Hoping this was a joke

This appeared on a website about dumb newsgroups. I sincerely hope this was a joke but I fear otherwise....The Six Dumbest Newsgroups: "From Kathleen Gee:
I realize you think people who talk about dogs and cats are boring, which is your right. (If you think those people are boring, hang around people who talk about nothing but their kids. Shoot me now!) And I realize you think discussions about pet rats are absurd which, again, is also your right. I just wanted you to realize that pet lab rats and the wild sewer rats that eat garbage outside your window have as much in common as dogs do with wolves. They're related genetically, and that's about it. Pet rats know their names, come when they're called, learn to do tricks, and become devoted. I had to return early from a trip once when my husband called me and told me my rat Tailspin had stopped eating and was dying from apparent loneliness. I'll never forget the reunion. Tailspin leapt over six feet into my arms the moment he saw me. Does he sound like garbage-eating vermin to you? If you want a small pet, rats are much better than chihuahuas. For one thing, they don't try to bite your ankles when you aren't looking. I realize people don't understand, and I don't expect them to. I certainly don't expect you to now find rats adorable. I just wanted you to know that rat groups aren't all that stupid — if you happen to like rats. As for the rest of your picks, no argument from me."

Golden State 105 - Lakers 106 OT

The most interesting stat of last night's game: Halftime Lakers 55, Golden State 47, Kobe 5 points, 4 assists.....

Sign of the times

Toyota in Nascar? I don't even watch Nascar but that's not right. That will definitely take some time getting used to. Is this some ploy to get suburban soccer moms and dads into Nascar?

When I think Toyota, fast is never the first word that comes to mind. Think about Chevy, get Corvette. Think about Ford, get Mustang. Think about Dodge, get Viper. Think Toyota, get . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Camry? Even Honda has the s2000 which comes to mind. I'm sure there's a fast car in Toyota's lineup somewhere but that somewhere is nowhere near the forefront.

ESPN.com - NFL - More assault charges filed against Redskins' Taylor

ESPN.com - NFL - More assault charges filed against Redskins' Taylor: "up to 46 years in jail"

Of course, when I buy a player's jersey, not only does he change his number making my jersey an instant throwback, he now may be in jail altogether...

ESPN.com - NCB - Va. Tech forward suspended for kicking Duke player

ESPN.com - NCB - Va. Tech forward suspended for kicking Duke player: "Virginia Tech athletic director Jim Weaver suspended sophomore forward Deron Washington for Saturday's game at Wake Forest for kicking Duke's Lee Melchionni in the face during Thursday night's game."

Maybe moving to the ACC wasn't the best idea. It's like we've been corrupted by thug life. I don't want Va Tech to get that FSU/Miami reputation.....

Big Fella teaches finer points to Lakers' young fellas

ESPN.com - NBA - Big Fella teaches finer points to Lakers' young fellas: "When young Andrew Bynum wheeled around Shaquille O'Neal and dunked in a recent game, the disbelieving fans at Staples Center went wild with joy."

Really Boring weekend coming up

I'll be stuck in the house all weekend....mind has already begun to lose itself.....

Al Sharpton Criticizes 'Boondocks' | ajc.com

Al Sharpton Criticizes 'Boondocks' | ajc.com: "Al Sharpton Criticizes 'Boondocks'"

As a black man I must say this, when will Al Sharpton shut the f#%@ up? Of all the issues facing blacks in our society, he chooses to voice his opinion about a late night cartoon show which at least has the nuts to constantly challenge society's mores. This is the sad state of black leadership.....

Al Sharpton, with his permed 'trying to pass' haircut to his usually shallow causes, has done more harm to the state of blacks in America than help. I didn't see the episode of the Boondocks to which Al Sharpton is referring. In my mind, that's beside the point. The point is two-fold: 1) It's a cartoon show. I mean, really, a cartoon show born from a comic strip. One man's creativity, and Sharpton wants an apology? 2) It would be different if Sharpton had a problem with the show all the time. THe show usually crosses the line. But don't go expecting special apologies when crosses the line AND you are offended. You may have to turn the other cheek on that one.....

Funny thing

You know what the funny thing about intentional babymaking....the love is taken out of the process that is supposed to create the product of love. It becomes very mechanical. It's babymaking week, we are reproducing, not making love, not making out, anything extra is just to get the proper juices flowing.

