Baron Davis' Lexus CT200h Challenge to benefit Rising Stars of America

As some of you travel to Los Angeles to take part in the NBA All-Star festivities, parties, and maybe even athletic events, there may be some of you looking for things to do during the day.  Well, I was provided the following information about Baron Davis' event with automaker Lexus.  ****  FYI: I drive a Lexus, and I like it.

Here is the information from the press release, " On Thursday, February 17th at 4 pm, Los Angeles Clippers point guard Baron Davis will host The CT 200h Challenge in Downtown Los Angeles. Davis is teaming up with leading luxury automaker Lexus to raise monies for his foundation, The Rising Stars of America (RSOA). The Challenge will consist of a competitive race in Lexus CT 200h hybrid vehicles driven by Davis and his celebrity friends. The winner will receive either a year lease of the CT 200h or have the opportunity to donate the lease of the vehicle to a charity of his or her choice. Further, Davis is challenging fellow celebrities via his Twitter handle, @Baron_ Davis, to race on a specially constructed obstacle course near the Staples Center."

Here's a video of Baron Davis, calling various celebrities out.  The video may look corny, but it's in the same style as when he used to do his Ibeatyou.com internet challenges.



Being that I'm not on the ground in LA on Thursday, I cannot attend this event.  I have no idea what the course looks like.  If I can get a picture of the course on Thursday (or Wednesday if the course is set up early), I'll update this post with it.

I've pared down the celebrities that are confirmed for the event (i.e. according to the press release) but here are a few that may interest you:

• Terrell Owens
• Jaleel White (“Road to the Altar”) <-- ****  Everyone knows him as Steve Urkel. 
• Jessica Alba 
• Michael Strahan
• Robert Horry

I've also checked out Baron Davis' Twitter feed and it looks like John Salley, Boris Kodjoe, and Willie McGinest are also driving.  Keep an eye on Baron_Davis and/or #CTChallenge on Twitter if you want the "latest" as there's a good amount of talking going on among the racers.

Once again from the press release, the information is below for your convenience.

WHAT: Lexus CT200h Challenge
WHEN: Thursday, February 17, 2011 from 4pm – 8pm
WHERE: 1220 South Figueroa Street; Downtown Los Angeles
WHY: To benefit Davis’ foundation, The Rising Stars of America (RSOA). $1,000 will be awarded to Davis for each celebrity who participates in the competition. RSOA is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 that utilizes athletics, mentorship and positive role modeling to teach kids life skills as well as ethical and social values.

The event is happening tomorrow, rain or shine, and it is free to the public as long as you RSVP ( http://www.ct200hchallenge.com/).   You can RSVP all the way up until the event closes.  ****  I was informed that the guest lists at the door will be refreshed every hour.

Enjoy!


THE WIRK

Washington Wizards v Cleveland Cavaliers at 6PM ET

The Washington Wizards take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at 6PM ET.  The Wizards look to win their 1st road game when the venture into Quicken Loans Arena.  Currently, the Wizards are 0-25 on the road.  That's not a typo.  The Wizards are winless when they leave the Verizon Center.

The Cleveland Cavaliers haven't fared much better this season.  It's no secret that things have taken a 180-degree turn since LeBron James decided to take his talents to South Beach.  The Cavaliers were on a downward spiral and lost a string of 26 games.  26 games.  No, that's not a typo.  The Cavs lost an abysmal 26 games, and were the joke of everyone who had an interest in the NBA and a voice.  Finally the Cavs tasted victory this week, when they defeated Blake Griffin's Los Angeles Clippers (aka the "Blakers).  The Cavs hadn't won since 12/18.

The Onion Sports Network even did a piece on about the team.  The premise of the humorous piece was to scare kids straight by making them visit a Cleveland Cavaliers practice.  The link to the Onion Sports Network piece is here for your enjoyment: http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/kids-in-scaredstraight-program-visit-horrifying-cl,19156/.

I remember when the Cavs v Wizards match-ups used to mean something.  It seems like ages ago that LeBron James' Cavs were battling Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler's Wizards for a playoff spot in the East.  It was less than 5 years ago that these games meant something, but my how the times change.

