Green: Historical & Startling

Boston Celtic Gerald Green is dunk monarch. Green concluded a spectacular Slam Dunk contest with a finals defeat of defending champion Nate Robinson. Green’s finale was a one handed jam, which began with leaping a table.

The aforesaid was merely Green’s encore. During the semi-finals, Green swapped his uniform for a Dee Brown replica jersey. Green then leaped, cleared Robinson, and imitated Brown’s blind dunk.

While Green was impressive, Orlando’s Dwight Howard was astonishing. For his semi-final throw down, Howard received a high bounce, leaped, and slammed, simultaneously slapping a sticker which bore his face. The dunk was both indulgent and miraculous.

Basketball Delight

On this epic sports day, college basketball was prominent. While I have refrained from regular season blogging, several contests were notable.

Vanderbilt ceased Florida’s seventeen-victory streak. The conquest was Vanderbilt’s seventh in nine contests. This win validated their NCAA tournament credentials. Despite their defeat, Florida remains the national championship standard.

UCLA scorched Arizona. UCLA is the Pacific Ten’s class. Their losses have been self-inflicted. When focused, they are impervious. Once, Arizona was an invincible home squad. This season, they have sustained five home defeats. Simply stated, Arizona is not a sweet sixteen team.

North Carolina subdued Boston College. North Carolina will win the ACC. However, they are sans championship quality. Boston College is overrated. They have consumed consecutive losses and will struggle in March.

In a vastly underrated skirmish, Pittsburgh slipped past Washington. Both troops are bruising and methodical. They are subtle as sledgehammers. Inconsistent low post presence has haunted Pittsburgh and Washington. Consistent low post will determine their fate.

Louisville mangled Marquette. Despite previous disorder, Louisville has peeked. They have recorded consecutive signature victories. They will be a difficult tournament opponent. Marquette is a disappointment. Their premature conference tournament exit would not be surprising.

In the afternoon’s finest clash, Memphis defeated Gonzaga in overtime. Gonzaga is inconsistent. While they have scored defining wins, they are sans superior talent. Memphis has been surprising. Given their potential seed, they possess tournament darling promise.

NBA Showcases Stars

NBA\WNBA\NBA Legend Shooting Skills: While George Gervin and Scottie Pippen were the attractions, Detroit’s trio garnered victory. Detroit’s triumph occurred when Chicago was disqualified for out of order shooting. Guard Chauncey Billups, WNBA Rookie of the Year Swin Cash, and former center Bill Laimbeer comprised the victors.

NBA Skills Challenge: Dwyane Wade recorded his second consecutive skills victory. His tasks included scoring twice, running the court, navigating simulated defenders, and a series of passes. Wade bested Kobe Bryant in the final.

Three-Point Shootout: During his UCLA tenure, Jason Kapono cultivated an offense over defense reputation. On Saturday, he utilized his skills and won the three-point shootout. Kapono, a former Cleveland Cavalier, defeated Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki in the finals.

Bracket Buster Live Blog

Bradley (18-10) at VCU (22-5)

Facing a one point intermission disadvantage, Bradley rushed VCU. Guards Jeremy Crouch and Daniel Ruffin starred. Crouch tallied twenty-two points. Ruffin tossed nineteen in the hoop.

In the final non-televised Bracket Buster, Wright State smoked Cal State-Fullerton 77-62.

Final Score: Bradley (73) VCU (64)

Shock Me Baldy

Britney Spears shaves head. Why?

Bracket Buster Live Blog

Utah State (19-7) at Oral Roberts (19-8)

Despite a 31-28 halftime disadvantage, Utah State responded for victory. Junior Jaycee Carroll was superior. For the contest, Carroll logged twenty-five points and eight rebounds.

FINAL SCORE: Utah State (71) Oral Roberts (65)

Bracket Buster Live Blog

Northern Iowa (16-11) at Nevada (23-2)

After granting Northern Iowa a 33-32 lead, Nevada sizzled in the second stanza. Junior Marcelus Kemp recorded 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Senior Nick Fazekas netted 17 points and 8 rebounds. Nevada has logged seven consecutive victories.

Meanwhile, Old Dominion defeated Toledo 73-70.

