Still Be…

“Friend of Mine”
[Disclaimer:  This video was found on the YouTube web site.  I make no claim of ownership to the video and I am only re-posting it because I want to share the performance with the followers of this blog.    —    kmab]
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On This Day In:
2023	Some Things
2022	Vision Test
2021	Or These Days, On The Internet
	There Goes My Heart (Only The Lonely)
2020	Find An Antidote
2019	Take A Few Minutes To Remember
	Start By Doubting
2018	You Cannot Pretend
2017	A Long Shadow
2016	Learning, Experience, Chances or Money
2015	The Critical State
2014	Dawn, n.
2013	Ouch!
2012	Just Lookin’ Around
	Still Growing
2011	But Do You Want To?

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We Remember – Memorial Day 2024

On this holiday, we should all take a few minutes to pause, to remember, and to honor those who have given their lives in our defense.  A grateful nation remembers…
[Disclaimer:  All three images were found at the Department of Defense (DoD) web site.  I make no claim of ownership to the images and I am only using these images for the purpose of honoring the sacrifice of those who have given so much to defend our freedoms.    —    kmab]
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On This Day In:
2023	Some Things
2022	Vision Test
2021	Or These Days, On The Internet
	There Goes My Heart (Only The Lonely)
2020	Find An Antidote
2019	Take A Few Minutes To Remember
	Start By Doubting
2018	You Cannot Pretend
2017	A Long Shadow
2016	Learning, Experience, Chances or Money
2015	The Critical State
2014	Dawn, n.
2013	Ouch!
2012	Just Lookin’ Around
	Still Growing
2011	But Do You Want To?

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Daniels On Strings

[Just a song (“When My Fingers Find Your Strings“) I stumbled onto about a man who loves to play guitar.  The song is actually on one of Jeff Daniels six albums / CDs (who knew he was a “real life” muscian?).  This CD was from 2010 and titled:  “Keep It Right Here“.    —    kmab
Disclaimer:  I make no claim of ownership to this song or this video.  I receive no financial compensation from Jeff Daniels, Kelly Clarkson or YouTube.  I am merely posting this video because I enjoy listening to the song.]
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On This Day In:
2023	You Choose To Be One
2022	Strumming And Changing Chords
2021	B U
	Blueprint Blue (Peg)
2019	I Struggle With One At A Time
2018	An Infectious Political Cancer
	Site Update / Poems Page Evolution
2017	Our Thirst
2016	History Favors The Victor
2015	This We’ll Leave Them
2014	Sounds Like Faux News To Me
2013	Reasons
2012	American Libertarianism
2011	The Goal

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Depth, Layers And Color

As we were coming home from our morning’s dog walk, I noticed how beautiful the sun was lighting our front garden.
It’s seems true that the beauty of a garden is not just the vibrancy of life.  It is also the subtle shades of color variation and the depth of items which catch the onlooker’s vision.
There’s a ephemeral beauty in a California morning light on a colorful garden.  Of course, there will be a similar beauty later in the day and again tomorrow morning, but for this moment – it is here now in a way it will never be again…
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On This Day In:
2023	Tread Softly, It Works…
2022	Whatever One Can
2021	Horticulture Anyone?
	Take To The Sky (Natural High)
2020	Heroes Die Too
	Front Update
	Still More Hope Than Fact
2019	The Ones Worth Remembering, Anyway
	Boot Edge Edge (My New T)
2018	To Reach The Next Threshold
2017	Streaking Tales
2016	Singular Reality
2015	He Says It’s Hard To Get There From Here
2014	Question From A Founding Father
2013	Make Heroes
2012	See And Hold
2011	Am Not, Are So

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2023 Warriors: Game 83 Loss (Record: 46W-37L)

