The NBA's love for storylines dents their armor of credibility...

There have been many ways to describe the National Basketball Association for decades and the one word that consistently shows up in discussion...conspiracy. It dates back to the Jordan days when the rumors were flying around about his gambling problems and how David Stern asked him to step away from the game for a while. "Go play baseball or something to stay in shape and come back in a few years" was what we all imagined took place. Then we had the ref problem. Many fans thought then and still think that the NBA had fixed games with the refs to assure the correct matchups and storylines took place. Teams sweeping others in the playoffs? Bad for business and ratings. So when the Donaghy scandal surfaced in the early part of this century, we all saw it coming again. The NBA involved in more conspiracy's that lit up message boards across the country questioning the credibility of the league and their main man, David Stern.

Well, lets add one more to the list of devilish deeds by the commish...the NBA Draft. In the wake of the Timberwolves losing out to another number 1 draft pick even NBA owners and GM's are talking conspiracy. Or how did Kahn put it? "The league has a habit, and I'm just going to say habit, of producing some incredible storylines". I'm surprised he even used a word with "credible" in his statement. Not since 2004 when the Magic selected Howard has the team with the worst record won the lottery of the draft. Why not you may ask? Because again of storylines. This year we saw the Cleveland Cavs win the lottery with the owners son creating the storyline that will be in print for weeks to come. I am not a hater, nor would I ever discount what that young man has been through with his disease and all but come on, Stern, we all saw this coming. As soon as I saw who was representing the Cavs at the draft I called my friend to see what Vegas had put out as the line for the lottery winner, because I was sure it would be the Cavs on this day. They went through The Decision last summer, had a huge dip in victories (including a league worst 26 game losing streak), and then the kid shows up. Easy money.

And what about last year? Washington, riding the coat-tales of a widow owner found themselves with 2010 NBA draft winning ticket. The Clippers won in 2009 thanks to having to share an arena with the Lakers and their winning ways. In 2009, the consensus for the first pick was D. Rose who, surprisingly, was a hometown hero of Chicago...and they received the pick. I could go on and on with this "habit" if you will but find it tiresome...and predictable.

The joke continues throughout the NBA and their storylines/conspiracy's. I guess Stern will come out soon to defend his league and defend the way they choose, excuse me, draw for lottery winners but it won't change the "habit". My prediction for next years draft will be that Sacramento will get the first pick for keeping the team in its' city, unless of course someone else passes away of high magnitude where they must give, again excuse me, draw the pick for them. In the meantime I would like to give this suggestion to Minnesota's GM Kahn. If you want to finally win the draft lottery you need to create a storyline for yourself next year, and you may find yourself within the leagues "habit" of lottery winners. Until then, get used to picking behind the coveted #1 spot because, as we all know, your storyline currently just ain't selling enough attention.

Yeah, go ahead...Fire Tom Crean already!

The 2010-2011 Indiana Basketball season has officially come to a close, though some would suggest the season ended a few months ago. It was another difficult season for IU fans. What was supposed to be the season that began the "turn around" for the Hoosiers ended with the question "Is Tom Crean the right coach for this school?". Let's take a look...

I began my research by reading numerous blogs, news articles, and opinions of fans to find out exactly where the overall consensus was leaning. What I discovered was frightening. Tom Crean will not survive at Indiana. How can he? He was the wrong hire to begin with. One writer noted (his name will remain nameless for copyright reasons but will be known as the "source") that Indiana Basketball deserved an accomplished coach, one with championship experience upon being hired. I couldn't agree more! Indiana should've hired a coach with a ring to take them back to the promise land. Easy right? Except for the fact that no coach in history has ever won a national basketball championship at two different schools. I had a hard time reading the rest of his article. (As a side note, I did send a question to this so called accomplished writer asking "what other schools have won a title by hiring a coach who had already won one?", he didn't reply...and didn't need to)

So right from the start, Coach Crean failed. He was unable to win a championship at Marquette, therefore, should never been granted the opportunity at Indiana. Indiana should have went after Izzo, Coach K, Pitino, or any other coach with a ring because obviously, like the "source" stated, you need a coach with a ring to win another. Then, the "source" brought up Creans past at Marquette and how he never did anything there. He discounted the final four appearance because D. Wade was on the roster, but forgot to mention that Crean recruited the kid and talked him in to attending Marquette instead of Duke or Michigan. Yeah, I guess that counts for nothing. Kids were turning down big schools all the time back then to attend Marquette.

Let's move on to what Crean has been doing since being hired. We have to start with the record, 6-25 after year one, 10-21 in year two, and 12-20 after this season. What garbage! I mean, a collective record of 28-66 after three seasons? 8-46 in the Big Ten/Eleven/Twelve...I can't keep up with what they will call themselves each year... is terrible! Where are all the recruits he promised? Where are the banners? He hasn't accomplished anything. Who cares that he took over a program that was left in shambles from Kelvin Sampson. Who cares that Indiana had lost 2 scholarships a season for the first 3 years Crean has been there. Lets not worry ourselves that there was a post-season ban for those 3 years as well (although the post season ban was lifted during a 2008 hearing). It should have been easy to get the top recruits during that time knowing they were going to be playing for nothing at the end of each season, and with no help of incoming scholarships. It astonishes me that Crean still has his job. How he has made it through 3 losing seasons is beyond me, and many others as well.

It seems that Indiana needs to get rid of him sooner than later. We have to realize that if they wait any longer, the basketball program will continue to decline. I mean, where is the cavalry? Crean has only signed two members to the 2011 class; Cody Zeller (5-star by scouts.com) and Austin Etherington (4-star by scouts.com). Are these guys really capable of bringing relevancy back to our program? And what about the year after? Ok, so he has commits from 5 recruits so far for the 2012 class, big deal. Who are they you might ask? Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell (5-star by scouts.com), Hanner Perea (5-star by scouts.com), Jeremy Hollowell (5-star by scouts.com, signed today), Ron Patterson (4-star by scouts.com), and Peter Jurkin (no stars but with a name like that, who needs one). Why is he still employed?! This 2012 class ranks a mere #4 in the country, why couldn't he get in the top 3 spots?

It's obvious that the direction of the program is in question under Crean and the seat he sits on these days is extremely hot. With his lack of accomplishments at Marquette (2003 final four appearance), adding the lack of anything so far at Indiana (taking over a program sanctioned by the NCAA), and combined with the recruits coming in the next 2 seasons I can't imagine Crean being around much longer. So I say, finally, let him go. Pay him his buyout of the 13 year contract he signed last year and move on. From what I have been reading and hearing he hasn't accomplished anything so far, and with what he has coming in soon, there is no way he accomplishes anything in the future...not with that talent.

So yeah, go ahead...and fire Tom Crean already! (I dare you)

The first pick in the 2087 NBA Draft is...LOUISVILLE!

Recently local attorney/NBA fisherman, J. Bruce Miller has been spending the $89,000 that the city has given him to land an NBA franchise in Louisville. Miller is charging the city $125 an hour for his innate ability to do tasks such as "'Googling' and reading 'in depth' team information, performing Lexis-Nexis searches and preparing to-do lists." His recent conclusion is that Louisville "has a long way to go." Thanks for the breaking news. You know J. Bruce, I do the exact same tasks when I'm setting my fantasy football lineup or installing crown molding.

