Sports Questions?

Who are you picking for the Super Bowl winner this year?

Will the "Tebow Miracle" streak end soon?

With the NBA coming off of their lockout, will you support their league still?  Do you think that they may have lost many of their fans which  will ultimately  have a negative on their revenue?

Is Miami going to take advantage of the short season and win the championship?

The Gift and the Curse

Suh is talented, strong, fast, athletic, but immature player.  For the record, on Thanksgiving the Lions were playing a rivary team in their conference with a chip on their shoulders because they had something to prove, however you cannot lose your head the way that Suh lost his.  The game is play mentally just as much as it is physically.  The Lions next few games are as follows:

Saints  (This is the wrong game for Suh to be suspended for)

Vikings (This should be a win with or without Suh)

Raiders (These guys are hot right now and they have a nice running game with a decent defense. Tough one.)

Chargers (We should win)

Packers (Frozen Tundra....need I say more)

Currently we have won 7 games but we still are on the outside of the playoffs looking in. The only bright spot in our situation is the fact that Jay Cutler went down and the Bears are currently slipping.  It is now time to make sure that we come with our "A" game to ensure that we at least get a "wild card" spot.

The Real Turkey Day Action

First of all, "Happy Thanksgiving Day" to everyone out there that reads this blog.  I hope that you all have a blessed day, enjoy your family, and embrace whatever situation that you are in.  Give your mind a chance to take a break from the rigors that it experiences every day.

Now let’s get down to business.  I am going out on a limb today with some very bold predictions on the following three games:

Lions vs. Packers (Lions will upset the unbeaten Packers and gain the momentum to enter the playoffs and prepare for the rematch against the 49ers)

Cowboys vs. Dolphins (Cowboys will probably win this match up,  however if it goes down to Romo…good luck with that, Cowgirl Fans)

49ers vs. Ravens (I am picking the 49ers in this match up because I think that they are better than the Ravens primarily due to coaching)

My only question to everyone is, will any of the teams playing today end up in the Super Bowl this year?

PS.  I will be tweeting Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Stephen A. Smith, Jemel Hill, "Neon" Deion Sanders, Dwight Howard, and my boy Coulb, during the Lions and during the 49ers game for foolish jokes and junk talking game banter.  My Twitter handle is "BigTymeReportin" for all of those who will be following on Twitter today!

Momma Said Knock You Out.....but He Didn’t

I was left wondering, "what is the point", as I watched the fight between Pacquiao and Marquez over the weekend.  This was the third fight between "Pac-Man" and Marquez and the result was the same as the other two....Pac-Man won.  I personally believe that Pac-Man did not win the fight but boxing needs one of it's only stars to remain a star.  While Pac-Man is a fierce competitor with great athletisim and lighting speed punching ability, the 38 year old Marquez pretty much gave him all that he could handle.

Many people believed that Saturday's fight would finally lead to the Pac-Man vs. Money May battle, but according to some at ESPN...not so much. The Mayweather camp is saying that Pac-Man's camp does not want to pursue a fight in May of 2012, but instead are looking to form a re-match with the 38 year old Marquez again.  I can only say that I am completely done with boxing if this occurs.  COMPLETELY!!!!

Bad Game at the Wrong Time

Yesterday's Lions vs. Bears game was absolutely horrendous.  The two early turnovers put the Lions into panic mode after only being down 10-0.  Stafford and the boys started trying to play outside of themselves in order to make the comeback to offset the early deficit.  The issue is Matt went "Tony Romo" and gave the Bears two more TDs. Bottom line, this is the humbling experience that we needed in order to get back on track.  The NFL season is a tale of two halves; the first half we went 6-2 and so far in the second half we are 0-1.  We still have time to right this wrong and get back on track for the last 7 game stretch. 

At 6 and 3, the Lions have an opportunity to redeem themselves against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field this Sunday.  I am predicting a win this Sunday and therefore claiming a 7-3 record going into the Thanksgiving Game the following week.  Interesting enough, I can see us struggling against Breez and the boys at the Super Dome in week 13, but then there is light.  In week 14 we will beat the Vikings, week 15 we will beat the Raiders, and week 16 we will beat the Chargers. All of these wins followed up by a losing effort against the Packers at the "Frozen Tundra" in Week 17.

The result:  10 and 6 with the Lions getting a chance at the wildcard for a playoff spot. 

