AUGUST 4:

Welcome to my favorite month of the year.

We are in our 32nd week. We are about 6-8 weeks out from the big day. The room is in order; it’s slowly coming together.

Now on to the randomness:

Brett Farve is every thing I hate about sports, he’s a hangeroner. He and the Packers suck, they are going 8-8 this year and will be an afterthought after week four.

Speaking of football. It’s time for fantasy preparation. I have a new strategy this year to win the championship. We will recover.

It’s silly season in politics. Look for more fun in the next few weeks.

Went to RAW at the Verizon Center and a great show all around except Jericho bored the crowd. I like Santino and want to give Mike Adamle a chance as GM before I smash him.

I am missing the NWA convention this year. I may try to go next year.

Flair has left the WWE.

Still haven’t seen Batman.

Get well soon Deacon Wright.

The US team is looking good right now, but they just might lose.

The NFL preseason is too long.

College football training camp has begun.

That’s all for now. Be easy and Stay FLAM.

JULY 21:

Nice story about one of my former players, who is looking to continue his basketball career abroad.

http://www.gazette.net/stories/071608/burtspo193426_32359.shtml

JULY 20:

This has to be the dullest time in sports. At least the Olympics start soon. Not much going on so let’s get to some randomness shall we?

Happy Birthday Victor, Tanya, and Kamryn.

My wife is entering her 30th week. Almost time for the homestretch. We are taking all types of baby classes and reading all kinds of books (stop laughing) I am super excited but how much will all this change my life? (A great deal stupid)

Facebook is amazing.

Obama is traveling in Africa, Asia and Europe. Be careful and watch what you say. They will all turn heel on you.

Barry Bonds is being hosed. I mean a C-O-N spricy. Like he can’t hit .250 and put some butts in the seats.

Brett Farve is everything I hate about pro sports, he’s a hangeroner. He has cried wolf so many times that I don’t blame the Packers for being a little leery. That being said, here is what should happen:

1. Bret should show the Packers he wants to play by asking for his reinstatement.

2. He should go through training camp like everyone else.

3. He should restructure his contract so they can sign Aaron Rodgers to a long term deal.

4. He should leave after this season and move the hell on.

Go on Greg Norman. Heck of a run. Didn’t get the job done in the end, but heck of a run.

I haven’t seen The Dark Knight yet, but I didn’t see Batman Returns either.

NFL training camps are beginning this week. Which means it’s time to begin researching for fantasy football.

My boy Riley is moving to Florida with his lovely wife Vanessa who is the new Women’s Coach at Bethune-Cookman.

The Great American Bash is on tonight which reminds me of RFK Stadium and watching Magnum TA, Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, etc in 1986.

Speaking of Flair, but the DVD for the promos alone.

That’s all for now. Be Easy and Stay FLAM.

JUNE 16:

Happy Father’s Day!!!

I am a mark for Father’s Day. I am a daddy’s boy. My father has been my role model and my friend all of my life. He taught me how to have a great work ethic, not to make excuses and to do all you can for your family. When my brother and I were growing up he was busy working, but I always knew he loved me and what a great supporter of my career and me he has been. Pops always talked about want versus need. You need to eat, you want McDonalds, we are going to get you what you need and sometimes you get what you want. I just hope to be half the Pops he has been to me to Victor and KJ.

Tim Russert passed away this week. My wife was a big fan of his work. I watched him and enjoyed his perspective. He was good at what he did and will be missed. He was a daddy’s boy too.

Tiger Woods is going for a major on father’s day. I don’t want to bet against him, but that knee is not looking too good and he has really not played well. With that being said, he’s that damn good. I will be rooting for him.

Also on father’s day you will have the Celtics vs. Lakers for a chance to close out the series. I think the Celtics will win in 6.

My wife bought me a new driver for Father’s day. I still can’t hit, but it looks good.

That’s all for now, just a quick one today. Be easy and stay FLAM.

JUNE 10:

No more pencils, no more books, no more teacher dirty looks. The school year has come and gone and I am already planning for next year. I will be teaching Psychology next year.

Vegas was great as usual. I enjoyed a few shows with my lovely wife and some of the sights. I recommend the Steakhouse at Circus Circus for your dining pleasure.

The NBA Finals are taking place and so far it has been a Boston Three Party. I had the Celtics in 6, so I will stay with it. Remember it’s not a series until the home team loses.

I saw Sex and the City and the new Adam Sandler movie. I can tolerate Sex and the City because my wife was such a big fan of the show. Sandler’s movie was kind of dumb. I just might like Kung Fu Panda.

KJ update, we are in week 24 and movie along. I am starting to spend more time in baby stores. Everything is so expensive.

Obama v. McCain. This is an exciting time in our country’s history.

Gilbert opts out…so what, let him move on.

Still haven’t got into MMA yet.

RAW is boring, they need to spice it up, ditto on Smackdown.

There is no way Tiger can win the US Open (Is there?)

We are taking Popeye out for Father’s Day. Famous Dave’s BBQ.

That’s all for now. Be Easy and Stay FLAM.

MAY 26:

Please take a moment to honor our military heroes this Memorial Day.

Another trip to Kings Dominion has come and gone. As always it was an enjoyable time. The Dominator was an excellent ride, but I prefer the Volcano and the “Crypt” to it. This was the first year of the name changes of many of our favorite rides due to Paramount not owning the name. KD is so much better than 6 Flags America it’s not even close. We have to try to go to Bush Gardens this year.

A few friends of ours rekindled to Prince vs. Michael Jackson debate. Lets take a literal look at:

First of all I am a bigger Prince fan, than MJ but I am a mark for MJ and grew up listening to both. With that being said.

MJ has the longevity, but at the beginning of his career he was pushed by the Motown machine, in the middle of his career he had Quincy Jones and when he totally went by himself we got Blood is on the Dance floor and Stranger in Moscow. Now the tragedy of September 11, 2001 took away some momentum from his release of “You Rock my World”. His alleged behavior with young people has often overshadowed his music.

Prince has more musical talent. He did most of it with little to no help from mega producers. Now that being said he could have released fewer albums but for all of his “weirdness” there was a method to the madness and he has been more relevant (Grammy wins as recent as last year) than MJ.

But MJ can go on tour and sell out any place and so can Prince.

I could write all day about those two, but let’s talk about the playoffs.

It is no secret that we all want a Lakers/Celtics final, I know I do, we want the conference finals to go at least 6 games. Kobe is great; everyone else playing is just good. Lakers and Celtics both win in 6.

Lakers over Celtics in 6. Kobe gets his title without Shaq.

“How I wish that there was more than the 24 hours in a day”
Viva Las Vegas

I will be in Sin City next weekend for my third wedding anniversary, so I will write my column on the airplane. Three years, it seems like yesterday, and it does too. It was hot as all get out that day.

