Jack Jack

MWP has been suspended for 7 games. 1 game of regular season left for the Lakers means the he'll at least miss the first round of playoffs. He needs another name change.

I should really look it up somewhere, but what's happened to Bosh? Haven't seen him play for at least a week now. Miami would want to win it, huge expectation on the big 3. Lebron is in good form and I see Mike Miller is on the court making a few shots. Can't be bad for them. How about the artist formerly known as Ron Artest? How many sandwiches short of a picnic is he? He claims this was accidental, just swinging his elbows around thumping his chest? Is he stupid for doing it or stupid to think that people might believe him? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEG8DOSMMTw&feature=related How many games will he lose for that? And how about the continuing drama that is Dwight and the Magic. He's just had surgery on back, he's out of the finals series, essentially dooming them to an early round exit. Now the rumours of asking for a trade, once the season is over, have started up again. Maybe it's not so bad being a Dees supporter?

Feeling a bit deflated after today. I seem to be gravitating towards certain songs. This is one. Jack Jack's Jazz 2.2

I've been listening to some 80's mixes, a bit of nostalgia. The thing that really stands out for me in how other worldy Pink Floyds efforts are. Whenever they popup it just blows me away how good they were, particularly comparing them to popular music of the same time. But as I've posted a few of theirs already I'll put up something different (I think it's different, can't remember if it's been posted previously). Jack Jack 3.9

The NBA have finally sold the New Orleans Hornets, finally. I thought it was going to drag on forever, I guess they were just waiting for an investor that didn't want to relocate the team. Tom Benson seems like their man, owner of the local Saints NFL team. Anyway the reason I bring this up is that I've heard him mention several times already that he wants to buy back the Jazz name from Utah. I'm not sure I've read an official response from Utah yet, but Benson seems like a fairly presistent fellow. It's a funny ol' world.

I'm wondering whether I should revise my prediction of Miami winning the championship, they've been underwhelming of late. They'd be bricking it if they met Boston anywhere in the finals, and Chicago have been great without Rose, getting him back will only improve things for them. For anyone out there that enjoys a good read, there's a great Aussie blog that's worth looking at. NBAMate.com

A bit disappointing that Mills didn't get any minutes against the Celtics. But I guess it's still early days for him, It's getting tight for the final few playoff spots in both conferences. With only around a dozen games left in the regular season ti could come right down to the wire. Anyone been following the Dwight Howard Orlando Magic saga? The new rumour is that Dwight has asked for the coach Stan Van Gundy to be replaced. Stan found out from management, wasn't shy about telling everyone in a media conference, awkwardness ensues. He's starting to make Lebron look good!

I was pumped this morning. Got up and got the paper, had my 80's mix cranked on the stereo, kicked nine colours of s..t out of todays sudoku's. Jack Jack 3.7 I thought to myself that I should have a crack at the changes for next week, while I had a heightened sense of problem solving. Jack Jack 3.8 Then I sat down, collected all the relevant information, and realised what I was up against. I think I might go back to bed.

Rubio is a gem. Timberwolves will be great to watch next season when he comes back. Carn the Spurs! I'm a bit of a swing voter when it comes to NBA teams, so it's an easy thing for me to shift my allegiances. There's some teams I like more than others, but generally I just find it entertaining to watch. Some of the stuff these guys are capable of is just amazing. Yes, sending Fisher to a Western Conference rival certainly could blow up in their face. I would have thought that giving away Odom was a far worse decision, although he's not exactly lighting it up in Dallas. I guess it's a bit hit and miss with the team names. There's probably a good reason why OKC are the Thunder and not the Super Sonics. I just don't know what it is. Edit: Although it was a pretty messy ending for the Sonics. That may have something to do with it.

Anderson and Jawai are no longer in the league, so you can cross them off. Bogut is unlikely to play this season and GSW are even less likely to make the playoffs, another one down. Patty Mills and the Spurs on the other hand look like they are capable of going deep into the playoffs, and may even meet the Lakers in the second round. Maybe you could think of it as a win-win situation? The Lakers have done well to get Sessions. He's been good for them so far. I find the LA Lakers to be a curious one. They must be one of the most recognisable teams in the world, one of the highest followed teams in one of the most iconic cities in the world. But the original team was the Minneapolis Lakers, named after the city of lakes or the state of 1000 lakes (or something like that). Why didn't they change their name to something relevant to LA? Or is it relevant to LA? I always found that a bit funny for some reason. From what I've read on the Irving situation is that he's been assured of a spot in the following Olympics.

Yes, it certainly makes it easier to stomach the money some of these guys are making when they are humble and gracious. Not sure if I'm comitting a serious faux pas by replying to my own post. Recently Kyrie Irving has declined the opportunity to represent Australia in the Olympics next year. As it is any true Australians dream to represent their country I can only cunclude that he is not a true Aussie. Problem solvered.

I should also add that the Cavaliers and overall no 1 draft pick from last year, Kyrie Irving, holds dual citizenship, US & Oz. He was born in Oz while his dad played for a few seasons in the NBL, can't remember for who. But I don't think the Cavs will make the playoffs, so I won't have to agonise over whether he's really an Aussie or not.

