If I Can Walk Then I Can Run ………
By tophat | May 19, 2008
Over the weekend the Council for The Arbitration Of Sports (CAS) made the pronouncement that double amputee Oscar Pistorius of South Africa should be allowed to participate in the upcoming Olympics in Beijing China. The CAS the highest international arbitrary body when it comes to resolving issues on sports has seen fit to send a shot across the bows of the IOC who sought to ban Pistorius from competing .
Pistorius seen here in the 400m competing at a meet where he faced able bodied athletes. picture courtesy of bbc.co.uk/sports ………….
The reasons behind this though not far fetched left many feeling that the IOC had overstepped their mark from the outset. The IAAF have allowed Pistorius to compete against able bodied athletes and he’s acquitted himself with a certain degree of success. The 100m, 200m and 400m specialist holds the world records for the three events as an amputee. But that wasn’t Pistorius’ gold from the outset as he just wanted to be given the chance to compete against able bodied athletes at the highest echelons of the sport. Be that as it may the feeling was that Pistorius would have an added advantage being as the fact that he’s aided by the blades the given name of the prosthetics that uses to race with.
Pistorius seen here running the 200m at an international track meet in Rome in June of 2007.
The IAAF for their part has never refused Pistorius to take part in any of their sanctioned events around the world. But the IOC for its part felt that this would abet Pistorius and that it’d also fly in the face of what is deemed fair based under the ideology of the Olympic spirit and its members. And whilst much has been made of the use of steroids within the sport of track and field. This issue as such has never been raised before within the sport until now. The issue of able bodied athletes racing against amputees or otherwise. The IOC has set standards that must be met for the athletes to qualify for each track event . But in the case of Pistorius it was their wish to deny him the chance to compete based solely on the fact that he was fitted with these technologically advanced apparatus. The input by the IAAF to the IOC it appear wasn’t going to sway the edict of the IOC from the outset.
Pistorius is seen here competing against able bodied athletes in a 400m event in Johannesburg , South Afrcia in July of 2007. picture courtesy of track&fieldsourthafrica….
And though Pistorius had yet to meet the qualifying times for his chosen events the 200m and 400m . He felt given the chance he would be able to meet the qualifying standards set by the IOC, his own national athletic governing body. The South African Athletics Federation at the national level were quite firmly behind the athlete but only under the condition that he met the criteria being asked of him . And it was to this extent that ire of the IOC was raised as they no doubt felt that in allowing the athlete to compete it would also raise some serious questions as to the validity competitiveness. And the very fact that this would be seen as a blatant form of cheating by some. But one clearly must look at what is defined as cheating with regard to this situation. Can it be said that he’s clearly being assisted by the use of this technology ? And if so then why hasn’t the IAAF seen fit to seek that it be banned in competition with regard to able bodied and the disabled competing against one another ?
Pistorius finishes 3rd in a 200m qualifying heat in Athens , Greece during the Paralympics in 2004. picture courtesy of athenshash.com/ioc/paralympics ……….
If the IOC is to keep itself abreast of what is happening in the world in terms of competitive sports and life in general . It certainly can’t afford to be somewhat archaic in its stance. In public life we have the able bodied and disabled working alongside one another and in some cases even competing against each other in various vocational endeavors. And while the Paralympics are appreciated as to what it brings for the less able bodied amongst who seek to compete. It can’t be lost on many of us that some of those very athletes may well want to seek a chance to compete against their abled bodied opponents in some measure. They’re not asking for any benefactorial advantage but just the chance to compete.
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Experience Trumps Youthful Exuberance ………….Normally …….
By tophat | May 6, 2008
The title should say a lot and in many an instance that’d be true. But as the series unfolds between the San Antonio Spurs and the New Orleans Hornets. We’re seeing that this is just not the case. In looking at the play of both teams after the two games played you’d be hard pressed to tell who were indeed the defending champions and who was the team making it’s first playoff appearance in a number of years.
Chris Paul of the Charlotte Hornets evades the outsretched hands of the San Antonio Spurs’ Robert Horry in game 2 of the 7 game series Western Conference semi finals. The game was won decisively by the Hornets 102-84. picture courtesy of getty images/chris graythern…….
