Where Did The Hustle Go NBA Basketball ?

The NBA is like some fashion show and everybody wants to look pretty for the cameras. Give me a break !! Let the bodies hit the floor already.

There is no hustle anymore like when Dennis Rodman flew into the stands like superman or when the Bad Boy Pistons hit Jordan hard ... so hard the fans at home gasped at home. I even found the finger wag by Mutumbo to be body shaking ... its just a glamorous NBA mochary and I'm sick of it.

Thanks to Chris Anderson there is hope for what NBA basketball should be ... all about the hustle. I don't even want to see a clothesline like Mchale did to Rambis in the 80s ... I think Ron Artest blew that for everyone in his motorcity stupidity ... hey Ron quit the Dennis Rodman act your nowhere close! I don't want to see guys who look all blown up winning defensive awards and rebounding titles. Its easy to put your hands up and catch a ball when your seven foot something ... the worst part is they have little heart pumping through their over-paid hearts.

Take a look at Chris Anderson ... he is a crazy dude
sporting some socks that you would where underneath
your Dockers for church ... I guess the dress socks are
still in ... just ask Chris Mullin and Rik Smits during
their career with the Pacers. He sports a mohawk and
a handband ... and look at the tatoos.... this is one
crazy guy ... just like Rodman he jumps up and grabs
the boards , dives for the loose ball , puts his body on
the line to win. Its no surprise that Anderson is the
craziest player in the game.

NBA basketball is just a hold it all for the post
season deal and its terriable for all year long fans.
Remember the days of the 72-10 Bulls ? Well
remember every game when defense was
entertaining because Rodman wanted every damn
board ? Now these players take off plays and let
the ball go off the rim and don't bother getting
floor burns ... Can we see a player dive for a ball
more than two times a quater?

Well I guess tuning in to Nuggets games is the
only alternative to seeing a guy hustle against
the seven footers ... like Rodman went up
against Ewing , The Dream , David Robinson ,
and Shaq to just name few. He played mind
games with Malone , Oakley , and Alanzo
Mourning . The players who call themselves
defensive players are really kidding
themselves. You can fake the heart and
enthusiam ... you have to play all out every
game and not take off a play. Its just not
evident ... I guess the Birdman has this
because he played in the unknown only to
pop his spiked-infested head back in to an
NBA rotation. Like Rodman he played small
college ball and overcame adversity to create
a persona made for defensive play in pro
basketball.

Enough Tiger Woods Already !!

If I hear one more thing about Tiger Woods ... I'm going to go nuts and yell until my brains come out of my head like playdough . Seriously who cares about this cocky dude with all the talent in the world ... he carries himself like pompous ass . That little smile that makes him looks like a snake from one those Disney movies. I could care a less about if Tiger Woods is being taken to the cleaners with all the money-hungry women coming out of wood work .

I guess all those endorsements went to your head and you got too big for yourself Tiger. Now we have to be boo hooing about this guy ... I never liked the fact that the guy has that little grin to him and answers questions so half ass. He also irked me how he got in hissy fit over every attempt on the golf course ... give me a break your swinging a golf club and hitting a ball man ... he acts like he's really breaking sweat. Play for the cameras ... I'm changing the channel. It wouldn't be so bad if after a win you actually show enthusim but instead

you act like you care less.

He got caught and was unfaithful ... but he led a

bs media spree ... this little 2 AM oops there goes

the hedge ... hydrant ... and wow a tree deal just

made me want to cut out everything Tiger out of

the paper. Then that statement was long as hell

and made me sick ... Boo Hoo I'm an overpaid jerk

who uses these big words and fakes a laugh ... Boo

Hoo I got caught everyone fill sorry for me ...

That's what I get it . So what's Tiger lose from

these companies dropping him? He going to

comeback and lead this little me against the

world and most will sucker into and make me

gag with all the love they show this jerk ...

Seriously do you have to make that stupid face

when your lips are up in the air ... put the club

down dude we got it was a good shot...

MY SANSA MP3 Player ... I Don't Leave Home Without It

In a world where the little pickme ups are always helpful ... My Sansa MP3 player does that . I am not saying I use music as every bit of my emotion but music is like something replenishes the mind .

You can't see music it is just something that you have to take in and build your sate of mind. A music video is never the same as the recording because when an artist creates a track ... he or she builds beats and rythm from inspiration ... with that comes words that help their fan-base keep pushing the playback button ( Well that's just me !) .

There is always that time in life where you need to get away and calm nerves , so the idea of turning to a particular selection of music becomes

the best route on your road back to where you want to be in your life.

I bought my Sansa MP3 player and

keep it close to me like my driver's

license. Its just something I use in

the morning , through the day , and

sometimes well into the night. I use it

when I run on Sunday mornings ,

before work , during breaks , and the

occasional weekend sleep ins. Its like

breakfast cerreal ... I always have it

around when cravings are drasticly

curved.

Music is fun , depressing , moving ,

and anything I want it to be. I can

lose myself in music because its

a period to sit and let my soul take

in the air.... to let my hands stay still

and all tension leaves through sitting

and enjoying beats and lyrics... it all

rolls within your mood , task , and

pleasures of life.

