Moments after falling behind three games to one against the putrid, eighth seeded Atlanta Hawks, the national consensus was that the Indiana Pacers had a collapse of epic proportions. A team that was once regarded so highly as to being the favorites to beat the Heat in late May, the Pacers were currently a team in upmost turmoil.
When the Pacers needed wins to stay alive, they got them. Beating Atlanta in seven games was made a lot tougher than it needed to be, but somehow the first seeded Pacers did it. As I type this blog post, merely minutes after the Pacers took game six from the pesky Wizards, I can't help to think back to when NBA fans were envisioning an eastern conference finals without the Pacers. Of course, they had every right to. Roy Hibert looked like a shell of his former self, George Hill began doing his bestRaymond Felton impersonation, and Paul George forgot how to put the ball in the basket. Head coach Frank Vogel began feeling more pressure than the United States President does on a daily basis. Yet through it all, the Pacers got the wins they needed and are still alive---for now.
On the other side of the matchup, the Miami Heat come off a 5 game series win against the Brooklyn Nets. An interesting series going in resulted in a one sided affair in terms of the outcomes of each game. The Nets battled tough, even taking game three at home, but their lack of a veteran head coach, in my opinion, cost them crucial moments down the stretch in several of the games. Had Brooklyn made a bucket here or there late in the fourth quarter, we may have had a six or seven game series.
In any event, that was not the case, and the Miami heat sit 8-1 in the 2014 NBA playoffs. If there was ever a time to knock the Heat out it would be now. Many scouts and media alike agree the Heat may just be at their most vulnerable, despite winning 8 of 9 playoff games. Lack of a big man in the middle, combined with Dwayne Wade's vulnerable knee and the overall team age (the oldest in the NBA at 32 average years) make the Heat anything but a sure lock to win the NBA title, despite having the best player on the court night in and night out in LeBron James.
Both teams are not the "powerhouses" most fans envisioned they would be, but it just goes to show that the Eastern Conference as a whole is so far behind Indiana and Miami talent wise.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
My Top 5: Horror films of all-time.
Of all the movie genres out there, many award winning shows, critics, and fans have overlooked the horror genre as "stupid," "corny," "far-fetched," and "dumb." Yes, as a die hard horror movie fan, I've heard these hurtful words about the movies I love most. While there have been a ton of lack-lust horror movies and many repetitive ideas throughout the years, the fact, I believe, remains that horror movies are the most emotional and moving films of any. What makes a horror movie a good movie? Is it all about scares? Gore? Action? I'll leave that up to debate. What can't be debated is that the horror genre is alive and well, nearly 80 years after it began with Frankenstein, Dracula, and others. Once Halloween time roles around, AMC, FX and many other television channels run marathons of the scariest horror movies ever made, new and old. Below is my personal top five list and the the stories surrounding each movie. Note that The Exorcist is left off of my list.
1. The Amityville Horror (1979)-Based on a true story, the most famous haunted house in the world has spawned countless movies and books documenting the Lutz's alleged haunting at 112 Ocean Avenue. Everyone knows the story, on November 13 1974, Ronal Defeo shot and killed his entire family, telling authorities "voices made him do it." One year later, the Lutz family move in only to abandoned all of their belongings after 28 days in the house, claiming vengeful demons tormented them. The true story of the Amityville Horror is up for debate, but one of the best selling books-turned movie is my favorite haunted house story of all-time.
2. Night of the Living Dead (1968)-Considered the first true zombie film, Night of the Living Dead tells the story of seven strangers trapped in a Pennsylvania farm house as they fight off a zombie horde trying to break in. Scenes of every window in the house boarded up with wood has become a staple image in many horror fan's eyes. Made on a cheap budget, Night of the Living dead is the first movie in the "Living Dead Series" which includes Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead, among others.
3. Halloween (1978)- Halloween, much like Night of the Living Dead, essentially jump started a sub horror genre called "slasher films." Every October 31st countless Halloween-goers dress up in the blue jumpsuit and white mask made famous by Michael Myers. Sure, Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street gardner a colt following of horror fanatics in a similar, if not larger style as Halloween does, but they'll never be the first. Halloween tells the story of psycho killer Michael Myers, who murdered his sister at a young age and spent the subsequent 15 or so years in a mental institution before breaking out. Once on the loose, his psychiatrist tries to track Myers down but soon discovers that killer is only out for one thing, his younger sister.
