in trouble again

Once again the Pistons have gone about things the hard way as they now have their backs against the wall and face elimination. With tonight's loss to Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat. the Pistons trail 3-1 in their best-of-seven series and face win or go fishing predicament.

Coming behind in series seems to be no problems for the Pistons. In their last series against LeBron James and the Cavs, Detroit overcame a 3-2 deficit to get the win. And this was after having won the first two games convincingly and then losing three straight before rebounding to win the final two.

In the past the Pistons have overcame a 3-1 deficit with the most notable series being the first round playoff series against Orlando in 2003.

While they have overcame these deficits in the past, this Heat team looks to be a little different from those teams in that they are a lot tougher. If the Pistons can't slow down Wade, who is hitting close to 70 percent of his shots through the first four games of the series, they are in trouble. If Shaq keeps playing like he is 10 years younger the Pistons are once again gong to be in trouble. This Heat team also has role players who arfe stepping up that the Pistns will need to contain. And if the Miami continues to get a favorable whistle (the Heat shot 43 free throws in Game 4) Detroit is also doomed.

Here is hoping that the Pistons make the necsessary adjusments and come out in a big way in Friday. They've come back from these deficits before, and here is to hoping they overcome this once again.

Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend was a pretty decent one as I got to do a variety of things and see a variety of people. A breakdown of the weekend

Friday
After doing pages Friday morning I came home and took a nap and then headed up toward Ann Arbor to meet up with my friend Amy from high school. She happened to be in Novi so we met up for some ice cream before she hit the road to head back to C-town. I hadn't seen her since Christmas so it was nice to catch up with her. After that I met up with Nate and we headed to Comerica Park to catch the Tigers-Indians game.

We made it down to the ballpark for batting practice and I came close to snaggin a ball but let the little kid around me go get the ball. oh well. the game was great ... the tigers won 8-3 behind Curtis Granderson who had five RBIs.

The game was alsom Polish American night at the ballpark so there was a ceremony before the game. And Friday was also the Friday night firework promotion and as usual they were pretty decent. A random thing bout the night was when me and Nate were sitting in our seats prior to the first pitch, I see a guy walkin up to sit in the seats next to us that looked very familiar. turns out it was Tim, who used to work at the Echo with Nate and I. He graduated a couple years before me and was also on OTEAM and stuff so it was nice seeing him and chatting Tigers talk with him. He was also with another former OTEAMER and his wife who is related to one of the photographers at the Telegram.

Saturday
On Sat I chilled for the most part of the day and then covered a baseball game. After gettin off work I caught the tailend of the Pistons game only to see them lose and go down 2-1 in their series with the Heat

Sunday
Ended up spending most of the day with family as my parents were up in Ypsi after spending Friday and Saturday at weddings. It was always an eventful time especially being at my grandmas house. We ended up cooking out and my two cousins were there as well as several aunts and uncles. it was an entertaining day to say the least. And I ended up coming home with pots and pans from my grandma as well as other kitchen accesories.

first place!

Don't look now, but with last night's come from behind 7-4 victory over the Twins, the Detroit Tigers now are in a tie for first place with the Chicago White Sox. (Thank you Devil Rays for beating the Chi Sox)

Its been a long time since the Tigers were in this position a month and a half in the season. The last time the Tigs were in first past mid-April came in 1993 - quite a bit ago. At that time I was measely 10 year old in middle school and remember goin to games at Tiger Stadium with my dad and grandpa. Quite awhile ago.

Besides sharing the lead atop the AL Central, the Tigers also share the best record in baseball with the White Sox. (The Sox did sweep Detroit during its opening series at home so they do hold the tiebreaker) A look at the best teams as of today.

Detroit - 25-13
White Sox - 25-13
NY Mets - 24-14
Boston - 23-14
St. Louis - 24-15
Cincinnati - 23-16

It would be nice to see the Tigers keep this up. A lot of their good start has been pushed aside because of the Pistons run for a title, but they are quietly making some noise around baseball and have been featured in the top-10 of espn.com and sportsline.com's power rankings

This year's team is doing things they haven't done in ages, like sweeping the Indians in Jacob field, had four win streaks of five games or more just to name a few. Here is hoping they can sustain this play throughout the season.

thanks amanda

apparently i was mentioned on the EMU writing prorgram alumni website. I would have never known this if my friend Amanda wasn't googling my name so i've got to thank her for finding it

here is the link - http://writing.emich.edu/?p=14 or http://writing.emich.edu/

if that doesnt work i've copy and pasted what it says

---------------------------
Alumni News: Recent Journalism Alumni win Michigan AP awards
April 19th, 2006

Two of our Journalism Program alumni won first place awards in the Michigan Associated Press Awards.

