Came across this very interesting article by Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter Branson Wright yesterday (November 28, 2007). Wright brings to light very good points in the Anderson Varejao, Agent Dan Fegan, and Cleveland Cavaliers contract holdout fiasco.

Wright wrote:

"When Anderson Varejao told ESPN.com that he's become so frustrated with contract negotiations that he doesn't want to play for the Cavaliers anymore, many wondered if it was Varejao speaking for himself, or his agent Dan Fegan, who has the reputation as a shrewd negotiator and malcontent.

Former Cavs guard Ricky Davis said he is positive Fegan is behind this stalemate. Fegan was Davis' agent for two years.

"He doesn't need to be an agent," said Davis, about Fegan. "He does dirty stuff, under-the-table things. [Varejao] needs to change agents immediately if he wants to get this thing done."

So far, nothing between the Cavs and Varejao has been done. Varejao has not been with the Cavs all season. He's a holdout because his contract demand -- $10 million per year, at one time -- has not been met. He also turned down a $1.2 million qualifying offer and a six-year deal for about $52 million last month.

This is not the first time Fegan has been part of a controversial contract negotiation. Many general managers, who did not want to be identified, said they do not like to negotiate with Fegan. They also acknowledged Fegan's intelligence.

Fegan, who did not return several calls to his cell phone Tuesday, is a graduate of Yale Law School. He was one of the first agents to take advantage of the one-year opt-out provision, which allows a player to get out of a contract after a year. He was also one of the first to utilize the sign-and-trade provision, which allows a team to sign a player with the intent of trading him to another team.

Fegan represents many players, including Phoenix Suns forward Shawn Marion, Milwaukee Bucks rookie Yi Jianlian and Denver Nuggets forward Nene.

Before training camp, Marion, the highest-paid player on the Suns, was upset the Suns were not willing to talk about a contract extension. Many believed Marion was urged by Fegan. Eventually, Marion eased off his demands.

Yi, the sixth overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, said he would not play for the Bucks if they drafted him. Yi desired a larger market. Again, Fegan was behind the ploy, but just like Marion, Yi eased off his demands and signed with the Bucks.

"He's a crazy guy," said one agent, who did not want to be identified. "He's known for picking up guys in their contract years, and that's taboo in our industry. He did that with so many players, including Varejao. He's not well-liked among other agents. . . . His biggest problem is that he doesn't care about relationships. It can't always be about the money."

The situation between the Cavs and Varejao has been about money. Varejao wants more, and the Cavs want to save money to become more flexible in years to come, especially when LeBron James' contract expires after the 2010 season.

Another agent, who also didn't want to be identified, said there's a bigger issue on the table.

"Fegan's whole reputation is based on what happens with Varejao," said the rival agent. "Fegan's trying to show how tough of an agent he is. Every agent, every GM and every player is watching to see how this works out. If the Cavs budge, Fegan will sign a hundred clients."

That's the flip side. Fegan is respected for his tough negotiation tactics, and many agents admire him. Those same agents also want to see if this holdout by Varejao transpires into dividends.

"If this works, we'll all have our players hold out," said the agent. "It'll change the face of negotiations in the NBA. So what's going on between the Cavs and Fegan is very important because if it works out for Fegan, this will change the whole game. But if he fails, he'll look like an idiot."

Cavs GM Danny Ferry declined to comment for this story."

"It'll change the face of negotiations in the NBA" is hardly an understatement. If Fegan's negotiation tactics do turn out to be lucrative for Varejao (meaning Varejao gets something in the vicinity of the contract that he wants or substantially more than the one-year qualifying offer mandated by the NBA's collective bargaining agreement for players with three years experience), it will open up the doors for other agents to suggest...no demand...their clients (the players) to hold out because, "if Anderson Varejao can get his money, what more you? Your so much better than he!"

Now that statement is highly exaggerated but you guys get the idea.

So Cleveland...GM Danny Ferry...the ball is in your court.

Don't drop it!

Want more?  Visit: http://tedi31.blogspot.com

Loosely based on the late Robert Ludlum's novel--The Bourne Ultimatum (1990)--the film focuses on Jason Bourne's quest to ascertain the origins of identity prior to his life as a government "asset"/CIA agent.

In the film, the vision of Director Paul Greengrass begins where The Bourne Supremacy (2004) movie left off and lets us follow Bourne (aka David Webb) across Europe (e.g., London, Paris, Madrid, and Tangier) and North America (e.g., New York City) in this fast paced, limited dialogue, action film.

Lastly, with timely flashbacks and well placed back stories, The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) can stand alone even if viewers or movie patrons have not watched its predecessors: The Bourne Identity (2002) and The Bourne Supremacy (2004).

