CF_Yves

Larry Bird turns 50

2006-12-07T22:38:00-03:00

Today, one of my all-time favorite athletes turns 50.

Larry Bird, or "Larry Legend" brings many memories to mind....

Certainly, the rivalry that Larry and Magic had, the battles that Larry and Dominic had.... the showdowns that he and a young Jordan had.....

All classic.

I have a video here.... a video that was made by Sports Illustrated several years ago highlighting his career....

Anyways....

Larry...... Happy Birthday!!! All the best to you!

France VS Italy in World Cup final

2006-07-06T03:12:36-03:00

I was very happy to see France win today... although, I really just managed to see a part of the game.

I've really loved watching Zidane really get into the groove.... man, he has got the moves.

The world cup match will be most interesting.

France wins Brazil

2006-07-02T01:53:00-03:00

More on my world cup obsessions...

Well, I don't really think I'm obsessed with world cup soccer, but I will say I find it super entertaining.

Today, I watched both games... The game that really had my interest peaked was the France VS Brazil matchup.

It brings back memories from the first world cup that I watched much of.. back in 1998, when France won Brazil in the final to win it all..

Today, both lineups.
Brazil, so talented. Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Cafu..
France. Zidane, Henry, Ribery (whom I love to watch.. he's so fast).

What a great game.. But, I imagine it was hard to watch for some Brazillian fans... because it really seemed as though Brazil couldn't turn it on. Ronaldo came close a couple of times... Ronaldinho was practically invisible. I thought that Cafu played a decent game.

Now, Zidane.. coming out of retirement for this tournament. He was rusty in the first games.. but he's got his game on now. He pulled of a few moves in this game that were absolutely stellar. Outplaying 3-4 guys at times with super foot work. Zidane was a work of art in this soccer game. If he plays like this against Portugual... France has a solid chance.

I also liked the play of Henry, who got a few off-sides, but not near as many as the game against Spain. Ribery, he's a player I love to see, he is fast. Malouda is a guy I thought played very well for France also... France's defense was super.

Can't wait to see France VS Portugual.

Germany VS Argentina

2006-06-30T17:45:50-03:00

This Germany VS Argentina game in World cup play....

Entertaining.

Germany just won by shoot out.

I honestly didn't know who would win. Germany were playing awesome and Argentina were one of my favorite teams to watch.

I'm really looking forward to the rematch of the 1998 finals.... Brazil VS France.

That is tomorrow.... later today, Ukrain VS Italy.

I've really turned into a fan of Soccer this year.

World cup fever

2006-06-28T12:44:54-03:00

I love sports.

I don't often follow professional soccer... but when world cup time comes around, I find myself watching alot of it.

This year, I'm hooked.

I've been following different teams.. Brazil is usually a favored team, they have so much talent. Ronaldo is still showing that he can play.. Ronaldino is amazing....

For all of the remainding 8 teams, it's pure beauty... yesterday, I watched a great match where France upset Spain. I was happy to see Zidane score a goal towards the end... and this win puts France against Brazil in the round of 8.

I remember watching (with great interest) the world cup final in 1998 where France beat the powerhouse Brazillians (in France) to win the tournament.

I can't wait to see the match. Also, Argentina VS Germany should be awesome.

Loving the soccer.

Pro Football - Ricky Manning Jr. arrested

2006-04-24T22:44:38-03:00

Ricky Manning Jr. has been arested for beating up some guy that apparently he was picking on at a restaurant.

On the night he signed his big deal.

(Article here)

This kind of sickens me.

Yeah Mr Manning, "I can't let something like this let me have a bad start to my football career in Chicago."

You've just shown how deep you are as a person. Just because you have natural ability in a sport isn't a license to be a jerk.

Way to go.. great way to celebrate your new contract.

I sincerely hope you learn something from this.

Julien out.... Gainey as interim

2006-01-14T21:23:23-03:00

I was quite surprised to see that Claude Julien of the Montreal Canadiens was fired.

I thought he was doing a fairly good job.

(Article here)

Bob Gainey has taken the job as interim head coach and Guy Carbonneau also joins him behind the bench.

It's nice to see Gainey and Carbonneau back.... it brings back memories of old.... (1986 cup..... please.. I was young then!!!)

So far, Montreal 3 - San Jose 1 half way through the game... 2 short handed goals and I love what I see.

~ Peace ~

- Y -

Kovalev's night!

2005-12-20T23:25:00-03:00

Oh yeah!

