R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

A lesson that I've learned in love came from the world's wisest man alive... my father.

Ladies, when it comes to loving a man there is one thing that you must understand. It's all good and dandy to feed him, spend time with him, whisper sweet things in his ear and "love him"... but without RESPECT you will not have a long lasting relationship.

Women want and long for love,
men are prideful beings... RESPECT them.

I always had an issue with that unfortunate verse in the bible where it says : "Wives, submit to your husband as to the Lord..." Ephesians 5:25-26. I always remember the day when I first read that verse because I got kicked out of Sunday school that day. Who would've guessed that I was the Pastor's daughter? The minister was not focusing on that one line that I had immediately memorized and sworn to white-out of my future husbands bible, yet I made a huge fuss and began a fight with one of my male friends. 'Clearly,' I thought, 'God didn't get this one right.' I remember saying: "It's the 21st century, not the 50's." Yea... I was an angel.

At a young age, I was the brat of the house, my father's baby girl, and I generally said what I felt. Until I started dating did I find that the way I spoke to men (as if they were my slaves) ruined my relationships.

Try it out: If you begin to show the utmost respect to your man, you will reap the benefits. Don't be his slaves, but try these tactics.

• 1. Don't fight in public. Even if you get in a disagreement outside of your home wait until you are alone to address it.



• 2. Don't embarrass him. Don't call him "teddy bear" or any other cute name in public. Don't force him to say "I love you" when you know he's around his friends.



• 3. Ask him input when you are making decisions for yourself or the two of you. This will let him know you care what he thinks.



• 4. Don't call him stupid, dumb, annoying, N-word, idiot, etc. Although some men tolerate it, it is not acceptable. Don't call him any other name but nicknames and whatever is on his birth certificate. Believe me, if you're speaking to him any ol' way around his friends, they're asking him "Why do you let her talk to you like that?"



• 5. Don't boss him around.
  

Remember how they've always taught us that "you can judge how a man will treat you by how he treats his mother?" That doesn't apply to women. I know for myself, I treat my father as if he is a king (because he is), but when it came to the other men in my life it did not apply. That mindset is wrong. So... women, respect your men. Treat and speak to them like they are (not Kings unless there's a ring involved) ... let's say a Prince.

Good luck and God bless. Happiness and uh... Love?

_Coco Elle_

Celebrity-Athlete of the Day: Aaron Hilton

A common saying that I like to live by is, “Don’t dish out more punishment than you can take.” That is to say, you shouldn’t tell any jokes that, if flipped back on you, would be too much for you to handle.

I have poked fun at 10 different athletes so far; comparing them to everything from a genuine look alike, to an extinct reptile (although, you have to admit, that Bosh one was right on the money).

Anyone that knows me, knows that I was a tri-varsity athlete my senior year in high school and that basketball has long been my passion. So, technically, this weeks installment is still a celebrity-athlete look-alike.

Today’s Athlete: Aaron Hilton, center for the St. George’s Dragons (what they know about SG @itsjustgriff? Ha-ha).

• As my good friend, high school roommate and fellow HU student, Griff, knows; I look exactly like Steve Urkel (not Jaleel White – the actor who played Urkel in Family Matters – the actual character).
  
  All throughout high school I was a lame, skinny, corny black kid who sounded like Miley Cyrus. My pants rarely ever went down past my ankles and I wore short sleeved collared shirts with a neck tie during mandatory chapel. (Yea, come to think of it, Urkel wasn’t even this lame. At least he had hope with Laura.)
  
  I was always correcting people with lines like, “Well, actually…” and “Contrary to popular belief…” (I wish I was making this up, trust me).
  
  Urkel was the nerd for years on that show until he invented an alter ego, Stephon Urkél; my nickname junior year became Big Sexy (with each stroke of the keyboard I’m digging myself a deeper hole). While the nickname was meant to be one of those ironically false aliases – like a midget named ‘Big Tony’ or something like that – however, I took it to the bank and made it my own.
  
  One thing we don’t have in common is family. Urkel had an ugly twin sister and my sisters aren’t that ugly (as much as it pains me to admit) and you never saw his family; however my family was always around. All my friends came to chill at my house, not the other way around (that’s probably why I didn’t get the Jazzy Jeff treatment growing up).
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  I’m all grown up now and I’ve put my clumsy, nerdy days behind me; but, I’m still that same kid I was 7 years ago. Sadly, Jaleel has moved on from his Urkel days; every now and then, I still have mine.