Woman think men are cool with this but after a while you start to look forward to the next time you'll have sex with your wife because she's turned on by you and not because you have sperm.....

For the Bean Counters

The Lakers are 0 - 8 when Lamar Odom takes 15 shots or more. Read another way, when the de-facto number two option tries to be agressive, the Lakers have not won. Let's not kid ourselves, Lamar's numbers in a bubble are decent numbers: 14, 9 and 5. But it's his inefficiency and inconsistency that make him shaky as a number two.

We're 6-2 when Odom gets to the line 8 times or more. Unfortunately that only happened 8 out of 41 games so far. Why? Because he's so quick to either take a three pointer....or drive to the lane and do his infamous fadeway layups/oops call that a charge move.

I know a lot of fans are being hard on him but to be quite honest, he has to step up. Kobe can carry us but at what detriment to the team as a whole if someone else doesn't step up at least 2 times a week.....Right now, it's between Smush Parker and Chris Mihm as far as a number two is concerned....yeah Mihm and Parker are just as surprised as you are.....

Newbie at this

I'm still learning this graphics thing (can't say photoshopping since I used Fireworks) but I knew something had to be done. Let me know what you think....and if you think bad, let me know what to do to fix

Heidi Klum and Seal

So what do you change your last name to if your husband has never had a last name? It should be a rule that if you get married and you have gone by say Sting for a majority of your life, you should have to change your celebrity name to include you surname. Sting Johnson....Seal McVey. They could catch on....

That's Primetime for ya

So I'm sitting with the wife watching Lost. I'm not a big TV fan. So I look up at the TV and notice that they have makeup on. Not makeup to make them look stranded, nope. The Maybelline type stuff...ok maybe it floated in. I'll move on.

The black guy's shirt is tattered, beat up like he's homeless or, well, lost. Meanwhile, some of the cats look like they're wearing Lucky Brand clothing.

Or maybe it's the washing machines that have taken Mr. Reality and evicted him from this series. My rule of thumb, deserted islands don't have electricity or modern day conveniences for that matter. But definitely not electricity. It's kind of like that old saying, you can't discover a place if there are already people there. Twist that a wee bit (or a lot) and you have: You can't be Lost on a deserted island if you have electricity......

Still not sure

Here it is 2006, I'm 31 years old, happily married and still don't know what I want to do with my life as far as having a purpose. Destined for the life of work (which I don't particularly enjoy) while looking toward the weekend? Working for a paycheck instead of getting paid doing something I love? The problem is I don't know what I'd do if I had the option to do what I love. I like a lot of things but when I have to do them the pleasure leaks out a bit. So I don't know if I could ever do what I love since what I love wouldn't be loved anymore if I had to do it......Time for self evaluation I 'spose.

I got a palm pilot on the 2nd. The Palm T/X. Handy little gadget. I had wanted one for awhile although I'm typically not the planning type of person. I must admit it has helped me remember stuff that I formerly would forget...funny ideas for t-shirts, stuff for my other blogs (which I'm sure you are going to click on over there on the right, under the Xpinionated Webring...yep right there, now click!), stuff my wife wants (although I could just put everything and keep the list concise), and the Lakers schedule. Plus, it's equipped with Bluetooth and Wifi so it is my internet in a flash machine. Then I added the Bookworm game....horrible idea....horrrible horrible, craptacular idea....but I do love spelling!

Carter warns kids: Don't be like Kobe

FOXSports.com - NBA- Carter warns kids: Don't be like Kobe: "The criticism comes from an interesting source.

Last season, Carter ranked just behind Bryant in shots attempted per game (Bryant took 20.1 shots per game, while Carter took 20.0). "

Team concept from the cat that literally quit on Toronto...just upped and quit. Hypocrite...

FOXSports.com - NBA- Kobe may be despised, but still good for NBA

FOXSports.com - NBA- Kobe may be despised, but still good for NBA: "These knuckleheads have attempted to seize their upgraded basketball-knowledge certificates by reminding us that Jordan became a true champion after Phil convinced him to give up the ball more often.

Really?

Well, a review of the numbers reveals that in the three years preceding the Chicago's Bulls' first three-year title spree, MJ checked in with just over 1,900 field-goal attempts per season.

