In early December I ran out to Bali again. My friend was in town from the US, and there was another group of friends from Singapore that were out celebrating another friend's birthday. What better place to celebrate your birthday, than Bali.
I'm generally a good planner, but I didn't book accommodations early for this trip. I ended up choosing a 1 bedroom villa at Danoya, because it had its own private pool and was two levels (i.e. had stairs). I have always liked stairs. Further, even though the property didn't have a restaurant on-site, the villa had a kitchen and it was nice to have a couple of people come over and make breakfast. I enjoyed the mee goreng (i.e. noodles) one morning and the nasi goreng (i.e. rice) another morning.
**** My friends stayed at Villa Massilia and it appeared that the party of about 20 people had the complex to themself.
On Friday night, I went out to Ku De Ta for drinks and a quick bite. There I met Sanaz and her husband. We share mutual friends and they had been traveling throughout SE Asia, so it was a treat to meet and chat. Another thing that was cute was that Sanaz and I carried the same Chanel handbag!
Saturday, was spent lounging by the pool and with friends.
Sunday, before running around and showing my friend, Taiwanna, the sites I had to watch the Margarito v Cotto boxing match. As the fight was starting, there was a knock on the door and the hotel staff asked us if we needed help with our luggage. OK, most people may consider this rude ~ but I knew I was already overstaying my welcome and there was a driver waiting for us so we could see the sites.
After checking out, I asked the driver to please take us to a bar so we could watch the fight. Within 10 minutes we were at a bar and taking in all the action from the ring! Talk about a good driver, and lucky man since he was able to watch the fight as well. Miguel Cotto won the fight, and Margarito lost AGAIN. Honestly though... What's it going to take for Antonio Margarito to stop risking his vision?!!?
Anyway, another great trip with some sports (i.e. even if it was only on TV)...
After the fight we went to UC Silver (i.e. took a tour and stopped in the shop). I was determined to check out the store since I'd seen so many ads. Admittedly, I'm not a silver person, but I was taken in by the design and the dragonfly.
We were greeted by a gentleman who gave us a tour. It was a public holiday so there weren't many people working.
After our tour we went to the store and I discovered that they also sell gold. However, the name of the company IS UC Siler (i.e. and not UC Gold) so I decided to stay true to the name.
Afterwards we visited the Bali Zoo to ride the elephants. Yes, I've done it before... BUT you can never ride too many elephants... Ha!!!
A couple of days ago, Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz decided to fight each other on September 17, 2011. Ok. So let's state the obvious. This is not the boxing match that people want to see. Mayweather v Pacquiao would be a dream come true. However, with Mayweather's legal troubles and the inability to agree on terms for drug testing ~ it seems unlikely that the dream match-up will ever occur.
I was at the Pacquiao v Mosley fight in Las Vegas. I'm a Manny Pacquiao fan, but I was bored during that latest match-up.
I watched the Andre Berto v Victor Ortiz fight and was impressed with what I saw. My friend, John, who knows about boxing anticipated that Berto would win that match. Obviously he was wrong and surprised with the outcome of the fight. I remember Berto used the ropes numerous times to stay up against Ortiz. It was a great fight!
I don't know that much about boxing, but I'm curious about the Ortiz v Mayweather match-up... I hope it's a good one.
On another note, I'm in Philly. Yesterday, I stopped by the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Here's a picture of the Rocky statue and I.
Where are my fight fans? I have tickets for the Shane Mosley v Manny Pacquiao fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for sale. If you're interested in them, send me an email to thewirk@gmail.com or comment this post with your contact info. I'll get back to you.
Section 2, Row R, Seat 13 ~ $2000 for the ticket
Section 2, Row M, Seats 5 and 6 ~ $3000 for the pair
Section 219, Row J, Seats 5 and 6 ~ $800 for the pair
Yes, I'll negotiate on price. I'll also trade for the "right" Super Bowl XLV or NBA All-Star ticket...
If you've never seen Manny Pacquiao fight and have been wanting to go to Las Vegas, what are you waiting for?!?!
