June 28, 2010

The Art of Hating Kobe Bryant

As another NBA season is now behind us and Kobe Bryant has picked up his fifth title, his place in history is up for debate. Bryant who was once the clear cut poster boy for the post Jordan era of the NBA, is now the most polarizing figure in all of sports. Millions of people love the Lakers star, and millions of people hate him, but every basketball fan has an opinion on Kobe and are pretty passionate about it. It has gotten to the point where when someone asks whether or not you are a Kobe fan, it almost defines you as a person. It’s like asking if you are a Democrat or a Republican. While trying to debate Bryant’s place among NBA greats, I was amazed by how many Bryant haters there were. The number of haters was so great that I didn’t even find it fair to throw them all into one group. So just to be fair, I broke the Kobe Bryant haters up into groups so they are easier to identify.
When you ask most Kobe Haters (we will call them KH for short) to talk about Kobe, the first thing you will hear is, “he’s not Michael Jordan.” What exactly does that mean? Jordan is regarded as the greatest basketball player who ever lived - is not being better than him a bad thing? I wonder if I brought a 7’6” man into these peoples living room if the first words out there mouth be, “he isn’t the tallest man to ever live.” I’m guessing they would be thinking more along the lines of, I don’t know if he is the tallest person to ever live but he damn sure is tall, and if he isn’t the tallest person ever, he sure is close. Saying Bryant is no MJ really isn’t saying anything, its just ignoring who he is because of who he is not.

Then there is the group of haters who always seem to think Kobe is the second best player in the league no matter what. Let this group tell it, Bryant has been the second best player in the NBA for over a decade, but the number 1 player changes every other year. Somehow the number 1 player always seems to fall down the list but Kobe just never moves up. There was the he’s not better than Iverson debate that lasted for a couple of years, then there was the he’s not better than Tracy McGrady campaign which was followed by he’s not better than Steve Nash era -- hell even Chris Paul got his name mentioned for a year as the one guy in the NBA who is better than Kobe.This is the fan who has become a diehard Cavs fan out of nowhere. He is the same guy who years ago said that if Vince Carter or Tracy McGrady ever played with the best center in the NBA they would win a title too. His favorite line use to be "Kobe will never win without Shaq", but he never seems to remember saying any of that. He often has a lot to say in the regular season, but not so much in the playoffs.

Which then brings us to the group that we will just call “Mr. Unrealistic-Casual fan.” That’s the guy who watches about 10-15 basketball games a year, normally at a bar where he isn’t even paying attention and by the time the game is over, he is too drunk to even tell you what happened in the game. He is the guy who yells out “all I know is when Shaq left, Kobe couldn’t even get out of the first round.” It’s hard to really argue with him because he is right, that is all he knows. He never mentions that Kobe lost in the first round to a Suns team that had All Star Shawn Marion as the third option, while the Lakers third leading scorer was Brian Cook.

The next type of KH, is “Mr. I-know-basketball-more-than-you.” He normally is the guy who played basketball in High School and may have even walked on at a D2 school. He now coaches kids basketball so he thinks he has this ability to understand the game that no one else does, and can see things that you cant see and no one else can explain. He is the guy who says Kobe just doesn’t make others better, he says things like, you have to take Steve Nash over Kobe or no one wants to play with Kobe because he’s too selfish. When you ask him to explain why Nash has played on some of the most talented teams in the NBA over the last decade and hasn’t won anything, he really can’t answer you. He says Kobe doesn’t make anyone better but can’t explain why three years ago no one wanted Pau Gasol but now everyone seems to think he is the best thing since sliced bread. Three years ago, no GM in their right mind would have traded Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion, for Gasol and Odom, but for some reason this guy insists that Nash gets more out of his teammates then Kobe. This guy normally has a long list of players he would rather start a team with (Nash, Paul, LeBron, Dirk etc.) all of whom have never won anything even in college, but he can’t explain why because you just wouldn’t understand. When you ask him to name Bryant’s weakness, he gets frustrated trying to tell you, so he just tells you that you don’t understand the game like he does. Sounds pretty stupid, but who are you to argue? He does coach 6th graders. The more you listen to him, you can tell his hate for Kobe is deeply rooted. He secretly blames star players like Kobe for the reason his hoop dreams never panned out. If the star player on his college team had just passed more, coach could have seen all his talent. He will never tell anyone out loud, but in his heart he thinks he could have been better than Kobe if he was allowed to shoot more.

