Grammy Best & Bashed

AWARDS

Record Of The Year
Prediction: Rehab: Amy Winehouse
Winner: Rehab: Amy Winehouse
(Finally, she speaks. She appears overwhelmed. Her dedications are poignant. She may have problems. Yet, she remains a daughter and sister.)

Album Of The Year
Prediction: Graduation: Kanye West
Winner: Rehab: River: The Joni Letters: Herbie Hancock
(Given West and Winehouse’s presence, this selection is stunning. Hancock’s speech is excellent. Despite the Grammy’s, Hancock properly acknowledges the moment.)

Song Of The Year
Prediction: Rehab: Amy Winehouse
Winner: Rehab: Amy Winehouse
(Another silent acceptance. This is unfortunate.)

Best New Artist
Prediction: Amy Winehouse
Winner: Amy Winehouse
(She could not secure a flight? Her speech would have been intriguing.)

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
Prediction: Big Girls Don't Cry: Fergie
Winner: Rehab: Amy Winehouse
(Loaded category. With that stated, Winehouse owns this evening.)

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
Prediction: What Goes Around...Comes Around: Justin Timberlake
Winner: What Goes Around...Comes Around: Justin Timberlake
(Appropriate choice. Timberlake ruled 2007.)

Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
Prediction: Window In The Skies: U2
Winner: Makes Me Wonder: Maroon 5
(Excellent choice. Their sound is amongst music’s boldest.)

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals
Prediction: Steppin' Out: Tony Bennett & Christina Aguilera
Winner: Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On): Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
(Given the competition, this selection was shocking.)

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
Prediction: It's Not Over: Daughtry
Winner: Icky Thump: The White Stripes
(For Daughtry, a dreadful evening.)

Best Rock Album
Prediction: Daughtry: Daughtry
Winner: Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace: Foo Fighters
(Intriguing choice. Obviously, they were deserving. Their speech was subdued. They seemed surprised.)

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Prediction: No One: Alicia Keys
Winner: No One: Alicia Keys
(Gorgeous artist. Gracious speech. Keys is elegant.)

Best Male R&B Vocal Performance
Prediction: Future Baby Mama: Prince
Winner: Future Baby Mama: Prince
(Simply stated, Prince is iconic.)

Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
Prediction: Hate That I Love You: Rihanna Featuring Ne-Yo
Winner: Disrespectful: Chaka Khan Featuring Mary J. Blige
(Slightly shocking choice. However, Blige warranted a victory.)

Best R&B Song
Prediction: No One: Alicia Keys
Winner: No One: Alicia Keys
(Amidst Winehouse’s headlines, Keys remains superb.)

Best R&B Album
Prediction: Luvanmusiq: Musiq Soulchild
Winner: Funk This: Chaka Khan
(Chaka Khan is brilliant.)

Best Rap Solo Performance
Prediction: Stronger: Kanye West
Winner: Stronger: Kanye West
(An exceptional song. Disregard Fifty and Jay-Z. West owns rap.)

Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group
Prediction: Southside: Common Featuring Kanye West
Winner: Southside: Common Featuring Kanye West
(Amidst Good Life and Stronger, this song was forgotten. This victory was deserved.)

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
Prediction: Good Life: Kanye West Featuring T-Pain
Winner: Umbrella: Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z
(Rihanna is deserving. She is adorable. Her speech reflects the aforesaid.)

Best Rap Song
Prediction: Good Life: Kanye West Featuring T-Pain
Winner: Good Life: Kanye West Featuring T-Pain
(Finally, Good Life receives recognition. This song deserves airplay.)

Best Rap Album
Prediction: Graduation: Kanye West
Winner: Graduation: Kanye West
(His speech is scattered. His emotion is visible. Concerning his mother, his words are poignant. She is proud. Concerning the music, he is correct. The scheduling is ridiculous.)

Best Female Country Vocal Performance
Prediction: Before He Cheats: Carrie Underwood
Winner: Before He Cheats: Carrie Underwood
(Predictable. Before He Cheats attainted anthem status.)

Best Male Country Vocal Performance
Prediction: If You're Reading This: Tim McGraw
Winner: Stupid Boy: Keith Urban
(Incredible victory. Officially, Urban has recovered.)

Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
Prediction: How Long: Eagles
Winner: How Long: Eagles
(Simply stated, the Eagles are timeless.)

Best Country Song
Prediction: Before He Cheats: Carrie Underwood
Winner: Before He Cheats: Carrie Underwood
(The Academy loves Underwood.)

Best Country Album
Prediction: It Just Comes Natural: George Strait
Winner: These Days: Vince Gill
(Excellent choice. Gill’s speech is inspiring. Music is a democracy.)

PERFORMANCES
(Rating scale between one lowest and ten highest)

Alicia Keys\Frank Sinatra (10)
(The video duet is elegant. Perfectly, Keys compliments Sinatra. She is enchanting and rhythmic. Excellent opening performance.)

Alicia Keys\John Mayer (10)
(Her Super Bowl performance was amazing. Tonight is superior. Keys is expressive, soulful, and spectacular. Mayer’s guitar is inspired. Their combination is magnificent.)

Andrea_Bocelli\Josh Groban (10)
(This evening’s most poignant.)

Beatles Tribute (10)
(Amazing. The song selection is excellent. Let it Be strikes a remarkable chord.)

Kanye West (10)
(Glowing glasses. Scorching fire. West’s performance is stunning. His mother tribute is both beautiful and passionate. His emotion is poignant.)

Fergie\John Legend (9)
(Normally, Fergie is overstated. Tonight, she is graceful. Legend’s piano is also excellent.)

Rihanna\The Times (9)
(The artists pair perfectly. Both songs are unique. Rihanna’s performance is excellent. The purple dress. The shimmering umbrellas. Visually magnificent.)

Amy Winehouse (8)
(This evening’s most anticipated. Her dancing is peculiar. Her vocals are scattered. However, “Rehab” saves the performance. Winehouse is defiant. She is rebellious. She personifies artist.)

Foo Fighters (8)
(The rock-instrumental mix is inspiring. The sound is extraordinary. The Foo Fighters are also excellent.)

Carrie Underwood (7)
(The backdrop is random. Stomp the Yard? The clanging overshadows the performance. Underwood’s appearance is amazing. Was Tony Romo insane?)

Jerry Lee Lewis\John Fogerty\Little Richard (7)
(Obviously, they have aged. Yet, they can still rock. Lewis was unsettled. Little Richard was forced. However, Fogarty was excellent. His energy carried the performance.)

Soul Tribute (7)
(The selection is slightly random. However, Aretha Franklin is magnificent. Stoically, she commands the performance. She elevates the moment.)

Brad Paisley (6)
(Satisfactory performance. Check you for ticks? Seriously? Country fans are different. Paisley’s guitar is excellent.)

Beyonce\Tina Turner (4)
(Beyonce’s introduction is spectacular. Unfortunately, Turner is terrible. Her voice is scratchy. She is akin to a wounded animal. “Proud Mary” is acceptable. Their choreography is questionable. However, Beyonce saves Turner.)

Feist (3)
(The single guitar was a horrific choice. “1234” has energy. The selection has passion. Unfortunately, neither were present.)

Bud Without… Earnhardt Has Grown

His appearance is dissimilar. His focus has narrowed. He has renounced celebrity, notoriety, and recognition. He has surrendered fame and fortune. His lone desire? A championship. The ordinary jewelry which separates icons and nonentities.

On Saturday, Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Budweiser Shootout. Earnhardt edged Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Reed Sorenson, and Casey Mears. “I'm pretty happy. I mean, it's hard to beat Dale Jr.,” Stewart said. “I mean, he's one of the best restrictor-plate drivers there's ever been. He learned a lot from his dad, and I'm not sure he's not better than his dad in all honesty.”

Dale Earnhardt amassed 7 championships, 76 victories, and 428 top ten finishes. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has only 17 victories and 121 top ten finishes. He is not his father. However, he has matured. Clearly, the populist rock star has new ambitions.

Snyder’s Folly

On Sunday, the Washington Redskins hired Seattle Seahawks Quarterback Coach Jim Zorn. According to Zorn, his employment is surprising. “I was a bit taken back, if you will,” Zorn said. “I wasn't speechless, because my first words were: 'Certainly, I'd like to do that.' It was a bit shocking. After that I got my game face on and tried to get after it.”

