The incomparable Kevin Gilbert and Giraffe.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Let's not forget the 80s: the New Romantics.
The New Romantics were in many ways the English version of LA hair bands, but inspired by a European sentiment, rather than the strip joints of the Sunset Strip. A lot of guys wore a lot of hair and skin products.
But until this song came out, those bands were cringe inducing. This was the first really good song from that batch of bands which included Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet and the rest.
It's a perfectly crafted song.. Amazing atmospherics.
But until this song came out, those bands were cringe inducing. This was the first really good song from that batch of bands which included Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet and the rest.
It's a perfectly crafted song.. Amazing atmospherics.
The greatest girl band?
It's either the Ronettes or the Supremes.
BTW, this is Brian Wilson's favorite song.
BTW, this is Brian Wilson's favorite song.
A chick who kicks ass singing about another.
Joni Mitchell is such an underrated guitar player. She was influential to some very big name male players. And she revolutionized modified/open tuning playing, and expanded the boundaries of what is possible.
Sunday morning Prog.
The final section of the greatest prog song ever. This song changed my life. And I guess if there were ever an Anglican/Episcopalian/Church of England Christian rock band, they'd sound like this.
It's a shame that for all the change punk and new wave brought to pop/rock, today's bands just aren't musically ambitious or adventurous like this anymore.
It's a shame that for all the change punk and new wave brought to pop/rock, today's bands just aren't musically ambitious or adventurous like this anymore.
Sunday morning Beatles
There was a time, not so long ago, when giants walked the earth. It really was, in many ways, a better time.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Mahavishnu
What Jan Hammer used to do before Miami Vice.
This was a great band.. Miles Davis meets Motorhead, with Billy Cobham, the greatest drummer ever. They were responsible for the multitude of Sri Chimnoy inspired fusion bands in the 70s.. Shredding for Vishnu..
One of the reasons I liked Howard Dean is that he said they were one of his favorite bands. Instead of pandering to his audience, or trying to establish his hipness bona fides, he gave a straight answer. I thought that kind of honesty augured well.
This was a great band.. Miles Davis meets Motorhead, with Billy Cobham, the greatest drummer ever. They were responsible for the multitude of Sri Chimnoy inspired fusion bands in the 70s.. Shredding for Vishnu..
One of the reasons I liked Howard Dean is that he said they were one of his favorite bands. Instead of pandering to his audience, or trying to establish his hipness bona fides, he gave a straight answer. I thought that kind of honesty augured well.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Snow day in Santa Cruz
The CHP closed Hwy 9 for a while, and Hwy 35 is still closed because of snow.. apparently we're to expect over 3 ft of snow in parts of the Santa Cruz Mountains. No big deal, we get snow occasionally, but 3ft is a lot for here.
Amare has gots ta go
We got trounced by Minnesota. No effort at all by Amare and Shawn.
I blame Amare. The guy is just an impediment on defense, and lazy at both ends. Every half assed center in the league seems to have a career night against Amare. We've probably lost 7 or 8 games because of it.
I would trade Amare to New York for Curry, Randolph and Balkman. seriously.
Steve Nash could turn all three of those guys into offensive studs, and they would at least rebound and play a little defense. And Shawn wouldn't sulk anymore because of a lack of adulation.
Mike D. this is Redology 101. The same thing happened with Cousy and Russell. Understanding that Cousy's publicity would take care of itself, Red went out and became, as Heinsohn put it, Bill Russell's John the Baptist. Mike... you and Steve Nash have to go out of your way to praise Shawn in public
I blame Amare. The guy is just an impediment on defense, and lazy at both ends. Every half assed center in the league seems to have a career night against Amare. We've probably lost 7 or 8 games because of it.
I would trade Amare to New York for Curry, Randolph and Balkman. seriously.
Steve Nash could turn all three of those guys into offensive studs, and they would at least rebound and play a little defense. And Shawn wouldn't sulk anymore because of a lack of adulation.
Mike D. this is Redology 101. The same thing happened with Cousy and Russell. Understanding that Cousy's publicity would take care of itself, Red went out and became, as Heinsohn put it, Bill Russell's John the Baptist. Mike... you and Steve Nash have to go out of your way to praise Shawn in public
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Oscar nominations
I've only seen a couple of the best picture nominations, but Ratatouille was better than both of those. I'm just saying.
Musical chicks who kick ass
Evelyn Glennie is the best percussionist on the planet. And it's not even close since Ruth Underwood retired. Evelyn is Scottish and hot (what is it about female percussionists?). And she's clinically deaf, which amazes everyone who listens to her, especially when she works with a textural player like Fred Frith.
Why the Republican establishment hates John McCain.
Given how conservative he truly is, and that he was a member of the Keating five, anointing him with the prerequisite mark of corruption, you'd be forgiven for thinking that John McCain would be hailed as a inevitable member of the New Republican party's inner circle. But that's not the case..
McCain's unacceptability to the Delays and Limbaughs of the Republican party stems from one thing only: John McCain championed campaign reform at a time when the overwhelming impulse of the Republicans was to press their fundraising advantage, consolidate and cement their power in the legislature, and to make it as difficult as possible for the Democratic party to ever regain it. For that act he is viewed as a turncoat by the Republican establishment.
Republican politics is simply the Senior High School pecking order rendered through the political prism. You're either part of the PepSquad/CheerSquad/Football team, or you're not. If you're not, then you're a geek/wierdo/democrat/outsider, and you should be shunned, bullied or mumiliated. John McCain's sense of honor prevents him from being a bully, and for that sin he is shunned.
McCain's unacceptability to the Delays and Limbaughs of the Republican party stems from one thing only: John McCain championed campaign reform at a time when the overwhelming impulse of the Republicans was to press their fundraising advantage, consolidate and cement their power in the legislature, and to make it as difficult as possible for the Democratic party to ever regain it. For that act he is viewed as a turncoat by the Republican establishment.
Republican politics is simply the Senior High School pecking order rendered through the political prism. You're either part of the PepSquad/CheerSquad/Football team, or you're not. If you're not, then you're a geek/wierdo/democrat/outsider, and you should be shunned, bullied or mumiliated. John McCain's sense of honor prevents him from being a bully, and for that sin he is shunned.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
From the peoples Republic of Kobestan
So Kobe got 17 points on 5/7 shooting, 5 boards and 11 assists, and he did play well.
However... my man Steve Nash has been doing this all season, and Kobe's box score is an average game for Steve.