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

AFC West Preview

The AFC West is going to be the topic of much discussion prior, during and after this 2010 season. You have the hapless Raiders and their quest for ‘Excellence’, Tebowmania in Denver, Matt Cassel’s second year out in KC and the drama that is San Diego.

Oakland Raiders – I honestly believe that this will be a much improved team this year. Not because of Jason Campbell or Rolondo McClain, but because of Tom Cable and Michael Bush. Al Davis has put Cable's prior issues behind him and kept Cable on as the head coach. In order for the Raiders to win, they need identity. In order to have an identity, you need stability in your coaching; Cable and offensive coordinator Hue Jackson should provide that in 2010. RB Michael Bush will likely be the workhorse for the run-heavy Raiders. If he uses his size to his advantage, he should be a big weapon around the goal line for Oakland; allowing McFadden to be more versatile. Projected record: 8-8

Denver Broncos – The Broncos are an interesting team to gauge. They have a lot of youth in their offense. Their number one receiver heading into camp is either 3rd year man, Eddie Royal, or rookie, Demaryius Thomas. Knowshon Moreno was solid in his rookie campaign; however, fatigue set in towards the end of the season and it badly affected the Broncos’ offense. Their ineffective ground game put more pressure on QB Kyle Orton and he was exposed, just like what happened to him in Chicago. Projected record: 9-7

Kansas City Chiefs – Matt Cassel will be the key to this season for the Chiefs. Their running game is solid with proven backs like Thomas Jones and up and comer Jamaal Charles. It will be interesting to see how Dwayne Bowe handles himself this season because he will be Cassel’s main target at receiver. It will also be interesting to see how the Chiefs’ line holds up this season. They have Brandon Albert listed as their starting left tackle – the most important position on the offensive line – which shows a lot of faith in their front office. If he does well, the Chiefs could surprise everyone in the wide-open AFC West. Projected record: 5-11

San Diego Chargers – With LT in New York and no sign of Vincent Jackson in the near future, the Chargers’ offense will fall heavily on the shoulders of Phillip Rivers and his ability to make those around him better. The biggest question mark heading into camp will be their defense. Antoine Cason will have to step up big time after the departure of, playmaker, Antonio Cromartie. It will also be interesting to see which Shawne Merriman the Chargers have this year; will it be the defensive standout from his first three years or the troubled shell of himself that he’s been since the ’08 season. Merriman will have his hands full trying to keep his starting job if Larry English – San Diego’s first-round pick a year ago – continues to do well in training camp. Projected record: 10-6

In summation, the AFC West will be up for grabs this year. The Chargers were – and still are – the odds on favorites to win the division; however, their losses in the offseason, coupled with the Vincent Jackson drama could be too much to overcome. The Raiders could finally find a way out of the AFC West basement this year with a lot more stability throughout their team – coaches, quarterbacks, etc. – although I doubt that they will make the playoffs this year. The Chiefs and Broncos are wildcards and could either do a lot of damage or pad the records of the other teams in this division. Either way, the AFC West should be an interesting division to keep an eye on.

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

Where'd he go?

To all my ladies out there who are clingers... you love your boyfriend, he's your "world," if you could you'd spend every minute of your day with him (minus your toilet sessions) you would, and he's met your fam and friends. Here are a few tips on how to cut back before you unintentionally push him away.

By the way ladies: Even if he doesn't complain to you, you don't know what he's telling his friends or exactly what he's feeling (he may not complain to you just yet because he doesn't want to hurt your feelings). And you don't want to ever become the girl that calls her man over and over if he doesn't answer. That's what we call harassing, and that’s what I call crazy!

1. Make time for yourself. Having a designated time for yourself will give you sometime to 'discover yourself' (I hate clichés... I apologize). Hang out with friends, read a book, do something other than think of him. Unless you have a wedding band on your finger, he is not your life!

2. Get a hobby. Apparently you were doing something before you got into this relationship. You had a life, your own set of friends, your own schedule and plans. Keep them! Aside from the casual dating and excess partying that you may have stopped or put on hold, continue to do the things you were doing before this man. When he's not around you don't want to be bored, and the last thing you want to be is a woman who cannot live without her man.

3. Make time for family. One thing that I've noticed is that many females in my family who have boyfriends rarely see their family. Of course as you get older you have a life outside of your relatives, but make sure you keep in touch. If by any chance you break up with your man in the future, nothing is more therapeutic then a day with your girlfriends, and spending time with your family. They love you unconditionally and fortunately for you... they're stuck with ya. So make time for your family, go see your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters and brothers. Don't forget the people who matter most.