Well it looks like there just might be an end to the hunt for the Democratic Candidate for president. Barack Obama. Hillary Clinton should not be his running mate, but should get a cabinet position. I think the Democrats have hurt themselves for the general election and it will be a tough fight. John McCain is a good man, but I do have a problem with some of his ideas and hope like heck that Obama wins. He needs to pick John Edwards as his running mate. I think that would be a good ticket.

I have no interest in Indiana Jones.

That’s all for now. Be Easy and Stay Flam.

MAY 18:

Where does the time go?

Happy Mother’s Day!

We took all of the mothers out to dinner at Gunnings, which actually was pretty good. We are in week 20 of pregnancy. Speaking of expecting mothers congratulations to my former student and supreme musician Christina (Cheeks) McBride J

This is the best time of year to be a coach, Graduation time. I want to salute the following graduates:

Folarin Campbell: George Mason University
Seye Aluko: University of Miami
Arthur Claybon: Hood College

My mentor Hank Galotta often told me that it days like this more than the wins, practices, etc. that you remember more than anything and as usual Coach is right. I am so proud of these young men.

Game 7, just saying it gives you goose bumps. Let’s get the picks out of the way:

Boston doesn’t lose at home and they will beat Cleveland.

San Antonio, as much as I like Chris Paul, will win. To be the man, you got to beat the man and San Antonio is the defending champs so that makes them the man.

Big Brown looks to be a dominant horse, but I can’t see him winning the Triple Crown.

Leave Michelle Obama alone, I think this crap in Tennessee will backfire. BTW can we end the race already?

Ironman was pretty good. I have no interest in Speed Racer or Indiana Jones, but I will see the Sex in the City Movie.

I hope Mike Tyson makes it.

I just can’t get into the WNBA.

Congratulations to Don Friday on becoming the Head Coach of St. Francis (PA). Job well done.

That’s all for now. The Celtics game is about to start. Be Easy and Stay FLAM.

APRIL 26:

Happy Birthday Popeye!!

It has been hectic in the Adams Household. With school and recruiting who has time to write, but here I am. Now on to the randomness:

We are in week 18 of pregnancy and I feel great, of course my wife has good days and bad days, but thanks for asking how I’m doing J All kidding aside I am just enjoying the process and taking time to smell the roses so to speak. We did find out that it will be a boy. I am look forward to Keith (KJ) Adams arrival sometime at the end of September. I will keep you posted.

The Democratic Party is going to blow the election. They are smashing each other up so the Republicans don’t have to. Let’s get this straight, old people who grew up in the 50s, 60s feel a little animosity toward our government, get over it. My uncle is crazy that just means I have a crazy uncle. So what’s the big deal about Jeremiah Wright? All I know is that if people voted for one person and they got someone else they are going to have a fit. Hillary can’t win and she is going to have to put Barack over and she won’t do it. This is going to be more of a mess than it already is. Stay tuned.

The NFL draft just ended, just kidding, it was not as nearly as long as previous years. The Skins did well I guess.

The NBA should expand its draft to 3 rounds instead of 2.

The playoffs are off to an interesting start. The Lakers look great. The West is not as competitive as I thought it was going to be. The East is dull and let’s get to the second round.

Johnny Dawkins to Stanford is a great move for him. I wish him the best.

That’s all for now. Be Easy and Stay FLAM.

Final Four Blog 2008

April 3 12:00pm
We have arrived in San Antonio. Please excuse any misspellings I do not have spell check on my phone.

Tay overslept so we almost missed our flight. Continental is not the best airline, but we made it.

Justin Junghans is my substitute so my students are in good hands.

I really like San Antonio, there is a lot to do.

April 3 6:30
I don't care...its 5:00 somewhere.

I really enjoy hanging out with all of the coaches. Billy Hahn is holding court and as always its a pleasure.

My man Cliff Warren did a great coaches clinic this afternoon.

We had dinner at Tony Roma, I called it Tony Romo by accident and Tay said he wasn't going (He's a Redskin fan remember). The wasn't that great actually.

After dinner we went to the 5* party. I think I may be getting old. The music was too loud, people were smoking, I was sleepy around 10 and the only songs Ii knew were La Bamba, Cherry Pie, something by the Beastie Boys and that stupid Solider Boy song (yes I know how to do the dumb dance thanks to my students) not one Prince song, but I'm still cool...right?

April 4 7:30am

Today is the 40th anniversary of the death of MLK. I think if he had lived he would have mixed feelings on our growth and progress. We have made advancements but we need to continue. There is so much stupid we do collectively, but that is a topic for later.

12:45
Tex Winters did a clinic this morning he is such a basketball genius.

I did some shopping this morning, had to get the family some items. I have some legit UNC fans to buy shirts for.

We are sitting at the Alamodome watching Kevin Love of UCLA hit full court shots. He is strong as a bull. These open practices are pot luck, sometimes you can pick up a good drill or two, but UCLA did next to nothing.

Kansas is up next. I wish it was UNC. I may not make it the whole day.

Well Adams luck strikes again. As soon as we leave the Kansas practice they have a player get hurt.

Speaking of Kansas their fans really need to get over the Roy Williams leaving thing.

I missed Memphis and UNC practice.

I did some shopping today at the Rivercity Mall.

We went to dinner at some Texas place. TD and I both had salad which would please our wives, but it has been a bad diet weekend.

I went to the club again and had to face the fact that I am old.

April 5

I went to the D3 conference this morning, nothing earth shattering happened. I went to HOOP City as well.

We had a Black Coaches and Administrators meeting today. I am a proud member of the BCA.

The games sucked last night and don't tell me about the run in the second half UNC made.

It should be a great title game. I have downplayed Memphis all year, so I will pick...Kansas.

I hope to see a UT/UCONN women's final.

I am hitting the Riverwalk one last time.

April 6

I am tired and must restart my diet from the induction stage on Monday. I have gained 10lbs since the end of the season. I will go through sugar withdrawal.

I really enjoy seeing all of the coaches and the networking etc. I really like our staff and to spend this kind of uninterrupted time together. TD is a great to work with. We all really work well together.

Taxi, Taxi.
We are on our way to the airport. Another fun time had by all. So as always be easy and Stay FLAM.

MARCH 27:

I am checking my picks for the first time as I am writing this column:

My Picks:
UNC
Mason
Louisville
Tennessee
Kansas
Villanova
Wisconsin
Georgetown
Memphis
Pittsburgh
Marquette
Texas
UCLA
UConn
Xavier
Duke

NCAA Sweet 16
UNC
Washington State
Louisville
Tennessee
Kansas
Villanova
Wisconsin
Davidson
Memphis
Stanford
Xavier
Texas
UCLA
Western Kentucky
WVU
MSU


My Final 8
WVU
UNC
UCLA
Louisville
Wisconsin
Texas
Kansas
Michigan State

My Final 4
UNC
Kansas
UCLA
Texas

You gotta hand it to Davidson, they flat outplayed Georgetown. I must say however that the tournament has been a little lackluster so far with only a few big upsets. I hope that changes this weekend.

