Wow. What a start to my day. It's 2 am Eastern, I wake up to check Derek's 6 messages, and then log in to make sure the 109-107 2OT message is a final and not a partial score.....
Wow. And to think that I was out of the country when LeBron's had his greatest game (to date!).
This has not sunk in yet. We are one win away from the Finals. I will be back at home Saturday, and you can bet I'll be pacing around downstairs during the game.
Sorry for the vulgarity, but fuck you Simmons for yesterday's article.
May 31, 2007
The NBA ... it's Fantastic!
So I am in France and couldn't sleep last night. I was flipping through the channels and landed on Sport+, a European ESPN-equivalent (I guess).
At 1 am, NBA Jam came on! Ooooh - a 30 minute highlight show.
The best part was the clip of the best dunks from last week's action. The dunks included:
- a Patrick Ewing dunk as a member of the SuperSonics;
- a nifty Nash-to-Nowitski pass for a slam
- a few Hedo Turkoglu highlights as a King.
There was also a feature on Turkoglu and how he is currently adjusting to the NBA in his rookie year.
My God - this show was older than Freddie! And Freddie is 6!
Gotta love French TV.
At 1 am, NBA Jam came on! Ooooh - a 30 minute highlight show.
The best part was the clip of the best dunks from last week's action. The dunks included:
- a Patrick Ewing dunk as a member of the SuperSonics;
- a nifty Nash-to-Nowitski pass for a slam
- a few Hedo Turkoglu highlights as a King.
There was also a feature on Turkoglu and how he is currently adjusting to the NBA in his rookie year.
My God - this show was older than Freddie! And Freddie is 6!
Gotta love French TV.
May 30, 2007
The Playoff Magic is Back!
Here is a quick recap of the first tournament of the season, the Cincinnati qualifier for the 101st Ohio State Amateur. 39 golfers, including me and my new best friend, Chris Sabo, played for 12 spots in the field.
1st hole, par 4: OK drive in right rough, couldn't shoot at flag for 2nd- missed left and was left with a tough downhill chip. Got it to 20 feet - and finally sank a long putt. Par.
2nd hole, par 4: OK drive in fairway; pin tucked back left behind water; I did not shoot for it - and left myself a 35 foot putt through the fringe over a mound. 3 putt.
Side story #1: So I asked Chris Sabo what he is doing nowadays.
"Coaching", he said.
Oh, I asked. For who?
"The Reds..."
Um, ok, I guess I should have known that living in the city.
3rd hole, par 3: 5 iron to 20 feet, made the downhiller. Even.
4th hole, par 5: good drive, good 3 wood, wedge to 20 feet, 2 putt par.
5th hole, par 3 (230 yds): 3 wood to bunker, blast to 6 feet, miss. +1.
6th hole, par 4: Drive, wedge to 18 feet; make a putt. Birdie, Even.
7th hole, par 4: Drive, pin tucked short right behind pond. Don't shoot at it...Don't shoot at it.... I leave myself 40 feet, but easily two-putt.
8th hole, par 4: Hybrid, 8 iron to 30 feet, have a two tier putt that I blast 7 feet by and I miss the comebacker. 3 putt bogey. +1.
Side story #2: I am officially insane on the golf course. For whatever reason, Billy Joel's "We didn't start the fire" pops into my head. So I am on the tee, trying to thread a hybrid into a fairway 25 yards wide with water left and OB right....
I start the backswing...
"Chubby Checker... psycho!"
and now the downswing...
"Belgians in the Congo!"
How I made impact with the ball is amazing.
9th hole, par 5: Drive, layup, wedge to 25 feet: 2 putt par. 37.
6/7 fairways, 8/9 greens (wow!) , 37.
Then my swing took the back nine off.
10th hole, par 4: Ugly 200 yard pull hook into weeds; chip out, 9 iron to 20 feet, 2 putt bogey. +2
11th hole par 4: Fanned 3 wood, hooked 8 iron into weeds; chip 25 feet past, 2 putt bogey. +3
12th hole, par 5: Drive into fairway bunker; 8 iron out, wedge just over the green, almost make chip. Par.
13th hole, par 4: OK Drive, 225 left into wind; I hit 3 wood fat. 50 yards short. Hit a wedge within 5 feet. I stand over the putt - no songs now - and say "well, these are the putts you have to make..." And I do.
14th hole, par 3: 4 iron short, wedge to 6 feet. Again, a must putt - that rams the back of the hole and goes in.
15th hole, par 5. 499 yard par 5. What do I do? Pull-hook again into weeds. Hit a terrible punch and advance it 50 yards in weeds to a horrid lie. I now punch out sideways and lie 3, 195 yards from green, on this easy hole.
Hybrid 5 yards over the green; I now have a downhill chip for my 5th shot.
I chip 5 feet by - and make it. Bogey on a hole where I hit 4 bad shots. +4
For the back nine, by the way, that's 1/5 fairways, 0/6 greens.
16th, 200 yard par 3, pin tucked left over water. 5 wood - and it starts right and hooks and hooks - and hooks - but no splash.
Ball hits the rocks in front of the green, and the ball goes over the back of the green, but not in the water that is present behind the green. Chip to 9 feet. It's uphill, it's right to left - I hit it firm and it catches the side of the cup and goes in. Par. +4
17th - par 4. Drive in the fairway. Approach from here is very much like Augusta 12 - stream in front of the green, pin tucked back right. Don made 7 (?) from here to miss a spot by one last year. Again, I'm not even looking at the pin - I hit a solid 8 iron right on my line - almost too good - back fringe. 2 putts, par. +4.
18 is a 470 yard par 4, water all the way down the left side, and the hole doglegs left into the water, and of course, the pin is tucked back left.
I try to get a little too much on my drive - and I overcook it - bounce, bounce, bounce, and it disappears left into the water.
Into the water.
Crap.
I had 76 or 77 in mind as a good score - now I need to make 5 here just to get the 77. I am lying 2 195 yards away facing a dauting shot over water to a green that juts out into a lake. How do I do that?
Hybrid starts at the right edge of the green, but then starts hooking immediately. Oh shit.
The ball now is at the flag and hooking as it descends - it somehow catches the leftmost part of the green and stops. I am left with a 20 foot putt, which I two putt for a 5, 37-40-77.
1 fairway, 1 green (and that was a fringe!), 5 consecutive up-and-downs on that back nine.
Sabo is in with 71 and is assured a spot.
When I got to the clubhouse, there were 10 scores at 77 or lower (including mine). There's only 6 people out there left - so if 1 or 2 come in at 77 or lower, I'm fine; 3 or more and there will be a playoff.
One group comes in - one guys shoots 74.
Last group comes in - a 75 and a 77.
So there are 4 people at 77 for 3 spots. We go back to 18 for the playoff.
Chris Sabo sticks around - "Playoffs are a lot of fun!"
Yeah, not if you are in them! He took a cart, and I ask if I can borrow it for the playoff; he agrees, and I find myself being driven by Chris Sabo back to the 18th tee for the playoff.
We draw lots for the order - I draw the dreaded... "1".
I made sure I didn't overcook this one and left the drive out to the right, a weak 235 yard drive. However, one out of the 4 hit the water on the drive in about the same position I did 30 minutes ago. Two other guys are in the fairway, about 180-200 yards out.
Now what? Here I am, 227 from the pin - with water all down the left side. I am next to hit. Should I hit 5 wood and get it close to the front of the green, guaranteeing a 5 and a possible 4, or play a 4-iron down the right side, leaving a 60 yard pitch? Is 5 good enough to win this 4-for-3 playoff?
Sabo says three times "I think 5 is golden. Five will get you in". I pull the 5 wood out. "5 is perfect". I hesitate - and pull the 4 iron out. I bunt the ball 160 yards down the fairway, leaving me a 55 yard pitch.
The other 3 - even the one who hit in the water off the tee - goes over the green.
I'm next to play - all I need to do is to not shank or thin a half wedge here, and a 5 is fine.