4. Meditate. It sounds crazy, but enjoying peaceful time alone with no interactions can truly help to clear your mind. Use this time to listen to soft music and relax. If you're a Christian, use this time to focus on God, read his word and pray. Take time for you and only you. It's your day off from the world. Enjoy it.

5. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing. This is one thing that I struggle with. If you're on Twitter or Facebook, and reading other people's statuses, you can begin to envy them and wish you were out and about on town, with your significant other, on vacation, etc. If you find that you always want to do what everyone else is doing, check your Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc. less. Instead focus on what YOU are doing.

6.Give him some space! This one is basic. Don't question him, you're not his parent. If he's hanging out with friends, let him call you back when he has time. If he doesn't call you back (when you want) do something else. Occupy your time with activities, work, etc. Don't wait on a call, let the man be.

7. Encourage him. If you are not telling your man how great he is, someone else will.

When he's down, you want to be the person that he calls and talks to. Whether he's happy or sad, he needs to know that you believe in him. Understand that when he's acting differently, it's not always because he's around someone, cheating, or any other thing our emotional selves come up with on a whim. Always ask if everything is okay, and give him time to speak. Remember: If he doesn't call you and you already know he's not feeling his best, text him and let him know you care, but don't harass him. He needs comfort, not you constantly speed dialing his phone. Don't complain when he doesn't have time to speak with you because he's working or searching for a job. You'll only sound selfish and stupid. Let him be and give him space.


Seven is the number of completion so I'll end here. I ended with encourage him because you're in a relationship, I'm not going to give you a list filled with only things to do outside of that relationship. In order to improve your relationship you need to find time for yourself, but also keep your man happy.

God bless all of those in the relationship world (and no one else... jk) and good luck :-)
_Coco Elle_

Third times a charm...

Today, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Brett Favre will be retiring from the NFL, leaving the Minnesota Vikings after last years spectacular season. For Viking fans... oh well... let's hope this is all speculation. But as a Jets fan myself, I'll be happy to see him go.

Bye bye Brett!!! Purple doesn't look good on you anyways.

Favre should hold a press conference and apologize to all Green Bay, Jets, and Vikings fans who had faith in him. After all these years Favre is doing what he does best, calling it quits before he can acquire a ring - with the exception of the Superbowl he won in Green Bay. So much for the Vikings 2010-11 winning season. At least now he'll have time to focus on his family and future.

The end of his relationship with the NFL should be like a mutual breakup in a romantic relationship with no more of this 'breakup to makeup' crap. It's better for all of us. We'll easily get over him... but we'll never forget Brett the Jet, Packer, Falcon, and Viking.

Celebrity-Athlete of the Day: Shannon Brown

I got away from my Celebrity Look-alike series for a few days, but I’m back this week with some really good ones.

Today’s Athlete: Shannon Brown, reserve guard for the LA Lakers.

• I just had to get this one off my chest; it’s been bothering me since the 2010 NBA Finals. I’m just gonna put it out there: dude looks like Chris Brown. There, I said it; you’d have to be blind not to agree with me.
  
  Every aspect of his person just screams Chris Brown. They’re both freakish athletes, have no problem getting the girl and made a serious comeback in 2010. (Did I mention that they share the same last name?)
  
  Everybody knows the story with Breezy; he got a little too animated with his girlfriend and things got ugly. Shannon Brown was a competitor in the 2003 McDonald’s High School Dunk Competition – won by LeBron James (maybe you’ve heard of him) – but tanked in this year’s NBA Dunk Competition. After that abysmal display of wackness, he faded of the NBA radar for a while.
  
  This year, both of them re-emerged in their respective genres as stars. Chris Brown cleaned up his act, grew a goatee and danced his way back into young women’s hearts. Shannon Brown dunked on Mikki Moore so hard that he might have even received an all-star vote - even though it was during the '09 Preseason - and his performance in the finals was impressive as well. The high-flyer also made an appearance as the love interest in Monica’s new music video “Love All Over Me”.
  
  
  
  Breezy is a huge basketball fan and has participated in numerous charity basketball events in the past. Shannon Brown, likely, has no singing talents – although he might be a pretty good dancer, I’m not sure. What Shannon does have is his connection to R&B Diva, Monica; his alleged girlfriend (so back-to-back NBA Championships weren’t enough? You had to go and take Monica from us too? The nerve of athletes these days.)
  
