Lame excuse for this photo

I'm not a huge James Bond fan, and there are plenty of them movies I haven't seen. But I did see "Die Another Day", with the okay Pierce Brosnan as 007 and the Madonna theme song that's not too bad if it kicks around in your head for a while. But what the hey-hey is the deal with the rumored Jinx spinoff with Halle Berry? Why couldn't that work? And get going with the Justice League movie - chop-chop!

My live to die another day parlay:

Magic +6-1/2 (-115)

Flyers (-100)

Both of these teams can play and have been close to breaking through in their respective series. They can win games, but probably not the series, except if more all-stars get hurt. Hence, die another day - like the movie, but with less Koreans. Maybe the fan in me just wants these things to go towards the maximum - that can be dangerous when trying to pick the winner. Tomorow, I'll have no problem going with the Red Wings. See, I can play that way too.

Units wagered: 1

Units to win: 3.74

Result:

Units +/- to date: 22.41

Tuesday Night Music Club

Friday night, Sheryl Crow was playing outdoors in Atlanta. I didn't have tickets, but I was in the park next to the amphitheater, so I did get to hear "Leaving Las Vegas". So that was nice. She's got a purty voice.

Anyway, it's now Tuesday night, and only one game on the docket. I had no idea where the line would end up for it, but lo and behold, Vegas opens up with Boston -10, 184. I think the public will be falsely lured into taking the points on this one - just because it took Boston 7 games to blast the Hawks doesn't mean they are dead in the water. Boston's victory margin in the wins was 25 points - not too shabby. Them's a lot of points to be giving up to Bron-Bron tonight, but I like Boston to flex some muscles tonight - Celtics -9-1/2 (-110). And what the hey, take the under 182 (-110) as well.

Dammit, I'm gonna add another one - Celtics -5-1/2 (1st half, -115) and under 91-1/2 (1st half , -115).

I'm going to throw in a bonus baseball parlay:

Yankees (-124)

Rays (+137)

Cardinals (-104)

Units wagered: 3

Units to win: 2.64 and 2.50 and 7.40 = 12.54
Result: loss
Units +/- to date: 23.41

The Most Interesting Person in the World

This picture is from the web page for Dos Equis from their new "Interesting" campaign. It's borderline spectacular, and I can't wait for it to be played out like Bud Light's "Real Men of Genius". Stay strong, my Mexican friends.

Personally, I think the most interesting person in the NBA world is Chris Paul, more so than Bean, Bron, KG, et al. I've seen NOH do some incredible things this year, but it sounds like a lot of people picked the Spurs because they are the Spurs and they've won so many times before. Sure, and Jay Leno is the greatest comedian because he's given all those "Tonight Show" monologues. I don't see how the 2008 title will be decided because a team won in 1999 and 2003. Give me the Hornets tonight (-3, -105) to go up 2-0, and so people can ask the rest of the week "What's wrong with the Spurs?" Well, they're old and people are sick of they're act. Hey, San Antonio - you know how y'all complain and go "Who me" after every confrontation? See, NBA refs rewatch every game they do, and don't you think that just once, even if they don't see a call, will see you guys do that and figure you must have done something wrong? Or is Danny Davis doing every NBA game still?

And color me unimpressed, but I'm still not sold on the Pistons. I'm not pulling out my wallet to buy what the Magic is selling either, but they can't shoot as bad as they did on Saturday (or can they?!?), so everyone can score a little more, I won't mind - Magic/Pistons over 184 (-115).

And why not a little hardball tonight? The Reds are reeling - Cubs -106. And I don't know what's going on in Detroit - Boston -1-1/2 (+130).

Units wagered: 1

Units to win: 15.32

Result: 3 out of 4, but a loss is a loss

Units +/- to date: 25.41

Se7en

Everyone knows the Celtics will win - too much talent to screw it up. I just hope everyone realizes that the Hawks have a little talent, that there is a fan base, and this team may actually show up on TNT next year. Dare to dream.

I see Boston putting it away early and having an hour plus commercial for KG/Pierce/Ray Allen vs. LeBron. I think this will work for everybody. Celtics -14-1/2 (-110).

And the Lakers are ready to get going. I like Utah, and I think they will be in position to steal one of these games at Staples. They may not win, but one of these games, someone won't show up in full force - Fisher, Odom, or Radmanovic. We'll see, but I like me some points today. Lakers over 212-1/2 (-110).

