Song: Shake It Out (2011) Artist: Florence + the Machine Album: Ceremonials We need to collectively shake the devil off our back once and for all. It's always darkest before the dawn.
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I'm lying here on my bed watching Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, hoping the Mavs hold on to at the very least make the Warriors play another game, and I can't help but keep thinking about today's tragedy. I was gonna tweet this, but there's no way to fit this thought into 280 characters, so it's a blog now.
Tonight, I've watched way too much coverage of the shooting at Robb Elementary School and seen soulless right-wing pundits spew about how it's not a gun problem but a mental health problem (even though every country on earth has people with mental health issues, and they somehow manage to go years, maybe even decades without mass shootings). Or to not "politicize" this tragedy. You'll hear people say how stricter gun laws won't stop these tragedies because the shooter will not follow them. That's the dumbest fucking argument of all time. Why have any laws then if people are still going to commit crimes? People still rob banks and rape; we might as well get rid of those laws since they don't prevent every occurrence. Do murder laws really even prevent murder? How about this? We have drunk driving laws in all 50 states, but unfortunately, DUIs and vehicular manslaughters still happen. They happen every single day of the year. It doesn't matter if you're gay or straight, black or white, rich or poor, left or right, a drunk driver can kill you. Drunk drivers don't discriminate. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 11,654 people died from alcohol-impaired driving deaths in 2020. Should we get rid of legal limits since nearly 12,000 people still died? Those laws aren't stopping people from drinking and driving. What's the point of the law? Why even try? Of course, that's fucking lunacy, but decent people will take that point of view when it comes to guns. The fear of getting a DUI or possibly killing an innocent person deters thousands of people from getting behind the wheel drunk every day. Now, it doesn't stop everybody but imagine how worse things would be with no DUI laws on the books? Imagine if there were no drinking and driving laws because Anheuser-Busch, Jack Daniels, and Tito's Handmade Vodka lobbied Congress to make sure anybody could buy their product, drank it all day and night without worrying about a single consequence as long as the profits continued to soar. How fucking stupid would it be if over 80% of people were like, "maybe it shouldn't be legal to drive after 11 jack and cokes?" then a Senator from Texas or Florida or Alabama or Tennessee or Kentucky or Mississippi or Arkansas threw a hissy fit on tv saying they're trying to take away your glass of wine after dinner! What about the people who drink responsibly!? Why are they getting punished?! Now, this isn't a perfect analogy because the government did take away your booze from 1920 to 1933, but in another way, it's pretty solid, because we saw how big of a failure that was. If anything, prohibition created more crime. But over time, we've seen that millions of people can responsibly have a few drinks and not beat up their spouse and/or kids or drive directly into a tree or ditch. Unfortunately, some people do terrible things when drunk, like kill people with their car. Nobody's saying adults shouldn't be allowed to drink, but there are plenty of laws that regulate how and when you can. It can be the same with guns. If we lived in this no DUI world, where instead of 11,654 people died in a year from drinking and driving, now it's 75,000 people, but elected officials worried more about what Miller-Coors said than the people who they represent, heads would roll. Imagine if every time someone died from drunk driving (and it'd happen much more frequently without DUI laws) and a lawmaker suggested maybe it should be harder to get behind the wheel of a car drunk, then another lawmaker said that goes against a law someone wrote before cars even existed, so no we won't do anything about all the drunk driving. Then it happened again, and again, and again.... At the end of the day, like pretty much every single issue in this country and really the entire world, it comes down to money. Lawmakers are paid-off by special interest groups and the companies that profit off this nation's terrible laws. Rinse and repeat, but believe it or not, it doesn't have to be this way. We can stand up to these people and their shady backers and say ENOUGH. Seriously, at what point do we stand up and say enough already? These senseless murders come down to greed. That may be oversimplifying things, but that's the biggest part. People choose money over the decent thing to do. Beer and liquor companies are doing just fine financially while dealing with a minimum drinking age and maximum legal limit. Gun manufacturers can figure it out too. I'm all for people having guns to protect their families and possessions, but we don't just let anybody get behind the wheel when they turn 16. You need to have a license. If you want access to a killing machine, you should probably need one too. I needed a background to be a fucking ub** driver, but in some states, you don't need one to own a literal weapon of war. But people who think like me are the radical ones! Oh and by the way, it's up to 19 dead elementary schoolers. Summer break was supposed to start this week.
