THE WORLD OF BRIAN SMITH
Friday, April 30, 2004
Tapit and his training habbits.
Meet Tapit, the wonder horse who will be running in this weekend's 130 Kentucky Derby. Tapit is among the favorites and will roughly a 10-1 chance of winning. Supposedly the field of horses is wide open, but I don't know much about it. However, I do know about Tapit's training regime.
In addition to usual feed, Michael Dickinson nourishes each of his horses with a daily combo of three eggs and a bottle of Guinness Stout.
Rather than training them at a racetrack, he does it here on his postcard-perfect Tapeta Farm on the upper Chesapeake Bay.
Instead of galloping them around a flat, dirt oval, he runs them slightly uphill on long, grass courses or on another course layered with his patented mix of sand and "secret ingredients." He says it is all designed to ease pounding on their vulnerable front legs.
"He is a happy horse," says his trainer, Michael Dickinson.
With a remarkably straight face, Dickinson, known as "The Mad Genius," goes on to explain why you can't lead a horse to only water: "It's an appetizer. The main part of his diet is oats. That's like Corn Flakes, and we all like milk on our Corn Flakes. Well, he likes Guinness on his Corn Flakes."
Brilliant option | Unusual methods ¶ 4/30/2004 09:00:00 AM
Meet Tapit, the wonder horse who will be running in this weekend's 130 Kentucky Derby. Tapit is among the favorites and will roughly a 10-1 chance of winning. Supposedly the field of horses is wide open, but I don't know much about it. However, I do know about Tapit's training regime.
In addition to usual feed, Michael Dickinson nourishes each of his horses with a daily combo of three eggs and a bottle of Guinness Stout.
Rather than training them at a racetrack, he does it here on his postcard-perfect Tapeta Farm on the upper Chesapeake Bay.
Instead of galloping them around a flat, dirt oval, he runs them slightly uphill on long, grass courses or on another course layered with his patented mix of sand and "secret ingredients." He says it is all designed to ease pounding on their vulnerable front legs.
"He is a happy horse," says his trainer, Michael Dickinson.
With a remarkably straight face, Dickinson, known as "The Mad Genius," goes on to explain why you can't lead a horse to only water: "It's an appetizer. The main part of his diet is oats. That's like Corn Flakes, and we all like milk on our Corn Flakes. Well, he likes Guinness on his Corn Flakes."
Brilliant option | Unusual methods ¶ 4/30/2004 09:00:00 AM
Thursday, April 29, 2004
Hakim Warrick coming back to SU
It's always been his dream to play in the NBA, but Orangemen star Hakim Warrick says he's staying at SU for one more year.
Warrick announced his decision Thursday afternoon at Manley Field House. He says Coach Boeheim and his mother helped him make the decision to stay and that he looks forward to finsihing out his career at SU and helping his team win a Championship next season.
Warrick wants to polish his perimeter skills, which remain a work in progress. He has played primarily as a power forward and only occasionally has been able to move to the wing. He did not make a 3-point shot in either of the past two seasons, having attempted only seven.
"This is the best decision for me — just being able to have one more year, graduate, have a chance to win another national championship," Warrick said. "There aren't too many people that have two national championships, and that's definitely something I wanted."
A second-team All-America selection by Sporting News, Warrick averaged 19.8 points and 8.5 rebounds as a junior. The Orangemen finished the season 23-8 with a loss to Alabama in the NCAA tournament Sweet 16, one year after claiming the school's first national championship. Warrick's biggest moment as a Syracuse player remains his block of a 3-point attempt by Kansas guard Michael Lee, a rejection that preserved SU's victory.
¶ 4/29/2004 10:30:00 PM 0 comments
It's always been his dream to play in the NBA, but Orangemen star Hakim Warrick says he's staying at SU for one more year.
Warrick announced his decision Thursday afternoon at Manley Field House. He says Coach Boeheim and his mother helped him make the decision to stay and that he looks forward to finsihing out his career at SU and helping his team win a Championship next season.
Warrick wants to polish his perimeter skills, which remain a work in progress. He has played primarily as a power forward and only occasionally has been able to move to the wing. He did not make a 3-point shot in either of the past two seasons, having attempted only seven.
"This is the best decision for me — just being able to have one more year, graduate, have a chance to win another national championship," Warrick said. "There aren't too many people that have two national championships, and that's definitely something I wanted."
A second-team All-America selection by Sporting News, Warrick averaged 19.8 points and 8.5 rebounds as a junior. The Orangemen finished the season 23-8 with a loss to Alabama in the NCAA tournament Sweet 16, one year after claiming the school's first national championship. Warrick's biggest moment as a Syracuse player remains his block of a 3-point attempt by Kansas guard Michael Lee, a rejection that preserved SU's victory.
¶ 4/29/2004 10:30:00 PM 0 comments
Slump
In my best new yorker voice,
What's up with Jeter?
He's hitless in his last 32 at bats.
They boo'd him the other day at Yankee Stadium.
¶ 4/29/2004 08:53:00 AM 0 comments
What's up with Jeter?
He's hitless in his last 32 at bats.
They boo'd him the other day at Yankee Stadium.
