D. Wade will Silence Critics…

“People said I was done, that I couldn’t be a dominant player anymore,” he says, as softly as a mid-range jumper. There’s nothing like criticism to make a player or person dig deeper to prove naysayers wrong. The Heat’s motto for this season is “Something to prove.” Most definitely they have something to prove as they were the laughing stocks of the East last year.

They were never favored even the year they won the the crown, despite being very close the year before reaching the conference finals. Its as if the Heat is the team the pundits love to hate. Sometimes it takes that to bring out the best in people or players. Wade’s comeback began over the summer after rehab work in Chicago with Attack Athletics.

The Wade we saw in Beijing was the result. He led TEAM USA in scoring. He posted the best all around numbers over the duration of the journey to the far East. Still, the doubters, haters lurk in the shadows. Ready to pounce on his first injury with doom & dismay. This is the fuel for Wade’s fire. This is the reason he’ll play angry this season.

“We’ll see what people say about me now,” he says. King James and Kobe Bryant put up decent numbers on the opening night. The Lakers won, but the Cavs should have won if Lebron had made his free throws in the 4th quarter. He missed 4. Kobe had 11 assists with 23 points. I guarantee Wade posts more points than both.

People don’t seem to remember how high up the mountain he climbed that 05-06 season, even before the MVP & ring. He was tearing the league a new one every single game. The culmination was the game that cemented his legacy. Now he has regained his form, so I predict an MVP season in which he will play all 82 games.

He will have a monster game against the Knicks Wednesday night on eh biggest stage, Madison Square Garden. He will go for 5o points, he’s already joked with D’Antoni about that in Beijing. Only that may not have been a joke—this guy has blood in his eye!

His star had risen higher than James, Anthony & even Bryant at one time in the not so distant past. Though, in this league as in all sports, “its all about what have you done for me lately?” He will explode back into the NBA stratosphere–that much you can be sure.

“It looks like six teams are being slotted already in the playoffs,” Wade said. “There are two others left. We’re still growing, still rebuilding. But we’ve got to be one of those two.”

Wade wears the number 3 on his jersey. This number has many mystical implications. For example, life manifests in 3’s— 9 months of gestation is 3 x 3 respectively! Aside from this, 3 is a powerful number, a transformative number—D. Wade will transform himself this season…

Also Known As…

Eric Bishop aka Jamie Foxx

Robyn Rihanna Fenty

Eldrick Woods

Amanda Lee Rogers

Caryn Johnson

Destiny Hope Cyrus

Robert James Ritchie

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Tara Patrick

Alicia Augello Cook

Annie Mae Bullock

BLING BLING

Celtics Championship Rings

The Boston Celtics recieved their championship rings tonight. The NBA season opened tonight with a marquee matchup between Eastern conference playoff teams–Boston versus Cleveland. However, th4e Cleveland Cavaliers skipped the ring ceremony of their nemesis.

“I didn’t know they were invited,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers joked before the game. Indeed, they weren’t because Lebron James said his team had no place watching them collect hardware because they weren’t Celtic fans, instead they wee in their locker room preparing for the game. Still, the night was extremely emotional for players & coaches alike on the Celtics.

“Because in this game, you have players say they’re playing for the ring,” Stern said. “And here you are, a part of fulfilling the goal of every player. “Once they have it, they have a sense of fulfillment they’ve never had before.”

Pierce, the Finals MVP was crying during the whole ceremony. Not surprising, he’s been there the longest when the Celtics were in the basement in the Eastern conference. Not to mention, his near death experience being stabbed multiple times at a nightclub incident early in his career.

Paul Pierce emotional @ ring ceremony

Now, he stood justified with his MVP trophy and bling bling that is the envy of every NBA player in the league. Though, there can only be ONE. The 2007-2008 NBA champions are the Boston Celtics.

Charles Barkley Politician?

Barkley has joked for years about throwing his name in the political arena. It seems now that he’s seriously considering it. Remember during the DNC on TV ONE the commentator asked him about his supposed affiliation with the Republican party. He said that his words were taken out of context. Reportedly, he was telling his family member that they were “rich like Republicans.” Apparently from that statement word circulated that he was a conservative, a misnomer he’s quick to point out.

He points to 2014 to bid for the Governor’s position. Apparently, he can’t run until then citing some laws regarding his residential status in the state. Listen to what he told Campbell Brown on CNN about his run for office.

“Brown: So are you going to run for governor?

Barkley: I plan on it in 2014.

Brown: You are serious.

Barkley: I am, I can’t screw up Alabama.

Brown: There is no place to go but up in your view?

Barkley: We are number 48 in everything and Arkansas and Mississippi aren’t going anywhere.

Brown: And the top priority for you would be education?

Barkley: All the way education, the public school system in this country is the worst it has ever been and what that does is that hurts crime, it hurts the judicial system. You know if you don’t give people education and hope, they become criminals. They get involved in drugs. So we have got to fix the public school system. I think we need to make these neighborhoods safer. And the third thing, you have got to give people economic opportunity. America for far too long has a small group of people who have got all the money and then we got a bunch of poor people who have no money. And because we have killed the public school system they can’t get the education to make money and that is just not right.”

Hey if Jesse Ventura, & Arnold Schwarznegger can do it being former athletes & film or TV personalities, then why can’t Charles Barkley? He’s definitely going to be honest & straight forward which is a quality America sorely lacks from our political leaders. Moreover, Barkley with his candor, wit, and humility can attack the ‘bread & butter’ issues that affect everyday families.

