True, this doesn't take into account that Mark Brunell is tossing them the ball but it is a nice offseason pick me up.
7. Washington Redskins
Santana Moss teamed with the Washington tight ends to put up huge numbers for the Redskins last year. He was a veritable one man wrecking crew last season as the next leading receiver for the Redskins was David Patten with 22 receptions. The Redskins addressed this issue in the off-season by opening the wallet to bring aboard Brandon Lloyd and Super Bowl hero Antwaan Randle El. This trio may be smallish, but they'll win out on speed and athleticism to let Mark Brunell throw quick routes and allow the receivers to make plays.
The aforementioned Patten is expected to be released before training camp, which will leave Taylor Jacobs and James Thrash to battle for reps behind the talented trio up front.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Domestic Vs Foreign
Again, my pertubedness is peaked reading an AJC blog today. The author is an honor of an old Saturn and was looking into buying a new car. Since he, or she, has a public voice, he, or she, decided to ask the readers for their opinion.
Opinions ranged from buy used, to ride various commuter options, and finally to buy whatever just don't buy American.
As you faithful readers, all five of ya, are well aware, I am a pro-buy-American-Autos kind of fella. In fact, I tend to get rather adamant about it at times. Mrs. Xpinionated not so much so. It's a common axe to grind between us so we usually don't talk about it too much....
Anyway, here are some interesting stats for you anti-American car people....
Honda Accords, the prima donna of the anti-American crowd, is made with 70% U.S. and Canada parts. The Toyota Camry, it's bowels contain 70% American/Canadien parts. Nissan Xterra has a whopping 80% yeehaw factor. In fact, Hyundai is the most imported of the imports with none of their listed models having more than 10% American/Canadien parts. My source is right here.
This begs the question, what is so foreign about these imports? After all, most of the 'imports' that have actually crossed water to get here are the luxury and high end models. And with import manufacturing plants dotting this fair land of ours and our northern neighbors like a prostitutes rash, it's fair to say that the cars are being built by imported hands. So what exactly is foreign about these cars? Oh, the profit their parent company receives. . . . . . .
Opinions ranged from buy used, to ride various commuter options, and finally to buy whatever just don't buy American.
As you faithful readers, all five of ya, are well aware, I am a pro-buy-American-Autos kind of fella. In fact, I tend to get rather adamant about it at times. Mrs. Xpinionated not so much so. It's a common axe to grind between us so we usually don't talk about it too much....
Anyway, here are some interesting stats for you anti-American car people....
Honda Accords, the prima donna of the anti-American crowd, is made with 70% U.S. and Canada parts. The Toyota Camry, it's bowels contain 70% American/Canadien parts. Nissan Xterra has a whopping 80% yeehaw factor. In fact, Hyundai is the most imported of the imports with none of their listed models having more than 10% American/Canadien parts. My source is right here.
This begs the question, what is so foreign about these imports? After all, most of the 'imports' that have actually crossed water to get here are the luxury and high end models. And with import manufacturing plants dotting this fair land of ours and our northern neighbors like a prostitutes rash, it's fair to say that the cars are being built by imported hands. So what exactly is foreign about these cars? Oh, the profit their parent company receives. . . . . . .
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Lazy Laker Surfing Today
So as I am lazily surfing the 'net I come across this:
created by kodeko81
Hell, I wish I could have played this before my Laker Playoff cookout party, it's a bit inspiring.
created by kodeko81
Hell, I wish I could have played this before my Laker Playoff cookout party, it's a bit inspiring.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Barbaro
Perhaps I don't get it. Perhaps I'm an unfeeling son of a gun. Maybe I should be more considerate of our equine friends.
Or maybe it's time we realize that this was a horse. It's disappointing that there will be no triple crown...again...this year. It's sad that such potential is lost in such a freak incident. But it was a horse! I understand there's a chance the horse could be put down if recovery does not go well. But we're getting close to a week's worth of sports headlines about a horse.
People are actually sending apple baskets, stuffed animals, and religious statues to a horse! The apples I can understand even though given the monetary advantages of the horse's owner, I'm sure hitting up the local supermarket for some fruit wasn't that much of an obstacle. But stuffed animals and religious statues, that's just overboard...and silly.
Important PEOPLE in our communities are on the verge of taking their last gasp every day and there are folks sending gifts to horses? There are people being paid to 'follow-up' on the horse story?
Or maybe it's time we realize that this was a horse. It's disappointing that there will be no triple crown...again...this year. It's sad that such potential is lost in such a freak incident. But it was a horse! I understand there's a chance the horse could be put down if recovery does not go well. But we're getting close to a week's worth of sports headlines about a horse.
People are actually sending apple baskets, stuffed animals, and religious statues to a horse! The apples I can understand even though given the monetary advantages of the horse's owner, I'm sure hitting up the local supermarket for some fruit wasn't that much of an obstacle. But stuffed animals and religious statues, that's just overboard...and silly.
