I've found some emotion. And, yes, that's very relieving!
Lately, I'm kind of just been in a "blah" mood. Not really getting excited about anything, and not really getting too down on anything. Just haven't really had much emotion to speak of.
Growing up, I was a very emotional kid. Don't know if it was because I was the product of a divorced home, or what the deal was, but I would get both very angry (bad, bad temper here as a teenager) and I could also cry at the drop of the hat. Lately, that hasn't been the case.
But something changed. Perhaps it's because I talked to my mother for the first time in a while the other night. It was the first time I've cried in quite some time, which I honestly needed. It was great to hear from her. Did it patch everything up? No. I can hear it her voice, and I'm sure she can hear it in mine. But it was a step in the right direction, and after several months of not really knowing what to do, I now feel like I know what my next step is. To call and talk again soon. Hopefully, that will help us continue to patch things up.
Anyway, after talking to mama and crying, I've cried twice today just listening to songs. Yes, I'm a wuss. I love music, though I have no talent whatsoever (just ask Elizabeth, she'll brag on me ... hehe). And in the past, music has really moved me. Lately, not so much. That changed today.
The two songs that have really moved me are Beyonce's If I Were a Boy and Taylor Swift's Love Story. Beyonce's song moved me because, honestly, I believe Elizabeth feels like that about me sometimes. I can get so insulated into myself and what I'm doing that I become a very selfish person, not on purpose or out of spite, but because that's just how I am sometimes.
Then Taylor Swift's song just took me back to my "dating" days when I was pursuing Elizabeth. At heart, I'm a very romantic person. But you can ask Elizabeth and Kyle, I don't do a very good job of acting upon those things. I'm just not good at it. I want to be, but I suck. I've always envied Kyle because it came so naturally to him, but it doesn't to me. I want to be that sweet, cute guy who does the sweet, cute things for the one he loves. But, again, I can be a very selfish person even when I don't realize it. If you haven't heard Taylor's new song, check it out. She's a rising star, and this song is headed to No. 1!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Been thinking a lot ...
Throughout the day, I have a number of thoughts (I wonder just how many) and think about writing. But by this time of the day, after yet another long day of work, I'm usually ready to relax with some TV and/or PS3 and climb into bed. So I don't blog about all of those ideas. But I'm in a writing mood, so here goes ...
1. Congratulations, Alan Walker. Alan's TCU Horned Frogs (or Horney Toads, as I like to call them) whooped my Tulsa Golden Hurricane's tails tonight, 35-21. With four turnovers, the game actually could have been a lot worse. I lost. I admit it. Not proud of it. But my season is not over. And, Alan, remember you have to come to Tulsa next season!
2. Was listening to some old school music, and by "old school" I mean my early college days, and came across some lyrics that really made me think.
Pardon me while I throw up.
I guess some people never grow up.
What happened to the salvation you claimed?
It breaks my heart to see how much you've changed.
I have my share of old friends who have changed greatly. When I look back on where we came from to where we are today, sometimes I admit I'm shocked. And I've done my fair share of chewing on some butts for some very poor decisions. But strangely hearing this song, "What Have You Been Doing Lately?" by one of my favorite bands, Relient K, didn't make me thing of old friends. It made me think of myself and how much that chorus can apply to me today.
I can't even tell you how many times I've been to church in the past year since all of that crap went down at church. Seldom would be a generous way of describing my church-going routine. I'm not one of these people who believes you can only get close with God by going to church, but I also don't undervalue its importance. We've talked time and time again about getting back in church, and I have a ton of excuses that I keep using. Eventually, I'll get fed up with the way my life is going, and all of the dumb and stupid things that I do, and find a new church home. Maybe then I won't break my own heart by how much I've changed.
3. I'm breaking my own rule here, because this is supposed to be about Strictly Sports. But I want to talk a little politics for a second. I caught a few minutes of tonight's third and final presidential debate between John McCain and Barack Obama. Here we are, 19 days away from the big vote, and I have no clue whose side I'm on. Honestly, I feel like writing a long blog on this topic as Election Day gets closer, but right now, neither one of these candidates appeals to me. I've changed a lot since the idealistic kid who cast his first presidential vote for George W. Bush eight years ago. Heck, I've changed a lot since voting for Bush again in 2004. They say hindsight is 20/20, but if I had those decisions to make all over again, I'm not sure I'd do it again.
Which is why I'm so hesitant to vote for McCain. This isn't the Maverick who ran against Bush in 2000. Although McCain had a great line in tonight's debate -- "Sen. Obama, I am not President Bush. If you wanted to run against President Bush you should have run four years ago." -- there's no denying he has become more Bush-like since he ran against him in 2000. McCain gained a reputation for being a maverick because he's moderate and has never hesitated to take on the Republican Party conservatives. But because of that, he couldn't gain the support of the base. To an extent, he still hasn't seized the base -- that's Sarah Palin's job -- but he's certainly veered more to the right since 2000. Meanwhile, I've veered more to the left. After being a staunch conservative as a youth, I now consider myself more moderate.
Don't get me wrong. By no means am I a liberal. And voting for Barack Obama is likely not going to happen. His record is nearly radical. He's much farther to the left of center, where the majority of Americans are, than McCain is to the right. It's not even close. It has nothing to do with race and nothing to do with party. I have no problem voting for a Democrat if he stands for the same things that are important to me. But what is important to me? That's certainly changed in the past eight years.
I still am anti-abortion. I still believe in the power of the American people and would rather limit the role of government. All of these are conservative tendencies taht are engrained in me. However, I'm not a teenager anymore. I'm a 26-year-old with a wife, a mortgage and a 401(k) that has lost nearly 70 percent of the money I've put into it this year. The economy is more important to me than it ever has been before. Why? Because it's my money now. That's why. I believe all of us should be concerned about the state of the economy. In my eyes, it's the No. 1 factor in this election. And historically, Republican presidents haven't fared very well with the economy. Just look how badly things have gone in the past eight years under Bush. Yes, there are some external factors like 9/11 and the Iraq War, but in my lifetime the Democrats have done a much better job with the economy than the Republicans.
Since neither McCain nor Obama really get me going, there's also the third-party candidate. I haven't done just a ton of research on Bob Barr, the Libertarian candidate for president. However, I do think he has good ideas on the economy, the war in Iraq, health care and taxes. In my eyes, Bob Barr is the best candidate for president. The problem I have with voting for him is I do not want to waste my vote. I've heard the argument time and time again, and I'll make the same one. I want to cast a vote that will impact the presidential election. Voting for Bob Barr, while he may be the best candidate, isn't likely to have a major impact. I believe only about 2 percent of those polled in the country are going to vote for him. Is that really a vote well spent?
With less than three weeks to go, count me among the many Americans who remain undecided upon where their vote will go. At least I still have time to make an informed, intelligent decision.
1. Congratulations, Alan Walker. Alan's TCU Horned Frogs (or Horney Toads, as I like to call them) whooped my Tulsa Golden Hurricane's tails tonight, 35-21. With four turnovers, the game actually could have been a lot worse. I lost. I admit it. Not proud of it. But my season is not over. And, Alan, remember you have to come to Tulsa next season!
2. Was listening to some old school music, and by "old school" I mean my early college days, and came across some lyrics that really made me think.
Pardon me while I throw up.
I guess some people never grow up.
What happened to the salvation you claimed?
It breaks my heart to see how much you've changed.
I have my share of old friends who have changed greatly. When I look back on where we came from to where we are today, sometimes I admit I'm shocked. And I've done my fair share of chewing on some butts for some very poor decisions. But strangely hearing this song, "What Have You Been Doing Lately?" by one of my favorite bands, Relient K, didn't make me thing of old friends. It made me think of myself and how much that chorus can apply to me today.
I can't even tell you how many times I've been to church in the past year since all of that crap went down at church. Seldom would be a generous way of describing my church-going routine. I'm not one of these people who believes you can only get close with God by going to church, but I also don't undervalue its importance. We've talked time and time again about getting back in church, and I have a ton of excuses that I keep using. Eventually, I'll get fed up with the way my life is going, and all of the dumb and stupid things that I do, and find a new church home. Maybe then I won't break my own heart by how much I've changed.
3. I'm breaking my own rule here, because this is supposed to be about Strictly Sports. But I want to talk a little politics for a second. I caught a few minutes of tonight's third and final presidential debate between John McCain and Barack Obama. Here we are, 19 days away from the big vote, and I have no clue whose side I'm on. Honestly, I feel like writing a long blog on this topic as Election Day gets closer, but right now, neither one of these candidates appeals to me. I've changed a lot since the idealistic kid who cast his first presidential vote for George W. Bush eight years ago. Heck, I've changed a lot since voting for Bush again in 2004. They say hindsight is 20/20, but if I had those decisions to make all over again, I'm not sure I'd do it again.
Which is why I'm so hesitant to vote for McCain. This isn't the Maverick who ran against Bush in 2000. Although McCain had a great line in tonight's debate -- "Sen. Obama, I am not President Bush. If you wanted to run against President Bush you should have run four years ago." -- there's no denying he has become more Bush-like since he ran against him in 2000. McCain gained a reputation for being a maverick because he's moderate and has never hesitated to take on the Republican Party conservatives. But because of that, he couldn't gain the support of the base. To an extent, he still hasn't seized the base -- that's Sarah Palin's job -- but he's certainly veered more to the right since 2000. Meanwhile, I've veered more to the left. After being a staunch conservative as a youth, I now consider myself more moderate.
Don't get me wrong. By no means am I a liberal. And voting for Barack Obama is likely not going to happen. His record is nearly radical. He's much farther to the left of center, where the majority of Americans are, than McCain is to the right. It's not even close. It has nothing to do with race and nothing to do with party. I have no problem voting for a Democrat if he stands for the same things that are important to me. But what is important to me? That's certainly changed in the past eight years.
I still am anti-abortion. I still believe in the power of the American people and would rather limit the role of government. All of these are conservative tendencies taht are engrained in me. However, I'm not a teenager anymore. I'm a 26-year-old with a wife, a mortgage and a 401(k) that has lost nearly 70 percent of the money I've put into it this year. The economy is more important to me than it ever has been before. Why? Because it's my money now. That's why. I believe all of us should be concerned about the state of the economy. In my eyes, it's the No. 1 factor in this election. And historically, Republican presidents haven't fared very well with the economy. Just look how badly things have gone in the past eight years under Bush. Yes, there are some external factors like 9/11 and the Iraq War, but in my lifetime the Democrats have done a much better job with the economy than the Republicans.
Since neither McCain nor Obama really get me going, there's also the third-party candidate. I haven't done just a ton of research on Bob Barr, the Libertarian candidate for president. However, I do think he has good ideas on the economy, the war in Iraq, health care and taxes. In my eyes, Bob Barr is the best candidate for president. The problem I have with voting for him is I do not want to waste my vote. I've heard the argument time and time again, and I'll make the same one. I want to cast a vote that will impact the presidential election. Voting for Bob Barr, while he may be the best candidate, isn't likely to have a major impact. I believe only about 2 percent of those polled in the country are going to vote for him. Is that really a vote well spent?
With less than three weeks to go, count me among the many Americans who remain undecided upon where their vote will go. At least I still have time to make an informed, intelligent decision.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Before and after
So I've been growing out my hair and my beard. I honestly can't remember the last time I'd had a trim of either one.
I decided, randomly, out of the blue, that I wanted to grow my beard out until New Year's. Just was curious to see how long it could get. The wife, though obviously not the most pleased by my decision, struck up a compromise with me. Grow the beard, but cut the hair. Didn't have to be totally short, but at least get a trim. At least look professional. Or the most professional possible with an extraordinarily long beard.
Well, today was the day set aside to get that first haircut as part of the bargain. Instead of just getting a trim, though, I decided to go with something completely different. "Short," I told the stylist when I sat down in the chair. "How about this?" I asked her as I pointed out a picture.
"Wow, that's really short. Going for something totally different?"
As I looked at the picture again, I thought to myself, "Man, that is really short." Luckily, the phone rang. My stylist went to answer it, and I flipped through a few more pages and found a style more fitting. Still short, still different, not quite as drastic, though. Take a look for yourself ...
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
What a crazy game!
