If you did not know any better you would think it was the 1980’s. And I am not talking about the New Kids reunion again. I am talking about the upcoming NBA finals between the 80’s rivals the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. Everyone loved watching the Lakers and Celtics in the 80’s competing for championships and now two decades later we will have a chance to see it again. This time instead of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird competing for a championship, it will be Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett.
It has been four years since the Lakers have been to the finals, however, for the Celtics they have not been to the finals since 1987. Coincidentally, they played the Lakers in the 1987 championship and lost to them in six games. It was fun going back to my Lakers DVD this weekend and watching one of the pivotal games from that classic series where Magic Johnson ended the Celtics’ season with that “baby hook” shot. There are obviously different players in this championship round, but I do not think the outcome will be much different.
I did not think the Celtics would be in the finals this year. In the last round I predicted the Pistons would beat them in six games, but it was just the opposite. The Celtics beat them in six games because they finally won a couple games on the road. I emphasize the word “finally.” The Lakers closed out the Spurs faster than I originally predicted…they only needed five games to eliminate the defending champions.
So now it has come down to this…the Lakers and the Celtics fighting it out once again. Even though I predicted the Pistons to win last round, there would be nothing sweeter than for the Lakers to beat the team with the best regular season record, the team that was expected to be in this position since the beginning of the season and the team that has a long history with the Lakers.
Here is my prediction for the championship round: The Lakers will beat the Celtics in five games in this best of seven series. Now the Lakers are favored to win the series even without home court advantage, but they are not predicted to do it in less than six games. My feeling is that Kobe Bryant is just too hungry and he can taste his fourth championship. He is the best player in the game and no one can stop this guy. The Lakers also have the momentum going into this series since they just knocked out the defending champions. Their confidence should be high. They are a young team as opposed to the Celtics. They also have gone into other teams’ buildings and won important games.
Like I said above, the Celtics are supposed to be here. After the additions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen they were automatically favored to win the championship going into the season. As for the Lakers, people wondered if they would even make the playoffs and if Kobe Bryant would still be on the team. As I see it, if the Celtics lose their season would be a tremendous failure no matter how many games they won in the regular season. If the Lakers lose, they still accomplished more than anyone could have imagined and they will be the automatic favorites to win it all next year when their center is expected to come back healthy.
The Lakers and Celtics have been in this position so many times that they have won half the championships in the NBA…the Celtics 16 and the Lakers 14. The question remains: will it be #17 for the Celtics or #15 for the Lakers?
Monday, June 2, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Basketball Playoffs: Conference Finals
The championship round is getting closer and closer. The Western and Eastern conference finals have finally been decided. I predicted two out of two correct on my semifinals predictions (the Western conference semifinals). The Lakers second round series against the Utah Jazz was indeed tougher for the Lakers, but they still won the series in six games making their first conference finals appearance since 2004.
The New Orleans Hornets gave the defending champions San Antonio Spurs a run for their money pushing the series to a final and seventh game. However, I was correct when I said the Spurs’ experience will help win game seven and lead them to the Western Conference finals once again.
Over in the other conference, the Detroit Pistons beat the Orlando Magic but quicker than I expected. The Boston Celtics beat the Cleveland Cavaliers as I predicted, but they had to do it in seven games considering the fact that they still could not win any road games.
Here are my Western and Eastern Conference finals predictions:
The Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics vs. Detroit Pistons: I know that everyone wants to see a repeat of the 1980’s with a Celtics and Lakers Finals match-up, but I have doubts that it will happen this year. The Boston Celtics have shown that they cannot win on the road during the playoffs and the Detroit Pistons are more than capable of going into Boston’s building and winning a game. I may be going out on a limb here but I predict the Pistons will upset the Celtics. Pistons win series 4-2.
The Western Conference
Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs: This will be a tough series for both teams. The Lakers and Spurs both have a lot of talent and advantages. However, I think the aging Spurs (and tired from the Hornets series) will not be able to overcome Kobe Bryant and the much improved Lakers team. The Lakers will dethrone the defending champions in seven games. Lakers will win series 4-3.
The New Orleans Hornets gave the defending champions San Antonio Spurs a run for their money pushing the series to a final and seventh game. However, I was correct when I said the Spurs’ experience will help win game seven and lead them to the Western Conference finals once again.
Over in the other conference, the Detroit Pistons beat the Orlando Magic but quicker than I expected. The Boston Celtics beat the Cleveland Cavaliers as I predicted, but they had to do it in seven games considering the fact that they still could not win any road games.
