I played three games of basketball with this guy.

Well, I suppose most people don’t know who he is… I sheepishly admit that I didn’t at first. It wasn’t until after we hit the water fountains and I struck up a conversation with one of the regulars that I discovered the guy was is a cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks.

Stats: Marcus Trufant, #23, CB, 5′11, 197 lbs and ripped like a beast.

You know, I remember seeing him run up and down the Gold’s Gym basketball court, and couldn’t help but notice how cut and muscular this guy was (no homo). I remember thinking “How can some run-of-the-mill gym-goer have this ridiculous kind of build??” And “why wasn’t I born black?”

To hear that the guy was a multimillion-dollar professional athlete… well, that made me feel better. That and the fact that I handed him like 4 assists for the night easy, one being a game-winning jumpshot from the 3-pt line…. money.

(But just so we’re clear here, I was probably the last reason why our team kept winning).

Rule Change

In Washington, the standard rule for half-court pick-up basketball is “Make it-take it after three.”

“After three” ??

In a nutshell, “make-it-take-it” is the rule where the possession of the basketball goes back to the team that’s just scored a bucket.

In this case, that rule only applies after the scoring team’s point total hits 3. For the first two points scored on either side, the possession returns to the team whose been scored on. I’ve never encountered this rule before… just one of the few interesting changes I’ve observed here. I wonder if it’s a West Coast thing, a WA thing, or just some strange coincidence that I’ve never experienced this before.

B&N

I feel a bit sheepish. I forked over $25 to Barnes & Nobles for their 1-year membership fee when I purchased a book back in late February. I’ve saved about $7 through its terms, but haven’t returned to the store since. To make this (trivial) matter worse, the Borders bookstore here is much closer than the Barnes & Nobles. And the public library is less than a mile away, right off of the jogging trail behind my complex. The King County library system boasts its “the second-busiest library in the nation (behind Queens, NY)”. I don’t really feel that immediately translates to better quality, since it probably means higher traffic and a greater chance that the books I want are already checked out. Still, the library was pleasantly surprising for the better. It held a decent selection of books and a wealth of computers, and I liked the self check-out system (either my prior library was very outdated or underfunded, or I just haven’t been to a library in years because this was new to me). And through all this, I can’t help but know that I still have $18 left to make up in savings at B&N, and that my spontaneous decision is why I am pressured to purchase books, when I can really just borrow them for free.

How Did They?

As a living member of Generation Y, a daily user of Web 2.0, and an aficionado of the latest technological advances, my life would feel barren and absolutely lost if it were stripped of the resources and technology available today. I am amazed at the great changes I have witnessed in my short time here on Earth. Not only referring to the vastly different means of communication and entertainment of the previous era (pay phone booths??), but what I find more personally intriguing is this: How in the world did people move to new homes back in the day, in particular the daring and ambitious immigrants who migrated across continents? Having to face an onslaught of new cultural, language, financial, and possibly racial barriers, just how did these immigrants overcome these critical issues head-on while searching for new homes or jobs without the handy tools and advanced gear we have today?

The reason I marvel at this concept so vividly in my head is due to the fact that I, have personally undergone a rapid move from one home to another. No, I’m not referring to my time spent in India, for as I iterated before, I knew this was not going to be and never would be my home. A training “period” after all, is but a segment, or portion of time. I wrote earlier that one chapter of life had turned its last page; and now, another has begun on the north-western coast of America. In one week’s time, I was to pack everything I owned, find a new place of residence, ship a car nearly 3000 miles, leave everyone I know behind, and report to work on a project at Microsoft that I was told would “hit the ground running from day one.” All this in literally one week from the day the decision was made. And that, only a day after the opportunity was offered. (Why was I given such short notice? One reason I was brought in was to help reduce the team’s backlog of work since it was behind schedule. Promptness was key.)

What would have followed these sequence of events in the previous generation? I suppose I would obtain a phone book/Yellow Pages, and begin thumbing through entries for car movers and shipment companies. I would have one landline to utilize in this short window of time. One landline to make these arrangements that would help me to secure not only some of the more affordable companies, but pinpoint a quality company of solid reputation amongst the high number of companies that probably warranted a complaint every other day. But it’s not like I would have a Better Business Bureau website I could check out. I imagine they published volumes of information to the public in BBB guides long ago, but my family certainly didn’t own one. As for sending the signed customer application forms so quickly, I suppose I could have somehow found an individual with immediate access to a fax machine.