FINAL SCORE: Nevada (79) Northern Iowa (64)

Bracket Buster Live Blog

Austin Peay (18-7) at Akron (19-5)

After ascending to a 32-28 intermission advantage, Akron scorched Austin Peay. Jeremiah Wood keyed an 18-10 binge, which increased Akron’s lead into double digits. Wood concluded twenty-one minutes with fourteen points. Romeo Travis tallied twenty-one.

In a unique contest, Kent State defeated George Mason 68-62. In 2002, Kent State netted an Elite Eight appearance. Last season, George Mason, as an eleventh seed, advanced into the final four.

FINAL SCORE: Akron (74) Butler (57)

Bracket Buster Live Blog

Southern Illinois (22-5) at Butler (24-3)

Bracket Buster’s signature clash. After accruing a 30-25 halftime lead, Southern Illinois increased their advantage to 39-32. Their edge was then pushed to 45-35. With less than half of the second stanza remaining, Butler responded. AJ Graves and Pete Campbell keyed a 12-4 binge with triples. Mike Green then tallied to draw Butler within 54-52. After Jamaal Tatum ripped off four consecutive tallies, Wesley Clemmons increased Southern Illinois’ lead to 60-52. Butler answered with an 8-3 binge, which concluded with Green’s triple. However, Southern Illinois converted five of six free throws to garner the victory.

FINAL SCORE: Southern Illinois (68) Butler (64)

Bracket Buster Live Blog

Holy Cross (20-7) at Hofstra (19-8)

After Hofstra mounted a 37-32 intermission advantage, the combatants began the second half by splitting twenty markers. After Hofstra expanded their edge to 56-48, Holy Cross chalked up a 6-1 spurt. Methodically, Hofstra reestablished a 61-59 edge. Pat Doherty then responded with a triple. After a swap of scores, Holy Cross garnered possession with ten seconds remaining. Following a foul, Carlos Rivera tallied a pair of free throws to facilitate Hofsta’s victory.

FINAL SCORE: Hofstra (65) Holy Cross (64)

Bracket Buster Live Blog

Appalachian State (20-6) at Wichita State (17-10)

Following a combative first half, Wichita State led 28-27. After Phillip Thomasson’s three-point play increased this advantage to 45-41, Appalachian State responded with a 9-2 burst. Trailing 50-47, Wichita State scored an 8-3 rip. However, Demetrius Scott’s three-point play restored Appalachian State’s edge. With one half minute remaining, Kyle Wilson drained a triple to knot the clash. Appalachian State’s Williams then won the contest with a driving score.

FINAL SCORE: Appalachian State (60) Wichita State (58)

Cut or Curtail Discussion

On Friday, the House of Representatives passed a non-binding surge disapproval resolution 246-182. On Saturday, the Senate stalled their measure. Partisan bickering rapidly ensued.

These non-binding skirmishes are ridiculous. Democrats either cut funding or shut up.

Bracket Buster Live Blog

Albany (18-8) at Boise State (14-10)

An incredible clash. The quintessential Bracket Buster contest. Trailing 72-71, Albany’s Jason Siggers drilled a triple. The combatants then swapped buckets until Eric Lane reinstated Boise State’s one point edge. Jamar Wilson answered with a score and free throw, which placed Albany ahead. However, Anthony Thomas dropped a three and returned the favor. Albany then failed to convert three potential winners.

FINAL SCORE: Boise State (83) Albany (82)

Second Year’s Are Money

On Friday, NBA Sophomores defeated rookies 155-114. David Lee enjoyed a perfect evening. He made fourteen shots, tallied thirty points, and garnered MVP. Monta Ellis scored twenty-eight. Chris Paul tallied fifteen points and dished seventeen assists. The contest was a highlight film. The sophomores validated the assertion that 2006 was a terrible draft.

Bracket Buster Live Blog

Winthrop (22-4) at Missouri State (19-9)

Utilizing a 25-13 burst, Winthrop discarded a one-point halftime deficit. Junior Michael Jenkins was extremely impressive. Jenkins drilled seven of twelve treys, concluding his thirty-eight minutes with 25 points. Winthrop was exciting. They deserve the Big South Conference’s best NCAA seed.