UPDATE: Since posting this blog at approximately 6:45 pm, fatalities have risen, and I worry they will continue to grow. Absolutely sickening. My heart breaks for the victims and their families.
I fucking hate that I'm writing about this topic right now, but I need to vent my frustration. I wanted to take the day to chill after an incredible night in Boston for Game 4 of the ECF. I'm tired, but not nearly as fucking tired as I am about hearing another story like this:
It's just absolutely devastating and disgusting news. If you have a heart and soul, it should crush you. Not even two full weeks after the racially charged Buffalo supermarket shooting, its fatalities numbers have already been topped by another instance of carnage via a mass shooter in the only country where this happens regularly.
Details are still coming as this story is only hours old, but I think it'd be a safe bet to make as we find more about the shooter, who I won't mention by name on my website, was some fucking lunatic that had warning signs for years. I won't be shocked if there were documented threats or warning signs like the Buffalo shooter and, sadly, countless other deranged cowards across this great nation. But thankfully, this guy wasn't wearing a rainbow flag, had his nails painted, or, God forbid, had a fucking copy of Maus in his backpack. I don't give a flying fuck about who I offend or alienate with my beliefs; this shit is inexfuckingcusible. I'm all for having firearms to protect yourself. I kinda want one for myself with how fucked up this country is, but there are ways to keep these weapons out of lunatics' hands. Will stricter gun laws be some magic wand that fixes everything? Of course not, but it would probably help vs. doing nothing. It is disgusting that every politician left, right, or center can't get on board with that. It'll be 10 years, a fucking decade since Sandy Hook in December, and nothing has changed.
As someone in the education space, this was always my biggest fear. I don't have kids, but I'd think it's every parent's biggest fear as well. I've done the school shooter drills. These were fucking elementary schoolers. Kids that could barely tie their shoes and make a P, B and J are gone. DEAD. FOR-fucking-EVER and for what? Political points? If only they were embryos created from rape! Then they'd matter.
There's so much political theater in this country, but I would like to think people from all walks of life would be for murder-free schools. Sadly that's not the case. We'll see many empty thoughts and prayers with no legitimate solutions. I wrote about pulse six years ago, and nothing's changed. As long as politicians are getting kickbacks from the NRA and the love of money is greater than the love of doing the right things, we're just going to keep living in a world where you hear about this every few months and, in some cases days apart. I don't care if this was well-written or not; I'm fucking pissed and so done with this shit. We have the potential to actually be the greatest country on earth, but dark money, stock buybacks and oppression will always come first. Fingers crossed that neither you nor I happen to be at "the wrong place (elementary school, middle school, high school, community college, polytechnic institute, university, supermarket, convenience store, mall, church, synagogue, concert, restaurant, post office, bowling alley, watch-party, public transportation, spa, hospital, brewery, Navy base, gas station, movie theater, bar, manufacturing plant, bank, video game tournament, Veterans home, airport, or a birthday party) at the wrong time," the inevitable next time the greatest country on earth sees part of its population get slaughtered, likely in broad daylight, by a lunatic who had an easier time getting a gun than doctor's appointment. At least some lawmakers care, but not nearly enough do.
S/O Steve Kerr.
Through the first three games of the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics have put on a master's class on how costly mistakes can be. Despite not being outscored in 10 of 12 quarters the series has produced, they're down two games to one. I hate how that sentence sounds, but ugly stats get ugly sentences.
