lionel richie's

Breeders Cup - Saturday!!!

2008-10-24T09:00:00.005-05:00

In my own perfect world, I shall be awoken tomorrow with a mostly empty bottle of kettel, top hat and monocle in disaray, and lucy pinder wearing only a sheet after my financial gains on the Friday card. In case that DOESN'T happen, and most likely even if it does, it's off to a full day of racing that makes even the most degenerate gambler, in this case, lets call him me, get excited. On to the races...

Marathon

We start today with a race so new, it doesn't even have a sponsor yet, next year, look for the Randy Marathon, where the horses will run, and I will drink. Should be good times for all the participants. For this year, really tough not to like the favorite, Sixties Icon, coming off a win at Ascot, which is plently impressive, and this field is nothing scary. I'm going to roll the dice with a heavy underdog though and try to hit a bomb with Muhannak, while I doubt the 20-1 ML stands, 15-1 should be plently, he absolutely LOVES the poly, winning 3 of his last 4 on it, and losing by a half length in the 4th. His form looks to be incresingly better. I'm also throwing Cedar Mountainin the mix who almost took a G2 at Hollywood last time out, and I always respect a Drysdale horse.

1. Muhannak 2. Sizties Icon 3. Cedar Mountain

Turf Sprint

I'm not going to overthink this. Mr. Nightlinger has won his last 5, and is won 5-6 on turf. Him getting 6-1 is almost sinful and makes me think something's up. BUT, even 4-1 seems like a solid play. Horse who is the x-factor is Idiot Proof, went to Dubai in March, and lost to arguably the best sprinter in the world by a length and a half. Only lost to the favorite, Get Funky by a length in his return race home, and was simply outclassed in his last. This field isn't nearly as strong as what he's seen. Finally, I'm going with a local trainer who's entry, True to Tradition, have won his last 2 in impressive fashion.

1. Mr Nightlinger 2. Idiot Proof 3. True to Tradition

Dirt Mile

Another race that I'm really not going to over think. Simply put, Well Armed has defeated most of this field, and is a VERY deserving favorite. Sometimes you just have to eat the chalk of the field. I have to put Lewis Michael to hit the board, as his trainer has just been on FIRE this year. ANd 6-7 have seen him either in the winners circle or placing. The rest of this field looks the same to me, so I'll go with a horse who is used to this level of competition and just ran a blistering :45 4f workout, in Surf Cat. But if anything I'm hoping to get Well Armed at 3-1 and a stone exacta with Lewis Michael. Side Note: Why the hell is this still called the Dirt Mile when it's now run over a synthrtic surface, I hear it's still 80% dirt, just seems like false advertising to me.

1. Well Armed 2. Lewis Michael 3. Surf Cat

Mile

And yet, they don't call this the Turf Mile, go firgure. We get our first look stateside at superhorse Goldikova, the filly is trying her luck against the boys, and looks to be extremely formiditable, much more than the other filly Precious Kitten, who looks to be outclassed today, and I wonder why Frankel didn't try to find a softer spot with her in yesterdays card. Horse I think with the best chance to take down the import is Kip Deville, the defending champ, and who ran over everyone until he found some soft grass last time out. Something tells me that Dutrow wants this race, as it's his best chance to have his picture taken today, add to the fact I get 5-1? I'm in. The Irish import, Whatsthescript has been very impressive over here under the eye of John Sadler, and figures to have a say in this as well. Looks like a 3 horse race, hint, hint, trifecta box, hint.

1. Kip Deville 2. Goldikova 3. Whatsthescript

Juvenile

We get our first real look at the horses who some will be running for the roses next May, and rendering it virtually impossible to know how they will fare under the big lights. Personally, from all reports, Square Eddie, is the one generating the most buzz, and is coming off a stunning win over poly his last out. Next tier looks to be the ongoing battle of Street Hero and Midshipman. They have squared off in their last 3, with Ship winning the first 2 before Hero turned the tide on him last out. Sign of his improvement or his lucky break? Too tough to tell. I DO know that Street Hero's sire, Street Cry produced Street Sense, who won this race 2 years ago. Only horse I can make a great case for is, once again, the Irish shipper Bushranger, but the surface concerns me.

1. Square Eddie 2. Street Hero 3. Midshipman

Juvenile Turf

Seems to have a lot more talent in this race, then the one before it, but 2 shippers really help that cause. 4 horses really jump off the page at me in this one. In oder of post position... Westphalia, anytime I see Aidan O'Brien, I take notice. Westy is coming off a nice G2 win, but is untested at a mile. Paddy the Pro has won his last 2, drops weight, and is a 1st time lasik, the latter of which should help him with the distance problem. Bittel Road has never lost and has Pletcher/Velazquez. Finally, Grand Adventure also hasn't lost, and has the best jockey at SA. For the life of me I can't see why Grand Aventure isn't the favorite. So I'll take my 5-1 and hope it holds. Something has to give in the clash of unbeatens, and while if I see the track showing a bias toward closers, I'd take Bittel Road, as his closing kick is among the best in this field, I don't think there is enough early speed for this race to breakdown. Don't overlook Donativum though, who is coming off a win in a 1.7 million allowence race.

1. Grand Adventure 2. Westphalia 3. Paddy the Pro 4. Bittel Road

Sprint

The race of the fragile. The best horses in this field have 3 races COMBINED this year. I keep going back to the defending champ, Midnight Lute, who has raced once this year, and it was 10th. So why do I like him you ask? I invite you to look at what he's done at this distance. Including a FREAK of a beyer at Toga last year at 7f. Simply impossible not to include Cost of Freedom who is perfect at this distance in his career, and beat 2 of his biggest challengers in todays race. I simply don't think Street Boss is fast enough. His wins aren't against the likes of these. So I'll finish my tri with Fabuloous Strike, who's only prep this year was in the Slop at the Vosburg, and missed the win by a head bob, but if he's on his game, I wouldn't be surprised.

1. Midnight Lute 2. Cost of Freedom 3. Fabulous Strike

Turf

The European invasion continues!!! Very wothy favorite here, as Soldier of Fortune has only lost to one of the best horses in the world in Zarkava (yes, I'm bummed he didn't make the trip over here. I hear he's a special horse), and Youmzain (who got 2nd in the Arc) this year. Absolutely no shame in either of those, and considering I don't see either name in this race, and fully know that across the pond they have a distinct class advantage on the grass, tough not to like. I'm also high on a previous champ, Red Rocks, who last time out defeated this little horse named CURLIN!!! Granted, it was to see what Curlin had over the grass, but anytime you beat the 10 million dollar man, it deserves mention. While Better Talk Now is a great story, as the old man (he's 9) keeps collecting checks, I can't see him hitting the board in this race. Not against these foes. While Grand Couturier sports freakishly good BSF's his last 2, both came over poor footing. If we get a random downpour, feel free to single him in this race, but on the hard turf of Santa Anita, I don't think he'll factor. The buzz over at otb's in England is Eagle Mountain who has been bet down BIG TIME in this race. They think he's the real deal, and have wagered accordingly. I'm going with a bomb to finish my tri in this one, and alert you to Dancing Forever. I'm willing to throw out his last 2, based on the weather conditions of the day. But on firm tracks, his record suddenly looks a lot better than his odds will dictate, having won 2 of 3, while losing by a neck to a solid Einstein in the 3rd.

1. Soldier of Fortune 2. Red Rocks 3. Dancing Forever. 4. Eagle Mountain

Classic

It's all Curlin, all the time. Rightfully so may I add. The 10 million (/dr evil voice) dollar man, is making his swan song, and the possibility of the epic shown down between Big Brown won't happen (btw... Curlin would have crushed him), it's still cool the connections decided to run him one more time for the public. I really didn't think they would after BB retired, not wanting to risk him over the Poly, but they did, and it's his race to lose. It's incredibly difficult to make a compelling case against him in this race. All of the overseas horses are untested at this distance, and are looking to try and catch lightning in a bottle to bolster stud fees down the line. Ravens Pass is coming off a G1 win at Ascot, while Fairbanks and Colonel John are trying their luck after wins in the Hollywood Gold Cup and Travers, respectively. The ultimate x-factor is the Japanese horse, Casino Drive, who I was looking to make a mint off of in the Belmont, but bowed out with a small injury, and had a quick prep in a small ALW race here at Santa anita a few weeks back. Distance should absolutely not be a problem, but no one really knows how good this horse is, or will be. Tough not to think Go Between won't hit the board, winning the Pacific Classic over a solid Well Armed last race, and has Mott/Gomez, who both deserve respect. He's also either won or placed in all 6 Synth starts. But this race is all about Curlin. Any other horse that crosses the line first will have to be considered an upset of upsets.

1. Curlin 2. Go Between 3. Colonel John 4. Ravens Pass

enjoy the races!!!!!

Breeders Cup Friday - Ladies Edition!!!

2008-10-23T13:00:00.006-05:00

I won't get into the new format of spreading it over 2 days, the surface, etc. You can read about that anywhere, you want to make straight cash homey! Lets get right into the Friday card, and we'll do Saturdays tomorrow....

Filly & Mare Sprint

Tough race to start Breeders Cup. Only 4 out of the 14 I can consider a throw out, so I won't even bold their names, but Miraculous Miss, Jazzy, Tizzy's Tune, and La Tee aren't going to see a nickel of my money thrown their way. So lets jump into the star and favorite of the race, Indian Blessing , she's trying to become the first horse to win 2 different BC races, and is coming into the race in top form. My big question on her is if she likes the surface, workouts haven't been anything special, but based on talent alone, it's impossible not to play her in the top 3. Zaftig is the ultimate question mark going into this race, she absolutely ran away from the favorite last time out, but that was all the way back in June, and has gone unraced since. I'd be absolutely sick if she wins this race by 4 lengths (very possible) and I didn't play her due to the layoff, the bullet she fired goign around SA only helps solidify my belief, at 8-1, she's a must play. To round out my ex's and tri's... there are a lot of horses who I can make very strong angles for... starting with Magnificience, I can't get over her first 2 races, incredible numbers and both over this track. Hate the rail, but I think she stalks and puts up a big race here. It's tough not to like a horse with 3 G1 victories this year, and if it's a hot pace I see Intangaroo coming like a freight train down the lane to be a major player. Dearest Trickski has won 7 of 8 races and is perfect over Santa Anita, all while getting 15-1, and Ventura has some extremely consistent Beyer's. Indyanne figures to be the one everyone is going to have to catch, and she could wire the field. I'm going to box 4 horses in here to try and cover my bases...

1. Zaftig 2. Indian Blessing 3. Magnificience 4. Dearest Trickski

Juvi Filly Turf

Crap shoot of a race. Almost impossible to tel lthis erly in their careers, so I checked with some people who I trust in regards to breeding, and it looks as though Consequence was bred to win this race... "her mama, Educated Risk was a multiple G1 winner and finished 2nd in the 1992 BC Juvenile Fillies. Educated Risk is also a 1/2 sister to 1995 BC Distaff winner (and Hall of Famer) Inside Information. Consequence’s 3rd dam Clear Ceiling also produced G1 1000 Guineas winner Quick as Lightning, and the G1-placed turfster Infinite. " Works for me. Saucey Evening also has the pedigree, so she's in. And Sugar Mom is the only horse in this field that sports back to back 80+ BSF in her last 2, tough to ignore that.

1. Consequence 2. Sugar Mom 3. Saucey Evening 4. Maram

Juvi Filly

I'm excited to watch this race, as we may have a superstar in the making, approiately named Stardom Bound. Look at her race in the Oak Leaf http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1zp2UrlcKU. Wow. Not much else really needs to be said. Deserving favorite for certain, but with 2 yo's, ya just never know...so with that, I'm at least going to try and find some other horses who may have a chance, albeit a small one. Van Lear Rose has improved every race, and if the pattern continues tomorrow, should hit the board at long odds. Doremifasollatido, beside the awesome name, has the speed figures to be a factor in the outcome.