Good-bye and good luck to one of my mortal enemies Chris Webber (We dated the same girl once).

Wrestlemainia Preview

Triple Threat Match
Anyone but Triple H, let’s go with Cena, even though HHH rarely does the JOB on the PPV. HHH will win; I just don’t want him to.

Edge v. Taker
Taker doesn’t lose at WM. No analysis.

Flair v. Michaels
It is well documented that I am a Flair mark. I grew up on the Nature Boy. With that being said, it’s time and it will be a sad day when that happens. I am looking forward to the Hall of Fame dinner and presentation, but the champ will lose.

Big Show v. Pretty Boy
This match will be so bad but no outsider loses at Wrestlemainia. Lets go with the moneyman.

Money in the Bank
MVP is my choice with CM Punk being second. The other guys are either not ready or don’t need the win.

Batista v. Umaga
Umaga needs the push more than Batista.

JBL v. Finley
Finley needs the win with help from Hornswoggle

WWE Divas match
Who cares…popcorn anyone?

ECW Battle Royal
Tommy Dreamer/Colin Delaney

This show is weak, but I’m getting it anyway.

That’s all for now. Be easy and stay FLAM.

MARCH 20:

There was a nice story in the Washington Post about one of my former players...

A confession of sorts: About two weeks ago, when George Mason was reeling and it was time to stop believin', I had planned to drive out to Fairfax and see Folarin Campbell before his team was eliminated in its conference tournament. Before his last game, I wanted to ask the senior guard if he felt like a disposable hero, what it felt like to have one month of his life in 2006 -- one perfect shot he made two years ago -- define the rest of his basketball existence.

The sequence still is vivid, a step-back, fadeaway jumper along the right baseline over the outstretched fingertips of Connecticut's Rudy Gay, who that June would be a first-round NBA draft choice. In the waning moments of overtime at Verizon Center, in a region final in which George Mason was supposed to finally morph into a pumpkin, that high-arcing rainbow swished through.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

MARCH 17:

Please excuse me for not writing but I had a lot going on.

First of all I want to send my best to the Preston family. My good friend and former teammate Ed Preston recently passed away. Ed was a good man and he will be sorely missed.

Also my cousin Pete was wounded in Iraq recently as well. Get well soon.

AJ is also not feeling well, but she is on the mend.

But the most important thing going on is that my lovely wife Cecily and I are expecting our first child in September. Do you remember…the 21st night of September? My guesses for the arrival date are:
September 26
September 23
September 21
October 1

You may join in the due date fun by sending me your cards and letters at the email address provided.

It seems trivial but I need some randomness to help get me through.

I want to wish George Mason and all of the local teams luck in the NCAA. I had the chance to see the CAA Tournament live in Richmond. My man Folarin received the MVP of the conference tournament.

Let’s get going with the brackets.

Sweet 16
UNC
Mason
Louisville
Tennessee
Kansas
Villanova
Wisconsin
Georgetown
Memphis
Pittsburgh
Marquette
Texas
UCLA
UConn
Xavier
Duke

I can’t believe the Rockets have won 22 straight. We are almost to the playoffs.

NBA Top 5
1. Boston
2. Detroit
3. Houston
4. Lakers
5. Orlando

What else can be said about Tiger? He is unbelievable!

Happy Birthday Eden

That’s all for now. Be Easy and Stay FLAM.

MARCH 3:

My parent’s 42nd wedding anniversary was last week and my mother’s birthday is this week so happy happy to both of them.

Our season is over and now it’s on to planning and preparing for next year.

Of course I will be at the CAA tournament over the weekend to be a fan of George Mason and have some dipping dots. Looks like Mason will have to win the tournament to get into the NCAA tournament. I can’t thank Mason enough for all of the help and support they have given to Folarin over the past 4 years.

Good luck to all of the teams as the D1 conference tournaments begin. Look out this week for American University, UMBC, Morgan State, and Hampton and of course George Mason.

NCAA Top 5
1. UNC
2. UCLA
3. Tennessee
4. Memphis
5. Kansas

NBA Top 5
1. Boston
2. Detroit
3. San Antonio
4. LA Lakers
5. Orlando

I really want to see Semi Pro. It looks silly enough to be entertainment.

I still can’t get into UFC.

Not much else going on with me this week so that’s all for now, Be Easy and Stay FLAM.

FEBRUARY 29:

There was a really nice story written about one of my former players at Springbrook high school, Folarin Campbell:

http://www.gazette.net/stories/022708/burtspo214821_32356.shtml 

FEBRUARY 23:

Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, Saturday night’s all right...Elton John

Well this is it, the end of the regular season. If we win today against Salisbury we host a first round playoff game, if we lose we may or may not host and may have to travel to start a hard playoff road.

This is why you lift all those weights. We will see what happens.

Barack Obama is getting some heat for not attending the State of the Black Union in New Orleans. He said he is missing the forum because he is focusing on his campaign. Hilary Clinton will be attending. John McCain will not. This is a news story? An invitation means you can say no, he sent his regrets what else do you want? Get over it.

The Oscars are at it again. No Denzel for best actor? They are out of touch with what the people like and don’t like.

Tiger Woods is pretty good, but he won’t win this weekend.

I feel bad for Kelvin Sampson, but he had to know what he was doing was wrong. I hope he is able to bounce back.

I am interested to see the Memphis/Tennessee match up and how “innovative” this dribble drive offense is.

NCAA Top 5
1. Memphis
2. Tennessee
3. UNC
4. Kansas
5. Butler

The NBA trade deadline has come and gone. This is how I see it breaking down:

Eastern Conference Western Conference
1. Detroit Suns
2. Boston Lakers
3. Cleveland Spurs
4. Orlando Mavs

I still think Detroit will come out of the East and the Spurs out of the West. I want to see a Lakers/Suns final and a Detroit/Boston final, but that wont happen.

The Big Show vs. Pretty Boy Floyd at Wrestlemaina, I thought it was a good angle.

That’s all for now. Be Easy and Stay Flam.

FEBRUARY 18:

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

Before I discuss Valentine’s Day let me first say Happy Birthday to:
Angie, my soul sister without whom copasetic could not exist.

Cousin Shelly who got me in this mess. And Cheryl Williams who I have no idea where she is, but was always nice to me.

Valentine’s Day is a hustle plain and simple. I want everyone to stand and unite against the tyranny of Hallmark. (Yes I did something for my wife)

Happy President’s Day

Obama, Obama, Obama, he is on a jelly roll right now, but remember it is only February. There is a lot of butter to go.

Roger Clemens is getting jacked by the Senate. I know I am a Bonds guy, but doesn’t congress have some other things to worry about right now?