All I can say to Lakers fans is welcome to the beautiful game. This is how basketball is supposed to be played, and even if you ignored Nash, the fact that you are all praising Kobe for playing like Steve is enough vindication for me.
But before we start the MVP coronation, lets just stop for a second, and take in a big breath of hot steaming perspective, shall we? That means you Friedman. Dude, you've got to stop with the "objective observers..." schtick. When future basketball historians look back on this era, one of the things they will see is that a short Canadian point guard would overcome the prejudices of the modern NBA to usher in a whole new generation of playmakers, and revolutionize the game by ending the dark ages of shooting guard/small forward oriented isolation offense, in favor of a true team concept. They'll see a man, who was probably the best combination of passer and shooter to ever play and the best off-hand passer ever, and a true unyielding warrior, eschew his own individual stats in return for running the most powerful and efficient team offense 7 years in a row.
For want of a better analogy, Steve Nash might end up being Dr J to Chris Pauls or Brandon Roys or Deron Williams' Michael Jordan. I think all three of those players have a chance to be better than Steve.
They'll also see that the era's best player was a quiet power forward from the Virgin Islands, who did nothing but efficiently and inexorably build a championship winning dynasty in a small market in the middle of Texas.
Those same historians will look back at Kobe as a player with few mechanical flaws in his game, but huge mental flaws. They'll see a player who was overhyped from day one, a poor judgment selfish ballhog, a man whose pathological need for individual approbation prevented him from acknowledging the importance of other, greater players, and lead him to quit on his team in the 7th game of a playoff series. If Kobe gets his act together, and for the first time we're seeing signs he might, history might be kinder.
But lets have a little more perspective here: if Kobe played in Sacramento, he'd be Mitch Richmond, and we wouldn't be having this discussion. And Friedman, trust me on this, in 20 years no one outside of LA and over the age of 16 will wonder why Kobe didn't win the MVP.
However... my man Steve Nash has been doing this all season, and Kobe's box score is an average game for Steve.
All I can say to Lakers fans is welcome to the beautiful game. This is how basketball is supposed to be played, and even if you ignored Nash, the fact that you are all praising Kobe for playing like Steve is enough vindication for me.
But before we start the MVP coronation, lets just stop for a second, and take in a big breath of hot steaming perspective, shall we? That means you Friedman. Dude, you've got to stop with the "objective observers..." schtick. When future basketball historians look back on this era, one of the things they will see is that a short Canadian point guard would overcome the prejudices of the modern NBA to usher in a whole new generation of playmakers, and revolutionize the game by ending the dark ages of shooting guard/small forward oriented isolation offense, in favor of a true team concept. They'll see a man, who was probably the best combination of passer and shooter to ever play and the best off-hand passer ever, and a true unyielding warrior, eschew his own individual stats in return for running the most powerful and efficient team offense 7 years in a row.
For want of a better analogy, Steve Nash might end up being Dr J to Chris Pauls or Brandon Roys or Deron Williams' Michael Jordan. I think all three of those players have a chance to be better than Steve.
They'll also see that the era's best player was a quiet power forward from the Virgin Islands, who did nothing but efficiently and inexorably build a championship winning dynasty in a small market in the middle of Texas.
Those same historians will look back at Kobe as a player with few mechanical flaws in his game, but huge mental flaws. They'll see a player who was overhyped from day one, a poor judgment selfish ballhog, a man whose pathological need for individual approbation prevented him from acknowledging the importance of other, greater players, and lead him to quit on his team in the 7th game of a playoff series. If Kobe gets his act together, and for the first time we're seeing signs he might, history might be kinder.
But lets have a little more perspective here: if Kobe played in Sacramento, he'd be Mitch Richmond, and we wouldn't be having this discussion. And Friedman, trust me on this, in 20 years no one outside of LA and over the age of 16 will wonder why Kobe didn't win the MVP.
Monday, January 21, 2008
1968
Today's Martin Luther King jr Day.
To me, it's a reminder of a year that started out with so much promise and hope, following the summer of love. That the first steps towards true American greatness, and a hope for reconciliation within our society, were dashed by the assassinations of both MJK and RFK. Those events were a rare and unambiguous intimation of the dark forces that invisibly domineer our lives.
By 1969, even though our collective and most adventurous spirit had seen it's finest moment, and we had landed a man on the moon, it was all over. The fires had been lit to flame two decades of violence and terrorism around the world.
If I weren't a cynical man, I'd allow myself to think about how the world could have been different if both MLK and RJK had survived and succeeded. However, cynicism doesn't come from skepticism; it comes from romanticism, disappointment and from a broken heart.
If there is hope that we can collectively save ourselves before we turn the planet into one giant cinder, it's because there are people like this who haven't given up hope:
To me, it's a reminder of a year that started out with so much promise and hope, following the summer of love. That the first steps towards true American greatness, and a hope for reconciliation within our society, were dashed by the assassinations of both MJK and RFK. Those events were a rare and unambiguous intimation of the dark forces that invisibly domineer our lives.
By 1969, even though our collective and most adventurous spirit had seen it's finest moment, and we had landed a man on the moon, it was all over. The fires had been lit to flame two decades of violence and terrorism around the world.
If I weren't a cynical man, I'd allow myself to think about how the world could have been different if both MLK and RJK had survived and succeeded. However, cynicism doesn't come from skepticism; it comes from romanticism, disappointment and from a broken heart.
If there is hope that we can collectively save ourselves before we turn the planet into one giant cinder, it's because there are people like this who haven't given up hope:
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Northern California Bach
I don't agree with William Buckley on too many things. For instance I believe he's a pompous patrician ass, and he doesn't. But one place we do agree is Bach. If space aliens ever landed on the planet, and asked us to give an account of ourselves, the works of Bach would be on the evidence list.
For some reason, there is a large cadre of Bach aficionados in Northern California, from the amazing Carmel Bach Festival, to the wonderful Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society, in Miramar, just north of Half Moon Bay. And of course, as with all things California, we just don't do things like anyone else.
In that spirit, here's compelling evidence that if the space aliens do decide to hold the human race to account, the French must be saved, at all costs:
For some reason, there is a large cadre of Bach aficionados in Northern California, from the amazing Carmel Bach Festival, to the wonderful Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society, in Miramar, just north of Half Moon Bay. And of course, as with all things California, we just don't do things like anyone else.
In that spirit, here's compelling evidence that if the space aliens do decide to hold the human race to account, the French must be saved, at all costs:
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Why Great Britain was once great.
