Thursday, June 30, 2011

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Fixing the Budget Deficit

Why are they making this so difficult in Washington.  I've got some real simple steps that would go a long way towards fixing our problems.  C'mon guys, this isn't rocket science.   Here's my very simple prescription:   1) raise income tax rates to the rates that they were under Bill Clinton, these were hardly crippling rates, the economy actually soared when Clinton raised rates to those levels;  2) return defense spending to the rates that they were under Clinton, all of these unfunded wars have been a huge burden, it's time to return our men and women from the Middle East anyways, they've accomplished what they set out to do;  3) means testing for Social Security benefits; 4) means testing for Medicare benefits; 5) increase the cap on income subject to Medicare taxes; 6) increase the cap on income subject to Social Security taxes.   That's it, very simple, very plausible, not crippling to anyone, get it done. 

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Ms TPSG!

I'm long overdue for posting some Ms TPSG!

Monday, June 27, 2011

POTpourri

Sunday, June 26, 2011

AZ Tidbits

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is the first pick of the 2011 NHL Draft.



The Minnesota Wild selected Jonas Brodin in the first round.
The Phoenix Coyotes selected Connor Murphy in the first round.

The Wild also dealt Brent Burns to the Sharks for Devin Setoguchi.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Suns Draft Markieff Morris

The Phoenix Suns drafted Kansas PF Markieff Morris in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft. I'm not sure if he will be a star but I think he will be a nice rotation player.  Still lots of work to do for the Suns if they want to get back into the playoffs IMO.

Timberwolves Draft

What a crazy draft for the Timberwolves.  First they decided to hold on to the second overall pick despite weeks of trade talks (which was probably the correct move), then they trade out of their second number 1 pick (then traded down again, and again, and....).  All told, they ended up with Derrick Williams, Malcolm Lee, Tanguy Ngombo, Brad Miller, a future first round draft pick, 3 future second round draft picks and loads of cash (to pay off Kurt Rambis????) and they unloaded bust Johnny Flynn. I guess I'm ok with all this maneuvering, they added Derrick Williams who I'm very high on, they didn't get stuck with a late first rounder with a guaranteed contract on an already too young team, they freed up some cash to spend once the NBA CBA issues are resolved and they got themselves some future draft picks.  


Thursday, June 23, 2011

POTpourri

Random Hot Girls Dancing

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

TPSG 2011 NBA Mock Draft 2.0

The NBA Draft is Thursday June 23.  Reports came out today that Cleveland will take Kyrie Irving number 1 overall, IMO that is the correct move for the Cavs.  The only real choice for the Twolves at number 2 in that scenario is to either take Derrick Williams or trade the pick, I would be perfectly fine with them keeping the pick (I like DWill a lot, I think he's going to be a good player).  If the right trade comes around though, it would probably make some sense to make a deal (as DWill and Michael Beasley play the same position).  I'll be fine as long as they don't give the pick away.   The buzz I'm hearing about the Suns is that they are looking at PF's and PG's, the names I have been hearing bantered about the most are Markieff Morris, Tristan Thompson and Iman Shumpert (although you also can't rule out Biyombo if he falls to #13 or Jimmer Fredette if he's available). 
  1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Kyrie Irving - PG - Duke
  2. Minnesota Timberwolves - Derrick Williams - F - Arizona
  3. Utah Jazz - Brandon Knight - PG - Kentucky
  4. Cleveland Cavaliers - Enes Kanter - C - Kentucky
  5. Toronto Raptors - Kemba Walker - PG - Connecticut
  6. Washington Wizards - Jan Vesely - SF - Czech Republic
  7. Sacramento Kings - Jimmer Fredette - PG - BYU
  8. Detroit Pistons - Kawhi Leonard - SF - San Diego St
  9. Charlotte Bobcats - Tristan Thompson - PF - Texas
  10. Milwaukee Bucks - Alec Burks - OG - Colorado
  11. Golden State Warriors - Klay Thompson - OG - Washington St
  12. Utah Jazz - Chris Singleton - F - Florida St
  13. Phoenix Suns - Bismack Biyombo - PF/C - Congo
  14. Houston Rockets - Jonas Valanciunas - C - Lithuania 
  15. Indiana Pacers - Jordan Hamilton - OG/SF - Texas
  16. Philadelphia 79ers - Donatas Motiejunas - PF - Lithuania
  17. New York Knicks - Nikola Vucevic - C - UCLA
  18. Washington Wizards - Markieff Morris - PF - Kansas
  19. Charlotte Bobcats - Marshon Brooks - OG - Providence
  20. Minnesota Timberwolves - Iman Shumpert - G - Georgia Tech
  21. Portland Trail Blazers - Marcus Morris - F - Kansas
  22. Denver Nuggets - Kenneth Faried - PF - Morehead St
  23. Houston Rockets - Tyler Honeycutt - OG/SF - UCLA
  24. Oklahoma City Thunder - Kyle Singler - F - Duke
  25. Boston Celtics - Jeremy Tyler - C - USA
  26. Dallas Mavericks - Tobias Harris - F - Tennessee
  27. New Jersey Nets - Josh Selby - G - Kansas
  28. Chicago Bulls - Trey Thompkins - PF - Georgia
  29. San Antonio Spurs - Davis Bertens - F - Lithuania
  30. Chicago Bulls - Shelvin Mack - G- Butler
 Here's my TPSG NBA Mock Draft 1.0.  (My mock had 5 correct picks)