On January 27, the Redskins fired Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams. I applauded Owner Daniel Snyder. Clearly, he did not desire a career assistant. On Saturday, Snyder hired a career assistant. Once again, he showcased his stupidity.

Obama, Huckabee Sweep Saturday

Voters are not mechanical. They are not mindless. They do not desire instructions. They will not recognize inevitability. They will conclude the Democratic and Republican contests.

On Saturday, Senator Barack Obama won Louisiana, Nebraska, Washington, and the United States Virgin Islands. Simultaneously, Governor Mike Huckabee won Kansas and Louisiana. Senator John McCain won Washington.

Amidst his victories, Obama stated the obvious. “In this election - at this moment - Americans are standing up all across the country to say, not this time,” he said. “Not this year. The stakes are too high and the challenges too great to play the same Washington game with the same Washington players and expect a different result. And today, voters from the West Coast to the Gulf Coast to the heart of America stood up to say that it is time to turn the page. We won Louisiana, and Nebraska, and the state of Washington, and I believe that we can win in Virginia on Tuesday if you're ready to stand for change.”

Conversely, Huckabee discussed the campaign. “I'm delighted that the good people of Kansas honored me with their vote,” said Huckabee. “They, like people in the other 26 states who were not a part of Super Tuesday, deserve to have their voice heard -- and I am grateful for their support.”

Paraphrasing Amy Winehouse… Pundits made their decision. Voters said, “No, no, no.”

Super Tuesday Showcases America, Solves Nothing

Twenty-four states participated. Hollywood cast ballots. Madison Avenue deliberated. Centennial Olympic Park examined exits. Mount Rushmore studied their successors. America’s democracy was stunning. Unfortunately, regions, states, and territories were not decisive.

On Super Tuesday, Senator Barack Obama won Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, and Utah. Senator Hillary Clinton won American Samoa, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Tennessee. New Mexico remains undecided.

For the Republicans, Senator John McCain won Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Missouri, New York, New Jersey, and Oklahoma. Governor Mitt Romney won Alaska, Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Utah. Governor Mike Huckabee won Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

Amidst his victories, Obama was reflective. “Only a few hundred miles from here, almost one year ago to the day, we stood on the steps of the old state capitol to reaffirm a truth that was spoken there so many generations ago, that a house divided cannot stand, that we are more than a collection of red states and blue states. We are and always will be the United States of America,” Obama said. “What began as a whisper in Springfield soon carried across the cornfields of Iowa, where farmers and factory workers, students and seniors stood up in numbers we have never seen before. They stood up to say that maybe this year we don't have to settle for politics where scoring points is more important than solving problems. Maybe this year we can finally start doing something about health care we can't afford. Maybe this year we can start doing something about mortgages we can't pay. Maybe this year, this time can be different.”

Meanwhile, Clinton was focused. “Together, we're going to take back America, because I see an America where our economy works for everyone, not just those at the top, where prosperity is shared and we create good jobs that stay right here in America,” she said. “I see an America where we stand up to the oil companies and the oil-producing countries, where we launch a clean energy revolution and finally confront the climate crisis. I see an America where we don't just provide health care for some people or most people, but for every single man, woman and child, that no one is left out. I see an America where, when a young man or a woman signs up to serve our country, we sign up to serve them, too. An America with a 21st century GI Bill of Rights to help veterans go to college, buy a home or start their own businesses. I see an America respected around the world again that reaches out to our allies and confronts our shared challenges from global terrorism to global warming to global epidemic. That's the America I see and that's the America we will build together.”

During his remarks, McCain was philosophical. “It's wonderful to be home tonight among so many of our friends to celebrate this night,” he said. “You know, I was over 40 years old before I could claim a hometown, and I can't express how fortunate I feel to have found a home in this beautiful state that has come to mean so much to me. You know, I am, as is often reported, a little superstitious. So I don't want to make any exaggerated predictions and there's still a long road ahead. However, I think it's fair to say that we might have come a little bit closer to today to the day when mothers in Arizona might be able to tell their children that someday they could grow up to be president of the United States.”