Music builds my character because

I love inspiration in my life it builds

my creative side , the side to

explain my faults , occasional

negativity , mistakes , and notions

to want to tell someone where they

can go. Listening to my favorite song

finds a compromise to who I choose

be. A period of loss becomes

to make sense with music.

I once played Springsteen's

Badlands 15 times to lose myself in

a distance run to find out why

someone was treating me so

wrong. At the end of that run I was

at ease with who I am... through

Badlands there is energy though

the flow of words ... the energy

a guitar being played by a man

let's loose and inspires people of

all ages ... Bruce got me through

alot of stomach rattlers . That rip

through the sax and mmm ..

mmm... mmm... only sounds good

through the Boss because he

picks up where he left off with so

much energy like in the beginning

and always ends wanting me to

press play again . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFAr2AbvvF8 . Check it out for yourself .

I can go on all day about songs in my MP3 but I'm not becaue

I'll just comeback and talk some more. I just love having

access to songs from every artist of any particular genre. My

taste for music is like all my tastes ... their never understand-

able ... they just lift me and help me stay positve. It might be a

few hours , but I just losing myself in word flow that link to my

moods. I am always altering my music library because I am

never satisfied and I am always seeking new artists from the

recent and past times ... I will ever have that chance to

listen to every song ever made , but I tend to think I'm

making one hell of effort to do so ! I can take music with me

everywhere and its always a walk , grab , and zipper tug

away.

LOOK WHO's BACK IN PHILLY !!

Lets be honest . Has Philadelphia 76ers basketball been anything since AI went Nugget ? Well I would think the answer ( No Pun intented !!) has been NO !! Since the Sixers are 29 of 30 in attendance .

The little guy with the big game can still ball . The only problem is noone is willing to take a chance on him. Come on lets get real ... Memphis out of all teams wanted him to come off the bench and play a little role. Did they get the memo that this guy led the Sixers to the NBA Finals in 2001 ? What did Memphis basketball do lately ? Their biggest names were Jerry West and Hubie Brown ... the two wore suits for heaven sakes !

The 76ers decided to go throwback and bring back the old logo ... since 1983 Sixers basketball has come up short. Though this team is really rebuilding and probably won't win anything till 2020 ... if we're lucky ... the fans will pack the Wacovia Center for a glimpse of Allen Iverson . I'm sure he'll rack up his points and steals , and even a few assists ... Hell he will play team basketball because he will accept the fact he's on a zero tolerence

situation this time around. I see no practice tirades in

coming months.

Iverson cried in public as he expressed how much

he wanted to retire a 76er. The man respects the history

of the franchise as he honored Dr. J at the All-Star

game by wearing number six , and he did everything to

make Moe Cheek's coaching stint a success , but he took

an all too familiar road of controversey that led to a plane

ticket to Denver. When a superstar sits out crucial

games the make or break playoff hopes... best believe

his basketball days are numbered because the front office

will do anything to rid the player.

76ers General Manager Ed Stefanski decided he nothing

to lose by signing Allen Iverson to a $1.3 million deal.

The Sixers are already a basement team thus far and

the playoffs are going to depend on if the team will

buy into playing team basketball. The leader of this

team can only be characterized on paper because

by a 5-12 record it has been determined the 76ers

are in desperate need of a marque talent that can

replenish the the winning ways of Larry Brown back

in 2001 . Their not looking to replicate the 1967 or

1983 teams at this team ... Stefanski just wants to

take off the training wheels and let the 76ers ride a

little and explore some way to win. With Iverson as

temporary leader , the 76ers players can pick the

brain and learn something from the man who led the

team to title run .

Allen Iverson has a great shot of going out Philly

knowing he contributed something ... hell the city

only wants a seeding in the playoffs that will lead to

a win. The realists could care less if we lose to

Boston or Cleveland in the second round . Philly

fans just don't want an early exit that is a waste of

gas and meal money ... That overpriced soda and

chicken tender meal will taste better knowing the

76er fan will have something to smile about for the

Summer . Its better to drink a beer knowing

there is hope ... rather than hoping for a draft

night trade or keeping your fingers crossed that

another Allen Iverson will come out of the wood

work.

For now Philly fans just put on their 76ers gear

and head back into the Wacovia Center hoping

Allen Iverson will make an impact and cause no

controversy . There is no more watching Iverson

rack up numbers in a losing effort because it just

leads to hole getting deeper and deeper until the

the 76ers become an expansion team headed for

Wyoming or Mississippi ... We do not want to

be a sports city that loses a team , so just have

faith the Bubba Chuck as Pat Crochee dubbed

him in 1996 ... has a few crossovers , some

slashes , a few buzzard beaters , and a huge

heart to win left in the tank because it could be

contagious for seasons to come. Have faith in

your Sixers ... The gash needs to be stitched and

the time is now. Allen can you relay the

answer ... Stay Tuned .

LOVE - Its What You Want It To BE

Don't just throw love around like it is typical or obvious . Find love by searching inside and figuring out what makes you want to love.

Love is not material , its not about how you really feel , and let it be known ... no sense leaving it all in because you are not letting anything unfold that way. Take chances for love because it could be become too late. The farther apart the further a relationship will go if you believe in love.

Sit there for a minute and think of how much you love someone , and what would you do if you were with them. Chances are you will make time go faster , days quicker , and hours fly just knowing that you will soon be with your special someone again.