¶ 4/29/2004 08:53:00 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Shaq Yao 11
Tonight is Shaq vs Yao volumne 11 as the Lakers battle the Rockets in game 5 of the first round. If they win, they will face a tough defending champion San Antonio Spurs team. Lakers will have home court advantage but Duncan and co. will be tough. First thing first, Shaq needs to dominate Yao one more time.
¶ 4/28/2004 09:01:00 AM 0 comments
¶ 4/28/2004 09:01:00 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
Okay, so what's next?
Okay, so now that the NFL Draft is over, what do I have to look forward to next? Doing Laundry? Updating myself? Getting my feelers out there feeling? Sunshine? The Stanley Cup? Baseball season? Losing another game of online NBA Live?
As I typed the first line I remembered the NBA Playoffs. Kobe's in court this week and could show up late for game 5 against Houston back in LA. The Lakers lead the series 3-1 and should be able to close it out Wednesday. They'll have to face a tough San Antonio team next, which is always rough.
But what else is going on?
As you can see I've got some google ads on my site now which can't hurt. If you see something that catches your eye, don't hesitate to check it out and click around a little bit.
But what else?
I've got a few client projects going on right now.. smoothening out some work that was done by people who aren't with us anymore. Everything in this department is going well.
I've been playing Nintendo games on my computer at home a little bit recently. That's always fun.
Does anyone else come to this site? Post a reaction? Send me your link and we can be link buddies. Give me a shout out.
I can't think of anything else right now. I'm still very happy about the Falcons draft this past weekend. I had looked forward to this previous weekend for so long and so hard. Now that it's passed I'm trying to figure out what's next.
Also, I changed the archives from showing a full month to only showing a week's work of blogs. You may notice many more options to the right. I expect google's search index to update within the next couple of weeks. This way it should be easier for people to find old entries when searching and I'll also display a wider range of google ads per page. Thanks for the support. ¶ 4/27/2004 10:41:00 AM 0 comments
As I typed the first line I remembered the NBA Playoffs. Kobe's in court this week and could show up late for game 5 against Houston back in LA. The Lakers lead the series 3-1 and should be able to close it out Wednesday. They'll have to face a tough San Antonio team next, which is always rough.
But what else is going on?
As you can see I've got some google ads on my site now which can't hurt. If you see something that catches your eye, don't hesitate to check it out and click around a little bit.
But what else?
I've got a few client projects going on right now.. smoothening out some work that was done by people who aren't with us anymore. Everything in this department is going well.
I've been playing Nintendo games on my computer at home a little bit recently. That's always fun.
Does anyone else come to this site? Post a reaction? Send me your link and we can be link buddies. Give me a shout out.
I can't think of anything else right now. I'm still very happy about the Falcons draft this past weekend. I had looked forward to this previous weekend for so long and so hard. Now that it's passed I'm trying to figure out what's next.
Also, I changed the archives from showing a full month to only showing a week's work of blogs. You may notice many more options to the right. I expect google's search index to update within the next couple of weeks. This way it should be easier for people to find old entries when searching and I'll also display a wider range of google ads per page. Thanks for the support. ¶ 4/27/2004 10:41:00 AM 0 comments
Monday, April 26, 2004
Atlanta Falcons Day 2 Selections
FOURTH ROUND No. 101
Demorrio Williams, OLB, Nebraska, 6-0, 232, senior - Named first-team AP All-Big 12 after 11-sack season for nation's No. 2 scoring defense. Only Jim Skow (15 in 1985), Trev Alberts (15 in 1993) and Danny Noonan (12 in 1986) had better single years in Cornhusker history. Added another 10 tackles for lost yardage and finished with four fumble recoveries, two fumbles caused, five passes deflected and one interception.
Strengths: Started 24 of 27 games in two years after transferring from Kilgore (Texas) Junior College. Good at using his hands to shed blocking tight ends as he comes off the edge. Strong agility at moving laterally. Can turn his hips quickly.
Weaknesses: Needs to improve blocking and tackling techniques against the run. Likely to spend most of season on special teams and won't get many snaps when season starts.
___
FIFTH ROUND No. 142
Chad Lavalais, DT, LSU, 6-1, 292, senior - Named first-team AP All-SEC and Sporting News national defensive player of the year after leading the line of the nation's best defense in total yards and points allowed. Started every game he played in the last three years. In addition to 61 tackles, had 7 sacks, 9 tackles for lost yardage, 23 QB pressures, an interception and 6 PBUs. Signed with LSU in 1998 and '99, but worked as a prison guard while trying to improve his ACT score.
Strengths: Tremendous run stuffer by using strength and size to divide double-team blockers. Uses a sharp interior spin move to beat blocks and collapse the pocket.
Weaknesses: Still tends to wait to long to get his hands up in pass rush. Watched his stock in draft slip with unimpressive workouts for scouts.
___
SIXTH ROUND No. 186
Etric Pruitt, FS, Southern Mississippi, 6-0, 196, senior - Started the last three years. Set school record for tackles by a defensive back (362). Only Greg Brooks (47 from 2000-03) and Patrick Surtain (31 from 1994-97) had more PBUs in Golden Eagles history than Pruitt's 29.
Strengths: Has 41-inch vertical leap. Gets legs squarely positioned to make open-field tackles.
Weaknesses: Tendency to put hands on WRs could draw penalties.
___
SEVENTH ROUND No. 219
Quincy Wilson, RB, West Virginia, 5-9, 225, senior - Drafted to work as a gunner on special teams.