One Game At A Time

So we are now 5-0 on the year.  To say that I am excited and that I have long awaited for the Lions to be a respectable and winning franchise would not scratch the surface of my feelings at this point.  I think that the success of the Tigers and the Lions is awesome for my hometown because Michigan (specifically Detroit) is suffering from so many things: a down job market, a down economy, and a horrible educational system...not to say that sports can feel the void in any of those areas but it can provide people with a viable means to rally behind something positive.

The Lions are doing well right now but will have to face a difficult opponent in the 49ers on this Sunday.  5-0 does not say 16-0 or Superbowl, so lets just take this thing "one game at a time".  The (4-1) 49ers are having a season similar as the (5-0) Lions.  The 49ers are coming off of a huge win over Tampa and they did not have a physical game so their physical recovery will be pretty easy also.  They have to travel to Detroit so time difference will be in the Lions favor.  At the end of the day, if the Lions win this week against the 49ers, they can very well go into the bye week at (8-0) because the Falcons and the Broncos come after this weeks game.

Can you imagine....the Detroit Lions (8-0).  All that I can say is Thanksgiving Day should be a good one.

49ers, Looking Interesting Again

It was 1989 and the Hip Hop song, “I Can’t Do Nothing For You Man” was playing in the background as I setup to throw a deep pass to some wide receiver named “Jerry Rice” on Tecmo Bowl.  Besides Walter Payton, Jerry was the fastest player on the game.  I was about to beat down the NY Giants for the third straight game.  That was the year after Jerry Rice went for 23 touchdowns and then beat Boomer, Ickey Woods, and the Bengal Boyz in Super Bowl XXIII.  I say all of that to say that I have been a 49ers Fan since then.  I liked Joe Cool, Roger Craig, Ronnie Lot, John Taylor, Jerry Rice, and Rathman.  I am glad to see them start at 3-1 this year and I hope that they continue the run…until week 6 that is.  Oh yeah, get rid of Alex Smith.....

Around The League: Games That Matter To Me

KC 22 – MIN 17

McNabb is “McTerrible” seeing as how the Vikings should not be 0-4.  Losing to KC this week says that they need to start looking to the bench for a spark.

Chi 34 – NC 29

My man Cam Newton….all good! I wish they could have put the Bears away, but maybe when they come to Ford Field next Sunday we can put Cutler on the bench for a few weeks with our "D-Line Bullies".

 CIN 23 – BUF 20

Thanks Buffalo for making us (The Lions) the only 4-0 Team in the League.

SAN FRAN 24 – PHI 23

Really?  I mean….really?

HOU 17 – PIT 10

C’mon man!!!!

Rydin' With The Silver Crush

Hey, we are going places this year period! The funny thing is, we will be better next year. The Lions have been the laughing stock of the league forever, but now that Schwartz brought defense and Matt Stafford can play upright instead of his back….these guys are looking good. After watching the first half of today’s game and seeing Dallas jump out to a quick start with a 17-3 lead, I must admit that I thought we were done. To be honest, I thought that Rob Ryan’s defense would do just what it started out doing to Calvin and the boys in the first and second quarters. I thought that the Lions may struggle with their subpar running game on offense and their questionable secondary on defense. I was hoping that this was not the end of the streak.

Second half came and then brought on the Romo Factor!!!! I forgot that Romo would give up the ball at any given moment. Those three interceptions that our defense got from Romo were almost offset by the bad calls made by the officials. I cannot say enough about how a 4-0 start from the Lions seems like a Super Bowl run at this point (I am going on record right now...If the Lions go to the Superbowl, I will be in Detroit watching it...okay, thats taking it to far). I am now starting up my Lion’s “Playoffs Train” for any Band Wagoner’s to join. I have taken the abuse for sticking with the Lions for years and now I don’t wanna see Calvin Johnson, Suh, and Stafford jerseys worn by any doubters.

Romo should get the game ball for competing against Stafford for Lions starting QB this week. Hey, "Tony No-Sho",  thanks for the 14 points and the late interception to seal the deal. Next week Chicago…and we are not kicking to Hester either!!!!

Being A Piston Will Drive You To Drink These Days

So this is an interesting story because I thought Pistons Fans were the only ones drinking their sorrows away...not so much though.  I love my hometeam and I hate to hear news like this...  Messge to the Players Assocation and David Stern; let's get the NBA back on course so these players can get back to work. 

