Don't hate him because he's beautiful

What is with people? Everyone just seems to hate the new Bond movie. Why? Because it isn't as good as "Casino Royale"? Well, there hasn't been a single Bond movie as good as "Casino Royale," so maybe all you clowns should back the hell up!

Is it flawed? Absofreakinglutely. Many of the things complained about by people are legit. The story is not traditionally Bond complicated, and the editing of the action sequences is a little jumpy.

Here is my take though. This is a different Bond. Much like we have a different Batman now, what is being done here is different than what used to be done in these films. Old school Bond was episodic. One had NOTHING to do with the other. Same for Batman. But that is not the case anymore. "Quantum" picked up right where "Casino" left off. And given that we still don't know what this "organization" really is, and given that Bond still has not caught Mr. White, I suspect this story line runs right through the next film as well. Perhaps into all four that Daniel Craig has signed on for. (On a side note, while I hope that Nolan and Bale make one more Bat film, and then the franchise is completely put to rest, I hope that Craig signs on for more Bond films. I believe that Nolan could completely end any notion of another Batman film, because he has perfected it, but we all know that Bond films are unlikely to ever stop. So I would like to see Daniel Craig in as many as possible.)

Back on topic, all of these movies run together, so the "lack" of a story is just an unfair complaint. And frankly, it's just not even that true. The movie has a story. It's just not as complicated as past Bond films. And why is that necessarily a bad thing? This film serves a purpose in the greater plot of Daniel Craig's James Bond. 

As for the second big complaint, the editing, yeah, that one is pretty real. You are jumping all over the place, and if you are in the first 10 rows, and you don't have a perfect view of the screen...Poor you! But, you know, it's not that big of a deal. It's not really distracting from the movie. And the action sequences are really cool, just slightly poorly edited. 

But all and all, this is the new James Bond. I have seen probably 20 of the Bond films in my life, and this is by far, my second favorite of them all. It's not "Casino Royale," but we shouldn't expect it to be. This is a quality movie, with the finest James Bond to date, that continues the reinvention of the character into what Ian Flemming intended him to be. A dark, mysterious, bad ass, but also, very human. This is Bond, and I can't wait for November 2010.

Commissioner Hates Astros

Home games...Perhaps an overrated thing, but then again, maybe not. But maybe we got a definitive answer this week when the Astros had to go play at Wrigley North against the Cubbies. The Commish says there were no other options, but I beg to differ. There were lots of other options. And pulling these guys away from their families and loved ones hours after a devestating disaster...was NOT the answer.

The Commish says he had to do it. But Brad Ausmus, who lives in West U, had other things on his mind. He had a few of his teammates at his house when the storm rolled in. The water got so close to his front door, that he was afraid he was going to have to wake his sleeping friends to ask them to move all his furniture up to the second floor.

Lance Berkman luckily has a home near his home town of New Braunfels, in San Marcos. Or maybe that's not so lucky. Since he got a call at 4 a.m. to leave his family, and get back to Houston for a 10 a.m. flight to Milwaukee.

And all this while, what are the Cubbies doing? Just relaxing in their homes, and then getting on a bus a couple hours before BP and riding the 80 miles to Miller Park from Wrigley. Man, that sounds so fair.

It was an incredibly difficult situation for ALL involved. There is no doubt about that. Would I want to be in Selig's shoes to make that decision? No, not at all. Did he make the right decision? No, not at all. Baseball is a business, everyone gets that...But there are about what, 8 gajillion other business in the Houston area? And all of them understood the importance of family after this storm, all except Major League Baseball.

The games had to get played, and sooner, rather than later, no doubt about that one. And could MMP have hosted a game on Sunday? Yes, it could have. Should it have? No, probably not. But making the Houston Astros go to Milwaukee to play the Cubs? That is about like asking a team on the west coast to play a "home game" against the Yankees at Shea.

So why not put the onus on the Cubs to have crappy conditions? Maybe play the games in Round Rock? No, that wouldn't have drawn much, but hey, so what? At least it would have almost been like a home game for the Astros, at least more so than the Cubs right? And just play one there on Sunday, and then back at MMP on Monday, which would have been perfectly fine. This city was ready for a game on Monday. It would have been a really nice distraction. And then just play the last game, if needed, on the Monday after the season is finished.

But instead, the Commish thought it would be more fun to completely ruin the Astros emotional state. Is he the reason the Astros got 1 hit in 2 games? No, not exactly. They are professionals, and should have been ready to play mentally. But can we blame them for not being ready to play?

Chris Sampson said that he didn't even want to get on the plane because he hadn't heard from some of his friends and family yet. Is that not more important than a freaking baseball game? The way that tv runs the world is a great thing in some ways...but in others...it is just stupid. And this is one of those moments. Couldn't the playoff tv schedule have been slightly adjusted if needed? And hell, we don't even know if it would have needed to be. The Astros may have been no hit, and one hit no matter where they played. But that doesn't seem too likely does it? Given that they are the best team in baseball in the second half, it seems like had things gone a little closer to their way, it might have been a bit better for them.

But now it's finished. They have lost 3 straight, but luckily, the Brewers are just awful and have lost everything lately. So it is still up to the Astros to go out there and take it! They have only games left against crap teams, and have no one to blame anymore. Rally around your city and make us proud. But I will be honest. In this bloggers opinion, it doesn't matter how it turns out, they have done me very proud. They have continued to fight, and play hard, and that is all we can really ask for. But they are the best team of the 3 in the fight for the Wild Card, so hopefully they will go and take it!

Great fight here!

Another incredible video, this one involving a curious cat.

Greatest video every put on the internet

This fool deserves some sort of medal.

Could They?

Ok, this is getting a little interesting. With another strong performance from Randy Wolf, and a great night from the Puma, the Astros pulled themselves to within 4 games of the Wild Card lead. There are 17 games left to play, and if the Astros finish up 12-5, that gets them to 90 wins. Is that enough to get in?

I think that it could be. The Brewers are awful. The Phillies could fall, if it weren't for one Brad "Lights Out" Lidge. And the Astros are just better than the Cards. The only real problem here is that the Astros don't have any games left with any of those teams. But you know, 4 games is not that much, so let's at least wait and see. Got 5 left with the Pirates, so that should help...

And on that note. If the Astros somehow pull off this thing, and make the playoffs, how can anyone but Lance Berkman be the MVP? With no El Cachubby for a month, Roy struggling early, and Wandy going out recently, Lance has been the steady hand for this team. So if the Astros make it in, Lance has to be the MVP, and Coop may be Manager of the Year too...

