Jul 4, 2011

特區官員十大金句回顧

10: 煲呔「起錨!」
9: 葉劉「如果我連髮型都捍衛唔到,又點捍衛香港治安?」
8: 發叔「或者隻狗被困多幾日,冇嘢食會瘦番啲,可以走番出嚟」
7: 林公公「政改方案,雖然不是全餐,但已經是常餐」
6: 老懵董「無講過,即係唔存在啦。」
5: 唐唐「嗰班友「條屌揈」喺街...」
4: 煲呔「我唔想同人狗噏辯論……」
3: 雞珍「我日日都食雞,大家唔好驚。」
2: 老懵董「一個天真的人很 naive,一個膚淺的人很膚淺。」
1: 唐唐 "Ngon Ping Sam Luk Ling"

Bonus Track: 董太「你知唔知我係邊個?!」

Honorable Mention:
唐唐 「I am 8 Kua」
李X章「聽野係用耳仔、打機係用手去打」
古SIR「OKOK! HAPPY NEW YEAR!」
張X鈞「一直以嚟北極都係一個非常之寧靜,人少企鵝多嘅地方。」
遊行人仕「我睇開陳奕迅演唱會, 你無啦啦叫我去睇林峰,咁冇關係嘛,你應該退錢」

Apr 16, 2011

Second Round Playoff Preview / Predictions

Continuing from yesterday...
Eastern Conference First Round:
Bulls (1) vs Pacers (8) > Bulls in 6
Magic (4) vs Hawks (5) > Magic in 5
Cetlics (3) vs Knicks (6) > Celtics in 5
Heat (2) vs 76ers (7) > Heat in 6

Western Conference First Round:
Spurs (1) vs Grizzlies (8) > Spurs in 6
Thunder (4) vs Nuggets (5) > Nuggets in 7
Mavericks (3) vs Blazers (6) > Mavs in 6
Lakers (2) vs Hornets (7) > Lakers in 5

Second Round
Bulll vs Magic
Another upset special here, I see the Magic winning this series. Chicago and Orlando’s offensive and defensive efficiency numbers are similar and some would argue that Chicago plays better team defense. However, I do not see this Bulls team winning for two reasons.
1 - They do not have any playoff experience. Year after year we hear writers and columnists talk about having that “extra gear” for playoffs and the bulls haven’t had that yet. Michael Jordan’s bulls lost several years before winning their first one and I see this Bulls team as the same.
2 – Chicago’s offense starts with Derrick Rose’s penetration and in a 7 game series, that becomes very predictable offense for an experienced team like the Magic. Young teams like this year’s Bulls and Heat often find what works in regular season less effective in the playoffs. No one else besides Rose creates their own shots in this year’s Bulls. While you can say the same about the Magic, their offensive style is much more balanced and that stopping one guy (say... Nelson or Dwight) doesn’t halt their entire offense. And honestly, while i know what the numbers about Chicago defensively as a team, Ronny Brewer and Kyle Korver are not 2 guys you’d want to depend on in crunch time.
So, for these reasons above, I have the Magic in 7

Celtics vs Heat
How many championships did Lebron promise? Not 5? Not 6? Not 7? I think hes only in contract for 6 years and it doesn’t seem like he is winning his first this year either. Offensively, I think Lebron and Wade will definitely have their way, the problem comes defensively and it really isn’t any of the big 3’s fault. In year 2011, if the players you have protecting the paint are Ilgauskas, Dampier, and Juwan Howard, then you really are in big trouble. Another thing Miami has going against them was mentioned in the Heat Sixers portion and i think the change in pace & intensity could cost the Heat the first game or two. Lastly, the Heat just seems like a mentally fragile team. I mean, they cried after a regular season loss! This is also a team that... when they lose, THEY LOSE. Every time this Heat team lose, they go on a losing streak. And I haven’t gone on to mention Celtics’ strength yet.
Celtics in 5! Yes! 5!

