Dream Journal: Doctor Basketball

I am a six-foot-nine basketball phenom. Seem to be in high school and garnering the attention that great ball players get in the 21st century. News conferences, sycophants crowd me whereever I go, signing autographs... and of course dominating suckers on the court.

 

Years pass by. I am finishing college. People are now treating me with surprise and confusion. Why?

 

Because, even though I am in line to be the top pick in the NBA draft, poised to be the best player on the planet, I stayed in school four years. Not only that, but I make the announcement that I am foregoing a Hall of Fame basketball career. Everyone, including "loved ones," are shocked, even angry.

 

"I'm going to medical school," I tell media. No one can believe it at first but it's true. The fall that would have been my rookie year, I have enrolled in a northeast medical university.

 

More years fly by. I'm talking to smiling child patients and their parents, standing before them with a white coat and touch tablet...

 

 

Ultimate Sports Force: Basketball Stars Go 'Toon

This blog is basically a logging of all the stuff I've pack-ratted since childhood, carried around from town to town, and am now either trashing or re-using. We want to study everything from a Biblical point of view.

 In one box I pulled from storage, I found a comic book sponsored by the NBA. [-garbage bound-] This book is kind of like the ones you get for free in the cereal box.

 

The comic  turns basketball players into super-powered menaces who believe they're heroes. At least, that's what J. Jonah Jameson says.

 





The comic features stars like Dirk Nowitzki, Tracy McGrady and Elton Brand, the elite at the time of the book's 2004 publication. "Air and Space" is so generic that it's about as harmful as organic milk.

 

Any kid who likes this kind of cartoon already idolizes NBA players, so imagining Gilbert Arenas as a flying jumpsuit-wearing superhero is well-trod ground.

 

The super-ballers get their powers
from a mystical basketball. That's not a typo.

In the story, a team of twelve players take advice from a striking alien. The e.t. warns them of ugly creatures, his rivals, coming to attack Earth.

 

Turns out that the creatures are the good guys. Sure, this comic book is obviously a quick money grab. But the readers, if there were any kids who bought this, are taught that appearances can be deceiving--a biblical principle which goes down nicely.

 

John 7:24  Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

 

 

Redskins Name Debate: Sports False Flag

While searching for good images of a living and breathing Native American playing the part of a Washington Redskin mascot, it became obvious that the task would prove difficult. I kept running into photos of this guy:

Chief Zee

 
From the Power, Oppression, and Privilege in Sports website: Basically those of us who are calling for a change in these racist mascots are simply calling for respect!  Once again, political correctness is essentially a call for respect.  If it is hurtful to the group in question when you use certain terms (like the blatantly racist term Redskin) or when you use certain imagery, don’t do it!  It is hurtful!

This is an honorable attitude. But longtime Skin fan "Chief Zee" and arguments over sports names are irrelevant to those with the eyes to see.

Satan and his agenda are real. He is very capable at his task, which is to blind the minds of unbelievers, and keep them from receiving Jesus Christ as the only Savior.

2nd Corinthians 4:4, “In whom the god of this world hath BLINDED THE MINDS of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

***

All around us we are seeing an increase in New Age symbolism, one pastor wrote. It would seem we are being slowly indoctrinated into its philosophies supported by an acceptance of its symbols.

 

Consider the change from the "Washington Bullets" to "The Washington Wizards" with the symbols of a WIZARD (Warlock or male witch), a crescent moon, and swastika. In today's environment those symbols must be more politically correct than "bullets."

 

***

 

 “Symbolism is the language of the Mysteries ... By symbols men have ever sought to communicate to each other those thoughts which transcend the limitations of language. Rejecting man-conceived dialects as inadequate and unworthy to perpetuate divine ideas, the Mysteries thus chose symbolism as a far more ingenious and ideal method of preserving their transcendental knowledge. In a single figure a symbol may both reveal and conceal, for to the wise the subject of the symbol is obvious, while to the ignorant the figure remains inscrutable. Hence, he who seeks to unveil the secret doctrine of antiquity must search for that doctrine not upon the open pages of books which might fall into the hands of the unworthy but in the place where it was originally concealed.”