Here are my Western and Eastern Conference finals predictions:
The Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics vs. Detroit Pistons: I know that everyone wants to see a repeat of the 1980’s with a Celtics and Lakers Finals match-up, but I have doubts that it will happen this year. The Boston Celtics have shown that they cannot win on the road during the playoffs and the Detroit Pistons are more than capable of going into Boston’s building and winning a game. I may be going out on a limb here but I predict the Pistons will upset the Celtics. Pistons win series 4-2.
The Western Conference
Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs: This will be a tough series for both teams. The Lakers and Spurs both have a lot of talent and advantages. However, I think the aging Spurs (and tired from the Hornets series) will not be able to overcome Kobe Bryant and the much improved Lakers team. The Lakers will dethrone the defending champions in seven games. Lakers will win series 4-3.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Basketball Playoffs: Semifinals Predictions
The second round (semifinals) of the basketball playoffs are just getting underway this weekend. My first round predictions were not bad at all…I got 4 out of 8 correct. Just as I predicted, the Lakers knocked out the Nuggets in only 4 games and the Jazz eliminated the Rockets in 6. Their reward is having to face the Lakers in the second round. The Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks were eliminated quicker than I thought. The Pistons and the Magic made it to the second round, but unfortunately the Wizards did not. The most surprising first round match-up was between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks. Most people predicted a sweep since the #1 seed Celtics were going against a team who only won 37 games in the regular season. Well, the Hawks fought, won all of their home games and pushed the series to a game 7. The Celtics came out on top of course, but showed their vulnerability.
Here are my second round predictions:
The Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Even though the Celtics had to fight it out with the Hawks, I still predict the Celtics will beat the Cavaliers. Celtics will win series 4-2.
Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic: Pistons win series 4-3.
The Western Conference
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz: This match-up will be tougher for the Lakers, but they will come out on top. Lakers win series 4-2.
New Orleans Hornets vs. San Antonio Spurs: This is a tough series to predict. I originally wanted to go with the Hornets because of their young team and they have home court advantage. However, in the end I will have to go with the defending NBA champions Spurs because of their experience. They will have to fight in this one though to the last game. Spurs win series 4-3.
Here are my second round predictions:
The Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Even though the Celtics had to fight it out with the Hawks, I still predict the Celtics will beat the Cavaliers. Celtics will win series 4-2.
Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic: Pistons win series 4-3.
The Western Conference
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz: This match-up will be tougher for the Lakers, but they will come out on top. Lakers win series 4-2.
New Orleans Hornets vs. San Antonio Spurs: This is a tough series to predict. I originally wanted to go with the Hornets because of their young team and they have home court advantage. However, in the end I will have to go with the defending NBA champions Spurs because of their experience. They will have to fight in this one though to the last game. Spurs win series 4-3.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Still Hangin' Tough
Fourteen years after their break up, one of the biggest boy bands in history are getting back together. The New Kids on the Block. The five guys from Boston, who were formed in 1984 as teenagers and shot to superstardom after their 1988 release of Hangin’ Tough, recently announced a new album and tour. It has been a long time but those screaming fans, known as “blockheads” back in the day, are still out there as proven on the New Kids’ recent appearance on the Today show.
I was one of those “blockheads” who became a fan around 9-years-old and was lucky enough to see them in concert when I was 10-years-old at the height of their popularity. (Even still have the ticket stub). Yes, I was the fan with the posters on the wall, collected magazines about them, got up every Saturday morning to watch their cartoon, had the t-shirts, earrings, even a board game, and of course had a favorite New Kid. The New Kids were to me what The Beatles were to my mom.
Then the backlash started to happen and critics thought they were overexposed. And then the Milli Vanilli scandal broke which escalated the backlash, not just for the New Kids but for every artist who did pop music at that time. If Milli Vanilli were fake well then critics assumed everyone else was fake. Their Arsenio Hall show appearance during the backlash proved the critics wrong.
When the New Kids came back with a new album called Face The Music (a completely underrated album), the music scene had changed. The fans looked to other performers while alternative music and gangster rap became popular at that time.
I do not think they deserved the backlash and the criticism. They were five talented guys who did not ask to be overexposed. All they wanted to do was perform for their fans. On top of that they were good role models as well who were clean cut and seemed like down to earth guys. Their lyrics were not inappropriate and they did not sing about bitches in their music which is what you would find in gangster rap. Unfortunately, music fans preferred that type of music over the New Kids at the time of their break up. I admit I own rap albums now that I am an adult, but if I have children I would never allow them to listen to that stuff; instead I would get out my New Kids and Michael Jackson albums. My point: that was the difference between the New Kids and other performers at the time and why they had so many fans who were young girls like myself. Parents trusted this group.
