Tuesday night NBA wrap-up..Dirty Play? WWKD?

Posted on May 1, 2013 by admin

Tuesday night NBA games resulted in some interesting results, along with some accusations of “dirty play”  So, first the uncontroversial.  Memphis defeated the LA Clippers (that other team in LA), 103 – 93 to even the series at 2-2.  Chris Paul scored 35 points for the Clippers, but Blake Griffin was hobbled with an injured ankle sustained in practice on Monday.

Elsewhere, Golden State lost at Denver, 107 – 100.  And here is where is gets ugly…as Kenneth Faried of the Nuggets has been accused of playing dirty, attempting to injure Warriors star Steph Curry, going for his ankles.  Well, it wasn’t pretty, that is for sure.  I like to go back to one of my standard benchmarks, WWKD?  ie. What would Kobe do?  NOT THAT!  Enough said.  This series now stands at 3-2 in favor of Golden State, but things are starting to look dicey in what previously looked like a sure thing for the Warriors.

Tonight’s action will feature three important games: The Celtics face another elimination game at Madison Square Garden taking on Melo and the NY Knicks.  I expect the Knicks to prevail and move on.  We shall see…

Atlanta travels to Indiana to face the Pacers after winning two games in the ATL to even this series at 2-2.  This series is a toss-up!

Houston vs. OKC (without Westbrook) at 10:30 pm EST  The Rockets face elimination as they trail 3-1.  I think OKC may get it done tonight.  Until tomorrow…


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College Football opening games

Posted on May 1, 2013 by susan

It is barely May, May 1st to be exact, but let’s look at some opening games for the 2013-14 college football season!  (Way too early, but maybe it is never too early to talk college football?)

Thursday, 8/29/13

North Carolina at South Carolina:  ACC vs. SEC  Gotta go with the Gamecocks in this one!

USC vs. Hawaii:  Well, USC for sure.

Saturday, 8/31/13

Alabama vs. Virginia Tech: Chick-fil-A Kickoff, Atlanta, GA   Another ACC vs. SEC match-up.  This game in Atlanta is always a great game to open the college football season.  Hope it is close, but I think Bama wins.

LSU vs. TCU: Cowboy Classic in Arlington, TX.  LSU all the way.

University of Georgia at Clemson:  ACC vs. SEC again!  Now, this one looks really GREAT!  Hope Clemson wins!!  GO TIGERS!

Finally, Monday, 9/2/13

Florida State vs. Pittsburgh:  Welcome to the ACC Pittsburgh.  Noles win it!


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It’s Wednedsay, all about Surviving “Paradise” the book

Posted on May 1, 2013 by susan

book_cover_c_rev1A southern woman relocates to southwest Florida, full of hope and excitement, only to be met by a ridiculous set of people and circumstances…horrible, loud, criminal neighbors; a horny, inappropriate cop; a jealous bitchy wife; a dishonest homeowners’ association and it’s Redneck Prez…then there are wonderful friends and beautiful beaches.  But mostly, this is a truly funny and entertaining story about a really bad neighborhood experience.

So folks, there you have my book, Surviving “Paradise” by Susan Willoch Shaver in a nutshell.  Please check is out at Amazon.com for $9.99 in paperback, $3.03 kindle edition.  It is also at Barnes and Noble nook for $4.99.

It sounds like a potential film/TV project to me…what do you guys think?

P.S.  Speaking of entertaining TV, Nashville has a new episode on tonight at 10:00 pm EST on ABC.  Will recap tomorrow!


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Again, how do you solve a problem that is this year’s Lakers?

Posted on April 30, 2013 by susan

Just saw Stephen A. Smith on ESPN.  Very interesting.  In essence, he says it is either Dwight Howard or Coach D’Antoni. One must go, one must stay?  Um…First of all, who knows what Dwight Howard will decide.  A lot of teams are in the mix when it comes to Howard.  This is for certain…this Lakers squad cannot play and WIN under the D’Antoni fast pace philosophy.  Kobe Bryant is a given, he will be back, he is going nowhere!  I do not understand the talk of trading Pau Gasol.  He won two championships there!  So, do you let Dwight go or do you let D’Antoni go and get another coach, perhaps even bring back Phil Jackson?