Important PEOPLE in our communities are on the verge of taking their last gasp every day and there are folks sending gifts to horses? There are people being paid to 'follow-up' on the horse story?
More Corporate BS
The telecommunication companies are wanting to create a two-tiered Internet. In a nutshell, if you have a website, you can pay the greedy folks a premium and know that your website will load promptly. Otherwise, no pay off, you are sent to the 'slow lane' of the internet.
It's issues like this that make anything longlasting and great just short and sweet. For the past 15 years, the internet has been home to freedom in the truest sense. The internet was a place of virtual equality. Now, if you can't afford it, your service deteriorates. You no longer reach your consumers, fans, etc at the same speeds. What does that lead to? Possibly losing some of your fans, consumers, ie less visitors to your website. This basically makes effective internet advertising a realm for only those with deep pockets.
And what effect would something like this have on technologies such as VoIP. Does Vonage now have to raise it's cost to cover the hi-speed pipeline fee? Without knowing how this would be implemented, will it be in affect for both dial-up and broadband customers? Will this only affect sites in the continental U.S., since it will take an act of Congress to make this a legal move?
It's issues like this that make anything longlasting and great just short and sweet. For the past 15 years, the internet has been home to freedom in the truest sense. The internet was a place of virtual equality. Now, if you can't afford it, your service deteriorates. You no longer reach your consumers, fans, etc at the same speeds. What does that lead to? Possibly losing some of your fans, consumers, ie less visitors to your website. This basically makes effective internet advertising a realm for only those with deep pockets.
And what effect would something like this have on technologies such as VoIP. Does Vonage now have to raise it's cost to cover the hi-speed pipeline fee? Without knowing how this would be implemented, will it be in affect for both dial-up and broadband customers? Will this only affect sites in the continental U.S., since it will take an act of Congress to make this a legal move?
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Sam Cassell in Purple and Gold??
Riverside Press Enterprise (registration required): "Cassell made $6.187 million this year and has said he's seeking at least a two-year deal that will garner him the same amount. Cassell has said the Lakers, who could use another point guard, are one team that has shown interest."
This is interesting to say the least. Sam Cassell has been considered the reason for the Clips getting over that hump, that lovely playoff hump. Could he go down the hallway and be the difference maker in LakerLand? Does he want to? Could anything make for a better rivalry if he did?
This is interesting to say the least. Sam Cassell has been considered the reason for the Clips getting over that hump, that lovely playoff hump. Could he go down the hallway and be the difference maker in LakerLand? Does he want to? Could anything make for a better rivalry if he did?
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Flopping Essay
Excellent essay on the less than ethical flopping style of defense that plagues the NBA.
I'd have to say I'm a firm believer in the Olajuwon-Cowens school of thought when it comes to playing defense.
There are two schools of thought on flopping. The Bradley school –which I would brand ethically challenged – sees such tactics as legitimate and integral to the so-called “game within the game.” There’s the game you play against the opposing team and a simultaneous cat-and-mouse contest with the refs. Painting misleading or even
grotesquely false pictures for the refs to get the whistles to go your way is the heart of this second game.
The Olajuwon-Cowens school – to which I proudly belong – sees basketball as a single game. It doesn’t see a “game within the game,” though it does see some bad apples who cheat. This school is baffled by and disgusted with an NBA hierarchy whose long silence on flopping implicitly condones and encourages cheating.
I'd have to say I'm a firm believer in the Olajuwon-Cowens school of thought when it comes to playing defense.
Monday, May 22, 2006
The Media
The media has long created biased opinions that influence multitudes of folks. The latest example of the media flexing it's "journalistic" muscle occurred yesterday.
Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, as they have been referred to the last few years, exited the playoffs yesterday evening. After a 21 point first half, James was held to 6 points in the second half of a game seven. The media's spin on this is the Cavs need a better supporting cast.
Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, as they have been referred to the last couple of years, exited the playoffs two weeks ago. After a 23 point first half, Bryant scored a single point in the second half. The media's spin on this is that Kobe quit.
There is no need to mention the anti-Kobe wave that has struck number eight for the past 2 1/2 to 3 years. Nor is it necessary to spit on the love Lebron receives. But one must ask, how can comparable results be so disparately received?
Lebron lovers will say that Lebron was making the effort because he continued to shoot the ball in the second half. Watching that game, I think a lot of those shots were forced. Kobe didn't shoot as much but he also didn't create as well as he could of which is about the only difference between their two efforts. But to say Kobe quit when the gameplan hadn't changed since Game 1 of the series seems more emotional than factual. At the same time, wasn't it just a few days ago we were praising Lebron for his ability to get his teammates involved, meanwhile he's throwing up shots that have no chance of seeing the twine. (I know I'm exaggerating slightly but if paid media folk can lie, surely I can exaggerate).
