As I was sitting in class today, I finally made the decision to express a feeling/opinion I've kept bottled up for quite some time, in part because I like to keep myself out of trouble, but also for the fact it's better in certain situations to let some things go unknown. Some might say this thinking goes hand in hand with the ever so popular phrase "let sleeping dogs lie," but I figured in this situation it can do more good than harm, at least I hope.
To shed some light on where this may go, I am now enrolled in my third institution for higher learning and about to begin student teaching. In other words I am almost done, and to be honest I couldn't be more ready to stop playing this "game" that is so important in our society today. You may have noticed the quotations around the word game in the previous sentence, and that's because I feel as though through my time in college I've begun to decipher this ever so preciously decoded message. As some may have wondered, and few may know (actually nobody may know), I made decisions that led me to more than one college based on one principle and that sole principle alone: Boredom. While boredom may have a simple meaning to most, I personally like to look at this word/phrase/idea/mentality through a different light. To me, boredom is far more than not knowing what to do with ones self. It encompasses every aspect of life, and reflects on decisions in ways that other words, phrases, ideas, or mentalities can only dream of. Included in that schema of the word boredom is the feeling of not getting the most out of the experience that I was in. Some may automatically think of social life here, but in reality, for me, it had nothing to do with that, and everything to do with academics. Say what you will, but after a search of three institutions, I've realized the hard way that there's only so much that higher education can offer.
To answer the most obvious question, college is easy, beyond easy, so easy that I'm the person who can skip 90% of classes and pass with flying colors. From weekly quizzes, to finals, to state teaching exams, I never study and always pass with ease. While some may think I'm bragging here, I'm actually not, for it's something that gets me in far more trouble than praise. And this is where I begin my argument in an attempt to explain a major problem with higher education. Ready for the punchline?
WE REWARD THE WRONG THINGS!
Excuse the caps, actually I am a person who hates when people write in all caps, but it's the only way I think I can get my point across as to the significance of that statement. While I'd like to spruce up this part of the argument and make it sound completely politically correct I simply can not and will not. In terms of rewarding the wrong things, it absolutely drives me to wits end that I see very below average students passing college with flying colors because they attend every class, speak nicely and politely around professors like they are gods, and go the extra 5 miles to turn in ten times more "mush" than what is actually required in the assignment description. This is a game I have long refused to play and have just recently started fighting against. Maybe fighting is too strong of a word to use in this situation, but it is certainly one that gets the idea across that I am not happy with what is going on around the country in these "academic" institutions. (Sorry for the extended use of quotations, but I simply cannot help myself in terms of portraying sarcasm)
To me, it makes no sense at all that very mediocre content and assignment performance mixed with very exceptional attendance and politeness towards the teacher far outweighs the other way around. And by politeness, I mean the ability to suck up. It is a strong personal opinion of mine that just because you do all the right things ethically within the classroom that you should get a break on your assignment performance. And just to ramble on about this point, simply because I can, why is attendance even a grade to begin with? The name of this class, Class XXX 401 (insert any class name and number you feel appropriate,) is designed to teach and measure your knowledge of the content within that subject area. If I wanted to be graded based on my attendance and ability to coo you with my blinking eyelids and sweet talk I'd have signed up for something entirely different.
It's like I've been taught all throughout my teacher preparation coursework. If I assign a paper in my 8th grade Science class asking students to explain the rock cycle, specifically concentrated on how igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks change from one form to the other, is it right for me to deduct points for every spelling and grammar error? No! Not one bit, because the specific content standard being addressed would say something along the lines of "Identify that the lithosphere contains rocks and minerals and that minerals make up rocks. Describe how rocks and minerals are formed and/or classified." To my knowledge, it doesn't mention anything in terms of "Make sure your spelling and grammar is top notch!" A possible disclaimer at the bottom of your rubric saying extensive spelling and grammar errors will be taken into consideration, yes, that would be acceptable, but not deducting loads of points because a silent E was left off the end of a word or a comma was used in the wrong place.
