I just packed my first box to move out.
I know that doesn't sound like much, but it's the first step of moving my belongings from the basement that I've called my own for the past 17 years and a home I've stunk up for the past quarter century.
I remember my first nights down here, wondering what the hell the sounds were coming from the laundry room. Not sure if they were imagined or real to this day.
As I grew older, I remember having my first beer down here, a can of Miller Lite that looked to be many many years old (it didn't taste that bad, given it was many many years old and that it was Miller Lite). I remember all of the Monday Night Raws I would host with friends coming over to watch the teenage male soap opera before it went all PG and started to suck.
And who amongst my friends of 10+ years doesn't love remembering the days of Toilet Toss, which required a person to throw a tennis ball from the couch aligned with the bathroom into the toilet. Surprisingly (or maybe not), the shooting percentages of me and the friends were not very high. But it wasn't so much making it in the toilet that made us enjoy the game, but rather my dad getting pissed off at the sound of a ball hitting off the bathroom wall. At least we didn't paint a backboard on the wall (think positive, Dad).
I don't remember where I heard this one, but sometime during my college run from 2001-2005, I believe my brother was supposed to move down here to end my reign as King of the Basement (no, unfortunately, I don't have a crown for this). However, my folks were hesitant to let him have a room/area to himself that would be hard to supervise him and his g/f. They didn't have much faith in my ability to get a girlfriend at the time (can't say I blame them - I'm far removed from my days as a nerd that was uncomfortable talking to girls).
The last of rituals that was established downstairs were the poker games, usually on Wednesdays, that would last until 1 or 2am. The side tables would create the most fun though, with random card games being played for four or five times more than the hold'em tourney about to finish off. All the while, some beers were consumed, even by Buddy, who would often be jonesing for a beer whenever a game was going on
I think it's fitting to tell these stories as it represents the immature side of my life. That may never change though. However, taking the next step, moving into a place with Jen and being responsible for a lot more now, it makes me reflect on all the times spent in the basement/garage over the years and realize how much I've grown.
While I have many more boxes to pack before moving out in three weeks, I figured I'd reminisce a little about all the good memories I've had in the basement down here. I haven't given much thought to what I'm leaving behind until now. I must say, I'll miss some aspects of this place.
But it's time to move on, become a responsible adult, and start the next chapter of my life with my great girlfriend. Time to become a Chicagoan, soaking in the sights and sounds that the city has to offer - including a great view of Lake Michigan from our complex's rooftop.
In the meantime...to my friends of yesteryear, anyone up for a game of Toilet Toss before I leave the suburbs?
5/10/2012
Kobe vs. MJ - The Retirement of the Comparison
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| In his own air |
What is the MJ card you may ask? It's the card used by media and fans alike to constantly and incessantly compare basketball players to Michael Jordan, the best player of our generation, and arguably, the best player to ever play the game.
As many people remember, Jordan battled the stomach flu in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Jazz, leading the Bulls to a 90-88 victory by pouring in 38 points despite the ailments. You won't hear many arguments from me if you want to call that Jordan's best game given the circumstances.
I don't know the degree of stomach ailment that Bryant has, but it's bad enough where his status is in doubt for the game. I do know that while Kobe Bryant does have the same drive to win as MJ does, he is not Jordan.
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| Kobe (and his game) may be sick, but he is no MJ |
Anyone remember the name Harold Miner from the Miami Heat? He was dubbed "Baby Jordan" in the early '90s.
Over the years, the names of people dubbed "The Next Jordan" would turn onto the basketball highway only to veer off the road before the first exit. And it's not that these players (another one that comes to mind is Vince Carter) actually sucked. It's just that these players had no chance at all of ever living up to that title.
(And please, please, please don't compare Lebron to MJ. It's not even the lack of rings argument that bothers me with that, although keep in mind that MJ didn't win his first title until he was 28 and Lebron is only 27 at the moment. Lebron is more like Magic Johnson in his game play than he is to Michael Jordan)
The closest anyone in this generation has come to His Airness is Kobe Bryant. There's plenty to compare between the two:
- Championship rings: MJ 6; Kobe 5
- Finals MVPs: MJ 6; Kobe 2
- Scoring List rank: MJ 3rd; Kobe 5th (just over three thousand behind - about 1.5 seasons away from passing him).
- Common Coach in their primes: Phil Jackson
- # of HOF teammates that each won 2+ championship with: MJ - 2 (Pippen & Rodman); Kobe - 2 (Shaq & Gasol)
While there may be many things to compare between the two, the comparisons of who is a better player should just be left on the shelf. I know we want to do it with players all the time, but let's retire the Jordan comparisons, please?
And let's not Favre this retirement by contemplating it and then eventually coming back to it. And no, I don't mean a Michael Jordan retirement either. To make it official, let's throw this comparison a retirement party and buy it some retirement gifts.
Ok, you get the point. Let's never compare anyone to Jordan ever again. There will never be another one. In about 10-15 years, people will still be doing it, so then maybe my 40-year-old self will have to re-post this to remind people to stop it.
5/03/2012
Suicide - Never the Answer
Suicide should never be an option. Unfortunately, for Junior Seau and many other people who find themselves too depressed to carry on in life, it becomes their only option.
The reason Seau took his life isn't quite clear yet, but many suspect he may have suffered from CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), a disease that results in the brain degenerating. This causes depression, dementia, headaches, tremors, and aggression, among other symptoms. It was found to be the cause of former Chicago Bears player Dave Duerson, who like Seau, shot himself in the chest.
