Boris Becker tweeted me about the NBA Lockout and it made my night!

A few nights ago my phone chirped.  It's normally not that big of a deal, but since I've been traveling internationally, I've limited my phone usage.  Usually when my phone chirps, it means that I have a text message.  Prepared to see who just dinged me for 50 cents, I picked up my phone to see what was going on.

As it turns out, Boris Becker had tweeted me.  Now this is special for a few reasons. 

• First, I LOVE BORIS BECKER.  I'm a huge fan.  When I was a teenager, I used to follow him around the ATP tennis tournament in Mason, OH.  I finally got his autograph, and when that happened I more or less left him alone.  I have countless pictures in photo albums of him and the other tennis stars in that day (e.g. Stefan Edberg, Andre Agassi, Ivan Lendl, Michael Chang, Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, Mats Wilander).  Those were the days! 
• Second, I've often espoused the genius of Twitter and this was only further reinforcement.  Becker had tweeted about, "not believing the NBA will go on strike," and I merely tweeted that a strike was different than a lockout and that the players were already locked out.  He replied saying that I had a point. 
• The thing is, I never expected to receive a response from one of my favorite tennis players of all time.  I just put my 3 cents out there.  ****  Why 3 cents?  Because I'm smarter than the average person so it's worth 3 cents, when I "talk".  The fact that Boom Boom Becker even responded made my night!

Look, I'm not saying that if you tweet your favorite people that you'll get a response.  I'm just saying that Twitter is a great tool to get your point across and you never know who might take a second out of their day to acknowledge you. 


THE WIRK

The 2011 NBA Draft was a yawner ~ Might as well try to laugh about it

For the sake of being comprehensive here are my favorite tweets from the NBA Draft that was held on Thursday night.  Yes, it was boring ~ so the least we can do is laugh at it.  Enjoy!