Strengths: Able to keep shoulders square and forehead up as he runs through traffic.
Weaknesses: Torn ACL, other knee problems led to medical redshirt in 2000 and two games in 2001.
¶ 4/26/2004 12:57:00 PM 0 comments
Demorrio Williams, OLB, Nebraska, 6-0, 232, senior - Named first-team AP All-Big 12 after 11-sack season for nation's No. 2 scoring defense. Only Jim Skow (15 in 1985), Trev Alberts (15 in 1993) and Danny Noonan (12 in 1986) had better single years in Cornhusker history. Added another 10 tackles for lost yardage and finished with four fumble recoveries, two fumbles caused, five passes deflected and one interception.
Strengths: Started 24 of 27 games in two years after transferring from Kilgore (Texas) Junior College. Good at using his hands to shed blocking tight ends as he comes off the edge. Strong agility at moving laterally. Can turn his hips quickly.
Weaknesses: Needs to improve blocking and tackling techniques against the run. Likely to spend most of season on special teams and won't get many snaps when season starts.
___
FIFTH ROUND No. 142
Chad Lavalais, DT, LSU, 6-1, 292, senior - Named first-team AP All-SEC and Sporting News national defensive player of the year after leading the line of the nation's best defense in total yards and points allowed. Started every game he played in the last three years. In addition to 61 tackles, had 7 sacks, 9 tackles for lost yardage, 23 QB pressures, an interception and 6 PBUs. Signed with LSU in 1998 and '99, but worked as a prison guard while trying to improve his ACT score.
Strengths: Tremendous run stuffer by using strength and size to divide double-team blockers. Uses a sharp interior spin move to beat blocks and collapse the pocket.
Weaknesses: Still tends to wait to long to get his hands up in pass rush. Watched his stock in draft slip with unimpressive workouts for scouts.
___
SIXTH ROUND No. 186
Etric Pruitt, FS, Southern Mississippi, 6-0, 196, senior - Started the last three years. Set school record for tackles by a defensive back (362). Only Greg Brooks (47 from 2000-03) and Patrick Surtain (31 from 1994-97) had more PBUs in Golden Eagles history than Pruitt's 29.
Strengths: Has 41-inch vertical leap. Gets legs squarely positioned to make open-field tackles.
Weaknesses: Tendency to put hands on WRs could draw penalties.
___
SEVENTH ROUND No. 219
Quincy Wilson, RB, West Virginia, 5-9, 225, senior - Drafted to work as a gunner on special teams.
Strengths: Able to keep shoulders square and forehead up as he runs through traffic.
Weaknesses: Torn ACL, other knee problems led to medical redshirt in 2000 and two games in 2001.
¶ 4/26/2004 12:57:00 PM 0 comments
Sunday, April 25, 2004
Atlanta Falcons Day 1 Selections
So far So good :)
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Players selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL draft Saturday
FIRST ROUND / No. 8 overall
DeAngelo Hall, CB, Virginia Tech, 5-10, 197, junior - First-team All-Big East performer finished three-year career with 8 INTs (1 for TD). Two-year starter made 190 tackles and forced 2 fumbles. Owns school record with 5 punt returns for TDs.
Strengths: Blazing speed. Ran 4.34 40-yard dash. Excels in man coverage. Good leaper, breaks up passes. Fluid athlete. Can hit and tackle. Very dangerous kick returner. Played well against Miami. Has experience as receiver. Big upside.
Weaknesses: Not as tall as teams would like. Should be more aggressive. Will bite on play action. Must improve in zone coverage.
___
FIRST ROUND / No. 29
Michael Jenkins, WR, Ohio State, 6-4, 217 - Three-year starter made 165 catches for school-record 2,898 yards (17.6 per reception) and 16 TDs in conservative offense. Program has sent a slew of skilled wideouts to NFL.
Strengths: Enticing combination of size and speed. Ran 4.38 40-yard dash. Excels on the sideline, runs solid routes. Rangy target. Good body control, adjusts to ball well. Makes clutch catches. Returns punts. Really came on against top competition late last season. Big upside.
Weaknesses: Not very physical. Struggles against press coverage. Must do a better job of competing for the ball. Needs to make catches with his hands instead of body. Lacks a burst, needs time to build up to full speed. Might be more of a possession receiver.
___
THIRD ROUND No. 90
Matt Schaub, QB, Virginia, 6-5, 237, senior - Accurate passer was ACC Player of the Year in 2002. Bounced back from separated throwing shoulder last season. Stock rose in days leading up to the draft. Projected as a second-round pick, he went lower than expected.
Strengths: Effective throwing the short- and medium-range passes, which will be at a premium in Atlanta's West Coast offense. Expected to have a short learning curve. Good decision maker, hard worker and effective leader.
Weaknesses: He's not a veteran, which is what the Falcons appear to need at backup quarterback. Now, they are committed to Schaub or little-used Ty Detmer at No. 2.
¶ 4/25/2004 12:06:00 AM 0 comments
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Players selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL draft Saturday
FIRST ROUND / No. 8 overall
DeAngelo Hall, CB, Virginia Tech, 5-10, 197, junior - First-team All-Big East performer finished three-year career with 8 INTs (1 for TD). Two-year starter made 190 tackles and forced 2 fumbles. Owns school record with 5 punt returns for TDs.
