Panic Button

This is not how it was supposed to go. It seems as though everyone in and out of the NBA organization had the Finals set back around Christmas. Those plans were only validated when Kevin Garnett went down with a knee strain against the Jazz. Somebody forgot to tell the Orlando Magic and the Denver Nuggets about these reservations.

Denver can be considered an exception (possibly) to beat the Lakers. Not just because Denver is a different team with Chauncey Billups, and they finally got rid of Iverson. The main reason is the Lakers have shown everyone their flaw that they can be a soft team that simply takes off games.

Even in the second round of the playoffs against Houston the Lakers just looked like they did not care about certain games. Well the series is tied at two and game five is tonight. Let's see how much they care.

Back East the time for crisis and panic has come quicker for the Cavs. The team that was supposed to simply destroy every team they face in the playoffs, and they did in the first two rounds, can not figure out how to stop Dwight Howard. A last second shot by Lebron James is the only thing that has them not playing golf for the rest of the summer.

The first thing Cleveland should do is try to make it a 5 on 5 game and not 5 on 1. Besides Lebron no Cleveland player can be proud about what they have done or said this series.

Mo Williams did a great job with the guarantee of a series win. No stutters or mumbling or backtracking at all. Of course it would help if the second best player on the team could help Lebron and make a three pointer, and not force Lebron to have to score over 40 points a game.

There is no reason to doubt that the Cavs or Lakers will come back and win their series. To be honest if at least one of those two does not win I will be stunned. But changes and adjustments are going to have to be made. Pau Gasol is going to need more then 10 shots tonight and not allow Denver to make 20 offensive rebounds. Let's see what happens.

Controller Abuse

Sunday produced a sport fan's dream as there were so many options to watch over the course of the day. The early afternoon gave everyone the desire to have at least three different televisions. While the Sunday matinee of the Red Sox is always a treat in these eyes, especially when they comeback and win like they did in a 12-5 victory, there were so many other options this Memorial Day weekend.

While the IRL has become a sport that barely receives recognition from SportCenter for any other race the Indianapolis 500 will always be discussed. Even the mst casual fan of racing seems to put the race on, and tries to recognize famous drivers. One of those famous drivers managed to win, and give fans a somewhat feel good story.

Weeks ago Helio Castroneves was facing tax evasion charges and possible jail time. Helio was acquitted of charges and took advantage of his freedom by winning his 3rd Indy 500. In a society that has become guilty until proven innocent it was good to see an athlete not be guilty of a crime, and come back to their winning ways.

At the same time Game four of the Western Conference Finals in the NHL took place. This seemed to be the most promising of the two series left in the NHL. Most of that promise was taken away as the Red Wings just beat up the BlackHawks 6-1 in Chicago. It seems almost a guarentee now that it will be a rematch between Detroit and Pittsburgh.

The one break for my TV is that the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte was postponed due to rain. The longest race in NASCAR will take place tomorrow. More on that later.

The nightcap provided the shocking story to stay that way. After a monumental upset on Wednesday, and a really close possibility of the same thing Friday the Orlando Magic upset the Cavs 99-89 on Sunday to take a 2-1 series lead. The Cavs were crowned Eastern Conference champs back in March, and now are a last second shot from being down 3-0. Time to hit the panic button in Cleveland? Seems better then any other time.

Great day for sports fans, let's hope for a lot more of these days this summer.

Payback is .....

After what happened to all of the Boston Sports teams this week it seems obvious that karma does exist. What may be considered the greatest time to be a fan in Boston on Sunday became the worst time to be a fan on Thursday.

Sunday was the day when every fan in Boston was able to hold their head higher then usual. The Red Sox were able to pull out a late game win from the Tampa Bay Rays thanks in part to David Ortiz.

Although it was not a home run, his double in the bottom of the 8th put him in position to score off of a Jason bay double giving them a lead that could not be reached. Even Papelbon putting two men with nobody out, could not bring the Rays back.

Meanwhile the Bruins managed to force a game 7 against the Carolina Whaler-Canes, and the Celtics took a 3-2 lead against the Magic off of Big Baby Davis. The game winning shot by Big Baby caused such a stir at Fenway it managed to scare Ray Designated Hitter Pat Burrell while at bat.

Then it all came crashing down. The Red Sox lost in 12 innings Thursday against the West Coast Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, California 5-4. The loss came with David Ortiz leaving 12 men on base in part of an 0-7 day. Never in my life would I expect people to call for Ortiz to be removed from the lineup. It seemed Massachusetts people would give up democracy before Ortiz. But the lack of hits and homers this year has fans wanting him out.

That game was just a prelude. The Celtics could not hold onto a lead, and lost to former UMass Lowell basketball coach Stan Van Gundy, and his Orlando Magic 83-75. A lack of production in the 4th quarter, along with Dwight Howard getting rewarded for complaining for not having the ball enough, forced the series to a game 7 in Boston.

