lisa1214's Xanga

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:22:14 GMT

Digital Era of Communications

Whether we are in constant contact or away at times,
your digits are never forgotten,
one click away,
we are connected again.
Holla bak at your girl.

Peace N Love.

Love Ties

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 23:03:33 GMT

After Watching Newport Harbor episode where Clay and Chrissy were home for the holidays, I start to realize that these real live tv personas actually are more down to earth and relatable to me than any previous seasons.
Last episode, 12-20-07,the separation of Clay and Chrissy was so sad. Clay is such a honest, loyal, and down to earth guy. Chrissy is such a warm, sweet, and cheery chick. They are sooo cute together!!!! Anyhow, hopefully they will get back together and make peace....

FUNNY ARTICLE-- CHEESY PICKUPS

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 22:22:07 GMT

Found this article on www.msn.com, somehow this is like deja vu to Will Farrell's movies-- aka news anchor and blades of glory... Cracks me up every time.

Pick-up lines you must avoid!

By Rosalind Cummings-Yeates Knowing that the attraction between you and that cute person is mutual… trying trendy new restaurants… getting that rush from smooching someone for the first time—these are just a few of the perks to the single life. But, alas, there is a downside to being relationship-free: The torture of being subjected to stale, decades-old, pick-up lines is penance for all that fun. In a survey taken across a range of age groups, geographical borders and lifestyles, we have compiled the top 10 worst pick-up lines that have sullied the ears of singles everywhere. Read on, and see how many of these have been lobbed in your direction.

1. “What’s your sign?”
The epitome of cheese, this line, which has been around since the Beatles came to America, ranks as the very worst line in dating history. The fact that it’s still in use says a lot about the decay of our society’s standards and the glaring desperation of some singles.

2. “Pardon me, I seem to have lost my phone number, can I borrow yours?”
Maybe this was funny around 1910 or 1915—back when the telephone was a novel appliance. It does not inspire smiles now, only scared and doomed looks.

3. “You must be a broom because you’re sweeping me off my feet.”
Maybe your dad used this one on your mom and for nostalgia’s sake, you’re bringing it out again. Nostalgia does not get you dates, only pity. “I actually had a guy say this to me during happy hour,” says Kim, a vivacious flight attendant who gets her share of pick-up lines. “I didn’t hold it against him because I don’t know how much he’d had to drink and he was cute. But if he hadn’t been cute, I would have dodged him.”

4. “Do you have a license? Because you’re driving me crazy.”
Caution! Watching too many stupid teen movies impairs your judgment. This probably sounded clever to the person who swiped it from an Annette and Frankie beach party flick.

5. “I gotta thirst and baby, you look like my Gatorade.”
Generally, comparing potential dates to food or drinks is not a winning move. “I had a guy use this one on me and I rolled my eyes and walked way,” says Susan, a marketing representative who doesn’t usually go for lines. “But a couple of weeks later, I saw this hot guy at the gym and I used that same line and it worked! I guess there are gender preferences when it comes to lines. He was really flattered, where I was insulted when it was used on me.”

6. “Are you lost? Because heaven’s a long way from here.”
Maybe angels like this one, but real women don’t.

7. “Are you religious? Because you’re the answer to all my prayers.”
Prayer is something that anyone who uses this tacky line desperately needs.

8. “Can I take your picture? I want Santa to know exactly what I want for Christmas.”
This line is popular with both men and women who think references to Santa are cute and charming, which are qualities that they never possess personally.

9. “Do you believe in love at first sight or should I walk by again?”
“A stunning woman I had been staring at used this on me,” says Mark, a tawny-haired, gregarious copywriter. “I know it’s an old one but it took guts to say it. I’m afraid I happily fell for it.”

10. “Well, here I am. What are your other two wishes?”
A personal favorite, this one takes a certain amount of arrogance, as well as delusion, to pull off.

Rosalind Cummings-Yeates is a freelance writer who often reports on relationships. To read about the worst pick-up lines that actually worked on someone, click here.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 15:27:46 GMT

Sometimes life just hits you with hard rocks, and you wonder why...

why would people commit infidelity? Is a 2 yr relationship not more than a 3-4 date crush?

