Gumbo

Сред тях диско и хип-хоп на лентички, соул-фънк-джаз дресинг и купичка глич хоп / емотроник за десерт.

Средната продължителност на всяко е около минута до две и тъкмо това времетраене ме накара да го излапам наведнъж, облизвайки се безочливо и безпардонно.

Келнееееерь, пиши го на сметката!   

За архива: Brenk идва от Австрия и е пуснал в обръщение албума през февруари т.год.. Към този момент изданието се предлага и на плоча с 20-тина селектирани трака.

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#1 Boston Celtics

The Celtics are the class of the East and the defending Champions .... not only are they the best team in the East but they are also well ahead of all competitors.

#2 Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland are an incredibly irritating basketball team. They're just as likely to win or lose to the Charlotte Bobcats as they are to the Boston Celtics and it's because their squad has serious construction flaws, especially on the offensive end of the floor.

That said they are an extremely tough team beat who are capable of playing excellent defense, have excellent rebounders, and are passable offensively while being led by the mercurial LeBron James which gives them a chance against every single team in the league ... which is why they're a terrifying matchup in the playoffs.

#3 Philadelphia 76ers

The four teams after the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference are in close proximity to one another, and could be switched into many different orders. With that in mind, my choice for third place in the East is the unproven but potent Sixers.

I've been pondering where to place the Sixers ever since Elton Brand landed in Phily. Cleveland were my second ranked Eastern team for some time, but considering how closely the Sixers matched them last year I felt Elton Brand pushed them beyond the Cavs so I moved Phily second, and I still feel that way. No, it wasn't the Mo Williams acquisition which pushed the Cavs back to second .... it was the incomplete logic. Simply put I reckon the Cavs have a better chance at knocking off all the other teams around them including Boston, that's why they got bumped back to 2nd.

The Sixers are the team on this list that has the most issues to work through during the regular season so there will be up and downs, the overall growth will be key. They should be a very good basketball team.

#4 Orlando Magic

I'm of the opinion that the Orlando Magic underperformed in the playoffs last year. I thought the spotlight got to them and that their decision making as individuals (Nelson, Dooling, Arroyo, Hedo, Dwight) and as a collective fell off substantially in the second round of the playoffs. I believe the experience gained last year will be beneficial to the team and that this flaw will be minimized in the future.

I like what Orlando did in the summer adding Courtney Lee, Anthony Johnson, Mickael Pietrus and also the return of Tony Battie. I also like the club moving their erratic backup point guards. This is a stronger and deeper squad than before - although further reinforcements look necessary (still lots of concerns on the bench).

#5 Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons will have the second best regular season record in the East.

I feel very confident about that but I'm less confident over their credentials as a title winning side. I don't consider the Pistons capable of winning four straight series in the playoffs, I think they need to play at their highest possible level to beat any of the four teams above (and the Western team) to win a series and I don't think the squad is capable of playing at that level for a full month under playoff pressures.

The keys to the Pistons righting their ship and putting up a challenge for a title lie in the development of their youth and the diversity of their offense.

#6 Toronto Raptors

This is where the East takes a sizable dip.

The gap between Toronto and the above five teams is substantial and it will likely cost the Raps in the first round of the playoffs. Toronto have the weakest collection of perimeter players of any playoff squad in the league,  and they lack depth. The chances of them overcoming this are minimal.

#7 Washington Wizards

We have another dip again.

The Washington Wizards simply aren't a good enough defensive team to win three series against the team's ahead of them in this ranking. What they can do is act the role of playoff spoiler .... because they have the firepower to scare the daylights out of anyone and if they get hot they can knock out anyone.

If Gilbert Arenas ends up being out for a longer period of time the level of certainty of the Wizards playoff spot will decline considerably, as several chasing teams in the East will be within shooting distance. As long as Gilbert makes a timely recovery, and the usual stuff about reasonable team health all round, the Wizards look a safe bet for a playoff spot.

#8 Miami Heat

The final playoff spot could be won by any 1 of the next 6 teams, including this Miami Heat. It's wide open and it's anyone's game. Just because someone is lower doesn't mean their chances are that far apart. It's close, very close.

I chose Miami as my eight seed because I think they've the best top trio of players in Wade, Marion and Beasley of the trailing pack and because they're the only team in with a legitimate MVP candidate in their squad.

The biggest questions with Miami will be their interior play, and their overall depth as their bench looks weak. The more time that passes the more concerned I've become with their supporting cast. I was hoping Pat Riley would do a better job of bringing in quality help but that didn't happen.

#9 Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta is one of those teams that could be just about anything (say a 30 win team to a 50 win team).

Their playoff hopes ride on the development of their key young players - Al Horford, Marvin Williams, Josh Smith - and to a lesser extent their young bench players. Until we see this team in action we really don't have a clue how serious a threat they are.

If the improvement is minimal and they're comparable to last year's Hawks team, I think they miss out on the big dance. Huge concerns on both ends of the floor .... Defensively they had only two defenders better than average .... Offensively they lacked quality and reliability in their scoring options, also lacked diversity in their scoring. Another big issue for this team is the coaching of Mike Woodson which handicaps the squad severely (I wish Mike D'Antoni was in Atlanta). There's also the question of how capable their bench is.

Things could fall right, or very poorly for this team ... or most likely somewhere in the middle. Have to wait and see.

#10 Chicago Bulls

The Bulls are another one of these teams who's season could veer hugely depending on how their youth comes together.

I actually wrote this post about three weeks ago, but then forgot to publish it, since then some Bulls information has come to light and I've decided to move them up two slots in the rankings. I thought that Larry Hughes would retain his starting spot allowing Gordon to remain off the bench, and that Rose would split minutes with Hinrich at the point. I also thought Rose would struggle to outplay Hinrich, especially by a large margin, to drastically improve the Bulls chances.  But early signs all point to (1) Rose being much further ahead than I expected (2) a Rose-Hinrich starting backcourt. This is a big plus for the Bulls, I have much love for the Hinrich-Rose tandem, and has forced me to re-think their standings. So now Chicago are 10th and I consider their chances of making the playoffs much improved.

#11 Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers are flying quietly under the radar. It's not surprising because they have no recognizable star players .... but they do have a solid squad.

Last year the Pacers won 35 games, only two games out from making the playoffs. One roster upgrade alone dramatically changes their chances, and that's the upgrade from Travis Diener to TJ Ford. Add in two quality wings in Dunleavy and Granger and you've a potent group of perimeter players. They also have quality depth on the perimeter with Jack, Rush and Daniels. Also Shawne Williams. The interior is where the major questions lie but a group of Foster, Rasho, Murphy, Hibbert will be able to do a solid job and keep the squad ticking.

This is a completely mediocre basketball team in every imaginable way ... so they have a solid shot at winning the 8th seed in the East.

#12 Charlotte Hornets

The lack of quality role players, depth, and interior help for Emeka Okafor destroyed the Bobcats season last year.

In comes Sean May, DJ Augustin, Adam Morrison. It doesn't sound like a huge amount, but when coupled with the role players already here - Raymond Felton, Matt Carroll, Nazr Mohammed - you get a solid supporting cast to surround your three main players (Richarson, Wallace, Okafor).

No role player is of more importance than Sean May, his health and contribution is imperative for the Bobcats to make a serious push for the postseason.

The next biggest problem was the coaching of Sam Vincent, which has been replaced by Larry Brown. Once again, good news which should strengthen the side.

#13 Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks are the final squad in the East that I feel have playoff credentials.

The reason they're last? Defense.
Another reason? Bench play.
How about one more reason? Lack of help for Bogut in the paint.

Scott Skiles has never coached an NBA team that was above average in offensive efficiency. Simply put, Milwaukee's only hope of making the playoffs is that Skiles' streak ends right now. Skiles will help improve their defense, but that improvement won't be enough to lead the Bucks back into the playoffs (not enough good defenders on the roster for that large of a jump) .... that improvement has to come on the offensive end.

The Bucks were a disappointing outfit offensively last season as they finished 21st in the NBA in offensive efficiency. I also think they underperformed which is good news for their chances for improvement next season.

One of the big problems was Mo Williams, who is a very good change of pace scoring guard but unfortunately a rather woeful floor general. In his place steps Luke Ridnour who has a good track record as floor general and pass first point. With Mo's scoring gone the club needs a replacement, in steps a top 10 scorer from last season in Richard Jefferson. Now we're cooking. Add in the improvement from Andrew Bogut and the extra touches he should receive and Milwaukee have the basis of a good offense. Now it's time to turns those thoughts and words into reality. Milwaukee will likely need to be slightly above average offensively so we'll see if they can achieve it.

If I was looking at an offense-defense model for Milwaukee. I'd think last year's Wizards who ranked 12th in offensive efficiency but only 24th in defensive efficiency. That's something that Milwaukee needs to shoot for.