1. Stardom Bound 2. Doremefasollatido 3. Van Lear Rose 4. CS Silk

Filly & Mare Turf

Fascinating race. Arguably the best on the card on either day. Talent is in abundence in this race. Where to begin.. The favorite, Wait A While, the Pletcher/Velazquez entry has never lost on the SA dirt, going 3-3 and coming off a win here 3 weeks ago in the G1 Yellow Ribbon. But in something almost unpresedented, 5, count um 5 horses are coming off G1 wins! Amazing. Forever Together is coming off an impressive win at Kee, adn 2 back beat Dynaforce, who just won a G1 at Belmont 3 weeks back. Folk Opera is a horse you have to respect just becasue of the owner, and absolutely wired the field at this same distance in the G1 Taylor. Halfway to Heaven has only really lost to superhorses Zarkava and Goldikova, Pure Clan is a head bob away from being undefeated on turf. But the horse I think everyone is sleeping on, is Mauralakana. If you cross out her last race on a soggy day at Belmont, you're looking at the horse who was at the top of every Filly Turf list in the world. While I'm not crazy about Desormeaux, this horse should have plently lef to cross the wire first. Truly impressive line-up in this one, and the race I'm most eager to see how it unfolds. My take? Folk Opera takes the lead and is chased down in the final furlong by Mauralakana, with Pure Clan right behind...

1. Mauralakana 2. Folk Opera 3. Pure Clan 4. Forever Together

Distaff

The big one. Where everyone who hasn't had the privledge, gets to see Zenyatta. She really has no equal, think LeBron when he was in high school, or the kid who had a full beard and biceps when you were playing little league. She is bigger, she is faster, and she has the most talent in this, or any other field you put her in. I honestly think on Poly she could take Curlin down tomorrow. Not dirt mind you, but Zenyatta loves, let me say again, LOVES the poly. I'm not going to bore you with the other deatils, I just hope a bunch of people overthink this race and I somehow get her at even money. But who else has a chance of at least 2nd? Put me down on Hystericalady. She'll be the early speed, and will force everyone to come catch her. She's a proven commodity, and you get her at a long price. While everyone is raving about Cocoa Beach, and her freakish workout, I think this is the horse people go wild about only to see her come a disappointing 4th. Looking good working out, and beating Zenyatta are 2 completly different animals. I'd rather side with the other Godolphin entry, Music Note. Only loss this year was by a head to Proud Spell after making a move 4 wide, thats respectable. She should also have a perfect stalking trip around the track behind Hystericalady. We have to also give mention to the defending champ, Ginger Punch, who won this race in the slop at Monmouth last year, but I think she hands over her crown to a VERY deseerving Zenyatta.

1. Zenyatta 2. Hystericalady 3. Music Note 4. Cocoa beach

enjoy the races! I'll post Saturdays picks tonight/tomorrow....

10th annual....

2008-04-24T09:11:00.002-05:00

Last year's was AWFUL, but that's my fault. As most of you know, this years festivities will be EXTRA special. Possibilities are endless. For the uninformed, this will give you at least some basic idea who the fuck these guys are. Some things I've learned after all these years on how I put this together....

1. Don't believe ANYthing the week leading up to the draft. It's not in the temas best interest so say anything. The benefit of doing this so late this year, I know I'll have at least 1 pick 100% correct, and now I know the vikings won't have a 1st rounder.

2. When reading others mock's, if they all have the same guy going to the same team... they normally don't go there.

3. Running backs tend to slip. Backs have a short career in the NFL,
so picking one high in the first round is a huge investment.

4. While not nearly as glamorous, both offensive and defensive lines will be picked heavily in the first round.

5. After the 10th pick in the first round, it is all about how well
you know what each team needs. Study the team needs and forget about
the "Best Player Available" theory. It no longer applies. The draft
today is so even in terms of talent that teams just pick to fill their
needs. Put the player in the spot that fits those specific team needs.

with that in mind.... we're off.

1) Miami - Jake Long, OT, Michigan. I feel confident with this one. Honestly, they signed him at a discount price for a #1 pick. I haven't heard a negative thing about the guy, but then again, I didn't hear anything bad about Robert Gallery when he went top 3 to Oakland a few years ago, and he SUCKS. I DO know the OL coach in Miami is terrific (he used to coach the Bolts). So if anyone can get the most out of this guy, it's him. Miami was in dire straights for OT, as their line had little to no talent returning from next year. Solid choice for them.

2) St Louis - Chris Long, DE, Virginia. This is arguably the swing pick for the "blue chippers". I think they wanted Jake Long, but now this pick is almost assurd to go defensive line. Rumors are, they LOVE Glen Dorsey, but they only had 31 sacks last year, and now, pairing him with last years 1st rounder Adam Carriker, they should be able to put more pressure on the QB. I've red they are unimpressed with Vernon Gholston, so it's between Long and Dorsey, based off of need, they go with Long.

3) Atlanta - Glen Dorsey, DT, LSU - Chatter recently that the Falcons are passing on Matt Ryan, and in a nice set up for them, Dorsey is still available. He's a force. And much like the Rams, they are protecting their first round, in this case Jamaal Anderson, from last year. They don't have a need at DE with Abraham on the other side, if healthy, this is a solid defensive line, and much needed for the falcons to start an identity.

4) Oakland - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St - Almost impossible to tell what Al Davis wants. He's given out some obscene contracts in the offseason, but he loves freakish physical specimins, and Gholston fits the bill. He would be a needed presence, and puts young talent on 3 levels of the defense with Morrison at LB, and Huff at safety.

5) Kansas City - Brandon Albert, OG, Virginia. Now the owners of 13 picks, and another hole to fill by trading Allen to the Vike's, they would have loved to see Gholston or to a lesser degree Chris Long drop, but they have numerous holes to fill. I don't think they go with Ryan, as they still like Croyle, but need to protect him. Debate over who is the 2nd ranked prospect between Alberts and Ryan Clady, but conventional wisdom says go with intelligence, and Clady was rumord to score terrible on the Wonderlic test, while Alberts impressed. They say he transitions to OT in the NFL, and that's the only justifible reason for selecting a guard in the top 5. 2 guys from UVA in the top 5, unreal.

6) New York Jets - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas. Offensive explosion. Thomas Jones was solid but not spectacular last year, and this guy can make just about any QB look good. Run DMC is a game changer and a much needed spark for a boring Jets offense. The interesting subplot here is how much they HATE the Pats, who pick directly after them. They will do whatever they can to screw them, and thats always fun to watch.

7)New England - Keith Rivers - LB, USC. Odds are pretty good you see a trade here as both the Saints and Bengals want Sedrick Ellis pretty bad, and a team who is high on Matt Ryan would make a move, but since it's impossible to predict trades (like picking players is easy /sarcasm), we are sticking with original teams. Don't believe the hype that NE is taking a corner, ol Bill struck out with his last 1st round corner and Asante Samuel was a 3rd or 4th rounder, so he knows they are deep and available. Rivers brings youth to a VERY old LB corps, and is universally acknowledged as the top rated LB in the draft.

8) Baltimore - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College. Dream scenario for the Ravens. People with purple camo pants rejoice! BIG time need (even though I think Troy Smith is a decent QB), and he competes for a starting job from day 1. I don't know if it's likely the top QB in the draft falls to 8, but I'm not huge on Ryan unlike most.

9) Cincy - Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC. Much like Ryan, I doubt Ellis or Cincy even picks at 9, but again, no trades, so be assured that Cincy picks a defensive player. They are high on Ellis, and considering he's too "short" to play in a 3-4 defense like the 3 teams before the Bengals pick, Cincy's 4-3 is a perfect fit and a perfect need.

10) Saints - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy. Again, rumors, they are moving up to draft Dorsey or Ellis. But they also have rumors to trade Roman Harper (their stud safety) for Shockey, which is just nuts. If they DON'T move up, I'd say Rivers would be their top option, if he's off the board, like I have him, they get their pick of all the corners. Scouts have McKelvin rated #1.

Top 10 is done, you still with me? The odds are good we will have some dance party usa around pick 15, so at least bear with me until that....

11) Bills - Devin Thomas, WR, Mich St. They have made it known that they covet a big target oposite Lee Evans. Thomas has seperated himself as the #1 WR, and at 6'2ish, that'll do for Buffalo.

12) Denver - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St. 2 things here, I like Denver to a) trade down or b) trade up. Not a lot of people talk about this, but Shanny has no problems trading up to get a new toy, and when he moved up for Cutler, if he wasn't there, he wanted Larence Maroney. So Rashard Mendenhall is a real possibility. But Denver's line is old and not very good. A pass rusher like Harvey is a possibility. I'll go Clady, who people have as the next best offensive tackle.

13) Carolina - Chris Williams, OT, Vandy. Again, it's either offensive tackle here or they go Derrick Harvey, since Peppers got the David Duval-itis and started sucking big time for no reason. They'll see if last year was a fluke or not before the spend a top 15 pick on DE though.

14) Da Bears - Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt. VERY possible they take Mendenhall here, since he's an Illini. But benson has them blind, he may have nude pictures of Lovie Smith or something. Their o line sucks, and Otah did a great job of shutting down the #1 DE in Chris Long when they went heads up.

15) Lions - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida. Inser WR joke here, or as the lads at ksk did so well (. But don't read that until you finish this. You should be reading it everyday anyway, it's hilarious. Now people everywhere have the Leo's taking Mendenhall, but remember the rules from above a lot apply here, RB's slip, and if everyone has the same guy.... Defensive linemen are the tits. Harvey is no exception. Marinelli knows he needs to fix the front 7. Mayo is also a possibility here.

16) Buzzsaw - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Ilini. Simply too good to pass up. Cardinals need a corner, but there is enough depth there to wait until round 2. Mendenhall grades higher than Run DMC on some scout boards, and Edge James got the 30 year old virus. This kid is REALLY good. See Rose Bowl 2008.

17) Chiefs (from Vikings) - Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson. Goodbye Allen and your DUI's and hello to a guy who is a top 10 talent, but a guy many teams are afraid of due to hernia surgery. I like Kansas City making this trade, as Allen made it clear he wasn't signing with them long term, they get his replacement and a couple 3rd rounders in return. Not a bad deal.

18) Texans - Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida. They have a need at corner, and they get the next best after Mckelvin. If this pick pans out, the Texans may be very good next year. Crazy thought.

19) Iggles - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas. Andy Reid likes drafting guys on both lines, but no one is worth it at this pick, so they give McNabb a chance to succeed. This may be DeSean Jackson, but I think they'll go with the taller of WR's for a red zone target. Rumors are the Sheppard may be history, but with Samuel in the fold, I don't see them spending a top 20 pick on corner.

20) Tampa - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas. Cue up rawkus records and Talib beats. Brian Kelly is gone, and Ronde Barber is old. They need corner help. Since they passed on Calvin Johnson last year and went DE, they may pass up corner needs to go WR, but I'm going with young on defense again. It's needed. A trade is a VERY real possibility for a team like Atlanta trying to get a QB.

21) Skins - Kentwan Balmer, DT, UNC. /Tips hat to maj. They may go with a wideout, but both lines need to be addressed, he's the #3 DT behind Dorsey and Ellis, projected to go mid 20's so this isn't a real reach.

22) Dallas - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas. Everyone knows Jones wants to add a RB and went to the Ark, so this makes a lot of sense. Jones is used to being in a RBBC (he was teamed up with Run DMC the last 2 years), and this kid is a nice compliment to Marion Jones. They need a corner, but hae another pick and there is depth there, Jones will make sure he gets Jones.

23) Steelers - Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College. Had a less than stellar senior year, but they had him at LT, he's a natural RT and will be a solid pro there, which is where Pitt will play him. Pitt needs a LOT of help on the offensive line.

