MC Hammer, Kermit the Frog, & Shakira: Who ya kickin' out of the hot tub?

Going with random small paragraphs today, as most of what this week's thoughts are unrelated. Thus, no theme and no need for organization. Ride wit it...

Turner South is now owned by Fox Sports, so that means most of my Atlanta Braves watching is affected. Not real sure what the theme of this network is, as the "My South" campaign features individuals reading what "My South" is to them in a spoken word performance setting. Most of the featured individuals are African-American, which I assume is meant to tap into the large population of this demographic in Atlanta and many other southern cities that carry the network. However, billboard commercials advertising the network (meaning spots run right before returning to the program/game) also feature Tiffani-Amber Thiessen; nothing like southern girls from Long Beach, CA. The musical commercials this season are Travis Tritt, who was on the last year or two as well, and MC freakin' Hammer. Quite a change from Baby of the Big Tymers, Da Birdman, who was the hi-hop artist last year. My point is: who is Turner South targeting? I'm not sure they have any clue.

On a somewhat related note, Ron Gant is the new color commentator. One friend and I agree he is pretty good, but a little less talk of his playing career in the present tense would help...as in Ron, you're retired, remember?

Moving to music really quickly...Shakira's new "Hips Don't Lie" is a catchy song, but mainly for a reason not involving her. The loop at the beginning and end of the track is from Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz mid-nineties single "Deja Vu," which I loved (confession: I own the CD, and remember buying it at American Fare, a precursor to Wal-Mart, along with a Queen Latifa album...review that one Kev). Her actual singing in the song is lacking; I enjoy the spanish part, but her high notes in English are tough to stomach. Honestly, she songs like a female Kermit the Frog. But the video is nice, I enjoy the Latin dance, the beats, and Shakira is pretty good looking.

Moving to sports, the NBA Playoffs are hot right now. Tune in just to watch the TNT Studio show, with Ernie Johnson Jr, Kenny the Jet Smith, and Sir Charles Barkley. High comedy. Also, no one has pointed out the fact that Phoenix claimed Tim Thomas off waivers from Chicago after he was put on the inactive list for refusing to play for the Bulls. So we have Alonzo Mourning, who refused to play for Toronto, and Tim Thomas, who refused to play for Chicago, both making a difference for playoff teams after playing the "you don't have any authority" card on their former teams. In an upcoming NBA column, this will be addressed further, but I have a huge problem with the league's lack of authority over players. They argue seemingly every call (see: Pistons, Detroit), blame losing on their coaches (see: Knicks, New York), and when unhappy demand and receive a trade or release. The NBA must do away with this selfishness and inmates running the asylum mentality if it is ever to compete with America's top sports.

Great story running on ESPN.com right now under the "E-Ticket" heading about a group of guys who have played basketball every Saturday morning for the last thirty-five years. Trust me, it's a lot more interesting than it sounds. If you have thirty minutes, click on the link:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=saturdaygame

Clemson may have become the Mullet Capital of America in my time living here. I love it.

College baseball is winding up its regular season, with the national tournament on the horizon. I have been challenged to put together a Field of 64 for this tournament as well, which will most likely make an appearance here at some point. Get hype. It is one of my sports dreams to not only attend the College World Series in Omaha, but also to see collegiate baseball become a big deal in American sports. So start the grassroots campaign.

WWE Vengence in Charlotte on June 25th...who's in?

I've had enough for today. Do me a favor and spread the word on The Blue Team if you enjoy it, as I'd eventually like to allow comments and have some reader interaction going on. What a concept, sounds like a real blog instead of me ranting and raving all the time. Feedback is still welcome and, as always, thanks for reading.

Lemme be ya manager...