Lastly, Lebron walked off without the hand shaking routines attributed to good sportsmanship. Kobe did the same thing. But when Kobe does it, suddenly there are reports that he told his teammates to do the same thing. Now this information is what 'reportedly' happened, no confirmation, no eyewitness, no one saying they actually heard Kobe tell his teammates these things. Much like Kobe reportedly broke up the Lakers a couple of years back (no voicemails, memos, conversations, nothing to support that other than media conjecture). Now why hasn't the media made anything of Lebron's sportsmanship?
Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, as they have been referred to the last few years, exited the playoffs yesterday evening. After a 21 point first half, James was held to 6 points in the second half of a game seven. The media's spin on this is the Cavs need a better supporting cast.
Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, as they have been referred to the last couple of years, exited the playoffs two weeks ago. After a 23 point first half, Bryant scored a single point in the second half. The media's spin on this is that Kobe quit.
There is no need to mention the anti-Kobe wave that has struck number eight for the past 2 1/2 to 3 years. Nor is it necessary to spit on the love Lebron receives. But one must ask, how can comparable results be so disparately received?
Lebron lovers will say that Lebron was making the effort because he continued to shoot the ball in the second half. Watching that game, I think a lot of those shots were forced. Kobe didn't shoot as much but he also didn't create as well as he could of which is about the only difference between their two efforts. But to say Kobe quit when the gameplan hadn't changed since Game 1 of the series seems more emotional than factual. At the same time, wasn't it just a few days ago we were praising Lebron for his ability to get his teammates involved, meanwhile he's throwing up shots that have no chance of seeing the twine. (I know I'm exaggerating slightly but if paid media folk can lie, surely I can exaggerate).
Lastly, Lebron walked off without the hand shaking routines attributed to good sportsmanship. Kobe did the same thing. But when Kobe does it, suddenly there are reports that he told his teammates to do the same thing. Now this information is what 'reportedly' happened, no confirmation, no eyewitness, no one saying they actually heard Kobe tell his teammates these things. Much like Kobe reportedly broke up the Lakers a couple of years back (no voicemails, memos, conversations, nothing to support that other than media conjecture). Now why hasn't the media made anything of Lebron's sportsmanship?
Friday, May 19, 2006
Downer Friday
So I was talking to a coworker and somehow the conversation got into retirement. So I asked her jokingly, "If I say I'm retired and I'm only 38, will they give me my 401k money?" Of course, I know they won't but I want my damn money when I say I'm retired, not when the gubment says I'm retired. Anway, my coworker gets all serious on me and says by the time you retire they may move the retirement age back again which would make it 69 or 70 years old to retire. Hmmm, they say black men have an average lifespan of 69 years (I know this can be argued 'til the cows come home from the land of honey but just go with it now). So, with this knowledge, I came to the realization that Mrs. Xpinionated (who recently got a promotion, GO HER!) gets my 401k money later and my current check now.
This revelation led to another discussion with a different coworker that hipped me to some other downer news! Social security as it currently works provides the most benefits to white women since they live the longest. As such, the least benefit goes to .. . .yep black men. So this coworker breaks it down for me like this, "Black men are paying social security for white women for all intents and purposes!" To which I respond....."And then folks get mad when we chase one!!!
This revelation led to another discussion with a different coworker that hipped me to some other downer news! Social security as it currently works provides the most benefits to white women since they live the longest. As such, the least benefit goes to .. . .yep black men. So this coworker breaks it down for me like this, "Black men are paying social security for white women for all intents and purposes!" To which I respond....."And then folks get mad when we chase one!!!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Killed Softly -- Boredom the new health threat.
My last email of any importance came at 9:23 am. And even then, there was no action item. People are always running around at their jobs. What they wouldn't give for a free minute....but I'm here to tell you, it's not all that great. In fact, too much free time is demoralizing. I think it is spilling into my non-work life as I spend eight hours a day hoping praying wishing for an email with a task of some kind, getting no satisfaction, then going home de-energized, not tired, but not motivated....
There is an application being outsourced here whose programmers said it would take eight weeks to perform a knowledge transfer to the outsourcing folks. Thecame in, performed their analysis, and said the knowledge transfer would take 18 weeks to complete. ? ? ? If I tell you that I can teach you something in two hours and your response is you'll need six hours to learn it, do I really feel comfortable letting you take over once all is said and done? Aren't you pretty much doubting yourself??? And if you're doubting yourself this early in the process, aren't you asking your clients to have a reasonably large amount of faith in your abilities?
Do you think that it would fly if I told my next employer that I'll probably need a longer orientation to get a handle on things and I fully expect to be paid for this? So why do companies allow outsourcers to do this?
There is an application being outsourced here whose programmers said it would take eight weeks to perform a knowledge transfer to the outsourcing folks. Thecame in, performed their analysis, and said the knowledge transfer would take 18 weeks to complete. ? ? ? If I tell you that I can teach you something in two hours and your response is you'll need six hours to learn it, do I really feel comfortable letting you take over once all is said and done? Aren't you pretty much doubting yourself??? And if you're doubting yourself this early in the process, aren't you asking your clients to have a reasonably large amount of faith in your abilities?
