LeBlog James and the NBA Playoffs
I’m so happy about the Cleveland Browns schedule and the NBA playoffs, that I figured I would spend some time making a new entry. Thanks for the responses in the comments section, I appreciate it. One of the questions helped motivate me to write this entry. We have a lot to talk about in today’s rant. It’s crazy how many things I have deemed as solid blog material this week. Today I’m going to break down the first round of the NBA Playoffs, answer a funny question I received, and share a music video with you that should make anyone smile. Let’s roll.
NBA Playoffs
I have posted this before, but I needed to be reminded of it again. This speech gives me goosebumps one out of every three times I watch it. There isn’t a more true line for the Cleveland Cavaliers than, “Either we heal now, as a team, or we will die as individuals.” That pretty much sums up the 2008 season for the Cavs. It’s GO time Cavs fans. There’s no other way to put it. I know that I sound like I have written this team off lately, but please, don’t be fooled. I will be glued to the TV for the next month, watching the worlds greatest basketball players give it everything they have on the court. Everybody knows that isn’t always the case during the regular season. As a Cavs fan, this is what you should live for. We get the chance to watch arguably the world’s greatest basketball player partake in the leagues most intense, high pressured games. To make things even better, he plays in Cleveland. As my hero, Michael Reghi would say, “Get ready for the ride because flight #23 just took off the Hopkins Airport runway!!!!!!” I miss that man more than anything in the world. Getting rid of Reghi was a bigger mistake than signing Larry Hughes.
Eastern Conference
Atlanta Vs. Boston – Boston in four. Atlanta is 37 – 45. Why waste all of our time? The real question here is whether or not Kevin Garnett could beat the Hawks by himself. Bill Simmons would argue that Doc Rivers might be able to beat the Hawks by himself, such a homer.
Detroit Vs. Philly – Detroit in six. After taking a look at the brackets, I would do anything to play Detroit in the second round. Philly is tough, young, and energetic. They aren’t going to win the series, but you can bet your last dollar that the Pistons will have to earn each victory.
Toronto Vs. Orlando – Orlando in six. I think that Chris Bosh and Rashard Lewis will be an excellent battle down in the paint. This series will be good, but I like Orlando squeaking it out.
Cleveland Vs. Washington – Cleveland in six. Do people ever give us any respect? I am looking over at ESPN, and 50% of their analysts have Washington in 7. You think they’d bet money on that? It’s shocking to me how anybody can bet against the statistical MVP of the NBA. We might be bad, but if you think the Cavs are going to be upset in the first round, may god help you. The talk of the Cavs losing in the first round is appalling to me. It almost reminds me of the anger I used to have back in high school, when my father would wake me up on Saturday mornings to cut the grass. Not to mention, I drank enough for three people the night before, so my head was pounding.
UPDATE: I made this entry on Friday, but I had so much content that I didn’t finish until this morning (Sunday). Can the Cavs haters still honestly tell me that the Wizards have a chance? How awesome is Mr. Fourth Quarter, Gilbert Arenas? Mr. Second Quarter, maybe(thanks ice). The Cavs are going to bury this team. Don’t be shocked in 5 games when the chemistry is there, the players believe, and the greatest fans in sports are behind the cities heroic savior. Best dunk of the NBA season? I love LBJ right now. That swagger, subtle arrogance, and killer instinct James has developed is going to be a treat to watch in this years playoff run. Oh, one more thing. I also love LBJ mocking Deshawn Stevenson. Stevenson does some stupid thing after he scores, where he waves his hands in front of his eyes. It was made famous by rapper, Tony Yayo, in his song, “So Seductive.” RISE UP!!!
Western Conference
Los Angeles Vs Denver – Lakers in 6. This is going to be a solid series to watch. All of these teams in the West are pretty tough. Although I think Carmelo is one of the NBA’s best drunk drivers, I see Kobe and Pau being too much for the Nuggets. The Lakers have the look, composure, and skills of a championship team. The NBA might want to pay close attention.
San Antonio Vs. Phoenix – Phoenix in 7. My buddy Bonner always tells me not to bet against the Spurs. Sorry pal, the Suns are too tough for an aging Spurs team. The Suns are going to dominate inside with Amare and Shaq, then dominate on the outside with Steve Nash and Raja Bell.