I am happy about this reunion. I think that anyone is glad when a once successful group reunites after so many years. It takes me back to my childhood and makes me remember all the good music they brought back in the late 80’s/early 90’s. You cannot help but have their hit songs “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” or “Hangin’ Tough” stuck in your head when you hear about this group. They paved the way for boy bands like the Backstreet Boys and N’sync when pop music exploded again in the late 90’s. It is funny because I never became a fan of N’sync or the Backstreet Boys. I always said they were not the New Kids on the Block. I also knew that the New Kids would be the only group who would ever have my heart.
So, get ready for a comeback. They may be pushing 40 but the New Kids on the Block are still hangin’ tough and the “blockheads” are out in full force once again, including me. :)
I was one of those “blockheads” who became a fan around 9-years-old and was lucky enough to see them in concert when I was 10-years-old at the height of their popularity. (Even still have the ticket stub). Yes, I was the fan with the posters on the wall, collected magazines about them, got up every Saturday morning to watch their cartoon, had the t-shirts, earrings, even a board game, and of course had a favorite New Kid. The New Kids were to me what The Beatles were to my mom.
Then the backlash started to happen and critics thought they were overexposed. And then the Milli Vanilli scandal broke which escalated the backlash, not just for the New Kids but for every artist who did pop music at that time. If Milli Vanilli were fake well then critics assumed everyone else was fake. Their Arsenio Hall show appearance during the backlash proved the critics wrong.
When the New Kids came back with a new album called Face The Music (a completely underrated album), the music scene had changed. The fans looked to other performers while alternative music and gangster rap became popular at that time.
I do not think they deserved the backlash and the criticism. They were five talented guys who did not ask to be overexposed. All they wanted to do was perform for their fans. On top of that they were good role models as well who were clean cut and seemed like down to earth guys. Their lyrics were not inappropriate and they did not sing about bitches in their music which is what you would find in gangster rap. Unfortunately, music fans preferred that type of music over the New Kids at the time of their break up. I admit I own rap albums now that I am an adult, but if I have children I would never allow them to listen to that stuff; instead I would get out my New Kids and Michael Jackson albums. My point: that was the difference between the New Kids and other performers at the time and why they had so many fans who were young girls like myself. Parents trusted this group.
I am happy about this reunion. I think that anyone is glad when a once successful group reunites after so many years. It takes me back to my childhood and makes me remember all the good music they brought back in the late 80’s/early 90’s. You cannot help but have their hit songs “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” or “Hangin’ Tough” stuck in your head when you hear about this group. They paved the way for boy bands like the Backstreet Boys and N’sync when pop music exploded again in the late 90’s. It is funny because I never became a fan of N’sync or the Backstreet Boys. I always said they were not the New Kids on the Block. I also knew that the New Kids would be the only group who would ever have my heart.
So, get ready for a comeback. They may be pushing 40 but the New Kids on the Block are still hangin’ tough and the “blockheads” are out in full force once again, including me. :)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Basketball Playoffs: First Round Predictions
The basketball playoffs begin this weekend and since it is my favorite sport and my team the Lakers are one of the teams favored to win it all, I am going to make some predictions. With 16 teams in the playoffs, only one team will walk away with the championship.
So, here are my first round predictions to start out with:
The Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks: Celtics sweep and win series 4-0.
Detroit Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Pistons win series 4-2.
Orlando Magic vs. Toronto Raptors: Magic wins series 4-1.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards: Lebron James will not be enough for the Cavaliers. Wizards win series 4-3.
The Western Conference (the more exciting conference)
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets: Lakers sweep and win series 4-0.
New Orleans Hornets vs. Dallas Mavericks: The Jason Kidd trade will not be enough and the Mavericks once again will be booted from the first round but they will put up a good fight. Hornets win series 4-3.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns: The Shaq trade to Phoenix will not be enough either against the defending champions Spurs. Spurs win series 4-2.
Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets: Tracy McGrady will not get out of the first round this year either even with home court advantage. Jazz will win series 4-2.
So, here are my first round predictions to start out with:
The Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks: Celtics sweep and win series 4-0.
Detroit Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Pistons win series 4-2.
Orlando Magic vs. Toronto Raptors: Magic wins series 4-1.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washington Wizards: Lebron James will not be enough for the Cavaliers. Wizards win series 4-3.
The Western Conference (the more exciting conference)
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets: Lakers sweep and win series 4-0.
New Orleans Hornets vs. Dallas Mavericks: The Jason Kidd trade will not be enough and the Mavericks once again will be booted from the first round but they will put up a good fight. Hornets win series 4-3.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns: The Shaq trade to Phoenix will not be enough either against the defending champions Spurs. Spurs win series 4-2.
Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets: Tracy McGrady will not get out of the first round this year either even with home court advantage. Jazz will win series 4-2.
Friday, February 29, 2008
One Sided Columnist
I had to send yet another email to Fox News. If you do not know what I am talking about then go back and read my very first blog entitled You Call This News? This time, however, my email was directed towards a certain entertainment columnist from their website, Roger Friedman. He is a smart ass writer who seems obsessed to write about a certain subject all the time and thinks he knows it all on this subject. His one sidedness is distasteful so I had to send him an email, though it was probably ignored. I did not think about posting this email here but someone suggested I should do so. The following is the email I wrote to him:
“This email is directed to Roger Friedman: I realized that if it weren't for these happenings going on in Michael Jackson's life right now you would be out of a job. It seems that he is one of your favorite subjects to write about. You are just like all the other so called journalists: if there is anything positive happening in his life you choose not to write about it or at least dwell on it. I have only read a couple articles from where you actually had something positive to say...of course you have to throw something negative in there all the time. You don't want the article to be boring right? That is what good journalists do correct?
One of the positive items you wrote regarding Jackson recently was the great debut of Thriller 25. Of course, though, that did not last very long since you had to talk about the fact that it did not sell well the second week without even mentioning the fact that the recording industry is hurting and effecting all artists. Then you bring up Janet and how she released 3 albums in 4 years. Of course you forgot to mention that those albums have been flops compared to her earlier work. I'm sure Michael can do what his kid sister does: release 3 mediocre albums in 4 years. Then he can listen to you babble on how they were all mediocre flops and no Thriller. Guess what...there will never be another Thriller. He's a perfectionist and has never released album after album even when he was at the top of his game in the 80's. If there was one bad aspect about the original Thriller album is that it happened when he was only 24 years old. When you make the biggest selling album then there is no way to go but down right? Expectations were held very high for him after that.
This brings me to my next point. Everything Michael Jackson does he gets criticized by you and the rest of the media. That is probably why he doesn't perform anymore or make public appearances. If I got hounded by negative press all the time I wouldn't either. He knows that everything he does will get scrutinized. Yes, he can perform in London if he wants for money, but will that satisfy you? No. Don't worry, you will always find something negative to write about. I'm sure if he did make that Grammy appearance you would have found something to nitpick about.
You say people ask you what is wrong with Michael Jackson. Why they would ask YOU is beyond me. Well, what is wrong with you? His finances are none of anyone's business.
Now I'm not claiming to be his "best friend." I have never even met him. I call myself a fan though. He is a musical and dancing genius who has accomplished so many things that artist's today wish they could accomplish. He opened the door for so many people like Usher and Chris Brown. He's done it all. Was it worth all the negative publicity though? He actually should retire completely and enjoy this time with his children. His career started so young that he should retire young. He deserves it; he's been working since he was 5 years old. So, why don't you back off a little please.”
On a side note, I found out that Thriller 25 was still number 2 on the charts the second week in a row selling more than current artists. It is odd that Mr. Friedman did not mention that.
Like I mentioned earlier, Mr. Friedman most likely ignored this email since he probably has to go through countless other hate mail. I just hope that one day he understands why people are upset.
“This email is directed to Roger Friedman: I realized that if it weren't for these happenings going on in Michael Jackson's life right now you would be out of a job. It seems that he is one of your favorite subjects to write about. You are just like all the other so called journalists: if there is anything positive happening in his life you choose not to write about it or at least dwell on it. I have only read a couple articles from where you actually had something positive to say...of course you have to throw something negative in there all the time. You don't want the article to be boring right? That is what good journalists do correct?
One of the positive items you wrote regarding Jackson recently was the great debut of Thriller 25. Of course, though, that did not last very long since you had to talk about the fact that it did not sell well the second week without even mentioning the fact that the recording industry is hurting and effecting all artists. Then you bring up Janet and how she released 3 albums in 4 years. Of course you forgot to mention that those albums have been flops compared to her earlier work. I'm sure Michael can do what his kid sister does: release 3 mediocre albums in 4 years. Then he can listen to you babble on how they were all mediocre flops and no Thriller. Guess what...there will never be another Thriller. He's a perfectionist and has never released album after album even when he was at the top of his game in the 80's. If there was one bad aspect about the original Thriller album is that it happened when he was only 24 years old. When you make the biggest selling album then there is no way to go but down right? Expectations were held very high for him after that.
This brings me to my next point. Everything Michael Jackson does he gets criticized by you and the rest of the media. That is probably why he doesn't perform anymore or make public appearances. If I got hounded by negative press all the time I wouldn't either. He knows that everything he does will get scrutinized. Yes, he can perform in London if he wants for money, but will that satisfy you? No. Don't worry, you will always find something negative to write about. I'm sure if he did make that Grammy appearance you would have found something to nitpick about.