This came to me courtesy of ESPN peoples:

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Detroit Pistons center Ben Wallace has been charged with drunken driving and unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon after a traffic stop, authorities in suburban Detroit say.
Bloomfield Township police said Thursday that the 37-year-old Wallace was arrested about 3 a.m. ET Saturday after officers observed a Cadillac Escalade being driven erratically. Police said they found an unloaded pistol in a backpack.
Officers say Wallace was given a blood-alcohol test and he was above Michigan's legal limit of 0.08 percent.
Police declined to provide further details.
Wallace, who helped the Pistons win the 2004 NBA championship, was arraigned and released on a $5,000 personal bond. His next court hearing is Monday.

And The Beat Goes On....

So, Week 3 went well people!!  Lions 3-0 and the Cowgirls are the next victims.  My take is simple….the Lions need to develop their running game from here on out.  Calvin and Stafford are doing well, Pettigrew is catching well, and the Silver Crush is moving right along.  Watch out for Rob Ryan's defense this week because he calls great schemes.  As for Romo....lets see if he has his cape this week.  Hey Romo, can we get some bad snaps this week also....lol

On another note….baseball offered me some excitement for the first time this year.  Boston out!!!  Rays In!!!  The way the whole thing went down was fantastic.  Rays were down 7-0 to the Yankees last night and then the switch was flipped…the Rays put together an 8-0 run to win 8-7.  Boston’s loss on the other hand really signified how their entire month of September went.  Shot out to the Detroit Tigers also....see you in the playoffs fellas! 

So Far So Good...But It Is Just Week 2

Week 1

I stated that the Lions would win this game because bluntly speaking; they are just flat out better than the Bucs at this point in time.  The Lions defense front was able to rattle the Bucs O-Line and therefore took Josh “The Comeback Kid” out of the game in the first half.  Also, the Bucs Defense had some many holes that the Lions Stafford could pass all over them.  Result….Lions Victory!!!

Week2

I also stated that the Lions would win against KC.  This prediction was self-explanatory.

Week 3

I predicted that the Lions would suffer their first loss here….I am taking that prediction back.  I think that the Lions will beat Minnesota in their house.  Donavan McNabb is done!!!  Not only is he missing some weapons at receiver, but I believe that if you leave the game out there for him to win, you will ultimately lose.  With the Bucs handing Minnesota their second loss last week, I think the Lions will come in the dome and crown them with their third loss this week.  The Vikings strength is their running game and I believe that the Lions front can contain AP or force fumbles.  The weakness that the Lions have is in their secondary and I do not believe it has been exposed yet.  Result….Lions Victory!!!

Week4

This week is a tough one.  Romo has hurt ribs so he will have to be protected and that typically does not happen well.  Lions will win the D-Line vs. O-Line battle against Cowboys, but I am not sure about the Cowboys defense.  They are flat out making plays right now.  If there are no significant injuries in Week3 against the Vikings, Lions can take this game also.  If there are some setbacks in Week3, there will be problems with Lions in Week4.  Fair enough…the Lions may struggle with this one.

Must Be Smokin' Something!!!!

So the Patriots have been dominate during this preseason. When they beat Jacksonville 47-12, people began saying..."Pats are back".  When they went on the next week and be the Tampa 31-14, more people began saying..."Albert and Chad are going to work".  Then came the Silver Crush!  The Lions are the preseason  studs as they play preseason games like they are playoff games.  The Pats and the Hoody rolled up in the "D" and got rolled up by the "D".  34-10 was the end result.

Let me say this...I have been cheer leading for the Lions since the beginning of the preseason.  If they win I am "Nostradamus" because I have been saying that these boys are going to the playoffs this year.  If they lose...that's just typical right?

So here it is...my predictions barring any serious injuries!!!!



Week 1
@ Tampa   (Lions Win)
Week 2
Kansas City (Lions Win)
Week 3
@ Minnesota (Lions Lose)
Week 4
@ Dallas (Lions Win)
Week 5
Chicago (Lions Win)
Week 6
San Francisco (Lions Win)  Now the League and the Media begin to believe my hype!!!
Week 7
Atlanta Falcons (Lions Lose)
Week 8 
@ Denver (Lions Win)
Week 9
This week we chill out and begin to realistically look at the playoff picture
Week 10
@ Chicago (Lions Win)
Week 11
Carolina (Lions Win)
Week 12
Green Bay (Lions Lose)
Week 13
@ New Orleans (Lions Lose) -First back-to-back losses this season
Week 14
Minnesota (Lions Win)  THE BIG PAY BACK!!!
Week 15 
@ Oakland (Lions Win)
Week 16
San Diego (Lions Win)
Week 17
@ Green Bay (Lions Lose)

I am picking the Lions go 11 and 5....okay, I am smokin', but I am only smokin' that Blue and Silver.