Utah Vs. Houston – Utah in 6. Carlos (backstabbing) Boozer is too tough for the Rockets without Yao Ming. It’s kind of sad that Tracy McGrady will continue his streak of not making it out of the first round. McGrady = Garnett in regards to their playoff history’s.
Dallas Vs. New Orleans –New Orleans in 6. Chris Paul single handedly took New Orleans for an unexpected ride. Now it is time for Chris Paul to rise up to the occasion once more, and show the world what he is all about. This will be the second straight year that the Mavericks are bounced in the first round.
Boston Vs. Los Angeles in the NBA Finals is my guess.
Sports Buzz
I have a few things that I want to talk about sports related before I dive into the music section. Today’s a fun music section that I can’t wait to look at ten years down the road.
Take a moment Browns fans, and get a little chuckle out of a division rival. I hate Bengals fans. I have never seen a group of fans as fair-weather as the fans in Cincinnati. Can some of you older readers please give me some insight as to where that stupid Who Dey chant came from. I never heard the chant in my life, until a few years back, when the Bengals were a solid football team. It’s nice that’s all changing. The Bengals had a colossal fallout between players this week. Chad Johnson asking to be traded, Johnson telling Carson Palmer to mind his own business, and TJ (who’s your momma?) Houshmandzadeh saying that Johnson will be a problem if he isn’t traded. It’s just another week of the off season for the Bengals. Then, to make things even funnier, Carson Palmer bad mouths the Browns for being all over the NFL’s primetime schedule. Palmer basically said the Browns didn’t deserve it, and that the hype would die down after we played a few games. I can’t wait until their season is over after the first 5 games, and Bengals fans are once again nowhere to be found.
How about Carmelo Anthony getting busted for a DUI? Just kidding, I would never give you old news, but I do want to touch on this story. If you haven’t heard, Denver Police say that Anthony was given preferential treatment by officers, after his wife refused to come pick him up. Really? Melo’s wife probably pushes a Lambo, flaunts more ice than a skating rink, and lives in a house larger than her hometown, but yet still can’t come pick her husband up in the middle of the night. After further thought, maybe she was the reason he was drinking.
What draws better ratings from 10PM to 12AM? The NHL Playoffs or QVC
The World is Real
In honor of the new Real World, one reader asked me to pick two people that I would choose to put on the show. I chose to pick a guy and a girl that I am friends with. It was very hard to decide on the male, but the female was a no brainer. This series really needs to end. I quit seriously watching it after the Vegas cast. That was my last stand as a Real World diehard. In one of my future entries, I will pick the All Real World Team. It will consist of the top 7 people of all time. I also might make my cast of seven people that I personally know. The old casts are so much better than the new ones. Ladies first…
Alayna Rini
I thought about this for a total of five seconds, and Alayna’s name was definitely the first that came to mind. You might get the impression that she isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, but chances are, she’s probably smarter than you are. People like Montana and Beth will hate her, people like Brad and CT will try too hard for her, and people like Tanya and Trishelle will envy her. There isn’t a better selection than Alayna. Alayna’s comical, witty remarks will drive people in the house insane. Not only is Alayna smart, she is also one of the funniest people one will ever come across. Could you imagine her trip to the confessional booth? It might be a new show on MTV instantly.
Angelo DiFranco
I put way too much thought into this selection, and Angelo was the person I had to pick to be on the Real World. My biggest fear is that he beats the hell out of one of the cast members that isn’t a fan him, and he gets booted from the show. There will 100% for sure be somebody doesn’t like him. Angelo is also the perfect pick because he definitely follows the trend of the type of characters the show picks (machismo, personality, and funny drunk). Between his drunken antics, and underlying arrogance, Ang is a lock to draw viewers on a weekly basis. Oh, and how intriguing will it be when he tries to hit a home run with Alayna?
Money Music
I won’t stop in this section today. First and foremost, I want to say RIP to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band member, Danny Federici. Federici passed away after battling melanoma cancer. He was 58. As a lifetime Springsteen fan, I am pretty sad about the news. He we will be forever missed over on E Street…
Before I give you some music with a twist to listen to, I want everyone to take a look at this video. I came across this the other evening while I was watching one of those shows on E! Please make sure you watch this before reading the next paragraph, or it won’t make much sense. Thanks. It’s a touching video of a child and his singing talent. I know the video isn’t mainstream music, but you can’t tell me this isn’t awesome.
