Rambling On...

NBA

Ron Artest. Incredible defensive player when he's not being Ron. Personally I do not like the guy. He's an idiot for running in the stands against Detroit, and he's an idiot for throwing a women to the ground like he did recently. Artest talked about retiring. Good ahead do it. No sweat off the league's back because your another talented individual who squabbled his talents. (Cough. Isiah Rider.)


NFL

Pacman Jones. What do you have to say to the young man who interacts with law enforcements more than a rap icon? Not much except game over. Just a matter of time before Pacman is punished by the NFL. After that he will make some attempts at getting back into the big times, but aside from that Pacman will be another athlete who will waste his talents. Except his wasting will be much worse than Artest's. Put it this way: Artest has had his successes, Pacman just arrived...and now he's leaving. Oh and one more thing, Pacman is meeting with the NFL Commissioner. Yikes! That is the equivalent of meeting the principal in grade school. Best of luck Peanut Brain Jones.

I understand in some ways it was inevitable but seeing Joe Horn not on the Saints hurts...still. Joe wanted a certain amount of money and the Saints were not going to give it to him. I wish he was still on that team, but again the NFL is a business. Horn has missed I think 10ish games in the past two season. Also age is catching up on him so I can understand why Payton let him go. He did so much for that city, especially since Katrina. Too be it had to come to this. Now one of the greatest Saints' ever is playing for the vomit-like Atlanta Falcons.


NCAA Men's Basketball

4 teams remain. I will tell you why they will win...and why they will lose...

Ohio State will win because.... This team was down by 3 with Xavier shooting their second free throw. He makes the free throw, game and the season is over. Miss and Ron Lewis buries a three to send it to overtime for a Buckeye win. Example 2: Tennessee up by 20; 17 at the half. OSU comes out the gates in the second half on a 12-2 run. Game ends with a Oden rejecting a fellow Vol. Nothing can stop this team. They are a team of destiny who seems to overcome whatever is thrown there way. Oh and Oden has not even been used to his full potential. The guy always seems to be in foul trouble.

Ohio State will lose because.... Come on the luck has to run out sometime. Sure they beat Xavier and Tennessee, but seriously who has this team really played that is a highly notable team? Also, Oden has been in foul trouble a lot, which is not a good thing to think about when going against a post-oriented team like Georgetown.

Georgetown will win because.... Jeff Green and the Hoyas post game has been such a huge factor in the past. Against UNC, Hibbert and Co. dominated the boards while Jeff Green provided that necessary spark (22 points, 9 rebounds) to put the Hoyas over the top. And for the 85th time Mr. Oden has been having foul trouble lately. That could be a large dessert for Thompson's team.

Georgetown will lose because.... A lot of people are still not impressed by the Hoyas yet. Sure they beat UNC, but the Tar Heels are a young team. Before that it was Vandy and BC. None of those teams really jumps about at you as being very dangerous. Jeff Green is going to be double-teamed by the Buckeyes all day meaning the post game for Georgetown is going to have to come up huge. That alone will not be enough for victory.

UCLA will win because.... Coach Howland's team lost in the Finals last year against the Gators. Much like last year his team is tough defensively and well rounded. Anyone who is not giving the Bruins any credit should look at the UCLA/LSU Final Four game last year. UCLA was the underdog and they flat out beat the Tigers. Aside from Florida this team has the most experience in the Final Four.

UCLA will lose because.... Florida has not lost a starter from last year's team, meaning the Gators still have the edge in this matchup. Besides who on the Bruins team is going to be able to stop Hortford and Noah? Those two ate the Bruins alive last year, and they will surely do it again.

Florida will win because.... 5 starters. That simple. Florida won the championship last year and they return all 5 starters. They slipped up towards the end of the season, but to be honest, right now, the team looks just as good as in 2006...if not better. With two rebounding machines down low in Hortford and Noah, Gators are always tough to beat. Then you have Corey Brewer, Taurean Green, and Lee Humphrey, all outside threats very capable of running up their scoring charts.

Florida will lose because.... Yes the team has all 5 starters back, but Florida has not looked always looked like defending champs. Had trouble against Purdue, Butler, and Oregon. Plus, the team is going against UCLA in a rematch of last year's Finals. Don't think UCLA is still upset about being humiliated on national television?

Prediction: Ohio State over Georgetown; Florida over UCLA; Ohio State over Florida


In LSU news... Glen "Big Baby" Davis is officially gone. A sad day indeed, but don't throw your towel in on the 2007 season yet. With Baby gone the Stilts will take over the show. Who? Magnum Rolle and Chris Johnson. If Johnson got on Rolle's shoulders and they leaned forward, Johnson would hit his head on the scoreboard. In his limited playing time Johnson showed he can be dangerous. Rolle was still adapting to being a big time player this year so next season I look for even more progress. And another thing, this season was nothing short of a nightmare, but give John Brady one more year before you call for his head. Last year everyone wanted him president with LSU's magical Final Four season. If the Tigers are struggling again next year then off with his head. Until then, I support Coach Brady.

My Pathetic Attempt at March Madness

It's that time of the year again. March Madness. Fill out your brackets and pray you do well...or for guys like me. Fill out your bracket and realize that no matter how much knowledge you have about basketball, you stink at brackets. Not subpar, you stink. You are awful. Hideous...except that one year when you came in third place for your dad's company but anyway like I was saying...

Here are the picks. ...

