10 Most Hated

For those of you who are too serious and stuffy about the things I post on Facebook or in my blog and can't seem to allow sarcasm or hyperbole without some sort of judgemental comment about my judging or supposed negativity, stop reading now.

For the rest of you, I keep hearing plenty of hate from anti-OSU people here in Columbus or just about anywhere on the Internet even when the topic or thread has nothing to do with us. Obviously, it is because we are so freaking successful and our fans are pretty freaking obnoxious about it.

Of course we like to call it passion. You say tomato, we say tomato.

So in honor of all the sports hate that seems to be the trend these days, I give you my top ten list of most hated sports "stuff."


10. Glamour City Bias

From Colin Cowherd to just about any fan that doesn't live in the midwest, sports fans around the country adore the teams who play in sunny, warm cities or cities with big lights and plenty of superficial glam. The players are becoming more and more the same as they sign with these teams leaving smaller markets out to dry. Economics play a large role in this too. But in the name of my hate list, I will disregard that.

9. Notre Dame

Originally I couldn't stand Notre Dame because they were so good and I was tired of them. It was a hate rooted in envy. Then they started to suck. Now they have sucked for almost 20 years. In the middle of this span of suck, people still talked about them as though they were relevant when they weren't. Any other school playing like they did would not even register on ESPN's "other notable games" segments. But they continued to make headlines. So my hate was less out of jealousy and more out of fatigue and annoyance of the obvious bias.
They used to be higher on this list but have sunk near the bottom because I am starting to think I would like for them to be good again. They do have a rich tradition and they have done their time in suckdom. So now is a good time to return to true relevance and add to the lore of college football's history.

8. Mark May


Any fellow Buckeye fan knows exactly why he has made this list. He entered Buckeye Hater lore back in 2002 when he and Trev Alberts led the charge of over rated claims in the national media regarding the undefeated Buckeyes. Apparently, wins meant less than the style of play or point differential in wins. They repeatedly heralded Iowa as the better Big Ten team even though Iowa wasn't even the better Iowa team!! They lost to Iowa State early in the year.
But my Buckeyes showed him and every other doubter that year that the slow and outdated Big Ten team was the elite as they physically beat down the glitzy and overpaid U to win in the best football game I have ever and will ever watch.

7. The Mythical Torture in Chicago

Growing up a fan of Cleveland sports, nobody and I mean NOBODY has any right whatsoever to tell us about sports misery or pain. Yet, Chicago with the dominating 85 Bears, the glory years with the Bulls during the Jordan seasons and the recent titles from the Blackhawks and White Sox continue to act as though that Cubs streak trumps everything.

Two words: SHUT UP!

6. Detroit

The Tigers. The Pistons. The fact they exist in that state up north.

5. Cincinnati Bengals

I don't include the whole city because they share my state. Many are Buckeye fans. And I like the Reds. Always have. But the hillbilly Bungle fans, in particularly from south of the river in Kentucky and small towns that dot southern Ohio, are some of the most annoying and laughable fans I have ever come across. The thing is, they may be the only football fans whose pro team sucks more than mine. Well, the Lions may trump us both but I already listed Detroit.

4. Miami

As recently as 15 months ago this probably wouldn't even be on the list let alone appear in the top five ahead of in state rival Cincy. But one man managed to shoot this city and everything it represents up this high. He magnified the other little things I can't stand about Miami as well.

There are only two teams (both will soon register on this list) that I get more joy out of seeing lose. There is no way they can lose too badly or painfully. Watching the Mavs destroy their chances at a title last season was wonderful. Watching the NBA lockout continue is beautiful even if it is cutting my nose off despite my face with the Cavs suffering a lack of a season as well. Longer lockout, less of him.


The Marlins broke my heart in Game 7 of the World Series in 1997. The U is one of the most annoying programs on Earth. So freaking flashy and loud and obnoxious. Not to mention filled with thugs and low character individuals that make a glorified garage sale for tats seem like child's play. Fortunately, my Crimson Tide took them out in 1991 and, as mentioned in #8, my Buckeyes took them out in 2002. So I have had some pay back.

But in the end, they represent the hatred I listed in #10 with their South Beach attitude and party lifestyle.

I hate that superficial crap.

Of course I am in the minority and the people I need to feel the same as me in order for my teams to win, don't see eye to eye with me in this either. So once again, the envy factor kicks in even though I have no urge whatsoever to live that way myself and love my life in the midwest.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

I have a deep rooted disdain for this team. While many Top lists you read are prisoners of the moment and rank recent buzz worthy entries higher on the list than they really belong, I give longevity a good bit of weight. It takes a franchise changing reason (see #4 over #5) for a recently hated team to beat out teams I have hated for a long time.

The Steelers are everything I wish my football team would be but isn't. They are a tough, bad weather, well run organization that consistently wins and remains relevant.

Man I hate them.

The mere sight of those uniforms or that Hines Ward smile makes me want to puke.

2. Baltimore Ravens

They took my most beloved team. What more needs to be said? Then they go and win a Super Bowl while my team that we fought to have back has pretty much sucked ever since. They have stolen the rivalry with the Steelers because we suck too much to make it worthwhile to the Steelers. It is similar to the OSU v. Michigan rivalry.

Is Art Modell still alive? Because I don't like that guy. But I won't say anything too negative about a man in his position in life if he is.

Also, they are an in division rival like Pittsburgh and Cincy so the natural competitive hate exists there too. I don't respect this organization like I do the Steelers though. It is not a respectful hate. It is straight up hatred hate.

Drum roll please.......

Think you know?

1. The Whole State of Michigan

With Detroit already taken care of, let me focus on the university in Ann Arbor. I can't stand the maize and blue. I hate those helmets. I will never forget the heartbreak they put me through in the 90s while I was a student at THE Ohio State University ruining multiple title hopes and rubbing our face in it every time. Desmond Howard and his Heisman Pose. Charles Woodson. Tim Biakabutuka ( I don't even care if I spelled his name right because I can't stand him or that team) causing an argument between me and my dad.

This past decade of dominance over them is not enough. The epic victory in 2006 is not enough pay back. I never want to lose to this school.

Ever.

In addition, the stupid Fab 5 in hoops. Hate them too.

But we can't forget the other school in this horrid, hideous state over in East Lansing. They may not have a long list of reasons for me to hate them, but 1998 is all it takes. That was heartbreaking enough to almost make the list on its own merit as its own entry. That walk back to my apartment that evening was a LONG, painful experience. The rare season in the 90s that the other school didn't ruin our title hopes, MSU made sure to pick up the slack.

I'm shaking right now just thinking about it.

Honorable mention: Micheal Jordan, John Elway, USC, Boston and Colin Cowherd.

Misery of Cleveland Sports

I've done a good bit of thinking (and sleeping) the past 64 hours or so since the Cavaliers were officially eliminated from the race for the 2010 NBA Championship by the Boston Celtics who I personally loathe with a passion in case anyone reading this hasn't seen my Facebook statuses over the past several months.

Several things have crisscrossed my mind during this time of mourning. A mourning that seems to have become an annual event about this time of year for me.

First, Bruce Hooley of Columbus' 97.1 FM The Fan, a sports talk radio station, made an interesting analogy regarding LeBron James' post game press conference after game 6.

Normally I disagree with his opinions or takes on everything sports. But this time around he seemed to nail it.

He said the interview felt like a conversation you have with your soon-to-be ex-girlfriend just before you break up or maybe that required first conversation after you have split.

It was real uncomfortable and it seemed like he just wanted to get it over with. He seemed to "say" all the right things but the mannerisms and the tone just reeked of "GET ME OUT Of HERE!"

This reminded me of a girl I was dating back in college. We never progressed to the point of a committed, exclusive relationship that one might compare to the love affair us Cavs' fans have had with LeBron James, but it was a very cool, enjoyable period of time in which we hung out a great bit and shared a ton of good times.

