Monthly Archives: June 2010

Players to Watch For in the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach

I think I’ve been a little too overly excited for the the upcoming US Open at Pebble Beach, mainly because it’s at my former workplace, which is why I started the stories from Pebble Beach series earlier this year. I’ve never seen the course set at an open level, but know that even back when I was working there from 2004-2006 they were continually adding in obstacles and changing tee boxes to make the course tougher for this very event. Hopefully this time around it won’t be a blowout like the 2000 US Open at Pebble where Tiger won by a ridiculous 15 strokes. It sounds like nearly every hole has been changed since Tiger’s dominating US Open, whether it’s an added bunker or trees, a little extra length off the tee, narrowed fairways (they moved many fairways closer to the cliffs), etc. We all know about the length of the rough in the Open, and that will surely cause the players the most grief over this weekend. It sounds like it’s going to be a chilly weekend in the Monterey Penninsula, so hopefully the wind kicks up too making it tougher to shoot low. I’d like to see some 4 or 5 irons being used on the famous 109 yard par 3 7th hole. Here’s a few players that I’ll be looking forward to watching how their weekend unfolds… Continue reading


Even Dr. Phil Has An Opinion On Lebron

In case you missed it last night Jimmy Kimmel had a pretty good little skit where Dr. Phil chimed in some interesting reasons on why Lebron would want to go to a city. I think he was talking about Gloria James on the whole sex thing, but funny nonetheless.


Lakers Vs. Celtics Finals Game 6 Diary

Unfortunately, Mceezy and I weren’t able to watch any of the first five games, because China isn’t all that excited about teams that aren’t from Houston. Now, we found ourselves extra excited about game 6. So we decided it was only fitting to bust out a game diary while watching the game tonight, to take anyone unable to watch through the ups and downs of the game or maybe even give you some extra insights to what went down at Staples Center. Everybody seems to be picking the Lakers tonight, and I hope they are wrong, so I can break out the Celtics hat I bought in 08′  just to piss off co-workers!

Pre-game predictions,

Chappy: Boston wins. Rondo gets ridiculous with a triple double. Pau already has a flight booked to South Africa to watch Spain play tomorrow in the World Cup, Odom ate too many gummy bears, Artest is confused, so Kobe is on his own out there once again…

MCeezy: There hasn’t been a Game 7 in the NBA Finals in five years. The Lakers don’t want to watch Boston celebrate on their floor again – at least until Game 7. LA can’t match the heart and drive of Boston, but Kobe with his back against the wall outweighs the Celtics with a game to burn. The Lakers live to see another day.

9:08 Lakers up 9-6

MCeezy: The Lakers are winning the battle of the most fired up bench.

Chappy: I think both teams look pretty pumped up for this one, should be entertaining!

7:44 12-14 Lakers after an Allen 3 and Kobe 3

Chappy: The Celtics got their only win when Allen was on fire, good sign for the C’s… Fischer complaining about someone flopping!?!

5:58 18-12 Lakers on a run as Perkins gets shaken up

MCeezy: Kobe: More PASSES or Shot Attempts tonight?  I’ll bet more shots than passes, in the second half at least.

Chappy: I’d lean toward more shots, but I guess that depends on if anyone is else making them! Perk could be a huge loss if he can’t come back…

1:48 26-18 Lakers

MCeezy: 10 minutes in and the Lakers are clearly the aggressor. C’s just need to keep it within 10-12 at the half and they can grind it out in the second half.

Chappy: I guess my prediction of Artest looking confused is already out the window! Does he think he’s back in Houston?

28-18 End of the 1st quarter Continue reading


Funny Signs From China


Pebble Beach Stories Part IV: The Caddies

I bought this putter while I worked at Pebble. There were only 400 made, and to this day I'm pissed that I sold it away just to double my money. I wish I listened to my buddy Roy, and if you reading this, you were right to keep yours!

I’ve taken a little break from this series, but since I’m on vacation, I figured I should revive the series since it’s not exactly a time sensitive post, an evergreen if you will. Anyways, if you happened to miss the first three parts of this series and are interested in catching up here they are, Pebble Beach Stories Part I, Pebble Beach Stories Part II: Chi Chi Did It First, and Pebble Beach Stories Part III: The Baseball Players.

