This Week in Buffy History: June 30-July 6

June 30
1965 - Saverio Guerra born (played Willy the Snitch on Buffy)

July 1
1971 - Steven W. Bailey born (played Cave Demon in Season 6 of Buffy)

July 6
1978 - Adam Busch born (played Warren Meers on “Buffy”)

Feeling a Draft

I know I never got around to posting a mock draft up here, but really, do you want my opinions on college and international players? I’m an NBA guy, and therefore, my opinions work best post-draft, where I can tell you which teams did well (in theory) and which teams didn’t (at first glance).

However, I don’t like grading drafts right away. It’s stupid. You’re grading based on the perceptions of guys, rather than how they actually perform. Let’s be honest, right now everyone in the media thinks Darrell Arthur and Chris Douglas-Roberts were huge steals where they were drafted, thus upping the grades of the teams that got them. Well, maybe there’s a reason they both fell so far. Maybe the professionals are better at this than us.

Then again, maybe not.

DRAFTS I LIKE:
Los Angeles Clippers
Yes, it’s very weird to be writing that, but it’s true. Eric Gordon is a pretty good player AND fills a need for the Clippers. DeAndre Jordan is another one of those “value” players, and hopefully will be ready to step in when Elton Brand bolts in a year. Getting Mike Taylor out of the D-League could be good, since no one knows how ready Shawn Livingston will be.

Memphis Grizzlies
Sure, giving up Mike Miller isn’t exactly the best move, but they get O.J. Mayo out of it, who some people thought could go at No. 2. Also, while I’m not sold on Arthur, they did get him for Donte Greene, who I’m even less sold on, so that’s an upgrade in my book (and a nice one with one of those crappy Lakers picks from the Pau Gasol trade).

Miami Heat
Plain and simple, Michael Beasley can start right away, and Mario Chalmers can contribute right away. Good draft for a team that doesn’t want to wait long to get back in contention.

Portland Trail Blazers
Let’s be honest, they stole Jerryd Bayless from the Pacers, and picked up Ike Diogu (who’s shown flashes of talent) in the process. Plus, they get Greg Oden this year too, so all-in-all, the Blazers should be fun to watch.

DRAFTS I DON’T LIKE
Golden State Warriors
Is the Brandan Wright experiment over already? If not, then why draft Anthony Randolph? I’m confused. Doesn’t this team need a real center? Whatever.

New Jersey Nets
I’m down on Brook Lopez, plus the Nets probably should stay away from twin Stanford centers, after the Jason Collins debacle. But really, this is for trading Richard Jefferson for Yi and Bobby Simmons. Look, LeBron’s staying in Cleveland dammit. Stop trying to clear cap room for him.

Utah Jazz
They drafted Kosta Koufos -- a guy from Ohio who sounds international -- and two international players. However, Koufos and Ante Tomic play the same position, and are more likely to remind people of Greg Ostertag than anyone else.

AS FOR CLEVELAND’S DRAFT
... get back to me in two years. J.J. Hickson looked good in those highlight packages they put together, but I’m not sure he’s the right fit for this team. Picking up second-rounders Darnell Jackson and Sasha Kaun could pay off in the long run, since they both seem to be solid players (plus, I’m always in favor of drafting key contributors from national championship teams).

Time to Get Psyched!

Many things stood out during my time at the NBA Finals, but one thing stood out as kind of strange -- in this era of using thumping hip-hop music as background to lineup introductions, neither the Celtics or the Lakers have good music choices.

L.A. comes out, appropriately enough, to the strains of “I Love LA”. Boston on the other hand uses 50 Cent’s collaboration with Justin Timberlake, “Ayo Technology”. Never in the history of mankind has anyone been able to get psyched to Justin Timberlake.

In fact, the in-game music throughout the games was just terrible. So it’s time for me to give some advice.

I came up with a “get psyched” mix (not to be confused with Barney’s “get psyched” mix from “How I Met Your Mother”) that I think will have you sufficiently ready for a game -- and by “sufficiently ready”, I mean “capable of ripping a man’s head off with your bare hands”.

Here we go...