This is Nimrod from Elgar's Enigma Variations. I'm not sure what he would have named this piece today, given the modern meaning of its title.
Still, there are times I'm proud to be British, and this is one of them. A melancholy reminder of how great a people we once were, and how far from grace we've fallen.
Still, there are times I'm proud to be British, and this is one of them. A melancholy reminder of how great a people we once were, and how far from grace we've fallen.
Geezer Psychedelia
Alone Again Or, from Forever Changes by Love.
The Damned, of all people, did an almost identical cover of this tune.
The Damned, of all people, did an almost identical cover of this tune.
Dear God.
Regarding all those people who claim to be working for you, and doing your work... Well the IRS would like to talk to you about back taxes, and the USCIS would like to talk to you about the lack of proper documentation. Good luck in finding a decent lawyer.. all *those guys* are kicking it in Hell.
In the meantime, we have some questions....
In the meantime, we have some questions....
Friday, January 18, 2008
Why Laker fans are punks (part 1)
Totally ruined what should have been a very satisfying drubbing of the Lakers by the Suns.
I know Kwame had a really bad night, but daamnn. The kid was really trying to play, and didn't give up, but it was just one of those quicksand games, where nothing you do is right, and the harder you try, the more trouble you find yourself in. It's exactly nights like these, though, when the fans have to really encourage and stand by the team. They should be ashamed of themselves. They make Sixers fans look classy.
The adjustment for Phil Jackson will be the same as he made for Stones: find Kwame's offensive comfort zone on the court, exploit it, and don't stray away from it.
Phil will get this done.. and while I don't think he even knows what to do with point guards like Nash and Chris Paul, he's an amazing big man coach. After all, he turned Will Purdue, Luc Longley and Bill Wennington into solid contributors. Having said that, he's going to need Kobe's help. Big time.
As for Kwame.. well, he just needs to talk to Kareem, and listen closely.
I know Kwame had a really bad night, but daamnn. The kid was really trying to play, and didn't give up, but it was just one of those quicksand games, where nothing you do is right, and the harder you try, the more trouble you find yourself in. It's exactly nights like these, though, when the fans have to really encourage and stand by the team. They should be ashamed of themselves. They make Sixers fans look classy.
The adjustment for Phil Jackson will be the same as he made for Stones: find Kwame's offensive comfort zone on the court, exploit it, and don't stray away from it.
Phil will get this done.. and while I don't think he even knows what to do with point guards like Nash and Chris Paul, he's an amazing big man coach. After all, he turned Will Purdue, Luc Longley and Bill Wennington into solid contributors. Having said that, he's going to need Kobe's help. Big time.
As for Kwame.. well, he just needs to talk to Kareem, and listen closely.
Farewell, then, Bobby Fischer
If there were ever a man who embodied America in the early 70's, it was Bobby: brilliant, paranoid, self-absorbed and petulantly insane all at the same time.
He took the expectations of an entire Cold War obsessed nation on his shoulders to beat the Russians at their own game. Gave Spassky a two game head start, and then demolished him.
A generation of chess players just looked on in wonder and admiration at the beauty and inventiveness of his chess. At his best, Bobby might have played the game better than anyone. Just like a mad genius should.
He took the expectations of an entire Cold War obsessed nation on his shoulders to beat the Russians at their own game. Gave Spassky a two game head start, and then demolished him.
A generation of chess players just looked on in wonder and admiration at the beauty and inventiveness of his chess. At his best, Bobby might have played the game better than anyone. Just like a mad genius should.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Thursday night is Jazz/Rock Fusion night
Crappy video quality, but everyone in this band was/is amazing... Phil Collins, Percy Jones, John Goodsall, Robin Lumley and Morris Pert. This is why we can forgive Phil's solo albums.
And Percy Jones might be the greatest bass player on the planet, and the best electric jazz bassist of all time. Better than Jaco, imho.
And Percy Jones might be the greatest bass player on the planet, and the best electric jazz bassist of all time. Better than Jaco, imho.
This technology will change the world...
Sometimes you get breakthroughs in technology that are just amazingly important.
Why is the 40 hr laptop battery important? It isn't, for that use, but this kind of battery now makes electric vehicles truly practical. And it makes the use of transient local energy generation sources like individual windmills & solar practical, because you can store the energy you gather, in a bigger amount for much longer. If you lived somewhere like Boulder Creek, this could insulate someone from the effects of extended power outs.
Combine this technology with an overhaul of the energy distribution system in this country, which is amazingly inefficient and wasteful, and with a serious, scientific and practical energy policy, and the US could easily achieve the goal of energy self sufficiency. Of course, between the Oil companies, and Stanford's greedy intellectual property tendencies, enough barriers could be raised for this to take a while.
Why is the 40 hr laptop battery important? It isn't, for that use, but this kind of battery now makes electric vehicles truly practical. And it makes the use of transient local energy generation sources like individual windmills & solar practical, because you can store the energy you gather, in a bigger amount for much longer. If you lived somewhere like Boulder Creek, this could insulate someone from the effects of extended power outs.
Combine this technology with an overhaul of the energy distribution system in this country, which is amazingly inefficient and wasteful, and with a serious, scientific and practical energy policy, and the US could easily achieve the goal of energy self sufficiency. Of course, between the Oil companies, and Stanford's greedy intellectual property tendencies, enough barriers could be raised for this to take a while.
The absurdity of little black books (part 1)
Bill has left us, but his message goes on. Kinda like Jesus.
Dinosaurs... heh.
Dinosaurs... heh.
Will Obama survive the smears ?
I love American politics. It's the closest thing to a bloodsport we have without any actual blood or killing.
Still, Obama's fate is not in his hands. His ability to survive the smears and all the other below the belt tactics from the Clinton campaign is dependent on one thing and one things only: whether the mainstream news media are on his side or not.
So far, so good for Obama. He's lucky that Hillary engenders such hate and contempt.
Reminds me of the ECW. Hillary is the heel, and Obama the face. Maybe Obama should get Vince McMahon to manage his campaign.
Meanwhile, I look forward to the "Obama 3:16" teeshirts. Wait.. haven't the Ronulans done that already?
Still, Obama's fate is not in his hands. His ability to survive the smears and all the other below the belt tactics from the Clinton campaign is dependent on one thing and one things only: whether the mainstream news media are on his side or not.
So far, so good for Obama. He's lucky that Hillary engenders such hate and contempt.
Reminds me of the ECW. Hillary is the heel, and Obama the face. Maybe Obama should get Vince McMahon to manage his campaign.