So far San Antonio as defending champions have looked out of sorts whilst the Hornets have looked anything but an inexperienced team. They’ve derailed whatever game plan coach Greg Popovich had in mind and it best summed as saying that the Spurs are behind the eight ball with little chance of extricating themselves from the position that they now find themselves. Instead of dictating the pace of this series they’ve allowed the Hornets and in particular point guard Chris Paul to have his way and at the same time make the Spurs look ever so pedantic. At this jucnture many a Spurs’ fan must be wondering whether or not the team has walked into a buzz saw.
Chris Paul of the Hornets makes the layup whilst Tim Duncan and Kurt Thomas of the Spurs looks on. picture courtesy of getty images/ chris graythern ……………..
Two games played and two resounding victories for the Charlotte Hornets and not so much as a whiff of competitiveness from the Spurs thus far. Something that one would’ve have found unimaginable from a Spurs’ team and one in particular that’s coached by someone of Greg Popovich’s stature. His counterpart Byron Scott has all of a sudden has the makings of a Bobby Fischer. In game one the Hornets came out decisively and showed that they weren’t scared of the defending champions and in many ways showed that they’d be equal to the task in matching the Spurs in specific facets of the game. Surprisingly so on the defensive side of the ball it was the Spurs who were made to look anemic.
On the bench Tony Parker , Manu Ginobli and Tim Duncan seem at a loss as the Hornets go on to victory in game 2 of the conference semi finals game played in New Orleans, Louisiana. picture courtesy of getty images/ chris grayrthern …………
As this series continues to unfold it’s becoming very clear to those who’ve witnessed both games so far . The Spurs are in for an uphill battle against a youthful and overly exuberant team. The Spurs as a four time champion of the NBA are looking anything but that at this juncture. In all honesty it’s the Hornets who seem to be playing like champions. And it’s the Spurs who seems to be in need of a wakeup call. Their lacks and indecisive play has handed the Hornets the series in all but name. And though you can never count this team out and down for the count. It has to said that they look all but spent in trying to keep up with the Hornets’ style of play.
Duncan makes a shot whilst under the watchful eye of David West and Chris Paul. picture courtesy of getty images/ chris graythern ………………..
Whereas we’ve seen the Spurs’ triumvirate of Duncan , Parker and Ginobli come together as a force and dispel anything in the team’s way. The Hornet have in Chris Paul , David West and Peja Stojackovic their own set of erstwhile cold blooded assassins. They’ve plunged more than a dagger into the heart of the Spurs and their fans thus far. If anything the hilt of this particular weapon has actually split the Spurs’ breastbone to show that their heart. Though still pounding it will be in need a great deal of resuscitation if it’s to measure up to the strength of its opposite number.
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A Homage To All That’s Irreverent And Comedic In The World Of Sports !
By tophat | April 25, 2008
As we’re all sport’s fans we all from time to time come across the absurd , the abstract and the insane. We’ll either laugh , cry or even bemoan what’s taking place infront of us either onscreen or live at an event.
So without further ado let’s just take a look at some of the brevity and comedic elements that can and do take place .
Would you consider this to be a disgruntled Cubs’ fan placed in an imposition by his wife ?
A streaking German female soccer in Liepzig, Germany, decrying her team’s loss but still showing her support for the team.
And it’d appear that the German female soccer fan’ll always take it to heart when her team just happens to be on the losing end of a game. What’s the significance in her behaving like this ? If not other than to show her undying devotion to her team.
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Guys Can I Introduce You To Bianca Beauchamp ?
By tophat | April 20, 2008
This delectable beauty has been around by her appearance you can see what we’ve all been missing. I must say that with what Bianca has to offer one has to wonder where she may well have been hiding.
Bianca shows us here that she’s got some ample sizes assets. Wouldn’t we all like to see those lovelies in person ?
Bianca has been a prominent pin up model for over a decade and has been such publications as FHM, Penthouse and Playboy to name but a few. One can’t complain that Beauchamp would ever have anything to hide from her legion of adoring male fans.
