Hunger Games

To be honest, I'd never heard of the book until the movie came out. And i didn't really intend on seeing it. But i came across the book whilst scrolling though my kindle store and thought I would give it a go. The book is a great read and I'm already onto the second. Suzanne Collins is a terrific writer and also did the screenplay for the film. The film is also quite well done and sticks to much of the novel due in part to her writing and executive producing role. Jennifer Lawrence is spectacular as the protagonist and delivers a memorable performance. Woody Harrelson revels in his mentor role (possible because he gets to have hair) and old man Donald Sutherland plays the bad guy well. I look forward to the sequel. 4 stars.

Playoffs Part 2

For those waiting for the second part of this blog, sorry it took so long.

The West

Spurs v Utah (spurs 2-0)
Still hard to believe the jazz did so well this season without their past season superstars Deron Williams (nets) and Carlos Boozer (Bulls), but they surprised us all. Their current key player, NBA journeyman Al Jefferson has had a terrific season supported well by Devin Harris and some productive rookies. They are out of their depth in this round however as one of the championship favourites the San Antonia Spurs keep rolling along. Even when they rested their all stars Duncan, Ginobli and Parker at the end of the season, they still won. Aussie point guard Patty Mills who was getting around 3 minutes per game was seeing starts and did not disappoint. One game he produced 34 points and 12 assists!! So to summarise, the spurs run very deep and will take some stopping. I don't see the jazz getting anything in this series. Spurs 4-0

Thunder v Mavs (Thunder 3-0)
The defending premiers vs the youngest superstars in the league. The Mavs haven't had a great season. They started with a nightmare 0-7 start before their all star power forward Nowitski pulled them out of a hole. The loss of newly crowned defensive player of the year Tyson Chandler (Knicks) played a big part. The thunder however are flying behind scoring champion Kevin Durant and playmaker Russell Westbrook. Their speed and explosive attack coupled with the shot blocking ability of Ibaka makes them a formidable force. I think the mavs will get one back on their experience, but the series should end soon. Thunder 4-1

Lakers v Nuggets (Lakers 2-0)
The Lakers for some reason were dreadful on the road this year. They could not get it together. Their three all stars in Bryant, Gasol and Bynumm should be able to crush most teams but they seemed to be missing something. Enter Ramon Sessions. This quick little guard focused the laker offence and gave them another scoring option. They have stormed into championship contention and if Kobe can stay healthy, they are a big chance. The nuggets have had an up and down season. But have maintained good pressure on the top teams. Lawson has had a breakout year while former Knick Gullinari played well in spurts. They don't have enough this time however and the lakers will progress, probably after dropping a road game. Lakers 4-1

Grizzlies v Clippers (1-1)
Well after a pretty boring conference competition wise. We now look at this interesting little match up. The grizzlies have a vibrant little lineup that has surprised teams. Former high draft pick Mike Conley is having a great season and should be 2-0 by now after blowing a playoff record 27 point lead late in the 4th quarter in game one...wow. They regained their composure to level the series, but will regret that first game at home. The clippers are the entertainers of the NBA. Blake Griffin is a human highlight film. And with Chris Paul throwing the lobs and draining bombs from downtown, they are never out of any game. A close series this one, i say the Clippers in 7. LA 4-3

Well that's it. My beloved Knicks are now 0-3 and now own the biggest playoff losing streak in NBA history. That's bad...but at least i dont' follow the bobcats...I'm looking at you Michael Jordan...peace out

Playoffs part 1

The shortened NBA season is over, now time for the players to perform on the big stage. The NBA playoffs.

Bulls v 76ers (Bulls 1-0)
The 76ers are the surprise packet of the NBA at the moment. The lack of stars in a well rounded team scraped into the 8th seed up against the top side in the east. Their franchise player Andre Iguodala has had an interrupted season and is getting good support from elder statesman Elton Brand and scoring punch from point guard Holiday and 6th man Lou Williams. The bulls are strong, but have just lost reigning MVP, Derrick Rose with a torn ACL. They are one up in the series and I still think they run a bit deep to get over Philly in 6 games.

Heat v Knicks (Heat 2-0)
The big three vs the new three. King Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh will be striving to prove they are championship contenders after losing last years final series to the Mavs. While the Knicks are still learning to combine all stars Carmello Anthony and Amare Stoudemire with new sensation Jeremy Lin. Unfortunately this spate of knee injuries in the NBA have cut down Lin and unless they can progress past the first round, you wont see him again this season. The heat are all class and will be too much for my boys. The heat in 4 games and Lebron to come away with the league MVP...but will he finally get a championship ring to go with it?

