The Beat Goes On ...

02/15/2005
Talk about full circle ... a message was sent yesterday in the form of a horrific blast that killed more than 16 folks, not the least of which was the former head of government in Beirut. It was noted that he was on the verge of upsetting the rule of Syria, who had taken over the region, and had been in control for quite a while. Some kind of message, eh? Well, we got the message. The USA withdrew our Ambassador from Beirut, anticipating more trouble, no doubt.
A young man in South Carolina was found guilty of murdering has grandparents, after a somewhat lengthy trial compared to some. The "Zoloft" trial was so noted because the now fourteen year old was taking the medication at the time of his lapse in civilized judgment. He was only twelve years old at the time. He's facing up to thirty years in prison.
The L.A. Times sports section highlighted the youth of the league as their big story today. You'd think someone would face up to the reality that this is a different kind of basketball than was played by the players of the old millennium. These guys have grown up in a millionaire athlete's mentality for the duration of their careers. Unlike Wilt, Walt, and The Iceman ... these players have been well paid all along. They do not view the coaching staff nor the officiators as teachers of the game, but rather as veterans of the league. While there is much to learn in today's NBA, the education revolves more around the team than the game of basketball. At least, that's the view of today's young player. Therefore, tempers tend to flare moreso now without the same mechanisms for self control, because what makes a player upset is the tendency of some to overstretch the boundaries of bumping, hand-checking, and pushing. In the past these three things were clearly fouls, and were punished by free throws. However, with such an influx of "mediocre" players into the league, such actions are now allowed. For instance, the NBA sacrificed its sanctified status as the best in basketball when the rules were changed to allow professional players to play in a "zone" defense (instead of "one-on-one"), a response to Shaquille O'Neal's dominance of the paint and three championships in a row for the Los Angeles Lakers. Today's NBA is just an accelerated college league. So sad.
So, I look to the college ranks for motivated basketball play. Speaking of great hoop ... how 'bout them Illinois Illini? Still undefeated at 25 - 0! We of "Circle" salute you, brethren.
Long day yesterday, will be a long day today. Thoughts are moving towards the acquisition of my own apartment, maybe a little studio somewhere in the vicinity. Ever seeking the open door. Jehovah Gira.