4. Psycho (1960)- Maybe even more famous than the story itself, is the bone-chilling music that takes place right as Norman Bates stabs Marion Crane. Bates Motel, now a hit television series, is the setting for Psycho. Normal Bates and his mother, Norma, own a motel outside of Pheonix, Arizona. Overlooking the motel, on top of a cliff, is the Bate's mansion. Inside, Norman argues on and off with his mentally ill mother. Inside the motel, Marion Crane rests for the night, before planning on leaving in the morning. In one of the most iconic horror movie scenes of all-time, while showering, Marion Crane is stabbed and killed by Norman Bates. The twist of all twists occurs when viewers are informed that Norman Bate's mother doesn't even exist anymore. Norman himself is the voice of his deranged mother, who passed away years prior.
5. The Conjuring (2013)- Ghost stories are my favorite all-time, above slasher films, torture films, zombies, or mystery movies. Just as the Amityville Horror cracked my top-5 list, The Conjuring does too. Released only one year ago, in 2013, The Conjuring has caught my attention as the second best ghost story every told. Also based on a true story, The Conjuring is set in 1971, following the Perrin family's ordeal with the supernatural on their farmhouse in Rhode Island. Ed and Lorraine Warren, world renounced demonologists, take center stage in helping the Perrin family fight the demonic presence in their home. The Conjuring take a few elements from many horror movies such as Poltergiest, The Exorcists and the before-mentioned Amityville Horror. Beyond it's incredible story, The Conjuring might take honors as the scariest film I've ever seen.
1. The Amityville Horror (1979)-Based on a true story, the most famous haunted house in the world has spawned countless movies and books documenting the Lutz's alleged haunting at 112 Ocean Avenue. Everyone knows the story, on November 13 1974, Ronal Defeo shot and killed his entire family, telling authorities "voices made him do it." One year later, the Lutz family move in only to abandoned all of their belongings after 28 days in the house, claiming vengeful demons tormented them. The true story of the Amityville Horror is up for debate, but one of the best selling books-turned movie is my favorite haunted house story of all-time.
2. Night of the Living Dead (1968)-Considered the first true zombie film, Night of the Living Dead tells the story of seven strangers trapped in a Pennsylvania farm house as they fight off a zombie horde trying to break in. Scenes of every window in the house boarded up with wood has become a staple image in many horror fan's eyes. Made on a cheap budget, Night of the Living dead is the first movie in the "Living Dead Series" which includes Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead, among others.
3. Halloween (1978)- Halloween, much like Night of the Living Dead, essentially jump started a sub horror genre called "slasher films." Every October 31st countless Halloween-goers dress up in the blue jumpsuit and white mask made famous by Michael Myers. Sure, Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street gardner a colt following of horror fanatics in a similar, if not larger style as Halloween does, but they'll never be the first. Halloween tells the story of psycho killer Michael Myers, who murdered his sister at a young age and spent the subsequent 15 or so years in a mental institution before breaking out. Once on the loose, his psychiatrist tries to track Myers down but soon discovers that killer is only out for one thing, his younger sister.
4. Psycho (1960)- Maybe even more famous than the story itself, is the bone-chilling music that takes place right as Norman Bates stabs Marion Crane. Bates Motel, now a hit television series, is the setting for Psycho. Normal Bates and his mother, Norma, own a motel outside of Pheonix, Arizona. Overlooking the motel, on top of a cliff, is the Bate's mansion. Inside, Norman argues on and off with his mentally ill mother. Inside the motel, Marion Crane rests for the night, before planning on leaving in the morning. In one of the most iconic horror movie scenes of all-time, while showering, Marion Crane is stabbed and killed by Norman Bates. The twist of all twists occurs when viewers are informed that Norman Bate's mother doesn't even exist anymore. Norman himself is the voice of his deranged mother, who passed away years prior.
5. The Conjuring (2013)- Ghost stories are my favorite all-time, above slasher films, torture films, zombies, or mystery movies. Just as the Amityville Horror cracked my top-5 list, The Conjuring does too. Released only one year ago, in 2013, The Conjuring has caught my attention as the second best ghost story every told. Also based on a true story, The Conjuring is set in 1971, following the Perrin family's ordeal with the supernatural on their farmhouse in Rhode Island. Ed and Lorraine Warren, world renounced demonologists, take center stage in helping the Perrin family fight the demonic presence in their home. The Conjuring take a few elements from many horror movies such as Poltergiest, The Exorcists and the before-mentioned Amityville Horror. Beyond it's incredible story, The Conjuring might take honors as the scariest film I've ever seen.