Midwest

1 Florida over 16 Jackson State
8 Arizona over 9 Purdue
12 Old Dominion over 5 Butler
4 Maryland over 13 Davidson
6 Notre Dame over 11 Winthrop
3 Oregon over 14 Miami Ohio
7 UNLV over Georgia Tech
2 Wisconsin over 15 Texas A&M CC

Note: You really think the run for another championship ends for the Gators in the first round? C'mon Florida is awesome against the state of Mississippi! Let's see Lute Olson has still got it so 'Zona is going to beat Purdon't. ODU is my underdog story so a win against Alfred the Butler is occurring. Maryland will shut up critics and easily get by Davidson. I know, I know Winthrop is the upset special but there's too much hype around this game for ND to be off. Coach Brey's Irish will be ready. (Besides that sophmore sensation Zach Hillesland is incredible.) Oregon ends the MAC Champs dream: a tourney win. UNLV is a team I do not know anything about and in the past that type of team has killed me when filling out brackets because they end up doing awesome. And finally, TAM-CC's magical run will never get started because Alando Tucker and Wisconsin are going to play the most suffocating D the Islanders have ever seen. Ever.

Second Round

1 Florida over 8 Arizona
12 Old Dominion over 4 Maryland
3 Oregon over 6 Notre Dame
2 Wisconsin over 7 UNLV

Note: Gators struggle but in the end prevail over the 'Cats. New Domain continues their magical run with a win against Gary William's turtles. The Ducks will wear ND out with a style of basketball that is similar to the Phoenix Suns. Despite a sloppy offense at times, the Badgers will defeat UNLV behind once again...their defense.

Sweet 16

1 Florida over 12 Old Dominion
3 Oregon over 2 Wisconsin

Note: Sorry ODU every story has a bad ending. (Did I say that right?) Offense vs. Defense in a classic Duck vs. Badger showdown...and for once it's the offense that will prevail.

Elite 8

3 Oregon over 1 Florida

Note: What can I say I am riding this duckin' Oregon thing all the way out! Ducks stop the repeat by playing the game of their lives against UF. After game everyone knows who Aaron Brooks is. (No, no not the horrendous QB!)


West

1 Kansas over 16 Niagara
9 Villanova over 8 Kentucky
12 Illinois over 5 Virginia Tech
4 Southern Illinois over 13 Holy Cross
6 Duke over 11 VCU
3 Pittsburgh over 14 Wright State
7 Indiana over 10 Gonzaga
2 UCLA over 15 Weber State

Note: Kansas beats Niagara because Hell is still a hot place. 'Nova beats Kenunlucky for the simple fact Tubby's Team is a little overrated and Coach Jay Wright of 'Nova is still recovering from last year's dramatic loss. Illinois has been bashed all week for not deserving a NCAA bid. That will change once the Illni come out and take it too an inconsistent VTech crew. Walt "Clyde" Frazier's alma mater defeats a mysteriously unknown Holy Cross team because the Salukis are still disappointmented over last year's poor performance. Yes, the Dukies have struggled but this is Coach K! Sorry, first round loss ain't happening. Pitt will beat Wright State in what will be a surprisely close came. Indiana over the Zags because A) Gonzaga is not that good and B) you honestly think nobody knows about Gonzaga's underdog ways in March? UCLA beats Weber State because, just like Wisconsin, UCLA can play D.

Second Round

1 Kansas over 9 Villanova
4 Southern Illinois over 12 Illinois
3 Pittsburgh over 6 Duke
2 UCLA over 7 Indiana

Note: Jayhawks are going to get over the first round woes, and continue it on with an all-out team win against 'Nova. (No, I did not mean the towel boy would play an important part.) Salukis tomahawk the Illni with, believe it or not, their more superb talent. Pitt will beat the Devils because as we all know Duke is having trouble, and lately Pitt has not been playing their best. (Hint: Watch Aaron Gray!) UCLA will be playing the Hoosiers the way they played 90% of the season; with a suffocationg D and an offense where all 5 players can attack you.

Sweet 16

1 Kansas over 4 Southern Illinois
2 UCLA over 3 Pittsburgh

Note: Jayhawks are loaded and despite a Salukis team with more March experience, Coach Self is having this KU team ready. Bruins beat Panthers in the same exact round Pittsburgh loses every year...oh and UCLA will beat the tar out of them doing it.

Elite 8

2 UCLA over 1 Kansas

Note: Toughy, toughy, toughy. Had Kansas at first, but changed it for one simple thing: experience. UCLA has it, Kansas does not. That will be the difference.


East

1 North Carolina over 16 Eastern Kentucky
9 Michigan State over 8 Marquette
12 Arkansas over 5 USC
4 Texas over 13 New Mexico State
6 Vanderbilt over 11 George Washington
3 Washington State over 14 Oral Roberts
7 Boston College over 10 Texas Tech
2 Georgetown over 15 Belmont

Note: UNC beats Eastern Kentucky because in the current society we live in, a poodle can not defeat a gorilla. Tom Izzo lost in the first round last year, which was a big bummer for East Lansing. You think that's going to happen in back-to-back years? Arkansas beats USC in this tough one to call. Why? Like Illinois, Arkansas has been ragged on all week. Coach Heath will have the team playing "40 Minutes of Hell" ball. Texas over New Mexico State, but do not be surprised if Reggie Theus's Aggies make it interesting for a while. Then, Texas will realize they have more talent in Durant than NMSU has on their whole team. End of that. Vandy has been playing lousy lately so I have a gut feeling the 'Dores ambush the Colonels and sneak out a win. WSU is the highest ranked team I know nothing about. I will take them over Oral Rob because WSU players have continously said the team is focused...besides Pac-10 has got some teams. BC over Texas Tech for the basic principle that a team who does not deserve to be in the tourney, should not be in it. (Cough, cough Red Raiders.) Also, Boston College has always been known for March Mayhem. Georgetown will defeat Belmont because I said so.

