Sweet Homecoming

“This fall, I’m going to take my talents to South Beach”

This was the words that Lebron James used in his decision to bolt Cleveland for Miami.

Well, how about Brian Scalabrine?

Who?!

For 2 straight days, I got a treat to watch NBA games live. I was assigned at our warehouse thus enabling me to open up my television set and tune to BTV for live games. Friday, it was the most anticipated game of this season as James returned back as a visiting player as his Miami Heat faced the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Saturday, it was Brian Scalabrine’s turn to take the limelight as he returned to Boston as a member of the Chicago Bulls.

The Heat-Cavs hype was so blistering that BTV has to cut the announcing of starting lineups of Miami Heat. There, Lebron did his famous pre-game ritual during his tenure as a Cavalier by his then famous powder throw, a simple slap on the face of every Cavs fan. Every time James held on the ball, the crowd booed like there’s no tomorrow. Every miss, fans cheered like they’ve won the championship. And every time James hit a basket, the crowd was silent. By the third quarter, the Quicken Loans Arena was like a cemetery as James dominated his former team. And in the fourth quarter, the outcome was undoubtedly decided.

James drew the last laugh.

I was a James fanatic when he was in Cleveland. But when he bolted his hometown to join Wade and monkey look-alike Bosh, there it hit me that this guy is an ass. While watching the game, I even hoped this guy to suffer an ACL, which it never did. Instead, James proved me wrong by hitting shots after shots on every defender thrown at him by Coach Byron Scott. There, I was too pissed off knowing karma hasn’t sided with Cleveland.

But on Saturday, I got a treat as I was able to watch the final 2 minutes of the game between Bulls and Celtics. Celtics were leading by 14 that time. Since the game was already decided, I just thought of finishing the final 2 minutes before returning to work.

Then there was a loud cheer and a standing ovation from the Boston crowd.

It was a like a Paul Pierce-like standing ovation 2 years ago when he injured his knee in Game one of the finals and returned to the game.

But it was not Pierce. It was neither a superstar.

It was my main man, Brian Scalabrine going to the scorer’s box.

As Scalabrine entered the game, the Celtics fans gave him a standing ovation. The blonde curly haired dude clearly was touched upon the reaction of the fans. There was even one point that fans started to cheer “We want Scalabrine!”. Once he held the ball, the crowd went frenzy, hoping the latter would at least attempt one shot or even score at least a point.

But he passed up.

At least on the box score, Scalabrine didn’t have a DNP-Coach Decision against Boston.

There my friend is the difference between a Brian Scalabrine to a stupid punk ass jerk in Lebron James.

For a bench warmer to receive that kind of ovation is amazing. For a superstar and a future hall of famer, that was pretty embarrassing.

James has relegated himself as the biggest villain in NBA history. His decision to bolt for a winner clearly states that he cannot carry a team all by himself. His decision to leave Cleveland despite all efforts put by then GM Danny Ferry simply states that this guy is a clown, asking for his supporting role yet he cannot deliver the Cavs to the big dance.

As for Scalabrine, man I feel for this guy. For me, he must be the most appreciated player in NBA history when it comes to being bench warmer. Who in the history of NBA does any player receive this kind of ovation from a crowd who once played for a team that rides the bench all along?

Scalabrine just gave me a clearer view of the term “bench-warmer”. It does not take to be a superstar to get treated like one. It only took one minute for Scalabrine to be appreciated. It only took one word from their coach for him to get that kind of respect he deserves in his return to Boston Garden.

Cavaliers fans, move on. James will never be back in Cleveland.

Boston, get ready for another round of ovation once this Scalabrine guy returns to Boston for the final meeting with the Bulls late this year.

And do me one favor Boston, please retire the number 44 and hang it on the rafters because on what happened that night, it was pretty special. Hang his jersey with career averages of like 2 points per game but received a standing ovation on one of the most historic arena in the NBA, the Boston Garden.

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A Weekend To Remember...