A New York State of Mind

For all the doubting, for all the name calling, for everyone who said Roger was done and couldn't win anymore. For everyone who said that Rafa was the greatest thing ever...I believe it is time for an apology. Roger won his fifth straight US Open this week, and looked good doing it. So for everyone who wants to call this a down year for Roger, think about what you're saying. Yeah, it was a down year, but how would you like this for a down year? 1 major semis, 2 majors finals, playing in the greatest tennis match in the history of the world, 1 Olympic gold medal, 1 major championship...

Wow, he must really suck...

While I agree that it was a down year, just think about the standard that he set for himself. Roger is the greatest tennis player ever, and anyone who gets in front of a mike agrees with me. Be it Novak, Rafa, Andy Murray, or Johnny Mac. Everyone knows this guy is the greatest, and he has a long way to go before he is done.

Now, he probably has to make some changes if he wants to dominate again, and it is not all that likely that he will, given his age, and the ability of one Rafa Nadal. But if he takes care of himself, and continues to be able to get out on the court, he is not only going to pass Pete's record for majors, he is going to shatter it.

And I am going to make a really bold prediction right here, and right now. He will finally get Rafa at the French in 2009, and here's the big one...he WILL win the Grand Slam next year. He will have his training back to normal this year, after missing a good hunk of it last year with Mono, and he will dominate the Austrailian to get his fourth Austrailian, then shock Rafa at the French, and reclaim his dominance at Wimbeldon, and continue his dominance at the Open.

I say that, because frankly, there are 2 majors a year where you know that Rafa will not be a factor. For how special a player that Rafa is, his game on the hard courts is just not improving all that much. Lest we forget that Rafa also has all sorts of health issues as well. First of all, Uncle Tony makes him play way too much, and second, he plays on every surface as if it were clay. That absolutely distroys his knees!

2009 is the year that Roger solidifies his position as the greatest that ever was, and ever will be. He will train harder, play less, and be ready at each and every major, and will claim all 4. All he needed was a little confidence, and the gold medal, and the Open championship gave it back to him. I think we are about to see some 2006-07 Roger Federer again.

Bigger Bad Ass: Daniel Craig or Christian Bale?

This question is posed to the readership today for a simple reason. The new trailer for "Quantum of Solace" came out this week, and good night alive, it looks INREDIBLE.

I am not going to sit here and hate on Pierce Brosnan as Bond because I really enjoyed his first couple shots at it, but it did appear that he, and everyone else, gave up on the last couple. Daniel Craig really rejuvinated Bond in "Casino Royale," and it looks like he continues to do so in Solace.

The comparisons between Batman and Bond are actually pretty striking. Both had really kind of hit a dull note, and then added new leading men, and totally new crews, most importantly, directors and writers, and the results have been outstanding for both. "Batman Begins" was great, and TDK needs no comment. "Casino Royale" was a flash back to old school Bond, while adding a sort of realism that the Brosnan films sort of got away from. On the same note, Nolan wanted to do just that with his Gotham City. He moved it from some comicy place to downtown Chicago, got rid of outlandish villians, and made the franchise real.

These two are part of the films I have most looked forward to all year. TDK certainly did not disappoint, so now the onus is on Craig to deliver the way Bale did. And if the trailer is any hint, it certainly looks like they did.

Just like July 18th couldn't, November 14th can not get here fast enough!

2008 and Beyond

I saw something this morning that greatly disturbed me. I often sit in amazement at just how absolutely stupid some fans are. I was reading Chip Bailey's blog on chron.com and at the bottom, in the comments section, a fan commented how the Astros should trade Valverde, Oswalt, and Berkman before next season.

Really? Come on...how stupid can someone seriously be? Is this team, as assembled a World Series champ? No, not very likely to be. But it is a lot closer than it would be without those three guys. There are so many stupid things with that comment, I am honestly not even sure where to start.

First of all, this years team is really not all that bad! Those 3 have been incredibly effective for huge hunks of this season, and we have no reason to believe that next season, they won't be effective for huge hunks of the season. The last month, Roy has been by far the best pitcher in all the game, as he was from 2003-2005. Valverde has made good on his last 15 save opportunities, and Lance is hitting over .330.

So sure, they could probably get a crap ton on the trade market, but let's not forget, none of them want to go anywhere, and they shouldn't go anywhere either. Basically, the fan was saying that the "rebuilding process" should begin. Again, that is just showing his total ignorance for the game of baseball. A team that will finish the season about 15 games over .500 aren't exactly in a place where rebuilding is necessary. This is a team that is a catcher, and second starter away from being very, very good. So why would we blow it all up?

Good thing Uncle Drayton does not listen to idiot fans who post on chron.com.

Randy Wolf=Best GM Award for Ed Wade

Is this guy for real? Did he really just throw a complete game shut out against the Cubbies? That is pretty awesome! Many people were wondering exactly what Wade was doing when he made this trade, and while this team still is nowhere near the playoffs, I have to say, I dig it. What it shows is that he and Uncle Drayton will not give up on winning. And that is a good thing to show a team. It shows that sometimes, all a player needs to rejuvinate himself is a change of scenery, a la Lights Out Lidge.

Most important about all this though is that this team is showing perhaps there is something to look forward to in 2009! Roy looks like Roy again. Wandy really looks like a guy who could be a very solid third starter, Backe looks like he can be solid in the back of a rotation, Wolf looks like he still has a little left, and Brian Moehler looks incredible. The only thing really missing is a solid 2. If this team can go out and get one of those, very little is actually missing. There is enough offense to take care of that pitching staff with a solid 2 added. A catcher should be high on the list, and Darin Erstad just needs to get more playing time instead of searching for a centerfielder again this off season.

And oh yeah, the bully...it's pretty good too! Chris Sampson has really found his home. He is perfect as the long reliever. Wesley Wright is a great lefty in the pen, LaTroy Hawkins is just like Randy Wolf, and has found himself, and Valverde is a lot better than I thought!

I believe in this teams ability to compete in 2009! Much more on that much later though!

A "Riddler" not named Depp?

With all the rumors floating around about the next "Batman," film (all of which are incredibly premature until Nolan signs on), and who the villians will be, and who will play them, there are a couple of notes I think should be made.

One that can not be substantiated at all in any way, shape, or form. Nolan will NOT use Catwoman in his films. It is so un-Nolan like, it seems to me. Doesn't it to anyone else? While she is a realistic villian and would be played wonderfully by Angelina Jolie, I just don't see it happening. Although, I wouldn't be too terribly upset if I was wrong. But many fan boys are just throwing this out there because they think Nolan left them a hint in TDK. I don't think he did. I just think that was a little joke by Fox that happened to mention a cat, I don't think it was foreshadowing a future villian.