This should give any human with a heart chills. Look at this young child make a group of adults cry. Johnston gets the audience to rise to its feet, and then receives an amazing reception from the world’s biggest stickler, Simon Cowell. This performance should end the bullying this kid has been forced to deal with. I don’t know if people will agree with this, but I felt I needed to post it.
Music Madness…Have a Nice Day Café Style
I was reflecting back on some of the fun times of my life the other day, and this idea came to mind. Growing up in Mentor, Ohio as a teenager was pretty fun. There was this club that we would go to every weekend during my junior high school years. It was called Have a Nice Day Café, and it was the perfect place to chief a few smokes when I was 13 and 14. Boy was I a rebel. It was also the time that many of my friends and I began experimenting with alcohol. You know, the old drink the bottle of Crown and replace it with water trick. Nobody’s parents will have a clue, they weren’t young once. Well, here are five songs that should make you remember that awesome stretch of thrilling Friday nights. No, I won’t even address the whole Bye, Bye, Bye thing.
DSU – U Ride
This song might just be the best song of my childhood. These cats were from Cleveland and had one hit, obviously this is it. Ty, Mag, Fratus, this ones for you guys.
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/u-ride/4255266294
Drama – Left Right Left
This song reminds me of Jake the Snake. I’m not sure why, but I always remember talking to him about this song. This song is still fun to listen to today. Look at how good music was then, this guy thinks he’s in the army. Maybe it was just as bad 7 years ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6QvYpeWM2U
Black Rob – Whoa
This song took the airwaves by storm. Remember everyone getting jacked to hear this song back in the day? I still think I know every word to this cut. LIKE WHOA!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_ZK_3Bvpm8
Jay – Z – Big Pimpin
Remember the extra verse that was only on the radio? “On a canopy, my stamina to be, too much for Pamela Anderson Lee, MTV jam of the week,” Jay Z boasted. This song will always remind me of those awesome experiences as a kid. This song is a definite classic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plUy7Me_fZQ
Eminem – The Real Slim Shady
This song may very well define Have a Nice Day Café. “Please stand up, please stand up.” I would do anything to relive just one of those evenings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99HdRxlJzV4
Nelly – Ride Wit Me
This song doesn’t remind me of Have a Nice Day, but rather of Fourth of July in 2001.
I won’t ever forget the first time I heard this song. I remember thinking how big of a hit Nelly had on his hands, and sure enough a few months later, this song captured the ears of the nation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TantIZIhPD8
YOUUUUUUUUUU!!
Thanks Jay for the Real World idea, and thanks to AJD and Alayna for allowing me to use them in this entry. Thanks LBJ for just being LBJ. New LOST this week. I am not taking a break, but don’t expect anything new until next weekend. Anyone watch the Office? It’s pretty funny. Next week, I have some awesome music related stuff for you to indulge in. As always gangstas, music to play and plenty to say.
April 20, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Cut the grass, are you kidding me? It was a riding lawn mower and I don’t think that you know how to use it to this day.
April 20, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Keith,
Really entertaining blog. I still remember AJ and I aiding for Mr. Patriski and AJ printing off the lyrics to all the new “Have a Nice Day” songs and practicing the songs. A few other things around that same time period that were sweet was Obremski coming back from “garage shopping” with a case of beer for 5 guys and everyone getting drunk, AJ letting us throw a party at his house when he wasn’t even home, the Bye Bye Bye dance was classic, all the tough guys arm wrestling at “Have a Nice Day,”, and what about the Dre 2001 album (that got a lot of play up in the club).
April 20, 2008 at 8:51 pm
P.S. I am still not allowed at AJ’s house.
April 20, 2008 at 9:21 pm
E Street Mourns The Passing of a Brother
A few thoughts on Danny Federici
When I heard the news that E Street Band keyboardist Danny Federici had died on Thursday at age 58, it took quite a few minutes for the reality to sink in.
When it did, there was only one thing to do: Call the biggest Springsteen fan that I know, my old pal and former colleague Nancy Pate. Here at the newspaper, Nancy and I were like family, which is the same context in which I have always viewed the E Street Band.