During weekends, people usually get up late and stayed at home to rest. Others go to church and went straight to malls afterwards to take a stroll.

Me? I just got back from a dreadful, tiring but a satisfying weekend.

8 months ago during my first run, I watched in awe on how runners finish up their 21 kilometers run. I watched in astonishment on how they can withstand the pain, heat and the distance to complete such run. I even told myself, not even one person could ever talk me into running that far.

Whoops.

November 21, 2010, I finished a route not all runner could even complete. It was a route that will definitely brings the best out of all runners. It was a distance that will simply push each runner to their limit. It was that run that could determine one’s patience and perseverance.

Hence, it was the 32 Kilometer run.

As I’ve stated before, I was jittery. Even before the run began, I was nervous. I was shaking, evident to the fact that I went to the comfort room thrice in less than 20 minutes. People were warming up, taking short jogs and stretching. Others were taking their pre-runs vitamins like hammer gel, beans, etc while me, I’m just waiting in the starting line, hoping that the short rest is enough to propel me into the finish line.

4:30AM. It was a dark early morning as thousands of runners piled up in an effort to finish the run. Runners with several fashion trends patiently waited for the official start of the race. As the gun start fired, there I know that I’m part of the longest run of that day and it was the perfect time to face my fear.

For the first 19 kilometers, I ran slower compared to normal speed because I know I had to endure a longer distance and I had to conserve my stamina. I was neither even tired nor exhausted during that distance. I even kept telling myself, “Is this it? No challenge at all”. I even took only 3 out of 8 possible water stations.

As I approached the 22^nd kilometer, cramps starting to set in. It was in McKinley Hill that my leg started to feel a nagging pain that hindered my run. At first, I tried to brush it off, quoting myself “No Pain, no gain.” As I continue to run towards Heritage Park, the pain of cramps set it off. I tried to keep on running but simply to no avail. It was in the uphill climb of Lawton Avenue that I started to doubt myself whether I could finish the run or not.

On the 26^th kilometer, I was so relieved that I finally passed through the dreadful route of Heritage. As I started to run at a slower pace in the Lawton Avenue, my thoughts were very simple. I just need to pass McKinley Hill then I’m back in business. As my route finally started showing signs that I could still complete the route in my desired time, I started to feel confident knowing that it’s just a matter of time before I can see the word “FINISH”.

As I passed through Rizal drive, I saw one signboard that made me smile. It was written in a large font containing text “31K. Turn ->”. It was that time reality starting to set in. It was that time I questioned myself, “Am I really just 6-8 minutes away from completing this run?”

Reality did set in.

On the last turn towards the fort, I finally saw the word that has been eluding me for the past 4 hours.

“FINISH”

Alas, I’m a 32k finisher.

Never in my wildest dreams had I ever imagined completing this run. I never imagined that in my 26 years of existence, running will be my secondary sport behind basketball. Never had I imagined that I could run 32 kilometers for the fact that one year ago, I could not even run one complete fastbreak in basketball.

Everybody can call themselves runners. Everybody can run like 100 meters and call themselves runners. But not everybody has the mantra and the dedication to sacrifice in training and complete long distance runs. If half marathon is not enough, add 11 more kilometers to it as I used to say.

I’ll enjoy this moment for now knowing that I have just done what others deemed as impossible. I’ll let this sink in for a while. I was fortunate enough that God blessed me to have the energy to run despite my cramps. I’ll rest this sore knees of mine, knowing that this might not be the biggest accomplishment in my life when it comes to running.

Dream bigger, as they used to say. Well, it’s never too late to dream of a full marathon isn’t it?

Well folks, I just did. I dreamt and I was rewarded with a reality, a reality with a gold medal and a finisher shirt that says “I survived 32k” :)

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Time To Rewrite History

One month ago, i can still recall posting on my FB status "Just completed my pre-suicidal act.. i just registered myself for 32k run this November.."

Now, I can't believe that it's really happening.

