TigerElly's Tattles

NBA: Houston Rockets Tipoff 2010-11

tigerelly — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 22:54:30 +0000

Ahhhh, another season of NBA basketball is here and the anticipation of this season has been full of hype, to say the least. But, I am mostly interested in how the Houston Rockets will fare this year, and minutely intrigued by the Miami Heat. And off course the Rockets start off in the most disappointing fashion, full of potential, but disappointing nonetheless. After the first two games, there is one thing that worries me the most and that was the obvious lack of defense. This has been said over and over again, that in this league, success is measured by a team’s ability to play defense, especially down the stretch. They did well to hang around with the defending champions on opening night, amidst all of the ring ceremony hoopla. But, as usual, the Lakers toyed with them for 3.95 quarters and took the game from them in the last 5 minutes of the game. It irks me to see the Rockets play the Lakers, or rather to watch the Lakers play around with the Rockets and then embarrass them in the last few minutes of the game. As for game 2, just flat out no defense. They played well offensively and share the basketball, but they have got to do better with holding down people or it will be a long season. Despite the 0-2 start there are plenty of positives. The play of Luis Scola (minus the foul trouble) was exceptional. Kevin Martin is as expected, scorer with no defense, Yao Ming is MIA, and the bench is great. The Rockets have a lot of depth this year, but I am wondering who besides Shane Battier will be able to play defense. They have plenty of scorers and the addition of Brad Miller looks like a good decision, but once again, this is a high scoring squad. This team will have to rely on using their speed and quickness to cause turnovers, because one-one they will be lacking defensively.

A few words on how ugly the Miami Heat’s performance against the Boston Celtics: bad, pretty bad. I suppose I expected this much. Lebron James was impressive, but that was about it. They semi-recovered on the second game. But, their showing at Boston was less than impressive, no cohesiveness, they were standing around watching Lebron, and had too many turnovers. But I’m sure they will get it together….soon.

Video courtesy of youtube.com

NFL: Week 7

tigerelly — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:41:46 +0000

Two games caught my eye this past weekend, since the Texans had a bye week: Viking/Packers and Browns/Saint. The former because of the Brett Favre drama and the latter because of it’s WHOA factor. Seriously, the Browns over the Saint, in a convincing fashion? But, more importantly, Drew Brees with FOUR interceptions. The Browns had one, count ‘em, ONE OFFENSIVE touchdown, but they put up 30 points.

Now on to the Vikings/Packers, of which I caught the second half. Favre looked like he was hurt and he played like he was hurt. In my opinion, he lost the game for the Vikings, who were up by 3 at half time. He, being the all knowing football player that he is, should have known to sit his butt down and let his team play. Granted, after the 2 costly interceptions, he threw for a score, but still. Favre is known for his resilience and gutsiness, but at this age, he should be smart enough to know when to sit down. I also know that this might have been his final game at Green Bay and he might have had something to prove, but once again, the object of the game is to win. Last night, Brett Favre, cost his team a much needed win.

Worthy of a Saturday Afternoon: 2010 Houston Wine Fest

tigerelly — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:38:27 +0000

In light of all the disappointing string of events that has enveloped my Houston football teams, i.e. the Cougars losing BOTH of their quarterbacks and the Texans losing to the Cowboys, I have decided to skip over sports for this post and instead share about the inaugural 2010 Houston Wine Festival. The event was held this weekend at the Houston Park in the middle of downtown Houston. I was able to attend on Saturday and for the awesome mid level price of $25.00, I received a cool wine glass graced with the event’s name, 10, yes 10, wine tasting, and access to Texas and International wine vendors, great music, food, and some pretty good socializing. I also decided to bring my Holga 135 along for the event and so the pictures that I have of the event are off course taken with the Holga, so yes, they are analogue photos, in all of it’s glory. That means:light leaks, unfocused, great light, saturation issues, and a whole plethora of the awesomeness of analogue pics. Back to the wine fest. The turn out was pretty good for a first event, and considering there were other wine events going on close to town, one in Kemah and another in Santa Fe. I tasted several wines from Texas and two from France. I love wine, but I am not an enthusiast…yet, and so not much for names. I can tell you that there was not much difference between the $5 glasses and the “tasting” portions. This was why I decided that after 5 tasting or glasses, 2 reds, 2 whites, and a white merlot, I was done! In addition to the people, wine, and food, the music was also pretty good. There were several local acts that complimented the wine and the food. The only thing that was missing was cheese and crackers! So overall, the first annual Houston Wine Festival was a pretty good event. Here are some of the analogue photos I took at the event. For more info: www.houstonwinefest.com.

