NBA – Boston Celtics defeat Los Angeles Lakers 109-96 (1/30/11)

Postgame Thoughts

1)     The Celtics were out for revenge. It was evident and if you were watching, you could see that with the way they played. Isn’t it weird that the two most dependable players on each team (Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics) disappeared in Game 7 but showed up this game? Coincidence? I think not.

2)     What if Kendrick Perkins didn’t get injured in Game 6? What if Ray Allen didn’t disappear after Game 2? What if Rasheed Wallace was never on the team? What if the referees were more consistent with calls? What if? What if? What if? So many “what if’s” about the outcome of the series HAD everything gone the C’s way. Celtics were up 3-2 going to L.A. They had a two chances to close it out. Still haunts me ‘til this day. Should really be chasing after Banner #19.

3)     Celtics got beat on the boards when Kendrick Perkins went down in the Finals. Good to see that the Celtics controlled the boards 43-30. How are these games decided by rebounds? Simple. When teams get rebounds, it denies second chance opportunities. And when you deny second chance opportunities, you deny extra points. That’s why the Celtics lost in the Finals.

4)     That huge band-aid on Kevin Garnett’s head was the greatest thing I have ever seen.

5)     Von Wafer played a total of two seconds. Must’ve been a terrible feeling. That’s what she said.

6)     34-10 assists edge to the Celtics. That’s ridiculous and speaks VOLUMES to what kind of team the Celtics are and what the Lakers are. Unselfishness. We all know Rajon Rondo is an assist machine, but when he ALONE has more assists than the whole Lakers COMBINED is just mind-boggling. There is no stopping Rondo when he plays his game like that. He knows where his team likes their spots and when to give it to them.

7)     Still weird seeing Shaquille O’Neal in green. It looks good on him, though.

8)     When Kobe goes into “Kob-ME” mode, you can’t help but think he’s a ball hog. I mean, how many times did he shoot the ball in the fourth quarter trying to get his team back into the game? When none of his teammates are involved, that spells trouble. This has a lot to do with why the Lakers had only 10 assists the whole game.  RUH-OH!

9)     Celtics shot 60.3% from the field. RI-DIC-U-LOUS.

10)  Can’t wait for part two on February 10! #beleedat

SAYONARA!

Thoughts on the Boston Red Sox 1/27/11

                                                                                                                                                                

What it do, errbody? Goodness gracious, it has been awhile since my last blog post. January 15th to be exact. It has been a weird week for me. Sorry for the lackage (is that even a word?) of blog posting; I’ll make it up to you I promise! What exactly? I don’t know. You let me know what you want. That’s why they call me Mr. FedEx because I always deliver. CHEESY. I know.


On Monday while I was going to work, the car was making awkward noises. At first I couldn’t make out what it was because it was just a streaking of thumping noises. My father didn’t even notice something was wrong with the car until I mentioned it. After a couple of guesses, I thought to myself, “Sounds like a flat tire.” Lo and behold was I right. Luckily my father was driving me because if it were just me, I would’ve freaked out (don’t make fun of me). Unfortunately, that meant I was going to be late which I knew was going to happen.


After coming off of work, I heard bad news that my grandmother had a fall. I didn’t know what to make of it because she had a fall from a previous time but it didn’t prove to be too serious. This one was a little different. She fell to the point where she landed on her face from what she told me. There are contusions and what looks like burn marks (bruises?) on her forehead and around her eyes. I’m thinking she slipped on ice.


My grandma does WAY too many things for my family. I appreciate EVERYTHING she does and I do not take it for granted. It’s hard to tell her to just take it easy. She just keeps going and going and that’s what I admire about her. I’m just glad that she’s not seriously injured and didn’t break any bones. She’s a strong woman. That’s all that matters to me.

Now that that’s off my chest… time to clear out my mind with…







10 Thoughts





1) February 14. This is the day Red Sox pitchers and catchers will report to Spring Training. So. Unbelievably. Excited. Mark those calendars. Circle that date. Only 18 more days until we get a glimpse of what the Red Sox will look like.


