USA v Canada

I was quoted:  "I think that hockey is the most followed sport, especially in the Arlington area. You don't get this kind of crowd out for figure skating or bob sledding, explained blogger Sarah Wirk."

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/USA-Hockey-Fans-Show-Their-Colors--85783907.html

Video hopefully to follow. 

http://www.thewirk.com/

Proud of USA.

THE WIRK

Dear... ~ Open Letters Leading up to the Cavs v Knicks game on Monday

Dear Big Baby Davis ~ way to go...  You messed up Shaq's thumb and according to the AP, he has to come to Baltimore today to see Dr. Graham.  Thumb wars are dangerous.

Dear Shaq - I'm all for sportsmanship, BUT why didn't you just get BBD (i.e. hmmm, sorry Bell Biv Devoe) off of you when he was messing with your thumb?  I saw the video.  I'm surprised you didn't react.  Speaking of video...  Yesterday, I was forwarded the video of Kevin Garnett yelling at BBD on the sidelines of a game, and BBD reacting by CRYING on the bench.  WOW.  Check it out:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzR60xPDLQs

Dear Danny Ferry - I see Jamison is performing better, as he gets into the Cleveland groove.  The Cavs have won 3 in a row, so I'm feeling much more comfortable about the trade.  However, now Cleveland and I are patiently waiting for time to pass so things could be made "right".  March 21, Zydrunas can return.  Until then, with Shaq out, Cavs fans have to rely on Varejao as your center.  I'm pretty sure that the Knicks aren't afraid of Varejao, but I sure am... I really hope the Cavs don't lose to the Knicks on Monday.  A Cavs' loss to the Knicks would be embarrassing ~ not as embarrassing as losing to the Nets (i.e. let's face it, that wouldn't happen). 

Dear Anderson Varejao - Your numbers in the past 3 games have been decent (i..e 13.0 points and 8.3 boards)...  You're playing well.  Don't blow it.

Dear Lebron - I read that you said it may take a while to recover from your collision with DeMar DeRozan...  Please, rest up.  T-Mac missed the second half of the game against the Grizzzlies, but he's currently listed as a probably starter for Monday night.  I wonder if he'll play the entire game.  My guess is NO, especially if the Cavs grab a huge lead early.

Last but not least...

Dear Knicks fans - I may have to eat these words later, but I think you're dreaming if you think LeBron is going to NY when his time is up in Cleveland.  As a Cavs fan, I really don't think it makes any sense.  I've heard the arguments about endorsements etc., but tell me what sponsors haven't been able to approach and find LeBron in Ohio?  Yes, NYC is a great city and MSG is a storied building with a rich history ~ but this is LeBron.  He can always just visit the city or even buy a place, go to the new Yankees' stadium, etc. and return to Ohio.  Why would he want to rebuild the broken Knicks franchise?  Now I know the rebuttal to that argument is that LeBron wouldn't have to do it alone.  Presumably LeBron would have Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh to help him win.  Give me a break.  Why would these guys want to take on that kind of responsibility?  This isn't baseball, where you can buy the top talent and expect a championship (e.g.  the Dallas Mavericks, back in the day, come to mind as an example of a "fail").  Basketball, although there are moments of individual glory, is a team sport.  Chemistry is a huge factor, and you can't buy chemistry.  Lastly, haven't you heard?  Cleveland rocks!

Go Cavs!


THE WIRK

Can we all agree now that the Cavs don't need to be afraid of the Celtics?

Yesterday, I received a message from a friend who asked me what I thought about him betting the Celtics +2.5 v the Cavs.  Paul Pierce was going to be out, and the Celtics were at home.  The person, who sent me the email, mentioned that he'd just watched a game where the Cavs didn't play much defense and were hoisting 3 points shot, etc.  To be honest, I hadn't caught the last couple of Cavs games (i.e. or maybe I had, and just don't remember them).  Anyway, since I hadn't "seen" the last couple of games, I told my friend he'd probably be OK. However, I added the caveat, that I didn't like "betting againt Lebron".  ***I've been catching plenty of games (i.e. college and pro) lately on TV, and they're all beginning to swim in my head.  I'm almost to the point where I want to start traveling again, so I can experience something "new" and hopefully more memorable. 