Back..and through. A bit fat, but the ball releases...and rolls....to within 3 feet.
5 minutes later, I tap in for my 4 as a formality and grab a spot in the State Cahmpionship.
And the good news? Kermit also made it from the Cleveland qualifier - so we will both be at Springfield CC the week of July 9 for the state. Maybe the tee time gods will somehow pair us together.
Is this play-by-play boring? Too bad. I'm relieved that the old Eric - the Eric from 1988, or from 1995 - can get up and down from everywhere when it counts. If I can just fix my driver - which was pretty good in March - I should be OK this year.
(and the playoff magic is back! I won 6 straight playoffs dating back to 1997 before losing a playoff in Iowa in 2005. Back in victory lane!)
1st hole, par 4: OK drive in right rough, couldn't shoot at flag for 2nd- missed left and was left with a tough downhill chip. Got it to 20 feet - and finally sank a long putt. Par.
2nd hole, par 4: OK drive in fairway; pin tucked back left behind water; I did not shoot for it - and left myself a 35 foot putt through the fringe over a mound. 3 putt.
Side story #1: So I asked Chris Sabo what he is doing nowadays.
"Coaching", he said.
Oh, I asked. For who?
"The Reds..."
Um, ok, I guess I should have known that living in the city.
3rd hole, par 3: 5 iron to 20 feet, made the downhiller. Even.
4th hole, par 5: good drive, good 3 wood, wedge to 20 feet, 2 putt par.
5th hole, par 3 (230 yds): 3 wood to bunker, blast to 6 feet, miss. +1.
6th hole, par 4: Drive, wedge to 18 feet; make a putt. Birdie, Even.
7th hole, par 4: Drive, pin tucked short right behind pond. Don't shoot at it...Don't shoot at it.... I leave myself 40 feet, but easily two-putt.
8th hole, par 4: Hybrid, 8 iron to 30 feet, have a two tier putt that I blast 7 feet by and I miss the comebacker. 3 putt bogey. +1.
Side story #2: I am officially insane on the golf course. For whatever reason, Billy Joel's "We didn't start the fire" pops into my head. So I am on the tee, trying to thread a hybrid into a fairway 25 yards wide with water left and OB right....
I start the backswing...
"Chubby Checker... psycho!"
and now the downswing...
"Belgians in the Congo!"
How I made impact with the ball is amazing.
9th hole, par 5: Drive, layup, wedge to 25 feet: 2 putt par. 37.
6/7 fairways, 8/9 greens (wow!) , 37.
Then my swing took the back nine off.
10th hole, par 4: Ugly 200 yard pull hook into weeds; chip out, 9 iron to 20 feet, 2 putt bogey. +2
11th hole par 4: Fanned 3 wood, hooked 8 iron into weeds; chip 25 feet past, 2 putt bogey. +3
12th hole, par 5: Drive into fairway bunker; 8 iron out, wedge just over the green, almost make chip. Par.
13th hole, par 4: OK Drive, 225 left into wind; I hit 3 wood fat. 50 yards short. Hit a wedge within 5 feet. I stand over the putt - no songs now - and say "well, these are the putts you have to make..." And I do.
14th hole, par 3: 4 iron short, wedge to 6 feet. Again, a must putt - that rams the back of the hole and goes in.
15th hole, par 5. 499 yard par 5. What do I do? Pull-hook again into weeds. Hit a terrible punch and advance it 50 yards in weeds to a horrid lie. I now punch out sideways and lie 3, 195 yards from green, on this easy hole.
Hybrid 5 yards over the green; I now have a downhill chip for my 5th shot.
I chip 5 feet by - and make it. Bogey on a hole where I hit 4 bad shots. +4
For the back nine, by the way, that's 1/5 fairways, 0/6 greens.
16th, 200 yard par 3, pin tucked left over water. 5 wood - and it starts right and hooks and hooks - and hooks - but no splash.
Ball hits the rocks in front of the green, and the ball goes over the back of the green, but not in the water that is present behind the green. Chip to 9 feet. It's uphill, it's right to left - I hit it firm and it catches the side of the cup and goes in. Par. +4
17th - par 4. Drive in the fairway. Approach from here is very much like Augusta 12 - stream in front of the green, pin tucked back right. Don made 7 (?) from here to miss a spot by one last year. Again, I'm not even looking at the pin - I hit a solid 8 iron right on my line - almost too good - back fringe. 2 putts, par. +4.
18 is a 470 yard par 4, water all the way down the left side, and the hole doglegs left into the water, and of course, the pin is tucked back left.
I try to get a little too much on my drive - and I overcook it - bounce, bounce, bounce, and it disappears left into the water.
Into the water.
Crap.
I had 76 or 77 in mind as a good score - now I need to make 5 here just to get the 77. I am lying 2 195 yards away facing a dauting shot over water to a green that juts out into a lake. How do I do that?
Hybrid starts at the right edge of the green, but then starts hooking immediately. Oh shit.
The ball now is at the flag and hooking as it descends - it somehow catches the leftmost part of the green and stops. I am left with a 20 foot putt, which I two putt for a 5, 37-40-77.
1 fairway, 1 green (and that was a fringe!), 5 consecutive up-and-downs on that back nine.
Sabo is in with 71 and is assured a spot.
When I got to the clubhouse, there were 10 scores at 77 or lower (including mine). There's only 6 people out there left - so if 1 or 2 come in at 77 or lower, I'm fine; 3 or more and there will be a playoff.
One group comes in - one guys shoots 74.
Last group comes in - a 75 and a 77.
So there are 4 people at 77 for 3 spots. We go back to 18 for the playoff.
Chris Sabo sticks around - "Playoffs are a lot of fun!"
Yeah, not if you are in them! He took a cart, and I ask if I can borrow it for the playoff; he agrees, and I find myself being driven by Chris Sabo back to the 18th tee for the playoff.
We draw lots for the order - I draw the dreaded... "1".
I made sure I didn't overcook this one and left the drive out to the right, a weak 235 yard drive. However, one out of the 4 hit the water on the drive in about the same position I did 30 minutes ago. Two other guys are in the fairway, about 180-200 yards out.
Now what? Here I am, 227 from the pin - with water all down the left side. I am next to hit. Should I hit 5 wood and get it close to the front of the green, guaranteeing a 5 and a possible 4, or play a 4-iron down the right side, leaving a 60 yard pitch? Is 5 good enough to win this 4-for-3 playoff?
Sabo says three times "I think 5 is golden. Five will get you in". I pull the 5 wood out. "5 is perfect". I hesitate - and pull the 4 iron out. I bunt the ball 160 yards down the fairway, leaving me a 55 yard pitch.
The other 3 - even the one who hit in the water off the tee - goes over the green.
I'm next to play - all I need to do is to not shank or thin a half wedge here, and a 5 is fine.
Back..and through. A bit fat, but the ball releases...and rolls....to within 3 feet.
5 minutes later, I tap in for my 4 as a formality and grab a spot in the State Cahmpionship.
And the good news? Kermit also made it from the Cleveland qualifier - so we will both be at Springfield CC the week of July 9 for the state. Maybe the tee time gods will somehow pair us together.
Is this play-by-play boring? Too bad. I'm relieved that the old Eric - the Eric from 1988, or from 1995 - can get up and down from everywhere when it counts. If I can just fix my driver - which was pretty good in March - I should be OK this year.
(and the playoff magic is back! I won 6 straight playoffs dating back to 1997 before losing a playoff in Iowa in 2005. Back in victory lane!)
May 29, 2007
I didn't want to see 65 year old breasts....
With Carol getting sick for her birthday weekend, I ended up spending most of the time watching movies with her, and WOW did we pick some winners. The movies were sooooo good, I had to post about the utter crap that was "Movie Weekend".
6. The War Tapes- A documentary done by 4 men in Iraq. Is slow at times, but the payoff is at the end when they return home and their comments about the war and the American people. Very interesting and a great watch.