How about arranging a car pick-up location? The auto-shipment company I secured was a door-to-door service that offered very affordable rates. I was pleased. The driver whom I was finally able to reach, was driving a rig designed to hold over eight cars. This beast was no MINI Cooper. In short, it wasn’t feasible for him to navigate the suburban roads (it’s at least five turns to my house from the closest major road) to reach my doorstep so he phoned me to meet him in a large, open area that would make for an easy pick-up. In order to proceed smoothly, the driver phones me in when he’s fifteen minutes from the agreed pick-up point (behind a Walgreens). The thing was, that was his third call to me, since he had been driving the majority of that day, didn’t necessarily know New Jersey too well, and didn’t know how long it would take him to reach a suitable place. Years ago without cell phones, this either would have been an extremely long waiting game on one of our ends, or I would have had to drive my car to their closest location, which could have been located at a very inconvenient distance from home.

Finding temporary hotel accommodations once I arrived in Washington would have been relatively simple. One of my supervisors provided me with an address and a phone number I could use to reserve a room. But finding an apartment? …was this even possible to perform remotely, back in the 70’s and 80’s? Here’s where the advantage of having the Internet really kicked in. Using craigslist.com and two major apartment review websites in conjunction with Google Maps’ free and simple-to-use service, I drew a layout of the top five apartment complexes I had in mind to check out once I arrived. I knew where they were in relation to work (determining my daily commute), and exactly how to get there. I was graciously handed a portable GPS device (easily replaced by a map, I know) by my brother to ensure the apartment hunting process boded well and I could find my way around, be it groceries, churches, gyms, or restaurants.

I flew into Seattle on a Saturday morning and was in the Microsoft office by Sunday. Getting a headstart on the project overview and listening to a run-through by the project head, scribbling furiously on the white board. My mind was thrilled to intake this new information and process it as quickly as possible; yet, tense thoughts in the back of my mind were persistently reminding me that I needed to find a studio, that my car was dangling off the top of a rickety rig driven by a Russian dude who seemed like he didn’t have a care in the world, that it would be weeks before I would see my major relocation costs reimbursed (shipment of belongings, car transportation). My company was also reimbursing me for approximately five days worth of hotel stay. However, my car wasn’t expected to arrive for another five days from my arrival flight. What a pickle I was in, living out of a suitcase with no home and no car.

Most ever fortunately, by some amazing luck, a family friend now re-acquainted was available in the area, and she totally drove me around, made me feel at home, took me out to eat multiple times, and was an absolute blessing in the entire process. Bringing this back to the central theme of this post (wait… this is a personal blog, it doesn’t have theeeemees) I’ll admit the friend would have been equally as helpful in the past as she was now. She knew the area, she had a car, and even housed me for a few days until my refurbished apartment was ready. Nothing technological there.

But wait… yes. Now she too, was uncharacteristically busy at this time, because she was in the midst of a complicated process of selling her condo. This required appointments here and there, remodeling phases, etc. My new work schedule with its first-week erratic times (eventually pretty flexible I discovered, in the IT industry; varies in relation to the project’s deadline) and her busy schedule didn’t always align; having our cell phones helped us out tremendously. I can only imagine what it would have been like to feel a strong vibration on my ass, jump up and check the number on my beeper, then dash to the nearest pay phone. Not very efficient in my 2008 opinion, especially when time was crucial during days when many apartment showing hours closed before I even left work.

Needless to say, my stress levels hit some new highs the past two weeks, though only fleeting at its time. Work has kept me busy enough to keep me free from distractions and focus on the huge list of tasks I have to do. Staying busy has replaced most feelings of apprehension or stress and best of all, has led me to some very restful nights (being able to fall asleep within 15 minutes is pretty amazing for me). I’ve checked most of the major marks on my to-do list (found an amazing apartment 2.5 miles from work with wonderful owners who gave me a $60 Bed Bath & Beyond gift card for a miscommunication they made, the car arrived safe and sound, installed high-speed Internet and cable TV services) but I still have much more to do. There have also been minor delays with the shipment of my belongings, so I’m still sleeping and eating off the floor.