Even more than the music, the band represents the noble idea of sticking together, through thick and thin, forever. That’s a pretty lofty notion to take in, especially if you’ve run into a bad relationship, bad marriage, single-parenthood, health issues or any of the myriad struggles that make life so challenging.
So, anyway, Nancy picked up the phone and we started reminiscing about the band’s history and then our own. She and I have been to a few Springsteen shows together and through more than a few adventures at work. Without her presence, I never would’ve had a chance to do what I love.
After the shock wore off, she got feisty:
“This pisses me off,” she is telling me, “because these guys are the good guys. Hey, tramps like us…”
The E Street Band didn’t do drugs, didn’t carouse irresponsibly. They don’t fit into the new tabloid mentality. Federici’s three-year battle with melanoma had been kept so low-key that attentive fans such as Nancy and I weren’t aware of it.
He had joined the band in 1969, according to the biographical information in the forward to a new Springsteen volume, For You: Original Stories and Photographs by Bruce Springsteen’s Legendary Fans.
Federici played with the Boss in the seaside juke joints with Child and Steel Mill. “In Danny’s case,” the Chicago Tribune’s Louis Carlozo writes. “greatness is understood, measured in the sublime flicker of his organ-playing hands.”
After 40 years in the band, Federici’s hands are still, but I’m optimistic that, like all families, the E Street Band will find a way to persevere. It gives hope to the rest of us.
April 20, 2008 at 10:01 pm
KJ,
What a nice collection of topics. Breaking out the Have a Nice Day Cafe was pretty sweet. I don’t what was more rebellious, that joint or cosmic bowling. I must ask what are parents were thinking dropping us off at those places. But how can we talk about The Have a Nice Day Cafe without bringing up the “High Rollers” and their rendition of “Bye Bye Bye”. There was a time when our little Bonaroo used to be in an amateur boy band and you choose not to talk about it? For the record, at that time I actually thought their “Bye Bye Bye” thing was cool as hell and I am by no means ripping on anyone. I think the “High Rollers” made a significant contribution to our Mentor High School experience and they deserve a little love from the blog. I mean Keith these guys put the “P” in Pimping out rides and protected Zoldan from numerous Cordero Brother beat downs. With that in mind, Keith here is my question. What are the top 5 things you remember most about the “High Rollers?” I know what my number one is, and I think Jenna O will agree with me, Bobby Ford’s imitation of Justin Timberlake’s hair.
April 20, 2008 at 10:08 pm
hey pal great stuff!! i love your view on the cavs cuz i am on the same page. there is no way lebron will let that team not get through the first round.
DID YOU KNOW? Lebrons license plate says”KNGOFOH”!! for all the idiots thats king of ohio, and thats a new plate.
great pick for the Real World cast.. youre so right about the big machismo kinda guy. i always got mad at that, u know as a small guy and all. oh great top five songs from have a nice day. totally brings me back for sure. whats the whole bye bye bye thing u and jay speak of? was it cool? or queer? or what.
April 20, 2008 at 10:13 pm
HI keith!! i was excited to hear u mention us hasbeens in your blog. that was a fun time in our lives. we had 14 and 15 year old girls screaming for us 18 year olds. yeah kinda queer. glad i discovered drugs!!
April 20, 2008 at 10:16 pm
oh yeah can i make another suggestion for great songs from have a nice day cafe? well its “Wana be a bolla” by Lil Troy haha awesome song
April 20, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Keith,
Good Blog, i was not old enough to ever go to have a nice day, but i do remember when it was slam jams. I do recall though picking you up with mom on numeral ocasions and you smelling a bit like alcohal, i wonder if they ever knew. Also, how sad were you once it closed? I am suprised the story of you passing out in a booth isnt up there. haha Anyways, there is no way lebron will lose in the first down especially throwing dunks down from passing anywhere within 5 feet of him, just nasty. Fuck the bengals. Cant wait for browns season…Keep up the good bloggin.
Brother
April 20, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Keith,
What are the top five Chief blow-ups youve ever witnessed?
April 21, 2008 at 1:09 am
Keith,
What are the top 5 diss tracks of all time? I mean, Nas’ “Ether” has to be right up there with MC Houser’s “Back to Cali”, right?