• JayBilas - Because it was a weak Draft, I took a shot every time I said "wingspan". I was out on my feet by the ninth pick.
• THEWIRK - Is the movie "The Air Up There" shown on planes or listed as a favorite movie in media guide for any NBA scouts?!?! Just curious. #NBADRAFT
• Blackwolf303 King Timoteohuacan  - How much wud, cud a chukwudibere chuk, if a chukwudibere cud chuk wud? #NBA
• THEWIRK - Isiah Thomas was the last name I heard watching the #NBADRAFT. Great. Sleeping w/lights on tonight. Guaranteed nightmares... Yuck.
• THEWIRK - #NBADRAFT is getting really weird. Fran Fraschilla earning his money now. Who's the international scout for the #Twolves? Carmen SanDiego?
• THEWIRK - It's not fair to refer to Kyrie Irving as Cleveland's New King. Just because LeBron wanted that moniker, doesn't mean Irving does. #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - Somebody remind Jeff Van Gundy that Rashard Lewis is a #Wizard... #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - @thenyknicks David Bowie is excited to have Iman also... Wait. What are we talking about?!?!
• THEWIRK - Wait. A Michigan player just got drafted before an Ohio State Buckeye. Grrrr. #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - #Bobcats Jeremy Tyler might be more well-travelled & versed in internat'l affairs than a certain female politician from Alaska. #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - Jordan #Williams was just being compared to Mike #Sweetney. That can't be good. #Nets #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - Shelvin #Mack just got picked up by the #Wizards. I like it. Mack can play. #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - #Singler is another guy that will have to get used to a less successful program now that he's in the #NBADRAFT #sothisiswhatlosingfeelslike
• THEWIRK - #Pistons take #Singler. I'm sure he won't stick out in Detroit. He should've come out last year. Trick shot? No one cares. #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - #Harper is going to the #Cavs and no, we're not talking about "Ron"... #NBADRAFT
• thesportsgeeks - Someone tell Tom Penn that calling the heat a "dynasty" might be a little premature.
• THEWIRK - #heat picked #bogdanovich. People will start hating him right about "now" since he joined the unholy union. #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - #Spurs take #Joseph from Texas. Bilas says he has big hands and isn't a finisher. He's prob too young to play w/vets anyway. #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - The team with the most guards wins, right?!?! #Twolves #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - #Bulls need someone who isn't soft and close out games in the playoffs... Come on, Bulls. Never mind. Pick going to #Twolves #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - #Celtics get Marshon #Brooks. Well, Bilas seems to like him. Wait. Bilas just said Brooks "doesn't guard". #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - Do you know your wingspan? #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - #Thunder get Reggie #Jackson. Guy hasn't been weighed/measured and isn't in bldg. Next commercial, I'm measuring my wingspan. #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - #rockets take #mirotic and there's basically silence. I think people are using the google app on their phones right now. #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - #Nuggets at 22 take #Faried and the Newark, NJ crowd goes "wild". Well, at least they got excited for their hometown guy. #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - Nolan #Smith heading to Portland #Trailblazers... I like it. More fire power. #NBADRAFT
• jadande - " A conscientious objector on the glass"? "Seems not to care?" Congrats, T-Wolves
• THEWIRK - Doesn't say much when a teammate said the coach used Brian Skinner over #Montiejunas' apathy. I remember Skinner as a Cav. Meh. #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - Was David Stern actually laughing when he announced the #Twolves were taking #Montiejunas from Lithuania? #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - Tobias #Harris is in the bldg but not in the green room. Does that mean he was sitting in the stands? He's headed to #Bobcats #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - #Wizards take #Singleton from fsu. All the guys in green room have been taken. Wonder how it feels to be picked last. Exhale. #NBADRAFT
• jadande -  RT @ESPNForsberg: Knicks fans pumped about Shumpert: http://twitpic.com/5fvt4k
• TheBillWalton (The Bill Walton Trip) - With the 17th pick, Isiah Thomas selects Iman Shumpert as drunken Knicks fans voice their displeasure.
• THEWIRK - #Knicks at 17 take #Shumpert. Oh my. He's not even in there. Not good. I looked away, but I think Spike Lee said, "WHAT!?" #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - Of course Spike Lee is the bldg and ready for the #Knicks pick. #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - Vucevic headed to Philly... #Sixers Can't wait to see him on that Kardashian show with Odom. Kidding! #NBADRAFT
• sam_amick - That's phenomenal. Draft order consistent with birth order - Markieff just ahead of Marcus.
• THEWIRK - The #rockets are still a franchise? Marcus #Morris selected. Morris twins/brothers go one after the other. #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - Jay Bilas reminding us that the #Suns like picking the lesser of the twins (e.g. Lopez brothers) Markieff Morris, welcome to phx. #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - #suns take #Morris at 13. Where are my suns fans? Is that going to help? Crap. Stuart Scott just said his brother is better. #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - Wait. As long as there are "quality" International players on the board, I must persevere! #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - Now is one of those times when I wish teams would just "pass" if there's nothing/no one that they really want who's available. #NBADRAFT
• sportspickle - Please don't pan down. Mychal Thompson is probably wearing short-shorts.
• THEWIRK - #jazz take #burks. I think I might stop watching. No idea who these guys are anymore. #NBADRAFT
• ESPN_Colin (Colin Cowherd) - Jimmer to Sacramento. Well, I guess this is the last time any of us see the kid #kingsaretvratingspoison
• THEWIRK - Thompson to the GSW #warriors #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - The #jimmerjam doesn't exactly look like the place to be... Oh well. Welcome to the NBA. #NBADRAFT
• TheBillWalton (The Bill Walton Trip) - While walking up to the podium, Kemba Walker pulled a drop step on David Stern, breaking the commissioners fragile ankles. Simply amazing!
• THEWIRK - #Bobcats are getting to be hotter... #Kemba Walker headed their way! @CharlesOakley34 you have to like that! #NBADRAFT
• TheBillWalton (The Bill Walton Trip)  - Stuart Scott said that Brandon Knight took some college courses in High School. Ironically he didn't take any college courses at Kentucky.
• THEWIRK - Welcome to Motown, Brandon #Knight... #Pistons #NBADRAFT
• thesportsgeeks - The number one Google search tonight will be "Jan Vesely girlfriend".
• THEWIRK - #vesely to the #wizards #NBADRAFT alright... I guess we'll see him in a dunk contest or a kissing booth "soon".
• fauxjohnmadden - Coming to ESPN in 2017: The Decision 2.. Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson both get the hell out of Cleveland
• sportspickle - I had Lithuanian League Pass on DirecTV. I think Valanciunas has potential.
• THEWIRK - Valanciunas said his game is close Chris #Bosh... Yikes! It's probably a language issue. #raptors #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - Labas, Valanciunas! Welcome to Toronto. Guess I'm moving to Canada... Where's my passport. #raptors #NBADRAFT
• sportspickle - Greatest Canadian basketball players ever: 1) Steve Nash; 2) Tristan Thompson; 3) Bill Wennington; 4) Uh ... Gretzky?
• jadande - "he just needs to learn how to play" um, not what I want to hear about a No. 4 pick
• THEWIRK - Tristan Thompson? Um, ok. Www.google.com here I come... #Cavs #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - Enes #Kanter just got picked by the #jazz. Now who will the #Cavs take at 4? Is Okur still with the Jazz? Turkish connection? #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - Anyone see #Rambis in the #Twolves war room? #NBADRAFT
• THEWIRK - #Timberwolves took Derrick Williams. I didn't know he was a guard?!?! #NBADRAFT
• fauxjohnmadden - Kyrie Irving goes #1 overall to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This officially ends Irving's shot at a successful professional career.
• THEWIRK - Does Fran Fraschilla need an assistant? I'm good with International players. #NBADRAFT