You would think religion would really give you a boost in taming your temptation, but somehow it doesnt.

Religion v. temptation in society. Which has a stronger effect to the common man?

-my personal answer would be temptation in our society, people like paris hilton, lindsay lohan and pussycat dolls are not helping tthe common person to improve his/her ethics, rather it brings traces of evil. Our society needs a revolution, whether its going to be today or tommmorow, I believe someday Religion will take a lead again. If God was to see our world in his journey now, he would be in despair . How great is it if one prophet writes of journey of God in the present era? Wherever God is amongst us, I wonder how he will tell children of this era to better off themselves? May god hear my prayer. I pray to you Lord.

Fate

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 20:26:05 GMT

Every person is guided by fate.

To find the one you love, its fate.

To being involved in a destined relationship needs fate.

One cannot force, seize, or demand this destined fate.

Time will tell as one will see ones faithful true love.

Our Father

Sat, 07 Apr 2007 21:20:16 GMT

Our Father

Our Father,
Who art in heaven,
Hallowed by Thy name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven,
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trepasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Sun, 21 Jan 2007 00:28:30 GMT

Loneliness

Feeling compacted in a tiny room
Cold as shivery ice
Without love nor family affection
Yearning to hear my mother's tranquil voice
As tears slithered sleekishly down my face
Dripping Dripping

Glass

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 06:44:29 GMT

Peering through the filmy layer,
I see sandy speckles of dust,
Glistening like 24K gold,
An everlasting shine being peered from miles away
In the corner of my eye ,
I vision hope, destiny
As my head slightly gaze skyward bound....
A patch of rainbow emerges
Slowly hexagon patterns of light uplifts from the deep earth
Sun rises like a melting tangerine...
Life begins once again..
My eyes can see the magnificient beauty of nature..
Thy art of vision.

Monday, October 09, 2006

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 20:42:41 GMT

2006 NBA DRAFT, ROUND 1 ANALYSIS:

1. TORONTO RAPTORS

F ANDREA BARGNANI, ITALY— Profile

DIME'S TAKE: No surprise here, the Raptors seemed to be locked into this pick for days. This is a Raptors team that has needs everywhere, and Andrea is worth the gamble. Best case scenario: He's the next Dirk. Worst case: He's a less athletic Vlad Radmonovic.

SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: David Stern emerges with the soothing sounds of the Black Eyed Peas pumping behind him. You've gotta wonder what's on Stern's ipod. Some Sinatra? A little Mozart? Or is it all Black Eyed Peas? Maybe he requested the music. For all we know, he LOVES the song "My Humps." Speaking of humps, the Raptors waste their top overall pick on "Baby Tskitishvili," Andrea Bargnani. Anybody got a gust of wind? You can knock this guy over with one. Immediately, the Knicks fans start a "Where's our Draft Pick?" chant. Nice touch.

2. CHICAGO BULLS (traded to Portland)

F LaMarcus Aldridge, Texas— Profile |

DIME'S TAKE: The Blazers have done well for themselves tonight. Getting Aldridge is great for them. He brings size and can run the floor and he's a "character" guy. They get bigger along the front line and Aldridge can fill the void created by dealing Theo Ratliff. The Blazers got Raef LaFrentz in that Telfair deal, but Aldridge will do the dirty work down low that Raef can't or won't.

SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: The Knicks fans are in a real pleasant state right now. I look behind me, and see a furious 12-year old chanting "F-Dolan". His parents must be proud. He's not the only one. A grown man wearing a Jamal Crawford jersey (with no tee shirt underneath) is hoisting BOTH his middle fingers in the air. At who? Nobody knows for sure. When ESPN shows the Eddy Curry trade details on a Madison Square Garden big screen, the place explodes. "Fire Thomas" is now mixed in with "F-Dolan". Everyone's really peaceful. Like Woodstock, really. The Bulls take Aldridge and David Stern looks like a Skittle next to him. The Aldridge pick makes sense. After all, Luke "Napoleon Dynamite" Shenscher was getting big minutes for the Bulls last year. Then again, 2-14 in an Elite 8 game versus LSU isn't exactly what you want to see out of a #2 pick overall.

3. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

F ADAM MORRISON, Gonzaga— Profile |

DIME'S TAKE: We love this pick for Charlotte. He's the best basketball player in the entire draft and can step in right away and give the 'Cats 15 points a night from the jump. There was a thought that MJ wanted Rudy Gay here, but when a guy who probably should've been the No. 1 pick in the draft falls to you at No. 3, you have to take him.

SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: The Knicks fans have settled down a bit, and now the pick's in Charlotte's hands. In the crowd there's a fellow with a sign that reads "I Want a Gay in My Life". Hmm ... Oh, Rudy Gay. I get it. Kinda. The Bobcats take Morrison, the enigmatic long-haired, mustachioed scorer from Gonzaga, and the crowd erupts. Hopefully, this means the end of the cute "We Both Play X-Box" pieces on Morrison and Redick. ESPN snuck one in right before the draft, and I'm praying it's the last of it's kind. There's nothing cool about wearing a head-set and playing "Halo" with a guy 3,000 miles away. Nothing at all.

4. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (traded to Chicago)

F Tyrus Thomas, LSU— Profile |

DIME'S TAKE: If this is really the Bulls' pick, Chicago suddenly has a truly elite athlete in their front court. Make no mistake, Tyrus is a project, but if he comes anywhere close to his ceiling, he could be unbelievable. He has the same type of game that Stromile Swift flaunted coming out of LSU ... Let's hope Tyrus turns out better.

SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: Portland selects for Chicago and takes Tyrus Thomas out of LSU. Remember him? Yeah, he was the guy who pretty much embarrassed Shelden Williams and Josh McRoberts in the Sweet 16 last year. Thomas struts to the podium to T.I.'s "What You Know", aka Lastings Milledge's at-bat music. The crowd has simmered down a bit. They don't know any of these guys, and are still furious over the Steve Francis trade back in February. Meanwhile, Steven A. Smith is screaming about something, which is something new.

5. ATLANTA HAWKS

F SHELDEN WILLIAMS, DUKE— Profile |

DIME'S TAKE: This was probably the worst-kept secret of the entire draft. Billy Knight was supposedly dead set on Shelden and didn't care how high they grabbed him. Williams is a workhorse in the paint and brings toughness, defense and rebounding. The problem here is that the Hawks need a point guard in the worst way. No one thought the Hawks were bold enough to take Marcus Williams at No. 5 ... They were right.

SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: The Hawks take the first senior picked in the top five since Kenyon Martin in 2000, scooping up Shelden Williams with the fifth overall pick. An unnamed media member besides me mumbles, "Not a handsome man." Maybe not, but I think Williams will make an immediate impact in Atlanta. And for a team that's been the opposite of aethetically pleasing for the past few years, this pick seems to make sense. I watch J.J. Redick sitting a few seats away, and he politely claps. We like Redick — good teammate, great poet. Williams apparently knew he'd be a Hawk for a few weeks now, which in basketball terms, is kind of like being told you've got an illness with no cure.

6. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (traded to Portland)

G BRANDON ROY, WASHINGTON— Profile |

DIME'S TAKE: Grabbing Roy at No. 6 is a flat-out steal. Months ago, we said he could be the best all-around player in the draft. Roy does everything well, has good size and can make plays. With Rashad McCants likely out for the season, Roy most likely starts from opening night. KG needs help and this is a great start.

SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: The Timberwolves take Brandon Roy out of Washington. Poor Rudy Gay. Not only does Roy completely outplay him in front of a national audience in the Sweet 16, but he gets taken ahead of him too. I just witnessed an Abbot and Costello-like act next to me between two European journalists.
Euro guy #1 : Foye?
Euro guy #2: Roy.
Euro guy #1: Foye?
Euro guy #2: Roy.
Me: The Aristocrats!

7. BOSTON CELTICS (traded to Minnesota via Portland)

G RANDY FOYE, VILLANOVA— Profile |

DIME'S TAKE: Portland is taking care of business tonight. Through trades, it looks like they now have Aldrige and Randy Foye. Foye is a killer — he can shoot, defend, board and makes big-time buckets. He can play the 2 and will see some time at the 1 in Portland. Great pick by the Blazers.

SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: I just had a conversation with an NBA PR person about the new Spalding basketballs to be used next season. Instead of leather, there's some new crazy "microfiber composite." Apparently, the NBA's NOT with me, leather. As I'm mid-conversation, David Stern rudely interrupts to announce that the Celtics take Randy Foye (not Roy), who is reportedly on his way to Portland. In exchange for Foye, Sebastian "Through the Fire" Telfair goes to Boston, where he will have to endure endless annoying accents, some really neat Red Sox fans, and tons of ugly women. Awesome!

8. HOUSTON ROCKETS (traded to Memphis)

F RUDY GAY, CONNECTICUT— Profile |

DIME'S TAKE: Apparently Rudy is headed to Memphis for Shane Battier. For Jerry West to deal Battier, he must LOVE Rudy's game. With Gay, it's all about reaching his potential. He has size, can shot and is an athlete. Sometimes though, he appears to be passive for long stretches. For his part, Gay told us he's not that way at all. He makes the game look effortless, like his favorite player, T-Mac.

SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: Rudy Gay is taken, and believe it or not — he's awake! It's nice to see Gay seem like he wants to be here, as that was often the subject of debate every time UConn took the floor last year. In the crowd, I look for George Mason's Tony Skinn. Why? Well, you'd think the guy who absolutely dominated Gay in the Elite 8 would want to see his competition get drafted. I desperately search for the guy with the "I Want a Gay in My Life" poster. He's nowhere to be found. His whereabouts? Unknown. I hope he's okay. Stu Scott asks Gay what he thinks about all of his critics, and Roger Federer pulls out a prank can of tennis balls. Or something like that.

9. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

C PATRICK O'BRYANT, BRADLEY— Profile |

DIME'S TAKE: This selection could be considered a mild surprise, as most people thought O'Bryant would last until the Hornets pick at No. 12. He's definitely athletic for his size, but he is a long way from what he could eventually become down the road. A huge question here for Warriors fans is, does O'Bryant think he can be great? We're not so sure...

SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: Patrick O'Bryant is drafted by the Warriors. With Rod Higgins, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin in the front office, you've got to think these guys see something in O'Bryant that they like. Or, they're just taking the tallest guy available. Either or. Meanwhile, the T-Wolves just trade Roy for Foye! Love that. I look to the European journalists for another comedic performance, and they're both smoking cigarettes, drinking wine, and listening to David Hasselhoff. Neat!

10. SEATTLE SUPERSONICS

C MOUHAMED SAER SENE, SENEGAL— Profile

DIME'S TAKE: Shocking pick here — so much so that he didn't even have a seat in the green room ... dude came out of the crowd. He's a monster, flaunting a wingspan of almost eight feet. Sene is a project, but the Sonics seem to have no problem taking players like that. Their last 3 picks have been Sene, Johan Petro and Robert Swift. No doubt the Sonics fell in love with him during workouts; Sene scored off the charts physically.

SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: Seattle goes with Sene, who has skinnier legs than Bargnani. I'm told by the guy next to me that Sene has a 7-8 wingspan. I ask if he can shoot a basketball. The guy responds, "I'm not sure." Good pick, Seattle.

11. ORLANDO MAGIC

G J.J. REDICK, DUKE— Profile |

DIME'S TAKE: This is the perfect pick for the Magic. With Dwight Howard and an evolving Darko in the paint, J.J. Could thrive off open looks from deep. They need shooting, so grabbing the best shooter in the world with their pick is great for Orlando.

SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: The Orlando Magic take Redick, arguably the greatest shooter on Earth. Redick joins Dwight Howard and Darko Milicic on what instantly becomes one of the most intriguing teams in the league. The Madison Square Garden crowd boos. Unlike me, they apparently HATE J.J. Redick, AND his poetry. The "Over-Rated" chants start, and cameras flash. ESPN cuts to Dick Vitale and he seems to be crying. Redick then scurries off the stage so he can jot his thoughts down in a poignant haiku:
Taken by Magic
Will miss my Xbox at school
No More Appletinis

12. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

F-C HILTON ARMSTRONG, CONNECTICUT— Profile

DIME'S TAKE: This is also a minor surprise that Armstrong has been taken this high. Defensively and on the glass, Armstrong can contribute immediately. He is waaaay behind offensively, but with Patrick O'Bryant off the board, they had to go big and Armstrong is the best big man available.

SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: What can we do to get Paris Hilton to drop Matt Leinart and end up with Hilton Armstrong? She already dated a dude with the same first name as her, now she needs to date a dude with first name "Hilton." Oh, the fun we'd have. Imagine the Page Six stories? "Hilton and Hilton were seen spitting on Lindsay Lohan at Tao and dunking on the Knicks in the same night!" Do they have a nightlife in Oklahoma City? Oh, that's right…Of course they do — the Cracker Barrel!

13. PHILADELPHIA 76ers (traded to Chicago)

G THABO SEFOLOSHA, SWITZERLAND— Profile

DIME'S TAKE: The Sixers have apparently made this pick for the Bulls and now the Sixers will select at 16. The Bulls have been all about Thabo for a while. He has size, is athletic and can shoot a bit. For the Bulls to deal to make sure no one takes him before they had a chance to grab him, they must see something they love in him.

SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: Sefolosha to the Sixers! Seflosha to the Sixers! Seflosha to the Sixers! Say that three times fast. Oh, I just did. I watch the "highlights" of Sefolosha, and it seems like he's really good at making layups. The grainy footage of him shows me a player who could definitely compete on an American high school team. I'm starting to sound like Dick Vitale. Sorry.

14. UTAH JAZZ

G RONNIE BREWER, ARKANSAS— Profile |

DIME'S TAKE: Brewer is somewhat of an enigma, but he is clearly being selected to play with Deron Williams in the Jazz backcourt. Brewer is a combo guard with skills to play both spots. His jumper leaves something to be desired, but he is long, athletic, knows how to score and can lock you up on D. All in all a good pick for Utah. They need backcourt help.

SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: Ronnie Brewer is drafted by Utah, and he struts to the stage wearing a baby blue suit. We miss the fun suits of years past. Every dude here's wearing something from Brooks Brothers. There's no Jalen Rose red or Karl Malone skinny ties here today — but there are some furious Knicks fans! Let's check in on them. I look up, and seek out Jamal Crawford guy. He's still there alright, and he's sweating bullets. Not wearing an undershirt was a really good decision this evening. I'm sure the people around him are really happy about that. He is shouting something at a guy in a Reggie Miller jersey. The Reggie Miller laughs, and shouts something back. Spike Lee is nowhere to be found.

15. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

F CEDRIC SIMMONS, N.C. STATE— Profile |

DIME'S TAKE: With the this pick, the Hornets definitely get more athletic. Cedric is a big, strong player who can board and score in the paint. He will undoubtedly get tons of open looks under the tin off dimes from CP3. Simmons will add toughness to their front line and will provide shot-blocking from the forward slot.

SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: Ced Simmons goes to the Hornets at 15. I've seen Simmons play several times, and quite honestly, I've never once been impressed. Simmons went to NC State, the same place where the guy was inexplicably drafted over Reggie Bush went. Think they talk at a fraternity party? The conversation might go something like this:
Williams: I was drafted over Reggie Bush! Can you believe it?!
Simmons: I was drafted over Marcus Williams! Can you believe it?!
Williams: I can't!
Simmons: Me neither!
Williams and Simmons: Yea! (Freeze frame as they slap five)