In less than 48 hours, the biggest run of my life will officially unfolds. November 21, 2010 4:30 AM, i will be one of the many aspirants hoping to add another milestone to our resume when it comes to running.

Probably, i'm also one of the runners who are dreaming on conquering the last step-ladder to a full marathon of 42.195 KM.

As of now, jitters are starting to set in. Doubts, fear and the imagination of how long the route will be are the ones that running through my mind. I began to doubt myself whether i could really do this or not. I doubt whether my knee could hold for more than 3 hours of punishment. Friends who advised me before to skip this 32k is now turning to be a good idea.

Well, too late for that.

I'm hoping for the best. I'm hoping that weather would be an ally. I'm hoping that water stations are properly placed. I'm praying that i could withstand the pain and fatigue in order to withstood the greatest challenge ever faced me in the field of running. Like I've said, I've been an avid fan of this sport and completing this route will mean a lot to me.

Determination, Dedication and desire. 3 D's that i will remember throughout this run. I've conquered enough grounds for a rookie that now i find even more challenging route. Running from Manila Hotel all the way up to SM By The Bay and returning back to Manila Hotel is probably long enough for me to cover my stamina. Jogging,sprinting and rounding the wide school area of UP is probably fast enough for me to cover my speed. And countless hours in the gym working out to keep myself in the best possible shape is hopefully enough for me to complete this route.

As people used to quote, "Run Mike, Run". Well, i will. But when the going gets tough and my knees prevent me from running, then it's the perfect time to change the slogan to "Walk Mike, Walk".

But surely, i will give this run my best shot to complete in a best possible time.

Time to rewrite history.

32K to be added in the growing list of my achievements, or will it be first among my failure?

We'll see.... :)

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A New Beginning

Survey says that we people tend to do at least one stupid stuff in our lives that in the end, we will fully regret it.

People says that when people get heart broken or fallen deeply in love, we usually do something stupid or weird that we don't even care the outcome just so as long as we can do that certain something.

Yes, it is proven a fact that people go through these stages.

Including me.

For the past 4 months, i was blinded by a certain someone. I was down and depressed when i lost her. I did stupid stuff that my closest friends never imagined i could ever done in my entire life. These things haunted me as time goes by, wondering how could i ever done these things to myself. Questions began circling around my head, asking myself do i simply deserve this.

The past 4 months, i rebelled against my parents knowing they were the cause as to why i lost someone. I blamed myself being a Chinese and even blamed Chinese tradition as to why this tradition has to be surfaced and i have to suffer to their so-called beliefs. I blamed God and began to doubt whether there was even one. I was so hard to myself, telling myself if i could have done things differently than these things would not have happened.

Pretty stupid, huh? Well, it was really stupid and childish and i regret making those mistakes.

Now i realized the simple slogan, "Everything happens for a reason".

Better yet, I got bumped in the head and i finally woke up... in reality that is.

Closest friends keep asking me "Mike, kelan ka magigising?". Well, the time is now. I faced reality. Simple as that.

I tried to defy the odds of hoping to do the impossible. People doubted me, telling me it was simply impossible. Just 2 weeks ago, i just won the biggest battle that have faced me in 26 years of my existence. Now i ask myself, do i still deserved to be knocked down when all the happiness is out there for me to grab? Is it the end of the world just because i lost someone? Is there really no reason for me to live here in this world just because of one incident that happened on July 10,2010?

A simple answer. No. And the once arrogant, confident, young man named Michael Kent is back.

Bitter? I've matured enough to dispose bitterness inside me. Regret? We made choices in life that we need to face their respective consequences and regret is something that doesn't exist in my dictionary anymore.

When one door closes, another opens. This is one slogan that i would remember for the rest of my life. From Jennylyn Ong, God gave me a chance to know a better girl in Sheila Gaw. When things didn't work out, God gave me another wonderful opportunity in someone named Leah Andrea Amutan. For the past year, God gave me all the perfect memories that i would never forget being with her. As they used to say, "All good things must come to an end". Sadly, we parted ways on July 10,2010.

