Show Me The Way To Go Home I’m Tired And I Want To Go To Bed .. !
By tophatal | May 13, 2008
Say what you will about the Boston Celtics but they’re now proving to be either a reliable bunch of stiffs. Or they just can’t play the game of basketball at all away from home. But considering that their away record in the regular season was an impressive ……..31-10 (.756 %) on the road it’d suggest that this is a competitive team. Infact they’ve been anything but that on the road. They’ve become an anathema to their fans and have left even the most ardent of NBA fans . What’s up with this team ?
LeBron James shoots over the outstretched arms of Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics. picture courtesy of nbae getty images/ David Liam Kyle ………..
Last night’s 88-77 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semi finals game four was their fifth straight away loss this postseason. They’ve yet to win on the road and it’s becoming abundantly clear that either this team is running scared or they just have no stomach for a competitive game away from their home venue. In winning the game the Cavaliers have squared the series at two games apiece in the best of seven series. And it now has the NBA world wondering whether or not the regular season play of the Celtics was just an aberration or are they capable of turning things around ? Certainly at this moment in time it’d be anyone’s guess.
Delonte West of the Cleveland Cavaliers holds off Rajon Rondo of the Celtics. picture courtesy of getty images/ Gregory Shamus ………..
In their triumvirate of All Stars Ray Allen , Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce it can be said that these seasoned veterans with their experience ought to be displaying more leadership and will than we’ve seen thus far. Instead what we’ve seen are shifting circumstances where none of them as of yet have come to the fore . And shown either the leadership expected or stamped their authority on a game or series thus far.
Kevin Garnett of the Celtics seems determined to keep ahold of the ball from the advancing Joe Smith, Daniel Gibson and Anderson Varejao of the Cavaliers during game four played at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Oh. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Jesse D Garrabant …………
Mike Brown of the Cavaliers as their coach has risen to the occasion and obviously is out to prove that as reigning Eastern Conference champions the team’s appearance in last year’s finals wasn’t just a one off . If anything he’s out to prove to the naysayers around the league that this time around they’re capable of making it there again. And if anything are better equipped to do so this time , especially if they’re able to overcome the anemic play of the Boston Celtics. There’s a renewed vigor about this Cavaliers’ team that wasn’t apparent at the start of this series. In coming back from an 0-2 deficit they’ve shown themselves to be the equal of their conference rivals.
Rajon Rondo of the Celtics makes his jump shot whilst evading the play of Zydrunas Ilgauskas of the Cavaliers . picture courtesy of getty images/ Gregory Shamus..
Much has been made of the Celtics and their regular season play and the fact that they layed waste to much of the league’s better teams. Well in the Eastern Conference that was indeed very much the case. In the Western Conference where the competitive nature is much stiffer they did have their ups and down. Their 66-16 (.804 % ) regular season record was intimidating in nature . But even that in the end doesn’t explain what we’re now seeing from this team. They’ve shown themselves to be consistently inconsistent throughout much of the postseason . And they were pushed almost to the very limits by the sternly competitive and lightly taken Atlanta Hawks.
Topics: Eastern Conference semi finals playoff, NBA | 7 Comments »
It Was A Tragedy But It Wasn’t The End Of The World
By tophatal | May 5, 2008
On Saturday we were feted to the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The most prestigeous equine racing event in North America was all that it was meant to be . We had the favorite Big Brown prove to us all that the furore surrounding his previous displays were indeed justified. And in winning the Derby in the way that he did on Saturday once again proves that we may well have another Triple Crown contender within our midst.
Big Brown ridden by Kent Desormeaux leads Gayego ridden Mike Smith as they leave the gates at the start of the running of the Kentucky Derby. picture courtesy of getty images/matthew stockman ……………
But it’s so hard nowadays for that particular feat to be attained that we’ll hype the credentials of any horse that we deem to fit the bill. And when one considers that the Triple Crown has been won since 1978 by legendary horse Affirmed . One can understand the sort of credentials needed to accomplish that very feat. Stealth as well as guile and speed are needed. And it’d appear that Big Brown has this in abundance.
Coming out of turn 4 Big Brown leads the pack down the final quarter of a mile in the Kentucky Derby. Eight Belles would end up finishing second some 5 1/2 lengths behind the winner. An unforeseen tragedy would unfold as Eight Belles would have to be euthanized having broken both front forelocks at the end of the race. picture courtesy of getty images/matthew stockman …………..
