Thursday, April 30, 2009
Best Headline Ever
When things get slow at work I like to read. What? Just about everything. I read about sports, medical news, politics, buisness.I'll read anything that looks interesting. But today I was caught off guard by a headline on the BBC website. I frequent their Science and Environment page at least once a day and find out all sorts of cool information there. But today one article just made me laugh. I don't mean inside, I mean literally laugh out loud, or LOL as the kids like to say. I don't often LOL, but when you "Spider sex violent but effective " how can you not? I don't know why that is so funny to me, but it is. I thought I'd share.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Countdown to "The Move"
Well, it's official, Kaiti and I are moving. Last week we confirmed reservations for a POD to move our stuff to Goodyear, Arizona on June 25th. I also notified my boss that I'd be leaving work effective June 12th. With holidays and days off take into account that means I only have 30 more work days left. I can't believe how quick this is happening. In three months I'll be sitting poolside down in sunny Arizona getting ready to start my Masters program.
There are just a few kinks that we still need to work out.
1. Our apartment. We've spoken with our landlord, who is happy to let us out of our lease as long as we can find someone to rent the apartment to. Usually I wouldn't be worried about it, but with the economy being what it is, it might be slightly more difficult than it would have been in the past. If we can't find someone to take it over we're out $857.00 for the month of July.
2. Jobs. Kaiti and I will both start looking for jobs before we leave, but again, the economy is garbage. We both have a ton of experience with office work and have some connections in the Phoenix area, but this will still be tricky.
Of course there are other minor problems we're still working out like where we can store stuff, where the POD will go in the parking lot, how will Boo handle the move, how in god's name we're going to move the bed frame. But, all in all I would say we're on the right track. I just can't believe it's happening so soon.
There are just a few kinks that we still need to work out.
1. Our apartment. We've spoken with our landlord, who is happy to let us out of our lease as long as we can find someone to rent the apartment to. Usually I wouldn't be worried about it, but with the economy being what it is, it might be slightly more difficult than it would have been in the past. If we can't find someone to take it over we're out $857.00 for the month of July.
2. Jobs. Kaiti and I will both start looking for jobs before we leave, but again, the economy is garbage. We both have a ton of experience with office work and have some connections in the Phoenix area, but this will still be tricky.
Of course there are other minor problems we're still working out like where we can store stuff, where the POD will go in the parking lot, how will Boo handle the move, how in god's name we're going to move the bed frame. But, all in all I would say we're on the right track. I just can't believe it's happening so soon.
Friday, April 17, 2009
NBA Playoff Predictions: How I'm doing?
Alright, so I was a bit off with my predictions, but who saw Manu Ginobli going down for the season or the Jazz and Magic essentially losing every game they played since my last predictions. Oh well, I was sort of close.
Let's take a look at the match ups.
Detroit (8) vs. Cleveland (1)
My last prediction: Chicago vs. Cleveland
I knew Detroit could fall to number eight, so this match-up isn't too unexpected. I'm thinking this will be a cake walk for Cleveland given how poorly the Piston's are playing and how bad the chemistry is there. Cleveland in 4, maybe 5.
Chicago (7) vs. Boston (2)
My last prediction: Detroit vs. Orlando
I have to be honest, I'm surprised boston held on to the 2nd seed. I'm even more surprised that the Bulls shot up the 7th seed. I've been doubting them all season, so I guess they showed me. This will be an interesting series. Boston has lost Garnett for the rest of the season and their GM, Ainge, just went to the hospital because of a heart attack. How much is this going to effect the team? I still think the Celtics will win, but it won't be easy. Celtics in 6.
Philadelphia (6) vs. Orlando (3)
My last prediction: Philadelphia vs. Boston
Both of these teams have been struggling down the stretch. But, Orlando has Dwight Howard and some of the best three-point shooting. Philadelphia struggles from beyond the arc and doesn't have anyone to match up against Howard. Orlando will get by them in 6.
Miami (5) vs. Atlanta (4)
My last prediction: Miami vs. Atlanta
Finally I got one right! And I'm still sticking with my other prediction; Miami will win. Dwayne Wade is good enough to win a single series for the Heat and there is just something I don't trust about the Hawks.
Now on to the West.
