Yesterday’s epic Arsenal v Liverpool game was great, especially for a United fan. Yes I would have preferred an Arsenal win over the draw, but really those 2 dropped points by Liverpool could really give the edge to United. As United face Pompey today at Old Trafford, I decided to see how the season may turn out. Now, I’m hoping that I’m jinxing the Red Devils, but honestly I did this every week last year and the came away with the Double, so I’m not too concerned.

So below are my predictions for United’s Premier League matches until the end. I even decided to put scores for fun. My results:

Wed. 22 Manchester United (2) v (1) Portsmouth -Old Trafford WIN
Sat. 25 Manchester United (5) v (0) Tottenham Hotspur -Old Trafford WIN
Sun. 3 Middlesbrough (1) v (1) Manchester United -The Riverside Stadium DRAW
Sun. 10 Manchester United (4) v (0) Manchester City -Old Trafford WIN
Wed. 13 Wigan Athletic (0) v (3) Manchester United -JJB Stadium WIN
Sat. 16 Manchester United (2) v (2) Arsenal -Old Trafford DRAW
Sun. 24 Hull City (1) v (3) Manchester United -Kingston Communications Stadium WIN

+17 more points, meaning that United finish the season with 88 points.

Here’s my results for Liverpool. (Couldn’t be bothered putting score lines for the scousers)

Sat. 25 Hull City v Liverpool -Kingston Communications Stadium WIN
Sun. 3 Liverpool v Newcastle United -Anfield WIN
Sat. 9 West Ham United v Liverpool -Upton Park DRAW
Sun. 17 West Bromwich Albion v Liverpool -The Hawthorns WIN
Sun. 24 Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur -Anfield WIN

+13 more points, meaning that Liverpool finish the season with 84 points.

4 points or (1 Draw and a Lose for United) behind.

I’ll gladly take it.

So, let’s get a United win today and get this back to back to back league title started or rather, finished!

I used to love Kevin Garnett. I even had an authentic KG T-Wolves jersey. I’m a die hard Lakers fan, been one since I moved to Los Angeles at the age of 6 and saw Magic at the Forum with James “Big Game” Worthy, but I loved KG so much that he is the only NBA player that I’ve ever spent $100+ on a jersey. For years I felt sorry for him when he wouldn’t make it out of the first round of the playoffs but put up MVP numbers. I’d get frustrated at his situation when the T-Wolves would screw him over with horrible draft picks and terrible trades. Twice I’ve seen KG play live, both times I came away in awe of his presence and his skill and how he could dominate the game. I also came away thinking that he was one crazy s.o.b. Both of those games came during his waning years at the T-Wolves.

Now?

Now I hate Kevin Garnett. I hated him jumping out of his seat last night at the Bulls/Celtics game when Ray Allen sank the game winning three. He jumped out yelled an expletive (which he does a lot) and started hopping around on his broken knees as if he was the one that got the game winner. The first thought that came into my head when I saw him jumping around and mock-punching his teammates was, “I hope your knee breaks in half KG, you punk.”

I don’t have regrets about my feelings for KG right now. From my years of following soccer and professional sports, fan-dom shouldn’t be about players because ultimately those players will let you down. Fan-dom should be about the team. I didn’t care about the T-Wolves 3 years ago, I just cared that KG wasn’t getting what he deserved, a chance at winning the championship. His chance obviously did come, and it resulted in my inner NBA fandom coming to clashes with itself. When KG had a chance to represent the Western Conference finals during the 2003/2004 championship I wasn’t rooting for him then, since he could only do that by defeating the Lakers. I should have known then that fan-dom isn’t about players, it’s about the team. Teams are what fans should be supporting, teams are what gives the passion, whether that is undying love or unrelenting hate.

Boston Celtics. I hate the Celtics. I hate them with an irrational passion that rivals that of my hatred for Liverpool FC. I mean I know it’s irrational, but somewhere in my sports brain and sports upbringing in Los Angeles I have been filled with such disdain for Boston and its sports teams that when Kevin Garnett was lifting the O’Brien trophy last year after beating the Lakers I completely forgot about all those years I supported KG, how I loved him as an NBA and how I used to wear his jersey. In fact I threw out that jersey the moment he joined the Celtics, and luckily it was giving to GoodWill or something because if not, that jersey would have been burning in a trash can in my house when I saw him lifting that trophy - All because he was wearing the white and green of the Boston Celtics.