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This Just Maybe All The Motivation Needed For The Lakers To Win It All In The Postseason ……
By tophat | April 11, 2008
Well it’s roundabout time as the NBA season winds down many of the teams are trying to elicit a place in the postseason. The Los Angeles Lakers are seen by many as the pre-emptive favorites in the West because the mercurial presence of guard Kobe Bryant.
But what I do belive’ll be the determining factor behind the Lakers possibly winning it all may well be the decision by Phil Jackson to provide the following pictures in his players’ locker room as an added stimulus for winning. Phil it now seem’ll stoop to any lengths to get an edge over his opponents. And by the use of the following pictures we’re now seeing the depths to which he’s prepared to go. One would hope that Dr Buss and his daughter are in total agreement with this ploy ? And I dare say that they are. Dr Buss quite possibly wouldn’t really know anyway as he’s on the verge of incontinency right about now.
So without further ado I give you the Lakers’ motivation for succeeding in the postseason Jeanie Buss plying all of her wares.
Bouncing balls Jeanie or is that how you play with Phil ?
And just in case Kobe, Bynum , Gasol and Odom can’t get a handle on things here’s Jeanie pointing out that size doesn’t always matter as it’s how you use what you’ve got that makes you a winner.
And if this isn’t enough motivation in order for this team to win then they might as well throw in the towel from the outset. And then the Laker die hards and their irreverent show biz fans can stop their bitchin’ and whinin’ all of the time as to how good they are or in many cases appear to think that they are. About the only thing more annoying is any celebrity whose main claim to fame is that they’re a Scientologist. They know who they are and I don’t need to name any names.
Make hay while the sun shine for tomorrow you’ll feast a plenty . But that’ll only happen if you win.
tophat ……
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A Fish Out Of Water ………The Florida Marlins
By tophat | April 9, 2008
As you all must know by now when it comes to baseball I’m an avowed Marlins’ fan. And that I’d go to the ends of the earth to watch the team. I’ve been the highs and lows with the franchise since it came into existence. From the very first pitch thrown out by Charlie Hough to their winning of two unexpected World Series in the space of seven years. Other than the Yankees and Red Sox there hasn’t been multiple winners of baseball’s most prestigious prize over the last ten years.
The Marlins’ Mike Jacobs hits a fifth inning grand slam against the Pirates. picture courtesy of ap/photos/Pat Carter…..
And though it’s early in the season aand we sit atop of the NL East it’d be too much for me to expect them to win the division. But I’m of the opinion that if they were to find their footing under the leadership of second year coach Fredi Gonzalez then they coould make some noise within the division and across the National League as a whole. We’ve got a very good nucleus of young players that are eager to prove their worth to the franchise and cut their teeth at the highest echelons of the game.
Marlins’ catcher Paul Hoover tags out the Mets’ David Wright in a divisional game . picture courtesy of getty images /Doug Benc ………
If there’s a disadvantage to the team it’s their inexperience and the fact in terms of veteran leadership there’s not really much there. But with the likes of Dan Uggla , Hanlys Ramirez I’ll remain upbeat and positive. As the team is more than capable of acquitting itself well when placed in a situation of real adversity.
Rookie Robert Andino (11) celebrates his solo home run against the Mets. For Andino it was his first professional home run in the big leagues. picture courtesy of getty images/Doug Benc ……..
The loss of stalwarts Dontrelle Willis and All Star 3b Miguel Cabrera though a shock was done out of financial expediency by the team. And with their payroll now standing at an abysmal $28m the lowest payroll in all of baseball. It begs the question how teams can actually compete in this day and age of the ever rising salary demands of the players. Say nothing as to the competitivenes of the mid market and lower tiered teams and how they ought to fare.
Picther Mark Hendrickson and Matt Treanor (c) on the mound discuss strategies. picture courtesy of ap/photos/ J Pat Carter ……..
With the competitiveness of the division being what it is and having to compete against the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlantas Braves and the Washington Nationals. One could adjudge that the Marlins face a real daunting task of they’re even to gain a wild card spot let alone contest the division. The Mets were an immediate improvement with their signing of two time Cy Young winner Johan Santana to improve their pitching rotation. But with the loss of Pedro Martinez to a niggling injury and what many suspect’ll be a prolonged preiod. It’ll be interesting to see how the Mets’ll fare. The Philles themselves will have to prove that last season’s winning of the division wasn’t a fluke at all. And with their trio of Chase Utley , Ryan Howard and NL MVP Jimmy Rollins one can attest to the fact they possess a trio of players that are game changers who are in their prime.
