Preparing for the Second Set: 2nd Round Playoff Previews

WESTERN CONFERENCE 1.Los Angeles Lakers (1) vs. Utah Jazz (5)

An NBA season never ends without a battle of two legendary coaches, and I am talking about Phil Jackson and Jerry Sloan here, who have met in various stages in the playoffs since '96. Having taken the long road to the next exit with six games apiece, the Lakers and the Jazz have to prove that they can still hold on.



The Lakers In: The six-game war with Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder was like that against Denver last year, with the Lakers finding their form late in the series and working as a complete team. Though the first round has been stamped all over by Kobe, it was through the help of the trifecta of big men: Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Lamar Odom, who put power and experience over speed and youth. Using this strength together with a few adjustments on the backcourt, the Lakers might have this one easier than we think it is.

The Jazz In: Only a few ever thought that the Utah Jazz, without their main brick wall Andrei Kirilenko, could get past the pesky, Karl-less, Denver Nuggets led by Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony. Their crucial wins could be credited to the leadership of their playmaker Deron Williams, creating scoring opportunities both inside the paint and beyond the arc. Add to that the effort to help out by Paul Millsap and the rest of the bench who carried the burden during crucial stretches. With all these, it seems that the Jazz could grab the ticket to the Western Conference Finals

What Could Be: Aren't we too tired of having Jerry Sloan and Phil Jackson around? Considering their styles and their personnel, this would be a quick battle. Lakers in 6.

2.Phoenix Suns (3) vs. San Antonio Spurs (7)

Having Phoenix and San Antonio around the playoffs kinda became stable during these last few years. Now with various upgrades and adjustments to accommodate their aging key players, we might have something exciting here.



The Suns In: A well-deserved victory against Portland in six games would be proof that Steve Nash, now at thirty-eight, still hasn't lost touch of playing team ball. The execution of the run-and-gun system has been second nature to everyone, even with reserves like Goran Dragic and Lou Amundson. Of course, we have to give the credit to Amare Stoudemire, for making the necessary baskets and constantly hitting on the glass. Overall, as long as the Suns get their fastbreak stretches done, they could win this one.

The Spurs In: Everybody loved the Spurs after thrashing Dallas in six very quick games. And I have to emphasize that it was their speed, despite their age, that helped them against the Mavs, which is generally a half-court team. In fact, the guards who took the effort to run back and forth were the ones responsible for this. Parker, Ginobili, and newcomer George Hill took care of the Dallas backcourt and scored the most crucial baskets, most especially in Game Six. And of course, Tim Duncan took care of the paint job and made sure that they get their inside scores.

What Could Be: This will be a tiring game and it could get longer than everyone expects it to be. But I believe that the "bin there, done that" attitude will prevail in times of pressure. Spurs in 7.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
3.Cleveland Cavaliers (1) vs. Boston Celtics (4)

The battle between the real Beasts of the East, I should say. Both of these teams have worked their way up with much aggression and intimidation on both sides of the court. Surely, this series would be more of a battle between emotions than that of skill.

The Cavs In: LeBron James swept the Bulls in five games, and that, I believe, is a sign of dominance and hunger for a championship. After getting his second-straight MVP honors, he now has to get the big trophy to become a real NBA icon. But the difference between '07 and '09 is the fact that he doesn't need to do this alone. He's got Shaq, Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas by his side. As long as they play their team game, they could get over this quickly and go to the next stop.

The Celtics In: A healthier Garnett could spell out the entire difference in this year's playoffs. The Celtics have shown that they are still a powerful team after ripping out the Heat in five games, tiring out Dwyane Wade through tough D. Plus, they've got the guns both on inside and the outside. While KG and the rest of the bigs take care of the inside, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce can slide in and out and hit their own threes and pull-ups. The next team that they are up against now would be tougher than the first, so unless they tighten their guard and learn to find easy baskets for their top offensive guys, they have to pack their bags and enjoy the summer.



What Could Be: This is going to be a very tough battle, with a lot of whistles and hustle plays along. But in the end, LeBron James would not be denied. Cavs in 7.

4.Orlando Magic (2) vs. Atlanta Hawks (3)

One took the easy route, while the other had a rough ride. It seems that with the way both of these teams played in the first round, this will be an interesting match-up. Talk about being young and fresh… and able to go for the kill when needed.