Duerson left a note behind that said he wanted his brain studied for damage, hence the gun blast to the chest. He was smart enough to know what he was going through, but the issues he was dealing with were just too much. Like Seau, Duerson left behind children, who are left to wonder why Daddy killed himself.
There's a lot that the medical world is figuring out about the disease now. It is shown that repeated concussions (a product of playing physical sports such as football and boxing) plays a prime role in the formation of CTE. Any player who has been in the trenches and suffered concussions can eventually get CTE and go through everything that Duerson and others have gone through.
The Downfall of NFL
If you knew your life would be shortened by 20-25 years but you could be an elite football player with fortune and fame, would you do it?
It would seem like an easy choice for a rational thinker to say they'd rather live till they are in their 80s-90s, but that's not the case with many who choose to pursue a career in the NFL. According to a Tampa Bay Times article from 2006, the average life expectancy for an NFL player is 55 years, considerably younger than the average age of Joe & Jane American (77 years). Many factors play a role in this - severe obesity and concusssions/mental disease being two of them.
If you had the skills that Seau and others possess on a football field, would you risk the chance at a long life for the glory that comes with the riches of the NFL? Better yet, as a parent, would you encourage your son to play organized football at the junior high or high school level?
As much as I love watching football, I have never had the desire to play it. Briefly before sophomore year, I considered trying out for the high school team, but never brought myself to signing up. It had nothing to do with being worried about getting hurt, but more to do with it likely being a waste of time that would be better spent doing nothing instead of sitting on a bench in 40 degree November nights.
My high school "prime" has passed me by - sad to say. Being closer to the other side of life now (down the road as a potential father to a son who may be interested in playing football) gives me a different perspective on the game. I can tell you adamently that I have no desire to encourage this future son (if I ever have one) to play the game.
While I don't expect all future parents to have this same line of thinking, I wouldn't be surprised if more parents will have these worries than parents did in the past. These studies of brain diseases should scare the crap out of everyone, especially those who pursue a career in the NFL.
I've heard people say before that NFL could go the way of boxing -> from America's most popular sport to one that fades into oblivion. The more of these cases that come from the NFL, the more I have to agree with these skeptics of America's current favorite pastime's staying power. The more future parents (such as myself) who discourage their sons from playing, the more obscure football will become.
By no means do I think it will disappear. Boxing never disappeared, but its peak in American culture has long since passed. I think the NFL is nearing its peak as Top Dog of U.S. sports.
It will get better...
When it comes to the topic of suicide, the narrative of what you should say as a friend or family member who suspects someone of being depressed is simple, yet complicated. While I'm not a psychologist, I believe that the points of hope (that things aren't as bad as they seem and that you have a lot to live for) should be stressed. It may be more difficult to get through to some individuals, but you have to make attempts to get through to people
And no, I wouldn't say things to people just to prevent someone from killing themselves - I actually believe it. We all have moments in our lives that can leave us a little down. This can range from things we may deal with on a daily basis (the stresses of work) or a sudden life-altering event, like the passing of someone close to you.
What we need to remind those who are depressed around us is of the great things that life brings us - the bonds of family and friends, enjoying our hobbies as we grow old and give birth to lifeforms of our own.
If you're a friend or family member of mine reading this and you need someone to talk to about anything, whatever it may be, I'm a 7 or 10 digit dial away. No one should ever feel alone in this world to the point where suicide becomes an option. I love you guys and gals - way too much to see any of you depressed or down, and way way way too much for you to ever consider suicide.
When I heard about Junior Seau's death and googled his name to see developments on the story, I came across his charity online, one that helps youth. Here's the logo and message of the charity which dons the top of the website, www.juniorseau.org:
It makes me legitimately sad that an individual such as Seau who wanted to provide hope to younger generations could not battle his own demons to continue his mission above. Again, I have no idea what he is going through (assuming he had CTE) - much of what comes from that sounds completely horrifying to live through.
I just wish his cognitive abilities, as impaired as they may have been, would have allowed him to choose another path.
The reason Seau took his life isn't quite clear yet, but many suspect he may have suffered from CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), a disease that results in the brain degenerating. This causes depression, dementia, headaches, tremors, and aggression, among other symptoms. It was found to be the cause of former Chicago Bears player Dave Duerson, who like Seau, shot himself in the chest.
Duerson left a note behind that said he wanted his brain studied for damage, hence the gun blast to the chest. He was smart enough to know what he was going through, but the issues he was dealing with were just too much. Like Seau, Duerson left behind children, who are left to wonder why Daddy killed himself.
There's a lot that the medical world is figuring out about the disease now. It is shown that repeated concussions (a product of playing physical sports such as football and boxing) plays a prime role in the formation of CTE. Any player who has been in the trenches and suffered concussions can eventually get CTE and go through everything that Duerson and others have gone through.
The Downfall of NFL
If you knew your life would be shortened by 20-25 years but you could be an elite football player with fortune and fame, would you do it?
It would seem like an easy choice for a rational thinker to say they'd rather live till they are in their 80s-90s, but that's not the case with many who choose to pursue a career in the NFL. According to a Tampa Bay Times article from 2006, the average life expectancy for an NFL player is 55 years, considerably younger than the average age of Joe & Jane American (77 years). Many factors play a role in this - severe obesity and concusssions/mental disease being two of them.
If you had the skills that Seau and others possess on a football field, would you risk the chance at a long life for the glory that comes with the riches of the NFL? Better yet, as a parent, would you encourage your son to play organized football at the junior high or high school level?