Another popular idea that has been thrown around is the introduction of "The Riddler." Again, a fairly realistic villian, which is key in the Nolan world of Gotham/Chicago. The original rumor was for Johnny Depp to take the part, which seems like a really good idea, and Depp has agreed that "it would be fun."

However, I came across something interesting this evening, and honestly, just thought it was brilliant. Staying with The Riddler, what about Guy Pearce as Edward Nygma? I find this to be a very interesting idea. While I have no doubt that Johnny Depp would be quite incredible, because he is a very good actor, I like what Pearce has to offer as well. And Nolan doesn't necessarily go after the biggest stars for his films, and Depp is pretty much as big as it gets (Obviously, I know Christian Bale is a huge star right now, but he wasn't when he first put on the Bat Suit, Nolan created his stardom). Nolan seems to take great, but not over exposed actors, like Bale, Ledger, Pearce in "Momento," and Eckhart, and put them in his movies. Then takes elder statesmen superstars, Caine and Freeman, and puts them in supporting roles (I also recognize this is not always true, as you don't get much bigger than Pacino, and that was the title role, but as a rule, I think my premise proves true).

And let's not forget Pearce's brilliance in "Momento." That was a very special movie, and it also really seems like Nolan likes working with people he is familiar with. If you take a look, the crews are very similar in all his movies. He and his brother write most of the scripts, stories are written by he and Emma Thomas, and Thomas is on the production team of every film too. My point being, I bet Nolan would love the idea of working with a guy like Pearce again. Really see what he can deliver as a villian in the next Batman film.

What does my loyal readership think of Pearce as a villian in the next film?

Then there are all sorts of other rumors floating around that are much less interesting. Megan Fox in a Batman film? No. Phillip Seymour Hoffman? Not as Penguin, but finding a spot for him would be cool.

No one will be able to top what Health Ledger put together in TDK, but I don't believe it will be necessary. Nolan will be able to create the greatest ending of a trilogy yet. Even better than "Major League 3: Back to the Minors." But it will not focus on a villian as TDK did. The last of the trilogy will focus on Batman and Bruce Wayne, and will only use the villians to add to the story line, much like in the first film.

While I like to hope Nolan will sign on soon and get us a new movie in 2010, it seems more likely it will be 2011. Which will WB prefer? They are only interested in money, and what gets them more money? Making us wait? Or feeding our frenzy? None-the-less, I am sure Nolan will take a break with a different film between Batmans, and I am sure that Christian Bale will be in it!

Redeem Team

As someone who normally does not watch or get into the Olympics, this was a strange year for me. Because of the fun of watching Michael Phelps, and the hotness of Nastia Liukin, I found myself actually watching much of the Olympics.

But of course, I planned on watching the basketball portion of the Olympics regarless, so I digress. I must admit, the dominance of this team DID surprise me a little. I expected them to win gold, but I expected them to have a lot more trouble with Argentina, and at least a little more trouble with Greece and Spain.

Now, obviously, Manu going down with his ankle injury made the Argentina game a little easier, but even in the first quarter, it was quite obvious the way that game was going to go down. Not even Manu could save that game, the Redeem Team pretty much dominated that game for 3 quarters, and dominated the world in the tournament.

Now, about that title, the Redeem Team. I think that is a decent title. I think that because this team had to do a few things. They had to not only redeem the dominance of American hoops, but also the image of American hoops.

Now, I am not going to sit here and say that everyone on this team is a boy scout or anything, because clearly Melo and CP3 are no such things (you may find Paul a strange name for me to mention, but frankly, my NBA loyalties are too great, and I quite simply hate Chris Paul). However, this team handled themselves very well in Bejing by every report, and they won the right way. They wanted to play Argentina, they wanted to play Spain, they wanted to dominate the teams that had a chance to beat them. They didn't want to win the gold by default, by some team like China pulling of a miracle against one of these teams. They wanted to beat the best, and they did, as a matter of fact, they dominated the best the world had to offer. And for that, this team should be very proud.

But on another note, people have begun to post things about comparing this team to the Dream Team. Stop. Just stop. This team would be blown out of the water by the Dream Team. Frankly, you don't even have to get into deep analysis here. One of those teams had Michael in his prime, the other doesn't. Pretty much that simple.

For my first post in a while

Please watch this. I am not totally sure that this video needs any prepping, but surely this dude should have thought this through a little better, no?

Ron Artest?

Yeah, umm...this required a post from out of my quiet summer. The Rockets' have made a deal to acquire Ron Artest from the Sacremento Kings, in exchange for Bobby Jackson, some rookie, and next years number one pick, as well as some cash.

First of all, let's just throw this out there. That is a gutsy and interesting move by Daryl Morey. Totally took me by surprise, no doubt about that. I would have figured there were teams in the Ron Artest sweepstakes, would not have figured the Rockets' to be one of them! But I digest. (Yes, I know it is digress).

I love Ron Artest on the basketball court! I really do. And I know that he loves Rick Adelman. So, from that point of view, this seems like a nice deal. And if all goes to plan, this really puts the Rockets' in a pretty good position. Doesn't quite put them with the Lakers, but puts them right there with the Spurs and the Hornets as far as the West goes.

But let's just think about this a second. Chances are HIGHLY likely this will not go to plan. Ron Artest just adds another player with the problem that our other 2 alleged "stars" have. He can't stay on the court. Only once since the 03-04 season has Artest managed to appear in more than 57 games. In that time, he has missed an average of 41 games a season. Now, I do realize that one of those seasons included an almost season long suspension, and that is not the same as an injury. However, when you are talking Ron Artest, you never know just how close you are to an outburt causing a season long suspension! So he has missed half a season each season for the last 6 seasons.

That is a lot of money to invest in someone who misses that much playing time. Let's just throw some numbers out there. This is a guy who has played 13 seasons, and this is a sample of his games played: 27, 28, 55, 7, 16, 40, 56, 57. That is 8 of those 13 seasons right there. That is a whole bunch of games missed. Now add that to Yao and T-Mac's propensities to get hurt all the time, and you start to question this deal. A number 1 pick for a guy who misses half of the season on average for the last 6 seasons? Not to mention, I was hoping the Rockets' would dump T-Mac this off season. The guy is not a winner, plain and simple. I will not call him a loser...well, yes I will, the opposite of a winner is a loser. And the guy has never won jack taco. He's a loser.