Having to start in an outside starting gate was seen as a disadvantage for the favorite from the start . And being asked to start in gate twenty must’ve been as the ultimate insult to his trainer Ray Duttrow. But it basically played into the hands fo the favorite from the outset asd he just steadied his pace and toyed with the field at will. For the 150,000 people in attendance and the millions watching at home the spectacle itself was an eye to behold. But then again such is thoroughbred racing here in North America besides the Derby and the other two legs of the Triple Crown . It rarely raises an eyebrow in the conscience of the sporting public at large. And over the space of the next six weeks many of us may well be watching to see what’ll unfold as to Big Brown’s exploits . And whether or not he can add to other two legs of the Triple Crown to his resume’ . It wont be easy to win The Preakness and The Belmont Stakes in such a short period of time. But should he be able to do it would be a great achievment indeed !
Big Brown crosses the finish line ahead of the filly Eight Belles who would finish second in the race. picture courtesy of getty images/andy lyons ………..
Thoroughbred racing in North America every year cries out for a horse to come along that’ll capture the nation’s attention. If only to bring the sport back to the fore and the lofty pedestal it once had. Unfortunately however the sport has seen a wane in its popularity and courses across the country have closed to down to make way for shopping malls , and other commercial as well as residential developments. Pari- mutuel gambling and the OTB that drives the sport is still there in some form or another. But the sums wagered on thoroughbred racing pales into insignificance when measured against that of college football and the NFL in particular. And at the same time across the country it appears that the various courses are at a loss as to how to reinvent and define themselves in terms of attracting new patrons to the sport.
Gabriel Saez the rider of Eight Belles walks from the track as staff try to keep Eight Belles from further injurying herself. Both of the filly’s front ankles were broken in a freak accident once the race had ended. She was euthanized by veterinary staff on hand at Churchill Downs. picture courtesy of ap/photos/brian bohannon…….
Concerts galore with named acts tend to only draw in the curious though not necessarily the most ardent fans of the sport. And the coverage given to the sport nationwide via television broadcasts tend to only cover the three main legs of the Triple Crown and that perhaps that of the Breeders Cup events that normally takes place over the course of one day. Even if it’s said that the most fabolous of equine talent in the world is meant to be on display racing allegedly for the largest purses in all of thoroughbred racing.
Desormeaux acknowledges the public’s praise as he and his mount are escorted to the winner’s enclosure. picture courtesy of ap/photos/al behrman ………….
And with all of the accomplishments of the NTRA they seem to be at a loss as to how to bring back the luster of racing to the public’s attention. The wiles of Big Brown and his popularity gained in him winning the Derby may well bring him to the nation’s attention. As too may well have the unforeseen tragedy of Eight Belles’ loss. As she was euthanized and now becomes something of a topic to be discussed amongst us. Well those who find the sport something of a pleasure. But if this is all that can be afforded to us by the NTRA is it any wonder why the sport on of itself finds it so hard to garner some appeal amonngst us all ? As the sport’s governing body nationwide they’re struggling to make ends meet but at the same time are still entrusted to make the sport viable and entertaining in value for its patrons. Something that they’re hard pressed to do and are struggling with each passing year . A Triple Crown winner may well the cure to all of the their ills at this juncture and at the same time it’ll give their fans something to talk about once and for all.
tophatal ……………………………….
Topics: Horse Racing ......Kentucky Derby, NTRA (National Thoroughbred Racing Association), The Preakness, The Belmont Stakes, The Kentucky Derby, The Triple Crown | 2 Comments »
Uneasy Is The King Who Wears A Crown ………..
By tophatal | April 29, 2008
Within the last two days we’ve seen two NBA franchises basically come apart at the seams. In both cases each lost a coach one through being fired the other with him actually submitting his resignation basically to himself. So it is within the world we like to call the NBA.
Heat GM and President Pat Riley (l) having announced his resignation formerly introduces his successor Erick Spoelstra (c) to the press. Also pictured is the Heat’s owner Mickey Arison(r). picture courtesy of nbae/gettyimages/izzac baldizon……..
President , GM and sometime coach Pat Riley in effect hands in his resignation to himself and willingly accepts it. And then announces his successor , the little known Erick Spoelstra whose background has been as an assistant within the Heat organization for the past fourteen years. He’s worked his way up though their hierarchy and it now seems to have paid off for him finally.