Who's next? I still don't know. But one thing that i'm sure of.. There will be someone after Leah Andrea..

Moving on is a phase and i can say I'm 80% closer towards that goal. I learned my lesson. It took me 2 years to move on from Sheila. 2 years is a very long period of sadness, bitterness and depression. Now, let's try 4-5 months as i try to close out one of the saddest chapter of my life.

Now, it's a perfect time for a new chapter. A new beginning that would make the book of Michael Kent interesting once again.

All it takes is one bump in the head. And of course, reality as well. :)

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Here We Go Again...

Before, I posted something about Chinese tradition that I promised myself I would not do it anymore.

But this time around, it’s really driving me crazy.

For the love of God, how do you expect your own son to fall for someone right away?! How do you expect me to simply move on from my past relationship and date someone they’ve just met 2 weeks ago that they liked to death?

Are they really that desperate finding me a new special someone knowing myself can’t even move on from my tainted past?

Promise broken. Let me bash these people for one more time. I just can’t take it anymore. Just one last time.

Months after I broke up with someone, my parents were so excited that I finally broke up with someone that they don’t approve me having a relationship. They were so thrilled to know that their only son is finally single and separated from my girlfriend. For the second time in 2 months, they tried to set me up with someone. Most recently, on a special date 10-10-10, they set me up with someone whom they got to know on a Buddhist temple. Before setting up the meeting, my parents kept asking for my picture. They kept pushing me to give them my recently taken photo to show this to the girl that is being arranged to me.

Kai-Shaw. This is an ancient tradition that Chinese people called for setting up a male and a female hoping to end up in a relationship. Now, let me rephrase their call for Kai-Shaw. It should be called Haw-Shaw.. in short for crazy or unbelievable.

For a long period of time, I told them I had a girlfriend that I know they won’t approve. I tried my best to convince them to at least get to know or at least meet her. All I heard was “Hiwalayan mo yan!” or “Di namin tatanggapin yan!” or the worst case “Tanga ka ba?! Tingin mo papayag ako i-meet yan?!”.

Now, all I’m hearing from them are lines that is so similar.. lines such as “Kelan mo siya i-memeet ulit?” or “Nagtetext ba kayo? Text mo ha mike..” or the worst case “Bakit di mo siya tinext ngayon?”

I just realized that they must really hate my previous girlfriend that they kept pushing me to meet someone that they really liked regardless if I’m interested or not.

Isn’t this what we call as the modern Crab Mentality?!

If there is really a God, please let them realize that meeting or even falling for someone is not a forceful action. You just can’t force their own and only son to like someone just because my parents like the family or the girl. You can’t ask me stupid questions like what I stated above. Even monks from Buddhist temple call at our house looking for rumors about our development with the girl that they arranged for me. They even know that I didn’t text her that day or that week.

Monks?! You’re the slave or we so-called prophet of Buddha yet even they are trying to intervene in my fucked up life.

Like we used to say, “Are you kidding me?”

Again, this is another stupid tradition invented by a stupid man. Yes, I’m bashing my own tradition again. It’s pretty senseless to force someone to like someone and ending up in marriage. It’s a stupid point of view considering I have a girlfriend before yet they don’t ever said “Text mo siya ha mike..”. All I heard was “Hiwalayan mo siya!”. Isn’t it painful enough for my side wishing they could have said those words when I was with my previous girlfriend? Isn’t it frustrating enough that they kept pushing a “REBOUND” girl for me?

It’s ok if they want to set me up with someone but don’t force me to go out with her. It’s ok if they tried to introduce me to someone but please, please, please never force me to like her. It’s not an ideal feeling hearing those stupid questions from them. Do they really believe that I’m desperate to find a new girlfriend?!

All these times, I still like my previous girlfriend. I still wondered what could have happened if we’re still together. Countless nights I hoped that time can be turned back so that I could have done things differently. I have slowly accepted the fact that we’re not meant to be. I have accepted the fact that it was our culture that led us to be separated.