The hardest guy to argue with is the history guy. He typically watches a lot of basketball and knows his stuff. He doesn’t like Kobe, but respects his game and as painful as it is to say, he will even admit that Kobe is the best player in the NBA today. He considers Kobe the best player of his generation, but will quickly tell you he is not one of the best ever. He will say Kobe is somewhere between 15th to 20th best player of all time. The problem with history guy is he can never name 15 players better than Kobe. He often starts reeling off names fast like Jordan, Magic, Bird, and Wilt. After spiting out four names really fast with ease, he throws out two more names, then just starts saying ridiculous things like Dr. J and Walt Frazier. In a last second effort to reach 10 players, he says George Mikan, even though not only has he never seen Mikan play, his father hasn’t either. He can never tell you who the remaining 7 to 8 players are who are better then Kobe but swears they exist he just can never think of them right now. While naming the greatest players of all time, he often changes the criteria for being great. He says Bill Russell has to be top 5 because its all about rings, then goes on to name a handful of players who he thinks are better then Kobe who combined have less rings than him. He always wants to point out that Kobe played with Shaq, but never wants to mention that Jordan, Bird, and Magic never won a title without another Hall of Fame player on their team. History guy knows his basketball, the only thing he doesn’t know is why Kobe isn’t one of the top players of all time.

The most interesting of all the KH is hypocrite guy. He says one thing, but his hate for Kobe says another. He says he hates Kobe because he wants to be like Mike, but doesn’t even notice he is wearing a number 23 Cavs jersey. He says he can’t stand Kobe because he’s so arrogant, but his favorite player is a 25 year old who calls himself King and speaks in third person -- all while inviting us to “witness his greatness.” He is always complaining that today’s players only care about money and don’t care about getting better, but for some reason hates the player who works hardest in the NBA. He is often screaming that Kobe can’t win a title on his own in one breath, and in the second breath screaming LeBron needs help. He says things like today’s players have no respect for the players of the past, then turns around and says Kobe steals players moves from the past. He hates Kobe so much that he doesn’t even realize that stuff he says makes no sense. He calls every Kobe fan he knows every time Kobe has a bad game to say “I told you so” but he is the hardest guy to find every time Kobe has great game or hit’s a game winning shot. He always says he can’t stand Kobe because he wants to be like Jordan, even though every Saturday he himself hit’s the park in his Jordan shoes, Jordan socks, Jordan shorts and Jordan shirt and never forgets his Jordan bag full of Gatorade. Hypocrite guy doesn’t even realize everyone wants to be like Jordan including himself, the only difference is Kobe is the only one willing to put in the same work Mike did.

Last but not least is “Ms. I-can’t-stand-him.” This is the female who obviously used to date Bryant, if you didn’t know any better. She often says I can’t stand him with so much passion that you can tell it goes deeper than basketball. She has a long list of reasons she hates him, and not one of them has anything to do with basketball. She doesn’t even have a favorite basketball team, she just roots for whatever team is playing the Lakers. If you watched her throughout the playoffs you would think she was a Suns, Thunder, and Celtics fan her whole life. There really is no need to argue with her because all she ever says is “ I can’t stand him” and all you can really do is wonder, does she know him?

Does every super star in sports have his/her group of haters? Yes, but hating Kobe has gone to a different level, it has taken on an art form. While millions of Americans will admit to being a Kobe hater, there are several hundred thousands of fans out there who don’t even know they are Kobe haters. The saying goes, “it’s lonely at the top,” or as Jay-Z once said, “you don’t even know me and you mad. How it feel to be a hater, now I know exactly how it feels to be a Laker."

source: http://www.playersvoice.com/nba/love-to-hate.html

The Top 7 Kobe Bryant “Haters”



I wish I could take credit for coming up with this list, but all the credit goes to Mark Grey at PlayersVoice.com.

People overuse the term “hater”, mainly because of their own ignorance and arrogance. People are quick to call someone a “hater” if they simply disagree with their opinion.

