The matter of animosity over LeBron

LeBron James and Kobe Bryant careers will forever be intertwined.

What's the connection between my opening statement and the title? Let me break it down.

Kobe entered the NBA through Lower Merion High. James via Saint Vincent-Saint Mary HS. Both were highschoolers when they entered the league. Both disrespected someone older than them during a game: Once Karl Malone, recalling an incident with Kobe Bryant, was quoted after trying to set a pick for him. "The guy told me he's got it," the then 34-year-old Malone said. "Like I told Coach Karl, when younger guys tell me to get out of the way, that's a game I don't need to be in. I was ticked." James not to be outdone did it in front of the cameras when he said to his mom: "sit your (butt) down!" on mother's day.

Both wanted the spotlight out of each other. It was June 2003, Draft night, James was ready for the biggest day of his life. He was about to be made the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers on national television. But James' handshake with David Stern was upstaged that day by breaking news during the broadcast that Bryant planned to opt out of his contract with the Lakers and seek free agency after the next season. Thus effectively stealing James spotlight. Later, just this summer James will have his revenge, LeBron would put his towering shadow towards the finals. Nobody was talking about Kobe. The media have decidedly put the most interest on the upcoming free agency. James stole Kobe's crowning moment when he defeated the Celtics.

"It sort of tells me that our players have, through their hard work, captured the imagination of many, many people," Stern said drily.

Both superstars, at one point in time, decided that their teams wasn't helping them to achieve their championship goals. And this is where the line is drawn.

While Kobe was hesitant to leave LA (Barkley dared him once to renounce his no trade clause option so that he can easily be traded), James decided he could no longer be caged in a small town like Cleveland. That he's "taking his talents to south beach". All hell breaks loose.

LeBron had all the right to walk. He was tired of waiting. Michael Jordan also waited seven years to get a title, so does Wilt Chamberlain. Maybe the market was too small to attract big named free agents. Maybe he tired looking at his rival Bryant collecting rings because he already had 1-upped Kobe in the MVP department.

But come to think of it Shaq came there. Later Jamison joined Mo Williams and the motley crew that was the Cavs. They won 61 games. Just enough to be proclaimed the NBA's best team. What happened? What made James decide that Cleveland is a no-win scenario? Basing on the number of wins they have what it took to win the championship. The Bulls only had 57 win when they took the 1993 title.

The play-offs -- Michael Jordan once said -- is where boys are separated from men. Boston pounded them to the ground. Instead of taking it to himself to improve, James decided Cleveland just wasn't enough. James escaped the hardships of Cleveland to have a seemingly easier life in Miami.

James long-time basketball idol, Michael Jordan had this remark: “There’s no way, with hindsight, I would’ve ever called up Larry, called up Magic and said, ‘Hey, look, let’s get together and play on one team,’” Jordan said. “But that’s . . . things are different. I can’t say that’s a bad thing. It’s an opportunity these kids have today. In all honesty, I was trying to beat those guys.”

James seemed to rip off everything Kobe ever did in his career. He only missed this part: “I’m going to kick some ass in practice…” Bryant said. “It’s going to get through. You beat it into their heads until it gets through.” Jordan did the same to Scottie Pippen. Burning him in practice until his potential to greatness was in full view. Kevin Garnett, another consuming leader, was once spotted scolding Glen Davis to tears.

Cleveland obviously felt betrayed. And rightfully so. Real basketball fans also deep in their hearts felt betrayed too. James in our minds was so talented, so powerful to seek help elsewhere. Great players attracts great players. Cleveland became desirable because of LeBron. Cleveland and James could have had the players he wanted had he stayed. James had it all in his palms only to lose it.

In old times, when you battle at sea, the victor sinks the losers ship. And thus the losers become hostages or prisoners of war. Wade have proven he is a winner. James only scratched the surface. He shouldn't have joined Wade he should have "beat those guys.” James lost his identity in the process. And we are angry for it.




Sources:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5391478
http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/columns/story?id=5951534
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1012689/index.htm#ixzz19GzfWArd

When the Heat becomes cold

Miami Heat's projection for this season is easy. Overwhelm the league and win the championship. Never seemed so easy specially if you got 1/4 of team USA on your team. That was the promise these new Heat trio promised it's fans... Championships. But as they stand now the Heat are only 2 games above .500. What happened? What went wrong?

While other writers pan James out. I will point out what's obvious. This team lacks chemistry. "Him and D-Wade don't complement each other. They're somewhat the same type of players, 'Bron and D-Wade. ... Both of those guys need the ball, and they don't shoot the ball like Ray Allen. That's why they're having trouble scoring in the halfcourt, because they can't get a rhythm, because one of them is dominating the ball. That guy might be getting off, but the other guy [isn't]. That's why when they're on the court together, they're terrible. They're rhythm players that need the ball. I'm like that. I can't stand out there and catch and shoot. I've never been a guy that sits out there waiting for the ball to come to me." says T-Mac.