Now, I’m starting to regret why I was even born Chinese… again…

To my relatives who can read this blog, please help me. Please let my parents realize in their teeny-weeny brain that it was never easy losing someone and it was never a bright idea to force me to meet someone in just a short period of time. Please let them realize that if I ever learn to love again, I want to do it in my way, not their way.

Before, I have done everything they want just in order for them to meet my ex-girlfriend yet they didn’t give in to my request. Now, it’s my time to decline their request.

As I will say this again for one last time… Chinese people who found this post offensive.. I’m open to suggestions if you dare…

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Smoker's Delight? Nah....

Nice one, Mr. Ona.

I'm not even applauding for his idea. This is sarcastic.

Come on, higher tax for cigarettes?!

Cigarettes, a powerful influential object used to satisfy one's self, is now being discouraged by DOH, simply by implementing tax. One's considered as the cheapest yet the deadliest vice, smoking has been a habit in the Philippines. Even myself, who once tried and admittedly became a fan of Mr. Marlboro but has decided to quit due to my running career, is discouraged by the news of the proposed plan of our newest kill-joy DOH secretary.

Currently, one stick costs Php 2.00. Now, by implementing a tax of $0.10(which is 4.50), a stick of once cost 2.00 becomes tripled, close to Php 7.00 per stick. One pack costs Php 40.00. Again, with tax involved, it simply became Php 90 ranging up to Php 120.

How can a low-tier employee afford Php 7.00 per stick if one is consuming close to one pack, which is 20 sticks a day? Middle-class employee or employer can probably afford these prices with such consent but how about those minimum wage employees who in their belief, smoking is part of their everyday life?

Both has pros and cons. Cons, you're taking away one's daily routine. As our driver would say, "yosi nalang ang pampawala ng pagod at stress namin, tataas pa". I seriously doubt that people would approve this proposal. Smokers has a saying, as my previous colleague would say, "kung nakakamatay ito, mas masaya nang mamatay na nagawa ko lahat ng bawal, at least ng enjoy ako."

Pros, you're saving one's health. Lesser guys or gals who would be sitting outside of Starbucks sitting in their comfortable chair just to smoke, kahit mukha silang tae di naman bagay mag-yosi. Also, you're calling out on smokers to use their hard-earned money to buy food or other things instead of wasting on cigarettes, which is true. Clean living as they say, and a better quote to describe is, "better safe than sorry."

Me? I've quit smoking ever since I tried long runs. I've discovered, i don't know if other smokers would agree, is that quitting smoking makes me comfortable in running and even basketball. I just feel so bad for these low-tier employees if this bill is passed. I know people can still afford cigarettes. What is Php 120.00 for those managerial level employees or even businessmen? Even staffs of companies absolutely can afford this figure but at what cost? Lung cancer?

If President Noynoy read this blog, he can think, use yout bald head and a teeny weeny brain to consider whether this bill is really amendable or not. Think of what you're taking away from those people who will not be able to afford cigarettes if these VAT is passed. Maybe it's time to blame my favorite senator, the useless Ralph Recto for passing another useless bill, which is E-VAT.

Lastly, I'm not a smoker but I still feel for these smokers.

Are you with me Mr. Ona? Perhaps a tobacco session with Fidel Ramos might do the trick.

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Game Over No More

To those people who thought my slogan was "Game over", think again.

August 1,2010, the day Michael Kent courageously faced the challenge of finishing his first ever 21K. It was also the day wherein every emotion of my face were taken at the photovendo. It was also the day wherein the term "happy pain" finally came to realization to me.

5Am was the gunstart for 21K. At first, i was still nervous, not knowing what may face me during the course of the run. As runners, who looked deceiving with their snazzy outfits, prepared their initial stretching workouts, my initial reaction was "what the heck?". For the record, during runs, I never perform stretching workouts. I just stand and wait for the official run to begin.

