Did you hear?! Did you hear?!! Major League Baseball crowned a new champion on Sunday as the Houston Astros defeated the Boston Red Sox in the final inter-league series of the year for the Astros! Not only did they defeat the Red Sox but they also took two out of three thus winning the series!
Now you're probably thinking, wait a minute, how does that make them the champions?! Well it's simple, I'm using my Wrestling logic on the world of baseball...well maybe just for the Astros.
There is no hiding the fact that I love wrestling...I love watching great story lines unfold while grown ass men beat the hell out of each other without trying to hurt each other! I think there is a reason why Wrestling has withstood the test of time and has become a multi-billion dollar industry. It's like a soap opera on steroids...literally and figuratively.
In the world of wrestling the most exciting match is a title match so it's only right that I would apply the title defense into the MLB...here's how it goes:
The Boston Red Sox won the title last year, fair and square, in the MLB playoffs. To keep the champ on his toes, MLB should make the Red Sox defend the title at least once a month. They can pick the opponent and location. The winner of the series will win the belt.
If the team of their choice defeats them in a seres then they must give up the belt and that team will be the champ until the playoffs. For example, The Red Sox defended their title successfully up until the Houston series in Houston. The Houston Astros now have the belt and they can pick their next opponent.
The Boston Red Sox can get a title shot in the playoffs by reaching the World Series. They can also use their rematch clause but a time and location has to be agreed on...that's probably not going to happen.
The rules are simple and fair. This will also encourage better play out of all the teams because everybody want a shot at the champs. Audiences will flock to see the champs even in a non-title series. I think all sports have to put the title clause into their championships. Could you imagine the ratings for a Houston Astros vs Cincinnati Reds Title Match Series in late July?!
Just to improve the ratings all around baseball, the league could also institute special types of matches...for example:
Table, Chair and Ladders Match...How much fun would it be to see the Boston Red Sox against Tampa in a TLC match?! Even Coco Crisp will be able to get in a good hit and not leave with a scratch under his eye.
Hell in a Cell Match...Everybody remembers the best Hell in a Cell match but imagine the ratings if you put the Cubs and Cardinals in a Cell match! I would love to see Pujols take a choke slam from the top of the cage onto some thumbtacks.
Falls Count Anywhere Match...Okay, every pro can play a game inside the friendly confines of Minute Maid Park but a true ball player can play anywhere at anytime so thats why I am calling for the Falls Count Anywhere rules. How much fun would it be to see the D-backs and the Padres go play on a high school field or even better, a street game!
Bra and Panties match...okay wait not all Wrestling ideas would work in baseball
Well folks there you have it, my thoughts about the title matches in baseball. Now some purists might hate this title match idea but come on, isn't the whole All-Star game for home field more of a "ratings puller" than the title match clause? The title match system might be off a bit but so is inter-league play.
I'm at the Houston Astros game following the NBA Draft so I thought I would blog my thoughts with the picks...check out what I think of the first round.
Chicago Bulls---Derrick Rose
This is the right pick for the Chicago Bulls because when its all said and done, Rose will be the savior for the franchise. The guy has all the talent in the world and has a good head on his shoulders. No surprise that they went with the home town kid. Pick grade: A+
Miami Heat--- Michael Beasley
If the Heat traded this pick or took O.J. Mayo instead of the B-Easy than I would have ripped them but they made the right pick. There is more upside to B-Easy and less chances of failure as compared to the rest of the guys left in the draft. In my opinion, Rose and B-Easy were 1a and 1b in this draft. The thing that separated Rose from B-Easy was that he is a Chicago kid. I think both are immense talents that will flourish in the NBA. Pick Grade: A+
Minnesota Timberwolves---O.J. Mayo
Wow the T-wolves were backed into a corner here...I'm not a big fan of Mayo because I think he has more red flags than most of the guys in the draft. The whole ESPN money story was no small deal. As a player I think Mayo is very stiff and not as fluid as the other guards in this draft. I see Mayo being an average player for the Wolves. Here are some of the other players I would have taken over Mayo at this point: Eric Gordon or Kevin Love. Pick Grade: A
Seattle Supersonics---Russell Westbrook
Now that Rose and Beasley are off the board, we will have more questions than answers. Westbrook is a guy who showed very good FLASHES of a game changing guard but had a lot of moments where he disappeared in the game. If his potential is reached than we will remember him as the big steal at no.4. Three point guards (I'm counting O.J. as a combo point) in the first four picks. Pick Grade: B+
Memphis Grizzlies---Kevin Love
The first true big man taken in the draft to a team that needs a new big man to build the team around. Kevin Love's biggest downfall is his athletic ability. If Scott Pollard can make it in the NBA then I think Love will be fine. His basketball abilities are high and his basketball IQ is probably the best in the draft. A solid player that will be the foundation for the young Grizz. Pick Grade: A
New York Knicks---Danilo Gallinari
This is a bad pick not only from the basketball stand but also the PR stand. The New York Knicks needed to make a pick that would help the fans back on their side with the hiring of D'Antoni. I think the solid pick here would have been D.J. Augustin because he is a Steve Nash protege. He has studied under Nash and knows the offense that D'Antonio runs. Also, there is something to drafting a guard in the best city of guards. Pick Grade: C+
L.A. Clippers---Eric Gordon