Strengths: Blazing speed. Ran 4.34 40-yard dash. Excels in man coverage. Good leaper, breaks up passes. Fluid athlete. Can hit and tackle. Very dangerous kick returner. Played well against Miami. Has experience as receiver. Big upside.
Weaknesses: Not as tall as teams would like. Should be more aggressive. Will bite on play action. Must improve in zone coverage.
___
FIRST ROUND / No. 29
Michael Jenkins, WR, Ohio State, 6-4, 217 - Three-year starter made 165 catches for school-record 2,898 yards (17.6 per reception) and 16 TDs in conservative offense. Program has sent a slew of skilled wideouts to NFL.
Strengths: Enticing combination of size and speed. Ran 4.38 40-yard dash. Excels on the sideline, runs solid routes. Rangy target. Good body control, adjusts to ball well. Makes clutch catches. Returns punts. Really came on against top competition late last season. Big upside.
Weaknesses: Not very physical. Struggles against press coverage. Must do a better job of competing for the ball. Needs to make catches with his hands instead of body. Lacks a burst, needs time to build up to full speed. Might be more of a possession receiver.
___
THIRD ROUND No. 90
Matt Schaub, QB, Virginia, 6-5, 237, senior - Accurate passer was ACC Player of the Year in 2002. Bounced back from separated throwing shoulder last season. Stock rose in days leading up to the draft. Projected as a second-round pick, he went lower than expected.
Strengths: Effective throwing the short- and medium-range passes, which will be at a premium in Atlanta's West Coast offense. Expected to have a short learning curve. Good decision maker, hard worker and effective leader.
Weaknesses: He's not a veteran, which is what the Falcons appear to need at backup quarterback. Now, they are committed to Schaub or little-used Ty Detmer at No. 2.
¶ 4/25/2004 12:06:00 AM 0 comments
Friday, April 23, 2004
Okay 2 Versions
Ladies and Gentlem, my first ever Mock Ten.
With Trades
1. NY Giants(from SD)- Eli Manning/QB/Ole Miss
2. Cleveland(from OAK)- Robert Gallery/OT/Iowa
3. Arizona- Larry Fitzgerald/WR/Pittsburgh
4. San Diego(from NY)- Phillip Rivers/QB/NCState
5. Buffalo(from Washington)- Ben Roethlisberger/QB/Miami of Ohio*
6. Detroit- Steven Jackson/RB/Oregon St
7. Oakland- Roy Williams/WR/Texas
8. Atlanta- Sean Taylor/FS/Miami of Florida
9. New England(from JX)- DeAngelo Hall/CB/Virginia Tech**
10. Houston- Will Smith/DE/Ohio St
*apologies for the Super Bowl where Thurman Thomas lost his helmet
**good bye Ty Law
WithOUT Trades
1. San Diego- Robert Gallery/OT/Iowa
2. Oakland- Eli Manning/QB/Ole Miss
3. Arizona- Larry Fitzgerald/WR/Pittsburgh
4. NY Giants- Ben Roethlisberger/QB/Miami of Ohio
5. Washington- Sean Taylor/FS/Miami of Florida
6. Detroit- Kellen Winslow/TE/Miami of Florida
7. Cleveland- DeAngelo Hall/CB/Virginia Tech
8. Atlanta- Roy Williams/WR/Texas
9. Jacksonville- Vince Folfork/DT/Miami of Florida
10. Houston- Kenechi Udeze/DE/USC ¶ 4/23/2004 06:53:00 PM 0 comments
With Trades
1. NY Giants(from SD)- Eli Manning/QB/Ole Miss
2. Cleveland(from OAK)- Robert Gallery/OT/Iowa
3. Arizona- Larry Fitzgerald/WR/Pittsburgh
4. San Diego(from NY)- Phillip Rivers/QB/NCState
5. Buffalo(from Washington)- Ben Roethlisberger/QB/Miami of Ohio*
6. Detroit- Steven Jackson/RB/Oregon St
7. Oakland- Roy Williams/WR/Texas
8. Atlanta- Sean Taylor/FS/Miami of Florida
9. New England(from JX)- DeAngelo Hall/CB/Virginia Tech**
10. Houston- Will Smith/DE/Ohio St
*apologies for the Super Bowl where Thurman Thomas lost his helmet
**good bye Ty Law
WithOUT Trades
1. San Diego- Robert Gallery/OT/Iowa
2. Oakland- Eli Manning/QB/Ole Miss
3. Arizona- Larry Fitzgerald/WR/Pittsburgh
4. NY Giants- Ben Roethlisberger/QB/Miami of Ohio
5. Washington- Sean Taylor/FS/Miami of Florida
6. Detroit- Kellen Winslow/TE/Miami of Florida
7. Cleveland- DeAngelo Hall/CB/Virginia Tech
8. Atlanta- Roy Williams/WR/Texas
9. Jacksonville- Vince Folfork/DT/Miami of Florida
10. Houston- Kenechi Udeze/DE/USC ¶ 4/23/2004 06:53:00 PM 0 comments
NFL Draft
Top 32 prospects
Top 300 prospects
500+
The NFL Draft is slightly over 24 hours away and I would be lying if I said I'm not thinking about it. If I were to show you a pie with 10 slices. 8 of those slices are all thinking about the draft and who might my mighty falcons be able to select. 1 slice is thinking about tonight's Lakers game against the Rockets. and another slice is just trying to get through today's day at work.