Brian Calloway, who was our Journalism Student of the Year last year at this time, won first place in the Sports Enterprise category for his story “Too much camping?” for the Adrian Telegram (small newspaper division). Brian was sports editor for The Echo and a devoted student of our Art Brooks. He is sports editor in Adrian.

Amalie Nash won first place in the Feature Writing category for her story, “Different sides of theft in our community,” in the Ann Arbor News. Amalie won the big newspaper division, with the Detroit News and Free Press taking second and third place to her, respectively. Amalie is an alum who now teaches feature writing for us part-time. She is the chief police reporter for the Ann Arbor News.

--------------------

Too bad they didn't get my title correct in the release.

Thanks again tho amanda

playoffs intense

Its only the first round, but many playoff series have been intense and very competitive. Yesterday there were several good games on, but the highlight had to be the Lakers rallying back to defeat the Suns. All of the sudden L.A. has a 3-1 lead over the Suns and just needs one win to head into the second round.

What is going on with these Lakers. The other night Kobe only scored 17 and it was enough for L.A. to beat Phoenix. Yesterday people like former Pistons Smush Parker were stepping up and making big plays for the Lakers. Parker hit a big 3-pointer late to tie the game and then helped to force a steal on Steve Nash to set up a shot by Kobe that forced overtime. And then the Lakers have other people stepping up like Devean George - who had his best game on Sunday. And Luke Walton who helped to force the held ball on Nash in the final seconds. That play led to a jump ball between him and Nash which Walton won and found Kobe who hit the game-winner.

It hasnt been just the LA-Phoenix series as both Chicago and Sacramento have rallied to even their series at 2 with Miami and San Antonio respectively. It looks like every game of this years playoffs are going to be exciting to watch.

The NHL playoffs have been tough to watch especially with the Oilers takings a 3-2 lead on the Red Wings, who seem to be playing unaspiring hockey. And Manng Legace has been sucking it up in goal - which has put the team on the brink of elimination and poised for an early exit from the playoffs once again. The NHL playoffs are so unpredictable though, as No. 2 seed Dallas was ousted from the playoffs by No. 7 seed Colorado last night. Winning the presidents trophy guarantees no playoff success

puzzled once again

Today was one of those unique days for Detroit sports where every team was in action of sorts. The Tigers pummeled the Twins 18-1, while the Pistons and Red Wings both lost playoff games. And then theres the Lions who were drafting players in hopes for a better future.

But yet once again, it seems that GM Matt Millen made a mistake in his first round pick. With Matt Leinart having slipped to the spot where the Lions were picking (Detroit had the ninth pick) Millen decided to pass on the proven winner and select Florida State outside linebacker Ernie Sims. Wow Sims has been compared to Derrick Brooks as a player it seems like he is yet another risky selection.

According to various scouting reports on Sims, it is noted that he likes to play wild and with havoc - something that could lead to some dumb penalties. But it looks like he could also put a hurting on the opposition. Also I've read that Sims has been injured quite a bit - something definitely not helpful - especially with the Lions always having someone on their defense hurt (i.e Teddy Lehman, Boss Bailey). Lastly I read on a website that Sims has been charged with domestic battery and resisting arrest. Before the draft Lions coach Marinelli stressed he wanted someone with good character.

Hopefully this pick pans and out and improves the Lions defense but I still think going with Leinart would have been the best case.
Despite the Lions having signed 8 bajillion quarterbacks in the offseason, Leinart is a proven winner and comes from a successful program at USC. He only lost twice as a starter after taking over for Carson Palmer (who was drafted by the Bengals)
Second, Leinart could have sat behind Jon Kitna - just like Palmer did while he was at Cincy. Look at what Palmer has done to help ressurrect the Bengals. He made them a playoff team that coulda done damage had he not got hurt in their playoff game against the Steelers.

I was also surprised to see the Lions pass on USC tailback LenDale White, who was around for their pick in the second round. I however was happy with the selection of Wisconsin tailback Brian Calhoun and it seems like he will fit in well with Mike Martz's offense.