Meanwhile, I look forward to the "Obama 3:16" teeshirts. Wait.. haven't the Ronulans done that already?
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Wednesday Night Music Club
Dexys' first hit song was their best. It was two years after Kevin Rowland made the move from Northern Soul to Vagabond/Celtic Soul before they had another hit song, the impressively annoying Come On Eileen.
Just amazing ska tinged horn section on this track. The whole thing gives me goosebumps.
Just amazing ska tinged horn section on this track. The whole thing gives me goosebumps.
Why Apple reign in Hell.
Just did a software updatee. For iTunes, iMovie, and a bunch of things. But no OS upgrade. And the upgrade process forced a restart.
C'mon guys. Don't follow the path to the Dark Side.
C'mon guys. Don't follow the path to the Dark Side.
Wednesday Lunchtime Music Club
Many people think of Goldfrapp as a modern disco/dance band, but they also do 60's/70's Euro Cinema atmospherics better than anyone else (and there are more people trying than you might think).
I love this album. And this song. Alison's voice is otherworldly, and she's singing in a Nordic accent. Just brilliant.
I love this album. And this song. Alison's voice is otherworldly, and she's singing in a Nordic accent. Just brilliant.
geek humor
This cracks me up. The Luke vs. Palpatine Yo Mama fight is *classic*.
Also, I'll say this, George Lucas has a great sense of humor.
Also, I'll say this, George Lucas has a great sense of humor.
Joakim Noah team suspension & Lousy Suns
My take: his team suspended him for making them look bad. The Bulls are screwed.
The Suns should trade for him. We could certainly use the heart transplant.
After starting 12 to 2, we were godawful vs. the Clippers, and I blame Amare for the lack of effort. But last night it wasn't all his fault: Steve, Raja? Letting Sam I Am go for 32/6/7 ? At the very least try to take away his walking stick or kick his seeing eye dog. Jeez.
The Lakers are in first place in the West.... this cannot stand.
The Suns should trade for him. We could certainly use the heart transplant.
After starting 12 to 2, we were godawful vs. the Clippers, and I blame Amare for the lack of effort. But last night it wasn't all his fault: Steve, Raja? Letting Sam I Am go for 32/6/7 ? At the very least try to take away his walking stick or kick his seeing eye dog. Jeez.
The Lakers are in first place in the West.... this cannot stand.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
From the dept. of bad timing.
Countrywide just opened a new home loans office here in Santa Cruz, on Ocean & Water.
heh.
heh.
Why the UK is a 3rd world nation (part 1)
Main reason.. the tyranny of low expectations: http://www.hector.ac.uk/
63 TFlops peak. #17 in the world. And this is for the whole country, academically speaking.
OTOH, the #1 machine, Blue Gene @ LLNL clocks in @ 596 TFlops peak. That's just 1 machine in an institution that has another machine faster than Hector. Sweden, Spain and India *all* have faster systems.
I know Americans rail on about how the US used to be a great country, but the UK's fall from grace is a profoundly sad thing. The worst part ? Most Brits haven't even realized just how bad things have become.
I'm just glad to have left the place.
63 TFlops peak. #17 in the world. And this is for the whole country, academically speaking.
OTOH, the #1 machine, Blue Gene @ LLNL clocks in @ 596 TFlops peak. That's just 1 machine in an institution that has another machine faster than Hector. Sweden, Spain and India *all* have faster systems.
I know Americans rail on about how the US used to be a great country, but the UK's fall from grace is a profoundly sad thing. The worst part ? Most Brits haven't even realized just how bad things have become.
I'm just glad to have left the place.
Why Apple reign.
It ain't easy being this good, or this pretty: Macbook Air.
"A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Keats said that. John Keats, that's my man"
"A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Keats said that. John Keats, that's my man"
Monday, January 14, 2008
The New Hampshire recount.
Glad to see Kucinich take the lead on this.
Would have been better and a smart move if Hillary had done it. She would have generated much goodwill by that act, and made a definitive statement on the quality of her character.
Would have been better and a smart move if Hillary had done it. She would have generated much goodwill by that act, and made a definitive statement on the quality of her character.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
The master of slide guitar
This was recorded in Santa Cruz in 1987. The song is still relevant, and the question continues to need to be answered.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Surfs Up: The 2008 Mavericks Surf Contest.
I used to live literally across the road from Mavericks about 10 years ago. While it's a big deal now, in those days there were no big crowds.
And while I don't surf myself, it was always cool to go and watch Mavericks go off. It's not often you get to see a true force of nature in action up close.
Anyway, they held the contest today. Greg Long, from San Clemente won. Big knock, kid. Congratulations.
And while I don't surf myself, it was always cool to go and watch Mavericks go off. It's not often you get to see a true force of nature in action up close.
Anyway, they held the contest today. Greg Long, from San Clemente won. Big knock, kid. Congratulations.
Are 9/11 Truthers the new Hippies ?
Going through the DVDs in the Borders store in Sand City near Monterey (yes, I know.. I did just rail against these people. In my defense, let me just say that my local bookstore had run out of the Sunday NY Times, and I didn't drink the coffee.), I found a copy of Alex Jones' Terrorstorm DVD on the shelves.
Now Alex is an interesting guy... (If you've ever been to Austin, you'll see him on public access TV, and his ongoing feud with Perry Logan is a hoot), but if I close my eyes, he reminds me so much of Rush Limbaugh, it's kinda scary.. he has a similar voice, and uses the same kinds of phrases (esp. his use of the word folks), and has his own group of dittoheads. On the basis of just because you're a kook, doesn't mean you're wrong, I think he has a number of interesting and valid points regarding 9/11 and the ruling class. But he really doesn't do himself any favors by interweaving those ideas with his whole Bohemian Grove/Bilderburger/New World Order/Police State/Xenophobia screed. As someone once said, the best way to kill an idea is to defend it badly. Of course, if I were a cynical man, I'd probably be of the opinion that his whole shtick is just for shifting merchandise to his target audience.
Anyhoo, getting back to the point. I was a little taken aback in finding this DVD, because while I had a sense that while the 9/11 movement is it's own little cottage industry, and there certainly isn't anything wrong with that, it didn't dawn on me until that epiphanal moment as to just how big a business it is.
Some things occurred to me: firstly, the idealism of the Truthers mirrors in many ways the idealism of the Hippies: both groups have a strong tendency to enthusiastically proselytize their belief that if we could only uncover the truth, then we'd all be free. And then how both movements had become co-opted into being a consumer demographic.. just another market.