Last year Gordon showed signs of being the no.1 pick but then hit a wall where injuries and mental breakdowns slowed down his freshman year. Now being in a stable NBA environment under a team that is expected to fail every year, I think Gordon will play without pressure and fill up the bucket. The guy reminds me of Gilbert Arenas but with more potential as a shooter. The Clips needed a guy to be able to shoot from the outside and he fit that bill. He also has the slashing ability of some of the quicker guys but with the body of a Deron Williams to absorb the contact. The Clips will also get back Shaun Livingston at some point next year. Pick Grade: A
Milwaukee Bucks---Joe Alexander
Talk about a guy who improved his stock through the NCAA Tournament. Alexander was not a lottery pick before the NCAA but after the big upset of Duke he hit the national scene. Solid player with a great mid-range game that can jump and grab big rebounds. He is going to be a good fit in Milwaukee with his jump shooting ability. Joe is also well spoken in Chinese so it would have been cool to see him team up with Yi Jianlian but that's not happening because Yi is now part of the Nets. Richard Jefferson and Joe Alexander in one draft, I like it. Pick Grade: B+
Charlotte Bobcats---D.J. Augustin
WHY CHARLOTTE WHY?!!!! Why would they take a point guard like D.J. at 9 when Larry Brown has a track record of sitting rookies. This must be a draft day pick for some other team (maybe New York?)...the Bobcats also have a PG in Felton. If Augustin sticks around then this is a dead situation for him. The chances of Brown trusting a rookie PG with his team is near 0. Pick Grade: C+
New Jersey Nets---Brook Lopez
This is another good pick on potential. I had a chance to watch Lopez during the sweet 16 in Houston and he looked really good against an undersized Texas team. He has shown some good signs throughout the year at Stanford and has the chance to be a very big part of the recruiting process for LeBron James. The Nets now have Lopez, Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons. Pick Grade: B
Indiana Pacers---Jarryd Bayless (Traded to the Blazers)
The Pacers answered their needs by trading for T.J. Ford yet they wanted to draft a 6-3 combo point guard that will be groomed under T.J. He is going to be a solid fit for the Pacers and will be one of the better rookies this year. The guy has speed and shooting ability. The Pacers will have the fastest back court when Ford and Bayless are out there together! Pick Grade: A-
With that pick we are now left with a bunch of potential guys and the real BIG names are off the board...Here are some of the names that are left after 11 picks: Brandon Rush, DeAndre Jordan, Kosta Koufos and Anthony Randolph
Sacramento Kings---Jason Thompson
The Kings like to get in some long and athletic guys that can play multiple positions. By taking Jason Thompson (PF) the Kings picked a long guy that can face the basket and post-up. Thompson is a senior and was the MAC player of the year...Coach Van Gundy said he is ready to play right now and will be a big part of the Kings offense and defense. The scouts are saying he has an NBA body that can take the pounding from bigs in the NBA. Pick Grade: B-
Portland Trail Blazers---Brandon Rush (traded to the Pacers)
The first national champion taken in the draft...I've been watching Rush ever since he got to Kansas and always thought this guy was going to be a lottery pick no matter what year he left. He has a very fluid game that will blend in great with the young Portland team. Rush will have a chance to come off the bench and get up some big points and rebounds for them. like at Kansas, he will blend in with a lot of good players and will not have the pressures of being the go to guy on a team. The Blazers just added Rush and Oden (because of injury) through the draft...pretty good day for them! Pick Grade: B+
Golden State Warriors---Anthony Randolph
This is a good pick for the Warriors because he is a athletic 4 that can run with the Warriors and throw down sick dunks. He brings some needed size to the Warriors. Randolph's frame will fill out as he gets older but right now he is around 196 so that's not a good thing. This is going to be a project but a fun one to watch. Pick Grade: B
Phoenix Suns---Robin Lopez
The Suns needed a center that will help back-up Shaq (or even take over for Shaq after he is injured) so size is a must. By picking Robin Lopez they now have a legit back-up that plays with a lot of energy and will get scrappy. He is going to have a chance to learn from one of the hardest workers (sarcasm) in Shaq. He is not that great on the offensive side but with Nash running point he will get some easy layups. Very strong pick for the Suns. Pick Grade: B+
Philadelphia 76ers---Marreese Speights
According to scouts, Speights is going to be very up and down for the 76ers. I think this is a good pick for the 76ers because they have a solid foundation that made the playoff run and adding another long guy to the team will only help them. Overall, the 76ers had to pick between Speights and Hibbert. They picked Speights because he will be able to fit in better with Andre Miller. Pick Grade: B-
Indiana Pacers (via Toronto)---Roy Hibbert
I really like Hibberts game because he does things right. His offense is not the greatest but he will get some easy layups with T.J. Ford and Bayless on the floor with him. The Pacers are having a good draft so far because they picked up two solid picks at the right place. Hibbert is a cheap cheap Dikembe Mutumbo so that's a plus for the Pacers. Pick Grade: B
Washington Wizards: JaVale McGee
A glorified NBDL guy that will see most of the season in the NBDL. A very potential pick and not picked on his body of work so far. Pick Grade: C
Cleveland Cavs: J.J. Hickson
The Cavs really needed a big time pick here but that's tough to do because of their pick in the draft. They had a big body in DeAndre Jordan on the board and a scorer like Chris Douglass-Roberts. Hickson will provide a spark off the bench and can man up on defense. He will also be a nice post up player for the Cavs. Pick Grade: C+
Charlotte Bobcats: Alexis Ajinca
Who? I have not seen enough of this guy so no comment...Here are what the scouts are saying about him: has skill but very inconsistent player. I'm still mad at the Bobcats for taking DJ and putting him in rookie hell. Pick Grade: C- (who?)