Had a chance to cover my first NFL game ever, for Monday Night Football no less, at the Superdome on Monday. It honestly was one of the craziest games I've ever witnessed, with three special teams TDs, Reggie Bush tying an NFL record with two punt returns for TDs, lots of penalties, turnovers, hard-hitting action and the Saints again finding a way to lose with a late pass interference penalty that set up the Vikings' game-winning field goal.
Check out www.thetowntalk.com/sports for my first NFL story and column, which both ran in Wednesday's paper.
Check out www.thetowntalk.com/sports for my first NFL story and column, which both ran in Wednesday's paper.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Finishing up the first season
While college football and the NFL are completing their third weeks of the season, the Dynasty Reunion is nearing the completion of its first season. K-Rob, Kelz, A-Dawg and I hooked up for a reunion of sorts on the PS3's version of NCAA Football '09 thanks to the new online dynasty feature. Essentially, thanks to a server and the Internet, we can all play together just like we did back in 2003-04 when we were in our college days.
I just finished my first season at 11-1, at least my first regular season. I still have a bowl game left to play. I chose Tulsa and am ranked #24. A-Dawg is TCU, 11-1 and ranked #23. Kelz is Troy, 9-2 and #25. K-Rob, poor K-Rob, is Akron, 10-1 and the sole member of the dynasty not ranked.
While it's not the same -- and never will be the same -- as when all of us would go over to The BSU House (Binni and Kyle's home, and my home away from home) to crowd around the TV and play, it still has been a great way for us to keep in touch and be involved in one another's lives. And while it certainly won't be the same in the national championship game as it was in the past, it has brought back some very good memories.
I can't wait until the season is finished, we've recruited and we can do it all over again -- next week!!!
I just finished my first season at 11-1, at least my first regular season. I still have a bowl game left to play. I chose Tulsa and am ranked #24. A-Dawg is TCU, 11-1 and ranked #23. Kelz is Troy, 9-2 and #25. K-Rob, poor K-Rob, is Akron, 10-1 and the sole member of the dynasty not ranked.
While it's not the same -- and never will be the same -- as when all of us would go over to The BSU House (Binni and Kyle's home, and my home away from home) to crowd around the TV and play, it still has been a great way for us to keep in touch and be involved in one another's lives. And while it certainly won't be the same in the national championship game as it was in the past, it has brought back some very good memories.
I can't wait until the season is finished, we've recruited and we can do it all over again -- next week!!!
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Go away Gustav
The headline in tomorrow's The Town Talk says it all:
WHAT A MESS
Hurricane Gustav took aim at south Louisiana, and then took aim at me. The nerve!
Fortunately, he missed. I'm pleased to report that there is very little damage in the McCormick household. Other than some limbs and minor flooding in the backyard, as well as the loss of my precious Louisiana Tech flag, we're OK on Hill Street. No water in the house. No loss of power. No major damage.
I can truly tell you I am very thankful to make it through this one. Now, go away Gustav. And keep your cousin Ike away, too!
Not everyone was so lucky. While Alexandria seems in good shape, much of Pineville remains without power. Avoyelles and LaSalle parishes also were hit very hard, and Gustav has been blamed for two deaths in the area. Hundreds of thousands of people in Central Louisiana still have no power, and some could be without it for a substantial period of time.
Elizabeth and I are very, very lucky that we received little damage. I joked on my Facebook that "Gustav lacked a lot of its Gusto." Seriously, the storm was massive, drenching Rapides Parish with nearly eight inches of rain -- although that's nearly half of the estimated 15 inches.
Now that Gustav is leaving -- yes, I said "Getonouttahere!" -- let's begin the Ike watch and hope he stays away from the Gulf of Mexico. I don't think I'm ready to go through this again!
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Another update
It's about 2 a.m.
Had a chance to run home during a break in the storm about two hours ago and everything checked out fine at the house. Lots of water in the road and at the start of our driveway, as well as in the backyard. Lots of limbs down in the backyard, but the house is fine. No flooding, no limbs on the roof. Electricity was on. We seemed to be in good shape. That's a relief.
Elizabeth and I have about four more hours left on our 12-hour shift today. There are several people spending the night here at The Town Talk, but it seems as if the McCormicks are the only ones still on duty at the moment. Elizabeth is "feeding the Web site," as our boss likes to say, and I'm listening to the scanner in case anything major happens.
What an exciting life we lead!!!
Had a chance to run home during a break in the storm about two hours ago and everything checked out fine at the house. Lots of water in the road and at the start of our driveway, as well as in the backyard. Lots of limbs down in the backyard, but the house is fine. No flooding, no limbs on the roof. Electricity was on. We seemed to be in good shape. That's a relief.
Elizabeth and I have about four more hours left on our 12-hour shift today. There are several people spending the night here at The Town Talk, but it seems as if the McCormicks are the only ones still on duty at the moment. Elizabeth is "feeding the Web site," as our boss likes to say, and I'm listening to the scanner in case anything major happens.
What an exciting life we lead!!!
Monday, September 01, 2008
FYI -- we're OK
Just to let everyone know, we're doing just fine. Elizabeth and I are in the middle of our 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift at The Town Talk offices, and right now I'm watching a buddy of mine play PS3. He's technically on duty right now, but is also spending the night and will work in the middle, when we are supposedly putting out a special section because of Hurricane Gustav.
We haven't had a chance to go home and check on any damage, although we've heard unconfirmed rumors that the Garden District was hit hard. More importantly, we are safe and sound. I'll let you guys know more information when it's available.
We haven't had a chance to go home and check on any damage, although we've heard unconfirmed rumors that the Garden District was hit hard. More importantly, we are safe and sound. I'll let you guys know more information when it's available.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
I'm proud to be a Bulldog!
In the famous words of Dave Nitz, "Ya gotta love it!"
Nitz, the legendary voice of the Bulldogs, has called Louisiana Tech football games for 34 years. He's been at the mic for many of Tech's biggest games ever. I don't know for sure where Saturday's game fits in historically, but man what a big win!
My Bulldogs, for the first time in school history, welcomed an SEC team into Ruston. And for the first time since knocking off SEC champion Alabama in 1999, Tech came away the victor.
There have been a few big games in Ruston over the years -- namely welcoming defending national champion Miami in 2003, as well as upsetting Oklahoma State the year before, and playing Tech's first ever WAC game against SMU in 2001. In recent years, all of Tech's biggest home games have taken place at Independence Stadium, about an hour west of campus.
But not this one. This game took place in Ruston. At Joe Aillet Stadium. On that beautiful new turf.
I can't harp too much on the crowd, which was a disappointing 25,000+. Hey, I wasn't there, so who am I to complain that others didn't show up? I certainly am sorry I missed out on one of the biggest wins in school history. And I'm saddened we couldn't get the first sellout in Aillet Stadium history.
But right now, all that matters is Louisiana Tech is 1-0, boasting a victory over an SEC school. And an SEC school that was supposed to be up-and-coming, after making a bowl game last season.
It wasn't the greatest debut for Taylor Bennett, who was sluggish early and often. Bennett, a transfer from Georgia Tech, did enough to get the win, helping the Bulldogs rally from a 14-3 deficit late in the first half and to a 22-14 win. That's the most surprising thing to me in the upset. Tech outscored Miss. State 19-0 over the final 33 minutes of the game. Pitched a shutout in the second half. Amazing.
Great job Bulldogs. I am so proud of you guys and happy to be a Tech alum right now. We all wanted to believe that Derek Dooley was doing things the right way and taking this program in the right direction. This is proof that our faith in the man isn't without merit.
Now all we need is an encore. Next up for the Bulldogs is a trip to nationally-ranked Kansas in two weeks. A win there really would serve notice to the nation that this group of Tech Bulldogs is here to play!
Nitz, the legendary voice of the Bulldogs, has called Louisiana Tech football games for 34 years. He's been at the mic for many of Tech's biggest games ever. I don't know for sure where Saturday's game fits in historically, but man what a big win!
My Bulldogs, for the first time in school history, welcomed an SEC team into Ruston. And for the first time since knocking off SEC champion Alabama in 1999, Tech came away the victor.There have been a few big games in Ruston over the years -- namely welcoming defending national champion Miami in 2003, as well as upsetting Oklahoma State the year before, and playing Tech's first ever WAC game against SMU in 2001. In recent years, all of Tech's biggest home games have taken place at Independence Stadium, about an hour west of campus.
But not this one. This game took place in Ruston. At Joe Aillet Stadium. On that beautiful new turf.
I can't harp too much on the crowd, which was a disappointing 25,000+. Hey, I wasn't there, so who am I to complain that others didn't show up? I certainly am sorry I missed out on one of the biggest wins in school history. And I'm saddened we couldn't get the first sellout in Aillet Stadium history.
But right now, all that matters is Louisiana Tech is 1-0, boasting a victory over an SEC school. And an SEC school that was supposed to be up-and-coming, after making a bowl game last season.It wasn't the greatest debut for Taylor Bennett, who was sluggish early and often. Bennett, a transfer from Georgia Tech, did enough to get the win, helping the Bulldogs rally from a 14-3 deficit late in the first half and to a 22-14 win. That's the most surprising thing to me in the upset. Tech outscored Miss. State 19-0 over the final 33 minutes of the game. Pitched a shutout in the second half. Amazing.
Great job Bulldogs. I am so proud of you guys and happy to be a Tech alum right now. We all wanted to believe that Derek Dooley was doing things the right way and taking this program in the right direction. This is proof that our faith in the man isn't without merit.
Now all we need is an encore. Next up for the Bulldogs is a trip to nationally-ranked Kansas in two weeks. A win there really would serve notice to the nation that this group of Tech Bulldogs is here to play!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Do you ever have one of those days?
I'm sitting at my desk ... in the office ... at 2:50 a.m. ... listening to a little Metro Station on the myspace.
Just to set the scene, ya know?
I want to write. Really, I do. I really enjoy writing. Words are my friend. Yet, I'm sitting here with not a whole lot to write about. At least not much that I think anybody else would find particularly interesting.
FYI, the mood music is now Secondhand Serenade. Just thought you'd want to know the switch.
Anyway, I'm a boring person. This isn't any kind of news flash. I've known it for a long, long time. For some reason, there are a few people in my life who put up with my total lack of originality and funness (yes, I made that word up). Poor Elizabeth.
But seriously, I'm trying to find something interesting to write about, and I can't. I read other people's blogs, friends of mine, and think, "Wow, that's an interesting story." Or, "They're such a fun person. I know why I like them." Then I think about my stories and truly wonder why anyone likes me. I'M BORING!
The only things going on in my life are my work, which I spend far too much time doing, sleep and um, NCAA '09 on the PS3. I live such an exciting life, let me tell you.
I covered a football game tonight. While it was jamborees for most schools, the MPSA started last week. So I covered Cenla Christian Academy is what was actually a very exciting game. I hope my Tech Bulldogs can have a similar contest -- and a similar win -- when they face Mississippi State on ESPN2 on Saturday.
About the only other thing going on in my life right now is "The Gustav Watch." We've all been put on alert at work that it could be a busy week. I'll most likely be working both Sunday and Monday, my two scheduled days off, and since Monday is Labor Day, it's supposed to be a 4-day work week next week. Yeah, like that'll happen.
From following the latest projections, it seems like Gustav (which apparently means "God's staff") is turning more and more West and appears like it will not devastate New Orleans on the 3-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina after all. Hopefully, the monster will just keep on turning left and miss Central Louisiana altogether. I don't want to have to go through an extended period without power!
Well, it's after 3 a.m. now. I need to get going, so I can get a little sleep and get ready for a big day of college football on Saturday!!!
Just to set the scene, ya know?
I want to write. Really, I do. I really enjoy writing. Words are my friend. Yet, I'm sitting here with not a whole lot to write about. At least not much that I think anybody else would find particularly interesting.
FYI, the mood music is now Secondhand Serenade. Just thought you'd want to know the switch.
Anyway, I'm a boring person. This isn't any kind of news flash. I've known it for a long, long time. For some reason, there are a few people in my life who put up with my total lack of originality and funness (yes, I made that word up). Poor Elizabeth.But seriously, I'm trying to find something interesting to write about, and I can't. I read other people's blogs, friends of mine, and think, "Wow, that's an interesting story." Or, "They're such a fun person. I know why I like them." Then I think about my stories and truly wonder why anyone likes me. I'M BORING!