#14 New Jersey Nets

There is no team in the NBA who's season could swing as far in either direction depending on their youth as the New Jersey Nets can.

This team is next to impossible to predict. They have a solid collection of youth with competition all over their squad. Things could work out and they'd be in solid shape (mid thirties win wise) or things could become a disaster area (low 20s).

So why am I so down on the Nets?
- Lack of scoring options after Vince Carter+Devin Harris. Someone has to step up, probably two players including one interior player. The Nets will struggle to survive offensively if they have only one high quality scoring option.
- Question marks defensively outside of the point. Trenton Hassell is the only above average defender on the wings, and he'll be tough to play because of their offensive issues. Lots of questions over their interior D with Yi, Lopez, Najera, Boone. Sean Williams is the most likely answer and he could do great work in this department but he has to piece it together on a nightly basis first.

#15 New York Knicks

How does D'Antoni alter the lineups?

Is Stephon on the team? Will Crawford and Q be the starting wings again? Can Eddy get in shape and contribute enough? What's Gallinari's health?Does Chris Duhon start? What about Nate? What happens to Nate/Duhon if Marbury is kept? Can Chandler start? Or will he be kept to the bench?

How much does Gallinari missing training camp and pre-season hurt these lineup decisions? The Knicks need a shooter/passer/playmaker/ballhanlder like him on the wing to balance the squad offensively. Personally I think Gallinari missing training camp is a big loss and will hurt the Knicks over the first period of the season when D'Antoni is trying to install order and teamwork into the Knicks.

I do think there's a few lineups which could work favourably for the Knicks but there's just as many that are disaster areas ... the lack of roster movement will make it difficult to find them. The more that Gallinari, Duhon and Chandler play the more positive I'll be about the Knicks chances, unfortunately right now that's a huge unknown.

D'Antoni's coaching skills and philosophies may never be tested as severely as what is coming next.

Too many questions need to be answered before I consider moving NY up. There's some talent there though so it's not all bad.

Western Conference

#1 Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are the frontrunner for the West ... and along with Boston are the two biggest players in this season's run for the NBA title. Everybody else is playing catch up.

Bynum is the biggest addition any contender made in the offseason but Is it enough to get the Lakers past Boston? Maybe not, but it gives them a real chance.

The Lakers will lead the West and likely the league in regular season wins, they will win 65+ games and they could threaten 70 (I thought they would win 70 this coming season the day after Pau arrived, but I've since wavered during the summer).

#2 Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets are the most significant threat to the Lakers in the West.

They are the best rebounding team in the league. They are one of the top two defensive teams in the league. They have two premier stoppers to throw at Kobe Bryant and generally made his life hell in the past with only one of them. Everything that Boston did that bothered LA and Bryant ... Houston do as well. They have three go-to scorers who are top talents in the NBA. They have the role players. They have depth. They have coaching. They have shooting. This team is ready and potentially brilliant.

After Boston and LA, the Rockets have the next best chance of winning the NBA title. Time will tell but perhaps the only reason they're behind the first two is because to date they're unproven.

Health is everything for this club and it's ruined their chances in recent seasons.

#3 Portland Trailblazers

This is where the West takes a dip in terms of well-rounded top tier teams, a fairly big dip. Suddenly it becomes a bar brawl where everyone has major vulnerabilities and is in need, sometimes dire need, of a good playoff draw to make it out of the West ..... all but one team and that's why Portland are third.

Portland is the only team in the West after the above two that can matchup with anyone in the West at a solid or better level. This team will not rank third in regular season wins, they'll be lower, likely much lower, but this team is going to be one of the toughest outs in the entire playoffs.

Their two seven footers in Oden and Aldridge, plus good depth up front, and that's going to ensure this team does not get bullied in the paint. They'll be a very good rebounding team. They'll have an excellent interior defense. They'll have two low post scoring options.

Then comes the beauty of Brandon Roy, the man with the abilities of a point guard effectively giving Portland two creators offensively and two players capable of initiating the action. Portland's execution and decision making last year was very impressive and it was mainly because of this (Roy plus a point guard) wrinkle ... this is a big reason why they play with such composure and why the playoffs won't adversely affect them.

Add in the depth and talents, the shooters, the defense. This is a very good team.

#4 New Orleans Hornets

This is where I see my second dip in the West albeit a small one. The degree of separation isn't much, and it exists only because I think New Orleans will have a tough time beating a couple of teams around them.

I'm down on the Hornets for two major reasons:

(1) Lack of offensive versatility

The Spurs effectively made New Orleans play 2-on-5 over the final four games of the playoffs last year. They are far too reliant on Chris Paul to create, and not just to create but to create on almost every single possession for every single shot. It's too much and it's not good. Paul is incredibly talented and freakishly efficient, and that's the only reason why this hole doesn't show up more severely ... but make no mistake top tier opponents in the playoffs will exploit it.

The Hornets are an immense side when they have a third scorer going, and incredibly difficult to beat .... and Peja Stojakovic is the guy who needs to be that. Unfortunately as has been proven time and time again in the playoffs, a good defender who plays with discipline defensively can shut Peja down.

(2) Lack of big man depth. Tyson and West need more help. Doesn't need to be a star, just a good role player. They don't have that. NO are going to be forced into a lot of small ball action next season and that could hurt them.

#5 San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs will not win the title this coming season. They don't have the supporting cast to get it done. They have too many holes on their roster and they're too dependent on their Big Three for their own good. San Antonio cannot win four series against top class opposition, just can't do it.

But what they can do is defeat anyone in the West other than the Lakers, and maybe the Rockets. They're the spoiler team that knocks someone off with higher hopes (like NO or Utah).

#6 Utah Jazz

I love the Utah Jazz. They're a joy to watch. They play beautiful basketball, especially on the offensive end. I can't get enough of Utah. Fantastic.

But they're not good enough to win the title. Utah need a perfect playoff draw, they need to avoid all the teams they don't match up well with, and then hope they can outplay the guys they match up with to a mediocre level. It's a shame. They just can't do it. They've no stopper on the perimeter good enough to handle an elite scorer on the wing (Kobe), and their big men struggle against elite bigs (like Duncan) or teams with two quality bigs (like Pau/Odom/Bynum or Oden/Aldridge). They can't get this done.

If this team was in the East they'd be the second best squad in the Conference and stand a very good chance at making the NBA Finals. Unfortunately they're in the West, and playing against teams they don't match up well with, and their GM hasn't fixed their problems so they're going to lose.

Utah's best chance for a playoff draw is to finish top or second in the West.

#7 Phoenix Suns

Phoenix may have a better chance of winning the West than Utah, but if Utah is vulnerable to certain matchups ... what does that make the Suns?

The Suns are going to lose because their three best players are defensive problems and because they cannot defend the screen and roll - let's see that's Spurs, Lakers, Hornets, Jazz, Blazers ... that's why Phoenix lose.

Amare Stoudemire's growth as a defender may be the single biggest issue facing this team.

Like I said, this is the West and it's loaded, the Suns have a shot at the title, they just need a lot of luck and a perfect draw so they can avoid the team's they match up poorly with. Chances are they won't get it.

#8 Dallas Mavericks

Another big dip in the West .... I think the first seven seeds are all but locked up already. I can't see any one of those sides missing out (if reasonably healthy of course).

Only one seed is up for grabs in my mind and that's the eight seed ... and there's three competitors gunning for it.

I picked Dallas as the winner, and I think they're ahead by a good margin, for two reasons:

(1) Because Rick Carlisle will bleed this squad dry of every meaningful contribution he can find, and because,
(2) Dirk is sensational and will drag them upon his back over the finishing line.

#9 Denver Nuggets

Don't believe the hype about Denver falling through the floors without Camby. It's nowhere close to being true.

Everyone says the Nuggets have nobody to replace Camby but that's simply not true, they have Nene who missed all of last season with injury returning from injury. Nene and Kenyon are the clubs two best interior defenders and they will keep Denver competitive in the paint. From there the wonderful talents of Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson will keep Denver within shooting distance of the playoffs.

JR Smith is a big player for this squad, hopefully he gets the minutes he deserves because he's a season changer.

#10 Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers are third on my list of playoff hopefuls gunning for the final playoff seed. They are in with a shout and have a decent chance ... but I think Denver and Dallas are just that bit better.

The Clippers are the first team in the West who's season will swing violently towards success or failure dependent on the development and readiness of their youth. Al Thornton has to become a high caliber scorer, a 18-20ppg option who can create for himself and hopefully for his teammates, and who become someone who can score better in the flow of the offense. Eric Gordon is the next best scoring option on the squad and he too must do great things offensively. If the Clippers get those two contributions .... and they're not certainties .... their chances of making the playoffs jump hugely. If they don't they'll have a tough time making a legit run for the playoffs.