The opening tip and arena will NOT look like this tonight...

The Cavs are going into tonight's game with a record of 9-45. The Wizards sport a record of 14-38.  For tonight's match-up, according to Covers.com, the Cleveland Cavaliers are a 1.5 point favorite.  If I were in Vegas, I wouldn't even think about touching this game.  I believe both squads have to be looking at this game as winnable.  The Cavs won the first game in Washington DC on 11/8.  Tonight's match-up will be interesting for all the wrong reasons, but since I'm in the TV market for the Washington Wizards, I may watch this game.  Antawn Jamison was the hero in the Cavs game against the Clippers, and he's facing his former team (i.e. the Wizards) tonight.  I expect him to play big.  The key word there is "expect".

As an Ohio girl, I'd root for the home team.  Go Cavs!

THE WIRK

Father-Daughter Vegas vacation ~ Great laughs, big wins!!

My dad is the best, and we just had another father-daughter weekend in Vegas.  What started out with father-daughter dinners as a girl scout and father-daughter dances in high school graduated to weekends in Vegas.  It may not be for everyone, but it works for us!

Here are some random thoughts, status updates, and quotes from the weekend.

• Just landed in Vegas. Flight attendant says that our bags are coming in on carousel 7. The guy behind me starts yelling, "seven"! I turn around and say, "So you're a don't guy?". He says, "yep". End of discussion.

As soon as I landed, within an hour or so, I received a text from my best friend from college/medical school.  He was in Vegas also.  Talk about lucky!  What a great coincidence...

Eventually, my dad got hungry so it was off to Gaylord India Restaurant at the Rio Hotel and Casino.  It's one of our favorites.  As soon as we ordered, there was an Asian waitress that came over.

• Dad (As Chinese waitress brings new plates): Wow, big china...
  Me: You can't call her that.
  Dad: What the hell are you talking about? I'm talking about the bigger dishes (as he holds up the new plate).
  Me: Oh...

We ordered the chicken curry.  When it came out, there was also some vegetarian curry.

• Me: What's in the vegetarian curry?
  Dad: Vegetables are for poor people.

Friday night I bet the Atlanta Hawks to cover against the New Orleans Hornets.  Friday night, was also the night that history was made and the Hawks only scored 59 points (i.e. the lowest point total in FRANCHISE history)...  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!?  Absolutely ridiculous.

Friday night I was playing rapid craps over at Bill's.  It was painfully slow, but it was great to sit and laugh and catch up with my best friend.  We sat there betting the "Don't" since it was impossible for any shooter to get into any kind of rhythm with a slow dealer.  As we were sitting, he said "Isn't that your dad?"   Sure enough, my dad was walking into the casino.  I was happy to have them both there and I re-introduced them.  Within a few minutes my dad left to go get some food. 

Later that night, I checked out The Cosmopolitan (i.e. I believe it's a Marriott property).  It's fancy.  I don't think it's for a serious gambler.  It's more of a see and be seen place.  I didn't check out the table minimums this trip.  I'll do it next time.

I also walked over to Vdara Hotel and Spa.  The rooms are nice.  I saw an executive suite.  It had a kitchen, washer and dryer, etc. but no casino.  It was nice, but for my money and the location, I'd rather stay at the Palazzo or Venetian.

I passed through the Bellagio on the way back to the strip.  There was no robbery taking place so it was cool.  Based on the decor there and near the Palazzo, I think it's the year of the rabbit.  I'm a rabbit and rabbits are lucky so I couldn't resist taking pictures.

Saturday I dragged myself down to the sportsbook to bet on Ohio State.  The Buckeyes are ranked #1 and were in Illinois.  I had Buckeyes -3.5, the money line, and in a parlay with the Washington Capitals.  All the bets were winners!

Saturday night I was at the Venetian's sportsbook, watching the Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Clipppers.

• Wankster looking Asian guy in sportsbook yelled, "Real LA fans are Clippers fans because people from LA can't afford Lakers tickets!". Instantly 3 other Asian guys raised their hands and said, "I can afford them.".