So here's what happened.  Yesterday, I went to a Women in Sports Media Panel event; and therefore, missed the first half of the game.  However, I managed to get out and catch most of the 2nd half of the Cavs v Celtics match-up.  I actually figured that the Cavs would start out hot and have a huge lead v the Celtics, and that the Celtics would rally back on their homecourt for the win.  Why?  Because the Cavs haven't won on the Celtics' homecourt in their last 9 tries...  I checked out the play-by-play summary, and it turns out that my assumption was correct, INITIALLY...  Why "initially"?  Well, by the time I planted myself in front of the TV and looked at the score in the 3rd Q, it was a relatively close game (i.e. working off memory it was 78-77, I think ~ but exact numbers aren't important here). 

At around the 9 minute mark in the 4th Quarter it looked as though, my initial guess would be incorrect.  The Cavs kicked into gear and started SCORING.  The Celtics might as well have sat on the bench and watched as the Cavs surged, since the scoring was so one-sided.  In that final quarter, Mo Williams made four 3-pointers, and the Cavs BLEW OUT the Celtics 35-14.  Yes, you read those numbers correctly.  Wow!  Can you imagine the feeling on the Celtics bench and the feeling in the hearts of all the Celtics' fans out there?  I can only imagine what Bill Simmon's tweeted during the game...  ***Just went to my Twitter and it looks like Bill was surprisingly quiet.  Also, "Thank you," to everyone who contacted me regarding my Twitter account getting hacked last night.  I'm not promoting the use of Viagra, but if it works for you and you're happy ~ "YOU'RE WELCOME".

Final score of the game was 108-88, and the Cavs finally won a home game in Boston.  Boston, I actually still need to hit that venue...  ***Remember, I'm trying to hit a home game for every professional basketball, baseball, and football team.  I'm up to 59 venues, right now.  The last time I saw the Celtics in town (i.e. verses the Wizards earlier this month), Paul Pierce went to the floor injured and Kevin Garnett was playing in one of his first games back, since he was coming off of an injury.  Everyone in my sports and social circles were telling me that as a Cavs fan, I needed to be scared of the Celtics.  Well, I've said it many times before and I'll reiterate it now.  The Celtics are "old", not  healthy, and not to be feared.  Last night's performance is further evidence that the Cavs should only be concerned with Orlando in the East.

Speaking of Orlando...  The main reason Cleveland picked up Shaq this season, was to add a large presence and be able to give up 6 quality fouls when the Cavs go against Dwight Howard in the playoffs.  Shaq left the game last night with an injury to his right thumb.  Did you see the video?  Why did "Big Baby" Davis challenge Shaq to a "Thumb War"?!?!?  Aren't they both LSU alumni, so can't there be some level of respect?  Lol.  Who knew "Mean/Bad Baby" Davis played a little dirty?  Anyway...  With an injury to Shaq, and Zydrunas not re-signed yet ~ the Cavs are vulnerable in the middle and must rely on Varejao's defensive play.  It's no secret that I'm not a fan of Varejao's basketball skills...  I must give credit where credit is due, and Varejao did play well last night.  However, I continue to keep my finger's crossed EVERY TIME he steps on the court, and pray that he doesn't become a liability and ruin the Cavs' (i.e. and MY) dreams of an NBA Championship.

Back when the Celtics were a "threat", April 2009

But even, then the Cavs blew the Celtics out...

Go Cavs!!!


THE WIRK

Quick thoughts for the day: Hockey, Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Sports Nation

Thoughts for the day:

Olympics

• Hockey will have my attention tonight.  Canada v Russia at 7:30...  I'm not leaving my house until this game is over.