In the Bulls' first three championship campaigns, Jordan — averaging fewer minutes, by the way — still managed to squeeze off 1,886 shots per season. In Chicago's second, three-year title run, MJ launched another 1,880 per year.

What a difference."

Has it gotten to a sad state of affairs when I can't decide between playing ball tonite or watching American Idol??

Not the best light on Kobe, not the worst either

ESPN.com: Page 2 : It has happened: Must-see Kobe

The fallout begins

Of course, the 81 point effort will not be taken for what it was...nope...it's gotta be analyzed by experts and amateur experts alike. Each throwing their personal opinion of Kobe into their analysis almost more than the actual situation.

I was going to link to these folks but then I thought 'why give them press?' But there's the constant, Kobe's selfish. Well, Lamar Odom (the number two option, heehee) was working on an '0 for' midway through the third quarter. Not to mention his recent debacle in Sacramento. So I could understand a lack of confidence in giving him the ball. After all, he finished 1 for 7 from the field. Smush scored above his season average of 11.5 with 13 points on 5 of 11 shooting. Chris Mihm was 5 of 8 and you really can't ask for much more from Mihm. Kwame 'No hands' Brown was shooting a whopping 20%. And the bench? Combined for two field goals.....

In the long run, Kobe will have to make his team better. He knows that. But he also needs some help. I've stated for quite some time that Lamar is not the number 2 option that will bring glory back the Purple and Gold. In fact, he may represent our best chance to bring in some quality as trade bait.

The funny part about the hat...uh critics....out there is they act as if Kobe hadn't given his teammates a shot. We were down by 18 freaking points in the third quarter and he had 30 or so...he had done his part. Where was his help? It became clear to him that help in fact was not on the way so he took the game on his shoulders. He went for the 'W' through sheer will. Any of these folks stating things about hearing about the 81 on the radio and thinking 'he sure is selfish' should be ashamed of considering themselves sports fans.

If you saw the game, it wasn't an orchestrated effort like Wilt's 100, it was a necessary showing for the 'W'. Selfish is shooting and missing, and continuing to do so at the detriment of your team. If you're shooting, and making, then you are in fact helping your team. Are you helping the players around you become better. Probably not, but you are building a lead, which leads to a situation, where these other players can work on their skills without the pressure of the game being on their shoulders......

ESPN.com - NFL - Gibbs to give up play-calling duties for first time

ESPN.com - NFL - Gibbs to give up play-calling duties for first time: "While Gibbs will remain actively involved in game planning and offensive strategy, team sources say Gibbs will embrace more of a CEO/GM mentality and turn his attention even more to the personnel side -- such as the big decisions as to whether to trade backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey and keep linebacker Lavar Arrington."

81

Sometimes in life, you get to witness something special. You get to be part of history...one of those 'where were you when...' moments. Last night was one of those moments.

Bean scored 81. Kobe Bean dropped 81 points on the Raptors. Not a meaningless 81 that so many reporters and 'experts' wanted but 81 points in a game that wasn't decided until the middle to end of the 4th quarter. So all 81 of these points were against a team thinking it had a chance to win.

28 of 46, 18 of 20 from the line, 7 of 13 from the arc. 81 of 122 points...doing the math, he shot 60.9% in scoring 66% of the team's total. For perspective, Wilt's 100 point effort was only 59% of his team's total. For even more perspective, teams have scored less than 81 points in a game 88 times this year. Yea, Kobe Bean is making a statement. Perhaps intentionally or unintentionally but something is being said.

Something is being said to the naysayers, critics, and the general haters. Something is being said to the media and their 'he shoots too much' mentality. 28 of 46 is a hot hand, not a ball hog. Most importantly, he's saying something to Lakers' fans. He's saying he can lead this team to bigger and better things if only through sheer willpower. That's the message that I'm hearing...

and furthermore

Lamar not only did your ineptitude last night cost us the game, but you kept your loyal East Coast Lakers fans up to near 2 am, took precious energy from your teammates having to play an overtime period on the first of a back to back, and did nothing for the team's confidence heading to face one of the elite teams of the West on their home floor.....tell me again what you were thinking??

Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Francisco Garcia, Mike Bibby, National Basketball Association, Sacramento Kings - CBS SportsLine.com

Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Francisco Garcia, Mike Bibby, National Basketball Association, Sacramento Kings - CBS SportsLine.com: "I'll take the blame for that,' said Odom, who was called for a charging foul with 22 seconds left in regulation. 'I should have let the clock run down more. It was a flop call on a team that was dead. I gave them life. He drew the charge, that's what Mr. Crawford saw. It gave them momentum.'"

You're damn right you'll take the blame for that. 32 seconds left, four point lead and you decide to drive to the hoop. And it's not like you made any kind of crossover or move, just run straight. Lamar Odom, Mr. Inconsistency.....

Gwinnett files counter-claim in Taser-related civil suit | ajc.com

Gwinnett files counter-claim in Taser-related civil suit | ajc.com: "County attorneys also stated that those studies were not conducted on the same weapons that were sold to the Gwinnett Sheriff's Department. Another complaint was that the department was never warned that repeated or prolonged use of the weapon could lead to death."

Lots of nerve takes this. The company didn't tell us that prolonged and repeated use could lead to death. Ok, what about your own training? We have anywhere from 4 to 7 cops working on one guy. THe guy is handcuffed and manacled, so no real movement for his arms or feet. Is there any reason in hell to tase the guy. You knew he was on medication that he hadn't been taking. Why not put him in a room until he wears himself out? You already had him restrained so what was the tasing for.....

ESPN.com - NFL - Redskins hire Saunders as offensive coordinator

ESPN.com - NFL - Redskins hire Saunders as offensive coordinator: "Redskins coach Joe Gibbs upgraded his offense Thursday by adding one of the brightest offensive minds to his sidelines.

Gibbs hired Chiefs offensive coordinator Al Saunders as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, convincing him to sign a three-year contract worth more than $2 million a year. Saunders was considered the leading candidate for the Raiders head coaching job after their first set of three interviews but he had not been offered the job."

ESPN.com - NFL - Redskins hire Saunders as offensive coordinator

ESPN.com - NFL - Redskins hire Saunders as offensive coordinator: "Redskins coach Joe Gibbs upgraded his offense Thursday by adding one of the brightest offensive minds to his sidelines."

Well, this move can't hurt. Our offense improved without a doubt but it still failed us in the end....

Other stupid rules of thumb

Another stupid rule of thumb: Don't wear white after labor day. Why? Is it because the weather will get it dirty? Well, summer is a pretty dirty time of year too what with the smog, grass stains, barbecuing juices, salt water, fresh water, sweat, etc....And does that mean you can only not wear white from Labor Day to New Year's? I mean technically, come January 1 it's before Labor Day, and with the rule explicitly stating after Labor Day, I'm thinking it's a go come Jan 1.

And what is a rule of thumb? Where did that expression come from? The only rules I have for my thumb is stay outta holes you have no business being in. Other than, I let my thumb run the show from it's end....rules of thumb...we are a silly species....

Annual review

I'm about 10 minutes from my annual review and I'm pretty nervous. I had a bad experience with annual reviews. I was laid off during my annual review with Radiant Systems (shady, straight shady). So now I go into each one thinking of what I will tell Lady X if the situation raises its ugly head once more.

P.M.

Why do we said good afternoon but not good beforenoon? And why does afternoon end in the evening? It's still after noon. And even better yet, I think the world would be a bit more punctual if we said 'Good afterone'. It would be like a constant heads up on the time.....

4th quarter

Not a good start...shot clock violation...giving up wide open 3.

Add a 3 second violation...

Where we were dominating the turnover ratio in the first half...now we can barely get a shot up. Lakers up by only 4 after being up 19....

Kind of got the feeling that we are hanging on to win instead of taking the game.

Kobe Bean may have to carry us. His mid-range is looking real sweet right now.

Big board George! THis game is entirely too close given the way we played for about 2 and 1/2 quarters. Bynum's BACK!!

Lamar that just about makes up for your dismal 2nd and 3rd. Great shot LO!

Lakers get the big win over Miami....great game! Lakers 100 - 92!

3rd Quarter

Here's a stat you haven't heard from the Lakers in this millenia....Bench scoring: Lakers 15 - Opponent 3.....

Quick timeout as Shaquille picks up a questionable 3rd foul (yeah, I know me showing objectivity..who'da thunk it), Lakers up 19 with 10 and a half left in the 3rd....