**** It's no secret that I've recently gotten into boxing. I've always paid attention to the heavy weight fighters, but I recently broadened my scope due to Manny Pacquiao. I even went to Dallas to watch Margarito vs Pacquiao this year. Anyway, I've got a buddy, John, who keeps me in the know on who and what to watch in the ring. I've supplied the pictures for the post, and he's been kind enough to send me his fight wish list for 2011. Enjoy!
THE WIRK
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5 Fights I would like to see in 2011
Ignoring the obvious Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather fight that may or may not ever happen, here is what I would like to see in 2011.
5. Miguel Cotto vs Andre Berto - This is the signature win that Berto needs to become a credible and deserving challenger to pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao. The faster and more athletic Berto should be able to outpoint Cotto over 12 rounds, this would be a great fight to hold in South Florida.
4. Sergio Martinez vs Andre Ward - Ward should conclude the super middleweight tourney towards the end of this year. Martinez was the breakout fighter of 2010, defeating both Kelly Pavlik and scoring a stunning one punch KO of Paul Williams. The bigger Ward would likely be a slight favorite to win by decision. This is the only really intriguing matchup for Martinez, outside of a fight with Pacquiao.
3. Amir Khan vs winner of Timothy Bradley/Devon Alexander - The winner of this fight (Bradley and Alexander fight in January on HBO) becomes the undisputed champion at 140 lbs, easily the strongest division in the sport. If Khan can overcome either fighter, his star will continue to get brighter. I would look for Khan to outpoint or possibly stop either of these fighters, and go on to fight 2-3 more times this year.
2. Vladimir Klitscho vs David Haye - The only real heavyweight boxing match that would get any attention at all in the United States, outside of the dream matchup between the Klitscho brothers that will never happen. Haye has been loudly harassing both brothers for well over a year now, constantly taunting them in the media. Up to now he has turned down offers for the fight saying the purse has been too small. Fast and athletic with one punch knockout power makes Haye one of the only legitimate challengers. The sport of boxing desperately needs an exciting heavyweight matchup, and right now this all Euro fight is the only thing that qualifies.
1. Manny Pacquiao vs Andre Berto - This presupposes that Pacquiao gets by Shane Mosely, and that Berto notches a signature win this year. I think there will be a clamor to match up Berto and Cotto, and a win there should turn Berto into a very viable challenger for the pound for pound king. With his speed and power Andre Berto is one of the only men capable of giving Pacquiao a legitimate challenge. If this fight could take place in the fall, then it could be a great set-up for Pacquiao's final fight in '12 (either Mayweather or possibly Martinez).
By now, you've all seen the lop-sided score from the Miami Heat v Cleveland Cavaliers game (aka LeBron's Homecoming). The Cavs lost by 28 points. While most hoped for a competitive game (i.e. and some even dreamed of the Cavs pulling the upset), the smart fan knew that these expectations were not necessarily reasonable. I for one, wanted a competitive game. I don't believe that Cleveland was so undermanned that they couldn't have put up a better fight.
I am from Ohio, and since I was in Ohio for family, I felt it was "meant to be" for me to drive the 4 hours up to Cleveland for the game. I arrived at Quicken Loans Arena at 6:30PM just as the gates were opening. By then the walkway from the parking garage and the entrance by the ticket window were packed with people. With so many changes from last year, I was excited to see was a Danny Ferry-less (i.e. WOOHOO!!!) Cleveland Cavaliers' organization had to offer. I couldn't help but notice that there were no pictures or images of LeBron, and that the only recent picture featured was of Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Yep, they love him in Cleveland.
When I arrived at the Q, I was about 90 minutes early so it gave me time to look for and talk to my friends in the front office, walk around the concourse, and catch up with folks. The Q (i.e. formerly Gund Arena) still feels like home. It's Ohio. People rarely change and some of those people I've know for over 10 years.
I saw camera crew after camera crew (i.e. local and national news media) interviewing Cavs fans. When approached for a comment, I decline. I have very strong opinions, and these feelings do not need to be aired on TV or radio. I've been approached more than once (i.e. and I'm sure it's purely coincidental and/or random), and it always freaks me out. As a rule, I told myself that I would never talk to the media when I'm in Cleveland.