Second Round

1 North Carolina over 9 Michigan State
4 Texas over 12 Arkansas
3 Washington State over 6 Vanderbilt
7 Boston College over 2 Georgetown

Note: I am feeling UNC over MSU because Neitzel can not carry the Spartans to yet another win. Texas defeats Arkansas since Stephen Hill is going to have to guard Kevin "Man Child" Durant. Cougars continue their prowl and beat Vandy who will go down firing on all cylinders. Like I said, BC has got the talent and they have got the experience. Besides Roy Hibbert of GTown is overrated. You are 7'13'' and only pull down about 7 rebounds a game? C'mon!

Sweet 16

4 Texas over 1 North Carolina
3 Washington State over 7 Boston College

Note: In their last two big games (both against Kansas), Texas has choked. Not this time. Longhorns jump out to an early, big lead (say...about 12 points) and hold it on the rest of the game. Mr. Tyler, the man with the mask will continue to struggle playing with a plate over your eyes. (Texas over UNC has a lot to do with the convincing by none other than John August Ballay.) Cougars continue the underdog story by ending the story of yet another underdog. Why WSU in this game? Because who would win in a fight: a cougar or an eagle? I said the same thing a Bengal LSU Tiger but that's not a choice. Cougar is the winner here.

Elite 8

4 Texas over 3 Washington State

Note: Unlike last year when the Texas Longhorns got handled by LSU (what a game!), Texas will win the region and will advance to the Final Four for the second time in Coach Barnes's tenure. It's cliche to say, but Durant is going to tear it up in the tourney. (That's a good thing.)


South

1 Ohio State over 16 Central Connecticut State
9 Xavier over 8 BYU
5 Tennessee over 12 Long Beach State
13 Albany over 4 Virginia
6 Louisville over 11 Stanford
3 Texas A&M over 14 Pennsylvania
7 Nevada over 10 Creighton
2 Memphis 15 North Texas

Note: OSU beats CCSU because a buckeye would slaughter a blue devil in a fight. I mean photosynthesis? Say no more! Xavier lost a close one last year to the 'Zags and will be more experienced this year. That along with the great player BJ Raymond will allow the X-Men to pull away in the final five minutes against Steve Young University. Tennessee over Long Beach State because I can not see Bruce Pearl's Vols losing to LSU and then losing their first game in the tourney. Albany beats UVA since this northern team nearly took down UConn last year. And anyway I have not heard a lot about this Ralph Sampson-less Virginia team. Pitino's Cardinals are playing well now and Stanford just squeezed into the tourney. Louisville is going to lay the smackdown big time. But unfortunately no UL player will post a quadruple-double. Remember A&M's loss to LSU in the second round last year? (I love you Darrell Mitchell!) Tough loss and you can be sure the Aggies are ready to get that out of their heads with some wins. And anyway Penn plays a 1945 style of basketball meaning the team shoots for wins by the score of 12-8. (By the way, when is the Ivy League going to grow up and install a conference tournament? I am sick of Penn year in and year out. Boring) Nevada lost to Montana in the first round last year. Major bummer. Also the team has that senior Nick Fazekakzkaskzs (last name a bit off on spelling). Mr. Nick is a 20/10 player. Memphis beats North Texas because Memphis is normally equipped with 12 guys who can jump 10 feet in the air, meanwhile North Texas has players known as the (laugh) Mean Green.

Second Round

1 Ohio State over 9 Xavier
5 Tennessee over 13 Albany
3 Texas A&M over 6 Louisville
2 Memphis over 7 Nevada

Note: OSU defeats the X-Men because OSU is better than you think, Oden is incredible, and Thad Matta has the third coolest name. (Currently #1 is Dikembe Mutumbo, while #2 is Hakeem Olajuwon.) Tennessee defeats Albany because Pearl's team can get up and play with anyone in the country. A&M will defeat Louie in one of the best matchups of the tourney. Acie Law IV will make a clutch shot in the final moments. Pitino's team will once again have their hearts ripped out. (Remember Pitino was the Kentucky coach during the Laettner shot.) Memphis has so much athleticism, plus I am thinking the Tigers' coach is finally going to start winning these games his teams should win in March.

Sweet 16

1 Ohio State over 5 Tennessee
3 Texas A&M over 2 Memphis

Note: Like I said, Buckeyes are better than you think. Oden is a beast down low that is unknown to the Vols' D. (Big Baby is 6'9'', Oden is somewhere up in the stratosphere.) Aggies will defeat the Tigers for the mere fact the Tigers choke every year in the tourney. Oh and the fact that A&M is a better team might help. Just a little.

Elite 8

1 Ohio State over 3 Texas A&M

Note: This should be an epic battle. I am talking about Anakin Skywalker-Obi-Won Kenobi-light-saber-good. Okay of course the loser will not end up being a ruthless leader who rules the galaxy. I really can not pinpoint why I have OSU winning. I guess when it comes down to it, it is the fact that the Buckeyes have not slipped up all season. The Aggies have had losses to LSU (Hey are they in the tournament?) as well as some others lower-level teams. Just like the world wants, Oden will be the difference maker in this game.