Nice observation because I predicted the same when this team was first assembled.


I remember questioning how Wade and LeBron can co-exist because they basically have the same skill set. They are not consistent jump shooters like Allen and they mostly attack the basket than take the jump. Compared to Boston who basically had a diverse big three (Garnett mans the post, Allen takes the jumpers, and Pierce is their main penetrator) the Heat have two guys playing the same game and they demand the ball in their hands big time. That's one problem I foresaw 5 months ago.

I also noticed the general make-up of this team. They have no steady point guards, and their centers are not the kind of bigs that wins championships (Well if you say Jordan did it even without a credible center then obviously these players ARE NOT Michael Jordan). Point guard can be easy to answer as both Wade and LeBron are no strangers in bringing in the ball and distributing, but the center thing is a different monster all together. Championships are mostly won by great big men (Again don't raise Chicago here because Jordan is a different beast). Lakers prove it in their long history. Celts did it in their dynasty days, recently on Garnett's steady intensity. Spurs obviously banked on Tim Duncan's exploits. Philly had one thanks to Moses. You don't expect to win with Zydrunas and Juwan, known softies, manning your post. Most credible threat Udonis is done for, Chris Bosh is uber-soft and will likely rely on his jumpshots than bang bodies inside. Obviously the Heat needs more than Jamaal Magloire and Joel Anthony and I doubt Dampier fits the role perfectly.

A few days ago I was analyzing what went wrong for this team when it struck me that the Miami thrice never played with another all-star player in their prime. Bosh had Marion on his downside. James and Wade had Shaq on his downside. James had Mo but Mo isn't in the same level of a Wade, an elite all-star. Mo Williams is just an actor on the LeBron direction in Cleveland. They had Antawn but he came in too late to really blend with his new team. Miami Thrice are prized players on their respective clubs and they run the show... All of the sudden you bend the tradition and try to share the spotlight. Knowing how big the egos are that's a tough spot to cover.

As I said media is panning-out James but not with lack of reason. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports did a great job of the story: "Meticulous in his preparation, Spoelstra spoke with several past coaches, and league sources said a clear and unequivocal picture appeared on how to proceed: End the cycle of enabling with James and hold him accountable. And surprise, surprise: LeBron James has responded with a test of his own organizational strength, pushing to see how far the Heat will bend to his will. This season, James is hearing a word seldom uttered to him in Cleveland: “No.” And it keeps coming out of the coach’s mouth, keeps getting between the King and what he wants. Can I stay overnight to party in New Orleans after a preseason game? Can I play the clown in practice? Can I get out of playing point guard? No. No. No. Wait, what? No, LeBron. No. Even within a month of the season’s sideways 9-8 start, the NBA witnessed a predictable play out of the James-Maverick Carter playbook on Monday morning. They planted a story and exposed themselves again as jokers of the highest order. They care so little about anyone but themselves. Still, no one’s surprised that they’d stoop so low, so fast into this supposed historic 73-victory season and NBA Finals sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers. They want Spoelstra – and Pat Riley – to bend to them, to bow to the King the way everyone has before them." full story. Such machinations don't work out in the professional level. Larry Brown always says "Play the right Way". If this Heat wants to win they have to let people do their jobs like Spoelstra is doing. Interestingly, instead of righting this insane wrong Wade joins team LeBron: “I’m not going to say he’s ‘my guy,’ but he’s my coach,” Wade said. Well done tuning your coach out is another page for disaster.

And that's where the Heat finds themselves in: A disaster.


References:
http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nba/news/story?id=5862624
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Al35JePYcJn8QxtW_wuRKeO8vLYF?slug=aw-lebronspoelstra112910

Bad omen: Pacquiao beginning to believe his hype

"I've been under pressure and tough conditions before, The training is going good..." so declared Manny Pacquiao. It's time to wake up, unlike my other half-crazy Filipino brothers I'd say read between the lines and notice that Pac is on a danger zone.

This is the first time that I've read Freddie Roach really concerned about the training camp. The "worst-ever" training camp as he further alludes to it. Too many bumps along the way for this one, Pacquiao skipping his customary roadwork for basketball then injuring his heel that further derailed the practices... The supposed to be closed door practices which inexplicably, became open to the press and various other friends and acquaintances. Pacquiao holding some small concert for Michael Koncz. Manny skipping practice for a rendezvous with the President (Philippines). Him skipping practice anew to guest in a show (video embed above) and raise some politicians hands in another. It seems his recent domination of his earlier opponents have gotten to his head, no longer focused as his earlier versions have been. This is no longer the Pacquiao that is bent on getting higher. This is Pacquiao the rockstar.

