After the life changing experience I had yesterday, I thought I should focus on that rather than sports, though I'll touch on a few things before heading into the feature presentation. Feel free to skip the next few paragraphs.
This might have been one of the most uneventful NFL Drafts that I can remember. The talent just wasn't there this year. There are plenty of good football players, but there isn't anyone with that "It" factor. Mark Sanchez sort of hits upon it but barely.
Draft winners: Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles
Draft loser: Oakland Raiders (I feel this one is fairly self-explanatory)
And the rivalry continues. Sox and Yankees. Their past two games have been extraordinary on an entertainment level. In the long run, these games mean very little.
And now, your feature presentation: The Rescue.
So, my boy Charles got me into the whole Invisible Children thing. Once I heard about the atrocities in Northern Uganda, it changed everything. To hear about little children being abducted from their homes and families just sicks me to the core. I had helped with a book drive held at school in conjunction with the Awareness Club and Invisible Children, I had attended a benefit concert, and I had told everyone with ears about what's going down in Uganda. Still, I felt like I wanted to do more. Then came my chance. The Rescue. A world wide event held in 100 cities to help rescue the child soldiers of Joseph Kony. This was my chance.
Yet there was one tiny problem. There was no way I was getting permission to stay overnight in front of the Capital Building. There was no getting around that. It just wasn't happening. Was it all over before it started?
But when you think it's all over, it's not over.
Not going just wasn't an option. So I did what I had to and lied. Despite what I did, I knew there was no way of staying the whole night, but just going was just as good. I know God will forgive me for lying to my parents, but I just had to go. For the record, I told my parents I was hanging out in Fredricksburg for the day. (I don't understand how that was okay but doing something for the greater good isn't.)
Once I got to D.C. it was amazing! There were so many people there. All of them will the same goals in mind: to save the child soldiers and get Joseph Kony. The excitement in everyone's eyes and in there body language shows the power of numbers to make a point, to send a message loud and clear.
Soon after the march from the Ellipse to the Capital Building began. We split ourselves into groups and each group tied a rope to their hand to represent the child soldiers. I'm not gonna lie, it was a lofty walk through the streets of Washington, but well worth it. The march alone helped spark awareness in so many people wondering "What the hell are all these kids doing?".
"We're changing the world. That's what the hell we're doing?"
Everyone there was so friendly. It was in awe to see so many people in one place. It was incredible. The speakers that showed up motivated everyone to such a degree, from Pete Wentz and Patrick Stump from Fall Out Boy to an actual leader in Uganda. They spoke with such emotion and truth. It was surreal, to say the least. And you could not ask for better weather until...
It was around 8:30 and the sky was covered in darkness. You could feel it in the air that something was coming. Then lightning struck. You could see it back in the distance. It was intense. For the next few minutes. You could vaguely feel some rain drops. Except for the lightning in the background, there were no large eminent signs of anything huge. Then, suddenly, like a sign from the heavens, the rain started pouring down, getting everyone wet. And what did we all do, we got together around some bongos and started chanting in unison. If mother nature was testing us, then she did a bad job at it because we weren't leaving. Well, eventually I HAD to leave, but that's beside the point.
We can easily make a difference in the world. No doubt about it. The experience I had at The Rescue I won't forget. It was well worth it lying to my parents. Not that I promote lying and deception. But I do promote to help change what's wrong with the world. In the United States, we are lucky not to have world hunger, child soldiers and a plethora of other social issue. It is our job to help in whatever ways we can. These last few hours have sparked something new inside of me. With the right mentality and spirit, the world is destined to turn darkness into light.
Support Invisible Children
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Happy Patriots' Day
I'm aware that I said I wasn't going to make the blog a daily thing, but it's Patriots' Day, and I couldn't resist.
For my Virginia peeps, I really don't want to going into detail about what Patriots' Day is. All you need to know is that the Red Sox have an 11a.m. game on this day, and the Boston Marathon is held on Patriots' Day as well. Any other questions, then just go ask a teacher.
Back to the blog...