Game 83 (playoff game 1) closes the 23-24 season book – and the regular season and our playoff run are both done…  This evening, the Warriors were crushed by the Sacramento Kings (46W/36L).
The Warriors have finished their “Playin (/ Playoffs).  Based on team records, I had predicted a mid single digit victory by the Kings.  We didn’t get it…  Instead we got an absolute drubbing.
The final score in this game:  118 to 94 in the Kings favor.  The Warriors starters mostly played terribly.   The Warriors bench depth kept the game close before the dam burst.  Our starters were outscored almost 2pts to 1pt.  It was only the bench which kept us within 40pts.
End of Season Record – (46 Wins – 37 Losses)
Game 83 (“Playin” game #1):  Warriors 94 / Kings 118
Initial Observations:  The game projected (by me) to be a mid single digit loss for the Dubs was, in fact, a blowout which was not as close as the score indicates.  The Warriors failed the “eye-test”.  They lost to a clearly superior team – younger, faster, quicker and taller.
The Warriors core was  – simply – showing their age and the basketball gods which allowed them to dominate for a decade regressed to their norm.  Specifically, barring a historic anomaly:  Steph Curry and a Klay Thompson in their prime, you have to have quick players and a dominant big man / center if you want to win in the playoff (or “Playin”).
Conclusion:  Klay Thompson (0pts on 10 attempts) lead the team in futility.  As has happened multiple times this year, Steph Curry led the team in scoring (22pts), but they were mostly garbage points when the team was already behind and the game had been (mostly) decided.  Curry also led the team in turnovers with 6 of the 16 times we gave the ball away.  He had twice as many as the next closest team mate (two others, 3 turnovers each).  46 of the Warriors 94 points came from the bench players, who had substantially fewer minutes played (139min vs 100min) than our starters.
So, what happens now?  The Warriors fall into the between season break with multiple question marks.  The main ones are:  1)  Will Klay Thompson, who is heading into free-agency accept a pay cut and a permanent loss of his starting role going forward?  2)  Will the Warriors shop Draymond Green who is still an elite level defender and one of their few marketable players?  Green still has 3 years left on his recently renewed contract.  3)  Will Steph and / or Draymond renegotiate the their contracts to assist in keeping Klay with the team?  4)  Do the Warriors believe their emerging “core” Kuminga, Podziemski, Jackson-Davis and Moody are the future and what will the organization do to get this new core a legitimate Center (big-man) which can bring the team future championships?  And, last but certainly not least…  5)  What do you do about Steph Curry?  He has never been an elite defender.  He has clearly lost both some of his speed and some of his quickness.  Steph has always been a liability as a point guard because he frequently makes silly passes and the burden of controlling the ball detracts from his ability to move and create space for his open shots.
Father Time is undefeated…  Unless the Warriors can “find” another elite shooter to offset Steph Curry’s gravity, he will continue to draw multiple defenders and his ball handling, passing and decision making weaknesses will continue to be exposed.  And, unfortunately, no amount of otherworldly shooting and scoring will excuse these weaknesses going forward.
Decisions, decisions, decisions…
A closing note:  while this season ends on a crushing loss, the loss does not detract from the excitement which this team has provided over this past season.  There were multiple times during the regular season when I doubted the team would even reach 10th place in the standings.  But they did!  They rallied and got “it” (making the Playin round) done.  As a fan of the game and of the team, sometimes we just have to accept that a good effort is enough…  And we’ll hope for better next year.
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On This Day In:
2023	Cause For Admiration
	Heart Update
2022	Widening The Moat
2021	Core Strength
	Thinking Of You (You Were Always On My Mind)
2020	Rising Danger
	210 Day Health / Weight Update (Apr 2020)
2019	Never Let ‘Em See You Sweat
2018	Just Two?
2017	Living Without Love
	Good News!
2016	At This Moment
2015	Still Dreaming
2014	Good Wins
2013	Before
2012	Look To This Day
2011	One View Of Man

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2023 Warriors: Game 82 Win (Record: 46W-36L)

Game 82 closes the 23-24 season book – and the regular season is done and dusted…  This afternoon, the Warriors defeated the Utah Jazz (31W/51L).  We had already qualified for the “play-in round” and the remaining questions are now answered:  we finished 10th in the Conference;  we will have no home game advantage at the start of any series;  and, we face the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento on Tuesday evening?
The Warriors finish the regular season at 10 games over .500 after a 7pt win over the Utah Jazz.  Based on team records, I had predicted a mid to high double digit victory by the Dubs.  We didn’t get it…  What I didn’t expect was the Dubs would not play Steph Curry or Draymond Green due to injury – “game time decision” – ankle and knee respectively.
The final score in this game:  123 to 116 in the Dubs favor.  The Warriors starters mostly played just well enough to win over a weaker team. The Jazz are 31W / 51L this year.  The Warriors bench depth closed out the game after the halftime lead:  Dubs 63, Jazz 56.
Regular Season Record – (46 Wins – 36 Losses)
Game 82:  Warriors 123 / Jazz 116
Initial Observations:  The game projected (by me) to be a mid to high single digit win for the Dubs, but was a “management decision loss” game.  By sitting the team’s best offensive player and its best defensive player, the Dubs were – in effect – conceding they believed either the Lakers or the Kings were going to win and that the results of this game was irrelevant to our position in the “play-in” round which begins on Tuesday.  As it turned out, both the Lakers and the Kings won their final games, so resting Curry and Draymond may have been a good decision.
The Warriors won three quarters of the game and lost one quarter by (again) losing control of the perimeter shooting and allowing uncontested 3pt shots.  The Jazz hit a good number of them and closed from a double digit deficit multiple times.  In the end, our “Santa Cruz” team (deep second string) was better than the Jazz mix of starters and subs and we got the win.
Conclusion:  Klay Thompson (25pts) lead the team in points, but he could have gotten more as he only played 20 minutes.  I imagine one of the assistant coaches advised Coach Kerr that both the Lakers and Kings games were runaways, so we might as well rest Klay, too.
Game 1 (of the “Play-in” round) is Tuesday against the Utah Jazz (31W/50L) in SF…  Based on the teams relative won-loss records, the game promises to be a mid single digit win by the Kings.  This is based purely on their “home court” advantage – which is usually good for 3 to 5pts.  They have a better home court record than we do, but we have a better away court record than they do.  We have a 9 game difference (25 to 16) away record to their (24 to 17) at home record.
The “only” substantial advantage we have is in playoff experience.  Our core has four championships.  Theirs have zero rings.  It remains to be seen if they will feel the pressure of being in a short series and fold up or if the home court energy will spur the Kings enough to get past us.
Assuming we pass this test, the second game of the “Play-in” round will be the loser of the 7v8 seed game (Lakers v. Pelicans).  The Pelicans are hosting that (7v8) game.  The winner of that game goes straight to the “regular” playoffs and the loser faces the winner of our game (hopefully the Warriors).  The loser of our game goes home (eliminated).  IF we make it past the loser of the 7v8 game, our reward will be to face the #1 seed (Oklahoma City Thunder) in the first round of the “actual” playoffs…
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On This Day In:
2023	Between Us And Darkness
2022	Or Simple Truths You Don’t Want To Believe
2021	I Never Could Keep A Secret
	A Half A Mile Or So (Sail On)
2020	Facing The Truth
2019	How Much Is Your Education Worth?
	Is America Ready: Mayor Pete – 2020!!
2018	Disruptive Definition
2017	A History Of Small Insights
2016	Be Uncommon
2015	Ooops!
2014	What Price Freedom?
2013	Remembering Val
2012	Good-bye, Val
	Survival Value
2011	Traitors In Our Midst
	Life Ain’t Easy