As much as I love watching football, I have never had the desire to play it. Briefly before sophomore year, I considered trying out for the high school team, but never brought myself to signing up. It had nothing to do with being worried about getting hurt, but more to do with it likely being a waste of time that would be better spent doing nothing instead of sitting on a bench in 40 degree November nights.
My high school "prime" has passed me by - sad to say. Being closer to the other side of life now (down the road as a potential father to a son who may be interested in playing football) gives me a different perspective on the game. I can tell you adamently that I have no desire to encourage this future son (if I ever have one) to play the game.
While I don't expect all future parents to have this same line of thinking, I wouldn't be surprised if more parents will have these worries than parents did in the past. These studies of brain diseases should scare the crap out of everyone, especially those who pursue a career in the NFL.
I've heard people say before that NFL could go the way of boxing -> from America's most popular sport to one that fades into oblivion. The more of these cases that come from the NFL, the more I have to agree with these skeptics of America's current favorite pastime's staying power. The more future parents (such as myself) who discourage their sons from playing, the more obscure football will become.
By no means do I think it will disappear. Boxing never disappeared, but its peak in American culture has long since passed. I think the NFL is nearing its peak as Top Dog of U.S. sports.
It will get better...
When it comes to the topic of suicide, the narrative of what you should say as a friend or family member who suspects someone of being depressed is simple, yet complicated. While I'm not a psychologist, I believe that the points of hope (that things aren't as bad as they seem and that you have a lot to live for) should be stressed. It may be more difficult to get through to some individuals, but you have to make attempts to get through to people
And no, I wouldn't say things to people just to prevent someone from killing themselves - I actually believe it. We all have moments in our lives that can leave us a little down. This can range from things we may deal with on a daily basis (the stresses of work) or a sudden life-altering event, like the passing of someone close to you.
What we need to remind those who are depressed around us is of the great things that life brings us - the bonds of family and friends, enjoying our hobbies as we grow old and give birth to lifeforms of our own.
If you're a friend or family member of mine reading this and you need someone to talk to about anything, whatever it may be, I'm a 7 or 10 digit dial away. No one should ever feel alone in this world to the point where suicide becomes an option. I love you guys and gals - way too much to see any of you depressed or down, and way way way too much for you to ever consider suicide.
When I heard about Junior Seau's death and googled his name to see developments on the story, I came across his charity online, one that helps youth. Here's the logo and message of the charity which dons the top of the website, www.juniorseau.org:
To educate and empower young people through the support of child abuse prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, recreational opportunities, anti-juvenile delinquency efforts and complimentary educational programs.
It makes me legitimately sad that an individual such as Seau who wanted to provide hope to younger generations could not battle his own demons to continue his mission above. Again, I have no idea what he is going through (assuming he had CTE) - much of what comes from that sounds completely horrifying to live through.
I just wish his cognitive abilities, as impaired as they may have been, would have allowed him to choose another path.
5/02/2012
Good News for People Who Love Bad News - Sports Edition
Maybe it just seems like a lot because of the news cycle being cable news'd and Twitter'd, but it sure seems like there's been a lot of bad news coming from the sporting arena in the past week.
Saturday saw the end of the Bulls' season with the injury to Derrick Rose. I didn't have them winning the East even if he was healthy, but it seems like everyone (experts, media and public) believes that the Bulls needed a healthy Rose to have a chance to compete for the title. The Bulls looked hot out of the gate in Game 2 by taking a 9 point lead into the second half, perhaps playing off of the emotion of trying to prove themselves absent their point guard. However, Philly charged back quickly and beat the Bulls handily in the second half while evening the series. I still think the Bulls will win the series, but the next series against Boston or Atlanta may prove to be too much w/o their leader.
On Monday, Amare Stoudemire put a new meaning to attacking the glass. Unfortunately, this attack away from the basketball court. Fortunately, it involved him only using one hand instead of two. In frustration, Stoudemire punched a glass with his left hand after the Knicks' 10 point loss in Miami which put New York down 2-0 in the best of 7 series. He will miss Game 3 and is expected to miss the rest of the series. Which means he'll miss Games 3 & 4. Luckily this wasn't the Eastern Conference Finals or NBA Finals, or else we'd be hearing a lot more about this.
Tuesday had a faux pas of a different kind. If you use Covers.com for gambling advice or navigate ESPN.com's back pages, you may have heard of the name Sarah Phillips before Tuesday. This story was featured prominently enough on Twitter yesterday to trend nationally. The young freelancer from Oregon was the subject of a damning profile on the site Deadspin.com that showed Sarah and a longtime friend/boyfriend scamming people through the use of these writing platforms and social media (notably "buying" followers on Twitter). They promised part-ownership in their start-up website for a certain amount of money from people.
Luckily, they didn't scam too many people out of their money. Unfortunately, her actions bring to light the hiring practices of websites, whose editors can go forever without actually meeting the people they are paying to write. According to the articles, ESPN.com & Covers never interviewed Phillips before hiring her, and nobody at either company can claim to ever have met her. Apparently, this isn't an uncommon practice. I suppose you can still con people even if you put a face to your email.
And finally, the biggest NFL news today was supposed to be the doling of punishment for the Saints players in Bounty-Gate. However, it took a back seat to the apparent suicide of Junior Seau. These two events connect so well that the timing of Seau's death is scary. The day started with the punishments. Four players were suspended - with the harshest penalty given to Jonathan Vilma (16 games). All players plan on appealing the ruling. If social media is any way to measure how the Player's Association is looking at the ruling, many NFL players are against this ruling.