But suddenly things got real weird with her. Out of no where there was this disconnect without any real event to point to as a cause.

This is much how I felt throughout the Boston series with LeBron. He suddenly started acting weird with no real event that I was aware of as to why. He seemed to lose interest. He wasn't joking around with his teammates. He didn't seem to be trying or even caring. He wasn't even mad.

It felt very wrong.

Now that the series is over, our Cavs lost and they lost this way with these odd, bad feelings surrounding it, we enter the LeBron free agency summer in an extremely fragile state.

Why would he want to stay? $30 million?

He says he wants to play for a winner. He even went so far as to say he believes the Cavaliers are committed to winning which one would say is a positive sign.

But with two choke jobs in a row and little wiggle room with the cap (although don't quote me here, I haven't looked into the details so I am not so sure what they can or cannot do), the Cavs may be in trouble. The players they have are obviously not enough. They may not be able to acquire the kinds of players that can.

In addition, there is this sour feeling surrounding the team and city. I can easily see why James would want to leave for a fresh start. Even though the pressure to win in markets like New York are immense, they are also intensified in a championship starved city like Cleveland. So little or no benefit there.

This leads to my next series of thoughts.

How much better would the Cavs have done had they a better coach than Mike Brown. I hate to trash a man that has already been dragged through the mud. He seems like a good man. But I look at this lineup and there seems to be a ton of talent. And the super talent of a two time MVP.

Why couldn't they do better?

The rotations seemed so bad. There didn't seem to be the right players on the court at the right time.

The offense was BAD. There was little or no ball movement or reliable plays.

I never saw the kinds of adjustments I see from other teams and their coaches. In fact, it seemed like the opponents were always able to adjust in critical times in the past several postseasons while the Cavs could not.

Finally, opposing coaches that looked out coached in the past, somehow were able to coach well in their series against the Cavs. Did the light bulb suddenly go off for them?

No.

They were just coaching against a minor league coach.

Therefore, I ask myself why did the Cavs lose? Every year seemed to have a new excuse. This time there is no where else to look or blame than the coach or players themselves.

They had the MVP. They had home court advantage two years in a row. They had playoff experience. They had several all stars. They had size down low with Shaq and length and athleticism in Parker and Moon. They had outside shooting. Lastly, they had a strong defensive scheme...or so I thought up until the All Star break.

Every off season they made moves to shore up weaknesses, but here we are in the same place for the Finals. Home.

So would a new coach be able to get this same group to a championship? Would this be enough to convince James to stay?

I try to rate where this disappointment and fear of LeBron leaving ranks in the bad events of my life.

While it doesn't come close to sitting in the doctor's office hearing that my baby will die before its born or watching my daughter seize uncontrollably in the hospital with no answers as to why, it does match up with walking through Ohio Stadium where I cheered on so many people so many times in a moment where I would finally get cheered for and fulfill a dream I worked hard to accomplish just to see it wash away before my very eyes in the only Spring commencement at The Ohio State University to get cancelled due to weather.

Yep. Only one and it was mine.

To add insult to injury, the second I returned to the apartment for a family celebration, the sun shone through for a beautiful afternoon.

Yeah, this feeling regarding the Cavs relates well to that moment.

Its bad. Real bad.

The worst of it is that this realization of the impending departure of LeBron James has happened so many times before. We know what is coming:

Joe Carter heroically winning the World Series for the Blue Jays with a dramatic home run.

Art Modell taking our football team from us and winning a Super Bowl. Something our Browns STILL haven't done.

Bill Belichick going to New England to lead a dynasty.

Manny Ramirez and CC Sabathia signing with bigger markets out east to win World Series rings.

James will leave for greener pastures where he will win championship after championship while we sit here with nothing.

NO THING.

Mr. Over-Conservative?

This can be tracked back to John "Hot Rod" Williams' days with the Cleveland Cavaliers when I was in high school. I have been this way ever since I began speculating about trade deadline rumors.

I always want my team to stay pat. I tend to overvalue what my team already has on its roster. With my beloved Cavaliers of late, I have put a ton of weight in team chemistry.

Now, as we approach another trade deadline for my Cavs, I hear rumor after rumor proposed to improve the team. They need a athletic power forward who can score and play defense on the tall 4's around the league that can shoot from the outside. With the Delonte West drama looming in the near future, making his availability in the post season a big, scary question mark, the Cavs may want to look for some depth in the back court as well.

It is obvious The Cavs have needs. It was obvious they had needs last year as well. But while many were calling for a trade to get Shaquille O'Neal, I said, "NO!"

They acquired him in the off season anyway and he is beginning to fit in seamlessly and contribute in a positive manner. The team seems better with him on the roster.

One would think I have learned from this experience, but instead, as names like Andre Iguodala and Amare Stoudemire float around, I still say, "NO!"

I don't want to let Zydrunas Ilgauskas go. He has been a long time, loyal Cavalier through thick and thin and has a legitimate chance at a ring. He deserves better than getting shipped off at the last minute. I have heard there is a chance he could get bought out and the Cavs could resign him (a la Joe Smith last year) for the playoff push, but that scares me.

J.J. Hickson and Jawad Williams have both shown promise. They are both tall and athletic. The question is whether or not they will maintain the success they have found this year in the postseason.

The chemistry on the team continues from last year despite a number of changes on the roster. LeBron and Shaq are coexisting well. Everybody seems to have a role, knows their particular role and performs their role well.

Why break that up?

But I have said that before. And it did not lead to a championship. I suppose I should shut up and jump on the trading frenzy bandwagon. Maybe that trade I fear is what the Cavs need to bring a trophy home to Cleveland.

2009-2010 Cleveland Cavaliers: No More Excuses

Before we go forward, we must look back.

Since the emergence of LeBron James to NBA royalty, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been trying to find the perfect recipe to mix with him for a title.

In 2007 LeBron put the team on his back and carried them to the NBA Finals. But they were easily disposed of by the experience and overwhelming talent of the San Antonio Spurs.

Ferry knew he needed to bring in more talent. He wanted to surround James with a better supporting cast. At the same time, he tried to maintain the integrity of the team and keep contract flexibility for the 2010 free agent class only a few years away at that time.

In a trading deadline blockbuster during the 2007-2008 season, he brought in Ben Wallace, Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West and Joe Smith.

Unfortunately, a fourth seed in the postseason led the Cavs to playoff series without home court advantage. Many blamed this for the early exit in the second round to the eventual champions, Boston Celtics. It was said in some circles that the closely contested game seven of that series would have gone in the Cavs' favor if it was in Cleveland instead of Boston.

So last off season Ferry went out and acquired Mo Williams to guide the team and possibly be LeBron's number two man. In addition, the team committed themselves to "one goal," which meant they were gunning for home court advantage throughout the entire postseason and a title.

The team ripped off a franchise record 66 wins. They dominated the first two playoff series, sweeping Detroit and Atlanta.

They had the coveted home court advantage and several players were stepping up to give James the support every Cavs' fan had been begging for throughout his career.

But once again, they fell short as Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic created match up problems that Mike Brown and the Cavs could not overcome.

That brings us to the 2009 off season. There were more off season moves by Ferry to shore up the lineup and address those problems Orlando presented for the Cavs.

First, the "Shaquisition." Ferry worked a low risk trade with the Phoenix Suns to acquire Shaquille O'Neal for center/forward Ben Wallace and guard Sasha Pavlovic as well as a draft pick.

Last season O'Neal averaged 17.8 points and 8.4 rebounds a game and appeared in his 15th All-Star Game.

In addition, Ferry signed Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon.

Parker is a guard/forward who can start. Last season with the Toronto Raptors, he averaged 10.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and career highs of 3.4 assists and 1.3 steals in 33.0 minutes per game. He will fit in well with the defensive minded Cavs and add some much needed offense as well.