5. Hot Fuzz- Worth a watch. British humor aimed at all of the US cop buddy movies. It really doesn't get good until the last 30 minutes.
4. Eragon- Yes, this was the third best movie of the weekend. It only took me about 20 minutes to realize that they were blatantly ripping off Star Wars by replacing Jedi's with Dragon Riders. But I'm a sucker for smart sharks and dragon movies, so I actually enjoyed the flick.
3. Catch and Release- Why does everyone love Jennifer Garnder? Very unattractive. And I'm not a huge fan of Kevin Smith playing the role of the goofy friend When did he become Jack Black or Steve Zahn. Good story, but poor execution.
4. Georgia Rule- Yup. I actually went to the movies to watch this one with Carol, Brian, and Laurin. Brian convinced me that this might be good since he heard that there was full frontal of Lindsey Lohan. Absolutely terrible movie with no full frontal. Two comments were made during this movie...The first was when I actually yelled "What??" during a plot twist. It was so unbelievable (Lindsey's character was raped by her step father) that I yelled this in disgust right as Brian (Laurin's husband) walked out. The other comment was to Carol, stating that this was not the worst movie I've seen today. And that award goes to...
5a. Because I Said So- When did it become acceptable to watch a 65 year old lady get naked and have sex on screen? Diane Keeton should be shot. And what Director thinks that it is a good idea to have Diane Keeton do slapstick on screen? I was just floored.
5b. Rocky- Ben, Carol, and I rented this on Wednesday with high hopes. People have been telling all of us that this was a good movie. What a disappointment. It was depressing, with poor acting, and no climax (That's what she said). Ben and I thought that there was going to be another boxing match since the main one was so poor. And to think that there is going to be another Rambo....Ugh.
6. The War Tapes- A documentary done by 4 men in Iraq. Is slow at times, but the payoff is at the end when they return home and their comments about the war and the American people. Very interesting and a great watch.
5. Hot Fuzz- Worth a watch. British humor aimed at all of the US cop buddy movies. It really doesn't get good until the last 30 minutes.
4. Eragon- Yes, this was the third best movie of the weekend. It only took me about 20 minutes to realize that they were blatantly ripping off Star Wars by replacing Jedi's with Dragon Riders. But I'm a sucker for smart sharks and dragon movies, so I actually enjoyed the flick.
3. Catch and Release- Why does everyone love Jennifer Garnder? Very unattractive. And I'm not a huge fan of Kevin Smith playing the role of the goofy friend When did he become Jack Black or Steve Zahn. Good story, but poor execution.
4. Georgia Rule- Yup. I actually went to the movies to watch this one with Carol, Brian, and Laurin. Brian convinced me that this might be good since he heard that there was full frontal of Lindsey Lohan. Absolutely terrible movie with no full frontal. Two comments were made during this movie...The first was when I actually yelled "What??" during a plot twist. It was so unbelievable (Lindsey's character was raped by her step father) that I yelled this in disgust right as Brian (Laurin's husband) walked out. The other comment was to Carol, stating that this was not the worst movie I've seen today. And that award goes to...
5a. Because I Said So- When did it become acceptable to watch a 65 year old lady get naked and have sex on screen? Diane Keeton should be shot. And what Director thinks that it is a good idea to have Diane Keeton do slapstick on screen? I was just floored.
5b. Rocky- Ben, Carol, and I rented this on Wednesday with high hopes. People have been telling all of us that this was a good movie. What a disappointment. It was depressing, with poor acting, and no climax (That's what she said). Ben and I thought that there was going to be another boxing match since the main one was so poor. And to think that there is going to be another Rambo....Ugh.
May 24, 2007
I'm mad as hell...
and I'm not going to take it anymore.
1) Varejao was fouled on the winning shot. Wallace clearly pushed him out of the way. An obvious offensive call there - no whistle.
2) Lebron was fouled on the drive at the end, but that one was much closer. All those idiots that criticized LeBron in game 1 can now suck it. He drove and took it to the hole - just like those idiots said - and see? No call.
3) The first thing Mike Brown should do is pull the team bus over in Sandusky - or any lake town on the 80/90 turnpike driving back from Detroit - there's plenty of them; I've driven that stretch multiple times - and follow these instructions:
a) Find a cement block or anchor
b) Tie it to Larry Hughes' ankle
c) Drop the anchor in Lake Erie
Whoops? Is Larry still attached to it? Continue driving, Mr. Bus Driver!
I know Leland and rrd have waited for this day to say "I told you so", so let me have it.
Suck my ping pong balls
I can't believe the lottery outcome, and yet I CAN believe it if that makes sense. The Celtics had a less than 40% chance of getting either #1 or #2, so it was hardly a lock regardless of how many games they tanked last season. The worst part is that they have been "significant" lottery players three times in the last 20 years and the best thing they have to show for those "entries" is an obituary.
As far as the outcome goes, the Celtics obviously lost out big time (I think their marketing slogan for next season should be "We're screwed"). A potential front line of Al Jefferson, PP and Oden would have been pretty nice. But the NBA also lost out as well. The two biggest stars/names to come into the league in a few years will be playing the majority of their games in the sleepy Pacific NW - thats too bad. The fact that the three teams with the worst records ALL got shut out of the top three is pretty amazing, which brings me to the system.
The system doesn't seem to accomplish what they are trying to do. The lottery was put in place in the 80s after Houston blatantly tanked games to get Olajuwon (or was it sampson???) Anyway, after that they came up with a lottery system to protect the integrity of the game. So, now that the lottery is in place nobody tanks games anymore right??? Um, well not exactly. The three people that saw the Bucks Celtics game this past season wouldn't have a problem answering that question. Both the C's and the Bucks were pathetic and obviously tanking games down the stretch.
Some could argue that some justice was delivered with the lottery results. Since all of the tankers were shut out, its hard to argue against this point. However, the whole reason for the lottery is to prevent tanking and it IS NOT HAVING AN EFFECT. What effect is it having?? Well, the worst teams aren't reaping the benefits of the higher picks, which is EXACTLY WHAT A DRAFT IS SUPPOSED TO DO. The draft is a means for lousy teams to improve right???
I know what you are thinking - "Jay F you and your sour grapes!! Just enjoy the Pats off-season spoils, and the Sox' best record in baseball!!". Well, again hard to argue THAT point either. But I have a solution to fix the lottery! Here is how we fix it.
After 70 games you take a look at the standings and take the three worst teams. Those three teams will pick no lower than three in the upcoming draft. Whoever finishes with the BEST record over the final 12 games gets the #1 pick, second best record gets #2, last gets #3. Those three teams now have something to play for instead of just playing out the string and looking at the ping pong balls. Now, if you truly care about the integrity of the game this help to solve that problem. You also get to help the worst teams by allowing them to pick higher in the draft. Just a thought.
The Celts really are screwed now. I think you have to trade Pierce now, while he still has some value. How about Pierce to Dallas for Howard and Devin Harris? If you keep Pierce and add someone with the #5 pick (Green from G-town, Brewer from FLA?) the best case scenario is that you win 35 to 40 games TOPS. As any wizard fan would tell you, that is a path to nowhere. Crap. Anyway, you have to shake it up somehow, and pray you can get lucky in the draft at some point. Good news is Vin Baker's contract is finally off the books this season!! Ha, thanks Chris Wallace you fat bastard (also responsible for Kedrick Brown and Joe Forte in 2001)!!
As far as the outcome goes, the Celtics obviously lost out big time (I think their marketing slogan for next season should be "We're screwed"). A potential front line of Al Jefferson, PP and Oden would have been pretty nice. But the NBA also lost out as well. The two biggest stars/names to come into the league in a few years will be playing the majority of their games in the sleepy Pacific NW - thats too bad. The fact that the three teams with the worst records ALL got shut out of the top three is pretty amazing, which brings me to the system.