FINAL SCORE: Winthrop (77) Missouri Sate (66)

Asinine Idol

Simply stated, the male semi-finalists are peculiar. Potentially, they are the worst collection in American Idol’s history. Rudy Cardenas, Sanjaya Malakar, and Paul Kim have odd appearances. Sundance Head and Chris Sligh are truly ugly. Phil Stacey and AJ Tabaldo are pre-performance favorites. However, this lot has no stars.

The women’s ranks are also destitute. Lakisha Jones, Stephanie Edwards, Sabrina Sloan, and Melinda Doolittle are revolting. Idol cannot advance past their unattractive or obese diva fetish. Nicole Tranquillo and Haley Scarnato are the soul muffins. Overall, this compilation is reprehensible.

Finally, an example of Idol’s absurdity. This week, the show dismissed Robyn Troup. On Sunday, Troup performed with Justin Timberlake at the Grammy’s. Troup is both adorable and a lovely singer. She is a pop idol’s embodiment. Yet, Idol rejected her.

Simon, Paula, Randy… you’re pathetic!

Actions Soar Above Sport

This week, Andy Reid announced a leave of absence. Despite impending free agency and NFL Draft preparation, the Philadelphia Eagles recognized Reid’s true priorities.

There are organizations who would have dismissed Reid. There are franchises who would have deemed his son’s behavior unacceptable. Thankfully, the Eagles did not. For comprehending reality, the Eagles should be applauded.

Waltrip Deserves Nothing

Michael Waltrip Racing cheated. His employees violated rules. NASCAR confiscated his primary ride. They also severely punished his organization. Facing bleak and self-induced circumstances, Waltrip raced a borrowed, secondary machine into the Daytona 500. Waltrip’s success was labeled exceptional and remarkable. These are incorrect adjectives. Waltrip is a rogue. He is an offender who was caught. Let us not celebrate him.

On Wednesday, jet fuel was discovered within an intake manifold. For this violation, Waltrip was penalized one hundred championship points and fined one hundred thousand dollars. Crew Chief David Hyder and Team Director Bobby Kennedy were suspended indefinitely. Hyder was sacrificed via firing.

On Thursday, Waltrip started duel one last. After tangling with Dale Earnhardt Jr., Waltrip resurrected his chances. He matriculated toward a transfer position. On the final lap, he earned a coveted Sunday place. He will begin the Daytona 500 in fifteenth.

Personally, I believe Waltrip’s penalties were warranted. Miniscule fines and obligatory field placement are insufficient. NASCAR’s reprimands must hurt. They must instigate reflection. They must serve as a castigating example. Violations may never cease. With that stated, severe consequences will restrict them.

On Sunday, Waltrip will race. His organization’s actions were heinous. Their penalties were deserved. The merits of their start are interpretable. Opinions are now irrelevant. Waltrip may win, wreck, or wretchedly perform. Wherever his finish, let us refrain from endowing the result with undeserved significance.

There Exists Justice

On Wednesday, attorney Troy Ellerman admitted leaking BALCO case grand jury testimony. His plea bargain negates Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada’s eighteen month prison setence.

This development is momentous. This lawbreaker deserves punishment. Not those responsible for a truthful and critical story.

What Should We Expect?

Tim Hardaway: "You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known. I don't like gay people and I don't like to be around gay people. I am homophobic. I don't like it. It shouldn't be in the world or in the United States."

Sports are stereotypical. Ignoring pain and injury is masculine. Bruised and victorious combatants are warriors. Anticipated, vital contests are battles and wars. The locker room is a sanctuary. Simply stated, sports are not enlightened. They are a simplistic domain; exempt from progress.

This may be the twenty-first century. However, sports objectives remain unaltered. Home runs occur with distance. Tackles are violent. Jump shots are metaphorical bragging. Culture has transformed. Sport may never. Thus, Hardaway’s vitriol was disturbing, yet expected.

US: Child’s Nightmare?

United States, Britain worst nations for children?

Ask Bangladesh’s children about America.

Beating the Belligerence

Will Duke miss the NCAA tournament? For forty-eight hours, experts frantically discussed the impossible. On Wednesday, Duke dusted twenty-first rated Boston College 78-70.

Experts, they are Duke. They are young. This is February.

Shut-up!

Master Coughlin?

