At this rate, MJ's Beijing-bound. She participated in her first 5K run last weekend, wrapping up the last leg of a team entry into the annual Y-Tri.

At the Y-Tri, you either smoke, or in the case of Bibs number 10, 168, 122 & 9, you get smoked!

Labels: MJ wants to be on my blog more, rank and file

When I saw the headline to this article on Digg, I thought one of the following had to be true:

• This Digg "Top Ten" thing has gone too far.
• This has to be a joke, you can't possibly rank numbers. That would be dumber than ranking U.S. currency.

Well, I was wrong on both counts. When the guy started throwing out "canonicality" and giving props to 1729 for being the third Carmichael number, I figured he was dead serious. And while nearly all of this is way over my head, it was a pretty entertaining read. I kind of dug it.

Now having stated that I have no grasp whatsoever on the content, I still must cry foul for not including 1 (preferably in the top 5) or 5318008 (for my elementary school calculator wizards).

Labels: rank and file

As voted by me (unless otherwise noted)...

SPORTS

Most electrifying superstar: Gilbert Arenas
In one week Agent Zero went for 60 and 54 and the Wiz stopped Phoenix and Dallas winning streaks. All-star game appearances, postseason victories, sneaker deals, personal blogs... Keep Shootin' Gilbert!

Best rookie: Omar Gaither
Once again an Eagles 5th round draft choice is making a splash on the defensive side of the ball. Some feel the insertion of Gaither and Considine into the defensive lineup may be just as important to the Eagles turnaround as the play of Jeff Garcia.

Most inconspicuous by his absence: Joey Devine
He has yet to intervene for the Braves. It looks like he may never excel in the closer role as expected after ATL extended Bob Wickman's contract in the offseason.

Most unlikely adversary: Matt Bryant
Seriously? A game-winning 62 yard field goal with zero ticks left on the clock?

Most dominant fantasy team: FloodGates
A superb wire-to-wire effort by the Gates was capped off with a 1st place trophy in the Lounge Certified playoffs. Ray Allen, Elton Brand and Kevin Garnett led the way.

ENTERTAINMENT

Most unlikely show to get hooked on: Wheel of Fortune
Wheel has become appointment viewing at our place. We've got Wheel Watcher Spin ID's and everything.

Best commercial: Candy Man*
* As voted by MJ. Everybody loves Chocolate, or at least their ads.


Greatest performance in a television series: Pablo**
** As voted by Mallory. This little Penguin's got the whole world in his yard to explore.

Best album: Once Again, John Legend
Consistent, quality R&B album featuring a nice retro sound. No guest verses. No "singin' over rap beats". John Legend's the real-deal... unfortunately you won't hear him on your radio.

BLOGS

Best use of the "urban vernacular": Todd's Blog of Tricks
Most likely to talk more business than EPMD: Witt Blog
Best comment-to-post ratio: Rant Rave and Blog
Best use of photoshop in a weekly feature: I Must Be Adopted
Most like a box of chocolates: Strousenet Blog

Labels: rank and file

What an enjoyable night of TV last evening! These are my top 5 highlights:

#5: Ellen's Life Goal
Strange to see a commercial get a network promo as NBC went into a break, but the new American Express ad featuring Ellen Degeneres and her life goal to work with animals was entertaining.

#4: Baron Davis in full effect
The NBC lineup had me temporarily forget about the NBA on TNT, but I remembered in time to tune in for the start of the west-coast game. I stayed awake for the first quarter, long enough to see Papertown Shakes guard Baron Davis dish out 11 assists. He was on pace to shatter a single-game record, but apparently switched gears a bit as the game continued - he finished with 36 points, 18 assists and 8 boards.

#3: 30 Rock
This show had me laughing the most last night. I like the move to Thursdays and think I will watch it regularly. Thanks to NBC for completing and marketing a "no laugh-track" Thursday night lineup. It could only be better if they picked up Everybody Hates Chris and plugged that in My Name Is Earl's (already stale) timeslot.

#2: The Office
The viewing history gives this one the edge over 30 Rock. The cast members merged to create some new funny moments, especially Dwight vs. Ed Helms (I forget his show name). But just when I thought Kevin stole the show again, he really just ended up selling out.

#1: Peace, Love and Gap
This new commercial featuring Common was great. It was visually artsy, and Common's performance was authentic... tough to do when you're rapping for a jean company. Hopefully it helps him expand his audience.