The Magic In: Nothing like a good victory for Dwight Howard's squad, with a straight sweep against Gerald Wallace and the Bobcats. This is the Magic's statement that they will be back for the NBA Finals, and they've got new guys who could take over: Jason Williams, Matt Barnes, and Vince Carter, who could help the staple of Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, and Jameer Nelson throughout. Consistent efforts on the glass and attacking the basket might just be their key to victory.

The Hawks In: Tired but not out, as they say for the Hawks, who just had finished a tight seven-game bout with Brandon Jennings' Bucks. With the core of Atlanta still intact and ready to go, most especially Sixth Man awardee Jamal Crawford, the keys to victory would be allowing their team of shooters to find their spots, with their big men getting back on track with efforts on the board and in the paint. But what has been absent lately was their defense, and if only they could bring it out tightly, then they could close things out.

What Could Be: Hawks have the youth and the legs, but Howard could top them all, backed by his shooting buddies. Magic in 5.

Heartbreaks and Awakenings

The experience of heartbreak, I believe, is that of the most painful kind of incongruency and understanding, or the lack thereof. It is something that takes man by surprise and pierces his very being in a rather sharp and sudden way, even threatening to tear him apart and destroy him. And mind you, it never goes away without the harshest outcomes and consequences.

The heartbreak is a multi-faceted enigma that strikes all persons involved in various relationships. It comes along with a person sensing the loss of meaning, direction, and significance of a particular relationship, and one is compelled to do something about it. Most of the time, the only inevitable option is to learn to let go and accept the fact that things do not go our own way. It could happen that one's relationship used to be a source of joy and consolation, but as time goes by, it becomes bland, losing its purpose and meaning. Or it could be an acceptance of the fact that a particular relationship would not work both in the present and in the future. More possible, it could be a realization that relationships are not what one's needs are for the moment.

Whatever the reasons are, the bottom line is that a heartbreak strikes upon us, impinges upon a different kind of pain which goes deeper than the usual feelings of misery brought by simple failures and loneliness. This "existential pain" made man feel that there is a large part of himself, his very own existence, that was pulled apart from him. Everything looked like a bad investment, without any good return in it. The heartbreak is, indeed, a death of the self.

It has to be one of the most painful experience, perhaps next to those that rank next to one's own death, but I believe that as bad and painful as it might be, it is inevitably a part of life, a phase towards growing and being. I say that it is a moment of awakening into the fountain that gushes forth which is reality.

The heartbreak is a slap in the face which wakes us up to the bleak complexity of reality. It reminds us that there are no such thing as fairy tale endings, when everything goes well and ends happily ever after, according to our very own terms. It lets us realize that in this world, anything can happen, that this world is composed of a multitude of possibilities, including those that we were not able to think of or plan for.

In a sense, this picture of reality presented to us could become a moment of disappointment, but also a moment of wonder and excitement. It is natural for man to be disappointed with something that he cannot control. But then, I believe that eventually, he would find that this uncertainty would push him to look at what unfolds, to think about them and find out what it means for him.

It is only with the latter that the experience of heartbreak, the feeling of pain and brokenness, will become meaningful and significant. Instead of convincing us that the meaning of our love is a dead end, it instead opens us up not only to various things that could happen and choices that could be made, but also to different meanings of the events that happened in the context of our human existence. When one discovers these things, the pain and brokenness felt becomes more real, more important, more human. In his thinking, man now sees the experience of heartbreak not as a moment of despair, but a moment of exploration, of being available to the reality that unfolds, not being tied to his expectations and plans, but simply letting everything be. He sees it as a moment of greater openness to what is revealed, to what is given before him.

In fact, to a greater extent, the experience of heartbreak allows us to hope, to patiently wait and lean towards the light in this experience of darkness. It allows man to let go and move on, to ask time to take over and change everything, most especially the meaning of these things in his very own existence. The experience of a heartbreak eventually allows us to a greater love, something that is not tied to our own definitions and categories, but is completely about the other. It allows us to reach out to the other in a different yet more meaningful way. It lets us realize that we can love more than we expect ourselves to. It wakes us up to the fact that our loving, even though it comes in various forms and degrees, knows no boundaries, and this becomes true only if we allow it to penetrate our lives.

