Delusions of a Sports Fan

This post came to me after the Nov. 14 Steelers game. See, I'm an avid Steelers fan, and it's important to me to see every game (yes, I mean every game) when it airs. I pride myself on seeing every moment of a game. The same is relatively true for Lakers games. Nov. 14, however, I broke a rule, a superstition rule, if you will. I fell asleep in the middle of an important game which led me to write out these rules so others would not make the same mistake.

See sports are riddled with athlete superstitions. Through the years, the media has made us privy to many of them:

• Jordan wore his UNC shorts under his Bulls shorts, and clapped hand chalk in front of the announcers' faces before games.
• Lebron does his Jordan-copycat, all-eyes-on-me, witness-my-greatness, worship-me chalk clap.
• Dwyane Wade has his pull-ups on the rim.

These are a few normal ones for starters, but they get far more interesting.

• Hockey sticks dunked in toilets before every game (Bruce Gardiner)
• Sleeping in opponents' game shorts the night before a game (Jason Terry)
• Wearing thong underwear while in uniform to break a hitting slump (Jason Giambi)
• Talking to the goal posts as if they are your "friends" (Patrick Roy)
• Brushing teeth between each inning (Turk Wendell; He has a bunch, actually.)
• Getting smacked in the face as hard as possible before an NFL game (John Henderson)
• Sexting pictures of your genitals to Jen Sterger (Brett Favre; What? Too soon?)

Athletes believe they must do these things or planets will fall out of alignment, groupies won't flock or poor performance will ensue. Well, fans have rules, too. Some are personal, and some apply to all fans.

If you are a true fan, these rules apply to you. If you violate a rule, it's a cardinal sin against your team, and chances are you have put your team in a position to lose (well, at least in your delusional mind).

Some of my personal ones are simple. I have to wear something Lakers-related on game day -- the bigger the better. On most game days, I'm wearing a pair of Lakers shorts underneath whatever pants I'm wearing to work. Steelers' garb is a much easier undertaking because I'm rarely working during a game. Watching the game is the ritual.

As I see it, there are a set of rules that must be followed by all fans when it comes to being a good/great fan:

Album Review: Arcade Fire -The Suburbs

Somewhere along the way we got lost in this country. The 35 and under generations got lost, lost in the dreams and ambitions of our parents. The things our parents idolized and wanted for their children -- freedom, enjoying work, fair pay, equality, job security, lack of war -- have somehow been taken for granted.

We assumed when our parents said they didn’t want us to work and struggle as hard as they did that we didn’t have to work at all for the lavishes of life. The idea of a normal life with a wife, kids, dog, some travel, good friends and a place to call your own is no longer enough. We want to see and have more. We watch TV and movies (and read the Hollywood tabloids, follow famous people on Twitter) and get the sense that to live normal is to be dead.

To endure what many would consider an average life is below ordinary. We have become enamored with our own dreams and believe the lies we were told as small children by our overprotective parents. "Everything is going to be bubble gum and rainbows" seemed to be the promise of life growing up.

But it's not.

And this generation has found the truth quite unsettling and confusing to the point of feeling betrayed. That feeling is something Arcade Fire addresses in their first album, "Funeral." "Funeral" was a simple WTF statement, a "you never told us it was like this!". There is pain, death and strife. It was an awakening, a scream at our elders for keeping the truth away from us. A scream because they assumed we couldn't handle the truth.

Arcade Fire's second album, "Neon Bible," was a reply to that scream. A tale from the other side, an explanation of why older generations felt they needed to hide the truth, why they overprotected us, why they indulged our every want and desire, revealing just how dark things really are in this world. But also sending a reassuring declaration of hope and encouragement before it was all said and done.

Arcade Fire's 2010 release of "The Suburbs" is the rebuttal of those children and their coming of age. A tale of just how interesting, complex and utterly boring alleged simplicity and over-protection can be.

The title track tells the story about how life wasn’t nearly as easy as our parents had hoped. "The Suburbs" encapsulates the angst we felt as teenagers, how we enjoyed so much, yet couldn't wait to get out on our own to take on the world. How boring that wait really was, and how unbelievable it was to finally get out in the world, be on our own and move past the bullshit, and in the same breath look back with an air of whimsical nostalgia upon all those feelings.

"The Suburbs" captures the feeling of growing up in the suburbs of middle America. Though it may not be the grit and struggle of the ghetto, things are still no picnic. The album manages to run a gamut of emotions most of us felt as teenagers. Songs like "The Suburbs," "Empty Room," "Suburban War" and "We Used To Wait" encapsulate the feeling of teenage angst, while "Rococo" and "Month of May" show even suburban kids can bare their teeth once in awhile.

