as I will not be hosting "Wrapping Up Your Weekend" this Sun., the 15, or next Sun., the 22nd.
I am enjoying two well-deserved weeks of vacation -- Crooked Lake, Alanson, MI & GR, MI.
Please feel free to comment or e-mail BeInteresting@yahoo.com with any comments, questions, concerns, insight or further contributions.
Thanks so much.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
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Evidently
Curt Schilling, in his http://www.38pitches.com/ blog, was more than accurate regarding Kobe Bryant's leadership qualities based on Kobe's game 4 post game rant.
"Should _ bet it! They were gettin 7.5"
This is the entire text I received after my "celts by 8" text, "4 the game? If so, strong words. Should _ bet it! They were gettin 7.5."
I didn't respond. Frankly, I got lucky with that prediction "celts by 8." There was no doubt before the game, even with Rondo's ailing ankle, that the C's could win the 2008 NBA Finals game 4 by under 10. So I took a stab and was off by 2.
If you bet, I'm not liable.
It would be nice to have LA win Game 5 (maybe 12 or less creating some drama) simply to watch the C's celebrate on their home floor, raising champagne to their 17th World Championship. ALTHOUGH after watching this series, there is no doubt in my mind that the Boston Celtics could easily close this NBA Finals out on Sunday, Game 5 in Los Angeles.
I didn't respond. Frankly, I got lucky with that prediction "celts by 8." There was no doubt before the game, even with Rondo's ailing ankle, that the C's could win the 2008 NBA Finals game 4 by under 10. So I took a stab and was off by 2.
If you bet, I'm not liable.
It would be nice to have LA win Game 5 (maybe 12 or less creating some drama) simply to watch the C's celebrate on their home floor, raising champagne to their 17th World Championship. ALTHOUGH after watching this series, there is no doubt in my mind that the Boston Celtics could easily close this NBA Finals out on Sunday, Game 5 in Los Angeles.
GAME 4
I was packing the car last night and received a text just before tip off, "prediction?...i say garnett has 30...celts win by 10 plus." I responded to him and several others before tip off "celts by 8."
I guess it's "unprofessional" maybe for a sports talk host to admit (maybe I should fake it, like I was told at a previous job ...); but I missed most of the 1st quarter and fell asleep on the living room floor shortly into the 3rd quarter.
The C's were down; but I just thought of the NCAA tourney with UNC/Kansas. Carolina couldn't make it over the hump; but in the NBA we've seen it happen hundreds of times.
The highlights showed both Pierce & Ray with and-one, reverse lay ups that shook the confidence of the entire Lakers.
KG didn't get 30; but the big three good got GREAT contributions from their bench -- HOUSE for 11 and POSEY with 18!!!
I guess it's "unprofessional" maybe for a sports talk host to admit (maybe I should fake it, like I was told at a previous job ...); but I missed most of the 1st quarter and fell asleep on the living room floor shortly into the 3rd quarter.
The C's were down; but I just thought of the NCAA tourney with UNC/Kansas. Carolina couldn't make it over the hump; but in the NBA we've seen it happen hundreds of times.
The highlights showed both Pierce & Ray with and-one, reverse lay ups that shook the confidence of the entire Lakers.
KG didn't get 30; but the big three good got GREAT contributions from their bench -- HOUSE for 11 and POSEY with 18!!!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
In regard to NBA Finals game 3
Another excellent post from just outside Boston,
"Is that the best the Lakers got? I'm still not that impressed with them. I don't think we'll see another night when KG and Pierce are so off their game. I think you'll see a much more aggressive Celts team this time around. As long as they keep going to the basket and not settle for outside jumpers they'll be fine. I also like seeing House out there in place of Rondo to spread the floor so Kobe can't cheat off of him like he did Rondo. Don't get me wrong... I love Rondo but with Kobe D'ing him up and slacking way off of him, it renders his driving and his speed useless. The Celts are by far the better team and they'll win this thing in 5 maybe 6 games."