Hanlys Ramirez tries to evade the tag from the Mets’ (SS) Jose Reyes . picture courtesy of ap/photo/Jon Way ………
The Atlanta Braves will always remain a consistent presence but their pitching leaves a great deal to be desired even with the likes of wily veterans John Smoltz and the return of Tom Glavine to the fold. The woes of Mike Hampton still continue and has been a disappointment to the franchise . As to the money spent in signing the left hander ………it’s become a financial boondoggle to the franchise which they’ll be paying until the expriring of the contract in 2010. They’ll contend within the division and it ought to be interesting to see whether or not the coaching abilities of manager Bobby Cox will come to the fore once again. As a regular season coach he’s unequalled but come the postseason he becomes something of a liability not only to his team but to himself.
Starting pitcher Andrew Miller of the Marlins seen here against the New York Mets. picture courtesy of getty images/Doug Benc …….
The Marlins sit a crossroads in terms of their existence as they’re still the only major league team in all of baseball that still doesn’t have a venue to call home . And though the state legislature and that of Mami Dade county government have come to terms with owner Jeffrey Loria for the building of a facility for the franchise. It ought to augur for the future growth of the franchise. Albeit that I still remain suspicious Jeffrey Loria , his underlying machinations and his overall treatment of the franchise’s staunchest fans. He’s been disingenuous and less than forthright as to his intentions with the franchise. Even going so far as to surreptitiously arrange backdoor interviews with several cities across the country as to the likelihood of the franchise being moved to their cities.
Dan Uggla tries to make an athletic play in trying to tag out the Mets’ Luis Castillo . picture courtesy of getty images/ Doug Benc ………..
What I like about the Marlins is their roster of young players that has to be the envy of others around the league. Cameron Maybin, Jeremy Hermida, Andrew Miller , Hanlys Ramirez , Dan Uggla , Josh Willingham , Robert Andino, Wes Helms, Scott Olsen and Kevin Gregg are the building blocks that’ll bode well for the future of the franchise. And with the leadership former World Series MVP Luis Gonzalez it’s hoped that we can fare well throughout the season and beyond. Never mind the fact that whilst he was conducting those meetings he was telling the local press and tv stations that he had no intention of moving the team. He’d have moved this franchise like a thief in the night packing up their belongings and driving off in the darkness without so much as a by your leave. Such are the intentions of many owners who can’t always get their own way when they’re trying to extort money from the public coffers.
Marlins’ owner Jeffrey Loria and Mets’ GM Omar Minaya seen here prior to the opening of the game between their two teams. picture courtesy of getty images/ Doug Benc…..
The machinations of baseball as it is now that when it comes to the level playing field in terms of competitiveness you’re not only judged by your competitiveness on the field. But also by your financial viability of it. The game has and always will be about the have’s and have not’s . And don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise. If they’re of the belief that it’s to the contrary then let them try to substantiate it with proof. And to date it hasn’t been proven otherwise.
tophatal ………….
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Whatever Happpened To …….Fill In The Blank ……!
By tophat | April 3, 2008
For all the talk of there being superstars within the NBA. I do believe that we’re all too eager adorn many of these players with the accolade and mantle of being a star yet alone a superstar before they’ve even done anything tangible within the league. And though we’ve seen the likes of Iverson, Duncan , Bryant, James , Wade and Shaquille O’Neal achieve unprecedented success within the NBA. It has to be said that though the NBA is ego and star driven more so than any of the other four major high profiled sports here within North America. When many of these alleged stars fall from grace their anonimity becomes all the more glaring.