It all sounds fishy to me. Who is holding this guy accountable for that money? From my seat, the guy is in a win-win-win situation. If he somehow lands an NBA team (1) he will be the hero, if that doesn't happen, then (2) "oh well" we are just a small time player, and (3) he writes another book about how close we were to getting a team. The city said that's it, the $89K is all the money they are willing to spend...yeah right. When Miller turns up the heat, the check book will open.

Two "red herrings" jump out to me immediately in a sea of fish. The idea of where the team will play and this line Miller is selling about a billionaire investor.

Miller says he met with NBA commish David Stern recently and had a great chat about Louisville's future in the NBA. How is that even possible when the words "Freedom Hall" came out of Miller's mouth. It's unfathomable and I love the old gal. Freedom Hall is a great place to watch hoops but she really shows her age when compared to the KFC Yum! Center. Miller is selling the idea of an $80 million dollar renovation to the Hall. Where is that money coming from J.? Don't forget Rupp Arena is due for a major overhaul or a new building in the coming years. Maybe it will come from the man behind the curtain...his foreign billionaire.

Word is recently that Miller has obtained a "no shopping" agreement from an ownership interest looking to obtain a franchise and bring it to Louisville. Miller also said he has a billionaire investor on board, one of the richest people in the world, that has thrown his support behind the effort. Miller isn't releasing any of his investors and I can understand that. It's big business. But how odd does he sound when he's throwing words around like "foreign," "billionaire," and "richest man in the world?" It's more James Bond than Lebron James. It sounds intriguing...intriguing enough that I'd bet the city will throw more money at him. How could a billionaire think moving an NBA team to Louisville to play in a 60 year old arena a good idea? Maybe the billionaire is Kim-Jong il. He makes sound decisions.

The bottom line is that it's not a good idea. Not until (1) the secrecy is gone, (2) a deal is reached to play in the Yum! Center, and (3) the local media spares us the Rick Pitino soundbites.

So Long Freedom Hall

For some strange reason I can not remember the first time I walked into Freedom Hall. It was probably for a tractor pull, circus or something to that effect. My folks were not into the whole athletic scene. It might have been a car show for all I know, but I just can’t put my finger on it.

I will always remember my first Louisville football game. In a frigid Old Cardinal Stadium, a Brett Favre hail mary bounced off a helmet to lead So. Miss over the Cards. I was hooked on the Louisville athletic scene at that moment (if not a little pissed off). But my first basketball game…damn I wish I remembered. Especially now as my beloved Freedom Hall is getting ready to host its final Louisville game this Sunday against #1 Syracuse. Amazing…the Freedom Hall and Louisville relationship dates all the way back to the early 50’s.

What I do remember are some unbelievable moments in the hallowed hall. Great games with remarkable players in an atmosphere that was second to none. Freedom Hall fans were always credited with being some of the most knowledgeable in college hoops. With virtually zero student section, the Hall would still shake like Cameron Indoor when the Cards were hot. It might be a Darrell Griffith tomahawk dunk or a Taquan Dean deep three that would surely get the natives restless.

If I was fortunate enough to have a ticket to the game, 90% of the time I was with my Uncle, brother or Charmoli. Matt and I saw Western Kentucky come in and beat the Cards in ’01. Greg and I have seen some dandies in there as well. Georgia Tech came in with James Forrest and Travis Best and a national ranking…they left with a 20pt smack down. We saw the triple overtime game against Boston College and a few Metro Conference championships. My favorite memory of Freedom Hall with Charmoli was the C-USA Championship game against Memphis where we sat in Reece Gaines family section. We saw, from about ten feet away, Dean drop a dagger in from the left wing to win it.

Some other highlighted moments from the Hall as the light go down for the final time:

Tennessee vs. Louisville- Bryant Northern’s three followed by Reece Gaines three. Just an unbelievable atmosphere, the Hall was crazy. People didn’t leave their seats after the game. Literally we just stood there in disbelief.

Francisco Garcia’s freshman year when Cincinnati came in ranked #4 and left with a loss. Garcia dropped eight threes on the Bearcats and Steve Logan that night.

My dad always made sure he took us too the NBA preseason game that used to play in the Hall. Got to meet Mark Eaton one time, saw Jordan play in there as well. Meeting Eaton was more impressive and hence it was listed first.

The Derby Festival was a game that I didn’t miss for 5-6 years in the late 80’s and early 90’s. I would get there early and stay late to get the “Stars of Tomorrow” to sign my program. I got some nice autographs…Mashburn, Tracey Murray, Derek Anderson (who told me he was signing with UofL!) and along those same lines, Allan Houston. Take a stab at how he signed my program. Allan Houston/U of L. Wow…what a thought.

But most of all I will miss the sights and smells of the old place. Like a smack in the face, the smell of fresh roasted nuts and caramel popcorn hit you as step foot in the place. It’s the only home court I know for the Cards…it will be missed.

Some Light Thursday Reading...

This past week marked the 20th anniversary of Pete Rose being banned from baseball for life. Pete broke the cardinal rule...gambling on the game. I remember that day very well in 1989. It was crushing, Charlie Hustle was my favorite player, I was the kid that always had to wear number 14 during baseball season.

That year Commissioner Giamatii hired an attorney, John Dowd, to investigate Pete and the rumors he bet on Baseball while the manager of the Reds. Recently Dowd talked with Mike and Mike in the Morning. He has some fascinating things to say about how the whole ordeal went down. It seems that Dowd had everyone involved, from baseball to the US Attorney, ready to give Pete a pass if he would admit to the gambling and become the "anti-gambler" spokesman. No trial and no jail time. But, as we all know, that didn't happen and here we are today. Sports Radio Interviews has the entire story and audio from the Mike and Mike interview with Dowd...

Lawyer Who Investigated Pete Rose's Gambling Tried to Cut Him a Deal


Speaking of Rose...Darren Rovell and his SportsBiz blog recently wondered what Pete being banned from baseball cost him. I'd say hookers and liquor stores are feeling the most pain...

Rose Has Potentially Lost Millions From Ban



Speaking of Cincinnati...it's almost football time for the Bengals. So far the "Hard Knocks" show on HBO, detailing the Bengal's training camp, has been interesting. Carson Palmer critiquing the Gatorade and explaining his high standards for the perfect sports energy drink mix has been the highlight so far.

"I've always been a Gatorade snob. Sometimes guys (who mix the drink) half-ass it. They don't really put the right mixture of the Gatorade powder and water to create the best taste. Some guys mix is watered down. Some guys is too sweet. But (team athletic training staff member) Lemar (Mosley) has a wild-berry fruit punch mix, mixing three or four flavors, and it's fantastic. That is an A-plus right there."

But what does this season hold in store for my beloved Cincinnati Bengals? I'm sure it will be continued heartbreak.

Elizabeth Merrill over at the WWL has a great article about the Bengals franchise in this aptly named piece...