So, today is shaping up to be one of the best Patriots' Days in a while. You gotta love it when the Red Sox play and basically every other game is rained out. The Red Sox won 12-1 against the O's. Let me just dwell on that for a while. 12-1, Boston. I know I was ready to jump off a bridge a few days ago, but that was before the Sawx completed a four game sweep. Granted it is Baltimore, but they're a fairly hot team right now. Brian Roberts is setting up to have a career year. Adam Jones seems much more comfortable in center field compared to a year ago. He's adjusted to Camden Yards. Nick Markakis is quietly having his break out year. It's not a team that is bound to scare teams, but easily a team that has Tampa Bay potential. But who cares about the Orioles?
Let's talk some Sox. For pitching 5 innings, Masterson looked brilliant. Of course he had the stuff to go another inning or two, but Tito knows that this kid is the future. He has great potential in the bullpen, but if we ever needed an extra pitcher we know where to go. The more the season goes along, the more I feel that Buchholz needs to get traded. He's a great pitcher, hands down. Did Boston rush him? A little bit, but he's on his way. It's just that he isn't Boston material. Masterson just has a calmer demeanor on the mound. The Red Sox just shouldn't rush into the trade though. Just wait until the Blue Jays fall back to reality and get exposed for the true team they are. In a month or two they will be selling off players like Bank of America shares on Wall Street.
If the whole trading Buchholz thing doesn't pan out. Boston is still good. Or maybe Masterson and Buchholz can switch positions. Masterson can become the starter and Buchholz can be the reliever. Seems like a good idea.
It's been 4, maybe 5 years since I've actually been able to watch the Boston Marathon. I miss it. I know it's just a bunch of people running, but wouldn't it be a great idea to nationally televise the Marathon. ESPN shows poker and cheerleading for crying out load! You would think they would want to invest in an actual sport. Believe it or not, but the marathon makes for some great TV. I know that an Ethiopian won the race this year, but historically the Kenyans are some crazy people. They run like no one's business. It's a treat to watch them just run 26.1 miles in about 2 hours and make it seem like they're walking the dog. And it's always cool to watch people do things we can't. Isn't that the reason we watch sports? Because 99% of us can not do what most pro athletes do. Even baseball. I'm issuing a challenge to anyone who can hit a 94 mile fastball, or a crazy knuckleball. It's not as easy as it seems.
The Celtics need to win tonight. Plain and simple. It's still hard to fathom the Celtics losing to a team that has a sub .500 road record. The lack of KG is not an excuse. This team knows better than that. If they lose tonight, then they can just give up repeating as champions. I won't have doubt that they will beat Chicago, should they go down 0-2, which they won't, but playing a physical first round will put them at a difficult disadvantage that they won't be able to overcome, no matter who they play.
How did Derek Rose play the way he did in Game 1? A rookie. A rookie point guards. Point guards are the equivalent of defensive tackles in the NFL. It takes them a while to get accustomed to the big leagues. Just a year ago, this guy choked in the National Championship against Kansas. He had a better team around him, and was on a bigger stage. Obviously more people watch the NBA Playoffs, but you can't argue that Game 1 of a first round matchup is a bigger stage than the NCAA National Championship.
So, apparently the Boston Bruins are a 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. And there's breaking news that they are up 2-0. That's cool, I guess. I don't mind or frankly cares who wins the Stanley Cup. I like hockey, but I don't associate myself with a particular team. It would be nice to see the Bruins win to prove that Boston is the City of Champions, but I could care less if they lose. Still, it would be cool to see all three Boston teams win on Patriots' Day. It might be a magically day like Patriots' day to revive my passion in hockey and in the Bruins. Crazy things happen on days like this.
For my Virginia peeps, I really don't want to going into detail about what Patriots' Day is. All you need to know is that the Red Sox have an 11a.m. game on this day, and the Boston Marathon is held on Patriots' Day as well. Any other questions, then just go ask a teacher.
Back to the blog...