Dear Football Higher Beings:

tigerelly — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 05:29:04 +0000

Thank you so very much for providing my awesome Houston Texans with a wonderful running back that can not only run, but also HOLD ON TO THE FOOTBALL at the end of the runs. Thank you very much for Vonta Leach’s massive beastness which provided said running back with holes bigger those in the ozone. Also, thank you for providing the Houston Texans with a fierce offensive line that played unbelievably well throughout the WHOLE game. Last but not least, thank you for a great secondary and ferocious Mario Williams who whooped up on the great Peyton Manning and abused the Colts offensive line. Oh, and thanks for keeping Matt Schaub INJURY FREE in the first week of play. With this said, I ask that you provide the same awesomeness for the upcoming battle with the Redskins and allow us longing fans another glorious week of tasting legitimate wins in the football world. That is all. GO TEXANS!!!

Yours Truly,

TigerElly–Awesomest Texans Fan

P.S. I also ask that you give Houston Cougars beastly quarterback the strength to recover from the concussion he suffered and air out in front of the Rose Bowl crowd. Thanks!! GO COOGS!!!!

March Madness 2010: Cougars are going Dancing!!

tigerelly — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:33:28 +0000

The first post on the 2010 NCAA Basketball Tournament is a big thumbs up to my school, the University of Houston Cougars!! The Cougars are going to the big dance after an 18 year hiatus. They defeated top seeded University of Texas-El Paso in the Conference USA championship to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The Coogs capped off a four day-four win week defeating Memphis and UTEP along the way. They will play #4 Maryland in the first round of the tournament. I am sure no one is picking them to win, but I am going to show my support nonetheless: Go Coogs!! Also big thumbs up for the other Texas schools that made the tournament: Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor, UTEP, North Texas, and Sam Houston State. Good Luck to Everyone!!

Health Tattles: MMR vaccine study retracted and discredited

tigerelly — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:31:04 +0000

Here is an interesting piece of health care article. It is not at all related to the healthcare reform. I guess everyone can go back to believing that the MMR vaccince is not linked to autism. The article states that the study was unethical. Among some of the unethical practices that the lead author performed were paying children at his son’s birthday party and subjecting children invasive procedures. I find it hard to believe that in today’s advanced everything, it took 12 years to figure out what this researcher did, disprove the study, and finally retract it.

State of the Union Tattles

tigerelly — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:41:45 +0000

President Barack Obama delivered his first State of the Union Address last night. Here is a mini recap and my humble opinion. Obama addressed his first year in office, the people’s declining trust in his administration, the economy, the war, and health care. He vaguely touched up on immigration.
In addressing this previous year, Obama made it clear that he inherited an office with many problems. He pinpointed the fact that his administration began with a huge deficit and that he realizes that he added to this deficit to aid the ailing economy. He also added that we as a nation need to get back to the pay as you go program which contributed to the surplus we enjoyed 10 yeas ago. Obama identified many of the reasons for the ailing economy: two war, health care, failed financial industry, so on. He suggested that we need to continue to invest in small businesses and the American people. In order to get back to what we know, Obama said that the government must put it’s people first and that starts by winning their trust. The President challenged Congress to tighten their belts fiscally just as many American families have. He proposed a government spending freeze to begin in 2012. Obama wants to cut spending on programs that does not work and stated that he has already identified over $20 million in savings. He said the time for rewarding failure needs to end.
Regarding the war, he continues to promise that troops will be pulling out of Iraq and coming home beginning August of this year and next year. He said that we will continue to oversee the democratic process in Iraq, but the troops will come home. He proposed continued work towards a nuclear free war and that he acknowledges Iran’s continued isolation of itself as a result of its non-compliance.
In the healthcare debate, Obama stated that he is not in it to get win under his belt or to be politically smart. He said he has placed emphasis on health care reform because of the people. Americans need health care coverage and access at an affordable rate. He challenged anyone with a better idea/bill to come forward.
I believe that his economic proposals are attainable, but it’s results that people want and I just don’t see that happening anytime soon. Small business owners have suffered the most and many are far too gone to get any used from what he is proposing. Still, I believe in his ability to deliver change. Spending freeze is a welcomed idea, if we the people can close our wallets, why can’t the government? I also like the idea of posting earmark request online, so the people can see for themselves. As far as the war is concerned, when my sister comes home, then I will believe it. His “nuclear free war” is unrealistic. In this day and age, it would be difficult if not impossible to rid the world of nuclear weapons, period. I fully support all of Obama’s health care endeavors. Being a healthcare provider, I can attest to the many stories of a failing health care. Therefore, if this is the only bill he passes while in office, it would be fruitful.
I agree with Obama’s challenge to Congress to reform its way. Stop playing mind games with each other and do what you were elected to do.