The system doesn't seem to accomplish what they are trying to do. The lottery was put in place in the 80s after Houston blatantly tanked games to get Olajuwon (or was it sampson???) Anyway, after that they came up with a lottery system to protect the integrity of the game. So, now that the lottery is in place nobody tanks games anymore right??? Um, well not exactly. The three people that saw the Bucks Celtics game this past season wouldn't have a problem answering that question. Both the C's and the Bucks were pathetic and obviously tanking games down the stretch.
Some could argue that some justice was delivered with the lottery results. Since all of the tankers were shut out, its hard to argue against this point. However, the whole reason for the lottery is to prevent tanking and it IS NOT HAVING AN EFFECT. What effect is it having?? Well, the worst teams aren't reaping the benefits of the higher picks, which is EXACTLY WHAT A DRAFT IS SUPPOSED TO DO. The draft is a means for lousy teams to improve right???
I know what you are thinking - "Jay F you and your sour grapes!! Just enjoy the Pats off-season spoils, and the Sox' best record in baseball!!". Well, again hard to argue THAT point either. But I have a solution to fix the lottery! Here is how we fix it.
After 70 games you take a look at the standings and take the three worst teams. Those three teams will pick no lower than three in the upcoming draft. Whoever finishes with the BEST record over the final 12 games gets the #1 pick, second best record gets #2, last gets #3. Those three teams now have something to play for instead of just playing out the string and looking at the ping pong balls. Now, if you truly care about the integrity of the game this help to solve that problem. You also get to help the worst teams by allowing them to pick higher in the draft. Just a thought.
The Celts really are screwed now. I think you have to trade Pierce now, while he still has some value. How about Pierce to Dallas for Howard and Devin Harris? If you keep Pierce and add someone with the #5 pick (Green from G-town, Brewer from FLA?) the best case scenario is that you win 35 to 40 games TOPS. As any wizard fan would tell you, that is a path to nowhere. Crap. Anyway, you have to shake it up somehow, and pray you can get lucky in the draft at some point. Good news is Vin Baker's contract is finally off the books this season!! Ha, thanks Chris Wallace you fat bastard (also responsible for Kedrick Brown and Joe Forte in 2001)!!
What gets my panties in a wad
Iraq war? Yes. Immigration? Definitely. But this my friends pisses me off the most! The over serving thing isn't new, but its the poor tow truck driver. The last comment by the dad stating "Why was the tow truck there for an exorbitant amount of time?" Umm...he was there for 15 minutes, in the middle of the night, on the side of the road. The better question is why was your son extremely drunk talking on the cell phone, trying to find a hookup. The lack of ownership and accountability in this country makes me sick. And I should be used to this since I work in claims, but Jesus
May 23, 2007
F&J Exclusive: 2007 Golf Season Preview
Well, we are less than one week away from the official start of the 2007 Golf Season; Senior Editor Franklin Stubbs sat down with Eric to preview the upcoming tournament season.
FS: Eric, you have 8 tournaments on your schedule, the first being next week. How is your game 6 days away from the Ohio State Amateur Qualifier?
EZ: Getting better. Took a trip to Nashville with some church friends this weekend, played 4 rounds of golf. It's amazing what improvement you can see if you just concentrate on golf (and beer) and play, play, play. I feel like I actually have an idea where the ball may go off the tee and with my irons. Putting still is a little shaky - can that be turned around in a week? We'll try.
FS: What is it going to take to advance to the States?
EZ: Not a great round, just a solid one. Don was an laternate with a 78 last year; something along the lines of 76-77 should be fine. The formula is simple; hit 10 greens, don't 3-jack, get up and down 50% of the time I miss a green, and no doubles. That's a 76.
FS: Any others playing in the qualifier?
EZ: Kermit is playing the same day up in Cleveland; we'll compare stories that night,I'm sure. I certainly don't want to hear of any 92's or something like that. Don is not playing this year, because he is a dumb ass. I will post a separate topic on how he screwed this up. I don't think Jeff M is playing.
FS: Next up is the US Publinx Qualifier on June 18. How many more years are you going to do this?
EZ: Well, this is my 12th shot at this - the tournament I've played in the most years. It's only a matter of time until we join the club here in our neighborhood - next year? 09?, so this may be it. I like the idea of playing 36 in a day - it's a tradition. It will take 144-146, which can be done on that course.
FS: Are others playing with you?
EZ: No. Get this. Craig Higgins, a Cincinnati friend, is playing in Evansville; Don is playing in Toledo, and Kermit is playing up in Cleveland. There is a Cincinnati sectional, but why play in that? Because it will take in excess of 12 hours.
FS: The next week after that is the Cincinnati Met. Is this the year you make the field of 64?
EZ: God, I hope so. It's 2 rounds of stroke play to determine a match play field of 64. +12-+13 was the cut last year; it's not like I need 2 act-of-God rounds to qualify. I need to play solid, good golf, and NOT MAKE ANY FUCKING 8's ON THE SHORTEST HOLE IN CINCINNATI TOURNAMENT GOLF.
*ahem*
sorry about that.
I consider myself something like, oh, Oregon State, Wyoming, or Providence. If those teams play solid, not doing a whole lot but taking care of business, they're in the Big Dance. I need to do the same. 76-78 should be fine. If I get the nerves out of the way, I'll be ok.
And then I want the #28 seed matched up against the #37 seed Don Hershey. Hoo boy, would that be fun.
FS: The next is a local event, the Vineyard Classic. Thoughts?
EZ: Looking forward to it. It is a 2-day weekend tournament where we can form our own group for round 1. I hate to be the 4th in the group of Don, Craig and I. Hopefully it is some 17-year-old hotshot that we can piss off.
FS: On a side note, you seem to have a grudge against any teens playing in your tournament. Are you jealous?
EZ: I don't think it's jealousy - it's that they haven't grown up learning the same things about golf that I did. When I played as a junior, it was all about the score - what did you shoot? There were no style points. It was learning to get the ball in the hole. That's how I became so good at the short game - it was the only way for me shoot good scores and compete. I believe that's how Kermit learned the game too.
Nowadays, it's all about the long ball. These teens can hit the ball 300 + yards, but can't get up and down from 5 yards off the green - and will have 2-3 3 putts per round. It makes me sick to see that talent wasted.
Put mine (or Kermit's ) short game with those teen's full swing, and we are on the mini-tours today.
Can they learn it? Yes, of course they can learn a short game. Will they practice it? No. That's too much work. They'd rather bomb balls on the range for 3+ hours. They've never been forced to work on their game - they can get by with the talent they have - so the short game is a part of the game that has never received attention under pressure. And when they are forced to make shots under pressure, they can't come through.
FS: My Goodness. Let's move on. Will you be going to Iowa this year?
EZ: It depends on the State Qualifier. If I qualify for the State, I'll skip Iowa. If I suck it up next Tuesday, then I'll make the trip to Ames. I really enjoyed going back there - and it helps when I hit 6 greens in the final round and shoot 70.
FS: At the end of July, you have the rite of passage that is the Ohio Public Golfers' Tournament at Apple Valley.
EZ: I don't know why I have a love affair with that place, but I do. Mom and Dad usually come in for the week, and Dad follows me around (and is starting to become known for his cigars). Lot of memories of that course. The rounds are hellish - they start 45 mnutes late and are usually 5 1/2 hours plus - but it's not a stuffy tournament at all. It's a great balance between golfing with acquaintences around the state mixed with a well-run tournament.
FS: Anyone else playing?
EZ: Well, there's a chance both Steve and Kermit will be playing this year. IF Steve plays, he can stay overnight after the practice round and not total his car driving back to Cleveland. I'm thinking about putting one of those roadside posts at the scene of the accident - but instead of a cross, have a bent 4-iron and a deck of cards. I still can't believe he wasn't seriously hurt.
Maybe Jeff M can drive to the course that week and enter as well.
FS: Can you make 4 rounds at Apply Valley once again?