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2023 Warriors: Game 81 Loss (Record: 45W-36L)

Game 81 is in the books – and the regular season is down to one home game…  Tonight the Warriors lost to the New Orleans Pelicans (49W/32L).  Although we have already qualified for the “play-in round”, the questions remain:  where will we finish and will we play at home or on the road?
The Warriors now sit at 9 games over .500 after a 5pt loss to the Pelicans.  Based on team records, I had predicted a mid to high single digit loss by the Dubs.  That’s pretty much exactly what we got…  What I didn’t expected was the Dubs would not play Jonathan Kuminga due to a groin injury.
The final score in this game:  114 to 109 in the Pelicans favor.  The Warriors starters played just well enough to lose to a better team. The Pelicans are 49W / 32L this year.  The Warriors bench depth got them back in the game in the third quarter, but it was not enough to make up for a horrendous second quarter where the Dubs gave up 45 points – mostly from beyond the 3pt arc.  We also gave up nine turnovers!
Regular Season Record – (45 Wins – 36 Losses)
Game 81:  Warriors 109 / Pelicans 114
Initial Observations:  The game projected (by me) to be a mid to high single digit loss for the Dubs, but was actually almost a runaway win for us – for one quarter anyway.  The Pelicans started cold and we started hot and we jumped to a double-digit lead.  We finished the 1st quarter with a 9pt lead.  We then lost the game in the second quarter.  The Dubs lost our three-point shooting touch and then failed to defend the Pelicans at the arc.  Combined with constant turnovers (9 in the quarter), the Dubs gave the Pelicans opportunities to stay in the game and find their own touch.  The Pelicans did and it ended up being a crushing quarter.
The Warriors won three quarters of the game and outscored the Pelicans by:  87pts to 69pts (18pts).  The problem is we lost the game in the second quarter where the Pelicans outscored us:  45pts to 22pts (23pts).  And that made it a 5pt loss…
Conclusion:  Steph Curry (33pts) lead the team in points, but he also accounted for almost half of the team’s turnovers (7 of the 16).  To our credit, the team played hard for the whole game.  We were just a bit out of sync on defense in the second quarter and the Pelicans shot the ball phenomenally well from 3pt range – particularly in the second quarter.  They finished the game with over 52% from beyond the arc.  Low 40% is considered good.
Game 82 is Sunday against the Utah Jazz (31W/50L) in SF…  Based on the teams relative won-loss records, the game promises to be a mid- to high- double digit win by the Dubs.  This game is a MUST win for the Dubs if we are to have any chance of hosting the 9th place vs 10th place play-in game.
With only the final game remaining, the Warriors are tied with the Sacramento Kings in the standings for ninth (Kings) and tenth (Dubs) place(s)…  If the Dubs can win and if Los Angeles and Sacramento lose one more game (each) we will end up with home court advantage for at least one playoff game – hosting the Lakers.  If the Lakers win their last game or if we lose our game, we will play the Lakers in LA.
So, now we have to win this last game to have the best chance of advancing in the 9v10 match-up and then win a second game against the loser of the 7v8 match-up.  Either way, we need two wins to make the proper playoffs.  The question is do we get to play one of them at home…  And, I would be remiss in not mentioning that if we do all that, we’ll then get the honor of being the 8 seed and facing the Conference one seed in the first round…
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On This Day In:
2023	Once Is Rarely Enough
2022	Or Less Perceptive
2021	We Need Professional Journalists AND The First Amendment
	It Was Rainin’ Hard (Taxi)
2020	Neither Alone, Nor Lonely
	Giving
2019	That’s Why It’s Called Faith
2018	So We Agree, #45 Is Dumb – Too
2017	The Morality Of Spying
2016	He Doesn’t Remind Me Of Me
	The First Rule
2015	Free Your Mind And Your Ass Will Follow
	The Man Without Fear
2014	I Blame Robocop
2013	Future Trustees
2012	Praise Not The Day…
2011	Educated Living

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2023 Warriors: Game 80 Win (Record: 45W-35L)