During the course of the run, the weather was breezy and calm. It was 5AM and the wind was an ally of every runner. As we coursed through Macapagal Avenue, circled our way from Sofitel and returned outside into the Star City road, It was only 4KM and i see runners who began walking. Knowing i can still withstand the fatigue, I continue to jog, not even minding he first 2 water stations.

As I approached the 11KM signboard, I just realized that I 've been running 11KM straight and there's 10KM more to go. This time, I felt confident going into the last 10KM. I just keep telling myself, "One more hour Mike". As i look at my stopwatch, I see the time 1:17:10 during my first 11KM, again, i kept telling myself, "you're doing a good job for a first timer".

Confidence and Determination are two words I pride myself coming into this race and so far, these words has not failed me. As we runners wound up in the rigid Aguinaldo Highway, fatigue sets in. Pain is now your best enemy and the word "QUIT" is beginning to be a factor. Dehydration also plays a key role, as the weather is becoming warmer, no thanks to the sun. So i decided to stop on all water stations. Garnering 3 plastic water cups and 2 cups of Powerade on every stations.

After reaching powerstation, circling towards Blue Wave and I saw another signboard that reads 18KM, the adrenaline of running becomes higher knowing that a dream of finishing 21K is now in my hands. The passion of finishing the run never diminished, instead became doubled knowing the fact that I'm just 3KM away from achieving something I've never accomplished before.

Cramps began haunting me. The pain in my lower leg is no longer bearable. This time around, I saw a marshall who even told me, "kaya mo pa yan Sir! Konting tiis nalang".

Then it hit me.

A signboard that says "20KM. Only 1KM to go... Even Mt. Everest was defeated one step at a time".

With this sight, I was rejuvenated knowing I'm probably just 6 minutes away from my first ever finishers medal.

Countless chants of "Konte pa mike", i began talking to myself, pumping myself up for the last kilometer. As i passed on every people who began walking, again i told myself, "tignan mo sila, naglalakad, kaw tumatakbo pa din. Kaya pa para sa medal". As i run, i looked at the street road alone, not looking ahead so that the distance of the finish line will not affect me.

As i ran, I saw the last signboard and my eyes began to beam like a 7 year-old child. It was the signboard every runners wish to see. It has a big caption written "F I N I S H".

Even myself forgotten that I've been suffering from cramps. As I saw the six letter words, all i can imagine is the finishers medal. Running like there's no tomorrow, i gave it all i had. As i stepped on the finish line, my D-tag sounded and there goes the ballgame folks.

Michael Kent is a 21k finisher, their unofficial time timed 2:30:31.

For me, this has got be the greatest UNDERDOG story I have ever encountered. A man who even can't complete 2KM of running, a former 230 lbs and obese 2, who have dedicated himself with hardwork and perseverance to achieve what he is today, is simply amazing. I pride myself for what I have transformed, turning a once loser into a over-achieving rookie.

For 6 months of running, I've completed 3K,5K,10K,16K and 21K. Friends are encouraging me to push myself to the limits. I know i can push myself to the limits. So people are asking me, What's next big race for Michael Kent?

October there's the King of The Road, which i will be running under 21K. And lastly, November. The RunRio Trilogy 3rd leg, which I will run in the 32K category.

Being an underdog is what brings my best out.

Glory. This is one word I will cherish for a long time after conquering this run.

Redemption is one word I'll continue to do, to prove all those people who misjudge me wrong.

Confidence will still be my best ally, something I've lost for 2 years.

To put it short, Michael Kent just don't quit.

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For The Love of a Finisher Medal

It's been an interesting 6 months for me.

It all started at Globe's 2010 Run For Home, wherein I tried running under the 5k category. Ever since the fun run was initiated here in the Philippines, it was only this year where I gained the courage to try to run and test my endurance.

From mini runs of 5k to 10k, all i ever cared was sweating so that I can trim myself down. Once I clocked below 1 hour, I'm already satisfied.

Then came a sudden change of heart.

I simply fell in love with the sport of running...

