O.J.

Finally finished reading O.J.'s confession, "If I Did It." Took me less than a week as it was a fast read. What I learned was that O.J.'s and Nicole Brown's relationship was filled with heated arguments, physical abuse, and even drugs. Well, at least, that's what O.J. says as he is the one telling the story. But throughout the book, I couldn't help but feel that the man has a tremendous ego. He, at some point, admits it... that when he walks into a room, "people are looking at him." I can't fault the man since he is a well-known sports figure. But there were moments, in which he describes of their relationship, that he was the generous and supportive partner that almost always had the best of intentions in mind as his ex-wife was caught up with shady "friends" and drugs. But I'm a firm believer that it always takes two.

Obviously, it is widespread knowledge that he is in jail these days for strong-armed robbery. I believe he is sentenced for 10 years. Heard that he was having a lot of trouble with painkillers in prison. Apparently, he takes a large dosage of painkillers for his arthritic knee(s) and other ailments. Well, in prison, he probably doesn't have access to the same dosage/amount he normally is accustomed to.

My Fantasy Basketball Team

Did my Fantasy Basketball draft Saturday morning. This is who I drafted:

1st Round - Deron Williams
2nd Round - Kevin Garnett
3rd Round - Brandon Roy
4th Round - David West
5th Round - Ray Allen
6th Round - Corey Magette
7th Round - Tracy McGrady
8th Round - Greg Oden
9th Round - Derrick Rose
10th Round - Kevin Love
11th Round - Raymond Felton
12th Round - Rajon Rondo
13th Round - Brook Lopez
14th Round - Russell Westbrook

Yes, I'm banking on 5 rookies (Oden included). Tremendous upside, I hope.

Car Dreams

After my draft, the Bush Baby and I went to look at a new car. Not that we really need one immediately, but we figured it was a good time to consider one since it is year end and there were deals available.

We test drove a 2008 Lexus ES 350 and a 2008 Lexus GS 350. I liked the GS more than the ES. Differences include:

1. Front-Wheel (ES) vs Rear-Wheel Drive (GS)
2. 275 HP (ES) vs 303 HP (GS)
3. Looks (I use to like the ES more, but the GS has grown on me through the years... I actually never cared for the pre-2006 design).

After some negotiating at Serramonte Lexus, we finally agreed to what I thought was a fair price and a fair trade-in value for the Bush Baby's 2002 Accord EX V6. However, we were put in our place by our mother for considering such a "lavish" car when we just recently purchased a house and a refrigerator. Also, with the current economic conditions, she felt it was irresponsible for us to even consider it. Although I personally felt we could of made it work, "it takes two" to agree on a purchase of this magnitude. In this case, "it will take three."

For people who are unfamiliar with Ron Dellums, the current mayor of Oakland, Dellums is an eloquent and effective speaker, who for the most part, was able to win his current post through his diction and orator skills. After achieving office, he has been deemed ineffective, MIA (apparently does not even put in a 40 hour work week), and a total failure.

I see the same with Barack Obama.

In tonight's debate, John McCain laid out, with detail and command, his initiatives.

With America in its current economic lull, it was refreshing to hear one of the candidates spell out in detail what it is he stands for and what he wants to implement as the next President. Unlike Obama, who does not seem to have an explicit strategy, and seems to be winning this election with "Dawson's Creek" lingo, McCain came out tonight with a clear purpose and was on target on his message.

Spare me the educational vouchers and notions of universal healthcare for everyone. Plain and simple, if you're not happy with the way things are, then it is probably a good idea to seek ways to improve that situation on your own... rather than hope that an elected official can implement a plan that redistributes wealth and does not promote the individual to work and work harder, but instead, continue to bank on a government to give more.

I'm not afraid to admit that I've tasted free government cheese early in my childhood. I, like many others, did not care for it and made it a priority to one day be in a position that I don't have to rely on government hand-me-downs.

Sure, some people will be left behind, and not everyone will be rescued regardless of who is in office. But the concept of continuing to give to those in need (not that the U.S. hasn't already given enough) and giving more (whether it be healthcare now or vouchers for education) does not promote ownership and self-reliance in those that need to get off the "government cheese."

With that said, take a wild guess who I'm voting for... And for those that say, "Your vote does not matter since you live in a Blue state...," I counter with, "Then it probably does not matter that you or anyone votes. Stay your f*cken ass at home then!"

Last night's CBC was a bit of a yawner (read last post).

But there were things I needed to find out about myself that, ultimately, reinforced what I initially thought about myself.

Pre-CBC...

Went with the Bush Baby to the Millbrae Library to borrow a book I have been itching to read for a while now. Seeing as how it is not a book I wanted to own, the best thing to do was to borrow it from one of the many high-tech libraries in the peninsula.

"If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer," is supposedly O.J. Simpson's confession to the double murders he was not criminally charged with in the 90's.

I'm only on page 14, but already, I find the book carries a genuinely disturbing and sad overtone as the first part of the book discusses how the Goldmans battle not only who they perceive to be the killer of their son in court, O.J., but also the feelings each time they set out to make the perceived killer suffer in any way, shape, or form. In a way, it's like opening an ugly, painful wound each time it just begins healing.