Barkley, a breath of fresh air, whenever he speaks might just be what the people in his home state need. To say that he can help with race relations, poverty, education, and equal opportunity would be an understatement. Since, pro athletes enjoy universal appeal and adulation from a diverse group of people, his candidacy would be a step in the right direction.

Good luck Charles, you’ve always been my favorite player, and basketball personality because of your candor. You’re what the people need, believe it or not!

Hornets look to do work this season

STARTERS	RESERVES
CP3 | Point Guard 6-0 | 175 | Age: 23	M. James | Guard 6-2 | 188 | Age: 33
MoPeterson | Shooting Guard 6-7 | 210 | Age: 31	D. Brown | Guard 6-5 | 210 | Age: 29
P Stojakovic | Small Forward 6-10 | 229 | Age: 31	J. Posey | Forward 6-8 | 217 | Age: 31
D West | Power Forward 6-9 | 240 | Age: 28	J. Wright | Forward 6-8 | 225 | Age: 21
T. Chandler | Center 7-1 | 235 | Age: 26	M .Ely | Center 6-10 | 261 | Age: 30

Clearly the favorites in the Western conference for the avid young NBA supporter. Why? CP3 is an electric triple double waiting to happen. He controls the game by getting to his spots on the floor. Paul always in control is equally adept tossing the lob to Chandler off a pick & roll. Or, dishing the rock out to a wide open Peja Stoyakovich.

Paul as triple threat to dish, pat the rock or pop the open “J” is on whole other level on the court. He has no rivals despite what the commentators say. Paul is in a league of his own, and in my opinion should have received he MVP last season. Paul was so instrumental on his team that he orchestrated most of he offense directly or indirectly.
Add big game James Posey to this barely scratching the surface group and the mixture should be lethal. I look for big things this season from the Hornets. Led by All-Stars CP3, & David West and backed up in the paint by Tyson Chandler this team has a dynamic big three that is sure to put in work out West.

Fully Loaded, Portland Trailblazers

The Portland Trailblazers are loaded with talent. All-Star Brandon Roy is returning to lead a young hot team in the Western conference. Greg Oden is the biggest addition recovering from his injury that ket him out of the lineup for the entire season.

Rudy Fernandez back from his silver medal match against the gold medal winning USA team is must see tv. This kid has length, size and crazy ability. He’s joined by his Team Spain teammate Sergio Rodriguez. Miami native Steve Blake started last season and looks to continue as hte floor general this season.

In the front court with Oden is LaMarcus Aldridge & Travis Outlaw. Martell Webster is out ith an injury and is expected to miss considerable time. However, with all their depth this figures to play in Fernandez’s favor as he anticipates a decisive role in the rotation.

Nicolas Batum, a little known French commodity has impressed the coaching staff in the preseason and he’s expected to be in the rotation as well. Channing Frye, Raef LaFrentz, Jerryd Bayless & Joel Pryzbilla round out the roster. This Blazer team is stacked from top to bottom.

STARTERS	RESERVES
Steve Blake | Point Guard 6-3 | 172 | Age: 28	Jerryd Bayless | Guard 6-3 | 200 | Age: 20
Brandon Roy | Shooting Guard 6-6 | 211 | Age: 24	Rudy Fernandez | Guard 6-6 | 185 | Age: 23
Martell Webster | Guard 6-7 | 235 | Age: 21	Travis Outlaw | Forward 6-9 | 207 | Age: 24
LaMarcus Aldridge | Power Forward 6-11 | 240 | Age: 23	Channing Frye | Forward 6-11 | 248 | Age: 25
Greg Oden | Center 7-0 | 285 | Age: 20	Joel Przybilla | Center 7-1 | 245 | Age: 29

Apple, Hyundai & T-Pain, a triple threat!

According to published reports T-Pain is making big moves. His multi-threat crossover appeal finally has translated into a successful endorsement in another genre. Pain mentioned on the BET HIP-HOP awards that he was ‘changing the game‘ and doing something that had never been done before.

So it should be no surprise when its discovered that he a hot new deal with an automotive giant.  Marketing a product as diverse as his many varied hooks he sings for everybody this side of the Atlantic. Pain has been dominating the airwaves for a minute now. His songs have been bubbling and his collabos are stacked taller deuce-deuces! He’s done more than 40 videos.

“Apple and Hyundai recently teamed up to create a car called The Digital Genesis, with T-Pain in mind. According to Billboard.com, the new car will be unveiled at events across the country, and will feature music from Pain’s upcoming album, Thr33 Ringz.

Early reports include that the vehicle will come equipped with three computers (two Mac minis and a Macbook Air) as well as an iPod Touch, iPhone and two wireless keyboards that slide out of the rear of the front seats.

The starting price for the Genesis is around $30,000. Apple and Hyundai are expected to formally announce the launch of the new Genesis at an event later this fall, in which people who attend the event will receive Apple download cards — to download tracks from T-Pain and artists on his Nappy Boy digital label.”

Is Silence Golden?

With all the attention everyone is paying this election cycle let’s take the opportunity to ponder those voters who choose not to vote at all. Are they bitter or discontent? Perhaps jaded with the political process. MAybe the state of the current finacial landscape has them to cynical to take part in an American pasttime.

No matter what the reason and they vary as hair texture, smile, age and nationality. Some people have elected NOT to participate in the electoral process. I say those individuals are making a bold statement. By opting not to participate they are in fact participating, just passively. Apathy is huge in this world today, none moreso apparent then during the election cycle.