Units wagered: 1

Units to win: 2.64

Result: loss

Units +/- to date: 26.41

I fear you're underestimating the sneakiness

Today is one of the sneaky good sports days of the sporting calendar. You've had the NHL playoffs, now in round 2, and it's been 3 years - you should have found Versus by now. NBA playoffs are a-rollin'. Say what you will about the schedule, there's always going to be games on the weekends. Beisbol is in full swing ("swing" is a baseball term by the way). Personally, I can't stand baseball in April, so right about now is when I hop on board. You mean to tell me the Rays don't suck? And the Giants do? Well, that I can buy. And I'm sure all week you've heard about the Kentucky Derby (a fantastic event to go to - I went the Funny Cide year). I could drink mint juleps all day if it weren't for something like responsibility. Heck there might even be a golf tournament or 2 on (Wachovia Championship in Charlotte).

Then the first Saturday in May shows up and you realize - damn, that's a good sports weekend. Why didn't someone tell me? Well here it is, my friend. Breathe it in with oh so much pollen.

First, Thursday night's closeout of the Sixers is just the type of win that Dee-troyt Bas-ket-bawl! will suck you in with these last few years. When it's on, it's all on for the Stones. Why don't we see it more often? There'll be a point in tonight's game when you look at the Magic and see them holding close and realize, hey, they have pieces. Of course, Dwight Howard; Rashard Lewis - intriguing; Hedo Turkoglu; heck, even Keith Bogans does some good things. I don't consider Jameer Nelson too much of a piece, but I thought that the Raps PG's would run roughshod. That wasn't necessarily the case (maybe just a little shod). Plus, Keyon Dooling will be around for a little heavy lifting. I'm not sold enough to money line them, but if Philly can steal a game 1, why not the Magic? Magic +6-1/2 (-110)

I love the other series starting tonight, Hornets and Spurs. I'm so glad I've had Hornets on my fantasy team recently. What a great team to follow - a firm solid rotation, players at every position putting up numbers (let's say that MoPete doesn't really have a "position"), and young enough so you could conceivably follow them for ages or until someone does something stupid, like want a max-contract but not want to be the man. NO has done a great job against the Spurs this year, especially in their non-rodeo arena. I have a feeling many out there are picking the Spurs to win the series, mainly because they are the Spurs and they win post-season series. SA had one great game (3) against Phoenix. I think they are ripe to be beaten. I like the Hornets -3 (-110) today, although I am a hair suprised by that line, since I would expect the Spurs to be an active play, as more people know them. I see it opened at 3-1/2, so maybe that is what's going on.

Finally, I'm going for one puck tonight. I know it's shaky, goalie-wise in Royal Mountain, but I feel home cooking is enough tonight - Canadiens (-165).

Bonus plays:

Hornets to win series (+120)

Dwight Howard pts. + rbs. over 35-1/2 (+100)

Duncan (-1/2) more rebounds than Chandler (-115)

Kentucky Derby: Pyro across the board (3 units)

Units wagered: 6

Units to win: 4.85 on parlay

Results: Lose

Units +/- to date: 27.41

Damn, 3 out of 4 last night. Why didn't someone tell me that Jagr plays for New York now and not the Penguins?!? Time to come back strong tonight, NBA style.

How will the Wizards cope without Darius Songaila? Their rotationmight be a little tighter, but I think Butler is going to go off again. Jamison can and will do more. I'll give the three, and I think both teams will play it tight, so give me the under as well. Wizards -3 (-110), under 187 (-110).

I had a feeling Atlanta would lose Wednesday (and lose by +14), but that was not a typical Hawks blowout. This year in blowouts for them, the beating came hard early and the 2nd half was usually even. 2 days ago, it was a gradual buildup to 25 points. I think at home, they can keep it from slowly getting away. They might lose tonight, but I have no problem with a valiant loss. Hawks +9 (-115).

Now that Rafer Alston is back, the dynamic has slightly changed for this series. It's a huge game for Utah - no reason to go back to Houston, but I think they realize has tough it will be. Game could go either way, so give me a bunch of points. Rockets +7-1/2 (-110).

Units wagered: 1
Units to win : 12.01
Result: Wah-waahh
Units +/- to date: 33.41

May Day! Auntie Em it's a twister!

Busy week, but I want to do a quick parlay:

Pistons -6 (-110)
76ers under 178 (-110)
Penguins (-120)
Red Wings (-160)

I think it's closeout special night(last minute switch from Sixers +6). I could use a good win. Plus, I'm counting on a few stinker games because "Earl", "30 Rock", "The Office" and "Scrubs" are on.

Units wagered: 1
Units to win: 9.86
Result: Loss
Units +/- to date: 34.41

--Doneycat