—Manly P. Hall, The Secret Teachings of All Ages, p. 20.

 

Some of our most well-known sports names and logos display this symbolism... the communication of antichrist spirits.

 

 

 

The Houston Texans logo puts this symbolism "language" in our faces. Notice the Baphomet-esque head, with horns... the right eye, represented by a star. This is just one example of the imagery surrounding us.

It's called hiding the truth in plain sight.

Tens of millions football followers, and very few take note of the demonic underpinnings of pro sports. Some know what's going on, and either embrace it or don't care. Sitting on the fence is dangerous in spiritual matters. The fence belongs to the devil.

 

***

The debate over the Washington Redskins mascot name is firing back up, after years of simmering on the coals. The president of the United States, Skins owner Daniel Snyder, media 'head Bob Costas and many others are stating their cases in public.

 

Any time we notice a minor issue like a professional sports team name making huge headlines, we should be suspicious. The Bible says several times, Be not deceived.

What does it mean? "Be not deceived." In this context, it warns us to keep our minds and hearts from focusing on issues like the Redskins debate. Sports are fine in their place, but should be low on our priority list.

Unfortunately, many people around the world have been deceived, immersing ourselves in entertainment fantasy worlds.

We're guilty of idolatry when it comes to sports and athletes. We're all idolaters, in some way. It's all about seeing this truth, admitting that it is in fact true, and repenting (turning away, or changing one's mind).

Mark 1:15, “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”

To a Christian who has read his Bible with discernment, "Wizards" is more deadly than "Redskins." Partly because it seems innocent to the casual eye.

Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

 

Five Ways to Promote Your Indie Novel: Cap'n Random

For the indie writer, getting attention in a saturated market can be a challenge.

 

Here was my guerrilla marketing/promo for the 2013 short novel, "Cap'n Random"...

 

1. Buy a few reviews to be posted on Amazon, Goodreads, and other websites. You can find people to read your book and write (hopefully) honest reviews, for a fee. Fiverr is a freelance site where people perform a number of services, including book reviewing, starting at $5.

2. Make the book available for free, at least briefly, shortly after publication. Most independent writers know about Amazon's KDP platform, which lets us give the work away to gain publicity. Some conditions apply, such as giving Amazon exclusivity during the promo period. For me, this did not translate into more sales after the "giveaway" period. But hundreds of people downloaded Cap'n Random, which may spark some recognition in the future.

3. Do a Goodreads giveaway drawing. I sent three signed copies to the drawing winners. All three were international addresses. There is a "American only" type box and it will be checked, if I do another giveaway.

4. Sign up with a virtual book tour organizer. The well-connected writer can schedule his or her own. For the sake of convenience, I went with an online service, and the organizers set me up with a couple weeks' worth of QnA, essay-type blog visits. Prices and length of tours vary widely. Shopping around paid off dividends.

5. Do the usual social networking announcements. These don't pay of much of anything unless you have majorly devoted followers. Otherwise, only a percentage of them are going to respond. But it is just another place to leave a mark for search engines to sniff out.

 

 

***

 

Did any of these things work? Depends on the goals. Mine were to make a few more neural connections on the InterWeb.  People find links in all kinds of ways... Mission accomplished.

 

I heard or read that, to sell five units of something as a writer, you will need to be exposed to one thousand people! Puts things in perspective. It's a good thing that I'm not in the writing game to make a buck.

 

For those who want that buck... the best hope for the indie writer is to create an aggregate of stories and other art. Find a niche, a personal specialty, and corner it artistically. You could get speaking engagements, seminars, books, and media appearances out of it. Again, this depends on the goals.

 

Unless someone strikes a main vein of interest, or is willing to compromise, there's little chance of a big-time career in fiction writing coming from one book. 

 

Obviously none of this applies to the publicity/marketing genius. This type of person can spin gold by sheer will and personality. For the rest of us, it's best to simply keep producing.