I saw a tweet that said that the Cavs Draft Party was a success.  I really don't see how that's possible.  The draft ended up being so boring that I hope there were plenty of food and beverages for the Cleveland faithful.  If not, I'd imagine a stampede to the doors after the Cavs made their picks and the strange picks started.

 

 

THE WIRK

2011 NBA Draft brings hope to Cleveland Cavs fans ~ Tickets still available

One of these days I'm going to go watch the NBA Draft in person.  ****  Interestingly enough, I've actually been introduced to the "hat lady" a year or so ago.  If you've watched the draft in previous years or are in the know, you know who I'm talking about. 

For those of you that are in the area or are interested in attending tonight's draft at the Prudential Center, tickets are still available on Ticketmaster.  Here's the link:  http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/020046A9A1CE6DD0?artistid=1597990&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=7

I just did a quick check and one ticket in section 1, row 17 is going for $40.60 (i.e. not including fees, etc.).

It's no secret that tonight's draft is a weak one.  As an Ohioan who spent most of my young adult life "close to" the Cleveland Cavaliers, I'm excited to see them make their picks.  I'm predicting that the Cleveland Cavaliers take Kyrie Irving and Enes Kanter.  I know Irving has had foot problems, and I know the "agony of the feet" that Cleveland Cavs fans have experienced.  I've seen them, and I know them all too well. 

There are a few stories about tonight's draft (e.g. foot problems, International players, and 7 foot centers from Lithuania)..  Hmm...  For kicks, let's flashback to the 1996 draft and Zydrunas Ilgauskas.  Remember this clip? 



The NBA Draft can bring hope to a city, franchise, and fans and along with a couple of smart selections ~ the Cavs need hope.  ****  Incidentally, 1996 was the year when guard, Allen Iverson,  went #1. 

I will be watching the draft on TV and following it on Twitter.  If you're not on Twitter and following the draft, you're missing out on some extremely comedic tweets!  Don't say that I didn't give you a "head's up".  I usually laugh all night long!


THE WIRK

Ortiz defeated Berto ~ Ortiz is the new WBC welterweight champion

I had completely forgotten that Victor Ortiz was fighting Andre Berto tonight.  I wanted to watch this fight for a couple of reasons.  1) I can't wait for Manny Pacquiao v Shane Mosley and this fight was going to serve as an appetizer, and 2) I have a friend, John, who loves boxing and thinks highly of Berto.

I saw a tweet from Dan Rafael and immediately switched from the Portland Trail Blazers v Dallas Mavericks game to HBO for the fight.

I'm not going to do a post for the fight, but for those of you that want a summary, here are my (Twitter user: TheWirk) round by round Tweets.  The most recent ones are towards the top.  Enjoy and catch the replay, if you can.  It was a good fight!

• i was right ~ congrats to ortiz! now back to basketball... #berto v #ortiz
• i have #ortiz winning and beating #berto. announce the winner so i can go back to basketball #blazers v #mavs!
• fight over - i give it to ortiz #berto v #ortiz
• ortiz looks like he's one round away from victory. this is a great appetizer for the #mosley v #pacquiao fight on 5/7! #berto v #ortiz
• berto kept backing up until he found the ropes to hold himself up. ortiz bringing the offense. #waitingforbertotofall #berto v #ortiz
• i know nothing about scoring boxing, but i have ortiz as the winner so far... #berto v #ortiz
• 11th to come #berto v #ortiz
• berto just hit the mat, but it wasn't a knockdown. we have a slugfest now! #berto v #ortiz
• it's the 10th and ortiz just lost one point for the punch to the back of the head... announcers don't seem to agree. #berto v #ortiz
• 9th round... ortiz keeps hitting berto behind his head ~ the next time he loses a point. #berto v #ortiz
• @danrafaelespn you weren't kidding! you can hear the crowd's boos when they show mayweather on tv #berto v #ortiz
• berto in corner being told to go for the body. the 8th starts NOW #berto v #ortiz
• both guys are def fighting and in it to win it now... berto just did a weeble wobble impression, and did not fall down. #berto v #ortiz
• getting ready for the 7th... #berto v #ortiz
• berto is bringing the offense now! ooooooooooooh ~ ortiz just knocks down berto! #berto v #ortiz
• in the 6th and down goes ortiz! #berto v #ortiz
• #mayweather sitting by the ring for #berto v #ortiz... closest he'll be to a ring tonight than he'll be on 5/7 for #pacquiao...
• it's the 5th & #ortiz has #berto on the ropes again. announcer says, "berto is fighting this fight like he needs one fight to change it all"
• berto told "stop bouncing and start boxing" #berto v #ortiz
• berto is using the ropes to stand up #berto v #ortiz
• ortiz is going to have this 4th round FOR SURE #berto v #ortiz
• ortiz looks to like he's in it to win it. throwing and landing more punches than berto... berto looks tired. #berto v #ortiz
• ortiz seems to be smiling in the ring.. def more offense coming from him. #berto v #ortiz
• start of the 3rd round... #berto v #ortiz
• i think berto better wake up... #ortiz looks like he has more fight in him now... pun intended. oooh ~ #berto just knocked down ortiz!
• #ortiz knocked down #berto already... 1st round.
• @danrafaelespn omg, thanks for this tweet. i just flipped to the fight! #berto v #ortiz