"Meet the Robinsons" was initially based on the book by William Joyce entitled "A day with Wilbur Robinson." While Disney's movie focused on a young inventor name Lewis who specializes in innovative inventions. Lewis adventure begins when he meets Wilbur and journeys across time to avert any changes in the space time continuum.

The film pays homage to a number of established iconic movies such as Back to the Future, Star Wars, Casino, and generic Kung-Fu inspired action sequences. "Meet the Robinsons" also tackles a number to issues such as friendship, responsibility, integrity, and the importance of a family unit/parental figure in one's life.

It's a great movie and one that every family should take time out to see.

Despite being relatively new to the musicals, I found the 1960's integration themed Hairspray to be quite enjoyable and entertaining. A wire-to-wire, upbeat, marathon that leaves you smiles from start to finish. Hairspray's sets, transition, and cinematography were all top notch.

The casting crew of Tina Gerussi, Richard Hicks, and David Rubin also did a magnificent job signing up John Travolta (as the recluse mother Edna Turnblad); Christopher Walken (as the naïve Wilbur Turnblad); Michelle Pfeiffer (as the ruthless and cunning Station Manager); James Marsden (as the colorful TV Host Corny Collins); Queen Latifah (as Motormouth Maybelle); and newcomer Nikki Blonsky (as the lead, Tracy Turnblad) in their respective roles.

If you were a big fan of the 2002 Hairspray Broadway Musical, you wouldn't want to miss its most recently cinematic interpretation to date!

With Jim Carrey and Jennifer Aniston both declining to reprise their roles for the sequel to Bruce Almighty. Returning Director Tom Shadyac goes in a different direction by paired up Steve Carell (The 40 Year Old Virgin) with Morgan Freeman. (Both Freeman and Carell are reprising their roles from Bruce Almighty).

Evan Almighty put a delightful twist into established biblical scripture. It was also good to see Shadyac remain true to scripture (With God (Freeman) holding true to his promise never to flood the world again) but at the same time, he allows his audience the opportunity to expand their personal views on the concepts of prayer and making a difference in the lives of others.

God (Freeman) mentioned the following:

"If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?"

Lastly, Evan's ARK does play a significant role, other than being the film's signature vessel. A-R-K is the acronym for a single Act of Random Kindness...which is the first step that one must take in order to make a difference in the lives of others.

Halloween (2007) Director Rob Zombie seems to be no stranger to serial killer/horror genre after past projects (e.g., The Devil's Rejects (2005) and House of 1000 Corpses (2003)) that have focused on similar themes. However, remaking a cinema classic such as the John Carpenter's 1978 Halloween is no "walk in the park" given the film's established cult following.

But Rob Zombie seemed up to the task with an excellent screenplay that focuses on Michael Myers troubled beginnings as an 8-year old child from a broken home; his fetish for masks; as well as the subsequent homicides, fratricide, and to some extent--matricide--as his mother committed suicide following Myers initially killing spree. These horrific and visually graphic events (the film has been Rated R for strong brutal bloody violence and terror throughout, sexual content, graphic nudity and language.) eventually lead to Myers incarceration at Smith's Grove Sanitarium for the next 15 years.

Upon his inadvertent liberation at the hands of a decadent watchman and his equally obtuse cousin, Myers picks up where he left off, spilling carnage along his path until he comes face-to-face with his younger sister and former physician Dr. Sam Loomis (Malcolm McDowell; Star Trek: Generations).

Much like most slasher-flicks of the past, Halloween (2007) does not present a fresh take on this age-old formula. Instead, the average moviegoer's interest may be piqued by the director's vision and take on the "selectively mute" (and I use this term very loosely) Michael Myers.

Watching the DVD compendium, to the very mention of the name, Bret "The Hit Man" Hart, brought back a lot of childhood memories. From his signature catch phrases such as "The Excellence of Execution," and "The Best There Is, The Best There Was, The Best There Ever Will Be" (Lifted from "The Natural" (1984) movie line) to his metallic visor, leather jacket, and even images of "Monday Night Raw" being the only Brand of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) (Known then as the "World Wrestling Federation" (WWF)) out on television every week.

Probably my greatest Bret Hart memory would be an episode of Raw wherein Bret stepped into the ring as his estranged younger brother, the late Owen "The Rocket" Hart and his ex-brother-in-law The British Bulldog (the late Davey Boy Smith) were about to come to blows. Bret took it upon himself to patch his relationship with the two men by focusing on the importance of family and his "It's us against America" stand. This lead to the birth of the new Hart Foundation which also included another brother-in-law and former Tag Team partner, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart as well as the only American in the group, "the Canadian sympathizer," the late Brian "The Loose Cannon" Pillman.