24) Titans - DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal. If they had to pick, they'd want to team up VY and Limas Sweed again, but since he's gone, I'm going Jackson, who's faster than Sweed. He also gives them a dimension of a dynamic punt returner, who they have missed since the days of Pac Man. Defensive line is a possibility as well, since they lost 3 guys to free agency.

almost done....

25) Seahawks - Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue. They need to add another dimension to their offense, and TE is that fit, Keller is a lot like Captain Chaos in DC for someone who is in the H-back mold.

26) Jax - Calais Campbell, DE, Miami. Again, this may have trade all over it for a team looking to score a QB like Brohm or Flacco. By the way, we are ABSOLUTELY doing SoCo lime shots when they draft big Joe Flacco from our fighting Blue hens.

27) Super Chargers - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. Teams have been afraid of the turf toe, but since SDSC don't have any pressing needs, they replace the back-up RB with a big time talent. Think Michael Turner 2.0.

28) Dallas - Dominque Rogers-Cromartie, CB, Ten St., Just like we talked about, it's CB here for the 'Boys, I don't know if he lasts this long, but if his last name was Rogers-Smith, I don't know if he'd have this much buzz. Just like if I sell this draft and I change my name to King-Kiper....

29) 49ers - Dan Connor, LB, WE ARE... Penn St, Need a helper bee for Mr. Willis, Connor fits the bill perfectly, if they are high on a remaining WR, they may go that direction as well...

30) Packers - Brandon Flowers, CB, VaTech. Harris and Woodson are old, and they have NO depth at corner, but considering this is the division of Tavarious Jackson, Jon Kitna/Drew Stanton, and Sexy Rexy, they may not need one.

31) Pats - HA HA (/nelson from the Simpsons voice)

32) G-Men - Tyrell Johnson, S, Ark St. All time sack leader in his conf as a safety is impressive, kid also runs a 4.4. Hellllloooo 1st round.

There ya have it. Nothing to do now except for sit back and watch the fun, make fun of picks, and assign silly "grades" after the draft before they play a single down of professional football. Oh yeah, drinking copious amounts of liquor too.

See ya Saturday.....

Endings...

2008-02-10T00:06:00.000-05:00

When I was a kid in math class, I remember always being fascinated by the dot with a line... And how it went on forever. Then you had the dot with a line that ended at the other dot, and how depressing that was. I remember thinking about the forever of that line, that it went off the board, through the wall, and kept going on forever, this imaginary line traveling through the air, over the water, and through space, and I would just sit there and think about how cool infiniti was.

I say this because i was friends with Miles Davis on a long car ride tonight, which always means my thoughts are going a thousand mile an hour. While I won't go into the details of why, here is the thought for the night boys and girls....

Not knowing when that ending comes makes for a pretty amazing life experience. That second "dot", knowing when it ends, really is depressing.

Think about the person who wakes up one morning, has coffee, goes about their day, and approx 11pm, hits the powerball. Bam. everything changes. Unbeknownst to that person, but that day changed their life. It was any other normal day, but THAT day, was their first dot.

Think about the person who goes in for his yearly physical, only to be told he has cancer and 6 months left to be alive. Bam. Everything changes. That is their dot.

While obviously none of those have happened to me, you do see them in eveyday life. And the not knowing when things end, for the great, and the unspeakable, makes life remarkable.

You start your day with a smile, and you have a fight with your significant other, maybe even having to say goodbye. You do/say something that you can never take back. You wake up to a sunrise over looking Sydney Harbor, or Fenwick Island.

Every day has that infinite line, and no matter how bad, or how life changing it is, not knowing makes every day a life worth living. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

I'll spare the whole, "I'm back" for all 2 or 3 of you that read this. But throughout my life I've written to help me through trying times. I've thought since about the end of last summer this would be a big year for me, on a lot of fronts. Looks like I'm right. So this should be updated fairly frequently if you'd like to comment and see the progression and awareness of self. We'll learn together....

The Draft Day Case Race Experience

2007-04-27T10:03:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again my friends, to the show that never ends, almost literally. Where that fat, ruining of picks, hawaiian shirt wearing fuck, and coked out, I mean esteemed colleagues meet for the 2007 NFL draft.

Quick side bar about Kiper here, these last couple days he has looked like a MESS. He needs proactiv and some sunlight STAT. Also, who has the sweeter gig, Kiper or Santa Claus? Both only work 1 day a year (yes they "make toys" and "study game film", but let be honest here, it's 1 day of work). Santa has chicks sit on his lap, Kiper has TRE-mendous hair. Tough call.

Ok, so with the festivities all set to unveil in roughly 24 hours, lets take a sec for me to get my mock draft on. Now, I humbly realize these won't be correct, the draft is like setting up a bunch of dominos for a cool trick like it was Mouse Trap, as soon as you miss 1, the whole thing is fucked up. But that being considered, I'll run down some names and cock sizes (which was a new combine feature this year), since the majority of you don't know who's going where, or really care for that matter. I'm a tradionalist, fuck me.

1 - Oak-motherfucking-town - it's jaMarcus Russel here people. Fuck what ya heard, this guy throws the ball 80 yards like it was shot out of a cannon. NOT to be confused with the sex cannon though.

2 - Deeeeeetroit - Honestly? Who knows. Fire Millen is a god damn joke. I REALLY see them swapping picks with Tampa here, so I'm rollin with weed smoker #1 Calvin Johnson. If you go by what "experts" say, this is Jesus Christ with a facemask, saying he's grading higher than Bush last year. No.fucking.way. Dude is a total beast though, and should break that "don't draft a WR in rd 1 thing"

3 - Brownies - Rich old dudes LOVE white quarterbacks from Notre Dame, so this is a no brainer. Romeo Crennel is oging to get fired anyway, might as well draft the local kid to keep ticket sales up. Brady Isn't as accurate as you may believe, and relied on some UNREAL wideout's the last 2 years with Stovall and Smardjisidasddfn;a. He'll have weapons with Braylon and Kellen, who have made some QB's even WORSE than Brady looks decent. I'm not sold on Quinn, we shall see.

4 - Tampa Bay - As I said, I think this pick will be D-12's, but either way, I'm going Gaines Adams here. Lions have a raging hard on for Patrick Willis, but they need, so does Tampa for that matter, some speed, youth, and the ability to pressure the QB on the D-Line. Big time DE's dont' go out of the top 5 (see Mario Wiliams). Adams gets the nod.

5 - Buzzsaw - Matt Leinart, Edge, Anquan, and Fitz SPRINT to the podium before Zona has a chance to blow this by taking Joe Thomas. "Grades" out better than Brickshaw did last year, and OT's like him should NOT be available at pick 5. Buzzsaw protecs their assests, literally, by taking some MUCH needed OL help.

6 - Snyder's Foreskins - They have been going down on Landry recently, but a hard hitting safety who can't cover anyones job is already Sean Taylors, so I would hope Gibbs wises up and grabs Amobi Okoye, the 19 year old whizzkid who will be a free agent at 24!!! A lot of NFL'ers are just figuring out that condoms help you form having 11 kids in different states and how to drive away from the police. This kid will be signing his SECOND contract. Wow. But remember Snyder is friends with Tom Cruise who may be the only successful person OTHER than Snyder who is more crazier, so who knows.

7 - Vikes - LaRon Landry is pretty much a no brainer here. They have a ball hawk in the secondary, but have a legit void for a hard hitter. Landry knows Cover 2 (but NOT how smoot "covered 2", if ya know what I mean. double sided dildo

8 - Dirty Birds - Jamaal Anderson, not THAT Jamal Anderson, this cat has 2, count um 2 "a's". Kerney's gone, and Abraham, when not almost killing his son in the Old testament, can't stay healthy. It's a need pick, and most certainly not a reach. Now all those people who bought Anderson jerseys in the 90's are hoping to get some re-wear out of them. This dude may have the lowest total of jersey sales for all rookies. I'm excited to find out

9 - Fish - Looks like Levi Brown is the unaminious selection here. Fins need help on the o-line, and this guy rates as the #2 OL. It's a fucking offensive lineman, I doin't have anything funny to say here, next.

10 - Houston - The whole damn city runs to turn this card in, Adrian Peterson redeems the whole Texans fron office staff. They REALLY need a RB, and even with 1 collarbone, Peterson is the best they've EVER had. If Peterson is on the board, and they draft someone else, Houston will throw themselves in fornt of trains en mass. Which, from what I hear, is easy to do in Houston.

11 - Gold Miners - Patrick Willis will more than likely be gone by this time, but if not, makes perfect sense. 49ers need help on the 2nd level of their defense, and this kid worked out like he took a HGH cocktail, so teams are drooling.

12 - Buffalo - Absolute pissed Willis just went as they REALLY need a LB, Levy has a viagara hard on for Poznulskyski, but it's too early for a slow white guy under 300 lbs, so I think they fill the Clemens void and go with Leon Hall. He couldn't cover elite corners in college, but runs really fast and is a nice guy. Welcome to the top 12 draft picks!!!!

13 - Rammers - I guess it's oging to be Carriker from Nebraska, they have so many spots on their defense the levee's in New Orleans are in better shape, so whoever they have rated #1 on defense at this point will be taken, I see a run on white guys here though with a huge 2 in a row.

14 - Sex Panther - 60% of the time, it works EVERY time. and this REALLY holds true here, they have 3 needs to fill in TE, LB, and S... all 3 positions have guys who wouldn't be a reach and nice value. Gun to my head? I'll give them Jon Beason, LB from tha U. But Olsen or Nelson could be taken here jsut as easily, only safe bet is that they'll draft a guy fomr the state of Florida.

15 - Tha Burg - Need a corner, and what? A guy who WENT to Pitt is available and good? And the people up there LOVE homegrown kids? no way. Revis is the pick. Iron's all around Pitt are nervous and about to be consumed in mass quanitity.

16 - Pack - By this time I will be drunk and unable to remember the next few hours, so it sounds like a GREAT time to take Marshayn Lynch. They need a RB with dreads since Ahman Green left, well wouldn't ya know it, there is a black guy with dreads who likes running away from people. Match made in heaven.

17 - Jax - Depressing city gets some homegrown talent at safety, Reggie Nelson is the guy and IT'S A RUN ON DREADS. People across America start tokin and listening to Marley in rejoice! Oh wait, they are just smoking to be able to deal with Berman for another couple hours.

18 - Bengals - The city's law enforcement is giddy with anticapation on who they can arrest next, and it looks like tasers will have to be used with big ol Alan Branch coming to town. Branch was top 10 talent, but only decides to play every so often, so he slips to 18. Cincy needs to stop the run, this guy is wider than the lines of coke being done by Chris Henry when they make this pick.

19 - Titans - Need a WR for Madden curse 2008 VY and a return guy to replace Inmate# 320865, goes by the street name PacMan. So it looks like Ted Ginn gets the call.

20 - Gints - Coughlin loves white dudes who listen, so almost a given it's Posluszny. Only other guy would be the even BIGGER white dude Joe Staley at OT to watch Eli's ass. But Eli gets that from the meatpacking district in the city anyway.

21 - Donkeys - They are trying to trade up in the top 5 for either Calvin or Thomas, so expect either a WR or OT here, the wide outs are about the same, so I'm going with Joe Staley to help keep Cutler upright.

22 - Cowpokes - Have addressed all of their concerns already in the offseason, so these are luxury picks. Dallas doesn't like drafting offense in Rd 1, so they'll stay in state and go with Aaron Ross. Corners always go in bunches at the end of Rd 1, I don't see a reason for that to change.

23 - KC - REALLY need to draft a WR, but they've needed to do that for 3 years and haven't, so who the fuck knows. But Meachem carries a mid 1st rd grade and NEEDS to be gone by here, I'm hoping he's not so the Bolts get him, KC needs o-line help, as all their monsters have drifted into the sea.

24 - Patsies - Who knows, these guys draft with no rhyme or reason, and always make it work. Strickly a guess, but safety looks like a good spot, next guy on the list will either be Griffin in UT or this guy, who I'm going with Brandon Merriweather from tha U.