Moon is a forward who plays the same position as James but will find a way into the lineup. He is a solid outside shooter who can rebound and play defense. He averaged 7.2 points per game last season and 4.6 rebounds.

Overlooked in the midst of these three signings was the resigning of Andy Varejao who brings plenty of hustle and energy to the team. He gets in the head of opponents and takes charges like few in the NBA do. He has also developed a good relationship with LeBron on the court as the two feed off each other.

O'Neal should be able to guard anyone down low without the need for a double team which will alleviate some of the stress on the perimeter. Parker and Moon add athleticism and length on the perimeter so the undersized Delonte West won't be worn down guarding the Rashard Lewis' or Hedo Turkoglu's of the world.

That brings us to the current season.

There are no more excuses for the Cavaliers.

LeBron now has a legitimate number two in O'Neal and there are quality role players surrounding them. They have height, shooters and ball handlers. They have athleticism and a mix of youth and experience. There is depth at every position.

The team chemistry was well documented last year as they enjoyed their pregame rituals like the photograph poses.

The core of the team has been together for several seasons. Mo Williams has been through a post season as an integral part of the team. The coach has plenty of experience.

This year MUST be the year.

Get home court.

Beat the teams in front of you.

Bring home the title to a starving city bleeding wine and gold!

I Love It.....

...when I come home from work and open the garage door to the sounds and coos of my baby girl upstairs.

...when I walk up those stairs and see my oldest anxiously greet me with a hug and plenty of excitement.

...when my wife makes sure I don't proceed without giving her a kiss.

...that my wife looks as beautiful as she does.

...that my wife can carry and contribute to a conversation about anything I have on my mind and initiates conversations that intrigue me.

...when I play night softball games under the lights. I fondly remember when I did it for the first time in high school and was struck by the feeling that rushed over me as I trotted out to the outfield. Now, almost twenty years later, I still enjoy that experience.

...that I get to pitch at some of my games. There is something to the control and constant involvement in the game that I enjoy. It is really fun when I am pitching well. I love the satisfaction of contributing to the win.

...when I meet friends to watch any particular team I support. The more the merrier.

...when the leaves begin to change colors and air cools. This time of year is easily my favorite. It means something when it trumps the time of year when I didn't have to work. But once the shock of returning to school wears and I get into the routine, this time of year is great. Even cloudy cool days are nice. Football is in full swing. Playoff baseball is going on. The basketball and hockey seasons are about to commence. There is a feel in the air that I love. Holidays are right around the corner and the traditions that come with them are a joy. Trick or treating with the girls. Lots of turkey and football on Thanksgiving. The Michigan game. Christmas and all that comes with it. Ahh yeah.

...that I have numerous positive relationships with coworkers. As difficult as my job is day in and day out, enjoying the people I work with make it more tolerable.

...that Shaq is a Cavalier. I am eager to watch a season with LeBron and O'Neal playing together nightly.

...that Braylon Edwards is no longer a Brown.

...that I genuinely enjoy the company of my in-laws and even my brother's in-laws.

...that my nephews are very cool. Being "uncle Beau" is nothing but fun and watching them bond with their cousins is awesome to watch.

...that I have so many good friends. I also love that I have such a diverse set of friends. The diversity has added plenty of spice to my life.

...that I do not have any long standing grudges or estrangements with family members or loved ones.

...that I am paying off my debt....slowly but surely.

...that I have all girls this year. I am enjoying it as much of a roller coaster ride that it is.

...that I have so many fond memories of several periods of my life.

...that I got to be a part of 85. And that every time we are together we all acknowledge it and mark it with pictures. It is a tradition and an experience that I cherish to this day and always will.

...that I got to throw the tire.

...that I know what glasshouse party means to a select group of people. And I got to experience it multiple time.

...that at least Ohio State has won a a championship in my lifetime and it was a football one at that.

...that Cleveland was able to get back our football team and its essence unlike every other city out there.

...that I have been able to go to a Rose Bowl. And it was an epic game.

...that I can turn the channel when I see Ann Coulter is on CNN.

...that I can rake at "Beer Money" on STO.

...when All Bets Are Off is on TV and I can enjoy Bruce rant about things I care about just like the old days on the radio before he was in trouble with the law.

...that I got to witness Bernie Kosar play for the Browns.

...that I was around for the birth of the Dawg Pound and sat in it during its glory days.

...that I was able to attend games in the Grand Old Lady on the Lake before it was demolished for the new Cleveland Browns Stadium.

...that the Browns stadium is named just that and not some sponsor like Progressive Field.

...that I was able to enjoy the Indians in the mid-90s.

...that know what it is to be loyal and die hard no matter what, to something.

2008 In Review....Part 2

SUMMER
The summer began with much expectation. The time off for my wife and I was dearly needed. The warm weather was going to help with all of the life changes we were about to make. I managed to make it out with some friends to check out Hanzel Und Gretyl at Skully's in Columbus, Ohio. It was a the first time in about a decade that I was able to see them live. The show was awesome and I loved every minute of it.

Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate played an extremely entertaining and exciting U.S. Open solidifying my interest in golf.....as long as Tiger is playing. The Indians played through a lackluster season continuing my expectations of the descent of my teams from a stellar yet championshipless 2007. I continued through mediocre seasons in softball although my play was far below mediocre. The Celtics won the NBA Title adding to my anger towards Boston fan. But the Cavs signed a key free agent in the offseason in Mo Williams who would fill a dying need. Also, Ferry managed to work his magic in the draft to get a couple of key big men that show a lot of promise if they can develop enough in time.

My family dealt with a tragedy and I blogged about the grieving I went through. I was able to move on and grow from the experience but the effects of that event are still manifesting themselves in subtle actions and much of my thinking. While I repeat the steps that led to that horrific experience, I can't help but fall back to those feelings and deal with much of the fear and paranoia that is still present as a result.

With the residue of that experience still around, my wife and I put one foot in front of the other (actually two feet since there was two of us) and tried to celebrate our first anniversary with a trip to West Virginia. It was a nice little trip together where we enjoyed some couple time. We also decided it was time to really push to get the house ready for the market and move into a house that would truly be ours. We felt like we were still living in the past with the current house. So we began the process of fixing the countless little problems with the house and trying to improve the look. I almost lost my mind due to frustration from my lack of Mr. Fix-it skills.
In between the the home improvements I made a trip out to Evanston with my dad to help move my brother's family from one apartment to another. It was a cool weekend to share with the men of my immediate family moving furniture, eating some good barb-b-que and sampling the campus hang outs. Doug was able to show us around and let us peek into his life a little bit.

Just as we put the house on the market and witnessed the cats' stubborn resistance to all the change, I left for Las Vegas to celebrate my good friend's upcoming marriage. I left for Los Angeles to meet two other good friends who also were contributing to the Vegas bachelor party and began a week of good times with good people creating memories that we will relive for a long time.

When I returned, it was back to the grind. School was ready to begin the house was on the market. Football season was ready to start and I finished my first year in a new fantasy baseball league in a very respectable second place. The school routine was back up and running. At the same time the presidential election was heating up and I began to blog more and more about my political views and my hopes for the future.

AUTUMN
Ohio State lost in embarrassing fashion to a superior USC team. It reinforced my fears that OSU was overrated and over hyped. There was very little if anything to realistically take from the game as positive. The weak schedule only gave Penn State as an opportunity to redeem our reputation but while that game was hard fought and showed some glimpse of hope, we lost that one too and went on to beat teams we should be including bitter rival, Michigan who had one of their worst seasons ever under new coach Rich Rodriquez.

The Browns looked absolutely horrible and quit more often than not. They mailed in the last 1/3 of the season after it was obviously a lost cause. "Romeo must go," I kept saying before the season. 2007 was fool's gold in more ways than one and was probably a really bad thing. 2008 proved me right.