Labels: commercials, fantasy basketball, rank and file, tv

The team had another successful string of wins in the late 80s/early 90s with the high scoring trio of point guard Tim Hardaway, guard Mitch Richmond, and forward Chris Mullin (collectively known as "Run T-M-C" after the rap group Run-D.M.C.). However, with then coach Don Nelson wishing to go with a bigger lineup, he made a trade that broke up the Run T-M-C core by sending Richmond to the Sacramento Kings for draft-day bust Billy Owens while bypassing Dikembe Mutombo, who was selected next by the Denver Nuggets.

- Answers.com

But Nelson saw an opportunity in Golden State big enough to lure him out of a comfortable routine at his home in Hawaii and his sports bar in downtown Dallas. With his unorthodox coaching methods -- and a vow to improve his team's defense, just as he promised every season with the high-scoring Mavericks -- he's ready to fix another moribund club.

"I still have the passion, and I think we have the talent here," Nelson said. "I like this team. There's nobody better at playing small-ball than me. I know how to do that. There's a lot of positives here, and many of them happen to be smaller players."

- Boston.com

So everything has come full-circle for Nellie in Golden State. 12 seasons after breaking up a diminutive, running-and-gunning roster in favor of size and defense, he's returned to the bay promising a smaller, faster, higher-scoring Warriors lineup. Will the new Run T.M.C. fare as well as the originals and make an impact in the Pacific?

Then…

• Tim Hardaway - Couldn't wear jersey number 10 until his second season, after veteran Manute Bol left the team
• Mitch Richmond - 1 of 6 players in NBA history to average at least 21 ppg for his first 10 seasons
• Chris Mullin - Only player to have been named Big East Player of the Year 3 times, thanks to sharing 2 Co-Player of the Year Awards with Patrick Ewing

Now…

• Baron Davis - Straight outta Compton, Baron like chewing Juicy Fruit gum during games
• Jason Richardson - Along with Michael Jordan, 1 of 2 players to have won consecutive NBA Slam Dunk Contests
• Troy Murphy - Funds an AAU team in his New Jersey hometown called the Jersey Shore Warriors

And Always…

• Don Nelson - "I ain't no messiah, that's for sure," Nelson says. "But I am a good coach, and I'll do a good job here. I will get the team headed in the right direction. A lot of good things are going to happen." - USA Today

Pacific Division Forecast

1. LA Lakers
2. Phoenix Suns
3. LA Clippers
4. Golden State Warriors
5. Sacramento Kings

Labels: NBA, rank and file

1. I had the Summer League's highest single-game scoring output of 35 points against the Suns. Am I Foye or Roy?
2. I originally entered my name into the 2002 NBA draft following my senior season in high school. Am I Foye or Roy?
3. I have situs inversive, which means all of my organs are mirrored, making my heart on my right side. Am I Foye or Roy?
4. I ranked #2 in my collegiate conference in shooting percentage as a junior by connecting on 56.5% of my field goal attempts. Am I Foye or Roy?
5. I was traded twice on draft day. Am I Foye or Roy?
6. I was voted by NBA General Managers most likely to be NBA rookie of the year. Am I Foye or Roy?
   
7. I am a former New Jersey player of the year. Am I Foye or Roy?
8. I was named MVP of the Las Vegas Summer league. Am I Foye or Roy?

After impressive summer league showings following the lottery selections of T-Wolves guard Randy Foye and Blazers guard Brandon Roy, their respective clubs are buzzing about their potential impact. Can either of these pre-season R.O.Y. candidates make enough difference to help propel their teams from the Northwest division's basement? Foye or Roy?

Northwest Division Forecast

1. Denver Nuggets
2. Seattle Supersonics
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
4. Utah Jazz
5. Portland Trailblazers

Labels: NBA, rank and file

If you’ve been reading the countless features on Gilbert Arenas this preseason, you might have heard that the Wizards new marketing pitch is “Go All In.” I propose to you, Wash Wiz brass, that you “Go All Out” for a change.

Another offseason has passed without the Wizards making any fan-base energizing roster adjustments. I was critical of last season’s offseason, claiming the Kwame Brown/Caron Butler trade dealt away the Wizards only promise of establishing an inside presence and wouldn’t make them a better team. Maybe Butler was slightly better than a dime-a-dozen 15-5-3 guy, but the Wiz dropped from 45 wins to 42 wins, from a 5 seed to a 6 seed, and a 1st round playoff exit. Granted, the Larry Hughes departure had more to do with that than the loss of Brown, but the team’s makeup sorely lacked the tough defensive rebounder and back-to-the-basket scorer that Kwame could very well have become.