What a great game. Ottawa VS Montreal.

Ottawa was leading early on, 3-0, I think.... I watched as Montreal came back from behind. Man, what a valuable player Kovalev is for the habs.

Kovalev was injured and hadn't played since november 12th, man he sure changes the team.

Kovalev recorded his 700th point, followed that up with his 300th goal and then won the game in the shootout...

I was very happy to see Kovalev back in the lineup, especially because there are so many injuries... Zednik, Koivu, Theodore, Bonk....and more...

It's nice to see that Mr Kovalev loves playing in Montreal, and the fans give him the standing O's.. He was willing to take a bit less money to play in Montreal because he loves it. Not to many pros say that publicly.

Anyways, it was a great game. Cristobal Huet was in Goal for Montreal.. played very well.

And... by the way... Montreal won 4 - 3.

- Y -

Buffalo Sabres, on a rip

2005-12-14T23:50:00-03:00

Well, I've never ever been a super huge Buffalo Sabres fan (for those of you who watch NHL hockey.

But this year, I must admit, I like what I see. Tonight Buffalo played against the Dallas Stars and it got quite close in the last few minutes. But in the end the Sabres finished it out.

The last few years of the "old NHL" saw countless troubles with the team.... near bankruptcies, problems with the arena, attendance.....etc.

Now, the Sabres are on a great rip. They've won a ton of games, and they are playing well...

I'm very happy for Lindsay Ruff. He just took the last few years... this year, I'm sure management is quite happy, especialy because there were no real expectations during the pre-season.

Congrats to you, Buffalo Sabres!

Raptors win!

2005-11-20T16:41:57-03:00

I was playing last night.... not basketball, but drums in my band. Then I got up early (after getting home very late) to play drums in church.

Today, I'm pretty drained.. got lot's of work to do, but felt I should relax..

So I figured I'd lie down on the couch for a while and try to doze off some to rest.

And I was quite pleased to see that the Toronto Raptors were playing against the Miami Heat. So, I caught most of the game.

And, finally, the Raptors won.

Bosh is the man. Great young talent. I also love Rose... he's been struggling but he is truely a pro in his skills both on the court and with the team/media.

I'm enjoying watching Villenuava as well as Calderon. Some potentially great young players on the team.

The loosing streak is over!

Pavel Bure retires

2005-11-01T18:53:56-03:00

Truly an incredibly gifted athlete and fast skater... Pavel Bure retired from hockey today to become Russia's national team general manager.
(Read more here)

I watched Pavel Bure (on TV.... ) for many years, score many goals.

It's always sad to see a great player get bogged down with injuries.

All the best to you in your future ventures.

New NBA Season - 2005/2006

2005-11-01T18:40:30-03:00

Tonight is the night it happens.

The NBA opens it's 2005/2006 season.

I really can't wait to see it, not just the opening, but the season in general. Last year, I found it interesting last season seeing the raptors and their inevitable trade of Vince Carter.

I've been anticipating the start of this season for some time and have been curiously watching the raptors in the off season. I'm hoping that this will be Bosh's coming out party, and that both rookies Charlie Villenueva and Joey Graham find their stroke. There's also Jose Calderon, a rookie from Spain who will be interesting to watch.

I shall be watching.

White Sox win!

2005-10-27T01:08:03-03:00

About 40 seconds ago... the White Sox won the world series.

Congrats!

Alan Houston retires

2005-10-18T15:36:00-03:00

Alan Houston played 12 seasons in the NBA. Longtime member of the New York Knicks retires.

This guy was a shooter... I remember watching many games and watching him drain some pretty slick shots over everybody.

When healthy, he was wonderful to watch.

I got the story from here.
It can also be read here

Going to see the PEI rocket

2005-10-13T00:37:00-03:00

I'm going to see the PEI Rocket game on Friday night with my wife and some friends.

Should be fun.

I'm only seen them once before and enjoyed it quite a bit.

I love hockey. The QMJHL is some great caliber hockey.

It'll be a nice change the constant mode, of always thinking about work, sitting in front of this laptop and sitting in front of a TV.

Can't wait.

Montreal Canadiens take the opener

2005-10-06T00:51:09-03:00

I am happy to say that the Montreal Canadiens won their season opener against the Boston Bruins.

Jan Bulis opened the scoring .. I would love to see Bulis have a strong year.

Patrice Bergeron scored to tie it up.

And, Ryder tapped it in for the win with only a handful of seconds remaining....