During this period in the history of the WWE, recognizable names such as Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Degeneration X, and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin rose to prominence as "faces." But it was the new Hart Foundation, led by an aggressive, vindictive, and sadistic (by way of an illegal ring post figure-four leglock that Hart would apply on his opponent entangled legs during matches) Bret Hart that I believe carried the show as "heels." America hated them! But Canada and Europe sure adored the new Hart Foundation!

In the end, despite 23 years in the wrestling business (Stampede Wrestling, WWE, WCW, and various other international productions), I believe that Bret Hart's career ended prematurely (due to a post-concussion syndrome brought about in 99' by a Bill Goldberg Mule Kick to the head).

I guess I am still waiting for that magical moment wherein the electric guitar intro of Jimmy Hart's and JJ Maguire's famed "Hitman" theme would be blazing over the arena's PA and out of the shadows would be Bret Hart, clad in his familiar Pink and Black, ready to take on all comers for one final match.

Cheers Bret! Best of luck in your new life and thanks for the memories!

Question:

What movie has been able to bring together a Vulcan, Jedi Knight, and Man of Steel?

Answer:

John Carpenter's remake of the Village of the Damned.

Director John Carpenter's remake as well as the similarly titled 1960 film was based on John Wyndham's novel "The Midwich Cuckoos." Carpenter's science fiction/horror flick also brought together the talents of Mark Hamill (Star Wars: A New Hope; Empire Strikes Back; Return of the Jedi); Kirstie Alley (Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan; Cheers); and Christopher Reeve (Superman, Superman II, Superman III, and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace) among others. Village of the Damned (1995) focuses on the mysterious birth of ten children (with one being stillborn) in the isolated town of Midwich. Dr. Alan Chaffee (Reeve) and Reverend George (Hamill) are among the parents of these seeming genetically linked children while Dr. Susan Verner (Alley) is a government sanctioned doctor whom observers the nine children from conception till their present age.

The children display potent intelligence, telepathic, and mind control abilities--which they use to sadistically eliminate those that they consider to be a threat to them--though the course of the film. In the end, after the children have killed most of the principal characters, Chaffer loads a time bomb into a briefcase and sacrifices himself in order to put an end to the children's evil campaign against humanity.

For Reeve, Carpenter's film as well as the 1995 suspense thriller "Above Suspicion" would be his last before a devastating horseback riding accident that left him paralyzed.

Based on George A. Romero's 1968 cult classic "Night of the Living Dead," Savini's version portrays Barbara (played by Patricia Tallman) as a strong heroine lead who conquers her fears (e.g., witnessing the death of her brother Johnnie and seeing zombies that just won't die) and shows a resolve not usually seen in people facing seemingly insurmountable odds--such a being trapped inside a secluded farmhouse surrounded by mindless zombies, with no transportation in sight.

But looking beyond the zombie crisis (whose origins were unfortunately not fully explained during the course of the film), the personality dynamics of those trapped inside this Western Pennsylvania farmhouse are the true stars of the film as they tackles a number of issues such as: How people handle crisis situations, who among them comes forward and takes charge, who ends up being the followers, and who among the characters is able to "reach down deep" and go beyond expectations? Lastly, are there those who would be altruistic or just end up fending from themselves?

At least from this perspective, Night of the Living Dead (1990) seems to have all the answers.

After Sony and Capcom rejected zombie genre director George A. Romero's script in 1999, Director Paul W.S. Anderson was selected to take over the reigns of the Resident Evil production which was somewhat inspired by its video game counterpart as well as the Disney fairytale, Alice in Wonderland.

Overall, Resident Evil was an entertaining movie from start to finish as it had a little bit of everything, including a foundation for a sequel (which turned out to be 2004's Resident Evil Apocalypse). I especially liked the scene transition using a digital schematic of the Umbrella Corporation's research facility known as the "The Hive."

Check it out! But if you are a diehard Resident Evil videogame player, you will need to divest yourself first of Resident Evil cannon in order truly enjoy its cinematic interpretation which clearly stands on its own.

Directed by:

Lauren Montgomery, Bruce W. Timm, and Brandon Vietti

14 years after, arguably, the most publicized and grieved "death" in the comic book industry, comes the first PG-13 direct-to-video animated adaptation of "The Death of Superman" entitled Superman: Doomsday.

Directed by Lauren Montgomery, Brandon Vietti, and Bruce Timm (the latter who was also responsible for other animated projects such as: Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, The New Batman Adventures, Batman Beyond, Justice League, and Justice League Unlimited), Superman: Doomsday is an unprecedented animated movie having been conveyed a PG-13 rating by the Motion Picture Association of America for its action violence. Superman: Doomsday pushes the envelope in its interpretation of the death of the Man of Steel, his rebirth, and eventual ascension back as the guardian of the city of Metropolis.