#11 Golden State Warriors

The West takes a huge dip now. Nobody else has playoff hopes, only the Top 10.

I don't have a lot to say about Golden State, they're a completely mediocre team. They need quality contributions from their young bigs (Biedrins, Randolph, Wright) and a timely return from Monta Ellis ... if they can get that, then they can struggle towards/around .500 although that looks unlikely, I expect they'll find themselves glued to that mid thirties win range or lower.

#12 Sacramento Kings

Sacramento's season hinges on the performance of John Salmons, and their two young big men (especially Thompson).

If Salmons performs to the level he showed last season as a starter, then Sacramento has a very good three man rotation on the wings and will be competitive night in night out. Salmons scoring and penetration is incredibly important to the Kings because without it their offense has the possibility of becoming dire. What the Kings need from Thompson is rebounding and defense at the four spot to complement Miller. They get those two things (Salmons/Thompson) then they're somewhere in the 30's win wise and comparable to last season's squad. I'm optimistic that they can get those contributions and that's why they're at #12.

If they don't get those things they're going to fall back fast and hard, joining the cellar dwellers OKC and Memphis.

#13 Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota have the opportunity to finish 11th in the West. They have a decent team that's improved considerably over last season and could take some positive steps forward and possibly break the 30 win barrier, maybe even 35 wins. They have that opportunity.

I like their nucleus offensively. They've got a quality high post low post combination with Kevin Love and Al Jefferson. They also have three 40% three point shooters who can create their own shots off the dribble and score at a healthy rate in Miller, McCants and Foye. Offensively they're in good shape.

So why are they 13th? Because I think their defense will hold them back. They need to make their defense more competitive, otherwise their gains elsewhere will largely go unaccounted for.

#14 Oklahoma City Thunder

Now comes the final dip, and it's a huge one.

Is Sam Presti purposefully keeping his team in the cellar? Possibly.

At the moment this team has only one starting quality player and that's Kevin Durant, this man, this very very young man, has the worst supporting cast in the league and the whole hopes of the franchise on his shoulders. The sadness I feel for this man .... imagine what he could do with some help out there?

#15 Memphis Grizzlies

Yeah I don't know what to say. An unbalanced roster with huge questions on the interior.

The lack of balance on the Grizzlies team will eliminate many of the quality contributions their prospects make this year. They're pretty much going to be running into a brick wall night after night.

The duo of Conley and Mayo is the team's best hope of a more encouraging season than I'm expecting.

One of the biggest benefits of social media is the willingness of those who use its tools to share insights and information. It makes us all smarter. As you’ve probably heard, a rising tide lifts all boats.

I was thinking today about some of the great nuggets other smart professionals have shared with me during my career so far, things they’ve learned along the way that have shaped how they do business and that have contributed to their success. That led to this idea…

What if we all shared some valuable insight that we think makes us better professionals and people? Combined, we have a wealth of knowledge and passing along a little piece of advice can help make us all better at our jobs. And maybe at life, too.

So please share your gem in the comments area. I’ll kick it off.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker

For me, that quote made clear the fact that accomplished goals are the result of smart planning, hard work and perseverance. And that most things – in work and in life – don’t come easy. I repeat it to myself often.

Ok, now it’s your turn. What's your gem?

*Image by Lohengrin.

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First Sign:  The Weight Shift:

The Gravity that kept my dog on my lap was the same gravity that eventually pulled her off.  In the same way there is a pull or attraction that comes from this world and it is very subtle.  The desire for things, technology, to be liked by people, to be cool, and funny;  all these forces push and pull us in one direction or another.  When the horsepower of our mind begins to shift toward selfish goals instead of pleasing God, we are about to slip from His lap. Instead, we should let the forces of this world push us closer to Him. Antidote:  Focus your mind and heart on Him.

Second Sign: Neutral

Trixie's 'fall' was due, in part, to the fact that she was not engaged with me.  She was distracted by something else and lost her focus.  She never slips from my lap when she is looking in my eyes.  How many times as Christians to we let last week's prayer time or last months Bible reading carry us through today.  When I wake up in the morning and more of my hair has fallen out, and my breath smells like a Rhino's behind, my wife makes the choice to love me.  It's not easy.  In the same way, we must choose every day to run after God.  Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.
(Isaiah 55:6) Antidote:  Engage Him in prayerful conversation every day.

Caution:  Arrogance and pride are so quiet as they move into our hearts and slowly cause us to slip from the place of communion with Christ.  Let us by His Grace run with all passion and determination to get closer to Him every day.

James

Jälleen kerran vokalisti, eli juurikin Rhodes, onnistuu kuulostamaan täysin Paul McCartneyltä. Eikä kyse ole suinkaan yhdestä ainokaisesta onnistumisesta, vaan yhtyeen ura ja Rhodesin soolot ovat pullollaan samaa hehkeää (ja ennen kaikkea tasokasta) yhtäläisyyttä.

Kappale potkaisee käyntiin pirteällä kitaroinnilla, ja jokusen sekunnin jälkeen mukaan tulee Rhodes. Kertosäe (If you gotta go you better live your life before you pass away/Don't waste a day/All your life's been spent locked in your room/You never had a chance to roam - away from home) on äärimmäisen tarttuva.

The Merry-Go-Round on kuulunut vuoden 2008 suuriin suosikkeihini, ja Liven taas rankkaisin viiden parhaan nugetin joukkoon. Duurivoittoista kappaletta on turha lähteä sen kummemmin kuvailemaan - jos pidät Beatlesista niin pidät tästäkin.

The Merry-Go-Round - Live

Bonuksena yhtyeen kesäöisyyttä pursuava klassikko:

The Merry-Go-Round - You're A Very Lovely Woman

...So we observed, time and again, extraordinary energy exerted above and beyond the call of duty when the worker (shop floor worker, sales assistant, desk clerk) is given even a modicum of apparent control over his or her destiny. An experiment in psychology consistent with this major field of inquiry underscores this point. Adult subjects were given some complex puzzles to solve and a proofreading chore. In the background was a loud, randomly ocurring distracting noise; to be specific, it was "a combination of two people speaking Spanish, one speaking Armenian, a mimeograph machine running. a desk calculator, a typewriter, and street noise - producing a composite, nondistinguishable roar". The subjects were split into two groups. Individuals in one set were just told to work at the task. Individuals in the other were provided with a button to push or turn off the noise, "a modern analog of control - the off switch." The group with the off switch solved five times the number of puzzles as their cohorts and made but a tiny fraction of the number of proofreading errors. Now for the kicker: "...none of the subjects in the off switch group ever used the switch. The mere knowledge that one can exert control made the difference."

Interesting! And here one of the many reasons how companies succeed:

...the manager of a 100-person slaes branch rented the Meadowlands Stadium (New Jersey) for the evening. After work, his salesmen ran onto the stadium's field through the players' tunnel. As each emerged, the electronic scoreboard beamed his name to the assembled crowd. Executives from corporate headquarters, employees from other offices, and family and friends were present, cheering loudly...

Esta canción esta incluida en una recopilación de cuatro CD's del año 2005, editado por Rhino Records bajo el título de Hijos de Nuggets 1977-1997. (Te acuerdas del programa especial que emitimos sobre la recopilación original de Nuggets, Javier?).

Bueno, pués estos artistas son ‘Los herederos' de estos grupos psicodélicos de los sesenta. La mayoría no llegaron a ser famosos - algunos editaron solamente un single ó un ep - pero todos son muy merecedores de su inclusión en este cofre de Rhino.

‘Unguarded Moment' fue el segundo single de los Australianos, The Church editado en marzo del año 1981. Llegó a tener cierto éxito entre el público ‘underground' de la época y creó un especie de ‘patrón' como canción de power-pop ó garaje. A partir de ese momento, The Church empezó a viajar por todo el mundo en giras interminables durante los ochentas (Yo les ví - gratis! - en la Sala Universal en el 1984).

Entre los grupos del Rock garaje, power pop y otros estilos ‘underground' incluidos en la recopilación ‘Children of Nuggets' de Rhino Records, se encuentran los suecos, los Sinners (pecadores) con su barbed-wire Heart del año 1990.

Tercer tema: ‘Barbed Wire Heart' de Sinners 4:00 minutos.

¿En quién pensamos cuando pensamos en grupos de Suecia, Javier? Pues no era Abba ... no ... eran los Sinners de Göterburg con su Corazón de Alambre de Espino ‘Barbed Wire Heart'. Merceció ser un hit enorme, verdad? Pero no lo fue...

Más grupos incluidos en esta recopilación de ‘Hijos de Nuggets' de Rhino Records,: Primal Scream, Julian Cope, Flamin' Groovies, Bangles, Chesterfield Kings y los ‘Spongetones' de Carolina del Norte con su canción ‘Maryanne' de 1984.