Tiki Barber: "Coach Coughlin is very hard-nosed, and I didn't get a lot of time off, couldn't sit down and rest myself, and so it was a constant grind -- a physical grind on me that started to take its toll. The grind took its toll on me and really forced me to start thinking about what I wanted to do next. And that's not a bad thing. That's a good thing, for me at least. Maybe not for the Giants, because they lose one of their great players, but for me, it is."

"There'd be days where I couldn't move on Tuesday or Wednesday at practice, and he'd get mad at me for going half-speed. And I told him, 'Coach, I can't do it. I'm gonna be out here, I'm never gonna miss a practice, but I can't give you what you want all the time.' And he understood. We were in full pads for 17 weeks, and with the amount of injuries that we had, it just takes a toll on you. You just physically don't want to be out there when your body feels the way you do in full pads. And while it probably doesn't have a really detrimental effect on how you practice or how you play, it does on your mind. And if you lose your mind in this game, you lose a lot. And that's something that [Coughlin] has to realize. And I think he does [now].

Barber’s comments concerning Coughlin are disconcerting. Last season, Coughlin’s “institutional control” was questioned. Given this portrait, the alarm was warranted. The unspoken is are there Giants with concurring opinions?

Lightning Boneheads

A.J. Smith is a moron. Dean Spanos is a blockhead. The San Diego Chargers are a wretched organization. The reasons their draft selection is annually top five are painfully evident. Personally, I hope their ensuing decade is losing and miserable.

Following a 14-2 season, Spanos fired Marty Schottenheimer. Spanos’ reasons included Schottenheimer and Smith’s adversarial relationship, as well as Schottenheimer’s non-retention of assistant coaches and desire to employ his brother. Spanos’ decision was erroneous. He has done a disservice to his fans. He has validated their doubt concerning his ownership acumen.

Smith should have been terminated. Schottenheimer attempted to mend their relationship. Smith refused discussion. Franchise management requires maturity. Obviously, Smith is infantile. He is an unproven executive. Schottenheimer is a Hall of Fame leader. Schottenheimer’s dismissal and Smith’s retention is a tragic.

Since 1970, the Chargers have recorded ten winning seasons. Schottenheimer led three. Retribution should visit San Diego. This firing was shocking, unexpected, and wrong. For this, Smith and Spanos deserve infinite suffering.

Media Mogul’s Rein Memorable

An era has ended. Ted Turner resurrected the Atlanta Braves. He cultivated their national fan base. He instituted their tomahawk chop. He oversaw fourteen consecutive division championships, four National League championships, and one World Series. On Monday, Turner sold the Braves to Liberty Media.

John Schuerholz and Bobby Cox will remain. Ultimately, the Braves may win. However, Turner has departed. There were reasons America abhorred the controversial southern owner. Those reasons endeared him to Atlanta.

Love Is Stupid

This week launched with another revelation. Audrina disclosed Spencer bought her flowers and yogurt hours after nailing Heidi. Heidi spent dinner disparaging Spencer. She pledged a one-week abstinence. Lauren teamed with Teen Vogue’s New York intern. After completing their joint project, Emily alone received a dinner invitation. Despite her statements, Heidi and Spencer reunited.

Previously, these four words commenced a question. Given Heidi’s decision, I am restating them as an exclamation. Heidi, you ignorant slut!

Worth A Read

Six Meat Buffet

Conservative philosophy with a humorous slant. Caricatures include Code Pinko, the Islamic Extremists Rage-ometer, and Projecte Quel Dommage.

What Might Have Been

Charlie Norwood
(1941-2007)

Choice Peacock

On Tuesday, Tiki Barber chose employment with NBC. Simply stated, Barber’s decision was surprising. One must question why disregarded FOX.

Words Worth Inquiry

Australian Prime Minister John Howard: "I think that will just encourage those who want to completely destabilize and destroy Iraq, and create chaos and a victory for the terrorists to hang on and hope for an Obama victory. If I were running al Qaeda in Iraq, I would put a circle around March 2008 and be praying as many times as possible for a victory, not only for Obama but also for the Democrats."

Prime Minister Howard’s comments are intriguing. World leaders never comment on elections. Therefore, Howard’s unbridled Obama criticism stirred headlines. Personally, I have no comment concerning Howard’s substance. However, I have many questions concerning his motivation.