EZ: Yes, I can. The 3-round cut is around 225-226 (+9/+10), which I have made once. It only takes one great round to get you on your way. You don't want to do what I did last year - struggle for 36 holes just to make the 2-round cut on the number - and then try to force a 68 or 69. I can't play that way.
FS: Then 2 Mid-Am events in August
EZ: The Cincinnati Mid-Am is mid-August, at an OK public course. Don is passing on the event as he predicts an unprecedented 6 1/2 hour round, which I think is entirely possible. But it's a local event that I can do well in - I was T-10 one year - and it's nice to see how I stack up locally.
FS: And the US Mid Am Qualifier?
EZ: Well, if I ever get to go to a national event, this would be the one. I've been close 3 times - 2001 in Pittburgh, as the 4th alternate; 2005 in Chicago, where two dumb bogies on the back killed me (I finished 3 off from a spot), and 2006 here at TPC, where I started slow (41 on the front, including a 7 on a 530-yd par 5) and finished with a 37 on the back nine. That 78 was 2 out of qualifying.
Incidentally, I should realize that that 37 has to be up there as one of the great nine's I've played. 37 on a 3600-yd course, with winds at 15-25 mph, with greens rock hard and each pin tucked.
FS: That's all for now. Andy Hawkins will be live on the scene Tuesday, May 29, from the Oasis club for coverage of the Ohio Amateur Qualifier.
FS: Eric, you have 8 tournaments on your schedule, the first being next week. How is your game 6 days away from the Ohio State Amateur Qualifier?
EZ: Getting better. Took a trip to Nashville with some church friends this weekend, played 4 rounds of golf. It's amazing what improvement you can see if you just concentrate on golf (and beer) and play, play, play. I feel like I actually have an idea where the ball may go off the tee and with my irons. Putting still is a little shaky - can that be turned around in a week? We'll try.
FS: What is it going to take to advance to the States?
EZ: Not a great round, just a solid one. Don was an laternate with a 78 last year; something along the lines of 76-77 should be fine. The formula is simple; hit 10 greens, don't 3-jack, get up and down 50% of the time I miss a green, and no doubles. That's a 76.
FS: Any others playing in the qualifier?
EZ: Kermit is playing the same day up in Cleveland; we'll compare stories that night,I'm sure. I certainly don't want to hear of any 92's or something like that. Don is not playing this year, because he is a dumb ass. I will post a separate topic on how he screwed this up. I don't think Jeff M is playing.
FS: Next up is the US Publinx Qualifier on June 18. How many more years are you going to do this?
EZ: Well, this is my 12th shot at this - the tournament I've played in the most years. It's only a matter of time until we join the club here in our neighborhood - next year? 09?, so this may be it. I like the idea of playing 36 in a day - it's a tradition. It will take 144-146, which can be done on that course.
FS: Are others playing with you?
EZ: No. Get this. Craig Higgins, a Cincinnati friend, is playing in Evansville; Don is playing in Toledo, and Kermit is playing up in Cleveland. There is a Cincinnati sectional, but why play in that? Because it will take in excess of 12 hours.
FS: The next week after that is the Cincinnati Met. Is this the year you make the field of 64?
EZ: God, I hope so. It's 2 rounds of stroke play to determine a match play field of 64. +12-+13 was the cut last year; it's not like I need 2 act-of-God rounds to qualify. I need to play solid, good golf, and NOT MAKE ANY FUCKING 8's ON THE SHORTEST HOLE IN CINCINNATI TOURNAMENT GOLF.
*ahem*
sorry about that.
I consider myself something like, oh, Oregon State, Wyoming, or Providence. If those teams play solid, not doing a whole lot but taking care of business, they're in the Big Dance. I need to do the same. 76-78 should be fine. If I get the nerves out of the way, I'll be ok.
And then I want the #28 seed matched up against the #37 seed Don Hershey. Hoo boy, would that be fun.
FS: The next is a local event, the Vineyard Classic. Thoughts?
EZ: Looking forward to it. It is a 2-day weekend tournament where we can form our own group for round 1. I hate to be the 4th in the group of Don, Craig and I. Hopefully it is some 17-year-old hotshot that we can piss off.
FS: On a side note, you seem to have a grudge against any teens playing in your tournament. Are you jealous?
EZ: I don't think it's jealousy - it's that they haven't grown up learning the same things about golf that I did. When I played as a junior, it was all about the score - what did you shoot? There were no style points. It was learning to get the ball in the hole. That's how I became so good at the short game - it was the only way for me shoot good scores and compete. I believe that's how Kermit learned the game too.
Nowadays, it's all about the long ball. These teens can hit the ball 300 + yards, but can't get up and down from 5 yards off the green - and will have 2-3 3 putts per round. It makes me sick to see that talent wasted.
Put mine (or Kermit's ) short game with those teen's full swing, and we are on the mini-tours today.
Can they learn it? Yes, of course they can learn a short game. Will they practice it? No. That's too much work. They'd rather bomb balls on the range for 3+ hours. They've never been forced to work on their game - they can get by with the talent they have - so the short game is a part of the game that has never received attention under pressure. And when they are forced to make shots under pressure, they can't come through.
FS: My Goodness. Let's move on. Will you be going to Iowa this year?
EZ: It depends on the State Qualifier. If I qualify for the State, I'll skip Iowa. If I suck it up next Tuesday, then I'll make the trip to Ames. I really enjoyed going back there - and it helps when I hit 6 greens in the final round and shoot 70.
FS: At the end of July, you have the rite of passage that is the Ohio Public Golfers' Tournament at Apple Valley.
EZ: I don't know why I have a love affair with that place, but I do. Mom and Dad usually come in for the week, and Dad follows me around (and is starting to become known for his cigars). Lot of memories of that course. The rounds are hellish - they start 45 mnutes late and are usually 5 1/2 hours plus - but it's not a stuffy tournament at all. It's a great balance between golfing with acquaintences around the state mixed with a well-run tournament.
FS: Anyone else playing?
EZ: Well, there's a chance both Steve and Kermit will be playing this year. IF Steve plays, he can stay overnight after the practice round and not total his car driving back to Cleveland. I'm thinking about putting one of those roadside posts at the scene of the accident - but instead of a cross, have a bent 4-iron and a deck of cards. I still can't believe he wasn't seriously hurt.
Maybe Jeff M can drive to the course that week and enter as well.
FS: Can you make 4 rounds at Apply Valley once again?
EZ: Yes, I can. The 3-round cut is around 225-226 (+9/+10), which I have made once. It only takes one great round to get you on your way. You don't want to do what I did last year - struggle for 36 holes just to make the 2-round cut on the number - and then try to force a 68 or 69. I can't play that way.
FS: Then 2 Mid-Am events in August
EZ: The Cincinnati Mid-Am is mid-August, at an OK public course. Don is passing on the event as he predicts an unprecedented 6 1/2 hour round, which I think is entirely possible. But it's a local event that I can do well in - I was T-10 one year - and it's nice to see how I stack up locally.
FS: And the US Mid Am Qualifier?
EZ: Well, if I ever get to go to a national event, this would be the one. I've been close 3 times - 2001 in Pittburgh, as the 4th alternate; 2005 in Chicago, where two dumb bogies on the back killed me (I finished 3 off from a spot), and 2006 here at TPC, where I started slow (41 on the front, including a 7 on a 530-yd par 5) and finished with a 37 on the back nine. That 78 was 2 out of qualifying.
Incidentally, I should realize that that 37 has to be up there as one of the great nine's I've played. 37 on a 3600-yd course, with winds at 15-25 mph, with greens rock hard and each pin tucked.
FS: That's all for now. Andy Hawkins will be live on the scene Tuesday, May 29, from the Oasis club for coverage of the Ohio Amateur Qualifier.
Quick hits
A couple of quick hits.