Cuarto tema: ‘Maryanne' de Spongetones 2:43 minutos.

Un grupo norte-americano que recordaba mucho al sonido inglés de los Sesenta - como por ejemplo, los Hollies ó los Searchers.

La verdad es que esta recopilación de ‘Children of Nuggets' que hemos escuchando hoy en Radicales Libres es muy ecléctica. Abarca todos los sonidos ‘alternativos' de la época desde el garaje hasta la neo-psicodelia, pero su corazón se encuentra siempre con el pop y power-pop, como en esta canción de los Nashville Ramblers, ‘Trains' del año 1986.

The Trains - The Nashville Ramblers

‘Trains' de los Californianos, Nashville Ramblers, una canción casi inédita hasta su inclusión en esta recopilación ‘Children of Nuggets' de Rhino Records en 2005.

Los escoceses ‘Teenage Fanclub' también están incluidos en esta recopilación. Favoritos del exPrimer Ministro británico, Tony Blair, era uno de los primeros grupos para fichar para Creation Records (antes de Oasis). En sus principios crearon un sonido indie-pop muy guitarerro como en este Metal Baby, de su LP Bandwagonesque del año 1991.

Sexto tema: ‘Metal Baby' de Teenage Fanclub 3.39 minutos.

‘Metal Baby' de Teenage Fanclub del año 1991. Este cofre de Rhino Records del año 2005, pretende recopilar todos los grupos que intentaron capturar el espíritu de los grupos psicodélicos de los sesenta, una influencia bastante evidente en nuestra próxima canción, ‘Ain't that a Man' de los ‘Neoyorquinos', the Optic Nerve' del año 1986.

Séptimo tema: ‘Ain't that a Man' de the Optic Nerve. 2.37 min

Pués si ...esta canción de the Optic Nerve tiene un sonido y una estética muy similares a muchos grupos sesenteros como por ejemplo, the Standells, 13th Floor Elevators ó los Shadows of Knight.

Terminamos nuestro recorrido por los grupos de indie-pop, garaje y neo-psicodélia incluidos en el cofre de Rhino Records, ‘Children of Nuggets' con este ‘I want You Back' de los Australianos, los Hoodoo Gurus del año 1984. Y recuerda ... como dice la canción ‘Quiero que vuelvas' ... a escucharnos por lo menos la semana que viene en Radicales libres con Mike Stanley y Javier Picos.

]]> http://ulsteri.wordpress.com/?p=260 Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:09:33 +0000 ulsteri http://ulsteri.pt-br.wordpress.com/2008/10/07/nugetteja-swingin-medallions-double-shot-of-my-babys-love/ Nugeteilla on tapana mennä suoraan itse asiaan. Suuri osa nugeteista on myös osoittautunut tasokkaiksi, joten tehokkuudessaan toimivia introja piisaa. Mutta siitä huolimatta, jumalauta: joka kerta kun soitan eteläkalifornialaisen Swingin' Medallionsin tämän suorastaan huumaavan singlen, tulee ensimmäisestä puoliminuuttisesta tietty erikoinen tunne: se on sekava, suorastaan typerä, mutta turkanen sentään - se toimii.

Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love) rakentuu kaikkiaan intensiivisen urkukoukkauksen päälle. Sen lisäksi tarjolla on, etenkin intron aikana, hoilaavaa kakofoniaa ja omalla tavallaan kappaleen tunnelmasta sivuummalle siirrettyä vokalisointia.

Kappale tuntuu hakevan erityisesti jonkinlaista juhlatunnelmaa kaiken sekalaisen melskeen ja huudon avulla. Siinä se kyllä onnistuu, ja itse melodia on vielä niin vietävän simppeli ja toisaalta ovela.

Parhaimmillaan single kapusi listan sijalle 17. Ei ole enempää sanottavaa. Kuunnelkaa:

Swingin' Medallions - Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)

Tajutonta menoa.

To his credit, Martin said he has been the ``main culprit'' in some of the Nuggets dysfunction over the past few seasons.

He lashed out at coach George Karl during the 2006 playoffs, earning a suspension for the final three games of Denver's first-round exit against the Los Angeles Clippers.

He bristled at the coach and the organization over how former college teammates Ruben Patterson and DerMarr Johnson were used during their time with the Nuggets.

He even traded elbows with teammate Nene during their first training camp together in 2004. With Marcus Camby traded to Los Angeles this summer, Martin and Nene now will anchor the middle of the paint.

``That's in the past, man. You've got to grow up. You can't be fools your whole life,'' Martin said. ``We've both grown since then. After that happened, we put it behind us. There hasn't been one incident since, and there's not going to be (another).

``We're great teammates now. It's about us winning and playing the right way and doing things that we can to help us get a championship. There's no room for that right now. If I can swallow it, everybody should be able to.''

Good man admitting that he was the "main culprit" to problems in the past.

Now he's trying to change his Nuggets career

``You have to have somebody lead and I'm ready to do that,'' Martin said. ``I don't know if I had an epiphany or not, but it's a mindset of mine that I have now, realizing what's at stake. It's now or never, do or die, however you all might want to say it or categorize it. It's now. It's not next year. It's now. That's the way I'm approaching it.''

It's all about the team

Martin, often injured and understandably grumpy during his first four seasons in Denver, seemed inspired by the Boston Celtics, who found the right talent, chemistry and defensive desire to win the NBA title last spring

``Can't be every time somebody mentions us, they mention Melo and A.I.,'' Martin said, referring to All-Star teammates Iverson and Carmelo Anthony. ``You look at Boston last year, even though everybody talked about the Big Three (of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce), it wasn't about them. You could tell by how they played the game, which hasn't always been the case around here. Something has always creeped in, so we can't allow that.''

That competitive fire and determination has caused Martin trouble in the past, but he returns to the team-player theme in the next breath.

``I'm ready to play. I've got a great outlook on what's going on,'' he said. ``Just trying to be positive. It's time. We've got to police ourselves. I've got to make sure the next guy is doing it as well as myself. Can't be no one out of line. Everybody has to be in a straight line and making this thing going the right way. It has to be like a Riverdance - in sync. You've seen Riverdance. Somebody's out of line, it messes everything up, right?''

Martin has also gotten himself into great shape

Martin has dropped 10 pounds to get down to 230.

It shows, with the often-injured Martin saying he's in the best shape he's been in years.

"It just happened,'' Martin said of getting down to 230. "I was in the weight room and playing a lot of basketball this summer.''

Martin has played in 70 games in just four of his eight seasons, including 71 last season. Martin wants to break his personal best of having appeared in 77 games with New Jersey in 2002-03.

"I haven't played a full NBA season,'' Martin said. "The most I've played in is 77 games. I haven't played a full one year, and I'm looking forward to doing that.''
Said Karl, "He's the happiest and feeling good I've ever seen him.''

He wants to play big minutes

``Thirty to 35 (minutes)? Thirty-five to 40. George don't know it yet. I feel great. I just want to be on the court. If I'm on the court, I think I'm being productive. I can't be productive on the bench.''

I forgot how old Kenyon is

Approaching his 31st birthday, Martin seems like a man who understands that his window of opportunity is closing. He seems like a man willing to listen to his coach and inspire his teammates.

Same draft as Darius Miles, who's only 26.

Martin has played 8 seasons now, 482 games out of 632 possible games. Lot of injuries on those legs plus a couple of long playoff runs, it'll be interesting to see how he ages.

..................

I'm looking forward to this Nene and Martin partnership in the paint. It should be good defensively and could contribute offensively if the Nuggets scorers involve their teammates more.

The biggest thing I'd like to see out of Martin, aside from good health, is better rebounding. He does a good job putting a body on someone and winning tough contested rebounds, but he has to do a better job going out there and grabbing more boards. There's no good reason why he shouldn't be averaging at least 9 boards a game, especially with the pace the Nuggets play at.

Update: General Nuggets article full of Melo quotes, mainly about the media's pre-season predictions. One quote of interest on Kenyon Martin.

One player who has helped to ensure Denver stays focused on the defensive end is Kenyon Martin, and Anthony indicated he has noticed some differences in his teammate this season which he believes could make the Nuggets a better basketball team.

"I think he's more focused," Anthony said of Martin.  "I think his mind is solely on basketball right now and nothing else.  He's coming in here and working hard and getting better.  I think the past few years I don't know if his mind was solely on basketball or something else, I have no idea.  But you can tell the difference right now with him, and it's helping everybody out."

Às 5h45m estava a levantar-me a às 6h05m já estava a apanhar o autocarro em direcção ao Contemporary Resort, onde tive In-Service Training. Graças ao mais atrasado de todos os motoristas dos autocarros American Coach, Ali Baba, cheguei lá 8m depois da hora (o meu primeiro atraso, desde que cá estou). Como não foi culpa minha, a manager retirou-me o atraso e tudo ficou bem.