Last night, KG wasn’t wearing the white and green, he was wearing civilian clothes. His knees are messed up to the point that he’s missing the playoffs and he’s not defending his title. There was a good chance that if the Celtics lost that game last night, KG would have experienced something he was used to for 6 years at the Timberwolves, losing in the first found of the NBA playoffs. Even if KG comes back he might not have anything left in his legs and any memories of his greatness would soon be replaced watching his misery on the bench or his ineptitude on the court. For a player as great as Kevin Garnett, that is a sad thing to think about.

Expect I’m not sad. He fucking deserves it, going to play in fucking Boston, for the fucking Celtics. KG, enjoy your one championship trophy and sit the fuck down before you do break your knees in half.

If only…

Hibachi Chef - Col. John “Hannibal” Smith
- Veteran
- Likes to bark order
- Loves when a plan comes together
- Consistent

Effing Natey - Sgt. B.A. “Bad Attitude” Baracus
- Killing machine
- Master with the weapons
- Gets things done
- Reliable

MrChachee - Capt. H.M. “Howling Mad” Murdock
- Crazy
- Loose cannon
- Great at gathering info

Bondurant34 - Lt. Templeton “Faceman” Peck
- Baby faced killer
- Controlled, Not reckless
- Sometimes gets lost

The Flowers Of Manchester

“One cold and bitter Thursday in Munich, Germany,
Eight great football stalwarts conceded victory.
Eight men will never play again, who met disaster there,
The flowers of English football, the flowers of Manchester.

The Busby Babes were flying home, returning from Belgrade,
This great United family all masters of their trade.
The pilot of the aircraft, the skipper Captain Thain,
Three times tried to take off and twice turned back again.

The third time down the runway disaster followed close,
There was slush upon that runway and the aircraft never rose.
It ploughed into the marshy ground, it broke, it overturned.
And eight of that team were killed when the blazing wreckage burned.

Roger Byrne and Tommy Taylor, who were capped for England’s side,
And Ireland’s Liam Whelan and England’s Geoff Bent died.
Mark Jones and Eddie Coleman and David Pegg also,
They all lost their lives as it ploughed on through the snow.

Big Duncan he went too, with an injury to his brain,
And Ireland’s brave Jack Blanchflower will never play again.
The great Matt Busby lay there, the father of this team,
Three long months passed by before he saw his team again.

The trainer, coach and secretary and three members of the crew,
Also eight sporting journalists who with United flew,
And one of them was Big Swifty who we will ne’er forget,
The finest English ‘keeper that ever graced a net.

England’s finest football team it’s record truly great,
It’s proud success mocked by this cruel turn of fate.
Eight men will never play again who met disaster there,
The flowers of English football, the flowers of Manchester. ”

More info here.

So, what if current NBA players decided to ditch the hard court and kit up on the pitch to play the beautiful game. I know this has been done before, back during the last world cup, but I’m going do it my way and only with NBA. Why? Because after Futbol, Basketball is my second favorite sport. All other sports are a distant 3rd. Also, I was inspired by my ESPN Magazine that showed up the other day with the above cover on it.

So, if I were a manager and I had the pick of the NBA this would be my team starting from the back going up to the front and the formation will be a 3-4-3. (Similar to the formation of the team I play on in reality).

Goalkeeper: (GK)

Dwight Howard (6′11, 265 lbs, C, Orlando Magic)
This was a toss up with Kevin Garnett, but I mean Howard right now is grabbing the most rebounds and blocking the most shots. He would be a beast between the posts. I just don’t think any shot would get by him into the net. He’s tall, explosive and has incredible reach. Also, he’s a bit crazy which is what you need in a good goal keeper. Another thing going for Dwight, is that there is another American named Howard who’s doing quite well in the Premier League, Tim Howard (former United keeper, current Everton and US National keep). This team would have no problem keeping clean sheets, especially with the 3 guys in front of Howard. In fact, if Howard got bored he could just stay at the top of the box and be the 4th defender…

Defense: (RCB, CB, LCB)

Al Jefferson (6′10, 265 lbs, C-F, Minnesota Timberwolves)
Now my thought here with 3 backs is that they’ll do a good job of switching around with the holding midfielder, who I’ll reveal in a bit, but to start on the right hand side would be Al Jefferson who is just a freak as the Center for the Timberwolves, but who does a great job of running up and down the court. He would be the work horse of the defense, coming in to cut off opposing wingers and put in the hard tackles. He’d also be the guy that would defend in the air and clear out any chances by opposing corners. Basically I see Jefferson as the player similar to Nemanja Vidic on Manchester United. Does that mean his partner in the back will be like Rio? No not really, but he’ll be equally impressive:

Tim Duncan (6′11, 260, F-C, San Antonio Spurs)
Duncan will be the rock on my team’s back line. Though he’s getting up in age, he’ll have that level head to be able to clear out balls calmly and easily. He wouldn’t get excited or anxious and he’ll be able to get the line organize. He’ll also be able to clear out balls in the air, but he’ll be most deadliest when the team has corners and he comes up for the odd goal here and there. Duncan, with his age and experience will be similar to that of Steve Bruce. Just a quality defender and player and he would be the Vice-Captain of the team. On Duncan’s left finishing off the back line would be…

Dirk Nowitzki (7′0″, 245, F, Dallas Mavericks).
Nowitzki would be someone with a little more creative flair and some speed than the other defenders, also he’ll be the only European I have on the starting XI. With Dirk’s range and height, I mean the dude is just long and he’ll be the tallest out of all the defenders and the goalkeeper, he would be a great back that could track back and be an outlet for Howard and Duncan. His length would stop any ride side winger from getting behind him or getting a cross over him. Offensively, Dirk’s range is the biggest key, because he could clear balls out deep and under pressure. This ability is something that the team would use to spark counter attacks and to get the play up in the attacking half of the field quickly. Of course with his vision he could also just be the safety value for the defense and easily pass it out to the man sitting in front of the back line. That man being…

Midfielders (DM, CM, RM, LM)

Lebron James (6′8″, 250 lbs, F, Cleveland Cavaliers)
Yes I know that LeBron is known as an offensive player, probably one of the best offensive players in the league and one of the best finishers, but he’s also one of the best defenders in the league, as well as one of the best at getting rebounds, blocking shots, getting steals and putting up assists. He’s pretty much the best all around player which makes him so good in the NBA. It is these attributes is what would make him a brilliant anchor man for the team. I liken him to that of Patrick Vieira in that his vision, speed and strength will allow him to boss the midfield. He would be able to sit in the center circle and see the whole field. His ability to go forward and to drop back would make him such a stalwart on the pitch. The Cavs depend on LeBron doing so much on the court from scoring the points himself, dishing the passes, getting the rebounds and locking down the opposing team. On the pitch he’d be doing pretty much the same thing except that he wouldn’t have to do it all on his own and most of the time he wouldn’t even be the best player out there. Instead, James could focus on being the player that will get in and do whatever needs to be done to get a W, and most of the time that means playing defense and bossing the midfield. LeBron could leave the play making to his partner in crime in the middle…

Chris Paul (6′0″, 175 lbs, G, New Orleans Hornets)
Yes Paul is small, but that won’t matter if he knows the man behind him is LeBron James. Chris Paul is a baller though, and he’ll easily get the offense going with his superb passing, whether that it is to the outside midfielders or up to the central forward/attacking midfielder. In either cases, his vision on the pitch and his skill to get people the ball no matter what, is what a good central midfielder is all about. If his ability in the NBA to get steals and get break-a-ways started is any consideration he’d also be the great point man to start any counter attack or break aways on the pitch, only he’ll be given more room to do his tricks and he’ll have more than just 4 options to pass up the ball. Paul’s soccer tactics would include driving up the middle giving time to the other midfielders and forwards to set up, then it would be chances upon chances with his, lobs, flick on’s, and ole’s. Size would not matter in this cause, he’d be a Deco or a Diego (but not a Paul Scholes who I’m reserving for later). He would be the creative spark plug on an already very creative team. And on games where he doesn’t want to be all flashy or use a lot of energy, well he could just then do quick passes out to the wingers/outside midfielders such as…

Manu Ginobili (6′6″, 205 lbs, G, San Antonia Spurs)
Manu is easily my Ryan Giggs on the left hand side. Come on Manu (Man.U=Man United)! I am sure that if Ginobili played in Europe he’d be a United player (except of course he’s Argentinian…) Speaking of Argentinian, you all knew I had to get at least one person from Argentina or Brazil on the team (and it wasn’t going to be Boris Diaw, though it could have been Leandro Barbosa). Ginobili would cause such chaos out on the outside and the wing for the opposing team. He’d drive the ball towards the goal with ease and could cut in to create chances for the strikers. Also he would be a great outlet for strikers if they gather the ball inside and create the space for him to get into the box. Also he would be the team’s best diver, and could get a lot of penalties (hah!). He would be an amazing offensive creator on the outside and he’d have the legs to track back and help play some defense… I mean if the team ever needed that. Worse case, he could hoof the ball over the whole field and send it to the right hand side where the ball would be picked up by…