As a fan I'm concerned with this happy-go-lucky attitude. Boxing has been a punishing sport. It is not basketball where in you can relax for three quarters and mount a big comeback. Punches make a toll on your body and if your not trained well enough could knock you out or damage you forever and worst kill you. I remember this same kind of laid back attitude in Lennox Lewis when he skipped training in favor of a movie. The result? An embarrassing KO to 15-to-1 underdog Hashim Rahman in the fifth round. I've read of a similar incident when Muhammad Ali KO'd Sonny Liston in the very first round. Sonny Liston was very much out of shape after the first schedule of their rematch was postponed six months when Ali needed emergency surgery for a strangulated hernia.

One thing that bothers me is the report that sparring against the lumbering Medina, Pacquiao looked anything but sharp. The report adds: "On several occasions he allowed Medina to pound him against the ropes. Pacquiao showed flashes of his lightning quickness, but either he was just getting warmed up or he wasn’t taking this too seriously."

Michael Medina was on the undercard of the Pacquiao-Clottey fight. He was totally outclassed by John Duddy. A 100% focused Pacquiao could have easily smoked the guy out instead he allowes the guy to pound him? Manny wasn't any sharper on his next sparring partner Amir Khan as reported: "On numerous occasions, Khan beat Pacquiao to the punch with blistering combinations. At times, Pacquiao held his hands down and he kept trying to adjust his protective headgear. He clearly didn’t look 100 percent. Midway in their third round, the two went at each other for about 40 seconds of pure, scintillating action. But when the four rounds were up, it was clear that Khan got the better of the exchanges". Khan have been Manny's understudy for a long time. So further puts doubt on Manny's abilities it's either Khan is fast gaining on Manny or it's Pac on the decline. The last part scares me more. Manny on the decline against a fighter that has nothing to lose and every thing to gain. A fighter who is the biggest that Pac will ever face in his career. Margarito gains everything with a win and Manny loses so much with a loss to the underdog.

A 100% Pacquiao could win easily. A well-trained Pacquiao wouldn't leave any doubt on his fans mind. A focused Pacquiao makes impossible odds possible. Let's hope he doesn't make anymore monkey business out of this. On Nov. 13 (14 in Manila) judgement will come. Let's cross our fingers and hope for the best for Manny.

Pacquiao needs to get back to his old self and focus, not believe in his own hype that he can win all his fights. Boxing is a different animal one punch could very well end everything he's build for.


Sources:
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/204533/roach-pacquiao-having-worst-ever-training-camp
http://www.ringtv.com/blog/2450/pacquiao_sluggish_for_final_day_of_training_in_philippines/

Can Michael Jordan score 100 in today's era?

This is entirely a reaction to a blogpost I read some days before. It doubts the authenticity of a claim made by Michael that he could achieve 100 points in this era (How has the game changed from your playing days? It's less physical and the rules have changed, obviously. Based on these rules, if I had to play with my style of play, I'm pretty sure I would have fouled out or I would have been at the free throw line pretty often and I could have scored 100 points). True enough 100 points captures the imagination of many as something that can't be surpassed but is it possible for Jordan to get the mark?

First let me give you some facts before we go to the fictional phase of this entry. In the 80's (1980-1990), considered the best and most brutal decade in basketball, only five times did an individual crack the 60 point mark and that happened in:

1. December 25, 1984. Bernard King scored 60 vs. the New Jersey Nets
2. March 12, 1985. Larry Bird scored 60 vs. the Atlanta Hawks
3. March 4, 1987. Michael Jordan scored 61 vs. the "Bad Boys" Detroit Pistons. Doing it without attempting a 3-pointer. OT
4. April 20, 1986. Michael Jordan scored 63 vs. the Boston Celtics. 2OT This is the game when Larry Bird mouthed the now famous quotable quote "god disguised as Michael Jordan". Again doing it without attempting a 3-pointer. It still stands as the highest ever play-off mark.
5. March 28, 1990. Michael Jordan scored 69 vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers in OT. Cavs were led by Hot Rod Williams, Brad Daugherty, Ron Harper, Larry Nance and Mark Price. Other notable players were Craig Ehlo, Chucky Brown and Steve Kerr.

Out of the 5 stated above 3 of them were scored by Michael Jordan. You also have to note that in 1987 Detroit went straight into the finals carrying their brand of "dirty" defense and the 1986 Celtics were eventual NBA champions. So Jordan was pouring it on vs. the heavyweights but on the hindsight we also have to note that Jordan did it in overtime games.

Now let's compare it to the 100 point game. Kelly Dwyer reports:

"Wilt was a 7-2 dominant force going up against a 6-10 backup center on the New York Knicks back in 1962. He was able to put up 63 shots and attempt 32 free throws mainly because the pace was so, so much faster back in that era, and because his Philadelphia Warriors team was intentionally fouling the Knicks down the stretch in order to get Wilt the ball every time down court in a contest that was a 16-point game at the end of the first quarter. It was an absolute joke of a "contest," and though Wilt is to be commended for his brilliance, there's a reason why nobody has come very close in the 48 years since Wilt's 100-point game."

If that is the case and knowing how Jordan put up his best numbers can he get 100?