After completing 3 five kilometer runs and 4 10K runs, I tried DLSU's 16K dash last July. Nervous at first but fully determined to finish this advance race, I withstood severe leg cramps to finish the 16K with a time of 1 hour and 49 minutes. Here, I realized that running is one sport that can determine your endurance and one's toughness.

Toughness it is. As the former 230 lbs, obese 2 guy is on verge of completing his first ever 21K and claiming his first finisher medal.

In less than 48 hours, I will participate in this year's Rexona Run under the 21K category. At first, i hesitated to join this category since I thought it would be too soon for me to test my running skills since I started running just months ago.

Then it hit me. I'll do it because I know I can do it.

The only thing can stop me is the word "QUIT", and this former obese 2 who can't even complete 1Km run, have no plans of quitting in his first attempt to complete 21K. I have 2 choices once the gunstart fires, either I withstood all the pain and claim glory upon completing the 21K, or quit and take a cab back to the finish line.

Well folks, this is a no-brainer answer.

Definitely, Michael Kent is going for the juggernaut.

What makes this run extra special, is that there will be finishers medal on all 21K contestants. I saw the route map and began to doubt myself if I can complete the route.

Than a slogan hit me.

"Focus. Keep your eyes on the prize."

That's one thing I will do this Sunday, inspired that the fact I can achieve my first ever finisher's medal, I will dedicate this run for my late granny. I'm going to make her proud. For the fact that 21K is NOT a beginners's type of run, it just gave me enough motivation to finish this route.

Death Run, as I call this 21k run, is something I know I can overcome. With less than 2 days to prepare, I can fully say that I'm ready, mentally and physically. As Michael Buffer would always say on every Manny Pacquiao bouts, "Let's get ready to rumble..."

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Monstrous

After witnessing Game one of Cleveland-Boston 2nd round matchup, here's one word that best describes Lebron James.

Monster.

Despite suffering from an elbow injury, James carried his beloved Cleveland Cavaliers past arch-rival Boston Celtics 101-93 in Game one of their semifinals matchup. On a night he received his second straight MVP plum, James delivered another head-turner performance, a show that all Cavs fan expected and unfortunately for Celtics fans, regret.

A Michael Jordan flashback as they say.

Despite facing a Pierce-Allen-Garnett on the other side of the court, James showed no fear as he striked when it mattered most. With fans up at their feet waiting for a killer blow with the Cavs leading 98-93 with 44 seconds, James set up of the left wing, pulled up for a three-pointer that would finish off the Celtics.

Swish.

And the Celtics were done for the night.

Dubbed as the best closer in the sport of basketball, James is flourishing with his renewed knack of hitting big shots one after another. After a disappointing playoffs last year wherein James was not around when the Cavs needed him the most, his game rose to another level. A milestone of greatness. And now surrounded with more supporting casts, James is enshrining himself as the best player of this generation, surpassing Kobe Bryant.

Jordan needs a Pippen. James? He almost single-handedly carried Cleveland into NBA championship all by himself. Last year, they acquired Mo Williams but Orlando exposed their weakness thru inside and post plays.

This year? Don't even think about it.

Danny Ferry acquired all the help James could ever dream of. Another proven scorer in Jamison. A low post presence in Shaq. Another 3 point threat in Anthony Parker. Say, are there any people who can say that Cleveland has a weak point? Not with Lebron around.

Injured of not, Lebron is a force to reckon with. Playing with one or two elbows doesn't matter. This is the time for Lebron to showcase his greatness. This is the time which every wins counts. This is the time of the year where all teams persevere through their hard work. This is the time of the year which all players live for.

And this is the perfect time for Lebron to plant his still-growing dynasty into the NBA.

As the slogan says, "Go Get Them". This is the perfect slogan that each Cavaliers fans would wish Lebron upon his first championship. Get that ring and stay in Cleveland for a very long time.

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Screw You Adrian Dantley

Denver Nuggets fans, 2010 season is not a season to remember.