There is never a dull moment when you truly

love someone. You will go lengths to make

every minute memorable. Memories are not

something to throw to the side and forget about

until you wasted everything ... and you feel

need to say everything the special someone

wants to hear. Bring up the memories when

you look into their eyes and feel something

special is occuring. When you are holding the

love of your life near to you.

There is no better feeling than a touch of kiss , a warm hug , and holding the hand of one you love. Hearing the voice of that one you admire is always rewarding ... The way they laugh , the way smile , and the way they let you know how much they care about you. This is what makes you never want to leave , but when you do there is always that night to remember until the next time you are with them. A period of time can not destroy love ... its only destroyed when you give up learning the different ways to love. You don't do it for you ... do it for the connection you wish to find everyday you communicate with them. Write a note everyday you want them to know something , text when something comes to mind , and dream about the next time you are together ... Have vision because its thoughts that make love.

Love is what you want it to be . Its up to you to make it work , but it cannot be forced... Love has to come from the heart and only you can open up love.

Spingsteen Inspiration

For years the man known as "The Boss" has been electrifying man ever to stroke the strings of a eletrical guitar , cleanse the vocals into a microphone , and rally the crowd at sold out show acrosss America and over seas . Bruce Springsteen speaks about the working man , the rebels , the regulars of the world striving to achieve in life. He has the world's eyes glued to him and continues to show who numero uno really is.

There was a time that when I thought Springsteen was a joke and that it was all about fresh cuts , ballin , and everything else the hip-hop and rap world have to offer, but not now ... because to me its about being an individual and standing up for what you believe in ... having a voice and giving it all you got . Springsteen helps the world understand it.

His "The River" song was used in Adam Sandler's "Reign Over Me". The movie was about a man who became isolated in a world of regret and blame , he could not find any way to go in life after losing his wife and children in 911. He used Springsteen's words to stay sane and believe he could live somehow. There is always a story told in the word's of Springsteen's songs, and they give one the will to win ... walk tall ... release the negative vibe because the words are inspiring and impact what most look to achieve ... finding out what is out there and how to live with it.

Everyone lived through the badlands where they worked underneath the wheels and they got back burn , as they tried to their facts learned. There is also finding the promise land where you take you one moment into your hands ... get up every morning and go to work each ... Mr. I am not a boy ... I am a man and I believe in the "Promise Land". You must understand you can take one moment in your hands and believe in the promise land.

Linus !!!

He was like a draft pick that gets picked in the final round ... then he just shocks you once he gets his big break!!

Linus is the new kid on the block , and he continues to open eyes. First off he is the first male dog to climb onto the couch. He is a loving dog with a rowdy side to him ... he wants all eyes on him or he will express himself through one annoying cry for attention.

He'll sleep but once he wakes up , Linus is a ball of energy that keeps on rolling. The vocal cords of my mom and dad are probably shot !! Linus No has become the norm in our house. He just gives you a look like ... What did I do ? Then he just goes on with his day thinking .... Should I bother my sister .... drive my parents nuts ... when is Carl coming home because I'll just give him sad eyes when he yells at me. Linus is one weird dog sometimes because its like he has no time for barking at other dogs or barking , he just loves seeing how much he can get away with.

There was the time I took Linus for a walk ... well attempted to !! He kept sitting down like saying , " Come on !! Give me a break ... shouldn't I be home or in yard . Who walks anymore?" Then he takes out all of his toys and puts them on display around the house... "These are some nice toys we have here. I'll just walk around... this is boring maybe I'll take a nap. Someone will pick them up for me ... Who wouldn't take time out to pick up my toys ... I'm entertaining , cute , and have this look ... you see this face its one of a kind ," Linus would say.

Then there is that little grin he gives when he is planning his next move. He sits down and looks around , and then you turn your head ... he's gone !! He'll run back and go to sleep or look at you like " Pay attention to me !" He looks at his sister Lily and thinks ... should I drive her nuts , steal her sleeping spot ... why not just use her as a pillow ... I'll go to sleep , make my mom go awww aren't they cute ... my dad will pick me up and let me lay with him ... come on I need to score some points I've been hearing ... bad boy ! bad boy ! most of the day !

Linus always seems to know how to win at the end of the day. He is living a puppy life and knows he can get away with alot... We wouldn't have it any other way!!!

