College Basketball updates

College Basketball update from Thursday night!  5 Duke routed Virginia Tech on the road, 88 – 56.  The “experts” predict the number one seeds for the “tourney” as Indiana, Duke, Miami and Florida.  Still a little early…what about Michigan and Michigan State?  The Big Ten is arguably the strongest conference so we will wait and see.  There is still a bit more round ball to be played.  In west coast basketball, 23 Oregon was upset at home by California, 48 – 46.  The California coach is the one who was reprimanded for shoving a player when he came to the bench during a time out.  Nice to see west coast basketball getting some attention, just as it is rewarding to see the Pac -12 getting some much deserved respect in college football!  I love the west coast!


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Falcons likely to release Turner

Sad news from the ATL regarding the Atlanta Falcons.  ESPN reports that the Falcons are likely to release RB Michael Turner.  Say it isn’t so!!  Turner holds the record for the most rushing TD’s in the franchise’s history.  Last year, there was buzz that the Falcons needed to upgrade at the RB position, perhaps getting someone who had more speed and was likely to break away for the long run.   Turner is a bruiser, a bowling ball type runner, but very successful at that position.  They did not nickname him Michael the Burner without reason!  If it does come to pass, he will be missed!


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Rory and Tiger both falter in the desert

The WGC Accenture Match Play action resumed today under sunny skies and cool temperatures.  Play was delayed for several hours while yesterday’s unexpected snow accumulation was cleared from the greens.  World #1 Rory Mcilroy was ousted by friend and fellow Northern Irishman Shane Lowry.  World #2 Tiger Woods fell to good buddy and practice partner Charles Howell III (who claimed in all the recreational matches they had played back in Orlando FL, he had never defeated Tiger!).  A couple of matches could not be completed as darkness fell and will resume tomorrow with coverage beginning early, 11:30 am EST.  Round 2 will follow.

Notables who did advance today were: Jason Day, Matt Kuchar, Hunter Mahan, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose, Bubba Watson, Jim Furyk, Fredrik Jacobson, Nick Watney, Luke McDonald, Louis Oosthuizen and Graeme McDowell.

Other big names who failed to move on include Adam Scott, Charles Schwartzel, Bill Haas and Jason Duffner.

Rory and Tiger will have to wait until next week when both will be in action at the Honda Classic.  Meanwhile, stay tuned for tomorrow’s action from the desert.  Hopefully, warmer temperatures are in the forecast.


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Lakers give fans a treat at Staples Center last night

Lakers fans got a nice treat last evening in the Staples Center.  On a night when long time owner Dr. Jerry Buss, who passed away earlier this week was honored, not only did the Lakers defeat the Boston Celtics, 113 – 99, they played with an energy and enthusiasm which has often been lacking this season.  Especially so for Dwight Howard, who pulled down 12 rebounds and scored 24 points.  Kobe had 16 points and 7 assists.  Steve Nash added 14 points and with his 7 assists, passed former Lakers great Magic Johnson moving into 4th place in all time career assists.  Nash orchestrated the pick&roll offense to perfection running it through Howard in the post.  With the trade deadline looming today, expiring at 3:00 pm EST, everyone continues to ponder the fate of Dwight Howard.  Atlanta and the Nets would both love to have Howard, but what do they have to offer the Lakers?  Howard is not likely to go anywhere today.  He actually looked like he was having fun playing with his teammates last night and he will remain with the Lakers I believe, at least until the season is over.  If LA can continue to play with the cohesion and energy they displayed last night, a playoff spot is certainly within their reach.


