Let’s get into it shall we? I’ve had a really long week folks. My Uncle Joey passed away on Wednesday. I hadn’t seen him in about seven years, and we were never really that close but as a friend of mine told me, “he’s still family.†That is true because his death really got to me. He was old and very sick and it was just his time to go, but I think I figured out the bigger reason as to why I was so upset. I was very close to my Paw-Paw (my mom’s father) when I was little and he passed away when I was three. My uncle as almost the spitting image of his father and I believe the flashbacks to my paw-Paw are what really got to me.
His funeral is this Saturday and I was asked to be a pallbearer by his daughter, my cousin. I haven’t seen her in about ten years so when she asked my mother if she thought I’d do it, I was honored. My Uncle Joey didn’t do much that I recall in his life, but of course I’ve only known him for the last 28. But he was a good man and I feel honored to carry him out to his final resting place.
Enough depression…sorry everyone, but it’s not sad. I’m good now. There’s some racial stuff to talk about this week and CJ does some clothes critiquing. So if you don’t mind, I hope you’ll…
1.) Clemens Back In Pinstripes
Paulie: Must be nice to be Roger Clemens. Sit around, watching your kids play ball, waiting to see whose going to pay an ungodly sum for your geriatric ass for another ¾ of a season. I can’t blame him though. If someone is willing to pay, might as well play. I really can’t see him being the answer to the Yankee’s woes this year though. He’ll give them a few good innings, but he still only pitches every 4-5 games and Rivera is blowing saves like a single A rookie. So I say… meh.
Charles Joseph: I really hope he falls, because that means the yanks will fall. I saw a graphic the other day that showed his salary since he “retired.†The first year he came back, the Astros paid him 5 million dollars. That’s it, 5 million dollars. How is someone who was worth 5 million dollars 4 years ago, at an age where everyone starts breaking down, worth 28 million now? How is the steroid cloud not hovering over him? A power pitcher, who anyone who knows about steroids says are the people who would benefit most, who is going to be 45. He’s been named, but yet, we give him a clean slate.
Oh, and he won’t help the yanks enough to win anything. They will still miss the playoffs.
Danny: 2004 – “My name is Roger Clemens. I don’t know where I want to pitch. Oooo Andy Petitte is going to Houston, sign me up!â€
2007 – “My name is Roger Clemens. I don’t know where I want to pitch. Oooo Andy Petitte is back in New York, sign me up!â€
Something is not right there. And I can’t believe the guy is getting $4.5 million a month either. I guess you get paid your age now, but that just boggles me. Clemens went 7 and 6 last year which isn’t exactly the stellar stats that would merit that kind of dough. As CJ said though, it’s not going to help. Yanks are going to miss the playoffs and Steinbrenner will try to but the entire league next season and have 29 teams in pinstripes.
2.) Chasing Hank Aaron/Races Feel Differently About Bonds?
Danny: I have been a Giants fan since I was a little kid. I live in New Orleans so I have no baseball team around to really root for and the closest one is the Astros. Well, here’s a short story. My mom used to be the lunch lady at my school because all 4 of her kids attended it at same time. When I was six, I was sick one day so I went with my mom to the other school where they cooked the food, and just sat there playing checkers with Miss Clark, the principal. She was a wonderful old lady and I loved her. She had to go do some school things and I was left alone until a man walked in and started playing checkers with me. Nice guy and we played checkers in the lunchroom for about two hours straight. After he left, Miss Clark came back and asked me if I had enjoyed spending time with her grandson Will.
Yes folks, first baseman of first baseman THE Will Clark. It was just after his rookie season with the Giants and they have been my team ever since. So of course I like Barry Bonds and am rooting for him. I hope he breaks the record and I will be extremely happy if he does. I’m not even going to get into the roids discussion because that is for another day, but I still hope he breaks it and breaks it at home so it’s appreciated. He has never tested positive for them, so that is fine by me.
As for this bullshit I’ve been reading about white people being less happy being less happy then black people if Bonds were to break the record. Are you serious? Was it really necessary to break it down into race to see how they voted on a BASEBALL poll??? If you want to read the entire asinine article, then go over here. After reading it, don’t you dare ask yourself why there is a race problem in the world. This shit and the whole Rutgers crap is enough to make me sick.