Bengals Mired in Mediocrity

Reflection: The Season That Could Have Been

Right now we are well into the summer and what some call, the slow period in sports. I would agree with that to an extent. Basketball and football are in the offseason and baseball is working it way to the All Star break in July. The Stanley Cup has been quite enjoyable so far...that's a plus. But, I was feeling nostalgic this afternoon and though many of you might be feeling the same. My thoughts hearkened back the NCAA Tournament and the number one overall seed...my Louisville Cardinals and the disappointment of not making the Final Four. I thought for sure we would meet UNC in the finals on our way to hanging a (long overdue) third banner in Freedon Hall. Nontheless, it was a great year to watch the Cards as they garnered the Big East regular season and conference titles. Looking for a trip down memory lane? Enjoy...

Top 6 Albums/Tapes I Have Bought More Than Once

6) Thriller - Mike Jackson. This was the first tape I ever owned, and I wore that damn thing out. I remember on my birthday opening the shoe box and finding this piece of artist gold just lying there. Two thoughts raced through my mind: a. How could my parents treat this man and his work like this and b. how in the hell do I open this plastic contraption and listen to "P.Y.T?" Since then I have bought this album and its monumental collection of songs over and over is some form or fashion. Recent times have been tough on the old King of Pop...but he will always be remembered for creating this masterpiece.

5) License To Ill - Beastie Boys. This is the record that made every white kid in my grade school feel like a hardcore gang members. It took us a while to eventually learn that The Beasties Boys were white too and not really hardcore. It was like back in the day when we thought drinking Zima was the shit because it was malt liquor. Jolly Rancher's bitches. License To Ill featured bomb cuts like "Paul Revere," "She's Crafty," "Brass Monkey," and of course "You Gotta Fight." That video lived on Mtv for almost two years. It wouldn't go away.

4) Appetite For Destruction - G N' R. This album and ensuing videos hit Mtv like a scud missile. It seemed every song that came out of this record was money. I actually believe this was my first musical purchase in the late 80's with money I earned from slingin rock. Not really, it was from mowing grass. Although I do remember buying a De La Soul tape around the same time. Nevermind, I didn't buy that tape because I distinctly remember tearing off the PARENTAL ADVISORY sticker in the store. I've bought this tape at least twice, stolen it from friends numerous time and eventually bought the CD.

3) Crash - DMB. I would set the over/under on the amount of times I've purchased this CD at about 6. Why? I have no effing clue. It seems as soon as I buy the damn thing I lose it. I've lost this CD a different parties along the way and even forgot it one a boat one time, I think. It's a good CD. Its like my "Catcher in the Rye" from Mel Gibson's movie Conspiracy.

2) The Chronic - Dre. This CD will always have a spot in my library. Eventually my kids are going to get sick of me listening to it. It jammed out of our Alpines and Pioneers for three years back then. This includes at least 2-3 trips to Panama City for Spring Break. I originally bought it for Dre's first single, "Nuttin' But a G Thang," but quickly found it to be the fifth best song on the record. This CD is just plain stupid. For anyone who was in high school in the early to mid 90's you know what I'm talking about. Really it was the only thing we listened to. Hell, it took me a year to eventually find it had 16 songs on it...I never made it to the end. It featured Nate Dogg, Warren G, Krupt, Daz and of course introduced Snoop Dogg to the world. It was a masterpiece by the former NWA founder. By comparison, here's what else we were listen to in 1992-93 and you can see why it blew everybody away: a. Boys II Men b. Whitney Houston and c. Sir Mix-A-Lot. They were all trash. If by some chance I lose this CD, and I will, you can count on me rolling into Camelot Music the next day. If it were still there.

1) Ten - Pearl Jam. The sole reason for the Pine to put together this list was the recent re-release of Ten from Pearl Jam. I, along with millions of others, will get out and buy this classic being re-released. It's coming back with additional songs, originals getting remixed, and a DVD of the Unplugged from '92. A very clever way to make us buy it again. I'm down with that. This CD could rival The Chronic in defining the era I grew up in. If you weren't listening to one you were jamming to the other. Nirvana is typically credited with the grunge movement and redefining the music scene in the early 90's, and that's fine, but I was hesitant to jump on board. Then I heard Ten and I was sold. I bought it then and many times after that. I actually still had a copy in my car when I went to buy the re-released version last week. Unbelievable CD.

Well that's it...the top six. Maybe your list looks the same, maybe not. I had some others that were close to making the list and were just edged out... like Smashing Pumpkins, Live and Snoop Dogg. What's your list look like?

The NBA is closing in...

I'm excited to say that the NBA is back, or at least as close as it can be. My youth limits my memories of the Magic vs Bird era where the league had tv's locked down on Sunday afternoons, but I have heard the stories. By the time I was following the game, Magic had AIDS, Bird had a bad back, and a man they called "Air Jordan" had taken the thrown. Back then people would watch in amazement while these two legends would hit the hardwood, dazzling viewers and fans with finger-rolls, impossible base line jumpers, no-look passes, and hook shots. It might arguably been the greatest decade the sport has ever seen.

True, Jordan set the pace in the 90's with all the shots, dunks, and rings that gives any basketball fan chills just thinking about it. His yearly drama of retiring, gambling, playing baseball, and coming back, then coming back again, held our attention in his hands for as long as he wanted to. The Admiral won a few rings which was nice but ended an era that was classic, something truly worth following.

Well, for the first time in nearly a decade...it's back! (I think). We suffered through many "shoulda woulda's" like K Brown, Stackhouse, and Vincanity. Chosen ones that never delivered more than spots on Sportscenters Top Ten. The league has something to watch. Players like D-Wade, Kobe and LeBron have our attention. The table is set, the rivalries are developed. Sure we had the Lakers dynasty revamped only to let Shaq and Kobe ruin it off the court...I blame Phil.

With the playoffs nearing I will watch. I will watch to see how far Wade can carry an overachieving group of role players, and how long King James will remain a Cavalier(my guess is if they win the big one he stays in Cleveland). I will also watch to see if Kobe can get a ring without Shaq. In years of late he has planted his dominance with no hardware, and no contenders. With Kobe, James, and Wade the league has finally got the cast we want to follow. With teams like the Nuggets with Melo and Billups, CP3 in New Orleans, the aging Spurs, defending champs Celtics, and many others also in the hunt for a title...this post season is worth watching.

I'm glad it has arrived. The next group that will dazzle us. The group that will show off our league the way it has in the past. Though nothing will compare to the 80's and 90's that produced legends, I think this is the beginning of a new...and for that I'm excited.

Why I Love the Masters

Hope springs eternal in the human breast;
Man never Is, but always To be blest:

Alexander Pope 1733

During this week the memory of snow and freezing rain begin to disappear, and thoughts of summer fortunes fill the air. It's the flowers blooming and the scent of fresh cut grass permeating that subtly tips me off. It can mean only one thing...it’s Master weekend and I couldn’t be happier. For 75 years golf professionals from all walks of life have battled the majestic Augusta National Golf Course, in hopes of being called the best. To wear the distinguished Green Jacket in Butler Cabin and be forever linked to the greatest golf tournament we have ever seen.

