Hello,
Again I'm getting excited for the upcoming NBA playoffs. There should be several great series, starting in the first round hopefully going all through to the finals. Speaking of the playoffs, last night's Jazz-Mavericks game had an intense playoff atmosphere. The Jazz went on to prevail in triple overtime 123-121. I only watched a few minutes of last night's Dallas-Utah game and I was reminded again why I hate the NBA. Within the space of 1 minute of game action Dirk Nowitski was "fouled" and sent to the free throw line 4 times. Of course he made all 4 free throws on his way to making 12 of 12 free throws on the night. Strangely enough the Jazz's Al Jefferson, in 54 minutes, didn't shoot any free throws. I've often said that when the NBA wants a team to win they send them to the free throw line several times. In this game the Jazz did shoot 12 more free throws than Dallas did. In fairness to the NBA, they seem to be trying to make things more equitable. It's not like back in the day when someone breathed on Michael Jordan and it was called a flagrant foul.
I love that the Mavericks have dropped to 7th place in the Western Conference playoffs. I still can't believe they won the title last season. Then they traded Tyson Chandler to New York and let JJ Barea go to Minnesota. And it looks like the Jet is about to crash. It will probably be another quick exit for Dallas from the playoffs. Mavericks fans just be glad your team won a title. I don't see the Cowboys winning a title for the foreseeable future.
In the West I see Oklahoma City going to the NBA Finals and hope the Lakers get outed by the second round. I would love for the Mavericks to play the Lakers in the playoffs again this year. And just like last year I would love the Mavericks to destroy the Lakers.
Congrats to the Knicks for moving up to 7th place in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Now instead of getting swept by the Bulls in the first round, they'll get swept by the Heat in the first round. In fact, with Rose's questionable health, Chicago might be a better matchup for the Knicks. Carmelo Anthony will be exposed for his one dimensional game once again. I've mentioned this before, but I'm going to bring it up again. Jeremy Lin, who apparently is a comedian, said he should be ready for the second round of the playoffs. Hey Jeremy come over and hang out with me, we'll both be watching the second round from the comfort of our couches.
Dwight Howard has hurt himself and is out for the rest of the regular season. Orlando is now tied for 5th place in the Eastern Conference playoff race. I'd be surprised if they don't finish 6th in the Eastern Conference though. As of right now that means they'd play the Pacers in the first round of the playoffs. I expect that would be a competitive series. I don't see them surviving the second round though.
Once Howard and Anthony are unceremoniously kicked out of the playoffs, can the hype about these two very over rated players please stop?
Bobby Valentine please shut the hell up. Stop questioning your player's commitment in the media. Why do you think that will be effective? This obviously wasn't a mistake as Valentine has been in the media, this was obviously a failed motivational tool. My real question is why did the Red Sox hire Valentine again? Is it too late to bring back Terry Francona? The Red Sox brought Theo Epstein back after a brief separation a few years ago.
This past Sunday's episode of "Mad Men" was an instant classic. This episode "Signal 30" dealt with the very annoying Pete Campbell. He and Trudy hosted the Cosgroves and Drapers at their house in the country. Also he now has even Roger Sterling deferring to him for hell's sake. How did that power shift happen anyway? (Is that why Roger chewed out Ken later in the episode about his writing? Is he trying to maintain some influence?) Pete Campbell finally got his driver's license and tried to hit on a high school senior. Campbell thankfully got shut down and out maneuvered by a high school kid.
Thankfully Joan is back in the office. She always knows the best and right thing to do and say. Layne is right that Joan could do his job, but she's too nice to admit it. It's just not SCDP without Joan running the office. She let's the partner's act like they are in charge, but we all know better. Although I did find it curious no mention was made of her baby or mother.
Campbell took Layne's Jaguar friend out on the town for some "fun". Unfortunately the "fun" led to chewing gum being left on Layne's friends "pubus". (Did Weiner get that idea from Brady Udall's "The Lonely Polygamist"?) That lead to Layne confronting Pete in a meeting. He graciously excused Joan first. Pete Campbell, seeming to think he's the cock of the walk, ran his mouth. Finally Layne had had enough and challenged Pete to a fight. Incidentally, following Roger Sterling, Price is the second named partner of SCDP to challenge Pete to a fight. Don or Bert you are next up.
In one of the funniest scenes to have ever graced "Mad Men" Pete and Layne have a "fight". This scene is funny for so many reasons. Starting with the fighting stance each took in their fight, that was the first indication this scene was played for laughs. My favorite part of the scene was Roger and Don closed the drapes on the conference room so that no one outside can see the fight. I loved that small touch, it's those kind of touches that make this show so great.
The alleged "fight" was hilarious, again it was obviously played for laughs. After the fight Sterling said he had his money on Price. Well of course he did, did anyone think Pete would win the fight? (Sadly the fight has yet to make it's way to youtube.) Ultimately though the fight diminished both of the fighters. Campbell literally left the office a very defeated man, where he whined about not being friends. I hope he went home and Trudy made him feel like a man again. I hope he didn't compound his mistake and flee to the arms of a prostitute.
Layne Price was able to get a kiss out of it from the lovely Miss Joan. I'm not the only one that's glad she's back in the office.
Megan continues to assert her control over Don, she clearly is starting to wear the pants in the family. From limiting his drinking before the party to choosing which sports jacket he should wear. She let him have his way with her, but explained why first.
The episode ended with a defeated Campbell watching Handsome fondle what he was hoping to be his conquest. Although it was very unsettling and unnecessary scene seeing Handsome feel up the girl while watching the driver's ed film. Where will Pete go from here? Will this be Roger's chance to assert control again? Will he care? Sterling seems to be happy with not having to make decisions, he likes to coast. What will be the fallout from Price-Cooper 1? Hopefully at least a less annoying Pete will come from the fight.
themusicaddict
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