Noj

But Miami isn't as bored as the Lakers were, and isn't totally dysfunctional because of personal issues. Also, shouldn't a federal judge issue an injunction banning 1st round series in the Eastern Conference until they can field more than 4 good teams? I think the Hornets-Heat series went to about 35 games last year before one of the coaches died and they had to forfeit. Guy I don't buy that crap about dysfunctional Lakers. Hell, they were 3 time champs 3 of the last 4 years at the time. They still had their nucleus of the best 2 players in the league. Dysfunction or not, they added two future hall of famers, Malone and Peyton. So dysfunction or not, they still should have been good enough to go 7 games before that ass kicking. Nobody wants to give Detroit any credit, so be it. When the Pistons kick ass again, everybody hit elbows and knees...... Detroit Rocks!! B-) Um, news flash: the Pistons didn't have to play the Lakers with Karl Malone. He was hurt. True story.

Miami's deeper than you think, Bruce.

Happy Birthday! I always love the photos!

I think Darko will develop into a decent player. I've seen flashes of it, and like you said he's 19. Seems to be putting on some size, too. Rumor has it Shaq may sit the first playoff game. If Shaq's hobbled, and Duncan's hobbled...size up the rings for Detroit. Just look out for those Suns! They'd give Detroit a literal run for their money.

B-)

Jim Alfredson noticed they truncated "Sister Sanctified." I don't suppose there's any chance Creed Taylor will reissue this one sans edit...

Who names their daughter "Curtis?"

EMI employees are given access to a whole lot of free discs, it isn't secretive.

Nah, I'm tellin' y'all. Pieces Of A Dream "Mt. Airey Groove" is a bona-fide jamola, and disqualifies them from being the worst on that list, afaic.

Happy Birthday!

Pieces Of A Dream are forgiven for creating the ever-funky "Mt. Airey Groove."

I think the 3 teams with the best chance of winning are the Spurs, Heat, and Pistons. Not sure who is the strongest. I'll be pulling for the Suns and Nuggets, and seriously doubting either of them can do it. I'd love to see Houston grow a pair and make a serious push. The Lakers have sucked since Shaq left, SS1. I accepted it then, and called missing the playoffs from the jump.

I totally spaced on who dethroned the three-peat champ Lakers. Now I remember yelling at the TV. Parker absolutely torched us alive. The Pistons DESTROYED an injury-riddled Lakers team with quarrelling players. Yep, you're right Bruce.

The announcers are why I watch most sports on mute until the last few minutes of the game.

Happy Birthday!

I agree with PhillyQ, funny character development and dialogue. Some laugh out loud moments, mostly involving the embarassment of the lead characters. It's that I Love Lucy/George Costanza type stuff...I can barely look at the screen!

Thanks for the consideration, ksm! Black Saint is a high priority on a ridiculously long list. In fact, there's a number of other highly praised Mingus albums that I haven't heard. I've often balked at buying them because Impulse are usually the highest priced discs. It seems like they're $18.99 everywhere. It's not a tough choice to pay 4 or 5 dollars less for an RVG. Same reason I've bought less Conns. I won't get into the Coltrane on Impulse I've never laid ears on...

Miles Smiles Hot 5s & 7s Black Saint & The Sinner Lady Many more...

Cool paintings, Stefan!

Got it playin' right now! "Fine Lil' Lass" B-)

I only have one track by Rufus Harley, a song called "Malika" from a Luv N Haight compilation. Funky bagpipes! B-)

Jimmy Smith is the man in my collection at this point, the most albums represented and not a bad one in the bunch. I need more Patton, more early Lonnie Smith. They're the ones I'm most interested in. I have some select goodies from everyone on the poll, and dig the organists not on the poll like Earland and Patterson. I like the outer realms where Larry Young ventured and the spacy funk of McDuff's Moon Rappin'. The Legends Of Acid Jazz series is my starting point with a lot of them...Shirley, Patterson, Johnny Hammond Smith, Charles Kynard...

Waaaaahhh! Waaaaahhh! OK, I'm done. I don't really care about them pulling the plug on another dude who thinks he can rap soiling up a jazz club full of people who don't want to hear it.

Good for Joe, nothing like letting your own tastes dictate what gets censored. It's like being your very own oppressive government!

1. The boob tube is not a baby sitter 2. Video games make for lazy kids 3. Cold cereal is better than McDonald's, and kids will eat it gladly 4. Parents who read to their kids give their kids a head start on school 5. Start kids with sports early, and he or she will pick a favorite If I ever have kids of my own, I intend to keep these things in mind.