Grammy Thoughts
Who was that girl with the umbrella ruining the Time’s set? Prince is the man. I like the Rehab song. Tina Turner is old. Aretha is big. They both can still perform like no other. Beyonce is easy on the eyes.

Referees this year are blowing a lot of end of game situations.

Kelvin Sampson is in big trouble.

Swimsuit issue is out, again a very easy read.

NBA European division? I like it, but that is a long road trip.

That hockey injury was scary. I hope he gets well soon.

College Top 5
1. Memphis
2. UNC
3. Kansas
4. Tennessee
5. Duke

NBA Top 5
1. Boston
2. Detroit
3. Phoenix
4. Lakers
5. Utah

I enjoyed the Slam-dunk contest but Dwight Howard didn’t dunk it though. Dominique got robbed twice.

Kelly Pavlik defeated Jermaine Taylor again this weekend.

I am going to try and get some interviews, if I have time.

That’s all for now, so much for writing every Friday. Be easy and Stay Flam.

FEBRUARY 2:

It’s Super Bowl Weekend! The Giants will win 31-21. No they won’t but I hope they do. Let this not be the end of the 72 Dolphins.

Go Barack!

The Rumble wasn’t bad. The John Cena return was a surprise.

Jasmine’s birthday is this week; my sister’s and cousins birthday is next week.

Had a chance to spend some time with two former players this week. Santo Provenzano and Moyo Aluko. They were from two different coaching stops for me but the feelings are the same mad love and respect. Both are doing outstanding in their careers, both are college graduates and both are just as Hank used to say classy.

NBA Top 5
Boston
Detroit
Phoenix
New Orleans
Dallas

One of my archrivals is back in the NBA, Chris Webber, we dated the same girl once, but I am over it.

NCAA Top 5
Memphis
Duke
UNC
Georgetown
UCLA

Going to see Mason play today, hope they can get a win, heck hope we can get a win.

That’s all for now, just trying to get back in the habit of writing on the regular again. Be Easy and Stay FLAM.
 

JANUARY 25:

Happy Birthday to you…. (You know how Stevie sung it)

Well I am trying something new for the New Year, writing my column on a specific day of the week (We will see how long this lasts) on to the news

Super Bowl
Pats vs. Giants
I so want the Giants to win so that means New England will win in a rout.

Leave Tiger Woods alone.

Too bad about Heath Ledger, I have not watched that entire movie, but I saw some of it…you know which movie.

Go Obama.

NCAA College Basketball Top 5
1. Memphis
2. Kansas
3. Duke
4. UNC
5. Tennessee

NBA Top 5
1. Celtics
2. Hornets
3. Pistons
4. Suns
5. Spurs

Royal Rumble is this Sunday; it’s my second favorite Pay per View of the Year.

I am going with the Undertaker to win and get his well deserved title win at Wrestlemaina.

Randy Orton beats Jeff Hardy
Ric Flair over MVP
JBL over Jericho

Those are the only matches I care about.

That’s all for now. Be easy and stay FLAM.

DECEMBER 31:

The List 2008

Happy New Year to everyone!

As 2007 comes to a close I would like to take the time (with all due respect to the Washington Post) and compile my out and in list for 2008. If you get confused don’t worry, it’s all things that relate to me.
 

Let’s get a few thoughts out of the way:

NFL Playoff Picks

Redskins vs. Seahawks
Pitt vs. Jags
* Skins wins Jags wins

Giants vs. Bucs
Titans vs. S. Diego
* Giants wins SD wins

Cowboys vs. Redskins
Jags vs. Pats
*Dallas wins Pats win

Green Bay vs. Giants
SD v. Colts
* Green Bay wins Colts win

Green Bay vs. Dallas
Pats vs. Colts
Green Bay wins Pats Win

Super Bowl
Green Bay over New England 35-31
Bret Favre retires a World Champion. At least that’s how I would book it (Go 1972 Dolphins)

Speaking of stupid scripts, I really enjoyed the Smackdown/ECW show in Baltimore over winter break. Edge and Randy Orton have really come along as characters. We need a face to catch fire to make us care. I would like to see the Undertaker go against Edge at Wrestlemaina in a Hell in a Cell match. Batista v. Triple H. Flair vs. Steamboat (yes I said it) along with a few other matches.

That’s all for now. Be Easy and Stay FLAM.

DECEMBER 2:

Happy Birthday to Big Rick who turned 41.

I must admit that it is hard to write about randomness after Sean Taylor's death my prayers go out to all affected by his passing.

On to the randomness:

I am sitting courtside at the BBandT Classic watching 3 outstanding games for a good cause.

I want Hawaii playing for the National Championship they deserve it, not that anyone else does. Bowl week is coming up...predictions will come soon.

I am always slow watching the NBA in the beginning of the season.

College basketball is slowly picking up the pace.

That's all for now.

Be Easy and Stay Flam.

OCTOBER 19:

Back again for more fun filled excitement.

Let’s start with College Sports

College Football.
This has been by far the most exciting season in more than a decade. I like when teams lose. South Florida has got to be kicking itself right now because they had the bull by the horns, no pun intended. Here’s the ACS Top 5.

1. The Ohio State University
2. Boston College
3. Kansas
4. Arizona State
5. LSU

This is going to be a finish for the ages.

College Basketball
I am really going to miss watching Folarin play college ball. It has been a fast four years. I have a few Mason games scheduled and we are going to try and get him out to Frederick.

We have started our season and I will begin updating our team news section with some player interviews hopefully over the next few weeks.

We will wait for a top 5.

NFL
My fantasy teams suck and I am already playing out the string.

This just in…New England is good. We are just waiting for the Colts game. The Skins keep blowing chances to be considered an elite team. Dallas and the Packers are frauds.

Let’s make some picks for this week:
Skins over Cards
Jags over Colts (upset)
Dolphins over Pats (hey I will take the points)

NBA
I really don’t start watching until April, but I will update my preseason thoughts in my next column.

Misc.
Tyler Perry’s new movie Why Did I get married? Was a really good movie, let’s just say that Janet is still fine and I don’t care if she is 40.

That’s all for now. I am surprised I had time to write.

Be Easy and Stay Flam.

OCTOBER 9:

I know where have I been? I have been working, working, working day and night.

Let’s take a look:
Taking care of the family (My wife has been great, of course the season starts soon)
Teaching responsibilities (Being RT is a lot of work, I am sick of data)
County Classes (OAT is no fun)
Grad school (My internship is kicking my tale)
Basketball (my secret fun)

But we won’t complain, moan or groan, we will just try to review life’s happeneings and make predictions on the future so let’s roll:

This has been a crappy year for sports:
NBA Ref cheating
Benoit
More wrestlers dieing
NFL Cheating
MLB cheating
Track cheating
Bike race cheating
NHL…who watches hockey anyway
Vick

Did the athletic world take a stupid pill?
OJ is an idiot!
Travis Henry get a clue.