As if that was not enough the biggest Heart breaker was the Boston Bruins losing to the Whaler-Canes in a game 7 overtime in Boston. The game winning goal was scored by a player who should have been removed from the playoffs, Scott Walker. After his sucker punch on Aaron Ward and breaking his face. He is rewarded with an automatic suspension rescinded and the chance to finish the series. The year is over for the Bruins, and they try to regroup, and come back with a vengeance next year.

Maybe now Boston sports teams are even, or another good day will come. Either way, after Thursday night it seems like it can not go any further downhill.

History Club

For my topics in Writing Class Story 3

Books and articles were written describing the fall of many leagues and clubs due to the lack of interest or ambition by others. What was once a regular occurrence to go out and socialize has now been replaced with unwinding by one’s self.

This does not mean that there are no more groups or organizations encouraging people to gather and meet others. Many clubs and groups frequent the campus of UMass Lowell. One of those groups being the UMass Lowell History Club.

Founded by students in 2002, the intention of the History Club was for more then to just discuss and debate several issues and topics in History. The club also sought out to gather and create several social activities for students as well as faculty around the community.

“The goal of the History Club is to build a community among UML students that will help them to enjoy their stay at the University,” said History Professor, and History Club advisor Michael Pierson. “Hopefully, if students know and connect with other students they will stay in school, learn more history, and lead better, happier, and more informed lives.”

To aid in informing students the History Club organizes events and activities to encourage students to attend and socialize with other students attending. A recent activity in February, Lincoln Fest, provided students with a lecture from a guest professor on the myths and political opinions of former President Abraham Lincoln.

Along with the informational aspect it also provided entertainment in the form of a Lincoln look-a-like contest, and raffles and contests.

The club also provides members with trips anywhere from an UMass Lowell hockey game to conferences and visits to King Richard’s Faire.

The Tsongas Arena for a River Hawks game is just one of the few places that the History Club went to in 2008.

These forms of fun and entertainment are one method used to encourage students to inform others about the club.

“We rely on word of mouth with heavy doses of announcements by faculty members in classes,” said Pierson. “Also look for our bulletin board in Coburn Hall, and keep an eye out for our jazzy posters.”

Be sure to check out the Bulletin Board in Coburn hall for any new information regarding the History Club.

The only flaw behind the club, along with any club is the name. Many students believe that the History Club is intended for history majors.

“I assume that I would need to either have a major or minor in history in order to join the History Club,” said Senior Psychology major Joe Natale.

“I never really looked into the History Club, or any other club for that matter,” said Chemistry major Zach Thorpe. “I just figured that major was a requirement.”

The History Club does encourage all majors to attend meeting, and they attempt to get as many members as possible. For it is not just the subject of history, but the social gathering that is essential for any club or organization to flourish.

“We have many non-majors,” said Pierson. “History can be a hobby as well as a career, and we encourage anyone to join us.”

Things Not to Buy

After a recent visit to Fenway Park, a few things were noticed that drove the School of Hard Knox crazy. Certain sports memorabilia that is either overused, or just outright needs to no longer exist. First blog in a while (sorry about that) but here the five worst things a sport fan can own.

5.) Player Shirts- Everyone is guilty of owning one of these, (yours truly included), but that does not give it a pardon from being a horrible concept. What started out as just a cheap alternative to buying a jersey in the MLB, has now been abused by every other sport in the professional level. It really seems ridiculous when the NBA has a T-shirt to replace a jersey that has no sleeves.   

4.) Ball in window decals-What was a clever idea at the beginning has just been abused by every fan. It was a great thing when it convinced Mike that he broke some one's car window while mowing their long, but that was two years ago. Anything that can be seen on every other car on Route 495 is considered overused. 

3.) Pink jerseys-This used to be number one until a valid excuse for this came about. If the proceeds of the pink jersey go to Breast Cancer research like the pink bats MLB players used on Mother's Day then it is acceptable, and a great cause. But if the only reason is because the ladies think it cute, become a real fan and get an actual replica jersey. Or forever be in the same category of intelligence as this. 

2.) #1 Fan memorabilia-While many people who buy this wish it was true, just about every time, except for one person, it is not. It is very hard to be considered the #1 fan when that was the 144th license plate purchased at that Xtra-Mart. 

1.) Gloves to the Game-Going to a baseball game with a glove in hopes to catch a foul ball is the greatest feeling in the world...at 10 years old. Not as an adult. Rather then not pay attention to the game, and try to push a little kid out of the way to catch a ball, try something better instead. Like acting like an adult. Anyone past ten bringing a glove would be ridiculed for the rest of their days at the School of Hard Knox.