Tis' the Season

This holiday season seems to have crept up a lot sooner than I expected. People already had their Christmas trees up by Thanksgiving, and as Black Friday approached, those same people were prepared to line up at the stores for those damn door busting deals by 4 a.m. People went nuts on Friday, and for what, great deals? A fucking present? A man was trampled in New York at a Walmart at 4:55 a.m. because the people were too damn impatient to wait for them to unlock the door. He died of a heart attack at the age of 34, see photo to the right. The police were there most of the morning, as the crowd of 2,000 waited all night to get in, and catch some deals. I didn't know Christmas was this serious. As much as I love shopping, there is nothing that can get me out the door before the crack of dawn to shop. That is insane. I sure hope the presents were worth a man's life. See the related stories below.

Not only that, but two men shot each other in California, inside of a Toys R Us store on Friday, over a toy. They were both fighting and arguing about it, and one man pulled out his piece, and so did the other man. Why would someone bring a gun to a children's toy store, unless they were planning on robbing it? See the news clip below, and I apologize for the commercial.

This time of year pisses me off so much. It actually makes me hate the way people act. I usually spend more time inside around the holidays. Avoiding the crowds is good for me. People are always ready to fight, over the stupidest thing, like a parking spot. Out here in California, holiday shopping is so serious. I don't know how it is anywhere else, but here and NYC, because I've shopped around Christmas in NYC too. Advertisers definitely got their money's worth this season, since people were out in packs. The traffic is so bad around this time of year too! There are 4 malls within a 2 mile radius from my house too, so it takes super long to get home from work. Every year seems to get worse and worse.

People are extra rude around this time of year. They yell at retailers demanding a better deal. They fight for spots in line. They fight for presents. I just don't understand what comes over people, and why they are so stressed out. If I like something, and I can't get it for whatever reason, I find something better. There is no need to argue with the manager, or fight whomever took the last one. That seems so incredibly silly to me. I thought the holidays was supposed to make people happier? I guess not. This year is more stressful than any other, and I think people were even more brutal on Friday because they HAD to have those deals. Possibly any other time a few bucks difference didn't really matter, but now it does. Times are hard, and that is understandable, but to take someone's life at this time of year, its not worth what you're saving. The holiday season, a time to be merry, brings out only the worse in people, and I look forward to staying home more often.

Happy Holidays


http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/29/business/29walmart.html?_r=1&scp=
1&sq=Walmart&st=cse



http://www.nydailynews.com/money/2008/11/29/2008-
11-29_day_after_stampede__shopping_li_walmart_.html

http://www.freep.com/article/20081129
/NEWS07/811290333

Giving Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I have so much to be thankful for this year, its not even funny. Although the economy is so crummy, I am thanking God right now for every moment I am breathing. I spent Monday in the ER and the last few days suffering from the worse pelvic pain of my life. Them damn ER doctors couldn't find shit wrong with me. I wasn't pregnant, they couldn't find anything on the ultrasound, Nothing! Nada! Yet I felt a lump the size of a miniature egg on my left side, and it was definitely near my ovary. I am so upset with the ER for so many reasons, and you better believe they will be hearing from me. So today was the only day I could get an appointment with an OBGYN. I'm going later today...however whatever was inside of me has dissipated. The egg shaped lump is gone, and I can actually feel where it was. I've been going crazy trying to diagnose myself, which is bad idea, just FYI. I thought maybe it was an ectopic pregnancy, which could still be the case, and maybe my body aborted it. Who knows...but today is the first day in almost two weeks that I don't have pelvic pain. I won't go into any more detail...

Any way, yesterday with my family was great. I love them so much! Family is the best! I got to see all my cousins and my grandparents and my aunts and uncles. Although I was in pain yesterday, seeing them made everything feel great! My grandmother made me a quilt, by hand, I have two others from her, but this one is special. The first one she gave me was when I was 12, and the second one was when I was 18. And now a brand new quilt. See my inserted photo. I love it so much. I slept with it last night, and I think it was the source of my healing. She made it by hand...that loving hand is what saved my life. Also, my so gracious aunt has agreed to send me and my beau on vacation! In August 2009, we're either going to spend our 7 year anniversary in Hawaii or Puerto Rico. She has a timeshare, and she always lets us use it. We went to Cancun, Cabo San Lucas and of course, the place where we first met, because his parents have the same timeshare, the Dominican Republic. So we have something to look forward to next year, even though its months away, I love vacations. Another reason to love family, all those cousins and aunts you haven't seen, love to give me money. Ummm yes, I did receive my B.A. last year, and no you didn't give me a gift, oh money, that works! Family is the best!

Something else to be so thankful for, I filled up my tank for only $20. Yes, $20, gas was only $1.99 a gallon. What! Crazy! I am so happy for that. Even though my job is only 2 miles away from home, I can save even more money. $15 less to fill up my tank!

