefore, sensible reader, as much as it pains me, and for as much as I love Laker basketball, let me make my plea to you... boycott all things professional basketball until greedy players come to appreciate the real reason that they are not playing pick up games on the playground, it is because of "YOU!" In the same breath, I believe the owners of these franchised teams will have a greater appreciation for you as well.

Did I mention that the Yankees lost? Yeah, ok, good!

Onto NASCAR! Now here's a sport that everyone can learn from! Down to the wire baby! Can Jimmy surge in Kansas, and win another Cup Championship? Will Gordon conquer Kansas and get back into the thick of things, or drum roll please... Will Harvick do it again for DEI!? Stay tuned this NASCAR season finale is sure to be a barn burner!

College Football:

Which student body will cheer for a Heisman winner, and which student body will celebrate a National Champion? Well my Heels will not see it in football, but in soccer (the other futbol) our men, and women have a stellar shot! So in futbol Norte Americana, I say, "On Wisconsin baby!" I didn't think that the Badger faithful would have a shot at getting their first Championship this year, because the defense couldn't hang with speedy offenses. Note to self, when you have a one-two, and three punch on offense, with the third punch capable of producing a lethal fourth shot, your defense can rest a little easier. Your D can rest a little easier because the oppositions D can't! They cannot rest at all because they can't stop you late in the game due to the dominance of your offense. Out of the back field Wisconsin has a bruising back that can keep the "Ball" rolling, and they also have a Brown man name "White," that moves like lightening! Then when they get tired of scoring, they allow Russell "Oh Mr. Wilson" to run one in on you, or use his arm to throw one to Toon, or a host of other (now open) receivers because of what your running game has done. Oh did I mention the fact that this backfield is protected a front line of giants? 16'5" 1315lb average, and have a heart as big as all outdoors. When they lean on you, you feel it. So yes, defense can be generated by offense.

Cycling:

What trade of governing body is being fair in China now days? I love the Chinese culture, but the way they do business is killing me. Now the UCI is in their pocket. Yes, it has been rumored that the cycling committee called UCI told all of the worlds top teams, that if they missed the starting line in Beijing, that they would be looked over when it came time for licensure in 2012. Hey no doping with roids, just noids! Go Trek go!

What's Sweeter?

I once played in a late afternoon black top classic. It was about 102 degrees in the shade at 3:30pm. It was a day when you could almost dehydrate from watching the heat lift from the pavement! We didn't care then, we were young, resilient, and having too much fun to care. Play for twenty, break for five, then run them back! My group had been playing game after game that evening. We ran about ten straight, then the sun started to drop, and along came another group. My group was feeling good, and ready to run with whomever. We had size, and a ton of talent, we felt invincible. We had (thought we had) a huge advantage. We had some leapers, we had height and most of us had been playing since we were able to hold a ball. We played against other guys just like us all day, and walked the dog with them! Then at the dropping of the sun round about 90 degrees, minus the heat index on the black top, the tide turned and the dog walked us! We played against a very cohesive unit, and they murdered us! Five guys (not one of them over 5'4"), lightning quick, and verbal! They were Vietnamese kids that did everything together. They ate together, did chores together, studied together, everything! They played unselfish, they played with a passion, and they took advantage of every mistake we made.

On this particular day we made plenty of mistakes. Our biggest mistakes were being over confident and casting blame on everyone but self. We didn't work at all, one pass (if that) and shoot. Then when you are lazy in transition that equals a slaughter! We may have looked to cast blame individually, but as with all team sports, we went down in flames as a "team!"