What does such antipathy create? In what ways do we all collectively adjoin this custom of ambivalence? Why is it so acceptable to be non-involved in politics? Should there any consequence for acquiescence? Is silence truly golden?

Many attribute their ambuvalence to the 2000 election and the debacle of the Florida electoral college? Moreover, the numerous legislators and Congresspersons who sat idly by as the Republican machine rolled, I mean stole onto victory.

Disenfranchisement can transmit itself like radio waves over generations. Likewise, revolution can beam itself current in an instance. This is the conundrum we find ourselves challenged with today.

Its real in the field!

Bernard Hopkins beats down Kelly Pavlic

Bernard Hopkins dominates Kelly Pavlic. Hopkins showed boxing mastery and advanced skill as against his younger counterpart. Pavlic seemed to throw more pucnhes, although his punches didn’t have any snap to them. On the other hand, B-Hop threw more power punches and had a higher punch count overall. B-Hop clearly landed the harder, cleaner shots. At times, winding up hi right like a helicopter blade going around & around.

Now, will Roy Jones fight Bernard Hopkins. B-Hop has never been knocked out. Jones has been embarrassed a few times, most notably by Antonio Tarver. Hopkins beat Tarver. Roy Jones is slated to fight Joe Calzaghe. Calzaghe beat James “Left Hook” Lacy handily. Calzaghe coming off a big win over  ???? Joe Calzaghe has to be the favorite going into this fight against Jones.

Despite the odds, I give Jones a “puncher’s shot” to knock Calzaghe out. If not, Calzaghe will carry the fight.. Easily throwing the more “compu-box” scoring shots that will land him the victory. Jones is the more explosive fighter, and if he utilizes his cunning & coy boxing skills to his fullest capability he can pull off an upset. Odds are Jones doesn’t pull it off, though one never knows and that’s why we fight.

Pugilist like Hopkins are highly skilled craftsmen trained in the art of hand-to-hand combat. As the body maximizes its ability, the mind actualizes its instinctive probability. With shrewd highly technical defensive prowess Hopkins lured his opponent. Firing clean & hard jabs at will, throwing combos with straight right hands. Launching shots from all angles with acumen & ferocity of a street fighter in a brawl in the parking lot.

Hopkins at 43 displayed the kind of hand & foot speed of a man half his age. Preserved with a mental self defensive fitness the Philadelphia self proclaimed street fighter put on a superior show of intellectual, precise par excellence. If you missed this fight then you missed a classic. Hopkins took the fight to the younger aggressive fighter. Pavlic seemed confused & bewildered.  Hopkins easily outwitting the younger fighter by showing him up with more experience in the ring.

At the end of the fight there seemed to be a blow up between both fighters throwing blows as the bell rang, even to the point of being in offensive positions well afterwards. Both men scowled at one another with gloves raised about to ‘clock’ each other , but cooler more tempered heads prevailed. As a close friend said “emotions are the signs of the weaker fighter.” BY not throwing the much anticipated blow to the chin of the other man, each fighter displayed an awareness of the moment, yet a deep residing kinship. One which forced the other to submit to a power & force much greater than the individual, yet stronger because of it.

As alluded to earlier, Hopkins, after the fight spoke to Pavlic like the saavy veteran he is. He told him “not” to let this fight ruin his carrer. he told him he’s the man at 160. That’s the weight dicvision. He admonished him that if if he didn’t shake off the lose, hten hHopkins “would come lookin’ for him as he ran it down the line like an elder statesman.

Hopkins showed a world class persona both in & outside the ring. His interview with Larry merchant afterwards was equally classic. At times, it seemed to reflect an Muhammad Ali & Howard Cossell vibe. Hopkins as deftly swift with his commentary as he was in the ring swinging uppercuts & head bussa’s. The old man really shined brightest, best and hottest in the ring. He seemed the menacing bully with the more impressive record, imposing resume of knockouts.

Fortunately for the Hopkins camp that wasn’t the case. Even Bernard admitted as much, that he’s an under-achiever, and said that he needs to be underestimated & doubted to rise to his highest height, bringing out his greatness. He continued that he knows it might sound contradictory, but he takes pride in being the underdog. Indeed, B-Hop illustrated just that inside the ropes=Superior skill an talent!

The fight went to a decision, however those watching knew it wasn’t even that close. Hopkins whooped this kid like he stole something. Lasting the distance a full 12 rounds the judges didn’t leave any doubt in who they thought was clearly the better pugilist. Hopkins outscored Pavlic by at least 5-6 points. I’m being modest because I can’t remember the exact numbers.

Just when you thought knew or had seen the best of Bernard Hopkins he goes out and shows up the whole boxing world. You better recognize! BHOP is the truth…..

Hudson Family Deaths

Grammy award winning actress Jennifer Hudson’s mother & brother were murdered Friday according to reports on Friday. A 7 year old boy is missing, and an “Amber Alert” has gone out to find the youngster. Today reports have surfaced that a suspect in the double murder is in custody.

Police sources have confirmed that William Balfour, the suspect in the shooting deaths of Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudson’s mother and brother, has been taken into police custody. However, Julian King, Hudson’s 7-year-old nephew who was taken from the murder scene, is still missing. Sources say Balfour has refused to provide information on King’s location. No charges have been filed.

In His Words: Charles Barkley, 50 Best

50. “I can be bought. If they paid me enough, I’d work for the Klan.”