Riley and his young protoge’ Erick Spoelstra arrive at the Heat’s headquarters prior to the official announcement. picture courtesy of ap/photo/lynne sladsky……
In Charlotte GM Michael Jordan saw fit to fire first year coach Sam Vincent after a disappointing season. The much maligned Jordan obviously doesn’t want to made or seen as the laughing stock of the league. And I’d dare say that after his tenure at the helm of the Washington Wizards as GM you’d have thought that he’d have made some progress as a front office executive ? At the largesse of billionaire owner Robert Johnson the founder of BET . Jordan was brought in to add some sparkle to the franchise that has waned in mediocrity for the majority of its existence.
Sam Vincent formerly head coach of the Charlotte Bobcats who was fired after posting a 32-50 record in his first season as a professional coach within the NBA. picture courtesy of ap/photo/chuck burton ……..
Upon his being brought in not only as the GM but aslo a part owner it seems Jordan has squandered much of what he’d learned as a player . As a GM he’s shown that his knowledge at best when it comes to player personnel is sparse. And were it not for the Kwame Brown saga in Washington we’d still be in awe somewhat of Jordan and all that he’s done for the game of basketball. That lone mistep set back the franchise almost five years and Jordan himself could not escape the shame and ridicule placed upon his shoulders after that particular debacle.
Larry Brown the newly inaugurated coach of the Charlotte Bobcats. This’ll be Brown’s ninth coaching position within the NBA. picture courtesy of ap/photo/ l m otero …………..
After a season of discontent a record posted of 32-50 it can be said that the only way is up for the franchise. In part they’ve a good nucleus of players but no one with the apparent acumen for coaching the team. Too much was expected of Vincent as a first year coach. And much of that blame can be laid at the door of Jordan at whose insistence Sam Vincent was hired. It’s safe to say that even here Jordan is not that great a judge of talent. And now it should come as no surprise that he’s now is going to try the true and tested method of hiring a retread as the next coach of the franchise. This time around it’d be more appropriate to even question his judgement as to the choice as it is none other than the erstwhile wondering vagabond and minstrel Larry Brown.
Fred Whitfield Chief Operating Officer of the Charlotte Bobcats addresses the press during a conference informing them of the naming rights of the Bobcats’ home venue, Time Warner Cable Arena. Seated at the rear are owner Robert Johnson (l), GM and President Michael Jordan (r) . picture courtesy of ap/eurosport.yahoo.co.uk/sports/nba ……
It says much about the two individuals in Riley and Jordan who’ve known adulation and success at unprecedented levels within the NBA. Between the two of them they’ve won multiple NBA championships in their respective fields. But in their chosen fields as front office excutives that success has been sparse to say the least. And yes one can point to the fact that Riley stepped back into the fray after Stan Van Gundy was unceremoniously dumped from his position as coach of the Heat. Wherein he coached the team to its lone championship of its existence. But since then the franchise has known nothing but abject failure. And their record this past season bares this out with 15-67 posting the worst record in the league , this year. It was something that Riley wasn’ willing to take the blame for as he all but bailed on the team prior to the close of the regular season stating that he was off to scout for new talent. The team itself imploded and limped its way down the final stretch of the season.
Rapper Nelly shares a comedic moment with owner Robert Johnson and his GM Michael Jordan during a game at the Time Warner Cable Arena against the Philadelphia 76 ers. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ kent smith …………
The Charlotte Bobcats for its part has been anathema to many seemingly consistent and showing signs of improvement. But all too suddenly it disappears and they’re back to the depths of mediocrity once again. And as talented as this young team might appear to be on paper its been due to the lack of coaching that has basically led to their malaise through much of their existence within the NBA. In the case of owner Robert Johnson you have an owner who’s unwilling to accept failure as a constant. Especially when you consider his business philosophy and background. A self made man , businessman , billionaire from the ground up whose business interests are wide ranging from publishing , to finance, banking, real estate development , commercial as well as private , and aviation. In each of these fields he’s had success. But in appeasing Jordan it’d appear that he’s willing to take a back seat and forego that chance while appeasing Jordan while he tries to turn things around.