Grammy Best & Bashed

Classiest Moment: James Brown tribute. Simply elegant.

AWARDS

Record of the Year
Prediction: Put Your Records On: Corinne Bailey Rae
Winner: Not Ready To Make Nice: Dixie Chicks
(Recent winners included Alicia Keyes and Norah Jones. Given this, Dixie Chicks win was surprising.)

Album Of The Year
Prediction: Continuum: John Mayer
Winner: Taking The Long Way: Dixie Chicks
(The most unexpected of their quintet.)

Song Of The Year
Prediction: Be Without You: Mary J. Blige
Winner: Not Ready To Make Nice: Dixie Chicks
(The worst song wins. Anyone was more deserving.)

Best New Artist
Prediction: James Blunt
Winner: Carrie Underwood
(This was undeserved. During her acceptance, she thanked Nineteen Management. Their goal was pop star creation. They have failed miserably.)

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals
Prediction: One: Mary J. Blige & U2
Winner: For Once In My Life: Tony Bennett & Stevie Wonder
(This evening’s most shocking.)

Best Pop Vocal Album
Prediction: Back To Basics: Christina Aguilera
Winner: For Once In My Life: Continuum: John Mayer
(There was no incorrect choice. One of the evening’s deepest categories.)

Best Rock Album
Prediction: Stadium Arcadium: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Winner: Stadium Arcadium: Red Hot Chili Peppers
(Completely deserved.)

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Prediction: Be Without You: Mary J. Blige
Winner: Be Without You: Mary J. Blige
(Her peaks and valleys speech was inspiring.)

Best R&B Album
Prediction: The Breakthrough: Mary J. Blige
Winner: The Breakthrough: Mary J. Blige
(Her songs and story are amazing. One must feel good for her.)

Best Rap Album
Prediction: Game Theory: The Roots
Winner: Release Therapy: Ludicrous
(Obligatorily mocks Oprah and Bill O’Reilly. Classlessness was predictable.)

Best Country Album
Prediction: Taking The Long Way: Dixie Chicks
Winner: Taking The Long Way: Dixie Chicks
(Natalie Maines quotes the Simpson’s. Despite victory, she remains immature.)

PERFORMANCES
(Rating scale between one lowest and ten highest)

Beyonce (10)
(Her spotlight performance sparkled. Her look was flawless.)

Corinne Bailey Rae\John Mayer\John Legend (10)
(Rae’s song selection was surprising. However, “Like a Star” and “Put Your Records On” are virtually equal. Mayer’s choice was inspired. The trio was magnificent. Their support singing was special.)

Justin Timberlake (10)
(Evening’s most unique. Piano showcased his musical prowess.)

Justin Timberlake\Robyn Troup (10)
(“Sunshine” was an inspired choice. Troup was sound. However, American Idol should not displace professionalism.)

Mary J. Blige (10)
(Her performance hit the appropriate notes. She was understated and classic.)

Red Hot Chili Peppers (10)
(Subdued song was perfect punctuation. The snow was dazzling.)

Smokey Robinson\Lionel Ritchie\Chris Brown\Christina Aguilera (9)
(Robinson and Ritchie were marvelous. Brown’s “Stomp the Yard” entrance was unique. His performance was terrific. Aguilera threw her body into “It’s A Man’s World.” However, her performance was excellent.)

The Police (9)
(Remarkable performance. Tour should be incredible.)

James Blunt (8)
(Simple performance complimented this stunning songwriter.)

Wyclef Jean\Shakira (8)
(Performed with soul and energy. The live combination exceeded expectations.)

Mary\Mary J. Blige (7)
(Their vocals were fantastic. The contrast between their dress and subject matter was gargantuan.)

Dixie Chicks (6)
(Performance was respectable. However, someone remind Maines white is a non-slimming color.)

Carrie Underwood & Rascal Flatts (1)
(Underwood’s “San Antonio Rose” was acceptable. Rascal Flatts “Hotel California” was exceptional. With that stated, “Desperado” failed to translate. Underwood was terrible. Their combined “Life in the Fast Lane” was horrific. The song was ruined with fiddle. “Lines on the mirror, lines on her face” was not believable from country artists.)

Gnarls Barkley (1)
(Evening’s co-worst performance. Their song was overdone and percussion drowned. The slower rhythm was an abomination.)

