I write this while watching an ESPN inspirational story of a young man named Gunner Esiason who just tossed a touchdown pass in a high school game. Not so remarkable except that he has cystic fybrosis. I am so impressed with his desire to compete , to live as normally as possible and to succeed despite his severe handicap. It is quite remarkable. You might recognize the last name, his dad was a famous quarterback in the NFL and is now a highly regarded commentator, ex Cincinnati Bengal Boomer Esiason. Unfortunately illness knows know social bounderies, spares no person rich or poor and is just plain heartbreaking as hell. One thing though that I see more often than not though is the will that these kids have to survive, to deal with it, to improve , to enjoy life and to make the best of things in spite of incredible odds that would destroy the will of most mortals. A kid like Gunner makes you appreciate your own life situation and your individual blessings no matter what your personal lot in life may be. Remember when your broke there is someone that is poorer, when your sick , there is someone dying, and when your sad there is someone who may be heart broken. As we approach the holiday season and our Thanksgiving feast and the Christmas and Hanucka lights shine bright on every city street, reach deep into your heart as you look around at the world that turns and do the right thing.
The economy is not good, in fact it’s probably a recession, money is tight, people are losing jobs and homes and charities that do so much good are strapped for cash. It’s so bad that many are folding and that means that people in need will suffer more. We need people like you and me and our neighbor next door to step it up and just plain give more, whether of means or just getting by on a shoestring whatever money you can spare is desperately needed by the charity of your choice. As a kind and civil society we have made great strides in finding cures and medicines that ease the pain and provide the ray of hope that keeps dreams alive and something like homelessness can happen to anyone. There are so many vital causes , you surely will find your own personal reasons in deciding where you will lend a helping hand. Just look into your heart. If you have never donated money or time to charity, now is the time.
Here is a good one to start and for you to consider. www.esiason.org . Every post from now on in will link to a worthwhile charity for you to consider. Also my plans for 2008 are to develope my own online charity site . I have reserved the name www.give123.org. I plan on featuring over 100 underfunded charities that need your help. As well National Ticket Agency will be donating a portion from every sale of event tickets to my favorite charities.
Ok now then let’s take a look at the the final division of the NBA in my series of reviews. The Pacific Division features alot of great ballplayers led by one Kobe Bryant who is generally regarded to be the most talented basketball player on the planet today and certainly one of the worlds greatest athletes right up there with Tiger, Arod, and anyone else you can think of. Is he a team player , a winner , a good teamate, a good guy well you have to decide that. Personally I think he is a fierce competitor who wants to win, is frustrated when the play around him doesn’t reach certain levels and I would take him on probably 28 of the leagues teams in a heartbeat. I only want him on my team though if he gives it up to charity and not just to satisfy his accountants rants but from the heart..in fact I wish all wealthy professional athletes and successful people of all walks would give more..but I regress. This is about about the National Basketball Association from here on in.
WESTERN CONFERENCE PACIFIC DIVISION
The Phoenix Suns are a powerhouse and could take the title this year. I say this because Steve Nash is still in his prime and he now has another weapon Grant Hill to dish to. Raja Bell, Shawn Marion , and Amare Stoudemire are all super stars making this an All Star team. So barring injuries they are arguably better than the Spurs. We shall see. > Get your Phoenix Suns tickets here.
The Golden State Warriors actaully beat a better Dallas team last post season pretty badly so that makes them pretty good , right. Baron Davis is dynamite and Monta Ellis and Stephen Jackson are nice players but I am afraid that should they eak into the playoffs this year they’ll probably get bounced. Still a good take and Baron can really shake and bake. > Get your Golden State Warrior tickets here.
The Los Angelos Clippers are no longer the “other” LA team. They are better than the Lakers and have been for a while now. Problem is that their star center/ forward Elton Brand is out till Febuary and point Sam Cassell may have lost a step. I doubt they can break .500 but that may be better than the “other” LA team. If the two were combined now that would be interesting. > Get your Los Angelos Clippers tickets here.
The Los Angelos Lakers are Kobe Bryant. As goes Kobe so goes the Lakers. He’s that good and he is certainly worth the money to see in person as he’s practically unstoppable. The problem here is that his motivation is questionable and the supporting cast is just average save for Derek Fisher who’s decent and the injured Lamar “Lefty” Odum. Bryant can sinlehandily win games but not enough of them to make a diference in the standings. > Get your Los Angelos Lakers tickets here.
The Sacramento Kings are still woefully shorthanded in too many areas and if they manage to stay above the lottery line that will be a moral victory. Mike Bibby their best player is out for 2 months and that puts the burden on the talented but shall we say troubled Ron Artest. Still though always remember it’s the NBA, the greatest show on earth so don’t be a no show and go , show your support. > Get your your Sacremanto Kings tickets here.
Hey everyone, buckle up and use your blinkers! Get there in 1 piece. I remind you , National Ticket Agency is always your best place to buy tickets for all NBA and NHL games this winter. The NFL is in full swing, I will refrain from gloating over the Pat’s ( I think I did that already enough) and I remind you that the best tickets for the money , the best seats are from NTA. You know what I say NTA has you covered!