"Is that the best the Lakers got? I'm still not that impressed with them. I don't think we'll see another night when KG and Pierce are so off their game. I think you'll see a much more aggressive Celts team this time around. As long as they keep going to the basket and not settle for outside jumpers they'll be fine. I also like seeing House out there in place of Rondo to spread the floor so Kobe can't cheat off of him like he did Rondo. Don't get me wrong... I love Rondo but with Kobe D'ing him up and slacking way off of him, it renders his driving and his speed useless. The Celts are by far the better team and they'll win this thing in 5 maybe 6 games."
I LOVE the input.
Check this,
"This kind of goes along with this post (former Phoenix Sun) and your best player survey. While I don't like him I voted for Jordan. However, this referee/conspiracy theory brings to light many, many, many of the calls that went Jordan's way or didn't get called even though Jordan committed an offensive foul. Would he have been nearly as good if he didn't get every call or no call? "
"This kind of goes along with this post (former Phoenix Sun) and your best player survey. While I don't like him I voted for Jordan. However, this referee/conspiracy theory brings to light many, many, many of the calls that went Jordan's way or didn't get called even though Jordan committed an offensive foul. Would he have been nearly as good if he didn't get every call or no call? "
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(i.e., "comment" _ name)
YOU CAN ALSO E-MAIL ME: BeInteresting@yahoo.com
THANKS AGAIN FOR ASSISTING ME IN MY SPORTS RANT AND TALK SHOW PREPARATION!
"Sports are useless!"
When I lived in Colorado I had a friend who was adamant that sports were useless. (We weren't best friends by the way ... but she was cool.)
She asked me "what good are sports?" then proceeded to rant how too much money is poured into athletes, promoting greed and jealousy. She said kids are made fun of for not being good enough and their self-esteem is damaged and feelings are hurt when the lose or worse yet, don't even make the team ... (Sounds like a bitter girlfriend who can't get over being dumped/cut from a team.)
I wasn't going to change her mind so I simply smiled and said something to the effect of, "Yeah, too many times those involved in sports have created a monster. But I definitely learned a lot about life because of them."
Sports are terrific because they teach so much about life; submitting to the authority of coaches and the rules of the sport, getting along and working together with teammates, dealing with joy of winning and the proverbial, "agony," of losing, work ethic, strategy and SO much more.
Where else can one game these skills in such a great environment?
She asked me "what good are sports?" then proceeded to rant how too much money is poured into athletes, promoting greed and jealousy. She said kids are made fun of for not being good enough and their self-esteem is damaged and feelings are hurt when the lose or worse yet, don't even make the team ... (Sounds like a bitter girlfriend who can't get over being dumped/cut from a team.)
I wasn't going to change her mind so I simply smiled and said something to the effect of, "Yeah, too many times those involved in sports have created a monster. But I definitely learned a lot about life because of them."
Sports are terrific because they teach so much about life; submitting to the authority of coaches and the rules of the sport, getting along and working together with teammates, dealing with joy of winning and the proverbial, "agony," of losing, work ethic, strategy and SO much more.
Where else can one game these skills in such a great environment?
former Phoenix Sun
I just got an e-mail from a good friend who used to play for the NBA's Phoenix Suns.
This is his response to my question, "Is there any credence to believe the 'conspiracy theory' that referees are fixing games per order of the NBA?"
His response:
"I've never HEARD anything specifically, but I HAVE to believe there have been times where something wasn't right. Would be very difficult to do without being obvious, but possible, I'm pretty fed up with the direction of sports anyway (especially professional, but not ONLY)!"
This is his response to my question, "Is there any credence to believe the 'conspiracy theory' that referees are fixing games per order of the NBA?"
His response:
"I've never HEARD anything specifically, but I HAVE to believe there have been times where something wasn't right. Would be very difficult to do without being obvious, but possible, I'm pretty fed up with the direction of sports anyway (especially professional, but not ONLY)!"
CONSPIRACY
I was listening to sports talk radio this morning and they can't get away from the NBA referees conspiracy theory to "fix" games. One host stated if players could not foul out it would clear up the referees making game changing calls.
I could NOT disagree more. If you allow players the freedom to foul more, even with a greater penalty of two shots and the ball for the other team; it will not "clean up" the game! That's ludicrous.