Finally, the most important thing to be thank ful for. My beau and I went grocery shopping about a week ago, our regular routine, we always make sure our fridge is stocked. We cooked our own thanksgiving meal this year. Even though we went to my grandparents house in Palm Springs, we didn't have to take any left overs home. We made mac and cheese, ham, smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, yams, dressing, green beans and corn on the cobb. We also bought an Apple pie, my fave, from Marie Callendar's. I feel so lucky to have food and more importantly, to have money for food. This holiday season is going to rough for so many people. It won't be that easy for us, don't think we're big balling or anything. Instead of buying presents for each other, we are going to San Francisco, a place he has never seen, since he hails from NY, and a place I haven't been to in 10 years. We're going for Valentine's Day weekend. Staying at the Parc Fifty Five hotel located in Union Square. I'm so excited! Also, we're buying a brand new dresser for our bedroom. We need a bigger one. And that's it. Our little family, E, our pitbull Primo, and my two turtles. That's our family for now, and I love every mintue of life.

Hope you and yours can give thanks like I can. Happy Thanksgiving!

Recent Fashion Finds

Every week I go online and look at clothes...that's just what I love to do. I don't think I discovered anything new here, to the left, because I've seen this Chanel dress on a few celebrities before, but that doesn't mean that I don't love it. Its so classic, the ruffled collar, the bow, the chiffon and silk, the satin belt and the satin bow tie...almost had a fashion orgasm...some of my other online finds below.

Some Manolo Blahnik peep toe, snake skin boots are to die for. I would so wear these...with dresses, a swim suit, anything. These shoes are oh so sexy. Lets see what else did I find....

What makes the below dress sexy is the variation in the color, as well as the neck line. I don't think wearing a v-neck or low cut dress all the time is sexy. The more mysterious you can be the sexier you are. This dress reminds me of being on vacation somewhere...but of course living in Los Angeles always feels like a vacation with our gorgeous weather. Could have gone swimming this weekend, the weather was so damn hot.

These are my fashion finds for the week, two classic yet sexy dresses and some sexy pumps. I could see myself owning all of these items. I'm just a fashion-a-holic...

Lakers' Andrew Bynum hopes to block out bigger role

Lakers' Andrew Bynum hopes to block out bigger role - From the Los Angeles Times

Lakers center, averaging only 9.9 points per game, vows to become more assertive in the low post.

By Broderick Turner
November 17, 2008

The basketball hasn't come Andrew Bynum's way much in the first eight games.


He would like for that to change some.

Mostly, Bynum wants to change his approach when he does get the ball down low.


He figures that as the center for the Lakers, he can be more productive if he is more assertive.


"I really haven't been attacking, so I'm going to start attacking on the block," Bynum said. "Over all the games, I really haven't scored much on the block play."

Bynum is fifth on the team in scoring, averaging 9.9 points per game. Last season, before he got injured, Bynum averaged 13.1 points.


He has been a presence on defense, averaging three blocks per game, second-best in the NBA.

But his offense has been coming slow. He's getting only 8.25 shots per game.


"I'm just not being aggressive," Bynum said. "I think I need to go out there and be aggressive and assert myself on the block. I don't think I've even scored with a post move yet this season."


Most of Bynum's offense has come on screen-and-roll plays and lob passes.

He wants to become more of a force inside.

"So, I'm going to try to attack the basket a little bit more," Bynum said.


Forgotten man

Two seasons ago, Luke Walton was the starting small forward, his future looking bright enough that the Lakers rewarded him with a six-year, $30-million contract.

Two years later, Walton has become the forgotten man in the Lakers' deep, talented rotation. He is playing 3.7 minutes per game, fewest on the team.

Walton averaged 23.4 minutes last season, appearing in 74 games, averaging 7.2 points.

Now, he can't get in the rotation, and that pains Coach Phil Jackson.

"Luke is the one guy I worry about a little bit because he's going to have to stay in shape without playing himself into shape by practicing himself there, because there are minutes that could be available," Jackson said.


Injury update

Derek Fisher didn't participate in part of Sunday's practice because of injured ribs he suffered during Friday night's game against the Detroit Pistons.
Fisher had issues breathing and turning during practice, but he is expected to play against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night at Staples Center.

Vladimir Radmanovic suffered a left thigh contusion at the end of practice Sunday. His status is more uncertain.

If Radmanovic is not able to start Tuesday, Jackson said he is leaning toward starting Trevor Ariza at small forward.

Sasha Vujacic, who has a sprained right ankle, practiced Sunday.


Back to work

The Lakers were back at practice after having taken Saturday off.

They talked some about their defense -- or lack thereof -- in the 106-95 loss to the Pistons.

It was a day for conditioning, especially considering the Lakers will play five games in eight days starting Tuesday night.

"We got ourselves back in rhythm so we can shoot the ball," Jackson said.

The Lakers are making 44.2% of their field-goal attempts, something that is an issue for Jackson.

The coach said he does not have a theory on why the Lakers have shot the ball so poorly.

"No, I don't," Jackson said. "We talked a little bit about the rhythm of shots and comfort zone."

Turner is a Times staff writer. broderick.turner@latimes.com

The Story of Us

In the December issue of Essence, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith interview each other and discuss their relationship, their love for each other and how it has changed over the last 11 years. They are the most sincere, honest and real couple that is out there in Hollywood. Young couples can only hope to achieve what the two of them have, in terms of unconditional love and true respect for one another. Some of my favorite quotes from the article:

Jada: …When man and woman come together, it’s all about creation. That’s our purpose in being together. We’ve created love, we’ve created a family, we create power and unity. We’re constantly changing. I think people get into the concept of being constant in their relationships. That’s a huge mistake because things are going to change. It doesn’t matter if you’re going forward or backward, you’re going to be moving.