THE WIRK

Mosley v Pacquiao ~ I've got my tickets and Philippines watches

Today, I received notification that one of the tickets I have for the Shane Moseley v Manny Pacquiao sold on StubHub.  About a week ago, I saw a commercial for the upcoming shows on Showtime about the fight (i.e. that is less than a month away on Saturday, May 7 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena).  Yes, folks...  The boxing match is quickly approaching.

I can't believe the fight is less than a month away.  Today, I saw on Twitter that Bob Arum said the fight is a sell-out.  I'm not sure how that's true though, since I went on Ticketmaster to check if I could pull another ticket (i.e. and I could).

At any rate, I'm ready to go.  I have my tickets.  Further, in anticipation of the event, I even bought some Unisilver watches that feature the Philippines on the face.  I'm not familiar with the brand, but when I saw the rubber watches posted on Emma Camacho (i.e a family member's page), I had to have a couple for the fight.  ****  She's on Facebook, if you want to check out what she's selling.  She ships internationally.

I like my new watches, but I like money too.  I may even re-sell the fun timepieces in Las Vegas.  You never know! 

If you want to show your Philippine pride and you're interested in any of the watches, please let me know.  Maybe we can do some business!

Aren't the watches fun?  I can't wait to sport one at the fight.  If you've never been to a Pacquiao fight it definitely is a cultural event.

Go, Manny Pacquiao!


THE WIRK

Terrell Owens and Ochocinco fighting on Twitter ~ Welcome to the Jungle...

Welcome to the Jungle...

What is going on between Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens?!?!  I just hopped on Twitter and this is what I saw...

I'm doing a copy paste of their tweets so spelling is their's not mine...  Plus, I'll try to update as they post... 

• ochocinco  @terrellowens Man its your f_cking fault my QB is retiring, I should whoop your ass cause they're blaming me you f_cking Diva!!!
• terrellowens  @ochocinco I should whoop ur a** 4 asking me 2 come 2 Cincy! Yeh it's my fault tht he's retiring but not if I woulda had 15 TDs instead of 9
• terrellowens  @ochocinco And so much ur "Batman & Robin" idea!!
• ochocinco  @terrellowens F_ck yo touchdowns we went 4-12 and now my QB is leaving and they blaming me,you taking 50% of the blame for this sh_t!!!
• ochocinco  Cincinnati Bengals rock!!! Anybody that doesn't like us F_ck you and the horse you rode in on!!! Who F_cking Dey!!!

Needless to say this definitely caught my attention.  All this about Carson Palmer and the Cincinnati Bengals...


THE WIRK

Lakers crush the Cavs, and LeBron tweets about karma

For those of you not on Twitter, I have no idea what it's going to take for you to get with the times if you're a sports fan.

Check the latest Tweet from Lebron James (aka KingJames on Twitter): "Crazy. Karma is a b****.. Gets you every time. Its not good to wish bad on anybody. God sees everything!"

Yeah, the Cleveland Cavaliers just got blown out by the Los Angeles Lakers.  The Cavs were without Anderson Varejao, and the fact that that makes such a difference is sad in itself.  The final score of the game was 112-57.

Ouch.

I think that the Cavs should offer Ted Williams (i.e. the man with the voice) more than an announcing job.  Perhaps they should let the man try out for the team.  It couldn't get much worse...  Could it?!?!

Ugh.  I'm not a fan of contraction for the NBA, but I do think based on some of the box scores I've been seeing that the NBPA and NBA should explore the idea of a mercy rule.  Some of these teams are just horrendous...