Actors James Marsters (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) and Adam Baldwin (Turistas) take over from Superman: The Animated Series voice talents' Clancy Brown and Tim Daly and give a "new voice" to the maniacal and cunning Lex Luthor and Superman. Actress Anne Heche (Six Days Seven Nights; Psycho (1998); and Men In Trees) seems to also hold her own as reporter Lois Lane.

Overall, if you are willing to divest yourselves from established comic book cannon, this DVD is highly recommended!

Setting: A morgue. Saw IV opens with a pathologist mouthing the words into a portable recorder, "Subject's name is John Kramer. 52 year old male; Caucasian. He's seen better days."

Word of caution boys and girls, I was eating a bowl of cereal as this was going on...learn from my mistake. Don't!

After watching the SAW Trilogy, I have grown to admire the character of engineer John Kramer (played by actor Tobin Bell) and his twisted quest to provide others with a sense of realization as the value of their existence. Sure, there are the ingenious "traps and tricks and plot twist" but who is really John Kramer? What was he prior to his days as the media christened Jigsaw? Did he have a family? Saw IV gives us all the answers.

In an interview with Wizard Entertainment prior to the release of the aforementioned film, Bell gives fans some insight into his Kramer character.

"The world has changed and Jigsaw's troubled by a lot of things. He has one foot in Nietzsche and the other foot in today's New York Times, and then another foot in Jesus and one more in Shakespeare. He listens to Mahler, Beethoven and Mozart."

Overall, the SAW franchise is in good hands because those involved do not mess with
"the product" and subsequently, their success.

Bell added:

"So as long as we have writers and directors and the cast and crew that we've had...I mean, the crew is amazing. We've had the same director of photography since the first "Saw," the same scenic designer since "Saw II," the prop guys, gaffers, our sound guy, all those guys are the same guys. It's just such a pleasure to work collaboratively with a team like that."

Familiarity. Cohesion. Perspective. And a great product.

Consider SAW IV to be synonymous with success.

It took three years, but Director Len Wiseman didn't miss a beat with the release of "Underworld: Evolution." The sequel takes place not long after the events that transpired in "Underworld" as the female vampire Selene (Kate Beckinsale) and her significant other, the werewolf/vampire hybrid Michael (Scott Speedman) are on the run from the awakened Marcus (Tony Curran), the first true vampire, who is seeking retribution for the death of Viktor (Bill Nighy).

A rollercoaster of bloodstained events ensues that not only sheds light on the true origins of Selene and the ancient vampire bloodline, but also the role of mysterious Alexander Corvinus (Sir Derek Jacobi) in the war between the Vampires and the Lycans.

If you haven't already read the books, I strongly recommend that you watch "Underworld" (2003) prior to "Underworld: Evolution" in order to better grasp the flashbacks and back stories that the latter film frequently alludes to.

As part of my dissertation, I had to come up with several energizers for a two-day seminar that I eventually have to run with some collegiate athletes. Here is some of the stuff that I came up with--a 15-item NBA Trivia sheet.

How many did you get out of the fifteen?

As part of my dissertation, I had to come up with several energizers for a two-day seminar that I eventually have to run with some collegiate athletes. Here is some of the stuff that I came up with--a 15-item NBA Trivia sheet.

How many did you get out of the fifteen?

1) Who is Shaquille O’Neal’s All-Star Magic teammate?

a) Dwyane Tyrone Wade, Jr.
b) Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway
c) Kobe Bryant
d) Glen Rice
e) None

b) Correct Answer: Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway

Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway and Shaquille O’Neal were teammates while playing for the Orlando Magic (93’-94’ until 95’-96’).  The duo reunited this year with the Miami Heat for the 07’-08’ season.

2) Which players were the NBA's top three rebounders (RPG) in the 06'-07' season, in order?

a) Dwight Howard, Kevin Garnett, and Ben Wallace
b) Kevin Garnett, Tyson Chandler, and Dwight Howard
c) Kevin Garnett, Ben Wallace and Tyson Chandler
d) Ben Wallace, Tyson Chandler and Dwight Howard
e) Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard and Tyson Chandler

b) Correct Answer: Kevin Garnett, Tyson Chandler, and Dwight Howard

With a 12.8 rebounding average, Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett captured the 06’-07’ rebounding crown.  Finishing second was New Orleans Center Tyson Chandler (12.4) followed by the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard (12.3).

3) Which player won the 06’-07’ Defensive Player of the Year award?

a) Ben Wallace
b) Kevin Garnett
c) Marcus Camby
d) Ron Artest
e) Bruce Bowen

c) Correct Answer: Marcus Camby

As a center for the Denver Nuggets, Camby won the award for the first time in his career with averages of 11.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 3.3 blocks per game.

