Images all from espn.com
Great game folks.... The Lakers showed grit and tenacity - I hope this is a sign that the Lakers are about to bring another Championship to the city of Los Angeles.
:)
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Great Game - Lakers Win
Images all from espn.com
Great game folks.... The Lakers showed grit and tenacity - I hope this is a sign that the Lakers are about to bring another Championship to the city of Los Angeles.
:)
Why Black History Month Matters..
America has so much to learn from it's past - I mean the opportunities are endless; and yet I raise a question today; "Have we truly learned anything from our past?"
Racism and Legal Segregation towards black people in America was truly the WORST crime ever committed against human beings in all of human history. Prior to the American Slave experience, there was a time when being a slave was honorable - slaves were treated well, they accepted their role in society because they were born into a culture that viewed things in this manner.
Some people were born to be slaves, others were born free, others were born to rule.
And that was that; Slavery was not based on hate - it was not based on race - it was not a reason to dislike someone; It is said that Those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it's mistakes.
Learning from mistakes is part of life - some learn, others do not. But almost every case of those who do not, involves a person who either does not own up to the mistakes they've made, or refuse to seek to learn a lesson from them. Our failure to care about black people in this country is not serving us well.
I've heard non blacks bring up questions like, "why do we have black history month?" What for?
It's a great question - too bad they rarely care about the answer to that question. Too bad what they really mean is, "can't we get rid of this nonsense celebration??" - "can't those black people stop living in the past...???"
This negative attitude towards black people does not serve America, because there is so much to learn from this very negative experience, that could serve America in a very positive way.
Black History Month is not just about living in the past - it's much more about celebrating the accomplishments of Black people in America, during times of distress and duress - where odds were stacked highly against them, and where in many cases their accomplishments were not credited to them, but instead went to white men and women who did nothing other than "hire" or "command" the black mind to turn it's attention to it; On this I'm referring to inventions and creations that truly helped Make America what it is today.
Black History, is American History - it's part of the story - it's a major cog in the wheel that made this country turn - and turn into The Super Power that it became; Also it is a reminder of the lowest levels of humanity - it shows us what we are capable of - and therefore provides a huge lesson for us to learn; to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past or allowing those atrocities to occur ever again.
And yet, we're just not learning...
As corny as it sounds, the need for Love is never more evident than it is today. Racism and Segregation in America didn't "just happen" - it evolved. It didn't start out that way; blacks were not always hated or viewed as less than human; or referred to as niggers - it was a process; and it was largely possible due to lack of love.
Love would never allow a person to treat other people that way; Love would stop a person from saying those words; Love would motivate a person to change things for the better; and Love, eventually did.
Love changed the hearts of many - Martin Luther King, Jr.'s approach to shame white people into treating black people right, by loving them even while they hated black people, till eventually they would come to feel bad about it; and fall in line with other whites, and blacks, demanding change...
Isn't that a feel good story??
I certainly think it is. The experiences of blacks in America should not be forgotten or discarded - these are important perspectives that we are yet to fully come to terms with; that we are yet to fully understand; How these experiences have impacted black culture in America, often in a negative way - how much of the work left to be done, can only happen with Love. ... With Care and compassion.
Without those things, the work will never be done. Non blacks will continue to turn a hate filled "we don't need to celebrate black people" attitude towards black people - the negative vibes will continue to flow creating a scenario where negative acts will continue to take place; it's an unending cycle without love stepping in to change the direction ...
Addressing the Latin vs. Black issues in America.
Black History should never be forgotten; the accomplishments of black people matter - the ones from the past all the way to the present; black people have been a Huge Influential Force in Making America what it is... and that needs to be honored and respected.
There are looming issues between the Latin and Black communities; Black people are hated by many Latin Americans, often for ridiculous reasons. Especially when you consider the fact, that many of the liberties Latin Americans have access to would only be possible because of the struggles of Black People.
Latin People should be the biggest fans of Black people; They should be so thankful for what black people have done, to create a way for Them to live and experience the American Dream; Without black people, Every single Illegal Immigrant in this country would not only be deported but, would possibly find themselves enslaved or put to death; The "white heart" was very cold towards anyone who was Not white at one time in this country...