The Cavs on the other hand came out guns blazin'! Since you don't win NBA titles in December, the 25-4 start means absolutely NOTHING!!!! It is a good sign. It has been fun to watch. But it will be interesting to see if they maintain such a rate of success.

I was able to take a trip out to Evanston, Illinois again. This time it was to watch my Ohio State Buckeyes dominate a solid Northwestern team. It was cold. Oh so cold. But it was a fun weekend with my brother and his wife's family. Anytime I can catch the Buckeyes on the road and knock out another Big Ten stadium, I am happy.

My wife and sister-in-law and I ventured out to see Trent Reznor, better known as Nine Inch Nails, play a show in Columbus. The visual effects were outstanding. He had an interactive screen at times behind him and at other times in front of him. It was pretty cool and creative. He played an ok set. There was a bit much of his instrumental slow stuff but he doesn't seem to be as angry as he once was. I guess money will do that for you right?

Obama was elected president of the United States promising change and giving hope of unity and improved pride in ourselves and country. In the end it will be up to us to make any effective changes. My hope has been that Obama will be charismatic enough to lead the change and motivate us to make the right kind of changes. But as I obsess over 2012 and armageddon, I worry that Obama may be the antichrist. I have problems.

Basically, this is where I stand right now. 2008 wasn't my best years. I still think it wasn't my worst either. I have a lot of changes I need to make in the way I behave and think. I am working on that. What happened in 2008 has led me to these things. So maybe 2008, while being difficult at the time, will prove to be a year that led to better things and much needed growth.

Year In Review 2008...Part One

As we wrap up another year, I am taking some time to reflect on the happenings on both a macro and micro scale. There were historic events we all experienced together and there were some personal occurrences that shaped who I am individually. There was the good, the bad and the ugly. Hopefully, I can accurately review them here.

WINTER
I began 2008 with the genesis of this blog. I played around with the blog section of my myspace profile prior to 2008. After following my buddy's blogs a bit and following the encouragement and lead of my sister-in-law who also entered the blogosphere, I began this enjoyable experience of sharing what goes on in my head. While I used Comoprozac's Living in Misery and my sister-in-law's DailyLiving (now Nurturing Self) as models, I wanted to keep this true to myself and my personality. I enjoy variety so I have intended to keep my topics on this blog varied. It is focused and may seem to be all over the place, but I am very pleased with what I have done here. I have thoroughly enjoyed the conversations generated through this blog without having to bother people with mass email threads.

I began with numerous philosophical observations and views but it didn't take long for me to voice my opinion on my true passion: sports. January began with my beloved Ohio State Football Buckeyes losing another BCS Title Game to an SEC team in embarrassing fashion. Chants of "overrated" rang across the nation. But that's ok. We had a ton of returning seniors and a match up with USC in the beginning of the year to shut everybody up. Sigh.

Fresh off that depressing loss, I felt the realization of opportunity lost. My teams has just finished an exciting 2007 with no championships to show for it. The Buckeyes has two title appearances in the span of a calendar year for football. The men's cagers were in the championship. The women's basketball team had success, the men's soccer team was in the final four. The Columbus Destroyers were in the Arena Bowl. The Cleveland Indians were one game away from the World Series. Even the Cleveland Browns were a smoke and mirrors 10-6. The Cleveland Cavaliers were in the NBA Finals.

But no trophies or rings.

So I figured 2008 would mark the beginning of the descent. The Browns followed through on their part. So did the Destroyers and Indians. The Buckeyes were able to get the men's basketball team a NIT Title (which means 66th place) and the football team into another BCS game (the Fiesta Bowl surprise, surprise) but both are considered disappointing in Columbus. We have set higher standards. But the Cavaliers are ending 2008 with real evidence that their descent may only be a dip before the rise. We still have too much season ahead to make any claims of success and a band of Celtics in the way.

But my blog began with more than opinions on my sports interests. I spent much of the early posts reflecting on my stances and thoughts on my spirituality and different moral topics. I used this venue as an arena to work on myself and express my thoughts in an effort to initiate discussion and acquire varying points of view to shape and reshape my own. It has definitely been a success as I continue to develop my ideas of the metaphysical.

The winter months brought plenty of snow days which was a joy. I thought about how Exxon made record profits in the earlier year and how Snoop Dogg was suddenly appearing on Larry King to discuss topics so far removed from what made him famous. He would speak of pimpin', using and selling drugs and glorified the trashy treatment of women to sell millions of dollars worth of records. Now he is speaking to Larry King about fatherhood and politics and what not. Meanwhile, gas prices continued to skyrocket and lead these oil companies like Exxon to record profits. But that was just the beginning of the frustration we would feel in regards to the economy in this country.

SPRING
Spring brought The Master's, March Madness, Spring Training and Opening day, The NFL Draft, a big Cavs trade with a run at the playoffs, an NIT championship, and improvement in the weather. The Cavs made a monster trade ridding themselves of Drew Gooden, Larry Hughes et al to acquire Delonte (Delmonte Best) West, Wally Szczerbiak, (Big) Ben Wallace, and Joe (Hard Hat) Smith. The major component of this trade was the expiring contracts of the new guys along with the potential of West. Plus, it was nice to get rid of the inconsistency that Gooden and Laura Hughes brought to the table. After the season ended and I began to look towards the future, I was well aware that any number of those four would be gone sooner than later but I was curious how things would have been or could be if that group had a whole season to build chemistry and find their role on the team. More on this later.

I also took a trip to Chicago to visit my brother and sister-in-law and nephews. My brother and I headed downtown to the United Center to check out our Cleveland Cavaliers as they lost a game to the Chicago Bulls. Despite the loss, it was a good time. We took a couple shots outside before the game to win some prizes.

I was also able to get some one on two time with the nephews allowing the parents some time to go shopping for the boys. I may have father experience but not with twins. PHEW! God bless them! But it was very cool. I look forward to more chances in the future to hang out with the EZ brothers.

My wife and I settled into her pregnancy. And looked forward to ending another school year. The push for the OAT hit full speed and our students made their way through another standardized test that would ultimately determine our success as teachers. Once again, they failed miserably. My grade level managed to make gains yet again (every year since 2004), but not enough to make AYP or average yearly progress requirements set by the Bush administration within No Child Left Behind to rid ourselves of the "YOUR TEACHER SUCKS" label. So despite our efforts and stress, we both ended the 2007-2008 as bad teachers, failures of teachers.

Nice. I love this job.

Softball began and I thought I would share my progress with you all but quickly decided to pass on that as I stunk it up. I was never able to get it going in either league I played in. Unfortunately, my Westerville team had much of the same problem as a whole. Our bats were silent throughout most of the season. In Hilliard, we were much more competitive despite a move to a tougher league. We managed to stay .500 and snuck in the playoffs just to go out in the first round....again. But playing in two leagues was fun. I hope to do it again.

May brought the passing of my grandmother. She was ready to go. The time was right. She lived a long, fruitful life. While it was hard to say goodbye, I felt very good about my time with her. I looked back on my dad's trip to Europe with my brother and sister for his birthday two years earlier. During that time I spent a good bit of time with my grandmother. I would check in for my dad since he couldn't. I was able to take my daughter a couple times as well. This was a very valuable time for me because I knew it was my chance to "say goodbye" without the sadness of really watching her leave. At the time of her death, I drew on this experience to help me say goodbye. It still hurt, but I think I was able to avoid any feelings of disappointment or opportunity lost.

The day I heard of her death I was in the middle of negotiating my neighbors' acquisition of my garden bricks with tears pouring from my eyes. I quickly packed up my car and drove up to my dad's house to be with him for the initial grieving. Part of my trip was for him, but most of it was for me. I recalled my divorce when he came down and said he would be there to do whatever I wanted to feel better whether it was drink as much beer as I wanted and have him drive me home or just peak in on my daughter at school and take her trick or treating. We chose the trick or treating. I thought I would do the same for him this time.