 

***

 

Liz Long

 

Must Read Faster

 

 

 

 

 

NBA Eastern Conference Finals 2001: Philadelphia @ Milwaukee, Game Six (Pt. 1)



Ray Allen

With all the Miami Heat hype, people forget that there was a Big Three just ten years ago, because we are amnesiacs.

There have actually been several "Big Threes" in NBA history who aren't remembered by that name, except by old timers. The McHale-Parish-Bird era in Boston comes to mind as one of the all-time best trios.

More recently, before LeBron, Wade, and Bosh in Miami... and even before the Boston Celtics glued Allen, Garnett and Pierce together in the mid-Aughts... the Milwaukee Bucks did it.

 

They even used a piece that the C's would later grab: Ray Allen. With "Big Dog" Glenn Robinson and Sam Cassell, the trio was dubbed, yes, The Big Three.

The 2001 Bucks meet up with Allen Iverson's Philadelphia 76ers, in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Allen Iverson

Iverson carried Philly's B-minus/C-plus squad through the '00-01 season, scoring in clumps and dazzling fans in his fifth season. "The Answer" averaged 31 points a game over the regular season, adding 4.6 assists and 2.5 steals (along with about 3 turnovers). He raised his scoring by a point in these playoffs, and assists by almost two.

Game Six finds the Sixers leading the series 3-2, and rolling into Milwaukee after a comeback in Game Five.

So it is a typical match-up, familiar to long-time sports fans, between a high-scoring threat who swallows the basketball like a black hole... and a group of slightly-lesser talents who are still excellent...

Super Bowl 2013: Predictions and Notes

Running tab of the big game:

PRE-GAME
First take: Ravens 31, 49ers 27. 

The experts seem to be picking San Fran based on overall talent. A few took Baltimore because of the emotive factor: Ray Lewis is playing his last game and the team has rallied behind him since his retirement announcement before the playoffs. I think the talent difference is overplayed on this stage. So is the 'win one for the Gip' stuff.

I tend to support people who are viciously, over-the-top hated, so I've got to admit that I'm rooting for Lewis a bit. Felt the same about LeBron James after the Cleveland exit, Terrell Owens being constantly blasted for his eccentric diva persona though he's never been in trouble or accused of PED use, etc. Self-righteousness stinks like roadkill.

Colin Kaepernick is cool and collected, but he's very young, and up against one of three Joe Cools in league history: Flacco. (Namath and Montana are the others, of course.) I think that will be the difference. Barely.

 

1ST Q

"Good drama would be kap gets hurt and smith comes and plays a strong game" says a text from my brother. Love that idea.

 

RayRay misses a couple of early open-field tackles and looked very slow. (ETA: He was pretty much at three-quarters speed of the other 21 players all game long.) Kinda deadens the whole PED thing, but the eye test is no proof when it comes to enhancers. I don't care what Bill Simmons says about before-and-after heads of athletes.

GoDaddy's shill Danica Patrick features model Bar Refaeli  and "Walter" trading spit in an irrelevant exercise. Refaeli must have needed a check badly. Can't even think of a good insult for this tripe. But then: It is GoDaddy.Their specialty is pushing out soft porn ads that have nothing to do with buying a web domain. Nothing to see here.

2ND Q

Back to back commercials with the usual agenda. Cross-dressing men eating Doritos...

...and then homoerotic Calvin Klein models. CK has always been mainstream porno.










Raven tight end Pitta catches a touchdown to put Baltimore up 14-3. I have a feeling that the Ravens better get a two or three-score lead... San Fran is a team that can be beat if they're up a bit. But if they're down in the fourth, they get all berserker (like their coach Jim Harbaugh) and score three times over the opponents' stupid prevent D.

Hyundai has an ad about every six commercials. None of them memorable; they're trying too hard. They must have spent their entire '13 budget; we'll see these spots all year.

"It's been chippy from the start," to paraphrase the CBS commentators. An on-the-field brawl after Ed Reed picked Kap off bring it to a head. That was the S.F. QB's first big mistake in his short and moist pro career... interesting to see how he reacts.