49. “You got to believe in yourself. Hell, I believe I’m the best-looking guy in the world and I might be right.”

48. “I don’t hate anyone, at least not for more than 48 minutes, barring overtime.”

47. “We better not be doing the Bulls this year. Man, they suck! Bunch of high school kids with $70 million contracts. Damn! I hate my mother for having me too soon.”

46. “You can talk without saying a thing. I don’t ever want to be that type of person.”

45. After retiring from basketball “I’m just what America needs – another unemployed black man.

44. Ernie: “Did they recognize you in South Dakota?”
Charles: “Yes, they did. It was easy because I was the only black person there. When they see me walking down the street they say ‘There he goes again’. And when I come back the next year they say ‘He’s back yawl!’”

43. Right after Peja won the 3-point contest: “Kenny said it was going to be an all-international night. I want to know which international brother is going to win the slam dunk contest.”

42. On the Enron scandal investigation: “Almost all those politicians took money from Enron, and there they are holding hearings. That’s like O.J. Simpson getting in the Rae Carruth jury pool.”

41. “I had to explain to my daughter why that **** Monica Lewinski has an hour special on HBO this weekend.”

40. Ernie: “Auburn is a pretty good school. To graduate from there I suppose you really need to work hard and put forth maximum effort.”
Charles: “20 pts and 10 rebounds will get you through also!”

39. “Every time I think about changing a diaper, I run a little bit harder and a little bit faster to make sure I can afford a nanny until my daughter’s old enough to take care of that herself.”

38. EJ: “Did you graduate from Auburn?”
Charles: “No, but I have a couple people working for me who did.”

37. “*** Bavetta and Moses parted the Red Sea together.”

36. Ernie Johnson, on Reggie Evans being caught grabbing the rocks of Chris Kaman: “(Reggie Evans) got caught with his hand in the cookie jar.”Charles Barkley: “Ernie, I don’t know where you get your cookies at but the rest of us don’t get ours there.”

35. On his 17-year old daughter not dating yet: “Thank goodness. I just hope she doesn’t start before I go in the Hall of Fame. That way, I won’t have to kill anybody before I get inducted.”

34. Kenny: “There’s guys who go over to Europe and play overseas from America, and they dominate!”
Charles: “Those are called ‘brothers’

33. After Wang has a shot blocked: “He’s got to bring something stronger than that. That’s like bringing milk to a bar, it’s not strong enough”

32. Barkley on Turner Sports office having a betting pool on his weight: “That is starting to hurt my feelings. I don’t mind skinny people making fun of me, we all do that, but I don’t want fat people making fun of me.”

31. “We are in the business of kicking butt and business is very, very good.”

30. When the Dream Team was about to play the Angola national team, during pre-game interviews the other USA players provided diplomatic, face saving comments about how they would play hard and felt strongly they would win. When Chuck was asked about Angola and the game, he replied: “They’re in a lot of trouble.”

29. Charles Barkley on his thoughts about retiring before the season: “I remember sitting down with the Rockets and saying, ‘Yeah. I’m going to retire.’ They said, ‘Well, we’ll give you $9 million.’ And I said, ‘You got a pen on you?’”

28. Man, everything gets blamed on the Clintons, every single thing in this world. I think Bill Clinton shot JFK, too.

27. “I know why his name is DMX. Because his real name is Earl. Imagine if his name was Earl the rapper.”

26. “If you go out with a girl and they say she has a great personality, she’s ugly. If they tell you a guy works hard, he can’t play a lick. Same thing.”

25. After Kevin Garnett threw a ball into the crowd out of frustration and was ejected. They showed footage of the man that got hit by the ball being taken away in a stretcher and his daughter was crying. Charles commented that players take passes to the face all the time. He topped it off by saying: “You know why that little girl’s crying? It’s because she’s thinking ‘my daddy’s a wussy’”.

24. Barkley on Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith eating a box of hot Krispy Kreme donuts in front of him: “Both of y’all are2 going to hell for that. Y’all are going to hell with a first-class ticket. Is that how you treat your partner? Krispy Kreme might be the greatest invention in the history of civilization when they’re hot. Y’all are cruel man.”

23. “It’s kinda great to see the Celtics doin well again cuz that was so much fun in my day to go to the Boston Garden and they spit at you and throw things at you and talk about your mom. It sounds like dinner at Kenny Smith’s house.”

22. “I think that the team that wins game five will win the series. Unless we lose game five.”

21. Charles Barkley after seeing a picture of Sam Cassell on the screen: “Phone home.” And later he remarks to Kenny, “Sam Cassell is a good guy, but he’s not going to wind up on the cover of GQ anytime soon.”

20. While watching someone in Australia put $1 million worth of rubies on a table: “Damn, must not be any black folks in Australia. You can’t just leave $1 million worth of jewelry lying around the ‘hood.”

19. Asked if he had ever been in the governor’s office in Montgomery, Barkley said no. “They don’t let many black people in the governor’s mansion in Alabama,” he said, “unless they’re cleaning.”

18. On the goal of the ‘92 Olympic Dream Team when playing Panama in the Tournament of the Americas: “To get the Canal back.”

17. To Kenny: “Hakeem couldn’t kick your **** cuz you were too close, kissin his!”

16. Barkley on Hanno Mottola, who, as EJ remarked “is the first NBA player from Finland”. Charles replies: “Of course he is the first NBA player from Finland, he’s the only person in Finland.”