Dwayne Wade (6′4″, 216 lbs, G, Miami Heat)
Wade would be the best counter part to Ginobili on the right hand side and would provide the exact same threat as Manu. Teams would have to worry about the same sort of attacks coming from either side of the pitch and that would make the pitch very wide and stretch the defending team very thin. Also after that remarkable pass on Wednesday while falling out of bounds, I’m pretty sure that Wade would get in some very neat crosses and set up some very interesting goals especially if he’s getting fed the ball by Chris Paul or by the following, my center forward/attacking midfielder:

Forwards (CF/AM, LS, RS)

Steve Nash (6′3″, 178 lbs, G, Phoenix Suns)
Steve Nash is a no brainer as an NBA player who could play in European soccer. I mean besides the fact that his brother was a professional soccer player in Canada and that Nash once said he wanted to buy Tottenham Hotspurs is besides the point. Nor is the point that he loves to play keepy-uppy during practice, but rather it is just his style of play that is pretty much just like that of all the great soccer players. His creativity, skill, and ability on the ball is very similar to many of the creative central midfielders of the leagues. Most of all though, Steve Nash is my Paul Scholes, who could be argued as one of the most creative and skillful English midfielders of all time and was really a central forward in the fact that he was always pushing the ball in on offense and played shite defense. (I bet there are others more similar to Nash, but since I am a United fan, I’m going to go to Manchester United as my team to compare, plus they are the best in the world as I type.) Just like how I believe Steve Nash could be a good soccer player, I think Paul Scholes could have been a great guard in the NBA. Steve on the pitch would be a player that ravaged defensive midfielders and the opposing defensive line. Nash would just get by them with give in go’s with the Chris Paul and the two strikers. He would pull the strings and cut the defense with perfectly weighted passing and when it came to it, he’d rip a rocket from the top of the box into the top corner before the defense had a chance to even settle. His vision and creation and his ability to stay on the ball would be a perfect fit to the two strike partners. Also Steve Nash would easily be my Captain of the team. So who would Steve be neatly threading the ball too up top, well one would easily be…

Paul Pierce (6′7″, 235 lbs, F, Boston Celtics)
Paul Pierce would the point of attack for the offense. Creating the strike partnership that should score easily 100 goals would be the best shooting finisher in the league. I’m stressing shooting here, because I feel his strike partner IS the best finisher in the league in all categories, but Pierce hits shots at big times from all over and his style of getting off the tough spots at appropriate times reminds me of Ruud van Nistelrooy or Thierry Henry. Basically Pierce wouldn’t have to worry about creating anything, and just focus on getting the ball into the back of the net. He’d have Chris Paul and Steve Nash feed him all the passes he needs, and his striking partner would command all the focus and would therefor create the space for Pierce to bag the goals. So who is Paul Pierce’s partner in crime? None other than…

Kobe Bryant (6′6″, 205 lbs, G, Los Angeles Lakers)
The guy who started this epic post (well over 2000 words), and the reason why I am so giddy on this Friday. Kobe Bryant could be an amazing soccer star, and many would think he’d be a great midfielder. I feel the same way, but his killer instinct and his size and skill is so much like Lionel Messi or better yet Cristiano Ronaldo. Kobe could drive right into the defense after he picks up the ball from Nash at the top of the box a la Messi, or he could muscle his way into the air to get the easier header a la Ronaldo. He would be prolific, though he might not get the goals, he’ll be the key player in whatever goal is scored. Whether he used his skill to hold up the ball, flicked on a pass, or banged the cross bar and allowed the others to pick up the rebound and score themselves. His creativeness and vision (a common theme, yes I know), would mean constant man marking by the other team and if there are any set plays to be done, a quick lob from Wade into Bryant in the box would seem like an automatic goal. Bryant has that killer instinct that would result in him scoring goals deep into injury time of need be on either sides of the half. He’d will the offense to score goals very much like Eric Cantona. Though he wouldn’t be the captain, he’d be close to the top, but he’d definitely be the face of the team and the talsimanic figure on the pitch.

Forget USA Gold in Basketball, with a team like this, I’m thinking Champions League Finalist/Winners every year and for Kobe Bryant, that could be the best trophy ever!