Romney was visionary. “You see, those that brought this to us paid a very heavy price to buy our peace,” he said. “They built a strong military who was, without question, the most capable in the world. They built a strong economy that surpassed anybody's in the world. And they also gave to us values that are enduring, like believing in hard work and education, and willing to sacrifice for the future, and love our families, and love of our faith, and love of our country. And because of these great values and this great economy and our great military, we've emerged as the greatest nation on Earth. And now it's our turn to decide what we're going to give to our kids and to their kids.”

Huckabee was ecstatic. “Ladies and Gentlemen, tonight I believe that one of the things you're saying across the nation is that people are saying the conservatives do have a choice because the conservatives have a voice,” he said. “And tonight, they're getting a chance to express that. And from here, they'll get to continue expressing that choice and that voice.”

Concerning Scattered Tuesday, Linkin Park’s words are appropriate. The shadow of the day, will embrace the world in gray…And the sun will set for you...

Lipstick Jungle: Latest NBC Joke

NBC is a train wreck. Their cancellations are brainless. Their current pets are unwatchable. Their reality collection is bizarre. Once, NBC boasted Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Hill Street Blues, LA Law, Seinfeld, and St. Elsewhere. Today, they broadcast 30 Rock, American Gladiators, Biggest Loser: Couples, Chuck, Journeyman, Medium, and My Name is Earl.

On Thursday, I viewed “Lipstick Jungle.” The endeavor is horrific. The dialogue is puerile. The drama is contrived and haphazard. The estrogen is infuriating. Lipstick Jungle achieved the improbable. They made three gorgeous talents intolerable.

Brooke Shields (Wendy Healy) is apocryphal. Kim Raver (Nico Reilly) is compromised. Lindsay Price (Victory Ford) is insipid. Simply stated, Candace Bushnell’s second adaptation is horrendous. Sans Darren Star, her and television are incompatible.

Line of the Morning

Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AR)

“I'm not interested in being a running mate. I would have run for vice president. I would have signed up with one of the guys I thought was going to win and tried to ingratiate myself if that's what I wanted. I'm not going to be asked. I think it's pretty evident that there would be a whole lot of people on the list long, long before me, and one of them would say 'yes.”

Grammy Predictions

Record Of The Year

Irreplaceable: Beyoncé
The Pretender: Foo Fighters
Umbrella: Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z
What Goes Around…Comes Around: Justin Timberlake
Rehab: Amy Winehouse

PREDICTION: Rehab: Amy Winehouse

Album Of The Year

Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace: Foo Fighters
These Days: Vince Gill
River: The Joni Letters: Herbie Hancock
Graduation: Kanye West
Back To Black: Amy Winehouse

PREDICTION: Graduation: Kanye West

Song Of The Year

Before He Cheats: Carrie Underwood
Hey There Delilah: Plain White T’s
Like A Star: Corinne Bailey Rae
Rehab: Amy Winehouse
Umbrella: Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z

PREDICTION: Rehab: Amy Winehouse

Best New Artist

Feist
Ledisi
Paramore
Taylor Swift
Amy Winehouse

PREDICTION: Amy Winehouse

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance

Candyman: Christina Aguilera
1234: Feist
Big Girls Don't Cry: Fergie
Say It Right: Nelly Furtado
Rehab: Amy Winehouse

PREDICTION: Big Girls Don't Cry: Fergie

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance

Everything: Michael Bublé
Belief: John Mayer
Dance Tonight: Paul McCartney
Amazing: Seal
What Goes Around...Comes Around: Justin Timberlake

PREDICTION: What Goes Around...Comes Around: Justin Timberlake

Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals

(You Want To) Make A Memory: Bon Jovi
Home: Daughtry
Makes Me Wonder: Maroon 5
Hey There Delilah: Plain White T's
Window In The Skies: U2

PREDICTION: Window In The Skies: U2

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals

Steppin' Out: Tony Bennett & Christina Aguilera
Beautiful Liar: Beyoncé & Shakira
Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On): Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
The Sweet Escape: Gwen Stefani & Akon
Give It To Me: Timbaland Featuring Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake

PREDICTION: Steppin' Out: Tony Bennett & Christina Aguilera

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals

It's Not Over: Daughtry
Working Class Hero: Green Day
If Everyone Cared: Nickelback
Instant Karma: U2
Icky Thump: The White Stripes