Meanwhile, Seau was found dead in his house with a gunshot wound to the chest. Eerily similar to the suicide of former Bear Dave Duerson, who shot himself in the heart so that his brain could be studied for the effects of concussions on the brain. It's unreal to think that these guys do something like this while being cognitive enough to realize what they are doing. But who the hell knows what's going through their minds when they are doing this? The NFL is going to be facing severe litigation in the next 5-10 years as these concussions are studied and likely proven to cause post-football symptoms that lead to depression and often suicide.
The players who are against the rulings dished out by the commissioner are missing the point. As the head of the NFL, Goodell cannot continue to watch his product get dismantled. I've heard a little chatter in the past about the NFL going the way of boxing (a once major sport in America that has become obscure for the most part - at least in the overall sporting landscape). The extinction of the NFL could come in our lifetimes, especially if Goodell were to just close his eyes and pretend nothing was happening. I sure as hell don't want a future son of mine to play football, knowing everything I know about what happens to these folks after football.
These punishments were necessary to ensure that bounties will never be a part of the NFL again. If you want to take that chance as a player, you'll be looking at an even stiffer penalty (possible ban I'd say). The NFL doesn't want this concussion issue to get out of control. Regardless on whether it's shown that Seau had post-concussion symptoms that led to this, the NFL has to make sure to protect its product - its players. Too bad the players don't see that. In 20 years, they may want to thank Goodell for trying to make their profession safer.
Update: 5/4/12...This week just keeps getting weirder and weirder with bizarre sporting stories, another for the worse. While shagging fly-balls in batting practice, Yankees closer Mariano Rivera suffered an ACL injury in what is likely his last year as a pitcher. Before the year, he said this would be it. I'm not sure he wants to go out like this, but then again, he may not have a choice. If you're a sports fan and weren't moved by his press conference as he sat there in disbelief over what happened, then you're not a real sports fan.
I expect two kinds of idiots to come out of the woodwork for this story: (1) those who say he shouldn't be shagging fly balls when he's apparently been doing it his entire career with no problems and (2) those idiots that take joy in Rivera's injury. If this is it for Rivera, what a terrible way to go. According to an ESPN stat I just saw, his 2.21 ERA in the live-ball era (since 1920) is the best ERA for pitchers with minimum 1000 innings pitched in their careers.
Rivera seems to be a respected person around major league baseball, with even a lot of Yankee haters appreciating his quiet, humble dominance. If this is the Sandman's Exit, it's been a hell of a ride for the last guy in major league history with the #42 jersey (retired by baseball for Jackie Robinson).
Enough of the bad news, or good news for people who like bad news. I'm done.
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| Rose's Thorn |
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| In case you were curious, the fire extinguisher glass won--again. |
Tuesday had a faux pas of a different kind. If you use Covers.com for gambling advice or navigate ESPN.com's back pages, you may have heard of the name Sarah Phillips before Tuesday. This story was featured prominently enough on Twitter yesterday to trend nationally. The young freelancer from Oregon was the subject of a damning profile on the site Deadspin.com that showed Sarah and a longtime friend/boyfriend scamming people through the use of these writing platforms and social media (notably "buying" followers on Twitter). They promised part-ownership in their start-up website for a certain amount of money from people.
Luckily, they didn't scam too many people out of their money. Unfortunately, her actions bring to light the hiring practices of websites, whose editors can go forever without actually meeting the people they are paying to write. According to the articles, ESPN.com & Covers never interviewed Phillips before hiring her, and nobody at either company can claim to ever have met her. Apparently, this isn't an uncommon practice. I suppose you can still con people even if you put a face to your email.
And finally, the biggest NFL news today was supposed to be the doling of punishment for the Saints players in Bounty-Gate. However, it took a back seat to the apparent suicide of Junior Seau. These two events connect so well that the timing of Seau's death is scary. The day started with the punishments. Four players were suspended - with the harshest penalty given to Jonathan Vilma (16 games). All players plan on appealing the ruling. If social media is any way to measure how the Player's Association is looking at the ruling, many NFL players are against this ruling.
Meanwhile, Seau was found dead in his house with a gunshot wound to the chest. Eerily similar to the suicide of former Bear Dave Duerson, who shot himself in the heart so that his brain could be studied for the effects of concussions on the brain. It's unreal to think that these guys do something like this while being cognitive enough to realize what they are doing. But who the hell knows what's going through their minds when they are doing this? The NFL is going to be facing severe litigation in the next 5-10 years as these concussions are studied and likely proven to cause post-football symptoms that lead to depression and often suicide.
The players who are against the rulings dished out by the commissioner are missing the point. As the head of the NFL, Goodell cannot continue to watch his product get dismantled. I've heard a little chatter in the past about the NFL going the way of boxing (a once major sport in America that has become obscure for the most part - at least in the overall sporting landscape). The extinction of the NFL could come in our lifetimes, especially if Goodell were to just close his eyes and pretend nothing was happening. I sure as hell don't want a future son of mine to play football, knowing everything I know about what happens to these folks after football.
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| Punishment was hefty for the bounties. Good. |
Update: 5/4/12...This week just keeps getting weirder and weirder with bizarre sporting stories, another for the worse. While shagging fly-balls in batting practice, Yankees closer Mariano Rivera suffered an ACL injury in what is likely his last year as a pitcher. Before the year, he said this would be it. I'm not sure he wants to go out like this, but then again, he may not have a choice. If you're a sports fan and weren't moved by his press conference as he sat there in disbelief over what happened, then you're not a real sports fan.
 |
| Rivera's career may be over due to a freak injury. |
Rivera seems to be a respected person around major league baseball, with even a lot of Yankee haters appreciating his quiet, humble dominance. If this is the Sandman's Exit, it's been a hell of a ride for the last guy in major league history with the #42 jersey (retired by baseball for Jackie Robinson).