On the face, I think this seems like a possibly great deal. But when it is considered how much time the 3 stars of the Houston Rockets' miss, I don't think this deal will have any effect. The Rockets' still can't get out of the first round with T-Mac. Although, this could be his best shot.

"And here we...go."

Ok. So obviously, it has been a while since anyone has heard from me. But that's ok. School has been out, and I pretty much use this blog as an outlet for the use of my time during class. But "The Dark Knight" has now come out, so it was time to come out of hiding.

Just to note...a full report on TDK will come later, but I have been thinking about this certain line (the one above), for a few hours now, and just reflecting on it.

Such a simple line. Delivered...perfectly. It is delivered at an incredibly important moment in the movie. The Joker has put a great deal of explosives on 2 boats, and given the detonators to the people on the other boat, with the instruction, blow them up, or they blow you up. And if neither of those things were to happen, he would blow them both up.

Now, one of the boats was filled with convicts, the other with innocent civilians, but neither was willing to take all those lives. However, the Joker thought they would. So he is sitting over Batman, waiting for it to happen, and just utters those magical words. "And here we...go." The delivery was just incredible, but what happened next makes those words even more magical. Nothing. The look in the Joker's eyes, a look of defeat almost. Total surprise that the people of Gotham would not stoop to his level to save their own asses.

If you have seen the movie already, try to think about that line. Picture it in your head. The delivery, and then what happened next. I had to see the movie a second time before I really appreciated it, but now...Wow. Just magical.

Why the Derby is STUPID!

Read this headline...this is seriously the headline...

"Favorite Big Brown dusts field; runner-up Eight Belles euthanized"

I am sorry, that is just not ok. This is just not right, it's like someone just said, hey, what are you up to today? I don't know, I was thinking about taking that beautiful animal over there, strapping a saddle on its back and then riding it, and making it go faster than he is capable of going. Oh really, how are you going to manage that? Well, I am going to take this whip and whip him in the ass until he goes faster and faster. So fast in fact, that he breaks all his ankles and can't be saved. He will be so bad in fact, that he has to be euthanized in front of 175000 people. It will be great, wanna come? You know it! Well bring your funny hat!

That seriously pains me to even put that picture up there. This stupider than Nascar. At least in Nascar the only animal hurt is an idiot human who volunteered to take left turns for a living.

2nd Round Picks...well, most of them

So the Celtics can't beat the Hawks...whatever. It actually won't change my pick for the next round whether they do or not, but it might change the number of games I pick them in.

So let's just go with the ones we know.

West Semi 1

Lakers(1) v. Jazz (5)

Frankly, the Lakers are just too good for the Jazz. I really believe in all my heart that the west comes down to the Lakers or Spurs. And with news that Kobe is in fact the MVP of the league, I think he will play with an extra bounce in his step. I am going to go with the Lakers in 5. They take both home games to start, then take one game in Utah, and close it out in LA. But all the games will be fun, I just think the Lakers are too good in the end.

West Semi 2

Hornets (2) v. Spurs (3)

This should actually be kinda fun. Experience versus youth, Tony versus Paul, all sorts of good stuff going on. But here, unlike in the first round against Phoenix, I actually think the Spurs are the better team. Not to mention, more experienced. But do not be fooled. The Hornets are an incredible basketball team, I just think the Spurs window is not quite closed yet. I think the Spurs take game 1 in NO, then take both in San Antonio next weekend, and close it out in 6 back in San Antonio. GO SPURS GO!

East Semi 2

Pistons (2) v. Magic (3)

Now...I am not really sure what to say about the Magic, because I didn't watch any of their first round games, because they were all on NBAtv, which I find funny! But none-the-less, they are an incredible team with a great big man. But I think the Pistons have figured out that teams are not just going to give it to them, and that their window is even smaller than the Spurs, even if not as small as the Suns. The Pistons bounce back and get the Magic in 5 or 6. I will take 6.

'Iron Man' not terrible

So I did in fact go see Iron Man, mostly because I was secretly hoping that the new Dark Knight trailer would preceed it, and it did, more on that later, and it really wasn't so bad.

I think the thing I liked the most was the script. I thought it was clever and funny, and pretty fun. It is a movie that never got to dark, and kept everything pretty light, and considering the cast, that was the only thing that would work. Robert Downey, Jr. wasn't so bad, but not really believeable to me as a superhero.

And frankly, I haven't seen Gweneth look this hot in a very long time. I was almost shocked. She was incredibly beautiful throughout the entire film.

But what is with Iron Man as a superhero? One of the reasons I don't particularily like comic movies is that the superheroes are unreal. Like Superman, or Spidey. One of the great things about Batman is that he is just a man. And he just goes out, and beats the crap out of people with his bare hands.

Now, Iron Man is just a man as well. But this suit of his...Although, its perhaps the coolest technology this side of creating dinosaurs, is totally unbelieveable. I think...maybe its not, I am not quite a tech dork. But it seemed unreal.

But anyway, all and all, it was actually a decent movie, and it is for sure worth seeing. But let's not go overboard and call this movie something it isn't. Which is as great as the Dark Knight is going to be.

And while on that topic. The trailer...INCREDIBLE! There was actually one thing that bothered me though. One of the great mysteries of this film is Harvey Dent. Would be become Two-Face in this film? Or the next film? That is one of the things I would have liked to have gone unknown until July 18th. But Nolan did kind of give it away in the new trailer. But I don't care that much...if you thought the last trailer was good...this one is even better!!

The Celtics suck!

I just want to throw this out there. The Hawks, who won only 37 games this season, have won more games in the playoffs than the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, and Phoenix Suns COMBINED!!

And if they are somehow able to pull off a stunner in Game 7 (which I think they will), they will have won the same number of games as all those three teams AND the Houston Rockets. That is pretty incredible stuff right there!

So even if the Celtics pull this thing off on Sunday afternoon, it will just be because they have a home game, but when playing the Lebrons, it will not be easy at home either. Lebron is going to go into Boston and take Game 1, assuming that is who he is playing. So the Celtics have finally been outed as the team they really are. A bunch of over paid, over hyped losers who can not win a dang thing.

Rocket's win? Landry loses...twice

So first and foremost...very well played in Utah by the Rockets! That is a really nice win, with great intensity all the way through. Who would have thought that Rafer was actually a decent point guard. Certainly not me!

And it appears that Carl Landry is back to being Carl Landry. I really believe that is where most of the intensity of the Rockets comes from. He is just a fun player to watch because he plays with a ton of energy and plays so hard. But last night, though he came up with the biggest block this side of Tayshaun Prince, Carl was a big loser. He lost a tooth after getting jacked in the mouth by Carlos Boozer, and then, just totally unsuspectedly, gets a smooch from Rafer on national tv. I don't think he saw that coming. And Rafer, not someone you want to get romantically involved with, you know, with the whole anger issues. I mean, if he tries to stab strangers in the neck, what would he do to a jilted lover?