Speaking of questionable calls...technical foul on Brian Cook who had both arms up...

4 on Shaquille as well as Mihm and Brown...a game without centers???

Joey Crawford is losing a lot of respect....ejecting a player for being upset a call? There's keeping control and then there's just power tripping....whatever is going in his personal life he needs to leave that at home...Cook's gone making us even thinner when it comes to size...

Momentum and adrenaline have left the building. Let's hope they just stepped out to grab some snacks. The intensity of the first half has deserted the Lakers, now it's going to come down to heart.

Miami finished the quarter strong...Lakers by 9 going into gametime...

2nd Quarter

Great start to the second quarter. Some quality contribution from Cook and Walton. George has been pretty active, if not awkward at times, but whatever works baby. Up 10 with 8:20 left...

The ball is getting spread around really well. Mihm is hustling along with every one else. Devean is a little short on shots but glad he's confident enough to shoot it. That's a bit of an issue with our second unit sometimes, a little timid on the offensive end.

5:22 left in the second and we're reaching a dangerous point in this quarter. You can feel the pre-game adrenaline slipping out of the crowd and that can sometimes cause the players to become a little lackadaisical (sp?).

Lamar is everywhere tonite. Excellent offensive rebound and he forced a foul on Shaquille. Andrew Bynum is gonna get some quality time here in the last 3 minutes of the half, let's see what he does against Shaquille.

Yeah, Bynum! Get in his face...Shaquille fighting 17 year olds now!! He should have been thrown out...

Way to drop the pretty rimmin' three!!!!!

Heat\Lakers Glog

Well, Shaquille O'Neal earned a little respect back with his pregame handshakes with Kobe Bean. I honestly didn't expect it.

With that said, Staples Center is abuzz with more excitement than I've seen for a home game in a long time. I mean, people were there on time, there's booing going on, gasps anytime one of the major players takes a shot. Got me a little more excited than I was earlier this evening.

Good signs with Lamar showing early and often in the first quarter. Two tre's, a mid range, and nice assist. OF course he would this after I mentioned Smush being our second option ;) (only two points in the first for Smush by the way).

Lakers lead at the end of the first and yet another amazing story, Kobe passed the ball for the final shot of the quarter....

The Must Have Music

I rarely go spoutin' off about music nowadays. It's just hard to find anything unique enough or good enough to spend a bunch of thought on...or even a little thought for that matter.

Until this past christmahanukwanzaamas, Lady X got me three CD's, two of which I haven't been able to put down. My favorite CD right now is Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable. It's like the rebirth of R. Kelly both with Jamie's vocal range, and Jamie doesn't leave you with disturbing thoughts when you ponder upon his possible inspirations for some of the freakier stuff. Three Letter Word is my favorite.

My second in cd command is Dwele's Some Kinda. Neo soul with identifiable lyrics, hot beats on every track, and great delivery makes this the chill cd of the new year. Favorite jam? Flapjacks.....

The other CD was Anthony Hamilton. The only reason that I haven't gotten into this is because of the previous two compositions. I can't get Jamie or Dwele in and out of the stereo fast enough leaving little time for me to get into Mr. Hamilton. From the couple of times I listened, it was okay though.....

Human Nature

Isn't funny how some people only seem to want to talk about your favorite team after something bad has happened? There are those that relsih in the failure of others. I have had more people come to me and ask my what happened to Marcus like I was on the field or in the parking lot during his recent demise. Then, when I refuse to make excuses for him, they hope I will insult him, call him a punk, that sort of thing. He was once a Hokie and even though I refuse to make excuses for him since he has been kicked off the team, at the same time I refuse to spout disparaging remarks about him because he once was part of the family........

Smush

As far as I'm concerned, Smush Parker is the number 2 option on this team. Lamar doesn't have the consistency needed to be the secondary option. Smush has the right amount of aggresiveness, range, and athleticism to be Kobe's right hand man.

Heading to Seattle

Well,the situation is now reversed from last week. Last week, we had a chip on our soldiers stemming from the cheap win given to the Bucs during the regular season, and I intentionally say 'given'. That chip led us to a quick lead and defense did the rest. Now we waltz into Seattle knowing fully that we beat them in the regular season in overtime.