Charlotte guard Raymond Felton reacts after scoring a three pointer that secured a 115-109 win over the Philadelphia 76 ers in a homecourt win. picture courtesy of ap/photo/chuck barton ……………
The patience of the fans in Charlotte can’t be all that limitless and at some time or another they will begin to revolt and voice their disapproval. The players themselves can only do what it asked of them up to a point. But when there’s no real authority or leadership coming from up on high. They too are bound to feel aggrieved and disconsolate. It’s one thing to have the players endure this but for the hard working and paying fans it’s something entirely different.
Topics: Charlotte Bobcats, Mami Heat, Michael Jordan, NBA, Pat Riley | 19 Comments »
If You Are What You Say You Are Then Have No Fear ..!
By tophatal | April 23, 2008
These are the lyrics to a poignant song ”Superstar ” by the rapper Lupe Fiasco . It deals with the sudden onburst of stardom, regret and fame and fortune. And as much that has been said of te start of the NBA playoffs. There have been some fascinating stories that’ve unfolded. None more so than the back and forth riposts between Spurs and Suns’ fans.
Spurs’ fans in the crowd last night show their approval having heard that Manu Ginobli had won the 6th Man Player Of The Year Award. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/joe murphy…..
Well you’re now reading the words of one of the most ardent Spurs’ fans within this forum. Last night’s game between the two teams left no one in doubt which of the two teams is the best and which one wishes that they had the fortitude and voracity to finish off a game in the appropriate manner. In both cases it’s certainly not the Phoenix Suns. They’ve proved themselves to be woefully inept in this series thus far. And it’s now beginning to rile their fans to the point where the excuses are becoming insanely comical to say the least. But that’s what you’d somehow expect of a fan who no longer really has any faith in their team’s overall play.
Spurs’ forward is guarded by the Suns’ Shaquille O’Neal. picture courtesy of getty images/ronald martinez …….
I was told by a number of Suns’ fans that their team would be ready and primed to take on the Spurs and acquit themselves well in the process. So far the evidence of that has been marginal at best. And the outpouring of excuses are what you’d often expect from either a politician or a young child. I’d leave it up to you as to which of them would be the more plausible at this juncture.
Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs goes for the layup whilst Amare Stoudemire of the Suns looks on. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ d clarke evans………
Last night’s 102-96 win by San Antonio now leaves the current NBA champions in the driving seat as far as the series goes. And with the Suns facing a 0-2 deficit they’ve now got everything to play for and at the same time everything to lose. It was thought that with the introduction of Shaquille O’Neal to the team they’d become more resolute as at a team that had a sense of purpose . At this juncture nothing could be further from the truth. They’ve just proved that the more things change the more they stay the same. The Suns as a team will always be one that’s predicated on offense and offering very little else by way of defense on the opposite end of the floor.
Topics: NBA, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs | 16 Comments »
B Hop May Have Finally Met His Match ……..
By tophatal | April 18, 2008
Much has been made of the stellar career of boxing legend Bernard Hopkins. He’s taken on allcomers at the weights that he’s fought at and never has he once complained win , lose or draw. He just goes out there and gives of himself and more in order to defeat his opponent.
Hopkins seen here in preparation for his upcoming light heavyweight fight against Joe Calzaghe. The bout’ll take place at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, NV. picture courtesy of images.google.com/sports/boxing/bernardhopkins
However on Saturday night when he takes on Welshman Joe Calzaghe in a light heavyweight bout. He may well finally meeting his own personal ‘Waterloo ‘. In Calzaghe he’ll be meeting an unbeaten , proven fighter of the highest quality and caliber. Not that the man known as B-Hop is any slouch either. He’s proven that he’s capable of going up against the best and acquitting himself adequately.
Joe Calazaghe the undisputed super middleweight champion of the world seen here facign Mikkael Kessler of Denmark. picture courtesy of bbc.co.uk/sports/
For Cazalghe the highly touted undisputed supermiddleweight champion this will prove to be the ultimate test for his already impressive career. He’s been at the top echelons of the sport for over a decade and has beaten everyone he’s had to face at this juncture. Having won the WBO middleweight title from fellow Brit Chris Eubank in 1995 he’s been on a steady ascent to the top of the ranks boxing’s current stars. At this moment in time he’s the only undisputed champion in the ranks of professional boxing. Something that the sport is urgently in need of in even greater measures.