The caddies at the courses at Pebble Beach Resorts are probably some of the luckiest guys around. You wouldn’t you know that listening to them complain more than a feminist group. Sure, it’s a physically demanding job carrying two bags for 18 holes, but there aren’t many better places to take that walk, and sometimes they get blamed for making the wrong call on a shot, but in the end they get solid pay even before they get their tip. When I was there it was $65 a bag, and usually they’d carry two for a guaranteed $130. They’d get a minimum of a $50 tip, but more times than not, it was between $100-$200. Some of them have returning clients that must either be a nice person to walk with, or they are a baller that is going to want that caddy to hook them up with some things non-golf related.

Sometimes the caddies hook the guys up with, ummm, escort services, yes even the married ones. (Side note, a lot of guys asked me about escort services, and I would either give them the number to call or tell them to ask one of the caddies.) Another reason is sometimes certain caddies are good at getting their players certain drugs, no need to elaborate which ones, it’s irrelevant. I’ve heard some guys actually request a certain caddy, because they liked them the last time, that’s an unimaginable crazy scenario, I know. Some also take a caddy based on their reputation, and that is basically their seniority.

They get to meet all kinds of cool people that are just happy to be there whether they are famous or on a company sponsored trip. One of my good buddies caddied for the CEO of Jack Daniels, he ended up with a nice tip ($400-$500), and delivery a week later that was a box of JD Single Barrel bottles, flasks, cocktail glasses, and other JD swag. I gladly helped him take down some of the premium whiskey! It seems to happen to each caddy every couple months, which is why I think they have it pretty easy.

Seniority reigns supreme in the caddy shack, and it’s weird that the oldest guys are the grumpiest. It was always funny to hear them talk about some of their players, and how they didn’t deserve to play on the course, because they were so bad at golf. It might be half true, but REALLY!?! They just paid $450 for the round each, probably had to stay a night at the resort just to get the tee time ($400-$1,000), and throw in $65 more for a caddy that doesn’t even like them, and they don’t deserve to be there?!? I’ll be the first to admit, there were some spoiled rich bastards that came in, but knowing how much we charge for everything, you just have to suck it up, and be nice. Usually you’ll even get a tip out of it, unless your helping Charles Schwab (the cheapest man in America who never tips with a $60 Million dollar house next to the 18th tee at Pebble).

Another thing about the caddies I found entertaining is when the big tourneys come into town. I got to chill by the driving range and give them range balls. I’d often listen in on them betting on their players within their pairings. They would be betting on everything! They would bet on shots their players took on the range! I remember one time Luke Donald’s caddy was talking to another caddy for the player next to him (can’t remember who), but they were betting on whether or not Luke could fade his shot around a range pole, because that was what he was working on. They were betting $5 a shot on the stupid range warm up shots! I know for a fact that some guys lost all their money they made for the day to another caddy, always funny stuff. This is one reason I’ve always believed Stevie Williams must be more rich than we even think. I bet Tiger makes 9 out of the 10 shots Stevie could bet on!


Best of 3

Big Baby & Nate Dog all fired up! (photo courtesy of cbcsports.ca)

With all the star-power featured in the 2010 NBA Finals, it’s hard to imagine that the championship will be decided by Andrew Bynum and the Celtic’s bench, mainly the “Big Baby” himself, Glen Davis.  Game 4 was ugly for the first 36 minutes, but once the final period began, all mayhem broke loose.  The Celtics bench unleashed hell on the Lakers, and credit Doc Rivers for leaving them in.  One thing I admire about the Celtics, is that they completely embody the word “team.”  Three future HOF’s were at the scorer’s table ready to check in, only to be called back when the bench started rolling.  Neither of the three had a bit of a problem with it.

None of us expect Davis to play out of his mind like this again this series, especially after his performance during the post-game press conference along with Nate “Dog” Robinson (I think LA might not appreciate it, and will have something to say about it) but it’s safe to assume he will contribute.  Especially if Bynum is hobbled, again.  Sorry Lakers fans, but Bynum is about as reliable as Lindsay Lohan’s ability to stay off the booze.  What’s scary for LA, is the fact that if you look back at every game this series, Allen, Garnett and Pierce have all failed to string together good games at the same time.  Yet Boston has somehow pulled off two wins.  Including a win in LA in which they were out shot in free-throws some 40-25 (Boston’s final 6-7 when LA were forced to foul).  You have to be concerned that they’ll finally get it going, along with an energized bench, it’s going to be tough LA.