FINAL FOUR

2 UCLA over 3 Oregon
4 Texas over 1 Ohio State

Note: The Duck migration comes to an end with the mauling by a bear. Actually a Bruin. Oregon's D carried them over Wisconsin, but not this time. As you know UCLA can get ready for Final Four games. (Cough. Last year against LSU. Final score: UCLA 80 LSU 17.7) Unlike last year Adam "The Stache" Morrison never got to go against J.J. "Gun Slingin" Reddick. Well folks not this year! Oden vs. Durant. Watch the game or move to New Hampshire. It will be a pretty even match...but in the end it will be some role players by the Longhorns that will make the difference.


CHAMPIONSHIP

2 UCLA over 4 Texas

Note: Longhorns run out of gas. UCLA will be leading the whole game with Texas right behind. Barnes crew will make pushes at times making the Bruins lead only 5, then 3, then 9, then 4. Though Durant will finally show he is in fact human and the Bruins will snatch the opportunity and the title.

Patrick Ewing-itis

Most of you reading this blog (all 3 of you) are probably wondering what "Patrick Ewing-itis" is and how I came about this term.

As we all know Mr. Ewing was a heck of a center for the New York Knickbockers. Ewing was everything. He was handsome, incredible, he wrestled bears....okay sorry off track but anyway.

As good as he was, I can remember times (1999 NBA Playoffs) where Good Ole' Pat was too banged up to play. It was always terrible news to hear, but it seemed to me the Knicks at times would play better without him.

Yes, that's right. Sometimes the Knicks played better without Patrick Ewing the future Hall-of-Famer. Where the Knicks honestly a better team without Pat? (They evidentually thought so as they would trade away Ewing in the coming years. Big mistake.)

The point of this Ewing story has to do with the LSU Tigers upset against the #3 ranked Florida Gators 66-56 Saturday afternoon.

I know I have heard it a million times since LSU won that game, "Is LSU a better team without Glen Davis?"

Well folks I am here to give you the answer to why this "illusion" has come up.

Big Baby is the focal point of the offense. That's a solid given. The number one weapon for this LSU squad is Big Baby.

Of course having Big Baby on LSU is a terrific thing to have (18 ppg, 10 rpg), but in some cases it can hinder a team. I do not feel players like Garrett Temple are not trying as hard with Davis in the game, I simply feel Temple steps back and says, "Okay the main thing is to get the ball to Glen. If I have some open shots I will take them."

Without Big Baby Saturday, players such as Temple and Terry Martin were able to really do whatever. I almost like to think LSU was pushed into a corner by a bully and they just snapped and attacked back.

The combinaton Big Baby not being the focal point of the offense and being in desperation mode is why the LSU Tigers were so successful Saturday against the Florida Gators. The fact of it is, the team was relying too much on Davis when they should not have. Hopefully when Big Baby returns we will see an LSU team attacking from all areas of the court...not a team that relies on Big Baby's play alone.

Passing of Greatness

This past year in the NBA has been one filled with many tragic losses. In roughly four months some of the most recognizable figures in the league's history have passed away.

On October 28, 2006, the well-known basketball god Red Auerbach passed away from a heart attack five weeks after his 89th birthday. During his tenure as the Celtic's head coach, Auerbach impressively won 9 NBA titles, including 8 straight from 1959-1966. His impact on the game will be remembered for his ability to consistently build winning teams in Boston. Auerbach branched great basketball generations across the board from Bill Russell to John Havlichek to Dave Cowens to Larry Bird. In 2001, Auerbach came back to the Celtics after having been retired since 1997. Again, he brought the magic backb by guiding Boston to the 2002 Eastern Conference Finals.


On December 12, 2006, one of the original founders of the present day NBA passed away at the age of 78 in his sleep. Paul Arizin played his entire career with the Philadelphia Warriors (1950-1962) and was elected as one of the 50 Greatest NBA Players in 1996. An inspiration for all who live with asthma, Arizin played in a time when the dunk first was introduced. He is known for saying that in the early ages if someone tried to dunk on you, you tried to take their legs out. In 1959, Arizin helped the Warriors when their first NBA title. For his career, "Pitchin' Paul" averaged 23 points and 9 rebounds, respectively.


The most recent passing of a NBA legend, was easily the most shocking. On February 22, 2007, Dennis "DJ" Johnson passed away after NBA Development League practice for the Austin Toros. Johnson died at the age of 52. Commonly throughout his career, the quick-witted defender was overlooked by more known stars around him. After winning an NBA title and Finals MVP award in 1979 with the Seattle SuperSonics, Johnson played one more year before heading to Phoenix for three years. His last stint of his career is Johnson's most well known. As a Boston Celtic, Johnson was featured alongside Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, Johnson did nothing less than fit in perfectly with Red Auerbach's team. In 1984 and 1986, DJ provided the key ingredients for championship teams. One of his most shining moments was against the Detroit Pistons in the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals. Few seconds remained when Detroit looked to pass the ball in with a one point lead. On the inbounds the pass was stolen by Bird who quickly dished it out to DJ for the game winning basket. In his NBA tenure, Johnson averaged 14 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds per game, respectively.

The NBA will greatly miss these 3 extraordinary men...

Season Rests on His Shoulders

The LSU Tigers men's basketball team is in a situation no one would have imagined. One season removed from the improbable Final Four run, the Tigers are fighting for their lives to get into the NCAA Tournament.
24 games into the season, the team has a record of 14-10 (3-7). Up until this past Saturday, LSU was on a six game losing streak that included four losses by single digits.
As a fan I can not help but look at the team's schedule and wonder how different things would of been had Georgia not hit that game winning three pointer, or if Alabama did not make that improbable late second half run. Brady's Bunch could easily have an SEC record of 5-5, but here they are 3-7. I guess the more I think about it things could be worse. A prime example would be how the Tigers were able to pull a victory out against Arkansas. If the team lost their focus in that game we could easily be looking at a 2-8. But they are 3-7 and nothing can be changed.
Most experts have the Tigers written off as far as getting an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. I on the other hand just got a shot of confidence watching the team this past weekend.