I thought about all the things that Will and Jada said to each other, and of course I asked my significant other some questions. We always have discussions about what we want from life, and how are we achieving our goals. We try to make sure that we can help each other achieve our greatness by supporting one another. Its one thing to talk about what you’re doing in your relationship, and it’s another thing to actually do it. I think a lot of couples just exist. They’re together and even though they may love each other, eventually they stop showing their love. Having discussions about where your relationship is, and where its going. Life is all about the next steps, and people shouldn’t think they’ve reached their limit, even in their relationship. Marriage is not the end all. Although your relationship status may be at the limit of classification, your love for one another can continue to grow stronger, and it should grow stronger.

Jada said that, “you’ve got to create what you want in a relationship.” So I asked my man, E, what he wants from a relationship, and he said happiness.

ER: I just want to be happy. I want both of us to be happy. I want things in our lives to run smooth.

JB : That is life though…things don’t always run smooth

ER: But I want them to. I want you to be happy all the time.

JB: But I’m happy in our relationship all the time

ER: I am too. Relationship wise I couldn’t ask for anything more. I want a house and more money though. Everyday I’m thankful for everything that we have. I never thought I would have all of this or you for that matter, or your heart. I’m so happy to have you and be with you.

JB: People have to be happy on their own.

ER: Yeah, people have to be happy with themselves first. If you can’t be happy with yourself, then you can’t be happy with someone else.

JB: Do you think that happiness is missing in other relationships? Like people being happy with themselves and loving themselves

ER: Yeah

JB: Do you think in the beginning of our relationship, we had all of this happiness?

ER: I would say yes. I would say it was harder, because you were just getting over a relationship. For me, I was happy with myself. I had just reached that point of happiness with myself, so when we met, it just continued to help me even more.

JB: I think in the beginning, because I was coming out of a relationship, an abusive one, and I was only 18, that I was definitely not happy with myself. I really didn’t become happy with my self until a few years ago. I used to hate myself, because of what I went through before you. And as a teenager you’re always insecure. You were 25 when we met, so you just got through that point that I’m coming up to now. I’ll be 25 next year.

But because I wasn’t happy with me, I was more insecure in the beginning of our relationship, and I was still learning who I was.

ER: Yes. I knew that. What do you really want from me and this relationship? Because I’m simple…I just want happiness

JB: Honestly, I don’t know what I want. I want you, and that’s all.

ER: You have me, so what else? You confuse me, because sometimes you want to get married, sometimes you don’t, sometimes you want a big wedding, sometimes you want to just run off and elope. What do you want?

JB: I don’t want you to feel like, you have to buy my love, or just concentrate on my feelings so much. I’m an emotional creature, and I’m very indecisive. My mind goes everywhere all the time.

ER: Yes this is true.

JB: So, why can’t you decide for us? Since it’s so simple.

ER: I can, but I want it to be what you want. I can just go to court and get married and be happy. To me its not a big deal, it’s for us.

JB: So, if we do that, then we have more money to spend on my ring.

ER: LOL! And how about the honeymoon!

JB: Yes, I want to go to Italy for a month. Rent a house and travel around the country. But, we’re not talking about marriage. We’re talking about our relationship. We already know what the next step is going to be. So what about your love for me? How has it changed?

ER: I don’t think it really has. It just got deeper, because I love you unconditionally. You try to make me angry sometimes, like when you want to pick a fight. And I don’t fight; I don’t get upset that easily with you.

JB: I pick fights because that is my nature.

ER: Well change it

JB: I don’t like where this conversation is going. You’re supposed to love me for me, picking fights and all. Can we get back on track now? So your love hasn’t changed for me?

ER: Like I said it’s gotten deeper and stronger, even though I fell in love instantly with you.

JB: My love for you was so strong in the beginning that I don’t know how much stronger it can get. Actually I’m scared what will happen if it gets any stronger. What do you think has kept us together for all these years? These difficult age years, not difficult as in you and me, but tough times in our age groups, with me in college, and you entering your late 20’s, most people are just finding themselves and not really in serious relationships. I feel like I had to grow up a lot faster than maybe I should have, but I’ve always been old for my age…it’s the only child syndrome, especially with a single parent.

ER: I think what made us last this long is our understanding of each other, and where we’re at. We discuss things, and talk about things. We try to be open and honest with each other. Neither one of us are afraid to tell our feelings to each other. We understand reality, as opposed to all that other bullshit. I think that helped us out. Including how much we care and love one another.

JB: I always think that other people’s relationships are strange, because it’s not ours. What do you think about that?

ER: It’s hard to understand other people’s relationships, when they fight and argue about stupid shit. They get jealous and worry about what the other one is doing all the time. Its like are they really worried about the other person, or are they just insecure about themselves? It’s not really because I’m older that I feel that way, because you feel that way to.

JB: So you’re saying we have unconditional trust too.

ER: Yeah. I’m just more concerned with you being safe; I’m not worried about you messing around with another guy. That happened to me before, and you know how I felt in those other relationships, and what I would do if you ever cheated. I told you from the beginning that you’re stuck with me for ever. You always get off for a crime of passion.

JB: That is terrible. Don’t say that you’ll kill me if I cheat on you. I would leave you if you cheated, but I don’t even want to think about it.