Spurs vs Nuggets
To be perfectly honest, I don’t watch enough of the Nuggets to comment on this but know this: This is the Spurs’ first 60 win season in 5 years and Popovich / Duncan has won 4 rings together. If that doesn’t make you think the Spurs can and will win, I don’t know what can.

Lakers vs Mavs
Just as Macho Man Randy Savage says “Ooooooh Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” Dirk and Kobe finally meets in the playoffs but i really don’t expect much of a series from it. I rarely use regular season stats to prove a point but the Mavericks are just historically bad against the lakers. Worse yet, the Lakers even shoved the Mavs in their March 31 matchup. If that is the same Mavs team that shows up for this series, then we should prepare ourselves for a sweep. Remember how I had a hard time coming up with reasons for the Mavs to beat the Blazers? Well, its going to be harder with the lakers. I see Lakers in 5.

Let’s see how I do for the first two rounds AND THEN i will decide if i should post a conference final and finals preview. Thanks for reading. Enjoy the playoffs cos we are getting a lockout next year.

Apr 15, 2011

First Round Playoff Preview / Predictions

I am a lazy blogger. Getting an iphone only makes matter worse because I can write tweets up anytime anywhere, essentially replaces the necessity for updating my blog. There are, however, still times when a short tweet or new facebook status will not suffice. The 10-11 NBA playoffs is coming up and due to various reasons ranging from Lebron’s decision, teams like Knicks and Blazers stacking up their starpower, and Kobe’s quest for 2nd threepeat, anticipation for this upcoming playoffs is at defcon 1. With all that said, I feel that it is about time i unretire my blog and type up my preview/predictions for the upcoming playoffs.

Eastern Conference First Round:
Bulls (1) vs Pacers (8)
I am still baffled by the fact that a team led by Roy Hibbert, Josh McRoberts, Psycho T, and a rookie coach managed to make the playoffs while Steve Nash and the Suns didn’t. Honestly, if Raptors management have any sense at all, they would try to do some sort of Steve Nash for Bargnani + pick trade. The Raptors really aren’t getting anywhere anytime anyway, they might as well trade for the MOST POPULAR CANADIAN PLAYER for the ONLY TEAM IN CANADA, at least half of Canada would go see this team and buy the team’s merchandise. Isnt that better than where they are heading? The reason why I keep going off on Nash? Thats because it goes without saying that Derrick Rose will accomplish something Tracy McGrady never did, which is getting past the first round.

Magic (4) vs Hawks (5)
This was actually last year’s second round matchup where the Magic swept the Hawks. The fact that this gets pushed to the first round either means the league overall got better or these 2 teams got worse. Honestly this is the matchup that no one really expects anything from the winner. The Hawks have been in this sort of “we will make the playoffs but we aren’t going to make it far” status forever while every year people expect the Magic to be pushovers because they rely on 3 too much. You look back and this is a Magic team that
A – has the best center in the NBA and
B - made it to the Finals and conference final over the past 2 years
And we are down on them... for what reason? Yea they are questionable defensively, but isn’t that the case every year? Is it because they upgraded Vince and Rashard Lewis’ deadbody with Hedo and Ryan Anderson? Or is it because Dwight improved his offense this year? I am really not buying the fact that Magic is pushover.

Cetlics (3) vs Knicks (6)
Here is a breakdown of Celtics’ win-loss numbers. 35-10 without Perkins for the first 45 games, 8-4 with Perkins back in the lineup, and 14-11 without Perkins AND Shaq. Over that 35-10 stretch, Celtics’ record against playoffs teams were: 2-0 against Heat, 2-0 against Bulls, beat Thunder, lost to Mavs by 2 points on a back to back. So we know the Celtics can win without Perkins. I don’t buy that whole “Celtics stop believing ubuntu” / Rondo miss Perkins story, not when Rondo basically killed the Jazz and Suns within a week after the trade. I think what really changed is that Doc Rivers has been making Rondo take more medium range shots to prepare for the playoffs and that has hurt Celtics’ post-All star game offensive rhythm. With Shaq returning to the lineup and assuming that he stays healthy, I cant see the Knicks stopping Celtics with their defense. Knicks’ offense might carry them to take a game or two but I don’t see how Knicks can win 4.