It's incredibly frustrating because they are the better team (IMO), but put themself into a corner where a loss tonight would all but end their season by playing piece of shit, sloppy steak basketball. Of course, they wouldn't be technically eliminated, but down 3-1 with games 5 and 7 on the road is hashtag not ideal and basically a death sentence. Before I even get into this little preview blog situation, sorry for no blog coverage this weekend (that's what twitter's for). I was busy dominating the cobblestone streets of Newport as the city's best Ubahhhh driver. Since I control my hours, I pulled over to watch most of the game on my phone and was in a terrible mood for the rest of the night. To all my passengers reading this, sorry Dozie was a tad crabby. Suppose you want to be optimistic going into tonight. In that case, you could note that despite how truly awful Jayson Tatum was in Game 3 and Jaylen Brown hand-delivering the basketball to Heat players on the regular, they were only down 1 point with a little over 2 minutes to play. They battled. The Celtics played close to their worst game and almost won, but it's maddening they're even in this position. It makes me more pissed. You stole home-court in game 2, then come home and play like a JV team in the first quarter. It's inexcusable. Unlike past ECF runs by this core, this Celtics team has the talent to win a championship. I think that's what made this series so infuriating so far. These aren't your I.T. and Jae Crowder Celtics. Jayson Tatum is a borderline superstar, but nights like Saturday leave you scratching your head. And yes, Jaylen had 40 points, but his sloppy play (7 turnovers; 3 missed free throws) made it meaningless. But all season, these two bounced back after disappointments, and I expect nothing short of that tonight. It's been the C's narrative all year. They were 18-21 and are one of the last four teams standing. If this team is going to win a championship, or at the very least make the Finals, tonight is a must win game. I'm no doctor, but unless playing on it makes it worse, Timelord has to at least try to go tonight. It's the fucking ECF!!! As I'm writing this blog, I'm like, Dozie, this is C- work at best, but I'll be honest, I'm a little distracted. I'm too jazzed up because I'll be in the Garden tonight, bleeding green, cheering on our guys, showing that Dozo still believes. If we can comeback and a win a series after what happened in Game 5 vs. Milwaukee, we can certainly still comeback against the Heat.
I love this team and talk hella shit when they suck because I care. I know they're capable of winning it all. The question is do they? Are they like Ole Dozo and too big of a pussy to take the next step? Oh, the irony...
I just want this ring soooo badly. It's been over three years since I've witnessed one of my teams win a championship, and spoiler alert, life has not been too sweet in the meantime. I need this, we need this. Plus, I'm like 45% sure a Civil War is coming, so I'd really like to see my favorite basketball team win another championship before the South tries to rise again. Here are my are the official DOL keys to victory.
Fuck the Miami Heat, their ransom note jerseys and coked-out, head to toe in linen fair-weather fans (although I do love linen too). You're the Boston Celtics, the most storied franchise in the National Basketball Association. It's #NBA75, and the Warriors are already in the Finals. Celtics-Warriors is the match-up the league wants and needs. Screw these expansion losers who took your conference title in 2012 and 2020, and play with some fucking heart tonight to even this series up. I don't care if you metaphorically crack someone's skull on the parquet. Do whatever it takes to win, and don't let this opportunity go to waste. I'll be bleeding green in loge with my bff/e-bro. Please don't make me sad all week by dropping 8u on a ticket to your funeral. Show some heart and bounce back like you have all season. I'm a narrative guy, and that's been the narrative all year. Jayson be HIM tonight (whatever that means), and Jaylen, I don't think the NBA cares about stickem, or maybe wear receiver gloves tonight and see if that helps? Let's go Celtics! P.S. Congrats Marcus. Now some that heart and hustle in a blowout, stress-free Game 4 victory!
Song: Unconditional I (Look Out Kid) Artist: Arcade Fire Album: WE I fucking love this song. Listen to those lyrics. If all the soulless far-right fascist assholes did (and started smoking reefer), the world would be a much better place. This song brings me to the verge of tears every listen. If I ever find another woman willing to have sex with me someday, (and I'm at a point in my career when I can start a family), I'll sing this to my little Dozo's----if my boys can even swim and create life! Should this little piece of my soul makes you uncomfortable, remember that 'nothing is ever perfect, no one's perfect. Let me say it again, no one's perfect. Very Alive Bob Cousy Responds to J.J. Redick's "Plumbers and Firemen" Jab at His Era of Hoops5/20/2022
During the Celtics Game 2 ASS-KICKING of the Miami Heat, I came across this clip that could be mistaken for a Fireside Chat.