It was also Ryder's first shot of the game.

The canadiens have some youth and some veterans... I'm hoping that Kovalev will have a huge year. He's in "Hockeytown" and the fans really showed their love when he first came over. I'm sure he remembers, as he did want to play in Montreal.

So it has begun.

Ron Francis retires from the NHL

2005-09-14T14:44:21-03:00

I just heard this today...

There has been quite a few notable older players retire in the last couple of weeks...

Ron Francis.. I remember him in Hartford years ago.

Ron Francis as noted in the article played 23 years in the NHL and made it to at least 20 goals 20 times! Only he and Gordie Howe can boast that stat! That really puts him in elite company. Always a work horse, I'm sure he'll be missed.

Monday night football - Falcons VS Eagles

2005-09-12T21:29:00-03:00

Tonight, I'm working late... actually just starting to.

And I will have a companion.

The NFL.

Altanta Falcons VS the Philadelphia Eagles.

I used to watch quite a bit of football.. both CFL and NFL. In recent years, I've watched quite a bit of NHL, NBA (been hooked on the NBA forever) and the major junior hockey leagues in Canada.

This year, I'm really feelin football too... kinda lookin forward to this winter. I intend to work many late nights in the next few months, and I'll have some wonderful companions in the background..... like say... a Donovan McNabb... or maybe a Chris Bosh.... or maybe Dany Heatley, Jose Theodore or a Jerome Iginla.... maybe even Brad Richards....

Hey, gotta be honest... I'm turning into (or maybe I already have) a sports junkie.

Nice little scuffle before the game... a couple of guys ejected already.. about 30 minutes before gametime. :-)

Their pumped.

Detroit VS San Antonio

2005-06-14T21:23:00-03:00

Game is just underway… Who wins tonight?

I love the NBA. Detroit will be tough. Guaranteed.

Ginobli just got hit…. knee on knee…

Let’s see how the game goes..

Oh yeah!

Tonight is the night

2005-06-09T22:16:00-03:00

So.

Lately, it’s been work work work…

Tonight, 2 very important things happen…

1. I go through my receipts, I’ve got some accounting going on tomorrow.
2. The NBA Finals start tonight.

As I write this, I’ve got the NBA pre-game analisys on. These are not the teams that I picked, but I’m looking forward to the series.

I am not a fan of either team.

I don’t care for Bowen much, although I will admit he is an effective defender.

I’m liking Manu Ginobli. I have since the first time I saw him. So, as of now, I’m going for the Spurs.
Although, I like Richard Hamilton as well… Teams don’t make the finals by mistake.

Enjoy.

~ Yves ~

Steve Nash wins MVP

2005-05-08T22:53:00-03:00

Steve Nash of the Pheonix Suns won the NBA’s MVP award…

Truly amazing season for Pheonix, 3rd largest turn around season in NBA history.

Here is another story about a guy many people wrote off as a guy who might not be able to play in the NBA… But, he proved his critics wrong.

Not so long ago, there was another guy.. they said he couldn’t jump, couldn’t run (at least very slowly) and that he could play some college ball but probably never last in the pros. That guy was Larry Bird. Larry had heart, a work ethic and determination.

Without comparing the two (that is not my intent), I can say that I believe Nash has heart, work ethic and determination. He has continually worked on improving his game and always plays for the team and not for individual stats. A great testament to that was when he was accepting the award, he got his team mate to go up with him. Class act.

Tomorrow night, the Suns face Steve Nash’s old team….. the Dallas Mavericks. After the Mavs lost their first 2 games in the first round, I was still hesitant to write them off… guess my gut feeling was right. I’m not sure who I would like to see win the series….

So far, there are about 3 of the remainding teams that I would love to see win the title.

(No preference in order yet)

1. Pacers…. Indiana, Reggie Miller has been playing with them for 100 years (actually 18) and still looks great, man I remember watching him so much over the last several years. I remember when he sunk the Knicks and had that rivelry (with Spike Lee also)…. I would love to see Reggie with a championship ring. Guys who play with one team for 18 years without making trouble or demanding a trade are few and far between, Miller is and has always been a class act.

2. Phoenix Suns… I would love to see Nash get a ring, along with Stoudamire and Marion. I have fond memories of watching Charles Barkley playing in Phoenix (with “Thunder Dan” and Kevin Johnson)….