Prior to this preseason, Washington’s free agent additions have been: DeShawn Stevenson, a starting guard; Darius Songaila, a key reserve forward; and Calvin Booth, a 3^rd-string center. Without any rookie additions competing to crack the top 10, the Wizards are counting on these players to help them remain a +.500 team. That’s difficult to get excited about.

But I’ll try…

Shooting guard Stevenson is a 6-year NBA vet at age 25. In his 2 seasons as a starter, he averaged about 11 ppg, similar to the numbers reserve SG Antonio Daniels gave the Wizards last season. DeShawn Stevenson gives you more rebounds but fewer assists than Daniels. There are 2 key differences between them that may indicate an upgrade to the Wizards lineup: 1) Stevenson shot 46% from the floor last season (not bad these days) and took only 15 3-point shots, which tells me he can effectively drive the lane and get to the rim despite his 6-5 frame; 2) Stevenson is a physical defender rather that can make up for the loss of the only thing current Knick Jared Jeffries brought to the team last season.

4^th year pro Darius Songaila is a 6-8 power forward and may challenge for that starting position in Washington despite only having started 7 games in his career. A career 50% shooter, he had a deadly spot-up shot that can pull his defender away from the basket. There are mixed reviews on his defensive and rebounding prowess, which may explain why teams haven’t been willing to allow him to crack their starting 5.

These acquisitions, combined with the return from injury of Jarvis Hayes and the possible insertion of Etan Thomas into the starting center slot, have convinced Gilbert Arenas that the Wiz will be better. Are you willing to “Go All In”?

Notes:

• New alternate home jersey
• Wizards TV Schedule
  

Southeast Division Forecast (or Recast in this case)

1. Miami Heat
2. Washington Wizards
3. Orlando Magic
   
4. Charlotte Bobcats
5. Atlanta Hawks
   

Labels: NBA, rank and file, WashWiz

The Milwuakee Bucks know subtle uniform redesigns are usually a great way to kick off a new NBA season. So they decided to pay homage to both their glory days and their sharpest-shooting lefty by changing accent colors from purple to Red(d). It's a nice look, and I don't think at all a coincidence.

After getting his feet wet his first 2 seasons, Michael Redd has improved his scoring from 15.1 to 21.7 to 23.0 to last season's 25.4. The Bucks (and Papertown Shakes) are hoping this upward trend continues since their scoring prowess is limited, with the possible exception of newly acquired Charlie Villanueva. The Bucks may take a slight step forward defensively thanks to the addition of Ruben Patterson, but I just don't see a roster dynamic enough to improve in the hotly contested Central division. After being the only team in the NBA last year to make the playoffs despite a losing record, look for the Bucks to stop short of this postseason.

Central Division Forecast

1. Chicago Bulls
2. Detroit Pistons
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
4. Indiana Pacers
5. Milwuakee Bucks

Note about the Bucks web site: Don't fall for the free tee-shirt gimmick like I did. You'll only receive a voucher to exchange for a shirt at a Bucks game.

Labels: NBA, rank and file

What's "revolutionary" about the new Starbury One — a reference to Marbury's on-court moniker —is that it doesn't cost as much as a plane ticket to Maui. The Starbury Ones are listed at $14.98.That's $14.98. Not $149.80.
-Dave Zirin, Sneakers for Social Justice

20+ years after Air Jordan's flipped the entire business of basketball footwear, Stephon Marbury's new shoe might just flip it again... finally! For only 15 bucks you can wear on your local park's pavement the same sneakers that the Knicks all-star point guard wears on the hardwood of Madison Square Garden. Sounds silly, but it's actually a pretty big deal. I'm always up for some "maximum shine for minimum expense"... where can I get some Stephs?

Looks like we've hit a snag. The Starbury line is available exclusively at some retail chain called Steve and Barry's. Without an online store (Intershop, S&B?), their East Point Mall location in Baltimore appears to be the quickest route to "sportable and affordable". I guess you could always find "it" on eBay, but I don't think seller's markup and shipping charges are part of the movement.

Nevertheless, the good karma Marbury's creating can't help but pay dividends for the Knicks. In fact, I'm going to call 05/06's laughing-stock an 06/07 playoff team. I like the idea of the mastermind moving himself to the bench to coach this team nearly as much as I like him ripping talking heads. There's just too much talent on this team and if they can figure out a way to play any sort of defense, they could really make a push. I'm not sure the D will come, but I think they still can eke out a 7 or 8 seed in the East, finishing as high as 2nd in the Atlantic.

