Big News Day!!!

So starting of the morning would be the huge announcement that Fidel Castro has resigned from his position as the “President” of Cuba. This marks the end of one of the longest tenures in power in the history of the world, especially in that of a communist nation. His kid brother, a young whippersnapper at 76, Raúl, will assume power, with no clear cut choice for VP. This is a serious crossroads for Cuba, as now it is on its own, without the whim and leadership of Fidel, a concept that many Cubans have never experienced. I’m looking forward to this ending the embargo, so that I can buy some Montecristos and Cohibas at my local cigar shop…err… for less than they cost now.

Pakistan’s civilian government elections voted against President Musharraf’s party this week, which means a transition in government over there. This is good because Bhutto’s widower (representing the People’s Party, generally pro-USA) have opted to take their fight against religious terrorists on their own shoulders, not involving United States help. This is good because it shows we absolutely don’t need to police the world, and if these people like us and want to do the job, more power to them. Pakistan is one of those nations that is generally kind of scary, but this should settle everyone a bit. However, I must say it is hard to be afraid of a nation whose national sports are Cricket and Kabaddi, which is an elaborate form of shirtless slap tag. Honestly the dumbest thing I’ve ever watched.

Dwight Howard won the dunk contest (called it Chiggy). As for the rest of the All Star weekend, I didn’t pay any attention to the game, but Bill Simmons made sure to give a resoundingly heartfelt story about how great the NBA is, (I particularly liked when he quoted "Keep ya Head Up" while spilling sugar all over himself). I swear this guy is Rick Reilly, if Rick Reilly sucked. He went on about how New Orleans is better than ever (bullshit) and how the NBA has less thugs than the NFL (no shit, there are like 100 players in the NBA) and I don't understand why this guy gets paid what he does. Check your facts BS.

Hillary's campaign has thrown accusations of plagiarism at Obama for quoting what appears to be a speech given by Deval Patrick, governor of Massachusetts. Obama writes most of his own stuff, and if he sampled some of Patrick's work, it doesn't change his message. This to me is a sign of desperation in Hillary's camp, because really? Is that all ya got?You better bring it to Ohio and Texas otherwise you'll be {deleted due to plagiarism from popular songs by Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac, and the Gap Band}

But in news that makes everyone happy (yes, even me) NY Magazine has reproduced Marilyn Monroe’s “legendary last (nude) photo shoot”…with Lindsay Lohan. I’m not even putting a picture at the bottom of this post. Enjoy.

"Letgotosmokes" The League

I had meant to live blog for the “Letsgotosmokes” fantasy basketball league draft in which I am the commissioner. My trip to D-Town got in the way of that little project but I will perform a quick recap.

What motivated this recap? JW sending me taunting emails about my team, Double Deuce talking trash about his week one win and Jron lurking in the wings to make commentaries about his (probable) week 2 win. It’s all good ya’ll. I’m just playing a little rope-a-dope like my boy’s Ali and the Diesel. Yes the Diesel is playing rope-a-dope. He will continue to dominate and yes he will win another ship. But I don't need to defend him he stated it best, "I don't need earthlings' respect. When it's all said and done, my name will be there and it will be mentioned ... unless you earthlings try to erase it."

Problem I- Finding Internet

Somehow I managed to schedule the draft when I was supposed to be in D-Town. This was a bad idea, especially since JW does not have Internet, none of his friends have Internet and he did not access to his work computer on the weekends. To make a long story short, I ended up in Einstein’s Bagels with my laptop going strong till they kicked me out 30 mins before the draft. In a frantic rush the Corner Bakery free wireless connection ended up saving my butt.

Problem II- Not enough Players

Somehow our 12th player dropped out hours before the draft and you are not able to draft without even numbers. Luckily JW was next to me and I “forced” him to play. Discounting for slight technical difficulties like drafting two participants on the same computer, things were in line to work well.

The Outlook

I like to win, especially in fantasy. Jron and I had already completed a draft in another public league. This league will not be discussed on this blog except in passing but needless to say I will win that league. My competitive juices are flowing for the “Letsgotosmokes” league because I know the majority of the players personally and they are all my friends and LOVE to talk trash.

The Players

Noe “The Prolific”: Noe’s team is also known as team Heat as he tends to have an inordinate amount of Heat players even though they aren't a fantasy relevant team. I love them, can’t wait till they win their next ship but I wouldn’t draft any of their players except the one I got; Flash.

Double Deuce: His favorite player is Squirt Gun 47 nuff said.

Jron: His teams tend to be the fantasy version of the Mavericks, great regular season numbers, fizzle out in the playoffs not really a threat to the ultimate fantasy goal

JW: I forced him to play, he talks trash, I am sure I will constantly update the blog with his emails. Tends to like the Nugs, and knows absolutely nothing about basketball

Brek: He is a NBA fan but tends to like the Bruins more, too bad Kevin Love and Collison weren't in the draft.

Evan Obrien aka Emob Don’t know much about him, he is a friend of the Deuce’s tends to know his stuff. Can’t really remember much about his team.

Evan Price aka meatspin aka Vanilla Face: My mortal enemy hence the name. Vanilla Face you know I want you!