I know the ABA has that rule. But (even with the Vermont Frost Heaves as the back-to-back ABA Champions) look at the week-to-week schedule of the ABA. (The Frost Heaves left the ABA just joined the Premier Basketball League.*)
*www.vermontfrostheaves.com
I could NOT disagree more. If you allow players the freedom to foul more, even with a greater penalty of two shots and the ball for the other team; it will not "clean up" the game! That's ludicrous.
I know the ABA has that rule. But (even with the Vermont Frost Heaves as the back-to-back ABA Champions) look at the week-to-week schedule of the ABA. (The Frost Heaves left the ABA just joined the Premier Basketball League.*)
*www.vermontfrostheaves.com
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
$4/gallon gasoline
It's difficult to believe we are in a "recession" when you begin to look at entertainers, professional athletes and celebrities paychecks and endorsements.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/more/specials/fortunate50/2008/index.html
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/more/specials/fortunate50/2008/index.html
Which game
will the Boston Celtics win in Los Angeles?
Game 4
Game 5
Neither
Both
I called the C's in 6 or the LAKERS in 5; and LA is not going to win in 5. But for the CELTICS to win the 2008 NBA Finals in 6 games they must win 1 game in Los Angeles.
Game 3 was a great opportunity for the C's to win; but they came up short. Home court has been such an incredible advantage in the play-offs this year.
I don't believe the LAKERS can win the series. Boston outplayed them in game 3 with Pierce and KG struggling.
You may say I'm crazy because the LAKERS won. But the LAKERS simply scored more points in game three. It is evident that the Boston Celtics are the better team this year.
Game 4
Game 5
Neither
Both
I called the C's in 6 or the LAKERS in 5; and LA is not going to win in 5. But for the CELTICS to win the 2008 NBA Finals in 6 games they must win 1 game in Los Angeles.
Game 3 was a great opportunity for the C's to win; but they came up short. Home court has been such an incredible advantage in the play-offs this year.
I don't believe the LAKERS can win the series. Boston outplayed them in game 3 with Pierce and KG struggling.
You may say I'm crazy because the LAKERS won. But the LAKERS simply scored more points in game three. It is evident that the Boston Celtics are the better team this year.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Thoughts on the 2nd half
1. Eddie House was key in the 2nd half for the C's. LA couldn't double off him like they do with Rondo.
2. The referees stole the game.
3. This Finals is still yet to see the proverbial series-defining hard foul (which I told my wife would happen after the 1st quarter).
4. Sasha Vujacic is a poor man's John Starks -- emotional, streaky and has a chip on each shoulder.
5. Posey is the most valuable player off either bench. He goes after all the loose balls, defends and keeps the defense honest with his outside shooting.
6. Ray on Kobe in the final minute ... what's "Doc" thinking!?!
2. The referees stole the game.
3. This Finals is still yet to see the proverbial series-defining hard foul (which I told my wife would happen after the 1st quarter).
4. Sasha Vujacic is a poor man's John Starks -- emotional, streaky and has a chip on each shoulder.
5. Posey is the most valuable player off either bench. He goes after all the loose balls, defends and keeps the defense honest with his outside shooting.
6. Ray on Kobe in the final minute ... what's "Doc" thinking!?!
Game 3 first half observation
LA is aggressively driving the basketball. Well, Kobe is driving and getting foul calls. Seemingly the referees have been influenced by Phil's game 2 post game rant.
We've witnessed KG turn into a defensive Rasheed Wallace. He's settling for jump shots this half when he could dominate the post; especially with Odom having 3 personal fouls.
Vujacic is 4/5, including 1/1 from the 3-point line, for 12 first half points.
Pressure is mounting as can be seen by 12 missed foul shots.
Translation:
Kobe is getting every call and Vujacic is on fire. KG needs to post up and Paul has to take over, while setting Ray up for 3's. Unless the refs take it away and call fouls on Pierce, the C's should win.
LA by 15 if Pierce is in foul trouble the entire 2nd; or, as D2 calls, C's by 3!
We've witnessed KG turn into a defensive Rasheed Wallace. He's settling for jump shots this half when he could dominate the post; especially with Odom having 3 personal fouls.
Vujacic is 4/5, including 1/1 from the 3-point line, for 12 first half points.
Pressure is mounting as can be seen by 12 missed foul shots.