Atlantic Division Forecast

1. New Jersey Nets
2. New York Knicks
3. Boston Celtics
4. Philadelphia 76ers
5. Toronto Raptors

Labels: NBA, rank and file

Have I mentioned I hate power rankings? This link bait is as worthless as a set of '90 Pro Set. So I figured I'd mock them by ranking 5 of the most obvious rankings out there. But then I got goofy and actually created loose criteria to judge them by, including:

• Ranking the undefeated defending NFC champs in the top 5 last week (+2)
• Ranking the Saints in the top 10 this week (-1)
• Analyzing last week's Eagles performance by talking about "big" Mike Patterson (-2)
• Visually pleasing page layout/graphics (+1)
• Introducing rankings with scoring criteria (-1)
• Allowing the world to read content created in part by John Clayton for free (-1)
• Including team records so we can easily see how stupid at least 3 picks are (+2)
• Dropping a previous week's #1 5 spots after losing to the Colts (-5)
• Ranking Bears (returning division champ) ahead of Ravens (beat TB, OAK and CLE) (+1)
• Donovan McNabb's name in bold anywhere on the page (+1)

I think that's it. Without further adieu:

1. CBS - Power Rankings (+4)
   Prisco #1? The Hawks were in the top 5 and no mention of Patterson.
   
   
2. ESPN - NFL Power Rankings (+3)
   Not making this Insider content cost them a crucial point... always pay for Clayton!
   
   
3. Fox Sports - NFL Power Rankings (+1)
   Bears over Ravens was this Schrager fella's only scoring category.
   
   
4. NFL.com - Power Poll (E)
   The inclusion of team records bailed out the ugliest looking pro sport's site.
   
   
5. SI - Dr. Z's Power Rankings (-6)
   If the Jags fell from 1 to 6 because they lost to the Colts, Z couldn't have really believed they were 1. The best looking set fails miserably across the board.

Labels: rank and file

What's this? $10,000 bill sent to N.Y. for safe-keeping? The bill was at a Green Bay branch of Chase Bank, who's namesake Salmon P. Chase is the face of the bill. Throw in the spring debut of a new, more colorful 10 spot, and I think it's time to update my Legal Tender Power Rankings...

1) 10,000 Dollar Bill
This bill would look great in a fantastic duct tape wallet. If I ever possess one, I'll then be willing to spend $85 for a duct tape wallet.

2) 2 Dollar Bill
The 2 is always 2. And through the upcoming hardships of lost employment, I should still be able to break a 2.

3) 50 Dollar Bill
The 50 holds strong in third place. This bill usually protects a stack of ones in your friend's money clip.

4) 10 Dollar Bill
The redesign's entrance into circulation generated some buzz last week thanks in most part to the introduction of shades of orange, yellow and red. Without Reagan though, the energy may be short-lived.

5) 5 Dollar Bill
The 5 makes itsPower Rankings debut. With so many great lunch options out there for a mere $3.17, it's always nice to have a 5 or so in the pocket.

Labels: rank and file

MJ and I have permanently (I think) settled on the name Mallory for our daughter. We like it. And what's better, it's nowhere to be found on this Top 100 Baby Names of 2005 list.

Of course, we settled on the boy's name Griffin months ago and, contrary to some opinions, that's not on the list either. We are consistent in our non-trendiness.

So of the little faces framed on our refrigerator door, which family is leading the way in trendiness? Well, using the BabyCenter.com list, here are the Trendiness Quotient rankings:

1. Miller's: Olivia (7) and Logan (19) = 13
2. Kirby's: Mackenzie (23) and Jackson (22) = 22.5
3. Jacoby's: Kayla (38) and Nathan (21) = 29.5
4. Bender's: Avery (46) = 46
5. Dell's: Cole (55) = 55

Note: Charlie is ranked at #81... on the boy's list.

Labels: Mallory, rank and file

Cubicle neighbor Todd perceives today's day of superstition with fondness, thanks in part to his college baseball jersey number. We began considering famous #13's and came up with only a short list: Dan Marino, Wilt Chamberlain and Maurice Clarett. (Well, he knew of some Cincy Bearcats but they don't count.)