Moving forth and further strengthening my argument, people around the country that rank high within these institutions need to spend more time realizing that these students who are getting passes day in and day out are those who are going to be leading our country, manufacturing and designing our future technologies and products, and teaching the children of future generations. I guess it'd be safe to say they've never really wondered about the ramifications of improperly trained future professionals. Say what you will, think what you want, apply whatever stereotype that you may, I just hope that people don't continue to settle for people who can talk sweetly and blink their eyes impressively. In my eyes holding people to standards, not accepting work that is anything less than extremely satisfactory, and making people achieve lofty expectations is what higher education should ultimately be about, while not as much emphasis being placed on attendance and clipping the professors fingernails. If you can't hack it, don't quit your day job.
A special shout out to a friend who just recently entered the blog game and holds nothing back in his messages. Good job JS.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
2011 Cleveland Browns Season Record Prediction
Well it's September 8th and the 2011 edition of the Cleveland Browns is officially right around the corner. I'm usually not one to brag all that much, but I like to think that I'm pretty good when it comes to making season predictions. If you read an earlier blog I wrote a year or so ago on the future of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise, you'll see at the end I was right on the money. Getting back to the topic at hand, one of my favorite things to do come fall is talk amongst friends and debate the always popular question, "So what do you think the Browns are gonna be like this year?" That simple short question can lead so many different directions and spark hours of conversation, so I figure what better way to answer that question and test your prediction than by putting it into text. Not only will I do my best to predict the winner, but I'll also give a short explanation as to why my favorite team will win or lose. As always, I'd love to hear your input and predictions. If I like what I hear from people, I plan on writing a blog including your predictions and will crown a champ at the end. But anyways, enough foreplay, let's get to it...
Week 1 - vs. Cincinnati
This one's relatively easy, Browns take this game against their inner-state rivals without much resistance. The Bengals franchise is simply in shambles, and with two upcoming rookies in Dalton and Green running the show on Offense, it's rather apparent to see why the Browns SHOULD win this game and start the season 1-0. But as we've all learned in CLE, nothing can be taken for granted:
Browns win - Record 1-0
Week 2 - @ Indianapolis
As you look up and down the Browns schedule, there are many games that could go either way, and to me, none are more deserving of falling under that catagory than this one. My prediction for this game, and take it as you will, comes simply from where the game is being played. If this game was to be played in Cleveland, I'd give the Browns a slight edge. But because that is not the case, and because of the fact Indy will be coming off a week 1 loss at the hands of the Houston Texans, I say Indy is more than desperate for a win and does all it needs to get it against CLE, even without Peyton leading the troops:
Browns Lose - Record 1-1
Week 3 - vs. Miami
I've went back and forth on this game a couple of times, but ultimately think it comes down to Miami's lack of experience and skill at the QB position and the Browns ability to run the ball successfully with their bruising back Peyton Hillis. There's not much to this one:
Browns win - Record 2-1
Week 4 - vs. Tennessee
Although TEN has what could prove to be the best RB in pro football this upcoming season, that is ultimately all that they have. Their progression on building a Defense has digressed and the passing game being led by beat up veteran Matt Hasselbeck, I think it's only a matter of time before we see rookie Jake Locker leading that offense. Browns throw for a couple TD's in this one:
Browns win - Record 3-1
Week 5 - BYE WEEK
Bye Weeks are the worst...