Enough of the bad news, or good news for people who like bad news. I'm done.
4/27/2012
The Finals Countdown: NBA Playoff Preview (2K12 version)
The 2012 NBA Playoffs are right around the corner. I got half of the Finals right last year (Heat but no Thunder). Now, that particular match-up is the one that many would like to see (and one that many expect to see).
The Spurs expect to make a strong push as they get the #1 seed in the West for the 2nd year in a row. Somehow, they were written off by many (except for my friend Tom), probably because their age was looked at as a detriment in the compacted schedule due to the lockout. Popovich (along with Thibodeau and Vogel) should be considered a front-runner for Coach of the Year with how he has been able to manage his version of the Big Three (Duncan, Parker, Ginobili) along with the rest of his roster. I came across a stat on Twitter (didn't double check it, so take this for what it's worth) that the Spurs only lost 3 games total when their roster (I assume their normal starters) was at full strength.
The Thunder look like a good bet to make a run. Coming off of his third straight scoring title, Kevin Durant looks to have a complete squad around him (another scoring option in Westbrook, solid defenders in Harden and Ibaka, a veteran with a few rings in Derek Fisher). I'm looking at Spurs/Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, with the Thunder taking it.
The top spot in the East goes to the Bulls again. Despite the absence of Derrick Rose due to various injuries for what seemed like months, Tom Thibodeau was able to muster out a 50-16 record and the top overall seed in the NBA. However, no matter how much Bulls and their fans may be happy with the #1 seed in the East, they will (and should) be ultimately judged on whether they can make the next step in the 2012 Playoffs and advance to the NBA Finals. This will likely involve a matchup versus the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.
When the season started, we all wanted to just fast-forward into the end of May and get the Miami/Chicago series going already - pretty much dismissing the rest of the East. While I still think this will be the series, my convictions on the series are not as strong. I'm not sure if Miami has been on cruise control in the regular season and waiting for the playoffs to step everything up, but they've given me an uneasy feeling in terms of backing them to win it all. They had a two-week streak earlier this year of beating teams by 12+ points, so I know there's a championship caliber team there if they play up to their talent level.
Last year, the Heat took four straight after losing Game 1 to the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. A lot of the credit for that series win goes to LeBron's defense on Rose, one of the few guys who can match Rose's speed and has many inches on the reigning MVP. I'd say the Bulls look better as a team this year, but the playoffs are a different matter. I still think the Heat will take the East, especially with Rose's health lingering as a constant question throughout the year. If Rose can maintain a semblence of health, I'd give the Bulls a good shot of winning it. BUT, and it's a big BUT, someone else will need to step up as a scorer in the series in the event LBJ contains Rose just as well as last year. With Rose's health in question, I have to give the Heat the edge.
You may argue that the Bulls played well (even against the Heat) without Rose this year, but they will need Rose at his best in a 7-game series (no matter how deep their bench) against the Heat.
So for the second year in a row, I'm going Heat/Thunder in the finals, with the Heat winning it. It's not much of a reach, but it's just what I see happening. If you care to provide your own opinions, I'm all ears.
Eastern Conference Playoffs
R1: Bulls over Sixers (sweeeeeep); Celtics over Atlanta in 6 (I can't trust Atlanta. Ever.) Miami over NY in 5; Pacers over Magic in 6
R2: Bulls over Celtics in 7 (trying to duplicate their series from 2010, with the reverse result); Miami over Indiana in 6
ECF: Miami over Chicago in 6
Western Conference Playoffs
R1: Spurs over Jazz in 5; Memphis over LAC in 6; Denver over LAL in 6 (they will miss World Peace); Thunder over Mavericks in 6
R2: Spurs over Memphis in 7; Thunder over Denver in 5
WCF: Thunder over Spurs in 6
Finals
Heat over Thunder in 6.
Finals MVP: Dwyane Wade
Regular Season Award Predictions
Coach of the Year: Frank Vogel, Pacers
League MVP: LBJ, Miami
Rookie of the Year: Kyrie Irving, Cle
6th Man: James Harden, OKC
Improved Player: Ryan Anderson, Magic
Defensive Player of the Year: Serge Ibaka, OKC
The Spurs expect to make a strong push as they get the #1 seed in the West for the 2nd year in a row. Somehow, they were written off by many (except for my friend Tom), probably because their age was looked at as a detriment in the compacted schedule due to the lockout. Popovich (along with Thibodeau and Vogel) should be considered a front-runner for Coach of the Year with how he has been able to manage his version of the Big Three (Duncan, Parker, Ginobili) along with the rest of his roster. I came across a stat on Twitter (didn't double check it, so take this for what it's worth) that the Spurs only lost 3 games total when their roster (I assume their normal starters) was at full strength.
The Thunder look like a good bet to make a run. Coming off of his third straight scoring title, Kevin Durant looks to have a complete squad around him (another scoring option in Westbrook, solid defenders in Harden and Ibaka, a veteran with a few rings in Derek Fisher). I'm looking at Spurs/Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, with the Thunder taking it.
The top spot in the East goes to the Bulls again. Despite the absence of Derrick Rose due to various injuries for what seemed like months, Tom Thibodeau was able to muster out a 50-16 record and the top overall seed in the NBA. However, no matter how much Bulls and their fans may be happy with the #1 seed in the East, they will (and should) be ultimately judged on whether they can make the next step in the 2012 Playoffs and advance to the NBA Finals. This will likely involve a matchup versus the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.