Utah (8) vs. LA Lakers (1)
My last prediction: Dallas vs. LA Lakers
The Jazz fell apart and Dallas was better than I gave them credit for. Utah is playing horrible basketball and can't win on the road. I think they might win one, due in large part to D Will. But, if they make this an interesting series I'd be a bit surprised. Lakers in 5.
New Orleans (7) vs. Denver (2)
My last prediction: Utah vs. Denver
I thought if the Jazz could get the Nuggets in this spot they could take advantage of them and win the series. But in my opinion the Hornets don't have the same advantage. Chandler is still hurt and as good as West and Paul are, Denver is deeper and plays with a lot more energy. Plus, they have the home court advantage. I'm giving this one to the Nuggets in 6 or 7.
Dallas (6) vs. San Antonio (3)
My last prediction: New Orleans vs. Houston
Dallas is playing much better than they have been all year and it's happening at the perfect time for them. San Antonio on the other hand is facing a pretty difficult series without one of their most important players, Ginobli. This will be a dog fight and it's sort of toss up. I'm giving the Mavs the edge though, simply because San Antonio has a few more health questions. Mavs in 7.
Houston (5) vs. Portland (4)
My last prediction: Portland vs. San Antonio
This is going to be an awesome match-up. Both of these teams are exciting to watch and play true team basketball. I'm especially looking forward to watching Ron Artest battle Brandon Roy and Yao take on Oden. At the end of the day though, Portland is tough at home and has more star talent. I'm giving it to them in 7.
So, as you can see the match-ups I had were a little off, but hopefully these predictions are a little better. I guess we'll see when the playoffs start tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
NBA Awards 09
With a week left it's time to start talking awards for the season. I'll give my prediction and in some cases who I think should win instead.
Most Improved Player of the Year
Prediction: Kevin Durant
My Choice: Danny Granger
Why?
Everyone knows Durant is going to be a star in this league. The guy is putting up terrific numbers and will eventually be considered one of the top five guys in the league. Should we punish him for expecting greatness? No, but giving a guy the rookie of the year award his first year and than the most improved award the next? That's ridiculous. The only way he could have improved enough to deserve this is if he led his team to contention for the playoffs. That would have shown a genuine improvement instead of a natural progression. He's right where everyone thought he would be at this point in his career. Granger? Well, he wasn't exactly a high draft pick (17 in 2005). He has shown improvement every year and is now the clear leader of his team. His numbers are up and he's kept the Pacers in the playoff hunt through most of the year. They can still technically get in at this point. Durant's team has lost 12 more games and was never considered a playoff threat. Granger's put the team on his back and elevated his game beyond what people thought he could. That's why he should be getting the most improved player award. But I have a feeling Durant will wind up with it.
Sixth Man of the Year
Prediction: Jason Terry
My Choice: Jason Terry
Why?
He's clearly the best guy in the league coming off the bench. He's keeping the Mavs in games and providing scoring, energy and efficiency off the bench. The only other guy I see as a real candidate is Paul Millsap, but he started for most of the season due to Carlos Boozer's injury, so I don't really consider him a sixth man.
Defensive Player of the Year
Prediction: Dwight Howard
My Choice: Dwight Howard
The guy is leading the league in blocks and rebounds. Teams have to change their offense because of his presence in the paint. I don't think I need to say anything else.
Coach of the Year
Prediction: Stan Van Gundy
My Choice: Jerry Sloan
Why?
Van Gundy has done an excellent job. He's really transformed the Magic into title a contender starting with their defense. Plus, he was able to integrate Alston seamlessly when Nelson was lost for the season. I wouldn't be upset or surprised if he won it. But, Sloan has done an equally amazing job in Utah. The Jazz didn't have their projected starters on the floor together until late February and were still able to hold on for a playoff spot. Few teams dealt with injury as well as the Jazz and unlike Van Gundy, Sloan didn't have the defensive player of the year to help carry the team. Plus, it's absurd that he hasn't won this award at least once in his 21 years coaching the Jazz. The guy deserves it. He made the hall of fame this year, so he probably won't be getting this one either. But in my opinion it's odd to have a coach in the hall of fame when he's never been given coach of the year. Most teams would have fallen apart with the amount of injuries the Jazz had to key players, but Sloan made them execute and contend.
Rookie of the Year
Prediction: Derrick Rose
My Choice: Derrick Rose
Why?