15. On supersized Oliver Miller: “You can’t even jump high enough to touch the rim, unless they put a Big Mac on it.”

14. “All I know is, as long as I led the Southeastern Conference in scoring, my grades would be fine.”

13. On North Carolina missing 22 of its last 23 shots in losing to Georgetown in the NCAA tournament last weekend: “Stevie Wonder could make one of 23 shots.”

12. I’d never buy my girl a watch… she’s already got a clock over the stove.

11. “I always laugh when people ask me about rebounding techniques. I’ve got a technique. It’s called just go get the damn ball.”

10. On the Portland Trail Blazers (back when they were known as the Jail Blazers) serving Thanksgiving meals: “In between arrests they do community service.”

9. “Yeah Ernie, its called defense, I mean I wouldn’t know anything about it personally but I’ve heard about it through the grapevine.

8. “Well, when I went off to college, the guys I used to hang with were pumping gas and voting Democrat. Today they’re still pumping gas and voting Democrat. Guess the Democrats didn’t do much for them.”

7. “When I was recruited at Auburn [university], they took me to a strip joint. When I saw those **** on Buffy, I knew that Auburn met my academic requirements.”

6. “Hey Stanley, you could be a great player if you learned just two words: I’m full.”– Barkley yelling to 300-plus-pound Houston Rockets teammate Stanley Roberts

5. “I heard Tonya Harding is calling herself the Charles Barkley of figure skating. I was going to sue her for defamation of character, but then I realized I have no character.”

4. On the All-Star Game: “Hell, there ain’t but 15 black millionaires in the whole country & half of ‘em are right here in this room.”

3. On Jerry Krause still being able to keep his job as GM of the Chicago Bulls: “Jerry Krause must have pictures of his boss’s wife having sex with a monkey.”

2. After throwing a guy through a 1st floor window in a bar Charles was in front of the judge.
Judge: “Your sanctions are community service and a fine, do you have any regrets?”
Charles: “Yeah I regret we weren’t on a higher floor”

1. After an Olympic Dream Team victory over Angola, in which they won 116-48, Charles got into a physical altercation with a member of Angola towards the end of the game, afterwards he says: “Somebody hits me, I’m going to hit him back. Even if it does look like he hasn’t eaten in a couple weeks. I thought he was going to pull a spear on me.”

Breakout Season for Rashard Lewis

Last season, his first with the Orlando Magic, Lewis was regarded as a distant 3rd scorer behind Dwight Howard & Hedo Turkogolu. This season with the Magic’s sights firmly affixed to an NBA Finals bid, Lewis is being asked to be more “selfish” on the offensive end. This may or may not be a role Lewis can excel in. Lewis has always been known as a team player, so can he cahnge his game for the good of the team?

If the Orlando Magic continue to ‘drink the Kool-Aid” and insist this team is Championship caliber this season, then he damn well better. I like what Lewis brings to the table on the offensive side, though he leaves a lot to covet with his defensive lapses with uneven play on the defensive side of the ball. I mean with his athleticism & length he should be more like Sean Marion with explosive offense.

So why doesn’t he excel on defense? Perhaps, he’s never accepted the role.

What are some of his team mates saying about Lewis’s upcoming season? “I think Rashard deferred too much last season because he’s a very unselfish guy,” teammate Jameer Nelson said. “We definitely need him to be more selfish this season.”

To Rashard’s credit he’s been the consummate team-mate in year 1 with the Magic. He’s the exception to the rule of ’selfish All-Stars,’ Lewis is the polar opposite. How many times do here team mates & brass asking a player to be more selfish for the good of the team? hardly ever, but with Lewis’ game barely tapped until the playoffs last season, that’s exactly what the Magic are requiring for him. As a fan of the Magic, I eagerly await the emergence of Lewis’ break-out season!

“(Being more selfish) is something that I need to do, but not necessarily trying to do,” Lewis said. “It’s just my nature to play the right way. When I’m double teamed, I’m going to look for the open man. But at some points in the game I do have to be more selfish to score more points when we need baskets. I’m more comfortable with the system, with the guys and now I’m more ready to be a little more selfish.”

The playoffs saw Lewis hold his own against superstar Chris Bosh. In the Pistons series he went off for a career high 33 points in one game. This is the main reason why GM Otis Smith is asking him not to defer to much to others. Besides, with the type of contract (6 years @ $118 mil) dude signed last season, he should be the first option on offense followed closely by Howard & Turk. Lewis has GAME, and he’s just scratching the surface.

“There was a lot of pressure with the contract and having to learn the guys and the coaching staff, but this year I feel no pressure at all,” Lewis said candidly. “I’m more relaxed, more myself and out there to just play the game. I have that pressure off and I’m just ready to play ball.”

Everyone knows Lewis is mild mannered, so when came to the Magic he had to learn how to co-exist with oft outspoken coach Stan ‘the man’ Van Gundy. Remember, Van Gundy and Howard had a blow-up last season because Howard wouldn’t committ on the defensive side of the ball. Van Gundy, from that Old-school philosophy of Coaching–who believes you motivate by loud vocal beratings may have intimidated his first year superstar last season.

Is Lewis ready this season to step his GAME up, or for more public beratings?

“When we first heard that voice, it was like, ‘This guy screams too much and it’s starting to get on my nerves.’ I didn’t know if I could take it too much and I wanted to scream back at him,” Lewis said. “But that’s just the way he coaches the game. He talks loud, he coaches loud and he’s trying to get his point across.”