The only things going on in my life are my work, which I spend far too much time doing, sleep and um, NCAA '09 on the PS3. I live such an exciting life, let me tell you.
I covered a football game tonight. While it was jamborees for most schools, the MPSA started last week. So I covered Cenla Christian Academy is what was actually a very exciting game. I hope my Tech Bulldogs can have a similar contest -- and a similar win -- when they face Mississippi State on ESPN2 on Saturday.
About the only other thing going on in my life right now is "The Gustav Watch." We've all been put on alert at work that it could be a busy week. I'll most likely be working both Sunday and Monday, my two scheduled days off, and since Monday is Labor Day, it's supposed to be a 4-day work week next week. Yeah, like that'll happen.From following the latest projections, it seems like Gustav (which apparently means "God's staff") is turning more and more West and appears like it will not devastate New Orleans on the 3-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina after all. Hopefully, the monster will just keep on turning left and miss Central Louisiana altogether. I don't want to have to go through an extended period without power!
Well, it's after 3 a.m. now. I need to get going, so I can get a little sleep and get ready for a big day of college football on Saturday!!!
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Ready for vaca!
So, I'm sitting in the office, listening to a little Baseball Tonight after having watched Michael Phelps win his first gold medal of these Olympic Games, killing a little time and waiting for the night to be over.
I'm done with my work, and vacation starts tomorrow. Technically, it started today, yet here I am, in the office again, waiting for Elizabeth to be done with the three hours she had to put in today. I'm ready for tomorrow, but I doubt I'm as ready as Elizabeth, who turns the BIG TWO-FIVE in about 35 minutes!
We worked our butts off today around the house, and it's looking really nice. There's still a few more things to do, but our checklist for next week took a big dent today (I don't even want to talk about the storage room. Eek -- a mess!).
What are we doing this week? Great question. Because of all the hassle I had at work actually getting my vacation, we haven't made any plans, other to say we might go up to Ruston. I really want to go, if only because I can play Rock Band at Alan's. Yes, it's that much fun. But there are so many people that I'd like to see, even if it's trying to squeeze them into a day or so. As of right now, though, no plans are firm.
I guess I'll just relax, besides all the work I have to do around the house, and get ready for football season, which is right around the corner!!!
I'm done with my work, and vacation starts tomorrow. Technically, it started today, yet here I am, in the office again, waiting for Elizabeth to be done with the three hours she had to put in today. I'm ready for tomorrow, but I doubt I'm as ready as Elizabeth, who turns the BIG TWO-FIVE in about 35 minutes!
We worked our butts off today around the house, and it's looking really nice. There's still a few more things to do, but our checklist for next week took a big dent today (I don't even want to talk about the storage room. Eek -- a mess!).
What are we doing this week? Great question. Because of all the hassle I had at work actually getting my vacation, we haven't made any plans, other to say we might go up to Ruston. I really want to go, if only because I can play Rock Band at Alan's. Yes, it's that much fun. But there are so many people that I'd like to see, even if it's trying to squeeze them into a day or so. As of right now, though, no plans are firm.
I guess I'll just relax, besides all the work I have to do around the house, and get ready for football season, which is right around the corner!!!
Friday, August 01, 2008
A new face
So, yes, I do remember saying I was bringing back Strictly Sports. But I don't remember posting again since saying that. So, ta-da! It's back again.
And it's brand spankin' new! For a new year (no, it's not 2009 yet, but as a high school sportswriter, my years basically run concurrently with school years -- so it's a new year!) I'm unveiling a new design for Strictly Sports. No, I didn't do anything other than click on a new template. It's not like I have a lot of time to customize these things!
Anyway, I really want you guys to check out my new video (although, I'm pretty sure that everyone that I know already has) about a new project we've started at work called the Cenla Challenge.
For anyone who is wondering, I'm really not as bad of a golfer as the video portrays. Yes, that was an awful first tee shot, but I took a mulligan and smacked it right down the middle of the fairway. If you'll read my column, in addition to watching the video, you'll know that I was actually 6-over-par after five holes, which is pretty good for me. Then I fell apart over the final four holes. I don't have a bad golf swing, but I'm not very good at scoring -- that is doing the little things around the green to lower my score. I'll get there, though.
This Cenla Challenge thing is going to be lots of fun. My colleague, Will Tubbs, and I have thrown out several other ideas, such as playing 2-on-2 basketball against two of our better high school players, trying to cover and catch passes against high school football players, step in the batter's box against our local independent baseball team, and pretty much any other challenge we can think of. It's going to be a blast.
If you don't hear from me for a while, it's because I'm busy. Dixie World Series for the next six days, then trying to finish the football tab, then hopefully going on vacation, just to come back in time for the start of football season. But I will try -- and try being the key word -- to do a better job of updating this site!
And it's brand spankin' new! For a new year (no, it's not 2009 yet, but as a high school sportswriter, my years basically run concurrently with school years -- so it's a new year!) I'm unveiling a new design for Strictly Sports. No, I didn't do anything other than click on a new template. It's not like I have a lot of time to customize these things!
Anyway, I really want you guys to check out my new video (although, I'm pretty sure that everyone that I know already has) about a new project we've started at work called the Cenla Challenge.
For anyone who is wondering, I'm really not as bad of a golfer as the video portrays. Yes, that was an awful first tee shot, but I took a mulligan and smacked it right down the middle of the fairway. If you'll read my column, in addition to watching the video, you'll know that I was actually 6-over-par after five holes, which is pretty good for me. Then I fell apart over the final four holes. I don't have a bad golf swing, but I'm not very good at scoring -- that is doing the little things around the green to lower my score. I'll get there, though.
This Cenla Challenge thing is going to be lots of fun. My colleague, Will Tubbs, and I have thrown out several other ideas, such as playing 2-on-2 basketball against two of our better high school players, trying to cover and catch passes against high school football players, step in the batter's box against our local independent baseball team, and pretty much any other challenge we can think of. It's going to be a blast.
If you don't hear from me for a while, it's because I'm busy. Dixie World Series for the next six days, then trying to finish the football tab, then hopefully going on vacation, just to come back in time for the start of football season. But I will try -- and try being the key word -- to do a better job of updating this site!
Thursday, April 03, 2008
The ultimate desire
Have you ever wanted something so much, but you just couldn’t do it? For some people, that desire could be finding a boyfriend/girlfriend, finding the perfect job, or the perfect church. As humans, we all have a number of desires, some of which are fulfilled, others that go tantilizingly unfulfilled.
My desire is to get rid of this stinkin’ writer’s block. Hold up. I know what you’re thinking. "Bret, you’re a writer. That’s what you do." Yeah, yeah. I know. I write every single day, it seems. But I’m not talking about the kind of writing I do for a living. Or the kind of writing I do for fun like this blog. I’m talking about the kind of writing that used to be my passion -- poetry.
Growing up, that’s about the only thing I would write. It began in junior high, when I discovered my love, and talent, for writing poetry. In fact, I believe in another life, you know one in which I actually had some musical ability, I think I would have been a singer-songwriter. But over the past several years, I just haven’t been able to develop good poetry. I believe it’s a combination of the fact that I’m a perfectionist when it comes to my poetry, combined with the other fact that I’m always writing something, that I just can’t seem to find the perfect words anymore.
The desire is there. The production isn’t. Hopefully, I’m going to change that. I know my wife would love that. So, in a desire to will myself back into being a skillful poet, I’m going to post some of my favorite personal poems over the next couple of weeks (assuming I can find the list that I have saved to a desk somewhere in this house) for your enjoyment. We’ll start with the last poem I remember writing -- Remember When.
Do you remember when
We could do as we pleased
Without a worry or care
To bring us to our knees
Do you remember when
Innocence was the name of the game
You and me, being carefree
But now it’s just not the same
Do you remember when
We’d take late night walks
Or just sit on a swing
As we’d cuddle, laugh and talk
Do you remember when
I tried that thing call romance
Whispering sweet nothings to you
Even as you refused to dance
Do you remember when
You amazed me with your brain
Casey Jacobson, MJ and UNC
When you still thought I was sane
Do you remember when
You could stare into my eyes with love
Without a doubt, right then and there
I was in your hand just like a glove
Do you remember when
Things began to change
What was important became lost
Priorities became rearranged
Do you remember when
All I wanted was to please you
The only thing that mattered
Was my heart and yours too
Do you remember when
We both said ’I do’
That 2 p.m. sun was so hot
My friends still want to sue
Do you remember when
Things were so easy
How did we allow
Our lives to become crazy
Do you remember when
I said I’d be here forever
Think I could live without you
That day will come never
Do you remember when
I said I love you
Don’t ever forget
Because you know I still do
My desire is to get rid of this stinkin’ writer’s block. Hold up. I know what you’re thinking. "Bret, you’re a writer. That’s what you do." Yeah, yeah. I know. I write every single day, it seems. But I’m not talking about the kind of writing I do for a living. Or the kind of writing I do for fun like this blog. I’m talking about the kind of writing that used to be my passion -- poetry.
Growing up, that’s about the only thing I would write. It began in junior high, when I discovered my love, and talent, for writing poetry. In fact, I believe in another life, you know one in which I actually had some musical ability, I think I would have been a singer-songwriter. But over the past several years, I just haven’t been able to develop good poetry. I believe it’s a combination of the fact that I’m a perfectionist when it comes to my poetry, combined with the other fact that I’m always writing something, that I just can’t seem to find the perfect words anymore.
The desire is there. The production isn’t. Hopefully, I’m going to change that. I know my wife would love that. So, in a desire to will myself back into being a skillful poet, I’m going to post some of my favorite personal poems over the next couple of weeks (assuming I can find the list that I have saved to a desk somewhere in this house) for your enjoyment. We’ll start with the last poem I remember writing -- Remember When.
Do you remember when
We could do as we pleased
Without a worry or care
To bring us to our knees
Do you remember when
Innocence was the name of the game
You and me, being carefree
But now it’s just not the same
Do you remember when
We’d take late night walks
Or just sit on a swing
As we’d cuddle, laugh and talk
Do you remember when
I tried that thing call romance
Whispering sweet nothings to you
Even as you refused to dance
Do you remember when
You amazed me with your brain
Casey Jacobson, MJ and UNC
When you still thought I was sane
Do you remember when
You could stare into my eyes with love
Without a doubt, right then and there
I was in your hand just like a glove
Do you remember when
Things began to change
What was important became lost
Priorities became rearranged
Do you remember when
All I wanted was to please you
The only thing that mattered
Was my heart and yours too
Do you remember when
We both said ’I do’
That 2 p.m. sun was so hot
My friends still want to sue
Do you remember when
Things were so easy
How did we allow
Our lives to become crazy
Do you remember when
I said I’d be here forever
Think I could live without you
That day will come never
Do you remember when
I said I love you
Don’t ever forget
Because you know I still do
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Killing some time
So I'm at the office, waiting on an e-mail, in a holding pattern. The Aces have just won Game 2 of a doubleheader, and I'm waiting on an e-mail from their sports information director in order to update my story for the Web. Yes, I know all of you are very intrigued.
Tonight was interesting. The two new Louisiana Tech coaches came down to Alexandria for a Cenla event, and I got to go cover it. Fun times anything I can do something Tech-related. I'd met Kerry Rupp, the new men's basketball coach, but tonight was my first experience with Derek Dooley, the new football coach. I must say I was totally impressed. I'm not sure if it will translate to wins on the field, but the man means business.
Speaking of wins on the field ... NCAA 08 is out for the PS3. At first glance, I didn't like it. Jury's still out, too. I don't like the complete format changes, controller changes, etc. It feels like a completely different game than the one I've played for more than a decade. However, it does have some redeeming qualities -- like a more in-depth recruiting system, which really excites me, and the Campus Legend mode is pretty fun, too. I've only had it for 3 days now, and I'm not trying to make any rush judgments, so I'll get back to you after I've done more playing.