Word in Cleveland was that Bron blamed poor coaching for Cleveland's not winning a title! So, will that be the case in Miami as well? Well my boss, said something (as a Laker hatin' Celts fan) that shocked me. What he said shocked me, but gave me even more reason to be excited for the 2011-2012 season. He said something to the affect of how cool would it be for Coach Brown to go to LA and win a title with Kobe, and leave LeBron once again shaking his head in -or in near- tears thinking inside his head like Nancy Kerrigan said out loud... "Why, why, why!" Well greed, and self righteousness could be LeBron's Tanya Harding, and until he sheds them, he will be saying, why, why, why... for a long time! I don't know how long Kobe and Coach Brown will stay friendly, but I like Browns way of thinking. He said he would abandon the triangle offense, and run something similar to what they ran while he was an assistant under Pop (Greg Popovich) in San Antonio when Duncan and Robinson were their and they won titles. Well it would be sweet for Lakers fans everywhere and for Cleveland fans as well, not to mention all the LeBron haters if the Lakers or Cavs could win the coveted NBA Championship in the 2011-2012 season.

Photo via Cleveland.com

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What Just Happened!?

 

 

What happens when you take a group of guys that can bang in the paint, but do not play the transition game as well? You go to the low block right? Well what happens when the opposition collapses into the paint and forces the tough shots inside? You kick it outside right? What happens if the back court doesn't knock down the open J? Then you put in the slashers, and let them penetrate right? What if none of that works either? Wait, let's also throw in the biggest, "What Happens... What happens if you play poor perimeter defense, and the other team shoots lights out! Then you go home defeated! Phil thanks for the excitement in Tinseltown. It was a great run. Kobe, I hope you retire a Laker and your attitude changes for the better, as you look for positive ways to motivate your teammates, but just know that I am not holding my breath, for that, or for Koach K, to coach my beloved Lakers. I have heard that Byron Scott was content with where he is, but would consider being back in LA again, this time as head coach, and that would be a beautiful thing! So Mitch, what say you? You got another, "What Just Happened" in you for the NBA community? I hope so! Mitch "I Make It Happen" Kupchak, do it to it Mr. GM!

It would not bother me a bit to see the next generation in a tough, high flying, up and down, shoot two hundred and twenty shots between the two teams, at a very high percentage, fire fest! Bring on the Bulls and Grizzlies! Then let all the front runners ask, "What just happened!" I am not a fan J. Noah, but I would take them in 7 against the Grizzlies, although, I would be pulling for the Grizzlies, if I had to choose a team. Jerry West has them where they are today, like it, or believe it or not... Happy Mother's Day Hoop fans of the motherhood sorority!

I Saw The Light

I was happy and somewhat eager to see the final score of the Lakers and Mavs. I had anticipated that the Lakers would play with a hunger that would lead to a blow out. Kobe had 32 points and Bynum, Odom, and Gasol all had double - doubles. The bench out played the Mavs bench, and the Lakers won by 19.

Then the Dodgers, Andre Ethier had another hit and extended his hit streak to 30 consecutive games! What a perfect sports night. All this is great because I haven't jynxed him yet, and I am believing in his surpassing D'Maggio's major league record by three (3) games. Yes, I called it here first! Fifty-seven straight!

Well in an imperfect world, an imperfect Christian realizes that the perfect nights sleep is calm and ends well with a joyful wake up call. I was up on and off all night concerned about a sick mate and then ridely awakened too early by reality. I picked up my phone checked the Dodgers page and Ethier had safely reached base for the 30th consecutive time! That was great news, then came the not so great. The Lakers had dropped Game #2 at home to fall behind in the series by as many games. Am I panicking? No. I feel that they can still win this thing, but next year will be a reconstruction like no other, and I think it will be ugly. Beginning with a replacement for Coach Jackson. But in the mean time will Pau come thru in this series against Dallas, and can Mr. Ego refrain from taking that one nasty momentum shifting shot that turns the game around in favor of the bad guys? You know the double coverage, off balance, man open in the corner - but I'm a selfish non- passing shooter - shot.