2) There is going to be a reasonably high (and rightfully so) amount of expectations for this team when baseball season starts. How can there not be? With the additions of stud players, Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford, the Red Sox have also bolstered up a much-needed help in the bullpen with Bobby Jenks, Dan Wheeler, and Matt Albers. Gone are the Manny Delcarmen’s; the Ramon Ramirez’s, and a bunch of other spot relievers. Hideki Okajima, though, will be coming back for one more round.

Hip, hip, HOORAY

3) Although I hate to make predictions right now, it would be rather unrealistic to say that the Red Sox are already reserving a trip to the World Series. I can most certainly understand why people would say that because quite frankly, the Sox DO look good on paper. ON PAPER. ON PAPER. Who’s to say the Red Sox are going to have a good, clean, healthy team by playoffs? (Yes, I’m foreshadowing the Sox will make it to the playoffs) You can’t disregard injuries and under-achievements; they’re part of the nature of the game. I certainly like the chances of the Red Sox going to the World Series though. That’s for sure. With the fact that Jacoby Ellsbury, Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Mike Cameron, and hell, even Marco Scutaro will all be healthy when the season starts is encouraging. Throw in Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez, I’d say the chances are pretty darn good.


4) The catching situation is going to be tricky. Do the Red Sox let Jarrod Saltalamacchia catch on Opening Day? Or do the Sox go with Jason Varitek? They’re saying Jason Varitek will be the backup catcher just like last year; only he will be playing a lot more often. Do they go with experience or the inexperienced? It will all likely depend on how Saltalamacchia performs and if he can stay uninjured.


5) Speaking of Opening Day, who do you think will be the Opening Day pitcher? I would have to say Jon Lester. It’s time for Josh Beckett to pass that torch and give it to the most consistent pitcher for the Sox the past 2-3 years. I hope Theo, Tito, and management will make the right move and let Lester pitch. Make Josh Beckett have to earn back that moniker. Right now, Jon Lester should be considered the “ace” of the staff. I’d like the starting rotation to go: Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz, John Lackey, and Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Move over Beckett, there’s a new ace in town

6) Marco Scutaro or Jed Lowrie for starting shortstop? I’d like to say Jed Lowrie, but that’s not happening. Why? Because you don’t sit down whatever sump of money Scutaro’s contract is to be on the bench. Jed Lowrie is also going to have to prove that he will be healthy going on the duration of a 162 game marathon. Only then can I see Lowrie vying games at shortstop. Hopefully he will be more than just a super-utility infielder. The guy definitely has upsides to his game.


7) Over or under? J.D. Drew will likely visit the D.L. four times.


8) Can we count on David Ortiz having a super slump again in May? Does a slow start show on the forecast? Hopefully for Big Papi’s sake, he won’t. Theo and co. generously picked up his option and he will be here in 2011. What happens after that will depend on his season in 2011. Would Red Sox Nation be able to live on life after the Big Papi era?

9) It’s still crazy to me to think that the Red Sox once had John Smoltz. I can’t be the only person who thinks of this. Can I?


10) Can the season start any sooner?! NOW PLEASE!







Be blessed, my children.

Thoughts on the Boston Celtics 01/15/11

Yo Yo Yo Yo Yo… YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! What’s the deal, my peoples? Hope everyone is having a splendid weekend! The winter weather here in Boston is really starting to kick in. We’re talking about 20 degrees. AHHH. The air is so cold and crisp; I sometimes feel icicles forming on my face when I stay out too long. Snow is coming in spurts. BUT, MAN, when it does, it’s no joke. We had about roughly 13 inches I want to say and it was brutal. In my opinion, the snow isn’t what bothers me. It’s that COLD WIND, especially when it’s blowing nonstop. That’s what I hate.

Did you know? 95% of people cannot start a conversation without mentioning the weather? Isn’t that depressing? Not DEPRESSING depressing, but depressing because people can’t start a conversation by… I DON’T KNOW… talking about something other than the weather? I think we already know; you don’t have to mention it. But, that’s just me. I’m just sayin’.