When Does the Preseason Count

I have spoken with many people and listed to many "media heads" regarding their spin on the preseason.  It seems that if a team wins that nobody is rallying behind, it is just a preseason game and nothing to be excited about.  On the flip-side, if a team wins that everyone is excited about, it is a major win and a preview of what we should expect in the regular season.  Pretty interesting!

The Eagles looked horrible against the Steelers last week, and now  I am already hearing the same things that I heard about the Heat during the NBA season.  They are "over-hyped", "Vick is a terrible QB", "they should not have spent the money", and you name it.  For the record, they did not impress me last week, and Vick did look like he may have be wearing the old "Dirty Bird" jersey instead of the Eagles green one, but this is preseason or practice, right?  I mean, we are talking about "practice".  "Practice, not a game, not a game, practice......".  I could go on for ever with my boy A.I's old "Philly Rant"....lol

Just Be Fair Folks

Carson Palmer is a franchise player for the Cincinnati Bengals.  The Bengals have been an under achieving franchise for years now, and they have been extremely inconsistent over the past 7 years or so.  During the years when their leading receiver, Chad Johnson would put up big numbers while racking up tons of media attention and league fines for his end zone celebration antics, Carson would grow in popularity and consideration as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.

From the national media, Carson has always been a class athlete and darling in the eyes of many.  Chad on the other hand has always been covered by the media as a very talented clown and in many cases a disturbance.  Neither of these two players  have ever been considered a menace in the locker room by their peer players, but in the public eye they have been perceived differently.

Back in 2008, it is well known that Chad demanded that the Bengals trade him.  He stated that he would not attend team functions or anything.  I can remember the media, the fans, and Carson pretty much disagreeing with the way Chad requested a trade.  I remember Chad being called a "cancer", a 'diva", and pretty much every negative name that can be thought of.  He became the blame for the lack of success the Bengals had experienced.

Moving ahead to Carson in 2011.  Carson is under contract until 2014.  He was given the franchise player tag a few years ago and a huge contract back in 2005/2006...$120 million. That said, Carson has demanded a trade over the off season just like the teammate that he criticized back in 2008.  Carson not only decided that he would hold out like Chad was going to do, but he has "quit".  He did not fulfill his contract, and he sold his teammates out because he refuses to be the leading captain and franchise player that he is suppose to be for this franchise.

I find it hard to believe that this is not getting more pub in the off season/pre season.  There is almost no mention of this.  There are no bad names being spoke of concerning Carson.  There are no stories about how he should do the right thing and play out his contract.  There are no media heads saying that Carson or players like Carson are a problem.  Instead there is total silence.  I heard Kurt Warner of the NFL Network say that Chris Johnson of the Titans should report to the Titans camp and let his play speak for itself.  He went on to say that he hates to see things play out this way when a player holds out for money.....  (Chris Johnson, is holding out to not only become the highest paid running back in the NFL, but to attain a salary on the scale of Brady and Manning).  Kurt was then asked about Carson's situation, and he immediately said that it was difficult and that he understood.  No mention of how Carson should comeback and play.  No mention of how he hated to see players do what Carson is doing.

I understand that Warner is a former quarterback, and can probably relate to Carson more so than Chris, but c'mon.  His interview is symbolic of how certain athletes are covered and judged versus others.  There is no way that this situation should not be commented on in the media or by fans.  Carson should be held in the same regard that Chad was then and Chris is now.

I am Still Hopeful

Here is a quickie post.  I loved seeing my Detroit Lions "Silver Crush Defense" beat up on the lifeless Bengals, but I do know that it is just a 34-3 preseason victory.  Now we all know that the Lions went 0-16 in the 2008 season after having a perfect preseason record but I am simply making my point to "Lions Fan"...rid ourselves of the FORD curse by thinking the opposite outcome will occur...lol.  I know that we are preparing to eat "Lions Cornbread" yet another year, but lets just stay hopeful and keep it at that.  I am going down with the ship publicly this year.  My heart may end up bleeding Silver and Blue before it is all said and done, but I will not waiver and I will keep the faith.  The boys did look good though!