Regardless as the arena began to fill-up, I went to take my seat. I saw numerous anti-LeBron t-shirts (e.g. Quitness, The Lyin' King) and they all made me smile. People are pretty clever when given enough material to work with.
For such a big game, athletes and celebrities always come out. Some notables in the crowd were: Bernie Kosar, Drew Carey, Josh Cribbs, Wally Szczerbiak, and Dominique Moceanu.
During the pregame shoot around and stretching I couldn't take my eyes off the opposite side of the court. LeBron was getting booed every time his face was on the scoreboard. Zydrunas was running up and down the court in a Miami Heat jersey. The normal pre-game images I have in my head of the Cavs's Strength and Conditioning Coach and Zydrunas' good friend) stretching Zydrunas at half-court were not happening. It was strange. Instead, Zydrunas was running on the word "Cavaliers" on the arena floor, and I could feel the irony.
Nothing but the best in terms of security at the Q, I saw Rick (i.e. a familiar face) over by the Heat bench. If Rick is over there, it's serious. He's a professional and used to work the tunnels years ago.
As Cleveland Cavaliers' owner, Dan Gilbert, walked out into view to take his seat, the crowd went nuts. He received a hero's welcome. Say whatever you want about the rant in his open letter. Unless you're from NE Ohio, drank the LeBron kool-aid, believed in all the promise of the franchise, and the hype ~ you will NEVER understand, because that open letter was not intended for you. Dan Gilbert was the only person who who could speak for the thousands of people in the region and be heard by the world. I actually admire him for having the strength (i.e. read "balls) to do it and not enable (i.e. any more).
Here's video of the crowd's reaction to Dan Gilbert heading to his seat.
The pre-game introductions started and LeBron is booed. That was to be expected. Next Zydrunas was introduced and the crowd goes wild. He will always be highly regarded in Cleveland. They love him there. I lost count of the # of surgeries, but his struggles have been well-documented. **** It's ironic in a way that I had my mom's surgical procedure earlier in the day. I know I waited nervously for at least 2 of them. The last time I had been in a waiting room for a surgery was Zydrunas' last, successful foot operation in Baltimore. For those of you that think Greg Oden is a bust. I know from experience. Don't count an athlete out until he/she retires (i.e. for good).
Here's the video of the introductions. The visuals leave a lot to be desired. I guess I was shaking. The audio is priceless.
After the Heat intros Zydrunas left the huddle too early.
and had to double back. If you ask me, it's symbolic.
The Q's lights dimmed. When the Cavs did their introductions the fire came out of the scoreboard. The crowd was literally fired up. People were excited. I had a sick feeling in my stomach.
The question of the day was whether LeBron was going to do his pre-game ritual of throwing the chalk/talc/powder into the air. Yes, he did it. Yes, the girl next to me yelled obscenities at him as the "dust" began to settle. If 20,000 plus people thought they could've gotten away with it I would've pictured them storming the court because as far as they were concerned, it was "ON".
Do you see the dust/chalk/talc/powder in the air? LeBron did it.
As Zydrunas took to his spot at the center of the floor to ready himself for the opening tip, I began to feel sick. It all just seemed so wrong. I watched as he greeted former teammates. Fist bumps, guy hugs, etc. I don't know anyone on the Cavs anymore. Sure I know the names, but without taking a hard look at the roster I don't think I've ever spoken to any of the remaining players. The link I have to the team was wearing the opposing team's jersey and the only Cavs people I know in the organization are in the media, broadcasting, front office, or other arena staff. Finally, for me, the entire team has turned over... It took 12 years.
The opening tip happened and at that point I realize I need to root for Antawn Jamison, Mo Williams, Boobie Gibson, and Anderson Varejao in order for the Cavs to win. Wow. I don't think I can do that, EVER. I texted my friend Trey, that I couldn't believe that I had to cheer for Varejao. **** I still remember Varejao having the ball at the end of one of the home games in Cleveland, when the Cavs were in the NBA finals against the San Antonio Spurs. 20,000+ people yelled, "Give it back!!!" when they could tell that he was actually going to take the last shot. I have nightmares about that story.