Do you think that it would fly if I told my next employer that I'll probably need a longer orientation to get a handle on things and I fully expect to be paid for this? So why do companies allow outsourcers to do this?
Good Stuff
So we are expecting again!!! We took the pregnancy test last Tuesday and it was positive. Then we got medical confirmation on Thursday. Her progesterone levels are through the roof which is a good thing so now we hope all goes well until the June 15 appointment.
So far her only 'symptoms' seem to be fatigue and temperature regulation.
So far her only 'symptoms' seem to be fatigue and temperature regulation.
Friday, May 12, 2006
No more Eva
Okay, I was once among the throngs of gentlemen who thought Eva Longoria was hot. Then I saw her in a People magazine with no makeup on and she looked eerily like Fran Drescher...hotness quotient declined.
Hotness quotient declined further with the whole dating Tony Parker thing. Nothing against Tony except I don't like him but that's not personal....maybe a little bit....but it's more me being a Lakers fan.
Now thanks in huge part to the coverage of the NBA playoffs, Eva is no longer hot. It's like growing up near the beach, since it's always there it's nothing special. The same thing with Eva. If you see her every other night on TV at the Spurs games, well she loses her punch. Add that to seeing her without makeup and she becomes a regular chick. Nothing special, nothing particularly hot.
See it's one thing when you show Spike Lee or Jack Nicholson at a game. They are showing emotion, they are into the game, they are animated. Eva, well, she only seems to cheer for Frenchy. A lot of the time she doesn't even seem to know what's going on, or maybe that's just what her face looks like when she's lost in thought.
In any case, she has moved down in the hot chick power rankings....<- Maybe I should do a hot chick power rankings????
Hotness quotient declined further with the whole dating Tony Parker thing. Nothing against Tony except I don't like him but that's not personal....maybe a little bit....but it's more me being a Lakers fan.
Now thanks in huge part to the coverage of the NBA playoffs, Eva is no longer hot. It's like growing up near the beach, since it's always there it's nothing special. The same thing with Eva. If you see her every other night on TV at the Spurs games, well she loses her punch. Add that to seeing her without makeup and she becomes a regular chick. Nothing special, nothing particularly hot.
See it's one thing when you show Spike Lee or Jack Nicholson at a game. They are showing emotion, they are into the game, they are animated. Eva, well, she only seems to cheer for Frenchy. A lot of the time she doesn't even seem to know what's going on, or maybe that's just what her face looks like when she's lost in thought.
In any case, she has moved down in the hot chick power rankings....<- Maybe I should do a hot chick power rankings????
Thursday, May 11, 2006
On how the media works
Hip Hop gets a bad rap, pun intended. In this article from the Associated Press, notice how the title is New York Hip-Hop DJ Fired Over Remarks. Then read the article. Hip hop has nothing to do with the statements made by this dj. None whatsoever. But by simply including hip hop in the article title, hip hop gets yet another ugly mark on its record, pun intended, just because of the negative actions of this DJ. It's funny, when a Rock N Roll Dj gets fired, the type of music the station formerly employing said dj doesn't get mentioned. In fact, only when it is hip hop is the music mentioned.....
Latest ArmchairGm.com post
Here's the latest from the aspiring sports editor: Referees - A Fan's Worst Nightmare
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
What in the hell??!?!?! Why would a person leave their office to have a cell phone conversation among the cubicles and then when said conversation ended, go back into their office and close the door? I'll bother you lowlifes with my phone call but I need complete isolation when I'm not able to bother you!
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
More Immigrant
A comment I posted on an AJC article.....
I know several people that would do the jobs so many pro-illegal immigration activists have said Americans don't want to do. Two points about this: 1) It's not that there are jobs that Americans are not willing to do, it's that Americans have to be paid this thing called minimum wage...no under the table dealings....it's that Americans will not do it for as cheaply as someone who is here illegally (and as such doesn't really have anywhere to turn to should they get shafted).
2) Pro illegal immigration activists continually speak as if the illegal immigrants created these new jobs out of nowhere. These jobs were being held down and worked before illegal immigration became so prominent.
Now as a black man, I'm not gonna scream Mexican go home. But I do have a single question, why have so may illegal immigrants become so politicized here instead of protesting in their home country for better conditions?
I know several people that would do the jobs so many pro-illegal immigration activists have said Americans don't want to do. Two points about this: 1) It's not that there are jobs that Americans are not willing to do, it's that Americans have to be paid this thing called minimum wage...no under the table dealings....it's that Americans will not do it for as cheaply as someone who is here illegally (and as such doesn't really have anywhere to turn to should they get shafted).
2) Pro illegal immigration activists continually speak as if the illegal immigrants created these new jobs out of nowhere. These jobs were being held down and worked before illegal immigration became so prominent.
Now as a black man, I'm not gonna scream Mexican go home. But I do have a single question, why have so may illegal immigrants become so politicized here instead of protesting in their home country for better conditions?