1.O Fortuna - Carl Orff
2.Gonna Fly Now - Bill Conti
3.Crazy Train - Ozzy Ozborne
4.Welcome to the Jungle - Guns N Roses
5.Eye of the Tiger - Survivor
6.Numb/Encore - Jay-Z and Linkin Park
7.Jesus Walks - Kanye West
8.The Second Coming - Juelz Santana
9.Lose Yourself - Eminiem
10. Going the Distance - Bill Conti

Here’s how this ends up working. You start off with the pounding opera classic to get your blood working... cut it off at the 2:50 mark (when it pretty much changes to a different song). Then you get the motivational “Rocky” music, into the insane rock music. Another “Rocky” song transitions you into the hip-hop, starting with the Jay-Z/Linkin Park mash up. By this point, on a scale of 1-10, you’re at 24... then Kanye takes it to 30 with “Jesus Walks”. After “The Second Coming” (aka the Cavs intro music for 2006-07), you’re ready to explode... and if you’re not, then “Lose Yourself” (the all-time modern motivational song) will get you there. Going with “Going the Distance” just caps everything off and puts you in heart attack-ville.

Now I understand why the Celtics use “Ayo Technology”. Kevin Garnett is permanently psyched. If they did something like this, he might actually explode during pre-game introductions. So think of this mix as the way for a normal person to get to Garnett levels.

Enjoy, and use with caution.

This Week in Buffy History: June 23-29

June 23
1964 - Joss Whedon born (creator of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”)

June 27
1974 - Christian Kane born (played Lindsey McDonald on Angel)

June 28
1979 - Felicia Day born (played Vi on Buffy)

YOOOOUUUUUUUK!

So, as we discussed on the podcast, PooZ and I did indeed go to the Red Sox-Cardinals game on Sunday at Fenway park (and there’s your visual evidence to prove it), and I did indeed buy a Kevin Youkilis jersey before the game (authentic even).

That was well-timed.

Youk hit two homers, including a walk-off job over the monster in the 13th inning.

The game was incredibly fun, but incredibly long. Not only was there a 50-minute rain delay at the start, but thanks to extra innings, the game itself lasted 4 hours and 25 minutes. By the end, we really just wanted it to end. Thankfully, it ended well, and with one of my new favorite players hitting a walk-off.

By the way, it’s the first game I’ve been to that ended with a walk-off homer since the very first baseball game I went to, a Mets-Reds game in July of 1987. Or, as fake-2Pac would say... A LONG TIME AGO!

Friday Afternoon Ramblings

• So my prediction for Game 6 couldn’t have been more wrong, thus my prediction for the series was wrong. However, I still finished 4th in the fictional Stat Geek + Adam Smackdown, which isn’t bad for a guy who didn’t really have any kind of system. Next year, I’ll have a system and I’ll do better with it.

• The above picture is the opening tip of Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Good stuff. I really enjoyed being at the Finals, even if the Cavaliers weren’t involved.

• Coming back home after being away for more than 2 weeks should be relaxing, but instead there’s just so much damn work. I’ve got two weeks worth of laundry to do, a bunch of cleaning, re-organizing. Really, it’s like a second job.

• I’m also in desperate need of a haircut, which I’m gonna go get in a few minutes. Then, tonight, it’s the next episode of the AdamReisinger.com Podcast, featuring PooZ. Enjoy!

I Miss the West Coast Already

I haven’t even been back on the East Coast for 12 hours yet (my plane landed at 8:55 a.m.) and I already miss the West Coast.

It started when we got off the plane and it was 55 degrees and dreary -- then it started raining. Now, I’ve lived on the East Coast my whole life, so I’m used to this kind of weather, but it’s not the same when you’re coming back from an incredible week on the beaches of Santa Monica.

That said, I’m almost home (at most, there’s 2 games left in the NBA Finals), which is good, since I kind of miss my home. Also, I keep losing stuff on the road. I’m down 3 shirts and an iPod so far -- though there is the possibility the iPod will be recovered. Hell, even if it’s not, it was 3 years old, and probably in need of replacing anyway. If it weren’t for the fact that the Nike+ kit only works with an iPod nano, I wouldn’t really have even given it a second thought.