Yeah, he seems to be a bit of a head case in the home stretch. It's strange to see such doubt or uncertainty from someone with "Chosen 1" inked on his back. For leagues like the NBA I think you have to support your fellow countryman above any other personal allegiance. The fact that NJ & Detroit are out of the race makes it a lot easier for me. Golden State aren't likely to make the playoffs and Bogut isn't likely to play for them this year, so they're out. Patty Mills finally got signed and played his first minutes for the Spurs yesterday (The US should love Australia, thanks to us they know that there's always a tomorrow). Tim Duncan has been great this year and Tony Parker is having a career year. Ginobili is making his was back from injury. There's much to like. So I'll be "rooting" for San Antonio. I think they've got a pretty good chance. I think it's been recently reported that Stoudemire may be out for the season (or at least an extended period) with a bulging disc. That's certainly not going to help NYK. I haven't checked the schedule but it's been reported that the Bucks have a softer run home, Monta Ellis I think has invigourated the team. I'd pick them over NYK to make the playoffs.

A great song and a great clip from Shihad. From memory I think they were trying to break into the US market around the time of 9/11. They decided that their name sounded too similar to jihad, which they thought may have impeded their chances in the US, so they changed their name to Pacifier, the title of this song. Not that it did them any good. Jack Jack 3.6

A bit of Ella & Louis. Jack Jack's Jazz 2.1

I've been watching a few doco's of late. Some interesting viewing. The first was on ABC, The Last of the Independents. It's about a third generation hardware store, Faram Bros., in Port Melbourne. It follows their last few months before closing. King of Kong was last weeks Sunday Best. It's about Billy Mitchell's long standing Donkey Kong record and Steve Weibe's attempts to beat it. I was a bit skeptical that it would be any good, but it was riveting stuff. It was edited to be a good vs evil showdown, and I found myself willing Weibe to success. I was put onto a series about Doomsday Preppers, people preparing for the worst. I hope it never comes to this but who knows? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUKFGzixIg0

How about a bit of Faith No More? Jack Jack 3.5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=968OgZCWICY&feature=fvst

Hmm, I guess it's fair enough that any of the players that contributed to the season get rewarded. Coaches, maybe. Administration, probably not. Miami are certainly up there. Chicago could go the whole way if guys like Boozer can make significant contributions in the finals, otherwise they're relying too heavily on Rose. I think those two will definitely be playing off for the Eastern Conference finals. Orlando always have a great regular season record, but I reckon they rely too heavily on their perimeter shooting. The Lakers have made a few moves at the trade deadline that could work out for them, but are struggling for time for the team to gel in this shortened season. OKC would have to be in with a chance. And the Spurs are up there again, Tony Parker has had an incredible season so far. The Western Conference is fairly open. But you're right, barring any major injuries I think the Heat are short odds to win the championship. Chicago I think will be their major hurdle.

I'm not sure he even touched the ball in the playoffs. But as long as you're on the roster, you get a ring. I'm lead to believe even the coaching and administration staff get rings. They certainly do things differently over there huh? I hope to see Patty get some court time. Fingers are crossed.

Well the news is we've got another Aussie in the NBA. After finally being released by his Chinese team, Patty Mills rights were then renounced by the Blazers, leaving him as a free agent. He's just signed up with the San Antonio Spurs, who are currently running 2nd in the western conference. It will be interesting to see how much game time he'll get.

My vote would have to go to Whateley too. I believe he was close to leaving the ABC at the end of last year. It will be a sad day if he does ever leave. Can't stand listening to the commercial stations.

I've just stumbled on the soundtrack to the movie Lialeh. It's by the legendary session drummer Bernard "Pretty" Purdie. From what I understand it's probably his first true solo album. The movie Lialeh was apparently described as the first black porn movie. And, believe what you will, I've never seen the movie and didn't discover the album by watching it. Jack Jack's Jazz 2.0

Yeah, admittedly I'm not a big fan of their soft salary cap. Definately favours the big market teams, so it's not really a level playing field. Breaking news is that Andrew Bogut has been traded to the Golden State Warriors.

I'm surprised to see that there's no NBA thread. Admittedly there's a pretty poor showing from the Australian contingent at the moment and it's been getting worse over the last few years. Andrew Bogut (I think he was in All Star form a few years back until that cheap nudge from Stoudemire caused him horrific injuries. Sadly he hasn't been himself since) is our only Aussie in the league and he's currently out injured. Last year we had Patty Mills in PTown and the year before there was David Anderson and Nathan Jawai. So beyond following any team that's got an Aussie listed player I find myself having a soft spot for the Detroit Pistons, and, to a lesser extent, the New jersey Nets. Greg Monroe and Brandon Knight look like some good young players that'll take them places in a few years time. Can the Nets hold on to DWill and possibly snare Dwight Howard? The trade deadline isn't far off now so it'll be interesting to see if any big deals go through. Beyond Miami, Chicago and OKC I can't really see anyone else challenging for the title this year. And now that Linsanity has started to die down, what'll become of the Knicks? Not that I'm a big fan of theirs but with so many big names in the team I think they should be doing better. Thoughts?

How good was Live's Throwing Copper. The Dam On Otter Creek is an amazing song. They convey a real drama and tension. Phenomenal stuff. They remind me of another band 90's band that started well and then slowly petered out, the Gin Blossoms. There's a sad story behind the guy that wrote this song. I actually thought I'd posted this song before. Have I? I'm starting to lose track. Jack Jack 3.4