The difference between a critic and hater is pretty simple.

A critic gives opinions based on logic and facts. A hater gives opinions based on emotion, jealousy and envy.

To hate infers you care and you are passionate. If you don’t have a logical reason for your opinion that is what makes you a “hater”. If you wishing for someone’s downfall constantly you are a “hater”.

A good example of this currently is what is going on with the rapper Drake. Men in general hate him with a passion mainly because women like him. The hate stems from jealousy wondering why they couldn’t go from Degrassi to the biggest hip hop artist of the summer.

As a wise man told me once if you don’t have “haters” you are doing something wrong.

With being said here are the Top 7 Kobe Bryant style “Haters”. You can get a full description at Playersvoice.com. I will provide my quick thoughts on each:

1- Michael Jordan Lover


Basically the guy/girl who is constantly saying:

“But he will never be better than Michael Jordan!!!!!”

Failing to understand that most people consider MJ the greatest player of all time, so the fact you even mention Kobe in same breath is a win for Kobe.

Furthermore if you are striving to be the best ever basically you are Vince Carter and no one wants to be Vince Carter, not even Vince.

In the Michael Jordan lover eyes he has no faults. They ignore the seven years it took for him to win a title. They ignore some of the sub par games he had in the playoffs. They ignore that on his greatest shot of all time he blatantly pushed off while proclaiming the refs gave Kobe his 5th title.

2- Kobe never best player in the league

The guy/girl who likes to remind us about Shaq all the time or that Steve Nash has more MVPs that Kobe.

He has given the title to McGrady, Nash, Wade, Lebron, Durant and etc over the past decade.

They also seem to conveniently forget that Kobe has been 1st team All-NBA offense and defense numerous times, scoring champ and of course the 5 rings.

3- Casual Fan

The guy/girl who only watches during the playoffs and only says the same thing that ESPN repeats.

Casual fans says things like:

“Paul Pierce is best player in the league, you see him in that Cavs series.”

Basically someone who doesn’t know what the hell they are talking about.

4- Stats Guy

The guy/girl who fancy themselves a Basketball expert because they read John Hollinger on the ESPN.com insider.

They quote obsure stats to try to convince you if Kobe didn’t play for Lakers they would have swept the Celtics.

Stats guys normally ignore the most important stats, to point out insignificant ones like Kobe didn’t make the playoffs one year and Magic made the playoffs every year, so that must make Magic better.

5- History Guy

The guy/girl who likes to throw out old school basketball names like World B. Free, but is only 26 and not old enough to remember watching Magic Johnson play much less Jerry West. But still tries to explain how all the old school guys are better than Kobe.

Likes to bring up George Miken a lot.

If you ever want to confuse “History Guy” ask him how many rounds did Bill Russell have to play to make it to the NBA Finals.

6- Hypocrite Guy

The guy/girl who before the game says he will leave Facebook if Kobe scores 30 against the Celtics, but when he scores 30 will quickly say the 4 turnovers really made it 26.

Quick to point out Kobe flaws and ignore the same flaws in his favorite player.

Hypocrite guy is filled with boasts before the game and a million and one excuses afterwards.

Definitely one of the most annoying “haters”.

7- Females Scorn

These are women who hate Kobe simply because his wife is Vanessa Bryant or she thinks he got away with rape in Colorado.

The hate from these women run so deep that they often become fans of any team the Lakers are playing.



If I have missed any let me know.

Source: http://blacksportsonline.com/home/index.php/2010/06/the-top-7-kobe-bryant-haters/

June 27, 2010

Rafael Nadal’s Pre-Service Routine

Rafael Nadal’s long-drawn-out pre-service routine has caused plenty of controversy in the past.

Opponents have often been frustrated by the amount time the Spaniard takes between points and the 24-year-old has received his fair share of time violations for exceeding the 20-second limit.

Recently, however, he appears to have cut down his idiosyncratic routine to at least some extent.

The images below show the world No.1′s actions from one point to the next during his first round clash with Kei Nishikori at Wimbledon 2010.

Source: Martin Caparrotta








Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides

Yahooo!!!!!! Gonna miss Will & Elizabeth though..