I watched the rest of the game after dinner at Harrah's while my dad was at the craps table.  The Indiana Pacers' Posey launched a 3-pointer towards the end of the game.  The way I see it, the Blazers owe me a point, since I lost by half of one.  Those are the breaks...

When I went to check on my dad he was sitting on a stool playing craps with thousand of dollars in front of him.  No wonder he wasn't bothering me.  I tapped him and told him it was time to go.  After another 10-15 mins he left the table a WINNER.

He has to sit since he's not really in condition to stand at a craps table for an extended period of time (i.e. read HOURS).  He's assured me he's going to start exercising so he can walk the strip more and stand longer.  I find this completely hilarious and have asked him to document his training regimen so I could laugh some more.  He thinks that I'm kidding.  I'm not.

Back in the room dad was tired and was rubbing his legs since they were sore.

• Dad (as he is rubbing his legs): I don't know what this is supposed to do, but back home we have servants for this...

The man is funny.

Before I left I gave my dad specific instructions to bet on the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC and NFC Championship Games.  I couldn't place my bets since the book had closed, and I was leaving.  He could and did. 

• Me: Go collect the money.
  Dad: Did we win?
  Me: Duh. Of course we did.
  Dad: Again?
  Me: Yep...
  Dad: Oh, ok. That was easy...

We cleaned up nicely...  Now I just need to figure out how to get the money from him. 

THE WIRK

My thoughts on contraction and the NBA

My thoughts on contraction and the NBA.

Sure there are teams that historically have underperformed in the NBA and other teams that may not be able to survive financially in their city.  We all remember Danny Ferry leaving for Italy rather than play for the Los Angeles Clippers, but even the Clippers have become exciting again (i.e. with Blake Griffin).  Further, this month, the NBA has announced that it plans to purchase the New Orleans Hornets (i.e. where star Chris Paul excites the crowd).  There are other examples out there...  However, I don't believe contraction to be the answer.

I think the notion of having 3-4 stars on a team is fine, but I think that some players (i.e. who have been vocal recently)  need to understand that this is generally done by having 3-4 players (1) STEP UP to achieve stardom by improving their games and/or (2) play in a system that accentuates their strengths. I think making a "deal with the Devil" (i.e. it's an expression, so calm down ~ I love Riley and Spoelstra) is not and should not be the norm.  Even role players in the right niche, will work hard, develop their game, and become stars. It takes time...  There are no quick-fixes and shortcuts.

Would Scottie Pippen be "Scottie Pippen" if he had never played for the Chicago Bulls and was without Michael Jordan during his career?  The world will never know.  However, I believe that talented, hard working players in the NBA will rise to the top and make their teammates better... 

I think there's a lot of men in the NBA (i.e. regardless of what team they play for) that individually I couldn't pick out of a line up.  This "anonymity" can be for a variety of reasons...  Maybe the player is young or is a long-time journey men that bounce(s) from team to team.  Another reason could be that I'm getting older and the guys are younger now.  ****  Nah, that can't be it.  It's not like I'm losing my memory.  I'd argue that these men have given me no reason to remember their game.

It's no secret that all NBA drafts are not created equally.  I'd love for a team to walk up to the podium and "Pass" on a draft when the talent is weak if they really can't get a player to help them or make the right deal.  I've never been in a war room, but am I really to believe that some of these choices were sincerely thought to bring success to a team?  I've seen players get drafted and immediately I think of coaches who have a relationships with agents...  ****  Having the 1st pick in the draft doesn't guarantee a powerhouse for the franchise.  Further, of course, you can find a needle in a haystack and find treasures deep in the draft.  However, the development of that talent usually takes time.

If you want an argument for or against contraction from a financial perspective, this isn't the place for you.  I'm not going to run any numbers here.  I just needed to sound off on the topic, because I'm tired of reading other peoples' ideas about it.

LeBron James talking about being in favor of contraction, would be like Warren Buffett telling a homeless person that he saves a lot of his money.  Thanks, but just be quiet.

****  One last thing, if you found this post/blog thought-provoking and/or enjoyable, please vote for me (i.e. for Blog of the Year) on the right-hand side towards the top.  It only takes a second.  Thanks!