Football

• I saw Ladainian Tomlinson crying (tears running down his face) on TV today ~ his reaction to being let go by the Chargers.  In a world where "Big girls don't cry", I was taken aback to see LT visibly upset
• I don't want to type Ladai..'s name out AGAIN, but let's face it ~ the nickname, "LT" should only be used for Lawrence Taylor .
• On Monday I noticed that LT had been released, and I made the mistake of mentioning it to my friend who used to live in San Diego.  "Can he not play well anymore?" was what I said, and she vehemently came to his defense.  Wow.  If only his many fans had a say in the matter....
• So the NFL wants HGH testing, but the NFL Players Association is against it.  Is anyone really surprised?
• The combine would be more interesting if they'd add events such as arm wrestling, tug of war, etc. then maybe I'd be curious and watch...  Remember the obstacle courses on Nickelodeon's "Double Dare" or the game show "Wipe Out"?  Wouldn't you buy tickets to see the guys perform those types of events ~  and see the speed, strength, and agility that they do/don't have?  I would.  Man...  That'd be great!!!
• I tried to look this up because I distinctly remember watching some show when I was younger where Kevin Willis (i.e. the former NBA basketball player, that I'll always associate with the Atlanta Hawks) had won.  I think the competition was sponsored by Jeep, and was held on the beach and had events like weight-lifting etc.  It was great entertainmet and it was fun to see different athletes compete in different events.

Basketball

• Wizards are playing the Grizzlies tonight.  I thought about going ~ to see OJ Mayo play, but then decided I didn't care enough to spend the money. 
• If anything, if forced to hit a Wiz game this week ~ I choose Friday's match-up v the Knicks.
• The Trailblazers' Marcus Camby sprained his ankle last night...  That means that there's yet ANOTHER injury that needs to be circled on that image of a body during the games...  You know what I'm talking about, right?  Every game I see that has the Trailblazers playing has one of the announcers circling every team injury on that picture.  The poor image looks like the character from the game "Operation"...  Every limb seems to have something circled...  Terrible.  Does Portland even have enough people left to play tonight against the Raptors?  Ok ~ I just checked and it looks like some of the guys are better now, but seriously... 
• Someone in the front office needs to think about changing the uniforms to hospital gowns... 
• According to Michael Lee, the Wizards Insider, the Wizards (i.e. and I) are waiting for Zydrunas to sign the papers for his buyout.  He's expected to pay back between $1 million and $1.5 million of his $11.5 million contract.  He received a trade kicker worth about $600,000 for being part of the trade that brought him to DC.  According to Lee, the "official word" should come out tomorrow but it looks like Zydrunas can re-sign with the Cavs, on March 18. 
• If that's what happens, he'll make his home debut (i.e. at the Q) on Sunday, March 21st against the Pistons.

Baseball

• Can we please stop talking about Mark McGwire? I don't care.  I will not buy the book.  Enough.

Sports Nation

• As bad as I think this show is, today I caught part of again.  Just when I thought it couldn't get worse, today there were guest hosts...  Wow.  Who made the decision to put this show on TV?  Does anyone have/know that person's contact information?  Sports Nation is a discount version of PTI (i.e. Pardon the Interruption), the news segment on Saturday Night Live, and a game show.  It's very strange...

That's all I have.


THE WIRK

Winter Olympics and Basketball (Cavs, Wiz, Hornets, Knicks, and Jayson Williams)

Olympics

Yesterday I was up late trying to figure out a plan to head to Vancouver for the Winter Olympics.  So last night, I started taking a closer look at it all.  I could do flight easily (i.e. I have a magic chest of airline miles), event tickets were more than reasonable (i.e. I was looking at trying to do hockey all day on Wednesday - yes, Wednesday - yes, TOMORROW), and from what I heard it'd be very easy to walk to Canada Hockey Place based on the hotel recommended to me.