16. CHICAGO BULLS (rights traded to Philadelphia) F RODNEY CARNEY, MEMPHIS— Profile \|
DIME'S TAKE: Assuming this pick has been made for Philly, the Sixers have picked up a world-class athlete. He can straight up fly up and down the floor, can make jumpers and can play D. A few things though: Philly desperately needs a point guard and Marcus Williams is still on the board. Also, doesn't Rodney basically play the same position as Andre Iguodala? If they can play both of them at the same time, and still keep Allen Iverson, those three out on the break could be frightening for opposing teams. SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: Rodney Carney's scooped up by the Bulls, but we're told he's really going to the Sixers. This is all too confusing for me. Everyone says the same thing about Carney — "He's athletic." Aren't all these guys athletic? I mean, every player in the history of the NBA, with the exceptions of Joe Wolf, Paul Mokeski, Joe Klein, Greg Kite, Uwe Blab, and Matt Fish has been athletic. How is that a compliment? Want to see some great old basketball cards? Look those names up on eBAY. Or just look on YouTube for that clip of the guy doing all those dances on the stage. I love his "Mr. Roboto" dance. Speaking of robots, I wonder what Jason from MTV's "The Hills" is up to now.
17. INDIANA PACERS F SHAWNE WILLIAMS, MEMPHIS— Profile
DIME'S TAKE: This is shocking. Marcus Williams was basically delivered to Indiana as a gift, a la Danny Granger last year, and they went in a totally different direction with Shawne Williams. Shawne's potential is sky high, but with the Pacers' obvious point guard needs, we're left scratching our heads. SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: Shawne Williams to the Pacers seems like a good pick, here. Peja opted to become a free agent earlier this afternoon, and Williams can play that 2-3 position that Stojakovic will leave behind. The Knicks fans are getting antsy, with their first pick only a few slots away. A guy in an Anthony Mason jersey just banged his head against the seat in front of him. Healthy!
18. WASHINGTON WIZARDS F-C OLEKSIY PECHEROV, UKRAINE— Profile
DIME'S TAKE:With guys like Hilton Armstrong off the board, this is a solid gamble for the Wiz. He can board and stick mid-range jumpers, both of which are needs for Washington. He's young and has size. Not a bad combo for a young big. SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: Pecherov goes to the Wizards. The footage on him is hideous. I turn to our European friends, and they both seem disinterested. So am I. What a boring pick.
19. SACRAMENTO KINGS G QUINCY DOUBY, RUTGERS— Profile
DIME'S TAKE: Let it fly Quincy. The Kings took him for one reason and one reason only - to shoot the rock early and often. Douby's J lived in the shadow of Redick's, but Quincy can light it up. He will get fat off of open looks created by Mike Bibby. Looks for him to play an Eddie House-type role, except the Kings can do more with Douby because he's much taller. SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: The Kings go with Rutgers guard Quincy Douby. A Jersey guy, it's nice to see a Rutgers athlete drafted in the first round. wonder if Douby hangs out on the Jersey Shore? Speaking of which, did everyone see Tommy Cheese Bawls from MTV's "True Life: I have a Summer Share on the Jersey Shore" appearance on "Entourage" this past week? Epic. Emmy-worthy stuff. Let's hope Douby can perform that well in Sac-town. Meanwhhile, the Knicks fans have ERUPTED with "We Want Marcus" chants. Just what the Knicks need — another point guard! Here we go...
20. NEW YORK KNICKS F RENALDO BALKMAN, SOUTH CAROLINA
DIME'S TAKE:And the crowd goes nuts... with anger. Renaldo Balkman??? Zeke better know something that no one else here knows about Balkman. We're at a loss with this one. SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: Yikes. The roof's going to come off of this place. Personally, I don't think Isiah meant to take Balkman. I'm convinced he thought he was taking former Dallas Maverick and Knick great, Ronaldo Blackman. He probably remembered Blackman lighting him up in the 80s, saw the draft board, and decided, "Yes, yes that guy's good! Let's take him!" Charles Dolan then likely ate a $100 bill, took a bath in Poland Spring water, and said "Go For it!" The Knicks fans are beyond outraged. There's an "F-Dolan" chant going at full force, which I'm sure is really delightful for the ESPN sound crew. So the Knicks have Balkman. I can't wait until Isiah realizes it's not the guy he thought it was. And I can't wait until Nate Robinson hazes him next year. What a disaster this team is.