And as for T Mac. Nice game...Decent 4th quarter. 7 points isn't bad. 2-8 isn't good though. Not to mention, he could have come real close to icing the game if he hits a jumper on the Rockets last possession, and I am not even sure that it hit the back board...it was not pretty. And if Williams doesn't get blocked by Landry...then that missed shot looks very bad.

But, luckily, Williams did get blocked, and so T Mac can be a hero of sorts for at least 2 days. But the Rockets still have to win another game in Utah if they want to win this series. After the way they played last night though...I am not totally sure they can't do it! This thing should at least go 6...I don't know if I can take the Rockets to win 2 in a row in Utah, but I for sure like them back in Houston in game 5.

"Iron Man" has NOTHING on this!

Seriously..."The Dark Knight" is not only going to be one of the best movies of the summer...it is going to be one of the best movies of the year! And do not be surprised to see some awards being thrown its way either...that's right, I said it!

This is by far the greatest poster ever in the history of the world! Do not tell me that there is near the anticpation for Iron Man as there is for this film! You are just really really stupid if you think that!

Also, hints that there could be a new trailer in 4 days...that would be like Monday or something.

"Iron Man" looks really stupid

Now, let me preface this by saying that I am not a comic book dork. The only comic book movies that I really enjoy are the "Batman" films. Loved the original two with Keeton, and the Bale/Nolan combination is absolutely incredible. But other than that, I only have passing interest in comic book movies. The "Spiderman" films were ok, not great, certainly not "Batman Begins" great or anything, but worth seeing.

Anyway, EW has released their projections for the Top 10 grossing movies of the summer.

1. Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (355.9 million)

2. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (310.8 million)

3. Hancock (280.4 million)

4. Wall-E (280.3 million)

5. Iron Man (267.7 million)

6. The Dark Knight (255.0 million)

7. Kung Fu Panda (244.6 million)

8. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (176.5 million)

9. The Incredible Hulk (147.2 million)

10. Tropic Thunder (146.6 million)

I have so many problems with this list...it's not even funny. To begin, obviously, Indiana will bring in the most people...everyone loves Harrison Ford. But after that, I think the list is pretty much tomfoolery. The Chronicles of Narnia? Seriously? How many kids are there out there? And aren't their tickets cheaper? The way I see it, only 2 types of people see films like that...kids, and stoners.

Hancock, got no problem with that one...the movie I am second most excited about seeing this summer. Wall-E will probably dominate, but not above The Dark Knight, I just don't believe that.

IRON MAN??? IRON MAN? ABOVE THE DARK KNIGHT? You see...that is just stupid. This movie looks absolutly idiotic. First of all Robert Downy, Jr., from the trailers that I have seen, looks like a total idiot as a superhero. Not to mention, he's just not that great an actor. And...isn't Iron Man like a D list superhero anyway?

That brings us to The Dark Knight, which I see to be the second most anticipated movie of the year behind Indiana. And I really think, as sad as it may be, the anticipation only grew with the untimely death of Heath Ledger. Not to mention, the work that Nolan does, it goes so far beyond the comic book dork crowd. Even "normal" people want to see this movie. And the viral marketing has also been a big factor I think. I don't see people going to see really bad movies, i.e. "10,000 B.C.," only to see a trailer for Iron Man. I only know one person who gives a crap about Iron Man, and I question him on it almost daily. The Dark Knight is going to be an absolutely incredible movie, and I really think it will either be the second or third highest grossing movie this summer, perhaps behing "Hancock," and only because Big Willie brings in a crowd like no one today.

After that...we are really left with some big time B list movies. Really...the Mummy? Again? Totally not necessary. I am not even sure if Rachel Weisz is going to be in this one, and if not...why on earth would anyone see it?

And while I am a huge Tenacious D fan...Jack Black isn't really known for making great films anymore...and in this one...he's a talking cartoon panda! And oh yeah...it appears he is into some kind of kung fu. So unless Peter from "Office Space" is around...no one cares about kung fu movies.

The same also works for "Tropic Thunder." Not only is Jack Black in it, but Ben Stiller pretty much sucks these days...and this one has Robert Downey, Jr. in black man makeup...why?

As for "The Incredible Hulk," the only thing I can say is...there is no such thing as bad press. I did not see the earlier version I don't think, but this one has Ed Norton in it...who is a bad ass...so I will probably check it out.

The moral of the story is...The Dark Knight is going to rule, and no one cares about Iron Man, which again, looks really stupid.

Anyone want to go on a bike ride?

Please watch this video, as it is a reminder to all of our young friends with newborns why helmets are so important. But, the best part of the tape is the "friend" that is video taping it. I just love this guy. After the fall, with his friend clearly not moving, he just casually walks over to him, doesn't really say anything. Doesn't grab his cell phone to make a call. Just waddles over there and says..."hey dude, get up....get up dude....dude, get up....hey dude, are you ok....dude, its just bleeding so much because its your head...it's really not so bad as it looks..." and another totally awesome part of it, he NEVER puts down the camera...just keeps on filming.
I only hope that my friends have the same sort of care and concern for me when I nearly kill myself riding a bike down a rail.

World's greatest coat!

Kobe is known for sometimes wearing really bad coats...And last night was no different. To be honest, I have to say...Craig Sager wouldn't even have worn the coat that Kobe wore last night. You know, normally coaches and players are always commenting on Sager's clothing...Well, last night, I am pretty sure that he would have just looked at Kobe and gone...good night alive, what is that?

Timmy didn't invent it, but did perfect it

I am going to have to say that the "face" was invented generations ago, probably with the first official, came the first "face." However, guys like Sheed and Timmy, and Dirk have perfected the "face," and this is a pretty funny page with examples. I couldn't get the video to work all that well though.

Would you take a hit from Shaq?

So Tony Parker took a pretty big hit from Shaq last night. Let's just call Tony at 6'2'', 165 lbs. And Shaq at 7'3'', 300 lbs. That would probably hurt really bad. But after the game, Tony made a good point when asked about the hit..."my wife will take care of me..." Would you take a hit to be "taken care of" by Tony Parker's wife?

Today's Excuses?

So game 2 was certainly not as exciting as game 1, unless your a Spurs fan, and you will think that the game was mighty exciting...the problem is...it was more exciting than it should have been. But I will save that for later.