Game 80 is in the books – and the regular season is down to two home games…  One against a good team (Pelicans) and the closer against a not very good team (Jazz).  Tonight the Warriors defeated the Portland Trailblazers (21W/59L).  The questions remain:  where will we finish and who will we face first?  The Warriors now sit at 10 games over .500 after a 8pt win over the Trailblazers.
Based on team records, I had predicted a mid double-digit win by the Dubs.  What I didn’t know was the Dubs would be without two of the core three:  Draymond Green and Klay Thompson were both sidelined with sore knees.
The final score in this game:  100 to 92 in the Dubs favor.  The Warriors starters played just well enough to beat a poor team. The Trailblazers are 21W / 59L this year.  The Warriors bench depth again kept them in the game and helped with the win in clutch time (the last five minutes of a game).
Regular Season Record – (45 Wins – 35 Losses)
Game 80:  Warriors 100 / Trailblazers 92
Initial Observations:  The game projected (by me) to be a mid double digit win for the Dubs, but was almost a disaster from the start.  The Trailblazers played a fast paced game and seemed to surprise the Dubs with both a full-court press and a well played zone.  The Dubs lost their three-point shooting touch which won the previous game (against the Lakers) and the constant turnovers (16) kept giving the Trailblazers opportunities to stay in the game.
The Trailblazers played a decent enough game given they don’t have a very good defense and ours held them under 40% in shooting.  The game was closer than it (probably) should have been because of the above mentioned turnovers and the fact the Dubs had over 20 fewer shot attempts than the Trailblazers.
Conclusion:  Steph Curry (22pts) lead the team in points, but (I felt) he got them late – which won the game, but made his effort “look” unimpressive.  Had Curry made a few of his attempts (8 of 22) early in the game, the game might have been decided much earlier.  Wiggins, Kuminga and Jackson-Davis also finished in double figures.  In the end, the difference was defense and blocked shots (13 for the Dubs to only 3 for the Trailblazers).
Game 81 is tomorrow (Friday) against the New Orleans Pelicans (48W/32L) in SF…  Based on the teams relative won-loss records, the game promises to be a mid- to high- single digit loss by the Dubs.  This is really a tougher projection than it should be because the Pelicans are 5W / 5L in their last 10 games, while the Warriors are 9W / 1L in out last 10 games.
With only two games remaining, the Warriors are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings in the standings for eight (Kings), ninth (Dubs) and tenth (Lakers) place(s)…  If the Dubs can win out and if Los Angeles and Sacramento lose one more game (each) we will end up with home court advantage for at least one playoff game.
Now, if we can just win out…
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On This Day In:
2023	Eight Best Things
2022	A Little Epiphany
2021	Clear Global Standards
	A Girl Like You (Sauvecito)
2020	Life’s Mysteries
2019	I Doubt I Ever Will
2018	Who Will Thank (If Not Remember) Me
2017	Reinforced Learning
2016	I Choose To Believe
2015	What They Don’t Teach You At School
2014	Still Trying To Die (5)
2013	Honest Doubt
2012	Choice
2011	Ownership Of Thought

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April Blossoms

My wife’s favorite flower is the full size, yellow daffodil.  She likes the mini’s and the whites, too, but her preference is for the full size, yellow.  We look forward to their emergence every January / February as they bring with them the start of a new year and the approaching end of Winter.
But the yellow blossoms fade and then wither…  And then, usually towards the end of March we start to see the sprouts of the California Poppy!!  A few weeks later…  Blossoms!
Granted, we only have ours as a bit of trim at the top of the front garden.  Some of our neighbors have their whole front yards strewn with bright orange and green!  And so, walking around the neighborhood in the bright California morning sunshine, we enjoy the month of April…
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On This Day In:
2023	In The Beginning…
2022	Working Out
2021	Fortes Fortuna Juvat*
	Layin’ In Bed (Help Me Rhonda)
2020	For Sale
2019	Letting Go
2018	Trying To Give More
2017	The Reproductive Value Of A Presidential Election
2016	For Me It’s Been Faith
2015	Where Many Paths And Errands Meet
2014	Rimmed Out
2013	Likeness
2012	Sums It Up Quite Well, Actually
2011	Momentary Abandonment

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2023 Warriors: Game 79 Win (Record: 44W-35L)

