Are the NBA Playoffs Still Happening?

The NBA playoffs need a major face lift.  I remember two weeks ago when the entire sporting community was pumped up for the amazing ride ahead.  Fast forward to the present and the first round dragged on so long that the playoffs have seemed to take a backseat to the NFL draft/labor dispute and (I hate to say it) the NHL.  Commissioner Stern needs to give his playoffs a shot of 5 hour energy.  Before I lay out what I think needs to change about the NBA playoffs I'll be very clear; none of these changes will ever be implemented for the simple fact that they would most likely reduce television revenues.

In my opinion there are two big changes the NBA needs to adopt to keep the league in the forefront of the sporting community's collective minds.

1) Bring the first round back to 5 games.

Moving back to best of 5 series in the first round will keep the playoffs from becoming stagnant.  In the first round this year none of the outcomes would have been different if the series were played in just 5 games.  What is the value in playing a best of 7 series outside of increased TV revenue? 

When the playoffs first started no one was talking about Miami vs Philly or the Lakers vs the Hornets.  Outside of Boston - NY the entire basketball community was already looking forward to the potential drama filled conference semi finals.  Why drag out the first round and risk losing the excitement of your fan base?

2) Cut out the off days

The biggest issue I have the with NBA playoffs is that they take soooo damn long.  Basketball was in the air two weeks ago and the league fails to capitalize on that excitement.  These teams play back to back games consistently throughout the season, why can't they do that in the playoffs?  The NBA needs to move back to the time where the only off days were travel days.  There's no reason that these teams need a day off between every single game in the playoffs. 

I want to see the NBA regain its glory and popularity.  These changes need to be made to keep fans excited and into the playoffs.

Night of the Batmen (Plastic Man as Batman)

In last night's episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold, "Night of the Batmen," Batman suffers a serious injury, and his fellow Justice Leaguers take his place patrolling Gotham. Green Arrow, Shazam, and Aquaman settle on their looks quickly, but Plastic Man tries out a few classic styles before settling on a pantsless look:











He has a fight with Catwoman:









And argues with the others as to who's the best Batman:





The end of the episode shows several more Batman volunteers:



*Buy Plastic Man toys at eBay.

Portal 2 walkthrough with commentary; Chell screenshots

A Youtube user uploaded a Portal 2 playthrough, edited down to the developer commentary portions. Above is part one. (The paint/gel mechanics are derived from a student game called Tag: the Power of Paint. Very interesting to listen to how the designers "train" the players as they play through the game.)

And speaking of Portal, here's some Chell screenshots:






The Valve store sells Aperture Science tank tops, but no orange jumpsuits.

NBA Semifinals Predictions

The NBA Playoffs have been terrific so far.  Every series had one or two nail biters, we have a Cinderella team, and a couple great series to look forward to in the upcoming weeks. I myself misfired on the Portland-Dallas series, Orlando-Atlanta series, and of course, Memphis-San Antonio. I thought the Grizzles would give them a series, but I didn't expect them to win the series.  

Eastern Conference  

1.) Chicago versus 5.) Atlanta- I am personally surprised to see the Hawks playing in the second round, and hopefully, they will give a better effort this season compared to past years.  Not having Kirk Heinrich will definitely hurt them because the guy has been a catalyst on offense, but he is just another body to guard Derrick Rose on defense. I think the Hawks' big men could make a difference, but Rose will once again be too good to stop on a nightly basis.  Chicago in six. 

2.) Miami versus 3.) Boston- Some please explain to me how Boston can look completely dead in the last two months of the NBA season, and now look like an entirely different team?  I feel like Ashton Kutcher should come out of hiding and tell me I have been Punk'd.  So many interesting story lines in this series, whether it's LeBron vs. Boston, Chris Bosh v. Kevin Garnett, old crown vs. new royalty. Remember how Michael Jordan took down Detroit finally after two unsuccessful tries?  That's what LeBron needs to do with Boston to take that next step, or this season is a complete failure plus we have to reevaluate LeBron's ceiling in the NBA. I expect a knock down drag out fight in each game with LeBron finally coming up big in a clutch moment.  Miami in seven 

Western Conference 

4.) Oklahoma City versus 8.) Memphis - The Grizzlies and Thunder find themselves in a new position, the second round. Zach Randolph will have to find ways to score against the twin towers of Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka.  I think this has to be Russell Westbrook series for the Thunder to win. In my opinion, Kevin Durant will not have much success against Tony Allen who is a top notch defender, and Westbrook will be forced to put this team on his back for at least a couple games.  This will be a very competitive, exciting series.  Oklahoma City in six 

2.) Los Angeles versus 3.) Dallas- The Lakers seemed to find their swagger in games five and six  against New Orleans, and Dallas did the same thing against Portland. It's unreal we haven't seen a Kobe Bryant vs. Dirk Nowitzki series, and I can guarantee we will have one game where both of the guys will just go absolutely bananas trading buckets with each other.  I will also tell you Pau Gasol is going to have a hell of a time with Tyson Chandler, same goes for Andrew Bynum.  Shawn Marion will need to find his old defensive self because the Mavs might be some trouble with who is guarding Kobe.  Even though Boston-Miami has a chance to be great, I think this will be the best series of them all. Los Angeles in seven. 

First game starts at noon tomorrow, should be special.

-Charlie.

Zack Greinke Dominance For Milwaukee Starts Wednesday

All hands on deck! Tom Haudricourt, one of the best in the business broke the story today that Zach Greinke will make his Milwaukee Brewers debut on Wednesday versus the Atlanta Braves.  The Brewers pitching staff has already been throwing smoke, and now we add Greinke?   May will be the Brewers month.  For those wondering, his first Milwaukee start will be the following Monday on the 9th. If I were in Milwaukee, I would be there, noPublish Post questions asked.

-Charlie.

Alice: Madness Returns art contest

1. Dark Horse is holding an Alice: Madness Returns art contest.

2. American McGee's Alice doll posted at Facebook:



*Buy American McGee's Alice toys at eBay.

Baby aardvark

Baby aardvark and widescreen wallpaper. Via.

*Buy aardvark toys at eBay.

NBA Bracket Challenge Update

NBA Bracket Challenge	Quarterfinals	Semifinals	Conference Finals	NBA Finals	Total Points
Easy E	32				32
Mike Sant	32				32
Mitzy	27				27
Charlie	26				26
Bertus Rocky	26				26
Jordan T	25				25
Patrick	25				25

Well folks here is an update on the NBA Bracket Challenge, if you forgot the rules here they are.  If someone feels I messed up the math, let me know. I will be making my predictions for the semifinals, which will be very good

-Charlie.

Lakers vs Mavericks, estadisticas puesto a puesto

Trash cans, electrical boxes, and more turned into tiny skyscrapers

EVOL turns trash cans, electrical boxes, and more turned into tiny skyscrapers. Via these sites.