Whitney Houston returns
with chart-topping album
BY CARL WAXMONSKY
Centurion Staff
On August 31 , Whitney Houston
returned to the music world as
her first album debuted at no. 1 on
the U.S. pop album charts. “I
Look To You” is Houston’s first
album in seven years.
The album became Houston’s
fourth no. 1 album on the Billboard
200 charts, as 304,801
copies were sold in the week of
Sept. 6, according to Neilson
SoundScan (a music data corporation).
“I Look to You” is Houston’s
first chart-topping album since the
“The Body Guard” soundtrack,
which spent 20 weeks at no. 1 in
1992 - 1993. These two albums
are joined by her self -titled set in
1986, and her 1987 set, “ Whitney.”
Early chart data shows that “I
Look To You” did not just top the
U.S. music charts. The album
also debuted at no. 1 in Canada ,
Germany , Italy and Switzerland ,
according to Houston’s Arista
Record label.
Before the release of “ I Look
To You,” Arista Records told
MSNBC that this could lead to a
comeback by Houston.
Arista records decided to release
the album in time for
Grammy contention. They also
made a point of trying to attract a
younger audience by brining in
Akon,Alicia Keys and R Kelly as
collaborators on the album.
Music media predicts Houston’s
comeback success will be based
on how she performs in the coming
months leading up to
Grammy night on Jan. 31,
2010.
In Houston’s
song titled
“Salute” she
sings, “ I don’t
call it a comeback,
no I been
here for years.”
Houston has
not released a
record since her
C h r i s t m a s
album six years
ago, which was labeled
“unremarkable”
by the
Billboard 100.
Many music
critics say Houston
needs to
shake off the
t r o u b l e d ,
bizarre image
she acquired in
recent years,
the result of
admitted drug
use and her
rocky marriage
to Bobby Brown.
For instance, Houston told
Diane Sawyer in a 2002 interview
she didn’t do crack because it was
cheap. “I make too much money
to ever smoke crack,” Houston
said .
In a recent interview with
OprahWinfrey, Houston admitted
she had been addicted to marijuana
laced with rock cocaine
and emotionally battered by
Brown until she gathered
the strength to leave him
in 2006 following stints
in rehab. She said her
mother had to call the
authorities in order
to get her into
rehab.
"Now looking
at it, I see the love
and passion that
my mother had
for me and she
has for me,"
Houston told
Winfrey. She
said, “I have a
court [injunction]
here. Either you do
it my way, or
we're just not
going to do this
at all. We are
both going to
go on TV, and
you're going to
retire.'"
H o u s t o n ’ s
mother also made
sure Brown stayed
away.
Houston said her mother coaxed
her to get help, saying, “ It’s not
worth it. I'm not losing you to the
world. I'm not losing you to Satan.
I'm not doing this. I want my
daughter. I want you back. I want
to see that glow in your eyes. That
light in your eye.' "
“We did want to go the route of
any-press-is-good-press way of
thinking here,” said one Houston
handler, speaking of Houston’s interviews.
“We wanted her (Houston) to
have the chance to answer questions,
but be comfortable. Sometimes
we used pre-taped
interviews
bring out the best results.”

NBA 2K10 Delivers Slam Dunk

Basketball video gamers always expect a high-quality performance when they play titles such as NBA 2K , and once again the famed title did not disappoint. NBA 2K10 was voted the #1 selling basketball game , as it beat out its rival NBA Live 10 . The game was also rated # 1 for its realistic simulation of the NBA. A limited edition NBA 2K10 Anniversary Edition is available for the PS3 and XBOX consoles, which is packaged in a specially designed 2K sports locker designed for game storage. The game features 2009 NBA Finals MVP Kobe Bryant of the Los Angels Lakers , and cover athlete for 2K10. This season the game delivers the most realistic, stylistic , and uses new graphic designs in order to enhance the presentation and online gaming.

"I take great pride in aligning myself with NBA 2K10 as it is simply the most authentic basketball game out there, bar none," said 11-time NBA All-Star Kobe Bryant in an interview with NBA TV. "I was fortunate enough to win a world championship when I was announced to be on the cover. I have learned, in my time working with the 2K Sports team that they, too, strive to be the absolute best."

NBA 2K10 offers gamers some new features. There is the NBA Today feature which offers real world NBA games ,news ,and stats that automatically load right into the game. Commentary and overlays are up-to-date , as it is based on what is happening in the NBA that day.

The new My Player feature allows fans to create their own marquee NBA player and guide him through every moment of his NBA career. The player begins as an un-drafted rookie in the Summer circuit of the NBA. Gamers must advance the skill of their created player in order to participate in an NBA team’s training camp or will have to settle playing in the NBA’s Development League.

The Association feature strives to be the best franchise mode in sports video games. There is incorporation of the NBA Development League and the ability to control all 30 NBA teams at once, including restricted free agency, real-time practice, an all-new player progression system, and a host of other enhancements gives NBA 2K10 gamers the tools needed to rule the court and lead their team to victory.

Crews, is a new online feature, which allows dedicated online gamers to round up their friends and build the ultimate fantasy basketball team using either created players from My Player or an actual NBA team. Gamers can go online and challenge other Crews for bragging rights and progression points as they try to climb their way to the top of the Crew leader board rankings.

Signature Play offers gamers all signature styles and adds in all-new signature tendencies and facial expressions, creating NBA 2K10 teams that play and react like the real life NBA for an unbelievably realistic NBA experience. Improved easy-to-use offensive controls for dribbling and post up plays lets gamers pull off ankle- breaking Isolation moves and execute marquee plays from the perimeter to the paint. Gamers can shut down their opponents like never before with newly-designed defensive controls that allow you to shadow your opponent's every move, deny position off-ball, and even select different approaches to contest shots.

"NBA 2K10 is the dream package for any diehard basketball fan and will be available on more platforms than ever before," said Greg Thomas, senior vice president of sports development for 2K. "It's the 10th anniversary of the NBA 2K franchise and we're celebrating in a huge way with Kobe Bryant on our cover and the NBA 2K10: Anniversary Edition that includes many awesome collectables. NBA 2K10 challenges basketball fans of all ages - How will you take over?"