But, that’s besides the point…

What I really came to blog about today is…?

What?

The Boston Celtics?

10 Thoughts

1)     It seems that I cannot go without mentioning the C’s injuries in every thought. This has become a pressing issue. They cannot seem to catch a break. When one comes back from an injury, two go down. When those two come back, someone else goes down. Rinse and repeat. I can’t help but convert my optimism into pessimism thinking they’re all going to be healthy come playoff time. We’ll just have to wait and see.

2)     Jermaine O’Neal. WOW. How the hell did this guy pass his physical when he decided to join the Celtics? Danny Ainge should’ve known better because in previous seasons, he’s been on a gimpy knee. His Indiana days are long gone. Danny Ainge took a HUGE gamble and it’s looking like a blunder. I did not like this signing at all. And this proves why. I understood the team’s need for frontcourt depth until Kendrick Perkins returned but they could’ve at least looked for someone who was not injury prone and a little younger. The fact that he signed a two-year deal almost puts it to the level that of Rasheed Wallace’s three-year deal.

3)     Speaking of Rasheed Wallace, there are rumors going around that he may come out of retirement and rejoin the Celtics if need be when playoffs come. OH. MY. BUDDHA. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. The LAST thing the Celtics need is a guy who has a “lazy” mentality and is arguably considered a cancer to a team. Evidence? 50-32 last season. Tanking most of the regular season and “flipping the switch” when playoffs roll. I bet Rasheed Wallace had EVERYTHING to do with that mentality. Not to mention that this is the same guy who basically played out of shape and wants to rejoin the team??? NOW??? The C’s do not need his technicals, either. I’d rather much have Semih Erden continue playing than this guy.

4)     I feel like Rajon Rondo is almost trying TOO hard to stat-pad his assists. His assists/turnover ratio is 3.32. He’s leading the league in assists. Great. I distinctively remember on two different games where Rondo was left all alone with a trailing Ray Allen and GAVE UP two easy points to Ray and he dunked on both occasions. He’s being too “passing friendly.” This is not to knock on Rondo; he clearly has great vision and basketball IQ but he needs to learn to finish on his own.

5)     Celtics are back on top with an Eastern Conference best 30-9. Second best record in the NBA behind San Antonio. Not bad at all considering all the ongoing injuries this team has been facing.

6)     Kevin Garnett, please? Kendrick Perkins, please? Delonte West, please? Celtics are not a great rebounding team without KG and Perk.

7)     Luke Harangody has been playing great as of late. Is it too soon to consider him more of an energy guy than Glen “Big Baby” Davis? Nah, way too soon.

8)     Marquis Daniels. Keep belee'ing. AGAIN.

9)     Ray Allen will pass Reggie Miller in total 3-point field goals made. WITHOUT A DOUBT. I believe it’s 31 more to go? It’s only a matter of how long will he extend his new record to.

10)  Vonilla Wafer? Somebody had to do it.

Have a good one!

Mortal Kombat Annihilation review

WHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTUUUUUUUUUUPPPPPPPPPP!!! I am back once again for another installment of blog posting. The weather here in Boston is starting to get tiresome. I’m sure nobody likes the cold. Snow doesn’t help either when we get it. But then again, nobody likes the humidity when summer is here. I think when people say they can’t wait for summer, they mean it because of no school/a chance for vacation. Definitely not the humidity. At least that’s what I think. Who knows. I’m probably wrong. But I’m probably right. :)

Hope everyone survived the first week of 2011. Anyone break his or her New Year’s Resolution, yet? I know you did.

Quick note: Did everyone read about the fishes and birds randomly dying in masses? WHAT THE HECK? I thought we still had one more year. Where is everyone going to hide in 2012? I’m going to build a huge fort outside like the Rugrats did. Except this time I hope it’s just tennis balls raining from the sky. Not animals. And then I’ll eat ‘til I can’t eat no more.