Below is the story the associated press ran when Sims declared for the draft early
Seminole linebacker entering NFL draft early

By BRENT KALLESTAD, Associated Press Writer
January 9, 2006

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Worried about a career-ending injury, Florida State linebacker Ernie Sims will give up his final year of eligibility and enter the NFL draft.

Sims became the second Florida State defensive player in two weeks to say he is leaving school early for a shot at the pros. He joins cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who missed the 2005 season with a knee injury.

ADVERTISEMENT


"It's been my dream since I've been a little kid," Sims said. "Not a lot of people get a chance to play in the NFL."

Sims, accompanied to Monday's news conference by his parents and agent Todd France, said the NFL has projected him as an early second-round pick.

A speedy, undersized junior, he's listed at 6-foot and 220 pounds. Sims made 198 tackles in his three seasons, two as a starter. He finished fourth on the team with 70 stops this year, including four in Florida State's 26-23 Orange Bowl loss last week to Penn State.

Sims' production fell off last season from a sparkling sophomore year. Many opponents, however, designed their offenses to avoid him, said FSU linebacker coach Kevin Steele, a one-time NFL assistant.

Sims left Monday for Arizona to begin training for next month's combine in Indianapolis, where NFL scouts measure, time and test prospects. He hopes to add 5 or 6 pounds before the combine.

Sims has been troubled by nagging injuries as well as concussions, missing a game at Duke in October.

"If I did come back, I would risk not being able to play again," he said. "I might get injured."

Steele believes Sims' worries about concussions won't affect his draft standing.

"It's not off the chart where it's going to be in that category," Steele said.

Sims was an honorable mention Atlantic Coast Conference pick this year. He acknowledged that his college career wasn't what he had hoped.

"I didn't leave a statement like I really wanted to," he said.

He is 40 hours short of earning a degree, but said he will finish school during the offseasons.

its playoff time

Right now is definitely one of the best times of year in Detroit with the Pistons and Red Wings both making a run at titles. And luckily enough, I got to see the Pistons begin the playoffs on a positive note last night when they knocked off the Bucks 92-74.

The game was definitely a good time. Ended up going with Casey as well as Waz and Abby (two other former co-workers from my days employed in the Admission Visit Programs at EMU). It was pretty good to see the two of them - i hadnt seen them since probably last April.

It seems like Rock Financial likes to slap their name on everything you get at the Palace though. All fans got Pistons playoff hats last night and sure enough Rock financial had its name plastered on the back of it. Same thing with the thundersticks that all fans had on their seats - definitely crazy. I'm tired of D. Hall being everywhere.

Anyways the game was tight. Other than a slow start by the Pistons they took care of business. there was a scary moment when Rip Hamilton went down in the fourth with some kind of ankle injury - but from reading stuff it seems hes all right. The playoff atmosphere definitely beats the regular season and the introductions were pretty sweet with the fire lighting up behind the two baskets. and before the game the Pistons drumline was out in the hall areas entertaining fans - definitely sweet and a fun day at the Palace.

crazy game

The other day I was covering a softball game and it appeared to be a normal prep doubleheader until the last 30 minutes of the game when things got crazy and the coaches got into a heated argument on whether a game should continue due to darkness approaching.

One coach tried to stall to make sure darkness would come so his team wouldn't lose. The other coach, whose team went up 11-8 in the top half of the first extra inning, had his players swing at every pitch to try to get the game over before darkness. it was rather interesting.

I actualyl ran into a few players from one of the teams while covering an Adrian High baseball game and they asked me what I thought of the game. I told them it was crazy and they went on and on telling me waht their coach thought of it and everything. theres too much about the game to explain so i will just copy and paste my write up
----

CLINTON - A rivalry that is continuing to grow just got more heated Tuesday.

The Blissfield High School softball team defeated Clinton 9-2 in the opening game of a doubleheader before they played to an 8-8 tie in the second game, which was called by darkness in extra innings.

The Royals (4-4-1, 3-0-1 Lenawee County Athletic Association) were close to sweeping the Redskins as they had an 8-3 lead entering the top of the seventh inning. However, the Clinton offense had different things in mind as they came through in the clutch.

Marissa Sevenish led off the inning with a single and Sadie Brown followed with double, putting runners on second and third. After Blissfield starter Callie Slomski struck out Colleen Zimmerman, Laura Heinz and Rachel Martiny followed with back-to-back RBI singles. Brittni Keith kept the rally going with a triple that drove in two and scored the game-tying run on Allison Tansel's single.