New Jersey Nets: Ryan Anderson
This is slowly starting to turn into a how good of an NBDL team you can field. Ryan Anderson for the most part is a strong forward but has too many holes in his games and that's why he was the 21st pick. He will get up a lot of points but not too much defense. The Nets now have Yi, Brook Lopez and Bobby Simmons. Pick Grade: C+
Orlando Magic: Courtney Lee
Remember him from the NCAA Tournament? This pick goes out to YouTube legend Kige Ramsey out of Western Kentucky. This will be a good pick for the Magic to get another all-around player at 6-5. I like this pick for the Magic because he will play in a good system that let's the all-around player flourish. Pick Grade: B+
Utah Jazz: Kosta Koufos
The prototypical Jazz player! The guy has a nice mid-range game and can extend the floor with his shot! He is a college Mehmet Okur! He is going to fit in really well with the Jazz because he is a nice shooter. He will get better on the defensive side because any player can flop and get some calls. Remember when Ashton Kutcher, I mean Kyle Korver, was a bad defensive player? Yeah well ask Tracy McGrady about his defense. Pick Grade: B+
Seattle Supersonics: Serge Ibaka
HUGE PICK!!!! Not for the Sonics but because now the Houston Rockets have CDR on the board! Let's see if they go with the proven scorer or the potential big time player from France in Nicolas Batum. I'm sure this guy will have a few years over seas or in the NBDL. Pick Grade: C- (WHO?)
Houston Rockets: Nicolas Batum
I started writing this post when the Rockets were on the blog and I was sold that they would go with CDR...read and enjoy:What a great pick!! A much needed scorer that will have a chance to come off the bench and get some HUGE minutes when T-mac hits his cold spots. CDR is a proven guy that scored big time buckets.
Well, now let's get back to the real world where the Rockets took Nicolas Batum. The Rockets were really interested in Batum and spent a lot of time looking at him so for them this was a good moment to see him on the board. The Rockets like his play making ability and athleticism but he is soft. Guys that were left on the board: DeAndre Jordan, Darrell Arthur, Mario Chalmers, CDR, and Bill Walker. Pick Grade: B-
San Antonio Spurs: George Hill
A 6-2 PG that the Spurs hope to build into a good backup for Tony Parker. The guy can score and get to the line but turnovers will be his downside. The Spurs were desperate for a backup PG last year so much so that they got Damon Stoudamire (That didn't work out). Pick Grade: B
Portland Trailblazers (by way of New Orleans): Darrell Arthur
He slipped down to 27 because of a potential kidney problem that he did not get tested out so teams saw a lot of red flags with that decision. Arthur has all the talent in the world for a PF but is very spotty in games. He is a hit or miss for the Blazers but the good thing is that the Blazers are PACKED with talent so he could be traded or just be a nice bench guy. Pick Grade: B-
Memphis Grizzlies: Donte Green
An oversized 6-9 small forward that can shoot and get to the holes. He was a good player for Syracuse but will need to get his game into full gear for Memphis because he has all the chances to be big for that team. Green last year put up 18ppg and 7.2 rebounds. This picks makes up 10 freshmen drafted so far. Pick Grade: B-
Detroit: D.J. White
Wow, what a steal! This is a Detroit guy to the fullest. He is a tough nosed player that will make a lot of noise off the bench for the Pistons. White has a strong sense of understanding the game and has the physical tools to be a good player in the NBA. Pick Grade: B+
Boston: J.R. Giddens
The champs can take anybody they want because they are set for next year but this is a good developmental pick for the Celtics. Has a lot of potential but also some red flags because of his college problems from transferring from Kansas to New Mexico. A good potential pick. Pick Grade: C
Please listen to Gametime this Saturday and Sunday from 8am- 12pm CST. I'm going to have some really funny stuff regarding the NBA Finals, Music People Listen to and opinions on sports.
About a year ago I was standing outside Yankee Stadium with my brother Sunail, my sister Armeen, my "brotha" (like the cool kids say) Allyshah, and a whole gang of friends trying to figure out how we couuld get inside Yankee stadium on a Sunday while the team was on the road. Like any sports fan, I looked into getting a tour of Yankee Stadium but they were sold out, so no go! Luckily my sister can sweet talk her way into most places so we ended up getting a limited tour behind home plate and I was happy with it....Fast forward a year....
On Father's Day 2008 after doing my morning show, Gametime with Raheel Ramzanali, I was working as a media member representing 1560 The Game inside the Yankees clubhouse in Minute Maid Park. I had a chance to talk to Joba Chamberlain (on Friday night), Derek Jeter, Mike Musina, A-Rod and Johnny Damon...I remember standing outside of Yankee stadium thinking, how cool would it be to be in the Yankees clubhouse and talk to some of the greats of our time? A year later that's exactly what I was doing...just not at Yankee Stadium but the best ballpark, Minute Maid Park.
Back to Back Champions...
For all of the hardcore PTRR fans, you will remember that 1560 The Game won the Houston Rockets media 3-on-3 basketball tournament last year. Well, in keeping with tradition, we returned to the tournament and captured the title again for the first ever back to back reign! After putting up a campaign to win the MVP last year, I was awarded MVP this year at the tournament...here are some notes from the day:
Lance Zierlein has game and showed it in the finals...Lance hit some big shots and played some sick defense. The highlight of the finals was when I started yelling at Lance to D up on his man who had not scored the whole game. We got into a friendly argument and then ended up winning the game 11-6
David Nuno is the best media defender...he was shutting down the opposing team's best player and even scored a big AND 1 in the finals! Thanks for locking up fools David so I could roam around freely.