I feel bad for Byron Scott.


THE WIRK

Charles Oakley to the Bobcats as part of Paul Silas' coaching staff

Congratulations to one of my favorite former New York Knicks and Cleveland's own, Charles Oakley, on his new coaching job with the Charlotte Bobcats!  As someone who grew up in Ohio and followed the physicality of the Knicks, it's great to see Oakley transition into coaching. 

Actually, when I met my 1st fiancee, I asked him on the day that we met, "What do you think about that Oakley-Camby trade?"  ***  Earlier that day or the day prior, the New York Knicks' Charles Oakley and the Toronto Raptors' Marcus Camby were traded for each other.  He responded that he didn't watch basketball.  That was a lie, though, because he played basketball for the Cleveland Cavaliers.  He knew exactly what I was talking about.

Anyway...  It's been announced today, and confirmed by the banger himself on Twitter (i.e. Twitter name: CharlesOakley34), that he's joining Paul Silas' crew in Charlotte.

Alright, Bobcats...  Now I'll be pulling for you (i.e. or at least checking the scores).


THE WIRK

Is Erin Barry the other woman receiving Tony Parker's texts? According to Twitter, "YES"

Tis the NBA Season and I guess the time of year to re-evaluate your relationships and go through a divorce.  According to Bryan Armen Graham's tweet (twitter id: BryanAGraham) it looks as though Erin Barry (i.e. Brent Barry's wife) is the "other woman".  Brent Barry and Tony Parker are former San Antonio Spurs teammates.  Moreover, it looks as though the Barry's might also be going through a divorce as well.  ****  After denying the divorce rumors yesterday, People is reporting that Eva Longoria filed for divorce in California, after seeing numerous text messages between Tony and a "mutual friend".
Well, like it looks like NBA divorces are like celebrity deaths...  They come in 3s... 

Don't even get me started on the alleged former teammate "switcheroo"...  I don't have the strength right now to deal with the irony.  ****  Oh, and in my opinion, Brent Barry is much hotter than Tony Parker, so if I have to call "dibbs" now, I'm picking Brent.

From what I've read, Tony and Eva had a pre-nup...  I wonder if Eva negotiated and had a fidelity clause put in.  It would've been the smart thing to do...  Just saying (i.e. wink, wink).  ****  For the record, in case anyone's curious, I don't sign prenups.  Never have and never will.  If you think that we're going to divorce, don't propose to me.

Like I said, NBA WAGS, hold onto your men...


THE WIRK

FavresElbow ~ Hope it's as funny as LeBronsElbow

I was commenting on another forum that features some of my posts, and I had a flashback to last years NBA playoffs.  I was replying to a comment about Favre's latest personal turmoil (i.e. think voicemail and text messages) that has been brought into court of public opinion and have also seen headlines that Brett Favre is considering sitting out if his elbow worsens. 

Personally, I hope all will be OK, with this elbow.  I enjoy watching him play and have grown tired of watching teams (i.e. that are "supposed" to win) lose.  It's only Week 6 and already I'm frustrated, and I'm a Colts' fan.

As for Favre's elbow, all I couldn't help but think back to Lebron and his elbow woes.  My internal voice is trying to be heard, as it screams "Here we go again".

Not sure if anyone's created a profile on Facebook, Twitter, or coined the term yet, but if anyone's getting a wild hair, I only ask for two things:

1. Of all the body parts on Favre that are receiving attention and could possibly be "talking" ~ please choose his elbow...
2. Please let FavresElbow be as funny as LeBronsElbow... 

Question:  Who'd win arm wrestling ~ FavresElbow or LeBronsElbow?


THE WIRK (and TheWirksElbow)

Follow your favorite athletes on Twitter

If you're not following your favorite athletes on Twitter, you're a fool. 

In this day and age, celebrities and athletes use Twitter to connect with their fans.  As opposed to having thousands of "friends" in their business, it's easier for them to put out their own messages in tweets.  Everything from ticket give-aways, autographed pictures, jerseys, etc. is up for grabs for the lucky trivia winners or quick responders. 

Larry Fitzgerald has contests for his fans to win autographed items.  Chad Ochocinco will tell you when and where he's having lunch.  Serena Williams has tweeted that it may not have been the smartest move on her part to go through an airport carrying a tennis racquet, if she wanted to go unnoticed. 

Earlier today (i.e. and 25 minutes ago) I saw the following tweet from THE_REAL_SHAQ, "send me links 2 ur fav dance videos n I will give @celtics home opener tix & jersey to my fav 1. must include #shaqvs".