On the other side, if you’re Boston, you have to be concerned that the three days between Games 4 and 5 will be enough to heal Bynum’s knee.  If Bynum can be even halfway productive for the remainder of the series, Boston’s chances of winning decreases.  Another cause for concern if you’re Boston, Derek Fisher.  Fisher’s foul trouble kept him sidelined for most of Game 4, and LA clearly missed his presence down the stretch.  What Boston appreciates is when Kobe Bryant gets into that mind state that he has to win it on his own, and they stop going to Gasol.  Pau Gasol dominates the post when they go to him, and for the life of me, I can’t understand why LA doesn’t run their offense through him more?  He is a willing passer, and he puts the defense at a retreating position every time.  And of course Kobe Bryant.  Kobe needs to trust his teammates during the course of the game, then take over late ala “The Closer.”  When Kobe plays within the rhythm of the game, he is unstoppable.

Oh, and the Lakers bench has to show up.

With all that being said, I must say the officials have had a hand in all the wins, and these NBA Finals have been heavily influenced by bad calls.  I’m not one to draw up conspiracy theories, but a Boston/LA rivalry renewed does look good going seven.  I’m sure that’s crossed the minds of the higher-ups at the NBA corporation.  Just saying.

Enjoy your Friday people!


NFL’s Hardest Hits From 2008-2010

I saw this floating around today, and thought what the heck I’ll take a peak. 10 minutes later, I had to snap myself out of a trance. I seriously couldn’t take my eyes off this video. Typically I find Youtube annoying, it always feels like it’s filled with crap that takes a ton of time to sort through. But I gotta say nuggets of gold like this make me take back every bad thing I’ve ever thought about it. Enjoy some bone crushing destruction, I know I sure did.


Ni Hao Ma = Hello From China

So, MCeezy and I have been in our homeland, China, for the last seven days, and have found it impossible to blog while we are here since, Doin Work, and basically every other blog in the U.S. seems to be blocked out from the 1.5 billion people in China to enjoy. I guess they found our posts about the up and coming Chinese ballers offensive or something. I scheduled a couple posts for while I was gone, because it was aticipated that this would happen, but really didn’t think that their internet censoring was quite as bad as this.  Anyways, here’s a few random snapshots from our trip so far, becuase it’s taking forever to get these up, I could only put up four of the pictures! We have caught tons of funny ass pictures of signs and other stuff that will be posted upon our return!

Chappy (Left) Mceezy (Right) Never seen a Beer Called Reeb, we and the family made it a running joke the rest of the trip...

We climbed Mount Ti, and all we found at the top was the Taian Kid...

A serious food market, I tried to pay this chick ten yaun or $1.25 USD, to chop some chickens head off, and she completely cared (didn't) what I was saying and did it anyways. Missed the blood from the butcher knife in the photo, but a fun stop at the market regardless.

Hai Bau, the best mascot since WHATISIT, or IZZY the Atlanta Summer Games mascot. I think that they may have pulled off as good a knock off mascot as the Lkbers 24 Bryant Jersey we saw...


Are you a Working Stiff That Loves the World Cup?

Then worry not, here is your complete guide to slack off at work and watch from your desk….AND GET PAID!!

Live Streaming Sites

ESPN 3 is the online streaming version of the popular sports network in the U.S.A. Their upcoming live streaming schedule includes the kick-off on June 10th, the opening ceremonies on June 11th followed by the FIFA World Cup matches. According to the NY Times, ESPN 3 will be streaming all 64 games.

ESPN Mobile TV will be streaming the kick-off, opening ceremonies and 56 world cup matches including semifinals and final to Sprint customers on the new HTC EVO smartphone, according to MarketWatch.

CBC Sports is Canada’s national public broadcaster. The CBC Sports website states “Between June 11th and July 11th 2010 watch every game streamed LIVE on CBCSports.ca”.

Optus is the #2 Australian telecommunications carrier and will be live streaming 2010 World Cup matches for free to customers with compatible 3G mobile devices.

