And So It Begins: 5 Awesome NBA Story Lines this Season

'Twas the night before tip-off, and the man told his spouse
I'll watch Monday Night Football, then the lights will go out;
The Bud Light and Mikes Hard were chilling with care,
In hopes tomorrow evening soon would be there;
The man was all nestled all snug in his bed,
Dreams of And-1's, crossovers and fast breaks in his head...

The NBA season tips off tonight with Heat versus Celtics followed by Lakers versus Rockets on TNT. I don't really know if it could get any better than that.


Fresh Starts
John Wall, Blake Griffin, Yao Ming make debuts (Of some sort)

Three players that have, had or might have potential are making first appearances of some sort this season. The beast from the East, Yao Ming makes his return against the Lakers after missing an entire season due to a recurring foot injury. Blake Griffin, last years number one draft pick did not play one regular season game because of a freak injury in the pre-season. This year he gets another chance at his rookie season. John Wall, this years number one draft pick looks to lead the Wizards to a bounce back season. He looked impressive in the pre-season--what about when it counts?

No More Mr. Nice Dwight
Will we see a more aggressive, no-nonsense Dwight Howard?

Since his debut in the NBA, Dwight Howard's toughness has been questioned. He responded the first time by bulking up and becoming the defensive force we all knew he had the potential to be. Now we're waiting for his offense to blossom. Last year in the playoffs, as they were on the verge of losing to the Celtics, we saw flashes of a mean, almost "dirty" Dwight Howard on the block. Will this season be more of the same or will he falter to all the criticism?

Defying the Obvious
Will the Knicks STILL miss the playoffs?

Now I'm no Knicks hater, but I must admit it's funny to watch them consistently implode on themselves and continue to miss the playoffs despite Mike D'Antoni's expectations. Additions of Raymond Felton, Amar'e Stoudemire and potentially a late season acquisition of Carmelo Anthony, I'm excited to see if they can somehow STILL miss the playoffs. (However, I just traded for Raymond Felton on my fantasy team so I'm kinda in his corner).

Respect the Redick
Will J.J. Redick finally have a breakout season?

J.J. Redick looked like the missing piece for the Magic last year in the playoffs. He out shined Vince Carter in the Celtics series and earned himself a shiny new contract in the off-season as the Bulls, Magic and other teams bid for his rights. He's growing as a defender and his off-the-dribble skills have significantly improved. Will he finally emerge as the J.J. Redick that broke record after record at Duke?

Who's house is this?
Who will emerge as the "king" of south beach?

We know a lot about Miami even before the season started. They'll be covered more than old school rock songs on Glee. They'll likely sell out every game they're involved in. The Christmas Day match up against the Lakers will be the most watched NBA game in a long time. But what we don't know is who will emerge the "king" of South Beach. It's Wade's house going into the season, but many eyes will be on Lebron. Nike contributed to that even more last night with it's new "Rise" commercial. As a Dwyane Wade supporter, I can only hope a battle for "team captain" doesn't distract from the goal of winning a championship--but I can't help but think it might get a little competitive.

Get excited. NBA season tips off tonight at 7:30 p.m. et on TNT.

Track Star Track List: 8 Great Songs to Run to

Lately, I've been trying to step my cardio-game up. The reasons for that are endless and obvious--but the over-arching reason is to be healthier. Now I'm not pro-status when it comes to distance running, so I need a little extra motivation. Last time I was in Chambana, I did my first 2-mile run since Summer before Junior year of College. The girlfriend lead the way, but these tracks provided an added push along the way. Add them to your playlist for your next run and let me know if they help.

1.) Kanye West ft. Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz - Power (Remix)

Gotta love the tribal-esque beat and up tempo snares/claps. Not to mention Jay-Z kills the verse.

2.) The Black Eyed Peas - The Showdown

The countdown is enough to get me hype. Probably should start your run with this one.

3.) Linkin Park - Bleed it Out

If you're one of those runners who pushes yourself to your limits, this is just what you need. LP is always inspiring.

4.) Madonna - Miles Away

Yes. Madonna. The beat/tempo are undeniably a runners dream. Plus, the title is Miles Away. Seems fitting.

5.) Jay-Z ft. J. Cole - A Star is Born

Let the lyrics do the motivating for you.



6.) Drake - Show me a Good Time

Another good starter track. Also a good pre-gaming/party song. Works all angles. =P



7.) Kid Cudi - Heart of a Lion

Need I say more.



8.) Eminem ft. Lil Wayne - No Love

Eminem's verse is Grade-A. Just Blaze kills the beat.

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Hidden Gems: 6 Under the Radar NFL players in 2010

If you're reading this, chances are you're as excited about the NFL season as I am. The New Orleans Saints are looking to repeat, The NY Jets are expecting to make more noise than an F-16, and the Broncos are out to redeem last seasons historic collapse. Oh, and we have Favre drama--as usual. Let's just say, I'm pumped. Some of the consistent studs like Tom Brady, Champ Bailey, Brian Urlacher and Ed Reed will be causing havoc on the field. But there are a few stars and question marks flying under the radar. Here are a few players we need to look out for.