You can add Shaquille O'Neal at the following URL: http://twitter.com/THE_REAL_SHAQ
You can add Larry Fitzgerald at the following URL: http://twitter.com/Lfitzgerald11
You can add Serena Williams at the following URL: http://twitter.com/serenawilliams
You can add Chad Ochocinco at the following URL: http://twitter.com/OGOchoCinco

I've seen Shaq at Disney World before and he is just one of the many fun-loving and humorous people (i.e. athletes, entertainers, writers, friends) who I follow.  His tweets make me laugh.  Get in on the action, create your own network, and tweet people.  What are you waiting for?!?!

To get you started, here's a URL for a site that provides a directory of Twitter users:  http://twitter-athletes.com/index.cfm.  From what I can tell they verify the accounts, but of course use your common sense. 

As a bonus (i.e. since Justin Bieber is on Shaq Vs tonight, here's a picture for you of LIL WIRK, when she was a wee-little girl.  Notice the "Bieber" haircut, before the Bieber fever even existed! 

Yes, indeed, a woman ahead of her time :-P


THE WIRK

Flight delayed? Just Tweet and watch the 2010 NBA Draft

****  I know I'm late, with this post.  I was on vacation.  That doesn't mean I don't have something to say.

My travel nightmares over the past few days started on Thursday night...

I was at the gate ready to board my flight, when the gate agent got on the intercom to announce that my flight would be delayed.  It just so happens I was talking on the phone when the announcement was going on.  I heard it just fine (i.e. along with the other 100 people at the gate), but some strange lady in orange pants started waving her hands in front of me to try to shush me.  If you read this blog, you also know that I don't like people who wave their hands at me to get me to do or NOT do something.  Regardless, the lady spazzed out again while sitting down an hour later and some other strangers had to help her get some airport personnel to attend to her.  Who knows what the lady's issue was, but at least she had a team of 5 people to handle her.

On Thursday, my flight was supposed to leave Minneapolis around 5:30 PM, but left around 11:15PM instead.  Awesome.  Does anyone even know that Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport had a G Terminal?!?!  I had no idea.  It's faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar.  Regardless,  There's nothing anyone can do about a flight delay and this blow wasn't as devastating for me, since it gave me a chance to watch the NBA Draft.  I love the NBA Draft when the draft pool is loaded with talent.  I'm not going to sugar coat it.  In comparison to the 1996 NBA Draft, I think this year's draft pool was relatively shallow. 

1996 was stacked with talent.  As a recap from Wikipedia:

Round one

1. Allen Iverson* (SG) United States Philadelphia 76ers Georgetown-So.
2. Marcus Cambyx (C) United States Toronto Raptors UMass-Jr.
3. Shareef Abdur-Rahim+ (PF) United States Vancouver Grizzlies California-Fr.
4. Stephon Marbury* (PG) United States Milwaukee Bucks (traded to Minnesota) Georgia Tech-Fr.
5. Ray Allen* (SG) United States Minnesota Timberwolves (traded to Milwaukee Bucks) UConn-Jr.
6. Antoine Walker+ (PF) United States Boston Celtics (from Dallas) Kentucky-So.
7. Lorenzen Wright (C) United States Los Angeles Clippers Memphis-So.
8. Kerry Kittles (SG) United States New Jersey Nets Villanova-Sr.
9. Samaki Walker (PF) United States Dallas Mavericks (from Boston) Louisville-So.
10. Erick Dampier (C) United States Indiana Pacers (from Denver) Mississippi State-Jr.
11. Todd Fuller (C) United States Golden State Warriors (from Golden State via Orlando and Washington) NC State-Sr.
12. Vitaly Potapenko (C) Ukraine Cleveland Cavaliers (from Washington) Wright State-Jr.
13. Kobe Bryant* (SG) United States Charlotte Hornets (traded to L.A. Lakers) Lower Merion HS (Lower Merion, PA)
14. Peja Stojaković* (SF) Yugoslavia Sacramento Kings PAOK (Greece)
15. Steve Nash* (PG) Canada Phoenix Suns Santa Clara-Sr.
16. Tony Delk (SG) United States Charlotte Hornets (from Miami) Kentucky-Sr.
17. Jermaine O'Neal* (F/C) United States Portland Trail Blazers Eau Claire HS (Columbia, SC)
18. John Wallace (PF) United States New York Knicks (from Detroit via San Antonio) Syracuse-Sr.
19. Walter McCarty (PF) United States New York Knicks (from Atlanta via Miami) Kentucky-Sr.
20. Zydrunas Ilgauskas+ (C) Lithuania Cleveland Cavaliers Atletas (Lithuania)

I told you that the 1996 NBA Draft talent was deep!

