A Reebok desenvolveu uma ação de mobile marketing interessante. Estrelada pelo jogador dos Boston Celtics - Rajon Rondo, a ação contou com um site WAP exclusivo para o atleta, http://m.reebok.com/rondo , onde fãs poderam fazer download de ringtones promocionais, papéis de parede e vídeos do mesmo.

Mais o que achei de fato interessante foi a ação que a Reebok realizou durante as finais da NBA entre Boston Celtics e os LA Lakers, onde os usuários do Wap site poderam optar por receber uma chamada (torpedo de voz) a cada jogada "espetacular" de Rondo. Ao atender o telefone, os usuários recebiam uma chamada de vários ex-jogadores do Celtics dizendo: “See that? Somebody just got Rondo’d.”

O site WAP teve mais de 72.000 visitantes com 168.000 páginas vistas em 17 dias (de 2 a 18 de junho). Além disso, foram realizados mais de 2.4000 downloads e mais de 2.600 opt-in para receber o torpedo de voz durante as finais.

Para finalizar, aí fica a frase de Marcus Spurrell, chefe de marketing digital da Reebok: "Mobile é a chave para a estratégia global da marca Reebok". Belo arremesso da Rebook........

Valeu a pena esperar pela qualidade da AnimeNSK!

E pra começar bem, já começamos com Saito e Louise na cama XD~

Será que dessa eles param de enrolar sobre o amor deles?! Veremos veremos..

Saito perde as runas na sua mão logo no começo do episódio, e assim também seus poderes se vão, mesmo assim ele decide ficar ao lado de Louise para protegê-la.

Um novo inimigo aparece dizendo ser um animal de estimação de outro usuário do vácuo!

Quem será seu mestre? E quem será quela garota de cabelos azuis ;O!?!?!?!

E a Tiffania ainda não fez sua aparição! (Ahhhhhh.... XD~!!!)

Mas ela vem no episódio 2! (Aeeeeeeee \o/)

No geral gostei bastante do primeiro episódio, só achei a abertura e encerramento não tão legais como a da segunda temporada.

Definitivamente não eprderei por nada RAWR!!! >=D!!!

Eeee é isso aí! Ja ne ;D!!

¿Qué es lo nuevo que Japón nos trae este veranito?

Pues un montón de dramas, la mayoría de ellos basados en mangas. Aquí tenéis una lista de lo que nos espera:

Ando Natsu (あんどーなつ)
TBS, Lunes 8:00pm, Estreno el 7 de julio.

"Ando Natsu" está basado en un manga de Yuji Nishi y Terry Yamamoto.

Shihori Kanjiya (HYD2) interpreta a Natsu Ando, una joven experta en pastelería occidental que de repente pierde su trabajo y es incapaz de encontrar un nuevo empleo. Entonces descubre una tienda de dulces tradicionales japoneses y comienza a trabajar mientras aprende las recetas tradicionales bajo la guía de un veterano chef, a quien da vida Jun Kunimura.

Taiyou to Umi no Kyoushitsu (太陽と海の教室), "Homeroom on the Beachside"
Fuji TV, Lunes 9:00pm, Estreno el 21 de julio.
Yuji Oda (Jodan ja nai!) protagoniza este drama escolar. Él es un profesor de instituto poco convencional llamado Sakutaro Sakurai, que es asignado a una academia preparatoria en la que sus alumnos sólo piensan en prepararse para sus exámenes. El profesor les ayuda a darse cuenta de que hay vida más allá de sus estudios. Keito Kitagawa (Mop girl) es una profesora asistente que, al igual que los alumnos, carece de una meta en su vida. Algunos de los estudiantes son Masaki Okada, Kie Kitano, Mitsuki Tanimura y Yusuke Yamamoto.

Shibatora (シバトラ～童顔刑事・柴田竹虎～)
Fuji TV, Martes 9:00pm, Estreno el 8 de Julio

Teppei Koike (Dragon Zakura) es un policía novato,Taketora Shibata, que a pesar de su imagen infantil lucha contra el crimen juvenil y tiene la habilidad de descubrir cualquier cosa en la escena del crimen. Le acompaña Ohgo Suzuka (Sexy Voice and Robo), Miki Maya y Naohito Fujiki.

Este drama está adaptado de un manga de Yuma Ando.

Monster Parent (モンスターペアレント)

Fuji TV, Martes 10:00pm, Estreno el 1 de julio.

Ryoko Yonekura (Fushin no toki) es una abogada que es contratada para enfrentarse a los "monster parents", padres que hacen peticiones poco razonables a las escuelas y profesores. Le acompaña Hiraoka Yuta (First kiss).

Gakkou ja Oshierarenai! (学校じゃ教えられない！)
NTV, Martes 10:00pm, Estreno el 15 de julio

Kyoko Fukada (Yama onna kabe onna) y Shosuke Tanihara (Edison no haha) coprotagonizan este drama, en el que Fukada interpreta a una profesora de un instituto de chicas. Cuando la escuela acepta a 5 estudiantes masculinos ella crea un club de baile para que los chicos puedan adaptarse y que las chicas tengan una nueva experiencia. Tanihara es el director del instituto, que rechaza aprobar el club.

Seigi no Mikata (正義の味方)
NTV, Miércoles 10:00pm, Estreno el 9 de julio.
"Seigi no Mikata" es una adaptación del manga de Chiaki Hijiri del mismo nombre.