Now, this isn't surprising.. Barnes & Noble, among other have long made a living this way.. just look at the bargain books section next time to go to B&H to see many tomes on the various mysteries/conspiracy theories out there. In the Hippies' case, we ended up with Sonny & Cher, Peter Max, Charles Manson, the Jefferson Starship and the breakup of the Beatles.
However, the important question is how much of our paranoia and fear is being stoked just for the sake of a quick buck, especially now we live in a time that makes us prone to accepting those kinds of suggestion. I'd say it's a lot.
So, while I have some sympathy to the viewpoints of both the Hippies and the Truthers, it's close to impossible to sort out the essence of the message (the wheat from the chaff, so to speak), since it's all been buried in this whole self-feeding mass of books, t-shirts, websites and other initiatives designed to separate money from wallet.
Now Alex is an interesting guy... (If you've ever been to Austin, you'll see him on public access TV, and his ongoing feud with Perry Logan is a hoot), but if I close my eyes, he reminds me so much of Rush Limbaugh, it's kinda scary.. he has a similar voice, and uses the same kinds of phrases (esp. his use of the word folks), and has his own group of dittoheads. On the basis of just because you're a kook, doesn't mean you're wrong, I think he has a number of interesting and valid points regarding 9/11 and the ruling class. But he really doesn't do himself any favors by interweaving those ideas with his whole Bohemian Grove/Bilderburger/New World Order/Police State/Xenophobia screed. As someone once said, the best way to kill an idea is to defend it badly. Of course, if I were a cynical man, I'd probably be of the opinion that his whole shtick is just for shifting merchandise to his target audience.
Anyhoo, getting back to the point. I was a little taken aback in finding this DVD, because while I had a sense that while the 9/11 movement is it's own little cottage industry, and there certainly isn't anything wrong with that, it didn't dawn on me until that epiphanal moment as to just how big a business it is.
Some things occurred to me: firstly, the idealism of the Truthers mirrors in many ways the idealism of the Hippies: both groups have a strong tendency to enthusiastically proselytize their belief that if we could only uncover the truth, then we'd all be free. And then how both movements had become co-opted into being a consumer demographic.. just another market.
Now, this isn't surprising.. Barnes & Noble, among other have long made a living this way.. just look at the bargain books section next time to go to B&H to see many tomes on the various mysteries/conspiracy theories out there. In the Hippies' case, we ended up with Sonny & Cher, Peter Max, Charles Manson, the Jefferson Starship and the breakup of the Beatles.
However, the important question is how much of our paranoia and fear is being stoked just for the sake of a quick buck, especially now we live in a time that makes us prone to accepting those kinds of suggestion. I'd say it's a lot.
So, while I have some sympathy to the viewpoints of both the Hippies and the Truthers, it's close to impossible to sort out the essence of the message (the wheat from the chaff, so to speak), since it's all been buried in this whole self-feeding mass of books, t-shirts, websites and other initiatives designed to separate money from wallet.
What's wrong with our society (part 1)
Unbelievable.
I guess Copernicus, Kepler and Newton were all wrong, and that the universe does indeed revolve around their undernourished, botox-ridden, pill popping, overpaid, self obssessed asses. Just do me this one favor, Hollywood. The next time a paparazzo gets too close or scares your children, shut the hell up. You asked for this. All of it. Now deal with it.
I guess Copernicus, Kepler and Newton were all wrong, and that the universe does indeed revolve around their undernourished, botox-ridden, pill popping, overpaid, self obssessed asses. Just do me this one favor, Hollywood. The next time a paparazzo gets too close or scares your children, shut the hell up. You asked for this. All of it. Now deal with it.
Farewell, then, Ron Paul's campaign
I know Ron Paul's campaign isn't actually dead, but it might as well be.
The media and the machine killed Howard Dean's campaign on the basis of a faked story, driven by an isolated mike feed. What did the Ronulans think was going to happen to Ron Paul's run for office?
While most of his ideas seem, to be charitable, somewhat "out there", Dr Paul does have a sincere and consistent political voice, which is more than can be said for the other candidates. Given his stance on evolution, among other things, I continue to be uncertain as to whether he's not using dog whistle politics with his rhetoric, particularly when most of his ads in NH dealt with the immigration issue. Still, he seems to be enough of a decent man, that in the absence of other evidence, you have to give him the benefit of the doubt on that one. And he is the only man, on the Republican side, who is unwilling to hold the country hostage to our fears, real or imagined. It's a courageous and principled stance, and he deserves much admiration for that too.
Where he doesn't get a pass from me, is his base and his organization. I think Dr Paul needs to reflect on the adage that you judge a man by the company he keeps. He hasn't shown good judgment on that front, and you have to wonder who exactly would form his administration. That thought concerns me. Greatly.
When it comes down to it, his supporters continue to give me a lot of laughs, and there's a lot to be said in favor of that. If other people feel the same way I do, then I guess Dr Paul's candidacy wasn't a complete waste.
The media and the machine killed Howard Dean's campaign on the basis of a faked story, driven by an isolated mike feed. What did the Ronulans think was going to happen to Ron Paul's run for office?
While most of his ideas seem, to be charitable, somewhat "out there", Dr Paul does have a sincere and consistent political voice, which is more than can be said for the other candidates. Given his stance on evolution, among other things, I continue to be uncertain as to whether he's not using dog whistle politics with his rhetoric, particularly when most of his ads in NH dealt with the immigration issue. Still, he seems to be enough of a decent man, that in the absence of other evidence, you have to give him the benefit of the doubt on that one. And he is the only man, on the Republican side, who is unwilling to hold the country hostage to our fears, real or imagined. It's a courageous and principled stance, and he deserves much admiration for that too.
Where he doesn't get a pass from me, is his base and his organization. I think Dr Paul needs to reflect on the adage that you judge a man by the company he keeps. He hasn't shown good judgment on that front, and you have to wonder who exactly would form his administration. That thought concerns me. Greatly.
When it comes down to it, his supporters continue to give me a lot of laughs, and there's a lot to be said in favor of that. If other people feel the same way I do, then I guess Dr Paul's candidacy wasn't a complete waste.
I am so tired of the all-star weekend dunk contest
To paraphrase Chris Rock: dunk contests has gots to go. That goes for the skills contest *and* the celebrity contest too. Also the 3pt shooting contest is getting old.