****Actual Draft Results can be found HERE****


Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Updated GOP Presidential Hopefuls

Michelle Bachmann and Jon Huntsman are now both officially in.  Sarah Palin, Rudy Gulliani and Rick Perry are still waffling.   If I was a betting man, I'd guess Perry jumps in but Palin and Giuliani decide against it.  

IN: 
Mitt Romney - I don't see him overcoming his MA healthcare plan.
Tim Pawlenty - probably the fewest negatives of all the candidates but he doesn't excite many either
Michelle Bachmann - tea party favorite, nobody else's favorite, not the sharpest tool in the shed.
Ron Paul - some tea party support, little GOP support, probably too libertarian for most in the GOP
Newt Gingrich - his 3 marriages will turn away the morals group, his rhetoric will turn away moderates
Herman Cain - let get serious, an African American will not win the GOP primary's 
Jon Huntsman - he may be hurt by his connections to the Obama administration
Rick Santorum - may try to carry the 'morals' wing of the party
Gary Johnson - who? nobody knows him, no chance.

UNDECIDED:
Sarah Palin - high negatives outside of the far right, grasp of issues still lacking
Rick Perry - Governor of Texas, he may see an opening in this weak field
George Pataki - like Perry, he may see an opening in this weak field
Rudy Giuliani - polling high but he may not have the desire for another run

OUT:
Haley Barbour - claims he doesn't have the desire
Mike Huckabee - also claims he doesn't have the desire
Donald Trump - his high negatives doomed him.
Chris Christie - I'm guessing he's aiming for 2016
Jeb Bush -too soon for another Bush IMO
Jim DeMint - little support outside of the tea party
Bobby Jindal - the GOP seems to have cooled on him
Mike Pence - seems more interested in the Indiana Governors office
Marco Rubio - needs some experience, look for a 2016 run
John Thune - not yet, perhaps 2016 for him too
Scott Brown - too moderate to get through the primaries
Mitch Daniels - family concerns keeps him out

Pawlenty has had a bad week or so and is way down in the polls, I'm guessing his chances are sliding away rather quickly.  Bachmann on the other hand had a very strong week, she's still highly unknown to a lot of people though and I think the more they find out the less they will like her.  So at this point (until Perry jumps in), it looks like Romney is the class of the field.  If I was a republican, that would scare me because I don't think he can beat Obama.  The one candidate who is currently declared who would probably have the best chance to beat Obama IMO would be Huntsman but I'm not sure he can get past the far right purity test.  Rick Perry could also probably put up a good fight if he enters (Washington outsider, tea party support, social conservative support, a track record of creating jobs and most importantly, a personality, the gay rumors may hurt though).

Monday, June 20, 2011

John Wall throwing out first pitch

At least that's what he was attempting to do.  I guess it is better than Baba Booey's first pitch, same with Cincinnati mayor Mark Mallory.  Here's TIME Magazine's Top 10 Worst Opening Pitches.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

POTpourri

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Dirk singing?

All I can say is, stick to basketball Dirk. 

Friday, June 17, 2011

AZ Tidbits

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Weiner Resigns

Anthony Weiner finally succumbed to the pressure and resigned his seat in congress today.   I have mixed feelings on this.  On one side, I hate to see him go, I really liked him as a politician, he was very well spoken and never afraid to take on the GOP on any of the major issues.  On the other side, he displayed some incredibly poor judgment and his behavior was creating a negative impact on his party.  At the end of the day, I think he made the correct choice to step down, he was just becoming too much of a distraction.  I'm sure he will be ok going forward, heck look at Elliott Spitzer, he's doing quite fine.