Game 79 is in the books – and the regular season is down to three games – one away and then the last two at home…  The Warriors defeat the Los Angeles Lakers (45W/35L).  Now, the questions are where will we finish and who will we face first?  The Warriors are at 9 games over .500 after a 14pt win over the Lakers.  Based on team records, I had predicted a low single-digit win by the Lakers.  What I didn’t know was the Lakers would be without their second best player – Anthony Davis, who was poked in the eye during their last game.
The final score in this game:  134 to 120 in the Dubs favor.  The Warriors starters played well from the start.  We shot the lights out with Draymond Green shocking everyone with 5 of 6 from the three point arc.  (He hit the first five in a row!)
Regular Season Record – (44 Wins – 35 Losses)
Game 79:  Warriors 134 / Lakers 120
Initial Observations:  The game projected (by me) to be a low single digit win for the Lakers, but was almost a laugher from the start.  The Lakers played a bit “off” without their dominant center (Davis) and fell behind early.  They never caught up.  Interestingly, it was Warrior outside shooting which dominated the scoring / game.  I would have expected the Dubs to take advantage of a backup center and attack the paint.  But, we really did not.
Despite the score, the Lakers played well.  It’s just the Dubs were hitting three’s at +60% and hit a near team record of them.  On a good night, a team may hit 45% of their 3pt attempts;  50% is considered a very good game.  We also hit 58.8% overall for field goals, so even the normal 2pt shots were falling today.
Conclusion:  Steph Curry (23pts, 6 for 6 for 3pts shots), Klay Thompson (27pts, 5 for 10 for 3pts shots) combined for 50pts.  Two of the other four starters (Draymond and Wiggins) got double figures in points and Chris Paul and Brandin Podziemski had double figures coming off the bench.  Jonathan Kuminga (8pts) looked rusty for someone who was very good in our last game.  He looked quick and springy, but his shooting touch was a bit off.
Game 80 is Thursday against the Portland Trailblazers (21W/58L) in Portland…  Based on the teams relative won-loss records, the game promises to be a mid double digit win by the Dubs.  If the Dubs can win out and if Los Angeles losses one more game we will flip play-in positions as we have the tie-breaking advantage in head-to-head match-up.
With only 3 games remaining, the Warriors are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers in the loss standings (LA is one game ahead on wins) and we have secured at least 10th place in the conference.  We are also two game behind the Sacramento Kings and two games behind the Phoenix Suns and three games behind the New Orleans Pelicans…
Now, if we can just win out…
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On This Day In:
2023	GPS
2022	And Do The Right Thing…
2021	Rational Response
	This Can’t Go On (Evil Ways)
2020	A Different Premise
2019	Can Too
2018	To Get Strength
	Drip, Drip, Drip
2017	Bricolage Art
2016	Just A Shame
2015	Treasures Of The Mind
2014	Not Quite Exceeded Reach
2013	Who’s Side?
2012	Why I Joined The Army And Not The Navy…
2011	Is It Your Turn Yet?
	Just Trippin’

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2023 Warriors: Game 78 Win (Record: 43W-35L)

Game 78 is in the books – and the regular season is winding down…  The Warriors defeat the Utah Jazz (29W/49L) and Houston Rockets lose in overtime (to the Mavs) to lock in our appearance in the play-in tournament (at least).  Now, the questions are where will we finish and who will we face first?  The Warriors are at 8 games over .500 after an 8pt win over the Jazz.  Based on team records, I had predicted a mid double-digit win by the Dubs.  The Dubs were up by 23pts before we took our foot off the gas and began resting players.
The final score in this game:  118 to 110 in the Mavs favor.  The Warriors starters played well from the start.  We began the game blowing the Jazz off the court.  Jonathan Kuminga was back from his knee soreness.  Steph Curry took his place on the bench with a “rest” day.  He was joined by Andrew Wiggins who suffered a turned ankle late a couple of games ago and was also rested tonight.
Regular Season Record – (43 Wins – 35 Losses)
Game 78:  Warriors 118 / Jazz 110
Initial Observations:  The game projected (by me) to be a mid-double digit win for the Dubs, but was almost a laugher from the start.  The Jazz are in a “rebuilding” year and are a young, energetic team which lacks at least one dominant player.  Without at least one big “star” it’s very difficult to compete in the West Conference (let alone the NBA).
Had this game “really” mattered, the Warriors could have won by 30pts.  The Jazz just didn’t display enough defense to be competitive.
Conclusion:  With Curry out, Klay Thompson had to take up the load and he had an excellent game with 32pts in 28mins.  (He sat out much of the second half.)  Three of the other four starters got double figures in points and Kuminga added 21pts coming off the bench.  Kuminga looked very good for someone who has missed the last several games.  His sore knee did not appear to be affecting his quickness or his jumping ability.  That’s VERY good news…
Game 79 is Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers (45W/33L) in SF…  Based on the teams relative won-loss records, the game promises to be a low single digit win by the Lakers.  If the Dubs can win they will have a slight chance of flipping play-in positions.
With only 4 games remaining, the Warriors are two games below the Los Angeles Lakers in the loss standings (LA is two games ahead on wins) and we are holding on to 10th place in the conference.  We are also two games behind the Sacramento Kings and three games behind the New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns…
If we are able to win out…  AND if there are a tremendous number of breaks going our way (the others all lose at least three of their four remaining games), we have a chance of jumping out of the play-in round and directly into the playoffs.  That’s a BIG “if” and a BIG “and”…  It’s highly unlikely because all of the teams ahead of us have at least one game against each other which means we can’t make up ground for one of the teams in those games.  But, for the moment, I’m just happy the Dubs have made the play-in round!
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On This Day In:
2023	Given The Option
2022	Remember
2021	Now You’re 31…
	Versions: (Father And Son)  (My Way – Presley & Sinatra)
2020	Make A Fuss
2019	Hopefully, You’re Learning To Forgive
2018	Enjoy The Sunsets As Well As The Sunrises
2017	Enjoy
2016	I Got A Feeling
2015	Fiction Leading To History
2014	A Self-Correcting Process
2013	None But He Knows
2012	99% Are Demanding
2011	All In The Family
	Take Your Pick