Image by AP

Sports Tattles

tigerelly — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:51:08 +0000

So, it has been a while (again), and as usual, to get back into the posting mode, I am going to babble about the various goings on in the world of sports. After all, this is a busy month: NFL, NBA, and off course the Australian Open.

Off course it would not be normal if I did not begin with the good old Houston Rockets. As I have followed the Rockets this season, I have been both impressed and disappointed at the team’s level of play. Impressed with how they have survived without their big names and disappointed that they can play at this level and lose to some of the worst teams in the league. I mean seriously, triple OT with the Timberwolves? I’m sure this has been said numerous times, but if they can just beat who they are supposed to beat they have a handsome chance this year despite the obvious missing pieces. Another issue that I have been impressed with is the Tracy Mcgrady issue. I applaud the coaching and management teams for not messing with a good thing. I like the fact that, Adelman can tell someone like T-Mac: NO. I believe that without him, the team has a better sense of urgency and hustle about them. If the Rockets don’t make the playoffs this year, I don’t think it would break my heart, but if they do, I’ll be cheering loud and proud!!GO ROCKETS!!

Now, on to other sports stuff. For my Superbowl prediction, even though I know Peyton is going to kick butt, I have to pick the Saints: WHO DAT NATION played tremendously well this year and Drew Brees deserved the MVP trophy(in my opinion). For one reason: You expect Peyton to play like he did this year, but not Brees. He surpassed expectations and for that he should have been MVP.

Next, I would have to express my disappointment at the early exit of Maria Sharapova and Rafael Nadal pulling up lame. So as usual, it will either be Federer (a distant maybe is Andy Murray) and one of the Williams sisters, again.

Winter Olympics: Not really into cold sports, but working on it.

2009 NBA Playoff: Houston Rockets

tigerelly — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 04:31:26 +0000

This is not the best way to approach the playoffs. Period. The Rockets’ effort against the Dallas Mavericks tonight was a disappointing one. Depending on the outcome of the Denver-Portland game, the Rockets can be seeded as low as 5th place, which means 2 things: no home court advantage at all AND they will play Portland in the first round. As many have been saying, Portland with their young and sassy team, is very dangerous. If Houston keeps playing collapsing basketball in the fourth quarter, they WILL NOT make it out of the first round…again. Houston needs to step up in the fourth quarter, take control, and put games away. Tonight’s lack of intensity in the waning stretch will not do come playoff time. Shot selection at the end of the game is vital and let’s just say Ron Artest needs to learn how to pass the ball in certain situations. This does not take away from anything that the team has accomplished this season, but they could be sitting in a much prettier position if they can just learn to suck it up in the fourth quarter and put a dagger in it.

Image by ESPN.com

2009 NBA Playoffs

tigerelly — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 06:02:00 +0000

Okay, it has really been a while….

But I cannot let this season pass by without putting my two cents in on it. After another long season and sans T-Mac, the Houston Rockets are gonna be in the playoffs. Not too surprised. I for one have fallen off of the T-Mac bandwagon. I think that many players were able to step up and contribute in ways that were not expected as a result of T-Mac’s absence. And this is why they are going to be participating in post season hoopla.

Now, if the Rockets can avoid playing Utah or San Antonio in the first round, they have a good chance of getting to the second round. I know that means they will almost definitely face the Lakers if they make it past he first round, but this will further solidify T-Mac’s first round curse (thought I would sneak that in). But, just getting past the first round will be good enough for me because this is definitely the Lakers’ or the Cavaliers’ year. Cleveland is playing ridiculously awesome…..against the EAST. They will definitely represent that conference in the final, but I have to give it to the Lakers. Lebron James has been just plain GREATNESS this year, but I like Kobe’s role players better. He has a Derek Fisher. Cleveland is young, and the Lakers are young and experienced all at the same time. Other noted match ups that should make for some entertainingly awesome basketball: all of the Western Conference matchups and the Eastern Conference championship. So, after all has been said and done this is my pick for the finals: Lakers vs. Cavaliers with the Lakers in 7. GO ROCKETS!!!!!!!!!

Image from sportslogo.net