Still, Lewis has the respect of his team mates. Floor general Nelson is one of his biggest supporters. Listen to his statements:

“‘Shard came up big time for us in the playoffs,” Nelson said. “He’s the type of guy who never complains when you tell him to do something, but he’s always ready to go. He stepped it up in the playoffs. We were successful because of him.”

Is he ready to be a vocal leader this season? Yes, check this, “I’m not afraid to curse out Jameer, Dwight and Turk if they need it because I’m trying to make them better.”

“Last year was different for me because I was still fitting in with the guys, seeing how they like to play and what their personalities are,” he said. “This year I’m comfortable with the guys, comfortable with the city and I’m settled in my house. I have to step my game up in certain situations. Big games and performing in those situations, that’s what they pay me for.”

HEAT RISING….

Mario “Big Shot” Chalmers started against the Spurs Friday night. He played 31 minutes matched up against Tony parker who played just 27 minutes. Chalmers had 11 points on 3/3 3 pt shooting, and 4-4 overall, including a game winner eerily similar to his shot against Memphis in NCAA Finals. The rook also dished 10 dimes which is the most any Heat PG has produced all pre-season. Parker had 16 pts and 6 dimes!

Daequan Cook finally found his stroke knocking down 4 tre’s and closing with 17 points. If he can stay consistent he should get plenty of burn in the rotation. Possibly, filling the void of James Jones & his 3 pt shooting.

Michael “Beastly” Beasley had a monster game as well, he closed with 19 points & 9  boards. He should have had a 20/10 game. he missed a 4 foot shot and a couple of free throws. This kid is special, and should be a lock for ROY!

In his second appearance of the preseason for the Heat, Shaun Livingston went 4-of-8  scoring eight points in 17 minutes. Livingston had a block and a steal as well, so I guess its safe to say he’s on his way back.

Still, the biggest gamers Friday night had to be UD & Beastly. Haslem, who has made four consecutive starts in the middle had his most impressive game yet. matched up against Tim Duncan on defense UD pulled down 7 boards, and racked up 18 points. Damn near a 20/10.

WOW! Who saw this coming? Haslem played 40 minutes compared to Duncan’s 24 minutes, but still put up respectable numbers against a stingy Spurs defense.

It’s even more impressive when you consider Haslem is an undersized PF at 6′8″ and 235 playing against bigger stronger low post players. He’s already faced arguably the best low post players in the game when you consider their game against the Magic last week.

Haslem has scored 14 or more points in three of the last four games. He had 16 points and 11 rebounds against the Magic and 14 points and 13 rebounds against Memphis.  Very good numbers against quality bigs.

This win is definitely a statement WIN for a team that had none last season. To beat the 2007 World Champs without their best player in D. Wade is remarkable. These are 2 of the last 3 NBA Champions over the last 3 years with the Heat winning the crown back in 2006!

Granted the Spurs were without Ginobli–we’ll call it a wash. Still, this was the best this team looked all preseason and more importantly they finished a tough close game on the road.

Even though its only pre-season this team looks a lot better than it did at the start of pre-season. Perhaps, we finally have an idea who the starting 5 will be– Chalmers, Wade, Marion, Beasley & Haslem. With Cook, Livingston, Banks, Wright, & Anthony off the bench.

Most importantly this squad seemed to develop chemistry in this game. They had more assists as a unit than the Spurs, and the Beasley & Marion had plays where they played off one another. After seeing Haslem catch fire in the middle these past few games, I’d hate to see this guy leave.

His fire & competitive nature can’t be replicated, he’s gonna bring it every night. He ain’t NEVER scared!! He has the heart of AI, and the toughness of Charles Barkley.

The HEAT are RISING at the RIGHT TIME!!

Bring on the regular season…..

Let’s GO HEAT!!

Race & Politics…

How important is race in this Presidential election? Consider, what some people are saying across the nation concerning race & politics.

My father is kind of a racist guy,” said one voter from South Carolina. “He’s not going to vote for someone who’s even light-skinned.”

“When you are in the voting booth, nobody is there and you can express what you really believe,” Dawson explained.

To tell you the truth as a black man its refreshing to hear white people speak honestly about race, no matter what side their on. That alone is a moral victory because at one time in our recent history as a nation this subject was taboo for whites & other ethnic groups to speak about, or even admit their complicit nature in it.

On the other hand, Michelle Obama has a different take on the effects of race in this hotly contested general election. Check out what she said on ‘Larry king Live’ earlier this week:

“If there was going to be a Bradley effect, or it was going to be in play, Barack wouldn’t be the nominee,” she said in an interview with CNN last week. “We have to focus on the country as it is. That was several decades ago. And I think that there’s been growth and movement.”

Mrs. Obama’s comments aren’t surprising to African-Americans because we all know “how the GAME is played.” Most black people believe Obama has to downplay his racial background to be more appealing to ALL of his constituents (read white voters).

This conundrum is all to familiar for black people operating in any genre in America. It goes with the territory, for we are always told ‘we have to be twice as good’ as the next person to just gain access. Therefore, this political game playing doesn’t surprise us.

Will there come a time when African-American candidates will be judged on ‘the content of their character?’

In fact, some have argued that Obama, and the post Civil Rights generation of Black leadership have become a ‘new breed‘ of politicians by raising issues that aren’t rooted in identity politics. These leaders reject notions of being solely statesmen/women for one demographic, rather they represent all groups.