My answer is maybe, maybe not.

But it is also intriguing to note that Jordan at age 40 did get 43 points and mind you he did that in February 21, 2003. Meaning he put up that numbers against players that still plays up to this point. On top of that he did it with hand-checks still warranted in the NBA.

Implemented in 2006 the NBA softened it's stance on defense to give way to a more offensive minded, fun game. As Mike notes: "It's less physical and the rules have changed, obviously." Jordan compatriots cry of the same:

"You can't even touch a guy now," says Charlotte coach Larry Brown. "The college game is much more physical than our game. I always tease Michael [Jordan], if he played today, he'd average 50."

"The defensive rules, the hand checking, the ability to make contact on a guy in certain areas .... [have] all been taken away from the game. If Kobe could get 81, I think Michael could get 100 in today's game." - Scottie Pippen January 2006

Craig Hodges is the Lakers shooting coach, get a look at what he said:
Q: If you could take one player in their prime, would you take Michael Jordan or Kobe?
A: M.J., all day. There's no comparison. M.J. could score 100 points in this era. You can't hand-check now. Imagine that trying to guard M.J. It would be crazy.

Hall of Famer Rick Barry, a keen observer of the game, said he would love to see players of the past getting to attack the basket under the new officiating. “They’d score a lot more,” he said.

Tex Winter said. "Players today can get to the basket individually much easier."

Asked if he could defend Jordan under today’s interpretation of the rules, Dumars first laughed, “It would have been virtually impossible to defend Michael Jordan based on the way the game’s being called right now.”

Rod Thorn: “My opinion is that the game had gone too much toward favoring strong players over skilled players, The NBA felt there was too much body, too much hand-checking, being used by defenders to the detriment of the game. There was a feeling that there was too much advantage for a defensive player who could merely use his strength to control the offensive player. If the refs perceive that a defender is bumping the cutter, or bumping a ball-handler, then they’ll blow their whistles.”

So today's NBA does favor Michael Jordan in terms of rules. Jordan a natural slasher/cutter type of player will benefit from calls and even more since with the restriction of the hand-check rules the NBA also implemented the defensive three second. So even though the NBA now sanctions the zone as an alternative defense few chooses it because the "Zone" is maximized if a defending big man can stay downlow on an indefinite amount of time. Take that out and there's nothing to it they'll just retort to man-to-man which again is hampered by the no hand-check rule.

And blowing their whistles is what the refs did. Did you know that: 82% of Tyreke Evans's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? 75% of Dwyane Wade's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? 71% of Carmelo Anthony's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? 70% of Kevin Durant's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? 68% of LeBron James's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? 68% of Derrick Rose's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? 66% of Kobe Bryant's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? Michael Jordan has been known to be automatic from 18 ft. inwards. If the players stated above can move accurately near the basket even as close as 15 ft. why can't Jordan as he can easily match each guy's athleticism? Given these results I think the "airman" can get as close to 100 points as he benefits a lot from these rules.

Again the catch is Mike should be in the zone to accomplish the feat. What's being in the zone? Players tried explaining it like it's a once in a life-time (maybe twice? thrice?) experience, when the stars are aligned and you feel unstoppable at whatever it is your doing. Like when rain continuously pours like it's not ever stopping. 100 points is a long feat and that is why nobody has ever came close to breaking it in 48 years. Again this is a supposition but if there is one man that can do it... benefiting from these present NBA rules it's Michael Jordan.

Thanks (sources):
Photo: from Web
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_players_with_60_or_more_points_in_a_game
http://hoopsapedia.webs.com/thenbazoneera.htm
http://hoopshype.com/articles/defense_lazenby.htm

Fragile Boozer resurfaces again

Bulls fans everywhere are delirious. Carlos Boozer, team's top acquisition, out for at least 8 weeks. Fractures hand. Headline. Utah must have been laughing their ass off right now saying "It's your problem now". At least for one Carlos didn't disappoint. He has a long storied history of injuries that he have already missed a total of 145 games in 8 seasons. Almost two seasons worth of free money. I already foresaw this. But being a Bulls fan, I am an optimist.

Carlos is strong rebounding off injuries, it didn't seem to slow him last year after missing most of 2008-09 season (where he played only 37 games). Again as I said I'm optimistic. Looking through a perspective that it's better that he's better off injured now than the all important mid-season games makes me smile. The Bulls took a big risk taking him into the pay-roll knowing his fragile nature, but it is a calculated risk, they know it was coming.

Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau said it best: "It's part of the NBA. Those things happen. I think we've got more than enough to win with. We're disappointed, obviously, to lose Carlos, who put a lot of work in, and he was playing great, but that's part of the NBA.We move on and we just move forward. We've got plenty of guys who have started and have played in a lot of big games". It's good that the team didn't trade Taj Gibson yet... they must be thanking the heavens by now that the Carmelo trade didn't push through. Thank God it happened now, where adjustments can be made quickly.