Want to spice up the all star weekend? Here's how you do it: a $1 million winner takes all, playoff style, 16 team two-on-two contest, kinda like the contest in White Men can't Jump. Ping-pong scoring rules apply: 1st team to 21 points with a 2 point margin wins. If the margin is less than 2 points after one team reaches 21 points, the 1st team to lead by 2 points wins.
Here's the twist: you invite 16 big men and 16 small men, and *randomly* pair them off into teams. You could even do something eventful on the Thursday night to announce the pairings.
My guess is that you'd have 15 interesting and exciting games, and the final would be a *lot* of fun.
Want to spice up the all star weekend? Here's how you do it: a $1 million winner takes all, playoff style, 16 team two-on-two contest, kinda like the contest in White Men can't Jump. Ping-pong scoring rules apply: 1st team to 21 points with a 2 point margin wins. If the margin is less than 2 points after one team reaches 21 points, the 1st team to lead by 2 points wins.
Here's the twist: you invite 16 big men and 16 small men, and *randomly* pair them off into teams. You could even do something eventful on the Thursday night to announce the pairings.
My guess is that you'd have 15 interesting and exciting games, and the final would be a *lot* of fun.
Kobe, Kobe, Kobe
One of the things that amazes me about the NBA is the sheer blind devotion of Kobe fans.. I mean, listening to these guys, you'd think that the man had singlehandedly cured cancer, discovered infallible and permanent treatments for male pattern baldness and erectile dysfunction, written the greatest rock song ever together with Bono and the Edge, and managed to satisfy the entire Vivid stable of porn starlets at the same time, in a single evening. You know the fans I'm talking about, Friedman.
Now don't get me wrong, I love to watch the guy play, and if I had to choose a single player to go one on one for the fate of the planet, he'd be on my shortlist along with Kevin Garnett and Lebron. And I guess I shouldn't be surprised, given that Tracy McGrady is set to start in the All Star game, on the basis of fan votes.
But Kobe fans remind me so much of Stevie Ray Vaughan fans (and if you've ever been to Austin, you'll know what I mean), that my response is pretty much the same. Love the guy, but dude, I've listened to Hendrix and Albert Collins, a *lot*, and I gotta tell you.. it was *much* better the first time around.
And as with Hendrix, while I have great reverence for the guy, I don't consider Michael Jordan to be the greatest player ever. Imho, Bill Russell is the greatest.
It's partly because of the 11 rings in 13 years, including 8 in a row, but it's mostly because of the way Russ changed the game by introducing psychological warfare into professional basketball, and because of the way he was able to blend his game on the court with those of his teammates. You only have to see the way he played Wilt (who imho was the 2nd greatest player of all time, and the greatest individual force ever to play the game), suckering him to score a lot of points but inefficiently, thus making Wilt lose the game, while at the same time making him feel he'd actually played a great game.
If Russell played today, taking advantage of all the advances in sports training, conditioning and nutrition, I'm almost certain he'd be a better rebounding and blocking, and much meaner version of Tim Duncan. Especially if he played for a sympathetic and smart coach like Greg Popovich or Phil Jackson.
What does this have to do with Kobe? Well, there are two things that annoy me about the NBA. The first is the insistence on teams who win the NBA championship to call themselves World Champions (and that's a rant for another time); and the second is the insistence on most Kobe fans insisting he's the MVP basically because he's the current player who's most Jordan-like, and because he's a consistently high scorer. Any moderately good player can get great numbers on a bad team.. I mean Gilbert Arenas entire career is based on that notion.
When it comes down to it, how do we define the MVP ? Numbers, skills, best player on best team ? In all these categories, Kobe falls short of other players.
For me, the key for an MVP is what he does when he has good teammates, just like Bill Russell. Is he willing to sacrifice his own opportunities and stats to his teammates, so that he able to make their life easier, blend in and plug the gaps in their games and skill sets so that the team wins. It's why Kevin Garnett is the front-runner for MVP this year, and Kobe & Lebron are not.
However, while his 12-25 shooting this evening, and his 8-22 on Tuesday vs. Memphis show that Kobe's not quite ready to do the right thing yet, his 7 assists do point to him moving in the right direction for his team.
Now don't get me wrong, I love to watch the guy play, and if I had to choose a single player to go one on one for the fate of the planet, he'd be on my shortlist along with Kevin Garnett and Lebron. And I guess I shouldn't be surprised, given that Tracy McGrady is set to start in the All Star game, on the basis of fan votes.
But Kobe fans remind me so much of Stevie Ray Vaughan fans (and if you've ever been to Austin, you'll know what I mean), that my response is pretty much the same. Love the guy, but dude, I've listened to Hendrix and Albert Collins, a *lot*, and I gotta tell you.. it was *much* better the first time around.
And as with Hendrix, while I have great reverence for the guy, I don't consider Michael Jordan to be the greatest player ever. Imho, Bill Russell is the greatest.
It's partly because of the 11 rings in 13 years, including 8 in a row, but it's mostly because of the way Russ changed the game by introducing psychological warfare into professional basketball, and because of the way he was able to blend his game on the court with those of his teammates. You only have to see the way he played Wilt (who imho was the 2nd greatest player of all time, and the greatest individual force ever to play the game), suckering him to score a lot of points but inefficiently, thus making Wilt lose the game, while at the same time making him feel he'd actually played a great game.
If Russell played today, taking advantage of all the advances in sports training, conditioning and nutrition, I'm almost certain he'd be a better rebounding and blocking, and much meaner version of Tim Duncan. Especially if he played for a sympathetic and smart coach like Greg Popovich or Phil Jackson.
What does this have to do with Kobe? Well, there are two things that annoy me about the NBA. The first is the insistence on teams who win the NBA championship to call themselves World Champions (and that's a rant for another time); and the second is the insistence on most Kobe fans insisting he's the MVP basically because he's the current player who's most Jordan-like, and because he's a consistently high scorer. Any moderately good player can get great numbers on a bad team.. I mean Gilbert Arenas entire career is based on that notion.
When it comes down to it, how do we define the MVP ? Numbers, skills, best player on best team ? In all these categories, Kobe falls short of other players.
For me, the key for an MVP is what he does when he has good teammates, just like Bill Russell. Is he willing to sacrifice his own opportunities and stats to his teammates, so that he able to make their life easier, blend in and plug the gaps in their games and skill sets so that the team wins. It's why Kevin Garnett is the front-runner for MVP this year, and Kobe & Lebron are not.