It's been a good week for me. Elizabeth and I (somehow, someway) arrived back home safely after a week at church camp where we served as chaperones. For the most part, it was a good trip. I got to spend some time with the kids -- some of my favorites and some of the ones I didn't know very well at all -- and we had a good time visiting the beach and Universal Studios. I'm not saying I want to jump back on board to do it all over again next week, but it was a meaningful experience. I hope the kids feel the same way.
After arriving home on Sunday and sleeping the better part of the next two days away (hey, 14 hours in a Mustang isn't easy!), I awoke refreshed and not ready to go back to work. But alas, it must be done. But not before I got to spend some time with a few friends.
The Commonground Band (or the cgb) is in town (Pineville) this week to play Cross Camp. The CGB and I go way back, like to my freshman year at Tech, when the band started. Common Ground was a weekly interdenomenational service at Louisiana Tech that was a major part of my life while I was in college. And I became somewhat of a groupie, if you will, while I was at Tech.
Any way, Elizabeth and I went to the nightly service at Cross Camp, being held at Louisiana College, on Monday and I picked up some CGB merchandise, including the band's new CD, Fire and Glory. The CD is the band's seventh, but only its second original CD -- and first since my sophomore year at Tech, in 2002. So it's been five years since the band released any original material, and I was nearly starved to listen.
While the CD isn't quite as long as I'd like -- there are only 11 tracks, if you take out the 30-second intro track, and I would have preferred a few more -- but the work is exceptional. Honestly, I truly believe this band is as good as some of the mainstream worship bands on the scene today. Admittedly, I'm biased. But I truly believe that. These guys are special musicians, and I really enjoy their music.
On Tuesday, I had the chance to go to lunch with Brent Hammett, the cgb's drummer and an old high school and college buddy of mine from Ruston. Since I've moved down to Alexandria and Brent and his wife Cassie have moved to Shreveport, we haven't been in contact much over the past several months. So it was great to sit and talk awhile, catch up with how our lives are going and discuss future plans. And the Raising Cane's wasn't too shabby either!
There's more, plenty more, to be said, but it will have to wait until another time. For now, I'm back off to work, and then to the PS3 for a little NCAA 08!
Tonight was interesting. The two new Louisiana Tech coaches came down to Alexandria for a Cenla event, and I got to go cover it. Fun times anything I can do something Tech-related. I'd met Kerry Rupp, the new men's basketball coach, but tonight was my first experience with Derek Dooley, the new football coach. I must say I was totally impressed. I'm not sure if it will translate to wins on the field, but the man means business.
Speaking of wins on the field ... NCAA 08 is out for the PS3. At first glance, I didn't like it. Jury's still out, too. I don't like the complete format changes, controller changes, etc. It feels like a completely different game than the one I've played for more than a decade. However, it does have some redeeming qualities -- like a more in-depth recruiting system, which really excites me, and the Campus Legend mode is pretty fun, too. I've only had it for 3 days now, and I'm not trying to make any rush judgments, so I'll get back to you after I've done more playing.
It's been a good week for me. Elizabeth and I (somehow, someway) arrived back home safely after a week at church camp where we served as chaperones. For the most part, it was a good trip. I got to spend some time with the kids -- some of my favorites and some of the ones I didn't know very well at all -- and we had a good time visiting the beach and Universal Studios. I'm not saying I want to jump back on board to do it all over again next week, but it was a meaningful experience. I hope the kids feel the same way.
After arriving home on Sunday and sleeping the better part of the next two days away (hey, 14 hours in a Mustang isn't easy!), I awoke refreshed and not ready to go back to work. But alas, it must be done. But not before I got to spend some time with a few friends.
The Commonground Band (or the cgb) is in town (Pineville) this week to play Cross Camp. The CGB and I go way back, like to my freshman year at Tech, when the band started. Common Ground was a weekly interdenomenational service at Louisiana Tech that was a major part of my life while I was in college. And I became somewhat of a groupie, if you will, while I was at Tech.
Any way, Elizabeth and I went to the nightly service at Cross Camp, being held at Louisiana College, on Monday and I picked up some CGB merchandise, including the band's new CD, Fire and Glory. The CD is the band's seventh, but only its second original CD -- and first since my sophomore year at Tech, in 2002. So it's been five years since the band released any original material, and I was nearly starved to listen.
While the CD isn't quite as long as I'd like -- there are only 11 tracks, if you take out the 30-second intro track, and I would have preferred a few more -- but the work is exceptional. Honestly, I truly believe this band is as good as some of the mainstream worship bands on the scene today. Admittedly, I'm biased. But I truly believe that. These guys are special musicians, and I really enjoy their music.
On Tuesday, I had the chance to go to lunch with Brent Hammett, the cgb's drummer and an old high school and college buddy of mine from Ruston. Since I've moved down to Alexandria and Brent and his wife Cassie have moved to Shreveport, we haven't been in contact much over the past several months. So it was great to sit and talk awhile, catch up with how our lives are going and discuss future plans. And the Raising Cane's wasn't too shabby either!
There's more, plenty more, to be said, but it will have to wait until another time. For now, I'm back off to work, and then to the PS3 for a little NCAA 08!
Friday, July 06, 2007
Headed to not-so-sunny Florida
So, it's Friday night, about 8:40 p.m., which means in a little more than 48 hours I'll be pulling out of the parking lot at Donahue Family Church in Pineville, on my way to sunny Florida. Anything's gotta be better than the miserable rain we've having in Cenla, right?
Except I can't get away from the rain! A quick glance at the 10-day forecast on weather.com shows thunderstorms predicting every day we're in Bradenton, Fla. Every day. When we head to Universal Studios next Saturday, yep more rain -- 60 percent chance. How about on Sunday, when we're arriving back home? You guessed it, rain's gone!
But honestly, I'm not going to Florida for the sun, although I figured it'd be a nice perk. Elizabeth and I are chaperoning a group of around 60 teenagers going to a Global Youth Ministry camp in Bradenton, at the Christian Retreat Center. We'll spend five days (more like three full days and two half days) at camp, which I'm told is going to be pretty laid back for the chaperones. I'll be able to participate in worship and interact with the kids throughout the day, although most of my chaperoning duties will come making sure the three junior-high munchkins assigned to my room behave and go to sleep each night. It's cool, though, because I know two of the kids in my room and have been told the third kid won't give me any problems.
After the week at camp, we'll depart Friday at lunch to go to the beach, where we'll be met by rain. Yay! Doesn't matter. I won't let rain, rain on my parade, or vacation, whatever. It's been awhile since I've been in the ocean -- OK, so it's technically the Gulf of Mexico, but let's not be picky -- so I'll have a blast no matter what.
After the beach, we'll drive a couple of hours to Orlando, where we'll spend all day Saturday at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. Well, everyone else will spend all day there, while Elizabeth and I have a special treat up our sleeves. We've paid a little extra money to upgrade our park pass into a two-park pass, so we'll be able to visit both Islands of Adventure, as well as the original Universal Studios right down the street.
Just being honest, I'm doing this for my wife. Elizabeth loves Curious George, and there's a CG exhibit at the original Universal Studios, where she'll hopefully get to "meet" the curious little creature, take a picture with him, peruse the store for souvenirs, etc. But there are also several rides at the original Universal Studios that I'm looking forward to trying out. The only time I've been to Orlando, when I was in fourth grade, oh so long ago, I remember going to the original Universal Studios (back then, the only Universal Studios as Islands of Adventure didn't open until 1999). I had a fun time and believe I've had a fun time again this trip.
Anyway, I write this blog to let everyone know that I'll be a little out of touch next week. While we're chaperoning a church trip, this is essentially vacation for Elizabeth and me, and I plan to treat it accordingly. I'll be available in emergency situations, but I'm also not planning to be glued to my cell phone. I won't have computer access and might not even get to read a paper for a week (gasp!). But, you know what? I'll have a blast getting away from Cenla, away from the office, away from the worries of everyday life. It's vacation time, and we're going to live it up!
Except I can't get away from the rain! A quick glance at the 10-day forecast on weather.com shows thunderstorms predicting every day we're in Bradenton, Fla. Every day. When we head to Universal Studios next Saturday, yep more rain -- 60 percent chance. How about on Sunday, when we're arriving back home? You guessed it, rain's gone!
But honestly, I'm not going to Florida for the sun, although I figured it'd be a nice perk. Elizabeth and I are chaperoning a group of around 60 teenagers going to a Global Youth Ministry camp in Bradenton, at the Christian Retreat Center. We'll spend five days (more like three full days and two half days) at camp, which I'm told is going to be pretty laid back for the chaperones. I'll be able to participate in worship and interact with the kids throughout the day, although most of my chaperoning duties will come making sure the three junior-high munchkins assigned to my room behave and go to sleep each night. It's cool, though, because I know two of the kids in my room and have been told the third kid won't give me any problems.
After the week at camp, we'll depart Friday at lunch to go to the beach, where we'll be met by rain. Yay! Doesn't matter. I won't let rain, rain on my parade, or vacation, whatever. It's been awhile since I've been in the ocean -- OK, so it's technically the Gulf of Mexico, but let's not be picky -- so I'll have a blast no matter what.
After the beach, we'll drive a couple of hours to Orlando, where we'll spend all day Saturday at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. Well, everyone else will spend all day there, while Elizabeth and I have a special treat up our sleeves. We've paid a little extra money to upgrade our park pass into a two-park pass, so we'll be able to visit both Islands of Adventure, as well as the original Universal Studios right down the street.
Just being honest, I'm doing this for my wife. Elizabeth loves Curious George, and there's a CG exhibit at the original Universal Studios, where she'll hopefully get to "meet" the curious little creature, take a picture with him, peruse the store for souvenirs, etc. But there are also several rides at the original Universal Studios that I'm looking forward to trying out. The only time I've been to Orlando, when I was in fourth grade, oh so long ago, I remember going to the original Universal Studios (back then, the only Universal Studios as Islands of Adventure didn't open until 1999). I had a fun time and believe I've had a fun time again this trip.
Anyway, I write this blog to let everyone know that I'll be a little out of touch next week. While we're chaperoning a church trip, this is essentially vacation for Elizabeth and me, and I plan to treat it accordingly. I'll be available in emergency situations, but I'm also not planning to be glued to my cell phone. I won't have computer access and might not even get to read a paper for a week (gasp!). But, you know what? I'll have a blast getting away from Cenla, away from the office, away from the worries of everyday life. It's vacation time, and we're going to live it up!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Grading the NBA Draft
Here's something you don't see everyday -- sports on my Strictly Sports blog. Wow! Tonight was the 2007 NBA Draft, which I watched from the first pick to the last while at work. Below is my team-by-team analysis:
Atlanta Hawks -- Al Horford (No. 3), Acie Law IV (No. 11)
Analysis: The Hawks had two lottery selections and had been mentioned in trade talks trying to land Amare Stoudemire from Phoenix. Instead, they kept the picks and chose Horford, a power forward from Florida, and Law, a point guard from Texas A&M. I like both of these picks. At first glance, I didn't like the Horford pick, because they passed up another point guard in Mike Conley Jr. Instead, they got the point guard they really liked in Law. Some analysts are concerned he's not a pure point guard, but I really like him and think he's more polished and ready to contribute compared to Conley. For a franchise that has made quite a few boneheaded moves on draft day in recent years, this was a good night for the Hawks.
Boston Celtics -- Jeff Green (No. 5), Gabe Pruitt (No. 32)
Analysis: After saying he wasn't trading the No. 5 pick, Celtics GM Danny Ainge then went out and traded the No. 5 pick. It's actually a good move for the Celtics, who get an established star in SG Ray Allen from Seattle (along with the rights to 35th pick Glen Davis) to pair with Paul Pierce. It may not be a great long-term move, as both Allen and Pierce are aging, but it gives Boston a solid backcourt with great experience and helps this team become a competitor in the East. Pruitt is a first-round talent who slipped to the second round, but he makes this roster and contributes next season.
