Dating is a Dead End

Everyone is looking for that special someone to grow old with. The one you make lifetime memories with and can share your inner most feelings. Many have found that person, their best friend and are currently sharing their journey together. Then there is the other group who are still out there looking. Still out there hoping that they can trust their heart. Wondering if they should put themselves out there one more time. This world of awkwardness, games and can be summed up with some great lyrics by Steve Perry, "Foolish heart heed my warning. You've been wrong before......don't be wrong anymore." This is the crazy world of dating and it SUCKS!!!! You would think that people in the dating scene would be all be looking for the same thing; well think again my friends. People in the dating world are the most confused, manipulative people and they have these rules that nobody else knows about but them. You have those that just want as many dates as possible. The ones that are basically looking for someone else to pay for their good time. These are the worst!!! This type will drain you for everything you have and not think twice about it. You also have the kind that will manipulate your heart, your mind and every feeling you have for their own personal gain. These are the ones that will lead you on and then stomp your heart into a mud hole. The last kind I would like to mention are the rule-makers. The ones that have all these rules for dating but nobody else knows them so they never find happiness. Rules like he must be over 6 feet tall, rich, buff, he must like chick flicks, he can't text everyday, he can only call me every 3.75 days, he must love to travel, can't watch sports, etc..... I mean they have an endless list of rules and requirements, so nobody will ever fit the bill. Dating should be as simple as you either connect and want to continue getting to know each other or you don't. Being single is the worst and everyone tries to tell you that there is a person out there for you. Bullcrap!!! 98% of the people that are single are single for a reason and the other 2% are hard to find. It is very difficult to keep your wits about you because dating is very similar to the Thunderdome....................."Anything Goes" and it sucks!!!!

Jazz Fighting for Their Playoff Lives

Even with an impressive win over the 76er’s last night at Energy Solutions Arena the Jazz are still on the outside looking in. The Jazz are currently the ninth seed in the West which means if the playoffs started today the Jazz would be OUT!!! How did this happen? The season was supposed to be the Jazz’s best shot at making a title run. So many players are fighting for contracts; D-Will was coming off his best season and looking to prove he is the best point guard in the league. Before the regular season even started those hopes were dashed when D-Will went down with an injury. Since then the Jazz can’t seem to stay healthy, their All-Star power forward needs to get an MRI on his heart not on his knee and the Jazz continue to lose to terrible teams. So now the Jazz find themselves in a very uncomfortable position, but one they can take advantage off. If you recall this time last year the Jazz were also out of the playoff picture and they ended up finishing 5th in the West and won their first round playoff series. The Jazz are starting to get healthy. D-Will said that last night was the first time he has felt 100% all season and it showed; D-Will dropped 27 points. AK47 is playing like a man possessed. Besides Paul Millsap, Kirilenko has been the MVP of the team so far this year. The do-it-all forward has provided energy, hustle and defense. His effort has trickled down to all the Jazz players. The Jazz are working hard and showing Coach Sloan and every Jazz fan that they want to win. It’s the first time all year that the Jazz actually look like they’re having some fun out there. Mark my words………………..the Jazz are about to make a run. With Millsap coming back, and the Jazz finally playing with urgency and purpose, look for the Jazz to go 11-4 in the month of January which should put them right back in the playoff picture. With the Jazz completely healthy come playoff time, regardless of home court advantage, no team in the league will be looking forward to that match-up. With the New Year comes the real start of the Jazz season and you gotta love it baby.

Is it worth being Mr. Nice Guy?

Is being nice really a bad thing? Do nice guys really finish last? Does being nice hurt you in the big scheme of things. I am going to answer those questions with a one simple word.........YES!!!! Having the personality of a nice guy seems like a great quality on the surface, however in my experience it has lead to a life of heartache, disappointments and being over looked. It seems that nobody wants the nice guy. At the office people are more interested in those that kiss ass, snitch on their co-workers or those that are complete a-holes. Apparently people assume a-holes, ass kissers and snitches know what the hell their doing, but nothing could be further from the truth, because these types are trying to mask their inabilities. Of course nobody can see that, so the nice guy always get passed over, because the nice guy will never complain or bitch to those above him and seems content. When it comes to dating, nice guys may as well throw in the towel, because girls always say they want a nice guy, but they never do. Girls want a bad boy, someone who will treat them poorly and has a screw loose. I should however clarify that there are plenty of girls out there that like a nice guy, but they already have one!!! That's why being Mr. Nice Guy out in the dating scene just doesn't work. When it comes to friends, I'm not referring to close/best friends, being nice really gets taken advantage of and these people are the most dangerous. These "so called" friends know you just well enough that they learn how to abuse your niceness and keep you around when until it's convenient for them. They know that you will continue to put up their crap, because Mr. Nice Guy sees the best in everyone. Sure being nice is great and I wouldn't change for the world, because I want people to know that they can rely on me, trust me and that I would do anything for them. It sure seems, however, like life would be much better for me if I turned into a royal prick, because that's what the world wants and that's what gets rewarded. So to answer the question, "Is it worth being Mr. Nice Guy?", my answer is........................YES!!! The reason I say that is becuase their is one person that appreciates my niceness and really appreicates all that I do for her. If being Mr. Nice Guy means that my work, love life and friendships will suffer, but I can create the greatest bond between a father and his daughter then it is WELL WORTH IT AND I WILL NEVER CHANGE!!!