Knowing how Carlos have made progress in the past it's no question he'll be back strong. Inserting him back into the rotation is another thing though... I am keeping my fingers crossed for the Bulls sake, for my pride's sake.


Citation: ESPN for the interview. Photo used: from web.

Miami Heat's primary mission should be defeating the Boston Celtics

Heat picked to be champions this upcoming season. Pfft. Too pre-mature. And I think the notion is caused by the success of the earlier formed big three, the Boston Big Three. But contrary to popular impression that the Heat will go all the way to the finals I stand as opposition. One big obstacle stands in the way and they're "green-ing" to get their hands dirty.

Boston have been overlooked in the discussion of potential NBA finalist because of the LeBron show that overshadowed the whole off-season (even casting it's big shadow in the Finals series). But let us not be fooled, the guys in green maybe old news but they're standing tall. This off-season they shored up their artillery by adding old dogs O'Neals. They present the biggest problem for the Heat as well as the Lakers because they got height and they got might. The O'Neals maybe old but they're not as feathery as Chris Bosh or Lamar Odom, they will use their bodies to their advantage, physical and that's what Boston is even was. Add Kendrick Perkin's to the equation later in the season and you got potent post defenders. Shaq is the only individual left who can play Dwight Howard one-on-one, Bynum even in old age. Jermaine is still useful down the block scorer. Trivia: Have you noticed how the last 3 finals have been dictated by length of players? Boston had better height advantage in 2008, Magic was overwhelmed by the Lakers in 2009, 2010 was the same after Kendrick Perkins went down.

Looking at the entire Celtics roster is like looking at an entire collection of anique superstars, Garnett, Allen, Pierce, The O'Neals. Add to that the motley crüe they assembled this last 3 years where they were present in two finals and getting at least one championship in those appearances. They play hard ball and seemed focused on what they're doing, and the heart Garnett's eternal fire to get to the championship never seemed so vagrant as when he played his best game of the recently concluded finals in Game 7 itself. They maybe old but they are still the bad dogs... the yardstick of the East.

Best advice to Carmelo: Stay put

It has been reported that Carmelo have shown up in their team's media day. After the circus he generated coming to this training camp, Carmelo did the wisest thing, play basketball and be mum. With trade talks taking a slight pause, he could use the silence to ponder what he wants.

Turning down the extension offer from Denver swirled numerous rumors about Anthony's unhappiness with the way things are going for his squad. It's really frustrating when you have been that close (2 more games win could have catapulted Denver to the 2009 Finals), and not being able to duplicate it the very next season when you are expected to do better things. But in the NBA it's not an isolated case. Dallas is one big example (2006 finalist, NBA top seed in 2007 only to be upset by no.8 Golden State). Yet it's also true that with the way the Lakers have put up their team they'd be in contention way beyond after Kobe Bryant retires from the game. And that is the reason why in my opinion throngs of former Western Conference superstars have bolted out of the conference and found the East enticing.

Which brings us to the present situation, Melo seemingly wanting to go Eastside, with the alibi of wanting to play close to the Manhattan area. Anthony is a Brooklyn native. Wanting the big stage that his friend LeBron James shied away, seems a valid reason for moving. Great scenario. But that's until he swings another great city into the mud... Chicago. The New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls are known superstar makers not named LA. Those who have played in the MSG were showered with big love from New Yorkers, even if their teams were not so great (remember the Marbury era?), and what about Chicago? The city ranked as one of the highest in gate attendance even in their troubled years in 1999-2005. And from Chicago rose the universally recognized best player ever (Now what's his name? I guess you know). Both teams have the tradition of winning and creating stars. So why is he not traded there yet?

For the Knicks, their lack of tradeable pieces hurt them even draft picks are a scarcity for the club for Chicago, them not wanting to include Noah in the mix (good for them). This resulted for a search for a new trade partner. Enter New Jersey, Utah and Charlotte. New Jersey and Denver are the principal teams in the proposed trade with Utah and Charlotte as secondary trade partners. Denver gets draft picks, Andrei Kirilenko, and Derrick Favors, Charlotte gets Devin Harris and Jarvis Hayes, Utah getting Boris Diaw and Quinton Ross and New Jersey getting Carmelo and DJ Agustin.

What halted the negotiation? Carmelo. New Jersey felt (and rightfully so) that unless they get a commitment from Anthony long-term then the negotiation is a waste. True. But if I was Carmelo why would I like to be there? Because of Brook Lopez? Lopez have yet to prove he can play high level basketball with a winning NBA club. If New Jersey trades Devin Harris, Melo would be stuck with secondary level players like Farmar, Hassell, Morrow and the likes. With the East continuing to upgrade I don't think New Jersy could compete right away and might need for Chris Paul. But there is no guarantee also that Paul might wind up there, even if they relocate to Brooklyn. It's wise that Carmelo thinks the only way to win is to partner right away with another all-star something the Knicks and Bulls can offer right away.

