Work

"I draw plans draft the diagrams
An architect in effect and it slams
And if it's weak when I'm done
Renovate and build another one
I go to work"
--I Go to Work, Kool Moe Dee

A kickback day at work for the first time in forever, which means I have time to check in and write. Most days I don't even have time to take a lunch, so this is outstanding.
Got two big projects to get going on today, the first of which I've already done most of the legwork for and the second of which will be most enjoyable. The first entails the greatest moments in Major League Baseball All-Star Game history, to be compiled for a big feature that will run the week of this year's contest in Houston.
The second is more of an "independent study," just logging and clipping highlights from the just-completed Lakers-T'Wolves series. I'll also get some work done getting prepped for the NHL playoffs rollout, which Hughes and I will be cutting all day Thursday and Friday. Exciting stuff.
A topic arose that interested me this morning on my way to the gym as I listened to Colin Cowherd (that's right, Cowherd) on ESPN radio. He was discussing the Lakers' place in history, both this recent version in relation to other dynasties and the franchise itself in relation to other great sports franchises over the years. Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News wrote an article over the weekend that discusses the latter topic and places the Lakers firmly in the top slot, over the Yankees and the Boston Celtics. They've won nine titles since 1972 (and on the verge of number 10); the Yankees have six in that same time period. The star power is certainly matched by the Yankees (though with twice as many years to draw from, the sheer number of greats to don the pinstripes would have to be higher), but likely not paralleled in any other franchise's history. Anyways, a good article to read and a good topic for discussion.
In reference to the song lyric, Kool Moe Dee makes me think of Hakeem Olajuwon (How Ya Like Me Now?). Anyone who understands that connection is my friend, and if you're slow to get it you need to watch NBA Superstars sometime very soon. It will also connect the following athletes with the following artists: Dr. J and Whitney Houston, Magic and Janet Jackson, Isiah and Vanessa Williams (sorry Rick), MJ and Berlin (can't stand Jessica Simpson's remake of that song, which has to be on at the gym multiple times during my workout), Charles Barkley and Scandal (featuring Patty Smyth on lead vocals), Dominique and Yanni (kind of unfortunate for 'Nique, I think), Larry Legend and John Cougar (there's only one place I'd rather be) and then all the old greats go arm-in-arm with Billy Joel. I think an entire day will be devoted to this video sometime soon (with an addendum to honor "Come Fly With Me"--can you say, "Daily battles in the backyard with his older brother Larry?")
Okay, back to work, but now I'm excited about this upcoming post. Peace.