Charlotte Bobcats -- Brandan Wright (No. 8), Jared Dudley (No. 22)
Analysis: Brandan Wright learned one thing on draft night -- don't call out Michael Jordan. After saying His Airness "didn't want any" of Wright on the court, Jordan proved him correct by trading Wright to Golden State for Jason Richardson. It's not a great move for the Bobcats, as Wright has a lot of potential, but Richardson gives them a 20-plus point scorer and someone to build the team around. Charlotte has a lot of good young players, and Richardson could become the glue-guy that helps Charlotte begin competing in the East. Dudley was the ACC Player of the Year, but at 6-7, 225 pounds, he's a classic NBA tweener. He gives a lot of energy and plays hard, and because of that, he'll probably make the rotation -- but he isn't going to be a star in the NBA.
Chicago Bulls -- Joakim Noah (No. 9), Aaron Gray (No. 49), JamesOn Curry (No. 51)
Analysis: Noah has been praised for the better part of two seasons for being the backbone on Florida's back-to-back title-winning teams. He's intense. He's tenacious. He plays with a lot of energy and heart. But how is he any different from Tyrus Thomas, a top five pick the Bulls traded for on draft day last year? He's not. Not that the Bulls have any need positions, but I don't see Noah as an upgrade on this roster. Gray is a big 7-0 center, and Curry is an undersized two-guard. Both of them will have a hard time making the Bulls' roster.
Cleveland Cavaliers -- No picks
Analysis: Incomplete. The Cavs may have made the NBA Finals this past season, but they do have a lot of holes that need to be filled around LeBron James. Unfortunately for them, those needs will have to be addressed through free agency.
Dallas Mavericks -- Nick Fazekas (No. 34), Renaldas Seibutus (No. 50), Milovan Rakovic (No. 60)
Analysis: The Mavs didn't have a first-round pick, and the chances any of these three make the roster is slim. Fazekas was a great college player, who I had the chance to see personally on a couple of occasions since he played at Nevada, which plays against Louisiana Tech in the WAC. Fazekas is a great shooter, tough competitor and a solid rebounder -- but he's not very athletic, has slow feet and will have a tough time making the transition to the NBA. The other two players are foreigners who will likely continue to play overseas for at least another couple of seasons.
Denver Nuggets -- No picks.
Analysis: Again, it's tough to analyze something that's not there. But Nuggets fans need to remember their draft came during the season when they traded for Allen Iverson. It didn't work out that well for them last year, but with an offseason to work on chemistry between Iverson and Carmelo Anthony, the Nuggest could become a player in 2007-08.
Detroit Pistons -- Rodney Stuckey (No. 15), Arron Afflalo (No. 27), Sammy Mejia (No. 57)
Analysis: Joe Dumars has always been willing to step outside the box -- but this far outside? The Pistons point guard, Chauncey Billups, has opted to test free agency. Their two best players are SG Richard Hamilton and SF Tayshaun Prince. So what does Detroit do? Drafts three wing players. Stuckey is a small-school guy from Eastern Washington who's a dynamic scorer on that level. Afflalo was a great three-year player at UCLA, while Mejia is a hard-nosed player from DePaul. On the surface, I like all three of these guys. Where the problem comes is when all three of them are drafted by the same team, which happens to have two All-Stars on the wing.
Golden State Warriors -- Marco Bellineli (No. 18), Jermareo Davidson (No. 36), Stephane Lasme (No. 46)
Analysis: As mentioned before, the Warriors traded SG Jason Richardson to Charlotte for the No. 8 pick, Brandan Wright from North Carolina. Wright is a 6-10 forward who loves to run the floor and can finish in transition, which means he'll fit in well with the Warriors, who run a wide-open offense. Bellineli, who comes from Italy, is one of the best shooters in the world. Since Golden State shoots more 3s than any other team, he'll also fit in well. Expect Bellineli to challenge immediately for the starting SG spot vacated by Richardson's departure. Davidson was sent to Charlotte as part of the Richardson trade, while Lasme is an undersized (6-7) power forward who can block shots but might not make the roster. With Wright and Bellineli, the Warriors picked up two contributors.
Houston Rockets -- Aaron Brooks (No. 26), Brad Newley (No. 54)
Analysis: Brooks is a strange pick here, as most people didn't expect him to go in the first round. He was a good college point guard at Oregon, but he's very small for NBA standards at just 6-0, maybe even 5-11. He's not a pure scorer and doesn't shoot the ball all that well. He should have a tough time seeing playing time next year, especially since the Rockets just acquired PG Mike James. Newly, a SG from Australia, is an athletic slasher who might stay 'down under' a little longer to continue developing. The Rockets also traded for the rights of Purdue power forward Carl Landry, taken 31st overall by Seattle.
Indiana Pacers -- No picks.
Analysis: If anybody needed to make a move on draft day, it was Indiana. A team desperately in need of a makeover, the Pacers could have moved PF Jermaine O'Neal for a high pick or several picks and began the rebuilding process. The Pacers did send a 2009 second-round pick to Miami for Stanko Barac, but the big center likely will remain in Europe for at least another year.
Los Angeles Clippers -- Al Thornton (No. 14), Jared Jordan (No. 45)
Analysis: I really, really like the Thornton pick. Thornton can play both forward positions and is a great competitor. I'm surprised he fell all the way to 14. Most mock drafts had him going in the top 10. Thornton should get the chance to play a lot in L.A. and may compete for Rookie of the Year honors. Jordan is an intriguing pick in the second round, a point guard from Marist. At 6-2 -- and white -- many scouts believe he has the chance to be the next Steve Nash. His basketball IQ keeps him several steps ahead of the rest of the game. I think Jordan will make the Clippers roster and contribute in a couple of seasons.
Los Angeles Lakers -- Javaris Crittenton (No. 19), Sun Yue (No. 40), Marc Gasol (No. 48)
Analysis: Crittenton is a big, physical point guard from Georgia Tech, who at 6-5, will become a solid player in the NBA. He spent just one season at Ga. Tech and may not be ready to step in immediately for the Lakers, but it's a good choice for them. He could be their point guard of the future. Yue is a 6-9 PG from China, but he'll have to make the transition to the wing in the NBA. Gasol is a 7-footer from Spain who is the younger brother of Memphis' Pau Gasol. Marc probably will stay in Spain for a couple of years as he continues to develop.
Memphis Grizzlies -- Mike Conley Jr. (No. 4)
Analysis: Conley could become the third-best pick in this draft. The freshman from Ohio State must prove himself without big Greg Oden, who he's played with since the duo were 12. But Conley's quickness, savvy and basketball IQ have him projected as one of the next great point guards in the NBA. He played just one season of college ball, so he might have a slower learning curve in the NBA. But the Grizz needed a PG, and Conley will be expected to play from Day 1.
Miami Heat -- Jason Smith (No. 20), Stanko Barac (No. 39)
Analysis: Two picks, two trades. The Heat sent Smith to Philadelphia for Daequan Cook, selected 21st, and a 2009 second-round pick. They sent Barac to Indiana for a 2009 second-round pick. So the Heat came away with Cook, a 6-5 SG who is very talented, but very raw. I like Cook -- a lot. Think he's a great prospect, but I have to wonder why the Heat would want him, considering their superstar Dwyane Wade also is a SG. Cook might not be expected to play much as a rookie, but I look for him to become a big-time player shortly.
Milwaukee Bucks -- Yi Jianlian (No. 6), Ramon Sessions (No. 56)
Analysis: I really like the Yi pick at No. 6, as I feel he's the third-best prospect in the draft. At 6-11, the Chinese big man isn't Yao Ming. He's far more superior athletically, and is more of a Kevin Garnett/Dirk Nowitzki kind of player who can step away from the basket, shoot and put the ball on the floor. He's also a very explosive athlete who can finish around the rim. There are some questions about whether he'll play for the Bucks, as he wanted to play in a city that has a big Asian population -- like Los Angeles. But the Bucks made the right move picking the best available player. Sessions is a solid point guard who knows how to get to the basket and dish. He should make that roster and fight for playing time. A very good draft for a building franchise.
Minnesota Timberwolves -- Corey Brewer (No. 7), Chris Richard (No. 41)
Analysis: Two Florida guys who are winners. Brewer, one of three Gators taken in the top nine picks, might be the best of the bunch. He's a long, athletic player at 6-8 who was the best defender in the draft. He also has all the potential to continue to develop offensively into an all-around superstar. Should the Timberwolves keep Kevin Garnett, he's going to enjoy playing with Brewer. Richard came off the bench for the Gators, and may not make this roster, but he's a big, rugged player who will give intense minutes when called upon.
New Jersey Nets -- Sean Williams (No. 17)
Analysis: The old adage is "high risk, high reward," and that's certainly the case with Williams, who was kicked out of school at Boston College in January. He's a long player at 6-11 who is a tremendous shot-blocker and finisher in the paint. His potential is that of a lottery pick, but he also brings a great deal of baggage that could have him out of the league shortly.
New Orleans Hornets -- Julian Wright (No. 13), Adam Haluska (No. 43)
Analysis: Personally, I'm not a big Julian Wright fan. But the Hornets are thrilled. Coach Byron Scott could not have thought Wright would fall all the way to 13. Wright is a 6-9 SF from Kansas who does everything well. He runs the floor. He finishes in transition. He plays defense. He's a good shooter. A good passer. I wouldn't be surprised if Wright steps right in at SF and takes over the starting role for the departing Desmond Mason. Haluska is a good athlete and shooter from Iowa, but he'll have to work very hard to make the team.
New York Knicks -- Wilson Chandler (No. 23)
Analysis: Knicks fans don't care what Chandler does, although he could turn into a solid contributor along the mold of last year's first-round pick, Renaldo Balkman. No, the story of the draft came via a trade with Portland. The Knicks picked up PF Zach Randolph, Portland's leading scorer last year who is a 25/10 guy and an All-Star in the East. New York also got rid of one of its big contracts, sending Steve Francis out West. The Knicks did have to part with Channing Frye, an athletic PF who was the 8th pick two years ago. Also heading to New York are Dan Dickau and Fred J0nes. This is a step in the right direction for Isiah Thomas and the Knicks. Randolph can become a superstar in the East.
Orlando Magic -- Reyshawn Terry (No. 44)
Analysis: You don't expect too much from second-round picks, but Terry might be a surprise in Orlando. He has all the tools to be successful, even though he didn't have a great career at North Carolina. The 6-8 small forward is a very good value here. The Magic traded their other second-round pick, No. 54, to Houston, which selected Brad Newley.
Philadelphia 76ers -- Thaddeus Young (No. 12), Daequan Cook (No. 21), Petteri Koponen (No. 30), Kyrylo Fesenko (No. 38)
Analysis: The 76ers, like many teams, went with freshmen with their first two picks -- the SF Young from Ga. Tech and the SG Cook from Ohio State. They then dealt Cook to Miami for PF Jason Smith of Colorado State. Personally, I think they traded the wrong guy. I think Cook has a better upside and will become a better pro than Young. Philly also dealt Koponen to Portland for the rights to the 42nd pick, Derrick Byars. Byars was a solid player at Vanderbilt who could make the 76ers roster. And Fesenko is a steal in the second round from Ukraine. He'll continue to play overseas but the 7-1 20-year-old could surface in Philly as a force down the road.
Phoenix Suns -- Rudy Fernandez (No. 24), Alando Tucker (No. 29), D.J. Strawberry (No. 59)
Analysis: For the fourth straight year, the Suns sold or traded its first-round pick, sending Fernandez to Portland for money. It's like the Suns don't want to get any better. Seriously, it's ridiculous. I like the Tucker pick, though. He's a combo SG/SF player who has tons of leadership, played at a high level for four years at Wisconsin and will fit in nicely in Phoenix's system. I really like that pick. Strawberry, a 6-5 combo guard, is a good player but not a great one and probably won't make the Suns roster.
Portland TrailBlazers -- Greg Oden (No. 1), Josh McRoberts (No. 37), Derrick Byars (No. 42), Taurean Green (No. 52), Demetris Nichols (No. 53)
Analysis: Portland could have stopped after Oden and had the best draft of all the teams. Enough can't be said about Oden, the 7-foot center who is now the cornerstone of the franchise. But the Blazers didn't stop there, as they continue to rebuild their team. They traded Randolph, who is the last link to the "JailBlazers" teams of old, and got a solid backup PF/C in Channing Frye to play behind Oden and last year's first-round pick LaMarcus Aldridge. The Blazers also bought Rudy Fernandez from the Suns, traded Byars for Koponen, giving them two solid foreign players. Green was Florida's leading scorer last year, while Nichols was Syracuse's best player. And McRoberts, a supremely talented big man from Duke, is comfortable playing beside Oden, as the two are former AAU teammates. Portland has done a tremendous job the past two years of rebuilding their roster and will become a team to be reckoned with over the next decade.