Why you ask?

Glen Davis

Throughout the season Big Baby has had his difficult games. (Against Tennesse he put only 5 points.) But in the last week John Brady asked for someone on this struggling LSU squad to step up. Somebody needs to grab the reins of this out of control team and take it under his wing. No man is more perfect than Davis. Going into Wednesday's game against the 16-8 (5-5) Ole Miss Rebels, Davis will be averaging an impressive 18 points and 11 rebounds per game.
All year long this Tiger team has been inconsistent on the offensive side of the ball. Aside from Davis and Tasmin Mitchell, the scoring has not really been that heavily present. Even so Davis knows the situation his team is in. He knows every game is a playoff match, and that alone gives me the feeling Davis is going to continue to put up exceptional numbers.

When I say exceptional I do not mean 18 points and 11 rebounds. Big Baby realizes all eyes are on him so you can expect the big fellow to be pulling down stats around 20 points and 15 rebounds a game.

As lousy as the season has been for this team. There is still a chance for things to change for the better.

For your information, LSU's remaining games are @ Ole Miss, Mississippi State, @ Kentucky, Florida, @ Auburn, and South Carolina. LSU can beat Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Auburn, and South Carolina. If the team can stay focused each week and manage to pull off an upset against Kentucky or Florida than maybe, just maybe March Madness will be in Baton Rouge once again...

Hostile Feelings

World War II ended 15,000 days ago (about 41 years) prior to my birth. It was a time the world was in pain. A time that still haunts millions of us across the globe.
Even though I was never around for the actual war, or for that matter really sat down and talked to someone in that war, I still have strong feelings towards a specific subject.

Germany.

As it is commonly known the nation of Germany was lead by dictator Adolf Hilter and his Nazi political party. And what is also known is behind his leadership the Germans sought to exterminate the planet of all Jewish people.

This is were my deep feelings lie.

During the Holocaust it is estimated between 6-9 million Jews were killed. Reread that several times if you would like.

That is the equivalent of wiping out the city of New York. Just think of that.

I understand I was never around during WWII, but honestly I still have a grudge against the Germans in some regards. Now I am not angry at my generation Germans. I am upset at the WWII generation. You think the WWII German veterans disagree with what they did? No. You think they regret the actions they took? No.

That thought alone baffles me.

Yes, I understand Hitler was so influential, but does there not come a certain point when morality kicks in? Would you not think to yourself, "I am supporting the killing of children and women. This is wrong!"

I try and think of the one group of people I hate the most on this planet. The Al-Qaeda terrorists. In my angriest state I would want to have them all executed, but the mothers and children? No! Germany did just that. They executed men, women, and children.

In September of 1941 in Babi Yar, a city in Ukraine, the Germans performed one of the most horrifying acts in human history. In the midst of two days, Nazi troops lined up Jews living in Ukraine and shot them all. Thousands were told to congregate at a public place for a town meeting. Before the citizens were able to realize what was going on, machine guns were being fired.

During this 2 day massacre, 37,000 Ukrainians were killed.

37,000 in 2 days.

That is why I can never understand a joke made about the Holocaust. The Holocaust is by far one of the most Satanic acts ever performed by man.

In time I can only hope I will be able to forgive the Germans of that era. As of now, I still am angered by the acts they performed. And worst of all, the people who supported them.

Critics Silenced; Manning Triumphs

I sometimes am dumbfounded by just how much I enjoy the Super Bowl. I will never again play on an organized fully padded football team, much less the an NFL team, much less for an NFL team in the Super Bowl. With that said, I feel the true reason I am so passionate about the Super Bowl is the mere fact it is one game.
There is not a 7 game series going on, it is one game. One simple game that can define a player's career. For 60 minutes two teams will battle it out for the ultimate prize: glory.
The weather for the game was definitely something we all could of done without. While others were busy expressing their sorrow about having such a pretigious game played in such lousy weather, I was busy admiring warriors battle it out on a cold, wet field.
It was not pretty, but the Colts did win the game 29-17. Manning threw an early INT, but after that the Tennessee Vol grad stayed on the top of his game. In a way I feel this win is pure sweetness. For years, everyone has been waiting for Manning to finally win the Super Bowl. He's a nice guy and a great player so the public got behind him. Numerous times the Colts slipped up. Too be honest, after losing to the Steelers last year I begin to think Manning would never win the big one.

After each heartbreaking postseason loss the finger always managed to be pointed at #18. No matter the outcome, he was at fault. We have all heard the criticism...

"Manning sets the records, Brady wins the Super Bowls."

"He's a great QB, but come postseason he can't get it done."

"Manning is this generation's Dan Marino."

If case you have not noticed, Manning can. The monkey sitting on his back was finally knocked off. First with an AFC Championship victory over the New England Patriots. The most remarkable thing about that game was the simple fact Indy was dead. They were down 21-3, but somehow some way they came back and won.

With a ticket to the Super Bowl, Manning and Co.'s ultimate dream was in reach. Aside from an opening kickoff return, Indy was in control most of the game.

It was not pretty, it was not flashy, it was a win. A win in the biggest game of their lives. In particular Peyton Manning's life...


Congratulations to the Indianapolis Colts on winning the 2007 Super Bowl.

Hip Hop is Dead

As a middle-aged, Caucisian in my sophmore year of college, I come into contact with many issues I feel I must reflect upon. There are of course the givens such as the War on Iraq, Global Warming, and various others. One in particular deals with hip-hop.