The Search Is Over ... I Found Love

I have always believed she was out there ... I just had to find her. The one I look forward to spending time with and cherishing life with. I don't believe in the macho bs , as I think it is a front and cover-up of who one really is. I am a male version of a hopless romantic ... take it for what is . Call me any name in the book of negative and try to put me down ... It won't work because I am running on a new outlook on life and it's the little things I take in and live life everyday.

Its one unpredictable world we are living in , so why go at it alone? If you don't have to. I am one that believes that you must look inside yourself and stay focused even when it feels your back is to the wall and only the negative thoughts flow through the mind. Continue to dream and believe you are going somewhere... it can't be all about the paper , it must be about the dream. Think reaching the climax of your life ... hitting the peak successfully , and think about being successful. One can't go on if you don't have an signifcant other alongside you.

I never knew where I was going and sometimes thought the worst. There was a notion that nothing would go in my favor , but for some reason I kept believing that there would be light at the end of the tunnel. One day I woke up and I said to myself I already hit the bottom. I had my emotions played with and closed my eyes tightly , but then I opened my mind and said there is still a positive vibe flowing through my heart. I have always been one to comeback and take on another challenge. I thought positive and looked forward even when there were clitches that set me back.

Now I was never alone ... I always had people that cared , but I held myself in isolation because I did not have someone to call my signifcant other ... one I could love and think about even when she is not there. For awhile I lived believing I had such a thing , but it just wasn't the case. I suddenly found myself digging deep inside myself and taking on the role of rebel more than this sweet guy who was going to believe that all would work out. This is the conscience saying , " Yo wake the hell up !!" Every vibe is your done being open-minded and your ready to turn the tables. Its not that you want to be a complete asshole , but let's call it what it is ... Don't play someone so many times and expect not get a taste of reality.

I found love because I willing to take the past and failure ... I threw it all out the window. I decided to just take sometime to see life for what it really is... I didn't hold myself to anything and found out that alot of positive comes with letting it ride. The biggest critic in your life has to be you because you hold what happens with every breath you take and every move you make... there are second chances but your gambling pretty much... think it through and let something unfold ... don't hold on too long because a real good thing could be right in front of you.

His Airness Makes IT TO THE HALL

Its no surprise Michael Jordan is in the Hall of Fame ... What took so long ? He is the number one reason a player shouldn't have to be retired to make the Hall of Fame .

In 1998 , everyone thought Michael Jordan's famous shot over Byron Russell was his last. Who knew Michael Jordan would end his career sporting a # 23 Wizards Jersey in Philly? MJ came back when the game of basketball was in search of someone to be as dominant and desire-filled as he has showcased time and time again. Jordan's last comeback was questioned because some thought he would fail or tarnish his basketball legacy ... He came back because he still had something left ... There were little critics because he made the NBA worth watching again.

Michael Jordan came back in 1993 , as he was trying to find himself in basketball again. He scored 55 points in his fourth game back against the Atlanta Hawks. He torched the Knicks in the Semi-Finals of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Though everything for Jordan was piecing together , he had to make the transformation from helping build the house to becoming the head of the company all over again. Everyone knew that Orlando would get their way with Jordan when he came back , but Jordan does not make the same mistake twice. He took his place atop the NBA leading the Incredi-Bulls to a 72-10 record the next season. He was in his prime and knew he had to take his body through the ultimate grind inorder to endure a long season which he knew would end with conquering Larry O'Brian trophy for another time.

He led the second three-peat this time with Scottie Pippen , Dennis Rodman , and Ron Harper. It was a stretch for a supporting cast that contained Bill Cartwright , Horace Grant , and John Paxson. Michael Jordan took a backseat in the 1997 , as he told Steve Kerr to take the game winner that knocked off Utah . In 1993 , Jordan realized he had to share the ball with a sharp-shooter named John Paxson. He did and the Phoenix Suns ended up losing their sense of pride ... did they really think Jordan was going to lose ?

" Whoever who doesn't think we're going to win ...get off the damn plane," Jordan said as a cigar hung from his mouth and he held a can of beer in his hand. " I only packed clothes for one game."

Jordan made defense and passing as much apart of his game , he wasn't all about scoring every point... he wanted to win and knew how to win. He was a player of head games , an intimidator to teammates and opposing players alike , and he was a jaw-dropping showstopper from day one.
He had the amazing dunks , the eye-opening shots , and made decsions that kept the Bulls such a great basketball power. He opened the doors for Bryant , James , Wade , Anthony , and the new generation of the NBA.

His tounge wagging through the air as he dunked over oafy centers ... His ownership of outspoken guards like Byron Russell and John Starks ... You really thought you could actually hang with Michael Jordan ? His shrug after he switched hands on a lay-up against then-Portland TrailBlazer Clifford Robinson ... MJ made that one look easy!! He was a coach on the floor , as the first three peat feared him ... the next three peat fed off his aggressiveness to dominate the dominant . Jordan never took a game off and wanted the ball in his hands ... he was the catalyst of Bulls even without the basketball.

Michael Jordan played role of Superman against the Eastern conference. Alanzo Mourning and Patrick Ewing ... and even SHAQ disrespected the legendary floor general by thinking and even letting out that they would send the Bulls packing before the finals. Jordan just took over all aspects of the games making sure all three big men had a taste of defeat in their mouths for years to come.