Along those lines, I did stop at the Apple Store on Boylston Street today, and, honestly, I was kind of underwhelmed. It’s supposed to be a flagship store, but really, it’s just big and spaced out. There’s TONS of walking room in the store, which is very noticeable when it’s near-empty. Contrast that with the 5th Avenue Store in New York, which was packed when I went there last year -- and that was in the middle of the night.

OK, that’s enough from me tonight... I desperately need to get some sleep. FYI, my prediction for Game 6: Lakers 101, Celtics 94

This Week in Buffy History: June 16-22

June 16
1976 - Tom Lenk born (played Andrew Wells on Buffy)

California Love...

Ain’t no party like a West Coast party, ‘cause a West Coast party don’t stop.

Unfortunately for me, the party does stop after tonight, because regardless of the result in the Lakers-Celtics game, I’m headed back east (either for Game 6, or to go home).

Yesterday I rented a convertible and drove around Southern California (Hollywood, the Pacific Coast Highway, etc) and got sun-burned, but it was totally worth it. I once again saw the Hollywood sign -- this time, from much closer than my hotel room when I was out in L.A. last summer.

I don’t know if I’ll be moving out here next year or not, but after a day like Saturday, I could definitely get used to this lifestyle. There’s nothing quite like cruising down Sunset Boulevard with the top down.

California Love...

Ain’t no party like a West Coast party, ‘cause a West Coast party don’t stop.

Unfortunately for me, the party does stop after tonight, because regardless of the result in the Lakers-Celtics game, I’m headed back east (either for Game 6, or to go home).

Yesterday I rented a convertible and drove around Southern California (Hollywood, the Pacific Coast Highway, etc) and got sun-burned, but it was totally worth it. I once again saw the Hollywood sign -- this time, from much closer than my hotel room when I was out in L.A. last summer.

I don’t know if I’ll be moving out here next year or not, but after a day like Saturday, I could definitely get used to this lifestyle. There’s nothing quite like cruising down Sunset Boulevard with the top down.

Oh, also, when I wasn’t busy pimpin’, I made time to go see “The Incredible Hulk.” I don’t want to give away too many of my thoughts here, since PooZ and I are planning on discussing it on a Podcast, but I really enjoyed the movie.

Hello from L.A.

Yes, that’s the view from my hotel.

Yes, it’s 80 degrees with a nice breeze.

Yes, you’re jealous.

So, um, that’s the end of my L.A. bragging.

As for this series, the Lakers won a very ugly Game 3, which means we’re going at least five. Obviously, my prediction of Lakers in 5 is out the window, as is, probably, Lakers in 6. If the Lakers win this series, it’s gonna be because Kobe has a LeBron-esque performance in Game 7, and L.A. gets better performances from its supporting cast than Cleveland got from the LeBron Watchers they call a team.

OK, that’s it for now. I’m gonna keep enjoying L.A. Oh, and stop sending me food suggestions. I’m on a freakin’ diet and I can’t possibly go to all these places. I have to have some In N Out Burger while I’m out here, but that’s probably about it.

Hello from L.A.

Yes, that’s the view from my hotel.

Yes, it’s 80 degrees with a nice breeze.

Yes, you’re jealous.

So, um, that’s the end of my L.A. bragging.

As for this series, the Lakers won a very ugly Game 3, which means we’re going at least five. Obviously, my prediction of Lakers in 5 is out the window, as is, probably, Lakers in 6. If the Lakers win this series, it’s gonna be because Kobe has a LeBron-esque performance in Game 7, and L.A. gets better performances from its supporting cast than Cleveland got from the LeBron Watchers they call a team.

OK, that’s it for now. I’m gonna keep enjoying L.A. Oh, and stop sending me food suggestions. I’m on a freakin’ diet and I can’t possibly go to all these places. I have to have some In N Out Burger while I’m out here, but that’s probably about it.