The Big Five

For reasons good and bad… they were the news.

The Hot Five

A quintet of sizzling conversation starters.

Grammy Predictions

Record Of The Year

Be Without You: Mary J. Blige

You're Beautiful: James Blunt

Not Ready To Make Nice: Dixie Chicks

Crazy: Gnarls Barkley

Put Your Records On: Corinne Bailey Rae

PREDICTION: Put Your Records On: Corinne Bailey Rae

Album Of The Year

Taking The Long Way: Dixie Chicks

St. Elsewhere: Gnarls Barkley

Continuum: John Mayer

Stadium Arcadium: Red Hot Chili Peppers

FutureSex/LoveSounds: Justin Timberlake

PREDICTION: Continuum: John Mayer

Song Of The Year

Be Without You: Mary J. Blige

Jesus, Take The Wheel: Carrie Underwood

Not Ready To Make Nice: Dixie Chicks

Put Your Records On: Corinne Bailey Rae

You're Beautiful: James Blunt

PREDICTION: Be Without You: Mary J. Blige

Best New Artist

James Blunt

Chris Brown

Imogen Heap

Corinne Bailey Rae

Carrie Underwood

PREDICTION: James Blunt

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals

For Once In My Life: Tony Bennett & Stevie Wonder

One: Mary J. Blige & U2

Always On Your Side: Sheryl Crow & Sting

Promiscuous: Nelly Furtado & Timbaland

Hips Don't Lie: Shakira & Wyclef Jean

PREDICTION: One: Mary J. Blige & U2

Best Pop Vocal Album

Back To Basics: Christina Aguilera

Back To Bedlam: James Blunt

The River In Reverse: Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint

Continuum: John Mayer

FutureSex/LoveSounds: Justin Timberlake

PREDICTION: Back To Basics: Christina Aguilera

Best Rock Album

Try!: John Mayer Trio

Highway Companion: Tom Petty

Broken Boy Soldiers: The Raconteurs

Stadium Arcadium: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Living With War: Neil Young

PREDICTION: Stadium Arcadium: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance

Ring The Alarm: Beyoncé

Be Without You: Mary J. Blige

Don't Forget About Us: Mariah Carey

Day Dreaming: Natalie Cole

I Am Not My Hair: India.Arie

PREDICTION: Be Without You: Mary J. Blige

Best R&B Album

The Breakthrough: Mary J. Blige

Unpredictable: Jamie Foxx

Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship: India.Arie

3121: Prince

Coming Home: Lionel Richie

PREDICTION: The Breakthrough: Mary J. Blige

Best Rap Album

Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor: Lupe Fiasco

Release Therapy: Ludacris

In My Mind: Pharrell

Game Theory: The Roots

King: T.I.

PREDICTION: Game Theory: The Roots

Best Country Album

Taking The Long Way: Dixie Chicks

Like Red On A Rose: Alan Jackson

The Road To Here: Little Big Town

You Don't Know Me: The Songs Of Cindy Walker: Willie Nelson

Your Man: Josh Turner

PREDICTION: Taking The Long Way: Dixie Chicks

Line of the Morning

Senator Trent Lott (R-MS)

“We're concerned about things that Iran has been doing and that their president has been saying, and these devices are very dangerous. We have indications, perhaps, they are coming from Iran...we should take actions to try to stop them. You do that by interdiction... You don't do it by invasion.”

Obama Announces, Transcends Candidacy

On Saturday, Barack Obama declared his candidacy. Announcement events are canned. They are controlled, confined, and inhibited. Party activists and diehard partisans sparsely attend them. Amidst frigid temperatures, fifteen thousand crowded Obama’s event.

Simply stated, Obama is electric. His presence is the most dynamic in four decades. He possesses the soaring rhetoric of John Kennedy. He relates to the masses akin to Robert Kennedy. He displays Bill Clinton’s transformational quality. His brilliance cannot be overstated. Obama is a hopeful beacon in an acerbic generation.