I hope you’re ready for ANOTHER movie review because… that’s what I do on this blog? I don’t know. I think so. This time it’s…

I figure I’d switch it up a little bit and do a video game movie adaptation. How many of y’all seen this movie when you were a teenager? I’ve seen it a couple of times and thought it was the coolest movie EVER. Granted I wasn’t the biggest fan of the Mortal Kombat franchise, I was more of a Street Fighter guy. I liked that it was different from other fighting games because they had real people motion capture the moves. Add blood and gory move sets and you’ve got yourself a HELL OF A GOOD TIME. Oh yeah, NINJAS. What kid didn’t want to be a ninja when they grew up? I’m guilty of this.

What’s the deal: Six days. Six days is all the mighty warriors of the Earthrealm will get before their world merges with the Outworld. The portals were opened up by the hands of one evil emperor named Shao Kahn, after victory was bestowed on a previous tournament that was won by Liu Kang. This victory was supposed to hold peace on Earth for one more generation. But, Shao Kahn cheated, broke the rules, and resurrected Kitana’s mother, Sindel, to keep the portals open. What closes may open again. To ensure that this emergence won’t happen, Liu Kang and co. are going to have to fight Shao Kahn and his minions to prevent this.

Raiden, the thunder god and protector of the Earthrealm, warns Shao Kahn that as long as he has his power, he will never rule the Earthrealm. Fight ensues between Raiden and Shao Kahn with Raiden getting the upper hand until Shao Kahn gets sleazy and threatens to kill Sonya Blade. Johnny Cage disapproves and tries to butt his nose into things and gets caught up in the act. Shao Kahn makes him pay for his foolishness and shows him why being a chiropractor is his second occupation.

Didn’t even get a chance to speak

The death of Johnny Cage signifies that no one can do this alone. Raiden, Liu Kang, Kitana, and Sonya Blade are going to have to come together and fight as one. Raiden asks of Liu Kang, Sonya Blade, and Kitana to get stronger because outside of the Earthrealm, Raiden’s powers don’t exist.

Get to the point: The group decides to split into two; Raiden will go with Sonya Blade so she can unite with her partner Jax. Kitana and Liu Kang will head off another direction is hopes of searching for Nightwolf, a Native American shaman who might have answers to defeating Shao Kahn.

Along the way, Liu Kang and Kitana encounter some of your favorite Kombatants like cyborg Smoke, Sub-Zero, and Scorpion. Liu Kang and Kitana encounter Smoke but make quick ease of him with the aid of Sub-Zero. Scorpion suddenly appears, battles with Sub-Zero, and then ultimately kidnaps Kitana.

Meanwhile, Raiden waits for Sonya Blade as she searches for Jax. She heads to a laboratory to find Jax and he’s got some new bionic arms giving him quadruple times the strength and muscle capacity.

Thuggin’, buggin’, and straight mean MUGGIN’

Suddenly, Cyrax and a bunch of goonies decide to raid the laboratory and engage battle with Sonya/Jax. Lengthy battle with Cyrax but with the good guys coming out on top.

Back to Liu Kang, he makes his way into a desert and gets mauled by a wolf, which in truth is Nightwolf. Nightwolf introduces a feat called “animality,” a form of shape shifting that utilizes the user’s abilities and strength. Liu Kang’s lack of self-confidence puts him in great doubt in facing Shao Kahn. In achieving “animality,” Nightwolf gives three tests to Liu Kang, all in hopes of readily preparing him for the ultimate showdown.

First test is a test of courage in finding his “animality.” Liu Kang must put himself in a dream state. Nightwolf does the pleasure and knocks him unconscious. Liu Kang questions his own ability and knows that failure will result in losing everything and everyone. Liu Kang musters that fire and anger for a brief moment until he snaps back into reality.

The second test comes when a mysterious woman, Jade, tries to seduce Liu Kang into forgetting about Kitana. Having a bond that cannot be broken, Liu Kang musters out of Jade’s test and is successful.  She claims she can take Liu Kang to where Kitana is held captive at the Elder Gods’ temple. The third test is yet to be determined.