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It’s Wednesday and I didn’t forget…Surviving “Paradise”

It is Wednesday and I did not forget!  It is Surviving “Paradise” day, the day I promote my book…available at Amazon.com for $9.99 in paperback and $3.03 in kindle edition.  Also at Barnes and Noble nook for $4.99.   I can assure you not only is it a fun and entertaining read, but it is complete in it’s content and formatted for your reading pleasure.  I have checked it so many times my eyes  twitch!!  You all know how that is!  It is witty and humorous and a guaranteed good time!  Go now and buy it, read it, and tell your friends!  Thanks guys.book_cover_c_rev1


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Tiger Woods playing golf today

World no. 2 Tiger Woods (still sounds a bit odd, #2) is playing in the first of three consecutive tournaments he has announced he will participate in.  First up is the WGC-Accenture Match Play event in Marana, AZ (just outside of Tuscon).  That action kicks off today (now!) as the top 64 players in the world that are available compete in single elimination matches.  Coverage is on Golf Channel.  Play will take place today through Sunday, February 24th and yes, current #1 Rory Mcilroy is also there!

Depending on how he fares in these three events, Tiger could “mathematically” regain the #1 world ranking.

Update:  Mother Nature has intervened and it is currently snowing in Tuscon!!  Play has been suspended for now.  If the snow sticks on the greens, they will not be able to resume play…snowing in Arizona!


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Tiger Woods playing golf today

World no. 2 Tiger Woods (still sounds a bit odd, #2) is playing in the first of three consecutive tournaments he has announced he will participate in.  First up is the WGC-Accenture Match Play event in Marana, AZ (just outside of Tuscon).  That action kicks off today (now!) as the top 64 players in the world that are available compete in single elimination matches.  Coverage is on Golf Channel.  Play will take place today through Sunday, February 24th and yes, current #1 Rory Mcilroy is also there!

Depending on how he fares in these three events, Tiger could “mathematically” regain the #1 world ranking.

Update:  Mother Nature has intervened and it is currently snowing in Tuscon!!  Play has been suspended for now.  If the snow sticks on the greens, they will not be able to resume play…snowing in Arizona!


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Lakers host Celtics tonight

The LA Lakers will host the Boston Celtics tonight and the game will air on ESPN at 10:30 pm EST.  Two storied franchises and a storied rivalry which has perhaps lost a bit of its luster with the current struggles the Lakers are experiencing.  Kobe Bryant says they need to win 20 of their remaining 28 games to make the playoffs.  Will they, can they?  I hope so, I am a Lakers fan.  It will be tough without Pau Gasol who is not expected back until April.  There has been much talk surrounding the future of Dwight Howard in LA.  Some have him still wishing to play for the Nets (Jay-Z’s team).  Others, feel he will certainly remain in LA for this season.  I agree.  Then all bets are off.  Phil Jackson has even weighed in and said Dwight was not being utilized effectively, the Lakers were not running their offense through him in the post.  Also, Howard is not 100% physically.  Will be interesting to see what happens once this season comes to an end.  Kobe is not going anywhere.  I feel Pau Gasol is a valuable part of the Lakers and hope any trade talk regarding Pau is over.  One would have to think the Lakers would certainly explore trading Dwight if the right talent could be obtained in exchange.  For tonight, it is all about winning against the Celtics.

Speaking of the Nets, (Jay-Z is a part owner), how about Joe Johnson.  He has been a star for them this year.  Last night he scored 24 points, made the shot to send the game to OT and made the shot to put them ahead for the win.  What were the Hawks thinking when they traded Joe?


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Serena out of Dubai Tournament

1 Serena William has pulled out of the upcoming Dubai Open citing a back injury.  This comes on the heels of 2 Victoria Azarenka pulling out yesterday due to a bone bruise in her right foot.  So no #1 or #2 in action at this event.  Looks like the top two will get a bit of rest and recuperation before Indian Wells in early March.


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Happy Birthday Sir Charles

Sir Charles Barkley turns the big 50 today!  Happy Birthday to “Chuck”, one of the most entertaining announcers on TV.  Love his unfiltered humor, at least most of the time, and love to watch clips of him playing golf!  Charles was affectionately known in years past as “the round mound of basketball”!  Again, Happy Birthday Sir Charles!


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