April 21, 2008 at 1:33 am
This could be the most commented on blog to date… KJ can we get some youtube clips of Rehgi saying “flight number 23″ and Austin Carr screaming “the L-Train throwing the hammer down.” Also what are the top 5 cities Lebron has ever made a 3 pointer from? Id like to see him drain one from Put n Bay…
April 21, 2008 at 10:46 am
I am back and so are you! Best blog YTD without a doubt. First things first, I am working on those Monday night tickets for you when the Browns come to Philly to lay a beat down on this B-Team town.
I suggest you start every blog with Inches. Just a thought…. I was watching Around the Horn the other day and they were debating about the Cleveland/Washington series and the point was made to never piss off LBJ. Wizards are in trouble! I also hate to say this but I would not be surprised if the 76ers make a run during this playoff stretch. Bonner is right about the Spurs. The Suns have NO chance bud sorry. Bold prediction for the finals.
Lay and D what a combo. Two of my favorite people on this planet. I enjoyed that so much I would like to see the other 5 cast members. PLEASE! I would love to see Evan Pierson (Ohio State) and Christy Martin (when she was a freshman) as two other roommates. In conclusion, the Have a nice Day was the ultimate icing on the cake. U Ride…wow. Now those were the days!
Good comments/questions everyone and have a great week!
TC
April 21, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Thanks for pointing out (clever and subtly) that Keith is going down as the biggest homer known to man! He picked Boston v. Lakers, musta been tough, huh?
Martin is just dumping Spaghetti-O’s on our carpet mid party (while drew is spiking half full Natty Cans off the wall).
April 21, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Doh!
April 21, 2008 at 5:12 pm
I was browsing your blog and thought you should know that Hulu has a ton of NBA content: full games, 5-star plays, recaps, and highlights.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/16603/nba-nba-highlights-from-april-8#s-p1-sr-i2
The best part is that you can embed a video on your site but the clip can be any length and any part of a game or recap that you want to clip and embed for free. Questions? Send them my way.
April 21, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Dave + Zeiske + Steve Mann + Dance Party = PRICELESS
April 21, 2008 at 9:36 pm
LOLOLOLOL Jay!!!!
April 22, 2008 at 12:42 am
There goes Jay crossing lines again…but thats cool Jay I had fun at those dance parties and I’d do it again. I doubt Steve Mann would be part of the equation but at least the AZ part was solid. Now most people in my position would be inclined to reveal the truth about your 27 year old considering I am the only one with visual confirmation of Martin…I mean Megan…or do I?
April 22, 2008 at 12:44 am
and when i say Martin, I dont mean Christie
April 23, 2008 at 9:35 am
Keith,
I just wanted you to know that I give Tony a “special treat” before every playoff game. Hence, 32 pts and 7 dimes. (Timmy does get an occasional handy depending on the games important).
Please take this into consideration the next time you make a statement such as, “Phoenix in 7. My buddy Bonner always tells me not to bet against the Spurs. Sorry pal, the Suns are too tough for an aging Spurs team. The Suns are going to dominate inside with Amare and Shaq, then dominate on the outside with Steve Nash and Raja Bell.”
Maybe this Bonner guy should get a “special treat” as well!
April 23, 2008 at 1:01 pm
See i told you all so. The spurs will beat the suns in five. They might lose game three but they will sneak a win out on the road. You can’t bet against a hall of famer with a cast like they have. Parker and obi-one getting into the lane every time and both can shoot from the outside and the big fundamental comes to play every night. They are my pick for the west and the lakers are right behind them.
As for the east Lebron looks like a man playing amongst boys or the wizards are just that bad. Maybe cause they play street ball the whole game. Anyways Boston better be ready for the cavs.
IS IT FOOTBALL SEASON YET
April 23, 2008 at 5:17 pm
I enjoyed seein that I made the KJ real world top 2.
Now Keith I have some words for you. The window of opportunity for you to come visit here and experience OU with me is down to 3 weekends…one of which starts in two days.
This Friday: High Fest
5/10: PalmerFest
5/17: 5 Fest
Go Cavs baby!!!!
Please. get here
April 23, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Odds that Keith makes it to one of the fests: 14.5-1
April 24, 2008 at 12:17 pm
You will NOT see me at 5 fest……but I bet it will just as crazy as last year.
What an experience!