Throwback Thursday: Summer League Baseball 2013
Our weekly "throwback thursday" post takes us back exactly one year ago, looking at the Kinnelon/Butler Summer League Baseball season that was 2013.
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| Depeola swinging for the fences |
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| Brett Russo is coming for YOU |
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| Break out star Chris Ranieri prepares to drive in the run |
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| Tanooch angry at a close play in the field |
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| Butler's top 3 pitchers |
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| Line score for team Vinnie |
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| Nico, Kyle, and Cooper look on as Butler rallies in the 9th. |
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Apple News: iOS 8, iPhone 6, Beats
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_H6g-UpsSi8
Another video has surfaced, comparing the upcoming iPhone 6 to the current iPhone 5s. The iPhone 6 mockup appears to me much thinner than the iPhone 5s. The mockup measures at approximately 7mm thick, while the iPhone 5s is thicker at 7.6mm. Other distinct features of the potential iPhone 6 are its iPad like curved edges, and the new position of the sleep/wake button which appears to be on the right side of the device. Of course, these features reassemble a similar description of the iPhone 6 in the Japanese Magazine Macfan. No one knows if these are the true specifications of this fall's iPhone 6 release. Below is the video comparing a potential iPhone 6 to the iPhone 5s:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ObseDKY_90
Lastly, as reported this past week, Apple has bought the company Beats Electronics. Music industry veteran Jimmy Iovine is believed to be the primary target in Apple's rumored acquisition of Beats Electronics. For those wondering, Apple will likely assume leadership of the company, but keep the Beats brand independent.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Roster Breakdown: Nets vs Heat
Tonight is a big game 2 for the Brooklyn Nets. The veteran savvy squad led by champions Paul Pearce and Kevin Garnett will no doubt be up to the challenge tonight in Miami. With the Heat already up 1-0, in convincing fashion nonetheless, the Nets need to prove they can win in Miami. Whether it's 2-0, or 1-1, the series will shift to Brooklyn for two games beginning Saturday night. I should've done this earlier, preferably before game one, in any event, I have broken down the entire roster and match ups for the Nets-Heat series and who has the edge in what category. It should be a fun series. Team Attributes
1. Rebounding-Tie. Both teams struggle immensely not he rebounding side of the basketball. Both lack a true center, and if Lopez was healthy I'd have to give the Nets the edge in this category. I expect the rebounding totals to fluctuate game-to-game. Not one team will dominate the glass superior enough to claim they are the better rebounders. Big men Andre Blatche, Mason Plumlee, and Chris Anderson will be counted on to provide boards for their respective team.
2. Passing-Heat. Deron Williams is still an above average point guard, at times, but he's really the only legit passing threat the Nets have. Sure, Johnson, Pierce, Livingston, Anderson, Kirelinko, and maybe even Blatche can all pass the ball with accuracy, but they don't pass enough. The Miami Heat play a pass first offense led by non other than Lebron James. Lebron is an immensely skilled passer who gets his teammates involved every possession..until it really really counts late in the game. Dwayne Wade, Mario Chalmers, Norris Cole, and Ray Allen are all excellent passers. If we are looking to rack up assist totals, you have to give the Miami Heat the edge.
3. Scoring-Nets. I'm sure many will disagree with me, but I give this category to Brooklyn. With so many weapons, such as Pierce, D-will, Johnson, Livingston, Anderson, and Blatche, the Nets can score with anyone at anytime. The Miami Heat are potent as well, I mean they do feature James, Bosh, and Wade. When I think of the Heat I think of them more as a complete team than a team that dominates in one single category. The Nets are a scoring team built around the offense of Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, D-Will, and Lopez when he returns. If we are just going to be throwing up shots and playing no defense..I'll take the Nets. But, we won't be and the Miami Heat defense in all likelihood will be too much for the Nets' offense to handle.
4. Defense-Heat. The two time defending world champions didn't beat formidable teams without playing a little D. With the best defender in the game, Lebron James, on their team, the Heat sit as the gold standard of defense. Having Wade, Battier, and Chris Anderson help too.When we think of defense in the NBA, and many don't, we think of the Bulls, Pacers, Heat and Grizzlies, to name a few. The Brooklyn Nets are a much more offensive minded team than defensive minded. If Kevin Garnett was in his prime, then we'd have a different story. Fact is he isn't and the Nets lack the shut down defense that Miami possesses late in games. The Nets, lead by coach Kidd, played sensational defense in the second half of the NBA season. Many were surprised that they not only made the playoffs, but fought back over .500. Heat-Bulls or Heat-Pacers would be an extremely defensive minded series than the one we are witnesses currently. Having said all that, the Heat take the nod in the defensive category.