“They showed me they had heart. We had a lot of enthusiasm,” Clinton coach Al Roberts said. “We finally put a couple of hits together.”

Tansel, who relieved Kristen Kimble in the third, helped Clinton (4-2, 2-1-1 LCAA) keep its momentum as she retired the Royals quickly in the seventh, forcing extra innings.

Blissfield coach Chris Bates approached the umpires about calling the game because of darkness. His attempt failed and the game proceeded with the eighth inning.

“I thought for sure that we shouldn't start the inning,” Bates said. “With us being the home team I knew we would have to finish the whole inning for it to be considered a game. I didn't want it to start, but the umpires and Al decided to play.”

The Redskins continued to hit well in extra innings. After Brown grounded out, Zimmerman drew a walk. Heinz followed with an RBI double that gave Clinton its first lead of the game. The Redskins added two more runs in the inning before Roberts had his players swing at every pitch Slomski threw to intentionally record strikes and try to finish the game before it was stopped due to darkness. The move came in response to a few visits to the field by Bates during the inning.

In the bottom half of the inning, Erin DeCatur reached base on an error by Heinz. With Lauren Jones at the plate, Clinton tried to pick off DeCatur on Martiny's quick throw to first after the pitch. The ball got past Heinz and the outfielders backing her up, which allowed DeCatur to reach third. Following the play, the umpires ended the game.

With the game being stopped before the eighth inning was completed, the game reverts back to the last full inning played leaving, Clinton and Blissfield to settle for an 8-8 tie. It also eliminated Heinz's hit that put her team in front.

“It was a heartbreaker,” Heinz said. “I don't know if I will be able to do that again. I don't know what is going to happen the next time we play them.”

Clinton and Blissfield are not scheduled to meet again in the regular season, but could face each other in the postseason.

Roberts thought the way the game ended was unfortunate.

“It turned out to be an ugly game and that is unfortunate because it could have been a nice game,” Roberts said. “It's unfortunate the game got to the point it did. We made a nice comeback.”

Roberts said the LCAA doesn't have a set time where the umpires can't start an inning after, and added that the problem usually doesn't exist in softball.

Blissfield won the opener 9-2 as Lesley Bates went the complete game and struck out 12. After trailing 2-1, the Royals added three runs in the fourth as Kristen Gniewkowski had an RBI triple and Lesley Bates and Jones each drove in runs. Blissfield scored five more runs in the sixth. Jessica Domschot delivered the big hit when she drove in two with an RBI double.

“I was surprised we won the first game the way we did and were up in the second game as much as we were,” Bates said. “We're young and inexperienced ourselves.”

Tansel went 5 1/3 innings and gave up seven runs to take the loss for the Redskins.

Both teams will return to action Saturday. Clinton will compete at its own tournament, while the Royals will travel to the Portland Invitational

Easter Sunday

This year Easter wasn't too eventful, as it was probably the first one where I didn't see anybody that I'm related too, but I did talk to my sister, mom and aunt during the day. The past few years while at college I always went to church or out to eat with my grandma and aunts and the rest of the family on my moms side. This year that didn't happen.

But ... I did get to go to the Pistons game which was pretty cool in itself. I got to see the Pistons set a franchise mark with their 64th win - which they got by blowing out the New York Knicks - who were minus their coach Larry Brown and Steve Francis and Stephon Marbury. The final score was 103-97, which was very misleading since the Pistons were leading by 20-some points at one time and had a lot of their reserves playing since the starters are resting up for the playoffs.

After the game, crystal and I stopped in Ann Arbor at Chilis to eat and Casey ended up meeting up with us there and chilled with us for a bit before we headed back home.

my personality

You Have A Type B+ Personality

B+ You're a pro at going with the flow You love to kick back and take in everything life has to offer A total joy to be around, people crave your stability. While you're totally laid back, you can have bouts of hyperactivity. Get into a project you love, and you won't stop until it's done You're passionate - just selective about your passions

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

the best game ever

As a sports writer I see a lot of games, byt yesterday I attended the Michigan-Notre Dame basketball game and it was probably one of the best games I've ever been to. Granted it was the NIT and not the NCAA tournament, it was still a great game.