Mirai Shida (14 Sai no Haha) es Yoko, una animada chica que es constantemente atormentada por su hermana mayor, Makiko, interpretada por Yu Yamada (Binbo danshi). Sin embargo, sin saber cómo, las situaciones que se crean traen felicidad a los demás.

Cat Street (キャットストリート)
NHK, Jueves 23pm, Estreno el 28 de agosto.

Basado en el popular drama de Yoko Kamio (autora de HYD).

Mientras Keito, Mitsuki Tanimura (Pandora), participaba de la obra teatral "Días soleados" sufre de un experiencia traumática que le obliga a abandonar su escuela desarrollando una personalidad antisocial. Sin embargo, descubre una escuela repleta de personas como ella, encontrando finalmente un grupo de amigos y descubriendo el amor. Kimura Ryou (Hanazakari no Kimitachi e) le acompaña.

Code Blue (コード・ブルー －ドクターヘリ緊急救命－)
Fuji TV, Jueves 10:00pm, Estreno el 3 de julio

Drama médico basado en una propuesta nacional de sistema de asistencia sanitaria a través de helicópteros.

Gira en torno al Doctor Heli, que se encarga de atender las emergencias médicas, interpretado por Tomohisa Yamashita (Proposal Daisakusen), acompañado de Yui Aragaki (My boss my hero), Erika Toda (Liar game) y Yosuke Asari (Hagetaka), que aprenden de los mejores doctores,Toshiro Yanagiba, Ryo y Masanobu Katsumura.

Maou (魔王)
TBS, Viernes 10:00pm, Estreno el 4 de julio

Como ya hemos hablado de este drama de suspense en otros post, sólo diremos que es la versión de la coreana "The Devil" ("Mawang"), protagonizada por Satoshi Ohno e Ikuta Toma.

Dageki Tenshi Ruri (打撃天使ルリ)
TV Asahi,Viernes 11:15pm, Estreno el 25 de julio
"Dageki Tenshi Ruri" es otra adaptación de un manga, basada en una serie de suspense/acción de Yasuhito Yamamoto.

Rei Kikukawa (Ri Kouran) es Komine Ruri, que trabaja en una oficina hasta que una fuerza extraña se apodera de su puño. Tras eso se dedicará a luchar contra la injusticia social. Su famosa frase, "dasha!", se sentirá por todo Japón.

Walkin' Butterfly (ウォーキン☆バタフライ)
TV Tokyo, viernes 12:12am, Estreno el 11 de julio
"Walkin' Butterfly" de Chihiro Tamaki es la adaptación de un manga protagonizado por Aoi Nakabeppu (Life). Será una joven llamada Michiko acomplejada por ser demasiado alta. Mientras trabaja entregando pizzas es enviada a un espectáculo de moda, donde le confunden con una modelo. Tendrá que sobreponerse a su complejo si quiere lograr el éxito.

Koizora (恋空)
TBS, Sábado 8:00pm, Estreno el 2 de agosto

"Koizora" está basado en una novela vía móvil, que ya se convirtió en película el año pasado. La historia gira en torno a Mika, una chica que se enamora de su compañero de clase Hiroki. Su turbulenta historia de amor le hace pasar por varias dificultades. Protagonizado por Erena Mizusawa y Koji Seto (Happy boys).

Yasuko to Kenji (ヤスコとケンジ)
NTV, Sábado 9:00pm, Estreno el 12 de julio

Masahiro Matsuoka (Marathon) y Mikako Tabe (Yamada taro monogatari) son los protagonistas de esta comedia, también basada en un manga de Aruko.

Es la historia de una hermana y un hermano que perdieron a sus padres. Kenji fue yakuza, pero tras quedarse solos comienza a ganarse la vida como escritor de mangas para chicas. Yasoku conoce a Jun, interpretado por Tadayoshi Okura (Utahime), pero su hermana mayor Erika, Ryoko Hirosue (Tokyo tower), casualmente también había sido yakuza y lleva mucho tiempo enamorada del hermano de Kenji.

Tomorrow (Tomorrow)
TBS, Domingo 9:00pm, Estreno el 6 de julio
"Tomorrow" es un drama médico, protagonizado por Yutaka Takenouchi (Rondo) y Miho Kanno (Watashitachi no kyoukasho). Tekenouchi es una cirujano retirado que vuelve a la profesión tras varios años para salar el hospital. Allí conoce a Aiko, una enfermera que ha dedicado su vida a salvar la de los demás.

Here is Greenwood (ここはグリーン・ウッド)
Tokyo MX, Domingo 11:30pm, Estreno el 6 de julio

La historia se basa en el manga del mismo nombre y se centra en la vida de Kazuya Hasukawa en la Academia Ryokuto y de su poco habitual estancia en los dormitorios Greenwood. Yuki Izawa es el protagonista, que se lleva la primera sorpresa al descubrir que su compañero de habitación, Shun Kisaragi (Fuma no Kojiro), parece ser una chica.

ich hab den vollständigen beitrag selbst noch nicht gesehen, bin aber sehr gespannt wie die anderen bilder, von z.b. phreak2.0 oder michaela, aussehen werden. hier aber mal eine vorschau von dem photo von mir - wie mareike mich hergerichtet hat ;)

foto: Christoph Pirnbacher

sehr streng, ich erkenn mich selbst kaum wieder ;) dafür ist der rock durchsichtig

nachtrag: es gibt sehr wohl einen klar definierten unterschied zwischen nerd und geek

hier der gesamte beitrag im rondo

AGGtown has the Rangers & 6 Flags;  what do they need with the 'boys?  It won't be the same but hopefully better.  I can't imagine traveling all the way down I-20 to go to AGGTown as crowded as it is, especially when you pass Cooper Street on a Weekend around noon!  Matter of fact, Arlington (AGGTOWN) just got that new shopping village called the 'Highlands'.  YES I said  VILLAGE b/c it's like a town within a town. 

