Top 10 NBA players as of current

The NBA is currently in a lockout, prompting ESPN to run a top 100 list of players. Myself and most of my friends were outraged at the list as it was flawed even by the casual NBA fan's standards. One of my friends (and NBA enthusiast) Jesef Williams, constructed his own list less than 24 hours later. After a long weekend where my other friend, Rashad, got married and I was feeling tired, I've compiled my own list. For those that know Jesef, the list consists of the same players, just in a different order.

1. LeBron James

Yes he doesn't have a championship ring yet, and he is not a clutch player in crunch time (like Peyton Manning and John Elway both were before they finally won championships). However, he is hands down the best athlete in the game, and makes his teammates around him better. He can score, play above average defense, and he has his own unique game. He has already been to two NBA Finals. He will not be denied a ring forever.

2. Dirk Nowitzki

It's hard to ignore arguably the best all around big man in the game right now who can hit the 3, gets his teammates involved and finally got a championship of his own, beating LeBron's Heat. The Mavs contend every year for one simple reason: Dirk. An awesome player and defender that's soo hard to contain.

3. Dwight Howard

Superman has to make the top 3. He's a great big man far as blocks and rebounds, and being a game changer. Like LeBron, his legacy will be incomplete without a ring. However, like Dirk, he is so dominant and hard to contain. Dirk's jump shot and championship ring, puts him above Howard though.

4. Kobe Bryant

Although he's aging and has dropped off a little, he's still a dominant player, and the person you want having the ball in the closing minutes with the game on the line. He's the most accomplished player on this list, from scoring to defense to even championships (appeared in 7, won 5). Say what you will about his character, but his legacy, ability, and game play are not issues.

5. Chris Paul.

CP3 is easily the best PG in the game right now. He's never seen the NBA finals, but his fortitude and beastly statistics assure he can get there with the right teammates around him. He can score, steal, dish the ball off to set the offense,and his rebounding and foul shots aren't bad.

6. Derrick Rose

Many folks, including Jesef, would flip flop D Rose and CP3. Derrick Rose is phenomenal, and has a great team around him. He has resurrected Chicago, a team long down since Jordan's departure. However, he is not as polished, nor does he have the ability and experience of Paul. He cannot be dismissed though as a prime time player.

7. Kevin Durant

Another awesome player, best swingman in the game. He scores, hits the 3, and with PG Russell Westbrook, have given the Thunder quite a reputation. No one wants to face KD35 or OKC in the NBA playoffs. This team, of which Durant is the centerpiece, is only a couple of playmakers away from being like the Mavs, Heat, or Bulls

8. Dwayne Wade

I realize he is ranked low, especially for someone who has an NBA ring (albeit earned when Shaq was with the Heat). However, he is top 10 worthy because of his skills, and his ability to gell with a superteam in just 1 season. He has flaws in his game, such as his shooting, that keeps him from being ranked higher.

9. Carmelo Anthony

I'm biased in this choice being a Knicks fan. Melo is awesome and can drop 25-30 points on a given night. However, he is not multi-dimensional, and doesn't play a lot of defense. He has also proven that is almost useless without a healthy, dominant big man.

10.(tie) Deron Williams and Amare Stoudemare

One player is a PG that's only a 2nd tier compared to CP3 and D. Rose, another is a NY Knick who is dominant and makes his teammates better. Both players, however, haven't been anywhere near the finals. They are great at their position, including Stoudemare, who can play either C or PF with ease like Dirk. Stoudemare may get a slighter edge because he's more dominant and has more talented teammates, while Williams is more explosive.

I wish the NBA season would start already, so we can see how good these guys really do!

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Pizza Inn: Another one bites the dust

It seems Pizza Inn restaurants everywhere have been closing. I remember when the one in Rock Hill closed years ago. And today, the one in Gaffney that I mentioned in my very first blog, closed its doors today.