O In-Service foi óptimo: apareceram 3 lifeguards e 2 coordinators (só percebi isto no fim do In-Service, porque um dos coordenadores estava vestido como lifeguard e eu nunca o tinha visto antes). Todos os exercícios correram muito bem e, no fim, a coordenadora encarregue do In-Service, fez-nos dizer algo de bom e de mau sobre um dos nossos colegas de treino. Foi então que soube que o outro rapaz era coordenador: perguntou-me à quanto tempo era nadador-salvador e disse-me que não tinha nada a apontar-me, que me estava a sair muito bem. Já as outras raparigas não tiveram a mesma sorte, uma vez que fizeram asneiras atrás de asneiras (e já lá trabalham à meses). Fiquei contente porque, uma das coisas melhores que por aqui se pode conquistar, é "a simpatia" dos coordinators e dos managers.

No fim do treino estivemos a abrir a piscina e, em vez de eu estar a ajudar o coordenador, era o coordenador que me estava a ajudar a mim (e, sobre isto, irei falar mais pormenorizadamente nos próximos dias).

Saído do In-Service, tive aproximadamente 3h, até começar a trabalhar no Wilderness Lodge. Como já tinha previsto não me conseguirem dar trabalho nessas 3h, levei uma muda de roupa e andei por lá a tirar fotografias. Parti do Contemporary Resort, meti-me no Monorail em direcção ao TTC e, daí, fui para o Wilderness Lodge. Tirei bastantes fotografias, principalmente do Wilderness Lodge, que irei colocar aqui dentro em breve.

No fim de toda a minha caminhada, a faltarem 10m para começar a trabalhar, estava eu a meter tudo no meu cacifo, quando mandei com a câmara ao chão. Era a última coisa que ia lá meter, tinha já arrumado tudo com muito cuidado, quando, ao pegar na câmara que estava em cima de uma mesa, o fita de pôr ao pescoço prendei no canto da mesa e a máquina foi directa ao chão. Resultado: dois dos três pontos de fixação da lente à câmara partiram e a lente não se segura na máquina. Felizmente, o estrago não é irreparável, pois está tudo a funcionar correctamente e, com um bocadinho de super-cola nos dois sítios, vai ficar como nova. Tive bastante azar pois a "armadura protectora" de borracha que já comprei à 2 semanas, vai chegar amanhã (não que eu tencione andar a atirar com a câmara para o chão todos os dias, mas era precisamente just in case...).

Como não sabia bem o que tinha acontecido com a câmara, optei por não lhe mexer mais e, por isso, não tirei nenhuma fotografia com o Andy.

A tarde passou muito bem, graças a 1h de beach games o que, comigo, significa futebol (soccer...). Por aqui eu sou um autêntico craque e todos os míudos querem jogar na minha equipa. Consegui arranjar uns 10 miúdos para jogar e, a certa altura, estávamos a jogar 3 contra 7, tal é o jeito que eles têm para o futebol (1 em cada 25 consegue chutar a bola em frente, 24 em cada 25 perguntam se podem jogar com a mão).

A fechar a piscina ainda tive tempo para oferecer um balão de feliz aniversário a uma menina deficiente, que ficou mesmo feliz com o balão e andou 30m a mostrá-lo a todos os guests que estavam na piscina.

Hoje, para variar, tenho a casa completamente vazia e, para o meu jantar, fiz uns nuggets de frango, com um arrozinho branco.

Amanhã vou ter a orientation no Yacht & Beach Club, das 15h até às 22h30m.

Tällä kertaa kyse ei ole kuitenkaan lammasfarmaritriosta, vaan The Wooliesin tarina on verrattain perinteinen: Michiganin Dearbornista lähtöisin oleva nelikko voitti osavaltion bändikilpailun, ja siitähän se ura urkeni - tai ainakin sen piti: palkkioksi luvattiin mm. matkaa Hollywoodiin levytyssopimuksen lisäksi, mutta mitään ei kuulunut. Pienoisen oikeustaistelun jälkeen yhtyeelle tarjottiin kompromissina lentolippuja Los Angelesiin. Kaupungissa ollessaan kvartetti kaupitteli demoaan. Paikallinen Dunhill levy-yhtiön edustaja sai oman kopionsa, ja piakkoin kirjoitettiinkin jo sopimuksia.

Who Do You Love ilmestyi kauppojen hyllyille kutakuinkin tasan 42 vuotta sitten. Single saikin suosiota tarpeeksi rikkoakseen 100 suosituimman singlen rajan Billboardin listoilla. Mielenkiintoisella tavalla ehostettu klassikko oli aikanaan raikas tuulahdus vuoden 1966 syksyssä.

The Woolies - Who Do You Love

Denver Nuggets

2007-08 Standings 50 - 32, 8^th Western Conference

2008-09 Predicted Record 42 - 40, 3^rd Northwest Division, 9^th Western Conference

Projected Starting Five:  Nene, Kenyon Martin, Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, Chucky Atkins

Sixth Man:  JR Smith

Despite a 50 win season last year never felt like a successful one for the Denver Nuggets. They scored lots of points, with Carmelo Anthony, JR Smith AND Allen Iverson it would be hard for them not to, but there was a sense of inevitability in the way they were swept by the LA Lakers in the first round.

They play basketball in an entertainingly frenetic style, more Suns/Warriors score at all cost than Celtics/Spurs lockdown defence. And it worked for them, 50 wins is a good season by anyone's reckoning, only with Anthony and Iverson they were touted as title contenders and anything less was a failure.

So in the offseason what did they do? They traded away their best defensive player, Marcus Camby, essentially for nothing. Camby erased many of the mistakes that the Nuggets woeful defensive players made. Without him in the paint the onus falls on Nene.  I don't think he's up to it. Like most of his colleagues Nene seems to be all about the offence.

I have a feeling that for the Nuggets the loss of Camby will not be a catalyst to improve their defensive play but rather be a spur to score more points. Why worry about defence when you can outscore your opponent?

At least the Nuggets are well equipped to do that. Iverson continues to amaze with his ability to score points as well as his cockroach like ability to survive contact. One day you fear that the continual pounding his body takes will put him out for good but so far he has proven remarkably durable.

Anthony's moments of immaturity are well documented and you have a sense that one day he'll grow out of them and be an absolute stud. I can't help wondering what he would have been if he'd been drafted by Detroit. Already Anthony is one of the more difficult cover's in the NBA however he needs to develop at least a modicum of defensive nous.

The third scorer the Nuggets can draw on is the mercurial JR Smith. He is extremely streaky but if the streak is favouring him watch out as he score in volume quickly.

Coach:

George Karl has had success in the league. He led the Sonics to the Finals and almost guided the Milwaukee Bucks to them as well. At first he seemed a good fit with the Nuggets but now I am not so sure. If they struggle early it wouldn't surprise me to see Karl fired.

Bench:

The Nuggets have a solid looking bench led by rising star JR Smith. Also off the bench is Linas Kleiza who has shown flashes of All Star potential. However his growth is stymied by the players ahead of him. Up front might be an issue with the Nuggets with Steven Hunter and Chris Andersen the primary backups to Nene and Kenyon Martin.

Star Player:

The Nuggets are blessed with two superstar players: Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson. Both score lots of points but display an alarming lack of defensive urgency.

Team MVP:

The Most Valuable Player on this team isn't Anthony, Iverson or Smith rather it is former overall number one pick Kenyon Martin. For too long Martin has thrown his weight around with bully boy play only to be challenged and found wanting. If he can become the player his talent always suggested then the Nuggets will be better than advertised. I'm not betting on it.

Final Prognosis:

The Nuggets will have another whirlwind season but this year they will fall short of the playoffs. It should be the signal to blow this team up.

You can find an index of past Previews here.

E' un sacco forte fare i magnetini!
Puoi creare delle serie, farli con disegni tuoi, con i timbri, con ritagli da qualsiasi tipo di carta, cartoncino. Magari proverò anche con la stoffa.
L'unico dubbio rimane la colla al silicone: quella che ho utilizzato ha lasciato qualche bollicina d'aria. Non è che stia male, ma probabilmente con una dose maggiore il magnetino risulterà più carino :)

Questa è la pagina del sito americano - di nome not martha - che scoprii un paio di anni fa, dove potete vedere dei bellissimi magnetini.
Un'idea che non potevo non copiare spudoratamente, anche a distanza di anni.
Per la precisione: intendo copiare anche l'idea della scatolina in metallo come confezione, che trovo deliziosa.
In generale: ho l'impressione che l'intero sito sia molto interessante, ma che metta seriamente a rischio la percezione del tempo che passa ;)
.