  I’ve done ten of these celebrity-athlete pieces now, and this one is, by far, the closest. THEY HAVE THE SAME LAST NAME DAMMIT! I’m just going to start the rumor myself – in case it hasn’t been started already – they’re second cousins. HA! Now just try and prove me wrong (just so you know, even if you could prove me wrong – which you can’t – I wouldn’t believe you).

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

He-Artest and Soul

When I was about 10-years-old, my dream was to play professional basketball. At 13, that dream changed to playing for Duke University; and, at 16, I finally knew what I wanted to do: become the sports journalist.

That last line (become the sports journalist) – wasn’t a typo; there’s a difference between ‘the journalist’ and ‘a journalist’. I wanted to be the best; to transcend the genre and make it better. I was willing to sacrifice a bigger paycheck outside of college, if it meant I could wake up everyday and do what I loved: watching, writing and talking about sports for a living.

I’m still embarking on that journey, and I’ve hit a few bumps along the road. My time in St. Petersburg, with my fellow Sports Journalism Institute (SJI) classmates and world-class editors, showed me what it meant to be a journalist. They helped me to understand what it meant to pay my dues, as well as to "be heard by listening," (I promise that’s my only Confucius-style line).

My experience at the SJI was humbling, but necessary; and, in the long run, it will make me a much better journalist than I would have ever been had I not had the opportunity to attend. Sitting at my desk this afternoon, reflecting on having had such a rewarding summer, I felt on top of the world! As a student, internships don't get much better than this: I love where I am and I love what I'm doing. Totally inspired to start writing my next piece, I began to think about my favorite subject, basketball, and who really transcends the game.

Ron Artest, small forward for the LA Lakers, has been labeled as a ‘bad guy’ in the league ever since the brawl at The Palace in Detroit. I see him differently. The Artest I see loves the game with a fervor and passion that is unparalleled by any other player. He’s not as athletic as LeBron, nor as skilled/cerebral as Kobe, but he loves his craft just as much - if not more.








Just check out the Q & A he did for ESPN the Magazine (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5417748). I assure anyone who reads it, this article will teach a person more about Ron Artest than the fight in Detroit would.

After that incident, people often asked, “What would Ron Artest do without basketball?” I’d like to ask them, “What would basketball be without Artest?”

He exemplifies the game in its purest form: fun. Sure, this is his job and he has made business decisions in the past to prove that; but, who has more fun playing than Ron-Ron? Did you see his post-game conference after Game 7 of the NBA Finals? He looked like he had just lost his virginity or something. He was exhausted, excited, speechless, and couldn’t stop smiling - all at the same time.



When he’s on the court, he has fun. He’s not the angry, tortured athlete that he once was for Indiana. Sure, his bleached hair during the NBA Finals reminded you of Samuel L. Jackson’s ghastly hairstyle in the movie “Jumper”; but, you couldn’t turn away from watching him play.

Just yesterday, I spent half my life reading a Bill Simmons blog/dissertation on the boredom MLB fans have to endure, especially in Boston. Guys like Ron Artest prevent that from happening in the NBA. Not all the attention he gets is good attention, but he almost always means well.

At the Sacramento Bee’s weekly intern lunch today, we got to speak with columnist, Ailene Voisin. She said, “Ron Artest is one of the most genuine, all-around, good guys you’ll ever meet.”

I couldn’t agree with her more (although, I never met him).

How can you not absolutely love this guy? He’s not shy towards the media nor his teammates, and he has provided some of my favorite quotes of all-time.

Would you have guessed, in a million years, that his favorite movie would be “Titanic”? How about the fact that his dream collaboration for his next song is Celine Dion? I dare you to drive to Queensbridge, NY with a copy of Titanic and a lifetime collection of Celine Dion CDs and just see if you make it out alive.

The individualism that he brings to basketball, without losing the teamwork aspect of his game, is what makes him different. The haircuts, tattoos, pre- and post-game press conferences, all contribute to what makes him one-of-a-kind.










He’s one of the few players with his own personality. The only person who Artest changes for is himself – oh, and also his family (but that’s like, a group). He is who he is and I love him for it. He paid his dues in having played for bad teams, and has made some bad decisions; but he has been rewarded later in life.

In a day where most athletes say one thing and do another, my favorite quality about Artest is his honesty. I’m a ‘keep-it-real’ kind of guy. Ron Artest keeps it realer than anyone else in the NBA today.