Studio Movie Grill is positioned in nice little 'crooked corner' of the complex but they need to be Fo'SHAMED b/c they don't have enough PARKING!  Oh wait... I'm off track yet again.

Back to sports, now I'm not EVEN going to pretend that I know the stats, players etc AND I'm definitely not a self-proclaimed sports critic.  Still I try to keep up from time to time, and really plan to get more involved with baseball this year as well.  ANYHOO!  when I wasn't cheering for the TEXAS teams, I was cheering for my boy KG (Kevin Garnett, BIG TICKET) whatever you want to call him. 

So when he got with the Celtics I was like, 'he's in the GREEN'?  Sure enough he gets on the team and they go to the championship and WIN no less (thanks to Rondo too! ) but still.  How many years was KG with the T'wolves?  12 years with no championships.  T'wolves traded Garnett for 7 players!  So hmmm, within a yeaer of playing for a different team he gets his win...What does that say about that whole franchise player with the T'wolves gig? 

My boy got his first championship ring this year.  WOOHOO! Excited. Of course, my excitement deflated when I learned KG is MARRIED NOW with a BABY (as of April 2008) to boot.  Oh well, he had to marry somebody eh?  The good news is, he's now related to music producer JIMMY JAM of Terry Lewis & Jimmy Jam fame, you know the producers who brought some 'Control' in Janet Jackson's career.  

That makes sense though, he did learn meet the wonder duo producers as they are based in minnesota themselves.  I ran across that b/c I was so wanting to write & produce songs for Flyte Tyme Records.  No go, but still working on it. 

Jam & Lewis also worked with GaP for their tv ad campaigns handling the 'music' aspect of it.  Now that I dipped all in KG's koolaid w/out knowing the flavor... here's a link for a more sports related reflectioin of the Celtics win!

Celtics WIN!

kd

This is the first time in 22 years that the Celtics have won the NBA title.  Not only that, this win stopped Phil Jackson from becoming tied with a former Celtics legendary coach as the winningest coaching champion.  The final score when it was all said in done in true Celtics style was a commanding 131-92.  Watch it unfold today on www.nba.com.

However, looking forward, I think the Lakers franchise is in a much better position. Granted, you're supposed to give it at least a day before you start thinking about the future, but fans of the losing team know that is never true. (The second the Nets were done I started thinking about the draft.) When you let your mind wander, it becomes obvious that while the Celtics are clearly the better team now, more rings lie in the future of the Lakers than the Celtics.

Age might be the biggest reason for this. The Big Three might only have three more years left, if that. Ray Allen will be 33 next year and has already shown this playoffs that its becoming tougher for him to make his own looks. (But when he is even close to open there is still nobody that can shoot it better). Garnett will also be 33, but his body has taken a pounding playing Center in the West for years. Pierce is the youngest, as he'll be 31 next season and as a few good years left in him. When you look at the bench, the age doesn't get much better P.J. Brown and Sam Cassell, who both played their share of minutes these playoffs, will be 39 next year and other role players like Eddie House, 31, and James Posey, 32 are getting up their in age.

Then you have the Lakers. Kobe's been in the league forever, but he'll only be 30 next year, which in terms of basketball years, makes him a lot younger than Allen and KG. Gasol may be soft, but he'll only be 28 and is still a solid player, while Odom will be turning 29. They have a few young guns on the team as well, with Andrew Bynum only turning 21, Sasha Vujacic turning 25 and Jordan Farmar turning 22. The Lakers core of players will be around for a few years longer than the Celts will.

Another reason the Lakers are better built for the future is the make-up of their starting line-up. The Celtics played an incredible series, but what people keep forgetting is that the Lakers played the entire postseason without Bynum. Before the injury, Bynum was averaging 13 and 10 and was turning into a legitimate Center. If you slide him back into the 5 and pair him up with Gasol, who can then move to the 4, you have a special front court. Clearly, we saw that Gasol is not at his best when he has to bang down low, but with Bynum back, he can face up to the basket more and use his 7-foot size to take advantage of smaller power forwards. The Lakers then round out their starting line-up with Odom at the 3, Bryant at the 2 and an ever-improving Farmar at the point. it's a scary starting 5 that leaves Walton, Vujacic, Radmanovic and Turiaf coming off the bench. Add one more capable guard to that set and you've got one of the most well-rounded teams that I've seen assembled.

The Celts on the other hand, have under-sized forwards in Glen Davis and Leon Powe (who's game I love, by the way) and no true back-up PG with Cassell likely retiring (and firing up more shots per minute than any other player in the NBA). Perkins continues to get better, but the Celts would feel a lot better with a legitimate center to back-up him up just in case, not 6'9" Davis. Doc Rivers also learned this post-season that Rondo's passing skills can sometimes be a detriment. He looks to pass so often that teams would slack off him, forcing him to take shots that he never would, effectively taking himself out of the game. He needs to improve his shooting enough to be taken seriously as a scoring threat. Until then, the Celts need another PG who can both dish and score.

So enjoy it Boston. It was a great season and a dominating final game. I am glad that you proved me wrong and that you made my father very happy. But when the dust settles and smoke clears, there is some work to do for next year. Of course, I could be wrong again.