Lots of things are going on. Eli Manning is threatening to sit out the season if the San Diego Chargers take him with the first pick in the draft. There's rumors that the Giants might trade with San Diego. There is talks that Cleveland and Oakland could make a trade swapping first round picks. There could be a lot of trades in the top ten, but there might not be any.
The current top ten shakes out like this.
1. San Diego
2. Oakland
3. Arizona
4. NY Giants
5. Washington
6. Detroit
7. Cleveland
8. Atlanta
9. Jacksonville
10. Houston
The fact that I know that by memory should be proof enough that I have been thinking about this alot. I know that 11 is Pittsburgh and they want Phillip Rivers, I know that the Jets are at 12 and the Bills are at 13.
So using the Dennis Green philosophy (which basically he explained on Espn last night). He's the coach for Arizona who picks third so his philosophy is that he needs to have three players he's interested in taking at that pick. Everyone knows that Larry Fitzgerald is his target because Fitz used to be a ball boy for the Vikings when Green used to coach them, but in the scenario that he isn't available with the 3rd pick he has 2 other players he wants.
Atlanta picks at #8. A lot depends on what the teams above them do (obviously) that will determine who is available for them and who they might take. So with this being said, here are the 8 players I would love to have in the order I would love to have them and based on current team needs.
1. Sean Taylor (FS, Miami) - No chance in hell he's here with the 8th pick, but if he is.. it's a no brainer.
2. DeAngelo Hall (CB, Virginia Tech) - Probably the fastest player in the draft. Potential shut down cornerback and Kick and Punt Return extraordinaire. Shades of Deion Sanders possibly.
3. Roy Williams (WR, Texas) - Fast, big, powerful. A dangerous weapon to add to an already dangerous offense.
4. Vince Wilfork (DT, Miami) - Huge plug very necessary to improve our league worst defense.
5. Robert Gallery (OT, Iowa) - Again, no chance he'll be here with the 8th pick but I need 8 so, i've got to put down a few obvious needs. We could really really use him.
6. Tommie Harris (DT, Oklahoma) - Quick, Elusive and Mighty. I hope.
7. Jonathon Vilma (LB, Miami) or DJ Williams (LB, Miami) - Not sure which one is better but we could use an excellent outside linebacker to help the defense.
8. Kenechi Udeze (DE, USC) or Will Smith (DE, Ohio St) - I really don't know which one is better but this is a position we need to get some young blood in.
With this being said, I'm really interested to see who might shake out and be available with the 8th pick.. but this draft is extrememly deep and I'm really looking forward to who we can steal in the later rounds. Especially the second round. I've seen a lot of mock drafts, but I can't really speculate past the 8th pick cause so many things might happen.
You'll know where I am all weekend.
Watching the DRAFT.
Click here to Track the Draft live ¶ 4/23/2004 11:04:00 AM 0 comments
Top 32 prospects
Top 300 prospects
500+
The NFL Draft is slightly over 24 hours away and I would be lying if I said I'm not thinking about it. If I were to show you a pie with 10 slices. 8 of those slices are all thinking about the draft and who might my mighty falcons be able to select. 1 slice is thinking about tonight's Lakers game against the Rockets. and another slice is just trying to get through today's day at work.
Lots of things are going on. Eli Manning is threatening to sit out the season if the San Diego Chargers take him with the first pick in the draft. There's rumors that the Giants might trade with San Diego. There is talks that Cleveland and Oakland could make a trade swapping first round picks. There could be a lot of trades in the top ten, but there might not be any.
The current top ten shakes out like this.
1. San Diego
2. Oakland
3. Arizona
4. NY Giants
5. Washington
6. Detroit
7. Cleveland
8. Atlanta
9. Jacksonville
10. Houston
The fact that I know that by memory should be proof enough that I have been thinking about this alot. I know that 11 is Pittsburgh and they want Phillip Rivers, I know that the Jets are at 12 and the Bills are at 13.
So using the Dennis Green philosophy (which basically he explained on Espn last night). He's the coach for Arizona who picks third so his philosophy is that he needs to have three players he's interested in taking at that pick. Everyone knows that Larry Fitzgerald is his target because Fitz used to be a ball boy for the Vikings when Green used to coach them, but in the scenario that he isn't available with the 3rd pick he has 2 other players he wants.
Atlanta picks at #8. A lot depends on what the teams above them do (obviously) that will determine who is available for them and who they might take. So with this being said, here are the 8 players I would love to have in the order I would love to have them and based on current team needs.
1. Sean Taylor (FS, Miami) - No chance in hell he's here with the 8th pick, but if he is.. it's a no brainer.
2. DeAngelo Hall (CB, Virginia Tech) - Probably the fastest player in the draft. Potential shut down cornerback and Kick and Punt Return extraordinaire. Shades of Deion Sanders possibly.
3. Roy Williams (WR, Texas) - Fast, big, powerful. A dangerous weapon to add to an already dangerous offense.
4. Vince Wilfork (DT, Miami) - Huge plug very necessary to improve our league worst defense.
5. Robert Gallery (OT, Iowa) - Again, no chance he'll be here with the 8th pick but I need 8 so, i've got to put down a few obvious needs. We could really really use him.