25 - j-e-t-s .... - Olsen seems like a good fit, considering Pennington can't throw it that far. Olsen gives them a threat in the middle of the field. tha U rejoices, then wonders if they had so much talent, why did we totally suck last year.

26 - Iggles - Micheal Griffin sounds about right. I'd say more, but most my friends are bird fans and would be pissed at all my iggle jokes, so lets move on since they know where i live.

27 - Ain'ts - at this point I'd be happy to be able to make a complete sentence, let alone stand up, so I don't see me celebrating the Bolts pick. Saints go with Justin harrell at DT to cause a ruckus, which NO needs on their defense.

28 - Patsies - Why does it seem like they always have 2 1st rounders.. they need a ILB, and harris is the top rated guy, so I'm going with him. But in case you're as drunk now as I will be when this pick goes through, and need a reminder from 4 picks ago, no one has a clue about these guys.

29 - Purple Cammo Wearing Fans - ravens need OL help, so I'm oging Ben Grubbs, again, these picks are boring, and my team is next, so.... NEXT

30 - Bolts - My boys need a safety, but all look to be gone at this point, so getting younger at wide out won't suck, as Rivers will need weapons on the outside of the field. Looks like Bowe from LSU carries a nice 1st rd grade, maybe Gonzalez from Ohio St as well since SoCal is so close to a whole BUNCH of dudes with the last name Gonzalez, jersey sales could sub as workers outfits. Who knows.

31 - Da Bears - Spent all their picks last year on defense, so I'll have them go with Dwayne Jarrett to be Moose's replacement. And the Sex Cannon immediately thorws a football to Saturn and fucks the USC song girls 9all at the same time) to celebrate.

32 - Colts - Need OLB, and Timmons is a great fit. That was easy. Lets just hope he's not gay, I hear Dungy doesn't like that kinda stuff.

Hope this was useful (yeah fucking right), and are able to partake in some festive beverages with me tomorrow. Enjoy the draft kids!

My Easter...

2007-04-09T14:09:00.000-05:00

Was quite a bit different than what a lot of you fine folks out there did. For the good stuff.... easter brunch is the fucking balls. There is no way around it. Cadbury eggs? fuck. and. yes. It's fucking eggs made of CANDY! AND fucking sugar cum on the inside! I look like fucking Jenna Jameson eating one of those motherfuckers. I also made sauteed scallops yesterday that literally have changed peoples lives. I'm more than just a pretty face people.

But here's the real fun. The Sixers game last night. It's the true definition of we laughed, we cried, it became a part of us. As if I knew know what I did BEFORE the game, mi madre would have never gotten the invite. Game starts out easy (I have been drinking wine all day), enjoying life.

Game is anti-climatic for the most part, save Young Buck's dead sprint dunk, and Josh Smith's reverse oop (WAY fucking incredible). Sixers played like shit in the 2nd quarter, which MAY or may not have resulted in what happens next....

FUCKING DUDE 10 ROWS UP FROM ME DIES!!!!! His wife is a mess, crying all over the place. Dude isn't breathing, it's a bad scene (insert, this is what you get for being a sixers fan joke). Meds arrive, and drag the guy, straight out of his seat, up the isle, compleltly unconscious.

To say the least, it kinda took the air out of the building.

Next is where my Easter comes full circle. Cut scene to halftime, I'm watching the Sox game, yup, you guessed it, drinking with my lil bartender from the Gods, and D calls. Apparantly someone is having trouble getting into the Lex. Who is it you ask?

That would be Mary Carey. Now who is this genius blonde who speaks in iambic pentameter, who reads Tolstoy in her spare time, that is close for solving for Pi? Rhodes Scholar? Nobel Prize Winner? No. She's a porn star. She's also the chick who ran for govenor of Cali. She was bombed out of her tree and security wouldn't let her on the floor to get into Lex. So I go and save the damsel in distress. I introduce myself to her tits, I mean I say hi. Tell security she's good, and we romp, where we directly go into the mens room where she gives me a toe curler blowjob. Ok, 1 of those things aren't true. I just won't say which. A gentleman never tells.

The rest is just boring details of the why's, the black guys yellin at her, the doucebag she was with in a yankee hat, her other porn star friends who were there, the story of why I did it, and not someone who works there. But lets be honest, you people don't want to hear that shit, you want me to post a pic of her with no clothes on..... Who says I don't love you people.....

Bold Announcement

2007-03-28T12:13:00.000-05:00

Let me prefice this by saying I realize I may get some heat for this. Anything from "Baseball is boring", "you turncoat motherfucker", etc. Now to the good stuff...

I'll admit that I am EXTREMELY excited for the upcoming baseball season. I'm not entirely sure as to why, but all of the main components of the game... being outside on a warm summer day with a cold beer and a stale hot dog in hand, the history, the beauty, are all resonating deep within my heart this spring. I have a fantasy baseball team for the first time in 5 years, I'm reding articles, the whole 9.

With this new found joy, I came to a conslusion that while I may be unsure about, for some reason "FEELS" right. I am throwing my hat into the ring for 1 of the hard luck cases in recent memory. I'm becoming a Phillies fan.

I've been raised a Red Sox fan, and the moment they won the Series a few years back will not only be a night, but a solid month of non-stop memories, culminating with a sick me counting outs and hugging my Mom after the final out, finally believing in the truly unbelievable.

The thing with that is this.... it wasn't "mine". I was forced into the Red Sox Nation with the same atmosphere as your parents deciding which religion is best suited for your needs. While there is a lot of history in that, and the stories out of the Nation that fateful fall actually made me well up with tears in some cases, I was somewhat at arm's reach from it. I didn't grow up living and dying with every season, I became a fan by proxy. My grandfather was an alter boy with Yaz when they were kids, and in turn, my family became Sox fans when Carl made the team. So while that story will forever be a part of Kwasnieski family lore, it's not a reason to root for the Sox. it's a reason to root for Yaz.

Here is what I DO remember as a kid and professional baseball. Going to the Vet with my grandfather (die hard Phightin Phils fan), going to the Dog House on the way up to the game, and stopping for pizza on the way home. Without fail, every time. I remember the give aways, Juan Samuel being my favorite Phillie (he wore my favorite number 8), laughing at Von Hayes and his nose being the size of Kenya, wondering how Ken Tkulve could throw like that, etc. It wasn't wins and losses, it was true fandom as a kid, and it was bliss.

So while the interest faded as I grew older, when I stopped collecting baseball cards, and my interest turned to football and basketball, I became disinterested in all things Phillies. The Len Dystrka, Mitch Williams, John Kruk years (and another epic city of Philadelphia melt down) had absolutely zero impact on my life. Unlike the Sixers getting crushed by the Lakers in 2000, or basically every year I've been a Charger fan. Which is why it's ironic that I lost interest after the stories came out how "tainted" those teams really were.

So while I tuned in for Cal's streak, the home run summer of Mac and Sammy, and watched the playoffs, my heart was never truly in to it. Which is why this year is different. I'm excited, I need a place to put my unbridled passion. Re-capture my youth. Create memories. I need something thats "mine" (like the Chargers and Sixers are). So I stumble upon a team with young stars and a rabid fan base awaiting something to grasp on to. I read all the great things about their players, Aaron Rowand giving everything on the field, I read this about Ryan Howard (http://articles.phillymag.com/articles/ryan_howard_is_not_a_creep_a_cheat_a_liar_or_a_fraud/ ), and it hits me. All of this is SUPPOSED to happen.

So Phillies, you've gained a fan. While 1 of my deeper regrets was not repaying my grandfather by taking him to the new Citizens Bank park, with his son, 3 grandchildren, and great grandchild, as we discussed, before his death last year. I can do it post mordum. I can be along for the ride, no matter where it takes me. I can rekindle the joy I had as a kid. I can re-live memories with friends and family. I can love a sport that brought me in to all the other sports avenues all over again. I can be a fan, and make it truly mine.

Lets play ball......

Real.

2007-03-23T09:21:00.000-05:00

Ok, look, I know. I should have just re-named this blog "All things Gilbert", or something to that effect. But do yourself a favor and read this http://www.nba.com/blog/gilbert_arenas#070322_01 (yes I didn't do all the cool little html code, just read it).

Yes, there are grammar mistakes, it's a little long, but it's easily the most refreshing thing an athlete has said in quite some time. I could not agree more with everything written.

What he is conveying is what each and every one of us strives for in life. To be able to laugh at yourself, have fun, and recapture a youthful exuberence we all aspire to achieve. We always long for the days when we were young, and could go out and be silly. Gilbert IS doing that.

It's the reason I enjoy going to sporting events so much. It's ABOUT that moment, that temporary reprieve from the world's realities. I want to laugh, joke, be with friends, cheer, boo, and see things not many can do. I know they may be over paid, and it's just a big business. But when you look inside of all of that, every so often, you find someone like Gilbert Arenas. it's refreshing, it's honest, it's everything YOU would do if given that same chance.

He connects with the every day fan, and it's a vital reason why he has becomed loved by the likes of myself, and the "younger" "blogger" generation. He may not be a "hero" by definition, but you sure can do worse than a guy who is a great father, loves living life, smiles, enjoys other company, and accomodates his fans.

We all have a tendacy to make life a bit too hard sometimes, I fall victim often myself. Then you read the thoughts from someone, albeit one in a different place in life, and it puts things in perspective. From counting blessings, remembering how great life is, to stopping and just smile every once in awhile. Gil's blog may as well be a mission statement to what sports, and why we watch, is all about.

Go out there and laugh kids. Enjoy the ride.

Millennium Pong

2007-03-22T09:53:00.001-05:00

Um.... fuck and yes! This is EVERYTHING that is right with drinking. Game was Beirut, EASILY the greatest drinking game man has created. They used 1000 cups! This truly is the Lord's work. Only thin that is a let down of this video is the fact that HOW DO YOU NOT SHOW THE FINAL SHOT!!!! After 999 makes, you HAVE to show that. That guy deserved his due glory. I miss college, however brief it lasted.

Yes, I know I'm pussing out by just posting youtube videos. Get over it. This has been some quality shit.

What better fitting way to come back

2007-03-20T12:31:00.001-05:00

I've been so pre-occupied with bullshit, LR has taken a backseat. To come back, I've found the PERFECT youtube vid.

Josh Smith EASILY would have had the dunk of the year here (much like how much riveting content I would have posted since I've been gone).

Josh Smith is in my top 5 players in the NBA. No, thats not a typo. If I'm starting a team, I go with Steve Nash, Amare, and Josh Smith. Those 3 guys win you a title this year.

Hopefully I'll be back with a vengence here now. Key word... I hope....

Are you kidding me???

2007-01-25T13:46:00.000-05:00

There are things that happen in life that truly baffle me, out first example is

this .

A couple quick points here, as I have a much bigger fish to fry for example #2. And this may be easier to wrap my brain around. But, are you fucking serious? This auction, at time of posting is over 2000, to PAY a girl, to use YOUR superbowl ticket. WHAT?!?!?! I'd like to write something to make some semblence of sense of this, but I'm unable. You stay classy, Sarah Spain.

Now, as most of you know, I'm not 1 to be all serious all the time, but if you haven't read

this yet over at the world wide leader, please do

The injustice at this is down right maddening. When you see so. many. cases. of people who CLEARLY broke the law, and get off scott free, then read something like this, if it doesn't make your blood boil, I'm not sure what to say.

I have, with no doubts, believe that if this gentleman was white, he wouldn't have even been within a 10 mile radius of jail. Let alone serve 10, of the most influential years of his life, trapped in a jail cell. While there are people who have gotten behind this young man, with far more money, power, resources, etc than I (Mark Cuban being the one to come to mind). I CAN help spread the word, and try to induce change. Even if "change" comes in the form of spreading a message. How bad inequalities spread, and how crazy our nation can be.

So while it may seem frivolous, you can at least make your voice known by

clicking here to sign your name

Costa Rica is starting to look, more and more, like a legit option for me.