Why did the Wizards comeback go wrong ? Only Jordan wanted to win . All know that Kwame Brown was a bust and in all accounts ... he still is . Kwame was intimidated by the presence of Jordan because he did not know the concept of winning ... Jordan was eager to win in the capitol city right away ... Kwame would have rather filled the stat sheet with a below .500 record.

Jordan finally knew he had lost his teammates , as they did not listen to the coach and could never finish what they started. Even with Jerry Stackhouse , Larry Hughes , and Charles Oakley ... the Wizards had no desire of clinching the 8th and final playoff spot . It was just a sad ending for a man that saved basketball ... Michael Jordan made basketball worth watching even when he missed a game winner on opening night and scored only two points ... He did hit a few game winners and even scored 40 points to make himself the greatest player ever to sport a Wizards uniform.

Michael Jordan will forever be the greatest player to play the game of basketball . There will only be one Michael Jordan , and the players that are carrying the torch once held by Jordan ... their good , but they will never be considered great like Michael Jordan .

A Runner's Christmas

Its not just a open road race . Its a day of history because its when the past , present , and future runners gather for a morning of runnig and resurecting the distance runner.

I have come to find content in no longer getting up on Saturdays mornings to run for the red and gray of Bristol High. Joining the Warriors coaching staff has become a very profilling part of my life. I have watched as boys have become productive and respectable young men. The greatest part of my coaching career thus far is having my legs , body , and mind to teach running.

Athletes yen to put on a football jersey , a basketball uniform , a baseball jersey , or any other major sports' uniform one last time ... some do and some don't. Every second Saturday in September a runner can take a run down memory lane. Thanks to Coach John Mundy of Holy Ghost ... runners can train long and hard over the Summer to entertain the locals for another time.

The preperation for this one day means alot to me . I am able to understand and appreciate the fact I still have my health and the strength to run 6-12 miles during the Spring and Summer months. I love losing myself in a long distance run on a Saturday afternoon or after church on Sunday . Losing the feeling in my legs unleashes the determination that comes from within. A distance runner always looks to finish what is started. A pain from the previous day is used as adrenaline for the next run.

The Mill Street run has been a very eye opening ride. I started as a freshmen coming in 60th place ... In my sophmore year I finished 55th . As I started to understand the art of running , my preperation and determination led to a 5th place finish in my Junior year... this did lead to a mediocre finish in the district meet , but it only became a building block to finish my Warrior career. My final Mill Street run in a Warriors uniform came with a 14th place finish. I was looking forward to winning the race , and upsetting Holy Ghost . I didn't win the race , but I made it a priority to improve and make an impact in every race I ran in. I came back after graduating from Bristol High , but little training and no desire only led to a 52nd finish. I was lost and found myself losing my touch as a runner. I did not want to quit by any means , so the next Summer I trained long and hard to get back what I wanted ... I challenged myself and worked on coming back to full form. I finished 17th overall and found myself enjoying running again.

This year is a very important year for me because I feel last year's Mill Street run has an * next to it . Running in October instead of September is like a lockout in any major sport. There is half the determination and desire to participate. My body endured the run , but there was little desire to win the race . I came in 17th place and that will never change , but I do wish to win one Mill Street run before I hang up the cross-trainers for good. The rain has abbreviated my workout leading to the big run , but I continue to keep my mind and body focused on the task at hand . What ever happens ... I can keep my head held high because I run the races with dignaty and respect for this sport.

There is no better feeling then getting up for my Warriors during their running seasons. I have grown into a more positve individual , as I can now pass my knowledge of running upon a runner willing to put it all on the line for our brand. I appreciate the privledge Coach Jones and Coach Mcginn have cast upon me ... an oppurtunity to coach and share the triumph of a rich a rich running tradition. And for that I am most appriecative.

The Mill Street run is why I run Saturday afternoons after work in the off-season. I take it all in on a Sunday morning after church ... thanking God that I still have feeling in my legs and my mind ... the spirit to cope through life. Running will always be apart of my life because there is no feeling of rejuvinating the body as it feels tired and strained. Everything becomes understandable and positive once I take all my feeling out through the pounding of the pavement , as I pump my arms and legs to finish every run. Running has made me apprciate my life and those I share it with.

The Mill Street Run is a holiday for runners because each and every year runners gather to share , learn , and teach one another the art of running . Its a celebration of what once happened , what can happen . and what is to come with the discovery of desire.

Forever Remembering A Friend

August 24th, 2009

My friend was more than just a dog , she was an underdog from day one .


Lulu was the runt of the bunch and people kind of looked at me funny when I made her my number one pick. I wouldn't have any other way because she was a lump of energy and had a baby face that attracted me. The fact that I could hold her like a baby ... her body against my heart from day one symbolized a trust . Not just anyone could hold Lu like I did down to her final day on earth.

Lu pulled some surprises from the time she hit Jackson Street. Dodging cars on two seperate occasions when I left my gate open . She looked up with those eyes as if to say , " Dumby!" Lu was the quiet lump who could careless about getting yelled at . The one who look at you with big eyes for food and plop on the floor with her back to the water dish " Fill this up !" She wouldn't bark ... she just saved that for other dogs and little kids.