When the season started, we all wanted to just fast-forward into the end of May and get the Miami/Chicago series going already - pretty much dismissing the rest of the East. While I still think this will be the series, my convictions on the series are not as strong. I'm not sure if Miami has been on cruise control in the regular season and waiting for the playoffs to step everything up, but they've given me an uneasy feeling in terms of backing them to win it all. They had a two-week streak earlier this year of beating teams by 12+ points, so I know there's a championship caliber team there if they play up to their talent level.
Last year, the Heat took four straight after losing Game 1 to the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. A lot of the credit for that series win goes to LeBron's defense on Rose, one of the few guys who can match Rose's speed and has many inches on the reigning MVP. I'd say the Bulls look better as a team this year, but the playoffs are a different matter. I still think the Heat will take the East, especially with Rose's health lingering as a constant question throughout the year. If Rose can maintain a semblence of health, I'd give the Bulls a good shot of winning it. BUT, and it's a big BUT, someone else will need to step up as a scorer in the series in the event LBJ contains Rose just as well as last year. With Rose's health in question, I have to give the Heat the edge.
You may argue that the Bulls played well (even against the Heat) without Rose this year, but they will need Rose at his best in a 7-game series (no matter how deep their bench) against the Heat.
So for the second year in a row, I'm going Heat/Thunder in the finals, with the Heat winning it. It's not much of a reach, but it's just what I see happening. If you care to provide your own opinions, I'm all ears.
Eastern Conference Playoffs
R1: Bulls over Sixers (sweeeeeep); Celtics over Atlanta in 6 (I can't trust Atlanta. Ever.) Miami over NY in 5; Pacers over Magic in 6
R2: Bulls over Celtics in 7 (trying to duplicate their series from 2010, with the reverse result); Miami over Indiana in 6
ECF: Miami over Chicago in 6
Western Conference Playoffs
R1: Spurs over Jazz in 5; Memphis over LAC in 6; Denver over LAL in 6 (they will miss World Peace); Thunder over Mavericks in 6
R2: Spurs over Memphis in 7; Thunder over Denver in 5
WCF: Thunder over Spurs in 6
Finals
Heat over Thunder in 6.
Finals MVP: Dwyane Wade
Regular Season Award Predictions
Coach of the Year: Frank Vogel, Pacers
League MVP: LBJ, Miami
Rookie of the Year: Kyrie Irving, Cle
6th Man: James Harden, OKC
Improved Player: Ryan Anderson, Magic
Defensive Player of the Year: Serge Ibaka, OKC
Grandma Bolek - A Year Later
I remember last year like it was yesterday.
April 27th - woke up my usual time to roll out of bed and start a busy day of work from home. My boss was looking to get business for a few of our consultants that were nearing the end of their stints at their respective projects.
I briefly considered joining my friend Don for his Game 7 journey to see his Pittsburgh Penguins in Pitt, but knew with how busy I was with work, I couldn't go. Plus, in the back of my mind, I knew that the end of my grandma's life could be near.
The night before, based on how my dad sounded after visiting my grandma at her house, right around the block, I knew that Grandma Bolek was taking a turn for the worse, with a life expectancy not in her favor.
As I started working that drury Wednesday morning, I got that call that I knew was coming but wasn't ready to answer. Caller ID shows up as Dad, who had just went over to my Grandma's about 30-45 minutes earlier. I answered the phone and could immediately hear the tears in his voice. Virginia Bolek had passed away at the age of 90.
An Unequaled Legacy
Nine great decades on this Earth. People couldn't ask for a better life. She had a total of 50 (FIFTY!) grandchildren (15), great-grandchildren (33) and great-great-grandchildren (2). In our own ways, we all represent and carry on the legacy that Grandma Bolek left behind.
The marriage of Peter and Virginia Bolek was the start of a wide family tree that continues to expand as we speak, with my brother's upcoming marriage bringing yet another Bolek onboard (Welcome Amber!).
I always wish I had a chance to get to know both of my Grandpas better. My Grandpa Bolek, who passed when I was a young teen, taught me how to pour my first beer as I poured an Old Style of his while tilting the glass. I would have loved to have a beer with him and my Grandpa Raynor during my adulthood, but it wasn't meant to be.
After the passing of my Grandpa Bolek when I was 15 (1998), I bowled my first ever 200 game that same day. Of course, it was dedicated to him.
Meanwhile, Grandma Bolek continued trucking on without her long-time husband. She may have shrunk to under 100 pounds and could have easily blown away in a 20 mph wind in her later years, but don't mistake small for weak. To get by without your life partner for as long as she did, she had to be a strong woman. A great matriarch for all of us Boleks to look up to.
The support network around her definitely helped, with all five of her kids within a 30 minute drive, many within a mile or two. Christmas Eves were always a special treat, with Grandma at the center stage getting the gifts from her kids and grand-kids.
As the years went on, Grandma maintained a healthy life for the most part. Occasionally, you'll see someone close to you have a relative that suffers the last couple years of their lives. Certainly no way that I'd want to go. And luckily for us, it wasn't the way that Grandma Bolek was. Up until the last two months of her life, she maintained a mental strength that rivaled someone decades younger than her.
It was tough seeing Grandma during the latter months. It wasn't the grandma I grew up with, playing Store with me, my brother and sister; hiding the plastic Easter Eggs with the quarters in them in her backyard; celebrating Halloween by dressing up like a witch as if she were 10.