All that black people did to change that, should be respected by Latin Americans - instead, black people receive disrespect.
I'd venture to say, it's related to this idea by many non-blacks, that black people still, just don't matter. That black History does not matter - it's a sad day when people allow bad ideas to flourish; Let's fight back one and all - let's raise and spread the awareness of the lessons to be learned from the past - especially what was done To black people - and how black people overcame those obstacles.
Then perhaps we can start being real about the issues black people face today - and how they are related to the past; in hopes of finding solutions today ... for America to move forward into the future.
Racism and Legal Segregation towards black people in America was truly the WORST crime ever committed against human beings in all of human history. Prior to the American Slave experience, there was a time when being a slave was honorable - slaves were treated well, they accepted their role in society because they were born into a culture that viewed things in this manner.
Some people were born to be slaves, others were born free, others were born to rule.
And that was that; Slavery was not based on hate - it was not based on race - it was not a reason to dislike someone; It is said that Those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it's mistakes.
Learning from mistakes is part of life - some learn, others do not. But almost every case of those who do not, involves a person who either does not own up to the mistakes they've made, or refuse to seek to learn a lesson from them. Our failure to care about black people in this country is not serving us well.
I've heard non blacks bring up questions like, "why do we have black history month?" What for?
It's a great question - too bad they rarely care about the answer to that question. Too bad what they really mean is, "can't we get rid of this nonsense celebration??" - "can't those black people stop living in the past...???"
This negative attitude towards black people does not serve America, because there is so much to learn from this very negative experience, that could serve America in a very positive way.
Black History Month is not just about living in the past - it's much more about celebrating the accomplishments of Black people in America, during times of distress and duress - where odds were stacked highly against them, and where in many cases their accomplishments were not credited to them, but instead went to white men and women who did nothing other than "hire" or "command" the black mind to turn it's attention to it; On this I'm referring to inventions and creations that truly helped Make America what it is today.
Black History, is American History - it's part of the story - it's a major cog in the wheel that made this country turn - and turn into The Super Power that it became; Also it is a reminder of the lowest levels of humanity - it shows us what we are capable of - and therefore provides a huge lesson for us to learn; to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past or allowing those atrocities to occur ever again.
And yet, we're just not learning...
As corny as it sounds, the need for Love is never more evident than it is today. Racism and Segregation in America didn't "just happen" - it evolved. It didn't start out that way; blacks were not always hated or viewed as less than human; or referred to as niggers - it was a process; and it was largely possible due to lack of love.
Love would never allow a person to treat other people that way; Love would stop a person from saying those words; Love would motivate a person to change things for the better; and Love, eventually did.
Love changed the hearts of many - Martin Luther King, Jr.'s approach to shame white people into treating black people right, by loving them even while they hated black people, till eventually they would come to feel bad about it; and fall in line with other whites, and blacks, demanding change...
Isn't that a feel good story??
I certainly think it is. The experiences of blacks in America should not be forgotten or discarded - these are important perspectives that we are yet to fully come to terms with; that we are yet to fully understand; How these experiences have impacted black culture in America, often in a negative way - how much of the work left to be done, can only happen with Love. ... With Care and compassion.
Without those things, the work will never be done. Non blacks will continue to turn a hate filled "we don't need to celebrate black people" attitude towards black people - the negative vibes will continue to flow creating a scenario where negative acts will continue to take place; it's an unending cycle without love stepping in to change the direction ...
Addressing the Latin vs. Black issues in America.
Black History should never be forgotten; the accomplishments of black people matter - the ones from the past all the way to the present; black people have been a Huge Influential Force in Making America what it is... and that needs to be honored and respected.
There are looming issues between the Latin and Black communities; Black people are hated by many Latin Americans, often for ridiculous reasons. Especially when you consider the fact, that many of the liberties Latin Americans have access to would only be possible because of the struggles of Black People.