TVU Networks is a live streaming Internet TV platform and, according to Ask MetaFilter, should be carrying the 2010 World Cup.

BBC Sport states that “All BBC matches will be available to watch live online in high quality video” according to this article, which also contains a schedule of which matches are on the BBC and which will be on iTV.

iTV is the biggest commercial television network in the UK. According to their FIFA World Cup Live description they will have select content from all 64 games, and be broadcasting live any matches that iTV carries.

FIFA 2010 World Cup Schedule

To find out when your team is playing, check out the official World Cup soccer schedule on FIFA’s website.

Regional Restrictions on Live Streaming

Many of these live streaming video sites are infamous for using geographical restrictions to lock out certain viewers. The BBC will almost definitely be blocking anyone not located in the UK, and other sites may have similar policies.


Random Internet Clip to Start your Morning

Now look, I don’t condone violence. And frankly I think drugs are very very bad, hell I’m scared to death having to talk to my kids about them. But then again when they produce a world famous Youtube clip, that literally makes your jaw drop open, what can you do? Well post it of course!

On a side note, how freaking scary would it be to be the homie in the PT Cruiser? Holy mackerel, he seemed to play it pretty cool, I would freaked out and rammed the car in front or busted up on the curb and get the hell out.


Woody Harrelson is Clutch!

In the United States charity soccer matches don’t mean anything, however on the other side of the pond certain events bring out thousands of fans to watch celebrities, ex-professionals, and current footballers play a game for a good cause. Perhaps the biggest of these celebrity events is Unicef’s Soccer Aid charity football match, 65,000 people turned out to support the cause and some of football’s biggest names came out. Anyhow, the match went to penalty kicks, and with score 10-10 it was up to Woody to put away the winning goal…………


The Million Dollar Dream (AKA The Sleeper)

With the 2010 NBA Draft looming over our shoulders, I decided to write a piece focusing on this year’s potential sleeper, Gordon Hayward.  I love pure-shooters, especially those with text-book form, hence Stephen Curry is my favorite NBA sharp-shooter, and this was prior to him being drafted by my Golden State Warriors.  Gordon Hayward has similarities to Curry, primarily their demeanor on the court.  They seem undeterred by the big stage.  We touched on their shooting abilities, but they both let the game come to them, which is uncommon in young players.  The fundamentals have already been established with these two, which usually leads to instant impact once they dawn an NBA jersey.  One thing Hayward has over Curry is size, but then again, Adam Morrison was a bigger guard coming out of Gonzaga, and aside from hitch-hiking his way to a championship ring  last season, Morrison’s career is an obvious bust.

What this all goes to show is that sometimes size doesn’t matter, but more so the system you get placed in.  Although Curry would have been successful no matter where he went, it’s clear he’s benefited from a free-flowing offense, the same offense that a player like Gordon Hayward might flourish in.  I know the Warriors won’t take Hayward at number six, but if a team like Oklahoma City swoops him at 21 or 26, or Memphis takes him at 25 or 28, it should be considered a steal.  Especially if he goes to Memphis, where there isn’t a clear-cut star on the team, so the potential is greater for Hayward there.  Regardless of where he lands, I’m rooting for the kid, and I’m hoping to look back five years from now and read this post and for once, have proof that I know just what the hell I’m talking about.


Los Angeles Lakers Anthem

Doesn’t get much better this, easily one of the sickest mix-tapes I’ve ever heard all dedicated to your Los Angeles Lakers. The highlight of which is Ice-Cube straight dogging Paul Piece, this brought a smile to my face after last nights shitty game 2. Shit, I don’t know what else to really say about it, just click the link and start bumping.

http://www.power106.fm/Blog/felli/blogentry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10116860

Lakers still in 6 bitches!


Jumping off the Eiffel Tower

I’ve never been all that into the rollerblading revolution, probably because my choice was a skateboard growing up, and there’s a rivalry between the two sports if you didn’t know. Much like the rivalry between snowboarders and skiers. Rollerblading is looked upon as MUCH easier to learn. Anyways, for some reason I’m not impressed with this jump. I mean, you won’t see me standing in line to attempt it, but it seems like a overblown Red Bull event for one simple jump. I feel like the fall from the tower to the ramp wasn’t that big, so it makes the plunge less impressive.