John Harris set the tone of the tournament when he got into a confrontation in our first game with the guys down the dial. A few words were exchanged but no feelings were hurt because it was all left on the court. Harris was a beast on the loose balls and rebounds.
Sean Pendergast came out to coach/manage/root/trash talk/ pump-up/muscle for the team and man was he awesome. He kept on chanting Kobe's name during our games and I believe that gave me my boost in the finals.
I showered in the Houston Comets locker room and no matter what you say about that, I felt like a pro-player.
I've never felt this sore in my life after four games of 3-on-3. I guess I'm hitting the point in my life where my young age can't carry me anymore...time to find some HGH!
The NBA Finals are three games in and I've just had a chance to post so here are some thoughts from the games...
Derek Fisher loves to shoot the ball every time he touches it
I am very impressed with Ray Allen's performance in the Finals...his shot is on and he is trying to chase Kobe around...that said I still don't like him
I still hate Pierce...the whole knee thing was the crappiest acting I've seen since yesterday when I watched a soap on NBC.
Jeff Van Gundy is the man...his take on paying full price for a his bald cut was priceless!
I think the Lakers are playing basketball that had them eliminated in the first round...no team movement.
I think the NBA needs to move the bench players back from play because I hate it when they can get in players' faces when they are shooting from the corner three
Kendrick Perkins looks like a cartoon devil...just look!
Sasha is a badass but he still looks like kinda eh...if you know what I mean
I still hate Pierce
This could be the funniest song of the year...not safe for work...
Phil Jackson vs. Doc Rivers...9 rings to 0...If there is one coach that can exploit mismatches and take advantage of your weaknesses, it's the Zen Master. In these playoffs Phil has done a better job of adjusting during the series than Doc Rivers has shown to do. Just ask the Atlanta Hawks young guys, they're still rebounding over the Celtics. I really like Phil out coaching Doc in game 1 and stealing one in Boston.
2-3-2 Matchup...The Celtics are favored by only 3 points in Game 1. This is the one game the Lakers can steal because they have Kobe and Phil. This Lakers team, not including Gasol, has also been together for 3 playoff pushes that ended in a heart breaking loss in Game 7 and then a lackluster showing last year when they lost to the Suns in 5. I see the Lakers taking Game 1, losing game 2 and then closing out in LA.
Kobe vs K.G...Who do you take in the match-up of MVP players leading their teams? Kobe is the ultimate killer but KG is the mobile big that can shut down the basket. Kobe remembers failures...I take Kobe in this battle because the last time he was in the finals it ended like this.
Paul Pierce and Ray Allen...I hope they never win a championship.
***Quick programming note for my on-air schedule at 1560 The Game***
I will now be hosting Gametime during the weekends on Saturday from 8am-12pm and Sunday from 8am to 12pm (1pm on Astros' game days). I will still be popping in and out of the Ken Hoffman show but my main responsibilities will be hosting the best weekend show the City of Houston has ever heard and report during the week. Please tune into Gametime for the best local sports talk with a national feel.
Why is it wrong to be better than the rest?
My whole life I was told to be the best at anything I do. THE BEST, no exceptions. That means in radio I should aim to be the next national host for a big sports conglomerate. I should aim to be the best sports radio host in Houston and nothing less. I should aim to be better than my peers before me and my peers that I work with today. It's only natural to be the best and set goals of being the best.
Why is it that in sports when somebody wants to be better than th best they are criticized and mocked for it? If you have not seen the recent Kobe Bryant interview with Stephen A. Smith then take a break and check it out.
In the interview, Smith asks Kobe about being compared to Jordan. Kobe quickly denies anything to do with Jordan and tells Smith to get over it. If Kobe comes out and says, "yes I want to be better than Jordan," then everybody will call him a Jordan wanna-be (if they already don't). If you think Kobe, or any player, does not want to be the BEST EVER, then you need to stop watching sports. Every athlete has the ambition to be the best in the history of their sport, so why do we mock them when they admit it? When Kobe went after Jordan in the 1996 All-Star game people called it blasphemy for a young guy to go after Jordan to show that he wants to be better than him. It is considered blasphemy for anybody to even mention Kobe, or any other current player, as possibly the best to ever play their position or the game.
In EVERY other profession it is encouraged to make a peer before you your role model and copy things they have done. By using the base that a peer has laid you can improve your profession. Also, with that base you can also become better than your peers before you. Not in sports. Nobody should every aim to be the best...well at least in public.
***By the way I will be putting out my famous NBA Finals preview this week. If you are not familiar with my NBA Finals preview then here is a quick catch-up. I have nailed the last 2 NBA Finals with the Heat winning "As much as I hate Shaq (read earlier blogs), I’m taking the Heat to win this series in six games. Wade is going to be too much for the Mavs in addition to a RESTED Shaq."
and the Spurs winning it last year...okay well I did not put that in the blog because I was trying to find a job but I promise you I called the Spurs in 4.
Big Puma Song
IF you have not heard the Definitive: Big Puma Song yet then please go download it here at pumasong.com
This song was written by Blue Light Cemetery: the band which is made up of Chance McClain (of 1560 fame), Frank Bullington (the polygamist) and Lani (the best musician in Houston).
During my awkward high school years I tried out new things but they were always in phases. For example, alternative music. I went through a phase where I only listened to Papa Roach and bands of that nature. I felt like I was part of something...until I got tired of it. I still put on some alternative music once in a while but not a die-hard.
One high school phase I did not grow out of is watching Jackass. My friends and I would like re-create certain Jackass stunts on tape. One day I will get around to putting those stunts on YouTube. One of our most famous "skits" were when I stuffed my best friend Abid into a trunk and broke his big toe. He still has the scar from that night.