Greatness...

2007-01-17T13:02:00.000-05:00

While it may have become apparant that there are some people I throughly enjoy reading on here, I have somewhat faded on Bill Simmons, his ideas have become tired and he is basically mailing it in until his contract expires with espn.com, but every once in awhile he nails it. Today was one of those days, everyone, please read

this in it's entirety

The only thing that pissed me off about it was the fact he stole my thunder on the Ok St-Texas game last night, which truly was an amazing basketball game. As Chubs and Last Card can attest to, as I blew up their cell's with txt's of every update.

A couple things of note from at least my standpoint, which is tough to distuinguish after Simmons puts 2000 words on it. I actually had a chance to watch both of these teams on consecutive nights. Suns were at Memphis, and I got lucky and caught the last 2 minutes of regulation and all the OT's in the Texas/Ok St game.

He isn't all the way correct in his synopsis of dominating players in sports, granted, he nailed Tiger and Federer, there are 2 kids who are doing things in the NHL right now that are unworldly, in Sid Crosby and Ovechkin. I'd also at least debate the fact that what Tomlinson did this year was without equal in the football realm. So while we may not be ALL the way there, it's at least worth noting that is just may be a time of change, and the players are in position.

He is absolutely spot on with Kevin Durant. Wow. It's basically all you can say in regards to his abilities with a basketball in his hands on a court. You get the feeling while watching him that you know he is only scratching the surface to what he can do, and do it with regularity, but what he CAN do now is breathtaking. They forced him left last night, and it didn't phase him at all, he was seen joking on the sidelines throughout the whole game, totally oblivious to the pressure. Nailed big shots, and was effortless in any and all that he did. I'll reserve who should go number 1 until I see Greg Oden actually play with a HEALTHY right hand (remarkable he's done so much with his predominant hand being hurt). But lets just say they are 1a and 1b, and as a Sixer fan? I could NOT be more excited to watch the majority of their career in person, if we luck out.

In regard to the Suns, I've always had a place in my heart for Amare, he is just a fascinating indivdual, and it shows through his game. He is a marvel to watch, but confusing at the same time. His off court persona reflects that as well. To be blessed with all this talent, and uncertainty, to injury, to domination, it's a career, albeit brief, that has been a roller coaster ride from the beginning. But he is the main reason why Phoenix is at another level right now, they took the Suns team that changed EVERYONES view in 2005, with the Suns team in 2006 (sans Amare), and combined them this year to create something unparalled in basketball history.

I don't doubt that the Texas/Ok St game will be on a "Instant Classic" on espn soon. It had everything you could ask for as a fan. Terrific environment for a college game, equally matched teams playing at the height of their game, and ends with a last second game winner. Take into account how many times do you see a college game have both teams finish in triple digits, have the guy who sank the game winner in the 3rd OT go for 36 points 20 rebounds, and the guy with the most talent on the court, hit clutch shot after clutch shot, and go for 37 points and 11 rebounds in a LOSING effort. There were defensive stops when needed, clutch shooting, sub-plots, a coach nearly passed out, it's described the essence of why I love the game of basketball.

So read Simmons, start watching the Suns, and not only catch the replay of the Okie St Longhorn game, but start to get excited for a new era in sports. It's been overdue. Just thank we while you're enjoying the ride.....

Again....

2007-01-16T13:03:00.000-05:00

While I'm not going to druge up a bunch of the game scenarios that happened last sunday night, I'll tell you what happened AFTER the game, in a feeble attempt to forget about the monstrosities that just occured, i started drinking liquor until the game didn't matter as much any more, which was all fine and good until my liver realized I hated it. So it decided to tag team with my stomach and declared war.

A GMC Yukon was the innocent bystandard for the new found rage, so it retreated to the side of the road so I could continue this battle against myself.

The next 1 hurt was my LT jersey, where it is now in critical condition soaking in a bathtub from massive damage. The other casualty was a t-shirt that lay dead on arrival. My cell phone only suffered minor injuries and was released the next day.

This was not the only battle that I suffered through as a result of my fandom for the beloved Chargers. While resting comfortably in my own bed, nursing my battle wounds, I decided to reward all the hard work my kidneys performed. While making that pilgrimmage, my floor decided it was the time to strike. It cleverly placed an object in front of my feet, forcing me down to it's level quickly. The resuly was a minor black eye, and the weapon of choice of the carpet, the dreaded rug burn.

fucking chargers.

THE Ohio St / Florida game, LIVE...

2007-01-08T19:48:00.000-05:00

Ok, I can't believe it's been like 40 days since OSU has played a meaningful football game, how the hell does that make any damn sense? This is almost the national championship for 2007, as OSU just dominated 2006. As soon as they beat Meeeeeee-chigan, that was pretty much the tits at that point, and the season was over. But alas, we now have an "extra" game, and since there isn't shit else on tonght, lets live blog this out, see what happens....

8:03 - We are LIVE from casa de King. We are finishing off a bottle of cianti, and the 1st of what will more than likely be upward of 300 "24" commercials just came on. Jack Bauer may as well do color comentary for the game as many times he will be on TV tonght.

8:05 - The highlights of yesteryear are using the same music as the Sixers use pre-game with clips of their last NBA championship.

8:07 - The crew for the pre-game? Some no name playing the part of James Brown, they have Jimmie Johnson in there, and Eddie George and Emmitt Smith. Forced much? Jesus, why try to make a rivalry out of OSU-UF that doesn't excist?

8:08 - I'll admit it. The cursive "Script Ohio", that the OSU band does is pretty impressive, and damn cool.

8:10 - Should be a lot of talent that will be playing on Sunday's in this game. While it doesn't have the "star power" as the USC/Texas last year, it's only becasue a lot of the talent is young. From OSU's defense, to Tedd Ginn. From UF's speed, speed, speed. The Tebow's, the WR's, and the LB's are all freshmn and soph's, so no one just no one knows them yet. But we will. Lotsa future millionaires out there tonight for certain.

8:16 - Prediction? I don't see how UF stays within double digits. I think this whole "speed" thing has pissed off the Buckeyes, and Chris Leak isn't even in the same league as Troy Smith for playing in big games. Smith always makes 1 "big play", Leak makes 1 dumb play. That right there is the difference in this 1 me thinks...yes, I'm also hoping that we get some Gator Co-Eds on screen tonight just like the rest of the world. If they don't? Then the terrorists have won.

8:25 - Ok, 1st hilarious moment, hopefully of many.... when UF came out of the tunnel, this old man got damn ran over, all he could do was throw his arms in the air and panic. Much like Eli Manning in any football game. Good times...

8:28 - Who in the freaking hell is in the booth for well, arguably the biggest college football game of the year. Fox really shit the bed in getting BCS rights, they don't have nearly anyone to fit the bill. Barry Alverez was a solid coach, doing a fine job as AD for Wisky, but in the booth? ugh. Hey, at least it's not Joey Theeesmen though.

8:33 - Kick Off. Jesus it must be nice to live on the west coast. By the time this game is over, it's past last call. I hope I have enough wine...

8:34 - Well that was fast. As I said, that Ginn kid may just turn out to be a decent ball player, oh yeah, does UF still want to talk about speed?

8:35 - I'm fairly certain unless the gators score a td here, Ginn wins MVP and tOSU wins the national championship. Sometimes you just kinda know....

8:40 - Florida decided to at least show up, how cute. Here comes Tebow... no pressure here freshman. Why in the hell would Meyer fuck up the rhythem his offense his offense has now? And on cue... Tebow for 8 yards up the middle. I guess thats why.

8:42 - Everyone who bet the under has already ripped up their ticket and are starting to drink. Heavily. Baker for the TD, dangerously close to getting picked, but great pass from Leak.

8:49 - Troy Smith almost tears his ACL, he looks fine. Florida forces a 3 & out and have GREAT field position once again. Nice job by them keeping their poise from that 1st shot in the mouth.

8:54 - I've seen 3 plays and roughly 8 commercials. 3 plays in 12 minutes, no I'm not pissed or anything.

8:55 - BOOM! Percy Harvin is crazy quick, but got straight planted on that one where he lined up under the gun. Remember his name though folks.... kid has game.

8:56 - Big 3rd down here for both teams, tOSU needs to stop the momentum, UF needs to capitalize on the field position

8:57 - Another great throw by Leak. That's Meyer's system, rolling the pocket, and crossing routes, Leak nailed both of them flawlessly. 1st and goal at the 7....

8:58 - Percy harvin makes me look like a guru as he uses nothing but speed to get into the endzone and it may be 42-35 halftime at this rate....

9:00 - check that, he's down at the 1. Sets up another big 3rd down....

9:01 - double reverse, the downside to live blogging this... TD stands. And I'm a genius again, well at least until the next prediction

9:06 - Tedd Ginn limps to the locker room.... um....... that kinda changes the game a lil.

9:07 - Troy Smith gets sacked for a loss of 96 yards, and Derrick harvey the guy that just ran him down from behind (very impressive), and also has 2 sacks tonight, is down holding his knee. Honestly, from troy Smith almost going Mcgahee on us, to Ginn, to now Harvey, can we please just call this game and not ruin their careers?

9:11 - It's like bizarro world. Smith just threw the ball to no one in particular, and it gets picked off. Now Leak is out there like Tom Brady hitting wide outs all over the field, he's like 7 for 7 80 yards. All this, and there is still 2 minutes to go in the 1st quarter....

9:13 - 8 for 8 for roughly 100 now. Can I take back my vote for MVP since my guy is currently getting fellated in the locker room?

9:15 - 8 different guys have touched the ball on the offensive side of the ball for the Gators, impressive playcalling. I'll give you Leak's offical stats when I can, but they will be impressive, ANOTHER solid playcall by Meyer with that reverse, with all that speed you alsmot have to over persue and over commit, it's now 1st and goal... and Leak throws it away in a good decision. Not a bad 1st incompletion

9:17 - Tebow enters the game for the Brandon Jacobs, Marion Barber role, he gets to the 2. it's kinda funny, the white guy runs and the black guy passes. Hell of a combo they have going though. 14-7 Gators and it hasn't even been that close.

9:21 - That sound you hear are people jumping off the Buckeye bandwagon.

9:23 - 1st shot of the student section for UF, and it she had a chin like Abraham Lincoln, my lord she looked like the wicked witch of the west in the Wizard of Oz. Joakim Noah is a better looking girl than she is.

9:24 - Dumb penalty for Florida, now OSU has 1st and 10 at the 38, just compounded a big play by Troy Smith. Still no Ted Ginn.

9:27 - TD Pittman, the one that DOESN'T beat his wife for those of you not familiar with college and just watch the pro's. 35 points total in 16 minutes, my lord.

9:31 - tedd Ginn returns from the locker room, and my MVP pick from 10 seconds in to the game is making his Bernard King return. He just wanted the sympathy votes as well. I wouldn't change my bet. I know who WON'T win it... the defensive cordinators. Brutal.

9:34 - Gator Cheerleaders... still not impressed.

9:40 - Nice job by tOSU defense to force a stop. It's been a great game thus far especially by Florida. Already better then all 4 games played last weekend in the playoffs, ok the Eagles/Giants game looked to be played at a fairly high level, but I was also drunk.

9:44 - My MVP is on the sidelines, but not playing. I'm still holding out on him coming in for an 80 yard TD to win he game and thus wrapping up my MVP choice.

9:48 - I'm starting to think there are more commercials being shown tonight than the Superbowl. I've seen the rock em sock em robots about a half dozen times. Only reason I haven't clawed out my eyes? They don't sing.... this is ourrrrrr country". Fuck. That. Song.

sideways.

9:50 - The defenses have finally lost the deer in the headlights look, and the defensive lines are starting to move the line of scrimmage. The people who bet the under are too drunk by now to notice.

9:52 - Percy Harvin = Speed. It's like he's constantly being chased by a large animal with big teeth.