Carlos Loozer!!!!

How selfish can one man be? That can easily be answer with two words……..Carlos Boozer. The oft injured power forward decided to make last night about himself instead of reveling in one of the greatest comeback wins in Jazz history by announcing that he will opt out of his contract at the end of the year. Even if Loozer knew in his mind that he was going to opt out at the end of the year why in the world would he announce it last night? Kevin O’Connor put it in a very politically correct way by saying it was “peculiar”. Yeah I think a better way to put it would be it was Asinine!!! What selfish son of a b***h!!! It’s time for the Jazz to show Loozer the same level of respect he has showed them by trading him or benching his sorry ass. He is a complete distraction and it is time for the Jazz to look beyond Loozer and sending him packing. Loozer is going to have a rude awakening when he goes to another team and doesn’t have D-Will and an offensive system designed for the Power Forward. Loozer can’t create his own shot, can’t play defense, chokes in the playoffs and obviously has ZERO CLASS!!!! Screw you Loozer, Millsap will be better then you could ever dream of being!!!

Season Altering Comeback

Early in the first quarter with the Jazz down by 22 my 4 year old looked at me and said, "dad, is it over?". I responded with "yes, yes it is." The Jazz played one of the worst first quarters in franchise history. They had 7 turnovers to 3 field goals and looked completely out of it. Then something happened........Jerry Sloan got pissed!!! Sloan benched starters Brewer, Miles and most noticeably Deron Williams (Brewer and Miles never returned). The second unit lead by Kosta Koufus and Brevin Knight brought the Jazz to within 8 at Halftime and then we saw the a new line-up and the return of a Jazz Superhero. Kirilenko and Korver started the second half and provided a HUGE lift, but it was D-Will that returned to his old self. He scored 12 points in the third quarter and looked the best he has looked all season. There were so many stories in this game, but the biggest was the fact that Jazz finally showed some heart, passion and a will to win. They never gave up and played the best zone defense I have ever seen the Jazz play. The Jazz went from scoring 7 points in the first quarter to 40 in the fourth. INCREDIBLE!!!!! This was a huge win for the Jazz, because nothing has gone right for the Jazz this year and it finally looked like they were having fun out there. The joy of this victory and knowing the Jazz can overcome anything if they play together and compete should give every Jazz fan hope of what is to come. In this game D-Will's swagger was back, Korver's shot was deadly and Millsap's hard work was off the chart. Mark my words but this win single handily saved the Jazz's season. It is this type of effort that every Jazz fan has been waiting for and I think Sloan has been waiting for it too. I am seriously at a loss for words because I am so proud of the Jazz. A couple days ago I predicted the Jazz would win by double digits, but I never EVER thought it would be one of the greatest games in franchise history. D-WILL AND THE JAZZ ARE BACK AND YOU GOTTA LOVE IT BABY!!!!

Now Is The Time!!!!!

The Jazz started off their pre-Christmas road trip by losing last night to the hottest team in the league. D-Will continued to show that he is not the player he was last year, Korver provided nothing as usual and Harpring is a shadow of what he once was. The only bright spot last night was the play of Paul Millsap. Millsap continues to impress and he works harder than anyone else out on the floor, however his teammates are not helping him. The Jazz are struggling and although they looked slightly better last night they still got our rebounded by 20……….that shows a pure lack of effort and hard work. However, with that being said I believe that Jazz will win the next 4 games on this road trip and this is why. They will actually have some practice time to focus on execution which will help, because turnovers have been killing the Jazz. The Jazz realize that their season could be on the line and if they don’t produce wins fast it could be over. The Jazz are currently out of the Western Conference Playoff picture. That’s right………………..OUT!!!! Look for the Jazz to play with a sense of urgency, desperation and precise execution. The Jazz are ready to turn the season around and it all starts with New Jersey. Now is the time for the Jazz to show their heart and desire to win. My predictions are listed below.