Translation:
Kobe is getting every call and Vujacic is on fire. KG needs to post up and Paul has to take over, while setting Ray up for 3's. Unless the refs take it away and call fouls on Pierce, the C's should win.
LA by 15 if Pierce is in foul trouble the entire 2nd; or, as D2 calls, C's by 3!
Thank you!
EVEN THOUGH I HAVE NOT RECEIVED MANY E-MAILS OR COMMENTS, YOUR POLL VOTES ARE EXTREMELY APPRECIATED. THANKS SO MUCH!
Kool-Aid
There is a nickname which references people who simply believe whatever someone says because they like that person. They are called a "Kool Aid Drinker." (Not saying I'm a "Kool Aid Drinker" of Sean Hannity, but I really enjoy his analysis 85-90% of the time.)
In regards to oil and gas prices, he presents the argument (not word for word) that it doesn't make sense to raise taxes on the overseas companies which are drilling, manufacturing and selling oil to the US. The government is the only one that benefits from that tax increase. Plus the government is already making $0.40+/gallon (or maybe it's on the dollar of each gallon) we purchase at the gas station without doing anything. Well, they say that income goes for roads and transportation costs ...
However, doesn't it make a lot more sense to provide more jobs within the US, drill on our own soil and lower our demand on foreign resources.
Is the biggest reason for not drilling more on American soil because special interest groups, like those of the "conservation" persuasion, have their hand in the financial pockets of politicians?
In regards to oil and gas prices, he presents the argument (not word for word) that it doesn't make sense to raise taxes on the overseas companies which are drilling, manufacturing and selling oil to the US. The government is the only one that benefits from that tax increase. Plus the government is already making $0.40+/gallon (or maybe it's on the dollar of each gallon) we purchase at the gas station without doing anything. Well, they say that income goes for roads and transportation costs ...
However, doesn't it make a lot more sense to provide more jobs within the US, drill on our own soil and lower our demand on foreign resources.
Is the biggest reason for not drilling more on American soil because special interest groups, like those of the "conservation" persuasion, have their hand in the financial pockets of politicians?
GREAT comment you may have missed!
In regards to Game 2 of the 2008 NBA Finals:
"The Celtics were being aggressive and taken it to the hoop (especially Powe) where the Lakers were taking outside jumpers. You don't get those calls when you shoot outside. I think the actual number of foul calls was 28 BOS to 21 LA and 2 of those were when LA purposefully fouled at the end so that's not much of a diff. It just happened that the sorry LA Defense fouled the Celts when they were in the act of shooting. Besides I seem to recall quite a bit of foul shooting discrepancies when the Celts were playing against Atlanta and Cleveland. Those 2 teams made it to the line tons more then the C's. But of course, they were being the aggressors and taken to the rim where the Celts were settling for outside jumpers.
Jackson is the master at whining about fouls and getting the refs to listen. There's no doubt in my mind that Kobe is going to get a ton of calls in Game 3. However, if the Lakers don't start playing D, this things going to be over really soon."
"The Celtics were being aggressive and taken it to the hoop (especially Powe) where the Lakers were taking outside jumpers. You don't get those calls when you shoot outside. I think the actual number of foul calls was 28 BOS to 21 LA and 2 of those were when LA purposefully fouled at the end so that's not much of a diff. It just happened that the sorry LA Defense fouled the Celts when they were in the act of shooting. Besides I seem to recall quite a bit of foul shooting discrepancies when the Celts were playing against Atlanta and Cleveland. Those 2 teams made it to the line tons more then the C's. But of course, they were being the aggressors and taken to the rim where the Celts were settling for outside jumpers.
Jackson is the master at whining about fouls and getting the refs to listen. There's no doubt in my mind that Kobe is going to get a ton of calls in Game 3. However, if the Lakers don't start playing D, this things going to be over really soon."
Monday, June 9, 2008
from the station on Stowe Street,
this is "Wrapping Up the Weekend"; and I'm your host ...
Upon review, it has become unmistakeably clear that I need to capture the attention of you, the listener of the ESPN Sunday Night Baseball broadcast. It is imperative that I stimulate your attention, keeping you entertained, involved and tuned in for my 30-minute sports rant & talk show.