  The party has begun in Boston!  Euphoric Celtics fans started to serenade their team in the last minutes of the game as if they were in a pub on nearby Canal Street!

In Vegas they say “Always bet on black”.  In basketball, I say, “Always bet on defense”. 

The Celtics won 81 games this season, including 16 in the playoffs. Their transformation from NBA laughingstock (they won 24 games last year) to NBA Champions has been swift and dramatic.

Final score -- Boston: 131; Lakers 92

Tonight, some 20,000 Celtics fans had the chance to say, “I was there” to see Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo and Coach Doc Rivers and the rest of the best defense team in the NBA dominate the LA Lakers.  Garnett scored 26 points with 14 rebounds, Allen scored 26 and Pierce, the finals MVP, scored 17.

Accolades to Kobe Bryant, he was valiant but the rest of his team just did not show up.

The Celtics did everything right: they rebounded, they stole the ball and they scored!

The last Boston team to win a championship at home was the 1985-86 Celtics, who on June 8, 1986, polished off the Houston Rockets in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

Kevin Garnett was disappointed with how he played in Game 5, but in Game 6 he stepped it up and put on a show.  To be fair, the Celtics played great team ball – everyone did their part, everyone stepped up.

Congratulations Celtics on NBA championship number 17!!!

Paulette

Then...

Off to Bangkok for some real fun. Two days there to relax and become acclimated to Asia.

Next stop is Cambodia. Something about that place that I love. I want to explore a bit more. Go deeper into the place. Go a little off the beaten path. I'll probably spend about 8 days in Cambodia. Two in Phnom Penh and 6 or so in and around Siem Reap. Must see Angkor again, of course. I want to get away and see Battambang and other places that don't get the usual tramp of tourism. See what I can out there. Just gotta be careful. Landmines out there in the wilds of Cambodia. The Khmer Rouge were as ugly as the Soviets and Taliban when it came to emplacing landmines.

My buddy Becca will join me when I get back to Bangkok and then it's off to India and on to Egypt. Two of the most exotic locales on the planet. Pyramids and Tah Mahals. Moghuls and Khans and Pharaohs. Perhaps, we should leave early and take a side trip into Jerusalem. I've been to Jerusalem before. It's one of those places where you can feel humanity and the ages speaking to you. History wails through the cracks in the Western Wall. The legend of Christ can be felt there. His pain and his love for humanity. The oppression of both the Roman and Islamic Empire can be felt still floating through the air. The victims still cry for justice. You can smell the blood that has been spilt. Feel the rage of the rebellions and revolutions. Jerusalem is truly a special city. It's a magnitude of "exceptionality" that one can not comprehend until one has experienced the City of Peace. Likewise, visiting the Pyramids is extraordinary. Thousands of years of history. One follows a multitude of pilgrims to Ghiza, Saqqara and Memphis. Millions of Egyptians look to the Pyramids with pride. Knowing that their country, their culture produced such wonders in antiquity. I'm sure it makes them feel as though they can rise and do so again. With leadership and true philosophy, I'm sure that they could. But Egypt, like the rest of the Muslim world, will do nothing again until they throw off the mind numbing shackles of Islam. Islam where Insha'allah prevails as the philosophy of progress.

India. Who can truly summarize the Golden Continent of Gandhi. All great Empires of the old age coveted this realm of spice and riches and magic exoticism. Beauty and uncommon wealth are ubiquitous on the subcontinent. Yet, dwelling in the house of beauty and affluence is their stepsisters poverty, famine and death. I have read much of India but have yet to experience it. I shall on this journey for the first time. Hopefully, more trips will follow and I will get to know India well.

I still can't believe how hot it is here today. I don't want to step outside my door. I don't remember the Sinai being this hot. I feel like the Sun is a mere inch from my face while outside my door. Scorching my skin. Incinerating my nose and ears. Yet, January saw the worst blizzard Herat had seen in decades. 2 feet of snow. Freezing temperatures.

And I thought Kentucky weather was insane.

I read in the news that Kobe has choked again. Kobe will never be the great player. He will always be the one who could have been. The one who should have been. Too much was given to Bryant. He hasn't learned that sometimes one has to take the prize. Reach out and make it so. He still thinks that he deserves the prize. No one deserves anything. One achieves or one does not. Kobe does not. His instinct is now and will always be to expect to win. He has not learned that he must keep fighting until the last ounce of sweat has been sacrificed. He still hasn't learned that he can't do it alone. He still hasn't learned that leadership is a full time job. Not a sometimes job. He settles for the question when he should drive to certainty.

Therefore, another Kentucky boy will get a ring.

Go Rondo! Go Celtics!

GYA out

I think this year's Democratic Primary was as rare as they get. Though I don't like her and did not vote for her, Hills shares a lot of Barack's stances, and, in any other year, would have been our President. Unfortunately, she's the Karl Malone to Barack's MJ this year, which sucks, but them's the breaks. That being said, a VP spot for her just would not be a good idea. It would be suicide. Obama's ticket is centered on change, and less of the status quo, and good as she is, the Clinton name is synonymous with status quo, making her the polar opposite of this campaign's core message. I do however think that the myriad Clinton supporters who say they will not vote Obama in the general election are frigging retarded, as they share many of the same stances, and are in the SAME PARTY. Voting across the aisle is a slap to the party, and Primary candidate, you claimed to support months before.

The Finals are here and my C's are in it and a game UP BABY!

But, this series really could go either way. I know, I hate it too.