4) Who won the Rookie of the Year Award in the 99’-00’ season?

a) Steve Francis (Rockets)
b) Elton Brand (Bulls)
c) Mike Miller (Magic)
d) A and C
e) B and C
f) A and B
g) None of the above

f) Correct Answer: A & B

The Houston Rockets Steve Francis and former Chicago Bulls forward Elton Brand were the third trio to be named Co-Rookie of Year after the Boston Celtics Dave Cowens and the Portland Trailblazers Geoff Petrie turned the trick in 70’-71’.  The Detroit Pistons Grant Hill and the Dallas Mavericks Jason Kidd followed them in 94’-95’.

5) How many active players are among the Top 30 all-time scorers in the NBA?

a) Four
b) Six
c) Eight
d) Two
e) Twelve

d) Correct Answer: Two

Shaquille O'Neal (25,624 --11th) and Allen Iverson (21,586 -- 24th)

6) Who was the first overall pick of the Toronto Raptors during the expansion draft in 95’-96’?

a) Damon Stoudamire
b) Greg Anthony
c) B.J. Armstrong
d) Blue Edwards
e) None of the above

c) Correct Answer: B.J. Armstrong

Taken first overall in the 95’-96’ expansion draft, the Chicago Bulls B.J. Armstrong had made it publicly known that he wanted to play for a contender.  In October of 1995, Armstrong got his wish when the Raptors shipped him to the Golden State Warriors in a 5-player deal involving Warriors center’s Carlos Rogers and Victor Alexander as well as the rights to three 2nd round picks (Dwayne Whitfield, Martin Lewis, and Michael McDonald).

7) Who is the youngest NBA player in the 07’-08’ NBA Season?

a) Greg Oden
b) Thaddeus Young
c) Spencer Hawes
d) Kevin Durant
e) Al Thornton

d) Correct Answer: Kevin Durant

Born on September 29, 1988, Kevin Durant is the youngest player in the NBA this season.  He is followed 76ers' guard Thaddeus Young (June), Kings center Spencer Hawes (April), and Greg Oden (January). 

On the other hand, Clippers forward Al Thornton played four years at Florida State and is one of the older rookies in the 07’-08’ batch at 23 years of age.

8) Who scored the NBA’s 6,000,000th point?

a) Dominique Wilkins
b) Blair Rasmussen
c) Danny Manning
d) Steve Smith
e) Stacey Augmon

e) Correct Answer: Stacey Augmon

On March 23, 1992, Atlanta Hawks rookie guard-forward Stacey Augmon scored 32 points in an overtime victory against the Golden State Warriors (126-125).  Augmon’s layup at 7:41 mark of the second quarter accounted for the 6,000,000th point in NBA history.

9) How many jersey numbers are retired at the American Airlines Arena?

a) Two
b) Three
c) None
d) One
e) Four

d) Correct Answer: One

On April 11, 2003, the Miami Heat franchise paid the ultimate tribute to the man known as “Air Jordan” when they retired jersey #23 jersey even though he never played for the Heat.

10) How many players wore #23 for the Miami Heat before it was retired?

a) Seven
b) None
c) Four
d) Three
e) Five

c) Correct Answer: Four

Only 4 of the 154 players in Heat’s twenty year history have ever worn #23: John Morton (91'-92'), Gary Grant (96'-97'), Rex Walters (98'-99'), and former NBA Slam Dunk Champion Cedric Ceballos (00'-01').

11) How many jersey numbers has Michael Jordan worn in his NBA career?

a) Two
b) Three
c) Four
d) Five

b) Correct Answer: Three

Michael Jordan has worn 23, 45 (during his first comeback in the 94’-95’ season), and 12 for one game in Orlando wherein his jersey #23 was stolen (February 14,1990).  Despite wearing an unfamiliar number, Jordan scored a game-high 26 points.

12) In the NBA Finals, who is the all-time leader in three point field goals made?

a) Michael Jordan
b) Scottie Pippen
c) Dan Majerle
d) Robert Horry
e) Steve Kerr

d) Correct Answer: Robert Horry

Affectionately named “Big Shot Bob” by teammate Tim Duncan a couple of years ago, Robert Horry holds the record for most three point conversions in the NBA Finals with 53.  Michael Jordan is second with 42.
 
13) Did Rasheed Wallace ever play for the Atlanta Hawks?

a) Yes
b) Never

a) Correct Answer: Yes

On February 12, 2004, the Portland Trailblazers sent their disgruntled all-star and shooting guard Wesley Person to the Atlanta Hawks for three players: Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Theo Ratliff, and Dan Dickau.  Five days later, Wallace was traded again as part of a three-team deal involving the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, and Atlanta Hawks.

14) How many NBA Championships has Robert Horry won in his stellar career?

a) Eight
b) Five
c) Six
d) Seven
e) Four

d) Correct Answer: Seven

As a member of the San Antonio Spurs, Robert Horry became one of only nine players to have won seven or more championships in the NBA.  Horry also has the distinction of being the only member of that group not to be associated with the Celtics of the 1960’s.