Nearly a month after media darling J.J. Redick shit on his era, Bob Cousy defended the great plumbers and firemen he played against during his Hall of Fame career (1950-63; 69-70). Here's J.J.'s clip.
The way Stephen A. says "there is no doubt, Doggy" fucking KILLS ME.
And the 1957 NBA MVP's rebuttal.
Talk about class from the very still alive Bob Cousy! 93 years young. Isn't it great to hear someone that age on the radio not utterly embarrass themself? (even though Gil Brandt should've never been in that spot to begin with)
I mean, it's the perfect response with a little shot at J.J. to start. There's no double that thanks to advances in technology, higher pay, and no part-time jobs to make ends meet that NBA players seemingly continue to get more freakish athletically and skilled by the year. But that doesn't mean you need to disrespect all-time greats that laid the foundation. Listen to all those names Bob rattled off. Sure, a bunch were Celtics, but that's only because they were the greatest dynasty of their time. It's all in good fun, but you gotta love the optics of the 93-year-old responding nearly an entire month later. I bet J.J. thought he was in the clear. Probably assumed he was dead, but nope, he just had to travel back in time to 1943 radio to clap back. Also, there's no way NBA guys were plumbing. Way too tall. You gotta be able to get into tricky spaces and bend a bunch of ways God didn't design you to. Now firemen, I could buy (see linked tweet). Wilt the Stilt, I mean, hello. He'd literally be reaching new heights for firefighting. Then again, I wouldn't be shocked if there were maximum height limits like the military, so maybe that was a bad career example too. Anyways, it was a decent line, but the internet sucked J.J. off a little too hard for that one, IMO. I fw J.J., but respect the forefathers and next time, think of jobs that 50s and 60s NBA guys would have the physical aptitude for. Song: Down (2021) [Live on Fallon] Artist: St. Vincent Album: Daddy's Home I can't stop listening to this album and particularly this live performance (s/o Youtube premium). I've been a massive St. Vincent bender the last month or so...making up for lost time with this masterpiece. I hope the Heat are feelin dooooooooooowwwwnnnnnnn cause that's where they're going (and not in the fun box eating way!).
I definitely didn't start this blog at the beginning of the 4th quarter. Cuz as we've seen throughout these playoffs, it's never over until it's over; nice airball Oladipo. Final Score C's 127 Heat 102.
After letting Game 1 slip away (despite winning three quarters), the C's shot the fucking lights out to even up the ECF at a game apiece. They started 9 of 11 (never forget) from three, ending the night at 51.2% from the field and 50% (20/40) from behind the arc.
They fell down by 10 early but answered with a 17-0 run and finished the first up 35-24. From there, it was all Celtics. They might give up too many second-chance points, but this team has shown us time and time again this season and playoff run that they play best with their backs against the wall. These Celtics will let you get the first swing, and you might even knock a tooth out, but they laugh in your face and answer with a haymaker and a pipe they had hidden in their pants and beat you senseless. 4-0 off a loss in the playoffs. The Celts took the lead with this PP three-ball and never looked back.
Batman finished with 19 points and 4 boards.
Mommmmmma, just killed a man.
I am fired the fuck up, not because I sorta called the game perfectly.
But because if the Celts can take care of business at home, they'll be back in the Finals for the first time since 2010. (that series took place over my final days of high school, graduation and culminated with Game 7 the same night as my orientation at URI, but that's a story for another day)
Anything can happen. It's tied 1-1, but through 7/8s of two games the Celtics have looked like the far superior team. They had the largest halftime road lead in franchise history tonight. Think about all the playoff success this franchise has for a second. Tonight was the biggest ever halftime playoff lead. That sounds like a championship team stat to me. I don't have much more to say other than that was a certified ass kicking. I felt like Kenny Stabler cause I was sort of out of it with how much the Celtics were up. I thiiink I saw Stauskas hit a 3??