Paul and Kobe cancel each other out, with Kobe maybe having a +4-8 point advantage over PP. Kevin will continue to beast the terry cloth soft Pau Gasol, who just looks slow and timid when paired with Kevie Kev for 48 minutes. That being said, Perkins will get ran out of the gym by Odom, who is the most versatile, diverse player he's had to guard this postseason, but he won't be outrebounded, which is the only plus there. Rondo and Cassell will continue to show up Fish and Farmar, Rondo too long and athletic, and Sam I Am too good and varied a shooter to be outplayed by the old and diminishing, young and anxious LA duo. Ray will outplay Radmanovic and the other guy who's name I won't even ATTEMPT to spell, simply because his shooting and slashing abilities will draw them and others plenty of fouls, and him plenty of easy stripe visits.  The Benches are about as different as two benches can be, ours will get stops but struggle to score without a scoring threat, theirs will score points in streaks and fail to get stops. My Prediction: Us in Seven, but only just barely.

Whoever stole my camera's mother is a whore, and I hope they get hit by something moving fast. Yeah, I said that.

Lil Wayne recently issued a Big F U to DJs across the states, saying that he didn't know where they got the tracks and he never saw a dime. Beyond his 9087687689678 mixtapes netting him zero dollars, he has a point, the classic mixtape and the classic DJ are dying, and have been for some time. I grew up on all the Clue tapes my sister would let me keep when she came home from school, and, while Clue wound up being the prototype for what DJs have since become, he picked good music based on merit and flow, spent more time bigging up featured artists more than himself and his stable, and ACTUALLY SCRATCHED FROM TIME TO TIME. None of said qualities are being exhibited anymore by mainstream DJs, and the music and its fans are the victims. I know they have to eat, but there is always, always a way to eat without letting the art suffer. But what do I know?

1. Rondo (v): To smoothly move between large objects with dexterity and purpose.

2. Rondo (v): To remove an object quickly without being detected.

3. Rondo (v): To create a distraction followed by a quick change of direction.

The Lakers finished of the Spurs and the NBA has one half of it's dream Final. Kobe Bryant was amazing in his effort to get back to the Finals. He is proving any who doubted that he was the M.V.P wrong including me. I had mentioned that if I had it vote it would have went to Chris Paul, but if you look at the playoffs and include them I think Bryant has been outstanding. It is not to say that Paul was not great in the Hornets run he was but Bryant has been that much better. He is on a run that has been pretty impressive and it may end with an NBA TITLE and another M.V.P of the Finals. But for now he can sit back and wait to see who he will have to face to get that Championship.

Boston would be the other half of that dream Finals that the NBA and most fans want to see. Detroit has it's own history with the Lakers in the late 80's. The Piston "Bad Boys" had there own shorter history with the Lakers. The current version of the Pistons will be hard pressed to reach the Finals though down 3-2, with Rip Hamilton and Chancey Billups at something less than 100%. The Celtics have had good and bad moments in this playoff run. They have been successful so far but not nearly as impressive as the Lakers have been. Rip Hamilton is going to give it a go tonight and try to help extend his teams season.

Had a interesting debate based om my taking Rajon Rondo to task. Loyal readers of the blog I think are aware I really like Rondo and think he is talented. It got me thinking of what young players I like and think have bright futures in the NBA. So I thought it might be fun to make another list of my favorites as far as young players go. Much like the Raptor list I made a few days ago it is not based on stats or anything like that. In fact I know many people get heavy into stats and all of that, I am not big on it unless it is in reference to Fantasy Basketball. So here is my list of young rising stars in the NBA. Chris Paul and Deron Williams would be locks on this list but I think they are established in minds of many so I am not including them.

5. Sean Williams (N.J Nets)- I think this guy was a nice pick up for the Nets. He had some off the court issues and slipped down in the draft. He has a lot of hustle in his game and is an excellent shoot blocker. He is fun to watch and can build himself a role in this league

4. Rodney Stuckey (Pistons)- Stuckey has been a great get for the Pistons and he can learn a lot from Chancey Billiups. He has a bright future and can wait it out behind Billups and eventually become the man for the Pistons

3. Rajon Rondo ( Celtics )- He got his career put on a fast track and he has responded to that well for the most part. Rondo could get a title ring long before his skills are maxed out. He is growing by leaps and bounds from the experience he is getting thanks because of the Big 3.

2. Brandon Roy ( Trailblazers )- He is like Paul and Williams already established to a point but has yet to have the team success to make it a non debated issue. But Greg Oden and the rest of this young crew will all be growing together and Roy will be the straw that stirs that talented drink.

1. Kevin Durant ( Sonics )- I think Durant is going to be an excellent player and will get the chance to prove it be it in Seattle or Oak City. He got better as the year went on and has another talented young player in Jeff Green to grow with and become the Robin to Durant's Batman. Texas Longhorns have lots of talented players in this league and more coming in D.J Augstine. Durant is maybe the best of the Longhorns.

Little shorter than the normal today but I had some things to get done today in the outside world. I invite you to list of young rising stars that you enjoy as well in comments. I am happy to report we will be having an expert guest dropping in on the Blog next week to talk Raptors so that should be interesting for everyone. By tomorrow we may have a NBA Final to talk about so we will have to see how things go down in the Palace. My pick of Detroit in 6 is toast though.

Joe Crawford: Made things happen with the ball in his hands, scoring 19 points in 26 minutes. He was his team’s most aggressive player and showed nice versatility mixing up his perimeter shooting with his slashing ability.