Baseball
Boston v. Arizona in the World Series, but what the heck do I know.

I’m thinking about getting a partial season ticket plan for the Nats.

A Rod is a choker, he can’t get it done. Sorry.

Get Bonds to Baltimore


NFL Notebook
Norv Turner sucks as a head coach…Marty doesn’t look so bad right now.

Top 5 Teams overall
1. Patriots
2. Cowboys
3. Colts
4. Packers
5. Steelers

What happened to Brett Farve? He is partying like its 1999.

My Fantasy Team is a mess, but we find a way to win.

NBA
The Knicks should have settled out of court.

Training camp is here, but I have not had time to check things out.

Who cares if Lebron likes the Yankees, I don’t. I once went to a WCW event wearing a WWE T shirt, now that’s hardcore.

NCAA

You gotta love the Ball coach down at South Carolina

ACS Poll (Adams Championship Series)
1. USC
2. LSU
3. Cal
4. Ohio State
5. Kentucky

I like the new teams breaking through in College Football. It should make for an interesting finish.

Midnight Madness is a week away.

Wrestling
The injury bug has bit again with John Cena being out. Randy Orton is the champ now.

That’s all for now. I hope to write again…soon.

Be Easy and Stay FLAM.

AUGUST 27:

Life is easy; people complicate it by the decisions they make. Richard Adams Sr.

My pops is not a soothsayer, but he is a smart man. The Michael Vick case is in a word sad. Let me get this out of the way, what he did was cruel, wrong and indefensible and he should be punished to the fullest extent of the law and the justice system will do its part. However, I just wished we put the kind of time and effort in convicting Michael Vick into finding Bin Laden, or getting our troops home, or ending hunger or funding our public schools, etc. Again don’t get me wrong, Mike blew it, he had the world at his feet and blew and I do not feel bad at all, I’m just saying who shot Dr. King? Why are there so many guns in the street? Be upset about everything not just one thing. While I am at it, yes he should be able to play again (if he didn’t violate the NFL solemn law of not gambling). Once you pay your debt to society people should leave you alone period. Malcolm X was a convicted felon. I think he was habilitated. I could go on, but you get my point.

It’s back! The start of school for all of the young scholars who are enthusiastically waiting for its return. Yeah right. My kids are already crying the blues. I am enjoying the new position of Social Studies Resource Teacher, but the workload is challenging.

I believe that team USA is headed for an Olympic berth. The team is playing extremely well.

I rate the new Prince album an 8. Chelsea Rogers, Guitar, Future Baby’s Mama will go down on the rewind list for a while.

I still can’t get into MMA, but I will support its growth.

SummerSlam looks to be a decent show. I think I will order it.

I will officially be in 3 Fantasy Football Leagues. One draft is over and I have 2 left.

That’s all for now. Be Easy and Stay Flam.

AUGUST 16:

NWA Legends Convention Day 3

The last day of the convention and I got to meet the Honky Tonk Man and Tully Blanchard two of my all time favorites. I got to hang around Baby Doll again, since she signed everything she asked to be my screen saver. She was really nice and to quote Smitty still hot.

All in all even with its flaws I had a a great time. It was a great birthday.

NWA Legends Convention Day 2

Even though I don't have all of my pictures from the last night I got the best birthday present ever...A day with my favorite wrestlers of all time.

I met Magnum TA this morning. Now for those of you that don't know from way back Magnum was one of my all time favorite wrestlers with his one minute matches and the belly to belly suplex. His fueds with Wahoo, Flair, Tully and Nikita were legendary. Plus I loved the work he did in Mid South wrestling. Sadly he was involved in a terrible car accident and his career ended at 27. His accident came in October of 1986. That was a rough year for me. I was 13/14 years old, The Challenger accident happen in January, Gino Hernandez died in February, Len Bias died in June and Magnum had his accident in October. Wrestling then changed. I have collected every video of Magnum I could find but to have a chance to meet him was the reason I planned thid trip in the first place. My friends ribbed me endlessly about how he would be mean to me and blow me off but he didn't, he was nice he asked me questions and heard my story. He wished me a happy birthday and signed my photo and my belt. I was in awe.

The day got better. I had a chance to hang out with Dustin Rhodes again as he was dressed as Goldust. Nikita Koloff The Russian Nightmare. He was a class act

I met Dr. Death Steve Williams, Both versions of the Midnight Express, Bob Armstrong, Rick Steiner, The Rock n Roll Express, the Masked Superstar who took a lot to speak to us. Baby Doll gave me another hug and wished me a happy birthday. Buff Bagwell was there, along with JJ Dillion. Finally Demlition finshed today.

I am at the main card and it is like watching the MC Hammer concert from a few years ago. You just ask yourself why?

NWA Legends convention Day 1

5:30pm

The NWA Legends convention is off to an uneven start. The legends themseleves have been great, everyone has been friendly and open, especially Ole Anderson.

I have met Playboy Gary Hart, the Powers of Pain, Dustin Runnels, Arn Anderson, Manny Fernandez, Christy Hemme, Ted Dibase, The Midnight Express and Jim Cornette.

However the organization has been piss poor. Nothing runs smoothly and nobody has an answer to anyones questions. This has been a poorly planned event so far and I hope it improves.

On another note, leave Pacman Jones alone. He is already suspended for the entire NFL season, so what if he wants to wrestle. Big deal. NFL players in the past used to wrestle all the time. At least you know where he is.

10:00pm

I am 14 years old all over again because Baby Doll gave me a hug. I had a great time at the legends dinner. It was the first thing that was well run this weekend. I met David Crockett and Bob Caudle. It was a tremendous experience.

I am listening to Ted Dibiase talk about his career. I got a chance to ask him a question and he answered it in great detail.

My diet is taking a small hit this weekend, but not too bad there is nothing good here to eat, I mean good for you. How about a little fruit?

Well Ted is wrapping up now and I am bushed. Good night wrestling fans from Charlotte.

AUGUST 10:

Well it took the the Montgomery County Judicial System to slow me down enough to write a column. I have Jury Duty. I must admit however that I have been reluctant to write because of the series of just tragic events that have taken place over the Summer.

Skip Prosser passed away recently and he and our head coach Tom Dickman were friends. I had a chance to meet Skip at the Final 4 in April and he was a master storyteller and really a nice guy.

Following that loss our Kennedy High School family loss two gifted and talented young men in Justin and Jeremy Herring who were shot and killed by their father who was suffering from depression and mental illness. It is never easy to lose a student, but to lose someone in this fashion hurts a little more.

Those losses on top of the Benoit tragedy has made for an awful Summer thus far. I will still continue on with the randomness of this because I need a little release as well.