Thus, I will be changing my format from simply retelling the days MLB scores & highlights. (The ESPN Sunday Night Baseball broadcast team already presents the majority of these during their post game show.)
Therefore, without duplicating ESPN's MLB stories, I will have greater freedom within my 30-minute time constraints to present calculated stories that interest you the audience while reflecting my very own personality and sometimes overly-opinionated opinion.
Upon review, it has become unmistakeably clear that I need to capture the attention of you, the listener of the ESPN Sunday Night Baseball broadcast. It is imperative that I stimulate your attention, keeping you entertained, involved and tuned in for my 30-minute sports rant & talk show.
Thus, I will be changing my format from simply retelling the days MLB scores & highlights. (The ESPN Sunday Night Baseball broadcast team already presents the majority of these during their post game show.)
Therefore, without duplicating ESPN's MLB stories, I will have greater freedom within my 30-minute time constraints to present calculated stories that interest you the audience while reflecting my very own personality and sometimes overly-opinionated opinion.
I read the headline
"Is Obama black or biracial?"
Are you kidding me!?!
First, what does it matter? Second, is the media so limited that this is the headline they believe the American voting public wants ... casting Americans as racist?
Ridiculous!
Are you kidding me!?!
First, what does it matter? Second, is the media so limited that this is the headline they believe the American voting public wants ... casting Americans as racist?
Ridiculous!
Phil Jackson
Moral victory?
The LAKERS cut a 24-point deficit to 2-points before losing by 6.
Phil Jackson sat NBA MVP, Kobe Bryant (aka, "Jordan-Wannabe") during distinct runs by the CELTICS.
... a lot of people are talking about the glaring foul shooting discrepancy, 10-10 for LA and 27 of 38 for Boston; but where did LA shoot?
Phil's trying all of his "Jedi mind tricks" to give confidence to his team and intimidate the referees as the series goes to Los Angeles.
The LAKERS cut a 24-point deficit to 2-points before losing by 6.
Phil Jackson sat NBA MVP, Kobe Bryant (aka, "Jordan-Wannabe") during distinct runs by the CELTICS.
... a lot of people are talking about the glaring foul shooting discrepancy, 10-10 for LA and 27 of 38 for Boston; but where did LA shoot?
Phil's trying all of his "Jedi mind tricks" to give confidence to his team and intimidate the referees as the series goes to Los Angeles.
PO-sho'
James Posey defends, hustles and hits 3's. (I'm infamous for 2 out of those 3.) He's been the best pick up for the C's bench.
Then Leon Powe, who I believe has a lot better scoring hands than injured Perkins, goes off for 21 points in under 15 minutes of playing time; shooting 6 of 7 from the field and 9 for 13 from the foul line ... Powe is not the shot-blocking defender of Perkins; but he definitely made the most of his opportunity last night.
Then Leon Powe, who I believe has a lot better scoring hands than injured Perkins, goes off for 21 points in under 15 minutes of playing time; shooting 6 of 7 from the field and 9 for 13 from the foul line ... Powe is not the shot-blocking defender of Perkins; but he definitely made the most of his opportunity last night.
41 4th quarter POINTS
The Los Angeles LAKERS scored 41-4th quarter points, including 7 3-pointers to nearly eliminate the Boston CELTICS 24-point 3rd quarter lead. Kobe scored 13 of his 30 points in the 4th, including 2 foul shots to close the gap 104-102.
C's! C'mon, close out games.
C's! C'mon, close out games.
4th Quarter???
What the heck happened to the Celtics in the 4th quarter?
I go live on-air early in the 3rd quarter of game 2, 2008 NBA Finals, with the Celts up 20-something.
Just doing my thing; and then I look up and the C's are up 3 with 50 seconds left ... What the HECK happened?
But yeah, yeah, I know, I'm the supposed sports guy, so I'll tell you what happened all next week.
I go live on-air early in the 3rd quarter of game 2, 2008 NBA Finals, with the Celts up 20-something.
Just doing my thing; and then I look up and the C's are up 3 with 50 seconds left ... What the HECK happened?
But yeah, yeah, I know, I'm the supposed sports guy, so I'll tell you what happened all next week.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
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