Jack Jack

I don't really see any surprises in the first round. The Clippers v Grizzlies and Hawk v Celtics I think should be the closest series. But the higher seeding Celtics and Grizzlies should get the win. I'd actually like to see the Clippers go deep in the finals. You'd think that would give them a good chance of signing up CP3 on a long term deal, which I would like to see. But the Grizzlies have been hitting form at the right time. And Z-BO was brilliant in the playoffs last year. D Rose has left the court with a knee injury. Not sure how bad it is yet. Could be bad new for the Bulls. Rose has really had a bad year for injuries. If it wasn't for bad luck he wouldn't have had any luck at all. China's NBA playoff promo is a bit different. I guess there is that gladiatorial element in the playoffs. Edit: Update on D Rose, he's torn his ACL, out for the rest of the playoffs. Not good news.

Haha, thanks Macca. But I can't take too much credit, it was just a cut and paste. I should really credit the original source? When I mentioned Patty Mills I don't think I gave him enough credit for his recent form. It's been junk time in the last few games, a lot of players being rested. But credit where credits due, Patty followed up his career top score of 27 against the Suns to top it again and score 34 against the Warriors, along with 12 assists no less. He's now got the record for the highest score for any Aussie in the NBA. Well done Patty.

You've just jinxed them, you know that right? Kobe seems pretty confident, says he expects to win the championship. But they all say that I guess. Patty Mills all the way (although I won't mind if the Heat get there). They've been resting their big 3 the last few games so Patty has had some good minutes, done fairly well too. The regular season is now over. The Charlotte Bobcats now have the dubious honour of having the all time worst regular season percentage. I think that means Jordan has now been involved in the best and worst seasons? Here's the first round schedule for anyone that's interested. WESTERN CONFERENCE - FIRST ROUND San Antonio vs. Utah Game 1 - Sun. April 29, Utah at San Antonio, 1 p.m. ET, ESPN Game 2 - Wed. May 2, Utah at San Antonio, 7 p.m., TNT Game 3 - Sat. May 5, San Antonio at Utah, 10 p.m., TNT Game 4 - Mon. May 7, San Antonio at Utah, TBD Game 5 * Wed. May 9, Utah at San Antonio, TBD Game 6 * Fri. May 11, San Antonio at Utah, TBD Game 7 * Sun. May 13, Utah at San Antonio, TBD Oklahoma City vs. Dallas Game 1 - Sat. April 28, Dallas at Oklahoma City, 9:30 p.m., ESPN Game 2 - Mon. April 30, Dallas at Oklahoma City, 9:30 p.m., TNT Game 3 - Thu. May 3, Oklahoma City at Dallas, 9:30 p.m., TNT Game 4 - Sat. May 5, Oklahoma City at Dallas, 7:30 p.m., TNT/R Game 5 * Mon. May 7, Dallas at Oklahoma City, TBD Game 6 * Thu. May 10, Oklahoma City at Dallas, TBD Game 7 * Sat. May 12, Dallas at Oklahoma City ,TBD, TNT L.A. Lakers vs. Denver Game 1 - Sun. April 29, Denver at L.A. Lakers, 3:30 p.m., ABC/R Game 2 - Tue. May 1, Denver at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m., TNT Game 3 - Fri May 4, L.A. Lakers at Denver, 10:30 p.m., ESPN Game 4 - Sun. May 6, L.A. Lakers at Denver, 9:30 p.m., TNT Game 5 * Tue. May 8, Denver at L.A. Lakers, TBD Game 6 * Thu. May 10, L.A. Lakers at Denver, TBD Game 7 * Sat. May 12, Denver at L.A. Lakers, TBD, TNT Memphis vs. L.A. Clippers Game 1 - Sun. April 29, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, 9:30 p.m., TNT Game 2 - Wed. May 2, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, 9:30 p.m., TNT Game 3 - Sat. May 5, Memphis at L.A. Clippers, 4:30 p.m., ESPN Game 4 - Mon. May 7, Memphis at L.A. Clippers, TBD Game 5 * Wed. May 9, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, TBD Game 6 * Fri. May 11, Memphis at L.A. Clippers, TBD Game 7 * Sun. May 13, L.A. Clippers at Memphis, TBD ___________________________________________________ EASTERN CONFERENCE - FIRST ROUND Chicago vs. Philadelphia Game 1 - Sat. April 28, Philadelphia at Chicago, 1 p.m., TNT Game 2 - Tue. May 1, Philadelphia at Chicago, 8 p.m., TNT Game 3 - Fri. May 4, Chicago at Philadelphia, 8 p.m., ESPN Game 4 - Sun. May 6, Chicago at Philadelphia, 1 p.m., ABC Game 5 * Tue. May 8, Philadelphia at Chicago, TBD Game 6 * Thu. May 10, Chicago at Philadelphia, TBD Game 7 * Sat. May 12, Philadelphia at Chicago, TBD, TNT Miami vs. New York Game 1 - Sat. April 28, New York at Miami, 3:30 p.m., ABC/R Game 2 - Mon. April 30, New York at Miami, 7 p.m., TNT Game 3 - Thu. May 3, Miami at New York, 7 p.m., TNT Game 4 - Sun. May 6, Miami at New York, 3:30 p.m., ABC/R Game 5 * Wed. May 9, New York at Miami, TBD Game 6 * Fri. May 11, Miami at New York, TBD Game 7 * Sun. May 13, New York at Miami, TBD Indiana vs. Orlando Game 1 - Sat. April 28, Orlando at Indiana, 7 p.m., ESPN Game 2 - Mon. April 30, Orlando at Indiana, 7:30 p.m., NBA TV Game 3 - Wed. May 2, Indiana at Orlando, 7:30 p.m., NBA TV Game 4 - Sat. May 5, Indiana at Orlando, 2 p.m., ESPN Game 5 * Tue. May 8, Orlando at Indiana, TBD Game 6 * Fri. May 11, Indiana at Orlando, TBD Game 7 * Sun. May 13, Orlando at Indiana, TBD Boston vs. Atlanta Game 1 - Sun. April 29, Boston at Atlanta, 7 p.m., TNT Game 2 - Tue. May 1, Boston at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m., NBA TV Game 3 - Fri. May 4, Atlanta at Boston, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2 Game 4 - Sun May 6, Atlanta at Boston, 7 p.m., TNT Game 5 * Tue. May 8, Boston at Atlanta, TBD Game 6 * Thu. May 10, Atlanta at Boston, TBD Game 7 * Sat. May 12, Boston at Atlanta, TBD, TNT

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.

Interesting stuff. Scary what ice can do to people. Unfortunately the last 4 audio is screwed up. Bill Gates strikes again. I read an article updating the Cousins situation today. Demetriou says the AFL players association have been in contact with Cousins a few times of late but that he has refused their help on all occasions. Also after his arrest he went straight to the local brothel, wouldn't agree on a price and left.

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.

Wasn't speed first produced by the Nazis for military purposes? Presciption drugs are certainly a grey area. I think some prescription drugs, such as certain antidepressants and sleeping pills, permantently change the bodys ability to produce certain vital chemicals and end up being a life long "addictions".

I wonder how many people would have your same convictions if they'd had that same experience. I knew nothing of the dangers of drugs andI was very lucky that I disliked my first experience and never did it again.

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.