Interracial Categories
So when a white person falls in love with a black person it is called 'Jungle Fever'....or at least it used to be in the less PC 80's and 90's. I think the universal term for any and everybody hooking up is. .. .well. . . .hooking up. If a black person falls in love with a white person is it called a 'Cave Cold'?
Stupidity Televised
So there are people out there who are idolizing, for lack of a better word, David Blaine. 'He's a symbol of mankind going beyond what normal people can do,' said one observer. 'He's got a creative mind like me,' came another intelligent comment.
Uh, no. The guys is an attention whore. Much like us bloggers but more of an extreme case. Where blogging as an attention whore type activity would rank as a mosquito bite, this guy is herpes. He's not creative, he's not intelligent. He basically needs it....attention is his heroin.
Sadly, attempting to drown yourself for entertainment constitutes entertainment these days.
Uh, no. The guys is an attention whore. Much like us bloggers but more of an extreme case. Where blogging as an attention whore type activity would rank as a mosquito bite, this guy is herpes. He's not creative, he's not intelligent. He basically needs it....attention is his heroin.
Sadly, attempting to drown yourself for entertainment constitutes entertainment these days.
Stupidity Televised
So there are people out there who are idolizing, for lack of a better word, David Blaine. 'He's a symbol of mankind going beyond what normal people can do,' said one observer. 'He's got a creative mind like me,' came another intelligent comment.
Uh, no. The guys is an attention whore. Much like us bloggers but more of an extreme case. Where blogging as an attention whore type activity would rank as a mosquito bite, this guy is herpes. He's not creative, he's not intelligent. He basically needs it....attention is his heroin.
Sadly, attempting to drown yourself for entertainment constitutes entertainment these days.
Uh, no. The guys is an attention whore. Much like us bloggers but more of an extreme case. Where blogging as an attention whore type activity would rank as a mosquito bite, this guy is herpes. He's not creative, he's not intelligent. He basically needs it....attention is his heroin.
Sadly, attempting to drown yourself for entertainment constitutes entertainment these days.
Monday, May 08, 2006
The hardest thing
The hardest thing to do is to step back and evaluate yourself. I mean truly look at yourself and figure out what it is you want, what makes you happy, what impression do you want to leave on this world. If you've never sat down and done this, it becomes a more daunting task, a task which I face now, as time speeds along.
Triggered mainly by my current work situation, I'm having second thoughts about my chosen field of work. Along with those second thoughts come the obvious questions of what else would I do? Therein lies the problem. For as long as I can remember I've always said I would work in computers when I grew up. Never really entertained thoughts of doing anything else. Now, this whole IT thing isn't exciting me. I go to work because it pays for the lifestyle that keeps me happy. The work isn't fulfilling, captivating, or at all life enriching.
Perhaps it's because it seems as if I've been doing the same thing for nearly eight years now. So maybe looking into some other area of IT is what I need to do. But I have had several affairs with other technologies but after the initial newness, my attention wanes...quickly.
Maybe I should just start with a list of keywords of things I like or like to do and see if there are any obvious patterns....
Triggered mainly by my current work situation, I'm having second thoughts about my chosen field of work. Along with those second thoughts come the obvious questions of what else would I do? Therein lies the problem. For as long as I can remember I've always said I would work in computers when I grew up. Never really entertained thoughts of doing anything else. Now, this whole IT thing isn't exciting me. I go to work because it pays for the lifestyle that keeps me happy. The work isn't fulfilling, captivating, or at all life enriching.
Perhaps it's because it seems as if I've been doing the same thing for nearly eight years now. So maybe looking into some other area of IT is what I need to do. But I have had several affairs with other technologies but after the initial newness, my attention wanes...quickly.
Maybe I should just start with a list of keywords of things I like or like to do and see if there are any obvious patterns....
Driving Pet Peeves
The top ten list as produced by Hagerty Insurance is as follows
I have to agree with all of them. I am guilty of probably one or two or four. Let's see: I may tailgate but that's only if you're a slow driver in the fast lane so I don't know if that counts.
I do weave through traffic but I usually get more than one or two cars up so I don't know if that counts. Plus that is also only when there's a slow driver in the fast lane.
I usually let folks over but not if they are a)in an unmarked van, typically that signifies slow driver, b) they are getting in the left lane but not passing anybody, and c) if it's bumper to bumper traffic and you have a vehicle I wouldn't be able to see around. So I don't know if that coutns
I do experience Road Rage episodes but of course that's due to other things on this list....so I don't know if that counts.
- Distracted drivers talking on cell phones
- Slow drivers in the fast lane
- Pushy drivers who tailgate
- Drivers who weave through traffic to gain one or two car lengths
- Obnoxious drivers who speed up to keep you from changing lanes
- Hasty drivers who change lanes without signaling
- 'Road Rage'
- Motorcyclists who race down the middle of a lane, between cars
- Women applying makeup and men shaving
- Drivers who leave their turn signal on for miles
I have to agree with all of them. I am guilty of probably one or two or four. Let's see: I may tailgate but that's only if you're a slow driver in the fast lane so I don't know if that counts.