Time will tell. But what changed my whole outlook on the playoffs was something by far bigger than the playoffs. I really believed with my entire being that the Lakers would be victorious in the game last night. I was nearly sick at my stomach when I saw the score. Frustrated I moved on to check my email,and that's when I received a prayer request that brought me back to earth. A request for intecessory prayer. A friend concerned for another friend, and it all hit me... it was sobbering actually. This is just a game, but today is a day that you have experienced life in. It was not guaranteed, nor was it promised, but it is here and so are you. As a Christian and a sports lover we should strive to face each challenge head on and help someone else make the best of their day and challenges along the way. So, needless to say I got over the loss quickly enough, and prayed. However, I'd be a liar if I said that I wasn't thinking hours after the prayer request about Game 3. Thinking about it with confidence and hopeful for another victorious series both on and off the court. Life is not just a game, but we should make it just as fun!

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What Are The Odds Of A Threepeat?

Lakers - Hornets:
OK I picked the Lakers up big over the Hornets last night in Game 5. I like most just have a hard time going against talent, experience, size, and home cooking! So what are the Lakers odds at a 3peat? Better than the odds that the racist, or the extreme right, or the extremely stupid, and yes even better odds than the Don in trying to say that OUR President doesn't have a birth certificate! A picture is worth a thousand words so here ya go...

OK on to the next series.
Heat - Sixers: I missed the call on the blow out, because it didn't happen. I felt that Miami should have won by an average of 20 points and swept the series. Well they say the big boys get geared for the big games, and I guess a W is a W in the first or last round as long as it's in your teams favor.

Spurs - Grizzlies: I felt that the Spurs would rebound in Game 5 of their series with Memphis as well, but it will be tough to take 3 straight from a young unafraid Grizzlies squad. Wow, what a barn burner in SA! Just what a young team doesn't want to give a crafty veteran squad, hope, and confidence! The Grizzlies not only gave the Spurs one shot at OT, but two, and they took full advantage of it and live to see another day! Great overtime game!

Celtics - Anthony/Stoudamire I mean Knicks: The Celtics get the benefit of waiting for their opponent after sweeping the Knicks in the first round. Shocked, not really, but definitely didn't see the broom coming in this series. I am telling you now, that even without Perkins, the Celtics may be a mature team, but they are not a dead team!
Magic - Hawks: I did see a big win coming in this game as well. The drubbing that Orlando put on Atlanta at home, was a confidence builder, but will it lead to over confidence for game 6? Time will tell.

Bulls - Pacers: I really expected the Bulls to sweep the Pacers, but they were one game shy of that. Leagues youngest team in the playoffs, and best record in the NBA regular season, but will drive and youth allow them a title? I say not yet, but again time will tell.

Nuggets - Thunder: George Karl, Ray Felton, Ty Lawson, brotherhood! Other than saying that Durant is a  beast, nuff said!

Mavs - Blazers: That is the other match up right?

OK on to more important issues, here's some playoff look-a-likes for you kiddies:

Ashton K, and Kyle K...

Kurt Thomas now a Bull could be a bigger thug double for Dizzell!

And last but not least... Steve Urkel said that Shane Battier should yell, "Oh did I do that every time he gets an assist to Zach Randolph who looks just like his best bud Eddie Winslow...

So who else has an NBA look-a-like? Marc Gasol does not count, his brother is not a great actor because he flops well in Hollywood, although he and a few others are deserving of Oscars, but he is also a Laker!

Pre-Game Interview Jeopardy Style!

Shrek in a wreck, Pau!

Here are the song titles for answers that the players will respond in the form of a Jeopardy like question:

"Mama I'm Comin' Home" Ozzy Osbourne

Derek Fisher - What Derek Fisher said to his wife after the Lakers took game three in Boston?

"6 Minutes" Doug E. Fresh

Pau Gasol - What is what the Celtics score should reflect after great Laker defense.

"Wind Beneath My Wings" Bette Middler

Andrew Bynum - Which is the song that says Shannon Brown can soar higher than an eagle.