The major reason why I'm not going to Vancouver tomorrow morning is hotel.  Hotels are ridiculously expensive out there now and it's tough to justify that kind of expense for something I'm moderately interested in.  I'm interested in checking out the Olympics, but not $500/night interested and I don't want a cheaper hotel that's farther out and then to have to fool w/transportation.  Normally I'd say forget the hotel, stay out "all" night and then hop the plane the following morning.  However, this is Vancouver ~ a city that I've never been to ~ so, flying there for one day for the Olympics seems silly.

Some random thoughts about the Olympics and before any of my readers leave me notes/texts/comments/voicemails, I want to admit that I know nothing about these events.  I'm a CASUAL Winter Olympics sportsfan.

• I could/would never figure skate with my brother.  It's creepy.
• Meryl Davis DOES look like an Avatar character.  This was mentioned to me last night, while at trivia.  When I got home I googled it.  Evidently, my friend isn't the only one that thinks this way.  How cool would it be if she skated blue?!?!
• You don't need judges for ski jumping.  There should be no scoring based on "technique".  If you go farthest compared to any of the other jumpers, then you WIN.  End of story. 
• I wish I knew how to ski jump ~ that event is AMAZING.  I can't even imagine how fun it must be to soar in the air that far.
• Curling is addictive.

Curling (photo courtesy of my brother

• Whoever put the cameras on the skiers' helmets is BRILLIANT.
• The next Winter Olympics is in Russia. 
• I've always wanted to see Russia...  Anyone up for an adventure in 2014?

Basketball

Slow news day.

• Still waiting on the Wizards to buyout Zydrunas.  Any day now, people...  The deal needs to get done by March 1, so he can be eligible to play in the playoffs.
• Josh Howard is out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL.  He injured himself during the Wizards' game last night against the Bulls.
• After playing in 2 games for the Knicks, I saw that Tracy McGrady has "knee pain".  That's unfortunate for Knicks' fans, but it's no secret that T-Mac has a history of getting hurt and missing many games.  I hate to say, "I told you so"...  Sure, he showed flashes of previous glory, but the man just seems injury prone.  I saw him, most recently (i.e. January 2010), sitting near the baseline at the Duke v Georgetown game at the Verizon Center. Incidentally, he was being praised, during the game, for his humanitarian efforts.  I can respect that.
• Oh, did you know that T-Mac is Vince Carter's cousin...  He's also "injury prone"...  Just sayin'...  :-P

T-Mac sitting baseline

 

Maybe you and/or T-Mac can sit in a NY Knick DreamSeat...

• 
  
  The Cavs are losing to the New Orleans Hornets right now.  It's half-time, and the Cavs are down by 3.  Score is 56-53.  I predict that they lose AGAIN.
• 
  
  Chris Paul's not playing, because of his kne injury but good to see that he's traveling with the team and staying in the mix of things (i.e. heading to shoot around etc.).  Here's hoping he has a successful and speedy recovery/rehabiliation.
• 
  
  Jayson Williams was sentenced to 5 years in prison for shooting his limo driver in 2002.  This Jayson Williams is not "White Chocolate" nor "Duke Jason". I remember this story back in 2002.   I can't believe it's been 8 years.  I'm not going to get into details, because you can read them for yourself ~ http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4938372.  
• 
  
  This is a sad story for everyone involved.  Maybe now, there can be some peace in his life and for the victim's family.  The whole situation is incredibly unfortunate, and from all I've read and seen, I truly believe that it was an accident on William's part.  Jayson Williams is eligible for parole in 18 months.

That's all I have.

THE WIRK

And now it's on my TV... Still waiting on Zydrunas to get bought out...

Now it's made it to my TV...

It's like this...  Earlier, the LA Times was reporting that the NBA will try to block Zydrunas from returning to the Cavs.  According to some source the LA Times had, the NBA believes/believed there to be a previous deal in place ~ similar to the Stackhouse, Payton deals before, that would return Zydrunas to Cleveland.  From what I've read, Phil Jackson and Doc Rivers have voiced their feelings about it and don't want the Cavs to get Big Z back.  Duh.  If I were the Lakers or the Celtics, I wouldn't want the Cavs to get a legitimate backup center.  I wouldn't want a 7'3" man in the middle who's willing to pick up 6 fouls. 