The Call...
So when I got that call from my dad around 8:45am that day to hear of her passing, my immediate reaction was sadness. But then I thought about her suffering and realized that it would be better (at least I think) for her to die peacefully, which she did in the place she called home for about 30 years.
I decided I wanted to see her after her passing in what was my second home for much of my childhood. I called my boss as I was making the walk around the block to let him know of the passing.
When I finally got there and saw her lifeless body, I knew she died peacefully. While wiping away tears, it made me happy knowing that she didn't suffer much. My dad and all of his siblings and their significant others were all there. It was fitting for her to have them all there, as she was a person that everyone wanted to be around.
When it came time to honor my grandma, I did it the best way I knew how: in prose. Here's the link to what I wrote and read the day of her funeral: http://b-boknows.blogspot.com/2011/04/aint-she-grand-bolek-matriarch.html. I was pleasantly surprised with the reaction that I got afterwards, with many of my family coming up to me thanking me for reading that in front of the family at the church.
It was the least I could do for the woman who defined what it was to be a Bolek. From her, I saw a woman who didn't mind passing gas in public - definitely a characteristic that some of us Boleks have carried on (much to the dismay of the people around us).
But on a more serious note, I saw a woman who was the nicest mother, friend, sister, and grandmother to all. I saw a woman who had a profound impact on all of our lives, who enjoyed seeing all of us grow up and spoiled the hell out of all of us.
We still miss you Grandma. We try living up to the Bolek name as best as we can. We can only hope to leave a shred of the legacy that you did.
Rest in peace to Grandma Bolek, a year removed from this world.
Love always,
Your Family & Friends
April 27th - woke up my usual time to roll out of bed and start a busy day of work from home. My boss was looking to get business for a few of our consultants that were nearing the end of their stints at their respective projects.
I briefly considered joining my friend Don for his Game 7 journey to see his Pittsburgh Penguins in Pitt, but knew with how busy I was with work, I couldn't go. Plus, in the back of my mind, I knew that the end of my grandma's life could be near.
The night before, based on how my dad sounded after visiting my grandma at her house, right around the block, I knew that Grandma Bolek was taking a turn for the worse, with a life expectancy not in her favor.
As I started working that drury Wednesday morning, I got that call that I knew was coming but wasn't ready to answer. Caller ID shows up as Dad, who had just went over to my Grandma's about 30-45 minutes earlier. I answered the phone and could immediately hear the tears in his voice. Virginia Bolek had passed away at the age of 90.
An Unequaled Legacy
Nine great decades on this Earth. People couldn't ask for a better life. She had a total of 50 (FIFTY!) grandchildren (15), great-grandchildren (33) and great-great-grandchildren (2). In our own ways, we all represent and carry on the legacy that Grandma Bolek left behind.
The marriage of Peter and Virginia Bolek was the start of a wide family tree that continues to expand as we speak, with my brother's upcoming marriage bringing yet another Bolek onboard (Welcome Amber!).
I always wish I had a chance to get to know both of my Grandpas better. My Grandpa Bolek, who passed when I was a young teen, taught me how to pour my first beer as I poured an Old Style of his while tilting the glass. I would have loved to have a beer with him and my Grandpa Raynor during my adulthood, but it wasn't meant to be.
After the passing of my Grandpa Bolek when I was 15 (1998), I bowled my first ever 200 game that same day. Of course, it was dedicated to him.
Meanwhile, Grandma Bolek continued trucking on without her long-time husband. She may have shrunk to under 100 pounds and could have easily blown away in a 20 mph wind in her later years, but don't mistake small for weak. To get by without your life partner for as long as she did, she had to be a strong woman. A great matriarch for all of us Boleks to look up to.
The support network around her definitely helped, with all five of her kids within a 30 minute drive, many within a mile or two. Christmas Eves were always a special treat, with Grandma at the center stage getting the gifts from her kids and grand-kids.
As the years went on, Grandma maintained a healthy life for the most part. Occasionally, you'll see someone close to you have a relative that suffers the last couple years of their lives. Certainly no way that I'd want to go. And luckily for us, it wasn't the way that Grandma Bolek was. Up until the last two months of her life, she maintained a mental strength that rivaled someone decades younger than her.
It was tough seeing Grandma during the latter months. It wasn't the grandma I grew up with, playing Store with me, my brother and sister; hiding the plastic Easter Eggs with the quarters in them in her backyard; celebrating Halloween by dressing up like a witch as if she were 10.
The Call...
So when I got that call from my dad around 8:45am that day to hear of her passing, my immediate reaction was sadness. But then I thought about her suffering and realized that it would be better (at least I think) for her to die peacefully, which she did in the place she called home for about 30 years.
I decided I wanted to see her after her passing in what was my second home for much of my childhood. I called my boss as I was making the walk around the block to let him know of the passing.
When I finally got there and saw her lifeless body, I knew she died peacefully. While wiping away tears, it made me happy knowing that she didn't suffer much. My dad and all of his siblings and their significant others were all there. It was fitting for her to have them all there, as she was a person that everyone wanted to be around.
When it came time to honor my grandma, I did it the best way I knew how: in prose. Here's the link to what I wrote and read the day of her funeral: http://b-boknows.blogspot.com/2011/04/aint-she-grand-bolek-matriarch.html. I was pleasantly surprised with the reaction that I got afterwards, with many of my family coming up to me thanking me for reading that in front of the family at the church.
It was the least I could do for the woman who defined what it was to be a Bolek. From her, I saw a woman who didn't mind passing gas in public - definitely a characteristic that some of us Boleks have carried on (much to the dismay of the people around us).
