NBA - Props to Adelman

I am not a Rick Adelman fan (from his Sacramento days), but props must be given to him for having the guts to put Tracy McGrady on the bench and pulled off four straight wins - beating San Antonio and the hot Portland Trail Blazers, no less.

Food - Bourdain on Food Network

If you watch the Food Network or know who Anthony Bourdain is, you must read this:

http://blog.ruhlman.com/ruhlmancom/2007/02/guest_blogging_.html

It's pretty accurate and it's hilarious.

Premier League - Favorite Players

Now that the Premier League season is half over, here are my favorite players. (Note that they are personal favorites, not bests, although most of them should be in the top 3 at their respective positions anyway.)

4-4-2:

Tim Howard (Everton)

Glen Johnson (Portsmouth)
Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea)
Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)
Gael Clichy (Arsenal)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
Michael Essien (Chelsea)
Mikel Arteta (Everton)

Carlos Tevez (Manchester United)
Fernando Torres (Liverpool)

Bench: Petr Cech (Chelsea), William Gallas (Arsenal), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Tim Cahill (Everton) and Benjani (Portsmouth).

NFL - Giants to Lambeau Field

What a wonderful win by the Giants on Sunday. My man Toomer had another excellent performance. To paraphrase one of the in-game TV announcer: "There's a Manning going to the championship final, and his name is not Peyton." Sweet!! (As you can guess, I am not a Peyton Manning fan.)

Romo disappointed. I didn't like the Cowboys playcalling either. But that doesn't seem to affect the credibility of their coaches. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett is the hottest head coaching prospect, and assistant head coach Tony Sparano seems to be destined for the Miami head coaching job.

NFL - Giants Won A Playoff Game

A nice playoff win by the Giants yesterday - first time in seven years. As usual, the media gave too much credit to the quarterback. I credit (in order)

1. the defense;
2. the playcalling; and
3. the running game.

Amani Toomer also had a very good game.

College Football - Congratulations to ...

University of Southern California Trojans - Rose Bowl - USC 49-17 Illinois
Michigan Wolverines - Capital One Bowl - Michigan 41-35 Florida
Rutgers Scarlet Knights - International Bowl - Rutgers 52-30 Ball State

NFL - Favorite Receivers

1. Hines Ward (Pittsburgh Steelers)
2. Laveranues Coles (New York Jets)
3. Joe Jurevicius (Cleveland Browns)
4. Marvin Harrison (Indianapolis Colts)
5. Torry Holt (St. Louis Rams)
6. Amani Toomer (New York Giants)
7. Troy Brown (New England Patriots)
8. Joey Galloway (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
9. Steve Smith (Caroline Panthers)
10. Chad Johnson (Cincinnati Bengals)

Note: Notice that the best two, Randy Moss (New England Patriots) and Terrell Owens (Dallas Cowboys), are not on my list.

NFL - Favorite Quarterbacks

1. Tom Brady (New England Patriots)
2. Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers)
3. Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys)
4. Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints)
5. Carson Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals)
6. Brett Favre (Green Bay Packers)
7. Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle Seahawks)

NFL - Steelers

I really thought my Steelers would win the game after their furious 4th quarter comeback, but it was not meant to be. Roethlisberger's three interceptions and one fumble was a major reason why they lost. As the QB of my team, he is my second favorite active quauterback. I may now have to drop him to #3 depending on how Romo plays in these playoffs. Hines Ward is still my favorite receiver.