For this one-week we use distinct names to describe the features of Augusta National. We instantly know that Rae’s Creek adorns the 13th green like a treacherous medieval moat. To get to the 12th you must cross Hogan’s Bridge, and be ever so careful on the 17th for the Eisenhower Tree. Try keeping your nerves in check while coming around Amen’s Corner late Sunday. Pay no attention to that roar up ahead of you, it was just The Bear making eagle on 15 to draw even. This tournament is so special to me and others because of the the traditions that have become synonymous with the first week in April and The Masters.

One of the traditions that cannot be surpassed is the ceremonial starter on the first tee on Thursday. With the sun just appearing over the horizon and dew still on the ground Arnold Palmer striped the first drive this morning and walked off to a roaring applause. I remember growing up and see Gene Sarazen, Sam Snead and Byron Nelson teeing it up…well into there 70’s and 80’s at the first hole. I know in my time that I will eventually see Jack as the honorary starter, then Freddy and possibly Tiger Woods far down the road.

Last year I had the privilege of walking the golf course for a Tuesday practice round. Just unbelievable. Here is a very special Riding the Pine – My impression of Augusta - Top 6:

6) The Patrons: Barely a peep could be heard from the masses of people crowded around a hole or on the walkways. Everyone just whispered his or her way around.

5) The Location: I had always imagined Augusta National to be way off in the middle of a national forest. It’s not even close. Imagine having the greatest golf course in the world nestled off Dixie Highway. Its right off the road. We parked in an apartment complex and walked in. It reminds me of Churchill Downs in a way...not the greatest part of town either.

4) Magnolia Lane: The camera shots during the coverage give to no justice. It is amazingly long and leads to a bustling intersection. It parts the driving range and chipping green. The trees form a tunnel that leads right to the clubhouse and front door.

3) The Hills: I’ve always heard the announcers talk about the elevations changes on the course and how TV doesn’t paint the most realistic picture. Check and Check. If you tripped going down #10 fairway, you wouldn’t stop rolling until you hit the green. When you stand that the first tee you can look down the hill and see #9 green, #18 green and #10 tee all within 50 yards.

2) The Concession Prices: The concession are cafeteria-style lines that move in perpetual motion. It's just like walking through a grade school lunch line. Everything is Master’s label with no brand names. It's Master’s chips, Master’s peanuts and Master’s crackers. Pimento Cheese and Egg Salad sandwiches are the food of choice in Augusta...and I thought I was in heaven. So I walked though my first time with a pimento sandwich, chips and a cold beer, expecting to pay a small fortune. The nicest person in the world that I have truly ever met said in a southern drawl, “That’ll be $3.75 sweetie.” I said, “Let me grab another beer.”

1) The Golf Course: Everything is perfect.

Success Goes to Contributor's Head

The Pine's newest contributor and well respected blogger, Greg Charmoli, has lost his mind. Call it a temporary delusion of grandeur if you will. True, his posts on The Pine, "Top Ten Images of 2008," and "Definition of a Man-Crush," did cause a fair amount of success for us, and for that we thank him. But today, the opening day of the Masters, my holiest of holy days, Greg has proverbially stabbed me in the back. Mr. Charmoli has revolted against the Pine and started his own blog.

As you can imagine the phones have been ringing off the hook. Everyone's asking the same questions, "Are you mad?" "Are you going to strike back?", "Will the Pine survive?" The answer to all those question ladies is simple...yes. The Pine will be back and stronger than ever. Competition is good. Over the past month and half The Pine has gone dark as management was restructuring and for this we are sorry. But my friends...I assure you, do not fret...for the night is darkest just before the dawn, and the deafening sounds of the rooster crowing will serve as a wake up call once again.

For fans of Star Wars IV (you won't understand Greg) this story is reminiscent of one Darth Vader, AKA Anakin Skywalker, striking down is former master and teacher, Obi Won Kenobi. But Vader had no idea of the power and fury he was unleashing with the death of Old Ben Kenobi.

We wish nothing but the best for Greg and all his future endeavors. We actually welcome the competition, for I can only hope that this causes everyone to step up their game. The gauntlet has been thrown down Mr Baker and Mr. Nelson. The Pine will rise again. But Greg after the National Organization for Women read your first article (yes I did send an email to Martha Burke) you will be back. Best of luck to you my friend, I have always enjoyed your prose.

Greg From The Tips - Greg's blog

A Welcome Addition to the Bench...

Riding the Pine is happy to introduce the newest member to the bench...longtime supporter and a true friend of the G Unit Crew, Greg Charmoli.

You may have already known Greg's work, he has been crushing articles on the Fantasy Football website for years now. Please enjoy the next two articles from our newest contributor.

The Art of the Man Crush - DeJuan Wheat

by GPC



Man-crush (noun) [man-crush]: A heterosexual man admiring another man to an extreme in a non-romantic or sexual way, more having an intense desire to be that other man.

The term man-crush is a relatively new term not yet recognized by most, if not all, standard dictionaries. Nonetheless, we all know what it is and have had one at some point in our lives, if not currently. In most cases, our initial experience with a man-crush originated in the form of a childhood idol that, as we matured, developed into a man-crush. Having an idol is more reserved for the innocence of one’s youth and typical in most every young lad’s development. However, when we graduate (if ever) from youth to adulthood, that idolization transforms into that of the aforementioned man-crush. We as guys can no longer claim that “when they grow up” we merely want to be like said man. The line between childhood idol and man-crush is realized when, we as men, have missed the opportunity to become the next (insert idol here) and come to the realization that we just have to settle for mere admiration of another man that approaches, yet falls just short, of full fledged homosexuality. After all, we’re MEN right? We’re not homos!

That being said, my idol and man-crush was, and is, DeJuan Wheat. Probably not a name that those outside of Louisville, Kentucky recognize, or would think to be worthy of a man-crush. However, DeJuan Wheat captured my heart when I least expected to find platonic love. After all, I was initially resistant to his athletic charm. As a University of Louisville fan growing up I followed the program religiously and accepted each player that committed to UL in my fandom like a member of my immediate family. Despite their sometimes many flaws, I cheered for them because they loved the same thing I did – UL basketball. And they were talented enough to put the jersey on and represent the school on the hardwood that I never had the ability to. However, most of these players over the years came and went without much thought after their four years (or sometimes sooner) were up. DeJuan Wheat was different.

I wish I could put my finger on exactly why I was so enamored with him but you had to see him play to understand. He had a humble mentality and a subtle, yet undeniable fortitude. Everything about him was understated. He was 6’0” tall, 165 pounds yet 100% pure assassin. Fearless and silky smooth. Gutsy and un-phased. He was, and still is, everything you wish athletes in today’s sports culture would be. The first time I ever saw him play was in high school in a district game against Fern Creek. I came to the gym to see the guy that was being touted as the top candidate for Mr. Basketball and left the gym wondering why in the world my beloved Cardinals would be recruiting him. However, in hind-site, I now realize that what left me unimpressed that night was the true essence of his greatness. He was the girl that wouldn’t give it up on the first date. I realized I wanted him to be the basketball version of a slut and give me everything I wanted. I wanted him to impress me with freakish ability and eye-popping tits…I mean stats. Initially, as we all know, this is very frustrating, yet ultimately, the most rewarding type of courtship. He was a lady first. He wasn’t about winning my heart with a quickie. He was about showing me his long-lasting athletic qualities, demeanor, smarts and mentality…the things that take time to appreciate and fall in love with. He was the conservative secretary in glasses and cumber-bun. An unsuspecting talent with a great rack that lies beneath a blouse that fails to reveal killer cleavage.