So if I was Carmelo I'd stay put for now, wait 'til the contract is over then move on. I don't think any other team can trade for him mid-season if he doesn't commit long-term anyways. It would be disastrous.

In balance of good and evil

I love Charice's voice. I do. And I like her on Glee. That is why it was such a buzz here in the Philippines that our very own petite girl was casted on the hit TV show. But on the hindsight I must balance adulation and criticism as part of being a good viewer. Good voice doesn't translate to being a good actress as Charice also demonstrated in her pilot appearance on the show. Let me give you an example.

If you were confronted by a serious and commanding presence would you smile or back-off a little? In their restroom scene, Lea Michele confronts Sunshine Corazon (Charice's character) in an intimidating manner, and instead of being annoyed Sunshine smiles throughout the "Telephone" sequence. Really awkward.

One more thing that bothers me is Charice's hand gestures in her audition piece which is very reminiscent of her other famous video "Pyramid". It's eerie that the performances shown in the music vid and the audiotion piece is the same. I hope Charice does a little more creativity the next time. I'm Filipino and I don't want to be biased to my "kababayan" (compatriot), and I only point this out as means of improvement. Having said that I wish her all the well.

Shalom.

Does the Miami Heat have what it takes to win the championship this year?

You know the rants NBA legends like Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and Magic Johnson have thrown over this new-formed triumvirate. We know how Cleveland reacted when James bolted out of town to go South Beach. Even Phil Jackson takes a jab at this newly minted contenders (“I always refer to when Wilt Chamberlain was traded from Philadelphia to Los Angeles and that put Baylor, West and Chamberlain together — three of the top scorers in NBA history — and they never won a championship together the four years they were together. It’s not always scorers and talent that wins it. But it’s teamwork that does it.”).

Phil obviously has a point, but I think he also missed on the issue that those three partnered near their dog days much like this edition of the Boston Celtics. These three are young driven individuals who want the championship. But can they? That is the question.

Honestly THEY can. But will they win it this year? Maybe not. Maybe yes. And I'll break it down for you.

Recently the Celtics tried the same stacking formula and it worked in their favor. But you need to remember how they did it. Just before their season ended the team fortified the little chinks in their armor. They added veteran Sam Cassell and PJ Brown. Sam may not seem much at the time but an aging former NBA all-star guard, but the guy has been a winner all his career. He knows how to win it all -he was a rookie when he won his first ring - and is a steady guy down the stretch heck he even help that awful Los Angeles Clippers make the play-offs his first year there. How about old reliable PJ Brown? PJ honed his game in the rough 90's. This guy was an enforcer. Remember the Knicks-Heat rivalry near the end of the 90's he was in the middle of it (PJ flipped Charlie Ward to the sidelines, body-slamming him, and a melee ensued. They also got Tony Allen and James Posey as defenders. Now you know what kind of fortifications the Celtics did yo ensure they get to that elusive crown.

Which brings us to Miami. Does the Heat have that kind of depth to make a serious run at it. Yes they've shored up on the big men but I don't think their big men is as talented or would be capable of stopping the likes of Shaquille O'Neal (even in his down years) and Dwight Howard. With the kind of Bigs they have, mostly offensive minded guys, I don't think they'll be stopping lots of talented big guys out there. Their backcourt is as depleted as well, with Mario Chalmers probably their best stake at PG. Yes the Miami Thrice is there but those three can only do as much and will be limited to 6 fouls. I'm also not that high on Chris Bosh, as he always shy away form contact and prefer the perimeter to take his shots. I think the Heat would benefit more from playing a conventional back to the basket power forward than play another perimeter wannabe guy like Bosh in their offense.

The Heat have lots of things to do before they can really be a real threat to the Lakers crown. But mind you the talent is there, team chemistry is another thing and if the Heat can shuffle it's roster one more time middle of the season... They might just pull it.


Picture: From Web

Chopsuey!

As my Blog-header suggest I'm all about viewing, may it be free TV, cable or the movies (lately my eyeballs have been stuck watching NBA basketball). During the course of last month up to this time of day (as I write this) I have watched a total of 6 movies in the movie theater (my most in a span of two months) all of whom I'm going to critique for this entry. Now, Let me remind you that I have not done this in a long time since my other blog from friendster so the critic in me might be a little rusty, please bear with me.

*Note: 1. All ratings expressed herein are of the author's personal opinion and taste.
2. Photos used in this review are those already circulating in the web. No copyright infringement intended.

Legend of the oranges:

One Orange: Hey you are wasting a whole lotta money mister. Best save up for the rainy days.

Two Oranges: Some saving points but not enough to save it from humiliation.

Three Oranges: Good News: You're not going to die even if you miss out on this one.

Four Oranges: If miss on this you're missing a whole lot.

Five Oranges: Excellent. Just pure fuckin' genius.