Also, my plan is to see “Indiana Jones” and “Hulk” while I’m out here (yes, I’m lame, I’m gonna go see movies instead of going to the beach). PooZ and I will podcast on this stuff as soon as we can.

This Week in Buffy History: June 9-15

June 10
1975 - Nicole Bilderback born (played Cordette #1 in Episode 3.09 “The Wish”)

Sunday Afternoon Ramblings

• I really did intend to post a more in-depth Finals preview Thursday afternoon, before Game 1, but honestly, I got too busy. Still, I’m sticking by my pick of Lakers in 5, even though Boston won Game 1. As I said to one of my friends up here, “there’s no reason to change from Lakers in 5 until its no longer mathematically possible.”

• By the way, I had mentioned how nice my hotel is. That is still true, but there are some problems. Namely, it doesn’t get NESN. Now, look, I’m not a Red Sox fan, but how the hell can you have a hotel in Boston that doesn’t get NESN?! That’s just stupid.

• Game 2 is tonight, and since I’m sticking with Lakers in 5, it’d make sense that I’m picking the Lakers to win tonight. My guess as to the final score? 103-94.

• I got to watch some of the Lakers practice yesterday, and Pau Gasol was aggressively going after every rebound, something he didn’t do at all in Game 1. Of course, it’s easy to be aggressive on the boards when you’re going against Ronny Turiaf and Chris Mihm. Do it against Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins, then we’ll talk.

• Speaking of Perkins, his is the injury that no one is really talking about. Paul Pierce is fine, of course he’s going to play. But if Perkins’ ankle is limiting him in any way, it could make things easier inside for Lakers like Gasol and Lamar Odom.

• By the way, after 3 days of utter terrible weather in Boston, it’s been sunny and hot as balls the last 2 days. I don’t even want to go outside. Fortunately, I don’t really have to, for more than a handful of minutes.

• A couple quick non-Boston/Finals thoughts (yes, bullets within bullets -- I’m extra lame and meta like that):
-I still haven’t seen “Indiana Jones”. I fully intend to, even though everyone has told me it was awful. I just have to see it for myself.
-Even though I’ll be on the road for the Finals, I do intend to see “Incredible Hulk” the day it comes out. PooZ and I will have a post-movie podcast ASAP.
-Yes, I watched the “Lost” Finale. Yes I watched it again. And yes, I watched it a third time. I do have thoughts on it. But those deserve their own post, and they’ll get it soon enough.

Sunday Afternoon Ramblings

• I really did intend to post a more in-depth Finals preview Thursday afternoon, before Game 1, but honestly, I got too busy. Still, I’m sticking by my pick of Lakers in 5, even though Boston won Game 1. As I said to one of my friends up here, “there’s no reason to change from Lakers in 5 until its no longer mathematically possible.”

• By the way, I had mentioned how nice my hotel is. That is still true, but there are some problems. Namely, it doesn’t get NESN. Now, look, I’m not a Red Sox fan, but how the hell can you have a hotel in Boston that doesn’t get NESN?! That’s just stupid.

• Game 2 is tonight, and since I’m sticking with Lakers in 5, it’d make sense that I’m picking the Lakers to win tonight. My guess as to the final score? 103-94.

• I got to watch some of the Lakers practice yesterday, and Pau Gasol was aggressively going after every rebound, something he didn’t do at all in Game 1. Of course, it’s easy to be aggressive on the boards when you’re going against Ronny Turiaf and Chris Mihm. Do it against Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins, then we’ll talk.

• Speaking of Perkins, his is the injury that no one is really talking about. Paul Pierce is fine, of course he’s going to play. But if Perkins’ ankle is limiting him in any way, it could make things easier inside for Lakers like Gasol and Lamar Odom.

• By the way, after 3 days of utter terrible weather in Boston, it’s been sunny and hot as balls the last 2 days. I don’t even want to go outside. Fortunately, I don’t really have to, for more than a handful of minutes.