In this game Michigan trailed a majority of the first half and was down by eight at half time. In the second half they gradually chipped away at the lead and finally closed to within one in the final two minutes of regulation. My favorite UM player, Daniel Horton hit a few shots down the stretch and UM took a lead with 13 seconds left to play. ND tied it thanks to their pesky guard Chris Quinn to force OT

Horton was clutch again in the second OT hitting a shot to tie the game in the final minute. Neither team could break the tie in the final 30 seconds forcing another OT. and that is when the heroics took place. With the game tied at 84, Dion Harris made a 3-pointed as time expired to end the game and give the Wolverines an 87-84 win. Man was that great.. as a basketball fan or even as a player those seconds are what you live for. To see ur team make a shot to win right at the buzzer. Thats what March Madness is all about.. even if it was just the NIT

OTher games that Ive seen in person that would probably rank up there as some of the best games I've seen in person is:

Nov. 6, 2004 - the Collegiate Clash game at Ford Field between EMU and CMU my senior year of college. Four overtimes, Eastern wins 61-58

Oct. 2005 - Adrian College's homecoming football game this past year that they won in OT. They overcame a kicker missing an xtra point after an OT score to still win

Feb. 2005 - EMU vs Toledo basketball game in teh regular season finale at Savage Hall. another overtime thriller.

And for a game i wasnt at that i vividly remember... UM's triple OT win over MSU in 2004. Heck yea for Braylon Edwards

im sure theres other but those came to mind

interesting....

So I'm scrolling through myspace bulletin thing when i see a bulletin titled white people - already having some sort of idea that it would be race related, i clicked on it to see what it was all about.

As posted by the user, here is waht the bulletin displayed:

------------------------------------------
I guess i'm Racist (White Pride)
You pass me on the street and sneer in my direction.

You call me "Cracker", "Honkey", "Whitey" and you think it's OK.

But when I call you, nigger, Kike, Towelhead, Sand-nigger, Camel Jockey, or Beaner, you call me a racist.

You say that whites commit a lot of violence against you, so why are the ghettos the most dangerous places to live

You have the United Negro College Fund.
You have Martin Luther King Day.
You have Black History Month.
You have Cesar Chavez Day.
You have Yom Hashoah
You have Ma'uled Al-Nabi
You have the NAACP.
You have BET.

If we had WET(white entertainment television) we'd be racists

If we had a White Pride Day you would call us racists.

If we had white history month, we'd be racists.

If we had an organization for only whites to "advance" our lives, we'd be racists.

If we had a college fund that only gave white students scholarships, you know we'd be racists.

In the Million Man March, you believed that you were marching for your race and rights. If we marched for our race and rights, you would call us racists.

You are proud to be black, brown, yellow and orange, and you're not afraid to announce it. But when we announce our white pride, you call us racists.

You rob us, carjack us, and shoot at us.
But, when a white police officer shoots a black gang member or beats up a black drug-dealer running from the law and posing a threat to society, you call him a racist.

I am white.
I am proud.

But, you call me a racist.
Why is it that only whites can be racists?

Repost if you agree

*Now watch, I'll be a racist for posting this*
------------------------------------------

After lookin at this I thought, hmm rather interesting. I'm glad that I can be attributed to the stereotypes that you have about those of a different background - more specifically african american

obviously i dont really care who you are, but if you want to be proud of your background go right ahead and do it. you will have no objections from me whatsoever. Anyone who knows me would know that I'm one of the least racist people out there - i grew up in a predominately white community, my high school was one of the more diverse ones in my county and a good portion of my friends are of different backgrounds than myself. But I just felt the need to voice my thoughts on the situation

Attacking things like BET, NAACP, Martin Luther King Day or the United Negro College Fund is ridiculous in my mind.

Last time I checked, black people weren't the only ones who watch BET. Last time I checked, Martin Luther King wasn't just for uplifting black people but he worked for equality for all, which is why we celebrate his birthday as a national holiday. He wanted to make the world a better place for everyone, not just his own people. Maybe the NAACP and the United Negro College Fund are exclusive to those of color, but there are solid reasons for those organizations being in place. The fact is simple that if you look at most of the rich people in our country they are who - white males. As a whole, I'd say the white race hasn't experienced the hardships of African Americans (and thats not to say taht there aren't whites who are struggling because that totally isn't the case)

And its not all peple of color who commit crimes and complain about the justice system. Most people who get caught in acts, regardless of color, complain about those things. The race card might come up and in some cases it has been accurate. But I truly don't have a problem with an officer doing his job and keeping the evil off the streets.