ER: I couldn’t even think about trying to cheat on you. It wouldn’t be an option. One, I’m not that type of person anyways, Two it’s too much work, I can’t hide and sneak around and worry about people calling me. All the stress, I’d give myself a heart attack. And then I wouldn’t be able to sleep, and I wouldn’t be able to look at you in the face. I can’t lie to you as it is.

JB: I can’t lie to you either, even when I try to keep things from you, I always tell you. I can’t keep a secret to save my life. I love you and what we have too much to cheat on you. It’s not worth it.

ER: No its not. We’ve been through too much to cheat now. And you keep me satisfied, so I don’t need anyone else.

JB: That’s right. What about the rumor of no sex after marriage? Do you think that is true?

ER: No, not for us.

JB: But we’re not married

ER: It better not happen

JB: I think we’re both addicted to sex with each other.

ER: I’m definitely addicted

JB: So how do you think our wedding would be? I just feel like the universe would explode on that day. Just because of our intense feelings for each other. I still get butterflies when you’re next to me. And I get so excited when you come from work, but I try to hide it sometimes, because I don’t want you to think I’m a dork.

ER: Well, I know you’re a dork. I still get excited when I come home or when you come home. For our wedding, no matter what we do, I think it will be the best day of our life.

JB: Sometimes, I get afraid of just letting go. You know how controlling I can be. What can you do to help me to relax and let go?

ER: I don’t know what I can do. You need to be relaxed and take it easy. You should just let it go. All the holding back should be gone by now

JB: But I like to control things

ER: You gotta let go sometime. If you don’t let go sometime, you’ll never experience the fullness of happiness and love

JB: I’ll work on it…it will be my New Year’s Resolution. So far I’ve held up to my other one. To love myself more

ER: Yes you have. And I can tell the difference

JB: Oh yeah, how?

ER: Just in your attitude, not anything negative. Just your attitude at work and when you’re out.

JB: What is your advice, now that it’s been 6 years, for other couples who are just starting out?

ER: Just to be honest with themselves and with each other. If it’s not working, you might as well not be in it. If you’re just in a relationship to be in it, you might as well not waste your time. You also need trust. You have to trust one another. If I didn’t trust you I would go crazy. People are afraid to walk away, just because they want to stay in a relationship. If you really didn’t love me or care for me, then we wouldn’t be here. I’m too old for that; you might as well be by yourself. People need to listen to their hearts.

JB: I totally agree with you. There are way too many people that get trapped in a relationship that has no love, just comfort. That is why the divorce rate is so damn high. I think that is my main problem with marriage. It’s all the people that get married, just because. Just because it’s the thing to do.

ER: And that is why we’re not in a rush. To me, the whole wedding thing is a show. We know how much we love each other.

JB: You’re talking about the wedding, I’m talking about what happens afterwards

ER: But people get married for the show, the wedding, not for one another. That is where the problem is.

JB: My advice is to take time and get to know yourself first. Think about you first before you can worry about any one else. You have to be able to love yourself…all of yourself first. I can’t stress that enough.

Read the Essence article of Will and Jada interviewing each other….its good!

Los Angeles Lakers' first loss of the season

I almost cried last night, when the Lakers lost to the Pistons 106-95. I can't believe they lost...but what upset me more was the fact that I missed the damn game. Shit! I missed everything. I know that the East Coast teams play much more aggressively than the West Coast ones, but I would have loved to watch the game. Instead, I spent the evening shopping...damn! By the time I caught the game at the bar, they were down by 12 at the end of the 3rd quarter. I don't know what it is with the Lakers and the East Coast teams but they can never seem to get their defense up. Instead they get defeated so easily. Plus, the Pistons have A.I. now...and I used to L-O-V-E him! Especially when he was running thangs with the 76ers... But now he's trying it out with Detroit after they traded with Billups on the Nuggets.


So, since I didn't get to watch the game, I have to watch the highlights to see how poorly they played. And I can read about what happened on the Lakers running diary...you can too...however its not my words so it may not be as exciting ;) F.Y.I. I'm starting a fantasy Basket Ball Team next season...and I'm dying to go see the Celtics vs. Lakers on X-mas day...but I don't think my grandma would appreciate it.

Lakers - Pistons Running Diary

Published by Mike Trudell on November 14, 2008 in In-Game and Running Diary

In tonight’s matchup between the new-look (translation: A.I.) Detroit Pistons and the Lakers, five players remain from the 2004 NBA Finals won by the team from Motown. Can you name ‘em?

Kobe, Luke Walton, Rasheed Wallace, Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince. Even with Kobe, we’ll give the Pistons a slight edge there due to numbers.

But which of the rest do we like?

A) Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher, Jordan Farmar, Trevor Ariza, Sasha Vujacic … etc
B) Allen Iverson, Jason Maxiell, Rodney Stuckey, Arron Afflalo, Will Bynum, Kwame Brown

Gonna go with B on that one.

Wait, can I take that back? I’m never betting against Kobe, especially when he needs just three points to pass Larry Bird on the all-time scoring list.