Obama’s announcement featured policy sans detail. He also addressed his limited experience and secondary status. He was not auditioning for a nomination. He was honing a campaign for America. The speech showcased the realism of an underdog, the gravity of a leader, and the dreams of all people. Below are highlights:

* We all made this journey for a reason. It's humbling, but in my heart I know you didn't come here just for me, you came here because you believe in what this country can be. In the face of war, you believe there can be peace. In the face of despair, you believe there can be hope. In the face of a politics that's shut you out, that's told you to settle, that's divided us for too long, you believe we can be one people, reaching for what's possible, building that more perfect union.

* My work took me to some of Chicago's poorest neighborhoods. I joined with pastors and lay-people to deal with communities that had been ravaged by plant closings. I saw that the problems people faced weren't simply local in nature - that the decision to close a steel mill was made by distant executives; that the lack of textbooks and computers in schools could be traced to the skewed priorities of politicians a thousand miles away; and that when a child turns to violence, there's a hole in his heart no government could ever fill. It was in these neighborhoods that I received the best education I ever had, and where I learned the true meaning of my Christian faith.

* It was here, in Springfield, where North, South, East and West come together that I was reminded of the essential decency of the American people - where I came to believe that through this decency, we can build a more hopeful America. And that is why, in the shadow of the Old State Capitol, where Lincoln once called on a divided house to stand together, where common hopes and common dreams still, I stand before you today to announce my candidacy for President of the United States. I recognize there is a certain presumptuousness - a certain audacity - to this announcement. I know I haven't spent a lot of time learning the ways of Washington. But I've been there long enough to know that the ways of Washington must change.

* For the last six years we've been told that our mounting debts don't matter, we've been told that the anxiety Americans feel about rising health care costs and stagnant wages are an illusion, we've been told that climate change is a hoax, and that tough talk and an ill-conceived war can replace diplomacy, and strategy, and foresight. And when all else fails, when Katrina happens, or the death toll in Iraq mounts, we've been told that our crises are somebody else's fault. We're distracted from our real failures, and told to blame the other party, or gay people, or immigrants. And as people have looked away in disillusionment and frustration, we know what's filled the void. The cynics, and the lobbyists, and the special interests who've turned our government into a game only they can afford to play. They write the checks and you get stuck with the bills, they get the access while you get to write a letter, they think they own this government, but we're here today to take it back. The time for that politics is over. It's time to turn the page.

* Let's be the generation that finally frees America from the tyranny of oil. We can harness homegrown, alternative fuels like ethanol and spur the production of more fuel-efficient cars. We can set up a system for capping greenhouse gases. We can turn this crisis of global warming into a moment of opportunity for innovation, and job creation, and an incentive for businesses that will serve as a model for the world. Let's be the generation that makes future generations proud of what we did here.

* By ourselves, this change will not happen. Divided, we are bound to fail. But the life of a tall, gangly, self-made Springfield lawyer tells us that a different future is possible. He tells us that there is power in words. He tells us that there is power in conviction. That beneath all the differences of race and region, faith and station, we are one people. He tells us that there is power in hope. As Lincoln organized the forces arrayed against slavery, he was heard to say: "Of strange, discordant, and even hostile elements, we gathered from the four winds, and formed and fought to battle through."

* And if you will join me in this improbable quest, if you feel destiny calling, and see as I see, a future of endless possibility stretching before us; if you sense, as I sense, that the time is now to shake off our slumber, and slough off our fear, and make good on the debt we owe past and future generations, then I'm ready to take up the cause, and march with you, and work with you. Together, starting today, let us finish the work that needs to be done, and usher in a new birth of freedom on this Earth.

NASCAR: It’s the Thrill

They have returned. Shedding hibernation, they thundered in furious cacophony. They sparkled as steel diamonds. They are billion dollar chariots. Their masters are beloved and despised. Their emblems and manufactures are patronized and scorned. Their futures are excited and fleeting.

NASCAR has returned. The sport is thrilling, exhilarating, and breathtaking. NASCAR is intricate and sophisticated. NASCAR is also protracted and tedious. With that stated, the sport is unparalleled. The sport accelerates one’s heart and enlivens one’s passion. The sport compels an unrivaled tension.

Pro Bowl Blow

On Saturday, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees dislocated his elbow. The injury occurred on a first quarter throw. Brees’ incapacitation would be catastrophic. I hope he completely recovers.

Worth A Read

Draft Daddy

News, rankings, e-mail correspondence… Mel Kiper sans the annoying cadence.