Crawfords year under Billy Gillispie put him on the NBA radar. Just imagine what four years would have done for him. He might have left early.

I always have to wonder what a real coach could have done with guys like Morriss, Rondo, Bogans and Prince. Imagine a driven coach with the talent of that 2001 Turmoil Team. Pitino would have added a Final Four at least. Tubby let it slip through his fingers through piss poor management.

Smith did a disservice to guys like Prince, Rondo and Bogans. Crawford and Morriss as well. These guys are NBA Talent who under a coach who knows how to develop and showcase talent would have been higher draft picks. Hayes has proven that he should have been a First Rounder. Rondo and Prince should have been lottery pics. Bogans should have had guaranteed money. Bradley could have been a 2nd Rounder. He may still make it. But it won't be due to Smith. It will be due to his year under Gillispie.

Watch Mozart's Rondo Alla Turca, which is the last movement of a sonata he wrote for the piano.
(a) Using the letters A, B, C, D etc. describe the structure of the piece
(b) See if you can recognise (i) the main section (ii) the episodes and (iii) the coda (the little bit at the end). Also think about how Mozart sometimes changes the main section when it returns.

Mozart 'Rondo Alla Turca' performed by a man with a moustache Stanislav Bulin

I've watch pretty much half the games being televised for the NBA playoffs ( the 1st round was quick wasn't it!), and going through the Celtics games, I've noticed that almost on half the runs down the court the opposing defenders will double-team the guard or player with the ball coming off the screen and or pick & roll.

They will run insanely at the guard/ball holder and push him really far away from the hoop. He will be forced to pass it and the defense hopes enough chaos would bring a deflection or turnover. BUT THINK ABOUT IT: Have you seen this play used as much before as you have currently seen in these playoffs?

I have watched thousands upon thousands of games, and I am bewildered how much this play is being used, and how EFFECTIVE this play is becoming. I probably saw this defensive play maybe 50-60 times this season out of 40+ games ( 1:1 ratio, 1:.88 if you're a complete asshole). Now, I can't take a bite out of my 5 dollar footlong without seeing this chaos trap occur on Rondo or Pierce or Allen every time down the court. This trap has become so specific and so utilized, that i decided to give it a name: The Gundy Trap. Jeff Van Gundy is a great guy; he didn't invent this, but he loves defense and maybe he can call it by his name during his colorful commentary so what the hay!

This Gundy Trap is one of the main weapons teams are using to disrupt the Celtics half-court control. It has made Ray Allen a non-factor ( he can't pop it behind the screener anymore cause they got two fuckers storming after him). It has made Rondo an ILL factor ( because he gets out of this, gets fouled, or makes the right decision; Dangerous if he passes it out of a double-team and into a 4 on 3 situation.)

The constant double-team trap against the Celtics has overall dampened their ability to make their perimeter offense work around their good shooters ( Pierce & Allen ) for mostly the entire playoffs. You have noticed how many more passes Pierce has made beyond the 3 point line ( That pass in Game 1 across the court was amazing!)? You have noticed how many more times Rondo is slashing to the basket or plain wide-open for a jump shot? You have noticed that most of Allen's points are on layups and shots slashing toward the basket? Jesus Shuttlesworth? Going to the hoop? More than popping the jumper? Yes, my friend, this is all happening.

And it is very important. This team, and especially Rondo, have been able to develop different players in the mix and have been able to create different shots. They have also been able to utilize Rondo's court intelligence more to mitigate the stifling perimeter half-court trap.

The Celtics are winning. They are beating the trap. So what is your point?

Hey voice in my head, don't be such an asshole! The trap, mind you, has held Ray Allen to a pretty useless slasher role ( since that role has already been filled by Rondo & Pierce, these guys are better passers than Allen, and you don't need three fucking people charging to the hoop). It has forced Garnett to push himself closer to the perimeter to receive the pass and shorten the passing lanes to prevent a deflection or stolen pass, and has forced him to take shots a little further than he would like. The guy can hit it from 18-22ft, but he has been consistently on the longer end of that range since the playoffs begun.

He needs to take this shot more often than not if they keep employing the Gundy trap

My point is that the "trap" has totally changed around the workings of the offense. They still have an amazing passing game, and are forced to utilize it more with the trap in play. But now they have less time to use the post-up as a 2nd option for a failed screen, they have more chances to screw up a play because they have to put the ball through the passing lanes more often, and during their lapses ( which have come on the heels of rowdy fans in Cleveland & Atlanta ), these impediments are much more apparent.

Much more apparent not because this type of defense kills them on certain occasions. If anything, if you make the right pass, the trap fails. But how many teams play flawlessly on the road? How many times will you make the bad pass? And most of all, for a team that has played pretty much all year being able to utilize the big three in a decent offensive flow, how can you expect them to suddenly adjust to this new defensive scheme so quickly? Not only has this half-court trapped force the Celtics hand to pass better, but it has forced them to re-vamp their ENTIRE OFFENSIVE SCHEME for the playoffs. Guys have stepped up ( Posey, Perkins, House recently, Rondo shooting more ) and others have changed their game ( Ray Allen passing more, Garnett taking more 20-foot shots, Cassell not playing) in order to mollify the stress placed by the Gundy trap's ability to stir chaos.

And I would say that this scheme has only been consistent with creating havoc for the Celtics. But the Celtics have used it as well. They have used it against Lebron James, they have pushed out Delonte West with two defenders, and they were GOOD at stifling their offense on most occasions. When they were burned, it usually was a pass to West or Gibson away from the double-team, or a play that ended with Ilgauskas shooting the ( hey, look at this!) 18-22 foot jumper. The shot is a symptom of the effect the defense produces, and teams not privy to setting up an offense as such will suffer.