This year was different.  If you didn't know ahead of time who the #1 (i.e. John Wall) and #2 (i.e. Evan Turner) picks were, then you either don't like basketball or you're stupid.  Like I said, I'm not going to sugar coat it.

Stuck at the airport, I had no choice but to pony up in front of a TV and watch the NBA draft and READ the closed captioning.  After a while that is no fun.  So, with my trust iPhone in hand I logged into my Twitter account to see what people had to say.  I follow some really intelligent people in sports who are in the know, and I also follow some clowns that make me laugh with their 140 character posts.  I sat there and almost accidentally spit out my drink reading the tweets, when the Utah took Gordon Hayward 9th.  I laughed out loud after reading some of the comments when the New Orleans Hornets drafted Kansas' Cole Aldrich at #11. 

As soon as Aldrich was selected one of my friends who I follow wrote that "Chris Paul was as good as gone."  I laughed.  Then the Hornets agreed to trade Aldrich and guard Morris Peterson to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Thunder's 21st and 26th picks in the first round.  I couldn't wait to see Kevin Durant's face to decipher his reaction to the trade.  Actually, now that I think about it, I follow KDThunderup on Twitter and I can't remember if he reacted or not.  Read into that, what you will.

Interestingly, with the 23rd pick, Trevor Booker was the first senior to be drafted by the Timberwolves.  Read into that, what you will.

During the draft I noticed a post that David Aldridge wrote saying that Rasheed Wallace was going to retire. That was my chance to Tweet that on a day when everyone welcomes rookies to the league, it's always important to remember the veterans!

I haven't read Bill Simmons' NBA Draft Diary post yet.  Like a kid on Christmas, I anxiously look forward to it every year,  Simmons' basketball knowledge is so deep that I use it as a litmus test to see if I still "have it".  If I get lost and don't understand his references, it's a sign that I need to study-up some more.  My brother isn't a formidable opponent, even though he like to think he knows his basketball history ~ he doesn't.  Usually he hits me with some highlights from Simmons' piece and a couple of questions, but since he's in Cape Town this year (i.e. World Cup), I'll forgive him for slacking this year.

John Wall is a Washington Wizard,  Stephen Strasburg is a Washington National.  Donovan McNabb is a Washington Redskin.  Alex Ovechkin is a Washington Capital.  In the course of a few years, Washington DC has become a "sexier" town for athletes.  Now, all Washington needs to do is show the rest of the teams that it can WIN.

THE WIRK

Game 4: Rajon Rondo dominates and the Celtics defeat the Cavs

Rajon Rondo played out of his mind. <--  There's really nothing more that needs to be said, but I will elaborate a little bit more about Game 4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers v Boston Celtics series at the TD Garden.

Maybe LeBronsElbow drank too much Arbor Mist...  I have no idea.  I do know that Rondo basically single-handedly ruined my last day in Boston, and that I have worked hard to try to forget his stellar performance.  The Cavs were down, and then it appeared that they decided to try to make a comeback.  Once the Cavs made it a close game and even caught up, it appeared that the Cavs completely unraveled.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and their fans must've felt like they took a shot to their nuts, and Anderson Varejao actually did.  Check out the video from the game.  The sound is terrible, but the image is priceless.  It's no secret I'm not an Anderson Varejao fan...

I went to the game with Ning, Tom (i.e. Ning's boyfriend), and a guy named Jeff (i.e. Tom's friend).  Tom is a season ticketholder and offered me a ticket.  Even though, a Celtics fan ~ Tom's ok in my book.

View from the seats

At the start of the game  I was handed a "Go Celtics" rally towel.  Yeah, I touched it.  I also couldn't resist taking a picture with "Lucky" the Celtics "leprechaun guy".  Yeah, I admit it.  Needless to say, I think I messed up my Cavs karma with those 2 events.  And yes, as a Cavs fan I know I should be ashamed of myself...

Jay-Z and Beyonce weren't at Sunday's game, but it was Mother's Day and LeBron James' mom, Gloria, was sitting pretty across from the Cavs bench.

At one point the Cavs were on top, but they eventually lost the game by 10 points. 

My crush wasn't happy, but since my text messages were being delivered 3 hours late, I "received" his messages late.  Whatever.  It really didn't matter.  There was nothing to celebrate (i.e. unlike after Friday's game) and I had a flight home to catch.  I didn't have time to drown my sorrows with some Arbor Mist, near the harbor. 

Leaving the arena and heading to the airport, I received text message after text message from Celtics fans (i.e. notice I didn't call them my friends, j/k) i just copied and pasted my same reply:  "Every time I saw the ball it was going through Jamison's hands and bouncing off of his jersey, being shot by Varejao, or part of a short lay-up.  Terrible."  Just what every Cavs fan wants ~ Jamison with butter fingers and Varejao shooting...  GIVE ME A BREAK.