"Wasted Hours," "Deep Blue" and "Sprawl II" bring the typical Arcade Fire introspection we have become acclimated to, while "Ready To Start," "Sprawl II" "Half Light II," and "Modern Man" serve as notice that the kids have come of age and are ready to play adults, setting out in the world.

The sounds on this album are classic Arcade Fire, but hit a more grandiose level. The drums are heavier, the bass lines thicker, the sound of the guitars just a little bit richer with an occasional 80s synthesizer thrown in. Arcade Fire have strived to give us something new but familiar with every album. In this day and age of overnight Internet sensations where most stars care more about their fame than their art, Arcade Fire have made it their goal to give us more than just a flash in the pan. "The Suburbs" is an American classic, something that not only captures the feeling of the moment it was in, but will portray and relate that feeling to future generations.

Arcade Fire did what so few in this day and age are capable of -- creating an album to echo through history. Now the question becomes: Where do they go from here? Who knows, but for now let's enjoy our walk through the 'burbs.

Must Listens: The Suburbs, Rococo, We Used to Wait, Sprawl II.

P.S. for a walk through your burbs set to the sounds of "We Used to Wait" go to www.thewildernessdowntown.com  Enjoy the Walk ! :)

Broderick Brown and the Play of the Year

Of all the football I have watched in my life I'd say this is easily one of the top 5 football plays I ever saw!Amazing awareness and football IQ to even know you could do something like this.

Blake Griffin -Thats Elevation Holmes

Cant describe in words what happens in this video. This kid is a monster athlete. He turns in 2-3 of these dunks a night. If you get a chance to watch a Clippers game do it, so worth it. By the way when was the last time you heard someone say that last line?

NBA Preview 2010-11

NBA 2010-2011 Preview

Here we are again, on the verge of another NBA season. For the first time in years, I am absolutely giddy to watch the NBA because of Lebron James and “The Decision,” and Craig Sager's ridiculous wardrobe choices (a Sager Suit Face off for your veiwing pleasure)

Nonetheless, I cannot remember a time when there was more excitement going into an NBA season, especially before the season even started. I suppose we have Lebron's “All eyes on me, kids there is no Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, I'm going to crush the hopes of an entire fan base and city with my ego” summer to thank for that.

And after all, it's been years since fans have had a common enemy to root against. The last one in memory was the Bad Boys in the 80s. For the past few years, people have hated different teams for different reasons. Whether it was for the team's image -- the Portland Jailblazers, Iverson's thugged-out 76ers squads, the Knicks' band of merry thugs (Sprewell, Mason, L.J., Marcus Camby) -- or just players like Kobe Bryant, Rasheed Wallace, Ron Artest to name a few. NBA fans have not had a common enemy. This year is different; every fan will cheer for any team playing against the Heat. We will rue their wins and cheer gleefully when they lose. We will mock Lebron every moment we can, with every commercial he does and every pseudo apology he tries to make because honestly it's way too late to apologize.

I'm excited not only because for the first time in a long time there is a true team to hate, but also because the NBA is competitive again. The league is no longer watered down, making a regular season pointless for fans. Top that off with the fact the word rivalry has reappeared in the NBA lexicon (thanks to Boston Celtics and LA Lakers of 2010) and you have a season I cant wait to watch.

Teams have stopped giving love to each other. Players have shown they have a distaste for the other team or the city (Johkim Noah's vacation to Cleveland ). Bulletin board material is no longer an issue. If you hate the team, you just come out with it and then let your play back you up. That’s why we have seen some of the best playoff matches in years. Politically correct is going out the window and fans are witnessing a resurgence of tough, hard-nosed players who care more about championships than money.

With that in mind, let me introduce you to my 5 part 2010-2011 NBA Season Preview. 

NBA Preview pt. 1

THE HEAVY HITTERS

1. LA Lakers

They may not be the popular choice for No. 1 in the league due to the Miami Heat's offseason, but champions are champions until they are dethroned.

The core nucleus is still with the team, including most of its depth, minus Jordan Farmar and Adam Morrison's mustache (its progress being that much more legitimate than its host). You know the key players: Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, Ron Artest, Derek Fisher and Kobe Bryant. And the addition of Steve Blake and Matt Barnes are key to a title defense.

Blake is a good three-point shooter and a highly-efficient ball handler, while Barnes will add defense to an extremely-deep bench. Also, don't forget the electric Shannon Brown.

All the pieces are in place to repeat, and all the attention and expectations being placed on the Miami Heat will be a blessing in disguise.

2. Boston Celtics

Last year's runner-up gave the Lakers everything they could handle while missing Kendrick Perkins to injury in Game 7 of the Finals. Who knows what would have happened if he had been there.