Your ever-important inactives:
Lakers - DJ Mbenga, Sun Yue
Pistons - Walter Sharpe

And your starters:
Lakers: Fish, Kobe, Vladi, Pau and Bynum
Pistons: AI, Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace and Kwame Brown

First Quarter
Slow down, Detroit … The Pistons were unconscious to start the game, making six consecutive jumpers to claim a 12-2 lead before Bryant and Gasol combined for five straight points. Though allowing some good looks on those six Pistons Js, L.A.’s defense re-organized well in shutting down five straight possessions, highlighted by a swat from Bynum, the NBA’s second-leading shot blocker. Yet it was on the offensive glass that Bynum made an even bigger impression, grabbing three boards on that end that helped push L.A. to within three at 12-9 after Bynum showed his sticky fingers in catching a tough lob pass from Bryant and immediately laying it off glass to cap a 7-0 run at the 5:48 mark.

Bryant Passes Bird
The run increased to 12-0 thanks to two big slams from Bryant, the first of which gave him 21,791 points to tie Bird, and the second (which, by the way, came when he was approximately 56 feet in the air to throw down a one-handed alley-oop) that put him at No. 23 on the all-time scoring list. Congrats, Kobe, even though you’re probably happier that the game turned from 2-12 to 14-12 in a manner of minutes.

Radmanovic is struggling with his shot right now, missing his third straight attempt from mid-range, and was pulled from the game along with Gasol and Fisher in favor of Odom, Farmar and Ariza. Most notable with Jackson’s substitution, however, was the huge roar from the crowd when the subs checked in. Clearly, it’s a knowledgeable fan base that can appreciate how well L.A.’s second unit has been playing this season.

So, to start the game you have a 10-0 run by the Pistons, a 12-0 run by the Lakers, and then … guess what … an 11-4 Pistons run to close the quarter. The final four points came on two pretty Iverson buckets, the first a pull-back J from the baseline and the second a supremely athletic floater from the lane to beat the buzzer and give Detroit a 23-16 edge.

Second Quarter
Is somebody giving the Lakers salary bumps for taking contested perimeter jumpers? The offense was the opposite of Justin Timberlake and Lance Bass’ group to start the second quarter, allowing Detroit to go up by 12 before Farmar and Ariza hit consecutive shots at the rim to make it 28-20 Pistons. The defense, meanwhile, seemed content to let Wallace launch three uncontested threes from the top of the key, the final of which gave Detroit a 33-20 lead before Gasol’s baseline baby hook.

Here’s one problem: the Lakers are still struggling to hit shots, as in 7-for-22 (31.8 percent). Oucch! The Pistons, meanwhile, nailed an impressive 11-of-19 in the first, and that was before two more Wallace threes and two Stuckey hoops at the rim. Also, to refer back to the pregame entry on this blog, Detroit has certainly had success with that small lineup I was curious to see before the game. The Pistons simply spread the Lakers out defensively, and moved the ball until getting a good look, not even attempting to penetrate the defense with Stuckey’s drives being the notable exceptions. Jackson countered with a small lineup of Gasol at the four and Ariza at the three, though it didn’t help much as Arron Afflalo canned a jumper and Jason Maxiell followed a Stuckey miss with a two-handed slam to make it 45-34 Pistons with 5:46 remaining in the half.

To that point, I think it was fair to say that L.A.’s second unit got outplayed, and maybe for the first time this season.

Except for Ariza. First came a pretty steal in transition leading to a Bryant hoop, then a put-back jam on Gasol miss to cut the lead back to seven. Ariza is the rare player that almost literally contributes in every statistical category, but also does the little things. Plus, it’s hard to remember the last time he made a stupid play. I’ll now stop giving him compliments … it’s starting to get weird.

About 30 seconds later … Ariza threw the ball right to Iverson. That’s on me. At least he hustled back, contested a shot and sealed a rebound. That makes me feel less responsible. At the other end, Bryant drew a foul and converted to make the score 49-40, though Bryant does seem content to shoot jumpers right now instead of attacking the rim, other than those two early dunks.

For Detroit, Prince seemed content to shoot jumpers as well, until getting all the way to the rim after a Bryant turnover for his 11th point, joining AI and Wallace in double figures for Detroit. Kobe did manage the half’s last bucket, but the Lakers hit only 41 percent of their shots while Detroit was good on nearly 60 percent (56.1) to take a 53-44 lead into the break.

“Unexpected” is probably a fair adjective in describing L.A.’s nine-point deficit in terms of what one might have predicted heading into the contest. Yet after watching the action, L.A.’s probably lucky to be within single digits. After all, the Lakers were stagnant on offense, unable to adjust defensively to a small Pistons lineup and generally listless from an effort perspective. Yet to a degree, you have to give Detroit credit for nailing almost each one of its open looks, which is something the Hornets failed to do at home on Wednesday, and Dallas couldn’t do Tuesday against L.A.

In that game against the Mavs, the Lakers trailed by six at halftime after struggling offensively for much of the first half, but came back to dominate the second half 52-39 in taking the victory. There’s that, plus the fact that the Lakers have gone on at least one big run in each game this season. Even against a Pistons team that’s playing quite well, it’s fair to expect a purple and gold charge in the second half. You have to think the Lakers will buckle down defensively and start playing with more purpose offensively, though Iverson, Wallace and Co. have yet to show any wear in their legs from Tuesday night’s contest.

By the way, after sticking four threes and scoring 18 points on Wednesday, Fisher was 0-for-7 in the first half without an assist, while Bryant was just 5-of-13 and Vladi 0-of-3. Odom (3-of-3), Gasol (4-of-6) and Ariza (3-for-5) shot well. L.A. committed eight turnovers (pretty good) but hit only one three, to four from the Pistons.