"Mama Said Knock You Out" LL Cool J

Ron Artest - What is what Ron's mama said to do to Rajon Rondo without moving, by allowing him to run into his elbow.

"I'm A Winner Either Way" - McKameys

Kobe Bryant - What is what the Celtics will say while trying to psych themselves up with as they deal with denial.

"We Are The Champions" Queen

Phil Jackson - What Phil Jackson will hear for the 11th time after tonights game.

Superstitious?

Lord, I am not blogging because I am superstitious, I am here because I believe in favor... I am a wretch that deserved a devils hell, but was graced with a Savior. Each blog that I have called on You in this series has resulted in a Lakers victory! Can I get a Laker blowout tonight? I know it's not my birthday, or my rebirthday (born again), but it would be nice to have game seven go even better than game six for the Lakers. I remember what You said about the whole "you have not because you ask a miss" thing that You said through James. So I am asking for a supernatural backside warming victory for the Lakers. Oh one other thing, could You keep the Kobe interview to a minimum tonight unless he glorifies You Lord? Thanks...

OK here's the score, and the last 26 seconds...

Lakers 101 - Boston 98

Final seconds:

Rondo dribbles up the floor with 26 seconds deadlocked at 96. He is met by Kobe Ego Bryant. He drives left toward the KG pick, the reverses his dribble, and drives past Kobe, and Lamar because Lamar has 5 fouls... and hits the runner with 25.1 on the clock! 98 - 96 Celts. Coach Jackson calls a 20.

Out of the time out they run a double curl decoy for Kobe and Fisher is alone in the corner! He misses, and "PAU" the put back by Gasol, and the foul! Gasol gets three the old fashioned way. 99 - 98 Lakers with 20. 7 left. Doc calls a 20.

Doc calls the play for Ray Allen. He rubs off KG for the take, Rondo reverses his dribble, find him, but Pau switches out, Kobe cheats to the rim... Pau gets a piece of it. It falls short, and Pierce is forced to foul Kobe with 6.8 on the clock! The Staples Center is rocking!!! Smiling Jack is on his feet and yelling at Rasheed Wallace like a school yard bully!

Kobe collects himself, no smiles, all ego business, and sinks the first! The crowd is bouncing! Kobe sinks the second one, and the Celtics try to rush the ball up the floor and beat the press. Pierce is well covered by Odom, they double Allen on the in bound, and it's Rondo vs. Kobe... he dribbles up nowhere to go, throws up the prayer, and hits back iron and Gasol gets the board... It's over, it's over! The Lakers have repeated, and are again Champions of the NBA!!! What a finish!

OK the prayed for score: LA 120 - Boston 77 ;)

My Interview With Coach Phil Jackson

I asked coach Jackson to give me his answers on what the Lakers must do to win tonights game, but to use Southern Gospel, and Bluegrass titles, so here is a blog based on what the Lakers must do to win tonight according to Phil in Bluegrass, and Southern:

Blogwizer = BW
What is the key to to Kobe's success tonight?

Phil Jackson = PJ
Rise Above (Talley Trio)

BW
Coach Jackson, what is the most important speech given to motivate your squad in the fourth tonight?

PJ When You Say Nothing At All! (Allison Kraus)

BW
How is Andrew Bynum, can he get up and down the floor, with the sore knee tonight?

PJ
I'll quote Andrew, "Light On My Feet, Ready To Fly!" (Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver)

BW
Can you force a game 7 and how?

PJ
My Heart Knows (Crist Family)

BW
Who will win game 7?

PJ
Pointing at the Lakers says: "These Are They." (Gaither Vocal Band)

BW
What will be your your theme after game 7?

PJ
Dealing with Gold (The Mighty Inspirations)

World Cup 2010 & NBA Game 4 Predictions

Before you watch the video, does anyone care to call the line and compare on Kobe's numbers? Cause I am dead on the money!!!