There were those days she would come in and look up to me on the couch. She never gave up because those sad eyes were convincing ... Lu knew how to get what she wanted. She loved lwalks and sitting atop the cellar door when she was younger ... until she discovered the garage was a better place. She hated snow , rain , hot days , and Lu always got in the house when food was near.

Lulu was Jordan to Lily's Pippen . Lily will now help carry on memory of Lu , as she will portray a Diddy-like persona . Lulu was more like Notorious Big anyway because she always knew how to draw the attention . Like when I woke up early for breakfast while in highschool , and Lulu would show up at the last minute and look up . I would have to grab a cookie from the jar or find a doggie treat because once again those eyes took over. Lulu would lay on the couch or in her bed with Lily right near her and have those eyes as if to say , "How do I put up with her everyday!" Lily served as protector always chasing whoever picked up Lulu , but Lu would growl because she was her own dog. The greatest highlight was when Lu walked out of her cage the morning after her eyes bulged out of her head . She couldn't stand as her feet were up in the air . Lulu walked out the winner , as she had her own version of The Flu Game ... another Michael Jordan comparison.

And what a way to go out !! Taking a final trip to the city of champs !! Lulu went to Pittsburgh in June with our family . Lulu was Jerome Bettis , as she had her final days of glory in her home town . She was also like Santonio Holmes catching the touchdown on the final drive of the SuperBowl. Lily played the role of Big Ben countless times , as she convinced Lulu to return for one last history-making moment . Lily also quaterbacked some winning drives of her own , as Lulu was in the endzone catching the pass.

Lulu and Lily were the odd couple , but they needed each other. Lulu was always sleeping and lying around , and Lily was always hoping Lulu would find some life to play . Even when Lulu played , she wanted to be left alone or would tire herself out . She loved chasing those big soda bottles , as Lulu would build some strength to motor down the yard with her tongue hanging out. She loved car rides , as she would sit in the back taking in everything.

Lulu might have left earth Monday , but her soul will forever live on. She probably conferenced with Lily about how things were going to go. Lulu probably told Lily about how much more food she was going to get and how she might get free passes if she mest up. Lulu probably told her how she couldn't stand being sat on or how Lily cried everytime my parents left . Lulu probably brought up how big the beds in heaven will be and how she will have a water bowl right near the bed . Just a push of paw and there would be food , and the water would be never ending. She will probably convince the people up there to install a patch of grass right next to her bed . Lulu hated getting up to go to the bathroom.

I think Lulu spent the first night in heaven eating . All the other dogs probably tried talking to her , but Lulu probably growled at everyone. Then she probably has a dog following her around . Instead of being friends.

September 9th , 2009
Its hard trying to realize that my friend is gone , but I move on knowing she is in God's hands.

Its tough coming down in the morning and seeing Lily with a bed to herself . Now I see how Pippen must have felt no longer having Jordan beside him. I miss coming home from work and having those eyes looking up at me . No longer do I have that friend sneaking up beside and smacking my leg with her paw to pick her up. I miss Lulu staring up at me to get her way.

I decided to pay tribute to Lulu by writing her name and # 11 on my running shoes. I also wrote June 30th , 1998 - August 24th, 2009 . So now when I don't feel like running , I still do because going out and thinking about LuLu for a few hours makes everything positive and gives me alot of perspective. My senior year of highschool I got up at 4:30 some mornings to run , and Lulu would just lay on the pillow looking at me . She some times walked up to me and stetched her paws out against my arms.

Its always tough to say goodbye to a friend , but sometimes positive things happen. Remembering and moving on leads to seeing how good we have it and maybe exploring new alternatives. Once I accepted it was Lulu's time , I accepted it because I still had another dog. Lily was always the more active one and she did things that would make me laugh. She was always shy and wanted the attention. Now she looks sad and though she can still show signs of her younger years , she just lyes in bed sometimes looking around. She has a void and she has to be thinking ... What happened ?

Favre Is Back ... Did He Really Ever Leave .

I know Brett Favre is a first ballot hall of famer , but who gives a shit about him playing for the Vikings . If I have to watch one more Favre highlight , I'm going to puke. It really wasn't too hard to figure out that Favre was going to play another season. He got surgey and the Vikings couldn't find a starting QB anywhere . To call this a comeback or to Favre is out of retirement is just stupid . The guy never sat out one season and that press conference in Greenbay was the worst acting job since Lady in the Lake ... please !! You really expected me to believe the tears were real and Brett was going to leave football for good .

The NewYork Jets sure talked alot of shit about Favre throwing interceptions and not playing with heart towards the end of the season. But their team is filled with inexperience and I doubt that their going to win anything in the near future. Favre had a shoulder injury for crying out loud !! Give the guy a break !! Maybe you should have let Chad Pennington heal before sending him to Miami ... That move is going to come back and bite you in the ass !! I heard all this shit talking from Jets players ,but noone voiced their opinions in front of the camera ... too scared ?