Week 6 - @ Oakland
Oh Oakland, the team that every single year makes a crazy move in the off-season or draft in an attempt to wow the fans and sell tickets, may actually be getting better. I expect big things from Darren McFadden this year, and think J. Campbell does enough this game to get past Cleveland. Oh yeah, and the game's being played in the Black Hole:
Browns Lose - Record 3-2
Week 7 - vs. Seattle
As most of us saw during the playoffs last year, Seattle is one of the hardest stadiums to play at in America. I mean, even the SOUNDERS are practically sold out every game! When it comes to the product they put on the field this year, I think the Browns take advantage of the very lackluster Defense Seattle has put together and wins this game rather easily, not to mention Tarvaris Jackson is #1 on their Depth chart:
Browns Win - Record 4-2
Week 8 - @ San Francisco
I'll be as blunt as I can about this, San Fran straight scares me this year. The playmakers on offense have the potential to be out of this world scary. Gore, Davis, and Braylon on offense are enough to make me give this match up to the 49ers:
Browns Lose - Record 4-3
Week 9 - @ Houston
I feel like if I really described my feelings about this match up it would sound much like the previous one. Houston is going to win the AFC South this season behind the loads of talent on offense. Who on the Browns is up for the task of guarding Andre Johnson and Arian Foster? Chalk up another one IMO:
Browns Lose - Record 4-4
Week 10 - vs. St. Louis
Sam Bradford is a flat out stud, but he simply doesnt have the playmakers yet to turn that team into a bonified playoff caliber team, and because of that I give this match up to CLE. The STL defense is lackluster at best, and Peyton Hillis should have his way in this game:
Browns Win - Record 5-4
Week 11 - vs. Jacksonville
JAX blatantly just declared this season a rebuilding year just a day or so ago by cutting their starting QB David Garrard and will turn the reins over to rookie Blaine Gabbert. Even though I see a bright future for Gabbert and they have one of the best RB's in the league in MJD, I see the browns passing attack carving up the Jaguar D:
Browns Win - Record 6-4
Week 12 - @ Cincinnati
Let's just be blunt about it, Bungals still stink, and will continue to stick for the rest of this season:
Browns Win - Record 7-4
Week 13 - vs. Baltimore
With 4 of the final 5 games being against either BAL or PIT, this game at home is the only one I give to the Browns. Coming into this game off of a 3 game win streak and eyes on making the playoffs, I think the rushing attack of Peyton Hillis stuns Ray Rice and the fiesty Baltimore Ravens. I expect the WCC to get under Baltimore's skin in this game and Cleveland comes out with a HUGE win:
Browns Win - Record 8-4
Week 14 - @ Pittsburgh
Anybody remember what happened last year when the Browns went to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers? Yeah, it was bad, really bad. Expect this seasons result to be the same. I anticipate the Steelers fighting for their playoff lives at this point and plan to take it out on the Browns in week 14:
Browns Lose - Record 8-5
Week 15 - @ Arizona
This game is a pretty intriguing one, in that the Browns will just be coming off of their toughest game of the year at PIT. However, I see the Cardinals stumbling a little this year as they try and adapt to the new faces in camp. Although this will be week 15 and they will have plenty of time to gel, I expect the browns will be prepared and focused on D, and have I mentioned a guy by the name of Peyton Hillis? He will just be too tough on a Cardinal defense that leaves little to be desired:
Browns Win - Record 9-5
Week 16 - @ Baltimore
Everytime I think of the Browns playing at Baltimore, I think back to a Sunday Night game a couple of years ago in which the Browns looked completely over matched in those horrible ugly brown pants. Anyone remember the pick 6 by Ed Reed in the red zone? Those mental images scar me to this day, and playing in the Ravens Nest is simply just too much to overcome in the heat of a playoff run:
Browns Lose - Record 9-6
Week 17 - vs. Pittsburgh
Well, IMO it all comes down to this. Due to an easy schedule and many favorable games being played at home, I actually think the Browns have a slight chance of making the playoffs this year. Call me crazy, but I think with a little luck it could happen. Unfortunately, we have to get through PIT is week 17 in order to make the playoffs, and that just doesn't seem feasable if both teams are fighting for a playoff spot:
Browns Lose - Record 9-7
Ultimately, I think the Browns miss the playoffs this year by one lousy game, and that prediction is a pretty big step for me. I am usually a pessimist when it comes to Cleveland sports, simply because of the heartaches that we have all had to suffer over the past 20 years or so of our lives. An example would be last years prediction. I said the Browns would go 4-12 last year, and it turns out I wasn't that far off. As I sum this up, keep your heads up Browns fans. I really feel as though the Browns are only one draft and a couple big FA's away from really turning heads in the NFL. But until that happens, enjoy this years 9-7 season! Who knows, teams have made the playoffs with that record on more than one occasion in the past!