As time is ticking and the end is drawing near, Raiden sacrifices his immortal powers to join forces with the Earth warriors. In doing so, he no longer has the strength and power of the thunder god he once was.

 

With the help of Jade, Liu Kang makes his way into the temple and finds Kitana caged up. He tries to set her free but meets a familiar face…

B.A. Baracus?... uhhh… I mean BARAKA

Liu Kang engages in a fight with Baraka but then it looks like there is more of his kind. He makes quick work of them and ultimately finishes off the real Baraka. Sheeva, one of Shao Kahn’s minions, tries to intervene but ultimately gets smooshed by the cage Kitana is trapped in. Liu Kang sets Kitana free and they’re off to find Sindel.

When the whole gang and Jade do find Sindel, Jade exposes herself as a plant all along and confesses her allegiance to Shao Kahn. Sindel escapes and Jade does the same. Raiden lets everyone else know that Shao Kahn is his brother and that he couldn’t kill him then and certainly cannot kill him now. Once Sindel and Jade report back to Shao Kahn’s temple, Shao Kahn quickly dispatches Jade for not killing the Earth warriors on the spot while they were all gathered together. Sindel is spared for her non-actions.

The final showdown is about to go down with Raiden leading his group against Shao Kahn and his group. Shinnok, an Elder God and father of Raiden and Shao Kahn, demands Raiden to do the right thing and align with them. Raiden refuses and ends up dying to one of Shao Kahn’s energy blast.

pew pew pew pew pew

It essentially becomes a four on four fight. Kitana fights her mother Sindel; Jax takes on Motaro; Sonya Blade gets Ermac, and Liu Kang gets Shao Kahn. The Earth warriors all beat their respective opponents, but the real fight is just beginning with Liu Kang and Shao Kahn. Liu Kang struggles with Shao Kahn and there comes a time where Liu Kang is able to tap his “animality.” Shao Kahn disapproves and says that won’t be nearly enough and transforms into his own “animality.” After back and forth scuffling, Shinnok appears and tries to kill Liu Kang himself. Shinnok gets intervened by two other Elder Gods and stop him. Liu Kang finally and ultimately gets the upper hand against Shao Kahn and defeats him.

Once the fight is done and the smoke is clear, Earthrealm goes back to its normal state. Shao Kahn’s spell over Sindel is broken and she reunites with her daughter Kitana. Raiden is also revived by the Elder Gods and says that although the battle is over, the Earth warriors have to stay together and protect each other.

THE END.

Worth watching?: I’m in the middle with this one. I say yes in checking this if you’re a fan of the MK franchise, since this is probably the best out of any other ones. I say no if you’re not into games in general.

The acting is unbearable at times, but the actors playing Liu Kang, Shao Kahn, and Jax were good. The fighting scenes were what this movie did badly on. Too many martial art fighting sequences that really make you wonder, “Are they seriously fighting like that?”

A franchise like Mortal Kombat should not be toned down into PG-13 rating because everyone who has played Mortal Kombat KNOWS it for its bloody violence. This movie had not a single drop of blood! NOT EVEN A SCRATCH on any of them! The way some of the characters end up getting defeated is astounding. Johnny Cage gets his neck cranked; Rain get swatted by Shao Kahn into a pit of fire; Jade gets eaten by some demonic-looking creature; Motaro gets killed after a pound fest by Jax; Ermac gets his neck snapped after a hurracanrana from Sonya Blade, and the list goes on. No brutalities whatsoever.

Meh.

Thoughts on the Boston Celtics 01/02/11

What’s good, y’all? First and foremost I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

 

I hope everyone is having a good, clean start of 2011. I know for me, I’m happy that it’s a new year because it’s a time where I can start things all over again. 2010 came and went and it goes to show that time really does fly when you don’t think about it. I’m ready to step into that next phase and really start planning for my future. Whatever opportunities arise, I’ll be there to take it. Can’t sit and wait for things to happen because that’s just wishful thinking. You have to seize the moment and take advantage of whatever is there.