He's put up very high numbers for a first year player. But the reason I give him the award is for his impact on the team. Chicago was a huge disappointment last year and most thought they'd struggle this year as well. Not with Rose at the helm. He hasn't been perfect, but he's led the teams to a potential playoff berth and is far and away the best rookie this year. His leadership and talent will lead to some great things down the road for the Bulls.
Most Valuable Player of th Year
Prediction: Lebron James
My Choice: Lebron James
Why?
He is in the top five in points per game, top ten in assists, top ten in steals, and has led his team to the best record in the NBA (so far). He's been magnificent and while Dwight, CP3, Wade and Kobe all deserve some consideration, at the end of the day, he's the best player on the planet right now.
Most Improved Player of the Year
Prediction: Kevin Durant
My Choice: Danny Granger
Why?
Everyone knows Durant is going to be a star in this league. The guy is putting up terrific numbers and will eventually be considered one of the top five guys in the league. Should we punish him for expecting greatness? No, but giving a guy the rookie of the year award his first year and than the most improved award the next? That's ridiculous. The only way he could have improved enough to deserve this is if he led his team to contention for the playoffs. That would have shown a genuine improvement instead of a natural progression. He's right where everyone thought he would be at this point in his career. Granger? Well, he wasn't exactly a high draft pick (17 in 2005). He has shown improvement every year and is now the clear leader of his team. His numbers are up and he's kept the Pacers in the playoff hunt through most of the year. They can still technically get in at this point. Durant's team has lost 12 more games and was never considered a playoff threat. Granger's put the team on his back and elevated his game beyond what people thought he could. That's why he should be getting the most improved player award. But I have a feeling Durant will wind up with it.
Sixth Man of the Year
Prediction: Jason Terry
My Choice: Jason Terry
Why?
He's clearly the best guy in the league coming off the bench. He's keeping the Mavs in games and providing scoring, energy and efficiency off the bench. The only other guy I see as a real candidate is Paul Millsap, but he started for most of the season due to Carlos Boozer's injury, so I don't really consider him a sixth man.
Defensive Player of the Year
Prediction: Dwight Howard
My Choice: Dwight Howard
The guy is leading the league in blocks and rebounds. Teams have to change their offense because of his presence in the paint. I don't think I need to say anything else.
Coach of the Year
Prediction: Stan Van Gundy
My Choice: Jerry Sloan
Why?
Van Gundy has done an excellent job. He's really transformed the Magic into title a contender starting with their defense. Plus, he was able to integrate Alston seamlessly when Nelson was lost for the season. I wouldn't be upset or surprised if he won it. But, Sloan has done an equally amazing job in Utah. The Jazz didn't have their projected starters on the floor together until late February and were still able to hold on for a playoff spot. Few teams dealt with injury as well as the Jazz and unlike Van Gundy, Sloan didn't have the defensive player of the year to help carry the team. Plus, it's absurd that he hasn't won this award at least once in his 21 years coaching the Jazz. The guy deserves it. He made the hall of fame this year, so he probably won't be getting this one either. But in my opinion it's odd to have a coach in the hall of fame when he's never been given coach of the year. Most teams would have fallen apart with the amount of injuries the Jazz had to key players, but Sloan made them execute and contend.
Rookie of the Year
Prediction: Derrick Rose
My Choice: Derrick Rose
Why?
He's put up very high numbers for a first year player. But the reason I give him the award is for his impact on the team. Chicago was a huge disappointment last year and most thought they'd struggle this year as well. Not with Rose at the helm. He hasn't been perfect, but he's led the teams to a potential playoff berth and is far and away the best rookie this year. His leadership and talent will lead to some great things down the road for the Bulls.
Most Valuable Player of th Year
Prediction: Lebron James
My Choice: Lebron James
Why?
He is in the top five in points per game, top ten in assists, top ten in steals, and has led his team to the best record in the NBA (so far). He's been magnificent and while Dwight, CP3, Wade and Kobe all deserve some consideration, at the end of the day, he's the best player on the planet right now.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Updated Predictions for the NBA Playoffs
With only a week and two days left in the NBA season I thought I would do a final prediction for what the playoff match ups will be. Let's start in the east.