Go Browns!
-Shane Clugh
"Be iKonic"
Week 1 - vs. Cincinnati
This one's relatively easy, Browns take this game against their inner-state rivals without much resistance. The Bengals franchise is simply in shambles, and with two upcoming rookies in Dalton and Green running the show on Offense, it's rather apparent to see why the Browns SHOULD win this game and start the season 1-0. But as we've all learned in CLE, nothing can be taken for granted:
Browns win - Record 1-0
Week 2 - @ Indianapolis
As you look up and down the Browns schedule, there are many games that could go either way, and to me, none are more deserving of falling under that catagory than this one. My prediction for this game, and take it as you will, comes simply from where the game is being played. If this game was to be played in Cleveland, I'd give the Browns a slight edge. But because that is not the case, and because of the fact Indy will be coming off a week 1 loss at the hands of the Houston Texans, I say Indy is more than desperate for a win and does all it needs to get it against CLE, even without Peyton leading the troops:
Browns Lose - Record 1-1
Week 3 - vs. Miami
I've went back and forth on this game a couple of times, but ultimately think it comes down to Miami's lack of experience and skill at the QB position and the Browns ability to run the ball successfully with their bruising back Peyton Hillis. There's not much to this one:
Browns win - Record 2-1
Week 4 - vs. Tennessee
Although TEN has what could prove to be the best RB in pro football this upcoming season, that is ultimately all that they have. Their progression on building a Defense has digressed and the passing game being led by beat up veteran Matt Hasselbeck, I think it's only a matter of time before we see rookie Jake Locker leading that offense. Browns throw for a couple TD's in this one:
Browns win - Record 3-1
Week 5 - BYE WEEK
Bye Weeks are the worst...
Week 6 - @ Oakland
Oh Oakland, the team that every single year makes a crazy move in the off-season or draft in an attempt to wow the fans and sell tickets, may actually be getting better. I expect big things from Darren McFadden this year, and think J. Campbell does enough this game to get past Cleveland. Oh yeah, and the game's being played in the Black Hole:
Browns Lose - Record 3-2
Week 7 - vs. Seattle
As most of us saw during the playoffs last year, Seattle is one of the hardest stadiums to play at in America. I mean, even the SOUNDERS are practically sold out every game! When it comes to the product they put on the field this year, I think the Browns take advantage of the very lackluster Defense Seattle has put together and wins this game rather easily, not to mention Tarvaris Jackson is #1 on their Depth chart:
Browns Win - Record 4-2
Week 8 - @ San Francisco
I'll be as blunt as I can about this, San Fran straight scares me this year. The playmakers on offense have the potential to be out of this world scary. Gore, Davis, and Braylon on offense are enough to make me give this match up to the 49ers:
Browns Lose - Record 4-3
Week 9 - @ Houston
I feel like if I really described my feelings about this match up it would sound much like the previous one. Houston is going to win the AFC South this season behind the loads of talent on offense. Who on the Browns is up for the task of guarding Andre Johnson and Arian Foster? Chalk up another one IMO:
Browns Lose - Record 4-4
Week 10 - vs. St. Louis
Sam Bradford is a flat out stud, but he simply doesnt have the playmakers yet to turn that team into a bonified playoff caliber team, and because of that I give this match up to CLE. The STL defense is lackluster at best, and Peyton Hillis should have his way in this game:
Browns Win - Record 5-4
Week 11 - vs. Jacksonville