Sacramento Kings -- Spencer Hawes (No. 10)
Analysis: Any time you can get a potential franchise center at No. 10, you take him -- and the Kings did just that. Hawes is a 7-foot-1 center from Washington who spent just one year with the Huskies. He has a bevy of low post moves and is a good rebounder. There are questions about his athleticism, but as he continues to get bigger and grow into his body, he'll continue to improve as a player. Hawes is going to be a great center in the NBA.
San Antonio Spurs -- Tiago Splitter (No. 28), Marcus Williams (No. 33), Giorgos Printezis (No. 58)
Analysis: Honestly, what do the NBA champs need? Splitter is an enigma, as he's been in and out of the draft pool the past couple of years, and could have been a potential lottery pick in the past. Instead, the Spurs plucked him at No. 28. They've had great success in the past with foreign players, and Splitter is the next in a long line. He's a 6-11 power forward who will fit in nicely with Fabricio Oberto and Francisco Elson alongside Tim Duncan. Williams is a very talented small forward from Arizona who could play on a number of teams. He'll have a tough time playing for the Spurs though. Printezis is a tough-nosed SF from Greece who will continue to develop over there for a couple of years.
Seattle SuperSonics -- Kevin Durant (No. 2), Carl Landry (No. 31), Glen Davis (No. 35)
Analysis: Like the Blazers, Seattle could have stopped after the selection of Durant and called it a successful day. But the Sonics were movers on this day. They shipped franchise player Ray Allen and Davis to Boston for the No. 5 pick, Jeff Green, Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West. Which means Durant is now the face of the franchise. The Sonics knew they couldn't keep both Allen and free agent Rashard Lewis, so they're hanging their hat on being able to re-sign Lewis. I'm not sure what I think about the strategy of having Durant, Lewis and Green -- who are all basically 6-9/6-10 small forwards -- but it does give the Sonics some options. They also sold Landry for a later second-round draft pick. Durant and Green will get chances to play early and often.
Toronto Raptors -- No picks.
Analysis: The Raptors are an up-and-coming young team, and it would have been nice for them to have a pick to add to their roster. Instead, they'll have to try to improve through free agency.
Utah Jazz -- Morris Almond (No. 25), Herbert Hill (No. 55)
Analysis: Jerry Sloan doesn't expect much from his rookies, preferring to let them sit and learn for a year. With rising superstar Deron Williams at PG and All-Star Carlos Boozer at PF, the Jazz could use some shooters to help open things up. Almond fits the bill as perhaps the best shooter in the draft. He should get some chances to play early, as SG is the Jazz's only weakness. Hill, a PF from Providence, is a good value pick late in the second round and could become the third second-round pick in two years to make the Jazz roster.
Washington Wizards -- Nick Young (No. 16), Dominic McGuire (No. 47)
Analysis: Young is a great, great value at No. 16. He's a lottery pick, possibly a top 10 pick, and Wizards were very content to pluck him with the 16th pick. At 6-foot-6, Young can play both wing positions and will make a nice complimentary piece to Wizards superstar Gilbert Arenas. Young doesn't need a ton of shots to be successful, which is good, because playing with Arenas he's not going to get many. McGuire, a 6-9 SF from Fresno State, is an intriguing prospect who plays defense, rebounds and blocks shots. He doesn't, however, play very good offense. Nonetheless, he has a good shot to make Washington's roster.
Atlanta Hawks -- Al Horford (No. 3), Acie Law IV (No. 11)
Analysis: The Hawks had two lottery selections and had been mentioned in trade talks trying to land Amare Stoudemire from Phoenix. Instead, they kept the picks and chose Horford, a power forward from Florida, and Law, a point guard from Texas A&M. I like both of these picks. At first glance, I didn't like the Horford pick, because they passed up another point guard in Mike Conley Jr. Instead, they got the point guard they really liked in Law. Some analysts are concerned he's not a pure point guard, but I really like him and think he's more polished and ready to contribute compared to Conley. For a franchise that has made quite a few boneheaded moves on draft day in recent years, this was a good night for the Hawks.
Boston Celtics -- Jeff Green (No. 5), Gabe Pruitt (No. 32)
Analysis: After saying he wasn't trading the No. 5 pick, Celtics GM Danny Ainge then went out and traded the No. 5 pick. It's actually a good move for the Celtics, who get an established star in SG Ray Allen from Seattle (along with the rights to 35th pick Glen Davis) to pair with Paul Pierce. It may not be a great long-term move, as both Allen and Pierce are aging, but it gives Boston a solid backcourt with great experience and helps this team become a competitor in the East. Pruitt is a first-round talent who slipped to the second round, but he makes this roster and contributes next season.
Charlotte Bobcats -- Brandan Wright (No. 8), Jared Dudley (No. 22)
Analysis: Brandan Wright learned one thing on draft night -- don't call out Michael Jordan. After saying His Airness "didn't want any" of Wright on the court, Jordan proved him correct by trading Wright to Golden State for Jason Richardson. It's not a great move for the Bobcats, as Wright has a lot of potential, but Richardson gives them a 20-plus point scorer and someone to build the team around. Charlotte has a lot of good young players, and Richardson could become the glue-guy that helps Charlotte begin competing in the East. Dudley was the ACC Player of the Year, but at 6-7, 225 pounds, he's a classic NBA tweener. He gives a lot of energy and plays hard, and because of that, he'll probably make the rotation -- but he isn't going to be a star in the NBA.
Chicago Bulls -- Joakim Noah (No. 9), Aaron Gray (No. 49), JamesOn Curry (No. 51)
Analysis: Noah has been praised for the better part of two seasons for being the backbone on Florida's back-to-back title-winning teams. He's intense. He's tenacious. He plays with a lot of energy and heart. But how is he any different from Tyrus Thomas, a top five pick the Bulls traded for on draft day last year? He's not. Not that the Bulls have any need positions, but I don't see Noah as an upgrade on this roster. Gray is a big 7-0 center, and Curry is an undersized two-guard. Both of them will have a hard time making the Bulls' roster.
Cleveland Cavaliers -- No picks
Analysis: Incomplete. The Cavs may have made the NBA Finals this past season, but they do have a lot of holes that need to be filled around LeBron James. Unfortunately for them, those needs will have to be addressed through free agency.
Dallas Mavericks -- Nick Fazekas (No. 34), Renaldas Seibutus (No. 50), Milovan Rakovic (No. 60)
Analysis: The Mavs didn't have a first-round pick, and the chances any of these three make the roster is slim. Fazekas was a great college player, who I had the chance to see personally on a couple of occasions since he played at Nevada, which plays against Louisiana Tech in the WAC. Fazekas is a great shooter, tough competitor and a solid rebounder -- but he's not very athletic, has slow feet and will have a tough time making the transition to the NBA. The other two players are foreigners who will likely continue to play overseas for at least another couple of seasons.
Denver Nuggets -- No picks.
Analysis: Again, it's tough to analyze something that's not there. But Nuggets fans need to remember their draft came during the season when they traded for Allen Iverson. It didn't work out that well for them last year, but with an offseason to work on chemistry between Iverson and Carmelo Anthony, the Nuggest could become a player in 2007-08.
Detroit Pistons -- Rodney Stuckey (No. 15), Arron Afflalo (No. 27), Sammy Mejia (No. 57)
Analysis: Joe Dumars has always been willing to step outside the box -- but this far outside? The Pistons point guard, Chauncey Billups, has opted to test free agency. Their two best players are SG Richard Hamilton and SF Tayshaun Prince. So what does Detroit do? Drafts three wing players. Stuckey is a small-school guy from Eastern Washington who's a dynamic scorer on that level. Afflalo was a great three-year player at UCLA, while Mejia is a hard-nosed player from DePaul. On the surface, I like all three of these guys. Where the problem comes is when all three of them are drafted by the same team, which happens to have two All-Stars on the wing.
Golden State Warriors -- Marco Bellineli (No. 18), Jermareo Davidson (No. 36), Stephane Lasme (No. 46)
Analysis: As mentioned before, the Warriors traded SG Jason Richardson to Charlotte for the No. 8 pick, Brandan Wright from North Carolina. Wright is a 6-10 forward who loves to run the floor and can finish in transition, which means he'll fit in well with the Warriors, who run a wide-open offense. Bellineli, who comes from Italy, is one of the best shooters in the world. Since Golden State shoots more 3s than any other team, he'll also fit in well. Expect Bellineli to challenge immediately for the starting SG spot vacated by Richardson's departure. Davidson was sent to Charlotte as part of the Richardson trade, while Lasme is an undersized (6-7) power forward who can block shots but might not make the roster. With Wright and Bellineli, the Warriors picked up two contributors.
Houston Rockets -- Aaron Brooks (No. 26), Brad Newley (No. 54)
Analysis: Brooks is a strange pick here, as most people didn't expect him to go in the first round. He was a good college point guard at Oregon, but he's very small for NBA standards at just 6-0, maybe even 5-11. He's not a pure scorer and doesn't shoot the ball all that well. He should have a tough time seeing playing time next year, especially since the Rockets just acquired PG Mike James. Newly, a SG from Australia, is an athletic slasher who might stay 'down under' a little longer to continue developing. The Rockets also traded for the rights of Purdue power forward Carl Landry, taken 31st overall by Seattle.
Indiana Pacers -- No picks.
Analysis: If anybody needed to make a move on draft day, it was Indiana. A team desperately in need of a makeover, the Pacers could have moved PF Jermaine O'Neal for a high pick or several picks and began the rebuilding process. The Pacers did send a 2009 second-round pick to Miami for Stanko Barac, but the big center likely will remain in Europe for at least another year.
Los Angeles Clippers -- Al Thornton (No. 14), Jared Jordan (No. 45)
Analysis: I really, really like the Thornton pick. Thornton can play both forward positions and is a great competitor. I'm surprised he fell all the way to 14. Most mock drafts had him going in the top 10. Thornton should get the chance to play a lot in L.A. and may compete for Rookie of the Year honors. Jordan is an intriguing pick in the second round, a point guard from Marist. At 6-2 -- and white -- many scouts believe he has the chance to be the next Steve Nash. His basketball IQ keeps him several steps ahead of the rest of the game. I think Jordan will make the Clippers roster and contribute in a couple of seasons.
Los Angeles Lakers -- Javaris Crittenton (No. 19), Sun Yue (No. 40), Marc Gasol (No. 48)
Analysis: Crittenton is a big, physical point guard from Georgia Tech, who at 6-5, will become a solid player in the NBA. He spent just one season at Ga. Tech and may not be ready to step in immediately for the Lakers, but it's a good choice for them. He could be their point guard of the future. Yue is a 6-9 PG from China, but he'll have to make the transition to the wing in the NBA. Gasol is a 7-footer from Spain who is the younger brother of Memphis' Pau Gasol. Marc probably will stay in Spain for a couple of years as he continues to develop.
Memphis Grizzlies -- Mike Conley Jr. (No. 4)
Analysis: Conley could become the third-best pick in this draft. The freshman from Ohio State must prove himself without big Greg Oden, who he's played with since the duo were 12. But Conley's quickness, savvy and basketball IQ have him projected as one of the next great point guards in the NBA. He played just one season of college ball, so he might have a slower learning curve in the NBA. But the Grizz needed a PG, and Conley will be expected to play from Day 1.
Miami Heat -- Jason Smith (No. 20), Stanko Barac (No. 39)
Analysis: Two picks, two trades. The Heat sent Smith to Philadelphia for Daequan Cook, selected 21st, and a 2009 second-round pick. They sent Barac to Indiana for a 2009 second-round pick. So the Heat came away with Cook, a 6-5 SG who is very talented, but very raw. I like Cook -- a lot. Think he's a great prospect, but I have to wonder why the Heat would want him, considering their superstar Dwyane Wade also is a SG. Cook might not be expected to play much as a rookie, but I look for him to become a big-time player shortly.