15) Who is the all-time leader in three-point field goal percentage in the regular season?

a) Jason Kapono
b) Tim Legler
c) Steve Kerr
d) Reggie Miller
e) Walter Ray Allen

a) Correct Answer: Jason Kapono

Playing the percentages, Toronto Raptors guard-forward Jason Kapono is the NBA’s all-time leader in three-point field goal percentage with a 46.1% clip.  Steve Kerr is second with 45.4%.

The proud city of New Orleans. 58 Days to go. NBA All-Star 2008.

The annual (a.k.a. "most likely") West starters most likely Yao Ming at Center (no contest here with an entire country voting for him); Tim Duncan (which was sketchy at first since he was initially listed as a Center. But now since he was able to sequester a reprieve on his All-Star ballot position listing (which would have most likely taken him out of the West starters if he didn't get it since Yao Ming has owned the Center slot since he entered the league in 03') and last year's league MVP Dirk Nowitzki at Forward; and Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady at Guard.

While the annual (a.k.a. "most likely") East starters would be Shaquille O'Neal at Center (no doubt moving to East to South Beach really helped in this department); newcomer Kevin "KG" Garnett and LeBron "LBJ" James as the Forwards; and Dwyane Tyrone Wade, Jr. and Gilbert "Agent Zero" Arenas at the Guard positions.

That is "most likely" and probably how the vote will turn out. New Jersey Nets point guard Jason Kidd (who currently has three triple-doubles this early into the 07'-08' season) should be the most viable replacement for the injured Arenas.

As for the West, I am not a big fan of Tracy McGrady and in all honesty, a natural point guard should start for the West and my vote goes to 2-time MVP Steve Nash (which won't happen because of McGrady's popularity).

Now to the main topic.

Question: Will Milwaukee Bucks forward and China's own Yi Jianlian make the NBA All-Star team?

I say YES!

Not because I'm a fan of Yi (which I am not), nor because the NBA seemingly decided to leave the 20 year-old Jianlian off the All-Star ballot.

Yi Jianlian will make it with his countrymen backing him up via the NBA's online All-Star voting system. They may have taken Yi off the ballot but NBA fans are more educated these days as there is always the "write in player" option.

Yi won't surpass "The Chosen One" LeBron James but he has a shot at Kevin Garnett's starting slot.

Yahoo Sports wrote:

China's basketball press lamented Friday (November 16, 2007) the absence of rookie Yi Jianlian from the 2008 NBA All Star ballot, reporting that the world's top basketball league may fear the voting power of Chinese fans.

Yi's name was absent from the ballot released Thursday (November 15, 2007) in the United States, making it much more difficult for Chinese supporters of the Milwaukee Bucks power forward to vote for him to start in the annual All Star Game.

The 20-year-old rookie has impressed in his first month in the NBA, averaging 11 points and 6.9 rebounds a game and replacing Charlie Villanueva, who is on the ballot, as the Bucks starter.

Yi's absence dominated the sports pages of many Chinese newspapers on Friday.

"The NBA does not dare to put Yi Jianlian on the ballot because the voting power of Chinese fans is too big," Titan Sports Weekly said in an editorial.

"If the NBA put Yi Jianlian on the ballot without careful consideration ... he would surely start for the East.

"The NBA fears that if a guy like Yi becomes an All Star and only scores two points in the game, they would lose the meaning of the All Star (game)."


Wouldn't it be fun to see the system work against the NBA?

So what are you waiting for?

So go over to NBA.com and cast your vote today!

Want more?  Visit: http://tedi31.blogspot.com

Ouch!

I'm sure the city of Washington, their NBA franchise, and legions of fans are all crying out in frustration just about now. It's like reliving the 06'-07' season's bad dream wherein Caron Butler broke his hand and Gilbert Arenas was literally knocked down soon after with a torn meniscus in his left knee.

What horrendous luck...

AP Sports Writers Mike Cranston and Howard Fendrich had this to say:


"CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Washington Wizards leading scorer Gilbert Arenas underwent two different surgical procedures on his left knee on Wednesday and will miss about three months.

Arenas had been experiencing swelling and soreness in the knee which he had surgically repaired late last season. After sitting out the past two games, Arenas did not travel with the team to Charlotte and underwent an MRI Wednesday morning, which revealed a cartilage tear.

"I'm just going to sit in my sorrows again. I have three months to (be) back positive again, but right now, it's hard," Arenas said in a posting on his blog Wednesday. "I need to start thinking about longevity in my career instead of just this injury right now. Every great player has missed at least one year."

Team physician Dr. Marc Connell repaired a partial tear of the meniscus and performed microfracture surgery on a non-weight bearing bone on the side of his knee.