Jon Stewarts take on the GOP Debate

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

POTpourri

  • Dallas Mavericks win their first NBA Championship! 
  • Ruler On Ice wins the Belmont Stakes.  
  • Check out Forbes Magazine's list of the Best Paid Celebrities Under 30 here
  • Is MLB looking at realignment
  • Michelle Bachmann announces 2012 Presidential run. 
  • CNN scores the New Hampshire GOP Presidential debate.
  • Swanepoel, Lima & Heatherton topless!  Am I in heaven?
  • Top 10 First Date Conversation tips here
  • You can find the Chickipedia Hot 100 here.  
  • Hugh Hefner and Crystal Harris wedding called off.  I'm shocked. 

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Really LeBron? Really?

This is just one of the reasons people now hate your egomanical POS ass. 

Monday, June 13, 2011

Best Foreign NBA Players Ever

With Dirk Nowitzki leading the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA title it got me to wondering who the greatest foreign NBA player ever is.  I think the top 3 are pretty clear, you could almost put them in any order, I went with Hakeem because I think he was the most dominant of any of them.  Nash with his two MVP awards makes a strong case too.  Now that Dirk has a title, you could also make a case for him.  Anyways, here's my Top 20 Foreign NBA Players Ever
  1. Hakeem Olajuwon - Nigeria 
  2. Steve Nash - Canada 
  3. Dirk Nowitzki - Germany
  4. Patrick Ewing - Jamaca
  5. Dikembe Mutombo - Congo
  6. Vlade Divac - Serbia
  7. Yao Ming - China 
  8. Pau Gasol - Spain
  9. Detlef Schrempf - Germany  
  10. Manu Ginobili - Argentina
  11. Arvydas Sabonis - Russia
  12. Drazen Petrovic - Croatia
  13. Tony Parker - France
  14. Toni Kukoc - Croatia 
  15. Rik Smits - Netherlands 
  16. Zydrunas Ilgauskas - Lithuania
  17. Sarunas Marciulionis - Russia
  18. Andrei Kirilenko - Russia
  19. Peja Stojakovic - Croatia
  20. Hedo Turkoglu - Turkey

    Sunday, June 12, 2011

    TPSG 2011 NBA Mock Draft 1.0

    The NBA Draft is June 21. From the sounds of it Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams have separated themselves from the crowd and seem to be the consensus number 1 & 2 picks.  IMO, the Cavs should pick Irving, I think he is clearly the best player available, I can see some Chris Paul in him.  There has been some buzz indicating that the Cavs may gamble and take Derrick Williams number 1 in hopes that Irving or Brandon Knight will slip to number 4, personally I don't see Knight falling past the Jazz number 3 though so I think they'd better think long and hard about that gamble.  The Timberwolves are in an interesting spot too, the two best players are Irving and Williams and neither fills a need for the Twolves (with Rubio and Beasley already manning the same spots).  I'm guessing they trade the pick, they won't give that pick away though, they will want value in return.  If no trading partner can be found I'm guessing they will choose between Kanter, Williams and maybe Jonas Valanciunas.  I think the Suns would be very happy to see Bismack Biyombo available at number 13, they desperately need a big guy who can rebound, block some shots and play good defense and Biyombo fits the bill in all those categories.  Anyways, here goes:
    1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Kyrie Irving - PG - Duke
    2. Minnesota Timberwolves - Derrick Williams - F - Arizona
    3. Utah Jazz - Brandon Knight - PG - Kentucky
    4. Cleveland Cavaliers - Jonas Valanciunas - C - Lithuania
    5. Toronto Raptors - Enes Kanter - C - Kentucky
    6. Washington Wizards - Jan Vesely - SF - Czech Republic
    7. Sacramento Kings - Kawhi Leonard - SF - San Diego St
    8. Detroit Pistons - Kemba Walker - PG - Connecticut
    9. Charlotte Bobcats - Tristan Thompson - PF - Texas
    10. Milwaukee Bucks - Alec Burks - OG - Colorado
    11. Golden State Warriors - Marcus Morris - F - Kansas
    12. Utah Jazz - Jimmer Fredette - PG - BYU
    13. Phoenix Suns - Bismack Biyombo - PF/C - Congo
    14. Houston Rockets - Donatas Motiejunas - PF - Lithuania
    15. Indiana Pacers - Jordan Hamilton - OG/SF - Texas
    16. Philadelphia 79ers - Klay Thompson - OG - Washington St
    17. New York Knicks - Nikola Vucevic - C - UCLA
    18. Washington Wizards - Markieff Morris - PF - Kansas
    19. Charlotte Bobcats - Chris Singleton - F - Florida St
    20. Minnesota Timberwolves - Marshon Brooks - OG - Providence
    21. Portland Trail Blazers - Iman Shumpert - G - Georgia Tech
    22. Denver Nuggets - Kenneth Faried - PF - Morehead St
    23. Houston Rockets - Tyler Honeycutt - OG/SF - UCLA
    24. Oklahoma City Thunder - Kyle Singler - F - Duke
    25. Boston Celtics - Jeremy Tyler - C - USA
    26. Dallas Mavericks - Tobias Harris - F - Tennessee
    27. New Jersey Nets - Josh Selby - G - Kansas
    28. Chicago Bulls - Trey Thompkins - PF - Georgia
    29. San Antonio Spurs - Lucas Nogueira - C - Brazil
    30. Chicago Bulls - Shelvin Mack - G- Butler