Kick-Ass - Unpredictable. That's the only one liner I can put up for this movie. Personally I don't really know that a Kick-Ass comic even existed. Had not a fellow artist introduced the gig to me I would have had missed out on this big riot all together. Personally when I heard that there was going to be a movie about Kick-Ass, my initial reaction was "what-the-heck", it's not big as a comic as the X-men, Ironman, Spiderman etc etc. so why the big fuss by this artist (referring to the enthusiastic fellow of a co-artist in my former office). Inside of me it made me curious. So I kinda readied my money for the event. Seizing the opportunity to see it on theater on opening week I made a go for it.

In the mall (where the theaters are usually located here in the Philippines), I was utterly disappointed to see where the movie was showing. It was located in one of the set of theaters where very few movie goers would normally go... Very much unlike the blockbuster heavyweights where it enjoys the great venue. Not to be disappointed I still opted to get in just to get the thing over and my curiosity satisfied. I didn't care if it was worth it or not, I just wanted to know the flow of the movie and later critic it (as I am doing now). As I sat there I was astonished with what I saw, it's generally unpredictable! (Although the first scene was ordinary for me). The movie is really not your typical superhero movie. Hit-Girl is mind blowing! I won't go so much into details (because I want you to personally watch it) but after I watched this movie I made a post on my facebook account that says: Kick-Ass really kicks ass (Hey that's saying a lot not a lot of the movies I watch makes it on my Facebook wall). The storyline is fascinatingly accurate for it's comic version (yes after watching the movie I got a hold of the actual 2D version on print) unlike some of it's comic-based predecessors.

If you could own it on DVD, I would definitely recommend for you to buy it, not a single cent spoiled on this one amigos. It's definitely worth the watch over and over again.

Rating:

Clash of the Titans- Accurately inaccurate best describes the movie.Well this is the movie that I really anticipated, but it came a little up short to my expectation. Clash of the Titans is a movie adaptation straight the myths of Greeks, of Perseus in particular. First adaptation was in 1981 of the same movie title, so there was a huge amount of expectation for this version of the movie. If there was something lacking in the first film it was expected that this version would fill specially with the advanced digital age that we have. Unfortunately, what I think was the undoing for the movie is the fact that the movie makers missed out on some minor details. For example, Pegasus is Black? Heck Tri-star picture would have a large say on that can't they? And why the heck is the fallen in the movie? Isn't the guy supposed to be in Transformers? LMAO. Another thing, Perseus and Andromeda should have been the main couple and not the girl whom Gemma Arterton played (Gemma by the way was way too hot in the movie that when she played as Strawberry Fields in the Quantum of Solace). Another mortal flaw is the depiction of Acrisius where he was depicted as the husband of Danae. Actually in Mythology, Acrisius should be the grandfather of Perseus not the husband wronged by Zeus. And why is it the Kraken was related to Hades when it should have been Poseidon's pet?

Yes we wanted a great watch, but we also wanted a movie that is true to form. I know there are liberties for great creative effect but changing history is not the way to go. Tell me now how the children would react watching this and relate it to what they learn in school this only brings confusion to all the young minds. Overall, Id say that the movie is visually stunning (save for the horrendous outfits of the gods) but accurately missed on it's base story.

Rating:




The Losers - The Losers is another comic tuned movie flick scenario. Plot: The team composed of Clay, Jensen, Roque, Pooch and Cougar is sent to the Bolivian Jungle on a secret search and destroy mission. The team soon discover though that they have been setup by a double crosser named Max. They rescued some children and another of Max's cohorts blew the 'copter that carried the children. Since it was a covert mission, the US government knew nothing of their mission but since the incident involved children massacred there was a huge international uproar. The group then decided to hide in Bolivia for the mean time and pretend that they are dead. Months after the incident, Clay is approached by a mysterious lady named Aisha who promises Clay and his team that she can help them track down and get revenge on Max for what he did to the team. and the story goes on and on...

Movie story is so and so, action scenes not too alien to buzz about. Technically it's an ok movie but for me there is no punch to it. I mean yeah you sit at the movie house and not really enjoy what you're watching. Sorry, but that's just how it really is, I'll tell you the good parts: Jensen pretending to be a psychic shooter, Aisha's steamy scene, The scene where a car is lifted up about 50 yards into the air when blown and Roque's death scene. And that's about it.

Rating:



Iron Man 2 -Ok alright Robert Downey Jr. did another superb job on the sequel, I mean he's really the best guy for the job. Playing as Tony Starks is like au natural for Robert. Praises for that. Actually I like how the movie is done, great effects, great CG animations everything is visually stunning. I only saw a few glitches in the story: 1. How can whiplash survive getting bumped by a car so many times and not suffer any fracture? Heck, Tony Starks even had a chance interviewing him at jail. 2. As seen on the photo Iron man's suits were designed with a circular chest plate to complement the arc reactor's circular design, how then at the end, since Tony redesigned his reactor to triangle, did the suits also changed their format (to become triangular chest plate)? Can Tony have done it in such short time of notice? 3. How can a totally revamped whiplash lose so quickly when showing up with a lowly engineered suit he gave Iron Man the fits?