1. It might be only me, but I can't wait to see the Boston Sports Guy's article about the NBA lottery last night. Ohhhh, I'm so excited. I'm sure he will try to downplay it a bit, but since nothing has been posted to date, his dad might of killed him. And why is there all this talk about changing the system now? While the system is strange, no one was complaining when the Knicks did the same thing many years ago. And as a gambler I like it.
2. Annapolis- A friend of mine transferred out to Annapolis and is now single and is looking for places to go out downtown. The only place I know of is Rams Head. Is there any places there to listen to live music and such?
3. Magic Johnson- Why hasn't there been a story on him? The guy is still kicking and looking very good on TNT, despite having the HIV. Have they found a cure? Is it only for rich folks? How come nobody has looked into this recently?
4. Its been a long time, but I hate it when your baseball team is out of it this early. The A's are just terrible right now. Who can blame them though with all the injuries. It is painful to watch their games.
1. It might be only me, but I can't wait to see the Boston Sports Guy's article about the NBA lottery last night. Ohhhh, I'm so excited. I'm sure he will try to downplay it a bit, but since nothing has been posted to date, his dad might of killed him. And why is there all this talk about changing the system now? While the system is strange, no one was complaining when the Knicks did the same thing many years ago. And as a gambler I like it.
2. Annapolis- A friend of mine transferred out to Annapolis and is now single and is looking for places to go out downtown. The only place I know of is Rams Head. Is there any places there to listen to live music and such?
3. Magic Johnson- Why hasn't there been a story on him? The guy is still kicking and looking very good on TNT, despite having the HIV. Have they found a cure? Is it only for rich folks? How come nobody has looked into this recently?
4. Its been a long time, but I hate it when your baseball team is out of it this early. The A's are just terrible right now. Who can blame them though with all the injuries. It is painful to watch their games.
May 22, 2007
The 9th time is the charm?
Just for reference, this year's Cavs makes it 9 - yes, 9 - Cleveland teams to make the final four in their sport in my lifetime:
1975-76 Cavaliers - the Miracle of Richfield team
1986 Browns
1987 Browns
1989 Browns
1991-92 Cavaliers1995 Indians
1997 Indians
1998 Indians
and now, the 2006-07 Cavaliers.
Only 2 of those teams above made it to the finals. Can LeBron and co. make it 3? I'm encouraged by the game last night, even though it was a loss. I found it to be an enthralling game, unlike the Nets series.
(By the way- the more I learn about that Miracle of Richfield team, the more I wish I was old enough to remember it. Many fans have said those playoff games were the loudest they have ever heard a Cleveland sports crowd - Browns games included. I remember that coliseum - a tribute to the 70s....)
May 20, 2007
Derek's Revenge, 17 years later....
More to come in later posts, but before then, can I help my brother out in some long-awaited revenge from the 1990 World Series?
The 2007 Tournament season will be underway next week.
May 19, 2007
Down with Suzyn
I've been wanting to post this for a while, but I keep on forgetting to do it, but after another extremely poor performance, I can't ignore it anymore. For those of you that have XM Radio, and listen to the baseball games, there is this lady that does the color analysis for the Yankees who is quite possibly the worst person on radio to date. Her name is Suzyn Waldman. Now her Clemens episode was bad, but then she had another one when Wil Nieves had his first major league hit last week. I don't have audio of that, but you have to trust me, it was terrible. Why is she on the radio?
Preakness
Ahh, the Preakness. After a long talk with Lee last night I think that I have three solid losers today, so beware. I don't like the odds going into this so I'm going to scale back some. Here are the picks:
1. Hardspun
2. Curlin
3. Street Sense
Wild Card- Circular Day.
Heading out shortly to Del Mar for another nice day of drinking and gambling.
Oh and Congrats to Eric on the Cavs win. Looking forward to that ugly slow down play against the Pistons like we saw last year.
1. Hardspun
2. Curlin
3. Street Sense
Wild Card- Circular Day.
Heading out shortly to Del Mar for another nice day of drinking and gambling.
Oh and Congrats to Eric on the Cavs win. Looking forward to that ugly slow down play against the Pistons like we saw last year.
May 18, 2007
5 Things that piss me off today
1. Ben Wallace- What a bum. What an absolute joke. Can they void out his contract for his play last night?
2. Immigration Bill- Another absolute joke. Thank you Newt for coming out so strongly against this bill. Please just run for President so that some of these Republicans gets some balls and stand up to
3. Nike- I absolutely love the Lebron commercials. Why are they so withholding on these? We just get one new Wise Lebron commercial this NBA playoff season? Ugh.
4. Losing 3 of 4 to the Royals. This is it. It is over. We are finished. No hope in sight. Too many injuries and not enough depth. I mentioned this at the beginning of the year. When you bank on being healthy as a reason why you will win the West, you are bound to be disappointed. The only thing I get to look forward to is the return of Rickey Henderson.
5. The Office- While the season finale was excellent, this is heading in the wrong direction. Now that Jim and Pam are together, the show is going to go downhill just like Friends and Ed. But Jesus, this finale was fantastic.
2. Immigration Bill- Another absolute joke. Thank you Newt for coming out so strongly against this bill. Please just run for President so that some of these Republicans gets some balls and stand up to
3. Nike- I absolutely love the Lebron commercials. Why are they so withholding on these? We just get one new Wise Lebron commercial this NBA playoff season? Ugh.
4. Losing 3 of 4 to the Royals. This is it. It is over. We are finished. No hope in sight. Too many injuries and not enough depth. I mentioned this at the beginning of the year. When you bank on being healthy as a reason why you will win the West, you are bound to be disappointed. The only thing I get to look forward to is the return of Rickey Henderson.
5. The Office- While the season finale was excellent, this is heading in the wrong direction. Now that Jim and Pam are together, the show is going to go downhill just like Friends and Ed. But Jesus, this finale was fantastic.
May 17, 2007
5 Things I like this morning
1. Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend" song. And I can only imagine what the video looks like!!!
2. Hard Spun and Curling finishing 1-2 in the Preakness. Yes I know that the favorite has won the last 5 out of 6 Preaknesses, but I'm not sold on Street Sense. He had to run a perfect race to catch Hard Spun. I mean a perfect race!!! He needs the rail to win, but with the 8th position, I'm not too sure if he can get it.
3. O'Malley's comments that MD needs slots. Do you think he will be able to get it passed? I hope so.
4. Full slate of morning baseball games. With my Fantasy Baseball team back in the race, I love tracking games at work. 9:00am start for Cleveland?? I love it.
5. Another guy goes on the DL for the A's, with another one pending. While it is fun watching some of these guys play, I would like to see our original team on the field so we don't lose to the Royals every other night. For the third straight evening in a row, we blew a save to the Royals. Ugh.
2. Hard Spun and Curling finishing 1-2 in the Preakness. Yes I know that the favorite has won the last 5 out of 6 Preaknesses, but I'm not sold on Street Sense. He had to run a perfect race to catch Hard Spun. I mean a perfect race!!! He needs the rail to win, but with the 8th position, I'm not too sure if he can get it.
3. O'Malley's comments that MD needs slots. Do you think he will be able to get it passed? I hope so.
4. Full slate of morning baseball games. With my Fantasy Baseball team back in the race, I love tracking games at work. 9:00am start for Cleveland?? I love it.
5. Another guy goes on the DL for the A's, with another one pending. While it is fun watching some of these guys play, I would like to see our original team on the field so we don't lose to the Royals every other night. For the third straight evening in a row, we blew a save to the Royals. Ugh.
May 16, 2007
The 1986 Masters and the NBA
Just remember....
in the 1986 Masters, when Jack shot a final round 30 to win by one.....
Jack actually had a bogey on that back nine (#12). Jack admitted that a silly bogey there gave him the kick in the ass he needed to keep the round going.
Let's hope tonight was the bogey on #12 that kicks the Cavs in the pants.
(Trivia, by the way: How many people finished second in that Masters, and who were they? No peeking.....)