The Steaks Are High In Philly

That's right..."The Steaks" not "The Stakes" are certainly high in Philly.  If you are a person that normally has favorite players and not favorite teams, Philly my have signed your favorite player and made themselves your favorite team during this off-season.  With all of the talent the Eagles are bringing to their team during this off-season; minus the outlandish predictions, they are slowly but surely becoming the "Miami Heat" of the NFL.  So far the Eagles have acquired the following players:

Ryan Harris - He will protect Vick on the left
Jason Babin - Solid Defensive Lineman from the Titans
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - Cornerback
Cullen Jenkins - Defensive Lineman
Nnamdi Asomugha - Shutdown Cover Corner
Vince Young - A replica of Vick (a few mental issues but I think that he will be fine)
Ronnie Brown - Wildcat back from Miami
Steve Smith - If his knee injury does not come in to play, having this guy on one side and Jackson on the other gives the Eagles a crazy one-two receiving tandem.

Go Andy Reid, I hope that  this is his year....unlike the Heat, this team deserves it.

C'mon Man!!!

I should not paint “Cowboy Fan” with a broad brush but…..shall we dance!  In a debate today regarding the fact the Nnamdi going to Eagles upgrades their defense tremendously and makes them almost a lock for the NFC title. (Keep in mind that they made some other significant moves as well), Cowboy Fan went crying about how Nnamdi is all of a sudden beatable.  Cowboy Fan was almost dismissing him as if he did not count all of a sudden, knowing full well that he was a cheerleader for Nnamdi during Fridays Free Agent Sweepstakes.  I guess now that Dallas lost in the sweepstakes….Nnamdi is average!!!  In my opinion, Cowboy Fan should now be almost as use to losing as Lions Fan….you feel me!

On to my second reason that I now dislike Cowboy Fan…during the debate, Cowboy Fan actually started placing their QB, “Tony No Show” in the same likings as Brady, Manning, Rivers, and Brees.  The reasoning behind his debate is the fact that Romo is listed at #4 with a 95.5 rating on the list of career passer ratings for NFL Quarterbacks.  That looked great until you see that number 5 thru 10 lists as follows:

5.  Brady

6.  P. Manning

7.  Warner

8.  Roethlisberger

9.  Montana   (Arguably the best QB of all time)

10.  Brees

I would stop at my point here…but let’s try to figure out the point the Cowboy Fan was arguing.  Was he actually saying that Romo is on the same level or even close to any of the QB’s listed numbers 5 thru 10; c’mon man!!!  Listen, Romo is a good quarterback at best.  In my opinion, he still has something to prove.  He has had: Witten, T.O., Austin, Crayton, Glenn, Dez Bryant, and Roy Williams at his disposal.  He has pretty much had Jason Garrett as an offensive coordinator throughout his entire career.  I am not going to say that his receivers are top notch, but I am going to say that they are not the bottom tier of the league.  I will finish this by saying….Romo has performed well when the pressure was not on him, but he has given up many games in very critical moments.  Dallas has had issues on defense, at coaching, and you name it, but until I see Romo be a leader that the team wants to rally behind…his nickname is “Tony No Show”.

The Silver Crush

Dynamite Kidd and Davey Boy Smith were the British Bulls Dogs in the WWF wrestling television show.  So what will we call Suh and Fairley after the coin toss in Tampa Bay when the Lions play the Bucs on September 11th.  All eyes will be on the team that lost every game a few season ago.  If the Bucs are not careful, the Lions will be in their grills like the gold and platinum caps that filled the mouths of southern rappers several years ago.  The Lions Justin Durrant and Stephen Tullock at LB's behind the "Silver Crush" D-Line will make a case for one of the sickest defenses in the North if everything goes as expected during the free agent signings and the preseason.  I would hate to see my man Josh Freeman having to face these "Thunder Cats" right out the gate, but it may happen.  All that I can say is "BOOM"!!!  Thanks John Madden...

Believe It!!!

Okay....not only do the Eagles have sufficient back up QB for Mike Vick, but they have just pull the biggest clandestine move since Obama taking down Ben Laden.  How these guys managed to sign Nnamdi Asomugha is beyond me.  I am too excited that the lock out is over.  Moves like the ones being made during this short free agency period is making me believe the hype; even after being warned by Public Enemy that I shouldn't.  I tell you what, if I was not a Detroit Lions fan I would be wearing a green and black jersey sitting on the couch right now eating a cheese steak hoagie with an extra large "pop" like Cliff Huxtable.  


For those who do not understand word "pop"....


Pop - is a carbonated soft drink. In all places outside of Detroit, Michigan, pop is referred to as SODA.  You must learn!

Keep on Moving!!!

Woah!  Vick and Young are the QB's for the Eagles; Darren Spoals goes to the Saints.  I am loving both of these moves.  Now the Eagles just need to get Jackson to camp and off of the hold-out mission he is currently pursuing.