So, today is shaping up to be one of the best Patriots' Days in a while. You gotta love it when the Red Sox play and basically every other game is rained out. The Red Sox won 12-1 against the O's. Let me just dwell on that for a while. 12-1, Boston. I know I was ready to jump off a bridge a few days ago, but that was before the Sawx completed a four game sweep. Granted it is Baltimore, but they're a fairly hot team right now. Brian Roberts is setting up to have a career year. Adam Jones seems much more comfortable in center field compared to a year ago. He's adjusted to Camden Yards. Nick Markakis is quietly having his break out year. It's not a team that is bound to scare teams, but easily a team that has Tampa Bay potential. But who cares about the Orioles?
Let's talk some Sox. For pitching 5 innings, Masterson looked brilliant. Of course he had the stuff to go another inning or two, but Tito knows that this kid is the future. He has great potential in the bullpen, but if we ever needed an extra pitcher we know where to go. The more the season goes along, the more I feel that Buchholz needs to get traded. He's a great pitcher, hands down. Did Boston rush him? A little bit, but he's on his way. It's just that he isn't Boston material. Masterson just has a calmer demeanor on the mound. The Red Sox just shouldn't rush into the trade though. Just wait until the Blue Jays fall back to reality and get exposed for the true team they are. In a month or two they will be selling off players like Bank of America shares on Wall Street.
If the whole trading Buchholz thing doesn't pan out. Boston is still good. Or maybe Masterson and Buchholz can switch positions. Masterson can become the starter and Buchholz can be the reliever. Seems like a good idea.
It's been 4, maybe 5 years since I've actually been able to watch the Boston Marathon. I miss it. I know it's just a bunch of people running, but wouldn't it be a great idea to nationally televise the Marathon. ESPN shows poker and cheerleading for crying out load! You would think they would want to invest in an actual sport. Believe it or not, but the marathon makes for some great TV. I know that an Ethiopian won the race this year, but historically the Kenyans are some crazy people. They run like no one's business. It's a treat to watch them just run 26.1 miles in about 2 hours and make it seem like they're walking the dog. And it's always cool to watch people do things we can't. Isn't that the reason we watch sports? Because 99% of us can not do what most pro athletes do. Even baseball. I'm issuing a challenge to anyone who can hit a 94 mile fastball, or a crazy knuckleball. It's not as easy as it seems.
The Celtics need to win tonight. Plain and simple. It's still hard to fathom the Celtics losing to a team that has a sub .500 road record. The lack of KG is not an excuse. This team knows better than that. If they lose tonight, then they can just give up repeating as champions. I won't have doubt that they will beat Chicago, should they go down 0-2, which they won't, but playing a physical first round will put them at a difficult disadvantage that they won't be able to overcome, no matter who they play.
How did Derek Rose play the way he did in Game 1? A rookie. A rookie point guards. Point guards are the equivalent of defensive tackles in the NFL. It takes them a while to get accustomed to the big leagues. Just a year ago, this guy choked in the National Championship against Kansas. He had a better team around him, and was on a bigger stage. Obviously more people watch the NBA Playoffs, but you can't argue that Game 1 of a first round matchup is a bigger stage than the NCAA National Championship.
So, apparently the Boston Bruins are a 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. And there's breaking news that they are up 2-0. That's cool, I guess. I don't mind or frankly cares who wins the Stanley Cup. I like hockey, but I don't associate myself with a particular team. It would be nice to see the Bruins win to prove that Boston is the City of Champions, but I could care less if they lose. Still, it would be cool to see all three Boston teams win on Patriots' Day. It might be a magically day like Patriots' day to revive my passion in hockey and in the Bruins. Crazy things happen on days like this.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
A Classic Corna
I just feel the need to post one of my old newspaper columns up here, my most recent to be exact. This is hands down, the best column I've written for the newspaper. It was written to make a point. I don't know if anyone noticed the point, but life has been a bit easier since this was published, so I don't know. The main reason for this post is, well, it's been a slow sports day. I realize it's only 12:40, but still. If anything worth while happens, I might just make another appearance. By the way, don't get too used to a daily post, unless I get bored.
And now, the feature presentation:
Life is like being a part of the Los Angeles Clippers organization.