Now there are still at least 5 Pizza Inn franchises within driving distance that are still open. However, the one in Gaffney had character, history, and some of the best all around cuisine around!

My mom once told me she first took me as only a toddler. I didn't really remember going until I went on a high school field trip and ate there. Years later when I lived in Rock Hill, I got attracted to the Pizza Inn in Rock Hill. I would sometimes eat there twice/week. When I started working in Gaffney around 2003, I didn't start eating there much. But then I started eating there once or twice per month.

Many folks don't realize what made the Pizza Inn in Gaffney special. It was more than the dessert pizzas, especially that chocolate chip and Oreo pizza, or even the salad bar and the wide variety of regular pizzas. The Gaffney Pizza Inn was one of the last restaurants anywhere to brew their delicious sweet tea fresh and the old fashioned way. Many restaurants now use machines, which are very effective, but do not give you the same taste.

I've heard Pizza Inn closed for financial reasons. Makes me believe someone was misappropriating funds because that place was always packed, especially whenever Gaffney High was having Homecoming. It was soo packed then they had police on duty and you had to pay in advance to dine, rather than at the register.

I can remember those larger corner tables, seeing most of my co-workers, classmates, etc in there. It was easily one of the best buffets in all of Gaffney. I'm soo sad over this loss.

I felt very similar when Ryans and Shoneys restaurants began closing. Although the Gaffney location was separate from the corporate realm, it has suffered the same fate as many others. And this was a complete shock to nearly everyone.

The economy is awful right now, and this is an obvious by-product. Although I don't eat buffets often, I did indulge at Pizza Inn frequently. I will go and visit one of the other locations in the near future.

It's sad to see Pizza Inn go, almost like a dear friend. I only hope Papa Johns doesn't close again.

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Cheap v. Economically Sound: More Tips on Spending and Saving Wisely

Ok after a week off from blogging, slight burnout, and being under the weather, I'm back and talking about one of my favorite subjects: saving money.

Now I'm no Dave Ramsey, but I am becoming adept at saving money, and I learned years ago how to make a dollar out of 15 cents. Therefore, that's why I refer to myself as the "Economically Sound Brotha" . I don't consider myself cheap, which is what many consider me. I buy nice things, but in moderation and in timely fashion. Here are some examples of the differences between being economically sound and just cheap.

Cheap: Only buying shoes when your good ones are all worn down.
Economically Sound: Buying a good pair of shoes when they're on sale, or during holidays, birthdays, or tax season

Cheap: Never eating out and/or always eating mac n cheese and Ramen Noodles
Economically Sound: Using coupons, Living Social specials, and other restaurant specials and offers and eating then

Cheap: Taping movies onto DVD from your DVR to avoid paying the full price (or even burning the DVD)

Economically Sound: Buying movies when Wal-Mart marks them down, joining Columbia House to get several movies for cheap, or taking advantage of the thousands of movie stores closing nationwide

Cheap: Buying everything generic. You don't have to be brand loyal to understand that for certain sproducts, only the name brand can do the job

Economically Sound: Knowing which brands are effective but affordable. For example, Claritin v Zyrtec, Wal-Mart Dickies v. Belk Dickies (they're the same, trust me)

Cheap: Holding onto your 2006 Razr phone because you don't care for another phone or don't wanna pay for it.

Economically Sound: Waiting until the hottest phone has been out for a while, and bundle the discount with your rebate. One can earn a top notch phone at an affordable price.

Cheap: Trying to do car or home maintenance yourself when you're not much of an expert on either

Economically Sound: Going to a mom and pop repair shop, or paying a trusted friend or family member who's good at repairs and maintenance

Cheap: Going road tripping for your vacation week

Economically Sound: Saving a few bucks out of each check for a year, plus any extra money or windfalls, to have a real, top-notch vacation

Okay I hope you all get the point now. Yours truly does spend his money, just wisely. You can't take it with you when you die, but you should understand how to handle it while you're alive.

