Update on Everything (School, Giants, Tiger, etc.)

It's been a long, long time since I've posted on here but I've been looking at the website for a while now and realize how much I miss posting here. So here are some random tidbits about my life that have happened since the last post (ages ago).

1. Currently a Freshman at UCLA. Majoring in Undeclared Engineering (intended: Mechanical Engineering). Joined the Baja team (building off-road vehicle to race in competition at end of year).

2. Giants won the World Series - I definitely am not a baseball fan, but you gotta have some love for the home team...yes, definitely jumped on the bandwagon and bought a Giants t-shirt.

3. Miami Heat - Most hated team in all of sports right now. Perhaps even more than Man U. Also on a depressing note, Lakers are 8-0 and my beloved Celtics are 6-2. Boston's definitely going to make it to the finals this year...and probably win it with the great amount of talent on the team (Jermaine O' Neal in particular will boost the play).

4. Tiger Woods getting too much action. Self-explanatory..

5. San Francisco 49ers probably provided their fans with the largest amount of disappointment so far (halfway through the football season)....Mike Singletary = all talk and just scary looking...can't do crap.

That's all for now, have a good one guys.

2009 US Open

One of the strangest grand slams I have ever witnessed....upset after upset after upset.
Well, first and foremost, the Roddick upset was the biggest shocker. After coming off one of the best performances of his life at the Wimbledon, Andy fell to unseeded (55th) ranked 6' 9'' American behemoth, John Isner. Looks like in the battle for muscle - Isner prevailed. I suspect Roddick became a little overconfident, and even though he had more winners and fewer unforced errors than Isner, Roddick chocked during the tiebreakers. Moral of the story: Don't got the mental game, you are a lost cause. This can also apply to Dinara Safina who has the same problem as her brother.

Another notable upset was the Clijsters over V. Williams. Clijsters has been off the tour for a couple years raising a family, and she is already back in tip top shape pretty much demolishing Venus Williams (save the second set, lulz). Both women are known for their strength but Clijsters seemed to have the upper hand throughout the match.

Oudin is looking strong but currently losing against Nadia Petrova. I'm hoping Verdasco can knock out Isner just because I expected Roddick to go far in the Open this year, sigh. Plus, Verdasco's fohawk is the most amazing thing ever. And of course, Nadal is playing steadily and looks to be back on track. However, Federer or Murray are still going to be my top two picks to win this year's US Open.

Commentary: First Round Action - Opinions, Thoughts, Impressions

Ehh, what to say other than SURPRISE.

1. First, oh the mighty Celtics how you guys just kill me. So, the major trend of this series will be the epic clash between Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose (36 points, 11 assists - Playoff Debut and the most calm and composed player I have ever seen (almost)). Anyways, Ray Allen, doing his thang, missing his shots during the beginning of the playoffs as usual.

“I heard it all,” Rose said, matter-of-factly. “I want all the pressure as a rook and people saying I can’t lead the team. We fed off of it.”

- Derrick Rose's new nickname: The Beast.

Anyways, this was a hefty loss for the Celtics especially since it was at home...with a wild set of fans. Celtics should regroup, watch tape, and get their heads outta the gutter.

2. Next, Blazers vs. Rockets (All the Yahoo analysts picked the Blazers, I do too). Rockets just had everything going for them - superior offense, kinda sorta stopped Brandon Roy, all around good play. The Blazers were never really able to get some sort of momentum going, but I'm sure they'll be able to rebound. If Aldridge picks up his play and Brandon Roy + Steve Blake keep a steady backcourt, the Blazers have this in the bag. Aaron Brooks had an unusually nice game, especially from beyond the arc...I say it's a fluke. Yao had a perfect game (literally 9-9 from FG, 6-6 from FT).

3. Philly/Magic game was probably the best game so far. Sixers really pulled off quite an upset especially with a nice comeback in the fourth quarter. Iggy's shot dumbfounded me - definitely one of the most underrated players in the NBA. Honestly, the Sixers have a shot at this - I doubt they can stop Dwight, but if they can suspend the perimeter shooting of the Magic that'll help tremendously.

Good start to this year's playoffs, I'll try to keep updating as much as possible. Stay tuned.

NBA Playoffs 2009

Fail (sorry, but I couldn't say it in any other way)
This season has been injury plagued and, frankly, extremely depressing. They started off decently, but ever since then they have had hot streaks and cold streaks - losing to teams both bad and mediocre. I don't see the passion and "team cohesion" that was present last year and the will to win has gone down a level or two.

Honestly, even with Celtics bias, they don't stand much chance of getting into the Eastern Conference Finals. Chances are they'll have to face the Magic in the second round and with no KG they don't really have a good shot. Perkins and Powe are fantastic big men (don't get me wrong), but they have nothing on Superman -___-
I still love you and will be cheering for the green. Oh, and thankfully Danny Ainge had a speedy and successful recovery from a minor heart attack Thursday. One of the best GM (still probably the best) in the game right now.

My Playoff Predictions:

Eastern Conference
1. Cavs, Celtics, Magic, Hawks all make it to second round.
2. Cavs destroy the Hawks, the Celtics/Magic will have a memorable series where (unfortunately) the Magic win.
3. Cavs win the Eastern Conference finals in an epic battle.

Western Conference
1. Lakers (need I say more?)

Finals
Hmm...LeBron vs. Kobe probably the hottest topic this whole bloody season.
Yup, Cavs are going to win. LeBron James will show his true colors, his blood and grit, and flat-out stomp the Lakers in the finals. Yes, call me crazy but it is feasible and highly likely in my eyes.

Watch for the Hawks and Rockets for any upsets.