Pacers v Magic (1-1)
The most improved team up against a Magic team that limped into the playoffs and now without their superstar Dwight Howard. Another round probably ruined by a season ending injury. The magic will struggle to put points on the board without him. The pacers are another depth team with a solid starting 5. Their hopes of advancing will hinge on Granger, Hibbert and Paul George. While Dave West is having a great end to the season and will push the magic in a tight series. I see this going to 7 with the pacers winning with a slightly larger firepower.

Celtics v Hawks (Hawks 1-0)
The celtics came into the playoffs with good form. The old big three of Pierce, Garnett and Allen has almost been overshadowed by the form of their new superstar Rajon Rondo. The hawks team has built solidly over the past couple of seasons and are very tough to beat at home. This made harder by the celtics dropping their opening home game. They will now have to win in Atlanta to push the series. The suspension to Rondo for chest bumping a referee not helping things. Another close series and I think Pierce and the boys will come back and win in 7.

Part 2 we will look to the west, stay tuned.

Traffic

Well this morning I decided to drive into work, so I would have my car to get to footy training. Big mistake. The trip took me 20 minutes longer than my usual train trip...and that includes changing trains. But it wasn't the time that was the worse thing. I kind of accepted it would be long. But the boredom of sitting bumper to bumper for over an hour. With nothing to entertain me except idiotic morning radio DJs. I usually don't listen to the radio in the morning, so i was surprised to realise that all the major commercial stations had changed to talk back radio for their morning shows. Is it too much to ask for a little bit of music? I will definitely be stocking up my car with CD's when i get home. Anyway it was an experience that has made me a better man. But I think next time ill go back to my old trusty quiet carriage on the train with my kindle reader and pass the time hanging out with Harry, Frodo and the gang.....i mean the latest football autobiography.

The roar

Quick blog today. Super busy after a few days off lately.

Went to the A-League GF yesterday. Terrific day and a good win for the hometown heroes. I went sober to Suncorp. A unique experience for me, but worth wile as thanks to Benny and Jeremiah's sister I had a car park right near the stadium. Also due to me finally passing my driving test, I was able to drive myself all the way from Strathpine.

Anyway back to the game. Perth held a slender lead after an unfortunate own goal just after half time, but in typical roar fashion they fought back to equalise through a Barisha header. The game was decided unfortunately by a referee error in my opinion. But the roar deserved the victory nonetheless. Thanks to Benny Stewart for organising the tickets.

What's up

Been pretty slack lately with my blogging. But in my defence I have been busy hurting my liver with excessive drinking. With my wife working everyday over the Easter break I found myself home alone in front of the tv, often with a stubby in my hand. On the plus sign, I managed to watch a lot of sport. Most of my teams doing ok. Collingwood managing to scrape over the line against a plucky Tigers team (I say plucky as i hate the term 'brave' that the media uses every time an outsider goes down in a close game). They were plucky because they were down and out a few times, but didn't give up...as crap as they were. Manly pulled themselves out of a form slump to smash the terrible panthers in their first home game for the year, despite missing several key players.

Chelsea had a mixed bag over the week. They qualified for the semi finals in the Champions league last week after a close second leg against Benifica. They also beat Wigan to give themselves a chance of making the top 4, but drew this morning against Fulham to make it a little more difficult. The Knicks got up in a cliff hanger against the Chicago Bulls in overtime thanks to 43 points from Carmello Anthony. My lower league English football team Ebbsfleet United (of which I am a part owner) drew this morning to Braintree Town to ensure our survival in the Blue Square league for another year. A big accomplishment after being one of the favourites for the drop. Liam Daish doing a fantastic job with a limited squad. I may even put my stamp on his contract extension for the next few years.

Well that's it from me in the world of sport. Catch you next time.

The Hangover

This is not a post about how awesome the film is, but more a reflection on the days following my annual Melbourne trip. Got 13 hours sleep yesterday and I'm still not up to my best. Got tons of work to get through though, so this will be short. Melbourne 2012 was quite simply outstanding. 4 good games of footy, some good bro bonding and some terrific memories. Thanks for the good times Caesar, Butters, Rocky, Dregs, Jockey and Crowny.