As strange as it may sound the music I listen to the most is hip-hop. The hip-hop music I am accustomed to and greatly favor is something that is dying every second.

I generally like to listen to rap music where the artist fills his rhymes with music that touches on a person's personal life. So is not all hip-hop music like that? What is so different about today's music with Tupac's, Nas's, and Emimen's?

I will explain.

The great majority of music made by rappers today deal with nothing more than drugs, sex, and cars. Now I am not here to say Tupac and Nas did not have their share of songs that fell into that generic hole as well.

But I know for certain that Tupac specifically made an effort where a great majority of his songs had a deep meaning behind them. Rapping about how you get all the girls, or how you make so much money is not meaningful. Rapping about the difficult childhood you had, or the pain of not having a father around is.

Why?

Lower-class children do not have all the material items we may have. The radio is a child living in the projects world. When he hears Young Joc on the radio rapping about having sex with numerous women, what message does that send?

Every rap musician out there had a difficult life growing up. That's a given. To understand what these people have had to live through is something we, a suburban listener, can not fully understand.

But still as someone who had a rough childhood, would you not want to reach out and help those children who are in the exact situation you use to be in? Would you not want to make their childhood less painful than the one you had?

That's the problem. Musician today are not taking responsibility for the influences they cast upon the youth, so in turn the music suffers and the industry suffers. I have worked with children who lived in low-income housing in New Orleans. I have seen with my own eyes the worshipping they show towards today's musicians. Some of these kids do not listen to their parents, they listen to what Lil Wayne, Young Joc, or Ludacris say in their songs.

I want to one day talk to someone like Lil Wayne and just ask him what he thinks about the 10 year old kid living on the streets who wants to get a gun because his idol has one?

Tupac in turn, made music that provided hope for that child living in the ghetto, the one who just dropped out of school, the one with no father. Various examples are Changes, Still I Rise, The Good Die Young, Dear Mama, and so on. He was someone today's youth could look up. He was someone that in a way was a helping hand.

People recognize the basic rap floating around nowadays. Sure rap music is still everywhere, but it is losing that viewer who listened to it for the content such as me. Rap was intellectual. It was deep.

Just try and tell me "I've got ho's in different area codes" is an intellectual statement Mr. Ludacris? It isn't.

All in all, hip-hop use to be something that was special in it's own unique way...especially to the black community.

It should not have to be like this. But it is. Money is the only thing that matters. Not quality, money. So when Young Joc comes out with a new CD talking about drugs, sex, and money, just shun in shame. This is not what hip-hop was. This is what it's been poisoned into.

Super Bowl XLI is set! (Stream of Thought)

All the hype, all the drama and in 8 hours the finals for the NFL are set...


39 Bears 14 Saints

-Grossman did not play awesome...because he did not need to. Thomas Jones, much like Bryant Westbrook, consistently beat down the Saints D. 19 carries for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns. He helped Chicago get a lead and keep it.

-Turnovers. Too many silly mistakes put the Saints behind in the beginning, and in the end they crushed any hope of a rally.

-Saints lost for a number of reasons, but cornerback Fred Thomas clearly shows to be a soft spot on the defensive side of the ball. I have always liked Thomas, but his spot on the team may change in the coming future. The speed he use to have is gone.

-Quite an incredible season for the Saints. No reason this team should hang their heads. I think this team will be back to the postseason in the future. (Waiting another 6 years for another spot in the playoffs is not something I want to relive.)

-Lovie Smith becomes the first African-American to ever coach a team to the Super Bowl. Impressive how far he has brought this team in only such a short amount of time. From just getting into the playoffs, to reaching the Super Bowl, Smith has this franchise going places. (And with a QB who will only get better.)


38 Colts 34 Patriots



-If I were a Colts' fan and saw the score go to 21-3 NE I would of left. I thought Indy was done. Manning was going to lose to Brady again...but I wrong. (First time that has happened.)

-Down by 18 points against the New England Patriots is not a place anyone would like to be. And somehow the one man who has been criticized for some many years managed to pull it off. I am in shock on how Peyton Manning put it all together against such a big deficit.

-Peyton made the plays as well as the Indy D. Two thumbs up for that squad. Twice they stopped the Pats while on a scoring drive late in the fourth quarter. Instead of giving up 14 points, only 6 were surrendered.

-An African-American has never coached a team to the Super Bowl and today 2 got into the big game. Congratulations to Coach Dungy on silencing critics and getting to the game so many said he could never reach. (Now to only win one more game...)

Divisional Round Thoughts

Colts vs. Ravens

Final Score: 15 Indianapolis 6 Baltimore

-First playoff game since 1979 (fourth overall) that did not have a touchdown scored.

-Incredible how the Indy D has turned themselves around. Every sports critic out there was ripping on that run defense week in and week out.

-Bobby Saunders coming back has been monumental. He clearly is one of the more overlooked D-men in the NFL.

-McNair has been in the league far too long to be throwing the INTs he threw today. Defense did their part, now what the offense, Steve?

-Adam Vinatiera has shown that he still is a clutch kicker. 5 for 5, including a 50 yarder. (Any regrets New England)

-Manning struggled, and made some silly INTs, but he got his team down the field when it was needed most. Running a 13 play, 47 yard drive that was over 7 minutes long showed Manning at his best.

-Speaking of struggling, Manning's arch nemesis Tom Brady will be coming to town next week. Will Peyton finally beat him in the playoffs? (Sorry. I don't see it happening.)