Now take a moment to let that settle in. No worries, I’m not going anywhere…
So you thought about it and it’s probably the silliest analogy you have ever heard. I wouldn’t be surprised if you though Forrest Gump could come up with a better one. However, there is more truth in it than you think.
Let’s start of closer to the top of the food chain, with a Mr. Mike Dunleavy, Sr. For those who don’t know a thing about the Clippers, a) count your blessings and be thankful and b) Mr. Dunleavy is the current coach and General Manager of the Clippers. Dunleavy has been around for a bit as a coach but recently entered the realm of general managing. This is his first year as the guy in charge of player personal. Nothing against him, but to use a Bill Parcells reference, Dunleavy can cook the dinner, but he doesn’t know how to buy for the groceries(Editors note: The Parcells clip begins at 0:43). As GM, Dunleavy brought in new ideas to change the Clips from a disgrace to losing team. With common sense nowhere to be found, it’s safe to say that Mr. Dunleavy is on a crazed power trip.
Back to life. I think it wouldn’t be a stretch to think that most people have experienced their own personal Mike Dunleavy, Sr. It’s pretty sad how power can corrupt people. Power also creates a certain type of tunnel vision. Imagine a Ferrari F50 driving at 150 mph in a tunnel. The car swerves back and forth to avoid traffic, causing major accidents. The driver can’t even see the mass chaos behind it because the car lost its side-view mirrors a long time ago. Especially when your everyday Mike Dunleavy tries to juggle multiple things at once, the effects can be more disastrous than the turmoil in the tunnel.
Then you have your teammates, more specifically Ricky Davis. Ricky Davis is the shooting guard for the Clippers. Despite having great skill and talent, his selfish and arrogant qualities overshadow all of that. Davis would do anything, and I mean ANYTHING to pad his stats and ego. Exhibit A: During a game when Davis was a rebound away from a triple double, he purposely missed a shot on his own hoop in order to get the rebound. To be very blunt, Ricky Davis is known to be a cancer on teams.
Now I am willing to give up my future college admission that everyone knows a Ricky Davis, at least to a degree. Ask anyone, working with difficult people is…well difficult. In many cases, a Davis-esque person will also have multiple faces to them. Not only are they selfish, but they appear to be on your side, your team. If it’s any consolation prize, the Ricky Davis’ of the world never win anything. Just ask Mr. Davis how many trophies he has in his home.
So far life sounds very cynical with Mike Dunleavy and Ricky Davis, but you are forgetting the most important part of any organization, even one as crappy as the LA Clippers: the fans. To be a Clippers fan, one has to be very dedicated be a fan, let alone go to the games. Most people would stop believing in the Clippers, but the true Clippers fan always has hope that the team might actually win two playoff series!
If you haven’t figured it out by now, the Clippers fan is like the few actual friends we have. Like Clippers fans, true friends are few and far between. Also like fans, friends can’t always be around during the dismal times, but friends have the ability to turn everything around. On days when Mike Dunleavy is riding his high horse again, and Ricky Davis decides the create havoc in the locker room, the sight of the fans on game day just reminds everyone why we actually get up in the morning.
And now, the feature presentation:
Life is like being a part of the Los Angeles Clippers organization.
Now take a moment to let that settle in. No worries, I’m not going anywhere…
So you thought about it and it’s probably the silliest analogy you have ever heard. I wouldn’t be surprised if you though Forrest Gump could come up with a better one. However, there is more truth in it than you think.
Let’s start of closer to the top of the food chain, with a Mr. Mike Dunleavy, Sr. For those who don’t know a thing about the Clippers, a) count your blessings and be thankful and b) Mr. Dunleavy is the current coach and General Manager of the Clippers. Dunleavy has been around for a bit as a coach but recently entered the realm of general managing. This is his first year as the guy in charge of player personal. Nothing against him, but to use a Bill Parcells reference, Dunleavy can cook the dinner, but he doesn’t know how to buy for the groceries(Editors note: The Parcells clip begins at 0:43). As GM, Dunleavy brought in new ideas to change the Clips from a disgrace to losing team. With common sense nowhere to be found, it’s safe to say that Mr. Dunleavy is on a crazed power trip.