I do weave through traffic but I usually get more than one or two cars up so I don't know if that counts. Plus that is also only when there's a slow driver in the fast lane.
I usually let folks over but not if they are a)in an unmarked van, typically that signifies slow driver, b) they are getting in the left lane but not passing anybody, and c) if it's bumper to bumper traffic and you have a vehicle I wouldn't be able to see around. So I don't know if that coutns
I do experience Road Rage episodes but of course that's due to other things on this list....so I don't know if that counts.
After Thought
For all the talk of a choke, for all the disappointment that Lakers fans must feel, for all the media folks who were on our bandwagon when we were up 3 to 1 and now act as if they expected the come back, I am proud of my Los Angeles Lakers.
They told us we weren't going to be in the playoffs. And even if we did sneak in it would be as an eighth seed. We got in as a seventh and were far from sneaking in missing the sixth seed by just a few games. Not only did we make the playoffs, we took the second seeded team to seven games. And quite possibly could have swept them had a call or two been made at the end of the first game. Not blaming the refs (which is hard for me because I feel they suck), just saying a couple different calls, different bounces and who knows.....and that can actually go both ways.
Kobe Bryant continued his journey to the Hall of Fame, averaging 35.4 points a game and taking home the scoring title. Included in this net barrage were 81 and 62 point efforts, alongside 27 (I think that's the number) 40 + point efforts. Kwame Brown, Luke Walton, and Smush Parker had better than expected seasons (excluding the last couple of playoff games). Lamar Odom showed signs of the impact player he could be when he's comfortable....I'd like to see him maintain a consistent aggression but at least we saw less of the fadeaway layups and more of the confidence.
I would say that we're on schedule right now with our rebuilding. I wonder if Lamar Odom will be used as trade bait for a Kevin Garnett now that Odom's understanding and comfort level in the offense has picked up. Also wonder who else we would have to ship with Odom to get a deal like that done. I can't imagine there's a possibility of keeping Odom and getting Garnett but can you imagine that starting lineup.....Kobe, KG at PF, Lamar at SF, Kwame or Mihm, and Smush at the point. SO much for double and tripling Kobe.....
There's also been some talk of getting help at PG....don't know how that will shake out but I hear Bobby Jackson is gonna be a free agent. Possibility????
They told us we weren't going to be in the playoffs. And even if we did sneak in it would be as an eighth seed. We got in as a seventh and were far from sneaking in missing the sixth seed by just a few games. Not only did we make the playoffs, we took the second seeded team to seven games. And quite possibly could have swept them had a call or two been made at the end of the first game. Not blaming the refs (which is hard for me because I feel they suck), just saying a couple different calls, different bounces and who knows.....and that can actually go both ways.
Kobe Bryant continued his journey to the Hall of Fame, averaging 35.4 points a game and taking home the scoring title. Included in this net barrage were 81 and 62 point efforts, alongside 27 (I think that's the number) 40 + point efforts. Kwame Brown, Luke Walton, and Smush Parker had better than expected seasons (excluding the last couple of playoff games). Lamar Odom showed signs of the impact player he could be when he's comfortable....I'd like to see him maintain a consistent aggression but at least we saw less of the fadeaway layups and more of the confidence.
I would say that we're on schedule right now with our rebuilding. I wonder if Lamar Odom will be used as trade bait for a Kevin Garnett now that Odom's understanding and comfort level in the offense has picked up. Also wonder who else we would have to ship with Odom to get a deal like that done. I can't imagine there's a possibility of keeping Odom and getting Garnett but can you imagine that starting lineup.....Kobe, KG at PF, Lamar at SF, Kwame or Mihm, and Smush at the point. SO much for double and tripling Kobe.....
There's also been some talk of getting help at PG....don't know how that will shake out but I hear Bobby Jackson is gonna be a free agent. Possibility????
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Bitchilistic Bell Continued
His quote justifying clothesline on another player:
He's got a bruised cheek? By cheek, he means arse cheek because he's so busy flopping. And barely open his jaw on one side....er...ummm....as part of the whole human thing, nobody can open their jaw on one side you idiot. Go ahead, try and chew on one side of your mouth without the other side moving, I dare ya.....
"I have no respect for him," Bell said. "I think he's a pompous, arrogant individual."
Bell said he had been repeatedly hit in the face by Bryant during the game.
"I got a bruised cheek here and I can barely open my jaw on this side," he said, indicating the left side of his face, "and that didn't come from nowhere, and I felt like I'd had enough of that."
He's got a bruised cheek? By cheek, he means arse cheek because he's so busy flopping. And barely open his jaw on one side....er...ummm....as part of the whole human thing, nobody can open their jaw on one side you idiot. Go ahead, try and chew on one side of your mouth without the other side moving, I dare ya.....