However, while his 12-25 shooting this evening, and his 8-22 on Tuesday vs. Memphis show that Kobe's not quite ready to do the right thing yet, his 7 assists do point to him moving in the right direction for his team.
Friday, January 11, 2008
The world's 2nd greatest guitar player, and a chick who truly kicks ass.
Jeff, what can I say ?
Jenny-B, I adore you. Truly. Madly.
Jenny-B, I adore you. Truly. Madly.
When did bookstores stop being about books ?
While the Internet does bear some responsibility, I mostly blame Barnes & Nobles, Borders & all the other places owned & run by bean-counting, barren-minded, mongoloid pinheads who think that a bookstore is exactly the right place to get a double mocha, triple hazelnut, raspberry decaf and a biscotto, and pickup some Betty or Barney for a night of fumbling, desperate rutting.
The MIT COOP in Kendall Square, in particular, used to be a great place to browse shelves for hours and discover all kinds of interesting stuff, before they went corporate. Same with the on-campus Stanford University bookstore.
If the owners of those places are reading this... Enough with the bloody merchandising, ok? Education is not a fracking "lifestyle". You and your stores manifest all that is wrong with the educational systems in the US and UK, and the general decline of people in our higher education system from being seekers of truth and knowledge to lazy, know-nothing, money-grabbing assclowns. You know who you are. A lingering pox on you all.
Anyway, someone else who misses the point, puts in his 10 cents:
http://books.guardian.co.uk/shoptalk/story/0,,2239172,00.html
Just so you know, the 3 best bookstores in the world are, in no particular order:
No coffee, no food, no music. Just books. Serenity.
The MIT COOP in Kendall Square, in particular, used to be a great place to browse shelves for hours and discover all kinds of interesting stuff, before they went corporate. Same with the on-campus Stanford University bookstore.
If the owners of those places are reading this... Enough with the bloody merchandising, ok? Education is not a fracking "lifestyle". You and your stores manifest all that is wrong with the educational systems in the US and UK, and the general decline of people in our higher education system from being seekers of truth and knowledge to lazy, know-nothing, money-grabbing assclowns. You know who you are. A lingering pox on you all.
Anyway, someone else who misses the point, puts in his 10 cents:
http://books.guardian.co.uk/shoptalk/story/0,,2239172,00.html
Just so you know, the 3 best bookstores in the world are, in no particular order:
- Foyle's, in London, UK
- Blackwell's, in Oxford, UK
- Powell's, in Portland, Oregon
No coffee, no food, no music. Just books. Serenity.
Sweet Georgia Brown redux: Curly Neal's number to be retired.
Growing up as a kid in England, I used to love watching the Globetrotters whenever they came to the country. And I used to watch the cartoon show religiously.
So when I say that this is long overdue, please understand what I mean.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=3192179
So when I say that this is long overdue, please understand what I mean.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=3192179
Why I don't watch college sports (part 1)
Some of my friends tell me they prefer to watch college sports over the pros. They tell me it's more exciting, and the kids play with more heart..
Bah! I say: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=280100045
20 points.. damn.
Rick Majerus, my man, you got some 'splainin' to do.
Bah! I say: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=280100045
20 points.. damn.
Rick Majerus, my man, you got some 'splainin' to do.
If there is a God, he has a sick sense of humor
I guess if you came from the rural deep south it wouldn't even raise an eyebrow..
"Well.. it's not like they knew each other"
Still, and I don't mean to be a prude but, ....eeeuuwww.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article3171716.ece
"Well.. it's not like they knew each other"
Still, and I don't mean to be a prude but, ....eeeuuwww.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article3171716.ece
Obi Wan Nash needs a new padawan
It was clear from watching the Sun/Jazz game last night just how lost offensively the Suns are without Steve. I mean there was absolutely no flow whatsoever.
When the Jazz had Stockton, there was a similar problem which they actually managed to solve with Howard Eisley. In fact, I remain convinced that had Eisley stayed in SLC, and continued to play in Jerry Sloan's system, we'd be talking about him today as one of the better PGs of the last 10 years. But if you look at Eisley after he left Utah, he was borderline awful, because his style of play didn't fit any other system save the Jazz's.
The salient point about Eisley, though, is that he played as Stockton-lite, which is to say that he maintained the pace and flow of the Jazz's offense from the point of view of what the opposing team saw, and more importantly kept things steady for the Jazz.
That's the fundamental problem I see with the Sun's offense when Nash goes to the bench: when Steve is out, the team changes the way it plays, and it disrupts the team's flow. Now that's a thing that's easier said than done, because Nash is the most unique player, stylistically, in the NBA.
What the Suns need is a young player with the fundamental skills and temperament, who can be apprenticed to Nash. And that guy doesn't necessarily need to be spectacularly uber-good, but he needs to be a solid passing player with good court vision and decision making who can play Mike D'Antoni's scheme. You'd probably have to give up Nash's shooting with this guy, but that's something that can probably be fixed with practice.
When the Jazz had Stockton, there was a similar problem which they actually managed to solve with Howard Eisley. In fact, I remain convinced that had Eisley stayed in SLC, and continued to play in Jerry Sloan's system, we'd be talking about him today as one of the better PGs of the last 10 years. But if you look at Eisley after he left Utah, he was borderline awful, because his style of play didn't fit any other system save the Jazz's.
The salient point about Eisley, though, is that he played as Stockton-lite, which is to say that he maintained the pace and flow of the Jazz's offense from the point of view of what the opposing team saw, and more importantly kept things steady for the Jazz.
That's the fundamental problem I see with the Sun's offense when Nash goes to the bench: when Steve is out, the team changes the way it plays, and it disrupts the team's flow. Now that's a thing that's easier said than done, because Nash is the most unique player, stylistically, in the NBA.
What the Suns need is a young player with the fundamental skills and temperament, who can be apprenticed to Nash. And that guy doesn't necessarily need to be spectacularly uber-good, but he needs to be a solid passing player with good court vision and decision making who can play Mike D'Antoni's scheme. You'd probably have to give up Nash's shooting with this guy, but that's something that can probably be fixed with practice.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Farewell, then, Sir Edmund Hillary
He inspired a generation through his achievements, which were numerous and monumental.
As a New Zealander, his conquering of Everest, coming as it did at the start of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, seemed to somehow mark the end of Empire, and signal the start of Commonwealth, a start that then seemed full of hope and shared possibility. And while not as colossal in stature to that singular triumph, his accomplishments after Everest seemed to be more profound and important, and filled with true integrity, compassion and humanity. He took full advantage of his great adventures to do good. We should all be so lucky, when our own time comes, to have extracted a fraction of as much worth out of our lives, as he did from his.