The first quarter was the most competitive and when the Cavs showed the most fight. If you want numbers check the box score on ESPN.com or NBA.com. I'm too drained to look at numbers.
Each time LeBron touched the ball, there were boos. Chants such as "De-lon-te" (i.e. a reference to the Delonte West scandal) and "Akron Hates You" rang out through the arena. When they showed a close-up of his face as he was shooting free throws among the chants, LeBron was smiling smugly. I don't believe that it didn't affect him. Sure it didn't hurt his game. He scored plenty of points and the Heat won. However, let's not forget that this is still a guy who when the going gets tough ~ runs to his mom.
I wish the Cavs had played with the same intensity as the crowd. Towards the start of the 4th quarter which began garbage time since the Heat had a huge lead, you could tell that the crowd had had it. LeBron was talking to the Cavs bench and an assistant coach even told him to "Shut the f*ck up." Don't believe me? Google it. Before the start of the 2nd half, it looks like Mo Williams to go f*ck himself? Don't believe me about that either? Google it.
LeBron waiting to check into the game. Spoelstra coaching.
LeBron wouldn't play the 4th Quarter. He didn't need to. **** WOW. I just checked the box score. Did you know that Zydrunas didn't take a single shot against the Cavs. ZERO field goals attempted in almost 17 minutes of action, with only 2 rebounds. I have an opinion on this, which I will keep to myself. However, those numbers send a statement.
For the record, They flashed a sign on the scoreboard. The sign read, "We're down 25, but we still have more fans here". My guess is that the girl's sign was alluding to the fact that at least Cleveland fans care about the game and team more than fans in Miami. **** My brother lives in Miami. He travels a lot and gets asked all the time what people think about the Heat record. He said he tells them the truth. No one cares.
People in the stands were throwing beers at an obnoxious guy looking to get beat up by obviously taunting and waving LeBron's Heat jersey. A man was being escorted out and then decided to turn around and try to fight the people assisting him to exit. A melee broke out and a few people got on top of him to get subdue and get him out. I watched him as he fought and hit the floor. I only caught the later part on video. Supposedly there was only one arrest at the game. My guess, is that it was that guy.
Here's the video I shot of the man being subdued. I missed shooting when he turned around, resisted, fought, and knocked over the trashcan, but I saw it.
The game ended and the city was quiet. Sure some people were out, but it wasn't a lively scene. People seemed angry still. I read an article or a tweet earlier today and the author asked if Cleveland can begin healing now. My best guess is, "Not yet."
From the look and sound of it, Cleveland and I are not ready to "make nice" with LeBron yet.
Before the season started, everyone knew that last night's game was probably one of the most important games of the regular season. Of course I'm happy that I went, but I'm also thankful that it's over. If you ask me the Cavs stopped playing after the first quarter. The Cavs should've played LeBron tougher and more physically. The Cavs should've made their shots. The Cavs should've stopped jawing with him from the bench and made their game speak for itself. Could've, should've, would've ~ but didn't.
I doubt you'll see me in Cleveland for another Cavs game this year. Byron Scott has his work cut out for him. I wish him the best. :-P
I'm generally a good planner, but I didn't book accommodations early for this trip. I ended up choosing a 1 bedroom villa at Danoya, because it had its own private pool and was two levels (i.e. had stairs). I have always liked stairs. Further, even though the property didn't have a restaurant on-site, the villa had a kitchen and it was nice to have a couple of people come over and make breakfast. I enjoyed the mee goreng (i.e. noodles) one morning and the nasi goreng (i.e. rice) another morning.
On Friday night, I went out to Ku De Ta for drinks and a quick bite. There I met Sanaz and her husband. We share mutual friends and they had been traveling throughout SE Asia, so it was a treat to meet and chat. Another thing that was cute was that Sanaz and I carried the same Chanel handbag!
We were greeted by a gentleman who gave us a tour. It was a public holiday so there weren't many people working. 