But on a more serious note, I saw a woman who was the nicest mother, friend, sister, and grandmother to all. I saw a woman who had a profound impact on all of our lives, who enjoyed seeing all of us grow up and spoiled the hell out of all of us.
We still miss you Grandma. We try living up to the Bolek name as best as we can. We can only hope to leave a shred of the legacy that you did.
Rest in peace to Grandma Bolek, a year removed from this world.
Love always,
Your Family & Friends
4/26/2012
Mocking the Draft
There's nothing that gets people more worked up in the American sporting world away from the playing of the sport itself than drafts - specifically the NFL Draft. It's the time of year where people who watched 1-2 games of college football suddenly know about 90-95% of the players available to draft.
These "experts" know what player will fill each team's need the best, based highly on what they read from other "experts", which include talking heads on sports networks and radio.
The second category of experts has watched a little more football than the first group, but by no means would I call them experts. With very few exceptions, many of these folks are merely just guessing without any actual knowledge of who a general manager/coach is targeting with their exact picks.
I came across a site that ranks the efficiency of writers and other draft experts in their ability to pick the first round of the draft: http://www.thehuddlereport.com/Free/mockdraftscoring.shtml. The system for ranking who picks the best is fairly simple - 2 points are given to a guy who picks the exact team/pick that a player is picked by and 1 point is given if you simply picked the guy to be picked in the first round. Note that the best guys are able to pick 8-9 players to their correct teams (or about 25%), with the very best picking 12 of the 32 (less than 40%). That doesn't seem very expertly. It seems more like a batting average.
I don't care that expertly isn't a word - it is now.
With this year's draft, anyone who isn't able to pick at least two of the players to the right team is a complete moron, so I wouldn't be surprised if someone is able to match or exceed that 12 number, but probably no better than 13 or 14 right.
Anyone who spends a few minutes reading team mock drafts suddenly uses those mocks as the standard by which a player can be considered a reach or a steal. While it's not a bad start to base your opinions on this, I'd say you're better off reading the guys who study this for a living and not the guys who write the random blog (i.e. me). There's a reason I'm not doing a mock draft - I don't have an eye for evaluating college players outside of the statistics I see.
I'm definitely not familiar with offensive tackles - I like to rely on the real expert's opinions on those. I have an idea of some of the offensive studs and some of the defensive guys, but by no means do I know enough to develop a competent mock draft. And based on the scores that many of these "experts" have had in the past 5 years, neither do they.
I say - take these mock drafts for what they are worth: one man's opinion on who each team should or will select based on their perceived needs and "value" of the pick. Sometimes you may not have a particular need at a position, but a player may fall to your team that is too good to pass up. What one team may perceive to be a potential bust, another may see a Pro Bowler (well, this term may be antique now with the Pro Bowl potentially being extinct).
Enjoy the 2012 draft. Hopefully your team gets someone who helps your team out in the next 5-10 years. If they don't get someone that you want, there's a good chance they may know a little more than you and they are picking that player for a reason.
Unless they're the Cleveland Browns. In that case, I say - Enjoy your Super Bowl today!
 |
| Ryan Leaf: From 2nd pick overall (almost 1st BEFORE Peyton Manning) to Bust to Fugitive. Perfect example on not to always trust experts. |
The second category of experts has watched a little more football than the first group, but by no means would I call them experts. With very few exceptions, many of these folks are merely just guessing without any actual knowledge of who a general manager/coach is targeting with their exact picks.
I came across a site that ranks the efficiency of writers and other draft experts in their ability to pick the first round of the draft: http://www.thehuddlereport.com/Free/mockdraftscoring.shtml. The system for ranking who picks the best is fairly simple - 2 points are given to a guy who picks the exact team/pick that a player is picked by and 1 point is given if you simply picked the guy to be picked in the first round. Note that the best guys are able to pick 8-9 players to their correct teams (or about 25%), with the very best picking 12 of the 32 (less than 40%). That doesn't seem very expertly. It seems more like a batting average.
I don't care that expertly isn't a word - it is now.
With this year's draft, anyone who isn't able to pick at least two of the players to the right team is a complete moron, so I wouldn't be surprised if someone is able to match or exceed that 12 number, but probably no better than 13 or 14 right.
Anyone who spends a few minutes reading team mock drafts suddenly uses those mocks as the standard by which a player can be considered a reach or a steal. While it's not a bad start to base your opinions on this, I'd say you're better off reading the guys who study this for a living and not the guys who write the random blog (i.e. me). There's a reason I'm not doing a mock draft - I don't have an eye for evaluating college players outside of the statistics I see.
I'm definitely not familiar with offensive tackles - I like to rely on the real expert's opinions on those. I have an idea of some of the offensive studs and some of the defensive guys, but by no means do I know enough to develop a competent mock draft. And based on the scores that many of these "experts" have had in the past 5 years, neither do they.
I say - take these mock drafts for what they are worth: one man's opinion on who each team should or will select based on their perceived needs and "value" of the pick. Sometimes you may not have a particular need at a position, but a player may fall to your team that is too good to pass up. What one team may perceive to be a potential bust, another may see a Pro Bowler (well, this term may be antique now with the Pro Bowl potentially being extinct).
Enjoy the 2012 draft. Hopefully your team gets someone who helps your team out in the next 5-10 years. If they don't get someone that you want, there's a good chance they may know a little more than you and they are picking that player for a reason.
Unless they're the Cleveland Browns. In that case, I say - Enjoy your Super Bowl today!
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