3. Dallas Mavs… Dirk, Finley…. Howard is impressive….

And, I would almost add the Heat to that list… (might yet)

And there it was

2005-05-01T08:55:00-03:00

Yes, I didn’t want to count the Mavs out, and they won 2 in a row to even their series with Houston.

Pretty good ball!

Also, the Celtics winning Indiana without Walker, impressive.

I’m anxious to see the Heat - Nets game and the Suns game later on….

NBA title - only time will tell

2005-04-28T20:27:00-03:00

You know, I’m a pretty big fan of basketball.

I used to love playing.

One guy that has really impressed me this year, as he has many others, is Dwayne Wade. Man, this is a super talented guy and he seems to play with heart. I get a sense that everytime Wade is on the floor he wants to win and when he doesn’t, he seems disappointed. This is a guy you want in your franchise.

Plus couple him along side Shaq and your looking good. Well done Miami. When Shaq was in LA, I was not a big fan of the Lakers (I’m still not with Mr Bryant at the helm and I guess I never was since the old Larry Bird and Celtic days) but you know what I would love to see Miami go to the finals. And of course they have a really great shot at making it… Ben Wallace VS Shaq in the Eastern finals. When Shaq was first drafted, I loved the team that Orlando had put together with Penny Hardaway, they almost won it all and it’s too bad the team didn’t stay together a bit longer.

In the west, I’m not sure who I would like to see win…. I love Nash/Stoudamire/Marion/Richardson in Pheonix… The suns have played super ball this season and Nash was voted as MVP on nba.com.

Dallas is a team that I was hoping to see in the finals the last few years, I loved them with Nash before now with Terry, I’m not as big a fan of his but that could change. Dirk and Finley have been some of my favorite players for the last few years.

But then there is Houston, who is playing Dallas and up 2 games to 0. I wasn’t a big fan of McGrady after he left TO. But, I must admit, I love seeing him play like he has. Great player. And I would love to see Ming in the finals….

I also do like watching Denver, Anthony/Martin/Miller and not to mention one of my favorite’s in the league… Earl Boykins, man he’s fast, and entertaining to watch. But, the Spurs really gave it to them last game.

The spurs are also another fine team, I was never a super fan of Duncan, but that could change also…. Duncan/Parker/Ginobli - Nice combo.

Who will it be in the west?? Not sure. The way that McGrady is playing, I’ll almost bet that Houston will make it.. and I didn’t mention Van Gundy, I love when he was with the Knicks.

But I won’t count Dallas out, we’ll find out tonight.

Ah man, I love this time of year.

Tar Heels win championship

2005-04-05T10:43:00-03:00

It’s over……..

I’m sad to see it go…..

But at least the NBA playoffs are just around the corner.
;-)

I love March Madness….

‘Till next year.

NCAA - Champion crowned tonight

2005-04-04T21:32:00-03:00

The time of year pretty much came and went for any Basketball fans…

I love the time of year because there is a ton of College hoops on TV. I also have fond memories of watching lots of college hoops back when many current “NBAers” were playing NCAA…

Like Richard Hamilton playing for UCONN in the early 90s.. “The Fab Five” (Still like seeing Jalen Rose play), Mike Bibby and Micheal Dickerson playing for Arizona…. Morris Peterson a few years back with Michigan State…

The game is 17:34 in the first as I write this…. enjoy.

My little girl, B’Ball, Drums and ColdFusion…. what a busy night.

Raptors Marshall on fire

2005-03-13T22:31:00-03:00

Donyell Marshall was incredible…….. 12 3 pointers in this game against the sixers.

So, I believe he tied a league record. I was an entertaining game from a raptors fan’s point of view.

Mind you, I love Iverson, he’s the man, and I love seeing him win. I would love to see Iverson get a ring, he’s a small guy in the league, and can score almost at will (well, most times). Of late, I saw that he had some good passing games as well.

Anyways, glad to see Marshall and the Raps play so well…. nice passing. There was a time that I wondered what the raps would be like without Carter, after he played so softly in this last little bit in TO, I was glad to see him go. And the raps have played with more heart (in my opinion) since his departure. They don’t have that soap opera playing in the background, wondering if he’ll show up or not.

Iverson, he shows up, everygame. No matter if he is hurt or not. That guy has got heart.

One thing about the raps, I wish they would play Eric and Aron Williams a bit more. Eric is a guy who can shoot the ball… he can play. Williams would toughen up the inside game.

Anyways, that’s my 2 cents about that for tonight…. I can always change my mind tomorrow.