Are they right, or are they further marginalizing their constituents by diluting the power structure of Black political leaders?

Bradley Effect: Under or Overstating Race?

Former mayor of Los Angeles, Tom Bradley an African-American had a sizable lead according to polls in the 1982 gubernatorial race in California. Bradley saw his lead evaporate on election day as he lost the race by 1 point. Those are the facts surrounding this often repeated term in within the lexicon from pundits, journalists, and voters.

Will it play a role in this election? Yes, the fact that race trumps all other issues, except for the economy isn’t hyperbole–its a matter of fact. Despite the fact that some want to obscure it in today’s electoral map doesn’t change the reality.

According to the latest poll from ABC News/Washington Post Barack Obama leads John McCain 53&-43%. Is that lead big enough considering the Bradley effect? Only time will tell.

Consider, these facts from past elections with African-American candidates. In 1989, Douglas Wilder was a candidate for governor in Virginia. According to polls Wilder had an 11 point lead going into election day, but when the votes were tallied he won, though only by 1 point. Bradley effect, you can judge? What else could it be?

During the same year in New York city, David Dinkins was running for mayor. According to polls he showed a 14 point lead, but when the votes were tallied his lead disappeared. Dinkins won, but with a narrow margin of 2 points. What do these different election races tell us about race & politics? Are they inseparable?

In fact, many media pundits are saying that Obama needs a 6-9 point cushion in pre-election national polls to cover the ‘effect’ to insure victory. However, what these pundits don’t seem to realize is that no margin is safe because to base reality, or rather perception on polls is fleeting illusion at best. We’ve seen this in the primary. Voters claim they’d vote for Obama in pre-primary polls, only for the nation to see Obama’s lead evaporate once voting began.

How do you explain this? The Bradley Effect or Racism? Both!

Democrat John Murtah was criticized today for calling Western Pennsylvania voters racist. Murtah, is white himself and is from the area, so I think he might know of what he speaks. His claim is that voters in the area will have a tough time voting for an African-American candidate. Though, Gov. Ed Rendell (sp) a former Sen. Clinton supporter has been trying to make inroads for the Obama campaign, this latest news from a Pennsylvania legislator is a setback.

Is race understated or overstated in this presidential election?

Conservative Radio Hosts Claim Magic Johnson “faked his AIDS”

First off, and to the point directly Magic Johnson has NEVER said he had AIDS. He has, however said he contracted the virus HIV that can lead to AIDS. This is a small little detail that seems to escape a lot of people, however it can’t be overstated enough. It’s possible to have HIV & not AIDS.

Although, these radio hosts didn’t seem well intentioned either way. They didn’t seem contrite, rather duplicitous in their remarks.

Chris Baker and Langdon Perry of KTLK in Minneapolis made the remarks during Baker’s conservative radio show on Wednesday.

Here for your perusal are the comments taken from an auto-clip & transcript from the media watch dog group (mediamatters.org). The comments came after a caller said “healthcare isn’t a basic right.”

‘Perry responded by asking about treatable diseases that a person can live with for a long time “if you just get some basic drugs.”Baker responded, “Like Magic Johnson?”

Perry replied, “Like Magic with his faked AIDS. Magic faked AIDS.”

Baker said, “You think Magic faked AIDS for sympathy?”

Perry replied, “I’m convinced that Magic faked AIDS.”

“Me too,” Baker said.’

To his credit, Magic didn’t call for the two hosts to be fired, rather he’d prefer they remain employed to educate their audience. Though, he was clearly upset by their ostensible ignorant remarks. I mean I can’t blame him, some things should be off-limits. I mean I’m not sure how his integrity could be questioned. Who in the hell would “fake” having an infectious malignant disease. Who would question someone who acknowledged it?

It’s the type of ignorance only displayed by people who feel entitled to remark about the “other”; whom they perceive malice where there isn’t any whatsoever to speak of. The fact that this is a conservative show isn’t surprising given the ‘racially charged’ remarks coming from many in this political group in the hotly contested Obama-McCain presidential election.

In fact, one might conclude that is the catalyst behind such pervasive racist rants. There’s a peculiar tone concerning the African-American candidate coming from the McCain campaign. It’s as if people feel emboldened to say “kill him” and other disrespectful things because they disagree with his policies in how he’d lead the country as president.

“We can’t have people out here making false statements and putting out bad information, because this battle is too big when it comes to HIV and AIDS,” Johnson told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.

“I poured my life into it and a lot of other people have poured their life into it, into getting out the right information so people can protect themselves and know what HIV and AIDS is all about.”

Johnson, 49, said his health is “wonderful.” He also noted that he has HIV, not AIDS.

“You have incredible drugs now,” he said. “I’m working out every day.”

As a young man at the time Johnson contracted the disease, I recall being upset that he was retiring from basketball. Then being confused because I didn’t comprehend the repercussions. Thee was a lot of misinformation running rampant about the disease. In fact, Magic helped people understand the nuances of the disease, and the ways it could & couldn’t be spread.

Unfortunately, even with this information some players in the NBA didn’t feel ’safe’ with him on the floor. That’s why the NBA instituted the rule that if a player has blood on their person, they have to come out of the game & have it cleansed & bandaged. So, even in his misfortune he revolutionized the game of basketball forever.