12/17 vs. New Jersey – Jazz by double digits
12/19 vs. Detroit – Jazz by 5
12/20 vs. Chicago – Jazz by 7 (D-Will completely outplays Rose)12/23 vs. Milwaukee – Jazz win big and come home with renewed confidence

Will the real D-Will please stand up?

The Jazz just came off a TERRIBLE loss at home against the Magic, but that is not my concern. My concern is reading in the paper, after every Jazz loss, how D-Will just didn't have it or didn't know when to take over the game. This is the leader of the Jazz saying this stuff, so it should come as no surprise that the team is showing no heart, passion or desire to win, because their leader isn't. D-Will just hasn't proven that he can take this team to the next level and I'm not buying the fact that he isn't 100% because he has plenty of time to recover. Sure D-Will is putting up decent assist numbers, but his turnovers are killing the Jazz. For instance, in last nights game he finished the game with 11 assists, but had 5 turnovers. That will not get the job done if the Jazz have any Championship hopes at all. Maybe it isn't that D-Will is hurt or that it's in his mind, maybe he just doesn't have what it takes when he doesn't have Boozer on the floor. I mean after all the Jazz had a winning record with D-Will hurt and have a losing record with Boozer out, including 3 home losses. If D-Will does not find himself, his passion and his will to win fast the Jazz can say good-bye to any chance of home court advantage in the playoffs. In fact, if the Jazz aren't careful they could be fighting for their playoff lives. Come on D-will, the Jazz need to be lead with fire, intensity and a willingness to do whatever it takes to win; Ala Stockton and Malone. I have a feeling that this upcoming road trip will determine exactly how tough D-Will and his Jazz are. This is the time when the real D-Will needs to stand up and fight for his team, himself and the season.

Tis the season...............to be a Scrooge!

Every year at this time a certain word seems to find it's way in describing me.......Scrooge. It's true that I am not a fan of this holiday, but what does being a Scrooge really mean. Does it mean that I don't like Christmas because it is a celebration of the birth of Christ. Actually it is quite the contrary; I don't like it because the really meaning of the holiday is rarely even discussed. Everyone is so consumed with finding a one of a kind gift, getting up at the butt crack of dawn in hopes of saving $10 bucks, getting plastered at the company party and/or wondering if they spent enough on their loved ones. Hearing of people getting trampled to death, because crazies are rushing into a Wal-Mart to buy a $25 piece of crap DVD player or a $10 vacuum (which does suck by the way, because I got one) is a joke. Risking both life and limb putting up lights so your house can shine just a little brighter than your neighbors, placing your Christmas tree right in front of the window so everyone can see your "amazing" tree and spending tons of money on presents for every person you have ever known so their feelings aren't hurt is what this holiday has turned in to. There is always this feeling of obligation to buy presents for people and this is a holiday when things are never good enough. There was always one more gift you had to buy, and little Timmy is pissed because he didn't get enough or Santa didn't bring him what he wanted. I have heard kids say, after opening a Fort Knox of presents, "is that all?" Hearing that makes me want to dry heave. What ever happened to remembering what this holiday is all about. It's not about presents, lights or parties. It is about remembering one of the greatest events in Eternal History. If being a Scrooge means that I don't get caught up in the gift buying, the fake smiles and constant competition to out do your neighbors and everyone else; then I am a Scrooge and I am damn proud of it!!!

Is It Just Me………

or does Toys R Us always smell like old dirt.
or do Pam and Jim, from The Office, have the weirdest relationship.
or does it seem like girls always say they want a nice guy, but they never do.
or does the price of gas ROCK!!!!
or is Cherry Coke the best beverage on the planet.
or does the current economic situation scare the crap out of you.
or is using a public restroom scary as hell.
or do people only care about themselves.
or is going to a movie opening night the best.
or is Billabong Slim Fit shirts the best ever.
or are long fingernails on a guy the most disgusting thing you have ever seen.
or are doughnuts WAY better then bagels.
or is Star Wars way better then Star Trek
or is having an inner geek kind of cool
or are butt kissers pathetic.
or does dating BLOW CHUNKS.
or has Obama been very impressive.
or is Count Chocula the greatest cereal ever!!
or does being with you children make you feel alive.
or do the wrong people always get the promotions.
or is Pamela Anderson really disgusting
or is being bald BAD ASS!!