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Troy Davis: here we go again

Black people, and even some white people, are extremely upset over yet another case of racial injustice. By now, most folks know the Troy Davis story and that despite new evidence and 7 out of 9 jurors changing their verdicts, he was still put to death last week by means of lethal injection.

Outside of various jabs that people regularly make towards President Obama, this is one of the most heinous and racial injustices to occur since Sean Bell was wrongly murdered by the NYPD, or since the Jena 6 debacle. Everytime something like this happens, especially to a black person, it stirs up hostility. Nevermind that Casey Anthony was just acquitted of murder back in July, or that a white man's execution was postponed the day after Troy was executed.

Our legal system is without a doubt flawed, biased, crooked, and just in need of serious cowbell and repair. Judge Greg Mathis even made his views known in a YouTube video, stating that anytime new evidence is presented, there should be a new trial, period. Then again, Troy had the misfortune of being black, poor, and in Georgia, right in the midst of the deep South.

Watching this case sadly unfold reminds me of all sorts of bad memories, including those shown in The Green Mile. This case here also comes to mind. This little boy was so young, and his own parents didn't even get to tell him goodbye. m.flickr.com/#/photos/22067139@N05/5251556905/

It is known from my blog over a year ago how I feel about the death penalty. I believe its inhumane, hypocritical, and just plain wrong. And in this case, it was unnecessary to the highest point. Justice was in no way served.

Unfortunately, I don't think this will ever stop or end, meaning the way minorities are treated and mistreated in the criminal justice system. It can be slowed down in a variety of ways. One is by acquainting yourselves with lawyers and the law. The old clique was that you don't equip yourself with attorneys unless you're a criminal. Now, many many folks know that ignorance of the law is definitely not bliss. It's called CYB (Covering Your Behind). Knowledge of the law and your rights can help prevent anyone from becoming a Troy Davis, Sean Bell, or a John Coffey.

I don't know of too many folks that play a game without first knowing the rules. Well there are rules behind life, and the legal system. Knowing these laws can make it tougher for the system to wrongly accuse you.

It's indeed a tragedy what happened to Troy Davis. The larger tragedy will be not responding in the proper manner and preventing this from happening to future generations.

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The Thirst Is Real

Receiving and giving compliments and praise can be an awesome thing. However there is a such thing as too much of something good. You can be referred to as desperate, creepy, or even thirsty if you go overboard.

Many of us are guilty of acting thirsty, often too much. Men tend to get it the worst as many do not know how to properly step to, approach, or compliment a woman. When you're thriving for attention, constantly throwing out praise and almost worshipping that female, that would be thirst.

Cat-calling, the "hey girl" guys, men that whine like Keith Sweat, and of course the stereotypical construction workers, ALL demonstrate dangerous levels of thirst.

Social media has magnified and exposed thirst at a greater level. Often when an attractive female posts a sexy pic, she us met with numerous likes and comments. These can range from "Work it!" " Nice outfit and smile" to "WOW!!! Can I have your number?" "I wanna smack that phat booty" . The latter remarks are obviously thirst in one of its worse forms.

Now fellas, lend me your eyes for a second and read. The thirst epidemic does not excuse or exempt you from complimenting a woman, letting her know how you feel, and just being nice. There is a certain way to express yourself, but a woman must be complimented. It's not that every woman seeks attention, but most want to feel beautiful and appreciated by others. Closed mouths don't get fed so you better speak up. Just think before you act or speak. She deserves the upmost respect, and space.

When in doubt, simply remember to keep it simple, and less is sometimes more. Be concise and to the point, but don't make a person feel like you want to smother, cover and devour like a double order of hashbrowns at Waffle House.

Yes the thirst is indeed real. But civilized adults can control it by using common sense, good judgment, and home training. Just keep your composure and remember we're all human and deserve to be treated as such.

Don't obey your thirst, obey your brain!