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2023 Warriors: Game 77 Loss (Record: 42W-35L)

Game 77 is in the books…  The Warriors lose to the Dallas Mavericks (47W/30L) and yet remain close to locking in our position in the play-in tournament.  The Warriors have edged back to 7 games over .500 after a 2pt loss to the Mavs.  Based on team records, I had predicted a low single-digit loss by the Dubs.
The final score in this game:  106 to 108 in the Mavs favor.  The Warriors starters played just well enough to lose.  We began the game getting blown off the court.  Our bench came in an got us back in the game – so we were actually ahead by 1pt at the end of the first quarter.  We were (again) missing one of our better players:  Jonathan Kuminga, who is still out with knee soreness.  Kuminga was tentatively scheduled in for this game but did not suit up.  He was joined by Andrew Wiggins who suffered a turned ankle late in last night’s game.  He is also expected to be back for the next game.  (Fingers crossed…)
Regular Season Record – (42 Wins – 35 Losses)
Game 77:  Warriors 106 / Mavericks 108
Initial Observations:  The game projected (by me) to be a single digit loss for the Dubs, but was a laugher at the start.  Although the Mavs were playing without their best player (Luka Doncic), their second best (Kyrie Irving) stepped up and got the job done.  The Mavs started the game with more energy and then finished it with more energy – hence the close win.
Don’t misunderstand me…  The Warriors showed a lot of heart and played reasonably well – very well when the game was drawing down and we were struggling to steal a result.  Unfortunately, we came up short – literally.  Our lack of height and length did us in (again).  The Mavs blocked 9 shots to our 5 blocks, but theirs were the more intimidating blocks and we were clearly altering our shot attempts both in the paint and at the perimeter.
Conclusion:  Curry (28pts) and Klay (16pts) had the another of those too frequent nights were they didn’t get untracked until it was nearly too late – and then it ultimately was too late.  Curry, in particular, got 14pts in the 4th quarter – which sounds terrific, but (in the game) he was 5 for 14 from the 3pt arc when any one of those 9 misses would have meant a win.  Klay was marginally worse.  He was 2 for 8 from the arc.  Well, as I’ve stated before:  “Win by the 3, lose by the 3…”
Game 78 is Sunday against the Utah Jazz (29W/47L) in SF…  Based on the teams relative won-loss records, the game promises to be a low to mid double digit win by the Dubs.  The Jazz are already eliminated from the playoffs and this is the first of two games we’ll play them before the season ends.  The second game is the final game of the season and also in SF.
With only 5 games remaining, the Warriors are two games below the Los Angeles Lakers in the loss standings (LA is two games ahead on wins) and we are holding on to 10th place in the conference.  We face the Lakers one more time this season, so we can only make up one of those losses.  The LA game is one of the only two games we have left against teams which have not been eliminated from the playoffs.  The other team is the New Orleans Pelicans.
If we get either a loss by the Houston Rockets or win one of our remaining games, we will retain the 10th playoff position even if the Rockets tie us on Won/Loss record as we have the edge on face to face games played.
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On This Day In:
2023	So Far, So Good
	Thinking About My Sister
2022	Dust Under Your Fingertips (Dust In The Wind)
2021	Stopped Counting Decades Ago
	Just Enjoying The Sun (Girls Just Want To Have Fun)
2020	To My Idealistic Sister
2019	Respect For My Sister (I Can Do Hard Things)
2018	I Trust Cows
	No Boundary
2017	Don’t Sink Now
2016	A Burning Passion To Teach Freedom
2015	Before Debit (And Credit) Cards
2014	Herding Cats
2013	Ooops!
2012	Understand A Great Truth
2011	Start Here…
2010	Random Acts of Vandalism On Easter Weekend…

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2023 Warriors: Game 76 Win (Record: 42W-34L)