Indeed, the heartbreak, painful as it may seem, wakes us up. It becomes a moment of awakening not only to Being, but also to our capacity as humans, as beings who are called to love.

In Three Lines: "American Slang" by the Gaslight Anthem

There is a borderline between the old husky '80's rock songs and indie labels with that same atmosphere, but Gaslight Anthem remains on that line.

More exciting than the previous album, "The '59 Sound."

"Stay Lucky" would be an immediate album favorite.

4.5/5

In Three Lines: "Gloves," Operator Please

Indie girl rock sounds pretty awesome, kinda like Rediscover on chick mode.

A hyped yet feel-good synth and drum beats make you sway lightly to the music.

Try "Back and Forth" and "Just Kiss."

4.5/5

In Tinseltown, We Could Have A New Lead Singer

Perhaps, as early as now in the playoff season, it might be a good time for the Los Angeles Lakers to think about their main man. I am not talking about making adjustments for Kobe Bryant. Rather, it's about the team making adjustments for another star.

Yes, Bryant might have been terrific this season, and this even extended into the playoffs. He might have six game-winning shooters, still on the top five to grab Most Valuable Player honors, and even saved his team from a home loss against the Thunder, tallying 39 points while giving OKC guards Russell Westbrook and Thabo Sefolosha a hard time on the Lakers' D. In a way, I agree that Kobe Bryant still has the fuel to lead Los Angeles to the playoffs.


But not as much as I did back in 2009. With a lot of injuries, most especially the avulsion fracture in his right index finger, things might be hard for him to lead the Lakers. To place the burden on this banged up superstar would be, I think, unfair for the team and for himself as well. Unfair for the Lakers, because they still have a lot of stars, healthier than Bryant, who could facilitate and take the right shots, and for him, because to put the burden of leadership to a nearly-disabled role player would not allow him to adjust and improve while in the state of injury. Phil Jackson, in one interview, even highlighted that he either has to shoot less or not shoot at all, considering the state of his injury.



Yes, Mamba should kind of step down and offer the post of top Laker, temporarily, to someone else. And the question would be: who? But then, I believe this is pretty obvious.

We have a leader in the name of Pau Gasol.


This is the Pau Gasol who carried the Lakers to their 10-game winning streak way back in '08 after being shipped from Memphis. He was the one who was branded as soft two years ago, but came back in the Finals and locked Dwight Howard down, largely contributing to the four precious Finals wins. He was the one, along with Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom, who took the burden of scoring once Kobe Bryant gets cold.

And all these reasons are, I think, enough for him to be called as the new "El Rey" of the Los Angeles Lakers. Gasol has been leading the Lakers in terms of efficiency. I have to admit that my claim does not include the nitty-gritty of statistics, but I believe that hours of watching and reviewing Lakers games could prove my point.

Gasol's build, a seven-foot forward/center who could score and defend from both inside and outside, is just what the triangle offense needs, and, he has been indoctrinated into the system quite quickly, even faster than either Ron Artest or Shaquille O'Neal for that matter. With the ball in his hands within ten-twelve feet of the basket, he is dangerous. He can dish a quick pass to a cutter or to a fellow big man (watch what he and Andrew Bynum does in the early part of the season), back down and force himself down the basket, or simply settle for a "soft" jump shot, which threatens the tight zone defense of the opponent to loosen up and decrease pressure from the paint. When I heard of Gasol complaining to Kobe about getting passes, most of the Lakers fans and analysts, myself included, knew that Pau meant well for the Lakers. It's not about getting the glory; rather, it's about taking the crown.


The glass is where Pau improved this season. You might give him the demerit of being too lazy in boxing out during Lakers losses, but the fact that frequent double-doubles in points and rebounds in most Laker wins would outweigh his mistakes. Together with Bynum in recent winning games with him, they averaged for more than twenty-five boards, and a lot of them on the offensive end, allowing the Lakers to grab second-chance opportunities, which could prove crucial in tight, down-the-wire games. If not for the injuries, Gasol might have been one of the top ten best rebounders for this season. For a championship team, hustling for the boards will be very important, and Gasol provides this boost for the Lakers.



So with this, we could say that he is the guy-to-go. Don't get me wrong, Kobe is still the head of the Lakers team, as he knows how to really motivate and drive, even carry the burden at times, his team to their second title. But then, considering his "incapabilities," he might want to share the responsibility with his Spanish friend. After all, Gasol had taken the harder way before, when he was in Memphis.