Ramblings to remove Carly Simon from the front page
Since Eric has lost it, I guess I should post something. What has happened to him? Anyway onto a couple of quick comments:
1. Another Athletic on the DL. This time Huston Street. Ugh. Bad time for this as our bullpen has fallen on bad times. Last night we blew a 3 run lead to the Royals. Thank God we pulled it out in extra innings or I would of killed one of the cats.
2. Suns-Spurs- Why is everyone up in arms over the suspensions in this game? Seems OK to me. There is a rule and they enforced it. Blame Amare and Diaw for the suspensions, not the league. This isn't a new rule. Everyone please just shut up about this and lets move on.
3. Rev Jerry Falwell is dead. OK. Let's move on. He is everything that is right and wrong about this country. I don't agree with what he says all the time, but at least he stands for what he believes in. Reading some of the comments from the Republican candidates about his death were very blah. But it was strange that the most genuine comment came from one of his biggest enemies, Larry Flint:
Very sincere. Why can't more people be like this?
1. Another Athletic on the DL. This time Huston Street. Ugh. Bad time for this as our bullpen has fallen on bad times. Last night we blew a 3 run lead to the Royals. Thank God we pulled it out in extra innings or I would of killed one of the cats.
2. Suns-Spurs- Why is everyone up in arms over the suspensions in this game? Seems OK to me. There is a rule and they enforced it. Blame Amare and Diaw for the suspensions, not the league. This isn't a new rule. Everyone please just shut up about this and lets move on.
3. Rev Jerry Falwell is dead. OK. Let's move on. He is everything that is right and wrong about this country. I don't agree with what he says all the time, but at least he stands for what he believes in. Reading some of the comments from the Republican candidates about his death were very blah. But it was strange that the most genuine comment came from one of his biggest enemies, Larry Flint:
"The Reverend Jerry Falwell and I were arch enemies for fifteen years. We
became involved in a lawsuit concerning First Amendment rights and Hustler
magazine. Without question, this was my most important battle – the l988 Hustler
Magazine, Inc., v. Jerry Falwell case, where after millions of dollars and much
deliberation, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled in my favor.
My mother always told me that no matter how much you dislike a person, when you meet them face to face you will find characteristics about them that you like. Jerry Falwell was a perfect example of that. I hated everything he stood for, but
after meeting him in person, years after the trial, Jerry Falwell and I became
good friends. He would visit me in California and we would debate together
on college campuses. I always appreciated his sincerity even though I knew what
he was selling and he knew what I was selling. The most important result of
our relationship was the landmark decision from the Supreme Court that made
parody protected speech, and the fact that much of what we see on television and
hear on the radio today is a direct result of my having won that now famous case
which Falwell played such an important role in."
Very sincere. Why can't more people be like this?
May 14, 2007
What year is it? 1992? or 2007?
Baby sneezes
Mommy pleases
Daddy breezes in
So good on paper
So romantic
But so bewildering
I know nothing stays the same
But if you're willing to play the game
It's coming around again
It's coming around again
So don't mind if I fall apart
There's more room in a broken heart
You pay the grocer
Fix the toaster
Kiss the host Good-bye
Then you break a window
burn the Soufflé
Scream a lullaby
I know nothing stays the same
But if you're willing to play the game
It's coming around again
So don't mind if I fall apart
There's more room in a broken heart
And I believe in love
But what else can I do
I'm so in love with you
I know nothing stays the same
But if you're willing to play the game
It's coming around again
I know nothing stays the same
But if you're willing to play the game
It's coming around again
So don't mind if I fall apart
There's more room in a broken heart
For whatever reason, this song popped into my head after the big Cavs win today. It feels like my college days in 1992-93, the heart of the Price/Daughtery/Nance era. A team that is probably not talented enough to win the title playing their heart out and teasing you so. You want to believe, you think it may be enough to win - and yet they lose - not unexpectedly - to teh Bulls.
The Cavs this year are a good team, but the supporting cast around LeBron may not be good enough. However, there are enough glimpses of light and minutes of great play - the defense this year has been solid, Gooden is a force, if Pavlovic gets hot..... that you think it could happen. Maybe they can do this!!!
The effort is there. Are the wins? One more win now to get to the Conference finals, where (probably) a Detroit team awaits. A Detroit team that we were one offensive rebound away from beating in 6 games last year...
I know nothing stays the same
But if you're willing to play the game
It's coming around again
But if you're willing to play the game
It's coming around again
I do believe, I do believe....I believe in love.....
Quickies
1) First off, big game tonight for the Cavs. I'm ok with losing one in NJ - but to lose both? Well, that throws the series back into tossup mode. We are clearly the better team (I think), we need to win tonight.
2) More to come on the Tribe....
3) I saw an article in the Washington Post that made me turn my head. About two weeks ago, there was an article saying that the Democrats were planing to overhaul the AMT in the tax code. Some Democrats were trying to develop a plan that would:
a) eliminate the AMT for people under $200K;
b) phase it in for people from $200-$500K;
c) make it higher for people over $500K.
I don't know how much of this article was liberal bias (highlighting Dem plans that have no chance of passing), but if - IF - the Democrats get this plan passed and force Bush to deal with it......
wow....
I will then have to reevaluate where I stand politically.
I mean, doing something like this would have HUGE political ramifications. First of all, that would be a tax cut for me. The last two years we were killed by the AMT. If that's repealed, well then - move over Leland and Wiz, I'm playing the $25 tables in Vegas in March.
This would be a politcal earthquake. All those upper-middle class suburbs that are solidly Republican? Some - not all, but a signficant chunk - would shift due to this. This could tip the balance in states like Ohio, Virginia, Missouri, and so on.
This is a classic example of Republicans having no clue what affects their voters. This issue has been out there for 4-5 years....nothing has been done. If teh Democrats actually agree to overhaul the AMT and fix it, resulting in a tax cut for the upper middle class -------- that's progress.
4) How racist is the sporting world? Most of you may have seeen this from SG's latest column about the Josh Hancock tragedy:
I couldn't agree more with this e-mail from Ed in Dallas: "Does the coverage of the Josh Hancock accident perfectly illustrate the double standard we have with different sports? If a tattooed, cornrowed NBA player had been been in a fatal, single-car accident with a BAC level twice the legal limit, allegedly on the phone with a woman arranging a hookup and with a stash of weed in the car -- he'd be posterized as everything that's wrong with the NBA. Since it's a clean-cut white guy, he's being treated like Barbaro."
he's absolutely right. Why is this the case? I don't have an answer.
2) More to come on the Tribe....
3) I saw an article in the Washington Post that made me turn my head. About two weeks ago, there was an article saying that the Democrats were planing to overhaul the AMT in the tax code. Some Democrats were trying to develop a plan that would:
a) eliminate the AMT for people under $200K;
b) phase it in for people from $200-$500K;
c) make it higher for people over $500K.
I don't know how much of this article was liberal bias (highlighting Dem plans that have no chance of passing), but if - IF - the Democrats get this plan passed and force Bush to deal with it......
wow....
I will then have to reevaluate where I stand politically.
I mean, doing something like this would have HUGE political ramifications. First of all, that would be a tax cut for me. The last two years we were killed by the AMT. If that's repealed, well then - move over Leland and Wiz, I'm playing the $25 tables in Vegas in March.
This would be a politcal earthquake. All those upper-middle class suburbs that are solidly Republican? Some - not all, but a signficant chunk - would shift due to this. This could tip the balance in states like Ohio, Virginia, Missouri, and so on.
This is a classic example of Republicans having no clue what affects their voters. This issue has been out there for 4-5 years....nothing has been done. If teh Democrats actually agree to overhaul the AMT and fix it, resulting in a tax cut for the upper middle class -------- that's progress.