The Celtics are old, but they're wily, they know their roles, and they know what it takes to win. With their primary focus being on defense, and the addition of Shaq to clog the middle as well as the addition of Jermaine O’Neil to help bump up the size on the bench. This team will be a handful for anyone they go up against.

This is Kevin Garnett's second year, returning from severe knee injury. If all indications are correct, he should be ready to compete at a high level this season. Also, the removal of locker room cancer Rasheed Wallace can do nothing but help this team.

Boston's starting five have the ability to wear teams down and the unique ability to bring high-energy guys like Nate Robinson and Glen Davis to pick up the tempo and exploit the exhaustion of any opponent's starting five.

Don’t look for this team to play coy like they did last year. Playing coy last year stopped the focus on being No. 1 and put it on resting everybody, not caring where they fell in the rankings and deciding they could get to the finals no matter what their playoff position was. And they were right.

This year, the gloves are off. Look for Boston to come out of the gates swinging. They have spent a whole summer brooding over last year's Finals loss. In addition, they have heard every one anoint Miami the champs. That's going to be more than enough motivation for the reigning Eastern Conference champions to make another run this year.

People seem to want to count this team out for their age. But make no mistake, if they come up against the Heat in the playoffs, they will be more than ready.

3. Orlando Magic

Orlando may not have seen many roster changes in the offseason. But for the first time in his career, Dwight Howard is taking his talents -- and his weaknesses -- seriously, working with Hakeem Olajuwon in the offseason to add to his previously-anemic offensive repertoire.

As the leading defensive player the past two seasons, Howard has that part of his game on lockdown. Now, some much-needed work on his low post footwork, as well as his shooting touch, should make sure teams throw a double team his way more often. If Howard can prove to be a force in the paint on offense, he will not only open up the perimeter for an already trigger-happy (and extremely accurate) backcourt, but will make a legitimate run for MVP.

Solid core players Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis make up Orlando's strong nucleus. The addition of Quentin Richardson should round out a deep and skilled bench, and look for J.J. Redick to have a breakout shooting season to help this deadly three-point shooting team.

The big question mark will be Vince Carter. Can he have an All-Star year like the days of old? Or is the old Carter gone for good? Last year we saw flashes of his brilliance, but that's just it -- mostly flashes. If Carter can average 15 points a game and find a new love for defense, Orlando will be a formidable opponent for any of the contenders. If Carter can't give Orlando those numbers, they better make a trade, or they can kiss the Finals goodbye.

With all the attention in Florida being focused on the Heat, the Magic should have plenty of motivation to remind people they were contenders well before the King brought his talents to South Beach.

4. Chicago Bulls

For the past two years the Bulls have provided us with playoff magic. Whether it was the playoff series two years ago when they gave the Celtics all they could handle for seven games, or last year's wonderful comments from Joakim Noah in regards to Cleveland as a vacation spot (one of my top 10 favorite sports quotes ever). Well folks, that team is back and better than ever.

The Bulls had a big offseason, acquiring Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver to complement Derrick Rose and Noah. Boozer hurt himself in the preseason though, so don't expect a fast start. But this team will hold the fort well until he gets back.

This season should be different from last year's 41-41 team, so long as the injury bug stays away from any of the major players. Luol Deng will have to pick up the scoring a bit with the loss of Kirk Hinrich. But Korver should help with that as well.

Noah is poised to have a breakout season, be a consistent double-double guy and continue to be a defensive nightmare for the opposition. Putting Boozer beside Noah on the blocks just adds veteran leadership and chemistry. This team will be able to bang down low with the best of them, even if they're slightly undersized.

The ingredients are on the table, now it's up to first-year head coach Tom Thibodeau to put it all together for a long run in the playoffs. And with some luck, maybe a shot at the Finals.

With their combination of speed, power and youth, this team has a legit shot at taking a run at it. The only sad part is Noah won't be able to say anything about Miami the way he did Cleveland. Then again, I'm sure he will find something.

5. Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta would be higher up if it weren’t for their sporadic behavior the last two years -- coming into each season showing promise of a true contender only to fall short and be eliminated early in the playoffs.

New coach Larry Drew brings a more potent offensive scheme to the team and also a more man-to-man approach to an already-potent defensive team.

Their defense is anchored by larger-than-life players Al Horford and Josh Smith. The problem with Smith is he suffers from the same offensive diseases as Dwight Howard, relying strictly on athletic talent to produce offense. If he has improved at all, it could mean trouble for the power forwards and centers who guard him. They could really use a return to form from veteran guard Mike Bibby to assure a deep run in the playoffs.