Barry Bonds is a monster, monster player that is, he eclipsed Hank Aaron's Homerun record. Bud Selig is just flat wrong in how he has handled the whole situation, but as the Rock once said...It doesn't matter what he thinks. I am glad that Hank Aaron sent a message of congratulations.

I am a mark. I am traveling to Charlotte, NC this weekend to attend the NWA Legends convention. I cannot wait to see my favorites from years gone by. Magnum TA will be there.

Somebody punch Andre Blache in the back of the head...noggin that is.

The NFL is returning soon, thank goodness.

Tiger is the man. That was a quite a performance over the weekend.

What's up with the NBA? Refs cant really cheat, like on the record. Its supposed to be implied cheating.

I need to see the Simpsons movie again. It was that good. Quality entertainment. The Bourne Whatever was pretty good too.

That's all for now, if I have grammatical errors excuse but I typed this on my phone.

Be Easy and Stay Flam.

JULY 16:

I didn’t get to write about the NBA Draft, but I was upset about Benoit so I forgive myself, but I will address that situation later in the column.

Well let me first say congratulations to…me, yes I passed my SLLA exam with flying colors, it was as tough a test as I ever faced and I am pleased to have passed. Now the only thing left on my plate to complete my administrative certification is to complete my internship this upcoming school year. Congrats to Koch too.

I have already begun my job as Social Studies Resource Teacher at JFK. We had a weeks worth of meetings last week and we have leadership week at JFK this week, I have been working hard in my off time trying to get everything ready.

I am also teaching a great bunch of kids in summer school. The next big thing is my first educational speaking gig at the Pi Lambda Theta conference in Richmond. It should be interesting.

I also just finish 6 credits at Hood, and I am still taking one additional summer class and that should be it until the fall internship.

Big news. I am on a legitimate lifestyle changing diet with my wife. I am doing the Fat Smash diet from the people who run the celebrity fit club. I won’t tell you her starting weight but mine was 275lbs. I began the diet June 25, 2007, which began with a detox phase over a 9-day period. During detox I could only eat fruit/vegetables and water. In that time I dropped 9 pounds. I am slowing beginning to add more fun food and my next weigh in will be July 25. I hope to be in the 250s by that time. My goal is to get into the 220s but I will take it slowly.

I have been keeping up with the Benoit story in the news and I must say that a lot of people in the national news media are misinformed. I will admit that there have been a lot of wrestlers who have died before 50, but some of the names they are listing are just flat out not drugs or steroids. Here are some of the names they have mentioned:

Junkyard Dog: Car accident
Any Von Erich (Not David): Suicide
Chris Candido: Infection from surgery
Owen Hart: Accident
Adrian Adonis: Car accident
Bruiser Brody: Murder
Joey Marella: Car accident
The Renegade: Suicide
Yokozuna: Heart attack (He weighed 600lbs)
Andre the Giant: Pituitary disorder
Dino Bravo: Mob hit
Big John Studd: Cancer

That is just a small list and by no means is pro wrestling innocent but enough is enough.

What’s the deal about Harry Potter? I couldn’t name two characters. Transformers was pretty good tough.

David Beckham is a big deal, until the 3rd game he plays and then nothing.

I want to see the Talk to Me Movie about Petey Green. I’ll tell it to the hot, I’ll tell it to the cold, I’ll tell it to the young, and I tell it to the old…if you have to ask then you have never seen Channel 20.

Barry Bonds is getting a raw deal, leave him alone. He will brake the record by Labor Day…I hope.

Happy Birthday Tanya.

That’s all for now. Be Easy and Stay FLAM.

JUNE 26:

This is hard because I wanted to write about the NBA Draft but this is real.

I never apologize for being a professional wrestling fan. I have been a fan since I was a little kid, but sometimes you just hate some of the things that go on. I wanted to vent today about the dumb Vince is dead angle (sorry I hope you can understand wrestle-speak, I am too mad to translate) and not acknowledging properly the death of Sherri Martel, who was a tremendous talent, but I can’t. I can’t because Chris Benoit is dead. He is gone. From the early reports he died after killing his wife and son, then himself. He married Fallen Angel, Robin Greene, Woman… oh Woman won’t you marry me now (It’s a Flair line). I was a mark for Nancy she was hot to a teenager who was married to the devil himself Kevin Sullivan. I am sure a lot will come out in the news, but this makes no sense. Chris was a wrestler’s wrestler. He was a pro who loved the business, but he may have killed his wife so how can I have these feelings? I just wanted to put some thoughts down while they were fresh in my head. I am sure I will write about this at another time.

I hope to write a draft column before Thursday.

JUNE 17:

Happy Fathers day!

I am a self admitted daddy's boy. My Pops is the best dad in the world.

It has been awhile since I wrote but since I am finally on vacation, with the family at the beach, I have some time to reflect on the past few weeks.

1. I took the SLLA test in early June. It was a 6 hour constructed response test that I need to pass to complete my Educational Leadership Program. I am scheduled to complete the program by May 2008.

2. I am currently taking 6 Summer credit hours to achieve my raise with MCPS. I took 6 credits in the Spring as well.

3. I went to MCLA in North Adams, MA to visit their staff and had a great visit.

4. The most important news, got a promotion at work. I am the new Social Studies Resource Teacher at John F. Kennedy HS. I hope to continue in the legacy of my mentors people like Dr. Miller, Dr. Fenyo, Ms. Smith, Jack Bailey, Clayton Propes, Sue Spencer, Bob Vandegrift, Linda Spoales, and so many others.

Now on to more randomness...

The NBA should reseed their playoffs after each round but enough already with the mixing of the East and the West.

Barry Bonds has slowed down in his hunt to catch Hank. I think that Hank should be there when he breaks the record. However Hank has earned the right to make his own decison.

RIP Sherri Martel she was truly a great talent.

Tiger Woods is at it again but I don't think he will be able to pull it off this time.

That's all for now. I probably forgot some things but that's ok, it's just good to write again.

As always be easy and stay FLAM.

MAY 18:

So what have I missed?

A lot going on at work, school is finishing, and then summer school starts. It will be a busy summer for me and the family but hey that’s what I get the big bucks for and now on to the randomness…

Congratulations to all of the college graduates in including my big 3 at Hood:

Sean Robine, Darnell Edmonds, and Justin Junghans.

Also two very special people to me at Maryland Sophia (Sophia and it is such a pretty name) Alfred and Ryan Steinberg (Steinberg graduated…yeah that’s what I said).

David Stern was right, end of story. Quit whining Suns. You have 7 assistant coaches and no one stopped you? I have been coaching for over 15 years and my players know you can’t go on the court. Too bad, so sad, get over it.

Now of course they shouldn’t be playing the Spurs anyway. The NBA needs to reseed the playoffs. I want Utah as far away from the NBA finals as possible.

Spiderman 3 was pretty good. It did seem rushed though.