Kap has indeed looked just a tad hesitant after his high-stakes INT. Just a tad but enough to throw his timing off... then comes Flacco's TD pass to Jacoby Jones, where Jones burned Culliver twice. Been a while since I've seen a juke that good. Barry Sanders is smiling somewhere.

"Jim Harbaugh is going to eat the face off of a bench player to scare his team into playing better," I text my brother. Halftime score: 21-6.

HALFTIME SHOW

When Beyonce is involved, we are probably gonna see some satanic imagery. Remember last year's show with Madonna, Nicki Minaj and company--Baphomet worshippers galore. That was clearly a satanic ritual. Those who scoff at that simply are uninformed and have no idea what they are looking at. When we don't know something, we should find out about it.

Watch any of Beyonce's recent videos and know she is down with the beast, too. And no way will the agents of the prince of lies allow 100 million-plus viewers to avoid these symbols and sick agendas. No larger audience all year long. Can't-miss opportunity.

Twenty minutes later: More informed people than me will break this down. But first impressions reveal the usual homage to the enemy of mankind. Pyramid hand gestures and light shows... total absence of men and overwhelming feminine energy... nothing new here.

3RD Q
Not long after Jones' 109-yard kickoff return, most of the Superdome lights goes dark for a half-hour. (ETA: the official count was later changed to 108 yards.) Baltimore is up 28-6. The delay is obviously going to hurt the Ravens more, as they had ridiculously nice momenturm. Accident? Or conspiracy to prevent a total blowout game? It will be asked after this game. A conspiracy is simply a secret plan by two or more people, but that word makes "intelligent" people into mockers.

Paraphrasing commentator Phil Simms: The Ravens do a good collective job of keeping Kap from breaking a big one. It's been strange to see so many teams let him take the same angles toward the sidelines for 20-yard runs. Will be a lot of film on him... and Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck, and Robert Griffin III too, of course. Defenses will catch up to these guys. At least as much as the league will allow.

As expected: Kap leads the Niners downfield, Michael Crabtree catches the TD, and the game has totally changed. It looks like the Ravens are going to fold faster than Superman on laundry day, to quote Bart Simpson. Ravens, 28-13, with 7:20 left in the quarter. I see the score being very close early in the fourth... Baltimore is taking their foot off the gas; the lights-out garbage was just in time for the Niners. So predictable.

Deion Sanders' "Leon Sandcastle" commercial is the only ad to get a positive reaction out of me so far. A forty-something rookie dominating the NFL combine... I like it. Every other commercial, as mentioned earlier, seems to be trying too hard. I guess if I paid hundreds of thousands per minute, I would sweat about making an impact too.

The Ravens are clinging to a 28-23 lead.

4TH Q

Still up 31-29 with under ten minutes to go, the Ravens have allowed 23 points in 12:00 of game time. They look totally shaken--or shook, as the rappers use to say. The first half fire is long gone. And I'll be surprised if Baltimore wins what looked like a sure thing not that long ago. Wow.

Fourth down, 1:49 to go, Kap in trouble, he floats a ball over Crabtree's head out of bound. What a thriller. Jim Harbaugh is crying about holding but 1) Crab was grabby too, and 2) the ball was out of bounds. It was uncatchable, even with a lay-out, fingertip catch, toe-dragging effort. A ref throws a flag in that situation, he should be fired. No ref threw. Ravens up, 34-29.

Baltimore runs three times and takes an intentional safety. San Fran didn't seem to see it coming and 8 of the last 12 seconds slip away before they push the punter out of bounds. Wow again.

The RayRay haters are frothing on the Inter-Web. And Jim is about to pop a vein. But then he always looks that way. He won't last long in this league with that kind of emotion and energy being constantly expended... just ask the original Chucky, Jon Gruden.

Baltimore wins, 34-31.