Latin People should be the biggest fans of Black people; They should be so thankful for what black people have done, to create a way for Them to live and experience the American Dream; Without black people, Every single Illegal Immigrant in this country would not only be deported but, would possibly find themselves enslaved or put to death; The "white heart" was very cold towards anyone who was Not white at one time in this country...
All that black people did to change that, should be respected by Latin Americans - instead, black people receive disrespect.
I'd venture to say, it's related to this idea by many non-blacks, that black people still, just don't matter. That black History does not matter - it's a sad day when people allow bad ideas to flourish; Let's fight back one and all - let's raise and spread the awareness of the lessons to be learned from the past - especially what was done To black people - and how black people overcame those obstacles.
Then perhaps we can start being real about the issues black people face today - and how they are related to the past; in hopes of finding solutions today ... for America to move forward into the future.
Hot Topics:
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information age,
leadership,
motivation,
racism,
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Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Let the Hype Begin.... Lakers vs. Suns - Kobe vs. Shaq
Although both players have put their past disputes behind them, the media continues to have fun with this one; Trying as hard as they can to pit one versus the other; and I suppose I can understand why.
I'm a Laker fan, and the potential that these two players had together to win an Incredible Number of Championships together was just so scary; It's kinda like what the Lakers have assembled now by Adding Pau Gasol, to a team full of players who are finally playing as if they belong in the NBA.
This current team, truly has the potential to win 3 to 5 championships in a row; Yea, you read that right; and I truly believe it from my Extensive Experience in watching the game of Basketball; So I can see why the Media loves to play up the drama between Kobe and Shaq.
Together these guys could've easily carried 8 or 9 teams to the Final round of the Playoffs, and walked away with 7 or more Championships; Easily... especially with the Zen Master leading the way. So when they couldn't do it, when they couldn't get along with each other, when the Little Brother wanted more 'shine' and the Big Brother didn't wanna give up any of his, the clash created a series of events, that saw Shaq win his 4th Championship in Miami, with Dwayne Wade ... who's been drawing comparisons to Kobe and Jordan, who's possibly got the ability to become a dominating Gaurd on his own someday; Meanwhile Kobe struggled - getting bounced from the playoffs by the Phoenix Suns 2 years in a row... largely due to Kobe having NO Help on his team ...
But both times they gave the Suns a scare; While undermanned, Kobe's performances were so awesome that they almost pulled it off... Twice; out of that developed a new rivalry; Something else for the media to play up - because it truly was an exciting battle; And it's as if everyone knows eventually Kobe is gonna have enough help to get over the hump; So it's been exciting to watch.
Now, Shaq has joined that very same Suns team - and Kobe's finally got Help.
What more can we NBA Fans wish for....
Don't expect the Suns to win it all this year because they added Shaq; Instead, watch for the Lakers to make a historic Run for their first championship in nearly 5 years.... Let the next Dynasty begin... now!
I'm a Laker fan, and the potential that these two players had together to win an Incredible Number of Championships together was just so scary; It's kinda like what the Lakers have assembled now by Adding Pau Gasol, to a team full of players who are finally playing as if they belong in the NBA.
This current team, truly has the potential to win 3 to 5 championships in a row; Yea, you read that right; and I truly believe it from my Extensive Experience in watching the game of Basketball; So I can see why the Media loves to play up the drama between Kobe and Shaq.
Together these guys could've easily carried 8 or 9 teams to the Final round of the Playoffs, and walked away with 7 or more Championships; Easily... especially with the Zen Master leading the way. So when they couldn't do it, when they couldn't get along with each other, when the Little Brother wanted more 'shine' and the Big Brother didn't wanna give up any of his, the clash created a series of events, that saw Shaq win his 4th Championship in Miami, with Dwayne Wade ... who's been drawing comparisons to Kobe and Jordan, who's possibly got the ability to become a dominating Gaurd on his own someday; Meanwhile Kobe struggled - getting bounced from the playoffs by the Phoenix Suns 2 years in a row... largely due to Kobe having NO Help on his team ...