So we made our way to the nearest local bar for some comfort food and foreign beers. We made it home long before last call but spent the night reliving our time with and memories of B, my grandmother. We looked at old pictures, we read her numerous works of literature and poetry. We sang, listened to music, laughed, cried and made our way across the whole spectrum of emotion. I think it was good for both of us.

The trip to Alabama was sad as we mourned the loss of B, but comforting as we were able to see the places of her early life and spend time with family we hadn't seen for a long time and sadly may never see again. We were able to get a true peak into her life before we came along. We also met people who had so much admiration for my grandmother. So many people showed up and paid their respects to this articulate, funny, energetic, kind, warm, intellectual and strong, independent woman at a time that was hard for women to be so. The trip was a bonding experience for me with my father, sister, brother, uncle Paul and Aunt Gina. It also gave some satisfaction towards that part of my life. I first thought to write closure, but that wouldn't be accurate. Alabama and my heritage will always be a part of me. I would like to keep Alabama safely in a place in my heart.

I will review more of 2008 in my next post.

An Ode To Mo

This is NOT a projection for the rest of the season. For the Karma record, I repeat, I AM NOT SAYING the Cavs will have a good season. By the time the season comes to a close I expect the Cavs to finish in the lower half of the playoff race and lose home court advantage. What I would like to do is discuss what has happened so far. I am just stating the observations I have made in regards to this team up to this point.

As of December 11, 2008 the Cavs are 19-3 and riding a 10 game win streak. They also have had an 8 game win streak this year. It is early. We have played many weak teams. The strong teams we have played have beaten us. So, why am I so excited?

I recall my post regarding my aspirations for the Cavs' postseason moves. I mentioned that part of me was curious just how the new players acquired in the massive mid season deal that brought Ben Wallace, Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West and Joe Smith (who was later dealt in the off season) to the squad, would play if they were with the team for a full season. I was content with trading them as Ferry did with Smith and probably will do with Wally, but I couldn't help but think.

I also wrote that I wanted to re-sign both West and Gibson. I wanted a point guard. We all wanted a point guard. Every die hard, dedicated Cavs fan I associate with wanted a legit point guard. Ferry come through. He did re-sign the two guards I wanted AND he pulled in a big time PG.

One word ladies and gentlemen: Mowill! Ok, two: Mo Williams.

I was pumped to hear we acquired him but as usual, I would believe the hype when I saw it. Larry Hughes came in with similar expectations and never came close to living up to them. At this point in the season, Williams' addition to the team has created a positive domino effect that you see as far as the end of the bench.

First, the offense is completely different. Suddenly, this team moves and cuts and gets open and makes shots. Williams presents an ability to truly distribute the ball. He is able to keep possessions alive by maintaining a dribble that is under control. His shot has been pure. He gets big baskets when needed taking a ton of pressure of LeBron. You can tell he is a leader, the quarterback of the team, the coach on the floor which is just what a point guard should be. He allows West to move over to the two guard position where he has flourished. He has been shooting very well and penetrating and playing surprisingly good defense against guys bigger than him.

LeBron trusts Mo. James is also able to work off the ball and move about the baseline which frees him up and adds a tremendous amount of pressure on the opposition's defense and help James get much easier shots. We have been begging for this team to get away from the spread the floor and watch LeBron style of offense that killed every game. As a result, James is flourishing as usual and other guys are getting open looks and coming through.

All because of Williams.

Secondly, the defense has been the type of defense people keep saying Mike Brown is able to create. They are genuinely shutting people down. They all hustle, rebound, double team and help, rotate, get in passing lanes to create steals and the blocked shots in the paint are constant. It is fun to watch them squash and strangle other teams.

Also, the third quarters are a total reverse of the last couple years. They used to come out flat and lose games against weak teams because of their lackluster third quarters. Now they come out and completely dominate on both ends. They have ran away with games to a point where the end of the bench empties for the entire fourth quarter and the starters take over for the cheerleaders rooting their teammates on. We have now been able to get rookies like Darnell Jackson and J.J. Hickson some legit minutes to help prepare them for the future and allow other bench players minutes to stay fresh and ready in case of injuries which will inevitably come, especially because of this positive talk coming from me. Some negative will come about like a bad injury.

Finally, this team has developed chemistry. Like I wrote after last season, some time together could create positive synergy. It looks as though they have. They police themselves and Mike Brown even says it himself, he just plays the film and they know what to do and do it. They get on each other to keep the right mindset. They don't allow for each other to get off course. You can see they all have one goal in mind and that is to win it all and they all are gunning for that goal.

This season has been good up to now.

But seriously, I love Mo Williams...he is the reason for the success.

Goals and Aspirations

I have used Goal Setting as an overall, year long theme in my classroom several times. It is good to teach students to set goals and work towards achieving them. It also creates a jumping point for discussing how and why hard work is mandatory in life. It provides numerous teachable moments throughout the year regarding these important aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Finally, it gives me a structure to refer back to when trying to motivate the kids. I can use their own goals that they gave me to drive them to do what I want them to do.

So what goals and aspirations do I have for myself? Find a cure for cancer? Feed the hungry? Save the dying? Lead people?

Nope.

I want to be a regular caller on the local AM radio sports talk shows. Yeah, lofty goals from a scrub like me I know, but this is what I aspire to be and you can't tell me I can't!

I bring this up because I called in today to Shark on Sports and made it on the radio again. I have done this numerous times in the past. Unfortunately the calls are so spread apart that nobody remembers "John from Hilliard." Also, sometimes I have used my nickname Beau. Other times I have said I am calling from Columbus. Lastly, I have called different shows. Most of the time my calls have been to Kirk Herbstreit's afternoon show on 1460 The Fan. He is always pretty cool. We got into one time when I called about the annoying fair weather Indians fans. He gave me plenty of love at the end though. It may have been patronizing, in fact I know it was, but whatever.

The best memory is when my friends are listening without my knowledge. One time I called about the Cavaliers and Bruce Hooley (who I never agree with) loved my take so much that I got two free rounds of golf. Instantly I got a text message from my buddy Ernie asking for first dibs in my pair.

But that is the best I got. I am officially setting my goal now. I want to call in enough to be "known." I think Shark on Sports is my best bet. He is cordial and attentive to the callers, lets us speak and has several regulars. Now, I need an identity that makes me memorable. I am open to suggestions. Should I be the crazy guy that says all kinds of inflammatory things to get people riled up? Should I be the "Cavs" guy that always calls in about the Cavs? Should I have some catchy nickname like "Buckeye Beau?" Should I always have a catastrophic negative attitude or over the top positive attitude?

Hmmmmm......

Regardless, I am going to push to call more often and be "that guy." Don't laugh. That is gonna be me.

Life After LeBron

I love LeBron James. I think and know he is the one chance our Cavs have at getting a NBA championship in Cleveland. I really want him in Cleveland for his whole career. I do NOT want him to leave for Europe, New Jersey or Manhattan. I will be devastated when he does.

With that said I now want to talk myself and the rest of Cavs nation off the ledge. We are being held hostage by one man. Our team, our owner, our GM, our fan base, our city are being held hostage by this King. We will continue to be hostages to him and his wishes for two more seasons. This one guy who is holding us hostage hasn't won an NBA championship. (I know, I know bear with me) Several teams have won NBA championships since he has been in the NBA without him. It can be done.

Yes, Cleveland....NBA championships CAN be won without LeBron James.

Now, don't take me for an idiot. It took a Dwayne Wade. Shaquille O'Neal. Tim Duncan. Kobe Bryant. Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. So you need a or two superstars to do it and Cleveland has none beyond Mr. James. I get that.