Jermaine O’Neal of the Indiana Pacers seen here tries to stop Tony Allen of the Boston Celtics during a play. picture couertesy of nbae/getty images/Brian Babbineaux……
Nowhere is this more evident than with the career of the Indiana Pacers’ Jermaine O’Neal. A player who at the height of his fame was thought to be one the premiere players in the game. Having been drafted straight out of high school by the Portland Trailblazers as the 17th pick in the first round of the the 1998 draft. He was played sparingly , spending much of his time warming the bench while the likes of Rasheed Wallace and others on the team were running rampant across the league not just showing their athletic prowess on the court but also running afoul of the law. Less we forget also the league wasn’t always welcoming of their on the field antics either. At times the Blazers’ teams were the epitome of what was good and indeed bad about the NBA.
A determined Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics and Jermaine O’Neal of the Pacers. picture courtesy of ap/photos/ Charles Krupa ……..
And though O’Neal was later traded from the Trailblazers to his present home in Indiana . Where it was felt that his presence on a team , where he could grow and become invaluable to them. He had the potential to fulfill all that was expected of him and more. His presence alongside that of the veteran Reggie Miller it was thought would make the Pacers a perennial force and contender to be reckoned within the Eastern Conference. Initally that was the case and O’Neal was embraced not only by the fans there in Indiana who thought that they had a budding star in their midst and someone who might one day take over the mantle and crown so adroitly bestowed upon and worn by Reggie Miller. In their eyes and that of the Pacers’ hierarchy O’Neal was seen as the natural successor to Miller. And at first glance his teammates were only all to willing to let O’Neal display his skills and be a part of the team. Their thought was here was a person who could lead the franchise for years to come and someone who they could and would come to respect. If only in hindsight they could’ve envisaged that wasn’t to be the case.
Paul Pierce of the Celtics tries to get by Jermaine O’Neal during the game . picture courtesy of ap/photos/Charles Krupa ………
For all of the erstwhile presence of O’Neal on this team he’s become something of a distraction on and off the field of play. It certainly hasn’t helped either that for much of his tenure in Indiana he’s been injury prone. But at the same time his demeanor has become sullen and that of a player who’s narcissistic and not willing to to defer his role once it was thought that he couldn’t provide the leadership that was expected of him. From the once lofty heights that the franchise once held within not only the Central Division but that of the Eastern Conference also. They’ve now fallen on hard times and O’Neal’s game and that of the Pacers has suffered for it. And with Miller no longer on the team to provide that steadying hand of leadership having retired. It was glaringly obvious for all to see that O’Neal wasn’t suited for the role that GM Larry Bird and President of Operations Donnie Walsh had in mind. Two very astute men who it was presumed at least new something about player personnel and basketball operations in general. They knew a lot but obviously not enough about the persona and psyche behind Jermaine O’Neal as a player.
Garnett shows his prowess with his back to the basket whilst O’Neal defends. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Brian Babbineaux….
For the Pacers this season has been a humbling exepriece and a debilitating one for them on all sides. Throughout much of it as per usual O’Neal has was inured having only returned to the court recently. And whilst his presence has been welcomed it’s hard to see he can acquit himself to any great extent. At the trade deadline earlier on in the season it was widely rumoured around the NBA that he might’ve been traded. The presumed destination was that of Los Angeles where it was thought that he’d make a good foil for his friend and fellow high school phenom Kobe Bryant. That trade never came to fruition as the Lakers sought elsewhere for a partner to Kobe.
Sharp shooting Danny Granger of the Indiana Pacers does his best to try and evade the advancing Celtics’ defenders. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/Brian Babbineaux…..
The emergence of Danny Granger as the go to guy for the Pacers can’t have been lost O’Neal whose seen his rise within Indiana now become something of blur and his rapid fall from grace seem much more like a meterorite falling to earth. No apparent signs of a trail but you know something has happened but you can’t be sure as to how and why. Granger has been a revelation for and to the team and the fans have embraced him all too willingly as he’s reciprocated in kind. While O’Neal has seen his role on this team diminish and him having at times deferring to the protoge’. One can only summize as to what might’ve been had their roles been reversed. It’d be O’Neal gaining the plaudits of the fans and Granger being thought of as something of a parasite and malcontent.