Did this force the Cavs to play an offense that was inconsistent to their offensive design during the regular season? I am not sure since I don't watch the Cavs, but you can tell that this scheme is being used frequently against the screens and pick & rolls regardless of the teams. And since this exerts even more pressure on an offense not use to the double-team off the screen, it probably makes sense how teams like the Celtics are having even more trouble adjusting on the road.

What about Chris Paul? Yea, he got Gundy trap too, and got through it on most occasions. His game is insanely versatile; I can't content that the scheme hurt him ( look at his stats!). Manu Ginobili in game 7 couple of days back got the trap on the top of the key before there was a screen attempt. He was mauled on the floor ( he deserved it for his silly flopping ) The Lakers put some heat on Deron WIlliams with the double-team trap, and it showed when he had trouble getting in sync with Kirilenko & Korver ( who still had great games by the way).

This prevalance of the half-court trap against the screen/pick & roll is way more so currently than in the regular season, and is contributing to a change in the dynamics of offenses for the teams in these series. It has permeated throughout each round, and has resulted in some form of positive/negative chaos that is meant to occur with the scheme. Notice how many more offensive fouls/ charges / loose balls / deflections / collisions / blocking fouls that have resulted in the trap congestion towards the mid-court and not towards the key.

Is the Gundy trap becoming more of a norm to offset the advantage of the pick & roll? Is this going to make defenses stronger through the ability to cause mayhem, or weaker due to fatigue of transition defense and crafty point guards like Paul & Rondo? If every team ends up utilizing the Gundy trap to the frequency and degree a team would use the doubling-down defense ( where you double-team the guy with the ball in the post), who would be the benificiary of calling this play? Has this added more pressure for some teams on the road?

Others clearly think the arenas are getting noisier, and that the spectacles are causing impediments to the game ( See example 1, example 2, & numero tres!). Wouldn't be also prudent to suggest that this affects road play because: A) It is hard to overcome pressure of winning away at home, and simultaneously be bedazzled with screaming fans during an opponent's run, AND be confused and forced to play a different game because of a newer defensive play-call against your offense? And B) The aggressiveness of the play leads to a lot of contact against the offense, and more often than not ( let's be real guys ), that the home team will have an advantage of getting the officials' calls ( or no calls ) in these situations. Whether it be fouls or deflections, you will most likely hear a referee's whistle followed by cheers from the howling faithful, and less likely from the road team's bench.

Most people will think that this defensive scheme is trivial in comparison to the multitude of schemes and options players have when they are on the floor. I beg to differ on that point; certain schemes in sports have become relative to crafting a winning contest. Some teams have the players, talent, and/or endurance to execute the plays better than others, but sometimes the plays become so necessary and so ingrained into a sports system that it can mean inefficiency, failure, and even alienation ( Not sure if Jerry Glanville's getting an NFL job anytime soon with the Run & Shoot) to NOT use certain sport designs.

Developed sports schemes: 3-4 defense, and the set-up man/closer design

The set-up man/closer scheme: Beginning as a tactic to give starters rest, and to create a reliable back-up system to finish out a game without losing. Few teams used the tactic during its infancy, and now to not use it will elicit a bloody murder response from the media, fans, and basbeall players alike ( closer by committee, anyone?). The 3-4 defense in football, although used by probably less than 30% of football teams, had its glory days being utilized in the 80's, and has waned ever since. Teams that tend to use it ( Patriots, Eagles, Steelers, Chargers ) tend to do well and perform well in the postseason ( or at least make the postseason).

The Gundy trap has been around, but in this playoffs, it is used almost as much against screens & picks as the man-to-man option. And if this ratio fits, and teams become more bewlidered by it, we are going to have to start seeing adjustments against this play. If there is no adjustment, we could have a scary evolution of every coach in the NBA calling this play many times next year, and there could be a chance that this play could force teams to run even more conservative offenses.

Is this a bad thing? I doubt that it will keep up, but they said the same thing abotu Hockey's Neutral Zone trap, and last time I checked, they needed a strike to change around the rules. The Neutral Zone trap was so good that every team used it ( especially the Devils & Red Wings...hmmm...).Let's hope the Gundy trap isn't as useful.

Cavs Corner

As I do my homework on the Celtics, all I keep coming across are phrases like Garnett, 66 – 16, biggest turnaround ever, Pierce, Allen, Rondo, too good, too fast, too strong for the Cavaliers. Please people. Save it for another day. I am so tired of hearing about how good this Celtics team is. The Celtics were pushed to the brink of elimination by a team that failed to win 40 games. No “great” team loses three games in the first round of the playoffs. The hype, glamour, and coverage have given fans across the country the notion that the Celtics are almost untouchable. Let’s be honest here, the Celtics are good, but by no means are they unbeatable. Can someone explain to me why the Cavs should be worried? We beat this Boston team twice in the regular season, and have only improved since those victories. Like I have said in previous posts, the Cavs used the Washington series as a step to build team cohesion, and to believe that they were capable of playing against anyone. I am almost sure that nobody in the league can beat the Cavs if we play like we did in game six of the Washington series. The Cavs looked magnificent on both ends of the floor last week. Daniel Gibson, Delonte West, and Wally Sczerbiak were knocking down big shots, Z played with the hunger of a rookie, and the Cavalier’s lockdown defense was stifling. Then you add this guy from Akron into the equation. I don’t remember his name, but I heard he was pretty good. Now can somebody tell me why the Cavaliers should be worried? We shouldn’t be. As a matter of fact, I like my chances in this epic series. The Cavs have faced problems with injuries all season long, and have found ways to put up victories. Sure the Cavs struggled at times, but things like that are common in teams full of new players. The Washington “giving em the business” Wizards series tested the Cavs, and our team noticeably grew stronger. With the team cohesion seemingly there, the King and the Cavs are poised to make a memorable run. I have a gut feeling that when fans look back on the legacy of LeBron James, thirty or forty years from now, this series is going to be a highlight of the great player that James was. The Cavaliers are a more battle tested team, that have shown signs of strength and success during times of adversity. Don’t forget who the defending Eastern Conference Champions are. If you did, you will be reminded once again in the next few weeks. Cavs in 7.