5. Bench-Heat. I didn't want to call a tie on this one, as I did for rebounding, so I went with the Heat. Just as easily I could've gone with Brooklyn. The Nets are an extremely deep team that often call on their bench for huge minutes in games. If you remember a few days ago, Jason Kidd left his second unit on the floor in game five against the Raptors after they made a miraculous comeback, only to fall short. Nevertheless, the Miami Heat's bench, while maybe not as talented, are smarter and maybe even tougher. Norris Cole has proven to be a professional back up on a championship winning team the past few years. Bird-Man Chris Anderson provides the toughness and grit off the bench that Brooklyn just can not match. Ray Allen's post season track record speaks for itself, as does Shane Battier's. Overall, I like the experience the Miami bench brings to the table over Brooklyn's. Would I be surprised if the Nets' bench outscores Miami's over the course of the series? No.
6. Coaching-Heat. In time, I believe Jason Kidd can be an excellent coach in the NBA. It's only year one for Kidd and he's already a good coach. We can all sit and laugh now, on May 8th, and think back to how Kidd's coaching tenure with Brooklyn began. From terrible lineups, to "accidental" time outs, to strange firings (see Lawrence Frank), many question if Kidd could coach at this level. After Lopez went down, the Nets found their identity. Kidd did an excellent job making a season out of almost nothing. Eric Spolstra, in my opinion, doesn't even need to coach his team to victories. The Miami Heat are just so much talented than anyone else at this point. Many say Spolstra is not an "elite" head coach despite having won back to back NBA titles, but I do give him credit. He's managed the minutes of his aging veterans tremendously, and he's kept his team together long enough to make their four straight run at a title.
While I do expect this to be a series, five or six games, the Miami Heat are just too vaunted for the Nets, or anyone else for that matter. But, upsets do happen and I will be having a front row seat in my living room if one does occur.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Throwback Thursday: Family Edition
My weekly throwback thursday post is back and this time I bring to you my dad's side of the family.
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| My beautiful grandparents |
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| My grandfather Vincent Ranieri |
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| My dad and his pals. Early 1990s |
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| My two closest Uncles..Steve and Joe at Joe's wedding 1989 |
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| My beautiful family at a family birthday party in 1999 |
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| My handsome uncle and brother at the same family part in 1999 |
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| My father and my aunt at my Uncle's wedding in 1989 |
Monday, May 5, 2014
Apple's iWatch...worth it?
It appears Apple is adding a new brand new product to their line, the first time since 2010's iPad was introduced. Sure, many iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, etc. have been upgraded since then, but rumors are Apple is introducing something brand new in the near future....the iWatch. Nothing is officially, but we have been hearing about a potential "smart watch" as far back as 2008.
It's no surprise that everything Apple does can't be kept secret. I remember hearing about the iPad Mini a few years before it even came out. I am an avid Apple fan, as most of you know, but this is one product I don't feel I will have a need for.
Here's a greatnarticle highlighting all you need to know: http://www.techradar.com/us/news/portable-devices/apple-iwatch-release-date-news-and-rumours-1131043
In a nutshel, here is what is expected for Apple's iWatch:
1. Apple iWatch is an iOS friendly watch that is compatible with your iPhone
2. The rumored release date is not very specific, saying sometime in 2014. Expect an official release date to be announced at a future Apple keynote event, possible June's which will feature news on the iPhone 6.
3. How much will it cost? Literally no one knows.
My question to you is, do you believe the iWatch is coming, and really...is it worth buying?
It's no surprise that everything Apple does can't be kept secret. I remember hearing about the iPad Mini a few years before it even came out. I am an avid Apple fan, as most of you know, but this is one product I don't feel I will have a need for.
Here's a greatnarticle highlighting all you need to know: http://www.techradar.com/us/news/portable-devices/apple-iwatch-release-date-news-and-rumours-1131043
In a nutshel, here is what is expected for Apple's iWatch:
1. Apple iWatch is an iOS friendly watch that is compatible with your iPhone
2. The rumored release date is not very specific, saying sometime in 2014. Expect an official release date to be announced at a future Apple keynote event, possible June's which will feature news on the iPhone 6.
3. How much will it cost? Literally no one knows.
My question to you is, do you believe the iWatch is coming, and really...is it worth buying?
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