For My Arlington Thugs

REPRESENT A.V. YO!

Gotta Love the Guvmint

Can't resist passing on this incredible firsthand account of an accident between D.C. parking enforcement and a Metro PD officer. HILARIOUS pics and commentary, courtesy of why.i.hate.dc. That's why they're on my blogroll.

Still Kickin + GO MAGIC!

Lest ye fear the worst, know this blog still lives!

Speaking of things that are still alive, my hometown heroes in blue, the Orlando Magic, have not been properly congratulated for their accomplishments yet this year, at least not by me, on this blog, yet. So let me take a second to rattle off my three favorite characteristics of this year's Magic, while they still have at least a couple more games to display.

First, Dwight Howard. I love having him on my team. He's a physical freak of nature who seems custom-built to deliver some of the most viscerally satisfying dunks I've ever witnessed. He brings the star skills and glamor and not the star attitude, and you've always got to respect his potential to explode.

Second, the three-ball!!! It's back in O-town, baby. As a hardcore Magic fan of the Shaq-Penny era, I vividly remember the guys they would kick it out to for the killer treys back in the day: Nick Anderson and Dennis "3-D" Scott. I have loved watching this year's squad reignite that tradition, despite the inevitable, abysmal nights when the shots don't fall (exhibit A: Game 1 vs. Lakers - so painful).

Finally (drum roll) the TEAM PLAY. That's right, like it or not, the Magic are a stellar basketball TEAM and they play as one. The fact that they are so balanced offensively is what enhances the advantages of Dwight and the three-ball while mitigating their disadvantages. Dwight doesn't hog the ball and the guards continue to run the offense through him even when the three is working, so everybody gets a chance to contribute.

So, just as I know you DIDN'T count this blog out, DON'T be too quick to dismiss the Magic angry at home for three straight against the Lakers this week, and DO feel free to root for them!

P.S. If you didn't catch it, read President Obama's speech from Cairo. It's a fantastic example of what a difference it makes to have an articulate, intelligent orator in office, and it's pretty important!