Both teams are completely different from that first matchup however. The Redskins are a little beat up on defense and offense. However, they are riding a 6 game win streak and the kind of heart and determination that can keep an underdog in the playoffs. Not to mention not a soul is giving them a chance.

Seattle comes to this game well rested, if not a bit rusty. They come into the playoffs as the number 1 seed, and consensus favorite at least in this game if not to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

What needs to happen. Our offense needs to control the ball. Portis needs to keep running like he has and Chris Cooley needs to be 'first-down' huge on third down passing situations. Brunell must settle down early which means the o-line can't let him take a hit or two early in the game. Tends to make him antsy in the pocket.

Defensively, we have got to stop them on first and second down. They are near the bottom of the league in third down conversion attempts meaning they usually only need two plays to get a first down. Plugging up Shawn Alexander will go along way in controlling the tempo of this game....

I say that like it's easy.....;)

Like Jada, why?

Why does Kobe always end up hurt when he plays the Cavs? I'm not suggesting anything than pure irony here but it's happened the past three or four times the teams have met. He's either out with injury or gets hurt during the Cavs game....

ESPN.com - NBA - Recap - Cavaliers at Lakers

Kobe overcomes wrist injury, sinks gamewinner

Why is that?

Have you ever noticed that only men get questioned about who dresses them? I've never heard a man go up to a female coworker and say....'So, does your husband pick out your clothes?' I've heard this countless times. I know it's meant as a compliment but it has an underlying insult. Oh well....

By the way, I dress myself! Unless we're playing dressup . . . .

Excellent Article

ESPN.com - COLUMNIST - Wojciechowski: Two backs, two cautionary tales: "Common lives, plenty of questions for Vick, Clarett
Wojciechowski
By Gene Wojciechowski
ESPN.com
Archive
click this

The convenient reaction is to call Marcus Vick and Maurice Clarett thugs. Or punks. Or ungrateful, numb-from-the-neck-up crazies who co-authored the book, 'How To Screw Up Your Life Before Your 23rd Birthday.'

They had everything. They have nothing. Cautionary tales, right?

Call it coincidence, fate, sad destiny … whatever … but Vick and Clarett have more in common than recent photo sessions with police mug shot cameras. They share a childhood, a confusion, a confluence of circumstances that should give you pause before dismissing them as knuckleheads who deserve whatever bed they've short-sheeted.

In 2002, both were college freshmen in their home states: Vick at Virginia Tech, where he was expected to continue the legacy established by his famous brother, Michael; Clarett at Ohio State, where the Buckeyes soon would name him the first true OSU freshman to start at running back since 1943. No pressure there.

Vick grew up in a part of Newport News, Va., that was harder than the back of your father's hand. Visitors drove through quickly and with their car doors locked. That explains why Michael later used some of his Nike and Atlanta Falcons money to buy his mother a brand-new house in upscale Suffolk.

Clarett lived with his two brothers and 11 cousins at his grandmother's house in a Youngstown, Ohio, 'neighborhood' -- if you can call a ghetto a neighborhood -- where the sound of gunshots was commonplace. He ate pork and beans for dinner, a couple of folded slices of bologna (no bread) for lunch. By the time he enrolled at Ohio State, Clarett had attended the funerals of 10 friends, seen two people shot and killed in front of his grandma's house, and served three stints in a juvenile detention center.

I still have the blue no"

Bill Simmons is an idiot

To understand Kobe's misguided choice, let's first retrace the
disappointing arc of his career. Once projected as MJ's successor, the
wheels came spinning off after Kobe's ego intervened. A power struggle
with Shaq, legal troubles, some memorably selfish play ... Kobe's
downward spiral was the basketball version of Tony Montana's in
Scarface. And using his contract leverage to orchestrate Shaq's
departure was his "Tony shot Manny!" moment. There was no going back. More

So here is another shining example of unfounded hatred on Kobe. In the first couple of stanzas, he remarks about some 'memorably selfish play'. But then he decides Kobe's defining moment has been missed because he didn't play after the third quarter in a 62 point effort. This is horse doo doo. He goes onto bring up Bird's game where he took the scoring title.