9:57 - Kicker for UF's last name is Ihaus I believe. If he starts smashing pumpkins and hangs with a bald white guy (much like Gonzalez) We'd have a new leader in the clubhouse for funniest moment of the night.

10:00 - Tressel panic's at the disco goign for it on 4th down form his own 30, and well, that didn't go so well. florida can really break this open going into halftime here. They also get the ball to open the 2nd half.

10:01 - The booth just referenced Waiting to Exhale. I'm being serious. Do they really think a lot or 30ish year old black women are watching this game? I'm speechless to how damn crazy that was. As I"m sitting in disbelief, the kicker for UF puts another one through the uprights, not a nail in the coffin that a TD would have been, as it's still only 13, but points none the less. You have to feel pretty good right now holding a ticket with UF on the moneyline or the over, well we already knew the over. Go ask the guy standing on a bridge right now with his under bet.

10:08 - now THAT will just about do it, until my MVP Ginn has a 3 TD 2nd half. Gators defensive line is all kinds of quick and relentless, forcing a fumble. Gators 1st and goal from the 5 to just about end this with a TD.

10:11 - the booth announcers are absolutely clueless as to the time line to this game. I'm drinking and have a better grasp.

10:12 - TD Gators. And um, I REALLY wish I was in Gainesville tonight.

10:13 - They have put 34 points on the freaking Buckeyes. In the first half. Um, wow. I'd like to take this time to acknowledge that I realize my picks for the bowl games were a little less then steller (I think I only won 1, including saying something along the lines that OSU would roll here, etc). Let me say I was out of the college gambling circuit for the first time in many years this season. warrants mentioning. The lesson? I'm an idiot.

10:16 - halftime. I'm switching to Dogfish. I have a feeling this blog will get cut short due to the score and we not really wanting to watch rock um sock um robot commercials, mentally challenged gentlemen calling the game, and having no rooting interest.

10:28 - Ok, for fuck sake, it's not going to be until God knows when to start the second half. I'm sure as shit I'm not live blogging for 4 hours tonight. If the game picks back up, we'll re-join this clusterfuck. If not, congrats to the Gators, that was an absolute ass whopping no one saw coming.

Boise St for National Champs!!!!!

The impossible...

2007-01-03T00:50:00.001-05:00

This is for ll the saps who went to bed and missed 1 of the truly epic 4th quarter and overtimes ever. While I'll give the nod to Vince Young in the Rose Bowl last year as having the greatest individual peformance ever, due to the stage, the build-up, and the "moment". Nothing, I mean NOTHING was more exciting than watching all of these events unfold.

It defines the essance of why we watch sports. How some drama's can not be scripted, but just have to be unfolded through life, and the moments it creates for us. From (in order) Boise St just straight giving OU the business for 3.9 quarters, only to see it slip away in the arms of a Pick 6 to a corner for OU who has overcome knee and shoulder injuries his first 2 years as a Sooner. To the truly magical hook and ladder play, that ranks up there with any play you wll ever see. To watching Adrian Peterson run through any dreams they may have had in OT, to then a former walk-on WR throwing the game winning TD on 4th and 2. Then, lastly, EASILY the sweetest, ballsiest, and well jesus, did you SEE that Statue of Liberty play? I was speechlees.

Then in the midst of all the excitment, Ian Johnson proposes to his girlfriend (thanks for ruining it Chris Fowler, you dick) in front of all the euphoria, cameras, and a world wide audience.
It's what makes life so damn cool sometimes.....

Yes, all of these things actually happened...

2007-01-03T00:17:00.000-05:00

To try and recover from the mood of the last post, I'm going to skip all of the stuff about Bob Knight breaking Dean Smith's record, a day of bowl games, the NFL playoffs, etc. and go straight to some things that truly can only be dreamed about by males 13 and up, and some choice females as well... behold my friends, we have found some moments in time that will have our brains occupied for a longgggg time.....

Yeah, thats a USC song girl um, well, yeah, I'll just repeat the begining of my sentence, this is a USC song girl. Feel free to watch the video clip of this if you don't believe this went down at the Rose Bowl yesterday after the jump...

Um, I'm not quite sure how to put this, as I realize that I was drinking well, a mini-bar worth of stuff the last couple days, but this is Jessica Alba. Playing Football. In a bikini. Things like this are proof, of well, everything that is good with life. Like I'm even going to ask, but if you would like to see the rest of the photos, really, who DOESN'T, hit the comments after the jump.

Senseless...

2007-01-02T23:30:00.000-05:00

I wanted to wait until at least some detail was released about Darrent Williams death. I saw this picture today and it just makes everything that much more real. I truly can't comprehend what it must be like for Javon Walker, who held his friend as he died from a single gunshot wound to the neck after being involved in a drive by shooting. To imagine how many sleepless nights await, to never really being able to get over trauma such as that. It saddens me to know how many others die like Darrent Williams did for no real reason at all. How there are now 2 young boys in this world without a father for the rest of their lives. And to think about how many more boys and girls have lost thier Mom or Dad from being in the war or senseless acts such as these.

It also brings on to us a new age of the sports world that has become a reality. There were never stories of Mickey Mantle being stabbed during his nightly bar hopping adventures in the Big Apple, or Joe Namath being jumped visting as many soriority houses east of the Mississippi, tragically, it's become a common occurance. Paul Pierce being stabbed, Ken Hamlin being jumped last year, Joey Porter being shot, and now this. While I'm not going to speculate to gun laws, or mentalities of the youth and the glamorizing of violence, it has to be noted that what is hapening right now should serve as a wake up to the bed that we have made. The reality that we live in right now is downright scary, and the risk involved today is at an all time high.

Hopefully this won't just be another story that gets buried as all too many do, and some semblence of light can be taken from an otherwise horrific nightmare for the Williams family, friends, and countless others that this young man has touched in his life. That the lessons we DO learn go to serve a greater purpose, and the memory of Darrent Williams was not in vain, rather one that sparked a change for a greater good.

Resolutions...

2006-12-29T15:48:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again, where we make half hearted promises to better ourselves and contribute to the overall yummy goodness of man-kind. While putting realistic expectations on how my 2007 will unfold, I"d at least like to assemble a rough draft to help me in times of crisis.

1) Go to the beach more - Let's get some facts together on this 1, you have co-ed's freash from college, bars every block, and them either wet or frolicking in sand, all while being half naked. Why exactly I don't LIVE down there should be more of a question. Regardless of the "why's", lets just say I'll more than likely be tan by July 1.

2) Run - Being fat and wearing that leopard spandex my grandmother gace me for Christmas doesn't exactly bode well to sweep all the festive females listed in resolution #1. While going with the tried and true method of pouring rum infused drinks down their throat always seems to work, I'm going high class this year. Besides, I can't be drunk all summer, or can I.....

3) Drink More - I'll spare you the whole drink more beer, fish live in it, and the whole when you drink you sleep, when you sleep you don't sin, you don't sin you go to heaven non-sense, and cut to the facts. Drinking is fun. Not in just the obvious ways, but be honest, people are easier to tolerate while looking through hazy eyes and improper grammer. Which is better? Being the one who IS drunk, or taking car of someone drunk? Yup, drinking wins in a landslide. By the way... it's $2 to ride the ocean city drunk bus all day and night. So bloddy marys in the morning to Orange Crushes in the afternoon, and Yager Bombs til last call are all realistic possibilities. I may either meet 1000 people this summer, get laid a dozen times a month, and run a tab at both the Green Turtle and Birth Control Clinic while buying stock in Penacilin. Ok, maybe all of them

4) Learn to Surf - Tell me how many times you've said, "damn, that freaking looks like a blast". Or, "Jesus Christ she's hot, I bet she'd dig me if I surfed." Both are sure fire winners. Odds of me injuring myself? About even money.

5) Appreciate - Not to end this is some meloncholy puff piece, but I am blessed with great friends, a solid support ground, and an all around great life. I'm fortunate beyond my wildest dreams. Be mindful of that, and help others in any way I can to help, at least a little, of all the cool things I have, and am able to do.

So go live it up kiddies. There is always a girl out there who is spending her first new years alone after coming off a long term relationship. To the girl who bought a special dress and shoes and just WANTS to get noticed, to.... well jesus, what else do you want, it's like shotting fish in a barrel this weekend. If you're into drinking, getting laid, and hugging strangers, and really, who ISN'T? Be safe out there, I'll see you all back in 2007. Lots of great stuff in store here at the lr.

MVP of the L, Gully in tha Streets

2006-12-28T13:25:00.001-05:00

While Gil is continuing the takeover, go ask Kobe, or Nash, or well anyone that Agent Zero is straight murderin right now. Here's how Gil keeps the entire city behind him.

PLEASE check out the special appearance of CR's own, and Krista King's ex boyfriend L Profit. There really isn't anything this video doesn't have.

And yes, I'm just as shocked as you that a) LP is still alive and b) that Gil was flying up like that, then it dawned on me, it's entirely possible the rims aren't QUITE 10 ft.

After the jump as it were... brand new picture of the newly released Vegas Edition of the Gil Zero's.

Bowl Previews...

2006-12-26T14:15:00.000-05:00

While being the only sport to take a month and a half break before declaring a national champion, among other complete monstroties, here are some shananigans to tide you over until the REAL playoffs begin, and we can all rejoice in the Chargers winning the Super Bowl...

Disclaimer: Feel free to shell out friendly wagers (non money of course) at your own peril.

to borrow the mjd criteria....

The Mike Tysons:

Oklahoma (-7) over Boise State: Great story being undefeated and all, even play your games on blue turf. Welcome to the land of real D-1 football. With Peterson coming back, in his swann song as a Sooner, compared with OU's defense showing up, 2 td game minimum.

Ohio St (-8) over Florida: Let me let you in on a little secret.... The Gators aren't that great. I'd have taken this line up to 13, as again, I don't see it staying within 2 td's. Oklahoma just gets top biling since I'm only giving 7, instead of 8. But I don't see either being watchable after the 3rd quarter.

Tennessee (-4) over Penn St: The Lions got slaughtered by ND, a team with a decent front 7 and an above average passing attack, Tennessee may be a mirror image of that. Combined that PSU's qb is getting death threats, and no one really scares me for the Lions, well I smell a blowout.

Michigan (+1) over USC: tell me why I'm going to take Booty over an angry Wolverine team? It's obvious they won't be able to run against UM, and yes it's essentially a road game for Michigan, and yes, Jarret is freakishly good, but um, the Wolverines don't suck. USC has lost it's last 2 in the Rose bowl, and UCLA game them a blue print to shut down USC's offense. Oh yeah, Michigan can kinda score some points when they want to as well. Only reason UM isn't a TD favorite is becasue of the location. I'm guessing a LOT of people freezing their asses off will welcome a little vaca to southern Cali for an extended weekend. Michigan by 10.

The Soda Popinski's...

Virgina Tech (-2) over Georgia: Beamer Ball was a covering MACHINE to end the year, covering their last 6 games, I see them finishing the season strong preparing for a national championship run next year, Georgia is young, and I see that hurting them in preperation for this game. V Tech thrives off of turnovers, I see them getting 3 of um here. Special parlay possib.... Hokies last 5 all went under, as well as Georgia's last 3 of 4. Considering I don't see either offense expoloing, even though the line has moved 2 points, 38.5 may still be a little high.

Auburn (-2) over Nebraska: The Huskers aren't quite ready for Auburn. They have 4 losses in a fiarly weak Big 12 North, while Auburn has some pretty big wins under their belt. The SEC is a totally different animal than what the Huskers are used to. Auburn is 10-2 ATS this year to boot, I've always been fans of lines where I like a team and don't have to give more than a fg, only thing to consider, much like V Tech, both have a chance to wallow in mediocrity, hence the low line. It's also why they are Soda Popinski's and not Mike Tysons.