NFL 2012 Championship Sunday: Head-Ducking

Big Joe went toe-to-toe with Captain America and won for the second time this season. Flacco and Ray Lewis led the AFC champion Ravens to the Super Bowl in a fashion we will remember for a few years. That is about the ceiling for memorable sports events these days, except for the occasional one-handed catch-against-the-helmet.

It's hard to pick against New England. And then I'm almost surprised when they stumble. When they do lose, they're usually right there in the end. Not today. Baltimore pulled away, stopping all of Tom Brady's usual fine engineering. No matter what's going on, we can't tell by looking at Patriot coach Bill Belichick.

***

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons played true to form, in the end. I'm not one of the Matt Ryan doubters. But as a whole, the Falcons are like Tiger Woods in his prime. They simply play better when they are blowing people out.

When things get tight or go wrong, more often than not Atlanta will freeze up. Unfortunately, that is the character of this talented team. They escaped against Seattle a week ago. Could see the relief in Ryan's face postgame. NFC champ San Francisco had a little more comeback gas in the tank today.

A few years ago, coach Jon Gruden got put in split-screens with Chucky the killer doll. He keeps getting asked to climb out of the TV booth and coach again, but won't. The NFL has its new Chucky--the super-intense, throw his venti Starbucks against the wall because it's too sweet, slap an opposing coach's behind like he's beating a rug type.

We're talking about 49er coach Jim Harbaugh. I'm sure he's not really an unbalanced lunatic control freak; he just plays one on TV.

***

Why no outcry about offensive players ducking their heads and causing some of these head collisions?

During the New England-Baltimore game, Stevan Ridley clearly lowered his helmet before losing the football on contact. Players like Wes Welker and Danny Woodhead did it during that game, too--hunching forward to meet the tackler. They should have to adjust, same as the defenders.

Michael Wilbon has a phrase that puts it best (paraphrase): The NFL has legislated defense out of football. That is partly responsible for the recent rash of broken offensive records and rookie quarterbacks who play like five-year vets. But there seems to be a movement by most sports media: Ignore the decade-long cumulative effect of rule changes, bent on (1) making the game "safer", and (2) making the game offense-packed and fan-friendly.

The result of this is a weird spirit of seeing the defense as a sort of bad guy, guilty until proven innocent at all times. The number of defensive penalties in the game the last few season has changed the whole feel of pro football games. 

Ridley put himself in a life-threatening position, and no one has batted an eye about it (except me). If Ridley had been laid out for more than a moment, hushing all of the spectators, there would be more fake outrage over safety. But violence will not be legislated out of this game.

2012 season, Week 13.

2012 season, Week 5.

Replacement referees, replaced.

Still Boring and Dependable: The San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs won their January 9 home game versus the Los Angeles Lakers. San Antonio is 15-2 at home as of that victory. The Lakers are big news during the 2012-13 season, because they are struggling.

There is an angst that falls over the NBA when one of the league pillars is weak. We claim to love parity. But the dynastic franchises and universities in every sport have the most fans. So many of us must secretly, and actually, love rooting for Goliath (and, finally, for his failure).

The Greg Popovich-Tim Duncan era has been amazingly consistent. But since they aren't flashy, they get short shrift from fans and media.

In late 2012, David Stern passed down a fine because Pop didn't play his three best stars--Duncan, Tony Parker, and Tim Duncan. Since then, the Spurs have been wrecking the league.

In 2007, I was a guest caller for a late-night sports show. Long story short, I got the equivalent of an eye-roll from the show hosts.

The San Antonio Spurs had just clinched the title for the third time in five years. One host was moaning about how boring the Spurs were. 

My rebuttal was, to paraphrase, People keep claiming the pros don't play team ball, yet the most machine-like team in the game gets labeled 'boring'. Those talking heads tore me to shreds for an entire segment. "This guy Dee in Virginia probably likes watching women's basketball, too!" Was great.

The Spurs are again a contender. They seem to peak in odd-numbered years. I still can't find anyone to agree with me, but watching a team where everyone seems to be absorbed and knows their role... it's nice to watch. Like the New England Patriots, everyone knows the game plan but can't do much about it.