The Hot Dog Guy: Where long rants happen

Today’s post is a four-step process. First a link, then a homework assignment, then some predictions, and finally a YouTube. Enjoy

Step One: Go to TTCS and read the beautiful prose. Then come back here to read the rest of this.

Step Two: Currently for my sports reporting class, I’m working on a story about custom sneaker makers and buyers. I’ve been reading all about people who take regular shoes, usually Air Force One’s or some other type of Nike, and re-design them with new colors and patterns. Also I’ve visited a couple stores in Chicago, one of which (thus far) has allowed me to interview the manager and take some pics of the custom kicks, which will be all included in the sports reporting project.

This assignment is one I chose, and through a week of reporting, I’m glad I did. I’ve never really done a sports/fashion story before, as most of the sports reporting I do is either game coverage, opinion or profiles. This actually will be a combo of coverage and profile, but mixed together in a way that is (hopefully) a lot of fun to read. I’ll keep you posted via the blog on how it’s going, I still have about a month before the final product is due.

Step Three: The lasting memory of the 2008 NBA playoffs didn’t even take place during a basketball game. Instead it was after game six of the Finals, when Kevin Garnett leaned into a microphone, took a deep breath and yelled the first thing that came into his head: “Anything is POSSSSSSSIBLLLLLLLLE.”

Now as the ’09 playoff prepare to tip off, the question is this: The Bulls beating the Celtics, is it possible? Read my picks to find out what I think.

East
1) Cleveland vs. 8) Detroit
The past few seasons, this season has been a conference finals showdown, not a first rounder. But with the Pistons finally showing some age and the Cavs stepping up all year long, this looks to be one that Mr. James won’t have to worry too much about. Cavaliers in 5

4) Atlanta vs. 5) Miami
A couple of evenly matched teams, and since they play in the same division they know each other well. In series’ like this, I always take the team with the best overall player, and in this case, it isn’t too difficult to figure out who that is. Heat in 6

2) Boston vs. 7) Chicago
I really wanted the Bulls to face the Magic. I though they matched up a lot better with Orlando in terms of both personel and scheme, and I was even thinking of picking my boys. Now, even with KG out, I’m not so sure. Rajon Rondo can minimize Derrick Rose’s contributions and Pual Pierce should be too much for the Bulls to defend. Celtics in 6

3) Orlando vs. 6) Philadelphia
Of the 16 teams in these playoffs, I think the 76ers are the worst. Sure they’re athletic, but they play no defense and have horrible shot selection. As overrated as the Magic are, they shouldn’t worry too much about this one. Magic in 4

West
1) Los Angeles vs. 8) Utah
A compelling round one matchup, even just for the coaches squaring off. Obviously the Lakers have superior talent, but I think the Jazz are tough enough to make this a series. Just not a very long one. Lakers in 5

4) Portland vs. 5) Houston
It’s too bad these teams face each other in round one, because I want both of them to advance and give L.A. a tough series. Talent-wise the Blazers are superior, but for some reason, I have a thinking that this is the year the Rockets finally get to round two. Rockets in 7

2) Denver vs. 7) New Orleans
This one should be fun to watch, with a lot of offensive firewpower on both sides. Denver has actually improved their D over the course of the year, a reason the Nuggets won 54 games. Still, I don’t see as Carmello as a player who can put a team on his back and will them to victory, a quality I think Chris Paul has. Hornets in 7

3) San Antonio vs. 6) Dallas
The Spurs are banged up and tired, while the Mavs played well towards the end of the season. Then again, it is San Antonio we’re talking about, and they always elevate their game come playoff time. Dirk will give it a shot, but it won’t be enough in this Texas Showdown. Spurs in 6

Step Four
I don’t have a lot of hobbies, so anytime two of my favorites hook up, I’m a fan. It’s why my favorite Simpsons episode is a James Bond spoof and why I’d die of happiness if they ever came out with a Barack Obama Blizzard at Dairy Queen (No clue what it’d taste like, but I’d be first in line to try) In that respect, this video, an NBA Playoff promo featuring Kanye West, is a must-see.