8. Chicago Bulls - I was horribly wrong and I can admit it. New Jersey has no chance here. They completely fell apart. In my defense, the Harris injury in late March really killed them, but he didn't miss that much time. They should have been much better. So, I'll give in and pick Chicago. They've been playing pretty well, have the rookie of the year, and could even be the 7th seed given how bad the Pistons are playing. No one below them is going to catch up this late in the season. The Bobcats just can't make up that much ground.
7. Detroit Pistons - As I stated they could be the 8 seed since they seem to have forgotten how to play. Their chemistry is a mess with Iverson and Wallace and they are clearly a border playoff team. Can they hold of Chicago...well, we'll see. In any case they're going to get obliterated in the playoffs no matter what.
6. Philadelphia 76rs - Again this is pretty close to call. It could easily be Miami here, considering how close they are in standings. But, I'm giving the edge to Miami because they have Dwayne Wade and the Heat. That leaves Philly in the 6 spot.
5. Miami Heat -Finally I'm sticking to one of my predictions. Miami could fall to the 6th seed, but I don't see them moving up to the 4 spot and I think Wade will push them to stay with a more favorable match up in the playoffs.
4. Atlanta Hawks - Too far behind to catch up to the big boys in the east and too good to fall down and give up home court to Miami or Philadelphia, that's where Atlanta is.
3. Boston Celtics - I could be a pansy and pick Orlando here, but I won't. I really think Orlando can manage the 2 spot. Boston's been great even without Garnet, but I still think they'd rather be healthy than battle for a higher playoff spot.
2. Orlando Magic - I saw them blowout the Cavs on Thursday and I couldn't possibly put them lower than this. They looked downright dominant.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers - No surprise here. They stumbled a little bit over the weekend, but I think it was exactly the fuel they needed to finish strong and push them through the playoffs. They still want the best record in the NBA (and home court in the finals) and I think they'll get it.
First Round:
Cavs destroy the Bulls in 4 or 5 games.
Orlando will pretty easily defeat the Pistons. Who is going to match up against Dwight Howard? They'll take it in 5.
Boston will get through Philly, but it will be a challenge, especially if Garnett is still hurting. It'll go 6 or 7 games, but Boston's home court will be the deciding factor.
Miami and Atlanta will go at it and it will be brutal…not to mention fun to watch. The Heat will be victorious in 6 or 7 games because we already know Wade good is enough to win a series on his own.
Second Round:
Cavs and Heat will be great entertainment. Two of the best will go head to head (James and Wade). But Wade doesn't have much help and LBJ has a title contending supporting cast. Cleveland will win in 5.
Boston and Orlando will be a very physical series. Neither team will back down and it will be a dog fight. I want to say Orlando will win because I just don't know how healthy Boston will be. Not to mention I think they're going to have a tougher first round series. But, I'm not betting against the champs, not yet at least. Boston in 7 games. They may have regrets about not getting home court advantage though.
Conference Finals:
Cleveland is just too good and the defending champs will be just a little too tired to keep up with them. I think Boston might be able to win one series without home court against a good team, but I don't see them winning a second against the best team in the NBA. Cleveland is almost unstoppable at home (37-1). Sorry Boston, but LBJ is going to his second finals. Cleveland in 7.
Now to the West
8. Dallas Mavericks - They could overtake the Jazz at the 7 spot, I think the deciding game will come on Wednesday. But, for right now I think they'll stay put at number 8. Call me a homer.
7. Utah Jazz - I go ahead and give the Jazz the 4 seed in my last predictions and what do they go and do? Blow it. They had a solid chance at getting a higher seed, but they just plain suck on the road (and lose give me games at home to the likes of Minnesota's bench). Boozer isn't playing how he used to and I think there's some trouble in the locker room because of it. They had a big win against New Orleans and if they manage to beat Dallas on Wednesday they even have a shot at the 6 seed. But, really, they'll be lucky staying here at the 7 spot. Something is off about a team that can build a 20 point lead and then lose it in the span of 5 minutes.
6. New Orleans Hornets - Not having Chandler hurts. They are a solid team, but are missing that interior presence. Paul and West will keep them afloat, but I don't think they'll catch up to Portland.
5. Portland Trailblazers - This team just plays good competitive basketball and get pretty consistent contributions from everyone. They won't slip to the lowly Jazz and the struggling Hornets...at least I don't think they will.