A Few Things On Being A Fresh Graduate

Metaphorically speaking, I have just recovered from the shock of the paradigm shift.

From being a full-time student, I now live the life of an unemployed young man, still searching for a job, and in the past two weeks of trying to cope up with my current situation, I have come to accept some truths in life, which, when dealt with properly, would prove very helpful in surviving the real world. I have written down six very important things that the fresh college grad, like me, needs to know.

1.Structures Are Important

Let's admit it. During our college days, most of us have rigid structures and body clocks within ourselves which help us in coping up with school. Now, when vacation comes up and takes over our time, these structures and clocks lose their function, and we live in a semi-Hedonistic manner, spending our time mostly eating, sleeping and surfing the Internet.

Well, this kind of life would not last long if you are going to face the real world, as it would only result in severe weight increase and a great loss of money. I realized that in order to maintain a sense of balance in one's life, it is important to have a structure and, in some ways, a body clock. Having no job means not really doing anything at all, which, for the responsible one, means trying to wake up early, have light exercise once in a while, and some time to get off one's butt in front of the internet and read a few good books. In summary, having a diet and a regular routine of events would keep you sane and in shape in moments of idleness.

But I don't ask you to go all Kantian here and be totally rigid and strict with yourself. Of course, rules and routines could be occasionally (and I repeat, OCCASIONALLY) broken. So don't hesitate if friends invite you over for food or drinks once in a while… just not too much.

2.You Are Economically Responsible

I woke up a few weeks ago realizing that there is no such thing as a free life in this consumerist world. Life is indeed not all college, which means purchasing things out of your parents' pockets and frequently drinking with your buddies. Eventually, it dawned on me that living each day is worth a few pesos a day, and you wouldn't want to waste it.

That is why I suggest that you keep a tab on everything single penny that you spend: for food, cellphone credits, and all other things that you use your money for. It will be helpful to, in a way, average your expenses per day or per week, and then try to tighten your budget (without being too thrifty). This exercise would help you not only to keep track of how you spend but also to practice managing your resources, considering the fact that your soon-to-be salary would be limited.

3.Have Your Options Ready

We are never sure if the company you want really wants you in return. Well, it's not that you are not good… it's just that your skills don't fit the needs of the company you are applying for. During these times, moments of disappointment would come. But I suggest that one should let it pass by… but have a company or two that you could "lean on" in those times of rejection.

But then, you should learn to choose well. One of my possible bosses told me that the best jobs are not those that pay really high, but those which you would learn to love. Yes, most of us would want to have lots of dough, but then, if it would only bring depression and loneliness, then why would you consume more than eight hours each day for that which you don't really like?

Interest versus financial security. That has always been the conflict in decision making. But then, constant discernment (coupled with right planning) is the key. Think well and decide well.

4.Learn to Learn

Of course, lessons do not entirely end in the classroom. In the process of trying to adjust to this new life, you will learn very important lessons in various situations. Yes, even your evening trips to the malls or at any point outside the house could be a venue for you to learn street smart techniques.

Thus, remember and take not of them, as these will help you in dealing with real life. There are a lot of things that one needs to learn in dealing with life, such as the routes of public transportations, the procedures and useful techniques in acquiring public documents that you need for your job, paying your bills, and, yes, even haggling in cheap stores.

Remember, those that survive in the real world and end up being happy are those who know what kinds of landmines they are stepping on, and how they avoid explosion. Just be ready to learn something new everyday.

5.And finally, always be prepared

Perhaps the most useful tip of all is that you must be ready in various situations at home and in work, most especially those that you have not encountered yet in school. It is in those situations where your acquired skills are put to test, which would tell you not only what you learned but what you still need to learn. They are areas for growth and affirmation of one's own character, and you shouldn't turn away from them or be discouraged by them. C'mon, part of living is correcting and being corrected by events around you.

You could start by learning and remembering the basics of everything, which include going to government institutions to file/apply for public documents, cooking your meals, dealing with your house's electronic stuff, and many other fundamental things needed to live. This could be the best way to conquer boredom and anxiety, which would help one develop openness and patience in everything.

Happy jobhunting, everyone!