THE WIRK

Beasley's last shot seals the Timberwolves' win over the Los Angeles Clippers

I wanted a good game tonight between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Minnesota Timberwolves and both teams delivered.  The Clippers were in Minneapolis tonight, and I decided to head to the Target Center to see what the hype is about for Michael Beasley, Kevin Love, and Blake Griffin.  Granted this wasn't the marquee game of the night (i.e. the Suns were visiting the Heat), but I'm very pleased at what I saw.  Plus, if I had stayed in and watched Bosh light it up for 35 points tonight, I might have pulled my own hair out.  Enough about that.

Vinny Del Negro's Clippers went into the game with a record of 1-10.  WOW.  With that young talent, their record is 1-10.  Now, their record is 1-11 after dropping seven games in a row.  ****  I noticed Marc Iavaroni on the bench as an assistant coach...  I wonder what the Clippers' record needs to be, before Marc takes over head coaching responsibilities?  I like Marc.  I remember him from his days in Cleveland.  He's a good guy.  Just saying.

I presume, Vinny is begging Blake to play well to ensure his own job security

OK.  Clippers and Timberwolves...  The game was pretty even throughout.  Minnesota won on its last possession with Michael Beasley scoring his final 2 for a total of 33 points.  Kevin Love was big again in this game with 24 points and 14 boards.  The Clippers' 1-2 punch of Eric Gordon and rookie, Blake Griffin, produced the most offense for the team (i.e. Gordon scored 30, and Griffin had 26).   Griffin might have scored more but he was facing some tough Timberwolves defense.

Griffin getting clobbered by the Timberwolves' defense

  

I wanted to yell, "Baby Fish Mouth" ~ Do you know the movie reference?

Minnesota's front court of Beasley and Love boxing out Griffin

The game was decided with Beasley's final shot to put the Timberwolves up, 113-111.  Below is a picture of the final, game winning shot.  ****  Sometimes you just have to have your camera ready, when you know something special is going to happen.  Timing is EVERYTHING.

Beasley's final shot that put the Timberwolves up by 2

The Clippers got the ball back with 2.3 seconds to left in the game, but couldn't convert on their last possession. **** If I remember correctly, they went for 3 and missed.

I'm very happy I went out and didn't waste my time on the Phoenix Suns v Miami Heat game.  I'm also excited for the future of the Timberwolves...  I'll definitely be back at the Target Center soon.

THE WIRK

Clippers visit the Timberwolves tomorrow night ~ Griffin visits Beasley and Love

The last time I saw the Los Angeles Clippers play, I was in Las Vegas and it was during NBA Summer League.  Baron Davis and Blake Griffin didn't play and the NBDL All-Stars won the final game over the Los Angeles Clippers on a last second, buzzer beater.

Just like in Las Vegas, Baron Davis, won't be playing tomorrow night.  However, there are at least two key differences.  For one, the competition for the Clippers will be the Minnesota Timberwolves.  The Timberwolves' Michael Beasley and Kevin Love have been playing TOUGH.  ****  If you haven't heard about Beasley's scoring (42 one night, followed by 35 the next) and Love's 31-31 performance, then you're not a true basketball sports fan. 

Another difference is that Blake Griffin will be playing, and I'm curious to see him on the court.  It's his rookie season, and I plan to take advantage of the game tomorrow in Minneapolis to see if anything special happens.  Hopefully, the folks at the Target Center are treated to a show.  Personally, I'm tired of missing the Timberwolves highlights and having to watch them on TV.

No street clothes for Blake Griffin tomorrow

The "good" news is that tickets for Timberwolves' games aren't that difficult to get.  I just did a Stubhub search and Row 1 on the sidelines is $140. Face value is $200.  Therefore, I'd be willing to bet I can get a scalper to sell it to me for less than $100.  Now that I think about it, I might be able to get a free one...  Regardless, I'm not too concerned about where my seat is for the game.  I looked at the Ticketmaster seating chart of available seats and it looks like the 11th hour of a game of Battleship with my brother (i.e. plenty of seats available).  ****  Yes, I used to cheat and move my ships.  I could do that because I tracked his hits and misses.  Whatever.  We were young.

THE WIRK