The official movie synopsis of Pirates of the Caribbean 4 has been revealed by Disney:

Plot:
"In this action-packed tale of truth, betrayal, youth and demise, Captain Jack Sparrow crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz), and he's not sure if it's love–or if she's a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past."

Impatient to see Johnny Depp as the great Jack Sparrow in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean 4 On Stranger Tides. :)

Los Angeles Lakers - Road to Repeat

Please do check out this video:




I created this today as my tribute to the amazing 2009-2010 Lakers' Journey. Could have been longer but I decided to upload it in youtube which has only 10 minutes maximum. Enjoy watching!

June 24, 2010

Ayayay..

NAWAWALA ANG PUSO KO
The Company

Intro:

Huli kong nakausap ang
aking puso
Pagkatapos na tayong
dal'way magkatagpo
Bumilis ang tibok, kasunod
ay kaba
Bumigay daw siya nang ika'y
makilala

Hindi nagsabi kung saan siya
patungo
Ngunit alam kong ikaw ang
kasuyo
Ano'ng magagawa, puso ko'y
maligaya
hintayin mo ako at
sasamahan ko siya

Chorus:

Nawawala ang puso ko
Sa tingin ko ay nasa iyo
Nalilito, nagugulo
Nagmamahal sa iyo
May palagay ako
Napaibig mo
Hindi ko napigil
May kutob ako
Nawawala ang puso ko
Sa tingin ko ay nasa iyo

Ad lib:

Pusong umiibig, nagmamahal ng labis
Sumama sa 'yong ng
pagkabilis-bilis
Di na kailangang isipin ko pa
Nawawala'ng puso ko, ikaw
ang kasama
(Repeat Chorus)

Ad lib:

(Repeat Chorus)
Nawawala ang puso ko
Sa tingin ko ay nasa iyo
Nawawala ang puso ko.

June 21, 2010

Cheers to Five Years!!!

Today, we are not only celebrating Father’s day but also my fifth fruitful career in HSBC. Believe it or not, I have already achieved something for myself. Maybe it’s not big deal to others but for me, it’s a wonderful feeling to make it this far. In my previous blogs, I have told all my ups and downs when it comes to my job. To deal with it takes a lot of patience and maturity. I can say that HSBC taught me a lot of things that improved not only my skills and ability but also my sense of individuality – the balance between work, leisure, and other physical activities. My first two years in HSBC is the best. All I can remember is coming to Ortigas, “playing” the job, thinking where to eat and stay for lunch (Megamall, Podium, or St. Francis Square).
Before the day ends, you pose for some picture taking and if time permits, do some video shootings. Reminiscing all these times only makes me wish that it could again happen in the future. Transferring in the Fort last March 2006 ended to one of the biggest decisions in my life. I choose to live independently by renting in different apartments around the area. At first, I don’t know if I can deal with the situation but it turned out to be a wise decision. After all, I know almost every house chores so I actually did not have any trouble making adjustments. I also had many chances to socialize with other people compared when we are in Ortigas wherein I have to go home early to chase my time of sleep. This time, I own the time and I can make use of it with other leisure time like hanging out with friends and of course, going to the gym. Last December 2009, our department was transferred to Alabang that really became a problem to majority of us. Not only that it is far from our homes, but also it is an issue of job security. A lot of buzz has been spreading that our jobs will likely be transferred to HDPP making us jobless. But as of writing, we really don’t know what is ahead of us. Our relocation has many cons. I actually don’t see any pros about it but I guess things like this happen for a reason. It is just a matter of learning how to cope with it. Many of us already resigned and now we are faces to uncertain future. As time goes by, the people I learned to love in the office are slowly going to different places. I can’t help but be emotional and sad. Of course, it’s a fact that our current situation is not happy anymore. I admit that there are so many things that has changed in the working environment. I am already prepared to the worst but I am hopeful that some positivity will come out. Only time can tell. For now, I am making the most of everyday. I still have some friends in the office. I cannot live a life full of negative emotions so I guess the best way to deal with it is to find other ways to make me happy. That’s life. Cheers to another five years???

Adam Morrison 2010 NBA Finals Highlights

This is sooo hilarious!!!