Shrek 3 is coming out so I will have to see that as well. Can you believe Eddie Murphy is family friendly? I was just listening to RAW and it is some of thing raunchiest stuff I ever heard (Wasn’t me, but I looked right in your face, wasn’t me)

NBA playoffs Championship Round:
Utah v. San Antonio. Spurs in 6.
Detroit vs. Cleveland Pistons in 6

NBA Finals
Spurs in 6.

NBA Draft Lottery is soon, here are my projected top 3 teams (only)
1. Celtics
2. Bucks
3. Grizzlies

Barry Bonds hasn’t hit one out in a minute. I will predict by early August he will get it.

Roger Clemens shouldn’t get the deal he has, but if someone is willing to do it, I can’t be mad at him.

That’s all for now. Be Easy and Stay FLAM.

MAY 3:

Wait dare I say Bonds hit another out! 12 to tie, 13 to get it.

So my NBA picks may have been a little off game wise, but I still picked most of the winners. Let’s review:

Eastern Conference
Pistons beat the Magic (yes Grant should retire)
Nets are up 3-2
Cleveland beat the Wiz (Bye Brendon)
Bulls beat the Heat.

Western Conference
Suns beat the Lakers
Spurs beat the Nuggets
Houston is up 3-2 (T-Mac is ready)
But the Mavs are down 3-2 to Golden State. (I still have them winning)

Next column we will have round 2 picks.

The NFL draft just ended.

Imus will get an out of court settlement in his case against CBS because they can’t win the case.

Spiderman 3 is coming out I am looking forward to seeing it. I really don’t remember the last 2 though.

I am currently in negotiations to attend the NWA Legends convention in Charlotte, NC in August. Magnum TA and Tully Blanchard will be there.

The NCAA not only banned text messaging, but they also crackdown on prep schools and they are taking away scholarships from schools with their latest APR data. Schools are going to need to rethink how they do business.

That’s all for now. Be Easy and stay FLAM.

APRIL 26:

Back again for more randomness.

Bonds is on a tear!!!!!!

The NCAA should limited text messaging to certain hours of the day and not ban it outright. It is used too often for everyone to be put back into the box. I am sure they will come up with some type of compromise.

I will be honest I got lazy and didn’t put out my NBA playoff predictions. So here they are:

Chicago vs. Miami

I am taking Chicago in 6 games. I think the Heat are old and Wade can’t carry Shaq because of the injury. This may be it for the Diesel.

Detroit vs. Orlando

The Magic can’t hang so the Pistons will win in 5.

Toronto vs. New Jersey

Nets in 6. Raptors are a little young and inexperienced.

Washington vs. Cleveland

Cavs in 5 and it should be 4 but they will choke one.

Houston vs. Utah

Rockets in 6. Tmac is ready to make that move.

Lakers vs. Suns

Suns will win in 5 games, Phil Jackson won’t get swept.

Denver vs. San Antonio

This one is a tough one. I really would like Denver to win, but I just don’t see it. Spurs in 7.

Golden State vs. Dallas

Don’t sweat the technique. Dallas in 5.
The NFL draft is boring. It takes too long between picks and it makes no sense. If you want me interested cut the time between picks to 10 minutes in the 1st round and 5 minutes each round after that.

Backlash should be a decent show.

RIP Boris Yeltsin.

That’s all for now. Be Easy and Stay Flam.

APRIL 18:

I don’t know if I can write because I am just stunned by the series of events at Virginia Tech. As a teacher who is around young people everyday, your heart goes out to the families. I want to send my thoughts and prayers to the friends and families of the victims and to the school. My your faith carry you through this difficult time.

Regular random digressions will return with the next column.

Be Easy and Stay Flam.

APRIL 11:

Imus in the morning? Should he be fired? What he said was totally wrong. I spoke to my wife who is practically an expert on race and gender issues and she says yes. I say yes he should, not just because of this one comment, but also to show that using that type of language at college student athletes is not acceptable. MSNBC’s response was slow and not acceptable. The sponsors pulled out late as well. The whole situation was mismanaged from the beginning and there should be repercussions.

On to lighter news:

I just bought the 4 Horsemen DVD and it was outstanding. I was a big Tully Blanchard fan as well as the other Horsemen, but Tully was my man. I liked the original group the best with Ric, Tully, Ole and Arn Anderson. I hated Lex Luger, liked Barry Windham, hated Sid Vicious, loathed Paul Roma, and then just kind of accepted Benoit and Malenko. Mongo sucked eggs. Buy it.

The Duke Lacrosse players got jobbed. I feel bad for them.

Good for Tommy Amaker getting the Harvard job.

I don’t have a problem with the recent rash of coaches leaving jobs it is a business.

Now that the season is really over here are my post season College Basketball Awards;

National Coach of the Year: Billy Donovan Florida
National Player of the Year: Kevin Durant Texas
Mid Major Coach of the Year: Cliff Warren Jacksonville
Mid Major Player of the Year: Loren Stokes Hofstra

All-American Team
C Greg Oden Ohio State
F Kevin Durant Texas
F Jeff Green Georgetown
G Acie Law IV Texas A&M
G Sean Singletary Virginia

I heard a rumor that the NHL playoffs were going on.

That’s all for now.

Be Easy and Stay Flam (This week is for Fife and Amy).

MARCH 30:

Final 4 Log Day 1
Hot Lanta. I can see why my wife went to school down here. Nice place The final 4 is here and Hood College is hanging out with all the big wigs. Don't fly Air Tran the seats are not comfortable and the earphones hurt. They do have XM though. It is really great to sit and talk and learn from all of these great coaches from all levels.

I don't want to name drop (yes I do but I won't) but it is good to be here.

Log Day 2
I am sitting at the Champions of the NCAA lunchoen again not name dropping but again its a whos who. The food was pretty good. We are going to head to the Georiga Dome for practice.

Practice every year is boring. Nobody is trying to hurt themselevs but I did pick up a few good drills.

The NCAA does a great job with transportation. The busses come on schedule and everyone is nice.

I love the nightlife, I got to boogie on the disco round.

I had the chance experience some of the Atlanta nightlife and let me say as someone who has wined and dined with kings and queens and slepted in alleys and ate pork and beans I enjoyed myself.

Log Day 3
How dry I am hiccup

I had to go to an early meeting about new rules and mandates. We are thinking about moving the 3pt line back to the international lenght and widening the lane. I would be ok with both because there should be a progression from high school to college to the pros. Just don't use the trapazoid lane.

Traveling Tom
Tom Dickman, our award winning head coach, is with me and we are travling the Hoopgroups shindig which is always a starstudded affair. From there we went to the NABC fling and we finally shut it down after the Florida beating.

Georgetown simply blew a great opportunity. Too many turmovers. Ohio State desvered to win.

Florida just cruised.

Florida will win the title.

Log Day 4

I woke up early this morning tp take the MLK tour. It was very moving seeing his tomb, his house and his church. I took some nice pictures as well.