But I am getting sick of allowing this man (a man who I truly enjoy watching and do not have any other problem with) hold me hostage like this! Gilbert has a big pocket. Contrary top popular belief Ferry knows what he is doing (see drafting Gibson. Trading nothing for Flip Murray. Getting Gooden and Andy for garbage when Boozer screwed us over. And he can't be blamed that a top tier FA Larry Hughes didn't live up to his billing). They may need to go out and get Wade or Bosh or both when James leaves. They are FAs that year too. In order to win the finals, it would take both with the roster we are looking at now, but why not?

James will leave. But we will still have basketball. Most importantly and my point of this post: Once the Browns are relevant again, who gives a damn about LeBron freaking James?! Shoot, the fumes of a playoff Cleveland Browns season alone can carry me to the draft in April and then training camp in the summer.

My first and most passionate love is the Browns. The Cavs and Indians are just filler until football starts. I mean really. I am not alone in this. So I am done letting LeBron hold me hostage. I will root to the bottom of my deepest basin for him and my Cavs, but I am not going to allow myself to care about his future here anymore. Whatever happens, happens now. I will still root for the Cavs 2011 and on with or without Mr. James.

I just need those men in orange helmets playing a bit north on E. 9th Ave to remain competitive and I'm good. A Tribe run in the steamy summer is icing on the cake!

(If Braylon could just figure out how to consistently catch the balls that hit him in the numbers...but I guess he is a Wolverine. We can only expect so much)

NBA Finals vs. U.S. Open

Sports fans: What have you been watching?

Did you find yourself captivated by the NBA's championship series between the most storied franchises in the sport? Were you awed by the opportunity to watch a reconnection with the old glory days of the NBA's yesteryear? Did you soak up the glamorous highlights of Magic v. Bird? Abdul-Jabbar v. Parrish? Worthy v. Mchale? Or even the earlier matchups between these rivals?

Or did you find it hard to pull away from Tiger prowling (as if that term hasn't overused for Eldrick Woods) the fairways and greens of Torrey Pines at the U.S. Open? Were you interested in seeing if he could return from knee surgery and win his first event back, a major event at that? Did you smile in amazement as he hit remarkable putt after remarkable putt to close in and ultimately take lead after the 3rd round setting up an epic battle Sunday and Monday?

While I consider myself a basketball fan I question the validity of that statement as my casual interest in golf took, not only a front seat to the NBA Finals, but destroyed any interest in it at all!

Granted, the Cavs loss to the Celtics in the second round knowing full well they could have won and would have won against the Pistons in the following series killed my NBA buzz. Throw in Donaghy's claims that my worst fears may be true and the NBA officials are "yes" men to the NBA administration tayloring the outcomes to best fit the NBA's greater interests (See Lakers v. Celtics this year through trades of Gasol and Garnett that were questionable in fairness at best) and I have even more reasons to switch my attention to Tiger and Rocco.

I will be the first to admit my fandom to pro basketball weighs heavily on the success of my hometown Cavaliers (childhood hometown). As a whole I prefer NCAA basketball over the NBA even when my alma mater Buckeyes aren't successful thanks in large part to the tournament. But never has it taken a back seat to golf; an old man's sport in my mind.

Thanks to Tiger Woods that kind of thinking is old fashioned and neanderthal. Over the past few years my interest in golf has increased from Sunday afternoons of majors to common tournaments to all four rounds of majors. I love to root for Tiger which contradicts my usual preference of the underdog. Why is that? Could it be, as my friend has stated, that it is cool to see him beat up on old, rich white guys who have literally owned this sport for so many decades "at their own game"? Another topic for another post, but Tiger has singlehandledly pulled me and many other fellow sports fans of my generation into golf. I may have still gained interest in the sport as I entered the age where a round of golf is commonplace as recreation. And I may have discovered it in an effort to fill boring summer weekends with something other than reality tv or trashy crap. But Tiger makes it fun.

Sunday I rooted for Tiger to tie Rocco despite my usual practice of rooting hard for the underdog...I am from Cleveland after all. Well, the "Cleveland" area anyway. I loved each and every pressure packed shot he made. I was thrilled by the emotion he showed and amazing shots he made. But Monday I quickly returned to my normal state and pulled for Rocco, a guy who is hard not to like as you watch him play and interview. I really wanted him to beat the mighty Goliath dressed in red. He almost did just that making 19, or hell, all 91 holes of golf as entertaining as any of the games between Boston and L.A. For the record, I have not watched more than 5 minutes total of the NBA Finals and don't plan to watch any more.

And I can't play basketball with my Dad like I can play a round of golf.

How Could I forget...AGAIN!?

Once again, I messed my poll question up. Like the other poll when I forgot Carlos LOOOOOOOOOOOOZER, I forgot to include Brooklyn as a choice of most tortured. I mean they had all the things happen that Cleveland has suffered through. Heartbreakers multiple times. Teams leaving. Same team knocking them out. Memorable plays to get knocked out. Blown leads. Ouch.

Of course, I won't be singing this same tune in two years when the Nets move there and take LeBron and win multiple championships with him earning him a hall of fame induction in which he will enter with a Nets jersey instead of his hometown Cavs'.

So I guess I'm not that sorry. Or at least I won't be in the future. They will get theirs and us Clevelanders will remain the butt of jokes and stuck in the quicksand of sports lore.

Cavs Wrap Up

Ok. It has been a couple of days. I think I can do this. Here are some of my random thoughts regarding the Cavs' 07-08 season and the current state of the team.

Season in Review
My knee jerk reaction has been that the season was a failure. Even objectively one can say that it was a disappointment since the only way to match or improve on last season would be to win it all since they made it to the Finals. They did not do that. So it should be deemed a failure.

But let's examine the season a bit closer. This year they ran into a Celtic team that was "supposed" to win. They had three bonafide all stars. The Cavs were right there in the end. One could argue they looked better in their losses than Boston looked in theirs. But that is splitting hairs and meaningless really. They lost.

There were more important factors.

First, they had a 10 day trip to China in the preseason. That may not sound like a lot but it affects you. I believe their slow start was due, in part, to the adjustment that needed to be made following the trip.

Second, the holdouts of Pavlovic and Andy were detrimental had a negative impact as well. They both played large roles in the prior season's success. Missing them hurt in general as well as in setting the rotation for the season and building chemistry and rhythm. It was a domino effect that lasted longer than it should have.

Also, there were injuries to important pieces at critical times and for long periods of time. These injuries did not allow for the rotation to be set, chemistry to be built or any kind of rhythm to be set. And obviously injuries keep key contributors from contributing.

Finally, the big trade midseason was also a tough obstacle. The new players coming in needed to gel and learn their roles on this team. The remaining players needed to adjust to new roles. The coaching staff and team as a whole had to figure out how to replace the skill sets of the departed players with the skill sets of the new players and remaining players. And once again, chemistry, rhythm and a rotation needed to be reset.....halfway through the season in time for the playoffs.

So the Cavs had so much to deal with not to mention the lack of any offensive (AGAIN) plan by their defensive head coach.

Taking all of this into account one can say this season was not that bad. But honestly, I just don't feel as good about where we stand as a team right now as I did last summer.

State of the Cavs
I am unclear how this offseason will go. I keep hearing how expiring contracts are gold and we have a bunch. Therefore, supposedly, we have a number of tradeable players. I just don't see it. I don't know what Ferry can do this offseason. If he can eleviate the team of the contracts of Wally, Smith, Jones and Snow then we may be in business. Personally I would like to see Joe Smith stay. I like the idea of keeping West and resigning Gibson. Both have too much potential. West really showed me something as became more aggressive and comfortable. He finally learned James wants him to take shots and not defer to the King all the time.

