That’s a CLOWN throw, bro.

I have promised to focus on one subject in length moving forward, but just haven’t had the bandwidth recently.  Still itemized and all over the board for this round.

• I will write a full NBA Finals preview before Thursday’s Game 1.  Presently I think the strongest thing the Cavs have going for them is that Stephen A. Smith is 0 for his last 6 NBA Finals predictions (that is fact actually), and he is on record with the Warriors this year.  Go Cavs.
• I get the Durant addition, but still kind of surprised the percentages being floated around for this Finals.  I get that the Warriors should be favored, but a little taken back about the weight people are throwing around.
• I mean, last time I checked, the dude is still…LeBron James, right?
• I think the NBA media is even a little fatigued with the amount of time between the last series ending and the Finals beginning.
• Nice comeback after being down a few goals by Nashville last night.  They will hang and I think it should go 6 or 7 games.  But, I just can’t see Crosby getting this close to repeating and falling this late in the game.
• I have a link I can share with people that has my Europe trip pics.  Some of them are pretty amazing.  I have them ranked and split by port.  If you should want viewing of these, ping me directly and I will send you the link.
• 18 more days and I will be writing one full length NBA article per week (to send over to Rotoden).  For you non NBA fans, you can wait until the next blog for your friendly material.  For you NBA fans, and especially Nuggets fans, you will finally see FOCUS in my writing for multiple paragraphs.
• French Open prediction?  I think without Williams and Kerber (now), Pliskova will step up to the mic.  I would like Halep if it wasn’t for her questionable health.  I will take Nadal on the other side to regain his dominance at this event, while being a little forgotten right now.  Not splitting the atom on either of these picks of course.
• We all knew Victor Cruz would get a job.  I am personally a little surprised he went to another cold weather team AND one without a dominant QB, but I guess you have to jump at the chances that are tossed your way.  I would have waited another week if I was him.
•  There is a difference between “fun” rumors and “legitimate” rumors.  Chris Paul to the Spurs will NOT happen.  He might want to go THERE, but Parker is still there, Chris is another 30 year plus guy, they would have to gut the roster, and it goes against everything the Spurs are known for in past decisions.  Ignore this rumor in my opinion.
• If you ever wonder about racing technology, watch crashes such as the recent Scott Dixon one at Indy this past weekend, and marvel what drivers walk away from. http://screengrabber.deadspin.com/jay-howard-scott-dixon-walk-away-from-massive-devasta-1795619512
• I am sure that Michael Vick would think a one day contract with the Falcons is adorable, but not sure the Falcons care that much about HIM.
• It is one thing to not be able to watch a guy like Mike Trout IN the playoffs, but another sad item to lose him for 6-8 weeks DURING the season.  Guy is just getting better, if that is possible, and hate not being able to watch his highlights for any time period.
• On the flip side of the new Magic-Bird rivalry we hoped for years ago in baseball, Bryce Harper HOPEFULLY threw his helmet that far to the right as that would have upped his suspension????  Not a good toss right before walking into the punch.
• I mean, the pitcher has an eternity to get ready for the running player.
• What a random stat.  The Pac-12 became the first conference to 500 wins…on women’s rowing???
• So, I personally need some decompression after the long Europe trip, but of course it becomes human nature with travelers to think…where to next?  My next possible trips are an African Safari, New Zealand/ Fiji/ Australia, Rio, Argentina, Scotland/ Ireland, Thailand, Alaska, or Hawaii I think.  If I am keeping it in the States, then Portland is #1 on my list I haven’t been to, or maybe Seattle for the 2nd time (been everywhere as far as big cities).  Or…THIS.   TOTALLY doing this at some point in 2017. https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/pack-up-go-sends-you-to-a-mystery-destination-for-the-weekend?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=thrillist
• I was at a family brunch yesterday, and news highlights were popping up on the screen.  There was actually a story about how Barbara Streisand’s dog died.  I am very depressed this made any wire on any tv.  Sadder than she is about the freaking dog.
• I became even sadder when the next story popped up.  Angelina Jolie simply going TO Disneyland.  Ugghhh.
• 16 foot Great White pops up by Cape May, one of my old Jersey shore spots, is at least a STORY.
• I bet you Cowboys CB Nolan Carroll was pretty happy about Tiger’s pullover…to kind of camouflage HIS DUI.
• I think I have switched officially to the dark side, at least temporarily.  Because, for some reason, I was initially SAD that Tiger blew a 0.0.  That is not right on my part.
• Another story I shouldn’t have gotten happy about, as it is sad, but I still DID.  Lamar Odom was arrested at a strip club after 3am with two chicks on his arm.  They tried to cut line.  You GO, Lamar.  Stay being THAT guy.
• You can start a new streak, Miami baseball, but 44 years just sounds like a really, really long time to match.
• We have lost some legends in music the last couple of years.  Gregg Allman might not be the most glamorous or household name legend, but his claws in Southern rock will be remembered for an eternity.
• As my Phillies have officially started the long sink to being obviously the worst team in the league, I might as well show local loyalty and climb on the Rockies bandwagon.  My favorite stat as I get to know these guys better?  Better away record than home record (18-8 vs. 15-12).  No altitude with these guys.  There young pitching probably will haunt them as the year goes on, but they are definitely on the right path and have a RUDE lineup for opposing pitchers.  Go, Rocks.
• Singles was on the other day, and the Xavier McDaniel scene is still one of my favorites.  So random, yet so clever and true.
• Every time I try to dislike Richard Sherman, he does something like what he did for the HS student and I have to try and like him again.  Very cool.
• I really need to stop thinking that watching Rounders late night before bed on the weekends is a good idea.  Have to.
• I made my wife watch the most recent Bourne movie for the first time (my 3rd).  I am the biggest fan of the Bourne series out there, but will retire after that viewing…just not a good movie.  No development and just stuck with the same old, same old.
• Jumped on a party bus with Lindsey’s friends Saturday.  A) there is no tame way of enjoying a party bus and B) I had no idea that places like Denver Beer Co. and Viewhouse were SO jammed in the middle of Saturday afternoon.
• Casualty of the weekend?  My beloved Loki jacket.  But, leaving your jacket around a hippie infested dive bar jammed with Dead fans is not optimal for a bright blue waterproof pullover.  I wanted to dance to Porch Song though.  Dammit.  LOVED that jacket.  Ironically, the LoKI got lost at Be ON KEY.
• Because we ALL can’t take the LaVar Ball comments and media coverage, we MUST capitalize on negative stories like this one.  http://deadspin.com/sounds-like-his-inspirational-speech-didnt-work-1795613289
• Aaron Judge hit his first grand slam over the weekend.  There will be many, many more for this young class act prodigy.
• Cam Newton’s wife is an ex-stripper?  Did I already know that and somehow not mentioned it more?  Nah.  Anyway, good info to know moving forward.
• The return of GOT is imminent, and we are all excited.
• I watched this week’s Silicon Valley, and more of the same.  Great characters and great show, but it is REALLY all over the board in this most recent season.  Love the characters, so I will keep watching, but really reaching on some plot twists.
• That’s it for today.  Hope you enjoyed or are at least more informed.  Will I blog again OR want to fight the pitcher?  That’s a CLOWN question, bro.  Peace.