      Saturday, June 11, 2011

      'Charlie's Angels' is back ....

      ... this fall on ABC. It could be interesting.

      Friday, June 10, 2011

      Best Phoenix Area Strip Clubs-2011

      Time to update my list of the best strip clubs in the Phoenix metro area.  Here's my 2010 list. Really not much change from last year.  I moved 'Sonny's Cabaret' down a bit and moved 'Babe's Cabaret' up a bit, otherwise mostly the same as last year.  Good times can be had at all of these clubs. 
      1. Bourbon Street - Phoenix
      2. Hi-Liter - Phoenix
      3. Christie's Cabaret - Phoenix
      4. Centerfolds Cabaret - Phoenix
      5. Skin Cabaret - Scottsdale
      6. Babes Cabaret - Scottsdale
      7. Christie's Cabaret - Tempe
      8. Sonny's Cabaret - Chandler
      9. Sugar 44 (formerly Bombshells) - Phoenix
      10. Bandaids - Phoenix

        Thursday, June 9, 2011

        POTpourri

        • Katie Couric to host talk show on ABC. 
        • MTV Movie Award winners can be found here.
        • Michelle Hunziker in a pink bikini is a sight to be seen.
        • Terrelle Pryor leaves Ohio State.
        • What happened to Kathy Ireland?  When did she become a mess?
        • Speaking of messes, check out Christina Aguilera.  
        • I could fully support the people of Gabon overthrowing their President.  
        • I am still a fan of Jaime Pressly.   She needs more work though.
        • More Candice Swanepoel here!!!
        • Spike's Guys Choice Award winners can be found here.

          Tuesday, June 7, 2011

          Monday, June 6, 2011

          Twins Draft

          The Minnesota Twins drafted SS Levi Michael from North Carolina in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft today.  I like the pick, the Twins seem to have neglected their middle infield in the past several drafts, it's about time they address it and the fact that he's a college player is also a benefit as I see it as his time to reach the majors will be much more accelerated than it would be for a high school player.  They also grabbed 3B Travis Harrison in the supplemental round, I like that pick too, they've been loading up on college pitchers and toolsy outfielders and it's time they address some other areas (of course as a high school player he's a long ways off).  They also grabbed Hudson Boyd a big righthanded high school power pitcher (I can live with that).  I think they did as good as can be expected considering that they didn't draft until the 30th pick, I'll give them a B. 

          Diamondbacks Draft

          The Arizona Diamondbacks had 2 of the first 7 picks in this years MLB Draft and it sounds like they got a couple good ones in round 1, statistically Trevor Bauer was the best pitcher in the NCAA this past season, the only thing that kept him from going 1-2 was size, I think he'll move through the system quickly though.   Archie Bradley on the other hand, has the size the scouts love, he's a great athlete too, he actually committed to Oklahoma to play football, being a high school pitcher he will obviously need more work but his upside is very high.  I give the D-backs an A. 

          POTpourri

          Gerrit Cole first pick of 2011 MLB Draft

          Gerrit Cole selected number 1 overall by the Pirates in today's MLB Draft. 