1. Though that game 'is shown on ESPN classic', and in record books, it doesn't make it classy. I'd much rather have a 'legitimate' record. One where I wasn't being allowed to score, where teammates weren't fouling just so I could get the ball back and go for some record. That kills the point. Funny how when Bird does it, it's ESPN classic material. Just a couple of years ago, somebody padded their numbers (essentially what Bird and the other Celtics did) trying to get a triple double and was on the assend of jokes and criticism.
   
2. If Kobe had 62 at the end of the third and the score was 75 -61, then he shouldn't leave the game. Records should come in the natural flow of the game, and this stands true of all sports. It shouldn't be helped along by people committing unintentional fouls, playing when they normally wouldn't play, etc..
3. Funny how the media switches. If Kobe had played that quarter and gotten hurt....do you think journalistic hindsight would have said Kobe should be in the game? No, 'sports guy' (and I use this very loosely), no you wouldn't have. In fact, you would have questioned the decision for the entire time Kobe was out with injury.
4. What in your head makes you think Kobe cares whether you think he's a good guy? Sports media would be a lot more respected if they could stop creating stories and just report them. 'Apparently, he thought that passing up a chance at immortality would prove he was a good guy.' Statement is shim sham, maybe he thought we've won the game. Showing up the Mavs or not, the game was over. He's a starter. When the game is in hand, you rest your starters. And you're right the Mavs may have killed themselves trying to stop him, in fact, they may have flagrantly tried to stop him....is that what you want? So you can label some more players 'thugs'?
   
5. So people will remember that David Thompson (not even sure he has any rings) scored 53 in a half but they won't remember Kobe outscoring a team by himself after 3 quarters. Where does your freakin' hypocrisy end?

I think the underlying motive of this article is that you're not a Kobe fan. You've never written a Kobe article that I've seen in a positive light. You're taking the opportunity to smear a fantastic performance to promote your personal feelings. In my eyes, you are as sad as a Tony Mejia...whom I've no respect for...

Once again, how do sports experts become experts when all they do is pass their personal opinion as fact.........

Damn Holidays

I keep thinking the day after tomorrow will be friday but alas, no four day weeks for me for a while..

Catching up

I kept hearing about Torino 2006 and kept wondering what the hell is that. Then I remembered the Olympics alternate every couple of years and it's the white people's turn, oops I meant, the winter Olympics this time around ;)

DJ Fingers

Lejo dj - This is funny

A good win

Playing one of the top teams in the Eastern conference, though somewhat distracted with the Artest demands, it was nice to defend our home court. Bynum came in and was productive in his time allotted. And despite Kobe's 45, it didn't seem like a normal 40+ point night for Kobe. I'm not referring to the milestone he reached becoming the third player in NBA history (Elgin and Wilt) to score 45 four straight games. I'm referring to how it didn't seem like he was throwing the ball up every time down court. Indeed, it almost seemed like a quiet 45, if there is such a thing....

Fire

Kobe's string of 45-point games equals Wilt's '64 streak

Playoff history

From Espn.com
Washington Redskins playoff history

ESPN.com - NFL - Williams to get $1 million bonus if he's not successor

ESPN.com - NFL - Williams to get $1 million bonus if he's not successor: "Still, he's not going anywhere and Mortensen has confirmed that if and when Joe Gibbs retires, Williams will get a $1 million bonus if he is still on staff and is not named as Gibbs' successor."

Whizzinator awards

Funny, funny....part of the whizzinator awards....

National Football League - CBS SportsLine.com - The Whizzinator II

The Oakland Raiders: Starting with their 31-10 loss to Denver, they became the first team to broadcast games to the Navajo Nation in Navajo. "Raider Nation and Navajo Nation unite," Patty Herrera, director of multicultural initiatives for the Raiders, told the San Francisco Chronicle. "It couldn't be more perfect." Great. First we take their land; now we give them the Raiders.

Excitement mounting

So we're back in the playoffs, facing a team that was given a victory against us earlier in the season, on their home field, with a 5 game win streak.

The key to closing Tampa's season will be the overall health of Portis and Brunell. If Portis is 95% healthy and able to break off some early 5 or 6 yard runs, the field will open up for Santana Moss. If Brunell is 95%, Santana Moss and Chris Cooley should have big days. In fact, we need them to have big days. Our defense should be able to withstand the on again off again Bucs offense. It will be a matter of who can establish the run to open the pass.

Placing blame?