Early part of the season, Denver seemed poised to even overtake Lakers as the best team in the West. With a strong core that consists of Carmelo Anthony, Chauncy Billups, JR Smith, Kenyon Martin, Nene and Chris Andersen, Nuggets were then picked as the team that is capable of winning the Western Conference championship.

Suddenly, that has changed.

Ever since George Karl took a leave of absence due to his Cancer ailment, the Nuggets have gone disastrous. They went 11-8 in their final 19 games under interim coach Adrian Dantley. They placed second before falling into fourth place in the Western Conference seedings, a seeding which teams tried to avoid facing the Lakers once they advance past the first round.

Now it seems like they're going home early in this year's postseason.

Facing a Utah Jazz team without AK47 and Mehmet Okur, it seemed like it would be a walk in the park for the Nuggets. They won Game one convincingly, 126-113 before falling 3 straight including one on their home floor. Deron Williams simply dominated this Nuggets team with Dantley having no answer for this year's best point guard. To make matters worst, Nene could not even average more than 10 points per game in this series, a fact that only a Fesenko defending him.

Dantley is a clown. He should shoulder the blame for all the Nuggets lost. As a matter of fact, I've never seen any coach fielding in 5 second and third stringers during a second quarter game. How would I forget that his unit of Anthony Carter, Ty Lawson, Malik Allen, Joey Graham and Chris Andersen would be playing at all the same time during a crucial stretch of the second quarter? I hate this guy to death because of his stupidity.

Columnist praised Dantley for his job well done. Here's a link: http://www.aurorasentinel.com/articles/2010/04/15/sports/local_sports/doc4bc7a004bf0b5662129884.txt

Has these people lost their mind praising a coach who couldn't even lead his team past a team that is missing 2 regular starters?

Just remind me if Denver had a sudden change of heart because this guy is just making the Denver Nuggets franchise look bad, just like the look of his ugly face.

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Mizuno Infinity Run, My Second 5k Run Preview

Before, when i see people jogging, i used to call them losers. I used to think that these people who are joining fun runs have nothing to do in their life. I used to label them as stupid morons for wasting their energy running around a field.

Remember the slogan, "If you can't beat them, join them."

Serves me right.

After 2 years, my renowned determination to stay fit has led me back to the event that i previously hated the most, which is running. It was only now i realized how running can be such fun. Before, i used to run treadmills for just 5 minutes. I can even barely complete one round of basketball court rounds. That we before when i weighed a whopping 220 lbs.

Now slimmer and lighter at 176 lbs, running has given me a new sport that i can craze about. Running for me is not how you run fast, but how you condition yourself in long runs. Marathons such as those 3K,5K and 10K have given me new challenges that i need to overcome.

Last March, I made my running debut during the Globe's Run For Home 2010. I started with a 5K marathon. During the preparations for this run, i trained myself to stop all negative vices such as smoking, eating a lot of rice and maintaining proper diet. The result was a respective 36 mins for a 5K newbie. For me, it's not bad considering I only prepared 2 weeks for this event.

Now, here comes Mizuno. Again, I'll be running under the 5K category, hoping to surpass my previous mark of 36 mins. Now lighter and more confident, I can see myself besting my previous time. There's no doubt in my mind that i can easily surpass this new challenge and improve my running skills. And another positive side, I can shed off more baby fats that is left under my tummy. :)

So, On April 11 at 5:30 AM, when the gun starts, it's all business. What makes this run more special is that this is my first run since the death of my grandmother and i'm dedicating this run for her. For all these years, she have been pushing me to do better, tone down. Now that she's gone, she can witness from above how her favorite grandson perform a whole lot better in his second 5K run.

For those people who don't know me, I'm a type of person who set goals during an event. During Globe's Run For Home, my goal was to limit my time in less than 45 minutes, which i was able to do. Now, in this second run, i would like to set my time in less than 30 minutes. Hopefully, I could complete the run in less than 30 minutes and set a new all-time for myself. :)

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