JAX blatantly just declared this season a rebuilding year just a day or so ago by cutting their starting QB David Garrard and will turn the reins over to rookie Blaine Gabbert. Even though I see a bright future for Gabbert and they have one of the best RB's in the league in MJD, I see the browns passing attack carving up the Jaguar D:
Browns Win - Record 6-4
Week 12 - @ Cincinnati
Let's just be blunt about it, Bungals still stink, and will continue to stick for the rest of this season:
Browns Win - Record 7-4
Week 13 - vs. Baltimore
With 4 of the final 5 games being against either BAL or PIT, this game at home is the only one I give to the Browns. Coming into this game off of a 3 game win streak and eyes on making the playoffs, I think the rushing attack of Peyton Hillis stuns Ray Rice and the fiesty Baltimore Ravens. I expect the WCC to get under Baltimore's skin in this game and Cleveland comes out with a HUGE win:
Browns Win - Record 8-4
Week 14 - @ Pittsburgh
Anybody remember what happened last year when the Browns went to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers? Yeah, it was bad, really bad. Expect this seasons result to be the same. I anticipate the Steelers fighting for their playoff lives at this point and plan to take it out on the Browns in week 14:
Browns Lose - Record 8-5
Week 15 - @ Arizona
This game is a pretty intriguing one, in that the Browns will just be coming off of their toughest game of the year at PIT. However, I see the Cardinals stumbling a little this year as they try and adapt to the new faces in camp. Although this will be week 15 and they will have plenty of time to gel, I expect the browns will be prepared and focused on D, and have I mentioned a guy by the name of Peyton Hillis? He will just be too tough on a Cardinal defense that leaves little to be desired:
Browns Win - Record 9-5
Week 16 - @ Baltimore
Everytime I think of the Browns playing at Baltimore, I think back to a Sunday Night game a couple of years ago in which the Browns looked completely over matched in those horrible ugly brown pants. Anyone remember the pick 6 by Ed Reed in the red zone? Those mental images scar me to this day, and playing in the Ravens Nest is simply just too much to overcome in the heat of a playoff run:
Browns Lose - Record 9-6
Week 17 - vs. Pittsburgh
Well, IMO it all comes down to this. Due to an easy schedule and many favorable games being played at home, I actually think the Browns have a slight chance of making the playoffs this year. Call me crazy, but I think with a little luck it could happen. Unfortunately, we have to get through PIT is week 17 in order to make the playoffs, and that just doesn't seem feasable if both teams are fighting for a playoff spot:
Browns Lose - Record 9-7
Ultimately, I think the Browns miss the playoffs this year by one lousy game, and that prediction is a pretty big step for me. I am usually a pessimist when it comes to Cleveland sports, simply because of the heartaches that we have all had to suffer over the past 20 years or so of our lives. An example would be last years prediction. I said the Browns would go 4-12 last year, and it turns out I wasn't that far off. As I sum this up, keep your heads up Browns fans. I really feel as though the Browns are only one draft and a couple big FA's away from really turning heads in the NFL. But until that happens, enjoy this years 9-7 season! Who knows, teams have made the playoffs with that record on more than one occasion in the past!
Go Browns!
-Shane Clugh
"Be iKonic"
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Really Cavs? Present, Future, and My Well-Informed Summer of 2010 Prediction
What just happened? Wait... Let me get up and shake myself up and try to snap myself out of this horrific reality. Not only is the season over, but to all of us out there who bleed wine and gold brace yourself because it doesn't seem to be getting any better.
I have never been so heart-broken in my entire life over a professional sports team and I'm sure many of you out there share my feeling.