Sunday at the final 4 is like being in a ghost town. We will be here until tomorrow but nothing is going on.

We spent the evening watching the women's final 4 at a local watering hole.

Log Day 5

It's time to go home. I had two sessions to finish up this morning then its off to the airport.

As I sit in the airport I think about the excitement the final 4 brings and hope one day to be apart of it as someone on the floor than in the stands.

MARCH 23:

My brackets are busted, but there not that strong either. I did have 7 of my elite 8 teams still in as well as all of my final 4. Let’s take a look:

Florida is going to make it. Big time teams win big time games, enough said.

Kansas is playing well and should beat SIU, and that Pitt/UCLA match up is sexy but I will still go with Pitt and I will go with Pitt in the Final 4. (That mean’s pick everyone else)

Let’s go Hoyas all the way to HotLanta.

Ohio State looks shaky, but it’s too late to jump off now.

I am looking forward to going to the convention this year. It is always great to hang out and learn from all the coaches from all of the levels.

My wife is making watch American Idol this year. Man that show is bad. I just do Bobby the Brian one liners the whole time.

Wrestlemaina is next weekend. My next column will have more on the extravaganza.

That’s all for now. Be Easy and Stay FLAM.

MARCH 14:

Let the Madness Begin!!!

First let me say that I am not as confident as I have been in my picks in recent years. That’s not a copout that is just the reality of parity. So without further ado…Here is the Sweet 16:

Florida v. Maryland (Easy pick)

Notre Dame v. Wisconsin (I really do like Winthrop though, no Oregon because of my West Coast bias.

Kansas v. SIU (You have to pick a surprise or two)

Pitt v. UCLA (I am getting some heat about liking Pitt, but I do and again my west coast bias)

UNC v. Texas (UNC gets a scare from MSU, Texas cruises)

GW v. Georgetown (I’m a homer but Georgetown’s going far)

Ohio State vs. Virginia (I have too many local teams…oh well)

Texas A&M vs. Nevada (I just like that kid from A&M)

So there you have it….remember it is done all strictly for entertainment purposes only.

They should add more play in games to the tournament.

Baseball season is almost hear…hey wake up. The only thing I care about is the Bonds watch. No Dice K or anything else.

I heard the hockey regular season is almost over…when did it start?

Wrestlemaina is almost here and just to hear from the Rock on RAW was worth the wait. I will actually miss the show because of the final 4 but may get the replay.

We are headed to scenic Salem, VA for the Division 3 Final 4 and we are also going to Atlanta for the Division 1 Final 4.

Can somebody catch the mugger in New York and beat him up please.

That’s all for now. Got a new phone and need to learn how to use it.

Be Easy and stay FLAM.

MARCH 5:

Well our magical dream season is over. We put up a great effort only to fall by 3 points to Hamden-Sydney. I am so proud of our effort. I am so proud of our team and staff.

For more information check out the latest news section.

On to the mundane:

Let’s the Maddness begin

This is championship week and after being a part of it myself, it gives me more appreciation than I ever had before. Everyone is playing for seeds in the National tournament (Power conferences) or playing to get in (Small conferences). Good luck to all.

My top 5 is taking a beating so let me try again:

NCAA Top 5
1. Ohio State
2. Kansas
3. Georgetown
4. Memphis
5. Florida

Mid Major Poll
1. Nevada
2. SIU
3. Butler
4. Winthrop
5. Air Force

NBA
1. Dallas
2. Phoenix
3. San Antonio
4. Utah
5. Detroit

The West is just that much better than the east right.

Let the Wrestlemaina countdown begin. I don’t really care for the whole Donald Trump thing, but they always pull out the stops for Wrestlemaina. This week’s moment in Wrestlemania History. For Wrestlemaina 1-3 I got to leave church early to go watch on closed circuit TV at Cole Field House. Best match of the first three was Steamboat-Savage in Wrestlemainia 3. It was something like 19 2-counts. I hated the finish though.

Baseball season is about to start, get the remotes ready to start changing the channel.

Do they still play Hockey?

Welcome back Fred Smoot.

So Long George Michael, the best in the business.

That’s all for now, be easy and Stay Flam.

FEBRUARY 28:

Well we made the Big/Little dance. Let me first say that I had no doubts at all…

This is an incredible feeling, that’s better than any championship I have ever won because to see how far our program has come in such a short time is a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of a lot of people.

Most importantly however I want to thank my wife Cecily who has to put up with being married to a coach, she is the biggest reason why I can do my small part in helping this program grow. Thanks D. I Love you.

FEBRUARY 25:

So this is what it feels like to be on the bubble? It sucks. I feel like a 7-year-old waiting for my Mom to take me to Toys R Us when she gets home from work. She said we may or may not go, but she would tell me how she felt when she got home. So I waited all day and her car is just about to pull up to the house…you don’t catch her as she walks in the door, you have to be cool and wait a second before you find out. So I’m cool. This also reminds me of when you are “dating in Middle School and the girl will tell you tomorrow if she will go with you or not, but again I’m cool.

So to take my mind off of the wait I will write a regular column so here we go…

Rankings

NCAA Top 5
1. Ohio State
2. UNC
3. UCLA
4. Georgetown
5. Florida

Mid Major
1. Nevada
2. SIU
3. Air Force
4. BYU
5. Butler

NBA Top 5
1. Mavs
2. Suns
3. Spurs
4. Pistons
5. Jazz

Worst all star game of all time.

Conference regular seasons are starting to wind down as teams position themselves for the tournament. (Have they release the D3 brackets yet?)

The Academy Awards are being given out tonight Go Eddy and Jennifer!!!

I hope Little Miss Sunshine wins something too. I actually liked that movie.

Britney Spears needs to give Kevin custody.

I wanted to end the column on a sad note Dennis Johnson passed away this past week. That hurts, you see I say this with all the love in the world.. I hated DJ, Bird, Ainge, McHale, the Chief, (I did like Cornbread), etc.

I grew up a 76ers fan. Doc, Cheeks, Toney, Jones, Moses.
I grew up a Lakers fan: Magic, Coop, Big game James, Kareem, Scott, etc.
I grew up a Pistons fan: Zeke, Big Bill, Mahorn, Joe D, etc.

And DJ shut my boys down. He even beat my Bullets in Seattle. He should have been a hall of famer if Dumars got in. He will be missed.

That’s all for now, Be Easy and Stay Flam. (Did the brackets come out?).

FEBRUARY 13:

Happy Valentine’s Day! I can’t stand the fact that somebody designated a day that says we have to buy candy and flowers. Nobody tells me what to do. (Editor’s note I did buy a card for my wife)

Let’s get some shout outs out of the way:

Happy Birthday Jasmine, Angie, Shelly and Cheryl

Congratulation goes out to Emonte Hill and family on the birth of his son. Diallo you are next brother.