<body><script type="text/javascript"> function setAttributeOnload(object, attribute, val) { if(window.addEventListener) { window.addEventListener('load', function(){ object[attribute] = val; }, false); } else { window.attachEvent('onload', function(){ object[attribute] = val; }); } } </script> <div id="navbar-iframe-container"></div> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://apis.google.com/js/platform.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> gapi.load("gapi.iframes:gapi.iframes.style.bubble", function() { if (gapi.iframes && gapi.iframes.getContext) { gapi.iframes.getContext().openChild({ url: 'https://www.blogger.com/navbar.g?targetBlogID\x3d9603400\x26blogName\x3dMisadventures+of+Hung\x26publishMode\x3dPUBLISH_MODE_BLOGSPOT\x26navbarType\x3dBLACK\x26layoutType\x3dCLASSIC\x26searchRoot\x3dhttps://misadventuresofhung.blogspot.com/search\x26blogLocale\x3den_US\x26v\x3d2\x26homepageUrl\x3dhttp://misadventuresofhung.blogspot.com/\x26vt\x3d-4925120439203341434', where: document.getElementById("navbar-iframe-container"), id: "navbar-iframe" }); } }); </script>

All the right moves?

Thursday, July 27, 2006 by .::Hung::.

Song of the Day: Junior Mafia - Get Money

The summer of 2006 has been quite the busy one for the Toronto Raptors franchise. With a recent transition of the Raptor upper brass, Bryan Colangelo has come on board and overhauled the whole 2005-2006 squad wheeling and dealing to assemble a run-and-shoot up tempto game like his previous team Phoenix Suns. Basically, he's looking to build a Phoenix of the East. He's made some pretty big trades. Bonner, Villanueva, James all gone and in with new fresh talent. These moves were bold but it's really exciting at the prospects of the winning Raptors' franchise. My analysis of Colangelo's dealings so far have been very effective, but today's announcement of waiving the longest serving member of the organization and signing of high flyer Fred Jones left a bitter taste in my mouth.


If you've followed the Raptors in the early expansion days, players were leaving this Northern franchise. Like a revolving door, stars and hot shots were making a mockery of a very dedicated fan base. Amongst this chaotic time period, Alvin Williams, a hard-working, no-nonsense point guard out if Villanova solidified a position left void since the departure of "Might Mouse" Staudamire. Alvin worked his way to the starting position sacrificing his body for the love of the game and the franchise. Rather playing through pain than be placed on the bench, Williams set a precedent of dedication that many wished rubbed off on his friend and teammate, Vince Carter.
Today, the longest serving Raptor was waived due to borderline chronic ankle and knee injuries that's Williams for the past four seasons.

After hearing the telephone interview Williams had with a Canadian Sports channel, Williams conducted himself with the utmost class and as a fan, it showed on and off the court. His years of service to the franchise will not be forgotten. Whenever I think of Vince Carter and his pre-Madonna persona, I will think of how Williams acted in the opposite manner, balancing out the over inflated ego of his more celebrated teammate. During the interview, his voice waivered and I could sense a sadness with each word. Williams' passion for basketball was taken away from him like a bully taking away lunch money. It's unfortunate that it had to happen this way, but Williams himself must have known it was due to happen. As dedicated as he was to the franchise, Williams even wanted to play for the Raptors for less money, just as long as he could play the game he loves. I really hope his body heals from the wear and tear and a team picks up a player who can lead by example and help in the development of younger players.


So back to the Colangelo press conference... Sure, it was a wise business move on Colangelo's behalf, but the execution of the situation was something left to be desired. I mean Williams has not been in any form to play at the NBA level for quite some time now, so the move was inevitable. But in the way Colangelo conducted the announcement was very unprofessional. So here's what happened... Colangelo calls for a press conference to announce the waiver of Alvin Williams and immediately follows with the signing of Fred Jones to the team. Sounds fine right? What really got to me was this picture:




Not only was Williams' departure just announced, but his jersey, number "20", of eight years was immediately given to Jones two minutes later. What the *obscenity* was Colangelo thinking?!? You just announced the walking papers to the longest serving Raptor and immediately turned around and gave his number away within the same press conference. How does this gesture look to you as a player? Does bitch slap come to mind? This is such huge disrespect to Williams. Given the circumstances, there's a possibility that Williams might not play again. And to boot, I'm sure Colangelo thanked Williams for his services to the organization his contribution will always be remembered yadda, yadda, yadda... and to turn around and do something like this contradicts whatever was just said. Even if it was just a press conference to announce a new player, pick a different number. When pre-season arrives, then re-assign the number. Bryan Colangelo.... WHAT THE
*OBSCENITY*?!

In a time where many question the salaries athletes are making and the egos and baggage carried along with it, Williams was on the other side of the spectrum. And to see the treatment to such a player really taints all that Colangelo has done.

"“I have the greatest respect for Alvin Williams, both as a basketball player and as a human being,"” said Bryan Colangelo
- The Star, Jul. 27, 2006. 06:09 AM


Do you Bryan?

xend transmissionx

Who would have thought...

Monday, July 24, 2006 by .::Hung::.

Song of the Day: Lupe Fiasco - Kick, Push

I've been pretty much asphyxiated
on getting a Zidane World Cup Jersey ever since World Cup fever hit back in early June.It's been to the point where I troll E-Bay and several other sources for some discounted pricing. I figure the headbutt scorned many retailers from carrying such a jersey, so I'd be able to benefit from it. Zidane only had a 64% approval rating from the French public, let alone the rest of the world and the governing body of FIFA. It's my time to cash in on social trends and events that has effected our pop-culture. Unfortunately, my quest is still continuing and if anyone sees anything, let me know.

Anyways, over the weekend, a couple of the guys went to the Blue Jays vs. Yankees game Friday and were looking for a place to grab a quick drink before the Rogers Centre could gouge us for beer. As we were walking out from Wayne Gretzky's just off of Blue Jay Way, this kid was sporting a blue France jersey from this Year's World Cup team. On the left breast was an embroidered number 10 of Zindane fame, flickering underneath the sea of beaming lighting in the restaurant waiting room. As I motioned to Mike of the jersey, I commented on how lucky this kid is to bear the greatest name in soccer on his shirt. As we passed by this kid and hi
s family, I was pretty saddened. But as I popped my head up to push the entrance door open, I happen to glance back to see the jersey one more time and across the back of this kid was the letters "H-E-N-R-Y" in big bold Castellar-like font. Mike and I both made eye contact as to signal each to confirm that we were both aware of what we just saw. I thought to myself, "Does this kid even know?". A part of me wanted to stop him dead in his tracks and confront him of this heinous crime committed by some 2-bit swindler looking to cash in on the popularity of the World Cup. My hope is that this kid hits a major growth within the next few days, where the shirt becomes fitting of a tanktop for him or that the food at Gretzky's is so good that he endulges a little to much to fit into that jersey. To any effect, both Mike and I had a little laugh and I'll be a bit more cautious when shopping online for my "Zizou" jersey.


xend transmissionx

From my Cold Dead Hands...

Thursday, July 20, 2006 by .::Hung::.

Song of the Day: Tokyo Police Club - Nature of the Experiment

Gosh, has it ever been a wet and humid summer! I mean, I've never seen so much rain for the month of June/July before. I could have sworn precipitation came upon us at least once a week. It's time to invest in a bigger and badder umbrella that doesn't suck. The last time I used my existing unit, I could feel raindrops on my head. Sorry Kerri's umbrella, I could return you to your rightful owner, but she's a world away. It's time for you to sleep with the fishes. It has been a good four years. It's about time to man up and get a rugigid, durable, and reliable portable roof to carry around on those wet days. Okay, so here are some probable replacements:




Right now, I'd have to go with the frog because that coy smile just exudes mental toughness whereby rain will not get its way with mister Frogman.