June 19, 2010

I Still Bleed Purple & Gold!


Today is one of the happiest days of my life because the Lakers won the 2010 NBA Champions for the second consecutive year. Since their lost in Game 5, I never really had high hopes of achieving the title but when the Lakers won last Wednesday by 22 points and forced Game 7, I really became so anxious and can’t help thinking about it. I always believed that the Lakers are “skilled” to win it all but I always doubt their mentality of the game. Going to Game 7, I know that whoever has the most “will” to win has the advantage. I know that Celtics had this immovable sense of pride in them. Prior to the game, Glenn Davis said, “We will hold the trophy in LA” – a statement that only makes Kobe and Co. even more aware of the Celtics’ confidence over the them. Of course we know the history favors the Celtics winning over the Lakers for years. Only this time, LA had the home court advantage. Luckily we have an LCD TV in our pantry so we are able to watch the game. After the opening tip, I know I would never be the same in the office. I felt the cold sweaty hands again and the chill on my nerves. It’s the usual feeling I have when I am nervous. It is as if I am the one playing in the court. I watched with my fellow Laker fans, Caloi and Dyoy with the only Boston fan, Pat. It was Derek Fisher who threw the first punch with his own three point shot. I cheered instantly but cautiously because there is a meeting with the CEO on the other room. We left after the first official time out with the Lakers down by one. Since then we never came back to watch and just followed the game through conference meeting in our instant messages. Thanks to Brylle’s live internet feed that we got the instant score updates. Going to the second quarter, the Lakers are down by nine points and I was absolutely distracted from work. I tried to work and feel nothing but I can’t control my mind and fast heartbeat. Thankfully, the Lakers rallied and are just down by four points by halftime. And so it goes – the next IM stopped me from working because the Lakers are down by twelve points already. By that time, I was miserable. But I know that people are telling me to relax and chill because there is still fourth quarter. Instant messages are constantly blinking in my computer from different people. Some are even not close to me but known me to be a Laker fanatic. It’s wonderful that they are supporting me. It’s actually funny. I went to Marvin and Ronald’s area and stayed for ten minutes. They knew I was trembling and freezing cold and my reactions are “classic”. When I got back from my workstation area, I said my own prayer silently. Yes, it is crucial. I even felt the tears running down from my cheeks. I felt so down. The next thing I know, the score is tied and Kobe is going to shoot two free throws. And then it finally happened. The Lakers led by two points in the fourth quarter and they never let it slip away. I heard that the two teams exchanged three point shots and Kobe is having an off night. In the last one minute, Caloi and I rushed to the pantry and we saw how close the game was. It was until Sasha Vujacic’s two made free throws that we had our high fives, smiles, and a sign of relief. Sorry Boston fans. It’s over. The Lakers are the back to back NBA Champions and Kobe is still the Finals MVP. But of course, he got big help from Artest this time and the Spaniard big man Gasol. With this miraculous rally by the Lakers, I had all the reason to have lunch out with some friends. It was truly a wonderful feeling. The best! Congratulations Team LA. Let’s do it again next year???

June 15, 2010

Break a Leg, Kobe & Co

Just minutes ago, the Lakers had lost to the Celtics in Game 5 of the NBA Finals 92-86. Prior to the game, I am telling my father that it is a must win game for the Lakers and whoever wins this game will be Champions. Sadly, only Kobe did a great job and the rest of the team seemed to lose their winning mentality. Artest missed two crucial free throws in the last two minutes that could possibly make it a three-point game. Gasol and Fisher are not themselves in this game. Now, the Lakers are faced to a very difficult task of winning both games at their home floors. We already knew that the Celtics are a very good road team and the Lakers already lost Game 2 in the Staples Center. They really have to work hard and put their game faces on. Everyone knows that I am a huge fan of the Lakers so win or lose; I owe them thanks for putting the team this far despite battling injuries. All I can say is that I still believe that Lakers can win this series if they put their hearts out! Good Luck in Game 6 and hopefully Game 7 – Go LA!