As Wheat became a Cardinal and I began to see his game blossom I began to realize the diminutive guard was my knight in shining armor. As a high school basketball player myself, he was everything I wish I could have been. He was the portrait I could never paint. I was infatuated. He had lightning quickness and a jumper that could be defined by a myriad of exquisite adjectives. As a fan, watching him shoot could bring a tear of joy to your eye. As an opponent or a defender, it would do the same, but the tear was less about joy and more about the dagger in your back. Just ask Tony Delk. On January 1, 1995, in Wheat’s virtuoso performance of the heated rivalry with the University of Kentucky, with the game hanging in the balance in a raucous Freedom Hall, Wheat hit a 17’ fall-away jumper right in the face and over the outstretched arm of Delk. It was the nail in the coffin and the defining shot of this huge upset. “Ring in the New, Red Over Blue” was the headline the following day in the local paper. My boy Wheat was the hometown hero after pouring in 23 points - Samaki Walker’s triple-double didn’t hurt either but Wheat was Mr. Clutch when Louisville needed a basket to seal the victory. And despite the dramatic fashion in which Wheat operated that afternoon, he never so much as pumped a fist. That wasn’t his style. He was “killin’ ‘em softly” and letting his performance do the talking. A grin was about the extent of any emotion he showed while demonstrating the skills of his craft.

Wheat was no flash in the pan during his Cardinal career. He went on to become an All-American in the ’96-’97 season - a season in which he lead the Cards to the Sweet Sixteen where they eventually lost to North Carolina. Wheat was hobbled that game by a severely sprained ankle and, therefore, unable to be his normal self. However, this did not tarnish what he had brought to the Louisville program for the previous four years. Wheat ended his career as the school’s second all-time leading scorer with 2,183 points. At the time, Wheat was the only college player to amass career totals in excess of 2,000 points, 450 assists and 300 three-pointers.

Wheat now plays in Mexico and is still doing his thing. While I don’t get to follow his success like I once did, I will forever have a man-crush on number 32.

Charmoli's Top Ten Images of 2008

by GPC

Number 10:

Michael Crabtree's last second catch to beat Texas. A dramatic comeback by Texas has Texas Tech on the ropes with 9 seconds to go until Graham Harrell found Crabtree down the sideline where he was able to shake off two Longhorn defenders and fight his way into the end zone for the winning score.

Reaction: After several other dramatic plays that lead to this catch, my emotions were running high. This play literally made say: HOLY SHIT! and place a phone call to a buddy to make sure he was sharing the experience.


Number 9:

Mario Chalmers three-pointer with 4 seconds left to send the NCAA Championship game into overtime. Several miscues on behalf of Memphis in the last two minutes allowed this shot by Chalmers to give new life to Kansas as they ended up taking home the crown
in OT.

Reaction: Considering what was at stake, I thought I would have had more of an emphatic reaction to this shot. However, it did still bring me out of chair and shout WOW! UNBELIEVABLE!


Number 8:

The Americans, with local Kentuckians J.B. Holmes and Kenny Perry leading the charge, bring home the Ryder Cup at Valhalla despite Tiger Woods watching from home with an injury.

Reaction: Having had the opportunity to be at the event made me realize how different it is from a regular golf tournament. It was a supercharged atmosphere and the roars throughout the golf course were numbing. One of the best sporting
events I have ever attended. I was totally pumped and excited for everything about the Americans (and Kentuckians) success and win. I think I may have even belted out Lee Greenwood's lyrics to "Proud To Be An American" when we locked up the cup. Very neat experience on several levels.


Number 7:

The Derby favorite, Big Brown, chews up the field and runs away with the roses from the 20 spot. In the meantime, the philly, Eight Belles, Big Brown's stiffest competition during the race, breaksdown after the finish line and has to be euthanized on the track.

Reaction: I was in attendance at the race and located high above the first turn where the horses run out after the race. I was totally pumped with adrenaline about the performance I saw from Big Brown, and equally, dejected by the sobering circumstances with Eight Belles...especially considering the huge race she had just run.


Number 6:

Despite not having played in a major for three year, 53 year old Greg Norman leads the British Open after 54 holes.

Reaction: I was at Pine Valley for a weekend of drunken golf of my own but seeing Norman hold it together for 3 days to take a 2-stroke lead into the last day of what had been a brutal event due to whipping winds and cold weather was bittersweet. I have always felt for him given the Goliath-type collapses he has suffered in front of millions of people time and time again in major tournaments. Part of me was thrilled that he had another opportunity, when least expected, to bring home one last major. The other part of me was devastated because I knew he had set himself up, yet again, to go through the same agony he had been subjected to before. Unfortunately, he fell on his sword yet again. It's amazing that this guy has everything in the world you could possibly want and most of the sporting world, including me, wants to just give him a hug.


Number 5:

Josh Hamilton belts 28 home runs in the first round of the MLB home-run contest. Hamilton hit 13 in a row at one point.

Reaction: Yankee stadium became an amphitheater of electricity as Hamilton wowed everyone watching. I was on the verge of falling asleep when I sat up in my bed with my jaw open. I called Lippy to make sure he was watching because it was unlike any other home run performance I had seen. Hamilton's troubled background, overcoming improbably odds to even be in this position, his pitcher that night, Yankee Stadium's last year and the sheer power that was on display was the perfect storm of AWESOMENESS!


Number 4:


My Top Ten Sports Moments/Images of 2008David Tyree somehow fights off Rodney Harrison to keep the Giants' drive alive by holding on to the ball while it was trapped against his helmet.

Reaction: I first thought Eli's "Houdini" act was the remarkable aspect of the play until I saw Tyree come down with the improbably grab under extreme duress with the Super Bowl against the undefeated Patriots in the balance. HOLY SHIT! NO FUCKING WAY!


Number 3:

Tiger Woods, on one leg, birdies the 72nd hole of the U.S. Open to force an 18 hole playoff with Rocco Mediate. The slightly downhill, right-to-lefter from 14' was literally do-or-die for Tiger.

Reaction: Did you expect anything else? I just remember thinking: UN-FUCKING-BELIEVABLE!...this guy is superman! There is no way he can capture these kinds of moments time and time again and convert basically 100% of the time.


Number 2:

Usain Bolt blows away the field in the men's 100 meter dash in Beijing.

Reaction: The most awesome performance of the year. I was mesmerized by Bolt and his performance this night. This was a one-man show that was literally electric. LIGHTNING BOLT!


Number 1:


The photo-finish of the men's 100 meter butterfly final where Michael Phelps staged an unbelievable comeback to win the gold medal and keep his dream alive of winning eight golds during the Beijing Olympics.