Okay, so the reason why I decided to blog... Have you ever found a roll of film where you just don't recall ever using or know when it was used? Well, I am in such a predicament. A few months back, the guys and I happen to run into a camera where there few a few photos left in the tank. At this point, a few drinks were consumed and bad decisions were about to follow shortly after. With camera in hand we decided to take some rather obscene photos and leave the unattended camera back to its nestled corner of beer and vomit. A few months later, the role of film is now in my possession. I'm so tempted to develop just to see what we were up to that night because I could not remember for the life of me. I'll post the pictures when I get them.

xend transmissionx

"My doctor said I need a backiotomy"

Monday, July 10, 2006 by .::Hung::.

Song of the Day: TI - What You bout That

I think it has been some time since my last post. Lots of things have happened. First, there was this wedding I attended in the sweltering heat of the "derrtty" South. The ceremony was beautiful minus the heat. I was probably the only one who was feeling the crunch (damn temperate Canadian weather). This wedding was also an opportunity for the whole family to get together and catch up on old times. Everyone enjoyed themselves, the little cousins - I don't think they wanted to leave. My cousin/tourguide and his friends showed me a great time and on some occasions too great of a time - I'm still looking for my glasses. It's always great to get to hang with DJ Doo Doo and listen to him spit hawt fiahh. Watch out for the West Coast Mix hittin' your area soon than later.


Upon my return to Canada, there was an e-mail thread that had me going to Ottawa for Canada Day. So in a matters of two days, I was on the road again to the nation's capital to visit some old friends and party like it's 1999 (+ 7). Somehow I ended up having a great affinity for horse racing and poutine... Great times seeing Richard, Bria, Paul, and Kerni. Let's not forget the lovely Ottawa ladies. Some funny nights with memorable quotes such as "Hey Richard, do you have any hot neighbours?" or "I've always wanted to make out in the rain just to say that I've made out in the rain... Anyone want to come outside in the rain?" HAHA. The weekend couldn't have ended any better than a group photo opt at
Minglewoods.
Oh and finally, let's discuss the World Cup. If any of you have missed it, the World's largest sporting event (sorry Olympics, you take a back seat to this) took control of over 50 million television sets worldwide. Since the 1998, I've been a huge France fan, especially of the great
Zinedine Zidane. As big as a sports fan that I am, I don't think I've ever really identified with any athlete. It has always been admiration for the sport and the occasion gasp for an unbelievable highlight.

After watching the World Cup unfold, I could not stop becoming intrigued by Zidane and what he stood for. Since his heroics in 1998, Zidane has been my favourite footballer to date. As one of the greatest midfielder's of his generation, Zidane represented more than just football to me. His occasional stumble on the pitch was a direct reminder that any athlete can have a lapse and feelings/emotions can get the best of you. As I become more fascinated with "Zizou", I couldn't help but investigate why the poised French captain appealed to me so much. He isn't flashy. He does shit talking on the field with his amazing passes and command of his troops. He is mum about politics and religion with concerns of media interpretation. He's is reserved, calm, and yet very strong. As more and more
articles are circulating about his final game, I will say that it was wrong of him to do, but you have to see what that game meant to Zidane, his fans, and soccer. Never can you imagine such a storyline where a footballer voted the best player of the last 50 years to have such an ending where he is to exit the main stage a champion. The stars were there and ready to align on the eve of July 9th and ripe for his taking.

The referee was right in making his decision. It just made the Zindane finale seem that more tragic and disheartening to his fans.
Despite the events of the final, he will forever be my hero. It's pretty sad to designate a hero at this age and time, but Zidane exemplifies every struggle and hardship any immigrant can identify with. His hard work has been met with accolades as well as criticism. On the eve of his farewell party, Materazzi broke the hump on the camel's back. I can speculate what was said on the pitch on the 112th minute of the match, but be sure that Anti-rasicism groups and FIFA delegates will be looking into this incident. No matter the result, Zizou, you have provided many adoring fans, young and old, with a sense of pride, hope, and spirit. Thank you Zinedine Zidane. We will miss you.
xend transmissionx

about


Life and times of a great observer as oppurtunities passes him by.

Also a link to profile may show up here.

search

recent posts

recent comments

archives

links

friends

admin