The thing about last night is...I guess the referees heard what Shaq had to say after game 1. Did anyone in that game get a foul called on them except for Kurt Thomas? I mean goodness gracious...there were some bodies flying last night! And I think in many ways, that is a good thing, letting the players decide the game and all that. But at a point, it becomes more than just letting them play, and it becomes missing obvious fouls.

I think letting small stuff go is much different than just not blowing your whistle period, and I think the officials just let too much go on last night. And I think that worked both ways for the most part. Everyone, again, other than Kurt Thomas, was getting away with slaps and trips and blocking all over the place. But oh well, a win is a win.

So after game 1, most of the Suns were whining about the referees instead of whining about how awfully they played down the stretch. Instead of saying that they shouldn't have let the Spurs back into that game, they blamed anyone but themselves. But what is it they are going to complain about for last night? Anyone?

On another note, the Spurs almost pulled a Suns and let the Suns get back into that ball game. And I know it was a win, and put them up 2-0...but if you watched Pop walk off the court...he did not look happy. And they still have a lot of things to fix if they are going to win. I say that because even though the Spurs are up 2-0, and are a tougher team with more experience, the Suns probably are a more talented team. So the Spurs really need to fix their problems and get at least one of the games in Phoenix. Coming back to San Antonio 2-2 would be very bad, and would give the advantage largely to the Suns.

Stories of the day!

Let me start with this gem..."I'm late all the time. I have no perception of time. Time is for white people. It doesn't work with me." That was said by Erykah Badu. Now, I am an expert on many things...but the Erykah Badu story is not one of them. I know she sings...but that's about it...oh, and she uh...doesn't seem to fond of white people. That's cool too.

And the other thing I want to say today...Miley Cyrus has a really unattractive boyfriend or something. And, yes, you're 15 and need to keep your clothes on. But the point to me is...although I am not putting myself in the running for this position, surely she can find a more attractive person to be her boyfriend. I mean, she is loaded. I had dreams of being a kept man at 15, and I was way more attractive than that kid.

More T Mac and Dirk bashing

My point is simple...these 2 are not superstars...and here are some interesting numbers to back my flawless theory.


Game 1 4th quarter for T-Mac--0-3, 0 points

Game 1 4th quarter for Dirk--1-4, 4 points

Take all that and compare that with Kobe's 18 4th quarter points, Timmy's 20 second half and OT points, Manu's game winner, Chris Paul's 9 4th quarter points, and Lebron's 18 second half points.

Dirk is one of the most talented players on the planet...I don't know why he folded late in the game, but he did, and I do know why T Mac did...because he is destined never to ever win a playoff series.

Another thing

The Spurs have been great for the past 11 years for a number of reasons. Obviously Timmy is the biggest part of the success. But it does not end there. Tony and Manu and Pop get and deserve a lot of credit as well. But it is still more. The Spurs are great because of role players. Bowen, Fin, the Little General, Steve Kerr, and Brent Barry just to name a few.

And this game turned with one very important substitution by Pop in the 2d quarter. It was a 16 point game and Pop was desparate. So I am just screaming at my TV, "It's time to put in 17!!" And for anyone who isn't a Spurs fan, that would be Brent Barry. Now, I am not an idiot, I know that Brent Barry is no superstar, but that isn't really the point.

Brent Barry is a leader, on and off the floor, he's a distributor, he makes good decisions, he spreads the floor, and he is a shot maker. Your best leader is often not your best player. Your best leader is a guy that commands respect because he gives it. He is a smart, hard worker who everyone likes, and listens to. Barry may not have seen the floor in over 2 months because of injury, but as soon as he steps back out there, it's like he never left. Pop had said he didn't want to use Brent or Big Shot Bob unless the situation was dire. Well, down 16 at home in the 2d quarter in game 1...dire.

So Pop points to 17 down there, and as soon as he comes in, I just knew the game was about to turn. When Brent Barry is on the floor, you must always know where he is...he is an incredible shooter, and he can get to the hoop if he so chooses. So with Brent on the floor, and the floor nice and spaced and spread out for Timmy, with no Shaq on the floor...Timmy gets a couple easy baskets. Then, with some incredible ball movement...Barry, wide open for 3! Boom.

Suddenly, at the half, it's only an 8 point game even though the Suns totally outplayed the Spurs in the first half. And the game turned because of Brent Barry. It takes soooo much more than superstars to win championships. And Brent Barry and Michael Finley are the keys to the Spurs getting back to the Finals. And just getting passed these tough Suns.

Want to know why the Suns won't win?

After one of the more epic games that I have in recent memory, the Suns and Spurs could not have had different reactions. Timmy and Pop basically saying that it was an incredible game and praising the Suns for how incredible of a team that they are. The Suns went the other way...focusing again on how they somehow got screwed.

Says Amare on Timmy's 3 to force double OT..."Happy birthday to him." What is in the BSB is his problem? Why can't he take some of the blame for himself...last time I checked, Tim Duncan was an NBA player, and one of the better ones at that. And generally, if you leave an NBA player totally open, like shoot around open, he is going to hit a shot from a step behind the 3 point line, at least 35% of the time. And its not like we are talking Shaq here...Timmy does have a game outside of 4 feet.

But Amare can't just say, well, it was a great game, and down the stretch, they executed, we didn't. Which is frustrating because that is EXACTLY what happened. Why is that so difficult?

The Suns will not beat the Spurs until they stop whining and crying about things that happened years past, and complaining after every game like there is some sort of conspiracy out to get them, and just focus on the task at hand. Winning a game.

How about Amare acts like a man and says, well we were up 16, up 9, up 5, and we LET THEM HAVE IT! That was the Suns game to win...and you want to know why they didn't? Because they are so focused on revenge that they forget they have a game to play. I can not wait for this series to be over just so that I don't have to listen to Amare's crap anymore.

I really feel sorry for Steve Nash, I really do. He is out there playing his butt of and fighting and not saying stupid crap after the games, he deserves better than Amare. And that goes for Coach D'Antoni too...after the game his quote was something to the effect of..."If we play 6 more like this, someone's getting their monies worth." That is how you handle that.

Nash basically said that they had the game in hand a number of times, and that they weren't good enough or disciplined enough to win it. That is the proper answer.

Shaq, for all the great things he says, basically just said that they "let them have this one." Well first of all, though true...he was using it as an excuse...blaming everyone but himself and his teammates. I am sorry, but your Coach and Nash are right...this was yours to win, and you lost...and this isn't the time of year to be doing that.

West Round 1 Picks

I know its a little late...but only one game has gone final, and you all know it won't change my choice anyway...so just deal, it's not like anyone reads this anyway.