PREDICTION: It's Not Over: Daughtry

Best Rock Album

Daughtry: Daughtry
Revival: John Fogerty
Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace: Foo Fighters
Magic: Bruce Springsteen
Sky Blue Sky: Wilco

PREDICTION: Daughtry: Daughtry

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance

Just Fine: Mary J. Blige
When I See You: Fantasia
No One: Alicia Keys
If I Have My Way: Chrisette Michele
Hate On Me: Jill Scott

PREDICTION: No One: Alicia Keys

Best Male R&B Vocal Performance

Woman: Raheem DeVaughn
B.U.D.D.Y.: Musiq Soulchild
Because Of You: Ne-Yo
Future Baby Mama: Prince
Please Don't Go: Tank

PREDICTION: Future Baby Mama: Prince

Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals

Same Girl: R. Kelly Featuring Usher
Disrespectful: Chaka Khan Featuring Mary J. Blige
Hate That I Love You: Rihanna Featuring Ne-Yo
Baby: Angie Stone Featuring Betty Wright
Bartender: T-Pain Featuring Akon

PREDICTION: Hate That I Love You: Rihanna Featuring Ne-Yo

Best R&B Song

Beautiful Flower: India.Arie
Hate That I Love You: Rihanna featuring Ne-Yo
No One: Alicia Keys
Teachme: Musiq Soulchild
When I See U: Fantasia

PREDICTION: No One: Alicia Keys

Best R&B Album

Funk This: Chaka Khan
Lost & Found: Ledisi
Luvanmusiq: Musiq Soulchild
The Real Thing: Jill Scott
Sex, Love & Pain: Tank

PREDICTION: Luvanmusiq: Musiq Soulchild

Best Rap Solo Performance

The People: Common
I Get Money: 50 Cent
Show Me What You Got: Jay-Z
Big Things Poppin' (Do It): T.I.
Stronger: Kanye WestTrack from: Graduation

PREDICTION: Stronger: Kanye WestTrack from: Graduation

Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group

Southside: Common Featuring Kanye West
Make It Rain: Fat Joe Featuring Lil Wayne
Party Like A Rockstar: Shop Boyz
Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You): UGK Featuring OutKast
Better Than I've Ever Been: Kanye West, Nas & KRS-One

PREDICTION: Southside: Common Featuring Kanye West

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration

I Wanna Love You: Akon Featuring Snoop Dogg
Kiss, Kiss: Chris Brown & T-Pain
Let It Go: Keyshia Cole Featuring Missy Elliott & Lil' Kim
Umbrella: Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z
Good Life: Kanye West Featuring T-Pain

PREDICTION: Good Life: Kanye West Featuring T-Pain

Best Rap Song

Ayo Technology: 50 Cent Featuring Justin Timberlake & Timbaland
Big Things Poppin' (Do It): T.I.
Can't Tell Me Nothing: Kanye West
Crank That (Soulja Boy): Soulja Boy Tell'Em
Good Life: Kanye West Featuring T-Pain

PREDICTION: Good Life: Kanye West Featuring T-Pain

Best Rap Album

Finding Forever: Common
Kingdom Come: Jay-Z
Hip Hop Is Dead: Nas
T.I. vs T.I.P.: T.I.
Graduation: Kanye West

PREDICTION: Graduation: Kanye West

Best Female Country Vocal Performance

Simple Love: Alison Krauss
Famous In A Small Town: Miranda Lambert
Nothin' Better To Do: LeAnn Rimes
Before He Cheats: Carrie Underwood
Heaven, Heartache And The Power Of Love: Trisha Yearwood

PREDICTION: Before He Cheats: Carrie Underwood

Best Male Country Vocal Performance

Long Trip Alone: Dierks Bentley
A Woman's Love: Alan Jackson
If You're Reading This: Tim McGraw
Give It Away: George Strait
Stupid Boy: Keith Urban

PREDICTION: If You're Reading This: Tim McGraw

Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals

Proud Of The House We Built: Brooks & Dunn
How Long: Eagles
Moments: Emerson Drive
Lucky Man: Montgomery Gentry
Sweet Memories: The Time Jumpers

PREDICTION: How Long: Eagles

Best Country Song

Before He Cheats: Carrie Underwood
Give It Away: George Strait
I Need You: Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
If You're Reading This: Tim McGraw
Long Trip Alone: Dierks Bentley