Below is the formation and positions for my NBA Fantasy Starting XI:

Subs:
Goal Keepers - Kevin Garnett / Reserve - Elton Brand
Defense - Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire / Reserve - David West
Midfielders - Tony Parker, Brandon Roy, Carmelo Anthony / Reserve - Joe Johnson
Forwards - Vince Carter / Reserve - Ray Allen

Ahh, who the hell cares?!

My Chargers are once again not going to the Superbowl, and now no Manning is going to be there. We have the Cardinals, Ravens, Steelers and Philly? Big freaking whoop.

Really, the only thing that would be awesome is if Philly wins and then T.O. can just look like a bigger fool! That being said, I think the Cardinals pull out the victory. Let’s go to my picks.

NFC Championship:

Philadelphia Eagles at Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals made me money last week in Vegas. It was great watching the Cardinals smack around the Panthers. I mean I just knew it was going to happen. Well I mean, I knew they were going to come out with the win. When Vegas had the line at +9.5 for the Panthers it became a no brainer. Turned out the points should have been given to the Cardinals. The defense was great and Warner had a field day with Fritzgerald. Any ways this week the Cardinals are at home and though Philadelphia is playing some what well, I just think they faced two teams in the NFC that lost the energy in Minnesota and the Giants.

Cardinals 34, Eagles 29

___

AFC Championship:

Screw it, I don’t even care. Stupid Steelers

Steelers 14, Ravens 10

Ugggggh!

The juggernaut machine that is Manchester United has a great chance of taking the top spot on the table tomorrow when they travel to the Reebok stadium and face off with Bolton. Okay, so maybe “great” chance isn’t the best term. More of a good chance. Like a chance were you’d expect them to win, but as the match gets closer I wouldn’t be as surprised if Bolton puts a wrench in United’s onslaught.

First off, after that 1-0 win on Wednesday against Wigan was a great result but with some major consequences. Specifically #10 won’t be around for a couple weeks and that could cause a problem. But even more disturbing is that Evra and Rio are out, and Evans who deputized for Rio is also on the fence for tomorrow’s match. It is no secret that United’s recent success is all based on the great defensive play by United. Those clean sheets have been so precious, especially since the firepower at United still can’t seem to find the target…

So this Bolton match which was considered an easier game than most just a few days ago has now turned into a big test for United. These are the games that crown champions and United are champions so even though it’ll be close I think we’ll still see a victory.

2-1 to United. Top of the table.

Now let’s hope the on form team of Everton can get by their town rivals. Come on Arteta! Come on Cahill!

I used be a fanatic for Formula 1 racing. Growing up it was up their with basketball and football, and by the time I got to college with less and less soccer available to me, Formula 1 took the podium for my sports fandom. I was of course a huge Michael Schumacher fan, up until the very end, but along the way I had a lot of other favorites: Eddie Irvine was my second favorite of all time, followed by Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Jenson Button, Rubens Barrichello, and Johnny Herbert. It was a wonderful sport to follow and though I never a race live, I remember quite a few of them, specifically the horrific crash of Ayrton Senna at Imola at San Marino in 1994. I was 12 at the time and it was great to be a sports fan. Eric Cantona and Ryan Giggs were flying around for United, and David Beckham was just about to move up to the first team, but that year was a dark year for Formula 1.

I bring this up because I just learned that Ron Dennis of McLaren F1 Racing is stepping down as the principal. He’s handing over the team reigns to Martin Whitmarsh, Dennis’ second in command at McLaren for over 2 decades. In fact, Ron Dennis has been the man in charge for McLaren since 1981, nearly a year longer than I’ve been on this planet. So when I think of F1 Racing, besides thinking about Michael Schumacher and the dominance of Ferrari, I also think about McLaren and their dominance, especially during the ‘90 and ‘91 season when Ayrton Senna dominated the field and won back-to-back Formula world titles.

These days, I barely watch Formula 1, last season I only watched the Singapore Gran Prix because it was the first Formula 1 race at night, and it was gorgeous, but ever since Schumacher left, and all these regulations came into the sport, races have been less of a spectacle. It is just sad, because it was so easy to remember the 90s with the McLarens and the Ferraris constantly battling it out… I guess that’s why Ron Dennis called it quits, he knew those times are long gone and may never come back.