Edmund Hillary was a true giant, a good man, and shall be mourned.
As a New Zealander, his conquering of Everest, coming as it did at the start of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, seemed to somehow mark the end of Empire, and signal the start of Commonwealth, a start that then seemed full of hope and shared possibility. And while not as colossal in stature to that singular triumph, his accomplishments after Everest seemed to be more profound and important, and filled with true integrity, compassion and humanity. He took full advantage of his great adventures to do good. We should all be so lucky, when our own time comes, to have extracted a fraction of as much worth out of our lives, as he did from his.
Edmund Hillary was a true giant, a good man, and shall be mourned.
The Tinsley scale
In Physics, one can only meaningfully measure a quantity if one has a set of units with which to do so. Therefore in this spirit, in order to quantify boneheaded play in a basketball game, the International Standards Organization has designated the microTinsley as the standard unit of Bonosity.
In last nights game against the Suns, experts measured a field of 1.2 Tinsleys coming from the Pacer's Jamaal Tinsley, with a peak of 4 Tinsleys measured in the overtime period.
In related news, engineers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, have been working non-stop since the beginning of the season to contain a potentially catastrophic release of Bonosity from Madison Square Garden.
"We're the guys they call in to deal with disaster areas", said J. Frank Parnell, lead field engineer for NIST, "and this one could break at any time. But I must say, we're mystified to see this thing still standing right now, and we don't quite understand it. After all, if two planes on 9/11 could bring down three skyscrapers in NYC, then the persistent high levels of Bonosity measured here should have demolished the Knicks organization a long time ago. I have to tell you, we're worried. Our guys just measured a field of 10 Tinsleys, on Wednesday night, centered around Isiah Thomas. And as we've seen in the past, we expect to see similar and possibly bigger outbursts of Bonosity persist into the foreseeable future. The best we can hope for is that when the whole thing does finally collapse, we can contain it."
In last nights game against the Suns, experts measured a field of 1.2 Tinsleys coming from the Pacer's Jamaal Tinsley, with a peak of 4 Tinsleys measured in the overtime period.
In related news, engineers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, have been working non-stop since the beginning of the season to contain a potentially catastrophic release of Bonosity from Madison Square Garden.
"We're the guys they call in to deal with disaster areas", said J. Frank Parnell, lead field engineer for NIST, "and this one could break at any time. But I must say, we're mystified to see this thing still standing right now, and we don't quite understand it. After all, if two planes on 9/11 could bring down three skyscrapers in NYC, then the persistent high levels of Bonosity measured here should have demolished the Knicks organization a long time ago. I have to tell you, we're worried. Our guys just measured a field of 10 Tinsleys, on Wednesday night, centered around Isiah Thomas. And as we've seen in the past, we expect to see similar and possibly bigger outbursts of Bonosity persist into the foreseeable future. The best we can hope for is that when the whole thing does finally collapse, we can contain it."
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Stones Bynum
Andrew Bynum needs a good nickname. Drew is lame. How about Stones Bynum ?
Why? It goes back to that game a couple of years ago against the Heat, where Stones does the dunk and bump on Shaq. Now, it still took a lot of stones to be so bold, even though if he'd done that to a Shaq anywhere close to his peak, Andrew would have been abused like a redheaded stepchild for the rest of the game/season/decade. Ergo, Stones.
There was a post on one of the boards recently asking whether Andrew would soon be the best player on the Lakers. The answer is a clear no, Kobe is still the best. But Stones should become the team's most consistent and efficient player, and that's no small feat. Rock solid. Stones.
As a Suns fan, I worry about the Lakers. Not about Kobe, but about the base level performance of the rest of the team. We saw this at the beginning of last season, when Kobe started the season injured, and that team went unbeaten before he rejoined them. That was a testament to just how good a coach Phil Jackson is, and to the general idea that organization, teamwork and execution can win you all the games you should win, and 80% of the ones you can win.
Of course, you need that 20%, and that's where Kobe comes in, the one player on the Lakers who can on a consistent basis singlehandedly take over a game for a quarter or two. Remember, Michael Jordan didn't start to win championships until he learned to trust his teammates, and to give up his shot for a better one.
One gets the feeling that Kobe is slowly starting to truly grok that idea, and that by trying to do less himself, his team benefits. And I do see him becoming a little more Nash-like in the sense of seeing his teammates as an extension of himself, and Stones in particular, rather than as obstacles in his way.
Still, as a Suns fan, I'm perpetually glad that Kobe is continually prone to 8/25 shooting nights. If he ever learns how to pick his moments properly, and tone down his need for individual approbation, this Lakers team could be really good this year, and scary good next year as Stones, Lamar and the rest of the Lakers mature and cohere.
Why? It goes back to that game a couple of years ago against the Heat, where Stones does the dunk and bump on Shaq. Now, it still took a lot of stones to be so bold, even though if he'd done that to a Shaq anywhere close to his peak, Andrew would have been abused like a redheaded stepchild for the rest of the game/season/decade. Ergo, Stones.
There was a post on one of the boards recently asking whether Andrew would soon be the best player on the Lakers. The answer is a clear no, Kobe is still the best. But Stones should become the team's most consistent and efficient player, and that's no small feat. Rock solid. Stones.
As a Suns fan, I worry about the Lakers. Not about Kobe, but about the base level performance of the rest of the team. We saw this at the beginning of last season, when Kobe started the season injured, and that team went unbeaten before he rejoined them. That was a testament to just how good a coach Phil Jackson is, and to the general idea that organization, teamwork and execution can win you all the games you should win, and 80% of the ones you can win.
Of course, you need that 20%, and that's where Kobe comes in, the one player on the Lakers who can on a consistent basis singlehandedly take over a game for a quarter or two. Remember, Michael Jordan didn't start to win championships until he learned to trust his teammates, and to give up his shot for a better one.
One gets the feeling that Kobe is slowly starting to truly grok that idea, and that by trying to do less himself, his team benefits. And I do see him becoming a little more Nash-like in the sense of seeing his teammates as an extension of himself, and Stones in particular, rather than as obstacles in his way.
Still, as a Suns fan, I'm perpetually glad that Kobe is continually prone to 8/25 shooting nights. If he ever learns how to pick his moments properly, and tone down his need for individual approbation, this Lakers team could be really good this year, and scary good next year as Stones, Lamar and the rest of the Lakers mature and cohere.
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