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9/11 should be honored and remembered every day, enough said

Yesterday was of course the 10th anniversary of the tragic events that happened on 9/11/01 when our country experienced perhaps its greatest attack on its soil. I still remember when it happened, our nation seemed to pause and come together. For a while, we were ALL americans and NOT just black, white, rich, poor, Republican, Democrat, etc. About 2 months later, things seemed to be finally turning to some normality. But life in the US would never be the same again. Every year on 9/11 we all focus, pray, and reflect as a nation.

But why don't we focus and commerate it year round?

9/11, now dubbed "Patriot Day" should be honored and upheld every day. Although I celebrate many holidays, I cannot stand the fact that many folks wait until the holidays to get together or even be kind to others. 9/11 is getting the same way.

I saw strong evidence of this over the days leading up to the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Specials, tributes, and around the clock news coverage. Yes it is an important time in our nation's history and a time to pause and focus. But we should do some sort of tribute daily, remind each other and other nations that we are still here, we are USA!

I don't think I'm being insensitive in my remarks, simply overly concerned about how 9/11 could and should be celebrated. Lord forbid it ever becomes commercial and stores have 9/11 sales. We already do the same for Easter, who's to say this will not happen to "Patriot's Day"?

I will simply end by saying we need to carry the courage we displayed this weekend everyday in our hearts and of course, never, EVER, forget. 9/11/01

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2011 VMA commentary

- Wait, is that Lady Gaga dressed like a man?
- OK I'm getting bored
- Finally she's singing and performing
- Justin Bieber looks very nerdy
- Is this a Westside Story spoof?
- Who's that old fart on the guitar?
- I'm feeling this song though
- NOOOO!!! Kevin Hart is helping host
- Wait, there's no host this year?
- Jonah Hill really slimmed down!
- Nicki Minaj's hair looks like a bunch of balloons
- Slick plug for your movie Moneyball, Jonah!
- Brittany has come first circle in winning the night's first award
- OTIS!!!
- Miley Cyrus, WTH?
- Who is Foster The People?
- So these VMAs have a house singer?
- It's the Dougie!
- That guy from the Beastie Boys looks like Jack Black
- We have a dance battle!
- Now Nicki is a winner, OMG!!!!
- And this is the coon portion of the show
- Beavis and Butthead, returning October 27 #ftw
- Katy Perry is fiiine!
- Please don't act a fool Kanye
- Time for Pitbull and Ne-Yo!
- Lots of women on stage
- Can anyone understand what Pitbull is saying?
- Kevin Hart is sooo corny!
- I like Katy Perry better with black hair
- Adele's got some pipes, and some talent, but her performance is boring
- Beavis and Butthead meets Nicki!
- WHAT?? Justin Bieber won?
- Gotta love Victoria Justice's legs
- Rock it Chris Brown!
- Gotta love the WU-Tang clan homage
- Chris is flying and flipping
- And Lady Gaga is still dressed like a man
- I've always thought Brittany was talented
- OK its Beyonce' time!
- This is a Beyonce' song off of "4" that I actually like
- Do it Bey!!
- Bey is pregnant!!! It's about time
- Selena Gomez has gotten waay too slim.
- Tyler the Creator (whoever that is) is now Best New Artist
- He sure is cursing a lot
- Zoe Saldona is gorgeous!
- Mo and the Giant?
- Why is Cloris Leachman with those Jersey Shore skanks?
- Wow Gaga wins! Hard to believe nearly a year ago she had just named her next album
- Hope this Amy Winehouse tribute is good
- Wow, Tony Bennett!
- I never knew Tony and Amy sang together
- Bruno Mars can sing! What a great Amy Winehouse tribute!
- Katy Perry wins again! But what is that block on her head?
- Ok now Lil Wayne!
- Weezy looks like Slash, and a lil like Lil Jon
- OK I'm ready for this to be over already
- Dang Eminem didn't even perform!

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