Milwaukee Bucks -- Yi Jianlian (No. 6), Ramon Sessions (No. 56)
Analysis: I really like the Yi pick at No. 6, as I feel he's the third-best prospect in the draft. At 6-11, the Chinese big man isn't Yao Ming. He's far more superior athletically, and is more of a Kevin Garnett/Dirk Nowitzki kind of player who can step away from the basket, shoot and put the ball on the floor. He's also a very explosive athlete who can finish around the rim. There are some questions about whether he'll play for the Bucks, as he wanted to play in a city that has a big Asian population -- like Los Angeles. But the Bucks made the right move picking the best available player. Sessions is a solid point guard who knows how to get to the basket and dish. He should make that roster and fight for playing time. A very good draft for a building franchise.
Minnesota Timberwolves -- Corey Brewer (No. 7), Chris Richard (No. 41)
Analysis: Two Florida guys who are winners. Brewer, one of three Gators taken in the top nine picks, might be the best of the bunch. He's a long, athletic player at 6-8 who was the best defender in the draft. He also has all the potential to continue to develop offensively into an all-around superstar. Should the Timberwolves keep Kevin Garnett, he's going to enjoy playing with Brewer. Richard came off the bench for the Gators, and may not make this roster, but he's a big, rugged player who will give intense minutes when called upon.
New Jersey Nets -- Sean Williams (No. 17)
Analysis: The old adage is "high risk, high reward," and that's certainly the case with Williams, who was kicked out of school at Boston College in January. He's a long player at 6-11 who is a tremendous shot-blocker and finisher in the paint. His potential is that of a lottery pick, but he also brings a great deal of baggage that could have him out of the league shortly.
New Orleans Hornets -- Julian Wright (No. 13), Adam Haluska (No. 43)
Analysis: Personally, I'm not a big Julian Wright fan. But the Hornets are thrilled. Coach Byron Scott could not have thought Wright would fall all the way to 13. Wright is a 6-9 SF from Kansas who does everything well. He runs the floor. He finishes in transition. He plays defense. He's a good shooter. A good passer. I wouldn't be surprised if Wright steps right in at SF and takes over the starting role for the departing Desmond Mason. Haluska is a good athlete and shooter from Iowa, but he'll have to work very hard to make the team.
New York Knicks -- Wilson Chandler (No. 23)
Analysis: Knicks fans don't care what Chandler does, although he could turn into a solid contributor along the mold of last year's first-round pick, Renaldo Balkman. No, the story of the draft came via a trade with Portland. The Knicks picked up PF Zach Randolph, Portland's leading scorer last year who is a 25/10 guy and an All-Star in the East. New York also got rid of one of its big contracts, sending Steve Francis out West. The Knicks did have to part with Channing Frye, an athletic PF who was the 8th pick two years ago. Also heading to New York are Dan Dickau and Fred J0nes. This is a step in the right direction for Isiah Thomas and the Knicks. Randolph can become a superstar in the East.
Orlando Magic -- Reyshawn Terry (No. 44)
Analysis: You don't expect too much from second-round picks, but Terry might be a surprise in Orlando. He has all the tools to be successful, even though he didn't have a great career at North Carolina. The 6-8 small forward is a very good value here. The Magic traded their other second-round pick, No. 54, to Houston, which selected Brad Newley.
Philadelphia 76ers -- Thaddeus Young (No. 12), Daequan Cook (No. 21), Petteri Koponen (No. 30), Kyrylo Fesenko (No. 38)
Analysis: The 76ers, like many teams, went with freshmen with their first two picks -- the SF Young from Ga. Tech and the SG Cook from Ohio State. They then dealt Cook to Miami for PF Jason Smith of Colorado State. Personally, I think they traded the wrong guy. I think Cook has a better upside and will become a better pro than Young. Philly also dealt Koponen to Portland for the rights to the 42nd pick, Derrick Byars. Byars was a solid player at Vanderbilt who could make the 76ers roster. And Fesenko is a steal in the second round from Ukraine. He'll continue to play overseas but the 7-1 20-year-old could surface in Philly as a force down the road.
Phoenix Suns -- Rudy Fernandez (No. 24), Alando Tucker (No. 29), D.J. Strawberry (No. 59)
Analysis: For the fourth straight year, the Suns sold or traded its first-round pick, sending Fernandez to Portland for money. It's like the Suns don't want to get any better. Seriously, it's ridiculous. I like the Tucker pick, though. He's a combo SG/SF player who has tons of leadership, played at a high level for four years at Wisconsin and will fit in nicely in Phoenix's system. I really like that pick. Strawberry, a 6-5 combo guard, is a good player but not a great one and probably won't make the Suns roster.
Portland TrailBlazers -- Greg Oden (No. 1), Josh McRoberts (No. 37), Derrick Byars (No. 42), Taurean Green (No. 52), Demetris Nichols (No. 53)
Analysis: Portland could have stopped after Oden and had the best draft of all the teams. Enough can't be said about Oden, the 7-foot center who is now the cornerstone of the franchise. But the Blazers didn't stop there, as they continue to rebuild their team. They traded Randolph, who is the last link to the "JailBlazers" teams of old, and got a solid backup PF/C in Channing Frye to play behind Oden and last year's first-round pick LaMarcus Aldridge. The Blazers also bought Rudy Fernandez from the Suns, traded Byars for Koponen, giving them two solid foreign players. Green was Florida's leading scorer last year, while Nichols was Syracuse's best player. And McRoberts, a supremely talented big man from Duke, is comfortable playing beside Oden, as the two are former AAU teammates. Portland has done a tremendous job the past two years of rebuilding their roster and will become a team to be reckoned with over the next decade.
Sacramento Kings -- Spencer Hawes (No. 10)
Analysis: Any time you can get a potential franchise center at No. 10, you take him -- and the Kings did just that. Hawes is a 7-foot-1 center from Washington who spent just one year with the Huskies. He has a bevy of low post moves and is a good rebounder. There are questions about his athleticism, but as he continues to get bigger and grow into his body, he'll continue to improve as a player. Hawes is going to be a great center in the NBA.
San Antonio Spurs -- Tiago Splitter (No. 28), Marcus Williams (No. 33), Giorgos Printezis (No. 58)
Analysis: Honestly, what do the NBA champs need? Splitter is an enigma, as he's been in and out of the draft pool the past couple of years, and could have been a potential lottery pick in the past. Instead, the Spurs plucked him at No. 28. They've had great success in the past with foreign players, and Splitter is the next in a long line. He's a 6-11 power forward who will fit in nicely with Fabricio Oberto and Francisco Elson alongside Tim Duncan. Williams is a very talented small forward from Arizona who could play on a number of teams. He'll have a tough time playing for the Spurs though. Printezis is a tough-nosed SF from Greece who will continue to develop over there for a couple of years.
Seattle SuperSonics -- Kevin Durant (No. 2), Carl Landry (No. 31), Glen Davis (No. 35)
Analysis: Like the Blazers, Seattle could have stopped after the selection of Durant and called it a successful day. But the Sonics were movers on this day. They shipped franchise player Ray Allen and Davis to Boston for the No. 5 pick, Jeff Green, Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West. Which means Durant is now the face of the franchise. The Sonics knew they couldn't keep both Allen and free agent Rashard Lewis, so they're hanging their hat on being able to re-sign Lewis. I'm not sure what I think about the strategy of having Durant, Lewis and Green -- who are all basically 6-9/6-10 small forwards -- but it does give the Sonics some options. They also sold Landry for a later second-round draft pick. Durant and Green will get chances to play early and often.
Toronto Raptors -- No picks.
Analysis: The Raptors are an up-and-coming young team, and it would have been nice for them to have a pick to add to their roster. Instead, they'll have to try to improve through free agency.
Utah Jazz -- Morris Almond (No. 25), Herbert Hill (No. 55)
Analysis: Jerry Sloan doesn't expect much from his rookies, preferring to let them sit and learn for a year. With rising superstar Deron Williams at PG and All-Star Carlos Boozer at PF, the Jazz could use some shooters to help open things up. Almond fits the bill as perhaps the best shooter in the draft. He should get some chances to play early, as SG is the Jazz's only weakness. Hill, a PF from Providence, is a good value pick late in the second round and could become the third second-round pick in two years to make the Jazz roster.
Washington Wizards -- Nick Young (No. 16), Dominic McGuire (No. 47)
Analysis: Young is a great, great value at No. 16. He's a lottery pick, possibly a top 10 pick, and Wizards were very content to pluck him with the 16th pick. At 6-foot-6, Young can play both wing positions and will make a nice complimentary piece to Wizards superstar Gilbert Arenas. Young doesn't need a ton of shots to be successful, which is good, because playing with Arenas he's not going to get many. McGuire, a 6-9 SF from Fresno State, is an intriguing prospect who plays defense, rebounds and blocks shots. He doesn't, however, play very good offense. Nonetheless, he has a good shot to make Washington's roster.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Working through moodiness
For those of you who might have tried to reach me today, or for those I might have had some contact with today, I apologize that I've been short and moody. Today wasn't exactly what I'd consider a good day, and it's probably going to take a little time for me to get over it.
Was told today that, pretty much, the Shreveport deal is a no-go. For details I can't really go into on the business side of things, The Times can't hire me, or anybody, to fill their position. And nobody really knows when they'll be able to.
The whole situation frustrates me, as I'm sure some of you know. It's been about a month since I applied for that job. And it's just drug on and on and on. It really frustrated me that this couldn't have been taken care of sooner, and now it appears like it won't be taken care of.
It really disappoints me that I can't get my wife back to north Louisiana so she can work with her brother. I think it would have been a great opportunity for both of them, and it really saddens me that I couldn't make it happen.
But now I just move on. I'm here in Cenla for however long, and I'll make the best of it. I really wasn't looking to leave, but I did get my heart set of going to Shreveport and getting back to north Louisiana. I'm disappointed. But it's not the end of the world. I have a good job here and a good life. Although I am depressed right now.
There are some other things going on in my life, too, that are of some concern to me. It's nothing I'm ready to go into detail here on the blog, but a big announcement was made at church this Sunday that sort of frightens me and concerns me. The direction of the church, and what I'm looking for from my church, aren't lining up. I have some major praying, thinking and decisions to make. I love my kids. They are a lot of fun. But I haven't had the time that I want to put into it. And now with this announcement, I feel further away than I have since I walked in the door. I don't know if I can give the church what it needs, or if the church can give me what I need. This partly adds to my depression today.
I hope for the best, and I surely don't want to lose my kids. But I've been drained lately, and I haven't felt like I can give what I need to give. And if I can't give what I feel like I should give, I don't feel like I should be a part of it. That's my nature. I don't want to drag anyone down, and I feel like I've been doing. Again, I have a lot to pray about. Please add me to your lists.
Was told today that, pretty much, the Shreveport deal is a no-go. For details I can't really go into on the business side of things, The Times can't hire me, or anybody, to fill their position. And nobody really knows when they'll be able to.
The whole situation frustrates me, as I'm sure some of you know. It's been about a month since I applied for that job. And it's just drug on and on and on. It really frustrated me that this couldn't have been taken care of sooner, and now it appears like it won't be taken care of.
It really disappoints me that I can't get my wife back to north Louisiana so she can work with her brother. I think it would have been a great opportunity for both of them, and it really saddens me that I couldn't make it happen.
But now I just move on. I'm here in Cenla for however long, and I'll make the best of it. I really wasn't looking to leave, but I did get my heart set of going to Shreveport and getting back to north Louisiana. I'm disappointed. But it's not the end of the world. I have a good job here and a good life. Although I am depressed right now.
There are some other things going on in my life, too, that are of some concern to me. It's nothing I'm ready to go into detail here on the blog, but a big announcement was made at church this Sunday that sort of frightens me and concerns me. The direction of the church, and what I'm looking for from my church, aren't lining up. I have some major praying, thinking and decisions to make. I love my kids. They are a lot of fun. But I haven't had the time that I want to put into it. And now with this announcement, I feel further away than I have since I walked in the door. I don't know if I can give the church what it needs, or if the church can give me what I need. This partly adds to my depression today.