21. PHOENIX SUNS (traded to Boston) G RAJON RONDO, KENTUCKY— Profile \|
DIME'S TAKE: Is he going to Boston? If so, we know that Boston LOVES him...but didn't they just trade for Sebastian Telfair? Rondo is clearly a better fit for Boston than Phoenix. He's rangy, can get to the iron, but his jumper is suspect at best. SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: The fastest team in the league takes the fastest player on the board. Rondo's one of those point guards that will randomly score 2 points, but have 13 assists and 18 rebounds in a game. I can't think of Rondo, though, without thinking of his old college teammate, Patrick Sparks. I loved Sparks' fashion statement throughout his career — receding hairline, huge baggy tee shirt under his jersey, plenty of perspiration.
22. NEW JERSEY NETS G MARCUS WILLIAMS, CONNECTICUT#151; Profile \|
DIME'S TAKE: STEAL. We can't stress enough what a great pick this is for New Jersey. Whoever they were planning on taking at No. 22 just got bounced by Williams' availability. Marcus is the best point guard in the draft and his mere presence adds three years to Jason Kidd's career. SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE:The Nets make possibly the best pick of the night, snagging Marcus Williams out of UConn at 23. This selection will haunt Knick fans for..eh…about a decade or two. As Jason Kidd mentors and guides Williams, he'll mature and develop into a phenomenal pro. Meanwhile, across the Hudson, Knicks fans will be enjoying the fantastic "intangibles" of the great Renaldo Balkman. Williams will be playing with a chip on his shoulder, and will make an immediate impact on the Nets. Balkman? Well, I'm still convinced Isiah thinks he just got a 52-year-old shooting guard who used to play for the Mavs.
23. NEW JERSEY NETS F JOSH BOONE, CONNECTICUT— Profile \|
DIME'S TAKE: This is also a good pick for the Nets. They need depth badly in the front court and Boone is probably the best big man left. There are lots of questions with him though. He disappears for long stretches, at times comes across as soft and his workouts were terrible. SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: The Nets follow the Williams pick with his UConn teammate, Josh Boone. Boone's a nice shot blocker, but an absolute disaster on offense. With Clifford Robinson, Boone, and Williams, the Nets instantly become UConn South. Let's just hope Cliffy is still around. That whole 40-year-old-guy-allegedly-caught-smoking-weed- during-the-playoffs thing might not help his cause.
24. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES G KYLE LOWRY, VILLANOVA— Profile \|
DIME'S TAKE: This is a Jerry West pick through and through. Tough as nails, Kyle will run through a wall to get to the rock. His shot is broken, but he brings so many other things to the table, this is a great pick at No. 24. He'll check into games and make things happen. SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: Kyle Lowry goes to Memphis where he'll be much better than Renaldo Balkman will be in New York. I'm sorry. But the feeling here at the Garden is that Isiah Thomas just threw a dart at a list of names and went with the first guy that it hit. Meanwhile, a fan just screamed "Greg Anthony. Greg Anthony. Greg Anthony" until the ESPN analyst lifted his head. Once he did, the fan asked "Hey Greg, what are the Knicks going to do — draft another idiot?!" Anthony smiles, and gives a thumbs up. Well, at least everyone's having a good ol' time.
25. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS G SHANNON BROWN, MICHIGAN STATE— Profile \|
DIME'S TAKE: Interesting pick by the Cavs. He's short but he's a beast. He's the type of player who can come into a game and change the flow with his athleticism and energy. He probably played himself into the first round with off-the-charts workouts over the past few weeks. SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: Shannon Brown goes to Cleveland where he'll battle with fellow former Spartan Eric Snow for the backup guard spot. I spoke with Cleveland sports talk radio host Kenny Roda earlier today and he referred to Drew Gooden as "A Happy Meal Short of a Big Mac". Or something like that. I thought that was funny. Oh, Shannon Brown. Yeah, he'll be okay. I guess.
26. LOS ANGELES LAKERS G JORDAN FARMAR, UCLA— Profile \|