THE PRESENT
How do we lose in 6 games to the Boston Celtics? LeBron James, the best basketball player in the entire world brings no fire, no pride, and at best half the intensity we are used to seeing from him. I've watched, listened to, or been to every single Cleveland Cavaliers basketball game this season and I have never seen such a weak ass performance and I hardly know what to say. Let's start in no other place but this pathetic performance we all just witnessed in Game 6 in Boston. Make no mistake Cavaliers fans this team stopped having fun, stopped joking around, stopped the pre-game festivities and most importantly quit on our beloved city, fans, and themselves. I dont care if we lose that last game by 30 points, but it says a lot to every single person who watched game 6 when the cavs give up with over a minute left on the clock by resorting to running out the clock instead of fouling. Reggie Miller didn't quit when he scored 8 points in 8.9 seconds?! The Indians are young, unproven, and quite frankly a pretty damn awful team and yet you don't seem them going out there on any night and losing because of their lack of fire and passion. How about Josh Cribbs?! The Browns are one of the worst teams in the NFL and J Cribbs hits the field game in and game out giving everything he has. Where was the fire from LeBron? Everybody said "Oh, He'll come back in game 6 and have a 40 point explosion and lead this team to a game 7 back in Cleveland" and we see the same lackadaisical effort that we were all stunned by in game 5. I dont know what to say except Boston dictated the tempo and dictated the pace of play while Mike Brown sat back and got outcoached game after game by Doc Rivers. I could go on and on about how Antawn can't guard KG and Mo is too slow to keep up with Rajon. Just remember, the Celtics didn't have to change their entire scheme to keep up with the Cavaliers. They dictated everything while Mike Brown sat back and tried to catch up but what's done is done and it's on to bigger and more fearful things...
THE FUTURE
It has never ever ever crossed my mind that LeBron James would leave the Cleveland Cavaliers until this series against the Celtics. Where can LeBron go where he will have a better team? Sadly, the answer is anywhere. The New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Chicago Bulls are all in much greater situations than the Cavaliers for one main reason... Cap space flexibility! Look at these numbers:
2010/2011......... 2011/2012.......... 2012/2013
Cleveland: $65.5.......... $38.9.......... $21.7
Miami: $24.3.......... $0.......... $0
NYK: $17.7.......... $0.......... $0
Chicago: $31.8......... $20.3.......... $13.3
The figures above are committed salaries over the next three years in Millions. What does it all mean? The Cavs sold out all of their options to win a championship this year and fell short. Next year, even being relieved of shaqs $20 Million dollar salary we are still $10 Million dollars over the projected $56.1 Million dollar salary cap meaning if LeBron resigns with us, he's stuck with this same shitty ball-less cast that can't make a clutch shot or perform in big time games to save their lives. Look at Miami and the Knicks numbers! $24 and $17 Million dollar committed salaries respectively and absolutely nothing after that. This is important because LeBron can not only go to a bigger market where he will become a much bigger global icon but can build HIS team from the ground up the way HE wants. He wants Coach Cal like I have been speculating, he has it. Anything he wants he can get, so why be stuck in Cleveland with players like no-show Mo, idk who I'm gonna be today Delonte, and I've never won anything since high school Antawn Jamison?!? I just want you to prepare yourself for the worst Cavs fans. The only thing that will keep LeBron here in Cleveland is loyalty, and judging from the performances we "witnessed" in games 5 and 6 I wouldn't say there's not all that much fire left.
I've never in my life felt that LeBron would actually leave Cleveland until taking all of the above information into consideration and to be honest, LBJ doesn't quite match up to Tim Tebow in terms of killer instinct and determination. Remember the infamous Tebow speech at UF after their crushing defeat? If LeBron leaves, within four-five years we will be right back to that team with the number 1 overall pick praying for another Akron prodigy... Hopefully that one will have the clutch gene required to perform in big games!
PREDICTION
LeBron James is leaving Cleveland this summer and not thinking twice about it. Starting over with his pieces, his coach, his team, and the bigger more glorified NBA market. It's pretty painful to think that after this year the team in Cleveland with the best chance of bringing a title is the Browns. Oh well... Life goes on as well as our pride, but for all of you out there who bleed Wine and Gold like I do this one really hits home where it counts.
I have never been so heart-broken in my entire life over a professional sports team and I'm sure many of you out there share my feeling.