Da dove vengono le immagini dei miei magnetini:

• la serie dei gatti, il fiore, la spirale e la rana che saluta, sono dei timbri;
• i mostrini colorati appartenevano alla confezione di un porta-puntine da disegno a forma di ape, che ogni giorno mi sorride dalla scrivania. La marca è Pylones, date un'occhiata al resto del catalogo.

Steven Hunter said the "real Steven Hunter" is on display, and Karl doesn't disagree.

"He's in better shape," Karl said. "He's much more confident."

Karl said the center, who averaged 2.1 points in 19 games last season, will be given a chance to get minutes.

"You're going to see a guy that can run the floor, that can rebound, that can block shots, that's extremely athletic," Hunter said of what will be different after last season was wrecked by knee surgery.

The Nuggets have a lot of strength (Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony) and depth (JR Smith, Linas Kleiza) on the wings, however, the deciding factors on how good their season can be will depend on the contributions they get out of their big man and point guards. There's a certain amount of reliability (health being the one unreliable variable) from Nene and Kenyon Martin ... in contrast there's no levels of dependability from the backup bigs, so any positive signs of a contribution from either Andersen or Hunter is brilliant.

Locked-out Pacers point Jamaal Tinsley was traded to the Nuggets for Chuckie Atkins and Stephen Hunter, The Post has learned.

The deal is contingent on Tinsley passing a physical. Chronically injured over the last four years (only once playing more than 42 games) and embroiled in violent encounters on three separate occasions (none of which he instigated), he spent all summer in Atlanta rehabbing his body and is said to be a great condition.

Denver assumes his $21M, 3-year debt. Atkins is due $3.24M and $3.48M while Hunter is guaranteed $3.86M and $3.69M. Less than half of their total salary remaining is guaranteed.

I'm shocked at this news. I'll have to sit back and ponder this for both teams.

Mike Wells is reporting that the deal is not done (there were similar denials on the Jermaine trade). Still it hasn't been on the wires at large, so for now it's unconfirmed.

Update: Mike Wells is now saying the deal has a "strong possibility" of concluding

Embattled point guard Jamaal Tinsley remained an Indiana Pacer on Friday, but there is a "strong possibility" he could be traded to the Denver Nuggets as early as Monday, a person familiar with the situation said.

A second person confirmed trade discussions were ongoing and said the Pacers will look for another partner if it falls through.

Update: The Rocky Mountain News initially debunked the rumoured trade, and haven't changed their stance in an article since, but oddly enough they have already updated their roster page and included Jamaal Tinsley in place of Hunter+Atkins.

This deal looks like it's going to go through.

Update: The deal has been squashed. Not going through.

Boston Celtics Season Preview

Philadelphia 76ers Season Preview

Toronto Raptors Season Preview

New York Knicks Season Preview

New Jersey Nets Season Preview

Northwest Division Previews:

Utah Jazz Season Preview

Portland Trail Blazers Season Preview

Denver Nuggets Season Preview

Minnesota Timberwolves Season Preview

Oklahoma City Thunder Season Preview

Central Division Previews:

Cleveland Cavaliers Season Preview

Detroit Pistons Season Preview

Chicago Bulls Season Preview

Milwaukee Bucks Season Preview

The Five Americans oli yhtye, joka koostui jälleen kerran saman yliopiston opiskelijoista; tuolloin nimenä oli tosin The Mutineers. Sittemmin vokalistiurkuri John Durrillista, kitaristi Mike Rabonista, komppikitaristi Norman Ezellistä, basisti Jim Grantista ja rumpali Jimmy Wrightista koostunut yhtye muutti Oklahoma State Universityn kampukselta Dallasiin.

Alkujaan instrumentaalimusiikkia soittanut yhtye otti vokalisoinnit musiikkiinsa mukaan, ja hiljalleen alkoi tulla listamenestystäkin. Yhtyeen ensimmäinen Billboardin listoille päässyt single on juurikin kyseessä oleva I See The Light, joka iski parhaimmillaan sijalle 26. I See The Lightia seurasi pienoinen hittiputki, joka huipentui vuoden 1967 Western Unioniin, joka ylsi aina sijalle 5 saakka. Kaikkiaan yhtye rikkoi kansallisten listojen 40 suosituimman maagisen rajan neljä kertaa uransa aikana.

I See The Light on lähes oma maailmansa. Toteutukselliset seikat luovat kappaleella oman hyvällä tapaa vinksahtaneen ja jopa kosmisen tunnelmansa, jollaista ei ihan jokaisella äänitteellä tapaa. Urut ovat selkeässä pääosassa koko säihkyvän kaksiminuuttisen aikana. Jimmy Wrightin diskanttinen rumputyöskentely perustuu lautasvoittoisuuteen.

I See The Light on ehdottomasti tutustumisen arvoinen.

Poikkeuksellisesti I See The Lightia ei näy olevan saatavilla YouTubessa. Kuulkaa ja nähkää edes Western Union:

The Five Americans - Western Union

Fab Fourin In My Lifeltä antoisasti lainailevalla kappaleella on sellaisenaankin paljon annettavaa; etenkin Don Woodin rumputyöskentely erottuu edukseen. 

Mississipistä ponkaissut The Gants julkaisi I Wonderin Liberty-levymerkin kautta tammikuussa 1967. Yhtye aloitti uransa mantereen tapaan levyttämällä vuonna 1965 Bo Diddleyn Roadrunnerin. Mistään erityisen esiintunkevasta tai distinktiivistä urakuvaajasta ei siis ole kyse, mutta musiikin toimiessa kyseessä ei ole haitta eikä mikään. Helvetti vieköön, Sid Herring kuulostaa täysin John Lennonilta!

The Gants - I Wonder

Any time I am faced with a leadership challenge, I inevitably ask myself, "How did God deal with me when I did this to Him?"  All of us at some point or another have either in our minds or actions walked away from God.  How did he deal with us?  He didn't slam the door shut and write us off.  He pursued us!  With pit-bull like tenacity he tracked us down and brought us back to his side.  May we by His Grace do likewise with those who hurt us.

If you're a news buff or even if you're not please share your knowledge of current events with me. I welcome comments!

In other WhisFam news life is very normal. No big happenings. I will post a running update in the next couple of days. Let's just say it's discouraging but I have HOPE.

The kids are doing well. My son had a huge Dinosaur party in class on Friday. It's was nearly an all day party centered around Dinosaurs. They had lunch in class with HUGE Brontosaurus burgers, Dino shaped chicken nuggets, Dino Jell-O eggs, a Dino cake, and much more. They painted Dinosaur money banks, and hunted for Dino eggs, and just had a lot of fun. I went for about 2 1/2 hours. It was a fun time.

That same day my daughter's class was celebrating Johnny Appleseed day. I didn't end up going to her class so I don't know much about it. I do know they had apple pie and my daughter didn't have any. Talk about party foul.

Looking ahead: Tomorrow I'm really excited because I get to help out on Campus at our local University and hand out fliers to a Campus Crusade sponsored event. I used to do stuff like this back when I was in college so I'm so excited to do it again. Our church we attend here has many part time staff for Crusade so I'm excited they welcome my help. Yay!

This Thursday there's no school so we're taking advantage of it by going and visiting with 2 great grandma's and one grandma. We'll have lunch together and spend some valuable time together. I'm much looking forward to it. Now pray I don't forget my camera.

Tomorrow's ballet and scouts. Such is life.

That's what the WhisFam is up to.

Until next time,
K-Dawg

The NBA season is about to begin and the dreams of many are on the line, yes we're talking about training camp and who survives the cut. Players are due to report to their teams no later than 11am on the 29th and camp will commence on the 30th. Preseason begins on the 5th of October.

This post is going to cover the who's and where's .... what players have been invited and by what teams. Maybe you want find out who your team is working out and if they have any hope of making the roster? Perhaps there's a specific player you followed in college that's getting his shot? Maybe someone you've seen in Europe or a past NBA season? Someone you're pulling for and hoping they make an NBA roster?

Or maybe you're cruel and like sparing a moment to have a chuckle at an old washed up vet who won't let his past go? But seriously when is Allan Houston stop kidding himself? At least Penny Hardaway got the message last season.

Don't sleep on training camp invites either. There's a lot of players that have entered the NBA undrafted. Who do you think is going to join that list this season?

Are there any players that stand out beyond that, that could not only make a roster but perhaps the rotation? A hidden gem if you will? Someone who's going to surprise the league? Is there another Jamario Moon?

Or another Bruce Bowen? How about Ben Wallace? Brad Miller? Or a Stephen Jackson? Maybe another Avery Johnson or David Wesley? Perhaps a Matt Carroll?

Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks have brought in at least two players for camp

The Hawks added to their roster by signing two free agents that participated in the team's minicamp and summer league.