I just can’t believe that this might happen. That Kaka, the Fifa World Player of the Year in 2007 would leave AC Milan to move to Manchester City. I mean, this story has so many unbelievable facets to it, it really does remind me of fantasy. Kaka is probably the best player in the world in terms of consistency. Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world when he is on form, I think he could run circles around Messi and Kaka, and he definitely has more skills tricks and strength. I think Leo Messi is probably the best player in the world when it comes to the most valuable player. He can single handily win games, which he has already done this year for Barcelona. Kaka though, Kaka never gives you a bad game. Yes he’s been injured a few times, but when Kaka plays he is always playing well. If I had to put together a team that would have to last me 5 years, it would be very hard to pick Cristiano over Kaka…

So I guess that was the though with the Arab owners of Manchester City. Now, just to get it out there, as a United fan I am obligated to hate Man City. I do very much so, though most of my venom for their team has left me and is instead filled more with pity and sympathy. I mean City has not be a good team in a long long while. I save my visceral for the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal, since they are the teams that have the best chance of unseating United (well not really Liverpool…) Yet this idea that Kaka would be coming over to Manchester city for £107-million at £500,000 a week salary is just so incredibly crazy! The transfer record for right now is around £46million and that was Zidane to Real Madrid from Juventus. Zidane is one of the all time greats (some argue he’s up there with Best, Maradona, and Pele), but this bid for Kaka is almost double that! It is just so hard to fathom.

So I have a main question for Kaka. If it’s not about the money why would you transfer to Manchester City? It cannot be for cup play, since they won’t be making the Champions League, unless they win the Uefa Cup (who coincidentally would probably have to play AC Milan) and also have a really good chance of being relegated. Though I think with Kaka and Robinho, City have a far better chance of finishing mid-table. So why then? Kaka has been with AC Milan for ages and is in line to become the captain of one of the worlds most supported and loved team. Don’t get me wrong, I want to see Kaka in the Premier League, it would just solidfy it as the best league in the world (something the guys at FIFA, mostly Blatter and Platini will continue to choke on) and having Kaka and Ronaldo in the same league, nay, the same city is just amazing. The brings me to another important point…

If Kaka stays, what about Ronaldo? During the 2007 season when Kaka was winning player of the year, many people were saying that Kaka’s only equivalent was Cristiano. When United got bumped out of the 2007 Champions League by AC Milan and actually by Kaka, everyone was then saying that Ronaldo could not match up with Kaka, and that Kaka was far superior. If Kaka does in fact move to Manchester City could you not just see the rivalry being born out in that city, it the country and even in the world? I mean this could be the Magic vs Larry for the Premier League? And it would all be in Manchester! Ronaldo vs Kaka. Portuguese vs Brazilian. Fifa World Player vs Fifa World Player. Ballon D’or vs Ballon D’or. The Manchester Derby would once again be so fierce, ESPN would have a field day covering it. It was be so completely epic. This sort of chance, this type of rivalry would be immense world wide! Ronaldo would have to stay at United, would want to stay at United just to allow this happen. Why would Ronaldo move to Real Madrid, yeah I know then he’d be matched up against Messi, but Kaka! Come on, that would be amazing!

Then again, City might be going down this year and it wouldn’t even matter.

Ahh, Footy Fantasy!

Honestly, if I could invite any person I didn’t now in real life to a party, whether it be a Superbowl party or a dinner party or maybe even a funeral party, er, wake… that one person would have to be Chuck Klosterman. I’ve always been a fan of his, ever since I first read an article by him on ESPN about Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. I’ve read a couple of his books and am in the process of finishing IV, which are his collections of articles in various magazines.

He’s the type of guy that can make me enjoy anything, ranging from clothes to indie rock to freaking heavy metal bands and of course he knows his NBA and various other sports. Having him sit on a couch in the same living room as a big tv, lots of deep fried snacks, bowls of candy, beer and of course me, would be one hell of a good time (more so for me than probably him.) While reading his book I was just imagining how awesome it would be watching the upcoming Superbowl with him, Chachee, Ricky and whomever else and get the sort of running commentary and analogies he so superbly spews in his articles. (I’m not sure if spews is the correct word, but if Chuck was here he’d suggest a better one.) Coupled with the fact that the Superbowl this year will be on NBC and we’ll have the likes of Dan Patrick, Bob Costas, KO and freaking Matt Millen for pre-show and half time entertainment, I could only imagine the stories Chuck would have…

Hey, if my beloved Chargers won’t be playing, I might as well dream of something else that’ll keep me interested in this year’s Superbowl, because the ads sure won’t especially if they keep doing this.

Well, there is always next year. (Or the NBA finals!!!!)