4) How racist is the sporting world? Most of you may have seeen this from SG's latest column about the Josh Hancock tragedy:
I couldn't agree more with this e-mail from Ed in Dallas: "Does the coverage of the Josh Hancock accident perfectly illustrate the double standard we have with different sports? If a tattooed, cornrowed NBA player had been been in a fatal, single-car accident with a BAC level twice the legal limit, allegedly on the phone with a woman arranging a hookup and with a stash of weed in the car -- he'd be posterized as everything that's wrong with the NBA. Since it's a clean-cut white guy, he's being treated like Barbaro."
he's absolutely right. Why is this the case? I don't have an answer.
May 5, 2007
Derby
Totally forgot to post about this. Consider this your Christmas gift:
1. Hardspin- Carol's sister Molly supplies shoes to one of the top farriors in the country who has shoed the winner of the Derby for the last 5 years. This is the only horse he is doing this year. I'm giddy.
2. Curlin- My coworker in Indy and VA, who are both decent handicappers stated that this horse will run away with it, but I can't remember the last time a favorite won the Derby.
3. High Heels- I know nothing about him, but I will lay some down on him.
1. Hardspin- Carol's sister Molly supplies shoes to one of the top farriors in the country who has shoed the winner of the Derby for the last 5 years. This is the only horse he is doing this year. I'm giddy.
2. Curlin- My coworker in Indy and VA, who are both decent handicappers stated that this horse will run away with it, but I can't remember the last time a favorite won the Derby.
3. High Heels- I know nothing about him, but I will lay some down on him.
May 3, 2007
One more quickie
On Sunday, my brother-in-law (Janice's brother Jeff) will be running in the Flying Pig marathon. This will be his first marathon and he's been training for several months now. We are all going downtown to support him and stage ourselves at key locations to hand out these goo packs to him in order for him to keep his energy up.
Good luck to Jeff - and I really don't want to know what this "goo" is made of.
Good luck to Jeff - and I really don't want to know what this "goo" is made of.
Sports Data Dump
It's been a while, and I have a lot of thoughts in my head. Let's get started.
NBA: Just a couple of thoughts.
First, go go Cavs! It's a shame that I've only watched a total of 5 minutes of the Wizards series - thanks to 2 games being on NBA TV. What the hell was that? To recap - since you may have forgotten - we finished our series on Monday, April 30. If Toronto/New Jersey goes 7, Game 7 will be played Sunday, meaning the Cavs will play again on either Tuesday or Wednesday, May 8/9. That's at least 8 idle days. Unbelieveable.
But I'm not complaining, since we could use the rest to make sure LeBron's ankle is completely healed. How good is this team? Not sure yet - but I know previous versions of the LeBron-led Cavs would have lost one road game in Washington.
The other story, of course, is the Warriors. This team hasn't made the playoffs since 1994. How crazy is that? 1994....think....what were my priorities then?
- the 99 cent Whopper at teh BK by my grad office
- $15 rounds at Punderson
- "Black Label" beer
- Dinners consisting of On-Cor Dinners and Pet Ritz pies.
- Beavis and Butthead and Gin in Steve's basement 4 nights a week.
(Side story: things that aren't gay but would appear gay to 99% of the rest of the population: Steve and I going up and down the aisle in the Finast grocery store at 10:30 at night looking for Vienetta. I'm sure if others saw us.... )
Anyway, good luck to the Warriors.
MLB:
I can't be happier about the Tribe. Currently at 16-8 and leading the Central by 2 games. And I think we can be playing better. Yes, Victor is on fire, and Garko is a great surprise, but Pronk is still not hot yet and Trot Nixon could do better. The started (except for C. C. and Carmona) could improve too.
I read an article somewhere which called the Tribe "probably the most solid bullpen in baseball".
Well, let's just say that if watching Aaron Fultz and Roberto Hernandex blow 6-5 leads is "solid", then Johnny from "Johnny and the Sprites" has a girlfriend.
Hello? Is this thing on? Yes, I expected only one or two of you to get that.
(By the way, what about Joe from Blue's Clues? Gay or Straight, or asexual like Morrissey and Big Bird? Discuss....)
And I am finding myself watching the scoreboard to see how the other AL Central teams are doing. It's May - why am I doing this? Too early? I don't think so, not with 4 teams in the race. I think I'm most scared of Minnesota....then Detroit.
Three other quickies:
- Gil Meche is 3-1 for the Royals, with an ERA under 2.5. Not a lot of criticism now, huh?
- Can Milwaukee keep it up? Why not? Who is going to challenge them in the NL?
- I haven't got a chance to blog much about the protest filed by the Indians that was denied - but mark my words, something is going to happen in MLB in the next 10 years that will have the commissioner rue the day this decision was made. You can't retroactively add runs to the score. Period.
NFL:
I think I've said enough about the draft - I am ecstatic about Thomas and Quinn on this team. However, I'm still worried about Romeo leading this team. Let's not forget how he handled rookies last year:
- Don's boyfriend, Kamerion Wimbley, did not start in week 1 last year
- Even though LB was a weakness ealry in the season, D'Quell did not start either in week 1.
- Need I remind anyone how Travis Wilson, our WR, was treated? Dennis Northcutt played and started over Wilson. Wilson finally got some playing time in week 15!
Forget about Quinn - what evidence do we have that Joe Thomas will start week 1? can you imagine the uproar if he's not out there for the first play vs. Pittsburgh?
And the Tribe wins again, 6-5 over Toronto. 17-8 record. 10 out of their last 11. Borowski with save #10.
May 1, 2007
The month of April
Boy, April was a tough month. The A's are so banged up that they had to bring up not one, not two, but three guys from double A to start games. They had to play Marco Scutaro, a poor man's Luis Sojo in Right Field. They had to make a trade for Ryan Langerhans, who I got confused for about 5 minutes with Jeff Francouer, which got me excited, but then realized it was Atlanta's 4th outfielder who isn't that good. Now they enter May with a long road trip that will take them through a schedule where they should be making up ground. Two at Boston, Three at Tampa, and Three at KC. But now I'm just hoping that they can escape with a .500 mark. Typically the A's start off extremely cold for the first month, and then turn it on in May and June, but I'm worried that we are just too thin to do that now.
And to top it off, Jon and my fantasy team is off to its worse start in years and I can't see where we are going to make up ground. Is it too early to pull the plug on the team and start building for next year? Probably not. Massive trades will probably start in a couple of weeks for us to jettison some of our larger contracts for next years' keepers.
But what has gotten me through this past month has been the NBA. I second Bill Simmons on the Golden State- Dallas games. They have been absolutely amazing. And the Spurs-Nugs matchup has been just as good. It's always nice to see Robert Horry continue his dominance in the playoffs (18 minutes/6 points with huge 3 pointers). Its funny to see Steve Blake getting minutes on the Nugs and watching him not being able to guard the 3-point shot. Three times during last night's game he was out of position, in no mans land and the Spurs buried a wide open 3. Maybe its not just Gary who can't guard the three? Lakers-Suns. Not too bad, but it is amazing to watch Nash and the Suns.
Now I haven't watched a single game in the East. Are the Cavs this good or are the Wizards just this bad? And what about the Bulls?
And to top it off, Jon and my fantasy team is off to its worse start in years and I can't see where we are going to make up ground. Is it too early to pull the plug on the team and start building for next year? Probably not. Massive trades will probably start in a couple of weeks for us to jettison some of our larger contracts for next years' keepers.
But what has gotten me through this past month has been the NBA. I second Bill Simmons on the Golden State- Dallas games. They have been absolutely amazing. And the Spurs-Nugs matchup has been just as good. It's always nice to see Robert Horry continue his dominance in the playoffs (18 minutes/6 points with huge 3 pointers). Its funny to see Steve Blake getting minutes on the Nugs and watching him not being able to guard the 3-point shot. Three times during last night's game he was out of position, in no mans land and the Spurs buried a wide open 3. Maybe its not just Gary who can't guard the three? Lakers-Suns. Not too bad, but it is amazing to watch Nash and the Suns.
Now I haven't watched a single game in the East. Are the Cavs this good or are the Wizards just this bad? And what about the Bulls?
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