1 v. 8

Lakers will have to fight for it, and they will be mostly competitive games, but the Lakers are just better than the Nuggets. Lakers in 5 is my call...chance for 6.

2 v. 7

Here is where it gets interesting...The Hornets are the new kids in town, the Mavs are the weak minded vets. But they are the underdogs, and perhaps that is exactly where Dirks feeble mind needs to be. Playing from behind. I do expect this to be a great series, but I think that the Mavs are just a better team than the Hornets.

My call is going to be Mavs in 7. If I am wrong...its Hornets in 7.

3 v. 6

This is where I complain about how unfair the NBA is again. I know I already did that, but it really just isn't fair that these 2 are playing in the first round. But anyway. Obviously, this is the game that has already occurred, and it just proves the point about how great these 2 teams are.

One thing I am going to say though, and it has been the case always probably, but especially in the last three years, when the playoffs come around, there is a different Timmy on the court. The focus, drive and determination is just incredible. He had 40 today, including a designed 3 to tie the game at the end of the first OT. Talk about age all you want, but Timmy clearly has a different gear he kicks on in the post season.

But I have to say, I am not totally sure that the Suns aren't a better team than the Spurs. But I sometimes wonder if they are so focused on how they feel they have been "wronged" by the NBA, or for revenge, that they lose a bit of focus. And nothing can break the Spurs focus. They were down 16 during the first half. Down 9 in the fourth. Down 5 at the end of the first OT. But they got through all that and won a game.

And it is not an insignificant stat that teams that win game 1 go on to win the series 80% of the time. I am giong to call game 2 a must win for the Suns, but also for the Spurs.

Head and heart are slightly different here, but here are the picks.

Heart...Spurs in 6.

Head...toss up in game 7. But I will give it to the Spurs because they are at home.

4 v. 5

Yeah, the Rockets have home court, but I am sorry, the Jazz are a better, more complete team. And the Rockets have T Mac, who will NEVER get out of the first round in his career, he is destined that way. So I am going to go Jazz in 6.

Dr. Montgomery-Shepard is back! For now...

How did I not know this? Kate Walsh is coming back to "Grey's" for an episode. Now, I don't watch "Private Practice," but I am sure it is awful and she should just come back to Seattle, because the show has been missing something since she left.

But at least we get her back for 1 episode!

Miggy 31 going on 34

Miguel Tejada has a birthday coming up next month. He is going to be turning 32...or wait...34. It has come to the attention of the Astros that Miggy lied to the first team that he signed with, telling them he was 2 years younger than he really was. What? A player from a different country lying about his age? I am shocked and disgusted. Or not surprised at all...and don't care.

It doesn't matter how old he is right now...he's a great player and is having a wonderful start to the season. That is pretty much all that matters right now!

But you do have to wonder, Miggy has been in the league like 13 years or so. How has no one brought this up until the Astros? I realize that its not that big a deal, but still, someone should have just called him on it, like I don't know...10 years ago...

So Miggy got away with it for quite a while...but got caught finally. I guess that Deke is going to be the record holder for lying about his age for the longest. I bet Deke is about 48 going on 61 or so.

What would you do to get your child a high school diploma?

There isn't even a need to look nationally for crazy stories...There are plenty right here in front of us.
This dude owns a Christian school, and I guess there was this young lady who wasn't doing so well...naturally, its bribe time. What does he want to get in return for giving this girl a diploma? Money? Nah. Drugs? Not his thing. Sex with her mom? You betcha!
And here is the cool part...He gets caught on tape! People rule!

How to get out of a speeding ticket

So this werido got pulled over by the Highway Patrol the other day. He was speeding, no biggie...so the Trooper gets out of the car, just going to go chat with the fella...but wait...hold on, what is...is that...an alligator back there?

So he walks up to the dudes car, and yes, he was keeping an alligator back there! That seems really really smart right? No one will mess with you if there is an alligator in your car. I think that I am going to do this.

So the Trooper is really confused I am sure. This guy has got to be drunk...Nope, took, and passed a sobriety test. He is just a total crazy.

But wait...there's more. It turns out...he just loves all reptiles. Because not only was there a 6 foot gator in his car...there was also a 4 and a half foot water moccasin in there that had bit him!!! Seriously?

And the really cool part is this...dude was a theif. He had just left his boss' house where he had attempted to steal his plasma! How cool is this guy? He even recruited someone to help him because he knew the tv would be heavy. But as they were walking to the car, his friend saw a freaking 6 foot gator in the back, freaked out, and dropped the tv, breaking it! Score!

I know what you are wondering...does this freaky guy just take his pet gator on car rides like its a dog? Come on Alli, you wanna go for a car ride?

But no such luck...he just saw it in a ditch while he was out driving around...Went down in there, fought the gator, won obviously, and brought it up to the car. This guy rules!

East matchups

The East can go first, because it is clearly inferior to the West...and that's just life, so deal with it.

Starting with the 1 v. 8...Celtics in 4, no discussion necessary.

Next, the 2 v. 7...this is an interesting matchup in both the East and the West. I think that the Pistons will win, but I am not sure how easily. This team has a serious problem with not getting up for teams that they think they are better than. And they are obviously better than the Sixers. But many people argued last summer that they just let the Cavs beat them because they were just expecting the Cavs to roll over for the almighty Pistons. And I have to be honest, I don't really get that. This team is great, they have been to two Finals and won one of them. But, they have only won one of them. You would think they would be really hungry and want more, but for some reason, they think they are greater than they really are. But, they are pretty great, and they are just a better team than the Sixers, however, they will make a decent series out of it.

I am going to go with Pistons in 6, and I think that at least 5 of them will be really competitive games that will be worth watching.

Next, the 3 v. 6...This is also a pretty decent matchup. For me though, it comes down to one thing...One of these teams has a porn star as a coach, and Ron Jeremy can't coach both teams, so I guess I have to go with the Magic. But again, this should actually be a pretty decent series, and I wouldn't be shocked if I was wrong on this one.

I am going to go Magic in 6. Don't be surprised if it's 7 though.

And last, the most exciting of the East. 4 v. 5...This is going to be a hated, bitter fight. However, one of these teams has Lebron on it, and the other...doesn't.

Yes, the Wizards are finally healthy, but they haven't actually played together, and that does make a difference. This is going to be a really fun series though, and at this point, these two teams really hate each other...

But I have to go with the Cavs, I think it will take them 7 games, and it will be 7 really fun and hard fought games, and watch out for some hard fouls here too, but I like the Cavs at home in game 7.