Game 76 is in the books…  The Warriors defeat the Houston Rockets (38W/38L) and are now close to locking in their position in the play-in tournament.  The Warriors have climbed to 8 games over .500 after a 23pt(!) win over the Rockets.  Based on team records, I had predicted a high single-digit win by the Dubs.  LoL!!  They sure showed me!!
The final score in this game:  133 to 110 in the Dubs favor.  The Warriors starters played an excellent offensive game, and were never behind from the first basket – winning all four quarters and the final score.  We were (again) missing one of our better players:  Jonathan Kuminga, who is still out with knee soreness.  Kuminga is tentatively scheduled in for our next game.
Regular Season Record – (42 Wins – 34 Losses)
Game 76:  Warriors 133 / Rockets 110
Initial Observations:  The game projected (by me) to be a single digit win for the Dubs, but was a laugher almost from the start.  The Rockets kept tossing up 3pt attempts and they kept missing.  Other than a horrendous night of turnovers (18) by the Warriors, the Rockets would have been blown out by the half.  Instead, the Warriors let the Rockets hang around until they got the difference under 10pts.  Then (like a light switched being flipped on), the Warriors remembered how to score and they put the game away.
Draymond Green played another superb game:  5pts, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal and 1 blocked shot!!  The stat line (again) does not reflect the impact Draymond had on the outcome of the game as his leadership of the defense made it suffocating for the Rockets.  With Kuminga out and Trayce Jackson-Davis playing center, Draymond is able to direct the defense and play free safety helping everyone with second level protection.
Conclusion:  Curry and Klay had the rare (this season) double star / “Splash Brothers” night and got  58pts between them (29pts each)!  Trayce Jackson-Davis got his first career 20pt game and the second string poured in 40pts.
Game 77 is tomorrow against the Dallas Mavericks (46W/30L) in Dallas…  Based on the teams relative won-loss records, the game promises to be a low single digit win by the Mavs.  The Mavs are 8W/2L in their last 10 games and are currently on a one(1) game winning streak.   The Dubs are now on our first 6 game winning streak of the season.  As unlikely as it seems, if we win out and the Mavs stumble, we could get close to them in the standings and they (or the Phoenix Suns) could fall into the play-in round.
This game location is a wrinkle caused by the earlier postponed games.  Basically, the location of the earlier Mavs game and this one were swapped to accommodate the rescheduling of the make-up game earlier this week.
With only 6 games remaining, the Warriors are one game below the Los Angeles Lakers in the loss standings (LA is two games ahead on wins) and we are holding on to 10th place in the conference.  We face the Lakers one more time this season.  Because the Western Conference is so tight this season, the Warriors can (still) displace them in 9th place.  It’s not likely, but it is possible.  Bottom line:  having beaten the Rockets tonight, if we close out playing .500 ball we are in the play-in at 10th place.  We are not yet a mathematical lock (yet), but we’re getting close.  To bump us, the Rockets need to win out and have us lose all but one.  Again, possible, but unlikely…  (But that’s why we play the games…)
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On This Day In:
2023	Takin’ A Lickin’
	Actually, It’s The Other Way Around
2022	If That’s What You Mean
2021	Awakening The Glow
	I Remember (In The Air Tonight)
2020	Golden Eagle
	Like #45: Incompetent Donald
2019	#45: Who Lost By Three Million Votes
2018	Torn Between Two Loves
	A Girl And A Boy
2017	I Think They Are Starting To…
2016	Living There
2015	Bookin’ West
	Beyond My Reach
	You Never Call Anymore…
2014	Winning?
2013	Still Inventing
2012	Motivated
2011	Waiting In Line At Starbuck’s

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Better Receiving

“Raymond Berry’s Complete Guide to Coaching Pass Receivers”  (1982©)  —  book review
Today’s book review is for “Raymond Berry’s Complete Guide to Coaching Pass Receivers”.  The author(s) is Raymond Berry, and it was co-written “with” C.H. “Butch” Gilbert, Jr.  This is the third book review of a trio of “Colts” books I purchased at the end of last year / start of this year.  Back in the 1960s, there were two “givens” in the world of the National Football League (NFL).  The first was that Jim Brown was the greatest running back to ever carry a football.  The second – and some would argue this should be the first – was that Johnny Unitas was the greatest quarterback to ever throw a football.  The author:  Raymond Berry was Johnny U’s favorite target.  After playing receiver in high school, college and the NFL, Berry retired from playing to a career of coaching football at the college and professional levels.  He ultimately ended up as the head coach of the Boston / New England Patriots for a handful of years.  Berry coached the team to their first Super Bowl appearance where they lost to the Chicago Bears.
This book covers the coaching philosophy and training methods Berry used to develop himself into a Hall of Fame level receiver and which he then carried into his own coaching.
So, is this book any good?  Is it realistic football preparation / training and do I think it would actually make someone a better receiver?  Is it interesting?  And, finally, do I recommend this book?  Yes to all of the above.
Any good:  This is a soup to dessert instruction manual for training to be a better pass receiver.  It covers all of the various receiver types (wide receiver, tight end and running backs) and gives specific training, practice and game tips for each type.  There is very specific information with a separate chapter on catching, catching drills, running after the catch, a detailed practice schedule, conditioning and mental preparation.  I do have a few negatives about the book:  1) there are no illustrations of the various types of catches;  2) this is a very concise book (only 179 pages) and is published in a small format (5.75in X 8in);  3) there are lots of illustrations relating to pass pattern step counts but none of them include images of where a defender might be;  and, 4) Berry often mentions “keys” which will guide you (the receiver and the quarterback) in doing something in a pass play, but these “keys” are either not listed, not illustrated or not specified at all.
Preparation, training and attitude:  Berry covers each step in the path to becoming a better pass receiver (including tips about blocking).  I found his methodology in developing an off-season training program specifically for receivers to be particularly well presented.  Essentially, Berry used film to break down several games and then wrote his preparation plan around what he found.  That is:  number of run plays vs pass plays, average distances to run on each type of play, average number of plays in a successful drive, and average amount of time he’d get to rest between plays and between series (including half-time).  This game-specific tailored training ensured he was fit enough to finish every play at full speed on every down all the way through the game and into overtime if necessary.
Entertaining / interesting:  As strange as this may sound, although I found this to be an extremely interesting book, I did not find this to be an “entertaining” book.  It is a cook book with very specific recipes for each component of improving as a receiver.  That is not to say the book and its techniques are not more broadly applicable to other areas of football (or other sports).  The comment is just pointing out the book has a goal and it adheres to the topic.  So, it’s interesting, but not particularly entertaining.  (Are user manuals / instructions every entertaining?)  I would add that even given the brevity of the book it is NOT a quick read if you are intending to absorb its deep knowledge of concepts / understanding principles.  I am reminded of one of those oriental philosophy books which ends each topic with:  “Consider this deeply…”  If that is not your goal, you can fly through this book in a couple of hours (if not less).
Final recommendation:  Very High recommendation.  IMHO this book is best book of “my” Colts trilogy.  This book should be required reading for anyone interested in coaching American football – particularly as a receivers position coach.  I also highly recommend it to aspiring young players / receivers.
Disclaimer:  I purchased this book at normal / full price (for a used book in “good” condition) through Amazon and no compensation has been provided to me by anyone for my opinions in this review.
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On This Day In:
2023	Takin’ A Lickin’
	Actually, It’s The Other Way Around
2022	If That’s What You Mean
2021	Awakening The Glow
	I Remember (In The Air Tonight)
2020	Golden Eagle
	Like #45: Incompetent Donald
2019	#45: Who Lost By Three Million Votes
2018	Torn Between Two Loves
	A Girl And A Boy
2017	I Think They Are Starting To…
2016	Living There
2015	Bookin’ West
	Beyond My Reach
	You Never Call Anymore…
2014	Winning?
2013	Still Inventing
2012	Motivated
2011	Waiting In Line At Starbuck’s