The reason I'm posting is because I'm sitting here on my Monday off watching some re-runs of Jackass on MTV2. I think Jackass is one of the funniest shows to ever hit TV and one of the funniest movies that I've ever watched. I enjoy watching guys in painful situations. I also enjoy watching Kobe Bryant. So it's only natural that my two loves surfaced in a pretty cool clip.
The Final Four is finally here...well NBA style. Now the NBA Finals is the best series to be in because of what it holds but the best time to watch basketball is right now during the Conference Finals.
Spurs and the Lakers...oh my!
With the San Antonio showing why they are the defending champions against the dominating Hornets team, we now have a dream match-up of LA and SA. The last time the two teams played we were given the shot. The Lakers (with Malone, Kobe , Shaq and the Glove) went on to beat the Spurs but they lost to the Pistons. This is going to be a chance for the Lakers, who are favored by Vegas to represent the Western Conference, to go through the ultimate road block, the defending champions. This is going to be a series to remember and one that will really capture how great this NBA season really was. Lakers win this series in 6...yes on the road.
Celtics must win a road game
In the East every NBA fan got the match-up they wanted, Detroit vs. Boston. Now going into the playoffs I said the Pistons were overrated and that they have no shot in beating the Celtics. Well this thought has changed because of the Celtics lack of road basketball. I think this series will come down to the wire in most of the games and the Celtics will win one game in Boston. After going 0-6 on the road for the playoffs, the Celtics will finally win a road game in Detroit. In my opinion the Celtics are the more talented team and they will end up winning the series in 7. Look for Ray Allen to have a better series than he did against the LeBrons. Boston 4, Detroit 3.
Sid the Kid
I'm not a hockey guy by any means but I know a good thing when I see it. Sidney Crosby is something we should all be watching. I know this is obvious but this kid is special. He is the great one for the NHL. He is what the NHL is building around and he is someone we should all watch even if we don't watch hockey. Now you're probably wondering, "hockey isn't on TV." Well the Stanley Cup Finals WILL be on NBA starting with Game 3. It's stupid stuff like this that ruins potential NHL fans. The Stanley Cup Finals game 1 and game 2 will be on Versus Network! That is ridiculous. The NHL will never attract any new fans if they don't out the Stanley Cup Finals on network TV or even basic cable. Just bite the bullet and go to a sports bar for games 1 and 2. Here is a quick Sidney Crosby highlight video.
I know I put up a lot of YouTube Videos but I came across one today that deserved its own post...
You thought you saw all the tricks in the book? Check it out...
I Was The King First...
Two summers ago this blog was born, Pardon The Raheel Ramzanali with the blog address being www.kingofsports.blogspot.com
Well, another station in Houston has decided to crown one of their on-air personalities as the King Of Sports...I call foul here! In fact, if you go to google and put in "King of Sports Radio Houston" you will get Pardon the Raheel Ramzanali. Stealing is wrong...Anyways, the King of Sports wouldn't be the King of Sports without you the reader so I thank you for making me the first search result! Explosions in the Sky on Austin City Limits
You might have heard Explosions in the Sky from the badass movie Friday Night Lights or you might have caught them on the TV show. This is one of the most powerful groups to come out of Austin. They are an instrumental quartet that really captures emotions that we all go through in life and sports. If you have not heard Explosions then you need to watch them on one of the best shows of all time, Austin City Limits.
"So go ahead, go nuts, go ape shit, Especially in my pastel, on my bape shit, Act like you can't tell who made this, New gospel, homey, take six, and take this, haters.
Now that don't kill me, Can only make me stronger. I need you to hurry up now 'Cause I can't wait much longer. I know I got to be right now 'Cause I can't get much wronger. Man, I been waitin' all night now, That's how long I've been on ya."
Kanye West- Stronger
In honor of seeing the best performer in Hip Hop last Friday, I am starting this blog post off with some Kanye West.
This also relates because all the Kobe haters can put one thing to rest, "Kobe doesn't have any MVPs."...He does now.
To celebrate here are 5 of the best Kobe videos from YouTube...Enjoy!
Kobe going for 81
A fan made video of Kobe being the best...I swear I did not make this
As the official unofficial blog of the people, I wanted to post about everything...
Let's Start in Houston
[This could be the feel good story of the year]....and by feel good I mean what the heck is happening! In Houston, a man was pulled over after a high speed chase and then shot after he did not obey officers request to put his hands in a visible position...he decided to dig under his seat (bad move)...The man was Roland Carnaby. You might not know Carnaby well because nobody knows who he is! Carnaby claimed he was in the CIA but then the CIA denied his existence in their branch. If this isn't made into a movie in the next year or so then I will lose all hope in Hollywood. This has everything, lies, death, the CIA and a shooting. This could be the weirdest story of the year...Oh, Carnaby's family had no idea about what he did for a living. Talk about a guy who could keep a secret!
[This guy was stoned!] This took place in Sugar Land after a park worker was hit in the head by a stone when a group of high schoolers were out there to celebrate Senior Day. Haha I would have paid anything to see the guy get in the head and then all the students act like nothing happened. Oh, the guy called the cops and wasted the people's money because they did not find who threw the stone. Gotta love it that this was in a major newspaper's website. Man hit with stone, Cops could not find the kid, man is a cry baby.
Now some news from around the Nation
[The University of Texas just produces Rookies of the Year]...That's right Kevin Durant was named the NBA Rookie of the Year...The Vince Young of basketball (without the national championship)...Durant will be one of the guys I tell my kids about when I get older. "I had a chance to cover Kevin Durant and watch him play in college."...What a great kid. If you are keeping count, thats two rookie of the year awards in the last two years that have come from UT. Vince and Kevin.