So its not true that whites are just racists, its equally spread among everyone. Everyone has some extent of racist bias but I think various racial acts/stereotypes tend to effect people of color more than whites.

more pics from the Chicago auto show

Chicago

Last Sunday, i went to one of my favorite cities and had a pretty good time even though it was only for a few hours.

My dad called me last minute saturday night asking if i wanted to go to the auto show. i wasnt up to much besides watchin the all star game so I decided to make the 2+ hour trip home and my dad drove the 99 miles from our house to chicago.

The auto show was pretty cool. It was at McCormick place which is right next to Soldier Field, so it was right in the heart of the city. After leaving the show, my dad and I rolled around Michigan Ave (the Magnificent Mile) just to check it out because we both love Chicago.

There were a lot of cool cars at the show tho, such as the hummer above. They also had some sweet cobalts (my next car), tons of sweet solstices as well as hummers and jeeps. They were even giving jeep rides and had a test course where people could test drive a car. Definitely a solid show to say the least.

Before coming back to Adrian that night I got my laptop from home. Its pretty sweet and has plenty of space on it. My mom also sent me back with some ground round, roast and brownies - you gotta love getting food from the crib.

By the time I got back to A-town I was able to catch a majority of the second half of the all star game and see the four Pistons spark the East to victory. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday.

In Joe D I trust

When it comes to making personnel moves and building a basketball team, all I have to say is in Joe I trust - that is Joe Dumars

The decision to deal Darko to Orlando I think was a great decision. I was mad at first, especialyl after I heard the Pistons got someone (Kelvin Cato) who was barely going to play if at all and would more than likely get waved. But then after thinking about it, I see why it is potentially a great decision, like because:

A - Darkowasn't contributing much anyways and there was no way he would crack the Pistons lineup with Ben, Sheed, and McDyess all playing in the front court
B - if the starting five stays intact there is no guaranteed chance he would have even played next year
C - plus the Pistons get a first round pick either in 2o07 or 08 out of it
D - also it can help the Pistons lock up Ben and Chauncey to keep the starting five intact

As for right now, I think it was the right thing to do - the Pistons are on a team trying to win championships now - while their window of opportunity is still open and they are one of the top teams in the league. In essence they really won't be hurt this year by the loss of Darko. In the future he might come back to haunt them with some big nights and that is fine. Look at what Mehmet Okur is doing out in Utah.

The only bad thing about this trade was losing a backup point guard in Carlos Arroyo. He was one of those high energy guys and was always up on the bench cheering on his teammates even though he wanted badly to be in all the time. But in essence there is really no need to worry about Arroyo being gone as long as Dumars can find a back-up guard to play 10 to 15 minutes a night before the trading deadline on Feb. 23.

There are several guards i would love to see in a Pistons uniform, including

Speedy Claxton, New Orleans: his name has come up a lot and he was a part of the Spurs when they won the title in 2003. Hes averaging 12 points per game off the bench for the Hornets this year

Mike James, Toronto: He came to the Pistons in 2004 in the deal when they got Sheed and was a key component off the bench of the championship team

Chucky Atkins, Memphis: highly unlikely since he recently joined the Grizzlies but it would be awesome to have his scoring off the bench

Mainly I hope Dumars can acquire a backup guard of some type because I dont think Hunter can hold up for a long time, especially if Chauncey Billups was to get hurt. And also Alex Acker is a rookie and probably not ready to make a big impact on a championship caliber team.

But in essence, I think Dumars has a good mind and will do what is necessary for the Pistons so they can remain in position to win. I might not have liked him picking Darko over Carmelo back in that 2003 draft, or when he traded away Grant Hill or Jerry Stackhouse but hes taken risks and has assembled the best team in the league. So its hard to fault the decisions he makes

While I'm talking about the Pistons, it will be nice to see four Pistons in the All-Star game on Sunday and will be great to see them enter the game at the same time. I'm definitely looking forward to the All Star game this year for sure. And its also cool that Billups is in the 3-point contest

the past two weeks

For the most part, I havent really been up to much at all the past few weeks
- Just a brief recap

Last week was a busy week as covering things. I covered basketball games on Tuesday and Friday and on Saturday I covered the county volleyball tournament.

Tuesday I saw LCS beat Madison - I like going there to cover basketball games - the coach is a pretty cool guy and I love programs that have success and do it the right way and watching teams that are fundamentally sound.