This team is a year older, a year wiser and has a solid bench to back up their starters. If they can put it together by the end of the season, they will be a force to be reckoned with and will make a legitimate title run for a championship-deprived city.

NBA Preview pt. 2

On the Verge

6. Miami Heat

Most of America currently hates Miami, making them probably the most polarizing team in the field this year. James' "Decision" turned everyone except Miami residents against them. Rooting for the team to fail, it will be interesting to see how the Big Three functions with a target on their back no matter who they face.

This year's Steinbrenner approach to the season means anything less than a championship is a failure, putting added pressure on a team fighting their way out of a deep Eastern Conference. And though the Big Three seems to have all the necessary stuff on paper to bring the Heat, their supporting cast (the signing of Juwan Howard and Jerry Stackhouse has to be some type of Punk'd episode involving Pat Riley and LeBron James) doesn’t exactly scream 'Fear us.'

Actually it reminds me of something I used to cook up called Poor Man's Casserole. As a struggling 20-something, I would have a fridge full of leftovers: pasta, veggies, meat, potatoes, beans, rice, basically various scant items. I would throw them all together, put some type of sauce on top of it, toss it in the oven and pray for the best. Sometimes, I got something really good. Other times, I got something close to toxic sludge.

That’s exactly what this team is: Poor Man's Casserole. Miami spent a lot of money on three big-ticket players and are hoping their leftovers can satisfy their hunger. Riley is gambling on getting something good. I'm guessing it will be tolerable, but nothing to write home about. Look for them to cruise past teams like the 76ers, Nets and Detroit, but struggle with contenders like Orlando, Boston and Atlanta.

This isn’t the first time All-Star caliber players went mercenary for rings. Remember the 2004 Lakers adding Karl Malone and Gary Payton? Didn’t work for them, and it won't for Miami, at least not this year.

With karma already following this team around (and not necessarily the good kind), an injured Mike Miller, a recovering and oft-injured Dwyane Wade, a lack of size on the blocks, and a shallow bench, this season could prove to be more difficult than anyone expects unless some moves are made by the trade deadline.

This team winning a championship would not surprise anyone. Losing wouldn’t surprise anyone either, but if so, excuses are inevitable.

7. Utah Jazz

The Jazz have undergone a huge overhaul to their roster in the offseason, losing Ronnie Brewer, Kyle Korver and Carlos Boozer to the Chicago Bulls. Can Al Jefferson and Raja Bell make up the difference? Korver's three-point accuracy will be missed, but Bell is no slouch in the shooting department.

Bell will bring a defensive toughness courted by many teams in the offseason, including the reigning NBA champs. With the best point guard in the league and a cast of role players always ready to mix it up, the Jazz are looking to prove they truly belong among the league's elite.

With some luck on the health front and a midseason acquisition, or a monster year from Al Jefferson, the Jazz should do just that, and possibly earn Jerry Sloan his first Coach of the Year honors in his illustrious 22-year career.

8. New Orleans Hornets

The dismissal of the Hornets as a playoff contender is a mistake. The Hornets are coming off a season where Chris Paul was injured and Peja Stojakovic finally started to show his age. The loss of Tyson Chandler last year in a trade for Emeka Okafor was a huge blow toward team chemistry. However, from a roster standpoint, Okafor and Chandler are the exact same player. If Okafor can prove he is one of the team, fans should see chemistry reset itself.

Trevor Ariza will bring a defensive tenacity to the team as well as his championship attitude. Look for David West and and Marcus Thorton to provide offensive firepower, so long as Paul is healthy and creating scoring opportunities. If this team gets off to a fast start, they will make the playoffs.

9. San Antonio Spurs

Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker are both healthy for the first time in years and should remind people why they were considered one of the best backcourts in basketball for years. Tim Duncan will be the consistent anchor he always is, but the wear and tear of playing for a perennial contender combined with his age will reduce his production.

Richard Jefferson will have to assert himself as the scorer he once was. If he can't do it, look for the Spurs to make a trade midseason for more scoring. They have never been a scoring team, rather a 'slow the pace, defensive grind-you-down' team. But that’s the problem. Duncan and Ginobili are losing a step on defense, and the bench is far from one of the deepest in the league. Teams like the Lakers, Thunder, Heat, Bucks and Rockets will give this team fits with their size and speed.

Look for a long, grinding season with 45-55 wins and a playoff appearance. Once in the playoffs, anything can happen. They have the coach, players and veteran experience to take advantage of any slip-ups by the major player (Lakers) as well as four championship rings to prove they know what it takes to finish the job. However, I'm not particularly worried about watching a Spurs vs. Boston bored-to-tears Final anytime soon.