Texas (-9) over Iowa: Only reason they aren't a Tyson? Texas is known for collapsing in bowl games (that Vince Young wasn't in). Mack Brown sucks. Other than that... EVERYTHING, i mean everything points the Horns way... Iowa has lost 5 of 6, 0-6 ATS, and have given up a whopping 186 on the ground.

The Don Flamenco's

South Carolina (-5.5) over Houston: Again, I'm putting my eggs in the SEC basket, as the Cocks (ok, maybe I just wanted to write cocks) have finally found their passing attack. The Cougars (no, not the hot mom's) haven't seen the talent and speed that Spurrier will bring. SC has played well to close the season, and I like them here.

I'll look deeper into everything else, maybe even find some Glass Joe's for you all to knock out later on. I always pick out the easy favorites first, then try to find underdogs later on. Since I normally throw around my Christmas money on underdogs, I'll be sure to find a couple.

Good luck out there...

Enough with the serious stuff, lets get to the dick jokes...

2006-12-26T11:45:00.001-05:00

Yeah, me too. I need a break. Here's the funniest thing SNL has done in a LONG time. Bound to be an annual Christmas classic.

Wrapping up all the AI coverage...

2006-12-20T13:47:00.000-05:00

I'll be honest, I wasn't even going to write about this for a multitude of reasons, 1 of them mostly being the fact that it's only been reported by roughly everyone outside of Jim Cramer, but hey, he may help with the stock profile of Wachovia after it's completly empty in a month.

But, that being said, you all come here becasue you want to find out the best reads on subjects. Some coming form me, most from others with far more insight than I. So I'll hit ya with my knowledge, then link the shit out of this, as there are some cats out there spittin knowledge on all things NBA. Which in this case, AI/Denver being the center of the leagues universe.

As far as everyone saying Denver robbed the Sixers, etc. is flat wrong. Of COURSE the sixers are going to "lose" on this trade, they just traded 1 of the top 20 players the game has ever seen in a position of ZERO strength. The whole damn league knew AI had to go, it was basically a fire sale. Getting .75 on the dollar had to be considered a success in this case, and I believe Billy King did that. Don't sleep on Andre Miller, he led Utah to the Final 4, led the league in assists in 2001, a borderline All Star, and is an above average point guard. The best Philly has seen in over a decade. He doesn't do anything great, and will never be considered great. His j isn't going to make you respect it, and he doesn't "see" the game in order to create. But he takes what's there, he can blow by you to penetrate, he takes the pass when it's there, and has a solid mid-range game. The great pg's create, they see the game in a way most do not, and it's impossible to explain it. They don't let the game come to them, they see whats GOING to happen in the future, and MAKE the game so. it's why the Nash's, Paul's, Magic's, Robertson's, Kidd's are truly special.

But I'm waxing poetic as to how I define the beauty of this game, let's get back to basics. Miller is not "that guy", but will be the best we've seen in a while, and will be a good fit for Mo Cheeks. Also Joe Smith will at least give the Sixers a body to pound down low with, and best part about him? No, it's not that he was a Terp, it's the fact his contract expires after this season. Which is the equivilent of the Sixers discovering a diamond mine in Section 228. It's priceless to them, the ones stuck in salary cap hell.

Now the draft picks, the glorious draft picks. Speaking hypthetically here, Denevr's pick doesn't mean too damn much. If the AI trade completly blows up in Denver's face (possib as well, considering Karl is a Larry Brown disiple, and we know how that started wih AI in Philly) and it's just an interesting dynamic they have working there now. AI will be the alpha male for 15 games, then magically defer to Melo? Don't think so. But here could be the REAL deal maker in this.... the Sixers acquire the rights to Golden State's first round pick. They are currently 2 games under .500, and no real promise to improve, especially in the West. That now gives the Sixers 2 chances in the Greg Oden lottery. And freaking imagine if they land Oden AND Durrant? My GAWD, thats just silly.

Overall? I'm sad to see Iverson leave as a fan. Meant a lot and have memories of him to last me my entire Sixer fandom. But I do realize a change was in order, and considering how much the organization was in dire straights, this gives promise to the future. It's what the Sixers DO with this promise that will be the ultimate determination on if this was really worth it.

Now, on to some nba heads I give mad propers to, this covers about all the ground you could want...

http://freedarko.blogspot.com/2006/12/and-so-story-goes.html - best i've read.

http://www.aolsportsblog.com/2006/12/19/nba-roundtable-on-the-iverson-trade-part-1/ - read all parts for the most comprehensive piece I've seen. Love the idea of the t-shirt with nothing but 3/17/06. Read to find out why.....

I'm headed up to the Wachovia tonight, I'm interested to see the buzz this may or may not create. Interesting for sure, AI, we'll miss ya. Here's a toast for the future though.......

Update: I've found out that the Golden State 1st round pick was given to them in a trade with Dallas. Denver picked it up with the Najera trade in 2005. So it isn't Golden State's 1st, it's Dallas', which in turn basically blows. So the 2 1st rounders they will acquire in this trade is Denver (who is going to be helped immensly with AI) and Dallas' who just may go back to the NBA Finals).

The lesson? As always, Billy King is an idiot.

Vote for Rory!!!

2006-12-19T15:56:00.000-05:00

Ok, here's the deal... due to the NHL being a complete after thought in the minds of basically every target demographic they are going after, here si something I can support whole heartedly.

It's a defenseman named Rory Fitzpatrick, a journeyman who has battled from the minors to the pros for years now. he's the guy who gets no love or support when he does his job well, but gets sent back down for any mistake he makes. For that reason, a campaign by a head NHL website for fans started this campign, as you can see here... http://www.voteforrory.com/index.html

to write in this guy for the All-Star game. It's genius on just about every level. The NHL, as you can imagine, despises the whole thing. But it REALLY has a head of steam going now. As he is 2nd, which ASSURES him a starting spot in the game (he has absolutely zero chance to get named as a coaches pick).

This is just a FANTASTIC thing. It embodies everything cool about being a fan, and believeing you have a voice. I remember my freshman year of college TRL first came out with that cockmobster Carson Daly hosting. My roomate and I hatched the scheme to see if they REALLY counted all the votes, and came up with a half hearted attempt to get Ah Ha "Take on Me" into the top 10. Yes, we failed miserably (hey, back then there was no freaking myspace and well we were drinking most of the time). But this really has a chance. You know full well if this succeeds the NHL will change how you vote, so Vote or Die suckas!

Vote for Rory!

Heres the link to go vote... http://www.nhl.com/allstarballot/index.html#vote

Ok, so I HAD to acknowledge this

2006-12-18T22:10:00.000-05:00

Many know I have a healthy fondness, or as others would call an uncomfortable man crush, on Gilbert Arenas. Not only did he go for frucking 60 last night going back home to LA where he ordered 75 tickets for friends and family. He showed up arguably the games brightest star on his home turf.Opposed to writing some diatribe as to the ramifications of such an occurence, and what it means in a bigger spectrum to the nba; and it's being, it's already been done. To save you the 25 seconds of clicking over to the freedarko post, and the genius that is Bethlehem Shoals , I quote his mastery of not only the embodiment of the event, but the completeness of his thought...

We've told you that THIS IS A LEAGUE OF STARS, so of course the Gilbert/Kobe fireball is tops on our reflective agenda. You also might have heard that THIS IS A LEAGUE OF PSYCHOLOGY, which is why I found myself entranced by Kobe's post-game reaction:

"You tip your hat and say, 'See you next time,'" [Bryant] said. "I don't think he has a conscience. I really don't. He was chucking out there. He took some horrible shots and he made some big ones. I don't get a chance to play him much. I'll be ready next time."

As Brett's noted, there's a surface irony to Kobe questioning anyone else's "conscience." This supposes, however, that it was intended as a swipe at Gil. I think we can all agree that part of what makes Arenas such a joy to watch is that he does lack a basketball conscience. But rather than come off as stubborn or malicious, it's responsible for his rapturous innocence. If Gilbert sometimes make counterintuitive or downright stupid choices on the court, it's not because he's a rebel or an uncoachable cur; that's not him, and anyone with an internet knows this. It's borderline racist to talk about "instinctual basketball," but Arenas really seems to play best when channeling some as-of-yet-unknown hoops muse. It's not the hedonism of id-driven slop, since there's certainly some kind of logic to his play. That Gil travels this wobbly path without hesitation is, without a doubt, the mark of man secure in his ego.

Kobe, on the other hand, has tailored his bones and blood to the structure of the sport. He may frequently flout basketball logic, but even his decadence stinks of rigor. Often, I find myself wondering if Kobe doesn't force the issue only because he feels himself the most basketball human being in existence. My standard LeBron spiel goes something like this: King James has within him the ability to alter the essence of the game on a whim. Then there's Kobe, who has so internalized basketball as we know it, all decades and decades of it, that he flexes its soul with every second he moves. His arrogance, inexcusable as it is, draws its strength from this indentification with the game itself, making him nothing less than the embodiment of the basketball super-ego.

Since I've already dipped into my dime-store Freud bag, I'll spare you the pat Nietzche reference. But in Kobe's comment, I see nothing less than a confrontation with the unknown and possibly unknowable, the absolute antithesis of his raison de baskebtall. That Arenas won the duel is significant, since it forces Bryant to acknowledge him as a peer; Dr. LIC saw condascension in the excess of pronouns, while I feel the shiver of cautionary distance. You got the sense that Kobe had met his babbling, foreign match, that at least for one night, Arenas's mastery of the game surpassd that of Kobe. Were Gilbert a mere gunner, this would be a fluke. Given the heavenly way of Arenas, this represents an ideological shock to Bryant's system.

And so it occurs to Kobe: could one exist without a conscience-driven basketball mind? He sees Arenas play free, loose, and unencumbered, and must accept his legitimacy. Maybe he's stuck on processing this for the rematch, or maybe, just maybe, he wonders if it might be of some use to him.

so there ya go. after getting mind warped by the greatness of FD, may it also be noted that Kobe is also kind of just a condescending prick.
It's the takeover kids, no go buy the new Gil-Zero's. Here's Gil's thoughts on his 60 spot... http://www.gilbertology.net/2006/12/18/gilbert-arenas-on-his-60-point-performance/. Also wanted to post this as it's basically all things Gil, for those not in the know of the brillance of one Agent Zero. The photo for this came last night as Gil bowed to his dad, his high school coach, and the other 73+ he brought to the game, not included in that count of course are his legions of fans who are just on board for this magical ride. It's the takeover.....

Knicks and Nuggets Brawl

2006-12-17T23:13:00.001-05:00

I'm sure all of you have heard about this, it's not like New York is hard up for press. But if you haven't check out the vid. Couple thoughts...

Why is it when it's the NBA does it become such a big deal? Why does everyone turn the other cheek to baseball, hockey, even Nascar? Is it a deeper problem that no one wants to talk about?

What does 1 have and not the others... yup, "nba thugs". It's appalling. Yes, fans are closer to the action, yes, there are no pads, hats, etc. making it more "real". But the deeper rooted problem may have to do with America, not the nba. The thinly veiled racism is pretty apparant. It at least warrants mentioning. Besides, how many street games have you played in where hard fouls, and showing up an opponent ended up in verbal assults or punches? A couple dozen? More?

There is also the fall out for Melo's street cred. While I'm sure I'm not the expert in who has it and who doesn't... it should be noted, we have no idea why Melo high tailed it up court. I'd venture that most people would do the same. Worrying about the whole team, bench, who knows, leaving that situation doesn't make him bitch in my eyes.

Also BIG time propers for Jared Jefferies for his role. My God, who else would you want having your back? His team mate gets cheap shotted and it takes 4 guys to hold him back from getting his revenge.

ok, and lil nate's body slam was pretty freaking cool too...

Fa La La La La LaDainian

2006-12-17T15:04:00.001-05:00

In anticipation of toinghts prime time game against the Chiefs, it's my new favorite Christmas song.