Third Quarter
If the Lakers can come out with a nice run, we’ll be able to see pretty quickly if the Pistons have the energy to match it. That’s for what I’ll be looking early, anyways.

The first sniff of positivity from the Lakers faithful came understandable after Bryant undressed Prince with a crossover dribble, cut to the hoop and threw down a left-handed jam to cut the Detroit lead to five. Moments earlier, Fisher had connected on consecutive jumpers, a good sign after the veterans first half struggles.

But the Pistons showed some veteran mettle of their own by answering with a Prince jumper and free throws to push the lead right back to nine. So, L.A.’s first punch was answered with a body shot. Watch out for the next swing…

At the 4:45 mark, the first sign of other-worldly intervention filtered into the arena when ‘Sheed threw up a prayer three, and the backboard answered his call to put Detroit up by 12, and that with one second left on the shot clock after a pretty Bynum swat.

By the 1:49 point of the third, Detroit called a time out while holding the basketball and that same 12-point lead, and the crowd was probably as quiet as I’ve heard this season. But the general NBA rule is that you want to be within 10 entering the fourth quarter … so come on, it’s not like you’re Paris Hilton and Saks 5th isn’t accepting American Express Black cards due to a technical disruption. At the same time, what’s not good for the Lakers is that they’ve allowed a veteran team to stay in a ballgame towards which they now only have to give 12 minutes, eliminating any chance of a mental allowance from the Pistons that might have occurred with better early play from L.A.

Wait a second, Paris, the machine really isn’t working. Uh oh. With 18 seconds remaining in the third, Arron Afflalo followed a Hamilton layup with a corner three that gave Detroit a 15-point lead heading into the final period. The game’s long from over, but that five-point swing was exactly what the Lakers needed to prevent.

Fourth Quarter
An even worse omen to the evening came when Kwame Brown not only made both free throws to open the quarter, but banked the first one in. One of those nights? Too many perimeter jumpers, poor defensive rotations and some bad luck combined to dig a hole out of which the Lakers will have trouble climbing, but I wouldn’t count ‘em out just yet.

The lineup at the beginning of the period: Bynum, Odom, Vujacic, Bryant and Farmar. I like that Sasha’s in the game here, because he’s probably been the fieriest of Lakers tonight, and L.A. certainly needs some fire.

On cue, Vujacic hassled Stuckey into a jump ball on a routine inbounds play, and though he lost the tip, grabbed a defensive board at the other end (even as he turned his ankle) which led to two Bynum free throws and an 83-71 score with 7:20 to go. That ankle tweak, however, was his right ankle, good news only because the one that he’d hurt in training camp was his left.

The game’s most influential sequence to that point came when Bynum missed a dunk opportunity from Bryant (the timing was juuuust off) and Prince nailed a three at the other end, making what would have been an 11-point game into a 16-point Pistons lead with 6:40 to go.

Bryant then missed consecutive jumpers, Wallace converted two free throws with 5:30 left and Hamilton hit two from the stripe after a frustrated Odom reaching foul to make the climb back just a bit less daunting than a staring contest with Jack.

Kobe, who had made only 7-of-23 shots to start the game, quickly scored eight points* (including two triples) and swatted rip Hamilton to bring L.A. within 14 with 3:00 to go, but Detroit came right back in transition with a Wallace dunk that proved the final nail in L.A.’s coffin.
That moved Bryant past Gary Payton for 22nd on the NBA’s all-time scoring charts, after he passed Larry Bird earlier in the game.

So after 18 days of relative bliss around Los Angeles, the Lakers finally dropped a game, and fell to 7-1 on the season. They’ll have a long weekend to think about the loss before the Bulls come to town on Tuesday, which probably isn’t great news for Chicago.

Stay tuned for postgame coverage on Lakers.com, and have a good one.

NBA Season Standings - Lakers are still # 1 in the West and those damn Celtics are # 1 in the East...Fuck em'

