NBA Back?

One can only hope, but we're definitely not at that point yet. However, the game tonight was one of the best NBA games I've seen in so long. Tonight was Game 4 of the series, with the Celtics up 2-1. However, they got manhandled in game 3, and the game was at L.A. again tonight.

SKIP THE NEXT COUPLE PARAGRAPHS IF YOU DON'T CARE FOR A SUMMARY OF THE GAME

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It looked like the game was going to be more or less the same in the first half. The Lakers came out firing without Kobe's massive scoring. At the rate it was going, the Lakers was going to win the whole series because the Celtics couldn't do anything on defense, and could only score on jumpshots (kind of like Game 3).

Well, Paul Pierce wasn't going to have that. He stepped it up, came to Coach Doc Rivers, and asked to guard Kobe. With his lead, all of the Celtics played the best Defense I've seen of the post-Jordan era. Seriously, to all the critics who say the NBA has no team defense, you haven't seen the Celtics when they're on. It was almost flawless, full of rotations and all that fancy technical stuff that college fans expect. But it also had the intensity and heart that a professional team should have.

To sum it up, Pierce's energy sparked the team, bench players stepped it up, and the Laker's bench choked, giving the Celtics the 3-1 lead in the series.

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But all of that is a sidenote. The real thing that is important is that the NBA showed a glimpse of being a true professional league tonight. The Lakers-Celtics rivalry revive is all well, but the level of play is really what intrigued me tonight. Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and all of the Celtics had one thing that has been missing in the NBA for a while: PASSIONThey were playing from the heart, and it was truly entertaining to watch. The Lakers were intense, but their true desire for the Championship didn't show as much as the Celtics

Regardless, this championship could signal the future for the National Basketball Association. The NBA needs to stop worrying about creating fancy new basketballs and regulating the way players dress. Instead, it should capture the heart and the beauty of the game of basketball. Terms should be made with the players' association that has players stop worrying about money so much. Refs should stop calling so many technicals and nitpicky fouls. This is the NBA, it's a physical game. Overall, the owners need to act in a way that makes fans truly believe that it's not all about the money. I'm not sure what that is, but a basic statement will guide all:

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

-Matthew

The craze of the Soulja Boy with the spirit of a pinoy

The Philippines' new dance craze has swept the world. Haha I love it! I watch Game KNB? every so often on TFC and it just feels so awesome, so thrilling to see it on the U.S. news ^_^ Haha how crazy is that. It's also been featured in Poland, UK, and Japan to name a few. It's not because of bragging rights, but it just is really sweet to see a little bit of the pinoy culture being shared with the world, especially the Western cultures. So without furthur ado, I present to you ladies and gentlemen, The Philippine's own,PAPAYA DANCE!

More than Just a Fight

"My race groaned. It was our people falling. It was another lynching, yet another Black man hanging on a tree. . . . This might be the end of the world. If Joe lost we were back in slavery and beyond help."

-Chapter 19 of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Author Maya Angelou writes about this scene where all the blacks in her community cram into her grandma's little convenience store to listen to the fight of Joe Louis on the radio. To them, this fight was more than entertainment. This was a man standing up for his race, showing the world that there was no such thing as white supremacy, and illustrating that being black was no handicap.

The mood and the atmosphere in the store was unique - nothing could even come close. Chills ran through the spines of each person, old and young. If Joe were to lose, then the hope and the pride of the community would be shot. This wasn't just a fight; it was an event that would define months, maybe even years, to come.

When I read the book about a year ago, I really could not understand what Angelou meant. I realized the event was big, but I simply could not comprehend a community feeling apprehension, and at the same time, joy.

Well, last Saturday, our family had our house blessing (Filipino Tradition = Sweetness ^_^). One of the titos wanted to watch the game, so we bought it on Pay-Per-View. What a blast! I was exposed to the crazy adrenaline of boxing for the first time. It was awesome, when Manny knocked down Marquez in the Third Round, we all went wild. I felt like I was actually at the fight.

It wasn’t just about the match though. Manny Pacquiao was a hero, not because of his killer left hand or his ferocious tenacity, but because he was a Filipino. A proud Filipino at that. Pinoy pride is probably one of the greatest blessings God has given me. It’s hard to describe, but it’s different than the traditional “Proud to be an American” slogan. When a man or woman represents the Philippines, he or she is representing years of hardships from government oppression and corruption, exemplifying Catholic morals and values, and promoting solidarity and most importantly, humility. Can you name any other country whose pride rides on humility? Nothing immediate comes to my mind. Manny was all that, enjoying the fight and giving his all. The smiles he had and the respect he showed towards Marquez was of a true pinoy. Filipino Pride is something I simply cannot give full justice to. You have to feel it and experience it to truly appreciate it. It’s an amazing gift, one I wouldn’t give up for the world.

1-22-1973

I realize I've never actually written a blog yet, but I'm in a frustrated mood at the moment and I'd really like to clear my mind of some thoughts.

So here's a random one:
Roe v. Wade and Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice are terms everyone knows. Since the decision was handed down, thousands of groups have been formed supporting both sides. The Supreme Court has become almost totally a one-issue court.

But my religion teacher brought up an interesting point today. People who are against abortion are incredibly active in raising awareness, with newsletters handed out in church, the March for Life, etc. But all of these actions are trying to accomplish the same goal: get rid of abortion by making it an illegal practice. Reverse Roe v. Wade and everything will be solved... But in actuality, will it just be the end? My question I pose is do pro-life people truly work for other methods to abolish abortion besides fighting the law?

According to National Right To Life:
Social Reasons for Women having abortions(given as primary reason)
- Feels unready for child/responsibility 25%
- Feels she can't afford baby 23%
- Has all the children she wants/Other family responsibilities 19%
- Relationship problem/Single motherhood 8%
- Feels she isn't mature enough 7%
- Interference with education/career plans 4%
- Parents/Partner wants abortion <1%
http://www.nrlc.org/abortion/facts/reasonsabortions.html

Let's say the Decision does get reversed. How about the 16 year-old junior who feels she's not ready for the responsibility? Or the mother living in the slums and supporting herself through minimum-wage jobs and welfare? Don't get me wrong, I do not believe abortion is the right way to solve these problems. But even if Roe v. Wade is overturned, the problems of these mothers are still there...

If a life can be saved, that is amazing! But who am I to judge someone who does not have the support or stability to become a mother? I'll explore the topic deeper in the upcoming weeks, but I wanted to get my initial thoughts out. What are your opinions?

-Matthew

To a new year...

Happy New Year to All ^_^

As my gift, check this out:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/candidate-match-game.htm

Brought to my attention in religion class. This might help you toward deciding who to vote/support if you don't have a clue.

Take Care,
-Matthew

Sugar's Puppies

Sugar's two new Pups. Haha all grown up too.

Bellows

Picture of my favorite beach in Oahu. Bellows Beach, simply awesome.