"It's not as bad as the injury in April, but it's tough," wrote Arenas, who will begin rehabilitation next week.

"We expect Gilbert to make a full recovery," Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld said.

The 6-foot-4 Arenas is averaging 22.4 points.

Wizards center Brendan Haywood said. "Playing without Gilbert Arenas is going to hurt this team."

Arenas began the season by playing as though nothing was wrong, averaging about 40 minutes per game. But after Washington's third game, he said his knee felt stiff, "like a 5-pound weight is on it."

He then had excess fluid drained from the knee for the second time in three weeks on Nov. 7. He played the next night, a loss to New Jersey that dropped the Wizards to 0-4, but had a long conversation with Nets star Jason Kidd on the court after the final buzzer. Kidd offered advice about dealing with a return from surgery.

Arenas stayed in the lineup until missing Saturday's game against Portland, then sitting again Tuesday against Philadelphia. Without Arenas, coach Eddie Jordan said Antonio Daniels will continue to play point guard.

"Every team goes through it, and every team tries to find a way to win on a consistent basis," Jordan said. "We've gotten better at moving the ball."

This whole ordeal has all been a bit new to Arenas -- a three-time All-Star -- whose only previous significant injury in the NBA was an abdominal problem that limited him to 55 games in 2003-04.

He finished third in the league in scoring average in 2006-07 at 28.4 points, but missed the last two weeks of the regular season and all of the playoffs after having knee surgery.

"Gilbert worked extremely hard this summer to be ready for the beginning of the regular season," Grunfeld said. "This is very unfortunate because he was starting to play at a high level prior to the surgery."

"That's the business, man," Haywood said. "Life's not always fair. He's out right now and everybody is down about it. Everybody wishes him the best. Right now all we can do is pray for him and hope he has a speedy recovery."

Jordan wouldn't say whether he'll push management to sign another player."

I guess this will give Gilbert even more time to blog with all of his "cats."

For all you Fantasy NBA players out there--one piece of advice--pick up Antonio Daniels while you still can.

His stock just went up ten fold for the next three months.

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12 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists...just another night's work for the man known as J-Kidd.

After six consecutive losses dating back to the 10th of November, Jason Kidd (along with the return of teammate Vincent Lamar Carter from an ankle injury) led the New Jersey Nets to a 106-101 victory over the Portland Trailblazers in the Rose Garden.

It was Kidd's 3rd triple-double this season and 90th of his stellar career.

Man! As a member of the New Jersey Nets, Kidd has already amassed 52 triple-doubles to this point.

Jason Kidd may never catch Oscar (Robertson is the all-time leader with triple-doubles with 181) or Magic (Earvin Johnson is second on this short list with 138 "TD's") but he is by far the shortest player among the top five in this decorated group (Wilt Chamberlain is fourth with 78, while Boston's Larry Bird is fifth with 59).

I can see Kidd hitting 100 triple-doubles by the end of the year...

So what's next?

Jason catching his idol Magic Johnson at 138?

Well, we all can dream can't we...

One thing is for sure, it's going to be a very exciting ride...no matter the outcome.

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November 15, 2007

That's exactly what Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, the Miami Heat's free agent acquisition, did the other day against the New Jersey Nets wherein he and former Orlando Magic teammate Shaquille O'Neal sealed the Heat's victory (91-87) with "strong fourth quarter play" in East Rutherford, N.J.

AP Basketball Writer Brian Mahoney wrote:

"The Heat were up five with less than 9 minutes left when Hardaway made a 3-pointer. He knocked down another one about 1 1/2 minutes later, giving Miami a 75-66 cushion with 7:22 remaining.

Sean Williams' bucket cut it to four with 4 1/2 minutes left, but Hardaway answered with another 3 with 4:09 to go. Hardaway hadn't scored more than eight points in a game this season, when he returned to the league after not playing since the 2005-06 season because of leg injuries."

Sun-Sentinel and Miami Heat beat writer added:

"And Hardaway finally made shots, going 6 for 6 (4 for 4 from downtown and 3 of the 4 in the 4th quarter), the first time he played without a miss in his career."

Even with D.Wade back, Penny Hardaway's stellar play (as of late as there have been a number of occasions this year wherein the Heat have had to beg him just to shoot the basketball) might actually score some more points with stern taskmaster and Heat coach Pat Riley.

Ricky Davis, watch your back!

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A lot has transpired over the past couple of days in the wake of the Stephon Marbury "excused absence" saga. Below are a couple of in depth articles that I've come across that may pique your interest continuing Stephon Marbury-Isiah Thomas soap opera.