Q & A, excerpts from Malcolm X “By Any Means Necessary”

Q. The first guy that was shot at the moment of the Independence war(revolutionary war) was a Negro.

A. He wasn’t shot for Negroes. He was shot for America don’t want to take anything away from Crispus Attucks, but he was shot. He was a slave. his people were slaves.

Q. He was a slave, perhaps, but not on his knees— on his feet.

A. Sir, you can take a dog–a big vicious dog–and sic him on somebody else and he’s fearless.

Example, no matter how fearless a dog is, you catch him out on the street, stomp your feet, he’ll run b/c you’re only threatening him! His master has never trained him how to defend himself; but that same dog, if you walk thru master’s gate, will growl & bite. Why will he growl & bite over there & not over here?

Over here he’s growling & biting for the defense of his master, but when his own interests are threatened he has no growl. Not only Crispus Attucks, but many of us died defending America. We defend our master. We’re the most violent soldiers America has seen when she sends us to Saigon, Korea, Vietnam, but when our mothers and our property are being attacked were non-violent. Attucks laid down his life for America, but would would he have laid down his life to stop the white man in America from enslaving Black people?

So, when you select heroes about which black children ought to be taught, let them be black heroes who have died fighting for the benefit of black people. We never were taught about Christophe or Dessalines. It was the slave revolt in haiti when slaves, black slaves, had the soldiers of Napolean tied down & forced them to sell one half of the American continent to the Americans Louisana purchase). They don’t teach us that. this is the kind of history we want to learn.

Miami Heat sign PG Sean Livingston

Heat acquire Free Agent PG

‘The Miami HEAT have announced that they have signed free agent guard Shaun Livingston and requested waivers on guard Tre Kelley. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Livingston, a 6’7”, 185-pound guard, appeared in 145 games (60 starts) with the Los Angeles Clippers and averaged 7.4 points, 4.8 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 0.94 steals in 27.2 minutes while shooting 44.0 percent from the field and 71.0 percent from the foul line. In his last season (2006-07) with the Clippers, he led the team in assists per game (5.1) and set career highs in games started (31), minutes per game (29.9), field goals made (208), field goal attempts (449), field goal percentage (.463), free throws made (82), free throws attempted (116), assist-to-turnover ratio (2.54), rebounds per game (3.4), steals per game (1.09), and blocks per game (0.54).

“Shaun Livingston was one of the best young players to come into the draft in a long, long time. We feel very fortunate to be able to sign him and help us rebuild our program,” said HEAT President Pat Riley.

Livingston, the fourth overall selection in the 2004 NBA Draft, was named the Western Conference got milk? Rookie of the Month for April of 2005 after averaging 11.0 points, 7.4 assists, 1.40 steals and 35.9 minutes in 10 games.

Kelley was signed by the HEAT on September 26, 2008 as a free agent.’

(source: Heat.com)

Is the Democratic National Committee & Florida Democratic party at fault?

Is the Florida Democratic party doing all it can to help “get out the vote” within Obama’s base? Is the Democratic National committee complicit with Florida’s Democratic party in isolating the black democratic base? Why hasn’t either organization done more to advertise in the states black press to help galvanize a high voter turnout in the presidential general election?

Let’s take a look at some of the facts.

• If Obama wins Florida’s  27 Electoral College votes he will become the next President of the United States.
• The Democratic National Committee $20 million dollars for its Hispanic voter outreach  effort. (Wall St. Journal/Washington Wire, 7/28/08)
• $6.5 million has already been spent in all major Florida markets by Obama’s campaign. (Radio & T.V. Business Report, 8/12/08)
• The Democratic National Committee  & Florida Democratic Party have purchased NO black newspaper ads, and have run NO black newspaper ads, though have run radio ads on a few Black owned radio stations or Black formatted radio stations statewide.
• The  Democratic National Committee  & Florida Democratic Party have budgeted NOTHING for registration efforts by Black community-based or non-profit organizations.
• The Florida Democratic party & the National Democratic Committee have budgeted NOTHING for get-out-the-vote efforts by Black community based or non-profit organizations.

If you find this information alarming, then please inform the National & Florida Democratic party of your feelings. If they want a Democrat in the white house then they must support his biggest & strongest base: The Black Community. If not they run the risk of alienating an already tentative relationship with Florida’s Black democratic constituency.

The mantra MUST be, “We have no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, just permanent issues!” We MUST rally around the issues and organize the black community into an effective VOTING BLOC! If Black Floridians turn out en masse then Obama will be the next President of these United States of America.

Democratic National
Committee
430 S. Capitol St. SE
Washington, DC 20003
Phone: Toll-free 1-877-336-7200

Florida Democratic Party
214 South Bronough Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
E-mail address: email@fladems.com
Phone: 850-222-3411

GET OUT THE VOTE!

GET OUT THE HOUSE!

GET ON BOARD THE OBAMA TRAIN!

GET INVOLVED!!

Economic crisis

What is a recession? A recession is a contraction in the business cycle. Another definition suggests that the GDP (gross domestic product) growth has to be negative two or more quarters in a row to declare a recession. Technically, our economy has slowed down considerably, however it is still growing. Which is the main reason why all these different economists can’t agree on what to call this financial crisis.

On the oher hand, when economic activity declines, or when like unemployment, income, sales, construction, and production go down, we are in a recession

Former chairman of the Federal reserve, Alan Greenspan has said this is “the worst crisis in a 100 years.” That would suggest that the Savings & Loan debacle of the 90’s pales in comparison to what we are now faced with. With his pronouncement one has to wonder if this crisis is our generations “Great Depression.”