I was very negative at first, but now I wonder what would have happened if this team played a full season together. What if they knew their roles? What if they could enter a season together and stay together? Could they have won more games and get a higher seed earning home court and winning the Boston series? You know Boston wasn't gonna win a game seven in Cleveland. Then again, I doubt they would have won more than Boston's 66 games to get homecourt against them. But maybe Detroit. Maybe a Conference Final berth against the Celtics. Hmmm. Is this the key? A better regular season? Better post season position? Isn't what got them to the Finals last year the easy road through the playoffs? Of course, Detroit wasn't easy. Being down 0-2 to Detroit even harder. But they won in six. I still like to call that the 6 game sweep.

All in all, I do not feel as bad as I did earlier in the week. But as the weather in Ohio, that could change before I finish this sentence. I don't feel good either though. If Ferry blows up this team, I may not have a problem. As long as the moves make sense. Unlike the know-nothing-about-the-NBA local sports radio guys here in Columbus, I believe in Ferry. I like what he has done. I am going to trust him.

So let's see what he does. And drafting Koufos (Ohio State) at #19 is NOT a good idea. I called it first.

Go Cavs!

Get past LeBron...PLEASE!!!

I have a number of things in my head regarding my Cleveland Cavaliers and their second round playoff series against the Boston Celtics. As of this post they are down 2-0 and James is STRUGGLING. I can't cap it enough! Boston has found a way to not only stop him but shut him down. Their defense is much like San Antonio's last year in the Finals. They double him and slide a zone in his direction taking away the easy lanes for layups or dunks and forcing him to make jumpers. He hasn't. You have to hand it to the Celtics and their coaching staff. If only "The Squint" Mike Brown could coach like that.........

Here are my thoughts:
**If LeBron isn't hitting his outside shot and the Celt's are taking away the ability to drive aggressively, why not post him up? We all know you need to drive to the hoop if your shot doesn't go. Brown and James know that too. You can see LeBron trying to drive. You can hear Brown reference it in his interviews. Unfortunately in the same breath that Brown says driving to the rim is the right thing to do, he also states LeBron should still shoot and if he misses five in a row not to hesitate the sixth time to shoot the open jumper. (The Plain Dealer) I understand not messing with the confidence of your most important player, especially in this situation where he is so way off with his shot that it is most likely in his head and you need to avoid making that worse. But after 5 misses in a row keep shooting anyway? That scares me. Hopefully LeBron knows better.

So why can't LeBron set up in the block and post up Pierce or whoever is guarding him? Try it with a smaller lineup. Maybe Boobie, Wally, West and Z with James. For the record: feel free to switch Wally out of that for another guard type player. But keep it small to give room down low. Z will gladly fade out of James' way. This way things won't be clogged for James when he posts up. Of course you don't want Z roaming too far out because if LeBron can so much as get it on the rim Ilgauskas can tip a miss back in. Z lives off that and I'm fine with it. Can James post up even if he passes out of the post once they double team him? Is that the problem? Is passing our of the block too difficult for LeBron? Could be. He is big, but not 7 feet. I'd like to see it though. At least mix it up and hopefully open some things up with some variety. I am tired of this awful, middle school offense.

***Do we really have to buy into this "LeBron and the rest of the team" mentality? Do we really have to believe LeBron doesn't have a "pippen" or anything? I think the team is now believing it. I think they are buying into the media's insistent message that this team is nothing beyond James. They very well might be. I am not going to argue that point one bit. This isn't my point. My point is: Does the team have to believe it right or wrong, true or not?

Regardless of whether this is the Cleveland LeBronaliers or not, the team can't think that way. They must believe they are legit players. And they can justify it. Gibson showed last year he can shoot, drive and make free throws as well as get hustle plays and timely steals. Z has more than proven over ten plus years than he can score. He can be a legit threat as long as he is out of foul trouble. Devin Brown gets hard work buckets. Delonte West does well when he stays aggressive. Sasha and Wally are hit and miss but one of them can get hot. Joe Smith is gritty and has a nice baseline, mid range jumper. Andy should never touch the ball unless passing to someone or rebounding misses. AND WHERE THE HECK IS DAMON JONES?!!!!

The Cavs must think in their heads they are more than LeBron. They cannot sit there and expect him to make it happen and wait for him to pass them the ball. They can't rely on him to find his shot again or wait for him to find it. Let's just assume he is never going to shoot well again and figure out how to win despite that.

****AND WHERE THE BLEEP IS DAMON JONES?! I know he has issues. I know his defense is lacking and the Cavs have actually played decent defense this first two games. That has been lost in this mess with James. They have held the Big Three to under 90 points both games. But with no offense you can't win these games. So.....get some offense! Amon Jones has found his J this year. In past years I would have been thrilled to see Amon trapped at the end of the bench, but now that he can shoot again and we need something, anything......get him out there!!!!

*****I still love my Cleveland Cavaliers.

Fear my Family....

Some know this story well. Others have heard it but laugh. More have heard and forgotten. If you do not fall in any of these categories read on and mark this as your warning.

I have capabilities not even I understand yet. It is a power I must use for good and not evil. If I can learn to control it, you better not step in my way.....or my offspring.

Let me begin. Through my entire life I have had dreams. These vivid dreams seem very real. While nothing about this is unusual, many of them come true. I also get "vibes" about things. Again, nothing different than most people but these "vibes" come true more often than not. Of course I believe in my heart that every single human being has this power but does not appreciate it or harness it properly. I have joked in the past about how I am phsycic but as time goes on I really am starting to believe it. Don't forget the phenomenom that is The Huey Karma passed on down from the Matthews side as well.

Now here is the scary part. This you should fear. Over a decade and a half ago the Cleveland Cavaliers (you knew sports would be tied in wouldn't you?) played the New Jersey Nets, Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls in the playoffs. Each team had a star player that destroyed the Cavs. In the first round, Drazen Petrovic of the Nets lit up the Cavs' defense from behind the arc. It was brutal to watch and I almost lost my mind. I swore up and down that I wanted that man dead or hurt. Fortunately, (or unfortunately to the rest of the world) the Cavs won that series and moved on to Boston. The Celtics had a young rising star in Reggie Lewis. Once again, the Cavs had no answer for the star. Again, I swore up and down that I wanted that man dead or hurt. But the Cavs managed to escape and move on again. Next up were the Chicago Bulls who, as everyone knows, had one of the greatest basketball players of all time in Micheal Jordan. Continuing the pattern, he lit up the Cavs and I swore to the rooftops that this man must be brought down. The Bulls won.

Later that offseason I read the paper and noticed Drazen Petrovic was in a fatal car accident in Germany. "Oh man, that sucks," I thought. "He was in his prime." Then I read that Reggie Lewis had a heart condition. He then passed away as a result. "Oh my. This is tragic," I reflected. Finally, Jordan retired for the first time.

Suddenly I connected the dots. "Oh no! All three of those deaths were players I wanted dead....figuratively!" I felt a shadow of guilt fall over me. Was I the reason they died? Did I cause their death? Did I bring it upon them?

Jordan's deal with the Devil was so strong that not even my secret power could keep him down. He returned to the NBA...twice...and won more NBA rings. But while he escaped death, he couldn't remain in the NBA until he left for his baseball experiment.

Ever since I have tried to keep my mouth censored in my rage against opponents singlehandedly dominating my teams. While I want them to stop, I don't truly want them dead. That is where I draw the line.

This power is not limited to me. My grandfather attended a Cleveland Indians game at the Old Cleveland Municipal Stadium, the Grand Old Lady on the Lake, soon after the Indians won their last World Series. The experience was so bad and the service was so horrible that he left with my grandmother swearing to NEVER return to an Indians game again in that stadium and that they would never win a championship again in THAT stadium. As a result of his boycott he never saw just how even worse the stadium got decades later with troughs for bathrooms and leaking pipes and long poles in the middle of your view. Not to mention the metal seats. But I have my own, nostalgic opinion about that.