But both times they gave the Suns a scare; While undermanned, Kobe's performances were so awesome that they almost pulled it off... Twice; out of that developed a new rivalry; Something else for the media to play up - because it truly was an exciting battle; And it's as if everyone knows eventually Kobe is gonna have enough help to get over the hump; So it's been exciting to watch.
Now, Shaq has joined that very same Suns team - and Kobe's finally got Help.
What more can we NBA Fans wish for....
Don't expect the Suns to win it all this year because they added Shaq; Instead, watch for the Lakers to make a historic Run for their first championship in nearly 5 years.... Let the next Dynasty begin... now!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Phil Jackson, on Shaq ... and Smush
A funny story here, specifically the comments by San Antonio Spurs' Coach Greg Poppovich - clearly he's jealous.
Straight from the pages of the L.A. Times...
MIAMI -- The Lakers breezed through Miami over the weekend, a city serving as a constant reminder of their recent past.
Even though Shaquille O'Neal was traded last week to Phoenix, there was still enough talk about him and former Lakers starter Smush Parker to keep the Miami relevancy streak alive.
Jackson, who coached O'Neal for five seasons with the Lakers, added his thoughts to the trade viewed by many as a reaction to the Lakers' acquisition of Pau Gasol.
"I can't imagine that [O'Neal] wanted to pick up and move again," Jackson said. "I don't think that fit into his scheme of the way he wanted to live his life. But I do think it will re-energize him. I think he has got something to prove again, and I think it could be good for him."
Why did Phoenix give up four-time All-Star Shawn Marion and take a chance on a soon-to-be 36-year-old with a long list of injury problems?
"They're willing to take that risk," Jackson said. "I guess if you've been in the position they've been in the last three years and you haven't gotten to the Finals, you have to wonder about your strategy."
O'Neal has not played since Jan. 21 because of a hip injury, but Jackson expected him to be in the lineup when the Lakers and Suns meet Feb. 20 in Phoenix.
Jackson also talked openly about Parker, who flamed out in his second season with the Lakers and signed a two-year, $4.7-million contract with Miami before this season. He played only nine games before being suspended indefinitely in November after an alleged altercation with a valet-parking attendant.
"I had hopes for Smush in my exit meeting with him last year, talked to him about trying to get himself motivated in a way that might be different than what he'd done in the past," Jackson said. "I just don't know what went wrong. I haven't stayed close enough to that situation.
"But Smush can get on the backside of an issue and make it worse, unfortunately. He was the kind of kid that if he got a bad call in a game, he might let it affect him for two minutes and then get a technical two minutes later because it would kind of burn, ignite and the ember wouldn't go away."
It has been 10 days since the Gasoltrade, but reactions are still trickling in. Count San Antonio Coach Gregg Popovich among those who disapproved of it.
"What they did in Memphis is beyond comprehension," he told SI.com "There should be a trade committee that can scratch all trades that make no sense. I just wish I had been on a trade committee that oversees NBA trades. I'd like to elect myself to that committee. I would have voted no to the L.A. trade."
Popovich was then told that Memphis General Manager Chris Wallace had challenged NBA executives to criticize the deal publicly instead of spreading unattributed opinions comparable to what Wallace called "pillow talk."
Said Popovich: "Well, there you go. I'm on the record."
After further review, the Lakers are leaning toward keeping DJ Mbenga in case Chris Mihm isn't ready to play after the All-Star break, a team source said.
Mihm has been sidelined since Dec. 23 because of bursitis in his right heel and a sore Achilles' tendon. He has been taking part in individual workouts with team trainers, but a definite return date has not been established. The Lakers would have to sign Mbenga for the rest of the season after the expiration of his second 10-day contract, probably for the prorated amount of the league minimum of $427,163.
TONIGHT
at Charlotte, 4 PST (5:30, Ch. 9)
Site -- Bobcats Arena.
Radio -- 570, 1330.
Records -- Lakers 33-17, Bobcats 18-33.
Record vs. Bobcats (2006-07) -- 0-2.