The talent on this Lakers team, Bryant, Gasol, Howard, World Peace, Nash, Meeks, Blake, Jamison, Clark and so on is capable of beating anyone in the NBA, when healthy.  But, they are “old” somewhat by NBA standards and cannot play the fast pace that D’Antoni imposes on both offense and defense.  The Lakers management has some really difficult decisions to make in the earlier than hoped for off season.  When you are the LA Lakers, there is only once acceptable outcome to a season, a championship.  I have long been pro Pau Gasol.  I do not know if Howard is truly a good fit in LA.  Certainly they need to bring in some younger talent to compliment the aging but still HUGELY talent roster.  So, who goes and who stays?  It will be interesting to see what unfolds!


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Rockets survive OKC, no sweep in Houston

Posted on April 30, 2013 by admin

The Houston Rockets avoided a sweep last night, holding on for a close 105 – 103 victory over the OKC Thunder.  Jeremy Lin (hey, you all remember Linsanity!) did not play for Houston due to a bruised chest muscle.  Westbrook is, of course, out for the Thunder.  The Rockets live to play Game 5 and OKC holds a 3 -1 series lead.

In all honesty, I am still getting over the Spurs sweep of the Lakers.  Like I said yesterday,  I will get over it, but it is going to take me a little while.

Tonight’s games include Golden State at Denver (Golden State leads series 3 -1) and Memphis at the other LA team, the Clippers (series tied at 2-2).

Also on tonight, new episode of New Girl and the Diane Sawyer interview with Amanda Knox!

Over and out for now…


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Nice night in the ATL – Braves and Hawks win

Posted on April 29, 2013 by susan

Very nice night in the ATL!  Braves beat the Nationals with Strasburg on the mound for Washington, 3 -2!  Also, the Atlanta Hawks defeat the Indiana Pacers, 102- 91 to even the series at 2-2.

The Chicago Bulls lost to the Nets, 110 – 91.  Chicago leads the series 3-2 but will now have to face a game six.

OKC and Houston just underway!


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Golden State takes 3-1 lead in series over Nuggets, still not over Lakers loss

Posted on April 29, 2013 by admin

Golden State has taken a 3 -1 lead in the series with Denver, winning last night 115 – 101.  Good for them.  Now, for the news that matters to me, the Lakers lost in four, swept last night by the Spurs in a humbling and embarrassing fashion.  Now, granted, they had virtually no team to put on the floor.  OK, I am still trying to deal with it.  I will move on, rest assured.  What really gets to me is all the ESPN coverage today regarding the “future” of the Lakers.  What is the “future” of Dwight Howard, or Pau Gasol, or Kobe Bryant (really?).  Here is the future of Kobe Bryant, back playing for the Lakers next year after working his tail off to be in a position to do so.  Now, Howard, will he stay or will he go?  Hard to say,  Lakers can offer him the most money, but can he really deal with what it takes to play in LA as a Laker?  As for Pau Gasol, the Lakers will likely look to see what is available for him but as far as I am concerned, big mistake.  I think Pau Gasol is a huge asset to the Lakers and they should keep him, even if it means losing Howard.  Yes, I did just say it!  Nash, will he return and be healthy?  Have to wait and see but could definitely use some “youth” on this team for next year.  And now we come to the coaching question, will D’Antoni return or will we see Phil Jackson sitting on the bench with the Lakers next year?  Um…interesting question!!

Tonight’s NBA games: Bulls vs. Nets (Chicago leads series 3 -1), Pacers at Hawks (Hawks trail 1 -2 in series) and OKC at Houston (sweep #3? as OKC leads series 3 -0).