Just read some sportingnews.com messageboard where most of the posters were bashing Kobe even though he hasn't played in the past two games. The others were bashing the supporting cast. Here's an idea, how about we bash the single person truly responsible for the mediocrity that are My Lakers....

KUPCHAK.

Seriously, when was the last time the general manager made an intelligent roster move. Don't get me wrong, I was reasonably happy with our draft picks but we honestly haven't made a blockbuster move, positive blockbuster, since the Malone\Payton days. Trade deadline after trade deadline, and there are no moves.

Supposedly we are strapped for cash with the genius moves of Vlade Divacs and Brian Grants, but really, who orchestrated those nonsensical follies of ineptitude?

The word is we're gearing up for 2007. Well if that's the case, why don't we reduce ticket prices for the remainder of Lakers games this season. No point in charging your fans when you have no intention of producing this year, right? Let us save our duckets for 2007 as well.

Kobe Bean's Rep

Los Angeles Lakers, National Basketball Association - CBS SportsLine.com
But time passes on all things, and so it has with Kobe Bean Bryant.

Here we go. . . . .

NCAA Football - CBS SportsLine.com

Virginia Tech will suspend quarterback Marcus Vick for an undetermined number of games next season if he returns to school, two sources within the athletic department, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Newport News Daily Press.

Passing thoughts

1) Why doesn't anyone ever get a 'lower' respiratory infection? You only seem to hear of upper respiratory infections....

2) Why do stay at home moms find the most inopportune times to not stay at home??? Some of us only have an 30 minutes left for lunch, not the rest of our lives.....

3) Some days I'm alright, but is anyone ever allleft, or allwrong for that matter?

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It's a sign of the times when you can look at an 11-2 season and be slightly disappointed. With that said, I sincerely want to thank the Hokies football team for a great season.

Wouldn't it be a sad career note if the Marcus Vick stomping incident caused a penalty harsh enough for Marcus to consider the NFL draft early......?

Without Kobe

The Lakers, without Bean, looked decent for 7 quarters against Utah. I just wish they could have played two different teams. I don't know how to evaluate a team against the same opponent twice. Was it favorable, or at least somewhat favorable matchups with Utah, were they really playing pretty well together, or was it something with Utah???

ESPN.com - NBA - Recap - Lakers at Jazz

ESPN.com - NBA - Recap - Lakers at Jazz: "George got a technical with 4:24 remaining in the third quarter for complaining too much about a backhand to his face by Utah's Keith McLeod. No foul was called."

And we wonder why Kobe is saying what he's saying. Kobe gets elbowed and they call the foul on him. George gets slapped and it's a 'no call'. Until referees stop with their predetermined whistle blowing and actually make calls based on what happened instead of what they anticipate happening, expect players to a) get more physical, and b) become more abusive. Still don't know why ex-players aren't used as referees.....it's not like the current referees don't have their favorites...

Bitterness in the bowl win

Virginia Tech Hokies, NCAA Football - CBS SportsLine.com

Vick stepped on Dumervil's calf after the defensive end tackled the Hokies' junior quarterback. After the play, Vick seemed to pause before walking across Dumervil's leg.


I saw him do this and I knew we wouldn't be hearing the end of that.

Two Headed Snake for sale

href="http://www.accessatlanta.com/entertainment/content/shared-gen/ap/Feature_Stories/Rare_Snake_Sale.html" Snake for Sale for $150,000 | AccessAtlanta "ST. LOUIS — For sale: One snake. Albino. Has two heads. Asking $150,000 or best offer. The World Aquarium in St. Louis has been home to We, a one-of-a-kind two-headed albino rat snake, since 1999. President Leonard Sonnenschein has decided to sell the reptile, and bidding on eBay will start at $150,000."

Keeping it together

ESPN.com - NFL - Redskins give assistant Williams three-year, $8M deal

Gregg Williams, one of the league's most attractive candidates, and a man expected to have been courted by several teams seeking a new head coach, is off the market.

Bittersweet Bowl Victory

I must admit that I was unable to get excited for this bowl game. In fact, I was unable to yell or carry on like I normally would until midway through the 2nd quarter or so. I was, no, am still feeling the ill affects of our previous trip to Jacksonville.

With that said, the Hokies did show some heart in the second half. Some heart and some pride! I still question some of our offensive playcalling but whatever is whatever after a victory....