Reaction: I look at this photo sequence and I still can't believe he did it.



Phelps' reaction after realizing he had won be 1/100th of a second!

Reaction: This was as pumped as I could get watching a sporting event - especially swimming. However, you put an American flag on it and feelings come out during your cheering and excitement that don't normally reveal themselves. I was literally on the edge of my seat, pounding the bed and cheering him on. Phelps never had the lead and was beat with 5 meters to go. Hearing the announcers and watching him just gobble up the leader with massive strokes as they approached the wall was sensory over-load. After turning to Kelly and saying "oh my God...he lost", the crescendo came when the number 1 popped up in Phelps land and they had announced he had won by 1/100th of a second. You would have thought Phelps was my own son. I was literally jumping up and down and saying, FUCK YEAH! I have watched this race probably 50 times since. This moment was a hands-down winner for me in '08!

Andy Kennedy Hates Cab Drivers

Later on this evening the Fighting Cardinals will take on the Rebels of Ole Miss. This will be a great non-conference game from the SEC/Big East Challenge...that's for sure. What's not for sure is whether or not Ole Miss Head Coach Andy Kennedy will be on the sidelines. What's that you ask? "Did he get sick?" or "Is he stuck in an Oxford airport?" Not exactly. This ass clown decided to get loose on a Cincinnati cab driver. Thanks to Mike Rutherford over at the Card Chronicle for the update.

Mississippi coach Andy Kennedy was arrested early this morning and charged with assaulting a cab driver.

The news was first reported by WKRC-TV in Cincinnati.

According to the television station, Kennedy punched 25-year-old cab driver Jiddou Mohammed Ould in the face with a closed fist while shouting racial slurs at 1 a.m. in downtown Cincinnati.

Kennedy, whose Rebels team is in Cincinnati set to play No. 9 Louisville tonight in the SEC/Big East Invitational, has been charged with misdemeanor assault and is expected to appear in court this afternoon.

Now I understand how public officials can be a pain in the ass in Cincinnati. I personally witnessed Kelly Wilson unleash a verbal assault on a Cincy police officer that would make a sailor blush. This was of course after being kicked out of "Electra's." Really we should have never been allowed to enter...let's be honest here, we were as out of place as comedy in an episode of "Mad about You."

And it gets much better...

Also arrested was William Armstrong, the director of operations at Mississippi, on a charge of disorderly conduct, reports show.

The men are in town for the SEC/Big East invitational at U.S. Bank Arena. Mississippi plays No. 8 Louisville tonight.

Reports state Armstrong, 31, was drunk and thrown out of the Lodge Bar downtown early this morning.

After that, he and Kennedy got a cab. A report says Armstrong, taunted the driver “in which his conduct was likely to cause a violent response.”

A separate report says Kennedy “was the aggressor” and punched the driver, Mohammed Ould Jiddou. During the attack Kennedy used “racial slurs.”

Kennedy has hired former Hamilton County Prosecutor Mike Allen to represent him.

Allen entered a not guilty plea on behalf of his client this morning. He said Kennedy "emphatically denies this and emphatically denies making any racial slurs."

Police say a person standing nearby witnessed the assault and that Armstrong was so intoxicated he refused to calm down when asked and requested that he be taken to jail.


What a great way to prepare for the #9 team in the land for the Rebels...some idiot coach getting liquored up and cussing a cab driver. That's pathetic. It's like getting drunk and cussing at a chair? It's so easy.

WHAM! It's Playoffs Time!

The end is near…and for some it didn’t come soon enough. The playoffs are here and another champion will be crowned. Four previous champions have once again found their way in to the playoffs. The Skanks, Generals, Ricotta Cheese and Moneyballs are looking for more hardware, while The Decorators, Fat Wet P's, Average Joe and of course EZ Money are looking to pop that proverbial cherry of winning.

This year we saw a very cloudy playoff picture until the final quarter of the last regular season game on Monday night. Every team had a shot going into week 12. This was unprecedented…like Pugh being kicked out of an Asian Spa, while being ridiculed the whole time. Those two memories, and another great trip to Pine Valley will be how I remember 2008.

Once again the off-season ballooned with controversy. Hooter’s was the location yet again for another spirited point’s scandal. Once again we reverted back to the antique way of scoring with bonuses and bullshit. It was another attempt to get the league back to pre Y2K scoring. Ninety-nine yards from my running back – 4 pts? Cool. One extra yard and I double that? That makes sense. I don’t remember who had the deciding swing vote in the matter…but Casey might. I’m sure another scoring system will be brought up at the next round table, but what’s the difference, it will be voted out the following year.

Last year Ricotta Cheese, under the leadership of Bruce, Eaton, and Larry, won the fantasy crown in its first year in existence. How’d they follow it up? Not bad…they earned a three seed and a match up with The Generals. Can they repeat? Don’t know. This was also the first year in a while we didn’t have a new team owner introduced to the league. Greg picked up Neli as a silent partner and that was about it.

What has become tradition in the wkuleaguelouisville, I break down the playoff picture so you simpletons can understand it. This year takes into the music industry. What a better way to break it down than to break it down.

Teams in the playoffs:

(1) Swan Street Skanks – Lippy/Orr – ELVIS. What a run the Skanks have been on since starting the year 1-2, they have reeled off an amazing 10 game winning streak. Even knocking off EZ Money in an epic battle four weeks ago. How have they done this you ask? God given talent. Just like the King of Rock and Roll…Elvis. Everything he touched turned to gold baby. He shit gold records two at a time. The cock of the wok. Lippy and Orr have turned draft strategy into an art form cherished over time…just like the King’s 1956 Heartbreak Hotel. Manning has some favorable match ups and TO is hitting his stride. Brandon Jacobs is a workhorse and Thomas Jones is running like Marion Jones. Look for a rematch with EZ in the finals. Odds 7-2

(2) EZ Money – Pugh/Hankins – WHAM! What a run by this duo in their second year of existence. 2008 saw team EZ win their division and win high points for the year. It reminds me of the year George Michaels and Andrew Ridgeley had in 1984 when they released Make it Big, featuring “Careless Whisper” and “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.” By the way…can you get any gayer than having a record called Make it Big? Unless the title was “I Like Men.” They could do no wrong with that record. To my chagrin, Lendal White has been an absolute stud and Michael Turner is leading all running back in scoring. The injury to Romo cost these boys a couple of wins, but he’s back and they are strong again. They should make the finals…odds 4-1. Now I’m sure you thought I was going to correlate Michaels arrest for “lude acts” and something that Pugh has done…but that’s two easy. Although what Greg, Baker and I witnessed from his bedroom window this summer would be considered quiet “lude.”

(3) Ricotta Cheese – Gooding/Eaton/Bruce – MR. BIG/EXTREME. The defending champs are going to have a tough time following up their amazing run from last year. Just like these two-ass clown bands had after having a huge smash it. I still can’t tell Mr. Big and Extreme apart…just like the messages that say from Bruce, but obviously from Larry. Ricotta cheese will have to “Be With You” Greg Jennings and Matt Forte if they have any shot. Ronnie Brown will have to be “More Thank Words” to make it back to back. Odds 8-1.