Little details really but it could have helped the story if it was elaborated even more. There were also little surprises in the movie: 1. Nick Fury coming out of the dark. 2. Black Widow showing up (Boy, Scarlett is one hot girl) 3. Captain America's broken shield used as props (Be very keen-eyed on this as this was shown as Tony is constructing the means of creating a better reactor) 4. If you can be patient wait for last end credit detail and see Thor's Hammer at the end. Again this is a kind of movie where visuals overtake details and this movie offers a great deal of visuals stunning you to the end.

Rating:




Furry Vengeance - Being a Comedienne is one of the hardest job in the world, for one you have to think of a skit that's funny and very appealing, and of course you have to be original cause if somebody else have beaten you on that punchline chances are your joke would stink. Enough for the intro and let's get down to business. Brendan Fraser in my opinion is one of the better comedic actor because he acts so naturally his punchlines sells.

In Furry Vengeance, Fraser plays as Dan Sanders, who is the manager of a land development firm. The construction site? A protected forest! Troubles begin once the local animals discover his leadership role in the destruction of their habitat. With the leadership of a Raccoon, Sanders soon lands atop the forest's Most Wanted list, and realizes how much trouble a few feisty forest creatures can cause! The pesky critters bedevil Dan night and day, sabotaging his work, his peace of mind and even his wardrobe.

Looking at this short synopsis you might identify it as been there seen that mode, which is really sorry since it features a strong cast in Fraser and Brooke Shields alone. Rotten Tomatoes (from where I copied most of the synopsis for Furry..) gave the movie a passing rate of 7 percentile. I will not be as hard as them as there are still some scenes that'll definitely bring a smile to your face. Well it's a matter of taste really.

Rating:



A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) - How many sequels did this film had? 8? And this installment brings us back from the start. I'll be direct to the point. The movie is actually far cry from when I used to hide in the blanket just seeing Freddy show up comparing it to this edition (or maybe I have just outgrown the fear?). But yes, it's not as creepy as the last films, but it's better visually (you gotta owe that to the new technology). I think the story is also better narrated this time. There are scenes where you get surprised but after that you don't feel the same chill you felt in the last movies. It's different really, I think this is one of the films where Michael Bay's magic didn't work for his favor.

Rating:






So that's it. It's only May and there are a lot of pretty good movies lined up, Please never expect me to put up a review for the Twilight series since it's never going to happen. I just don't like it and I'm not intrigued by it. Expect me to put up an effort to Robin Hood, Shrek and a lot more movies this 2010. Until then. Godspeed!

Última palabra: Feel free to write your comments on this review, would like to hear from you.

The Last Months...

I have not been able keep up, The upheaval is too hard, it choked me to the ground... I could've died.

I secured a job in January, a day job, and it gave me the usual chills... High hopes, high standards, the sense of idealism was back. Then reality slammed me back to the ground. It was at the second week of January when I received a call for a job interview, as I have done with the previous affairs, I cooly said: "yes I'm coming" then scheduled for the job queue the next day. And what a day it was.

After getting to the directions I was told on the phone, I found myself wandering in the middle of Makati not knowing where to go I phoned the office for further directions. After getting further directions I saw myself staring at a private lot, I knocked and eased my way to a stairway leading to a small neat unit passing as an office. With all these said and done I took my test. At the middle of the exam felt uneasy all of the sudden, I know I wasn't feeling really good... I was also setting myself to flunk the exam. After that I proceeded for a little chit-chat with the employer and was told to wait for a call shortly days afterward.

Needless to say when I got home my suspicions were correct. I was getting a flu. It got me bed ridden for exactly two days. I should have taken it as a stern warning.

Days after I recieved the you're-hired-call. I was happy, confidence was back and as aforementioned high hopes, high standards, the sense of idealism was getting unto me. I guess I hoped too much and that was my undoing.

I will not go detailing all of what happened in the days following my decision but then again what I'm going to say is: I came, I saw and I surrendered. The people in the office are quite good the environment was not as friendly, it was intoxicating. Too much restrictions and too much yelling (which made me feel small, feeling everything I did in the period was wrong and I didn't do anything right) destroys the spirit and pulls you down. The weight was weighing me down, I can no longer push it up... It was then that I knew the fight is not worth fighting. Responsibility is overtaken by the need for self-esteem. Sun Tzu once wrote in his book The Art of War, which I am an avid follower, stated that "there are five essentials for victory:

(1) He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.
(2) He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces.
(3) He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks.
(4) He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.
(5) He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign."

I took number one out. I am happy with my decision and will live by it, I think it was for the best of both parties. It's best that we don't pull each other down, me not cutting the company's continuous development and them not slighting me and my individuality. I have high respect for everyone and I don't want to damage anybody's reputation. With that I will have my final words on this subject: Respect begets respect.