          The entire draft can be found here

          Sunday, June 5, 2011

          Shaq Retires

          Shaquille O'Neal announced his retirement on his Twitter the other day.   I've always been a big Shaq fan, I for one hate to see him go, I'm guessing it was time though.   I'm also guessing we'll see plenty of him going forward, I can envision him and Charles Barkley jousting on TNT, that would be some great entertainment.  Since Shaq is retiring I thought that it would be a good time to speculate on his place in basketball history, so here's my list of the Top 10 Centers in NBA history:
          1. Wilt Chamberlin
          2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
          3. Shaquille O'Neal
          4. Bill Russell
          5. Hakeem Olajuwon
          6. Moses Malone 
          7. David Robinson
          8. Patrick Ewing
          9. Dwight Howard
          10. George Mikan
          Honorable Mention:   Alonzo Mourning, Robert Parish, Bill Walton, Wes Unseld, Dikembe Mutombo

          Saturday, June 4, 2011

          POTpourri

          Stewart on Trumps Pizza Choice

          Friday, June 3, 2011

          Updated GOP Presidential hopefuls

          Mitt Romney officially threw his hat in the ring today.  The field seems to be shaping up some yet it's not exciting many either thus others may still be eying a run (specifically Rick Perry, George Pataki & Rudy Giuliani).  There is also still an opening for a social conservative tea party candidate (specifically Sarah Palin & Michelle Bachmann). 

          IN: 
          Mitt Romney - I don't see him overcoming his MA healthcare plan.
          Tim Pawlenty - probably the fewest negatives of all the candidates but he doesn't excite many either
          Ron Paul - some tea party support, little GOP support, probably too libertarian for most in the GOP
          Newt Gingrich - his 3 marriages will turn away the morals group, his rhetoric will turn away moderates
          Herman Cain - let get serious, an African American will not win the GOP primary's 
          Gary Johnson - who? nobody knows him, no chance.
          Rick Santorum - may try to carry the 'morals' wing of the party***

          UNDECIDED:
          John Huntsman - he may be hurt by his connections to the Obama administration
          Sarah Palin - high negatives outside of the far right, grasp of issues still lacking
          Michelle Bachmann - tea party favorite, nobody else's favorite, not the sharpest tool in the shed.
          Rick Perry - Governor of Texas, he may see an opening in this weak field
          George Pataki - like Perry, he may see an opening in this weak field
          Rudy Giuliani - polling high but he may not have the desire for another run

          OUT:
          Haley Barbour - claims he doesn't have the desire
          Mike Huckabee - also claims he doesn't have the desire
          Donald Trump - his high negatives doomed him.
          Chris Christie - I'm guessing he's aiming for 2016
          Jeb Bush -too soon for another Bush IMO
          Jim DeMint - little support outside of the tea party
          Bobby Jindal - the GOP seems to have cooled on him
          Mike Pence - seems more interested in the Indiana Governors office
          Marco Rubio - needs some experience, look for a 2016 run
          John Thune - not yet, perhaps 2016 for him too
          Scott Brown - too moderate to get through the primaries
          Mitch Daniels - family concerns keeps him out

          At his point, you'd have to consider Romney & Pawlenty to be the class of the field.  Problem for the GOP in this, either would be hard pressed to beat Obama in the general election (unless the economy weakens considerably or there is some unforeseen terrorist attack).   The best thing that could happen for the Dems would be that Palin and Bachmann both also jump in and create a circus of a primary season (the GOP should be strongly discouraging a run from either, neither would stand any chance in a general election against Obama and would be doing more harm than good).

          ***Edited to add Rick Santorum to the In list.  

          Thursday, June 2, 2011

          Ricky Rubio ....

          ......has reportedly agreed to terms with the Timberwolves.  It's about time. 

          Wednesday, June 1, 2011

          Vegas Hotels of Choice

          I'm thinking of another trip to Vegas in July, I'm undecided on where to stay.   I usually go somewhat budget, I just need a place to sleep after all.  Summer may be a good time to splurge a little though as the rates are much lower.  Anyways, I've stayed at all of the following hotels in Vegas:
          1. MGM Grand - very nice, great location, a bit pricey
          2. Luxor - my main haunt recently, reasonably priced, good location
          3. Excalibur - reasonably priced, great location, just ok hotel though
          4. Stratosphere - reasonably priced, surprisingly ok hotel, bad location though
          5. Orleans - reasonably priced, nice hotel, off the strip though
          6. Golden Nugget - the only place worthwhile downtown
          7. Sahara - now closed
          8. Riviera - stayed once, won't be back
          9. Palace Station - stayed once, won't be back
          10. Terribles - stayed once, won't be back
          11. Sam Remo - now Hooters, cheap, great location