Do the Curley Shuffle...hey Moe, hey Moe!!!

So far the biggest and boldest moves in the NFL free agent market were as follows: Haynesworth and Chad Johnson both going to the Patriots, Kevin Kolb going to the Cardinals, Reggie Bush going to the Dolphins, and McNabb going to the Vikings.  That being said, the winners out of all of this madness may be the Patriots if Chad is up to par and Haynesworth pulls it together for "The Hoody".

Kevin Colb has not proven that he is a true starter yet, so the jury is still out on him.  Sorry Arizonians! Reggie Bush may help the Dophins with their "Wildcat Offensive Sets", but who will be the quarterback?  I guess that one fell through the cracks didn't it, Jeff Ireland.  As for McNabb...I have always given McNabb the benefit of the doubt, however this franchise needs to be thinking future.  They are not going to win with McNabb right now and they are not building for the future right now either.  After wasting their time with the "Favre Era", how fitting is it that they would follow it up with the "McNabb Years".  Where is President Obama's Veto power when you need it Minnesota? Adrian Peterson is officially wasting away starting this year.  The clock is ticking on this young man because his best years are being spent behind aging quarterbacks that are still trying to find glory.  Good luck with that!!!

Lions and Tigers and Pistons Oh My!

I guess the same people that are voting on the Debt Ceiling are the same people negotiating the NFL and NBA CBA agreements.  My Detroit Lions can take advantage of this whole lockout thing.  Obviously we are on the up swing right now but there are a few holes that we still need to fill.  I am thinking that we can get some offensive linemen, a fullback, and a veteran backup quarterback.  I would love to see the Lions get Tyson Clabo on the O-Line,  Le'Ron McClain as a fullback, and veteran QB Matt Hasselebeck.  I would love to see these players put on the Blue and Silver Uni's so that we make a run at playoffs this year.

Tigers - if the Tigers are the northern Tampa Bay Rays, what are they?  I am certainly not a baseball fan but it really shows how much America's Past Time has fallen when you hear many people say, "there is absolutely no sports news from the NBA playoffs end to the NFL season start.  How can we still call baseball America's Darling?  There are certainly some great stories in the sport, but it appears that they capture the masses attention about as much as a soap opera does a two year old.

Pistons - About the only thing good pertaining to the NBA Lookout is the fact that if the season starts late then the number will be much lower in the Piston's loss column.  Now that we have a new owner and hopefully a new willingness to invest winning players, I can only hope that they can decide on a coach....RIGHT!  I guess none of that is or will be important if there is no season.  Maybe we will start watching Euro ball if all of our players go overseas to stay in shape and to keep their finances up.

SADHD (Social Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

Do we live in an ADHD society?  ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) that prevents us from being focused, following through, and concentrating on things that are essential.  I am not trying to poke fun at anyone’s disorder or medical situation; I am merely making a comparison in regards to how our society seems to find difficulty with attentiveness, thorough decision making, and focus.  Maybe it is due to technology.  Maybe our freedom has granted us with so many options and choices that we cannot make our minds up as to what’s good for us.

So here we are, working long hours at the office and taking away from our family time to buy material items, expensive meals, and vacations that we rarely get a chance to fully enjoy.  Ours kids are at day cares, our spouses are like strangers to us, and our bodies are becoming polluted with fast food meals and unhealthy choices.  We blame everyone else and take no ownership for crisis that we have caused in our own lives.  We can no longer finish a book without having a mind flooded with 50 million thoughts that do not relate to the information that we are reading.  We quickly find ourselves dissatisfied with our salaries, our technological choices, and in many other areas in our lives.

These things are destroying our ability to communicate, our ability to love one another, our ability to comprehend life lessons that we should have learned by reading the past lectures that were taught to us by a teacher named "Experience".  Again, do we live in an ADHD society?  Do why find ourselves buying cell phone after cell phone before we fully learn to utilize the one that we have?  Do we want our Internet access to be faster and faster even though we type and read slower and slower?  Do we suffer from trust issues where we do not trust our lawmakers and government officials because the only thing we know about the issues that we vote on come from the ideas of 60 minute TV shows hosted by media pundits? Are we hindered from a dyslexic mentality that causes us to read things backwards like, because we cannot make our house payments, financial institutions should be forced to take the responsibility from us by letting us smooth walk away and default on our original loan terms?  Have we lost our minds?  Are we making laws that appease and please our greed and flesh as oppose to policing our ungodly thoughts and actions?