THE PRESENT
How do we lose in 6 games to the Boston Celtics? LeBron James, the best basketball player in the entire world brings no fire, no pride, and at best half the intensity we are used to seeing from him. I've watched, listened to, or been to every single Cleveland Cavaliers basketball game this season and I have never seen such a weak ass performance and I hardly know what to say. Let's start in no other place but this pathetic performance we all just witnessed in Game 6 in Boston. Make no mistake Cavaliers fans this team stopped having fun, stopped joking around, stopped the pre-game festivities and most importantly quit on our beloved city, fans, and themselves. I dont care if we lose that last game by 30 points, but it says a lot to every single person who watched game 6 when the cavs give up with over a minute left on the clock by resorting to running out the clock instead of fouling. Reggie Miller didn't quit when he scored 8 points in 8.9 seconds?! The Indians are young, unproven, and quite frankly a pretty damn awful team and yet you don't seem them going out there on any night and losing because of their lack of fire and passion. How about Josh Cribbs?! The Browns are one of the worst teams in the NFL and J Cribbs hits the field game in and game out giving everything he has. Where was the fire from LeBron? Everybody said "Oh, He'll come back in game 6 and have a 40 point explosion and lead this team to a game 7 back in Cleveland" and we see the same lackadaisical effort that we were all stunned by in game 5. I dont know what to say except Boston dictated the tempo and dictated the pace of play while Mike Brown sat back and got outcoached game after game by Doc Rivers. I could go on and on about how Antawn can't guard KG and Mo is too slow to keep up with Rajon. Just remember, the Celtics didn't have to change their entire scheme to keep up with the Cavaliers. They dictated everything while Mike Brown sat back and tried to catch up but what's done is done and it's on to bigger and more fearful things...
THE FUTURE
It has never ever ever crossed my mind that LeBron James would leave the Cleveland Cavaliers until this series against the Celtics. Where can LeBron go where he will have a better team? Sadly, the answer is anywhere. The New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Chicago Bulls are all in much greater situations than the Cavaliers for one main reason... Cap space flexibility! Look at these numbers:
2010/2011......... 2011/2012.......... 2012/2013
Cleveland: $65.5.......... $38.9.......... $21.7
Miami: $24.3.......... $0.......... $0
NYK: $17.7.......... $0.......... $0
Chicago: $31.8......... $20.3.......... $13.3
The figures above are committed salaries over the next three years in Millions. What does it all mean? The Cavs sold out all of their options to win a championship this year and fell short. Next year, even being relieved of shaqs $20 Million dollar salary we are still $10 Million dollars over the projected $56.1 Million dollar salary cap meaning if LeBron resigns with us, he's stuck with this same shitty ball-less cast that can't make a clutch shot or perform in big time games to save their lives. Look at Miami and the Knicks numbers! $24 and $17 Million dollar committed salaries respectively and absolutely nothing after that. This is important because LeBron can not only go to a bigger market where he will become a much bigger global icon but can build HIS team from the ground up the way HE wants. He wants Coach Cal like I have been speculating, he has it. Anything he wants he can get, so why be stuck in Cleveland with players like no-show Mo, idk who I'm gonna be today Delonte, and I've never won anything since high school Antawn Jamison?!? I just want you to prepare yourself for the worst Cavs fans. The only thing that will keep LeBron here in Cleveland is loyalty, and judging from the performances we "witnessed" in games 5 and 6 I wouldn't say there's not all that much fire left.
I've never in my life felt that LeBron would actually leave Cleveland until taking all of the above information into consideration and to be honest, LBJ doesn't quite match up to Tim Tebow in terms of killer instinct and determination. Remember the infamous Tebow speech at UF after their crushing defeat? If LeBron leaves, within four-five years we will be right back to that team with the number 1 overall pick praying for another Akron prodigy... Hopefully that one will have the clutch gene required to perform in big games!