CBC... (another week)

This week, we faced the secretary's team (Check, Marlena, and Dennis). Check is in China, so there is a young lad who is subbing. We all learn later on that he is Check's son.

We get 48 pins of handicap thanks to Marlena averaging 191.

Game 1 (Cruisin' and Bruisin')

The She-Fiend (also known as Small Frey) is unleashing a flurry of strikes to start off the night which leads to Dennis's usual complaints about how they usually lose to our team and how we are sandbaggers. SF finishes with a 188.

Judgie, also is on a hot pace and unloads a 212. The Puba senses we have the game under control is cruises for a 166. We win by 75 pins despite Marlena shooting a 171 game, Dennis with a 204, and Check's son shootin' a 160 game.

Game 2 (Eased off the pedal a little too much)

SF immediately deflates to a 124 as her spare shootin' goes to the crapper. I, get bored and unload a 148. Judge is trying to do it all by himself by shooting a 204 game.

Doesn't help much as Marlena thunders for a 192 game. Dennis holds steady with another 200 game. And the young Checker also flirts with a 200 game as well. We lose by 78 pins.

Puba: We need to win our next game by 5 pins.
Judgie: Yeah.
Puba: Perhaps it is time for me to get serious.
SF: You weren't serious all this time.
Puba: Nah. Been sorta out of it. Might have the Super fill in for me until I get reinvigorated.
SF & Judgie:
Puba: It's okay. I'm going to unload (an ass whoopin') on them right now.
SF & Judgie:

Game 3 ("I'm going to do it just to say I can do it!")

Famous last words... from a desperate fighter holding onto his past glories? Or from a bored and tired fighter who has simply surpassed the game?

As the Puba unload strike after strike and thunder his way to a 214, he could see in the eyes of his teammates that the Puba was "there" all along. There was never a need to fear.

We win the last game by 125 pins.

This week, we are 3-1.

Last week, we were 32 of 33. This week, we started 28 of 33. Next week?

The slow climb continues... but will the Puba be around to do the "climbing?"

It almost seems like an eternity that the Bush Baby and I spent a weekend in Monterey/Carmel when it has only been 3 weeks.

With a new exercise regimen that starts at 5:30 a.m. on Monday's, Tuesday's, Thursday's, and Friday's, and a long workout day on Sunday's, I find that, despite being stronger, I am more tired and in need of more rest.

After playing in the SMASH tournament with Eric two weekends ago, I made the decision that I would get in better shape and not let the excuse of the holidays and the weather get between myself and a set of weights or a treadmill.

Perhaps I'm overdoing it. But as long as I like the results, I'm going to march on.

The SMASH tournament also marked the end of the softball season. Usually, it is a bit of a downer for me since I love playing so much. However, this season, I've been somewhat out-of-touch with the Cannons, the team I used to manage. Perhaps it is because I don't manage the team anymore and have to deal with the daily/weekly questions that revolve around running a team. I don't know. All I know is that my days in the Cannons may be coming to an end. Playing on that team no longer interest me.

Perhaps Eric was right when he said to me that I have a higher drive to improve and that playing with stronger players/competition is probably more in line with what I want in softball these days. All true since I can admit that I enjoy playing in tournaments more than the SF Park & Rec leagues.

I also look at my bowling team and feel the same way towards bowling as I do with softball.

I fear I might be mentally and emotionally tapped.

There are days I wonder if it would be better that I step away from bowling for a season or two, much like how I got bored of and stopped working out only to return and start up again once the boredom subsided.

As I spent a part of the morning yesterday getting a much needed massage, I kept thinking of how I am ready to tackle something new, perhaps something intensive and physical like rock climbing, or something calming and profound like yoga.

One thing's for sure... The Puba is burnt out and needs some time away.

At 2-10, SIKNESS is not going anywhere fast, until...

Gonna keep it quick and sweet, cause I is... a bizzy man.

Week 4 of the CBC

This week, we faced Randy, Kumsoon, and Gwen and were afforded 48 pins.

Game 1 (Just like ol' times)

The She-Fiend returned from Down Under and seemed ready to go. In her first game since forever, she shoots a 176. Her spare shooting was much to be desired over that of the Super's.

T: Man, it's good to see someone hitting their spares.
SF: What? Super wasn't hitting them?
T: On and off. But when he hit them, he would follow sometimes with a 3.
SF:

As to be expected, her laughter at the Super would be premature, as her spare games goes in the toilet soon after.

Judgie powers out of the gates with a 221.

T: Wow Judgie! Making up for last week, eh?
J:

The Puba, on the other hand, learns quickly that his usual approach this week is not going to work as the lanes are flooded with oil (especially on the left side). Despite some strikes here and there, the Puba is relegated to a 165.

Randy is trying to carry his team on his own with a 204. Kumsoon is completely lost and bowls a 146. And Gwen, a fellow southpaw, suffers more than me as she only manages a 144 game.