Heat (2) vs 76ers (7)
I read an interesting theory somewhere on ESPN saying that the Sixers are the worst first round matchup for the Heat. Not because the writer thinks Sixers can win, but more because the Heat will play their usual uptempo style in beating the Sixers but that does not in any way prep them for their 2nd round’s grind it out with Celtics. Interesting theory, wonder if that really will be the case, but at least it gives me something to write about for this series. Also, I noticed that the Heat starting doing more Wade-Lebron pick n rolls and that is a play that can potentially be more dangerous than the Stockton Malone express. AND most importantly, depth is not going to matter as much during the playoffs for the Heat due to the breaks between game and they can play their best 5 more, only making their chance better. I think the only thing the Sixers can do is get Tony Battie, Jodie Meeks or 1 of their D-League guys and go mack on Lebron’s mom just to distract him a la what happened with Delonte last year.

Western Conference First Round:
Spurs (1) vs Grizzlies (8)
As a spurs fan, it is extremely sad to see Manu go down with an extended elbow when Popovich managed the minutes and the Parke/Brent Barry so perfectly all season, at least its not Manu’s shooting hand. I actually think this series has the most underplayed and interesting subplot for the first round. The Grizzlies basically mailed in the last 2 games to make sure that they get the spurs and not the lakers in the playoffs.... and Popovich will make them pay for it. Even without such motivation, Spurs are extremely good at defending the opposing best player and the Griz will have a hard time with Gay out and Zach Randolph locked down.

Thunder (4) vs Nuggets (5)
Here we go. Upset special. Yes, I have the Nuggets winning over the Thunder. I barely watched any Nuggets since the trade and I don’t necessarily think that the Nuggets is a better team, I see it more as the Thunder losing the series. Remember all those years when T-Mac kept losing in the first round despite leading 3-1 / having a better team? The mental hurdle of getting past the first round and the pressure from it might actually hurt the Thunder’s chances.
Honestly though... I really just typed all that up just to tell myself that Spurs will have an easier opponent in the Nuggets at the second round. If Thunder do win this Nuggets series, I can see them going all the way to NBA finals. I just hope that they don’t win this first round... Westbrook Harden Durant Ibaka Perkins is a VERY VERY scary starting 5.

Mavericks (3) vs Blazers (6)
As of this moment, I still cant decide a winner for this series. Between acquiring Gerald Wallace and the Brandon Roy’s rejuvenation, the Blazers have somehow become one of the most dangerous lower seed teams. They can score, they can defend the post, and the only thing against them is that their coach has only once gotten past first round. On the other hand, I think the Mavs are a bit underrated because of past playoff failures and how much the team relies on Dirk and Dirk only. In order for Dallas to win, Jason Terry, Jason Kidd, and Peja needs to knock down a good portion of their jumpers and it is hard to imagine them doing that. I am only rooting for the Mavs solely for the fact that I want to see a Dirk Kobe playoff series (never happened).

Lakers (2) vs Hornets (7)
I really cant see the Hornets winning without David West, even if 2011 Chris Paul somehow becomes 2009 Chris Paul again and murders the Derek Fisher Steve Blake pu pu platter. Good god... I still cant get over the fact that Derek Fisher is one of the starting 5 in this championship contending team. Side Note: Not that I wish bad for anyone but it really annoys me that the Lakers players are always in perfect shape for the playoffs (Bynum is hurt... oh no it actually isn’t a big deal) while my beloved Spurs lose Manu over some meaningless 82nd game of the season.

Hopefully, I will get to do a second round version.

Nov 12, 2010

Early NBA season thoughts

I have been tweeting about sports a lot lately, but that doesn't mean that I have only followed sports this year. I have been watching football / soccer since I was a boy but the NBA is that one sport that I have been watching a long long time, back since Larry Legend was still playing and Patrick Ewing was just drafted into the Knicks. I have since gone from watching one / two games per week to watching games online and shortcut versions on TV.