PREDICTION
LeBron James is leaving Cleveland this summer and not thinking twice about it. Starting over with his pieces, his coach, his team, and the bigger more glorified NBA market. It's pretty painful to think that after this year the team in Cleveland with the best chance of bringing a title is the Browns. Oh well... Life goes on as well as our pride, but for all of you out there who bleed Wine and Gold like I do this one really hits home where it counts.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
My CoD: WaW Review
Every gamer out there has their own personal perception of the latest game in the Call of Duty series made by game developer Treyarch, Call of Duty: World at War, and in this blog I attempt to make my general overall opinion of WaW clear to you. In blogs to come I will add in some tips, strategies, and things to do in threatened situations while playing online multiplayer.
First things first, I think from here on out its going to be pretty much impossible to make a Call of Duty game that isn't top notch and at the forefront of the video game industry. Since the making of Call of Duty 3, every game thereafter has won multiple awards and sold millions of copies. Of course Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare(made by developer Infinity Ward) revolutionized the perception of this gaming series, but Treyarch filled the shoes left behind by Infinity Ward very well, and here's why...
The first thing that is extremely attractive with WaW, is the beautifully crisp graphics and ground breaking map development. In games previous to the 5th installment, multiplayer maps and single player campaign missions have been exciting and action packed, but one of the most amazing things Treyarch did with WaW is make it probably the most awe inspiring game in terms of graphics and overall look. From barrels burning on the sides of roads to ragged pictures of Hitler hanging awkwardly on a bedroom wall, Treyarch was extremely serious about making their game stand out from every other in that specific arena.
The stunning graphics really come into play during the single player campaign mode. Of course the gameplay engine is still fun and exciting, but it actually makes you feel like you are back in WWII instead of just impersonating some player through an XBOX360 console. I have always been a historical fan of WWII, so having an exceptional game placed in that setting was interesting to me before I even took the annoying plastic wrapper off the pretty light green box. Previous games to this installment have been basic and plain... simple brick walls and concrete or black top roads. This game changes that by simple additions like cracks and holes in drywall, or huge potholes caused by thunderous mortars from axis powers. Saying anything other then this games graphics and gameplay are cutting edge and above the rest is simply an epic fail!
Ahh... Call of Duty: World at War online multiplayer. Every single person whos pressed the power button and picked up a controller knows this game is only as successful as it is because of the super addictive online multiplayer. Because this section will take forever to break down and completely cover, it will be be submitted in a future blog that's soon to come so be sure to stay tuned!
First things first, I think from here on out its going to be pretty much impossible to make a Call of Duty game that isn't top notch and at the forefront of the video game industry. Since the making of Call of Duty 3, every game thereafter has won multiple awards and sold millions of copies. Of course Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare(made by developer Infinity Ward) revolutionized the perception of this gaming series, but Treyarch filled the shoes left behind by Infinity Ward very well, and here's why...
The first thing that is extremely attractive with WaW, is the beautifully crisp graphics and ground breaking map development. In games previous to the 5th installment, multiplayer maps and single player campaign missions have been exciting and action packed, but one of the most amazing things Treyarch did with WaW is make it probably the most awe inspiring game in terms of graphics and overall look. From barrels burning on the sides of roads to ragged pictures of Hitler hanging awkwardly on a bedroom wall, Treyarch was extremely serious about making their game stand out from every other in that specific arena.
The stunning graphics really come into play during the single player campaign mode. Of course the gameplay engine is still fun and exciting, but it actually makes you feel like you are back in WWII instead of just impersonating some player through an XBOX360 console. I have always been a historical fan of WWII, so having an exceptional game placed in that setting was interesting to me before I even took the annoying plastic wrapper off the pretty light green box. Previous games to this installment have been basic and plain... simple brick walls and concrete or black top roads. This game changes that by simple additions like cracks and holes in drywall, or huge potholes caused by thunderous mortars from axis powers. Saying anything other then this games graphics and gameplay are cutting edge and above the rest is simply an epic fail!
Ahh... Call of Duty: World at War online multiplayer. Every single person whos pressed the power button and picked up a controller knows this game is only as successful as it is because of the super addictive online multiplayer. Because this section will take forever to break down and completely cover, it will be be submitted in a future blog that's soon to come so be sure to stay tuned!
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