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Golden State takes 3-1 lead in series over Nuggets, still not over Lakers loss

Posted on April 29, 2013 by susan

Golden State has taken a 3 -1 lead in the series with Denver, winning last night 115 – 101.  Good for them.  Now, for the news that matters to me, the Lakers lost in four, swept last night by the Spurs in a humbling and embarrassing fashion.  Now, granted, they had virtually no team to put on the floor.  OK, I am still trying to deal with it.  I will move on, rest assured.  What really gets to me is all the ESPN coverage today regarding the “future” of the Lakers.  What is the “future” of Dwight Howard, or Pau Gasol, or Kobe Bryant (really?).  Here is the future of Kobe Bryant, back playing for the Lakers next year after working his tail off to be in a position to do so.  Now, Howard, will he stay or will he go?  Hard to say,  Lakers can offer him the most money, but can he really deal with what it takes to play in LA as a Laker?  As for Pau Gasol, the Lakers will likely look to see what is available for him but as far as I am concerned, big mistake.  I think Pau Gasol is a huge asset to the Lakers and they should keep him, even if it means losing Howard.  Yes, I did just say it!  Nash, will he return and be healthy?  Have to wait and see but could definitely use some “youth” on this team for next year.  And now we come to the coaching question, will D’Antoni return or will we see Phil Jackson sitting on the bench with the Lakers next year?  Um…interesting question!!

Tonight’s NBA games: Bulls vs. Nets (Chicago leads series 3 -1), Pacers at Hawks (Hawks trail 1 -2 in series) and OKC at Houston (sweep #3? as OKC leads series 3 -0).


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Lakers trail Spurs 78 – 58 after three periods

Posted on April 28, 2013 by susan

Well, I am heartbroken.  The second sweep of the playoff series is well under way.  The Lakers trail the Spurs after three periods, 78 – 58.  Dwight Howard is out, first technical foul coming in the first half, second early in the third period and now no Dwight either.  It is hopeless and sad.  The season started with so much promise.  The cover of SI (ouch, perhaps the curse?).  Then Kobe’s guarantee, which he delivered on even though he went down and the team had to pull through three more games without him.  There is simply no team the Lakers can put on the floor at this point that has a shot at competing with the superb San Antonio Spurs.  I am sick.  Jack is in the house, he was late, but he got there.  The loudest roar all night in the Staples Center was when Kobe entered the building on crutches.  He is sitting behind the bench, coaching his team on as best he can.  I cannot bear to watch this and we all know the outcome.  The Spurs will advance and the Lakers are done for the year.  This is first exit for the LA Lakers in the opening round of the playoffs since 2007, the first sweep of a Lakers team in the first round of the playoffs since 1997.  When all is said and done, what can you say?  With all the injuries, Kobe out, Nash, Blake and Meeks in suits on the bench, now Howard out on technical fouls, it is just heartbreaking for me, a Lakers fan!

Final score later…season finale of The Good Wife is on.  Perhaps I will switch over and spare myself anymore pain!

Recap tomorrow and Warriors and Nuggets final score as well…

Final score: Spurs 103 – Lakers 82.  SAD ending to the 2012-13 season for the Lakers.  Congrats to Spurs.


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Miami Heat record first “sweep” in 2013 NBA playoffs

Posted on April 28, 2013 by susan

Get out the brooms, the Miami Heat have swept the Milwaukee Bucks with a 88 – 77 victory today in Milwaukee.  LeBron, Bosh and company (minus Dwyane Wade who sat this one out with his injured knee) look unstoppable.  Bucks made a game of it, 47 – 45 at the half, 67 – 62 end of the 3rd (advantage Miami) but when all was said and done, it was a clean sweep for the Heat.  They will rest until next weekend as they await the winner of Bulls – Nets series.

Later tonight at 9:30 pm EST, Golden State vs. Denver Nuggets.  Golden State leads in the series, 2 -1.  As previously posted, Lakers vs. Spurs from LA at 7:00 pm EST.  I am prepared to weep!


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