Thomas Gardner, a 6-foot-5 guard, and Othello Hunter, a 6-8 forward, signed non-guaranteed contracts on Monday.

There are also reports of Von Wafer training with several Hawks players through the summer and playing very well .... although I haven't seen any reports of him being signed or invited to camp yet. Perhaps in a day or two.

The Hawks currently have 12 contracts on the books so they need to sign at least one more player to reach the league minimum of 13 bodies. Their roster has good depth at the point, on the wings and at center but I think they could do with another power forward.

Update: Von Wafer will not be in Atlanta's training camp, and will instead report to Houston's camp

Update: Official announcement of the training camp roster .... There are a few additional names - Olumide Oyedeji (6-10, 240, tough big, limited skill wise), Frank Robinson (rookie 6-4 guard), Marcus Hubbard (another big).

Update: The Hawks have waived Oyedeji, the roster now stands at 17

Reserve big man Olumide Oyedeji was the first player cut from the Hawks’ roster. He was released after Saturday’s workout, and the move leaves the Hawks with 17 players.

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are heading into camp with 16 players ... well once they sign Sammy which Danny Ainge has already publicly said they intend to do and that the contract is close to being finished.

Darius Miles is on a non-guaranteed contract and is the most likely to get cut. Should he be a pleasant surprise it's unclear who's next for the chop, however Celtics boards have been looking at Gabe Pruitt as a possible victim.

Update: Cassell's contract is non-guaranteed and the C's won't make any further invites

Free Throws: The Celtics have 16 players on their training camp roster and no more will be added, general manager Danny Ainge said. Sam Cassell and newcomer Darius Miles do not have guaranteed contracts. Even so, the Celtics might waive another player with a low contract or make a trade to accommodate both Cassell and Miles (the roster limit is 15). "We've got a month to find out," Ainge said

Charlotte Bobcats

The Bobcats 13 players on their books including their two first round draft picks. I think Ryan Hollins still has an offer out there so that's possibly 14 players.

Recently the Bobcats invited Donell Taylor to camp. Here's an interesting report on how Larry Brown views both Taylor and Shannon Brown

You can see new coach Larry Brown’s defensive focus in the team signing Shannon Brown and Donell Taylor, at least for training camp. They’re guards with the tools to be rugged defenders if they apply themselves on that end. Brown has traditionally found roster spots for guys willing to raise defensive intensity.

An earlier report says the Bobcats are not planning on inviting more players to camp so it doesn't look likely that there will be further invites.

Update: The earlier report of the Bobcats plans not to invite more players to camp was incorrect. The Bobcats ended up inviting two others, in addition to Donell Taylor, to give the Bobcats a squad for 17 bodies.

Charlotte Bobcats General Manager Rod Higgins today announced that the team has signed Andre Brown, Donell Taylor and Marcus Williams. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed. The team now has 17 players under contract

The Bobcats have fantastic training camp coverage over at their website. Definitely worth checking out, videos, blogs, recaps of training sessions, picture galleries, rookie reports, interviews. Like I said it's fantastic coverage and worth having a look at.

Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls have invited three players to training camp, and have one roster spot available (assuming Ben Gordon rejoins the team)

On Friday, the team announced three additions to its roster for training camp: forward/center Elton Brown (6-9 | 250 | 09/09/83 | Virginia | rookie), forward Roger Powell (6-6 | 225 | 01/15/83 | Illinois | 1 year experience), and guard Darius Washington (6-2 | 185 | 12/06/85 | Memphis | 1 yr. exp.).

Elton Brown is the most interesting player. He tore up the D-League and has a rep for being a tenacious rebounder. I know a lot of Nuggets fans were hoping the team would sign him for next season after his appearance on their summer league team.

Update: Bulls add another, Michael Ruffin

The Bulls are set to sign forward Mike Ruffin for his second stint in the Windy City, Mike McGraw of the Daily Herald is reporting.

Ruffin, who was a former second round pick of the Bulls, will sign a one year, non-guaranteed contract.

Ruffin is a very good rebounder, particularly on the offensive. A tough physical player who plays decent defense and is an offensive liability. He spent last season backing up Bogut on the Bucks. I doubt he makes the roster but he's certainly serious competition for Elton Brown.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs currently have 14 players on their books for next season, however, the Cavs are still trying to figure out what to do with Eric Snow who is looking to retire due to injury.

The Cavs have invited Jawad Williams to camp, while Billy Thomas has left for Greece

Former St. Edward High School star Jawad Williams has been invited to take part in the Cavaliers' training camp, which opens with media day on Sept. 29.

Update: Michael Dickerson is at the Cavs camp. Yes, the same Michael Dickerson that retired prematurely due to injury 5 or so years ago shortly after averaging 16-18ppg for the Grizzlies. Very surprising invite and I doubt that he can still play. Mike Brown's description of Dickerson:

You can see he's a little rusty in terms of the lingo and the knowledge and his reactions, but when it comes to competing, his athleticism and strength stands out.

Here's the total list of Cleveland's training camp invites - Lance Allred, Michael Dickerson, Ronald Dupree, Jawad Williams, Vernon Hamilton.

Update: Lance Allred has been waived after playing four minutes and 10 seconds against the Raps last night. That was a quick reaction.

Update: Mickael Dickerson has been waived

The Cleveland Cavaliers have granted a release to guard Michael Dickerson. Dickerson was excused from camp on October 1st in order to attend to a personal matter and has not been able to return. He was unable to pursue his return to the NBA at this time while addressing the personal matter but expects to still pursue a return to the league in the future.

Yeah, Dickerson had missed too much of training camp to make a case for inclusion. I think we'll see him make another attempt at a comeback next season though. He sounds like he wants to give it one more good shot before giving up on his career.

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have 15 players on their payroll including 2nd round draft pick Shan Foster.

The Mavericks signed Keith McLeod and Sean Singletary earlier in the summer, I presume to non-guaranteed contracts for them to try out at training camp.

Update: The Mavs add four to give themselves a roster of 19 players

The Dallas Mavericks announced today they have signed 2007 second round pick Reyshawn Terry and rookie free agents Charles Rhodes, JaJuan Smith and Cheyne Gadson for 2008-09 training camp. Terms of the deals were not disclosed. With the group of signees, Dallas enters its first practice at the Crum Basketball Center (Southern Methodist University) with a 19-player roster.

Reyshawn Terry looked like a decent player during summer league last year, he just got caught up in the numbers game. He might have a chance of cracking the squad.

It looks like Dallas have 13 players who are close to being certainties to make their roster. So two spots up for grabs.

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets have 13 players on roster and appear reluctant to add more (why not sign Elton Brown?) due to their luxury tax payments and consequential cost cutting decision. However with the injury to Chucky Atkins the side have decided to sign Mateen Cleaves.

Free agent guard Mateen Cleaves will reportedly sign with the Denver Nuggets as the team looks to fill the void momentarily left by the injury to Chucky Atkins.

Danny Servick, the agent for Cleaves, confirmed reports on Friday that his client will sign before training camp, which begins Tuesday for Denver.

Cleaves, scheduled to arrive in Denver on Friday afternoon, will sign a one-year nonguaranteed minimum contract. While Servick said Cleaves had been invited to Denver’s camp before it was known that Atkins would undergo right knee surgery Wednesday, his chances of at least starting the season with the Nuggets are now obviously better.

I'm pulling for Mateen Cleaves to make it through training camp.

To me it looks like the Nuggets need another big man in case one of their guys get's injured which isn't you know out of the realm of possibility considering Nene's history, Kenyon's history, and Hunter's recent history ... and then there's Chris Andersen who has only been a recent return to the NBA. If I'm a Denver fan I'm concerned by head coach is going to be forced into small ball whether he wants it or not.

Update: Nuggets sign 5 hopefuls, to bring their roster to 18 bodies

The Denver Nuggets have signed guard Mateen Cleaves, forward Nick Fazekas, forward James Mays, guard William “Smush” Parker and forward Ruben Patterson to their training camp roster team Vice President of Basketball Operations Mark Warkentien announced today.

Some decent additions to training camp there. Ruben Patterson can play and add to the Nuggets, George Karl liked his game the last time he was in Denver so I think he has a good chance of making the team. One of the two point guards Smush/Cleaves should get the nod. I don't know anything about James Mays. Fazekas is a skilled player but I don't think he's athletic enough to compete so I'm doubtful about his chances.

Update: The Nuggets add Juwan Howard

The Nuggets have signed veteran 6-9 forward Juwan Howard to a one-year minimum, non-guaranteed deal, a source said.

Update: Smush Parker is looking better (was he bad before? probably), but the article also mentions other problems like he's 15lbs overweight. The article I linked to only makes a brief mention about Smush Parker, but is more centered on Juwan Howard

But Karl respects the former all-star's approach to the game: wise and wily.