Cruz (not game): See EMOB’s comment and insert Prolific for Deuce

McRae: I liked his team, he tended to draft smartly. Unwisely turned down my initial trade offer and will be my biggest challenger to the title.

Benzo: Team Celtic! While I don’t think it is cool to war things other than pregnant women (not MOMMYs get it correct, pregnant women) and KG; I do not think the strategy will be the most effective in the long run.

R. Young: See EMOB’s comment

Chiggy: “The favorite” I got flack because the majority of my team is starting the season injured.

The draft
Needless to say I thought I drafted the best team. I was also impressed with the drafts of Benzo and McRae. Upon further review Jron might have got some gems late in the draft that I had not accounted for anyways I would handicap our league like this

Noe 5-1
Double Deuce 4-1
Jron 3-2
JW 15-1
Brek 7-1
Emob 6-1
Vanilla Face 3-1
Cruz 7-1
McRae 4-1
Benzo 3-1
R. Young 6-1
Chiggy 3-2

Updates will be provided throughout the season.

Currently Half my team is out Odom, Brand, Wade and I am in last place. But my mind right now can only think of the following joke:

(In the voice of a black football player) It’s the playoffs, Baby! It’s the playoffs, Baby! You win, You move on. You lose, you go home. That’s what the playoffs is about. Who doesn’t want to go home the most!

(Nerdy Black comedian) Well Sir, I am not too sure about that, What would happen in a football game between abused children and the Oakland raiders? I am pretty sure the abused children really don’t want to go home more than the Raiders. Do you think they could beat the Oakland Raiders?

That was very tangential, however I think my point was I don’t want to go home to most.

NBA Reunions Continued

Update

2. Alonzo Mourning and Tim Hardaway: Miami Heat

-The pair lead Miami to some of the franchises most successful seasons before Timmy was traded to Dallas Mavericks, and Alonzo retired (the first time) due to kidney problems.

Reunification:

In an attempt to clear his good name, Hardaway decides to sneak onto the team disguised as Penny. From his point of view the people in Miami would have to forgive him if he helped lead the team to their second championship. Sadly his second stint would end in hardship as he was caught berating “lil Penny” prior to a commercial spot.

“Well, you know I hate lil people, so I let it be known. I don't like lil people and I don't like to be around lil people. I am khuzdophobic. I don't like it."

Hardaway is cut mid December, but the team uses his loss as motivation to reel off a 20 game win streak. They secure the 3rd seed in the east. In the playoffs, Shaq and Wade get hot and lead the team to the second championship in 3 years. (Yes, the heat will win the championship during the upcoming year, how could anyone read this blog/ be our friend and not vote for the heat! I am very ashame of the two votes for the Pistons and Cavs!)

6. Latrell Spreewell and P. J. Carlesimo

-The four-time all star teamed up with Calesimo to lead the warriors in the 90s. Their tenure ended when Spree “put a lil mustard” on Carlesimo.

Reunification:

Subsequent to his boat being repossessed and realizing that he had a family to feed. Sprewell swallowed his pride and attempted to make a comeback in the NBA for the veteran’s minimum. Strange enough the only team to request his services was the Supersonics, citing a need for a veteran presence. Spree agrees the team needs his intensity and swagger and accepts. He realizes that KD and JG need to learn the naunces of designing custom cars, saying rediculous things and chokings coaches.

Motivated by his recent team USA cut KD comes in as a MAN. He and Spree lead the Supersonics to the 8th seed in the west where they upset the top seeded Mavericks in a strange repeat of last years playoffs. Dirk immediately demands a trade and is later swapped straight up for Kobe who then leads the MAVs to the 2009 championship.

NBA Reunions

Hardaway signs with Heat, reunites with Shaq
Associated Press
MIAMI -- Penny Hardaway and Shaquille O'Neal are together again.

In light of this, "Lets Go to Smokes", had decided to take a brief look at 5 memorable tandems (not in any particular order) from the late 1990s and early 2000s, which with the right magic (not Orlando), could reunite once again.
Today we look at:
1. Kevin Garnett and Stephon Marbury: Minnesota Timberwolves
-After calling themselves the best of friends, regarded as the best young 1-2 punch in the NBA, and leading the Timberwolves to their first playoff win, these two called it quits in 1997, when Marbury was traded due to salary demands close to Garnett's.
Reunification:
Looking for a proven winner, Isaiah Thomas trades Starbury to Boston for Tom Brady of the New England Patriots, not realizing Brady's sport or the fact that he is the most hated man in the East Coast, south of New Haven, CT, Thomas leads the Knicks into further disaster, while Brady is last seen in the back of a black lincoln, south on the New Jersey Turnpike. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics, with Starbury, Allen, Pierce, Garnett and the front man from the Dropkick Murphys, decide that they are good enough to play two teams at once. Under their new schedule, they play 2 teams a night, therefore, creating more time to "chill" before the playoffs. They go on to make the # 6 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Coming Soon:
2. Alonzo Mourning and Tim Hardaway: Miami Heat
3. Jamal Mashburn, Jason Kidd and Jim Jackson: Dallas Mavericks
4. Allen Iverson, et al:Philadelphia 76ers
5. Alan Houston, et al: New York Knicks