You may not agree with Maradona's lifestyle, but he was an awesome player, and seems to be a great coach! The Argentine leader, has his squad loose, and ready for action.

OK on an NBA note... I am going to call it right now! Kobe will be in that focused mode again tonight, and fired up to do something big from here on out! Here is the line:
35 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block, and 0 smiles. Lakers go up 3 - 1 in a 102 - 96 victory leaving the TD Garden sounding like it's full of crickets looking for a healing service from TD Jakes.

The World Doesn't Owe Us!

The prodigal son wanted his on the spot! Kobe Bryant evidentally wanted his on the spot! The Celtics said, "NO!" Kobe snubbed a fan in game one, but as my boss pointed out wasn't so focused at the half when the cameras showed him playing with his kids at the half. I am a family man, and believe that if anyone could lose focus it should only be to focus more on his/her family, but even family understands that there is a job to do at times. Kobe didn't give up at the end of the first half, but at the end of the game when everyone else was hustling Kobe showed a frustration that made Paul Pierce smile. Ray Allen smiled the whole game! Why because they know it's OK to have fun, and still remain focused! To win game three the Lakers will need not just a snobbish focus, but the same drive for the entire game that was displayed during the last 12 seconds of the first half of game 2! Stay focused but not to the point of not having fun, and enjoying your work! "DO WORK," and have fun! Relax, the world doesn't owe you, and know that all you owe, is all you have when you're born, and that is to love. So love thrashing the Celtics, Kobe, and lighten up! Romans 13:8

One Down...

It looked really bad at first. Then things started to fall into place. The critics did not critique in prophetic fashion! There was one fellow that did, however, call upon a favor, and it has been less then prophetic, but oh so much fun to watch!

The mighty Giant Shaq, and his Cavalier leader, and giant in his own right, LeBron James fell to the hard nosed Boston Three Party, plus Rajo(h)n Rondo Adams, and Crispus (not Attica upstate NY or Chicago) Rivers, whom will likely be taken out of the picture in a few years minus another title in as many years. Whew catches his breath! Prayer answered in Phase I. It was very hard to pull for the Celtics!

Then there was Superman, and his Magic act. Well big time critic the same revolutionary party took out his big show too! Phase II answered prayer!

So what's next? Phase III of course. Can Kaptain Koberoo, aka Mr. Ego take on the world alone in all his greatness? He snubbed a front row man, an end of the bench big spender (Chris Rock) that helps pay his salary to focus on the game! But one thing I can tell you is that snobs live pretty sad lives. They are pretenders. The pretend to be something that only Christ could be, and that is perfect! I love Lakers basketball. I swore for the first time in front of my mother based on a bad call in a Lakers - Celtics Finals 25 years ago! I bleed purple and gold, but curse in front of my mother!? Can we find a true ambassador for the sport, and trade him for Kobe? Or is there a slight chance that Kobe will hit a low like Tiger, see himself as human, and finally grow out of I'm the most important thing in the universe? Kobe you're a Laker and I love ya, but not even Magic, or Michael snubbed their fans. Oh PS everyone is looking to be the greatest based on points and championships... well Bill Russell has hmmmm ummmm 11! He was also a player coach. So until you get 6 more Kobe, and bring that glory back to LA, you are still just another ego to the faithful! Game 2 tonight, let the balloons drop! Is a Laker sweep in with that favor Lord? Lakers in 5 with a BLOWOUT 30 point win in Boston? OK, OK, I am content with a series win, thanks.

No Magic Act Today

Lord I want to thank You for the completion of the first phase. The LGM (a.k.a, The Little Green Men) took care of stealing game one away from Merlin's boys. There was no Magic act today! I think all of the basketball faithful in Orlando were left scratching their heads today. Now Lord if You could arrange it so the Lakers could beat up on the Suns (in a basketball sense) worse than Tim Duncan's shot on Steve Nash, we'll be in business! Thanks again Lord. See you in LA tomorrow. ;)