PREDICTION: Before He Cheats: Carrie Underwood

Best Country Album

Long Trip Alone: Dierks Bentley
These Days: Vince Gill
Let It Go: Tim McGraw
5th Gear: Brad Paisley
It Just Comes Natural: George Strait

PREDICTION: It Just Comes Natural: George Strait

The Mitt That Stole Conservatism

On Thursday, Governor Mitt Romney renounced his presidential candidacy. Simply stated, Romney is disingenuous and slimy. His conservative conversion was false. His conversion was transparent. Romney is counterfeit. I am elated he failed.

Slowing the Suns

Reactions are hazardous. Reactions are treacherous. Reactions imperil, jeopardize, and wreck. They are not individual. They are not unique. They are homogenized and intransigent. Reactions are you delegating your fate.

On Wednesday, the Miami Heat traded Shaquille O’Neal to the Phoenix Suns. As reciprocation, the Heat received Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. According to Heat Coach Pat Riley, this exchange was necessary. “It was a very, very hard decision for me. When Shaq came to the team four years ago, I always felt it was forever. We won a championship with him. We wish him nothing but the best,” Riley said. "We have to move on with our team. We're rebuilding. This is not the most desirable place to be right now. I loved Shaq when I got him and I love him today. I've been coaching 25 years and there wasn't anything that went on between Shaq and I that caused this. We simply looked at the big picture, where we are today, and we need to build around Dwyane (Wade).”

Conversely, Steve Nash praised O’Neal’s acquisition. “There's doubts and a risk to everything,” he said. “I know that's going to be a favorite talking point for all the media, but for us the talking point is we've got an incredible, huge, talented, charismatic player in our locker room now. ... This sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun.”

During his career, O’Neal has registered 25.6 points and 11.5 rebounds per contest. He has tallied ten twenty-five plus point and five thirteen plus rebound seasons. Unfortunately, injuries have reduced him. In 2007-2008, O’Neal has chalked only 14.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per contest.

“He [Shaq] says he's ready to roll,” said Amare Stoudemire. “Whatever he needs to do he's going to be down for it, and he wants to win a championship, so we're on the same page.”

Meanwhile, Marion has carded 18.4 points and 10.0 rebounds per contest. He has totaled eight fifteen plus point and three ten plus rebound seasons. In 2007-2008, Marion has booked 15.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per contest.

According to Suns General Manager Steve Kerr, Marion will be missed. “Shawn in particular has been a tremendous player for this organization the past eight-and-a-half years and his impact both on and off the court in Phoenix will not be forgotten,” Kerr said.

Since 2004-2005, the Suns have amassed a 212-84 record. Regrettably, they have not won an NBA Championship. In the 2005 Western Conference Finals, the San Antonio Spurs defeated them 4-1. In the 2006 Western Conference Finals, the Dallas Mavericks eliminated them 4-2. In 2007, the Spurs vanquished them 4-2.

On February 1, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Pau Gasol. This exchange did not threaten the Suns. However, they reacted. Their decision was incorrect. Ultimately, they will regret the impact.

Shockingly, Bob Knight Resigns

For forty-two seasons, Bob Knight criticized, cursed, excoriated, and screamed. He berated athletes. He elevated performance. Knight was not conciliatory. He was not fatherly. Yet, he was not a bastard. His passions were simply consuming… basketball and victory.

On Monday, Knight abruptly resigned. Pat Knight, his son, supplanted him. “There's a transition that's going to take place here from me to Pat and I've dwelt on this all year long ... how it would be best for him and for the team and for what we can do in the long run to make this the best thing for Texas Tech,” Knight said.

According to Coach John Wooden, Knight was singular. “I guess you can never be surprised at some of the things Bob does,” Wooden said. “I don't think there's ever been a better teacher of the game of basketball than Bob. I don't always approve of his methods, but his players for the most part are very loyal to him. I would say that no player that ever played for him would not say he did not come out a stronger person.”

During his career, Knight amassed a 902-371 record. He won three NCAA Championships. He garnered eleven conference championships. In Army, Knight racked a 102-50 record. In Indiana, he registered a 661-240 record. In Texas Tech, he logged a 138-82 ledger.

Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski praised Knight. “Outside of my immediate family, no single person has had a greater impact on my life than Coach Knight,” Krzyzewski said. “I have the ultimate respect for him as a coach and a mentor, but even more so as a dear friend. For more than 40 years, the life lessons I have learned from Coach are immeasurable. Simply put, I love him.”

Amidst his departure, Knight seems satisfied. “I've simply tried to do what I think is best,” Knight said. “Regrets? Sure. Just like the song. I have regrets. I wish I could have done things better at times. I wish I would have had a better answer, a better way, at times. But just like he said, I did it my way and when I look back on it, I don't think my way was all that bad.”

On September 11, 2000, Indiana President Myles Brand fired Knight. This blotch is not ignorable. However, Brand’s ego should not stain Knight’s legacy. Knight was a counselor, educator, mentor, and teacher. He never sought notoriety. When eyeing trouble, he was never indirect.

Broadway Johan?

For eight seasons, Johan Santana has sparkled. He has won two American League Cy Young Awards. Unfortunately, Santana’s playground has been Minneapolis, Minnesota. New York is an incomparable sandbox.

On Wednesday, the Minnesota Twins traded Santana to the New York Mets. As reciprocation, the Twins received minor league outfielder Carlos Gomez and minor league pitchers Deolis Guerra, Philip Humber, and Kevin Mulvey. The exchange left Mets third baseman David Wright stating the obvious. “To have one of those handful that I would call an ace is obviously special to a team that, offensively, we look good on paper,” he said. “And our pitching staff is very deep, especially with these young guys, and they're only going to get better. So obviously there's a lot of positive energy, if it's true, going into spring training.”

Upon his New York arrival, Santana signed a 6-year, $137.5 million contract. Santana’s negotiations were contentious. They involved several setbacks. They required a deadline extension. “I just know he's 29 years old and he's got two Cy Young Awards. I know he's elite,” said Atlanta Braves Catcher Brian McCann. “We've got guys who are elite, too. You're going to have to go out and play it out. It's going to be fun.”

During his career, Santana has amassed 93-44 record. He has posted a 3.22 earned run average. He has registered four fifteen-plus win seasons. He has showcased five sub-3.00 earned run average seasons. In 2007, Santana chalked a 15-13 campaign. He fashioned a 3.33 earned run average. “I spent eight years in the American League. You have to make a lot of adjustments,” Santana said. “Now, in the National League, it's going to be a learning process. But I'll be ready.”

Last season, the Mets’ collapse was both epic and self-inflicted. With seventeen skirmishes remaining, their edge was seven. The Philadelphia Phillies swept them. The Mets won four of seven. The Washington Nationals swept them. The St. Louis Cardinals defeated them. Ultimately, the Florida Marlins suffocated them.

For two hundred and fifty one contests, Santana’s status was significant. His market was miniature. Is Santana a savior? Is Santana a superstar? Only New York can answer the aforesaid.

John Brady: Fatally Inconsistent, Finally Finished

On Friday, LSU fired Coach John Brady. Absurdly, Brady touted his success. “I've coached in the best league in the country and I've coached a lot of great guys,” Brady said. “They've done some great things that had not been done here in a long time. Under those circumstances it's a pretty good 10-year run.”

During his career, Brady accrued a 192-139 record. He won two Southeastern Conference Western Division Championships. Unfortunately, he recorded five cellar conclusions.

Inconsistency is infuriating. When one wins and loses, wins and loses, wins and loses, fans are demoralized. Programs cannot advance. Simply stated, frustration permeates college basketball. Inconsistency exacerbates frustration.

Survivor: Jonny Farewell

On Thursday, Survivor Micronesia: Fans vs. Favorites premiered. As feared, the concept is awkward. The competition is mismatched. The drama is diluted. The “favorites” are not truly beloved. They are akin to scattered acquaintances.

For immunity, the tribes traversed an obstacle course. The fans garnered victory. Pre-tribal council, Jonny Fairplay lamented his situation. He discussed his daughter. He pondered an exodus. Immediately, speculation sizzled. What was Fairplay’s motive? His competitors did not care. Via a virtually unanimous vote, Jonny Fairplay was eliminated.