6. Tommie Harris (DT, Oklahoma) - Quick, Elusive and Mighty. I hope.
7. Jonathon Vilma (LB, Miami) or DJ Williams (LB, Miami) - Not sure which one is better but we could use an excellent outside linebacker to help the defense.
8. Kenechi Udeze (DE, USC) or Will Smith (DE, Ohio St) - I really don't know which one is better but this is a position we need to get some young blood in.
With this being said, I'm really interested to see who might shake out and be available with the 8th pick.. but this draft is extrememly deep and I'm really looking forward to who we can steal in the later rounds. Especially the second round. I've seen a lot of mock drafts, but I can't really speculate past the 8th pick cause so many things might happen.
You'll know where I am all weekend.
Watching the DRAFT.
Click here to Track the Draft live ¶ 4/23/2004 11:04:00 AM 0 comments
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Gmail
You are currently using 1 MB (0%) of your 1000 MB.
HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!! ¶ 4/22/2004 02:10:00 PM 0 comments
HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!! ¶ 4/22/2004 02:10:00 PM 0 comments
Google Ads
As you may or may not noticed the layout has been changed again. I am now displaying Google ads on the left side of the screen. Excellent.
Since displaying these ads late last night my site has already generated 11 cents... so *hint*hint* ¶ 4/22/2004 08:43:00 AM 0 comments
Since displaying these ads late last night my site has already generated 11 cents... so *hint*hint* ¶ 4/22/2004 08:43:00 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Falcon Draft Room Cam
There isn't any sound.. but it's kind cool to see what goes on in here. They will be broadcasting these images until Tuesday.
¶ 4/21/2004 01:00:00 PM 0 comments
¶ 4/21/2004 01:00:00 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
GMAIL!
Woohoo! Thanks to blogger.com and google I have a new email address. It's pretty easy to figure out.
¶ 4/20/2004 07:29:00 PM 0 comments
PTI with Larry King
Tony and Mike
Great interview with Larry King.. it was wonderful to get a perspective on him outside of his show, I admit I don't watch his show, nor know much else about him.. but.. and let me first say, I am a big fan of your interviews and the questions you ask. You guys are just good. But... Larry King said he wouldn't mind doing baseball for a year by the time he turns 75, he is 70 now. He said he wouldn't mind following around 1 team, but what you missed asking was what team he wanted to follow?
Do you have any guesses if you were to speculate, or did he eventually tell you?
Peace.
Keep up the good work ¶ 4/20/2004 07:15:00 PM 0 comments
Great interview with Larry King.. it was wonderful to get a perspective on him outside of his show, I admit I don't watch his show, nor know much else about him.. but.. and let me first say, I am a big fan of your interviews and the questions you ask. You guys are just good. But... Larry King said he wouldn't mind doing baseball for a year by the time he turns 75, he is 70 now. He said he wouldn't mind following around 1 team, but what you missed asking was what team he wanted to follow?
Do you have any guesses if you were to speculate, or did he eventually tell you?
Peace.
Keep up the good work ¶ 4/20/2004 07:15:00 PM 0 comments
Lakers win again
Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant flies to the basket for two points against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter of their first-round Western Conference NBA playoff game Monday, Apr. 19, 2004, at Staples Center in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
**Watch this play**
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers were once again amazing as they beat the Houston Rockets 98-84 to go up 2-0 in their first round playoff series.
Shaquille had a career playoff low 7 points, Karl Malone hit a high percentage of his shots, Kareem Rush had a pair of threes, Derek Fischer had a pair of threes, and even Luke Walton hit a three at one point.
The Rockets kept it close in the first half, but the Lakers exploded in the third quarter and never looked back. Steve Francis had a triple double in the losing effort.
Game 3 is in Houston, Friday night. ¶ 4/20/2004 09:47:00 AM 0 comments
Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant flies to the basket for two points against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter of their first-round Western Conference NBA playoff game Monday, Apr. 19, 2004, at Staples Center in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
**Watch this play**
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers were once again amazing as they beat the Houston Rockets 98-84 to go up 2-0 in their first round playoff series.
Shaquille had a career playoff low 7 points, Karl Malone hit a high percentage of his shots, Kareem Rush had a pair of threes, Derek Fischer had a pair of threes, and even Luke Walton hit a three at one point.
The Rockets kept it close in the first half, but the Lakers exploded in the third quarter and never looked back. Steve Francis had a triple double in the losing effort.
Game 3 is in Houston, Friday night. ¶ 4/20/2004 09:47:00 AM 0 comments
Thursday, April 15, 2004
Kobe Bryant is Amazing!
I'm a big fan.
You have to see the game tying three the kid made at the end of regulation and the game winning three he made at the end of the second overtime.
You can't tell me that this isnt absolutely out-of-this-world insane... im so excited for the playoffs, Shaq vs Yao.. will be fun... and the Lakers rule!
Amazing, watch this clip..
¶ 4/15/2004 08:31:00 AM 0 comments
You have to see the game tying three the kid made at the end of regulation and the game winning three he made at the end of the second overtime.
You can't tell me that this isnt absolutely out-of-this-world insane... im so excited for the playoffs, Shaq vs Yao.. will be fun... and the Lakers rule!