4. San Antonio Spurs - They could stay at the 3 spot, but I just have to many questions to put them there in my predictions. The big three are good, but are they healthy enough? Who is coming of the bench that actually makes an impact?
3. Houston Rockets - Just a good team here. Not great, but better than those behind them.
2. Denver Nuggets - The way they handled the Jazz last week showed me that this isn't the Nuggets of past years. They actually play defense. They actually make the extra pass. They even show up for big games. This is a very good team and they're showing it when it counts most. They have won 7 in a row and are peaking at the right time.
1. L.A. Lakers - They just keep winning. They long ago wrapped up the best record in the West, can they get the best NBA record? What will Bynum coming back mean? These two stories will mean more in the playoffs.
First Round:
Lakers will destroy anyone they come across in the first round. Lakers in 4 or 5.
Portland will give the Spurs a run for their money. They'll be a tough out, but the Spurs will have home court and experience. That's too much for the young Blazers to compete against. Spurs in 6.
Houston and New Orleans will be a 7 game series and both teams will play well, but Chris Paul is another guy who can win a series all by himself. And that's what he'll do, breaking the hearts of Houston fans and Yao Ming, who just can't get out of the first round.
Call me a homer if you must, but I think the Jazz would win in a 7 game series with the Nuggets. Yes, the Jazz have trouble on the road, and yes they seem like they are self destructing. But it seemed that way the last two years and the Jazz went out on the road in the playoffs and won both series. It'll be a 7 game series, but the Jazz have experience in this kind of situation and if they can turn things around they still have a very talented roster. They just have to show up. Jazz in 7.
Second Round:
LA and San Antonio have a history of great playoff series and this one won't be any different. There will be blood. But, in the end LA is just too deep, long, and athletic for the Spurs to compete against. LA in 6.
New Orleans and Utah. DWill vs. CP3. It will be a great match up and in the past it's usually gone Williams' way. He probably will play better than CP3, but, I have trouble believing the Jazz will take two series away from home against quality opponents. I barely believe they can beat Denver, so there is no way I think they can beat New Orleans. This isn't a one on one game and for that reason I've got to pick the New Orleans. The Hornets will take it in 6 or 7.
Conference Finals:
New Orleans doesn't have the depth to their roster that LA does. It will be fun to watch, but I don't think it will be all that challenging for the Lakers to win in 6.
NBA Finals:
I am still picking Cleveland over the Lakers. It'll be a battle, but Lebron is for real and so are the Cavs. Cleveland in 7. Kobe will yet again be asked to describe how Shaq's butt tastes.
8. Chicago Bulls - I was horribly wrong and I can admit it. New Jersey has no chance here. They completely fell apart. In my defense, the Harris injury in late March really killed them, but he didn't miss that much time. They should have been much better. So, I'll give in and pick Chicago. They've been playing pretty well, have the rookie of the year, and could even be the 7th seed given how bad the Pistons are playing. No one below them is going to catch up this late in the season. The Bobcats just can't make up that much ground.
7. Detroit Pistons - As I stated they could be the 8 seed since they seem to have forgotten how to play. Their chemistry is a mess with Iverson and Wallace and they are clearly a border playoff team. Can they hold of Chicago...well, we'll see. In any case they're going to get obliterated in the playoffs no matter what.
6. Philadelphia 76rs - Again this is pretty close to call. It could easily be Miami here, considering how close they are in standings. But, I'm giving the edge to Miami because they have Dwayne Wade and the Heat. That leaves Philly in the 6 spot.
5. Miami Heat -Finally I'm sticking to one of my predictions. Miami could fall to the 6th seed, but I don't see them moving up to the 4 spot and I think Wade will push them to stay with a more favorable match up in the playoffs.
4. Atlanta Hawks - Too far behind to catch up to the big boys in the east and too good to fall down and give up home court to Miami or Philadelphia, that's where Atlanta is.
3. Boston Celtics - I could be a pansy and pick Orlando here, but I won't. I really think Orlando can manage the 2 spot. Boston's been great even without Garnet, but I still think they'd rather be healthy than battle for a higher playoff spot.