The Real Game Begins Here: 2010 Playoffs Preview - Eastern Conference

Don't ever tell me that the Eastern Conference is playoff fodder. In here lie the teams that know how to bring everything out in the most serious situations. Presenting the eight best teams of the East:

1.Cleveland Cavaliers (1) vs. Chicago Bulls (8)

So you think this could be one-sided? As with last year, think again. This match rains down with stars that are wanting and hungry for a good fight.


The Cavaliers In: Oh, Cleveland, why do I have to mention you without removing (or bleeping) the name LeBron James? But then, accept it or not, James (and his hunger to prove something) is the key to their playoff victory. With a talented supporting cast composed of Shaq, Antawn Jamison, and Big Z, it would be sure that they will bring everything on.

The Bulls In: Derrick Rose, with a stronger squad, I think that you have to have something for this playoff season. Last year, it was the Celtics, and for this year, it's the Cavaliers. Challenges have indeed piled up for the Bulls, so it's a big question mark for these guys (and for Vinnie del Negro's future as well). However, individual strengths flourish like Rose, Kirk Hinrich (whose shooting has become useful lately), and their big man Joakim Noah. So if they have the time and effort to bring everything together as a package, they might get away with this one.

What Could Be: As much as we want Rose to become the underdog star of the show, LeBron's gang might be stronger than expected. Cavaliers in 4.

2.Boston Celtics (4) vs. Miami Heat (5)

Regular season just turns out to be challenging once unexpected and uncontrolled factors come into play. Let's see how these two teams fare up against each other as they deal with their shortcomings.


The Celtics In: The question of the gas tank running out of fuel would be the challenge that the triad of Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett will face. Recently, Boston has lost its power and dominance in the East, and seem to be in the waning years. Can they still hold out for at least one more championship run? Or will they go E and break down?

The Heat In: Dwyane Wade is more than ready for this playoff series. All throughout the season, the Wade's Heat, with the help of big men Michael Beasley and Jermaine O'Neal, have proven themselves as a contender, but breakdowns and badly executed plays brought them down in the rankings. Now placed in the middle of the Conference, they have to show that they can reach the top.

What Could Be: Boston may still have one last wave left, and they could tire out Dwyane Wade and force them home. Celtics in 7.

3.Atlanta Hawks (3) vs. Bucks (6)

Ah, the fountain of youth flowing over and giving us great NBA action. With these two young teams on the way to a seven-game series, expect outstanding athletic plays and intense game-winning shots.


The Hawks In: Atlanta's young guns went on a roll after winning several straight games against top teams, including against L.A. and Orlando (who would forget the Josh Smith last-minute alley oop?). Full of energy and passion, the Hawks are more than prepared to face anyone blocking their path to the Finals, determined to prove that in the course of several years of development, their guys have learned something.

The Bucks In: It's real bad news that their top center Andrew Bogut will not be able to play for the rest of the postseason, and this requires a lot of adjustments. Add to that Michael Redd's lack of presence for most of the season, which really did not help Milwaukee at all save for the development of rookie sensation Brandon Jennings. As usual, fresh skill in the form of BJ has to have some experience backcourt back up through John Salmons and Jerry Stackhouse. Still, this proves that Milwaukee can be an intimidating team

What could be: With an almost all-star line up, the Hawks would get this one, leaving a very tired Brandon Jennings. Hawks in 5.

4.Orlando Magic (2) vs. Charlotte Bobcats (7)

A newcomer and a repeater could make things interesting out in the East. These two teams have set out to prove something, but the question remains: so who goes out victorious?



The Magic in: Just like their Western counterparts the Lakers, Orlando has returned with a few roster modifications. Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, and Rashard Lewis are back again, but help came in for them in Jason Williams and, of course, Vince Carter. With a more hyped up offense (and Dwight Howard), it is positive that they will return to the NBA Finals.

The Bobcats In: Talk about success after six years and an ownership by Michael Jordan. Gerald Wallace and the rest of the 'Cats can now drop the "newcomers" label. After six long years of gearing up and developing their team, the Bobcats have now earned a playoff spot under coach Larry Brown. But then, this is no time for celebration, for they have to bring all of their strength and regular season experience to get past this challenge.

What Could Be: A great improvement this season for the Bobcats, but they would not be able to topple down Dwight Howard and the rest of the hungry Magic. Orlando in 5.