Hopkins seen here defeating former light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver for his WBA belt. picture courtesy of blackvoices.com/sport/boxing/hopkinstarver
The fight itself will be shown live on HBO 9:45 ET and it’s something that fight fans’ll be appreciative of. Considering the exorbitant prices they’re asked to pay for the PPV events staged where the prices can at times range upward from $29.95 to $49.95 for certain title and none title bouts. It’d appear that the avarice of the promoters know no bounds even when the events at times have been less than entertaining. In some cases we’ve witnessed where the main event has been woefully abysmal and the undercard has been where the entertainment has been gleaned by way of the excitement provided.
Calzaghe seen here in his fight where he destroyed the previously unbeaten Mikkel Kessler of Denmark and in doing so he unified the super middleweight division. picture courtesy of images.google.com/sports/boxing/calzaghekessler…..
Current belt holders within the division Chad Dawson and Taver himself don’t carry or possess the allure of either Calzaghe or Hopkins. And it can be said even though they’re considered champions within the divsion. It’s to Calzalghe and Hopkins to which the public and fight fans are paying their attention to. The fight itself has wetted the appetite and anticipation of the fans far and wide. And Calzaghe has brought along his own cheerleading crowd of several thousand in the hope of seeing their hero defeat the legendary Hopkins.
Topics: Bernard Hopkins, Boxing, Joe Calzaghe | 7 Comments »
Good Girls Gone Bad …Megan Fox Meet Meagan Good !
By tophatal | April 9, 2008
Much has been made of these two young aspiring female actresses. And there body of work thus far leads me to believe that they’ll make the steady climb up the Hollywood ladder. Megan Fox was seen in last year’s hit movie Transformers. The movie though not a darling of the critics garnered some $350m domestically at the box office and further $400m internationally. Certainly raising the profile of Fox and her co stars. But that’s not the reason we’re here as it’s Fox that we’re interested and what she has to offer us testerone driven males by way of our desires.
Her counterpart Meagan Good is as equally talented an actress though her profile is that of Fox’s. She’s been very much the staple where her role asks for a heroine that’s thoughtful , beautiful and intelligent. Much of her roles have been in action flicks or light comedy with a penchant of the two mixed in for good measure. Her last role of note was in the dance flick Stomp the Yard alongside stars Columbus Short and r & b phenom Chris Brown.
So without further ado guys here’s what you’ve been waiting for.
A disrobed Megan Fox with nothing but a towel to cover modesty.
Coy but suitably attired Megan Fox in a library. Reading is a necessity and the appropriate bedtime reading would be reading in bed with the delectable Fox.
Mirror on the wall who’s the fairest of them all ? Why you are Megan , you are offcourse !
Is she searching for something in the long grass ? Or is it that she just wants to show off some of her assets ?
Make your comparisons at will between Fox and Good. Let me know what you think as to their merits by posting a comment.
Pop the hood Megan and show us what you’re working with ?
A curvacious Meagan Good squeezes every ounce of sexuality that she can exude for us.
At least she’ll leave us something to the imagination Ms Good will. But I don’t care that my mind’ll be playing tricks on me….. courtesy of Bushwick Bill.
Good stands tall with authority and one can see the reason why.
Whatever Meagan happens to be looking for I’m sure somewhere along the way she’ll be able to find it.
I think it’s meant to be a whore in the bedroom and businesslike in the boardroom ? But whatever Meagan chooses would be fine by me !
A sardonic and smoldering beauty Meagan leaves us in no doubt what’s on her mind.
So come one come all let me know what’s on your mind concerning these two and remember they are good girls gone bad .
tophatal ………..
Topics: Luscious Ladies, Meagan Good, Megan Fox | 14 Comments »
Would You Buy A Used Car From This Man ?
By tophatal | April 5, 2008
<span style=”font-size: xx-small; font-family: georgia,palatino;”>As you all know I’m an avid fight fan and though as of late there’s much feel optimistic about when it comes to the sport . I can’t help but wonder how it is that a sport that was once so loved by many can now be detested by the majority of spectators of boxing in general. For almost forty years promoter Don King has stood at the pinnacle of the sport. It was through his very endeavors that PPV events came into being . And be that as it may it’s either viewed as a boost or a boon to the sport.
Don King seen here adressing the press in Panama City , Panama. King was in attendance at a summit convened by the WBA dealing with how bes