If you haven’t noticed, I lost all my hits/views. I have to start ALL OVER again because of some situation that I won’t mention. I’ve only had my blog for about two months and I was surprised at the volume of people viewing it and where they were coming from. I had people from all across the globe viewing my blog. That’s a trip. I don’t know if it was a mistake or what not, but I hope it continues. I know if I post more on a consistent basis, I could blow up.

But, hey, it’s a new year and I’m willing to go all out with my blog now. I’m certain I’ll be able to put up greater numbers and traffic. I just need to find time to be able to do that, but I’m excited. Time to start off new and fresh. Afterall, I DO THIS FOR YOU! MY VIEWERS!

ANYWAYS… now that that’s out the way, I’m here to give…

10 Thoughts

 

1)    The Boston Celtics are 25-7 as of now, coming off a victory over the Toronto Raptors, today. They’ve lost three out of five games since Christmas when they got their winning streak snapped by Orlando. SO MUCH FOR THAT 20 GAME WIN STREAK that I “predicted” they could extend. Never will I ever talk about a winning streak again because it seems to never go right. I’m sure the C’s don’t care about the winning streak but it’s inevitable that it’s going to be mentioned. They probably don’t want to hear it because it’ll be a distraction for their bigger picture, which is just WINNING. It’s like a pitcher throwing a no-hitter through seven innings. I’m sure if the team is aware of it, the pitcher SHOULD NOT want to know it because it’ll break their focus.

2)    Remember when I said how scary the team would be if they were all HEALTHY? Well, I still believe that but the injuries the C’s have right now are really starting to worry me. Losing Kevin Garnett was a big blow and probably the one the Celtics CANNOT afford to lose for a long period of time if they have any aspiration on getting Banner #18. They’re saying he has a lower leg injury, meaning it isn’t his KNEE that we should be concerned about. He’ll be out at least two weeks. I, like the rest of Celtics fans, can only hope that it is nothing serious because without the man anchoring the team’s defense, there will be no hope.

Get well, KG

 

3)    Speaking of injuries, the Celtics just can’t get a break. Going into the season, it would’ve been unrealistic to think the Celtics would be healthy all year long. Every team gets dinged up, but I don’t think there’s a team out there that is as dinged up as the Celtics. AND they are still sitting atop of the Eastern Conference. That’s impressive. Semih Erden is out with nagging injuries/flu; Kevin Garnett has a leg injury; Kendrick Perkins won’t be back until either the end of January/beginning of February, Delonte West won’t be back soon, and you’ll never know about Shaquille O’Neal/Jermaine O’Neal. SIGH.

4)    At least the team got Rajon Rondo back today. Even though he was rusty, as expected after missing a few weeks of games, he did well on his return. I hope his return will be a mainstay and that they didn't rush him back. If he needs to rest, let him rest. Without a healthy Rondo, their point guard position will have a GIANT RABBIT HOLE. If it wasn’t obvious enough with their recent loses, Rondo helps his teammates get to their spots easier and they have less pressure hitting shots. Healthy Rondo = happy team.

5)    Celtics don’t have a nationally televised game until they play Orlando, again. Weird how they played them during Christmas, and not ONE of any games in between their rematch with them is national television worthy. San Antonio and/or Chicago would’ve been good.

6)   Ray Allen’s free throw percentage is at 88%. THAT IS UNHEARD OF. UNREAL.

7)   Boston: 25-7. L.A. Lakers: 23-10. That’s all that matters, right?

8)    I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but I actually kind of miss Tony Allen. His defense, of course. Not his knucklehead turnovers and sloppy offensive prowess; that could stay in Memphis.

9)    I have yet to go to a Celtics game since the “Big Three” formed. I’m a broke college student; you can’t blame me! Tickets aren’t even cheap anyways. I plan my days around Celtics/Red Sox games. Is that weird? I mean, isn’t that what REAL FANS do? I treat every game like it’s “must see,” which is further from the truth.

10) I love how they show Ray Allen’s mom sometimes during home games. She seems like a really cool mom. I’d love to meet her. That is, if only Delonte West doesn’t follow me.

We all know what happened there!

Be well… and until then…