From Lebron's decision to Kobe's quest to matching MJ in a second 3peat, this has probably been the most anticipated NBA season since Jordan officially returned back in 96. (that short #45 stint doesnt really count), so its only reasonable that an avid NBA follower like I am, would have some thoughts about this NBA season that I would want to write about.

A - The Heat really isn't as good as media hyped it to be.
It may seem like there is a lack of originality here but I have been saying on FB for a LONGGGG time that the Heat is no where close to a championship team. Why?
Reason #1 - The team lacks depth and have weakest bench among all the contenders, unless you really expect them to play Lebron and Wade 48 minutes per game during playoffs, there is no way you can win a game when you have a 6 minute stretch of arroyo / miller / joel anthony / juwan howard / stackhouse / house or 4 of the above + Wade or Lebron. If Lebron or Wade has an off night, the Heat is done
Reason #2 - A premier PG and any decent PF/C will kill this heat team.
Dont believe me? Of the Heat's several losses, it has come to Rondo x 2, Deron Williams, and CP3. Small sample, yes, but it's also true that every time the Heat matches up against a GOOD PG, they lose. The best case scenario is to play Lebron at PG, Wade at SG except that Lebron came out in public and said he doesnt want to play PG. So this heat team is forever stuck with Arroyo / Eddie House / Mario Chalmers to guard CP3 / Rondo / Deron / Derrick Rose... which obviously isnt going to work. As for the PF/C position, yes, Udonis Haslem was resigned for low post toughness but when Emeka Okafor and Paul Milsap comes in and post career numbers, I think we can officially declare that Haslem's toughness/defense/whateverelse he brings to the table isnt good enough. We are only a Kwame Brown a 30/20 game away from completely certifying Heat's inside presence.
Reason #3 - Chris Bosh. I havent forgotten about him. Mr. Max Salary PF. The PF who cant really play down low, play center position, and worst yet, rebound and defense. Sure, I give Bosh the benefit of doubt for being lost on offense cos its he's a perimeter PF and Lebron and Wade never played with one before; but when Rondo dunks on you for dunk of the night and you just stand around and watch? or the fact that you haven't grabbed any rebounds? or even tried? I still dont understand why Riley went for Bosh and not Amare or Boozer. Chris Bosh might as well sign himself up for the next Dharma Initiative experiment.
Reason #4 - Heat offense. I have watched several Heat game so far, and their offense is really similar to Cav's offense last year. Meaning, pass to Lebron and let him free flow. Only difference is you upgrade Mo williams for D wade... who's been kind of out of sync offensively as well. Also, like Charles Barkley mentioned on Inside the NBA, Wade and Bosh are players that needs the ball, except that Lebron has the facilitator role now and they cant play with the ball, so they have to relearn the game in the same time. My friend Erik summed it up the best "Celtics pass the ball around 3-5 times each possession and get a good shot set up, while the Heat is always just Lebron to someone"
All these combined, the Heat is just isnt ready... and may never be.

B - The Lakers look awfully scary
Off season signing (Steve Blake, Matt Barnes, Theo Ratliff) aside, isn't Pau Gasol looking like the best player in the NBA right now? And the reason why? Because of Kobe. Somehow, Kobe learned from last year's playoffs. There is no need to go all out during the season and mess up the knees for playoffs. He has only played more than 40 minutes 1 game so far (in last night's loss) and he's been on cruise control. Just letting Pau take over... which can only mean that Lakers' chance of 3peating is greater than ever.... (Let me stab my hand with a knife before i continue... ... ok ready)

C - My Magic are done
For the team that I have been rooting for since the Penny Hardaway / Shaq days... they are once again... done. So much for the whole Dwight Howard learning the dream shake story. Latest news? Al Jefferson comes in and destroys Dwight... ughh....
(P.S. - Al Jefferson has always been one of my favorite)

This is getting kind of long so I will end it here for now... but this is purely my view of things, and this is supposed to start arguments, not end it, so feel free to comment.