Amazing, watch this clip..
¶ 4/15/2004 08:31:00 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Carmelo will be Rookie of the Year
Now that Carmelo has officially brought the playoffs to the Denver Nuggets organization, I'll bring this up again.
According to an NBA.com poll: Who deserves to be named the got milk? Rookie of the Year?
Carmelo Anthony 65%
LeBron James 31%
Other 4%
Total Responses: 32432
So with the backing of 32,000+ people, Carmelo will either be the Rookie of Year or they will be co-rookies of the year. Like it or not.
There have been 3 instances in which their have been co-rookies.
Rookie of the Year Award
2002-03 Amare Stoudemire Phoenix
2001-02 Pau Gasol Memphis
2000-01 Mike Miller Orlando
1999-00 Elton Brand Chicago / Steve Francis Houston
1998-99 Vince Carter Toronto
1997-98 Tim Duncan San Antonio
1996-97 Allen Iverson Philadelphia
1995-96 Damon Stoudamire Toronto
1994-95 Grant Hill Detroit / Jason Kidd Dallas
1993-94 Chris Webber Golden State
1992-93 Shaquille O'Neal Orlando
1991-92 Larry Johnson Charlotte
1990-91 Derrick Coleman New Jersey
1989-90 David Robinson San Antonio
1988-89 Mitch Richmond Golden State
1987-88 Mark Jackson New York
1986-87 Chuck Person Indiana
1985-86 Patrick Ewing New York
1984-85 Michael Jordan Chicago
1983-84 Ralph Sampson Houston
1982-83 Terry Cummings San Diego
1981-82 Buck Williams New Jersey
1980-81 Darrell Griffith Utah
1979-80 Larry Bird Boston
1978-79 Phil Ford Kansas City
1977-78 Walter Davis Phoenix
1976-77 Adrian Dantley Buffalo
1975-76 Alvan Adams Phoenix
1974-75 Keith Wilkes Golden State
1973-74 Ernie DiGregorio Buffalo
1972-73 Bob McAdoo Buffalo
1971-72 Sidney Wicks Portland
1970-71 Dave Cowens Boston / Geoff Petrie Portland
1969-70 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Milwaukee
1968-69 Wes Unseld Baltimore
1967-68 Earl Monroe Baltimore
1966-67 Dave Bing Detroit
1965-66 Rick Barry San Francisco
1964-65 Willis Reed New York
1963-64 Jerry Lucas Cincinnati
1962-63 Terry Dischinger Chicago
1961-62 Walt Bellamy Chicago
1960-61 Oscar Robertson Cincinnati
1959-60 Wilt Chamberlain Philadelphia
1958-59 Elgin Baylor Minneapolis
1957-58 Woody Sauldsberry Philadelphia
1956-57 Tom Heinsohn Boston
1955-56 Maurice Stokes Rochester
1954-55 Bob Pettit Milwaukee
1953-54 Ray Felix Baltimore ¶ 4/13/2004 11:33:00 AM 0 comments
Now that Carmelo has officially brought the playoffs to the Denver Nuggets organization, I'll bring this up again.
According to an NBA.com poll: Who deserves to be named the got milk? Rookie of the Year?
Carmelo Anthony 65%
LeBron James 31%
Other 4%
Total Responses: 32432
So with the backing of 32,000+ people, Carmelo will either be the Rookie of Year or they will be co-rookies of the year. Like it or not.
There have been 3 instances in which their have been co-rookies.
Rookie of the Year Award
2002-03 Amare Stoudemire Phoenix
2001-02 Pau Gasol Memphis
2000-01 Mike Miller Orlando
1999-00 Elton Brand Chicago / Steve Francis Houston
1998-99 Vince Carter Toronto
1997-98 Tim Duncan San Antonio
1996-97 Allen Iverson Philadelphia
1995-96 Damon Stoudamire Toronto
1994-95 Grant Hill Detroit / Jason Kidd Dallas
1993-94 Chris Webber Golden State
1992-93 Shaquille O'Neal Orlando
1991-92 Larry Johnson Charlotte
1990-91 Derrick Coleman New Jersey
1989-90 David Robinson San Antonio
1988-89 Mitch Richmond Golden State
1987-88 Mark Jackson New York
1986-87 Chuck Person Indiana
1985-86 Patrick Ewing New York
1984-85 Michael Jordan Chicago
1983-84 Ralph Sampson Houston
1982-83 Terry Cummings San Diego
1981-82 Buck Williams New Jersey
1980-81 Darrell Griffith Utah
1979-80 Larry Bird Boston
1978-79 Phil Ford Kansas City
1977-78 Walter Davis Phoenix
1976-77 Adrian Dantley Buffalo
1975-76 Alvan Adams Phoenix
1974-75 Keith Wilkes Golden State
1973-74 Ernie DiGregorio Buffalo
1972-73 Bob McAdoo Buffalo
1971-72 Sidney Wicks Portland
1970-71 Dave Cowens Boston / Geoff Petrie Portland
1969-70 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Milwaukee
1968-69 Wes Unseld Baltimore
1967-68 Earl Monroe Baltimore
1966-67 Dave Bing Detroit
1965-66 Rick Barry San Francisco
1964-65 Willis Reed New York
1963-64 Jerry Lucas Cincinnati
1962-63 Terry Dischinger Chicago
1961-62 Walt Bellamy Chicago
1960-61 Oscar Robertson Cincinnati
1959-60 Wilt Chamberlain Philadelphia
1958-59 Elgin Baylor Minneapolis
1957-58 Woody Sauldsberry Philadelphia
1956-57 Tom Heinsohn Boston
1955-56 Maurice Stokes Rochester
1954-55 Bob Pettit Milwaukee
1953-54 Ray Felix Baltimore ¶ 4/13/2004 11:33:00 AM 0 comments
Saturday, April 10, 2004
The Homefront
China. It's a place inside this face. Never near, but never far. I live in China. Not really. Anyway.. That's it.
