Successful “reverse jinx” ploy results in mass confusion

“We mock what we don’t understand.” Dan Aykroyd as Austin Millbarge, Spies Like Us, 1985 There seems to be some confusion regarding my recent “Miami Heat future/Derrick White putback/Heat have no chance to win Game Seven” post, so here I Continue reading Successful “reverse jinx” ploy results in mass confusion

Derrick White awakens the long, hard jinx

There’s a general rule of thumb amongst superstitious gamblers that you don’t talk about wagers while they’re still in play.  Of course, logic would tell you that the wager you’ve placed (or for heaven’s sake discussed with others) has nothing Continue reading Derrick White awakens the long, hard jinx

NBA Playoffs: The Great, Wart-Exposing Equalizer

At the beginning of these NBA playoffs, I was as excited as a kid in a candy shop. 16 teams, most with a legitimate chance to win it all.  Some familiar faces, a smattering of new talent, this post-season boasted Continue reading NBA Playoffs: The Great, Wart-Exposing Equalizer

Bad guys finish last: The diligent dismissal of Dillon Brooks

I have a friend who subscribes to the conspiracy theory that LeBron James runs the NBA. It’s an idea that’s not all that farfetched.  LeBron James is the most powerful player the NBA has ever seen.  If you don’t believe Continue reading Bad guys finish last: The diligent dismissal of Dillon Brooks

NBA First Round Playoff Ponderings: Kicks, Cup Checks, Barbs, Charges, Nurses, Nuggets and Old Man Strength

The Toronto Raptors have fired Nick Nurse, which immediately ranks as one of the most inexplicable coach-cannings in recent memory.  Four years ago, under Nurse, the Raptors won an NBA championship, becoming the first (and remaining the only) Canadian team Continue reading NBA First Round Playoff Ponderings: Kicks, Cup Checks, Barbs, Charges, Nurses, Nuggets and Old Man Strength

Jimmy Butler solidifies “superstar” status, gives internet one less thing to argue about

I read some comments on Twitter the other day that got me thinking about two things. One is that I need to stay off the internet.  The drivel that’s eroding cyberspace these days is mind-numbing.  The second thing I thought Continue reading Jimmy Butler solidifies “superstar” status, gives internet one less thing to argue about

Ime who?

During a mid-game interview, smack dab in the middle of the third quarter of a Game Seven, with his team on the verge of ousting the Milwaukee Bucks, first year Celtics coach Ime Udoka took not-so-subtle jab at the defending Continue reading Ime who?

Old-Fashioneds, Refs and Old-Fashioned Refs

I’m a bartender at a whiskey bar, an Irish pub, Ybor City’s finest. Accordingly, there’s rarely a shift that goes by without me concocting an old-fashioned for a wanting customer.  We even have a variety of specialty old-fashioneds on the Continue reading Old-Fashioneds, Refs and Old-Fashioned Refs

Celtics Embarrass Nets, Remind Me I Know Nothing About Basketball

I’m so disappointed in myself.  Clearly, I have not been listening to enough Public Enemy.  Once again, with the glacier-headed Titanic that is the Brooklyn Nets, I fell victim to believing the hype.  Memo to self:  cue up Fear of Continue reading Celtics Embarrass Nets, Remind Me I Know Nothing About Basketball