I hope for the best, and I surely don't want to lose my kids. But I've been drained lately, and I haven't felt like I can give what I need to give. And if I can't give what I feel like I should give, I don't feel like I should be a part of it. That's my nature. I don't want to drag anyone down, and I feel like I've been doing. Again, I have a lot to pray about. Please add me to your lists.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Blonde Moment
So Elizabeth and I weren't really doing too much on our day off today. Got up late, as usual. Grabbed a little lunch. Went to check out some mattresses, as the one we have now is giving both our backs some problems.
We really were just spending some quality time together. We went to the mall and did some looking (and some buying, but that's another story). Then, as we were heading out, Elizabeth mentioned something about my needing a haircut.
Just a little background. I don't particularly like to get my hair cut. I like to keep it longer, just because with my thousand cowlicks, it's easier to maintain when it's that length, rather than shorter. But Elizabeth prefers shorter.
Anyway, I've been wanting a change for a while. Been wanting to add a little color to my life. So I said what the heck ... let's get some highlights. I haven't colored my hair in two years, when Elizabeth and I went all out at a day spa in Boston on our honeymoon. So I get there, run through some books, pick out a style and color I'd like and sit down in a chair.The picture I thought I'd shown had light brown/auburn highlights. Apparently, the stylist thought they were blonde. It wasn't until she called me blondie when she was about to shampoo my hair that I figured out what was going on. I had blonde highlights. Now, I actually like the way it turned out, but it is going to take a little time to get used to having blonde in my hair!
Meanwhile, as I'm in the chair, Elizabeth brings a picture from a style book over and asks me if I liked it. It was cute, and short. While Elizabeth likes to keep her hair long, I think she's really pretty with short hair. So I said, 'Go for it!' Another little story -- when Elizabeth and I first met and started dating, she had blonde highlights. So I like it when she gets her hair colored.Anyway, that's how our day off turned into a blonde makeover!!!
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Short, sweet and to the point
I could go on and on and on about my current four-day hiatus from work, which regretfully ends when I return to the office tomorrow afternoon. But I won't. I'll keep it short.
Elizabeth and I were planning to take off to Atlanta, but it just didn't fit in the budget. I was saddened, but undaunted. Instead, we just relaxed around the house, for the most part. Except for Monday.
On Monday, we trekked up north to Ruston. I love going back home and seeing old friends. I try to get to Ruston as much as I can. Anyway, I promised short, and I'm breaking said promise. Now to the point.
We had lunch with a couple of old friends, Kyle and Judith, at Monjuni's. Good food. Good conversation. Love Kyle and Judith. Then we ran by the bank (CTB) where Elizabeth used to work. She got a chance to spend some time with former co-workers, while I ran off down the road and visited with Smoothie King owner Bradley Walker, who I've known since I was 5 or something. Again, just good to see and old face and chat. When I arrived back to the bank, I had a chance to talk with Dave Anderson, whom I've known since I was a freshman in high school, when he nicknamed me "Arnold Palmer" for leaving his track team to play golf at Ruston High. Anyway, we chatted for 20 minutes or so, just catching up.
After leaving the bank, Elizabeth and I ran out to her brother Jason's house, where we watched a little Nascar (ha!) and visited, both friendly and business. For those of you wondering, I still haven't heard anything from Shreveport. Everything is good on Elizabeth and Jason's end, but I'm just waiting to hear back from Shreveport to see if we can take the next step. I hate lack of progress, but I'll keep you informed.
The only sad part about our trip was the lack of little boys, as both Caleb and Seth (Jason's two sons) were at daycare and we didn't get to see them. Sad times, because those little boys are fun!
After spending a few hours with Jason, he ran off to chat with a lawyer about getting his business started, while Elizabeth and I went over to visit with the Ferrels, a family I've known for nearly 20 years. As always is the case with the Ferrels, no matter who's home, it was good conversation and a good time. Michelle, one of my little girls, who aren't so little anymore, (there's a whole other blog that I might post about memories on this one) wasn't home, but her twin sister Ashley was. As was their mother, Sherri, and her two grandbabies, Aiden and Brenton. Those boys are tons of fun! Was saddened to hear her oldest daughter has gotten herself in quite a bit of trouble, but I'll just pray for her safety and guidance in turning her life around. All and all, that was a fun time, as always.
After leaving the Ferrels, Elizabeth and I had supper with a couple of college friends, Alan and Misti. Well, Alan is a lot more than a college friend. He was one of the first friends I had when I moved back to Ruston in seventh grade, and one of my groomsmen, as well. Anyway, Alan and Misti just moved back to Ruston from Houston, and we got to have supper with them at Chili's. It was the first time we'd seen them since we went down to Houston around October. Great times. I really enjoy being around those two, and having supper with them made me realize how much I've missed spending time with them over the past couple of years. Now they're just two hours away, and I'm hoping we'll be able to catch up much more often.
All in all, it was a great trip. Even got myself a couple of handfuls of those wonderful Ruston peaches. Yummy! Can't wait to scarf those down!
I'm sorry, everyone. I promised short, but I'm coming to realize I just don't do short. It's going to be very challenging when I begin blogging for work next week -- since my blogs are supposed to be 10 paragraphs or less. That's going to be tough! LOL.
Until later -- Bret
Elizabeth and I were planning to take off to Atlanta, but it just didn't fit in the budget. I was saddened, but undaunted. Instead, we just relaxed around the house, for the most part. Except for Monday.
On Monday, we trekked up north to Ruston. I love going back home and seeing old friends. I try to get to Ruston as much as I can. Anyway, I promised short, and I'm breaking said promise. Now to the point.
We had lunch with a couple of old friends, Kyle and Judith, at Monjuni's. Good food. Good conversation. Love Kyle and Judith. Then we ran by the bank (CTB) where Elizabeth used to work. She got a chance to spend some time with former co-workers, while I ran off down the road and visited with Smoothie King owner Bradley Walker, who I've known since I was 5 or something. Again, just good to see and old face and chat. When I arrived back to the bank, I had a chance to talk with Dave Anderson, whom I've known since I was a freshman in high school, when he nicknamed me "Arnold Palmer" for leaving his track team to play golf at Ruston High. Anyway, we chatted for 20 minutes or so, just catching up.
After leaving the bank, Elizabeth and I ran out to her brother Jason's house, where we watched a little Nascar (ha!) and visited, both friendly and business. For those of you wondering, I still haven't heard anything from Shreveport. Everything is good on Elizabeth and Jason's end, but I'm just waiting to hear back from Shreveport to see if we can take the next step. I hate lack of progress, but I'll keep you informed.
The only sad part about our trip was the lack of little boys, as both Caleb and Seth (Jason's two sons) were at daycare and we didn't get to see them. Sad times, because those little boys are fun!
After spending a few hours with Jason, he ran off to chat with a lawyer about getting his business started, while Elizabeth and I went over to visit with the Ferrels, a family I've known for nearly 20 years. As always is the case with the Ferrels, no matter who's home, it was good conversation and a good time. Michelle, one of my little girls, who aren't so little anymore, (there's a whole other blog that I might post about memories on this one) wasn't home, but her twin sister Ashley was. As was their mother, Sherri, and her two grandbabies, Aiden and Brenton. Those boys are tons of fun! Was saddened to hear her oldest daughter has gotten herself in quite a bit of trouble, but I'll just pray for her safety and guidance in turning her life around. All and all, that was a fun time, as always.
After leaving the Ferrels, Elizabeth and I had supper with a couple of college friends, Alan and Misti. Well, Alan is a lot more than a college friend. He was one of the first friends I had when I moved back to Ruston in seventh grade, and one of my groomsmen, as well. Anyway, Alan and Misti just moved back to Ruston from Houston, and we got to have supper with them at Chili's. It was the first time we'd seen them since we went down to Houston around October. Great times. I really enjoy being around those two, and having supper with them made me realize how much I've missed spending time with them over the past couple of years. Now they're just two hours away, and I'm hoping we'll be able to catch up much more often.
All in all, it was a great trip. Even got myself a couple of handfuls of those wonderful Ruston peaches. Yummy! Can't wait to scarf those down!
I'm sorry, everyone. I promised short, but I'm coming to realize I just don't do short. It's going to be very challenging when I begin blogging for work next week -- since my blogs are supposed to be 10 paragraphs or less. That's going to be tough! LOL.
Until later -- Bret
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Here's an update ...
Well, for some of you, this is an update. For others, this might be the first you're hearing of this. If that's the case, I apologize. It's not like I'm trying to hide this from anyone. In fact, I've been more open about this than I have anything else in my career. It's just that I've been really busy and actually haven't talked to many people lately.
So what's this big news that I've kept so hush-hush? We might be moving -- again. Not like staying in Cenla moving, but actually leaving Cenla moving.
I know. I know. We just moved here. We bought a house. I like my job. All positive things. So why am I looking to leave? Well, like many things in life, it's complicated.
There's an opportunity in Shreveport at The Times that is essentially what I'm doing now -- prep sports -- but would be a little less pressure and a little less work. It wouldn't be an assistant editor position, which means I'd be working 40 hours a week. There are many benefits to this -- spending more time with Elizabeth, not wearing myself out, having more time to spend relaxing, etc.
In and of itself, this job wouldn't interest me. While there are some good benefits to taking the job, I'm not exactly looking to leave Alexandria. I've known about this job for awhile, and it didn't intrigue me enough on its own.
So what changed? It's a family deal. My brother-in-law is opening his own physical therapy business, and he approached Elizabeth about being his business manager. While she loves her job, her background is in business, and I think it would be a great opportunity for her. Needless to say, I believe it's something we should at least consider.
So we're considering. And still considering. Right now, we're just in a holding pattern. After officially applying for the job in Shreveport, I was told the managing editor would get with me this week. Since I hadn't heard from him, I sent him an e-mail today, and he told me it'd be next week before he could review my clips and get back with me. So we're waiting ...
Like I've told the few people I have been able to talk to about this, I'll keep people informed during this whole process. I'm not looking to hide anything -- from my family, from my friends or from my employers. All of this is on the up-and-up.
My biggest problem is a lack of patience. Honestly, there are benefits to either one of these jobs. I'd be happy either way. I just want an answer. I want to move forward. If we're going to Shreveport (or Minden or Homer or wherever we end up), I want to get started on that as soon as possible. If we're staying in Cenla, I want to give my all to that. So sitting and waiting isn't my best ability. But that's what I'm doing. When I hear something, you'll hear something.
So what's this big news that I've kept so hush-hush? We might be moving -- again. Not like staying in Cenla moving, but actually leaving Cenla moving.
I know. I know. We just moved here. We bought a house. I like my job. All positive things. So why am I looking to leave? Well, like many things in life, it's complicated.
There's an opportunity in Shreveport at The Times that is essentially what I'm doing now -- prep sports -- but would be a little less pressure and a little less work. It wouldn't be an assistant editor position, which means I'd be working 40 hours a week. There are many benefits to this -- spending more time with Elizabeth, not wearing myself out, having more time to spend relaxing, etc.
In and of itself, this job wouldn't interest me. While there are some good benefits to taking the job, I'm not exactly looking to leave Alexandria. I've known about this job for awhile, and it didn't intrigue me enough on its own.
So what changed? It's a family deal. My brother-in-law is opening his own physical therapy business, and he approached Elizabeth about being his business manager. While she loves her job, her background is in business, and I think it would be a great opportunity for her. Needless to say, I believe it's something we should at least consider.
So we're considering. And still considering. Right now, we're just in a holding pattern. After officially applying for the job in Shreveport, I was told the managing editor would get with me this week. Since I hadn't heard from him, I sent him an e-mail today, and he told me it'd be next week before he could review my clips and get back with me. So we're waiting ...
Like I've told the few people I have been able to talk to about this, I'll keep people informed during this whole process. I'm not looking to hide anything -- from my family, from my friends or from my employers. All of this is on the up-and-up.
My biggest problem is a lack of patience. Honestly, there are benefits to either one of these jobs. I'd be happy either way. I just want an answer. I want to move forward. If we're going to Shreveport (or Minden or Homer or wherever we end up), I want to get started on that as soon as possible. If we're staying in Cenla, I want to give my all to that. So sitting and waiting isn't my best ability. But that's what I'm doing. When I hear something, you'll hear something.
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