Paulie: It’s pretty well documented that I don’t really care about baseball much anymore, but it’s hard to escape the chase for the homer crown. Never mind that I think Ted Williams’ hitting streak was more impressive and that total hits and batting average in general are a better showing of how good a hitter you are. I do have issues with this poll though. Why did they only interview whites and blacks? Did they ask no Asians? No Latinos? I hear they’re pretty into baseball too. But to me, there’s only one man who’s opinion matters and that’s Hank Aaron’s. The fact that he plans to be as far away from any baseball stadium on the most remote fishing locale he can find when Bonds gets within striking distance is very telling to me. Well, it could tell me two things. One, Aaron may be an asshole. Or two, Aaron doesn’t view Bonds’ run as legit. Both could be true. Neither could be true. But, I digress. Polls rarely hold any sway with me. You could do the same poll 10 times with 10 different sample groups and get 10 different results. And of course, 100 percent of statistical data is manipulated to a writer’s desired intent 120 percent of the time.
Charles Joseph: Paulie…what was Ted Williams hitting streak? Are you referring to him hitting 400, or are you talking about DiMaggio’s 56 games hitting streak? Which ever you decide to choose is fine by me. Now to this poll. It brings up more questions than answers for me. I know the number of people included was around 800, which isn’t really that big of a sampling size for the entire nation. Also, who were the people that were polled, do any of them follow baseball at all? For all we know, they might have asked 200 who’d never heard of the sport before, or don’t follow it much at all. One of the things that jumped out at me was that, I think it was, 85% of the black people responding to the poll said they wanted Bonds to break the record. I want to know how many of those people said that simply because the thought, “Oh, I’m black, he’s black, I better say I want him to break the record.†I think that right there sways the numbers, because I guarndamntee at least 1 person had that thought, and it was probably a lot more than 1. And it makes me laugh how racial this has become, HANK AARON IS BLACK. Blacker than Bonds. If Ruth still had the record, I can see how it could be seen as a racial issue, but this is a semi-black man breaking the record of a black man. The issue is steroids, not race.
This all being said, I hope against hope, someone throws a 95 mph fastball off his knee and he can’t play anymore. His knees are bone on bone, how has no one else come up with this plan, or are they just to chicken to do it. Oh well, If he breaks the record…eh, what the hell am I saying, When he breaks the record, unless proof comes out that he KNOWINGLY took steroids, we have to consider him the Homerun Champion of all time. He should be celebrated, Bud Selig should be there, Hank Aaron has no real reason to be there, and I’m fine with him not being there. But please, some major league pitcher who reads our article, I’m not naming names, but I know you’re there, bounce one off his knee. For me.
3.) The Kentucky Derby
Charles Joseph: What a race. Street Sense from WAY back in the field halfway through the race to win fairly easily. And apparently there is a good story about the jockey too. But let’s focus on the race. Pretty good pace to start off and it was an absolute shock to everyone that Street Sense, who was the favorite, fell back to 19th. Hell, the announcer just about had a heart attack when he said SS was that far back. But the jockey took him to the rail where it’s kind of treacherous territory and absolutely flew past the entire field and then decided to calmly run away from them. Big story of the day was also the Queen of England being in attendance, no…not Elton John, the real Queen. And they dressed her in lime green…what the hell was that?
Danny: I honestly couldn’t believe the comeback I saw in that race. From almost the ass of the pack and then all the way to even up and then to pull ahead for the line? That was just an incredible show by Street Sense, and now it’s time that talk of the “Triple Crown†starts up and if he can actually do it. It hasn’t been done since 1970, but I feel that Street Sense has a damn good chance of taking it this year. After the performance I saw in the Derby and then watched it again on replay because I couldn’t believe, I see no reason why it can’t happen for the first time in almost thirty years.
And as for the Queen, you act as if the woman doesn’t dress herself CJ. Don’t act like you didn’t loan her that outfit.