Saints vs. Eagles

Final Score: 27 New Orleans 24 Philadelphia

-I knew Jeff Garcia was doing well with Philly, but I really didn't see how good of a QB he was until Saturday night. He has an incredible ability to scramble when the play is dead, also, Garcia showed numerous times great poise. A defensive end was coming right at him and Garcia still stood in the pocket and threw the perfect ball, while taking a big hit.

-I know this is a stretch, but Reggie Bush is similar to Barry Sanders. Sanders would carry the ball and lose yardage a couple times in a row. Then, he would break out for a huge run. Bush showed this quality several times during the game. With him, Saints either lose yardage or gain a lot of it.

-Saints D looked weak. The cornerbacks were constantly being beaten off the ball and even worse, the safeties seemed out of place. Chicago will carve them up the same way if guys like Fred Thomas can not control their respective opponent.

-Dropped INTs. Saints had a couple of those early in the game. Missing opportunities like that will come back to haunt you...as well as getting 2 FGs and no touchdowns. (Am I wrong about that one?)

-Interesting to see how things will be when McNabb gets back. I know he will be the QB, but you can be sure "Garcia" will be chanted once McNabb starts struggling.



Bears vs. Seahawks

Final Score: 27 Chicago 24 Seattle

-Disappointing how poor the field condition is at Solider Field. Saints will be playing the Bears Sunday, but the field is sure to be equally as frustrating as it was today.

-Grossman gets his criticism, but it seems he performs all right when the critics lash out the hardest. His stats were nothing amazing today. Though they were good enough to get the job done. 21/38 282 yards 1 TD 1 INT

-Alexander seems like he's returned to his old form, not Hasselbeck. Since returning from his injury, his performance on the field has taken a great hit. Because of this the team had to rely a lot more on Alexander as oppose to last year when the plays could be mixed up a bit more.



Patriots vs. Chargers

Final Score: 24 New England 21 San Diego

-He is 6th on the all-time wins list, yet Coach Marty Schottenheimer can not win in the playoffs. 5-13 overall and 0-3 as the #1 seed. It really is a shame. Being fired is something not out of the question for Marty. 0-2 in San Diego come playoff time.

-Pathetic how San Diego let this one slip out of their hands. Missed opportunities, dropped punts, and the worst of them all - fumbling the ball after intercepting it.

-I think the most terrifying thing for a defense to prepare for in the NFL is Tom Brady. In the end, you knew Brady was going to win the game, you knew no matter what was necessary he would put his team in position to be victorious.

-Let's face it Rivers didn't play well. 14/32 230 yards, 1 INT. The loss will not be put on his shoulders, but he for sure didn't prove critics wrong. Inexperience was said to be what would separate the winner (Brady) from the loser (Rivers). It did.


BONUS!

Analysis of LSU/Auburn Men's basketball game

-Defense. Coach Brady's teams always strive off of hard D. I am not seeing a lot of that with this year's squad. The worst thing is opponents are constantly getting second chance points.

-Last year Auburn played the Tigers close both times. They were young then, but now seem to be more in sync. The zone defense Coach Lebo had his Auburn team playing suffocated Big Baby all day. Don't be surprised at all if this Auburn team makes a run in the SEC.

-#24 Quan Powell. Good post player for Auburn who had 12 points and 4 rebounds. So why is he up here? Dress code. This guy had his shorts so far down his crack he looked like an idiot out there. Never mind shorts those where pants! I mean you can have long shorts, but there has to be a line. I almost felt like running out on the court and pulling his "shorts" up to his nose.

-Yes, LSU looks like a struggling team, but remember last year it took a while for the engine to get going. The main thing is consistency. One game Temple shoots lights out; the next borderline terrible. The same can be said for Martin, Rolle, Mason and Minor.

-Magnum Rolle gets a lot of criticism. The player I saw Saturday makes a difference when in. Opponents do not seem to shoot as freely in the paint. Also, the guy has had some tough breaks as far as shots go. Have you ever seen so many shots rim out, especially when it was practically a layup? If only Rolle could just stuff the ball down the hoop things would be okay.

-Tack Minor seemed to have played all right. Again silly turnovers because of a silly way of dribbling. It is getting downright dumb that Minor is still carrying the ball the way he does despite being called for traveling for 3 years.

-I am wondering if Coach Brady ever thought that Terry Martin Jr. could be such a big scorer for the team? (Still lousy at free throws) Some nights he is on, others he is completely off.

UCONN: 0 points
0/5 FGs
0/3 3PTs

Alabama: 2 points
1/9 FGs
0/2 3PTs

Auburn: 23 points
8/16 FGs
5/9 3PTs


Let's hope to see more 20 point games...

The Diminishing Line of Morality

I like video games. They are fun and enjoyable and that's all that really matters. No, I do not spend countless hours in my basement playing them, but if a good game comes out I am sure to buy it and play it.

But recently something struck my eye. Something that made me wonder what has happened to the word "morality" in this country. A new game has come out titled Civil War. For most people another war game does not seem all bad considering their have been numerous video games for World War II, the Gulf War, and various others.

Though the Civil War is an entirely different war when compared to those.

If an American person wants to play a World War II game you can be sure he or she will be satisfied with playing the role of an American soldier. I understand some Japanese and German people may be offended, but for the most part the game will not cause any negative thoughts.

The same can not be said for the Civil War.

Now I do not know, but I suppose the game could have the option of fighting for the North or South. That's not the point though.

For me the Civil War was beyond just another war. It was a tragedy. It is the lowest point in American history. Things got so bad in the United States that war broke out. War. The most horrible act mankind can ever perform.