Let’s think about this; where are we going as a society?  What is next for our families?  Do we need to take control of our lives or should we just ride the wave?  These things were on my mind and I just needed to publish my thoughts for your review.

Happy 34th Birthday

So I have now reached 34 years of age. I don't know why this age is significant for me but it feels different.  When I turned 16 years old, it was all about getting my license to drive.  When I turned 18 yrs. old is was all about being an adult and doing adult things.  When I turned 21 yrs. old I was getting married, buying my first house, and raising my son.  Now at 34 yrs. old I find myself reflecting over the many changes that I have experienced in my life.  I understand what it means to truly thank Jesus for blessing me with a wonderful family, an awesome church home, and a career that I can be proud of in the field of information technology.

For the first time in my life, I feel that I am completely on my game.  If I were a professional athlete, I would describe this moment as the point where my talent, my athletic ability, and my knowledge of the game have all made a superlative union.  I have finally reached a point of appreciation for where I am and who’s I am.  Music sounds different to me now, time seems more precious, rest is more important and my thoughts are more thorough.  I am reaching the Cadillac years of my life.

I recollect conversations when teachers would say, “you guys will not make it to be 18…you will either be dead or in jail”.  Those words should never be spoken to young men and women of the future. Those words echoed in the minds of many of my peers and ultimately altered their lives to the point where their potential dwindled to nothing.  Those words gave birth to more single mothers, felons, and deaths during my generation than any hip-hop song, sexual R&B song, black exploitation movie, and or any other negative stigma that can be associated with my race.

So to reach this point in my life is great.  Standing on a mountain top and looking back over my life thus far has filled me with a since triumph.  I know that I have a long life ahead of me and so many things that I have yet to experience, but I am preparing for those challenges and ready to embrace them accordingly. 

Happy Birthday T4 and many more to come!!!

Follow-up to Lions QB

In the wise words of Smokey of Fridays, "...Y'all ain't never got two things that match. Either y'all got Kool-aid, no sugar.  Peanut butter, no jelly.  Ham, no burger".  That is the question I have been asking the Lions for years now.  How come you pay multi-million dollars to a quarterback with no O-Line?  How come you draft receivers when you have no quarterback?

I am not saying that Matt will be a bust because of his own doing, but if he doesn’t make it a whole season this year, then I have to classify him as a bust because of his production versus the amount of money they are paying him.  That is the usual measuring stick when it comes to most athletes in the industry….production vs. salary.  It is an unfair means of measurement, but I want to see how the media reacts to this scenario more than anything.

Stafford Is the Perfect Lions QB

All of my life I have watched the Lions folly around with quarterbacks. From the days of Scott Mitchell to the modern day Stafford...so what else is new. I find it unbelievable that have I heard conversations about over paid NFL busts, and Stafford's name has not been on those lists. I hope for the sake of my hometown citizens that he actually plays 8 games this year. It would not be typical Lions if I did not bring up the age old question about this clubs choice to pay a non-achieving college quarterback a ton of money to play behind a lack luster offensive line that cannot protect him. Now that he is officially damaged goods, the Lions will have to figure out how to compete without having all of the pieces to build a winning team.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane....shall we. The Lions had receivers Brett Perriman and Herman Moore, but no quarterback to get them the ball. At one time there was the defense of Chris Spielman, Jerry Ball, Benny Blades, and Robert Porcher, but no offense to balance their attack. Need I mention Barry Sanders lining up behind Rodney Pete, Andre Ware, and Scott Mitchell for no reason at all because everyone knew that the hand-off was inevitable since none of these guys were a threat? If history truly repeats itself, Mathew Stafford is right on target.

The Rubio Experiment

The fifth pick of the first round 2009 NBA Draft was Rick Rubio by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Since being drafted by the Wolves, Rick has played overseas in the Spanish ACB League for the Barcelona. The media has covered Rick by providing the public nothing but praise. He has been compared to everyone from Steve Nash to Magic Johnson. Yes, I said Magic Johnson...are you kidding me!

Rick Rubio is 20 year old 6'4" point guard who has shown nothing so far that says he will be successful in the NBA. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves have been praising this kid for the past two years. The Associate Press of ESPN stated today, "For two years, Minnesota Timberwolves fans have been tantalized by the myth of Ricky Rubio". I have news for Wolves fans, there is no Rubio myth! This guy averaged 6.5 ppg, 3.5 apg, and 1.6 spg during the 2010-2011 season with the Barcelona club. Excuse me for saying this, but the Spanish ACB League is hardly on the level of the NBA when it comes to speed, game play, and talent. If Rubio put up those kinds of numbers playing in the Spanish League, what is he going to do when he plays against the likes of D. Rose, Rondo, Chris Paul, and others? There is no way ESPN, Minnesota Press, or anybody else is going to sale me on the Rubio Experiment.