Update -- The Bobcats are on a six-game losing streak, but they have been dangerous against the Lakers in Charlotte, beating them in triple overtime last season, 133-124, and 112-102 two seasons ago.
mike.bresnahan@latimes.com
Straight from the pages of the L.A. Times...
LAKERS REPORT
Jackson weighs in on O'Neal trade, Parker
Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times
Jackson, right, who coached O'Neal for five seasons with the Lakers, added his thoughts to the trade viewed by many as a reaction to the Lakers' acquisition of Pau Gasol.
The Lakers coach says the shift to Phoenix could reinspire O'Neal. Jackson also talks frankly about Smush Parker's drawbacks.
MIAMI -- The Lakers breezed through Miami over the weekend, a city serving as a constant reminder of their recent past.
Even though Shaquille O'Neal was traded last week to Phoenix, there was still enough talk about him and former Lakers starter Smush Parker to keep the Miami relevancy streak alive.
Jackson, who coached O'Neal for five seasons with the Lakers, added his thoughts to the trade viewed by many as a reaction to the Lakers' acquisition of Pau Gasol.
"I can't imagine that [O'Neal] wanted to pick up and move again," Jackson said. "I don't think that fit into his scheme of the way he wanted to live his life. But I do think it will re-energize him. I think he has got something to prove again, and I think it could be good for him."
Why did Phoenix give up four-time All-Star Shawn Marion and take a chance on a soon-to-be 36-year-old with a long list of injury problems?
"They're willing to take that risk," Jackson said. "I guess if you've been in the position they've been in the last three years and you haven't gotten to the Finals, you have to wonder about your strategy."
O'Neal has not played since Jan. 21 because of a hip injury, but Jackson expected him to be in the lineup when the Lakers and Suns meet Feb. 20 in Phoenix.
Jackson also talked openly about Parker, who flamed out in his second season with the Lakers and signed a two-year, $4.7-million contract with Miami before this season. He played only nine games before being suspended indefinitely in November after an alleged altercation with a valet-parking attendant.
"I had hopes for Smush in my exit meeting with him last year, talked to him about trying to get himself motivated in a way that might be different than what he'd done in the past," Jackson said. "I just don't know what went wrong. I haven't stayed close enough to that situation.
"But Smush can get on the backside of an issue and make it worse, unfortunately. He was the kind of kid that if he got a bad call in a game, he might let it affect him for two minutes and then get a technical two minutes later because it would kind of burn, ignite and the ember wouldn't go away."
It has been 10 days since the Gasoltrade, but reactions are still trickling in. Count San Antonio Coach Gregg Popovich among those who disapproved of it.
"What they did in Memphis is beyond comprehension," he told SI.com "There should be a trade committee that can scratch all trades that make no sense. I just wish I had been on a trade committee that oversees NBA trades. I'd like to elect myself to that committee. I would have voted no to the L.A. trade."
Popovich was then told that Memphis General Manager Chris Wallace had challenged NBA executives to criticize the deal publicly instead of spreading unattributed opinions comparable to what Wallace called "pillow talk."
Said Popovich: "Well, there you go. I'm on the record."
After further review, the Lakers are leaning toward keeping DJ Mbenga in case Chris Mihm isn't ready to play after the All-Star break, a team source said.
Mihm has been sidelined since Dec. 23 because of bursitis in his right heel and a sore Achilles' tendon. He has been taking part in individual workouts with team trainers, but a definite return date has not been established. The Lakers would have to sign Mbenga for the rest of the season after the expiration of his second 10-day contract, probably for the prorated amount of the league minimum of $427,163.
TONIGHT
at Charlotte, 4 PST (5:30, Ch. 9)
Site -- Bobcats Arena.
Radio -- 570, 1330.
Records -- Lakers 33-17, Bobcats 18-33.
Record vs. Bobcats (2006-07) -- 0-2.
Update -- The Bobcats are on a six-game losing streak, but they have been dangerous against the Lakers in Charlotte, beating them in triple overtime last season, 133-124, and 112-102 two seasons ago.
mike.bresnahan@latimes.com
Saturday, February 02, 2008
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