Actually, now that I think about it, I remember playing basketball with Zydrunas (i.e. when we first started dating) and he wouldn't even let ME drive to the basket for a lay-up.  I literally bounced off of his chest and almost hit the ground.  He told ME that there were "no easy baskets"...  SERIOUSLY!?!?  This is a man that does not like to lose.

According to Herb (Zydrunas' agent) there is/was no such deal in place and the buyout should "hopefully" occur today or tomorrow.  The Wiz are well under the threshold, so they have some significant leverage.  I guess if I were the Wizards, I'd try to give Zydrunas pennies on the dollar (e.g. 4% ~ hahahahahahaha) since they (i.e. like most of the free world) "know" that he doesn't want to be here and wants to go "home"...  Another strategy, I guess the Wizards could employ is to "drag their feet" and see if the Cavs self-correct like they say they will.  Admittedly, I'm curious to see if they will (i.e. I'm a doubter).

Anyway...  Still waiting on the buyout to be completed.  A loophole is a loophole ~ fix it in the new CBA.  This is not the time to make an example out of anyone.


THE WIRK

Quick weekend wrap-up: Basketball, Tug of War, Hockey

OK - I'm all over the board on this one so I'll warn you now...  Here goes.  I'm doing larger "bullets" again in the interest of speed, bc my brain clicks faster than I type.

Friday ~ Basketball and Tug-of-War

• Went to the Nuggets v Wiz game...  Ilgauskas didn't play.  The Wizards won.  Those last 2 sentences are not related to each other ~ they're merely statements.  This is completely unexplainable, but my best guess is that the Nuggets were tired from beating the Cavs the night before in OT, so they inadvertently play down to the level of the Wizards...  AND since the Wizards are used to playing at such a low level, obviously they're better at playing that sort of game, so they won.  They lulled the Nuggets into a very weak game.  How weak?  I was more interested in chatting it up with the guy I was with and the nachos we were sharing, that I more or less didn't realize that it was half-time.  Further, I spent the entire 2nd half looking at George Karl and trying to see if he looked "sick".  He doesn't.  That's a good thing.  Incidentally, based on the pics I took, I think some of the Nuggets were more interested in posing for the pictures I was taking (i.e. we were sitting 3/4 rows behind the bench) OR maybe they just wanted some nachos... 
• So what is/are my point(s):
•  If I were the Lakers, I wouldn't be scared of the Nuggets. 
• Get the nachos w/cheese...

Kenyon Martin DOES resemble Method Man

• Went to friend's birthday celebration and ended up out with some friends.  Engaged in tug of war, when someone I know mistook my scarf for hers and RIPPED it out of my hands, after I told her it was MINE.  I can be a little feisty, sooooo this could've gotten ugly.  However, the situation was handled calmly by another friend at the venue. 
• So what is/are my point(s):
• Proper eyecare is important.  What is more important than one's vision?  Get your eyes checked regularly. 
• Duh. Though shall not steal. When I tell you something is MINE. It's MINE
• Don't rip anything out of anyone's hand.  People don't like this behavior.
• To paraphrase, Chris Rock, "If you say you're sorry, it'll be alright."  Muster the words.  Choke them out (i.e. the words, not the person) if you have to... 
• I never realized how appropriately named, "Tug of War" is...  Hmmm...