Axl’s Still Got it!!! Chinese Democracy ROCKS!!!

Axl Rose has taken quite a beating since the release of Guns n’ Roses new album Chinese Democracy and people hate it before they have heard a single song. It could be the fact that Rose is the only original member left in the band or it could be the fact that this album took 17 years to happen. Despite all the haters out there I am here to tell you that Axl Rose has not lost a thing and this album is just as good as the Use your Illusion albums. The album starts off with two high octane songs “Chinese Democracy” and “Shackler’s Revenge”. These songs sound powerful, demonic and have a sense of the G n’ R classics “Civil War” and “My Michelle”. Songs such as “Better”, “If the World”, “There was a Time” and “Sorry” show Axl’s versatility and his new vocal range. The guitar solos on these songs are seamless, dynamic and sound about as close to Slash’s sound as you can get. The guitar riffs have a certain Blues appeal to them and they mesh perfectly with the high tones of Rose. The lyrics are well written and full of the rock attitude. You can tell by listening to the songs that Rose doesn’t care one bit what anyone thinks of him. This is his band, his album, his way of doing things and I totally dig it. Nothing is more Rock n’ Roll than writing and playing music that “sticks it to the man”. Chinese Democracy is one of the better albums I have heard in a long time and I’m glad somebody is still playing the music I love and grew up with. Thanks Axl!!!!!

Predictions

12/09 at Minnesota – Jazz by 6
12/11 vs Portland – Jazz by 11 (D-Will goes for 20 and 10)
12/13 vs Orlando – too close to call
12/15 at Boston – Boston by 4 in a battle to the finish

Williams Isn't Himself

Since returning from injury on Nov. 26th against Memphis D-will has looked brilliant at times by dishing out 15 assists, setting the tempo and masterfully running the offense. He has also looked horrible with 4 turnovers in the four quarter against Miami, has been unable to take over a game and is a current mental mess. D-Will has admitted he is confused on when to pass the ball, shoot the ball, and said his poor play is more of a mental thing. D-Will is my favorite player, but that is the last thing I want to hear from the leader of this team. D-Will has been nothing more then a shell of what he was last year and if he doesn’t turn it around quickly the Jazz will have no chance of getting home court advantage in the playoffs. He can also kiss his All-Star hopes good-bye for this year. The Jazz need D-Will, more than any other player, to be at the top of his game. Generally, as he goes, the Jazz go. This week will be a very interesting week to see where he is truly at. There are no back-to-backs and two home games. If D-will can’t get healthy both physically and mentally then the Jazz season will quickly turn into a fight for the last couple of playoff spots.

Boozers Coming Back

Although Boozer will be sitting out tonight’s game against the Timberwolves his return to the court is right around the corner. This begs the question……..What will the Jazz do with Paul Millsap? Millsap has been phenomenal in his 9 starts since Boozer went down with an injury. Millsap is averaging a double/double in those starts by averaging 17 points and 11 rebounds a game. Millsap never takes a play off and he is much better on the defensive end then Boozer, however Boozer is better on the offensive end. They are both excellent rebounders and can run the pick and roll to perfection. Unless Boozer completely tanks it when he returns, Millsap will go back to the bench. Still, look for Millsap to still get about 25-30 minutes per game. He has proven to be a valuable asset, so valuable in fact that the Jazz could waive good-bye to Boozer and Hello to Millsap as their starting power forward. Don’t forget that once upon a time there was a young power forward from Louisiana Tech named Karl Malone who was given the starting job after the Jazz traded away their All-Star power forward Adrian Dantley. It is very possible over the next several months that will see that happen again in Jazz country.

Jerry Sloan

Today is a perfect day to begin the first ever Zog Blog, because it is the 20th Anniversary since Jerry Sloan coached his first game as Head Coach. I wish I could remember the day he took over when Frank Layden stepped down, but I was only 11 years old. Jerry has been the involved in almost every single Jazz memory I have ever had. I have jeered about his crazy substitution pattern, his unwillingness to stay with a player that is hot and his terrible ties, but he is the Utah Jazz. Their personality, toughness, physicality and precise execution are all a reflection of him and the way he coaches. Although he has been unable to obtain the elusive NBA title, Sloan has proven that his system is solid and, if run correctly, can’t be stopped. He has been yelling out the plays "C" and "four down" for 20 years and every team in the league knows what is coming but they are unable to stop it. Congratulations Coach Sloan on a Hall of Fame coaching career. Every Jazz fan should feel very lucky to have witness 20 years of greatness.