"A lot of times, your brain and professionalism are as important as your talent," Karl said. "I don't think there's any question that as Juwan gets older, that's going to be more of his strength on a basketball team. He thinks he can still play, and we'll evaluate him. . . . How we can fit him in will all be determined in exhibition season (beginning Friday)."

Howard, 35, has been one of the Nuggets' "more cerebral players on the court," coach George Karl said Tuesday.

Howard wants to proves he has something left in the tank and believes the Nuggets need another backup big won can replace Nene and Kenyon. Howard is correct about the need for another backup big, but he doesn't have anything left in the tank. Locker room elder ..... a statesman who hands out advice to younger players ... this is something he can do. Play? Not so much no.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons have 14 players on their roster. I've seen no word on training camp invites.

Update: The Pistons have signed ex-player Alex Acker

Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced today that the team has signed free agent guard Alex Acker to a contract. Per club policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Playing overseas the last two seasons, Acker averaged 6.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 30 games for FC Barcelona last season and 14.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists with Olympiacos in 2006-07 Euroleague play.

I'm surprised Joe D signed another big guard to backup Stuckey and Billups, Joe had said plenty of complimentary things about Will Bynum and having a smaller speedster who can change the pace and pressure the ball, he liked having a different option to Stuckey/Billups. Still, Dumars rated Acker highly once and it looks like he's coming off a good season in Europe so maybe there's something there worth adding.

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors have 14 players under contract including 2nd round pick Richard Henderix, and summer camp scoring star Anthony Morrow who both look in good shape to make the roster but I wouldn't consider them definites just yet.

They've also invited three players - Dion Dowell, DeMarcus Nelson, Rob Kurz - and just recently signed Justin Williams.

Update: Morrow looks very good and ready for the upcoming season

Morrow a hit: For better or worse, undrafted rookie Anthony Morrow is Nelson's new training camp darling.

Morrow signed a non-guaranteed deal with the Warriors after shooting 74 percent from three-point range in summer league and being named MVP of the Rocky Mountain Revue in July.

And he's remained hot. Nelson, whose previous camp favorites have included Dajuan Wagner and Marco Belinelli, has called Morrow the best shooter on the roster.

"Maybe on a lot of teams," Nelson added. "The guy makes every shot. He's unbelievable. You kind of wonder how a guy like that slips through."

Update: The Warriors don't seem to care that Dickau was cut by Avellino for medical reason, and have decided to add him to their training camp roster. I don't like Dickau's chances of the making the squad ... the one thing about this signing is that it shows the Warriors are uncomfortable with their options at the point so we might see a move (trade) later on.

Update: Warriors are expected to make a few cuts shortly, they want to get it done before leaving for China so we should have a good feel for their roster soon.

Update: As expected the Warriors made some cuts before their trip abroad

The Golden State Warriors have waived guard/forward Dion Dowell and center Justin Williams, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Mullin announced today

Houston Rockets

The Rockets currently have 17 players in their plans for training camp.

That includes Dikembe Mutombo who has yet to sign a contract, so his final decision will decide someone else's job. I reckon Marty Leunen is a huge long shot to make the roster and will likely get cut, that's down to 16 ... from there you're likely talking about DJ Strawberry, Mike Harris and possibly Steve Francis. I expect Harris to get waived because of the Rockets depth up front.

Update: The Rockets have added Von Wafer and Marcus Campbell to their summer league roster. Von Wafer is a serious shooter, he could find his way onto Houston's roster. Campbell is a legit 7 footer but I can't see him making this team without Deke retiring first. The link there for Marcus Campbell is to his D-League page, very good development from year one to year two, promising development.

Update: Ron Artest says all invites are playing well but Von Wafer is standing out

“Von is playing excellent,” Artest said. “Strawberry is looking good. Everybody is really having a good camp, probably the first camp that I can honestly say everybody is playing well. I was never part of a camp where everybody is playing well.

Update: The Rockets have released Marcus Campbell

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers have 16 players on their roster. The one's in most danger are Stephen Graham, Maceo Baston and Josh McRoberts. The Pacers have been utterly delighted with Roberts community work, thus it's my expectation that they're going to look for a way to keep him around.

Oh yes, the Pacers have also invited Austin Croshere to training camp. I think Croshere could add to the team more so than one of the above three.

"We're bringing back Austin this year," Bird said. "He's out there and he needs a place to go. He's been here (working out) the last couple of weeks and he looks good. Jimmy (O'Brien) loves him because he can shoot the 3-pointer."

Croshere's addition gives the Pacers 17 players under contract, with one or two more possible before camp begins

It's also worth considering that the Pacers are desperately trying to rid themselves of Tinsley, however, they're refusing to waive him so don't read too much into that.

LA Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers have invited four players to camp with one roster spot currently available

The Los Angeles Clippers today signed free agents Dontell Jefferson, Jelani McCoy, David Noel and Curtis Sumpter, bringing their training camp roster to 18 players. Per club policy, terms of the deals were not announced.

None of these guys are a point guard so with the recent retirement of Jason Williams in mind I can see the Clippers waiving all four guys and using that roster spot on a third string point .... unless Mike Taylor thoroughly impresses them. Since they've been uncomfortable in the past with Hart/Taylor as backups I can see the Clippers making this a priority, it just depends on whether or not they can scrape together a point with enough quality. Shaun Livingston is someone who has been mentioned on Clippers boards.

David Noel has some talent but I heard reports that he was more interested in being the star, than learning how to round himself out as a role player while in Milwaukee which is fairly damning for a guy who's a borderline player to even make it back into this league. Unless that's changed it's hard to see him making the cut. With Brian Skinner, Paul Davis and DeAndre Jordan at the club it's hard to see Jelani McCoy getting much love either.

LA Lakers

The Lakers have a packed roster already as covered briefly after the DJ Mbenga signing

The Lakers roster now stands at 19. The Lakers are loaded (in terms of depth and options) on the wings so I can’t see the following three players making the roster - Dwayne Mitchell, Joe Crawford, and finally Brandon Heath. With Mbenga signed it looks unlikely that CJ Giles makes the cut. That’s the four players I expect to be cut bringing the Lakers back down to 15 bodies. I think the next two players that are close to being on the edge are Mbenga and Coby Karl but I think they’ll survive the cut.

Update: Looks like Mbenga’s contract is guaranteed so his spot looks safe on the roster. Coby Karl looks the most vulnerable for that final cut.

Update: Lakers waive Dwayne Mitchell. That was an obvious one. I think Brandon Heath and CJ Giles will give Jackson the msot to think about, although I consider both unlikely to make the squad.

Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis did some early work by signing Quinton Ross to a non-guaranteed contract bring the Grizzlies roster up to 14 players.

Update: Memphis has added Brent Petway who I believe is a former D-league slam dunk champ

Update: Memphis add one more player, Malick Badiane, as they announce their 16 man roster for training camp

The Memphis Grizzlies have signed forward/center Malick Badiane (pronounced Muh-LEEK BAHD-ee-EN), adding to their 16-man training camp roster, the club announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. The 6-10, 240-pound Badiane recently played for the Grizzles’ 2008 Las Vegas Summer League team, posting 4.4 points and 4.4 rebounds in 19.2 minutes in five games (all starts)

I'm guessing Brian Petway gets cut because the Grizzlies do not need another wing.

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat currently have 16 players 17 players (if you include Powell) on their roster and are $415,000 away from the luxury tax so it's hard to see them taking a shot on anyone new.

But right now, we're not in the market [talking about trades] for anybody, because we can't really afford to sign anybody like that, because we are that close to the tax."

Riley said the Heat payroll, as it stands now, is only $415,000 under the luxury tax threshold.

Still, he acknowledged having interest in free agent Shaun Livingston, the former Los Angeles Clippers guard who hasn't played since a massive left knee injury in a game on Feb. 26, 2007.

"There's a big question mark with the kind of injury that he had and whether or not he's going to be able to come all the way back," Riley said. "It's a risk, but it's a big upside risk."

Riley hasn't completely ruled out Livingston but that luxury tax is a huge cost so I doubt Riley takes that chance.

Here's the state of the Heat's roster

Notes: The Heat have 16 players under contract: guards Dwyane Wade, Mario Chalmers, Daequan Cook, Chris Quinn, Marcus Banks and Richards; forwards Michael Beasley, Shawn Marion, James Jones, Yakhouba Diawara, Haslem and Wright; and centers Joel Anthony, Mark Blount, Jamaal Magliore and David Padgett. Three others - forwards Matt Walsh and Omar Barlett, along with guard Tre Kelley - have been invited to camp, and the team hopes to sign all three of them and another player, presumably Kasib Powell (who has an offer sheet from the Heat), on Friday.

Update: On