Well...the Tribe has yet to win a World Series since. They never won another in that stadium. In fact, they struggled to be competitive until the move to Jacob's Field (now Progressive) in 1994.

Coincidence?

I don't know if I believe in coinciences anymore. Everything just may happen for a reason after all. And the suffering of my fellow fans and those individual players may be the work of my family.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

(And I am working on getting Pa to lift the Curse of the Tribe. He already said the move was good enough. But I haven't seen a trophy yet.)

How To Book: Playing Physical in the NBA by the Cleveland Cavaliers (presented by Cub Cadet)

Tonight was a clinic on how you play physical during the NBA playoffs. While the Washington Wizards have publicly made it a point to play "physical" with the Cleveland Cavaliers in an effort to stop or at least slow down LeBron James, the Cavs have in turn shown them how to do it.

Instead of playing tough nosed defense and fouling hard while making attempts at the ball, Washington has found themselves in a hornets nest as they push and shove and grab and throw themselves onto players in an effort to be a bully. As a result, they have ticked off James. And the Cavs as a team have responded by showing the last two years in the playoffs have paid dividends for the remaining Cavaliers from that roster. They have not backed down from the bully. They have stepped up. They have matched the intensity. In fact they have returned the physical challenge with the proper prowess good teams show in the playoffs. The Wizards are not getting easy buckets without paying for it (after the first quarter), mostly in a clean hard way. Granted Andy Varejao threw an unneeded closeline at one point but overall, they Cavs fouled and fouled hard.

Much has been made of the trash talking Stevenson and his mates on the Wizards roster have done. And it is obvious they want this series bad after losing twice to the Cavs the past two years. But all they have done is motivate a flatlined Cavs team. Suddenly, the team looks energized. It seems to be just what the doctor ordered.

The Cavs are standing up against the bully from Washington. The Wizards woke a sleeping giant. Problem is: It is only two games. It takes four to win the series. I recall the Cavs getting blown away by the Pistons in the first two games two years ago just to comeback and lose in seven after Flip Murray missed a critical rebound at the end of Game Six possibly leading to a game winning bucket. This series could end similarly with the Cavs losing again being the team that blows a 2-0lead.

What needs to happen is LeBron and the Cavs keep saying all the right things and show the rest of the NBA (hello Boston...) that they answer on the court. They need to enter Game three with a chip on their shoulder like they have Game One and Two. Wally and Boobie need to continue the rhythm they FINALLY gained tonight. Z needs to play with some fierceness. Wallace needs to own the paint. West needs to lead this team. Damon Jones needs to get some significant minutes and Devin Brown needs to do his thing.

And bring the defense. The defense Washington wanted to bring but didn't have the heart to.

LeBron Freaking James!

I really have nothing else to say beyond this:

How could I forget?!

In my poll regarding who should be booed upon their return to Cleveland I totally forgot to include Carlos Booooooooooozer as a choice. If anyone truly deserves to be booed it is that guy. Backstabbing loser.

NBA Finals Preview???

As I watch ESPN Sportscenter I keep hearing the Suns v. Celtics matchup last night refered to as a "NBA Finals Preview." It makes sense to hype that game in this way since both teams are among the best in their respective conferences but they overlooked another game played that same night that could easily be the same.

The Cavs played the West leading New Orleans Hornets in an exciting game with two shots in the final 8 seconds that seemed to be game winners although ultimately only one was the clincher. This game also featured MVP caliber players in LeBron James and Chris Paul. It had big time performances from supporting players such as Peja Stoyakovich and Zydrunas Ilgauskas. The game winning shot was made by David West.

I continue to stand by my earlier post that the Cavs are a legitimate contender in the East. Boston and Detroit remain a foregone conclusion to represent the East by most NBA fans around the league but let's not forget the Cavs have LeBron James. In addition, they did beat Detroit in 6 games last year. They could have easily swept them as well. Detroit hasn't added anybody significant to that squad and the Cavs have added important pieces. The Cavs just beat Detroit and beat them pretty bad with this new squad. A new squad that is still developing an identity together.

If I recall correctly, the Cavs and Celtics have split their season series. They haven't exactly run our Cavs out of the building yet. We were even missing LeBron in two of the games. Speaking of injuries, if you want to throw the Cavs record in our face, don't forget this team has made it this far riddled with injuries form James to Gibson to Andy to Sasha to Wallace to Z and the list goes on. All key components. At one point in the season four of the top 7 guys were out at the SAME TIME! Also, the trip to China early in the year with the holdouts of Sasha and Andy led to a slow start. The Cavs record is misleading.

With all of that said, the real crime here is the fact that the opposition and the winner of this possible "Finals Preview" has been overlooked all year for some unforgiving reason. The Hornets are currently leading the intense Western Conference by two games in the loss column. Please understand how amazing this is! The West consists of powerhouse team after powerhouse team. It makes the East look like JV for crying out loud. The defending champ Spurs are not even the best in this conference. Four teams have 49 wins. The Rockets rolled off over 20 wins in a row and still don't lead the conference. The Hornets do. But nobody is talking about them as a possible Finals representative!!!

The Hornets just keep on winning proving Byron Scott is the real deal. They have Paul who is a legitimate MVP candidate. They have a nice inside-outside game with Tyson Chandler and Peja. West is good player. Their role players get it done. Bottom line, the proof is in the record. 49-21 in the West. Wow.

I blog on and on about my beloved Cavs because they are the team I have pledged my allegiance to in the NBA but the Hornets are getting shafted. I like teams that fly under the radar though. Here's to the Cavs v. Hornets in the Finals. THAT would be fun to watch.

But what do I know?

LeBron on Vogue Cover

LeBron has found himself in the center of some controversey recently for his picture on the cover of the April 2008 edition of Vogue magazine with Gisele Bundchen, the girlfriend of golden boy Tom Brady. Fortunately this controversey is not of the legal variety or anything that seriously questions LeBron's integrity in my mind. This questions Vogue's integrity before James'.



The problem some people are having with this cover shot is that it has racist overtones. There have been various references to "King Kong." One could see the questionable tone of this picture. You do not have to look hard to get the feel that it is an angry, scary black man victimizing a beautiful, pure white woman. He is screaming and holding her in his arm. He is big and strong. She is beautiful and somewhat fragile in fancy clothes. But I'll be honest, that is not what I thought when I saw the picture.

What I saw was LeBron dribbling a basketball in one hand because that is what he is known for doing. The look is a common one he gives after dunks or big plays. Gisele seems to be along for the ride and enjoying it. She didn't seemed scared or worried. I figured it was what models do. I assumed she was running which made sense if she was with an athlete in a photo shoot.

With that said, I do understand the point of view of those people seeing it in a different light. I wonder if this is a case of hypersensitivity or over-the-top political correctness or really something to worry about. I highly doubt the photographers were going for a King Kongesque cover but one would think somebody in the hallways of Vogue would have picked up on the possibility of the "racist pic" point of view.

I mean I am not any sort of expert. I watch all these reality contest shows with my wife regarding fashion and models and have no clue what is "good" and "bad" and why. They say certain outfits or runway walks or poses are too "this" or too "that" and show a certain feeling or attitude that I don't get at all. When I think something looks well done, I hear how bad it is. I am the same way with art period. So my opinion can't be close to right in this case either since I am "art challenged."

I read an article on MSN.com regarding this cover shot that had a quote saying through the years we always see black men depicted as mean, angry criminals. They picked out several examples. I see where they are going with this and I do notice this throughout the media but we could back and find examples of angry, white rockers on the cover of various magazines looking scary as well. And I bet there are plenty of positive cover shots of black men as well. In fact, LeBron himself has been depicted in pleasant shots numerous times.

Let's be careful of how we show the world different images, but let's not go overboard. I'm eager for opinions on this.