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Illegal Immigration . . . .Again . . . .A Letter
Well when you put it this way......
Dear President Bush:
I'm about to plan a little trip with my family and extended family, and I would like to ask you to assist me. I'm going to walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and I need to make a few arrangements. I know you can help with this.
I plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration quotas and laws. I'm sure they handle those things the same way you do here.
So, would you mind telling your buddy, President Vicente Fox, that I'm on my way over? Please let him know that I will be expecting the following:
1. Free medical care for my entire family.
2. English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether I use them or not.
3. All government forms need to be printed in English.
4. I want my kids to be taught by English-speaking teachers.
5. Schools need to include classes on American culture and history.
6. I want my kids to see the American flag flying on the top of the flag pole at their school with the Mexican flag flying lower down.
7. Please plan to feed my kids at school for both breakfast and lunch.
8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services.
9. I do not plan to have any car insurance, and I won't make any effort to learn local traffic laws.
10. In case one of the Mexican police officers does not get the memo from Pres. Fox to leave me alone, please be sure that all police officers speak English.
11. I plan to fly the U.S. flag from my house top, put flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic celebration on July 4th. I do not want any complaints or negative comments from the locals.
12. I would also like to have a nice job without paying any taxes, and don't enforce any labor laws or tax laws.
13. Please tell all the people in the country to be extremely nice and never say a critical word about me, or about the strain I might place on the economy.
I know this is an easy request because you already do all these things for all the people who come to the U.S. from Mexico. I am sure that Pres. Fox won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely.
However, if he gives you any trouble, just invite him to go quail hunting with your V.P.
Thank you so much for your kind help.
Sincerely, John & Jane Q Taxpayer, anywhere, usa :<})
Dear President Bush:
I'm about to plan a little trip with my family and extended family, and I would like to ask you to assist me. I'm going to walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and I need to make a few arrangements. I know you can help with this.
I plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration quotas and laws. I'm sure they handle those things the same way you do here.
So, would you mind telling your buddy, President Vicente Fox, that I'm on my way over? Please let him know that I will be expecting the following:
1. Free medical care for my entire family.
2. English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether I use them or not.
3. All government forms need to be printed in English.
4. I want my kids to be taught by English-speaking teachers.
5. Schools need to include classes on American culture and history.
6. I want my kids to see the American flag flying on the top of the flag pole at their school with the Mexican flag flying lower down.
7. Please plan to feed my kids at school for both breakfast and lunch.
8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services.
9. I do not plan to have any car insurance, and I won't make any effort to learn local traffic laws.
10. In case one of the Mexican police officers does not get the memo from Pres. Fox to leave me alone, please be sure that all police officers speak English.
11. I plan to fly the U.S. flag from my house top, put flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic celebration on July 4th. I do not want any complaints or negative comments from the locals.
12. I would also like to have a nice job without paying any taxes, and don't enforce any labor laws or tax laws.
13. Please tell all the people in the country to be extremely nice and never say a critical word about me, or about the strain I might place on the economy.
I know this is an easy request because you already do all these things for all the people who come to the U.S. from Mexico. I am sure that Pres. Fox won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely.
However, if he gives you any trouble, just invite him to go quail hunting with your V.P.
Thank you so much for your kind help.
Sincerely, John & Jane Q Taxpayer, anywhere, usa :<})
My List of Folks for Whom Respect has Dwindled
Raja Bell - I never realized how bitchilistic this guy is. He's a flopper Nothing ruins the game of basketball as the so-called defenders who just throw themselves to the floor a la Vlade Divac. Get some cajones and play defense! He's dirty How can you not call someone dirty when they clothesline and proceed to throw down a player? People catch beat downs on anything other than an NBA court for that garbage.
Result of Bell's Bitchilistic Ways
Steve Nash - They really call this guy the MVP? Uh moving pick anyone? Does anyone else not see the barage of moving picks whenever Steve Nash is dribbling. If the refs were to call this obvious infraction just 50% of the time, no 'career' numbers for Nash's teammates, dimes drop considerably for the Canadian that could, and definitely no MVP talk. Defending Raja? I expect him to defend his teammate or perhaps not say anything negative. But to imply that Raja may be suspended not because the call was a Flagrant Foul II (which is usually followed with a suspension), but because it was on Kobe is childish banter. He should be ashamed of himself.
Result of Bell's Bitchilistic WaysSteve Nash - They really call this guy the MVP? Uh moving pick anyone? Does anyone else not see the barage of moving picks whenever Steve Nash is dribbling. If the refs were to call this obvious infraction just 50% of the time, no 'career' numbers for Nash's teammates, dimes drop considerably for the Canadian that could, and definitely no MVP talk. Defending Raja? I expect him to defend his teammate or perhaps not say anything negative. But to imply that Raja may be suspended not because the call was a Flagrant Foul II (which is usually followed with a suspension), but because it was on Kobe is childish banter. He should be ashamed of himself.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
The Nail?