2008-2009 Conference Regular Season Standings
Eastern Conference
Eastern	W	L	PCT	GB	CONF	DIV	HOME	ROAD	L 10	STREAK
Boston1	8	2	0.800	0.0	6-1	1-0	5-1	3-1	8-2	L 1
Cleveland2	7	2	0.778	0.5	5-1	4-0	5-0	2-2	7-2	W 6
Atlanta3	6	2	0.750	1.0	4-2	1-0	2-0	4-2	6-2	L 2
Detroit4	7	2	0.778	0.5	4-2	1-0	2-1	5-1	7-2	W 3
Orlando5	6	3	0.667	1.5	3-1	1-1	4-2	2-1	6-3	W 2
New York6	6	3	0.667	1.5	3-2	0-1	4-1	2-2	6-3	W 2
Miami7	5	4	0.556	2.5	3-2	1-1	4-1	1-3	5-4	W 1
Toronto8	4	4	0.500	3.0	3-4	1-2	1-2	3-2	4-4	L 2
Indiana	4	4	0.500	3.0	3-3	0-2	3-2	1-2	4-4	L 1
Milwaukee	5	5	0.500	3.0	2-4	0-2	2-2	3-3	5-5	W 2
Philadelphia	4	5	0.444	3.5	3-4	2-1	2-2	2-3	4-5	W 2
Chicago	4	5	0.444	3.5	1-5	1-2	4-2	0-3	4-5	W 1
New Jersey	3	5	0.375	4.0	3-3	0-0	2-3	1-2	3-5	W 1
Charlotte	3	5	0.375	4.0	1-4	1-0	3-3	0-2	3-5	W 1
Washington	1	6	0.143	5.5	0-6	0-2	1-2	0-4	1-6	L 1
Western Conference
Western	W	L	PCT	GB	CONF	DIV	HOME	ROAD	L 10	STREAK
L.A. Lakers1	7	1	0.875	0.0	7-0	2-0	3-1	4-0	7-1	L 1
Utah2	6	3	0.667	1.5	5-0	3-0	4-0	2-3	6-3	L 2
New Orleans3	5	3	0.625	2.0	3-1	0-0	3-2	2-1	5-3	W 1
Phoenix4	7	3	0.700	1.0	4-2	1-0	2-2	5-1	7-3	W 1
Portland5	5	4	0.556	2.5	3-4	1-1	3-0	2-4	5-4	L 1
Houston6	5	4	0.556	2.5	5-3	2-1	2-1	3-3	5-4	L 1
Denver7	5	4	0.556	2.5	3-3	0-1	2-1	3-3	5-4	W 1
Sacramento8	4	6	0.400	4.0	4-2	2-1	3-2	1-4	4-6	L 1
San Antonio	3	5	0.375	4.0	2-3	1-1	2-3	1-2	3-5	W 1
Golden State	3	6	0.333	4.5	2-4	0-1	2-3	1-3	3-6	L 1
Memphis	3	7	0.300	5.0	2-4	0-1	2-2	1-5	3-7	L 4
Dallas	2	7	0.222	5.5	2-4	1-1	0-4	2-3	2-7	L 5
Minnesota	1	6	0.143	5.5	1-6	0-2	1-2	0-4	1-6	L 6
L.A. Clippers	1	7	0.125	6.0	1-7	0-3	1-5	0-2	1-7	L 1
Oklahoma City	1	8	0.111	6.5	1-2	1-1	1-4	0-4	1-8	L 6

Sister Souljah is coming to LA

Hello all of you Coldest Winter Ever fans, Sister Souljah will be coming to my wonderful city, Los Angeles. She will be at Barnes and Noble, on Fairfax & 3rd, at the Grove shopping center, on December 3rd. She is having a discussion, on her new book, Midnight and talking about Coldest Winter Ever, and she will be signing copies. I will be there front and center on December 3rd, at 7:30 pm.

I am so excited to hear her speak about these characters who were apart of my adolescence. And I'm exciting to have her sign my books. I don't know what I'm going to ask, but I have a couple of weeks to think about it. Any ideas?

~ JB

This Week

This was one of the longest and busiest weeks ever. I was at the polls at 7 am on Tuesday to vote and spent the day watching CNN on my cell phone and nervously pacing in my mind about the outcome of the day. I wasn't concerned about Obama, I knew he would be elected President, I was more nervous about the propositions in California, and their affects on my pocket. However, when Obama was elected, I was in the kitchen feeding the dog, and CNN showed 207 electoral votes for Obama, he was just shy of winning, and my phone rang. It was my mom screaming that he won, he won he had 297 electoral votes. But how was that possible, they just closed the polls in California not even a minute before. So how could he have won? And then I called my aunt, who was in tears. "Never in my 56 years would I have imagined we would have a black president...I'm so happy, I don't know what to do..." And then I called my 84 year old grandmother, who was also in tears. During this whole election process, the fact that he was black never crossed my mind. I listened to his speeches and his debates, and I wasn't concerned about his race. I was concerned about his policies, and what he could do for our country.


An although I was and still am a little skeptical on exactly what Obama can do for our country, especially in the state that its in now. The whole time I thought that people were putting too much faith in Obama, looking at him like he is a superhero, there are photos of him in a superman costume all over West Hollywood, and he is not a superhero, he is just a man. And then I started thinking of him like he was Harvey Dent from The Dark Knight, yet he was the White Knight, turned in to Two Face in my mind. However, when I saw him on that stage, I started crying too. It was a cry of relief, gratitude and happiness. Overwhelming happiness, and as I saw the faces of everyone in Chicago, in the audience I was in shock. Shocked by the fact that his supporters were happy, not only because he won, but because it was the biggest step in this country that this country has made towards anti-discrimination, towards being non-racist. When he gave his speech and he told America that he would do all he could, but it might take longer than 4 years, I was relieved. I think too many people had false hopes, and once he was elected everything would instantly get better. That is not the case, and there is no way that any one person, president or not can fix what has been done instantly. I'm glad that he set realistic goals but I hope that everyone understands them. I am happy and relieved that he was made president, and not that other guy. I know that this country will never erase the color lines so to speak, because as we were flipping through the channels of CNN, MSNBC, Fox News and ABC....People's main concerns were the fact that history was made with the first black president. The issues and policies went out the window because he is black. And while watching the oh so racist Fox News, a reporter who was at a party at the Century Plaza talked about how he smelled Marijuana in the air. I don't understand what or why he would say that, whether it was true or not, but there were a lot of black people there, celebrating president-elect Obama, so of course there much have been weed in the air. Whenever you get a group of black people together, weed is inevitably going to be smoked, right?