You say people ask you what is wrong with Michael Jackson. Why they would ask YOU is beyond me. Well, what is wrong with you? His finances are none of anyone's business.
Now I'm not claiming to be his "best friend." I have never even met him. I call myself a fan though. He is a musical and dancing genius who has accomplished so many things that artist's today wish they could accomplish. He opened the door for so many people like Usher and Chris Brown. He's done it all. Was it worth all the negative publicity though? He actually should retire completely and enjoy this time with his children. His career started so young that he should retire young. He deserves it; he's been working since he was 5 years old. So, why don't you back off a little please.”
On a side note, I found out that Thriller 25 was still number 2 on the charts the second week in a row selling more than current artists. It is odd that Mr. Friedman did not mention that.
Like I mentioned earlier, Mr. Friedman most likely ignored this email since he probably has to go through countless other hate mail. I just hope that one day he understands why people are upset.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Obama Vs. Clinton
The presidential race is heating up as Super Tuesday approaches, but the tension is not between the Democrats and the Republicans. The tension is between the Democratic front runners, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama as they verbally attack each other in this very important election. And Clinton’s husband/former President Bill Clinton is right in the middle of it as Obama says he feels that he is running against Bill rather than Hillary. Unfortunately, candidate John Edwards is left to just watch as it is apparent either Obama or Clinton will win the Democratic nomination.
I do not understand why Clinton or Obama feel the need to attack one another the way they have been. I know that they both want the Democratic nomination, but it will help in the end if they were friendlier towards each other. After all, whoever does receive the Democratic nomination, she/he will want the others support and vote on election night in November.
Clinton and Obama need to realize that this is a very important and not to mention historic election. Obama would be the first African American president and Clinton would be the first woman president. They need to realize that the enemies are not each other, but the Republican party and Bush who has destroyed this country in my opinion. Plus, they are essentially fighting for the same things: A better economy, better health care and the end to the war in Iraq. We desperately need a Democratic President this election and the fighting that has gone on between Clinton and Obama may give the party a bad name.
Plus, another reason why they should be friendlier towards each other is my ideal situation in the coming months: If Clinton is the Democratic nomination, then Obama can be her running mate and vice versa. Can you imagine that? A President and a Vice President can make history this election. I am sure if both of them are on the same ticket, then they can easily win and take the White House back.
My support is going towards Hillary. I do not see anything wrong with having another Clinton in the White House especially since her husband was a great president who gave us a prosperous economy. Plus, as a woman I feel like it is time for a woman president and I cannot think of any other woman better for the job than Hillary Clinton.
At this point in time though, my main concern is getting Bush out of office without him doing anymore damage to our country. One more year still seems too long. It has gotten to the point where anyone, in my opinion, no matter what party they belong to will be a better president than Bush. Heck, I can even be a better president than Bush.
So, no matter what happens in this election, it will be a positive change for us because that selfish bastard will be out of office.
I do not understand why Clinton or Obama feel the need to attack one another the way they have been. I know that they both want the Democratic nomination, but it will help in the end if they were friendlier towards each other. After all, whoever does receive the Democratic nomination, she/he will want the others support and vote on election night in November.
Clinton and Obama need to realize that this is a very important and not to mention historic election. Obama would be the first African American president and Clinton would be the first woman president. They need to realize that the enemies are not each other, but the Republican party and Bush who has destroyed this country in my opinion. Plus, they are essentially fighting for the same things: A better economy, better health care and the end to the war in Iraq. We desperately need a Democratic President this election and the fighting that has gone on between Clinton and Obama may give the party a bad name.
Plus, another reason why they should be friendlier towards each other is my ideal situation in the coming months: If Clinton is the Democratic nomination, then Obama can be her running mate and vice versa. Can you imagine that? A President and a Vice President can make history this election. I am sure if both of them are on the same ticket, then they can easily win and take the White House back.
My support is going towards Hillary. I do not see anything wrong with having another Clinton in the White House especially since her husband was a great president who gave us a prosperous economy. Plus, as a woman I feel like it is time for a woman president and I cannot think of any other woman better for the job than Hillary Clinton.
At this point in time though, my main concern is getting Bush out of office without him doing anymore damage to our country. One more year still seems too long. It has gotten to the point where anyone, in my opinion, no matter what party they belong to will be a better president than Bush. Heck, I can even be a better president than Bush.
So, no matter what happens in this election, it will be a positive change for us because that selfish bastard will be out of office.
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