Lucky for me there was Game 4 of the Phoenix Suns v San Antonio Spurs series for me to watch on my JetBlue flight!  I was able to watch the 1st 3 quarters and see Steve Nash catch Tim Duncan's elbow.  I watched Nash walk towards the court after his several stitches, and I watched his eye start to swell shut.  Nash's injury wasn't as bad, but it reminded me of Kelly Pavlik in his last fight...  I also noticed that there was a new hashtag for Twitter that was being used (i.e. #1eyedNash) and that it was gaining popularity! 

By the time I had arrived at home, the game was over and the Suns had swept the Spurs!  At least one of the games ended the way I wanted it to...

Thanks, Ning, Tom and Genghis ~ I had a great time!

That's all for now.

THE WIRK

LeBronsElbow ~ Follow it on Twitter

If you're not following LeBronsElbow on Twitter, you should ask yourself why.  This Twitter account is gaining popularity and is very funny to read.  It's the "Chuck Norris" of elbows.  Ok, technically it's the Lebron of elbows ~ but you get my drift.

I was just woken up by a text from a friend.  She let me know that Rachel Nichols was talking about the Twitter account on Sportscenter.  Well, Rachel, you definitely have a much larger audience, but I just might have beaten you to the punch, since I promoted the Twitter account to all 700+ of my friends on 4/30.

Here is the URL:  http://twitter.com/LeBronsElbow

The most famous elbow's profile cautions its followers:  "I do NOT have a Facebook page.  Any Elbow pages are run by wanna-bows."


THE WIRK

Cinderella's going to the Ball, but I believe Duke will win on Monday

OK - so I went .500 last night.  I was probably the only person (i.e. aside from Magic Johnson, the actual Michigan State coaches, players, staff, and entire state of Michigan) who wanted the Spartans to win.  In the final seconds of the game, I think I actually jinxed them by calling my brother during a commercial break.  I called to ask him to score me a ticket to the finals if Michigan State won, because I'd fly to Indianapolis for a Michigan State v Duke final.  I was going to use Monday night as my chance to finally meet Magic Johnson.  How did I intend to do that?  Not sure really, but trust me ~ I'd find a way to get a quick picture.  With the game down to wire and Butler's players doing their best Charles Smith impressions (i.e. Knicks fans, you know what I'm talking about), I EAGERLY ANTICIPATED that Michigan State would drive the lane STRONGLY and score 2 points and win.  I figured there'd be a firesale of tickets if Butler had lost and I could benefit from the heartache and disgust of all the townies who supported their home team.  Instead, I watched the Spartan end his drive a little early and pull up too soon for a shot.  It looked like he was trying to draw contact, but SHOULD'VE taken another step or two and been more aggressive.  Oh well... 

**** Incidentally, I just checked my Twitter account and according to SethDavisHoops:  I asked Gordon Hayward if he fouled Draymond Green on that last play: "Dude I got his whole hand." Oh well X 2.

"I couldn't care less anymore" was the text I sent my brother when Butler beat Michigan State 52-50.  I figured Magic would hop the first plane back to the West coast, and I wasn't about to haul myself back to Indianapolis to see a Butler v Duke final.

Yes, I anticipated Duke would win on Saturday night.  It was a "given" in my book.  I took in the games at a friend's house and I was the only person rooting for Michigan State and Duke the entire night.  That's fine.  I'm strong in my convictions.

For the 2nd half of the game, we left my friend's house and I casually watched the game on the TV at our local hang out spot.  I didn't see Butler's collision with Zoubek.  I did see Butler on the court in severe pain and Coach Huggins trying to console him.  I saw the image on TV (i.e. without the sound and tried to keep up with the captioning) and immediately was taken aback by how close Huggins' face was to Butler.  Yeah, I said it.  You have to admit it looked creepy.  I read this morning that it was Butler's knee that was injured.  I hope he's alright ~ you never want to see anyone get hurt...  BUT that's sports and the show will go on.

Lastly, I checked my email about an hour ago and my brother informed me that he met and had his picture taken with Rollie Massimino yesterday.  Seriously?!?!  Does he not know me at all?  Now I'm all riled up again about 1985.  What a kick in the face!  Looks like it's time to light another candle for Ewing at my 1985 Georgetown shrine...  Serenity now.

As Dorothy, said "There's no place like home."  So, go ahead, Cinderella, enjoy the ball...  BUT, I still predict Duke will win on Monday.


THE WIRK