Newsday columnist Barbara Barker wrote:

"After NBA stops in Minnesota, New Jersey and Phoenix -- was supposed to signal a new era at the Garden. Made just a month after Thomas took over the team, the trade was hailed as brilliant by nearly every columnist in New York. Marbury was seen as the guy who could carry the Knicks back to prominence.

With Thomas acting as his mentor, some even believed that Marbury could deliver Knicks fans that NBA championship that had eluded them during the Ewing era. Well, the Ewing era is looking pretty good right now. In fact, even the Don Chaney era is preferable to the mess the current team finds itself in.

Since Marbury came aboard, the Knicks have not won a playoff game but have had four different coaches. And they soon could have a fifth; they are in the midst of one of the worst road trips in the history of the NBA.

Think things can't get worse? Just wait until the Knicks play their first home game in nine days Tuesday against Golden State. The Knicks' public address announcer already has taken to announcing Thomas and his assistant coaches in rapid-fire succession in order to avoid a prolonged boo-fest during a pause after Thomas' name. One theory about Marbury's benching is that owner James Dolan ordered it so Marbury won't face a negative reaction when he is introduced.

"It's depressing to go there," one former Knick said of the Garden. "There's empty seats, and the people that are there aren't happy. It's embarrassing."

As ugly as the situation has gotten, Marbury said before Friday's game that he still considers the Garden his home. "I love New York. I've loved New York when I played with other teams. I'm happy to be here," he said. "I love the fans. I love playing in Madison Square Garden."

Queens Basketball guru Rob Johnson believes the problem is that Marbury is surrounded by an entourage of people who are afraid to challenge him. "Everyone around him is yessing him to death," he said. "No one tells him what he needs to hear."

Until recently, everyone who challenged Marbury -- from teammates to former coach Larry Brown to Anucha Browne Sanders -- found themselves on the outs at Madison Square Garden. And it is that sense of entitlement -- revealed during his testimony at the Browne Sanders trial about having extramarital sex in his truck with a Garden intern -- that ultimately could derail Marbury's New York dream.

Heading into the summer, it looked as though Marbury might turn things around. He was coming off his best season as a Knick and was being heralded by everyone from Oprah to BusinessWeek for the success of his $15 sneaker. But then came the testimony about the tryst in the truck, which was compounded by the fact he left the courtroom smiling and singing to himself.

"That just killed him," one longtime agent said. "The same mothers who were out there buying his shoes aren't going to like the fact he's married and having sex in a parking lot. If I were his agent, I would have gone to the Garden and offered to pay part of a settlement just to keep it out of court."

And now Marbury might be in a mess that no one can buy his way out of, not even deep-pockets Dolan. The Garden, once the only place Marbury ever wanted to be, might be a place he ultimately has to leave.

TNT Analyst and former NBA All-Star Charles Wade Barkley added:

"Stephon Marbury is wrong," said Charles Barkley on TNT. "I like Isiah Thomas, I've been a big defender of his, but Stephon Marbury's track record speaks for itself. If you can't be happy playing with Kevin Garnett, you're never going to be happy. Isiah Thomas made a huge mistake bringing Stephon Marbury to the Knicks, thinking he could change him. Stephon Marbury is who he is."

"Stephon Marbury is one of those guys that when he came to the NBA we said, ‘That guy is going to be a great player, one day, when he gets it,'" he added. "And then five years later you say, ‘He ain't getting it yet. He's never going to get it.' Stephon Marbury is a very talented basketball player who's never going to get it. He's going to do it his way, which is the wrong way. You'd think a guy who has been on four teams would think, ‘I did it my way, but it ain't working,' and he would change. But Stephon Marbury is not going to change."

Somehow. Someway. Those $15 dollar Starbury's are no longer as enticing as they once were...

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A lot has been made of the Stephon Marbury-Isiah Thomas soap opera. But how much are the Knicks actually shelling out for their multi-million dollar roster that has yet to pay dividends in the playoffs (and the regular season for that matter!).

Daily News Columnist Mitch Lawrence wrote:

"The Knicks are on the books this season for a league-leading $95.294 million in players' salaries. But because of the Jerome Williams' amnesty buyout, and for the purpose of the NBA luxury tax calculation, their actual number is $87.655 million, according to official figures obtained from a rival Eastern Conference GM. With the tax threshold set at $67.9 million, and every team exceeding that figure required to pay dollar for dollar over that amount, the Knicks are shelling out an additional $20 million in taxes. That means the roster is costing Jim Dolan almost $108 million. That's $52 million over the league's cap, but who's counting? Bottom line: Fiscal mismanagement still reigns supreme at Two Penn Plaza."

At the end of the day, it will be the New York fans who will pay for Jim Dolan's and Isiah Thomas' frivolous, unconscious, and remorseless financial escapades...

I can't wait to see the Knicks ten years from now...

One can only hope that it doesn't get any worse...

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