[Kanye West, Lupe, Pharrell, N.E.R.D and Rihanna]...I will be going to the Glow in The Dark Tour on Friday night at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and I can't wait! This is going to be huge for one big reason! Child Rebel Soldier will be in the house together! CRS is the new super group formed by Kanye, Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell Williams. I'm hoping to hear some new CRS stuff or at least their hit song Us Placers. I'll give you the full report on Monday.
CD REVIEW
Just picked up the new Augustana CD Can't Love, Can't Hurt! I'm a big fan of Augustana and their first album All The Stars and Boulevards so I was really excited to hear their big sophomore album. At first when I listened I thought the album was just okay but it grows on you! I've had the CD on replay for a few days now. I thought the band did a great job of showing how flexible they are with their sound by doing a really slow song (Fire and Dust) to a radio hit song (Sweet and low) to a great follow up to Boston with the song (Twenty Years). This is a great CD so pick it up...here are some of the highlights from it
Last week I did a segment on the most annoying songs of all time! Here is the podcast of the segment and under that I put the songs in order of how annoying they are! What do you think, is this list correct? What songs would you add to it?
So the Spurs are whooping up on the Suns so this is the perfect time to see what Suns fans are asking their clotheslining defensive stud Raja Bell...
Nothing like getting free coffee from 7 different McDonalds...
Two of our dedicated listeners decided to get a caffeine high from a text message coupon for a free McDonald's Iced Coffee promotion. Check out their adventure...It could be one of the funniest nights ever
Well its been a while since I posted some show content up so I'm going to clean the closet and post three of my favorite interviews from the last month or so...
To start you off here is quick T-mac mix of him being tired
Well the NBA playoffs are here and like every other person I did make my NBA pre-season picks and my NBA post All-Star picks so let's look at them and see how my predictions stack up to the final standings.
Western Conference Final Regular Season Standings /King's preseason / King's post All-star
LA Lakers / Suns/ Spurs
Hornets/ Spurs/ Lakers
Spurs/ Rockets/ Mavericks
Jazz/ Nuggets/ Nuggets
Rockets (home court)/ Mavericks/ Suns
Suns/ Jazz/ Jazz
Mavericks/ Warriors / Hornets
Nuggets/ Lakers / Rockets
Some notes from my Western Conference Picks
I had the Warriors making the playoffs but that did not happen...I did not put the Warriors into my second half picks so I was correct on that one...for once in my life.
I had the Rockets finishing in the top 4 with home court in my pre-season picks but in my post all-star I had them dropping down to 8th...I was wrong. The Rockets played some great ball and now will have to play even better against the Jazz.
I thought the Lakers would suck it up and barely make the playoffs in my preseason picks...They finished no.1
I picked the Suns to win it all in my preseason picks but then changed that to the Lakers.
NBA Playoffs Picks Western Conf.
Lakers beat Nuggets in 6
Dallas beats New Orleans in 7
San Antonio beats the Suns in 7
Utah beats Houston in 4
Western Conf. Semi-Finals
Lakers beat Utah in 6
Spurs beat Dallas in 7
Western Conference Finals
Lakers beat Spurs in 6
The Spurs have the hardest road to the finals and by the time they face the Lakers they will be worn down. Add the return of Bynum and this spells disaster for the Spurs. Call me a Kobe guy but being this close I like him to take over like never before...oh and he will be the MVP by now so even better.
Eastern Conference
Final Regular Season Standings /King's preseason / King's post All-star
Celtics/ Bulls/ Celtics
Detroit/ Celtics/ Pistons
Orlando/ Pistons/ Cavs
Cavs/ Wizards/ Magic
Washington/ Nets/ Raptors
Raptors/ Nets/ Wizards
76ers/ Orlando/ Hawks
Hawks/ Heat/ Bulls
Some notes from the Eastern Conf picks
I had the Bulls making the playoffs as the no.1 seed...They did not make the playoffs... I hate them.
I had the Celtics finishing no.1 after the all-star break and no. 2 in preseason.
I had the Hawks making the playoffs after the All-Star break
I had the Heat dropping down to 8th but I don't think a lot of people had them as the crappiest team ever...or the Bulls.
I put some trust in Vince Carter by putting that garbage of a team in the playoffs...man I hate VC
NBA Playoffs Eastern Conf Picks
Celtics over Hawks in 4
Detroit over 76ers in 5
Orlando over Raptors in 6
Cleveland over Washington in 7
I love Gilbert but LeBron in the playoffs is not a fun thing to play against.
Eastern Conf Semi-Finals
Celtics over Cavs in 6
Detroit over Orlando in 5
Eastern Conf. Finals
Celtics over Detroit in 7
This is going to be the series to watch! I think the Celtics will show the flaws of an overrated Detroit team. Look this team has been together for a longtime now so teams know what their weaknesses are in the playoffs...Kevin Garnett's intensity will carry them to the finals for the first time in his career.
NBA Finals...
Lakers over Celtics in 7
As Kenny Smith likes to say, ITS BACK! THE NBA IS BACK!!!....This is going to be the series that captures the casual fan and puts the NBA back on the map. The Lakers vs The Celtics! Kobe vs Garnett....Phil Jackson going for no. 10 and to pass Red Auerbach...the story lines are going to be awesome! Lakers go into Boston and win the series.
Guest Reporting Baby
From time to time I will let some friends get in a guest report and today we start this off with Patrick in Europe. I went to UT with Patrick and he brings good insight to the blog so he has first dibs on guest reporting. Here is Patrick making his picks...
