Thursday, February 28, 2008

Around the Internets

Politics Edition
In a move smacking of honesty, enthusiasm and an engagement (rather than disdain) for the world around him, Greg Oden went out of his way to let people know he is supporting Barack Obama's bid for the presidency. Oden wrote about a phone call with Senator Obama and he comes off like an innocent and eminently likable kid:

"This will be my first presidential election to participate in as a voter and I hope that you younger voters will get involved. I think that our votes can really influence the outcome so go out, register and vote for who you think is the best candidate to be the best leader for this country and make sure you and your family will feel good about the new president that is elected in November." -Greg Oden
I'm totally thrilled to see a rich, ambitious young athlete reveling in his selfhood rather than going the soul-less Jordan and Tiger rout of trying to be all things to all people. And, he's still getting some endorsements to boot. With guys like Oden and Gil Arenas really being themselves perhaps we could be returning to a time when ballplayers where known for their personalities and not just their sponsor.

Once professional athletes were at the forefront of American social and civic life. Those who were so inclined used their status as a pulpit for progress and change. That was a good thing. People listen to their heroes. Just look at the sneakers you're wearing. Now, I'm not saying that we need a league full of outspoken Jim Brown clones but I'd rather run that risk then end up with a bunch of corporate shills who are afraid to speak their mind.

Meanwhile, elsewhere people are just trying to figure out who really is my new bicycle. Is it Hillary or is it Barack?

And, that leaves Bill Simmons out there. He's campaigning for himself.

Postscript: That shirt pictured above is actually for sale, along with similiar ones using your favorite team's logo.

Knicks douse 'Cats at Garden

And win going away, 113-89


Something changed in the second quarter for the Knicks. That's when they blew the doors off the Bobcats, outscoring them 34 to 16. The players who took the floor during that quarter were Quentin Richardson, Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson, Zach Randolph, David Lee, Fred Jones and Jared Jeffries. These players outscored the 'Cats 34 to to 16 in the second quarter and turned a five-point deficit into a 13-point bulge.

Who was missing from this group? How is it different from the team that played in the first quarter? I'll give you a hint. The "difference" started the game by losing the tip-off and committing a lane violation.

What? No, Fredric Weiss didn't emigrate from France for the game.

It was Eddy Curry. The little big man continues to come up small. He played 16 minutes last night and didn't score a point. And, it didn't matter. When this team wins these days it does so without Curry and last night was no different.