The Rick Rubio pick for the Timberwolves is parallel to the Darko pick for the Detroit Pistons. Oh yeah, and who has Darko on their roster at this point time? The Wolves of course! In the Wolves passed on Stephen Curry, Brandon Jennings, Tyler Hansbrough, and Jeff Teague in 2009 draft. They did however manage to pick Ty Lawson though....but they turned around and traded him to Denver. Bottom line people of Minnesota, I hope you find something positive to look at when the Farvless Vikings take the field this year because your Wolves will surely bring about disappointment.
I hate to be the bearer of bad newz.....

If This Is The End

If this is the end of the NBA Finals 2011 with the Mavs being the victors.....then Miami still has not failed. They are technically a head of schedule in my opinion. I did not pick them to go to the finals this year after the "Decision" was made last off season. I am by no means a Miami Heat fan, but I still would like to congratulate them on their run.

PS: Jkidd, Dirk...you guys need to close today....not in game 7.

Its So Hard To Say Goodbye

Listening to the Stephen A. Smith show on 710 ESPN, I finally heard Shaq speak verbally about his retirement decision this week.  I grew up watching Shaq from the time he came into the league to his last sub-par season  this year with Boston.  I have always felt that Shaq has been a tremendous force in the game and a larger than life figure outside of the game.  I have not agreed with every decision he has made on and off the court, but I think that he has be a great asset to the NBA and at times a role model to many.

It's so hard to say goodbye to many of the hall of fame atheletes we have watched for many years throughout their entire careerss.  Shaq, Chris Webber, Rashed Wallace, Jalen Rose, Reggie Miller, Charles Barkley, and many others.  Next up will be Grant Hill, Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and etc.  It is interesting to reflect on the subject of retirement because one would figure that there will never be another player to replace your favorite players, but as time goes on and new kids come out of college the atheletes of today continue to carry the torch.

My only suggestion to all atheletes and non-atheletes alike, "don't let arrogance take you away from places where humility can keep you".

T4

Analyst Flip-Flopping

I put a tweet out to Chris Webber stating that Mavericks would win in 7...now I know that I may be wrong, but I doubt it!  At least I hope that I am not.  Honestly, the Heat looks to strong but anything can happen.

After watching game one, I saw the flip-flopping analysts talk about the Mavs as if they were not suppose to be in the finals.  They went on to talk about how they had no chance, LeBron was unstoppable, and etc.  Then came the conclusion of game two and the very same shots that they praised LeBron for taking in game one , they dogged him out for at the end of game two.  They also began speaking gloom and doom for the Heat as though "The Big Three" could not beat "Euro Dirk".  Are you kidding me!

Shot out to Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Greg Anthony for providing the audience with good takes.  Those are my boys!!

Stay Focused People

Okay...now that we are 2 games into the NBA Finals, I will post again.  I figured that Miami would win game one but I did not think that they would collapse at the end of game two and allow the Mavs to come back from 15 points down with just minutes left in the game to ultimately win by 2.

The interesting thing is that the Heat will go to Dallas for the next three games before being able to take their talents back to South Beach again.  I for one posted that the Mavericks would win in 7 but I no longer think that is the case.  I am calling out both Jason's and Dirk, close this thing out as soon as possible so that we don't have to hear about the greatness of LeBron, the speculation on how Wade is taking the fact that this is James team now, or the horrible series that they are saying Bosh is having is all of a sudden.  The media is killing me with their takes!!!

NBA Finals Start Tomorrow

I would first like to say congratulations to the Miami Heat.  I would like to congratulate the Big Three in particular.  They were smart about the their communication amongst each other and their agents.  I am glad that LeBron decided to take his talents to South Beach.  Bosh, keep being a professional, playing aggressive, and balling through the disrespect.

Now, to my Texas friends.  I must say that I am glad to see J.Kidd get another run at a championship.  You all deserve this and keep up the good work.  Dirk, stay focused and don't start playing soft.  "Mavs", keep attacking!

So, I will weigh in with my prediction tomorrow.  Neither one of these teams are my team, so I really don't have a preference in the finals outcome.