Aug 31, 2010

Why Sleep Why

why do we go to sleep? human nature suggest that we need sleep because we are designed that way, fair but what about the decision of why go to sleep. There are only a few reasons that makes me take off my glasses and go to sleep,
- too drunk for the night, too tired, cuddling after sex,
never have i gone to sleep without giving me a reason
the normal (and most logical) reason "oh its 12 now and i need to wake up in 8 hours" rarely happens to me, its usually 4 hours later and it becomes "shit, its 4 now and my day would be really fucked if i get less than 4 hours of sleep"

I just find that the time I spend staying up is usually the time I spend doing something I want to do, whether that be staying up typing this blog, finishing a 3 hour movie, or spending that extra 30 minutes on video game, (long working hours is a big reason to this) but why would I give up doing I want to do just to sleep earlier and go to work again

If there is one thing i wish human anatomy work differently, it will be that i wish we could sleep less and have the same recovery (WHILE maintaining the same working hours, cos I'd much rather than shot by lightning than extending the already long working hours)

Sleep is nice and I love it whenever I can put in 10+ hours but think about it, we actually don't do anything with the time we spent sleeping (other than resting our organs and eyes). I am quite surprised that scientists havent invented a pill that can make us the same energy with less amount of sleep. What I am trying to say is that sleep itself is a waste of time, just like the time we spend traveling day and night. Assuming that you live for 100 years and sleep 8 hours per day, that means you are not doing anything with 33.33% of your life. Imagine if we only need 4 hours, we would gain 16 years of awake time and would most likely been more productive.

WIthout going too far on this, I'd like to jump back to the original point, have you ever questioned why you decide to sleep last night? or the night before? i am sure thats something you never asked yourself.

(yes we have established that i am an alcoholic by now)

Jul 12, 2010

WTF & WTHs of NBA - July 12, 2010

On this today's edition of "The WTF and WTHs of NBA?" We have:
1. Bosh slipping up and telling us that WaBrosh deal has been in works for months
2. Celtics allowing their best perimeter defender Tony Allen to sign with the Griz, and
3. Suns targeting Turkoglu and Childress while giving up Barbosa

Honorable Mention: De Jong's Kung Fu kick @ the World Cup finals

Apr 14, 2010

I am not one who places too much emphasis on luck but last Saturday’s poker night has proven to be our (hkgirl & I) luckiest night ever. Based on my 20+ years of gambling experience, I have never won money. I lose the big hands and win only the small hands. The best I can do is break even for the night. But then last Saturday happened. It started with hkgirl getting a 4 of a kind hand and a straight flush within a span of 10-15 deals. An hour later, I had my first ever 4 of a kind hand and started winning money. Then the night passes by and we are at the final hand.

Final hand. No holds barred. I had a 9 and 5 suited in hearts. The order might be a bit off now but the flop completed my flush with A 3 and 4 in hearts. I forgot what the turn was but guess what the river came out to be. 2 of hearts. Straight flush. My first ever straight flush hand. Same night as my first ever 4 of a kind hand. And also the same night it happened to hkgirl.

You go look at poker probabilities (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poker_probability)
Straight Flush 0.0311%
4 of a kind 0.168%
and you cant explain / describe the scenario of getting all 2 straight flush and 2 4 of a kind hands in the same night other than one word – luck. It feels as if the powers that be decided to pay back all 20+ years worth of luck debt in one night.

I was going to write a bit more on how you need skills to utilize luck but then when you are that lucky, why does skills even matter?

For the sake of completing the story, my straight flush won me the hand over someone who had an A K flush and thought he had the winning hand (99% of the time he would be correct to assume that). I still feel terribly sorry for make him lose that big hand.

...in the same time (given my history of bad luck in gambling), I also see myself losing in similar fashion within the near future