Paulie: The only thing more boring than hickabillies driving in circles for 500 miles is a bunch of horses running for 2 minutes. Especially when it’s abound with women in gaudy hats and people spending way too much damned money for some minty gin. I’d say it’s because I’m bitter about all the attention Barbaro got last year, but no, I’ve hated horse racing since way before that. Not because I’m some animal rights person feeling sorry for the poor exploited horsies. No, far from that. Screw the horses; I hear the French can make some tasty stuff out of them. I just find the Derby and the rest of the Triple Crown to be the most over hyped, pointless, faux aristocratic claptrap in the history of over hyped, pointless, faux aristocratic claptrap.
4.) De La Hoya/Mayweather
Paulie: In a world full of combat sports from UFC to PRIDE to whatever else is out there I can’t believe people still watch straight up boxing. As far as this fight itself. Can’t really say much on it. I know De La Hoya. The former golden boy and all that. Couldn’t even tell you who Mayweather is though. I’ll be over here watching my fake combat sport that admits to being scripted. At least then I know I’ll get entertainment for a time worth my money.
Charles Joseph: What entertainment are you watching that is worth your money? WWE isn’t even worth the money, and I don’t even watch the free shows. I’ve heard a couple different stories of the fight, but like Paulie, I didn’t watch the fight. I’ve heard everything from the fight was crap, to it was a decent fight. I tend to lean towards it wasn’t that good of a fight; it definitely wasn’t “The Fight to Save Boxing.â€
Danny: The fight was decent from the highlights I saw, but I don’t care who is in the ring…I want to see a damn knockout to end a fight. Even if your ass collapses after the wind from a whiffed punch in the 24th round knocks you down then FINE! Get counted out and end the fight that way. I hate this “decision†bullshit. And I’ve heard everything about this fight trying to save boxing, but two boxers probably pretty close to retirement is not your answer. With MMA, UFC, WWE, TNA, and the NHL…boxing has become a thing of the past. It doesn’t draw nearly like it used to and you weren’t going to with De La Hoya and Mayweather out there. So back to the drawing board.
And yes I know numbers don’t lie, but I don’t see how the hell this fight drew more PPV buys then Tyson/Holyfield 1997. I call shenanigans…SHENANIGANS!
5.) NHL/NBA Playoffs
Charles Joseph: Well the NHL playoffs are chugging right along with the conference finals kicking off, while the NBA playoffs are still lagging through the second round. NHL Conference finals features the Anaheim Ducks vs. the Detroit Red Wings. New NHL vs. Old NHL. Should be an interesting series. Detroit has the home ice advantage, but Anaheim has looked unbeatable in the playoffs. Pronger and Neids are always on the ice and with those two in front of Giggy, they are almost impossible to score against. Detroit is really going to need Zetterberg to come out of his playoff long slump and pump in some goals. He’s been helping in other areas but he needs to find the net more if Detroit has a chance. The fatigue factor also favors Anaheim; they finished of the Canucks last week, while Detroit just wrapped up a very physical 6 game series with San Jose. Everything is leaning toward the Ducks winning this series in 5-6 games. But damn it, I want the Wings to win. I say Hasek stands on his head for 5 games, and the Wing move on. Eastern Conference should be X-citing. Two offensive minded teams in Buffalo and Ottawa. Buffalo comes at you hard with all 4 lines capable of scoring. Ottawa comes at you with the best scoring line left in the playoffs, Heatley, Spezza, Alf. Neither of these teams really try to grind you down to much; they just try to out-finesse you. There is also that little brawl they got into earlier this year with everyone including the goalies fighting. So there is a little bad blood between the two teams too. Overall this series should come down to the goalie play, as both teams have good, young net minders. Ray Emery and Ryan Miller. I think Emery gets the better of the two and Ottawa moves on. So my finals looks like Detroit vs. Ottawa, and with my record so far through the playoffs, bet your house on Anaheim/Buffalo.
Just kidding…don’t bet your house on anything I say. No lawsuits.
NBA…Oooooo, Nash is bweeding. Da Bulls are getting CRUSHED. And LeBron is wondering when he’s going to have someone difficult to play. *yawn. Out west we have an amazing series between Utah and Golden State. Never thought we’d see those two teams playing in the second round. And I know why. It’s a travesty to think that either San Antonio or Phoenix is going to be knocked out in the second round while the other will go on to play Utah or Golden f*cking State.