Can’t stop, won’t stop.

The next step.

Some changes are underway and the next two weeks are looking to keep me extremely busy. Let’s see how this goes.

My NBA All-Star 2008 Predictions

Haier Shooting Stars:

I do not know the specific rosters composing the teams representing Chicago, Phoenix, and San Antonio, but I did see that Team Detroit will be returning to defend its title. The team consists of Chauncey Billups, Swin Cash, and Bill Laimbeer. Regardless of who the other teams throw out, I see Detroit repeating this year, though this event is probably the toughest one to call, simply because it boils down to which team can sink in the half-court shot in the fewest attempts. Chauncey is a point guard I really respect although he may be just slippin’ past the peak of his prime, but his all-around range and clutch ability will help pull them through. And we all know WNBA players can’t do squat other than shoot the ball anyway, and I recall Swin lit it up last year. I’ve read about her in SLAM years ago and I’m sure she’ll play her part this time around.

T-Mobile Rookie Challenge:

There was no doubt last year that I was closely watching my favorite bench player David Lee, dominating with his hustle and second-chance opportunities to merit an amazing 100 FG%. These days, any chance I get to see New York represent at the All-Star festivities is a shining moment in our current state of lackluster performances and abundant losses. He went on to win the MVP of that game as the Sophomores won their 5th game in a row against the Rooks. Make that 6, ’cause the Sophomores will get their chance to shine yet again. Brandon Roy, Rudy Gay, Paul Millsap, LaMarcus Aldridge, and even Boobie (whom I guarantee will be draining it from 3-point territory), all simply have the Rookies overmatched. Look for a big game from Durant and Horford. Moon and Navarro will have their moments; as for Yi, despite the game’s light-hearted tone and that he’s already proven himself as a solid Rookie, I don’t see him having a big game. Either the pressure will get to him or the minutes won’t be there. Kinda like Gilbert in his first couple of All-Star games. Oh, and B. Roy for MVP.

Playstation Skills Challenge:

I love this event. This line-up is no joke either, with defending champ Dwayne Wade, followed by J-Kidd, CP3, and one of my faves, Deron Williams. Consistency is pretty key here; one blotched pass can delay a player for what will seem like years, especially if they make the mistake in assuming the pass was good and taking off. Nailing the jumper at the top of the key is also pretty crucial. I was very impressed with Wade last year and I’m predicting a final round showdown between Chris Paul and Dwayne Wade, but with Chris Paul taking it in the end. He’s just killing it this year, he’s light on his toes, and I have a feeling he will thrive in the spotlight this weekend.

Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout:

These sponsorships really do ruin the true essence of the game, but I guess that’s what All-Star Weekend is all about anyway. This is another one of my favorite events of the weekend, because its formula is so simple yet balanced. It needs no changes to its format to spice things up, and as a spot-shooter myself, I have nothing but respect for the man of the hour here. This year’s line-up is pretty sick: we have Jason Kapono defending his title, followed by my favorite player Kobe Bryant, Daniel Gibson, Steve Nash, Peja Stojakovic, and Rip Hamilton. Winning a contest like this requires ridiculous rhythm, consistency, and muscle-memorization. It’s all about finding a hot streak, and how long you can sustain it for. I’m certain Gilbert could have won it last year if he was hot, but he was cold and with only two rounds, what can you do. For 3-point shooters, there are spot-up shooters who nail the open looks, and then there’s also the type of long-range shooter who excels by creating his shot with the proper motivation (like the game on the line, for example). I think Kobe is a prime example of this; while I consider him a threat from the perimeter, I don’t see him winning this event. The same goes for Nash. The field simply has too many players who would sink in buckets galore because of the open-look, rhythmic nature of the competition. Anyways, I see Gibson, Kapono, and Stojakovic advancing to the final round. Interestingly enough, my bottom three are the All-Stars! Quite a prediction I’d have to say. My pick for the winner goes to Gibson, though I’d much rather see Kobe win, or Peja taking back his crown. Kapono’s great but I think thoughts of a repeat title will cloud his mind as he waits for the second round. Gibson surprisingly nailed numerous treys in the Finals last season, the league’s biggest stage, so something tells me he either shrugs off added pressure or welcomes a challenge such as this.

