Noj

I don't think Kobe's going anywhere either, but any Chicago deal would have to include Deng.

Like I've always said, it was not Kobe's decision to trade Shaq. From a Stephen A. Smith article quoting Kobe: The Lakers' owner, Jerry Buss, "called a meeting with me after he spoke with Jim Gray [of ESPN] to talk with him about Shaq's future in the middle of the 2004 season," Bryant said yesterday. "He met with me at the Four Seasons Hotel here across from Fashion Island, which is now the Island Hotel," Bryant said. "I went up to his penthouse suite. [buss] looks me dead in the face and says: 'Kobe, I am not going to re-sign Shaq. I am not about to pay him $30 million a year or $80 million over three years. No way in hell. I feel like he's getting older. His body is breaking down, and I don't want to pay that money to him when I can get value for him right now rather than wait. This is my decision. It's independent of you. My mind is made up. It doesn't matter to me what you do in free agency because I do not want to pay [shaq], period.' " "Dr. Buss said that," Bryant said. "And I haven't said anything for years because I've always felt like folks were just looking to create controversy. Now I know. I realize what extent [the Lakers] will go to, to cover themselves." And what does O'Neal think? "I believe Kobe 100 percent," said O'Neal, reached yesterday while in Los Angeles on business. "Absolutely. There's no doubt in my mind Kobe is telling the truth. I believe him a thousand percent. I would have respected Dr. Buss more as a man if he would have told me that himself, because I know he said it. But he didn't [tell me]. He never said a damn word to me."

Look for A-Rod to get some chin music from a Toronto pitcher in the next game.

Happy Birthday!

The music's as cool as the cover! Wheedle's groove gets a big from me too. I got it with my latest batch.

My prediction: Pistons defense locks down on the Cavs and Detroit takes the next two. Spurs close out the Jazz. Spurs over Pistons in seven.

I enjoy watching the miserable, evil Spurs execute. Good basketball. Parker is one of the best point guards in the NBA, top five easily. Duncan is, hands down, the best post player in the league right now. Ginobili is crafty and fun to watch.

Cheers!

Weird collection there. Johnnie Morissette "I'm Hungry" is some bare bones funk, and Rodney Trotter "Space Nigga" is strange over-produced disco funk. A lot I don't recognize though, I'll grab the ones I don't have.

I hate the tendency to not run an offense with time running down. LeBron forced and initiated the contact, that's why he didn't get the call. The refs aren't going to let the game be decided at the free throw line.

Happy Birthday Jim!

I recall being a bit underwhelmed by this one when I got it. I'll have to dust it off and give it another listen with your comments in mind.

This song is awesome! Thanks for bringing it to my attention, MG.

Santana - Dance Of The Rainbow Serpent

Way to go, DC!

Hey MG, I never put together any guesses, but I want to say how much I really enjoyed your selections. This main disc was great start to finish, with the exception that I like the Jimmy Smith original better than the rendition here. The Bonus disc was, well...magnificent! I especially dig the surf guitar-styled track. Thanks again!

No, not the Deluxe edition. Dang it!

Do you have Santana Live at the Fillmore 1968? Great version of Fried Neckbones. I'll add it to my (endless) list, Cary. I've actually only recently bought Abraxas, though I heard it a lot when I was younger. Hearing "Samba Pa Ti" for the first time in years was cool.

Second only to Caravanserai is Soul Sacrifice, for me. The "Santana Jam" is my favorite Santana song. I could listen to that piano theme for hours! Plus his cover of "Fried Neckbones & Some Home Fries" is smokin'. I want to hear some of the other jazz rock albums he did in the wake of Caravanserai, I only have whatever tracks were compiled onto the Dance Of The Rainbow Serpent box.

Out of curiosity Joe, what sports does your triathelete sister participate in? Distance running, cycling, and swimming? I always appreciate stamina, it's such a time-consuming ability to develop.

You know I'm just farting around, Joe. Please don't sick your sister on me!

Yeah, go on and ice skate with your sister! And while you're at it why don't you try on one of her bras, you wee girl! Float away, ya fairey!