So basically, these series should be really good as well, maybe not as good as the West, but still good, just with a slightly lower skill level. Expect the games in the West to be a bunch of highly talented and skilled teams fighting it out, and the East to just be a bunch of teams fighting it out.

West coming up later...I am still thinking long and hard about the 2 v. 7 and the 3 v. 6 over there.

NBA Playoffs, where the West was won...

So everything finally got settled last night around 11 pm...or about 915 since the Spurs had a 24 point lead on the Jazz at the half, and Derron Williams didn't even come out of the locker room...but none-the-less, we have our matchups. And the first round in the West is absolutely a joke. The Spurs and the Suns play in the freaking first round...that seems fair huh? The Mavs got rewarded for having a "mediocre" season, and the Yao less Rockets only hope is to win a game at home. To prove my point...I am going to select 4 random years in the past ten, and take a look at the 3-6 first round matchup.

Starting with this year

Spurs (56 wins) v. Suns (55 wins)

2007

Spurs (58 wins) v. Nuggets (45 wins)

2003

Dallas (60 wins) v. Blazers (50 wins)

2000

Utah (55 wins) v. Wolves (50 wins)

The point is simply that this year in the West has been so tough, that these 2 incredibly great teams have to play each other in the first round...how in the world do you pick that series? Shouldn't that basically be the Western Conference Championship? At least the Semi-Finals right? It is going to be fun, and going to be bitterly physical, and you should expect to see some hard fouls going on on each side. Sucks to be the official of this series.

And here is an interesting point about this year...look at the East 1 v. 8 matchup versus the West 1 v. 8 matchup

East

Celtics (66 wins) v. Hawks (37 wins)--That is a TWENTY-NINE game difference

West

Lakers (57 wins) v. Nuggets (50 wins)

Just notice, there is even a 13 game difference between the two 8 seeds...There is a bigger difference between the 2 8 seeds than there is between the 1 and the 8 seed in the West. That seems really really fair.

Picks coming up very shortly.

T-Mac no superstar

If you ask Tracy McGrady about consistently losing in the playoffs, you get a response like the one he gave yesterday..."I'm not out there by myself. That's what I tell people. Don't single me out."

He never seems to want to take charge and be the man. If the Rockets lose in the first round, and they will, of course it is not his fault alone. We all know that. But show me one other 'superstar' who doesn't take the fall...Oh, you can't.

Even a team like the Celtics, or Spurs. There are 3 'superstars' on each of those teams, and when they win, all 3 of them say it is because the other 2 and the role players. When they lose, they personally take the blame. I don't think if the Celtics lose that KG will be saying, "Don't look at me, not my fault!"

But for some reason, Tracy refuses to take that kind of weight on his shoulders. So once again, just more proof that he will never, ever be a superstar in this league.

I'm getting a headache

Think the Western Conference playoff picture isn't confusing? Well...you are a lot smarter than me...Here is how espn.com breaks it down:

NBA Playoff Seeding Scenarios
Current playoff seeds
Western Conference
Lakers
Locked in as the No. 1 seed
Hornets
Locked in as the No. 2 seed
Spurs
No. 3 seed with win; No. 4 with loss and PHX loss; No. 5 with a loss, a HOU loss and PHX win: No. 6 with a loss, HOU win and PHX win
Jazz
No. 3 seed with win; No. 4 seed with loss
Rockets
No. 5 seed with win or PHX loss; No. 6 with a loss and PHX win
Suns
No. 4 seed with win and SA loss; No. 5 with win, SA win and HOU loss, No. 6 with loss
Mavericks
No. 7 seed with win or DEN loss; No. 8 with loss and DEN win
Nuggets
No. 7 seed with a win and a DAL loss; No. 8 with loss or DAL win
Here's another way to look at it:
HOUSTON-PHOENIX-UTAH-SAN ANTONIO (Seeds 3 to 6)(Higher Seeded team has homecourt in first round unless otherwise indicated)
If Houston and San Antonio win:3-San Antonio4-Utah5-Houston (homecourt)6-Phoenix
If Houston, Utah and Phoenix win:3-Utah4-Phoenix5-Houston (homecourt)6-San Antonio
If Utah wins and Phoenix loses:3-Utah4-San Antonio5-Houston6-Phoenix
If San Antonio and Phoenix wins and Houston loses:3-San Antonio4-Utah5-Phoenix (homecourt)6-Houston
If San Antonio wins and Houston and Phoenix lose:3-San Antonio4-Utah5-Houston6-Phoenix
If Utah and Phoenix wins and Houston loses:3-Utah4-Phoenix5-San Antonio6-Houston
DALLAS-DENVER (Seeds 7 to 8)
If Dallas wins or Denver loses:7-Dallas8-Denver
If Denver wins AND Dallas loses:7-Denver8-Dallas

Possibly the greatest video ever to come out of Vegas

We have all been there...and either been annoyed or intrigued by the super cool immigrants forcing hooker trading cards on you. Well, this guy was clearly annoyed.
Check it out...

Can any of the 'Texas Triangle' get out of the First Round?

The 'Texas Triangle' has been a much feared basketball phenomenon for many years now. Teams hate having to play any of these three teams. But this year, something just feels a little different.


The most exciting of the three, the Rockets, arguably have no chance to get out of the first round without the 7'6'' Chinese fella.



The Mavs, coming off a 65 win season, have been incredibly disappointing most of the season, but arguably have the best shot of getting out of the first round, if they can hold on to the 7 seed, and the Hornets stay in the 2.



The Spurs....basically have no shot of ever winning a basketball game again. And if you were to ask me why, I would have no earthly idea. The talent is there, they just can't win. And I am really sick of the, "their really old" argument. Because, they really aren't. Timmy is 31, Manu is 30, and Tony is like, 14 or something. Sure, they have some older role players, but Mike Finley doesn't have to be a young man to stand there and make open jump shots. So I just don't buy that argument.



The only thing I can come up with is a total and complete lack of focus and interest. Because if you will take a look, you will see in all the recent games against good teams that they have lost, from pretty much March til now, you will notice a trend. They come out strong, play great and with lots of intensity, and are winning at the end of the first half, or its a very close game. (Like tied against the Lakers, up on the Suns by a couple I think, beating the Celtics by 22 at the end of the first quarter and 10 at the end of the half, etc...) But then, something switches off...like they think everyone is just going to roll over and die because they are the World Champs.



Well, they better get out of that habit real quick! Like starting Wednesday night against Utah. Because they should want nothing to do with the Suns or the Jazz in the first round...Because, even as a Spurs fan, I would have to seriously consider whether they could win those series.