We win by over 100 pins!

Game 2 (Our first nail biter!)

The oil slowly deteriorates and everyone is slowly getting back on track.

10th frame...

We are nursing a 3 pin lead.

Gwen, who is really picking it up, strikes!

The pressure is on the Puba. But like usual, the Puba shrugs off the pressha and delivers a strike to match!

Gwen splits her next throw, leaving any chance for victory. The Puba also splits! He turns around and laughs as the score on displayed was 542 - 541. The Puba's team had just secured their second victory (or so we thought).

Game 3 (A Grinding Halt)

Puba's team: 11 strikes
Randy: 9 strikes
Kumsoon: 8 strikes
Gwen: 8 straight strikes

Result, we get destroyed by 220 points!

We lose our 100+ pin lead and break even for the week (or so we thought).

After the thrashing was over, Gwen walks over and says we tied in the second game. I said, "WHAT!?" She says she rounded up the math and gave us 49 pins instead of 48. I told her that I inputted 48. She said she changed it and apologized.

In the bottom of the league, I didn't bother to argue with her.

As we stand, we have a 3.5 - 12.5 record. PATHETIC!

Despite my poor bowling, I managed to break even for the week.

Judgie: -$2
She-Fiend: $1
Tylon's Brother: $1
Da Cheeze: Even

No harm, no foul...

Post-game conversation in the car...

Puba: I don't recall the last time I got my ass handed to me...
Bush Baby: Your ass handed to you?
Puba (demonstrating... grabs his right but-tock and simulates ripping a chunk of it off and shows it to the Bush Baby): Yes, my ass handed to me!
Bush Baby:

The Puba has been stretched thin the last month.

1. He's had to play in a softball tournament where he went 14 for 19 with 17 RBIs and play an awesome 1B.

2. He's had to lead the Cannons to win their second game by displaying his pitching prowess and intimidation.

3. He's had to help coodinate a wedding for the She-Fiend and Little Vito.

4. He's had to help plan a surprise birthday for the Bush Baby and housewarming party.

5. He's had to attend a two-day conference for work and be a badass there as well.

6. He's even had work a chainsaw to chop down a 40 foot tree for his cousin so that his cousin's baby boy can one day have a nice backyard to play in.

"All in a month's work," the Puba would normally say. However, even the Puba gets mentally and physically drained from all of this as:

1. The Puba gets sick and has to go to the hospital.

2. The Puba's bowling suffers in Week 2 of the CBC.

But like times in the past, the Puba does not lay down. Instead, he climbs higher (as there is always another level of greatness to be achieved).

This Saturday, after returning from the hospital and leading the Cannons to a 17-10 victory over the 1st place Rhinos, the Puba heads straight to the new San Mateo 24 Hour Fitness to work out for another 2 hours. After a nice dinner with Da Cheeze clan, the Puba sojourns for the evening only to wake up at 8 in the morning to help his cousin chop down a menacing pine tree. On Monday, the Puba feels the effects of a physically draining weekend, but knows the hunger and fight has returned...

Monday... the Puba is contacted by one of his many adversaries, the Super. Unlike his other adversaries, the Super respects the Puba and has seen and fallen victim to the Puba's many exploits. Yet, the Super and the Puba are teammates this season at the CBC. And it pains him to see the Puba fall from his grandiose perch the last couple of weeks at the CBC.

S: Will there be a sighting of the Puba this week?
T: Probably not. I'm still recovering from my illness.
T: BUT!
T: I went to the gym on Saturday after leading the Cannons to victory, and chopped down a tree on Sunday.
T: So I feel STRONGER!
S: I C
S: So this is how I plan to get the Puba to appear this week.
S: I will challenge you.
S: I want to see the Grand Puba, not SiKneSs Puba.
T: (laughs) Okay, you b*tch! It is ON!

And just like that, the sleeping giant was awaken...

Tuesday at the CBC... We bowled against the Fiend-lookalike and got pummelled. Judgie wasn't his usual self and had to endure some unfortunate splits. But there was another battle brewing on the side.

After 5 minutes into the first game, Tylon's Brother runs over and challenges the Super, Judgie, and of all things, the Puba.

TB never challenges the Puba cause he is scared and has admitted that in more than one occasion. But TB has seen the Puba literally on one knee as of late, and like the opportunist that he is, saw an opening to take down the Great One.

The Puba accepted his challenge (despite knowing that TB probably had bowled a great 2 frames into his first game) and laughed. The Puba knows TB antics. The Puba knows that he wants to take advantage of the Puba cause he saw the Puba was weakened and he was off to a good start.

To spare the humiliation and embarrassment of all the participants, the Puba will simply cut it short and say, GAME, SET, MATCH.

Puba's Lunch Money:

Da Cheeze: $4
Super: $1
Judgie: $4
The Opportunist, TB: $3
Total: $12 (We goin' to SIZZLAH! We goin' to SIZZLAH!)

Confucius says, "Never send a bunch of HYENAS to take down a sick LION..."