Granger and Garnett engage each other beneath the basket during the game in which the Pacers lost 92-77 to the 60 win team of the Boston Celtics. The Celtics are the only team within the league to reached this mark. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Brian Babbineaux …………
Granger has provided the drive and will this team needs and it bodes well for the future of the franchise if they make him the cornerston and lynchpin of the team . Building around him as their foundation would go a long way to bringing back some respectability to the franchise. However with the departure of lonngtime GM Donnie Walsh , whose since accepted a position with the New York Knicks organization. It’s hoped that Larry Bird having found a successor to Walsh will make this a priority and his first course of business. Granger leads the Pacers in all of the major offensive categories and his multi faceted game has improved in leaps and bounds. Were he not on this Pacers’ team it’s hard to say how they’d have fared for much of this season. As it is they sit a mere four games out of a playoff spot at 31-44 , 3rd within the Central Division and 10th in the overall standings. Mathematically though they’re out of the race but they could make it a hard time for those who are seeking to garner a playoff berth.
Granger attempts a three pointer over the the fast advancing Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics during the game at the TD Banknorth Ctr in Boston. picture courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Brian Babbineaux ………..
For O’Neal it may well be end of the road as to his tenure in Indiana as it’s fast becoming more and more likely that’s he’s about to become a dispensable part that’s no longer needed by the franchise. So much promise that was never actually fulfilled. And we wonder why we bestow upon these players such accolades before they achieve anything tangible during the course of their careers ?
tophat ……………..
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Ice And It’s All In His Veins Quiet Assassin…….Stephen Curry
By tophat | March 30, 2008
The collegiate basketball season is now coming down to the situation where it all counts for something. And nowehere is this more apparent than when the teams get to the Elite 8 and then from there to the Final Four. But then you’ve got the Finals itself.
Stephen Curry of Davidson . picture courtesy of espn.com/ncaab/davidson/ Stephen Curry….
But the story that has impressed me about as much as any other has been the rise of Davidson. The team has risen to where they’ve grabbed the nation’s attention and we’ve become engrossed by it all. And with Stephen Curry on board the team has been playing as if they’d been on life support and resuscitated back to life. But that hasn’t been the case as they’ve do shown us why they may well be seen as this season’s Cinderalla Story.
Curry shows his dexterity . picture courtesy of ncaa.com/ncaab/davidson/ Stephen Curry…..
Curry has shown that he can and will play this game at the highest level . He can do it on all areas of the floor and his game is so well rounded that it’d be impossible for him to be overlooked by the scouts of the NBA. Today’s game against the Kansas Jayhawks ought to give us some insight as to how good Curry. Say nothing of which can Davidson overcome the heavily favored Kansas team ? Curry through his play has been described by many as a quiet assassin . If there’s ice running through his veins then the reason why is clear to most. His sepctacular play and that of his teammates hasn’t gone unnoticed. And though this story has yet to end. It’s hoped that the fairy tale can continue at least beyond today anyway. The whole world loves a fairy tale but when it happens within the realms of collegiate sports it just has that added flavor.
A fast moving Curry has a player unable to get to him . picture courtesy of espn.com/ncaab/davidson/Stephen Curry….
The opinion is that Davidson will not be able to withstand the onslaught of a seasoned Kansas team. But the same was said of this Davidson team prior to this in the earlier rounds . And underestimating an underdog is certainly something that we’ve seen from many of the prognosticators of the collegiate scene and in particular the game olf basketball. The powerhouses are there , what with the likes of UCLA, North Carolina , Memphis and Texas. It can be said that this’ll be much like David facing Goliath. And though David prevailed it’ll be hard to see how they could usurp the likes of any of the mentioned teams. But when you come to a fight with a cold eyed assassin like Curry you’re always in with a chance.
Curry on the move and showing his agility. picture courtesy of ncaa.com/basketball/davidson/Stephen Curry ……..