“When you need a stop, who you going to call?” Artest said in the ESPN the Magazine Q&A. “Not the goddamn Ghostbusters, I'll tell you that. You call me.”

Ron Artest might not be the face of the NBA, and he’s definitely not its best player; but he is, by all means, its heart and soul.

No doubt, he is one of the many athletes that inspire me to become the sports journalist.

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401

Deadline Breakdown: AL Central

AL Central – The AL Central is strictly a 3-team race. Kansas City has taken its regular place towards the bottom of the division and the Indians are just a shade above God-awful. However, any division with Ozzie Guillen and Joe Mauer is worth a close look.

1. Chicago White Sox – The South Siders are 1.5 games ahead of the Twins in first place and have just made a move that could possibly lead to them getting their man, Adam Dunn. Their acquisition of Edwin Jackson probably isn’t to bolster their rotation (c’mon, dude has a 5.16 ERA) but he does have upside if that’s what they chose to do with him. I think this trade is foreshadowing an interesting day to come at tomorrow’s deadline.
   Possible Players: OF Adam Dunn – Washington Nationals, 1B – Prince Fielder – Milwaukee Brewers.
   
   
2. Minnesota Twins – With Morneau still dealing with symptoms of a concussion he received just before the All-Star break, the Twins will likely need some help if they want to win the Central. They have already made a preemptive strike by trading for, closer, Matt Capps. Twins probably won’t pursue a bat in a trade; OF Delmon Young has ramped up his offensive effort since the break and is doing a great job of filling the void left by Morneau’s absence. I think giving up their top catching prospect for Capps is probably the last big splash coming out of the Twin Cities this season.
   Possible Players: possibly low level relievers like Ramon Ramirez of the Red Sox or Will Ohman from the Orioles, but nothing big. Capps was their blue chipper.
   
   
3. Detroit Tigers – After acquiring Jhonny Peralta from the Indians, it’s unlikely that Mike Lowell will wind up with the Tigers; however, anything is possible. Their focus now will probably turn to securing their rotation. I don’t know if they will be able to find a good deal for a starting pitcher between now and Saturday, but it would definitely help. I’m not sure if Verlander and Scherzer can shoulder the load alone.
   Possible Players: SP Paul Maholm – Pittsburgh Pirates, SP Kevin Millwood – Baltimore Orioles, SP – Jarrod Washburn – free agency.
   
   
4. Kansas City Royals – The Royals, again, are the go to team for deals at the deadline. A number of teams have been linked to David DeJesus; however, Kyle Farnsworth and Bruce Chen could also be finding new homes by the end of the weekend. The Red Sox and Yankees could make some sense for a Farnsworth deal – even though his 2.5 seasons in NY were very unsuccessful.
   Possible Players: They have a good, young pitcher in Greinke to build a team around; but the '09 Cy Young winner wont be enuogh. I could see them surprising everyone by dealing Alex Gordon as a part of a package deal - which would likely land them some serious talent - but I don’t know if the team is ready to give up on their golden boy.
   
   
5. Cleveland Indians – The Indians have already made one deal, getting rid of Jhonny Peralta, but there could be more to come. Travis Hafner, Rafael Perez and Jake Westbrook could be on their way out as well. This is purely based on speculation and my own personal opinion, but it could be true. Last year, they traded Victor Martinez to the Red Sox for righty Justin Masterson; it will be interesting to see if they part ways with “Pronk” (Hafner) as well.
   Possible Players: The Indians could use some help on their infield as well as in the bullpen. If Grady Sizemore can get healthy and Masterson can figure it out next year, this could be a team to watch in the Central in ’11.

Deadline Breakdown: NL Central

NL Central – The biggest division in baseball has only two viable contenders. Cincinnati and St. Louis are deadlocked atop the central division and it’s looking like the Reds are for real this season. All the other teams are sellers so this should prove to be one of the more active divisions in terms of both buying and selling this season.

1. St. Louis Cardinals – Their bats are fine in the outfield; however, with the exception of Pujols at first base, the Cards are very thin in the infield. Yadier Molina, Felipe Lopez, Skip Schumaker and Tyler Greene are all hitting below .270 and none of the other Cardinals hitters are buyable leadoff hitters (maybe Colby Rasmus but he’s better served further down the lineup or at the 2-spot). I look for them to back up their outstanding pitching staff with a reliable hitter for their middle infield who can possibly hit lead-off.
   Possible Players: SS/2B Julio Lugo (.255 avg. but he hit well for them last year), 2B Luis Castillo – New York Mets (a career .291 hitter with speed), INF Gordon Beckham – Chicago White Sox (price may be too high).
   