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2023 Warriors: Game 75 Win (Record: 41W-34L)

Game 75 is in the books…  The Warriors defeat the Dallas Mavericks (45W/30L) and are still clinging to their chance to make the play-in tournament.  The Warriors have climbed to 7 games over .500 after a 4pt win over the Mavs.  Based on team records, I had predicted a high single-digit loss to the Mavs.  LoL!!  I guess I need to show a little more faith…!!
The final score in this game:  104 to 100 in the Dubs favor.  The Warriors starters played an okay offensive game, the second string were crushing and as a team we had a surprisingly good defensive game against a team which I don’t think they match up well with.  We were (again) missing one of our better players:  Jonathan Kuminga, who is still out with knee soreness.
Regular Season Record – (41 Wins – 34 Losses)
Game 75:  Warriors 104 / Mavs 100
Initial Observations:  The game projected (by me) to be a single digit loss for the Dubs.  The teams split the quarters:  we took 1st and 3rd, Mavs took 2nd and 4th, but we took the game.  The main reason:  our second string out-scored the Mavs second string to the tune of 39 to 13!!  26 points!!
Draymond Green played a superb game:  11pts, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals!!  The stat line does not reflect the impact Draymond had on the outcome of the game (in the closing minutes) when he challenged a driver, forced a pass, turned back to block the shot his original man was taking, and recovered the blocked shot!!  One of the truly great defensive efforts I’ve ever witnessed.
Conclusion:  Curry and Klay had the rare double off night and got only 27pts between them.  Andrew Wiggins helped carry the offense with 23 points, and was very good to excellent on defense.  Wiggins drew Luka Doncic for most of the game and while Doncic got his (30) points, he wasn’t as dynamic in overall team play as he normally is.  (Doncic ended up with a triple-double, but he looked “mostly” contained for much of the game.)
This was the second of the two games which were postponed due to the sudden death of one of the Warriors’ assistant coaches earlier in the year.  This was a close game against a team with a better record and one we haven’t seemed to match up well with in the past.  Combining that with this game’s importance in the standings and it was a very good win!
Game 76 is Thursday against the Houston Rockets (38W/37L) in Texas…  Based on the teams relative won-loss records, the game promises to be a high single digit win by the Dubs.  The Rockets are 8W/2L in their last 10 games and are currently on a two(2) game losing streak.   A Dubs win will put us up 4 games ahead of the Rockets with 6 games to play.  Not yet sitting in the catbird seat, but at least a little breathing room.
With only 7 games remaining, the Warriors are one game below the Los Angeles Lakers in the loss standings (LA is two games ahead on wins) and we are holding on to 10th place in the conference.  We face the Lakers one more time this season, but it seems unlikely we’ll displace them in 9th place.  Given the two teams (Rockets and Dubs) recent playing record (Dubs are 6W-4L), it is still a possibility (downgraded from a near certainty) the Rockets will overtake us for the 10th playoff (“play-in”) position.  The slight edge the Warriors have is we hold the tie-breaker advantage so the Rockets need three more wins than us (in the final 7 games) to over-take and pass us for that last playoff position.  Bottom line:  if we close out playing .500 ball AND beat the Rockets, we are in the play-in at 10th place.  If either of those don’t happen, we’ll need a bit of luck to hold on and slip in.
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On This Day In:
2023	After You, My Dear
2022	I’ve Lost My Share
2021	You Decide
	A Dream And The Wind (Sailing)
2020	Making Me
2019	Inside Your Head
2018	Lingering Curiosity
2017	Just Kidding
2016	The Danger Of Walls
2015	Protection
2014	Let It Go
2013	Don’t Know And Not Telling
2012	A Challenge For Progress
2011	Dependent Difficulty

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