So what Favre left GreenBay ... He won you a SuperBowl . I just can't believe the guy doesn't have to compete for his job . Don't make a smart decison by dumping him and then break him for wanting to play for another team. Favre will either succeed or be another legendary bust , but he can leave knowing he does have a SuperBowl ring . Nobody will care if Favre comes back after this season , he will either win the SuperBowl or walk away with nothing ... There will be less media attention and people will just call Favre a washed up QB ... He will probably retire for good this time ... make so many excuses for why he couldn't get it done ... and walk away with Vikings and Packers fans shaking their heads in disbelief .

Who is to hate on Brett coming back ... Fran Tarkenton who choked in the big games . Who cares if Favre went 1 for 4 in passing in a pre-season game. If he blows his shoulder on the first snap of the season ... who cares . This whole Favre thing is nothing to get excited about because the media has beaten this whole story to shit. Brett looked like Barney the Dinosur and he played the role of human crash dummy against the Chiefs . It was two series and then he had a little press conference . He talked about how he only had two days of preperation and the offense was foriegn ... Like we give a shit . I am so glad the Vikings signed Favre because if he is a bust ... the Vikings are garbage anyway ... At least I don't have to hear about Michael Vick .

The whole suspense thing was really beat too. Who gives a fuck if Favre flew in on a jet and got a ride , and the whole OJ comparison was really gay. I would have like to see Favre ride in on a John Deer tractor with some wrangler jeans on and throw passes . It would have just proved my point that a washed up old arm could out play two unproven quaterbacks. Now we will have to see Brett Favre highlights throughout the season ... I wish he would just retire already !! ESPN beats every story death and makes sports seem played out . But as long as we have to hear it ... why not just let Favre throw his arm out and make every excuse why he shouldn't leave the game . He's beat , but he won't give up !! Its not really like Rocky at all ... its really like Monica with Bill Clinton , that dude with Anna Nicole , and that other guy who popped up when Michael Jackson died... Its just Brett wanting to stay in football until he embarrasses himself so much ... then he'll retire . Too bad the guy might have to have his ego destroyed instead of leaving with record setting plays ... But I guess thats what happens when your full of your own shit ... You can't just leave without making a complete ass out of yourself .

Legends of Wrestlemania the Video Game

I pretty much stopped watching wrestling when the Rock left WWE . I only found out when Ric Flair was fighting and decided to tune into this WWE garbage they are selling us as sports entertainment. Ric finally slapped on his final figure four leg lock and called it a wrestling-legacy. Who doesn't want to live the life of the limousine riding , jet flying , kiss stealing son of gun !! I know I wouldn't mind being the life of the party once in awhile. Anyway .. wrestling is depressing because there is so much hype for the pay-per views that the matches are short or too predicatable . Noone really stays up for the good stuff anymore, its worth while to go on you tube and watch whats good then give up a night of sleep or something more interesting then the same beat storylines of the WWE.

Now for the video game which is actually hott !! So for those former wrestling heads or for those still hanging in there like the Detroit Lions fans of last season .. there is something to relive the days when you made it a point to talk about pro wrestling. There was thrill in watching Bret Hart slap the sharpshooter on Diesel at Survivor Series , as the Hitman went through a table of commentators. Watching Hulk Hogan beat Yoko in Las Vegas Nevada .. Bret Hart was Yoko's opponent by the way , but the immortal came back and gave the people what they wanted. Undertaker when he whore the long coat and gloves .. He removed his hat and showed the eyes of a man possessed. I know I loved his coffin matches with Kamala .. how he rose from the dead and walked the ropes against such guys such as Sid , Yoko, Big Bossman , Nails, Papa Shongo, and all those other guys you loved to see fall to the Undertaker. The Road Warriors or LOD .. They are my favorite tag team of all-time. They had some great matches with the Hart Foundation , Money Inc. , the Steiners , and whatever tag team that was thrown against them. Everything I mentioned here so far could be relived in this video game for the PS3 and XBox 360 systems.

Hulk Hogan , Ric Flair , Brutus Beefcake , Junk Yard Dog , Undertaker ( Throwback) , British Bulldog , Million Dollar Man , Jimmy Snuka , Rowdy Roddy Piper , Jake The Snake Roberts , Shawn Michaels , Bret Hart , Andre The Giant , Mr. Perfect , Bam Bam , and LOD are among the 40 Wrestlers that can be selected to enter the world of Vintage Wrestling . There are vintage rings from the wrestlemanias past and even authentic theme music and titles are detailed to a tee in this game. There are single matches , tag matches , steel cage matches , and the ladder matches. Chances are the game will bring out the competive-juices .. the main focus will be winning the belts and obtaining all the unlockables that will lead to a true throw-back wrestling gaming experience.

There is also a mode that you could relive , rewrite , and redefine the greatest moments of wrestlemania . Though I will not have any part in this because its been too damn long since I witnessed a good wrestling game, I suggest that those who think WWE is great give this a try. You might find yourself You Tubing Wrestlemanias that consisted of guys such as Bret Hart , Lex Luger , Crush , Razor Ramon , Stone Cold , and Tatanka.. yeah he had it !! These were the wrestlemanias that my dad and I watched .. taping it so I could come home from Warren Snyder and see the mainevent .. watch raw later that night and look forward to a weekend of more wrestling . Now there is just watching the DVDs and talking about wrestling like three times a year. Ric Flair is the last of the living legends of wrestling .. I was lucky enough to meet the Nature Boy and he was worth the leg pain and money. WOOO!!