Saturday ~ Basketball

• Went to College Park, MD and watched the Georgia Tech  v  Maryland game.  On the way up there, one of the poeple in the car said that the line was Maryland -7.5.  He asked who I liked.  I told him I didn't like the number bc I didn't know what Maryland team would show up.  When pressed, I told him to take Tech.  He and his friend then told me I was "wrong".  Needless to say, I watched the end of that game closely.  Two amazing buzzer beaters ~ Maryland won.  BUT the difference in scores between GA Tech and Maryalnd was less than 7.5.
• So what is/are my point(s):
• Maryland had an amazing win, but consistently inconsistent teams are tough to follow and cheer for, bc you can't trust your eyes and predict the future. 
• Kid ~ wherever you are ~ I was RIGHT.
• Duke comes to town on March 3.  I was at the game last year, but will have to miss it this year.  With the ACC so weak it could be anyone's game, but I think Duke will win.  I mean, they SHOULD win...  Right!?!?

Sunday ~ Basketball and Hockey

• The Cavs played the Magic today (rematch of the Eastern Conf Finals)...  The Cavs lost and dropped 3 in a row.  3 in a row.  Not wins.  Losses.  They lost 3 in a row, and they haven't done that in 2 years (i.e. I think).  It's no secret how I feel about Danny Ferry, and the ridiculous trade that sent Zydrunas to Washington to hang out in my 'hood (i.e.  bc let's face it, that's what Zydrunas is doing).  I certainly don't see him puting on his #17 uni and running up and down the court.  The man is listed as INACTIVE.  As far as I'm concerned, Danny Ferry has single-handedly (ok, to be fair Ernie Grunfeld is equally to blame) imploded my favorite basketball team.  Anderson Varejao is now Shaq's back-up.  Are you serious?!?!  Am I the only one that can still hear the screams of 20,000 (TWENTY THOUSAND) people yelling "GIVE IT BACK" the minute Lebron passed Varejao the ball in the final seconds of that one playoff game (that I'm desperately trying to forget) during the NBA FINALS!?!?!  Everyone in today's game had a bajillion fouls (i.e.  that's a HUGE number, people) as they ineffectively tried to guard Dwight Howard.  Now I'm not saying Zydrunas is a defensive mastermind against Superman, "Part Deux", but at least he's not flopping around like a fish out of water like Varejao.  GIVE ME A BREAK.
• So what is/are my point(s):
• Ferry is absolutely terrible, and I hope the Cavs lose every single game (if Zydrunas doesn't make it back)... Then I hope he and Mike Brown lose their jobs... AND THEN I hope Lebron leaves Cleveland and wins a title... and when all that happens, I'll shout it to anyone that'll listen, that it was ALL Ferry's fault...
• Now before all you Cavs fans get in a tizzy, let me clarify this point above.  I LOVE THE CAVS.  I would NEVER have imploded the team, messed with the chemistry, and taken away a quality center when the alternative is some guy with a crazy perm who can't play basketball.  IF, (1) Zydrunas makes it back, (2) the Cavs don't go on some crazy losing streak (i.e. bc of this trade), (3) they make it to the Finals, and (4) win the NBA Championship, then I'll be the first person to tell Danny that I'm sorry and that I was wrong.  Until then, I'm scathing mad.
• It's not a coincidence that there's an "Anderson Varejao Sucks" facebook page.  We are 200 people strong.  I bet if I friend requested my mom, I could get her to join the group too...  Hmmm...
• I should start a moving company in Cleveland bc people are going to need my services.
• Hockey.  Yeah, it's on today also.  Russia already beat Czech Republic.  All I know is that the final score was 4-2 and that Ovi had a monster hit on Jagr...  Go Ovi!!!
• So what is/are my point(s):
• I get my news from facebook status feeds. 
• USA v Canada tonight around 7:30.  It's a little after 6PM.  I need to get moving...
• Basketball ~ Oh yeah.  Duke plays VA Tech tonight too... 
• So what is/are my point(s):
• Yawn...  I bet the people at Cameron Indoor wish they could watch the USA v Canada hockey game.
• Go Duke.  Sorry, I had to add that in.  My brother may have to support me when I get old.  And for you smarties out there ~ yes, I said "WHEN"  :-P

Man...  It's tough to be a Cavs fan now...

Oh, if you want to buy your OWN scarf...  Here's a link for your convenience...















THE WIRK