   
2. Cincinnati Reds – The Reds are in the opposite position of the Cardinals; their infield is hitting well, but they could use some help in the outfield. Jay Bruce and Johnny Gomes are solid, not great, in the outfield; however, Drew Stubbs is hitting only .235 with a .309 OBP. I could see them trying to find a replacement in the outfield, but I’m not sure that they will pursue a big name like Dunn or Corey Hart.
   Possible Players: OF David DeJesus – Kansas City Royals, OF Garrett Jones – Pittsburgh Pirates, OF Cody Ross – Florida Marlins.
   
   
3. Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers are sellers this year (whether they want to believe it or not). There have been talks of trading Prince Fielder as well as Hart, and rebuilding the team around Yovanni Gallardo and Ryan Braun. I like the idea, and they should get a lot of major-league-ready prospects for them if/when they decide to go through with a trade.
   Possible Players: prospects, prospects, prospects. They are building for the future, not a playoff run this year; however, I do expect them to hold on to veteran 2B Rickie Weeks.
   
   
4. Chicago Cubs – Those poor Cubbies. This year will not be the end of their century-long World Series curse; however, they can dump some hefty contracts and retool for a run next year. I think they’ll keep Soriano, but I don’t know if any MLB team will bite on Carlos Zambrano. Big-Z just has too much baggage; but, if they could move him, it would definitely make their team better for next year.
   Possible Players: step one will be finding a buyer for Zambrano; the next step will be to try and find a manager to take over for Lou Piniella in 2011.
   
   
5. Houston Astros – Seems like the ‘Stros are going to send Roy Oswalt to the Phillies for J.A. Happ and 2 other prospects. That is a sign of more moves to come for a team in transition. I think they could be moving more guys – possibly Hunter Pence, Lance Berkman and/or Carlos Lee – by Saturday’s deadline.
   Possible Players: they’ve acquired Happ (if the aforementioned trade goes through) but that might be all their getting this year in terms of current big leaguers. I’m willing to bet the rest of their trades result in acquiring prospects from the minors for next year.
   
   
6. Pittsburgh Pirates – First off, I don’t know why they’re in the NL Central, Pennsylvania is on the east coast; but that’s an argument for another time. Pittsburgh has done a better job keeping its talent and building upon that each year. I don’t suspect many moves for them, other than trying to move Jones. It should be a relatively quiet deadline for the Bucs.
   Possible Players: whatever they can get for a middle-of-the-road player like Jones.

Celebrity-Athlete of the Day: Chris Bosh

All this week, I will be using the input from some of my close friends and followers of the blog for the Celebrity-Athlete series. Some might be better than others; however, I have made sure that all the ones used will at least be, somewhat, believable.

This one comes from my boy @tribeofshabazz; however, I’ve been thinking the same thing for a while now. It must be the fact that we both go to HU and are Sports Journalism Institute grads that puts us on the same page.

Today’s Athlete: Chris Bosh, power forward for the My-ami (pronounced Miami) Cheat (or Heat, if you’re into that sort of thing).

• Raise your hand if you thought that the Toronto Raptors was the perfect place for Chris Bosh to be drafted. Keep them up if you, at one point or another, mistook him for the mascot during warm-ups.
  
  I was completely heartbroken when Bosh went on to Wade County, not only because I hated the idea of him and LeBron teaming up with D. Wade, but because there would be no more Jurrasic Park jokes.
  
  Bosh doesn’t look like a flame (pause) but he DOES look like the Velociraptor from Jurassic Park. They’ve got the same bodily motion, and the same tall, slender frame (given, the raptor is way faster and stronger than Bosh). ESPN’s Bill Simmons recently said that he was offended to continuously hear Bosh’s name mentioned among the elite “superstars” of the NBA; what about of Hollywood?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Jurassic Park is a classic and if they were to do a number 4 (no doubt it would be in 3D) my money is on Bosh making a cameo appearance as a baby raptor.
  
  There’s really not much else to say about this one, the proof is in the picture. I don’t know if Bosh is hiding a tail under his compression shorts, but I do believe that he evolved from the same primordial soup that spawned the Velociraptor.
  
  In the defense of Wade and LeBron, who wouldn’t want a freaking raptor on their team? As Neil Everett would say, “If you don’t thing that’s awesome, then you need awesome lessons.”

By Aaron Hilton
Follow me on twitter @Way_2_Tall401