Tonite's game in Phoenix could end what many would have considered an improbable series had you asked them prior to the April 23 start. The seventh seeded Lakers head into Phoenix holding a 3 games to 1 lead over the second seeded Suns. Let's hope that 'one' doesn't come back to haunt us. The first game was within our reach and could have very easily gone our way with a couple of bounces here and there.
So what expectations do I have tonite? I expect a frenetic first quarter, lots of running, almost sloppy play, as the Suns try to jump on the Lakers early and keep the home crowd in it. Despite three straight losses, the last game was ridiculously close; so much so that it may have actually built confidence more than shot it.
The key will still be, no not Nash, he's done everything against and the results haven't changed, the facilitating by Kobe Bryant. This is made infinitely easier when the Lakers are up or at least down no more than six to ten points. After double digit separation, the Kobe heroics may start a bit earlier which could take others out of the game.
I really want to talk about how fun an all- Staples Center second round would be. But let's do what we have to in the first round before we go there.
So what expectations do I have tonite? I expect a frenetic first quarter, lots of running, almost sloppy play, as the Suns try to jump on the Lakers early and keep the home crowd in it. Despite three straight losses, the last game was ridiculously close; so much so that it may have actually built confidence more than shot it.
The key will still be, no not Nash, he's done everything against and the results haven't changed, the facilitating by Kobe Bryant. This is made infinitely easier when the Lakers are up or at least down no more than six to ten points. After double digit separation, the Kobe heroics may start a bit earlier which could take others out of the game.
I really want to talk about how fun an all- Staples Center second round would be. But let's do what we have to in the first round before we go there.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Immigration Monday
Odd thing this morning was. Last night, the news kept telling of us impending traffic doom due to construction and speed limit reduction. Didn't happen. In fact, traffic was absolutely beautiful this morning. Mrs Xpinionated and I couldn't figure out just what was going on...then it hit. Hispanics were playing hookie today to protest and boycott. So now we have figured out that Atlanta's horrible traffic is caused by teachers, parents, and Hispanics. Because if you take just one of those out...the commute drastically reduces!!
Something else odd I thought of today. Instead of so much protesting in this country to make your lawbreaking legal, why not take that energy and effort back to your home country and protest for better living conditions so you don't have to come to this country illegally?
Lastly, why do Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Do we think Mexico is celebrating July 4th?
Disclaimer: I hope this post doesn't come off as racist or prejudice. That is the last thing I would want. Just for the record....I don't like anybody.....
Something else odd I thought of today. Instead of so much protesting in this country to make your lawbreaking legal, why not take that energy and effort back to your home country and protest for better living conditions so you don't have to come to this country illegally?
Lastly, why do Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Do we think Mexico is celebrating July 4th?
Disclaimer: I hope this post doesn't come off as racist or prejudice. That is the last thing I would want. Just for the record....I don't like anybody.....
Draft Day
Don't you think the Atlanta Falcons should start sending a stipend or some scholarship money to Va Tech since we have basically become a farm team for their draft picks......
Phil Jackson
As I reread some of my earlier posts from a month or so I ago, I came across a certain post that was filled with the disappointment of losing yet another close game. It was a loss that I blamed almost entirely on Phil Jackson. I still do. However, I would like to retract the statement that he is a mediocre coach. That was more emotion speaking than anything.
For the record, I am not a Phil Jackson fan just because of some things he has said in the media that struck me as . .. . . . .prejudiced. However, the coaching job he has done in April and in these playoffs has been excellent.
For the record, I am not a Phil Jackson fan just because of some things he has said in the media that struck me as . .. . . . .prejudiced. However, the coaching job he has done in April and in these playoffs has been excellent.
Side Note
Anybody notice that the Lakers have scored exactly 99 points in all of our playoff victories...
The Dagger
(Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)
The Suns had it working. The high side moving pick and roll was working to perfection and not being called. They were up five points with 40 ticks left on the clock. But the new and improved Lakers squad of the 2006 Playoffs weren't done yet. Smush knocks down a trey. Then pokes away a steal, followed by Devean George's excellent decision to give the ball up and get the hell outta the way, and Kobe's floater/layup/finger roll thing sends us to OT baby.
Of course, at this point I have gone through a series of emotions for the past couple of minutes. Anger, disappointment, a tinge of hope, anxiety, excitement, then pure xtacee as I, watching the game solo, proceed to chest bumping waitresses and ripping off jerseys as I flex purple and gold.
Then comes OT. 98-97. We know the inbound pass is going to the FVP (fake valuable player), Steve Nash. Luke has him tied up, refs don't blow the call, it's a jump ball. Okay, good shape Luke has to be able to out jump Nash. We get the tip and even better no passes necessary, the ball goes to Bean, Bean Bryant. Dribbles to the nearside, elevates......sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss (that would be the sound of air coming out of the Phoenix Suns.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)