Some other reporters were climbing under the table, as if they needed to hide from what happened, and I don't understand what they were hiding from. Other reporters were rolling their eyes, and looked like they wanted to walk off the set in anger. I don't know what is going to happen in the next few years, but people are going to have to accept the fact that we have a black president now. He may not be the person that some people wanted, but he is what America needs right now. America needs stability in these uncertain times, and America needs someone who actually cares about the people.


To hear his whole speech, click here: http://beatcartelmusic.blogspot.com/2008/11/barack-obama-elected-president-speeches.html

Now, back to California, it took until the next day to find out what state propositions passed and didn't pass. Prop 9 passed...the Victims Rights Act the one I wanted no against passed, because people don't read the facts, and there were no HUGE advertisements on television against it. No one cared, they just read the title and thought oh well we want victim's to have rights, so Yes on 9. Idiots! And it makes me nervous, because these people voted for Obama too. So now, the 2039 date that my cousin could be up for parole may not happen, and he could never get out, even on good behavior. And even though he teaches classes in jail, and reads and works there, he is going to be there forever. I don't know what to say, I haven't written him a letter yet but I will drop one in the mail later today. Another prop that didn't pass, but should have was Prop 5. Five offered rehabilitation to non-violent drug offenders instead of just sending them to jail, and offered rehab to minors who are caught with drugs. People won't have a criminal record just because of their addiction. However, once again Californians misinterpreted this one, and voted No on 5. Even police officers and firefighters wanted Yes on 5, because it makes sense and helps with California's overcrowded prisons. Why put someone in jail when you can help them overcome an addiction?


And of course there is prop 8, the one that amended the constitution to allow same-sex couples to marry. I think there was a lot of confusion with this proposition as well. A yes vote meant you were against amending the constitution for same-sex couples to marry. A no vote meant you wanted same-sex couples to marry, and have all the rights as other married couples in California. So when people heard it passed, Yes - 52% No- 48%, people celebrated at first, but didn't understand that the passing meant same-sex couples had no rights in California. There were protesters for two days, causing traffic on our major streets in Los Angeles, they marched from Sunset down Crescent Heights, down Santa Monica, all the way to Westwood in front of the Mormon church. People got into fights, pulled people out of cars and blocked traffic for hours. The biggest problem is same-sex couples were granted the right to marry earlier this year, and over thousands of ceremonies were held over the summer and even weeks leading up to the election day. So that is how everything went down over here....and now we wait until Inauguration Day.

Election Day

The countdown to election day is over...in 13 hours, PST, I will be waiting in line to vote. 7am sharp, since my polling place is conveniently located next door. I've had butterflies in my stomach all day, and I almost threw up earlier. I'm so nervous. Not for tomorrow, but for the next 4 years. Everything that is determined tomorrow will no doubt shape all of our futures. My American Dream will be hanging in the balance of the American people. But not just my dreams, the hopes and dreams of all people will be determined. I have a few things to say regarding tomorrow:

Just about everyone says that tomorrow is the single most important election of our time, and I agree, however shouldn't every election be just as important. In four years we'll be going through the same thing again. The thing that concerns me the most is how much faith people have put in the political figures running tomorrow, the main heads, McCain and Obama. I'm afraid that people will be disappointed, and not just based on who is elected tomorrow, but based on what they can actually do once they get in to office. It takes a while for people to understand what happens during the election process. I don't know what people think about who they choose, but in my opinion neither candidate can make the changes that they are promising. Our economy may stabilize in the next few months, but the damage that has been done has repercussions that most are unaware of, even my self. I've never been one to have faith, and maybe that's my problem, but I don't understand putting all of your beliefs in one person and then being disappointed afterwards.


I know many people believe that Obama will save us, that he will ensure change in America, but how much can he really do? I know that when Bush was elected he moved very quickly through the system and made decisions without Congress and the UN's approval. He just kept going until finally they stopped him, but by then it was too late, hence Afghanistan's quick invasion. I don't think Obama is going to be able to move that quick through the system, and I can guarantee that he may never get the respect that he deserves. I'm not saying that I'm choosing McCain over Obama, it's just that I don't want people to get disappointed. I have listened to all the debates, and the speeches while they have been campaigning, and I don't think McCain will do a better job as our president either. And that is what makes me the most nervous. Neither candidate is prepared for the job that is ahead of them, and yet the American people have to run out to the polls and do their patriotic duty to throw someone to the wolves and expect them to survive without preparation or knowledge for that matter.


Another scary thing for me is the fact that by the time I get home from work, due to my location, the president will be pretty much decided on. I don't want to hear any news all day tomorrow, and I am going early in the morning, hoping that my vote will at least count. However there are already issues at polling places in California. Forget about Florida and Ohio for the moment, but they are telling Californians that even though 100 people may be registered to vote at a certain polling place, that doesn't mean they will have 100 ballots. They are already predicting that they will run out of ballots, and have to switch to emergency ballots, which they may run out of. I'm telling everyone right now to vote as early as you can tomorrow Nov. 4, 2008, because lord only knows what will happen. Tomorrow is going to be a very scary and strange day.


Happy voting and we can only hope for the best, because no matter who will be elected the next four years are going to be extremely long. I'm just too afraid to put all of my beliefs in one person, I have to continue doing what I'm doing and working towards my goals, so I'm not let down by the results. I'll have more to say tomorrow after work.


Don't forget to vote Nov. 4th!