Hello!
I’m Raheel’s friend, Patrick, and he asked if I wanted to guest write and make some picks for the playoffs. I’ve been in Europe for most of the season, so this is a good chance to come keep my sanity by talking about my favorite sport. Anyways, here we go:
Eastern Conference
1st Round: - Celtics in 5 over the Hawks o I’m sorry Mike Bibby. Your acquisition wasn’t enough. - Pistons in 5 over the Sixers o I’d say 6 because the Pistons are slackers against inferior teams and the Sixers have been pleasantly surprising this year, but Detroit will want as much rest as possible for the Celtics series. - Magic in 6 over the Raptors o Turk for three! - Cavs in 6 over the Wizards o I’m sorry Soulja Boy, but you’re going to be another witness.
2nd Round: - Celtics in 7 over the Cavs o I know it seems obvious, but LeBron is going to dominate this series. Anytime you have the best player in a series, you have a decent chance of winning, but the Cavs are just not strong enough past Bron to win this series. - Pistons in 6 over the Magic o Dwight will dominate the middle and the Two Amigos (Turk and Shard) will make it rain, but they aren’t experienced enough to take down this squad.
ECF: - Celtics in 7 over the Pistons o KG will get neutralized by Sheed, but P Double and Jesus S. are going to make the difference. Call me crazy, but Tayshaun is not as good of a defender as people make him out to be. Sorry, I know, heresy.
Western Conference
1st Round: - Lakers in 6 over the Nuggets o Kobe in Colorado. I can say some foul joke, but that isn’t too tasteful and I think you all know where I’m going. Yes… - Hornets in 7 over the Mavs o CP3 is not going to pull the same thing that Dirk did last year. The MVP will be in the 2nd round again! - Spurs in 6 over the Suns o Okay, I’m a Spurs fan. Let’s get that out of the way. The Spurs have played phenomenally in the playoffs for the past few years and Ginobili is back. Even though Shaq has done something to us the past two games, I think we got this because TP and Emmanuel will carry us to the win. - Rockets in 7 over the Jazz o I’m going to give it to them this year. They’ve played really well at times (especially Rafer) and it’s going to be difficult, but like I tell my Houston friends, “No Yao for Boozer to dominate.” TMac, 2nd round sees you baby!
2nd Round: - Lakers in 7 over the Rockets o I’m sort of torn here. Rockets matchup well with them and Rafer is overachieving like a14 year olds in college, but Kobe just came off from his . I think the Lakers will win in 6 or 7 depending on how Pau deals with Mount Who-Wants-To-Sex, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Rockets win this series because of the matchups. I’m going to pick the Lakers so Raheel will consider letting me post again. - Spurs in 6 over the Hornets o People always bring up these arguments of “the Spurs lost the season series.” I’ve seen it with the Grizzlies in 2003, the Cavs in 2007 and now with the Hornets. Please. CP3 will dominate the Spurs with their frail, frail backup points (oh dear, Jacque), but TMNT will carry us to victory. That’s right, Timothy, Manu, experieNce and Tony.
WCF: - Spurs in 6 over the Lakers o I’ve read a lot of reports saying that Ariza and Bynum aren’t coming back this season, so I won’t take them into consideration here. Pau is soft (I’m half-Spanish and I say this) and we got Kurt to deal with him and/or Bynum. TD is going to go nuts, Tony will score in loads and Manu will get smacked by Kobe in the eye again. Don’t think I don’t remember.
FINALS: - Spurs in 6 over the Celtics o Tim won’t be denied his fifth ring, ABC wants Eva in primetime more than on Sundays, Manu wants the Finals MVP he was robbed of in 2005, Pop’s got fiiiiive on it and the organization wants to finally repeat to be unanimously considered as a dynasty. It’s all in place, it’s just there for them to take it. Like Kobe.
Thanks again to Raheel for the opportunity to write this and let’s get ready for the best NBA playoffs in years!
J-Fizz
And now time for you to laugh...This is Jeremy Foster formerly of Sports Radio 610...he worked with John and Lance as their update guy and stomping boy (I know the feeling Fizz)...Well, Fizz is now moving to Phoenix so today was his last day on-air in Houston...guess where he spent it? On 1560 The Game! This video is Fizz in a nutshell
If you have not seen this yet then sit down and block out about 20 minutes from you day because you will try to figure out if this is real or fake.
Is this real or fake? Let's break it down...
Fake
Nike is known for campaigns that really get people talking and see their product in action. Do you remember from a few years back where Vince Carter dunked over Gary Payton sitting down with a big afro on...
Kobe has done a shock campaign before when he was with Adidas. He did some dunks that were pretty much unseen back when he was with Adidas. This was one of my favorite commercials when it came out..so much so that I recorded it and would watch it over and over just to see if he is on some strings or just jumping.
After Jay Williams took a big spill on his motorcycle and ended his career, a lot of NBA teams started putting a clause in players' contracts about staying out of dangerous situations. Now, if Kobe feels like he can jump a car then is that really a dangerous situation? Maybe Kobe has practiced this a lot in the off-seaon and wanted to show it off.
Kobe is such a fierce competitor that if he did get hurt in this stunt then his hard work this season would have gone to waste...Kobe getting hit by a car might, just might, put him out for the playoffs...not even Kobe would risk that, right?
Real
If there is one guy that will show everybody that he CAN jump over a speeding Aston Martin, it's Koeb Bryant. Kobe is known for showing up people and is very proud of his athletic abilities. Kobe Bryant KNOWS he can jump over a car so HE DID jump over a car.