DIME'S TAKE: Marcus Williams falling as far as he did allowed the Lakers to get a player like Farmar here as opposed to Mardy Collins. Farmar, probably the second-best point guard in the draft, is a local kid and will act as a solid facilitator to Kobe Bryant in the triangle offense. Look for him to take major tick from Smush Parker. SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: Jordan Farmar stays in Los Angeles, going to the Lakers. He'll now have the chance to play with Kobe Bryant and the legend that is Andrew Bynum. Bynum's MySpace page was the underground buzz of last year's draft. Wondering if any of these guys have a MySpace page, my train of thought is broken up by another "F- Dolan" chant. Only this one seems really, really mad. There's a chance this place burns down tonight.
27. PHOENIX SUNS (rights traded to Portland) G SERGIO RODRIGUEZ, SPAIN
DIME'S TAKE: Reportedly, Sergio is going to the Blazers. He's not a crazy athlete, but he could be a great pg down the road. There are questions about his defense and he clearly needs time to develop, but the Blazers aren't counting on him to contribute this year. SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: I'm told by the guy next to me that Sergio Rodriguez won't be ready for "at least 3-4 years". Well, that's not a long time or anything. Meanwhile, the same guy tells me that there's a Madonna concert going on upstairs. He seems way too excited about this. He asks me what my favorite Madonna song is. I respond "I love them all." He nods, agrees, and buries his head into his laptop.
28. DALLAS MAVERICKS G MAURICE AGER, MICHIGAN STATE— Profile
DIME'S TAKE: And the Mavs do it again. Ager is a great selection for them this late in the first round. He'll be a spot contributor off the bench for Avery Johnson's squad. He's an athlete, he can get up and down and he can shoot the rock. An already deep team just got deeper. SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: Maurice Ager goes to Dallas. Ager scored 36 points against Gonzaga in Maui last season, including 27 in the last 7:09 of regulation and three overtimes. A contributor for four years, he'll likely get some burn with the Mavs next season. I think Dallas could have used Kevin Pittsnogle. The thought of Dirk, Van Horn, and 'Snogle on the court at once is a heck on an image. But not quite the image of Renaldo Balkman in a Knicks jersey. Zing!
29. NEW YORK KNICKS G MARDY COLLINS, TEMPLE— Profile
DIME'S TAKE: To quote one of our boys, "another guard?" All in all though, not a terrible pick for the Knicks. If not for some weak testing in his workouts with teams, he would have gone much higher. Before the workouts started, Collins was being mentioned as a potential lottery pick. He can score and was one of Temple's leading rebounders even though he's a guard. SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: So, let me get this straight. The Knicks PASSED over Marcus Williams at 20, but took ANOTHER point guard at 29? Were they that worried someone else would snag Renaldo Balkman? The NBA handed out a "Media Draft Guide" with more than 80 players in it. Renaldo Balkman's not one of them. The Knicks fans don't even seem mad after the Collins pick. They seem depressed, defeated. I just saw the Jamal Crawford guy put his head in his hands. Poor Jamal Crawford guy. Tonight was supposed to be his night. It wasn't.
30. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS F JOEL FREELAND, ENGLAND
DIME'S TAKE: Known as "The English Guy" to the crowd at MSG, the Blazers are taking a flyer on the future. Freeland has size (6-10) and can run the floor, but he won't be seen in America for a few years. They'll stash him in Europe and monitor his development. SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE: Great stuff out of the NBA right now. They just handed out a bunch of faces-on-sticks of Russ Granik. The crowd has a "We Want Russ" chant going, too. You've gotta love Granik — the face of second round steals and NBA sturdiness. Granik looks like a dorky uncle, and who doesn't have a soft spot for their dorky uncle? Meanwhile, a British guy who looks 12 was just taken. Joel Freeland's highlights are not of him. The one ESPN just showed had him running the floor and not even touching the ball. Yep, just a shot of him running up and down a basketball court. Really, how could anyone pass on this guy? I'm stunned he slipped until 30.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Tue, 19 Sep 2006 19:59:09 GMT

My Sweet Sweet GNOCCHI-

Zapping two potatoes in the warm oven with a pair of muscular, tough, and gripping hands,

THen Mashing, blending, and mixing NaCl with the mushy potatoes,

Slowly sprinkling silky flour with the sticky potatoes,

THen rolling the potato dough into dumpling pieces,

Adding a little love, patience, and virtue...

Stirred with home-made tomato sauce,

Walah.....GNOCCHI is made!!!

Fierce as a lion, yet as gentle as a butterfly....

like the texture of the chewy center of the gnocchi.