2. Orlando Magic - I saw them blowout the Cavs on Thursday and I couldn't possibly put them lower than this. They looked downright dominant.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers - No surprise here. They stumbled a little bit over the weekend, but I think it was exactly the fuel they needed to finish strong and push them through the playoffs. They still want the best record in the NBA (and home court in the finals) and I think they'll get it.
First Round:
Cavs destroy the Bulls in 4 or 5 games.
Orlando will pretty easily defeat the Pistons. Who is going to match up against Dwight Howard? They'll take it in 5.
Boston will get through Philly, but it will be a challenge, especially if Garnett is still hurting. It'll go 6 or 7 games, but Boston's home court will be the deciding factor.
Miami and Atlanta will go at it and it will be brutal…not to mention fun to watch. The Heat will be victorious in 6 or 7 games because we already know Wade good is enough to win a series on his own.
Second Round:
Cavs and Heat will be great entertainment. Two of the best will go head to head (James and Wade). But Wade doesn't have much help and LBJ has a title contending supporting cast. Cleveland will win in 5.
Boston and Orlando will be a very physical series. Neither team will back down and it will be a dog fight. I want to say Orlando will win because I just don't know how healthy Boston will be. Not to mention I think they're going to have a tougher first round series. But, I'm not betting against the champs, not yet at least. Boston in 7 games. They may have regrets about not getting home court advantage though.
Conference Finals:
Cleveland is just too good and the defending champs will be just a little too tired to keep up with them. I think Boston might be able to win one series without home court against a good team, but I don't see them winning a second against the best team in the NBA. Cleveland is almost unstoppable at home (37-1). Sorry Boston, but LBJ is going to his second finals. Cleveland in 7.
Now to the West
8. Dallas Mavericks - They could overtake the Jazz at the 7 spot, I think the deciding game will come on Wednesday. But, for right now I think they'll stay put at number 8. Call me a homer.
7. Utah Jazz - I go ahead and give the Jazz the 4 seed in my last predictions and what do they go and do? Blow it. They had a solid chance at getting a higher seed, but they just plain suck on the road (and lose give me games at home to the likes of Minnesota's bench). Boozer isn't playing how he used to and I think there's some trouble in the locker room because of it. They had a big win against New Orleans and if they manage to beat Dallas on Wednesday they even have a shot at the 6 seed. But, really, they'll be lucky staying here at the 7 spot. Something is off about a team that can build a 20 point lead and then lose it in the span of 5 minutes.
6. New Orleans Hornets - Not having Chandler hurts. They are a solid team, but are missing that interior presence. Paul and West will keep them afloat, but I don't think they'll catch up to Portland.
5. Portland Trailblazers - This team just plays good competitive basketball and get pretty consistent contributions from everyone. They won't slip to the lowly Jazz and the struggling Hornets...at least I don't think they will.
4. San Antonio Spurs - They could stay at the 3 spot, but I just have to many questions to put them there in my predictions. The big three are good, but are they healthy enough? Who is coming of the bench that actually makes an impact?
3. Houston Rockets - Just a good team here. Not great, but better than those behind them.
2. Denver Nuggets - The way they handled the Jazz last week showed me that this isn't the Nuggets of past years. They actually play defense. They actually make the extra pass. They even show up for big games. This is a very good team and they're showing it when it counts most. They have won 7 in a row and are peaking at the right time.
1. L.A. Lakers - They just keep winning. They long ago wrapped up the best record in the West, can they get the best NBA record? What will Bynum coming back mean? These two stories will mean more in the playoffs.
First Round:
Lakers will destroy anyone they come across in the first round. Lakers in 4 or 5.
Portland will give the Spurs a run for their money. They'll be a tough out, but the Spurs will have home court and experience. That's too much for the young Blazers to compete against. Spurs in 6.
Houston and New Orleans will be a 7 game series and both teams will play well, but Chris Paul is another guy who can win a series all by himself. And that's what he'll do, breaking the hearts of Houston fans and Yao Ming, who just can't get out of the first round.
Call me a homer if you must, but I think the Jazz would win in a 7 game series with the Nuggets. Yes, the Jazz have trouble on the road, and yes they seem like they are self destructing. But it seemed that way the last two years and the Jazz went out on the road in the playoffs and won both series. It'll be a 7 game series, but the Jazz have experience in this kind of situation and if they can turn things around they still have a very talented roster. They just have to show up. Jazz in 7.