I've heard the chatter of how LT2 has gotten this record by the Chargers runnings up the score, etc. But here is the rebuttal I will throw out to the world... Do you know how freaking HARD it is to score a touchdown? Hell, how many times have you played in the annual Thanksgiving day game and not get in the end zone. Let alone the best football players on the planet. Be amazed by this guy.

Do yourself a favor and just watch him on a basic 4 yard run, where most people get stopped at the line of scrimmage. How he picks up a blitzing lineback with no fear. Hoe precise his routes out of the backfield are. Just incredible.

He's about to break Hourning record for points scored in a year as well. No small feat especially since ol Paul was kicking that year as well. So let this number sink in, REALLY think about it.

29 td's. 13 games.

Fa La La La Laaaaaaaa

La-Dain-ian!!!!!!!!!

The joys of being young...

2006-12-15T14:18:00.000-05:00

So here's the deal... as I look around and see all the people sucking the fun out of life, solitary moments of your own personal bliss come in focus, and you realize how fucking sweet life is.

Perfect example.... this weekend.

Nothing really out of the ordinary, while millions of people wear out the black strip of their credit cards, I look and see it's supposed to be 60 and sunny. Completly ignoring the fact that it's December 16th, thats a TOTAL beach day.

So it is.... tomorrow we are embarking on lunch and cocktails in Ocean City, followed by go karts. Grab some dinner, hit up a happy hour somewhere, and then it's time for the re-match.

Mini Golf. For ALL the marbles.

The picture you see to the right will be me after the 18th green immediately after I knock my yellow ball of wonder into the fucking clowns mouth, I will also be rocking the sweet fucking Jam's he has on.

Who the hell knows what happen in my victory celebration Saturday night... maybe it ends like last night did, with Chubs (real names withheld to protect person's identity) calling the Playboy channel on Sirius. Hilarious is not the word, it was MUCH funnier than that.

So if anyone out there wants to partake.... write in the cool little comment box. Until then... I'm about to put the open in open bar. I have a good feeling they'll have Cakebread Cab, my pallet, much like the chick on the PB channel last night are wet.....

Christmas Rules

2006-12-13T15:26:00.000-05:00

So it looks like everyone and their brothers monkey's uncle are having christmas parties this weekend, so my Christmas juices start flowing down my chin like a bukkake video, it's time for some Christmas rules...

Charlie Brown and the Grinch are the shit. There are really no exceptions on this. I don't care how badass you are, the scene with Linus gets me everytime. And on that note, fuck the Who's and their Christmas Cheer.

Egg Nog basically rules the fucking planet. I hear whispers that Lewes Dairy rules the Egg Nog Earth, but Hell To Da Naw, I rep the Wawa. I spice the shit out of with my old buddy Captain Morgan, and sprinkle Nutmeg on top. Sure it looks like my lip got blasted by Peter North after each one, but fuck that. Egg Nog is taking over.

Fuck all the extra verses in Christmas songs. Who knows the 2nd verse to Jingle Bells? Or Silent Night? O Come All Ye Faithful? Exactly. It's fucking pointless. Lets skip verse #2-163 and make another glass of Egg Nog.

There is NO downside to open bar. Winter is to Christmas Parties as Summer is to weddings. You drink copious amounts of free liquor. Name a poison, I don't care. Shots? line um up. Wine with dinner? Give me the big glass of Opus One. Scotch to sip on? Johnny Walker Blue please. Yes I realize the last 2 choices are roughly $75 a glass, we have an open tab bitches!

Deliah's. Yup, Deliah's Christmas Party should be attended by every straight male within a 50 mile radius. Burns like gonorrhea that I can't go, and ironically enough it burns like gonorrhea when I CAN go. Go figure.

Chicks dressing up like whore elves. Just in case you didn't get your fill on the devils holiday in October. The beautiful babies come out in full force sucking on candy canes and wearing outfits a real elf could wear just as much on baby jesus' day as well. Hell. Yes. It's what I ask for every christmas.

Christmas Music. God bless Sinatra, Nat King Cole..... The Mariah Careys, Clay Aikens, and the like..... go fuck yourselves. I like my Christmas music old school. When you bat shit insane musicians try to start messing around with your "Wishing you were Rudolph" gay songs, blow me.

Home Alone. Yeah, I'll admit it, I LOVE this movie. Watch it all year round. It's just that now is the only time of year I can watch it and not be considered out of my damn mind.

So there ya have it folks. Go enjoy the open bars, christmas songs, and the overall happiness this time of year. Forced or not, it always nice to be met by a smiling face, and to share a little Christmas spirit with everyone. If you need me, I'll be at my first Christmas party tomorrow, yes open bar, at Espuma in Rehoboth. here's hoping they have Opus One.

and don't think I'd leave ya hangin.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5TF4U36GFg

Do Tha Heizman... Dem Heizman Boyz

2006-12-12T12:44:00.001-05:00

This had to be posted as soon as I saw it. So many questions, so much beauty. Aren't they tha ho's? Why the eye black? Who in the hell is that #7 jersey?

I really don't see how this doesn't become a huge hit. Troy Smith should do this roughly 1100 times against Florida in a few weeks.

If I was Billy King...

2006-12-08T01:34:00.000-05:00

Realzing that I'm only 4 letters away and roughly 8 shades lighter than the other guy (pictured left), and sitting in the stands frustrated on more nights than I care to remember (or even when I can't remember thanks to Ashton's and Courvoisier), I decided instead of just complaining about things, I'll plan my attack. So when attendance dips so low that they have Be our new General Manager promotion(I know the Sammie Dalembert bobblearm give-away was "great success") I'll be prepared.

The number 1 thing that completly bothers me about this franchise I grew up loving is how they have no sense of direction. As soon as they peaked in 2001 reaching the NBA Finals, it's been a downward spiral. That team, at that time, reached it's potential. For Christ sake, do you realize Eric Snow, Aaron McKee, and Todd MacCulloch (who can now be seen at sixers games pushing 4 bills wearing a sportcoat, tie, and sandals), all played prodominant roles for an NBA FINALS TEAM?!?! The pick up of Mutombo mid-way through that year was the Sixers way of pushing all in. There was no youth, no future. They had a window of 2 years max to win a title, and it faded to 1 of the better Laker teams of all time. A coach in Larry Brown and a superstar in Allen Iverson who would not only clash heads, but bring out the best in each other.

But after watching Kobe and Shaq pour champangene on each other, and watch Mark Madsen have a seizure, I mean dance, I stood by a team who's best days were all in the past. To borrow a line from Rick Pitino "Dr. J isn't coming out of that tunnel, Charles Barkley isn't coming out of that tunnel, Moses Malone isn't walking out...", you get the picture. I've watched behind rose colored glasses the most unique, and often misunderstood superstar of my generation. One of the top 20 players to pick up a basketball has faded away into an abyss of losing. While he leaves his heart, his blood, and his pain on the floor every night, taking the breath away of those who watch his fearlessness, and go on scoring binges like Lindsay Lohan in Tony Montana's house, it's time to part ways.

I've been at the then First Union Center when you dropped 30 in a half, and after a couple buckets in a row, the whole place just "knew". Each shot we gasped, as you could feel the air being sucked up in the whole room. Roar with pride when it splashes knwowing we are witnessing something great. Something bigger than us.

So while this may be a break up of sorts, the time has come. It's for the best, and we both know it. I'm a GM now, and our best days are behind us. You'll forever be loved by a city that knew you gave it everything you had. You want to win, you deserve to win. My plan is for the future, so while you are posting career best numbers in fg%, assists, and even scoring, it's in yours and our best interest to make you leave this game that you love a champion.

So enough with the Swann Song, heres the plan kids, take notes....

Trade AI, not after this year, not at the All Star break, NOW.

Acquire as many draft picks for the 2007 draft as humanly possible. This has the potential to be one of the better draft classes in the last 10-15 years, with as many as a dozen prospects grading out to future All-Stars. So while some of you may not be familiar with names such as Greg Oden, Kevin Durrant, Joakim Noah, Brandan Wright, Julian Wright, Tiago Splitte, etc. You will. They are all potential franchise players, not starters, not good. Great. Guys you build around. Stockpile picks, trade them, get as many pieces to this puzzle as possible.

Treat the fans, the ones who are here NOW like family. Do whatever you have to so they can see my vision. Bring excitment back into the organization.

Fire Mo Cheeks. From most accounts a genuinely nice guy. Him helping that girl sing the national anthem will be a part of the nba's legacy for years to come, but the fact remains, he's not that great of a asketball coach. We are indebted to Mo for helping bring Phill's last championship, and we will be forever grateful. Your jersey will look at us with nostalgia for years to come. But it's time to move on....
Free payroll, some how some way. Do you know we are still on the hook for over 13 million for Aaron McKie and Todd Mac? Yes, the same guys who were a part of the team 5 years ago! The guys who have scored as many points for the sixers this year than I have! Thankfully, Todd drops after this year, but we, as an organization will be paying Aaron McKie $7,000,000 next year. Ummmm, ouch.

Now this isn't a problem that can be solved in a year. it took a long time to get into this mess, but it CAN be fixed. How do we make all this a reality you say? Well some are easier than others. Getting rid of a coach is relatively easy, the rest, not so much. Only a select few teams would even WANT Iverson, so do your best to talk to Chicago (who also has 2 draft picks in the 1st round next year), the Clippers, Atlanta. His salary is decent compared to other big names out there (do you know Webber makes 2.5mil more than AI this year? So we figure out a way to get young, and let AI go after a title.

2007 - Our total salary goes down roughly 26mil for next year, so you think we go after free agents you say? WRONG! Let other teams spend like all hell next year. Take our shiny new draft pick toys, and play with them for a year. Work out the kinks, and see how we did. Figure out strenghts and weaknesses.

2008 - The albatross that has become Chris Webber has finally been free! We bottom out to roughly 35 million in TOTAL salary. Wow. We now has more young talent in the league, and lookie lookie here at THIS Free Agent class... Why hello Mr. Duncan, let me introduce you to young Greg Oden. Mr. Marion, welcome to Philly, have you met Iggy? Mr. Arenas, JUST the point guard I've been looking for. The list goes on and on, Jermaine O'Neal, Elton Brand. it's just nutty.

2009 - Make the run. Start our new dynasty.

So that's it. It took Alexander the Great decades to build his world empire, I have a 3 year plan. It's all about patience. Something the Sixers have lacked for quite some time. There is no "this year", it's what does this do to me 3, 4, 5 years down the road. No more Clarance Weatherspoons, Dikembe Mutombo's, Chris Webber's.

Dare to dream south philly. dare to dream........

Update: almost as SOON as I post this... this link comes across the internet http://www.the700level.com/2006/12/report_iverson_.html

As it was in the beginning.....

2006-12-08T01:11:00.000-05:00

I'm going to venture in to waters occupied by roughly, well a bananas amount of people. It appears the only pre-requisite to getting a blog these days is you have to have something to say, and a computer. After thinking it through, I thought "wait a second. i have something to say. i have a computer." so here it is.... The topics of these will vary about as much as a brothel. While I in no way will be able to re-create or even imitate the genius behind the powerhouses such as http://www.deadspin.com/, http://freedarko.blogspot.com/, http://www.truehoop.com/ , http://www.gawker.com/, http://www.themightymjd.com/, or be sued for 7 million like perez hilton http://www.tmz.com/2006/11/30/perez-hilton-sued-for-7-5-million was, I'll offer vantage points on what many of you want to see, but never seem to find. Included in this mix of fruity pebbles shall range in just about anything. As I've always wanted to be cutting edge, from buying the Pam & Tommy sex tape for $50 from the sweaty guy behind the counter at a young age, to showing die hard steelers fans pictures of their star quarterback drunk off his ass. So embark with me on a journey my friends in the internet realm, as we marvel the awesomeness of agent zero, throw hotdogs down the hallway of paris hiltons snatch, to trying frivolously to strike it rich 3 sevens at time.... for it "is now and ever shall be....."