Friday I saw Onsted play Hudson in a game that was a blow out - it was also their winter homecoming that night and I swear I felt like I was at a damn prom show. They had girls and guys that were on the court decked out in nice dresses and suits and shit. When I was in high school it wasn't anything too formal like that - but whatever. And the music playing just made it feel like it was a prom - they had the lights in the gym dimmed and the song "Give me one moment in time" was playing. Quite cheesy if you ask me.

The county volleyball tournament was decent too and there were quite a few different matchups.

Didn't really do much else exciting during that week other than make a visit up to EMU on Thursday to visit some pals. I had to visit my little adopted freshman friends (they are juniors now) so whenever I come up they always want to go to Steak and Shake - which is exactly what we did. Its always cool catchin up with Andrea, Rachel, Cynthia and Jennifer considering I hung out with them quite a bit my last two years of college. I also got a chance to visit my buddy Casey for a bit and met some of her roommates.

And this week was also Valentines day - ended up taking the girlfriend out for dinnerat Applebees and getting her a few things. She ended up gettin me tickets to the Pistons game on April 16. They play the New York Knicks - should be a blowout - hopefully everyone will be healthy for that game.

Anyways there was also a lot of interesting news like Darko getting traded, the Olympics sucking and the coolest show ever in American Idol but i'll save those for a later time

Steelers it is

I've finally made up my mind - I'm going with Pittsburgh

No its not because they are favored and that they have received so much attention this week - its just that i simply think they will get it done.

Why?? - mainly its because i think that Ben Roethlisberger will excel while Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselback will struggle. Just my take on things - but I also ran a simulation that further proves my point. Playing Madden 06 with both teams it seems like Roethlisberger will fare better against the Seahawks defense than Hasselback will fare against the Steelers d

It seems like Roethlisberger can do more damage and he isnt afraid to pull the ball down and make something happen. Plus it will be nice to see the Steelers win since it is more than likely Jerome Bettis' final game. Yes it is hard to get to the Super Bowl, but I'm sure Seattle will be back again sometime soon - barring they resign some of their key components like Shaun Alexander and Mike Holmgren.

I just think today's game will be a script that Hollywood writers would love and it will end with Bettis holding up the Lombardi trophy in his final game in the city where his career began - Detroit.

Bull in the stands

This right here is plain crazy - imagine a 1,000 pound bull jumping into the stands

MEXICO CITY - A half-ton bull named Pajarito, or "Little Birdy," jumped into the stands during a bullfight, injuring several spectators before it was killed.
Officials said Monday they planned to reinforce Mexico City's most famous bullring after the bull leaped into the stands on Sunday, landing on spectators who tried to scatter as the animal ran through the aisles.
The bull easily cleared the wall around the bullring and a second, higher fence as it crashed into the stands.
Eventually one of the bullfight participants crawled up into the stands and stabbed the animal to death.
At least two people were hospitalized.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11107702/from/RSS/

Bu, Bu, Bu, Billups

Another game, another win for the Detroit Pistons. This time they defeated Kobe Bryant and the Lakers to improve to 37-5 and theres no reason that they shouldnt have two or more all stars. There also is no reason why Chauncey Billups shouldn't be the NBA's most valuable player since he has been such a big reason for Detroit's start - which is one of the best starts in NBA history.

Billups has flourished under new coach Flip Saunders and has helped the Pistons update their offensive production from previous years and he is making great decisions with the ball. This season he ranks second in the league in assist per turnover at 3.85. he is dishing out a career-high 8.6 assists per game (previous best was 5.8 helpers per game last season and for his career he averages 4.9 assists)

As effective as he has been passing the ball, Billups (the Pistons second leading scorer at 19.5 ppg) has picked his spots and also has burned opponents from 3-point range as he has made 95 3-pointers through the first 41 games (fifthin the league) and is shooting 43.8 percent from being the arc. He has came up big in the stretch during several games and his all around versatility (decision making, scoring ability, clutch play, defense, free throw shooting) is helping the Pistons continue their torrid season.

Arguments can be made for Kobe Bryant, who means a liot to the Lakers and is having a great season as he leads the league in scoring. But the thing that is different is that Bryant is a one man show and he is not helping his team to the tremendous start that the Pistons have had. Plus its not every year that a team goes halfway through the season with just five losses. 81 points is remarkable and Kobe is a great player but the MVP should be Billups in my mind

Visited states

create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.