1.) Jay Cutler (QB)

I might as well start right here at home with the Chicago Bears and Jay Cutler. Many critics, (Bears fans included) gave Jay Cutler a lot of flak for his 26 interceptions last season; Forgetting that he threw 27 TD's, doesn't have a "star" receiver, and played much of last season with the leagues most unproductive run-game, led by Matt Forte in what we hope was merely his sophomore slump.

In the 2010-11 season, the Bears and Cutler have the luxury of the Mike Martz air attack, another year of experience for young receivers like Johnny Knox and Devin Aromashodu and a more confident Jay Cutler. Look out for a similar amount of TD's and less INT's this year from Cutler.

2.) Devin Aromashodu (WR)

Since we're already on the subject of the Chicago Bears, we might as well cover rising star Devin Aromashodu. Devin #2 didn't get much playing time last year not playing his first snap until Week 10; despite QB Jay Cutler urging for him to start. In the last 2 games of the NFL season, with Johnny Knox sitting out, Aromashodu had 12 receptions for 196 yards and 3 TD's. In a 16 game season, he would be on pace for 1500 yards and nearly 100 receptions. Let's not jump overboard with those predictions, but look out for a great season from Devin #2.

3.) Julian Edelman (WR)

Another young star in the making is the New England Patriots, Julian Edelman. With Wes Welker out with a late season ACL tear last year, Edelman took over. When I say took over, I mean "took over". In the week 17 game where Welker was injured, Edelman posted 10 receptions, 103 yds and a preview of what we'll see this season. With a similar style to Welker, and Brady at the helm, Julian Edelman might become Brady's new favorite target. Oh, and at 24 years old, he's 5 years younger than Welker.

4.) Tim Tebow (QB)

Tim Tebow will probably be the most followed Rookie Quarterback of the entire 2010-11 draft class. Tebow talk started with his "controversial" Superbowl Ad. Now it's all about his completely revamped throwing motion and how that will hold up in the NFL. There have been a lot of questions about his skill, but we've never questioned his heart or his leadership. With Kyle "Mr. Mediocrity" Orton, (or "Neckbeard", as I've heard him called) and the unproven Brady Quinn as his competition, I can see Tebow taking control of the team by at least Week 5. He'll show us a real life example of what a blend of hard work and passion can create.

5.) Jordan Shipley (WR)

The Cincinnati Bengals are stacked with receivers. Ochocinco, Terrell Owens, and Antonio Bryant. Jordan Shipley is currently the 4th String WR. I don't think he'll play like one. Shipley showed me the kind of receiver he was going to be in the NFL in the National Championship against Alabama. He had 10 catches for 122 yards and 2 TD's against one of the nation's best defenses, receiving passes from a freshman QB. Most of the attention will be on T.O. and Ocho, which will make life easy for Shipley. Offensive ROY perhaps?

6.) Ladanian Tomlinson (RB)

L.T. is a beast--or at least was a beast. He's had less than stellar seasons in recent memory due to nagging injuries the past few seasons. I, for one, think he's still got gas in the tank. Predictions are that he'll primarily be used as a 3rd down back in the Jets heavy run offense. With the loss of Thomas Jones, I think he'll split the carries with Shonn Green. What he does with those carries, especially in the play-action, will be pretty phenomenal. Watch out for the Jets this year. They'll be dangerous.

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Revisiting Resolutions: 4 mid-year resolutions to enhance "Brand YOU"

In 2010, I, like many of you made New Year’s resolutions. Often times, it’s really easy to lose track of those resolutions or shift your focus. So I decided it might be a good idea to write down my resolutions so I could reference them and keep on track.

In 2010, I wanted to be more patient and punctual. I also wanted to eat healthier, learn something new every day and exercise more consistently. Now it’s July and I’ve done a pretty good job with many of those goals. However, I’ve also added a few more goals to the list, and I wanted to share them with you. Maybe publishing it on the web will help me remain accountable and maybe they’ll inspire you to do the same.

1.) Give More than You take

We’re only here on this earth for a little while. While it’s important to strive for personal goals and autonomy, it’s equally important to give back. Giving feels good. There’s this internal elation you get that is invaluable. Not only that, the same way that a smile is contagious, giving to others is too. It’ll help make the world a better place. (Special thanks to Seth Godin for the inspiration)

2.) Take the lead

Ari Gold from the hit HBO series, Entourage is one of my heroes. His ambition, passion, assertiveness and sometimes cut-throat approach to his life is downright inspiring. Flaws and all, he’s a great leader. That’s something I want to strive for.

Bill Parcels, former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys once said, "Blame no one. Expect nothing. Do something." That’s a bit of advice I want to take with me the rest of this year.

3.) Trust your instincts

More often than not, that gut feeling you get about certain things is the right one. But there are also many blinders and outside influences that may distract you from trusting that feeling. Everyone doesn’t have great instincts about everything, but everyone has great instincts about something. Once you find out what that something is, you can use it to your advantage.

4.) Hone your skills as a Salesman

One of my professors this past year made the claim that there are two ways to make a lot of money in this world. Get really good at marketing or really good at selling. Obviously there are other ways, but the skills you learn as a salesperson will go a long way. You learn to deal with people, conquer objections, understand thought processes of customers and people and build relationships. Regardless of whether or not you want to go into sales as a profession, mastering the art can help you in virtually any career path you choose to take.

Thanks for listening.

How are you striving to be a better person and citizen in 2010?