June 14, 2010

Hit by Spash Island

After celebrating our win in the HSBC Live 3, the HR gave the performers six tickets each for free in the Splash Island with Php1800 cash coupon. Of course I am excited to use it because it will be just my second time there and the first time was when I was just a teenager. I brought my family with me and when we came in, there are so many people and when we look around, we noticed that many of the pools and slides are closed. Also, the dining are is VERY dirty and there are no cleaners in the area. I must say that I also do not like the crowd of people because many are like “jejemons”. I do not hate them but I do not really like them. With that, we decided not to swim anymore but my brother and father still went to the wave pool and the one open pool with slides. We just ate inside and bum around. I am very disappointed with the management of Splash Island. The place could have been better if it is clean and if all pools are opened. I think I won’t ever be back there again even if it’s free.

June 13, 2010

Glee - The Journey To Regionals

Last night I watched the Season Finale of Glee and I can't help being so emotional at the end. The Journey Medley is the perfect song for the Regionals but unfortunately, their rivals, Vocal Adrenaline's version of Bohemian Rhapsody is much much better. Still, I am amazed with the New Direction's performance. Now that the Season is over, I just have to wait for some time to see them again perform. See you in Season 3 Gleeks! This is their performance of a lifetime - so nice!

June 5, 2010

Double Victory!

Yesterday is a big day for me because it is the Game 1 of NBA Finals and our HSBC Live Glee performance. Fortunately, all things went in my favor because the Lakers won over the Celtics by 13 points and we won first place in our Beyonce-style show. This is actually my first time to join the HSBC Live and I can say that I had fun and after four sleepless nights, we can finally say that it’s all worth it. I have to give credit to our choreographer and mentor, Joe Villareal, because she not only teach us the moves but also make us feel what it needs to win as a team. She’s very competitive, passionate and fantastic! I also appreciate the help of Memon Buenaflor, Jamie Gregorio, Pia Deveza, Beth, and MJ for our beautiful costumes and make-up. Of course, I am grateful to have my co-dancers and singers, Jenny, Anna, Crissy, Rose, Rica, Em, Chi, Che, Harvey, Brylle, Patrick, and of course, Joe. We should all celebrate for this once in a lifetime great performance of us. Actually, I am very overwhelmed with all the reactions of my friends because they liked what we do especially the “Single Ladies” part which many did not expect me doing that. They are all asking me how did they convinced me to do “that” and I told them I really don’t know but I’m still very shy by doing that. But it’s all been done and I’m very proud of what it pays for. The crowd really loved it. Overall, I will never ever forget this experience and I hope that I can join again this kind of event. Who knows? Maybe next year again. Good Job!

June 2, 2010

The Scowl of a Black Mamba


NBA is always fun to watch with all the physical and intense drama on the court. Since 2000, I became a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers after they beat the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. I first watched Kobe Bryant’s heroic moment in Game 4 where he carried the team in overtime after Shaquille O’neal got fouled out before the end of regulation. That is just an amazing act of talent and skill by such a great player. By this showcase, I followed every game of Kobe and the Lakers. Who could ever thought that Kobe Bryant will be considered one of the greatest player ever played the NBA?

If there’s one thing I have learned from watching Kobe Bryant is that you must possess not just talent and skill, but a mental focus on your goal. If you will look in his eyes, it’s like watching a snake to catch its prey. It’s a sense of determination to achieve his only main goal which is to win games and win championships. Without a doubt, Kobe is the only player they can only compare to Michael Jordan because of their similarities in playing and the love of basketball. But I believe that Kobe have his own image that maybe ten years from now rookies will also be compared to him. In the future he will leave his mark and right now, with Kobe and his troops four games away from winning another championship, I can only cherish every moment of this and thank Jerry West for bringing Kobe Bryant to the world.

KC's Sanctuary

After bumming for two weekends doing the 2nd version of my website, I finally published it today and can now be viewed at www.kcsanandres.webs.com. Unlike the first one (which I’m planning to delete), this is more simple and private. I created only few links in simple green layout by using vectors. Thanks to Adobe Products – Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Flash, and Illustrator for making this website easy for me. Anyway, if you’re asking me why I created this site, then my answer is just because I want to join the Philippine Web Awards this year and also, this is some sort of hobby for me. I feel joy and fulfillment by finishing website. So that’s it! If you have time, check it out and feel free to browse “KC’s Sanctuary”.