• A couple quick non-Boston/Finals thoughts (yes, bullets within bullets -- I’m extra lame and meta like that):
-I still haven’t seen “Indiana Jones”. I fully intend to, even though everyone has told me it was awful. I just have to see it for myself.
-Even though I’ll be on the road for the Finals, I do intend to see “Incredible Hulk” the day it comes out. PooZ and I will have a post-movie podcast ASAP.
-Yes, I watched the “Lost” Finale. Yes I watched it again. And yes, I watched it a third time. I do have thoughts on it. But those deserve their own post, and they’ll get it soon enough.

Hello from Boston!

I’m on the road again, which usually means my blogging will be less prolific than usual. Then again, since the end of “60 in 60”, I’ve only posted 8 times (including this one) in 18 days, so it’s not like the posts have been coming fast and furious anyway.

And yes, that’s my computer set up in my room in Boston. I’m an enormous dork. Yes, I brought 2 external hard drives, a keyboard, mouse, iPod and iPhone on a road trip. I’m not exactly roughing it here.

For a better picture, check out the shot to your right. That’s the view from the end of the hallway on the 15th floor of the hotel I’m staying at. By the way, I’ve noticed that the nicer the hotel you stay at, the less likely you are to find vending machines (or for that matter, a bottle of soda for less than $3).

I can’t complain though, especially when I got hit with the view of this upper-level lobby when walking off the elevator. Seriously, nice job guys.

OK, enough of my “Zagat’s Guide to Hotels I’m currently staying in”. Time to get to the big deal. The NBA Finals.

If you’ve been following my predictions in this postseason, you know I’ve been doing pretty well. Heading into the conference finals, I would have been in 3rd place in the TrueHoop Stat Geek Smackdown. After the conference finals, I’d still be in third place. However, instead of being one point behind the leader, I’m now 6 points back. That’s what I get for picking Detroit instead of Boston (I did nail the number of games for LA’s win).

However, I’m ready to bounce back. My official NBA Finals prediction is: Lakers in 5

If I’m not too tired in the morning, I’ll post more reasons why I feel this way, but right now, let’s just say this: the Lakers have the best player on the court, and the best coach on the sidelines. It’s hard to bet against those two.

Hello from Boston!

I’m on the road again, which usually means my blogging will be less prolific than usual. Then again, since the end of “60 in 60”, I’ve only posted 8 times (including this one) in 18 days, so it’s not like the posts have been coming fast and furious anyway.

And yes, that’s my computer set up in my room in Boston. I’m an enormous dork. Yes, I brought 2 external hard drives, a keyboard, mouse, iPod and iPhone on a road trip. I’m not exactly roughing it here.

For a better picture, check out the shot to your right. That’s the view from the end of the hallway on the 15th floor of the hotel I’m staying at. By the way, I’ve noticed that the nicer the hotel you stay at, the less likely you are to find vending machines (or for that matter, a bottle of soda for less than $3).

I can’t complain though, especially when I got hit with the view of this upper-level lobby when walking off the elevator. Seriously, nice job guys.

OK, enough of my “Zagat’s Guide to Hotels I’m currently staying in”. Time to get to the big deal. The NBA Finals.

If you’ve been following my predictions in this postseason, you know I’ve been doing pretty well. Heading into the conference finals, I would have been in 3rd place in the TrueHoop Stat Geek Smackdown. After the conference finals, I’d still be in third place. However, instead of being one point behind the leader, I’m now 6 points back. That’s what I get for picking Detroit instead of Boston (I did nail the number of games for LA’s win).

However, I’m ready to bounce back. My official NBA Finals prediction is: Lakers in 5

If I’m not too tired in the morning, I’ll post more reasons why I feel this way, but right now, let’s just say this: the Lakers have the best player on the court, and the best coach on the sidelines. It’s hard to bet against those two.

This Week in Buffy History: June 2-8

June 2
1972 - Wentworth Miller born (played Gage Petronzi on Episode 2.20, “Go Fish”)
1997 - Episode 1.12, “Prophecy Girl”, airs on The WB

June 3
1987 - Lalaine born (played Chloe on Buffy)

June 6
1974 - Danny Strong born (played Jonathan Levinson on “Buffy”)

June 8
1963 - Anthony Cistaro born (played Scourge Commander in Angel Episode 1.09 “Hero”)