Second Round:
LA and San Antonio have a history of great playoff series and this one won't be any different. There will be blood. But, in the end LA is just too deep, long, and athletic for the Spurs to compete against. LA in 6.
New Orleans and Utah. DWill vs. CP3. It will be a great match up and in the past it's usually gone Williams' way. He probably will play better than CP3, but, I have trouble believing the Jazz will take two series away from home against quality opponents. I barely believe they can beat Denver, so there is no way I think they can beat New Orleans. This isn't a one on one game and for that reason I've got to pick the New Orleans. The Hornets will take it in 6 or 7.
Conference Finals:
New Orleans doesn't have the depth to their roster that LA does. It will be fun to watch, but I don't think it will be all that challenging for the Lakers to win in 6.
NBA Finals:
I am still picking Cleveland over the Lakers. It'll be a battle, but Lebron is for real and so are the Cavs. Cleveland in 7. Kobe will yet again be asked to describe how Shaq's butt tastes.
Hall of Fame Bound
It was announced today that Jerry Sloan and John Stockton will be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame. It's fitting that both of them will receive this honor at the same time since Stockton spent his whole career under Sloan and they both enjoyed success in part because of one another.Stockton was one of the greatest point guards to play the game. He still holds the records for most assists and most steals all time. He also holds the NBA record for the most seasons and consecutive games played with one team, leading the Jazz for nearly 20 years. He was a ten time all-star and won two gold medals.
Sloan still coaches for the Jazz and is the fourth most-winning coach in NBA history. He coached the Jazz to 16 straight playoffs and to the NBA finals twice. But even when his two star players, Stockton and Malone retired Sloan stayed with the franchise and nearly coached a team everyone thought would be at the bottom of the standings to the playoffs. Although the team missed the playoffs the next two years, he took a new group of players to the conference finals in 2007. The Jazz have again reached the playoffs this season under his leadership and are always considered a dangerous and well disciplined team.
These are two quality guys who were committed to winning and playing the right way and it was a pleasure to grow up watching them.
I am sure that the third member of the historic Utah Jazz team of the past, Karl Malone, will join them shortly.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
"Student Loan Nightmare: Help Wanted" Article
I read this article on CNN and I had a severe reaction to it. Read it over and then read my response. Agree or disagree? I understand her plight, but at the end of the day she chose this path and had to have known that it would be difficult/impossible to pay for it. Where is the line drawn? The system needs reform of course, but come on, $115,000 in debt.?What the hell was she doing exactly to incur that much?
Clearly the loan system is predatory and takes advantage of students. The interest rates are incredible. But then again, she chose an extremely expensive school and didn’t think about how she was going to pay anything back until she got out. Sorry, you should know that you’re not going to make a lot of money right away by going into the television industry. Any 18 year old who is smart enough to get into college should know that.Why didn’t she try and get scholarship money. Why didn’t she attend a less expensive school. Why didn’t she work while attending school?It is possible to go to college without getting that far into debt. The loan system is flawed but so are tuition prices. It’s insane that colleges charge as much as they do. It’s classicism at it’s worst. But both systems are unlikely to change anytime soon. That’s why as a student (consumer) you have to be smart and do everything you can to avoid crippling debt. If you were smart enough to get into a private school in New York you should have been smart enough to know you couldn’t afford it, or at least smart enough to know that you would have $115,000 in debt that you’d need to pay off. Take some responsibility.
Clearly the loan system is predatory and takes advantage of students. The interest rates are incredible. But then again, she chose an extremely expensive school and didn’t think about how she was going to pay anything back until she got out. Sorry, you should know that you’re not going to make a lot of money right away by going into the television industry. Any 18 year old who is smart enough to get into college should know that.Why didn’t she try and get scholarship money. Why didn’t she attend a less expensive school. Why didn’t she work while attending school?It is possible to go to college without getting that far into debt. The loan system is flawed but so are tuition prices. It’s insane that colleges charge as much as they do. It’s classicism at it’s worst. But both systems are unlikely to change anytime soon. That’s why as a student (consumer) you have to be smart and do everything you can to avoid crippling debt. If you were smart enough to get into a private school in New York you should have been smart enough to know you couldn’t afford it, or at least smart enough to know that you would have $115,000 in debt that you’d need to pay off. Take some responsibility.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