(4) The Decorators – Charmoli/ Nelson – HALL & OATES. Injuries have plagued The Decorators from the beginning of the year like a “Maneater”. Coming out of the draft this team was a reincarnation of the Lexington Steelers with Big Ben, Fast Willie and Heath Miller, looked like a disaster. Hope the Steelers can be a little “Rich Girl” and score some points. But almost everyone one of The Decorators saw some time on the DL and ownership was clearly “Out Of Touch” with reality. Charmoli with the mustache (Oates) and Neli with his smooth style (Hall) work good together and terrible without. Odds 10-1.

(5) Fat Wet P's – Hanka – MILLI VANILLI. Just like the smash CD Girl You Know Its True the Fat Wet Pussies are going to be good year in and year out and that is true. Hanka has built quite a winner after nearly winning the championship in ’04. That you can “Blame It On The Rain”…but the FWP’s typically just look good and don’t have much substance behind the good looks just like Rob and Fab. But “Girl You Know Its True” that Adrian Peterson and Larry Fitzgerald are good enough to bring the championship to Floyd Knobs. Odds 12-1.

(6) The Generals – Nick – NIRVANA. The resident commissioner of this league is typically a good fantasy owner. Nick seems to always have a competitive team derived from some magical pick up along the way. Derek Anderson from last year and Lance Moore and Tim Hightower this year. The Generals seem to limp into the playoffs and then BOOM; he’s rolling through higher seeds. Everyone felt that same BOOM in the fall of 1991 when a little known band from Seattle hit the seen with “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and turned everything upside down. We were all listening to Garth Brooks, Color Me Badd and jerkin it to Debbie Gibson. The Generals will “Come As You Are” with QB points leader Drew Brees and the man “In Bloom” right now…Steve Slaton. I never really cared for Nirvana back in the day though…which is the exact way I feel about Nick’s team. Odds 15-1.

(7) Average Joe B-Team – Wilson – KISS. Wilson is KISS. Without the makeup KISS becomes kinda like every other hair band from the ‘80’s…pathetic. Put the make up back on and they are ready to kick some ass. Literally. That is The Average Joe B-Team way of life and owner “Let’s Put the X in Sex” Kelly Wilson after downing some whiskey. With “Strutter” Kurt Warner, Mr. “Detroit Rock City”…Calvin Johnson and “The Love Gun”…Reggie Bush they can roll up touchdowns like Cap Boso on Tecmo Bowl. This Jekyll and Hyde team can flip with a switch to really good or really bad. Warner has a great matchup this weekend and Bush is expected back. This could be trouble for EZ Money. Odds 15-1.

(8) Moneyballs – Matt – STEVE MILLER BAND – Typically once Matt hits the playoffs he “Takes the Money and Runs,” but this year should be different. Injuries have attacked the Balls like a vicious case of crabs recently as he goes into the playoffs without a QB. Everyone knows Matt typically loads up on Denver runningbacks like Brett Farve loads up on painkillers. But this year was different…he fired on a couple of “Joker” Cleveland QB’s, big mistake. Matt might as well book a one-way ticket to “Swingtown” after a tough first round match up against the Skanks. Odds 20-1.

Teams not in the playoffs…see ya next year.

thin2win - Houchin – KEVIN FEDERLINE. K Fed was once a proud back up dancer for 98 Degrees back in the day, stock full of talent and promise. Houchin was once a force to be reckoned with in Fantasy. But, in the end, both have become a complete disaster. thin2win has fallen off the map over the last two seasons. Houchin is typically a sharp fantasy owner but LT has not been very good and bad QB play has doomed this team in 2008. Next year brings new promise to these two…a new draft pick and a new CD for K Fed.

Korean Kowboys – Jay – HOOTIE AND THE BLOWFISH. Jay joins Houchin and Franky once again this year as teams not making the playoffs. Coincidence…I think not. Steven Jackson was a bust and Jay had to start DeAngelo Williams and Leon Washington for most of the year. That is no way to follow up a championship from two years ago. Just like Hootie was never able to follow up their smash CD Cracked Rear View. Even Jay’s Bob Hope trip overseas wasn’t enough to right the ship. “Not Even The Trees” could have seen this coming from Jay, but my advice to is “Let Her Cry” and we’ll see ya next year.

Harned Hurricanes – Brent / Scratch – NELSON. Brent let me be the first to say we thank you for your blasts on the message board, they have been a real treat this year. But your team has not. You went with the familiar tactic of RB-RB with Gore and Lynch. It has turned into poop -poop. During the forgotten season of 2001 the Hurricanes won their only title, it was their lone highlight. Ten years earlier Matthew and Gunnar Nelson released Can’t Live Without Your Love and Affection…it was their lone highlight. But they didn’t go away after that; they continued to release shitty record after shitty record. The Hurricanes have continued to draft shitty team after shitty team. Recent discord amongst owners Brent (Gunnar) and Scratch (Matthew) has solidified this in 2008. See ya at the draft.

Franky – Franky – WILLIAM HUNG (OR ANY AMERICAN IDOL HACK). Thank god its only once a year that we have to put up with this show, it embarrasses people, laughs at them and then makes some horrible picks. This sums up Franky’s participation in the league perfectly. We see him on draft day and that’s it. But that’s why we love him. Franky has had some strong teams in years gone by…but this is not one. The recent gun play of his best player, Plaxico Burress, sums up the whole year. William Hung or Clay Aiken would have made better runningbacks that what you started. Franky we’ll catch up with you in September.

This was once again another great season of Fantasy Football in the wkuleaguelouisville. I devoted a lot of time and effort into this year’s campaign because the U of L football season was the equivalent of a monkey fuckin a football. But I digress. After the playoffs are over we can start the countdown to PV V. That is if they will have us back. Good luck to all

That was how I closed out last years article breaking down the playoffs. I see absolutely no reason to change it. It was another disgrace of a football season for the Cards and the “football” in now (2-0) against Steve Krackpipe the “monkey”. PVV was another complete success and the best year yet, I can’t wait to see what PVVI has in store. Good luck to all.

WAR CARDS IN NO BOWL
WAR BOATS ‘N HOES
WAR WAR

OUT

Today's Athlete???

What is wrong with the athlete today? For some reason they think of themselves as unstoppable as Superman. They run around town visiting bars and clubs on game nights, carrying guns and drugs, and think that nothing will happen to them because they are rockstars. Well guess what, YOU ARE NOT A ROCKSTAR! You are an athlete. Someone who kids look up to. A person that has more opportunity to do some good in the world than a damn president could, and what do you do, abuse it. I'm so sick and tired of it.

With the sentencing of O.J. Simpson today I am reminded of what are sporting world has become, a joke. A punchline on late night TV, distraction for their teammates, and much more than this writer has the time to explain. I would like to ask Plaxico why? Why must I see you on TV months after a Superbowl win, not in game uniform catching touchdowns, but in a suit outside of a courtroom. Why are you going to clubs with a gun. How dumb are you? Dumb enough to shoot yourself in the leg and receive the infamous nickname "Cheddar Bob"(a reference to the movie 8Mile). You are probably going to be banned from New York, and that probably won't be enough.