It's been a while since Kobe has done a fun campaign that focuses on his fun side and not his hard work ethic like his commercial from last year...
Kobe and Nike are also doing this new campaign for his shoes that run along the lines of a genius needs the perfect tools to be a genius...This is another fun commercial showing Kobe's personality and how he feels about himself. How does this tie into Kobe jumping over a car? Kobe with his new HyperDunks is showing his abilities with the perfect tool...in real life.
I still can't decide if this commercial is real or fake. What I do know is that I am going to watch it again just to see if I can spot any fakies.
Not too brag or anything but I did call the Jayhawks winning it all...All in all I won all my bracket pools and am hoping to cash in some checks from those pools.
Sorry about not posting all that much last week. I was out on the road getting a bunch of interviews. Let me recap my week for you:
Thursday 4/3: Shell Houston Open first round coverage
Friday 4/4: Filling in for Sean and John on the afternoon show with Lance Z.
Saturday 4/5: Young Guns MMA fight presented by Saul Soliz...(which was awesome by the way. Yall need to catch a MMA fight in person. )
Sunday 4/6: Shell Houston Open Final Round Coverage
Monday: Astros Opening Day...live at Minute Maid Park
Believe it or not I do run around and work after the show...
Anyways, let's get down to some NCAA talk
Top 5 moments from the tournament for the King:
Davidson beating Georgetown...was there a bigger upset? This was mighty G'town falling to Curry and his boys! What a crazy game!
Kansas coming back on Memphis to win it all...yes I know its the title but I had Kansas winning it all so I was never in doubt about their greatness.
Texas beating Stanford...this was a fun game to watch because it was here in Houston and because I was court side to see my team win baby!
Duke falls to West Virginia...Nothing like seeing the DOOKIES fall to WVU...Has their greatness ended?
Xavier gets to the Elite 8...It's fun seeing a team you picked get far...too bad they did not go far enough like I needed them to
Bill Self to OSU?...Terrible I love sports and everything about them but one thing...TAMPERING. Is there anything worse than a school making a bid for a coach while he is in the national championship game? Let the coach enjoy with his team and let his players enjoy their coach. I know at the end of the day that even college sports is a business but show more class than offering a job to a coach while he is in the biggest game of his life...According to my sources who are close to the situation, Bill Self is going to Oklahoma State.
I want to be a pro-athlete (just like everybody else) but I know I'm not physically gifted or good enough. I'm not good enough to be a basketball player, a baseball player and hell even a water polo player! I know the truth but for some reason I still believed that I might have an ounce of hope and one day it will be recognized. I thought that one day was last Thursday when I headed out to Tektonic Athletic Development and Rehabilitation.
Tektonic is the place to be if you want to improve on your vertical jump, speed or any other aspect of you game. They train you the right way so you won't hurt yourself and end your pro or Sunday Morning career. They have all the state-of-the-art equipment so I thought they would catch my ounce of professional ability and help me harvest it into a late pro-career. It all started when Steve Wetzel, Director of Athletic Development at Tektonic and former NFL strength and conditioning coach, put me through all the good tests like the vertical jump. He checked my vert the same way the scouts do at the combine with this jump measurer deal. -------------------->
Now I'm a pretty confident athlete and if there is one thing I can do, it's jump. I can grab rim so I have some ability to jump. But I started having second thoughts about my ability as Steve put me in place under the measurer. He instructed me to squat down, EXPLODE and mark my jump. So I get into position...I'm ready to get my big break and be the next undiscovered talent. Then I jumped...I soon realized that my last ounce of hope was left on the ground. Now I attempted the jump three times and I finished with 24.5 inches without warming up and I had a lot of flaws in my jump. Dr. Tom Sutton, Director of performance physical therapy, broke down my jump on state-of-the-art computers. He went in slow motion and showed my flaws and how I could fix them through footage they captured. Even though I might not be a first round draft pick (even though Glen Dorsey jumped a 25.5) Dr. Sutton and Steve made me feel like a pro player for one day with the tests and drills they put me through.
Tektonic is a great place to train with some of the best trainers in the USA so if you want to train for your sport check out their website tektonicsports.com
You can also listen to my interview with Steve Wetzel here.
Now if you have not heard, the Final Four is set with UNC, UCLA, Kansas and Memphis. If you recall, two of those four teams do not belong according to my predictions. I know I made a big mistake by taking Xavier over UCLA but I just had a feeling. Texas was truly out played in every aspect of the game so Memphis really deserved to be there. This does not mean that I will be rooting for Memphis. I will be rooting for UCLA since I have family ties there and I want to see Memphis fall. I hope the Jayhawks win it all (I know I shouldn't be rooting for Kansas) so my bracket can look some what respectable.
It's one day before the Sweet 16 kicks off and I know a lot of brackets are not looking that great. So instead of feeling bad for yourself why don't you just watch some of these great YouTube picks and get in a good laugh.
Raheel Milks a Goat...This is the official video from my losing effort at the Houston Rodeo Goat Milking competition. Now look, I finished 15th out of 18th but I beat former champion Owen Conflenti from Channel 2.
1560 The Game Confessions...Just watch and try to figure this out
Dear Sister Joke...In the upcoming days you will hear us drop more of this sound right here..I am going to take you on a journey of this joke. Watch in order
Start at 1:30
After that famous O.C. scene, Saturday Night Live decided to do a parody on the scene.
And finally, YouTubers across the world went crazy over Dear Sister and made stuff like this...
Be on the lookout for a 1560 The Game Dear Sister YouTube video...