Random Sports Shots…

The Kentucky Derby was crazy this year. I put my wagers on Pyro, and if I’m not mistaken, I’m almost positive he’s still trying to cross the finish line. The whole Eight Belles being euthanized ordeal got me thinking a little bit. Over the course of the past three years, we have seen two horses that have ran in the Kentucky derby euthanized. (Barbaro and Eight Belles). If these two made the national spotlight, how many horses don’t? Everyday there are thousands of horse races, and I am sure these incidents happen much more then we are lead to believe. I think it’s awful that these horses are just whacked on the racing track, and then shipped to the glue factory. I feel that there needs to be a thorough investigation of euthanized horses in horse racing. I think the findings will be shocking to some people. I believe that there are hundreds of horses whacked each day. What makes killing horses different than dog fighting? Regardless of how the animals are killed, the bottom line is the exact same. Dogs and are horses are being killed.

What has the world come to? The greatest wide receiver with the mentality of a punter is going to be in some deep trouble here pretty soon. I have never seen someone dislike getting hit as much as this man. I am sure you all know Marvin Harrison is being investigated for his role in a shooting outside of his Philadelphia owned bar. I think it’s funny what’s going on here. Although Harrison is denying claims that he has anything to do with the shooting, it’s pretty clear that Harrison is the culprit of firing shots. From my understanding, Harrison got into a fight with another guy inside the bar Harrison owns. Harrison followed the guy for a half mile to his car, and then 7 shots rang out from a Belgian pistol owned by Harrison, The man was hit in the hand, but not seriously injured. Several days later, Harrison was questioned about the gun, and said it had never left his home. The gun was then found in a bucket at the Philly car wash Harrison owns. It is now believed that the Belgian gun linked to the shooting did indeed fire 7 seven shots. Six of the seven bullet casings were found at the scene. That’s not enough evidence to make an arrest in this case? Legal people, is it me or is this a case of Harrison getting preferential treatment by the Philly Police Department? Everything adds up here and points directly at Harrison. What’s Harrison doing owning a bar and a car wash in the middle of the hood? These athletes seem to never get it. Once you make the money you need, get out of the hood you grew up in, and stop doing hoodrat things with your friends.

One of the series in the second round of the NBA Playoffs is very dull to me. I know there are only eight teams left, but watching Orlando and Detroit is a bore. The styles of basketball both teams play hasn’t made for entertaining games. Maybe it’s also because I feel Orlando doesn’t have a chance to win the series. Detroit decided to turn their switch on, and they look like the team we all used to remember. Orlando doesn’t have any big time players they can rely on down the stretch, and it’s going to cost them the series. Lewis and Howard are good for 46 minutes, but don’t have the skills and presence to take over a game like Paul, James, and Bryant in the final minutes. Speaking of MVP Kobe Bryant, his Lakers are too tough for the Jazz. That series will go six, and the Lakers will gear up for their meeting with the Hornets. Sorry Bonner, this time the Spurs are in trouble. Chris Paul and his New Orleans Hornets aren’t turning back now. I know the series shifts to San Antonio this weekend, but I still expect NO to steal one in San Antonio. Cavs Vs. Pistons, Lakers Vs. NO….Cavs Vs. Lakers Finals……It’s nice to dream.

Tune Time

Leona Lewis – Keep Bleeding

There is not a more catchy song on the radio. This song is the jam, there, I said it. I don’t care if it’s a girly song or whatever, good music is good music, and that’s what I try give you, good music. Lewis has a stellar voice too. Click at your own risk, this song will be on your Ipod instantly.

Mariah Carey – Bye Bye Remix

Jigga sounds like Bone Thugs rapping in Breakdown. I like this song and initially thought it was going to be a number one single, but it has yet to be released yet, so only time will tell.

Ace Frehley – New York Groove

This song is inspired by Grand Theft Auto. I don’t really like anything expect the chorus, but the song has been getting a lot of play by me lately.

The Game Ft. Keysha Cole – Pain

This is a good jam that’s off of Game’s new CD LAX. Check it out, it’s either hit or miss for most people.

Bun B Feat. Lil Wayne- Damn I’m Cold

Just came out, not sure what I think.

Youuuuu

I know a lot of my friends have seen this, but I need to have it on my site. Thanks Z for a good find. This is one of my top ten favorite videos of all time. So this is what happens when you play too much GTA for a week. “I just wanted to do hoodrat stuff with my friends.”

Good to be back in Mentor. If anyone is in town and would like to hang out, please let me know. I look forward to seeing some of the faces I haven't seen in several years. I will be back sooner than you think too. This entry is short for a reason. One. Music to play, plenty to say...KJ

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