Just think about that. War. Against ourselves. It is a disturbing thought, but even more hurtful to think it actually happened.

If you were to add up all the American casualties of the Revolutionary War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War, you would not get nearly as many casualties as the Civil War.

About 622,000 soldiers were killed during the 5 year war. The goriest battle was the Battle of Gettysburg. In 10 hours of fighting about 53,000 soldiers were killed.

Reread that if you have to. During the duration of the Vietnam War about 53,000 soldiers died. In the Civil War that many casualties occurred in only 10 hours.

Even more chilling is a few years after the war ended in 1865 a couple more hundred-thousand wounded soldiers died.

So in the end about 900,000 soldiers died from the Civil War. American soldiers.

I feel what happened between 1861-1865 is something that should be off limits to all video game developers. It can not be put into words how emotional something like the Civil War was. Everyone in the United States was affected by the Civil War.

As I said earlier World War II was Americans vs. the Germans and Japanese. The Civil War was North vs. South.

A war against each other...

2007 NFL Playoffs: Wildcard

Once again another NFL season has come and gone. This year's field features many new faces, as well as the common visitor. Below are my thoughts on this weekend's Wildcard matchups.

...Don't worry I included my upset pick

AFC


New York Jets @ New England Patriots


Why New York May Win: The Jets clinched a playoff spot with a win against Oakland this past week. The amazing season for first year coach Eric Mangini continues to roll on. In Week 2, New England defeated New York 24-17. Week 10 things were different as the Jets beat the Pats in Foxboro 17-14. New York is very familiar with this New England team. Mangini worked under Belichick for 6 years and knows how he thinks. New York can win if they stick to their game plan of running the ball and chewing up lots of clock time. All year the Jets have shut up critics. No reason to think they will not do it again.

Why New England May Win: Tom Brady. As long as the 3 time Super Bowl champion is in Foxboro, the Pats will always be a huge threat in the playoffs. The Pats are still upset after the Week 10 loss to New York. Belichick's team will come out firing on all cylinders. Just remember if New England does run the tables again, it will be 4 Super Bowl wins in 6 years. Now that's a dynasty.

Prediction: The amazing Jets' story has been a great to watch all season long. Sunday that all comes to a crashing halt. When it's playoff time in Foxboro, fear the Pats. New England has been in this situation many times. Not so much for New York. Besides the battle of Brady vs. Pennington is one that greatly favors the Patriots. Pennington has never had much success in the postseason.

34 Patriots 20 Jets



Kansas City Chiefs @ Indianapolis Colts


Why Kansas City May Win: How the Chiefs rallied their season together and made the playoffs is beyond my knowing. Herman Edwards has a running back in Larry Johnson who is a ruthless player. He punishes opponents...and of course scores all the time. To make matters better for this running team, Indy has an awful run defense. That fact alone is enough for KC to pull off the upset.

Why Indianapolis May Win: Yes the run defense is bad, but Peyton Manning is still the QB. Not having a Super Bowl ring kills Manning year in and year out. You don't think he wants to win this game? You don't think that the rest of his team is sick and tired of dealing with the criticism? The defense has trouble, but it is improving. A couple weeks ago against Cincy the D only surrendered 16 points. But I feel the real reason Indy will win, will be the superb play of #18.

Prediction: This is a tough one. Indy has not looked promising in recent weeks. For crying out loud they lost to Houston. Even though they are 9-7, KC can run the ball. That alone, in my thinking, is going to be the decider in this game. Yes, Peyton will play great, but the offense can only do so much.

30 Chiefs 22 Colts UPSET SPECIAL



NFC


New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles


Why New York May Win: Giants were on top of the world at 6-2. They finished 8-8 and having been hearing for months how this team is not living up to par. The team is in the playoffs and the NFC is not that strong. Those 2 facts alone are enough for the Giants to run the tables. New York has played Philly twice this year. They know this opponent and I can assure you Coughlin and crew are still hurting from that Week 15 loss at home against Philly 36-22.

Why Philadelphia May Win: Once McNabb went down you could of stuck a fork in Philly. I thought they were toast. Then in came Jeff Garcia. The savior out of San Jose State has transformed the Eagles' season. The defense is one of the best and the offense has a more valiant leader in Garcia as oppose to New York's Eli Manning.

Prediction: Sorry New York, but that amazing playoff run is not happening. Jim Johnson (Philly Defensive Coordinator) is going to have his crew eat the inconsistent Eli Manning alive. Furthermore, Philly is one of the hottest teams in the league. And remember, always choose the hot team over the disappointing, confused, and not-up-to-par team.

28 Eagles 17 Giants



Dallas Cowboys @ Seattle Seahawks


Why Dallas May Win: Parcells's team really ended the season on an awful note. I mean they lost TO THE LIONS! This is a good team, Romo is a good QB, and the defense is an exceptional unit. The Cowboys are not going out how they finished the regular season. Against an uncertain Seattle defense, Dallas will need to stick to what made them so feared earlier in the year to be victorious.

Why Seattle May Win: Shaun Alexander and Matt Hasselback have not been playing with each other as much this season as in the years past. Finally, the two have gotten some games into together. More importantly, Seattle has been to the Super Bowl. They know what it takes. Playing with that same swagger Seattle had last postseason is something that will lead this team to victory Saturday.

Prediction: This is the most difficult one to choose. I do not feel Bill Parcells leaves the game of football on a lousy Wildcard loss. Dallas is going to Seattle to play. The D will show up and Hasselback will be forced into a couple critical INTs. That will be enough for Parcells's team to stay alive one more week.

26 Cowboys 21 Seahawks