Back to life. I think it wouldn’t be a stretch to think that most people have experienced their own personal Mike Dunleavy, Sr. It’s pretty sad how power can corrupt people. Power also creates a certain type of tunnel vision. Imagine a Ferrari F50 driving at 150 mph in a tunnel. The car swerves back and forth to avoid traffic, causing major accidents. The driver can’t even see the mass chaos behind it because the car lost its side-view mirrors a long time ago. Especially when your everyday Mike Dunleavy tries to juggle multiple things at once, the effects can be more disastrous than the turmoil in the tunnel.
Then you have your teammates, more specifically Ricky Davis. Ricky Davis is the shooting guard for the Clippers. Despite having great skill and talent, his selfish and arrogant qualities overshadow all of that. Davis would do anything, and I mean ANYTHING to pad his stats and ego. Exhibit A: During a game when Davis was a rebound away from a triple double, he purposely missed a shot on his own hoop in order to get the rebound. To be very blunt, Ricky Davis is known to be a cancer on teams.
Now I am willing to give up my future college admission that everyone knows a Ricky Davis, at least to a degree. Ask anyone, working with difficult people is…well difficult. In many cases, a Davis-esque person will also have multiple faces to them. Not only are they selfish, but they appear to be on your side, your team. If it’s any consolation prize, the Ricky Davis’ of the world never win anything. Just ask Mr. Davis how many trophies he has in his home.
So far life sounds very cynical with Mike Dunleavy and Ricky Davis, but you are forgetting the most important part of any organization, even one as crappy as the LA Clippers: the fans. To be a Clippers fan, one has to be very dedicated be a fan, let alone go to the games. Most people would stop believing in the Clippers, but the true Clippers fan always has hope that the team might actually win two playoff series!
If you haven’t figured it out by now, the Clippers fan is like the few actual friends we have. Like Clippers fans, true friends are few and far between. Also like fans, friends can’t always be around during the dismal times, but friends have the ability to turn everything around. On days when Mike Dunleavy is riding his high horse again, and Ricky Davis decides the create havoc in the locker room, the sight of the fans on game day just reminds everyone why we actually get up in the morning.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Follow Me To The Corna
For those who know me, it's no secret that I want to become a sports journalism someday. It's also no secret that that journalism game is ending faster than my Celtics' chance to repeat. I was always hesitant about blogs. I always recognized the power of the blog, but never though it would take anyone far. After being introduced to Club Trillion, I changed my perception. Blogs are the future, like it or not. I might not be anchoring Sportscenter anytime soon, but hopefully this is a step in the right direction
Now that's out of the way. Let me take you to the corna. It's time the world sees the true world of sports. How it really is. The way I see it. Seeing as this is the pilot blog. I'm putting everything out there. In my humble opinion, I'm going to revolutionize the blogging game. Call me Brock Lesnar because I AM the next big thing. Okay, not really but a guy can dream. In future posts, you will see subject matter all over the place. Obviously sports will be my ace pitcher, but a good rotation needs more than just Jon Lester. You need a strong bullpen. That's where pop culture and that good stuff comes in. I'll sprinkle some of that like Spongebob uses "sentence enhancers" just to spice things up a little bit.
So here we go...
N.Y. Yankees-4, Cleveland Indians-22.
I still don't understand how people still praise Ching Ming Wang at all. The guy can't strike anyone out. To be successful in the Majors, you need pitchers that get batters out. Career strikouts for Wang-282. 2007 Jake Peavy-240. Career starts for Wang-99. 2007 starts for Peavy-34. What happens when you can't get hitters to strike out? They get on base. What happens once they reach the bases? They usually end up scoring. Let me give Mr. Cashman and Mr. Giradi a little lesson on Sports 101. When you get outscored, you lose. Epstein FTW.
Turnaround is fair game.
Boston Celtics-103, Chicago Bulls-105 OT.