¶ 4/10/2004 03:51:00 PM 0 comments
¶ 4/10/2004 03:51:00 PM 0 comments
Thursday, April 08, 2004
Braves Blast Mets in 4th inning
ATLANTA (AP) -- For one game, at least, the Atlanta Braves' new-look lineup was just as impressive as last year's record-setting offense.
Adam LaRoche got his first two hits in the first game of his big league career during an 11-run inning, helping Atlanta beat the New York Mets 18-10 Wednesday night.
Johnny Estrada and pinch-hitter Julio Franco also had two hits in the fourth -- the biggest inning for the Braves since they scored a team-record 13 runs against Houston on Sept. 20, 1972. LaRoche also got his first RBI.
"That was an amazing inning," Franco said. "Every ball fell into place, everything they threw we hit. It was just one of those nights."
Atlanta Braves Marcus Giles drives in a run with a long flyball as New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza looks on in the fourth inning Wednesday, April 7, 2004 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) ¶ 4/08/2004 08:41:00 AM 0 comments
Adam LaRoche got his first two hits in the first game of his big league career during an 11-run inning, helping Atlanta beat the New York Mets 18-10 Wednesday night.
Johnny Estrada and pinch-hitter Julio Franco also had two hits in the fourth -- the biggest inning for the Braves since they scored a team-record 13 runs against Houston on Sept. 20, 1972. LaRoche also got his first RBI.
"That was an amazing inning," Franco said. "Every ball fell into place, everything they threw we hit. It was just one of those nights."
Atlanta Braves Marcus Giles drives in a run with a long flyball as New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza looks on in the fourth inning Wednesday, April 7, 2004 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) ¶ 4/08/2004 08:41:00 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, April 07, 2004
The Scene is Obscene
In reference to obtaining high quality new employees---
"You don't always get Brian Smith's that explode on the scene" -Rob Reese ¶ 4/07/2004 10:57:00 AM 0 comments
"You don't always get Brian Smith's that explode on the scene" -Rob Reese ¶ 4/07/2004 10:57:00 AM 0 comments
Sunday, April 04, 2004
Today
Today's magic has been brought to you by the number 4.
April 4th, 2004 or otherwise known as 4/4/4 ¶ 4/04/2004 10:20:00 PM 0 comments
April 4th, 2004 or otherwise known as 4/4/4 ¶ 4/04/2004 10:20:00 PM 0 comments
Saturday, April 03, 2004
UCONN
Okafor is for real
Connecticut Huskies center Emeka Okafor (L) gets a dunk shot against Duke Blue Devils forward Shavlik Randolph during second half action at the Men's NCAA Final Four semifinals in San Antonio, Texas, April 3, 2004. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholso ¶ 4/03/2004 11:38:00 PM 0 comments
Connecticut Huskies center Emeka Okafor (L) gets a dunk shot against Duke Blue Devils forward Shavlik Randolph during second half action at the Men's NCAA Final Four semifinals in San Antonio, Texas, April 3, 2004. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholso ¶ 4/03/2004 11:38:00 PM 0 comments
Friday, April 02, 2004
Gas Prices
What's yours at? http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx ¶ 4/02/2004 12:56:00 AM 0 comments
What's yours at? http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx ¶ 4/02/2004 12:56:00 AM 0 comments
Thursday, April 01, 2004
Free 1gig Google eMail
Real?
or
April Fools Hoax?
Google announces their plan to offer users email.
A Google approach to email
Gmail is an experiment in a new kind of webmail, built on the idea that you should never have to delete mail and you should always be able to find the message you want. The key features are:
Search, don't sort.
Use Google search to find the exact message you want, no matter when it was sent or received.
Don't throw anything away.
1000 megabytes of free storage so you'll never need to delete another message.
Keep it all in context.
Each message is grouped with all its replies and displayed as a conversation.
No pop-up ads. No banners.
You see only relevant text ads and links to related web pages of interest.
¶ 4/01/2004 01:35:00 PM 0 comments
Real?
or
April Fools Hoax?
Google announces their plan to offer users email.
A Google approach to email
Gmail is an experiment in a new kind of webmail, built on the idea that you should never have to delete mail and you should always be able to find the message you want. The key features are:
Search, don't sort.
Use Google search to find the exact message you want, no matter when it was sent or received.
Don't throw anything away.
1000 megabytes of free storage so you'll never need to delete another message.
Keep it all in context.
Each message is grouped with all its replies and displayed as a conversation.
No pop-up ads. No banners.
You see only relevant text ads and links to related web pages of interest.
¶ 4/01/2004 01:35:00 PM 0 comments
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