There does not appear to be any quick means of researching all-time players' numbers, so I decided to focus on current NBA players and award this Friday the 13th's recipient of the Wilt Chamberlain award for the Association's finest #13. Here are the candidates:

Delonte West, G, Boston - Refreshing to see a young guard with a FG% over 50%
Matt Carroll, G, Charlotte - 11 mpg for the 2nd worst team in the league
Eddie Basten, G, Chicago - Never heard of him
David Harrison, C, Indiana - I have an '84 Topps football card of his dad Dennis (he was a Bird)
Quinton Ross, G, LA Clippers - He'll get you 5, 3 and either 1 or 2
Malik Rose, F, New York - Only player on the list with a championship ring
Kelvin Cato, C, Orlando - Having worst season of 9 year career
Steve Nash, G, Phoenix - Last season's league MVP is the NBA's only player averaging double-figures in assists
Mike James, G, Toronto - 22 and 8 in his last 5, this journeyman's on fire
Mehmet Okur, C, Utah - The big man leads team in scoring, rebounding, FG% and 3-point%

I thought more players/franchises would be superstitious and there would be fewer #13's to choose from, so it's nice to have a comprehensive list. I'm giving the Wilt to Mehmet Okur because his surprising role of team leader actually has the Jazz in first place in their division right now.

Labels: NBA, rank and file

So I'm watching the ESPN News version of the Monday Night Football half-time show last night when Sean Salisbury revealed his latest NFL Power Rankings. I've seen this done in the past in sports and I never quite understood the point. It seems like manufactured analysis since the beauty of sports is the Win/Loss column. I mean, why assign numerical values to rank something that is already ranked by numerical values?

Well, without further ado, here are my Legal Tender Power Rankings...

1) 50 Dollar Bill
Sure only 5% of all bills are 50s, but its time to be a patriot. And who better fits the bill than a man named U.S.?

2) 2 Dollar Bill
Hey, what can I say? I'm a bit superstitious. The 2 is always 2. After all, I like a 2... I can break a 2.

3) 20 Dollar Bill
The Double-Sawbuck is moving up the charts as it is fast becoming the ATM's bill of choice.

4) 100 Dollar Bill
With all those name changes, people have been tuning Sean Combs out. It's no longer All About the Benjamins!

5) 10 Dollar Bill
Until rumor becomes reality and Ronald Reagan's mug replaces Hamilton's, the 10 will continue to struggle to gain momentum.

Labels: rank and file

Elvis Presley died 28 years ago today at Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. Labeled "a hero to most" by poet Chuck D in 1989, he was better known as the undisputed King of Rock & Roll. In his honor, I present the top Kings of the last 28 years:

5. Bernard King
A rookie the year Elvis died, Bernard faced many of the same pitfalls Presley did. Plus he had knee problems. But he came back strong in the late 80's as a member of the Washington Bullets. As seen on HTS, he averaged 28 points per game in the '90/'91 season and made the All-Star team at age 35.

4. Burger King
While it might be #3 were it not for the Chicken Fries, Burger King makes the list powered by the most dominant breakfast menu in the fast-food game.

3. King Kong Bundy
This 450 pound mammoth made it worth staying up late to watch Saturday Night's Main Event. He missed an opportunity to become WWF Heavyweight Champion when he lost to Hulk Hogan in a Steel Cage during Wrestlemania 2. He may have jumped the shark a year later when he wrestled midgets.

2. King James
The most unbelievable NBA story over the last handful of seasons is that Lebron James lived up to and even surpassed the hype and expectations he faced when entering the league. Forget Carmelo and D-Wade last season, he was rookie-of-the-year hands down. And King James was my '05 midseason MVP, he would have given Nash and Diesel a run for their money if the Cavs season didn't go in the tank following the All-Star break.

1. Kings of Rock

I'm the King of Rock/ there is none higher/ Sucker MCs should call me sire/ To burn my kingdom/ you must use fire/ and I won't stop rockin' 'till I retire.

Run D.M.C. holds down the top spot. Jam Master Jay, Run and Darryl McDaniels formed the first hardcore rap trio. Since their 1983 debut, D.M.C. lost his voice, Jam Master Jay lost his life and Run became Reverend Run (check out his "Mind on the Road" single in iTunes).

Honorable Mention: Carole King, Stephen King, Larry King Live, King Britt, King of Prussia Mall

Worst of the Rest

• King of the Hill: Impressive run, but who watches?
• King Rice: UNC PG never hit the pros
• The King Harley Race: Stop wrestling old man!
• Don King: Daily Show rants were kooky
• Stacy King: 6th overall pick in '89 = bust
  
• King Tee: My Word Up magazine lied, he was never rap's hypest MC
• Rodney King: It's not like he planned it, but his catch-phrase may very well be corniest ever
  
• King of Beers, Budweiser: Poison!
• King of Pop: I'm still a fan of his music, but is now better known as Wacko Jacko
  

Labels: rank and file