Yeah, I know I can pull out the injury card. The Big Ticket, Garnett, wasn't playing but if he was the Selts would have won. Hell, there wouldn't even be an overtime. But what kind of Celtics fan do you think I am? Plain and simple: The Celtics lost the game and the Bulls won the game. They actually got a win over the Green in the playoffs. The great MJ couldn't do it, but of course a rookie point guard could come in and give a Stewie Griffin beatdown to Boston. There's still hope though. Maybe Ray Allen can actually drain a basket, let alone a 3. Maybe The Truth will realize that the game of basketball actually starts at the first quarter. And maybe, just maybe, Big Baby Davis can find some Sparknotes on how to play power forward. Here's hoping the Celtics draft Mark Titus some day.
Time for me to once again become a disillusioned Red Sox fan.
We don't need Dice-K. Three starts isn't too bad. We can deal just fine. Buchholz to kick it into overdrive. Best young pitcher of all time. Beckett to be suspended for 6 games. Let's just have Justin Masterson pick up the slack. He's unhittable. Lowrie might be out for the season. It's cool. Julio Lugo is on his way ba....WHO THE FUCK AM I KIDDING?!?! Our glowing aura of hope is Lugo? Theo, if you're out there. Trade Buchholz for Halladay. Bring up Daniel Bard. NOW! Abandon ship. Time to jump off the Tobin!
Then again, I shouldn't be giving Epstein any advice. In Theo We Trust. He hasn't let us down yet.
And on that note:
Get well soon, Danny Ainge.
Now that's out of the way. Let me take you to the corna. It's time the world sees the true world of sports. How it really is. The way I see it. Seeing as this is the pilot blog. I'm putting everything out there. In my humble opinion, I'm going to revolutionize the blogging game. Call me Brock Lesnar because I AM the next big thing. Okay, not really but a guy can dream. In future posts, you will see subject matter all over the place. Obviously sports will be my ace pitcher, but a good rotation needs more than just Jon Lester. You need a strong bullpen. That's where pop culture and that good stuff comes in. I'll sprinkle some of that like Spongebob uses "sentence enhancers" just to spice things up a little bit.
So here we go...
N.Y. Yankees-4, Cleveland Indians-22.
I still don't understand how people still praise Ching Ming Wang at all. The guy can't strike anyone out. To be successful in the Majors, you need pitchers that get batters out. Career strikouts for Wang-282. 2007 Jake Peavy-240. Career starts for Wang-99. 2007 starts for Peavy-34. What happens when you can't get hitters to strike out? They get on base. What happens once they reach the bases? They usually end up scoring. Let me give Mr. Cashman and Mr. Giradi a little lesson on Sports 101. When you get outscored, you lose. Epstein FTW.
Turnaround is fair game.
Boston Celtics-103, Chicago Bulls-105 OT.
Yeah, I know I can pull out the injury card. The Big Ticket, Garnett, wasn't playing but if he was the Selts would have won. Hell, there wouldn't even be an overtime. But what kind of Celtics fan do you think I am? Plain and simple: The Celtics lost the game and the Bulls won the game. They actually got a win over the Green in the playoffs. The great MJ couldn't do it, but of course a rookie point guard could come in and give a Stewie Griffin beatdown to Boston. There's still hope though. Maybe Ray Allen can actually drain a basket, let alone a 3. Maybe The Truth will realize that the game of basketball actually starts at the first quarter. And maybe, just maybe, Big Baby Davis can find some Sparknotes on how to play power forward. Here's hoping the Celtics draft Mark Titus some day.
Time for me to once again become a disillusioned Red Sox fan.
We don't need Dice-K. Three starts isn't too bad. We can deal just fine. Buchholz to kick it into overdrive. Best young pitcher of all time. Beckett to be suspended for 6 games. Let's just have Justin Masterson pick up the slack. He's unhittable. Lowrie might be out for the season. It's cool. Julio Lugo is on his way ba....WHO THE FUCK AM I KIDDING?!?! Our glowing aura of hope is Lugo? Theo, if you're out there. Trade Buchholz for Halladay. Bring up Daniel Bard. NOW! Abandon ship. Time to jump off the Tobin!
Then again, I shouldn't be giving Epstein any advice. In Theo We Trust. He hasn't let us down yet.
And on that note:
Get well soon, Danny Ainge.
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