We’ve all seen the movies where a quiet stranger that comes into a town on a mission to do harm to an enemy. The stranger normally in part is perceived as the hero. Though on oaccasion he’s been cast as a villain . Are we liable to see this before day’s end ? Say what you will about the college game of basketball. In its purest form it’s definately more palatable to watch than the NBA game. A game and brand that’s driven by the ego’s of its stars. The onfield product one might add though not necessarily on the decline has been in somewhat of a malaise as of late. A commissioner that’s autocratic, unyielding and who it seems only seems to care about his appearance in the eyes of the corporate sponsors and very little else. Ask yourself this does David Stern ever listen to the fans ? And before answering the question take note as to what’s happening within the game and the path that it seems to be taking. Expansion in Europe ? The arbitrary lack of forthrightness in dealing with the public with regard to the Seattle Supersonics and their situation. Though it must be said that even though this is supposedly an issue between an avaracious owner and the city. Somehow you know how that’s going to turn out right off the bat. Meaningful advice or intervention won’t be coming from Stern or anyone with the NBA hierarchy.
Curry defining the skills that has made him the talk of the tournament. picture courtesy of ncaa.com/basketball/davidson / Stephen Curry…..
As for the games that are about to be played over the remainder of the tournament it can be said that the anticipation of the fans will be unabated as to how their teams’ll fare. We’ll go out there and cheer to our heart’s content for the teams we support. But I for one hope that some of you’ll take time out to cheer for Davidson even if you feel that they haven’t got a chance to win it all. The hope at the end of the day is that they just acquit themselves well and do their institution and their fans justice .
tophatal ………..
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When You’ve Got Charisma Is There Anything Else Needed ?
By tophat | March 29, 2008
I’m all about having fun and I believe that the majority of you guys know this. You know me as a fun loving Brit whose knowledge of the sport’s diaspora here is quite wide ranging. But I think that a number of you know that I’m somewhat known as a fine conoisseur of good looking women. So I’d like to take the opprotunity of introducing to you all the actress Charisma Carpenter.
Actress Charisma Carpenter…..
She’s primarily known for her role on the hit tv show Buffy The Vampire Slayer. From there she moved on to reprise the same role in the companion show Angel. Carpenter now has parlayed her good looks to garner roles in several indie films over the last few years. And since the end of the series she’s been working constantly be it in episodic television , movies or the stage.
For want of a better word what Carpenter has to offer is by no means looks alone . As she’s also accomplished actress and singer. But it’s her role on the shows that’ve garnered her the accolades and notoriety. So without furhter ado here are some pictorial pleasantries for your perusal.
Carpenter has shown that her body is one of her main assets as well her sensational looks.
Carpenter bares all and boy doesn’t she look good ?.
A candid and lascivious looking Carpenter. And if you don’t feel that she’s got more to offer ?
Here we see that Charisma is capable showing us a little more for our pleasure.
Carpenter knows that in looking good she makes us all the more happy for it. <strong> A bodacious looking Carpenter don’t you think ? </strong>
Oh heavens how is that Charisma can look so damn good ? So there you have it my friends. A light look at Charisma Carpenter and all of her sultry ways.
So enjoy this edition of Luscious Ladies………Charisma Carpenter .
tophat…….
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I’m David Stern And I Approve This Message ….. !
By tophat | March 26, 2008
Not that anyone would mistake David Stern’s autocratic iron clad stewardship of the NBA as anything reminiscent of democracy at work. As Stern’s leadership mleadership of the NBA would make even a third world despotic leader seem envious. Stern while being an astute businessman has seeen the revenues of the sport that he’s graced with his leadership first as its legal counsel and now as commissioner grown appreciatively over the years . Some’d agree that were it not for Stern the sport would still be languishing as nothing more than a recreational passtime amongst many of its most ardent fans. One can only be thankful for Stern despite certain misgvings by a number of people in and outside of the sport. It’s felt that his autocratic rule has hurt the image of the sport in some ways. But then its image has improved in other areas due to the astute decision making of Stern and his hierarchy.
NBA Commissioner David Stern . picture courtesy of sportsillustrated.com/nba/David Stern.
With the advent of stars of the magnitude of Bird, Magic and Jordan things changed almost overnight. And David Stern was quick to notice what was unfolding infront of everyone’s eyes. And it’s to his presence of mind that we ought to be thankful that the game has become an internationally recognized global icon. The NBA by revenues alone outstrips that of major league baseball and the NHL combined. And it places second to the NFL domestically in terms of revenues and profits generated. But it’s on the international front where it really does score big amongst the fans.
And as t