And what about Miami's McClinton? Here you have a up and coming star in college basketball leading a ranked Miami team into the ACC/Big Ten Challenge on national TV, with 19 pro scouts at the game watching you and what do you do? Hit four 3-pointers in a row during the first 8 minutes of the game and then take a swipe at an opposing player. Your ejection of that game could not be more dis-heartening and yet pleasurable at the same time. What a waste of great talent. And that is what it is, great talent wasted. Thousands of people can only wish to be in your shoes for a mere moment and you slap us all in the face with your actions. He will still go on to a pro career and make millions while I for one sit at home watching and wishing.

Athletes today are as careless as a crack head in a grocery store, and believe me, not much separates them besides talent and opportunity. They need to realize this. People look up to you, respect your gift, and watch you daily. Quit F-ing it up!

I would like to give kudos to all athletes that give us hope, give us reasons to continue to watch sports, and give us reasons to love sports because that is what I do. I love sports and watching it all the time. Names like Tebow, Manning, and Wade come to mind. These athletes plus much more are the reason I watch. Why? Because they care. Because they play the game like no one else, and actually take pride in what they do on AND off the court/field.

Thank you to the athlete today that cares, because in times like these, we need your heroics more than ever.

That's what she said...

How funny is that? How in the world can this teacher give out a detention notice for this? This kid should be hoisted up of fellow students shoulders and carried away...like Rudy. Nice work son.

Si Se Puede!

This is it...the final day of the 2008 Presidential Election. The two year process of electing party representatives and the eventual Commander and Chief will be coming to a close. I, like many other Americans look forward to completing this journey and moving on, whether it be Senator John McCain or Senator Barack Obama. With the current president's approval rating dipping below the number of beers I can drink in one sitting, it seems this has come at the right time.

Although for me, today is the culmination of two years of intently following the primaries and general elections. This is the first time I've wanted to understand the process by which the most powerful person in the world comes to term. I have diligently watched the different pundits continue to miss fire on what direction this process will take. And I have enjoyed every step along the way. (ed. note: according to the movie "Finding Forrester" it is OK to use "And" at the beginning of a sentence.") Over the past two years I've seen a drastic change in my personal political views...I have even donated (what little money this site has generated) behind a political campaign for the first time ever. I became glued to watching MSNBC each night to satisfy my election news craving. In a way, today is bittersweet.

I have been a registered Republican my entire life. Although I have never felt the need to vote that way on every presidential election. The first vote I cast actually went to H. Ross Perot. I liked the way he talked, never really understood his message though. My qualifications for the president have changed since then...somewhat. I voted for Bill Clinton and Bush 41 as well. This year was different in a different time. I feel the country has reached a crossroads.

In 2004 I caught myself watching the Democratic National Convention, for no reason mind you, I never cared for John Kerry. But then something truly amazing happened before my eyes...I was all the sudden transfixed at what I was witnessing. A young Senator from Illinois had seized my full attention with his keynote address. He was talking from the heart and was saying what I was thinking. What I want to hear from a politician. That we are not a country of red states and blue states...but the United States, and with that one line I became a interested in what the future may hold for him...I thought, "I am watching a guy who could become president one day?"

That is why on this election day I am excited to hopefully witness Barack Obama become the next President of the United States.

Obama does not look like the typical candidate for president and I understand that. I actually embrace that. His last name is not "Bush" or "Clinton" and I love that. This guy has won me over, made me want to become a small part of what he was doing. I'm moved while watching his speeches. Now that may make me a sheep, but I feel I'm in a vast heard. But this sheep keeps the wolves clothing very near... I seem to feel alone with my view points in the circles I carry myself.

At the end of the day, I want to see America do this. Prove to me that we can look past the color of his skin, his unorthodox middle name, and take this historic step. It concerns me that these may cause some voters to lean the other way. I hear stuff like "he didn't wear an American flag pin on his lapel so he must be unpatriotic," or "he's Muslim" or "he doesn't cover his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance." To me it is simply someone grasping at straws to cover up something ingrained within them. A last ditch effort so to speak. I do not enjoy arguing politics of any kind...typically because I don't know all the facts to make a valid point. I realize this...the problem is arguing political views with another person who has yet to realize this. I feel we're not all informed enough to make a clear specific point when generalizing topics. But that is neither here nor there, leave that discussion for a different day.

But I feel very comfortable saying that Barack Obama is the right person to move the United States in a new and exciting direction for the next four years.

I see this as a chance to bring new life to a stagnant pond. I view Mr. McCain as just more of the same. It seems many Republicans are starting to lean more towards the Illinois Senator in this eleventh hour of the campaign. A man that I have admired for quite some time is former Secretary of State Colin Powell. I thought his leadership during Desert Storm was key to it being finished before the weekend was over. His endorsement of Senator Obama was the icing on the cake. On NBC's "Meet the Press" Powell had this to say about Obama when asked who is best to become president now:

"And I come to the conclusion that because of his ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign, because he is reaching out all across America, because of who he is and his rhetorical abilities--and we have to take that into account--as well as his substance--he has both style and substance--he has met the standard of being a successful president, being an exceptional president. I think he is a transformational figure. He is a new generation coming into the world--onto the world stage, onto the American stage, and for that reason I'll be voting for Senator Barack Obama."

With that, I am anxiously awaiting what unfolds tonight once the polls close. At the end of the day we will witness history. We will either have our first African American President or our first Madam Vice President. It should make for some great television. I leave you with this and a simple message...please get out and vote.

Best of the Best, Crabtree is Already There

Well folks, there is only about a month's worth of games left in college football I would like to cast my vote now for a heisman winner...Michael Crabtree. With over 900 yards and 15 touchdowns this season he proved again, against Texas, that he is the #1 reciever in the game! A last second effort turned into a 30 yard touchdown to upset the #1 team in the land. Has he proved that the state of Texas belongs to Texas Tech? Only time will tell as they still have a strong schedule left to play, but I believe with #5 on the roster, they have a chance to beat anyone. Crabtree might very well have the strongest hands in college football, and the most disire to win as well. Clearly everyone expected him to get out of bounds with 3 seconds left and on the sideline to set up a game winning field goal. But not this guy. His second effort and will to win slid into the endzone and ended #1 Texas's plan for a national championship game. (you can see the game winning touchdown at the bottom)
Though this writer has dubbed Earl Clark of Louisville "Superman" of the hardwood, I am now giving the nickname to Crabtree to share with him as well. He may be #5 in your programs at Texas Tech, but he should be #1 in your hearts.

Random Family Guy Clips...

Season seven of Family Guy is only three episodes old and each one has kicked ass so far. If you are not watching the show, you need to stop it, then go rent the first six seasons tonight. Or just watch TBS and you can be caught up in no time. Don't tell me you still watch those skanks on Desperate Housewives instead of the Sunday night Family Guy. Good lord. If you are, and you're male...turn in your balls. The show covers all the bases, here is a quick sample of what your missing. If you do watch the show, then you will recognize some of these Oscar worthy scenes...

The person behind the OJ murders...


The Horse gets his revenge...


Mayor Bee