Sprite Slam Dunk Contest:

This event is really losing its magic. We’ve seen it all. The windmill. The tomahawk. Statue of Liberty. The blindfold. The 360’s, the bounce, the under-the-legs. The human body can only do so much. There have been a few flashes of brilliant dunks as of late (J-Rich’s off-the-backboard-through-the-legs, Iguodala’s behind-the-backboard slam), but a small number of memorable dunks did culminate over the years, though at the expense of repeated attempts to pull them off. By the time the dunk is executed to perfection, the excitement has slowly dissipated (J.R. Smith’s behind-the-back dunk comes to mind). There was that awful year they brought out the immensely retarded “wheel”, the horrible stretch of Chris Anderson’s attempts to slam home just one dunk, and now they’re… opening up the votes to cell phone text messages?!? So what does this mean, they’re eliminating the judges panel? I don’t know if I like it, but all I know is the league continues to bring about changes in the contest, just hoping to bring some of that vigor and fire to the contest, that quite honestly hasn’t really been the same since Vince in 2000.

It’s really up to the contestants that make or break a good Slam Dunk contest. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard a guy rave how epic a Slam Dunk contest could potentially be: “They should just get Kobe. Lebron. T-Mac…” yadda yadda and “have them go at it. The Slam Dunk contest will be back.” While I don’t think those names represent the best dunkers in the league now, I completely agree on the sense that their charismatic persona and star power would make the ratings go through the roof and bring the energy back. The winners as of late have no personality, they don’t use the crowd to their advantage. Who won last year? I honestly forgot, and had to look this one up. Gerald Green. We had Josh Smith before that (who is a craaazzy dunker) but has nothing else about him you really like as an icon. Nate squeezed in a title between those two and he, is an example of someone who temporarily brought some life back into the contest, ’cause he is like a firecracker on the court. He’s great to the fans and the crowd, uses a lot of creativity, and looks damn good in the air on camera in spite of his cockiness. Even though Iguodala might have been robbed that year, Nate was the better choice for the victor, because he lit up the crowd.

This year is sort of different on predicting a victor, since viewers nationwide will be influencing the outcome. I would love nothing more than to have my main man, Dwight Howard win it all ’cause he’s the best center in the league right now and brings a fresh, positive attitude to the table. His “sticker” dunk last year was the funniest thing to come out of that event in a long time. I’d have to go with Rudy Gay and Dwight Howard advancing out of the first round, and then Dwight baaarrely edging out Gay. It won’t be easy for Howard, standing tall at nearly 7 feet. Tall guys don’t look as impressive when they throw down. Rudy might be the better dunker, but as I alluded to before, the fans are voting. Dwight is the only All-Star, and in my opinion, the most recognizable player of the bunch.

NBA All-Star Game 2008:

There’s so much talent this year, especially in the West, it’s sick. So many players got snubbed in the West, while a couple of names in the East just have me scratching my head. It’s a real shame the talent level is so imbalanced in the league, because there are far too many deserving players that don’t get their time to shine, all because of a territorial designation. Anyways, the West are going to win this year. Byron is a better coach than Doc Rivers because he’s accomplished much more than Rivers has with lesser talent and fiercer competition. He’s also coached his way to the NBA Finals. Of course, the coaching gig for this type of showdown has a minimal impact on the outcome, less it comes down to the final play. I mean really, what can they say in the huddle? Run plays?? No, it’ll be like, “Let’s hustle out there! Don’t leave your man open at the wing!” when all the players will be thinking about is, “How can I top T-Mac’s off-the-backboard dunk on Dirk?” or “‘Melo should have thrown me that alley-oop.” KG is out with an injury, but tentatively, so is Kobe because of his dislocated finger, but the Western Conference team can easily shoulder the loss of Kobe with back-ups Nash and CP3, whereas KG was replaced by… Rasheed. Lastly, the home crowd will be cheering the Western squad for the likes of David West and Paul, which serves a sizeable advantage for the team. All-Star West wins by 16 points. MVP? Gahh… this is way too tough… I think it depends on how many minutes Byron hands over to Chris Paul, his very own superstar in the regular season. Enough to please the homecrowd but maybe limited so he doesn’t want to appear biased? MVP… Carmelo or Chris Paul (assuming Kobe sits out).