Danny: I am not the biggest hockey fan in the world, but I am excited for the Ducks/Red Wings match-up. As CJ said, it’s Old NHL Vs. New NHL. The Wings do have home ice, but the Ducks are just playing some absolutely phenomenal hockey. They look as if they are ten times mightier now then when their names actually called them by it. This may end up getting me back into watching hockey more like I was about five years ago. I’m going to call Ducks in 6.
Then there is Ottawa Vs. Buffalo and like the Ducks, I think the Senators are playing some great hockey. The Senators won five of eight meetings this season against the Sabres and I think that is going to be weighing heavily on Buffalo’s mind. Not to mention that the Sens put up what was it…seven goals in one game against them? Sens in 5.
I’m sorry, say what you want about Nash bleeding but that cut was frickin brutal. The best part about it was that when Parker’s head clocked Nash in the face, Parker went down like a sack of potatoes. Nash just calmly walked away like aint shit happened. Needless to say, the bleeding wouldn’t stop because the gash was huge, but he still wanted to be on the court and that is a damn leader. I am hoping the Suns take out the Spurs because I am sick of seeing Duncan and Co. roll merrily along. I think they’ll end up facing the Jazz who will win in a series that has to be considered the most boring match-up in playoff history. My God…the Jazz and Warriors??? I would rather watch the 2007 Oakland Raiders against 2007 Memphis Grizzlies in footballbasket then this damn series. Ugh.
And over in the East, I am highly upset that the Bulls are getting their asses handed to them by Detroit. I cannot stand the Detroit Pistons and haven’t liked them since even before Laimbeer, Thomas, and Dumars were stalking the court. Matt…Triggs…you get your ass on the horn and talk something into those Bulls so they can oust the Pistons making sure Chris Webber doesn’t win shit. I am not sure how that one is going to go, but the Cavs are handling business against the Nets like they are barely there. I don’t know about you, but I’d love to see a Steve Nash Vs. LeBron James Finals!
Paulie: Didn’t you guys just make me talk about this stuff last week? I stand my prediction of Ducks/Sens in the finals. And cease all talk of Cleveland being in the NBA Finals. Don’t you realize that if Cleveland gets within sniffing distance of a championship in ANYTHING it will break the 7th seal and Hell on Earth will commence forthwith? And I still for the life of me can’t understand the hatred for Tim Duncan. He’s a good kid. Plays the game. Not overly flashy. Just the kind of guy I like. I’ll call Detroit and San Antonio in the finals. San Antonio wins. Because the East is still a bunch of pussies.
Speaking of DVD reviews, head over to The DVD Lounge where there are a lot of good people watching a lot of crap so you don’t have to. And for a person who has over 1300 DVDs and watches every movie imaginable, Travis really finds some things that even I have never heard of.
Popcorn Junkies is a place you really need to go check out as well because there are great people like Caroline, Ping, Michaelangelo, Kubryk, and more bringing you news and movie reviews at all hours of the night and day.
Charlie Marsh does some fun stuff over in the RetroGrading section and has all kinds of sexy links for ya!
VS. this week pits features Pulse Glazer of Pulse Wrestling against our TGC own brother, Allen Noah. Be sure to check them out while Blatt officiates.
And if you aren’t sure how to make decisions, then be sure to check out Mr. Kennedy at Moodpsins. He’s got some fantastic puzzles and excellent tips on any and everything.
From CJ: If you didn’t like our coverage of De La Hoya/Mayweather, head over to Inside Fights they did a much better job than us. Some of them may have even watched the fight. They should be your first place for any of the fisticuffs news. And as always, HIT THE FORUMS AND TALK TO ME, I’m bored. Ignore that one guy though…he bites. It hurts.
And you all know where the forums are, so please do as CJ says or next week he will do nothing but talk about fashion. That is it for this week folks. We’re gonna have a few new features implemented next week, so be sure to tune in. They were going to come into play this week, but I’m tired and need to do a bit of tweaking to get everything working correctly.
They’ll be fuuuunnn! They’re interaaacctttiivvveee!