Everybody in green was awesome tonight, but what a return for Marcus. His presence was the difference. He was a board away from a triple-double. LET'S GO CELTICS!
7 more wins.
P.S.
The Hater of the Night Award goes to my former URI classmate (in the sense we were there at the same time, but I did actually have a class with SCUMBAG Will Martell) Delroy James.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island is one step closer to legalizing recreational marijuana.
The Senate Judiciary and House Finance committees passed revised legislation Wednesday that would decriminalize, regulate and tax adult recreational cannabis use statewide. The legislation was amended to include the automatic expungement of past cannabis crimes and a delay in the start of recreational sales until December. The bill now heads to the full Senate and House, both of which have scheduled a vote for Tuesday. Sen. Josh Miller and Rep. Scott Slater, the legislation’s lead sponsors, celebrated the agreement as a “fair and equitable” bill that addresses social equity concerns while ending the prohibition on cannabis. “Social equity has been a top concern for us throughout this whole process,” Slater said. “The starting line isn’t the same for people in poor, urban and minority communities, and they deserve support to ensure they get the full benefit of participating in legalization.” The new version of the bill, released Tuesday night, amends the legislation to allow for the automatic expungement of civil or criminal marijuana possession charges. The original bill would have required people to request the expungement from the court, which raised objections from advocates. The legislation gives the courts until July 1, 2024 to automatically expunge past convictions. It also allows people who want their convictions expunged sooner to request it. The amended bill would also eliminate the fees medical marijuana patients have to pay, including the cost to get a medical card and plant tags. Recreational home-growers, however, would still be required to pay for plant tags. “The amended bill is a collaborative effort to address concerns about protecting medical use, ensuring fair governance and recognizing that we can’t make this transition without taking action to make whole the communities and individuals who have been punished for decades under prohibition,” Miller said. If approved, the bill would legalize possession of cannabis right away, though retail sales wouldn’t start until December. Rhode Island’s existing medical marijuana dispensaries — three are open, and six new ones are trying to get up and running — would be able to transition to hybrid stores first, selling both medical and recreational products Dec. 1. It would take a while longer for other stores to open after that. The new Cannabis Control Commission is charged with coming up with the process for issuing new licenses for up to 33 stores total, a number that includes the hybrid medical stores.
It's about damn time! When I buy Eddie Vedders (edibles for the lames), that money goes directly to Massachusetts. Keep the revenue in the state. Maybe fix a fucking road or two thousand?
Nothing is official yet, but it seems like a formality that legal reefer is coming to the Ocean State. That's a great thing; states should increase freedoms, not take them away. Fuck Oklahoma and every other fascist GQP forced-birth state. If only those people smoked tree. This bill is going to create jobs and keep money in Rhode Island. You know shady RI isn't gonna give those 33 licenses to regular folks (I hope I'm wrong!), but this will expunge records and eliminate fees for medical customers. News like this makes me proud to be a Rhode Islander. Now can we PLEASE get some smooth roads?
Tonight, the Boston Celtics have a chance to even up the ECF before heading home for Game 3, and they'll have an unboosted boost down low!
There's one man to thank and one man only: David Stern. You may think he's dead, but his spirit lives on, and there's no way he'd let Al Horford miss this game because of Covid in fucking Florida. It's the Eastern Conference Finals.
Unfortunately, the C's will be without Derrick White tonight because he's watching his wife give birth. It's okay. He was still on the Spurs when she got pregnant. They didn't expect to still be in the mix this late in the season. I'm expecting big things from young Payton and Nesmith in his absence.
According to a report released by the Celtics, it's looking like Marcus Smart will be ready to play, too, although his status is still technically up in the air.
"Head coach Ime Udoka seems confident that Smart will be back to help slow down Butler in Game 2. He said the starting point guard just needs to check off a few more boxes to be cleared to suit up." (via: Celtics)
I'm ready. Let's get back to Boston with the split. Go C's!
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