“A Stormy Love”
D Flex

Gray skies overflow
Cooling the Spring weather
As increasing wind blows
Whistling out to us

Next comes a bolt of lightning
As heaven becomes hell
When thunder rattles the earth
Screams can be felt

Then raindrops fall from the sky
Wetting the ground
Sprinkling trees while creating puddles
Turning sunny smiles into frowns

As winds swirl northwest
The rain steadies
Into a downpour
Beating like a drum

Cars drive around town
Making ocean sounds
As they hit each tidal wave
The less mother nature behaves

Hoodies and raincoats a plenty
In this place
With umbrellas failing at record rates
All cause the storm talks

It yells at the top of its lungs
Blowing objects around
And gives us fair warning
That it’s in control

Who are we to judge
Always having our way
Now it’s getting its say
Providing oceans of love

Just one of those days
Where it all feels lost
Only cool breezes
And temperature chills

Proving itself
By screaming it really exists
Don’t forget
Or it could be your health

Perhaps it’s its way
Of getting across
Postponing child’s play
While shouting it’s boss

Some days
Aren’t meant to be
Even telling you
We’re not completely free

This is a little something I did out of fun while out last night.

Chilling like a mad villain
Making a killing
Playing them fools
Like a game
Cause they got no brain
Easy come easy go
Now you know
Who’s in control

It’s been a few days since we’ve updated. Sorry as I’ve been preoccupied with our other hockey blog which is picking up steam. Since I see no reason to talk puck here, if you haven’t already please come visit us over at Battle Of New York. We cover the Devils, Islanders, Rangers, Sabres with a little NHL sprinkled in. Plus we even have a Twitter. I promise it’s fun.

-As per usual, it’s past bedtime. I’ll def have to get up for the latest St. John’s debacle. They’re taking on UConn in Round One of the Big East Tournament at The Mecca. Too bad there’s no good ballin’ around these parts. Word of friendly advice: Follow HS. It’s better!

-Should I care that the Knicks held off the Hawks last night after nearly blowing a 10-point lead the final 2:53? For whatever odd reason, the orange and blue own Hotlanta, making it three wins on what’s otherwise evolved into a disappointing season. Nice to see Coach D’Antoni give rook Toney Douglas (11 Pts, 3 A in 23+) some PT for a change. Anyone who’s remotely followed them has to know how poorly No D’s run his bench. With a banged up T-Mac out, he did it out of necessity.

-I’m not pretending to be an NBA guru but Sergio Rodriguez’ ain’t the answer at PG. It’s been mixed results for the self-proclaimed Spanish Chocolate, whose speed and tempo are noticeable. However, there’s a reason he’s already on his fourth club as he has a tendency to hold onto the ball too much and over dribble, sometimes leading to turnovers. The 23 year-old can get into the lane and dish but isn’t strong enough to take the punishment. In extended minutes, his production hasn’t been much better than what he did with Sacramento. He’s better suited as a backup. It’s wiser for the Knicks to give Douglas more of a role and find a true No.1 either this summer or next.

-I know they don’t play any D but am still at a loss for words over Jazzy Jim’s ballers turning a 16-point first quarter lead into a 20-point blowout home loss to the lowly Nets. How is that possible? Makes one ponder if the players have already tuned out the second-year coach.

-Welcome to New York Antrel Rolle and Antonio Cromartie. Can’t say anything on Rolle but we know that Cromartie ‘gets around’ 2Pac style.

-I’ll never be an Oscars guy because I don’t see the point in celebrities having a gala to celebrate themselves. They’re already in fantasy land. However, big ups to Sandra Bullock and Jeff Bridges. In general, I just can’t get into awards. The last time it was relevant was when MTV stood for music.

-Even if Oliver Perez struggles, the Mets can take solace in what they’ve seen from Ike Davis and Fernando Martinez. Both have impressed with the young first base slugging prospect showing a potent bat and a quick glove. If he continues to play well, why not keep him up? He’s got much more upside than Daniel Murphy. What’s Fernando Tatis doing on the roster anyway?

-The Nick Johnson DL Watch is already on.

-I’ll say it. Zach McAllister has more upside than Joba. Not just cause we share a birthday. While Yankee brass tries to figure out if Joba or Phil Hughes are the No.5 starter, expect McAllister to fly under the radar.

-If they don’t get good news on Jose Reyes, will the Amazin’s still Believe In 2010?!?!?!?!?!

-Maybe Big Ben should try using his head more wisely.

-I hope Jim Sorgi isn’t the Giants’ backup plan with David Carr gone.

-Ninety-six teams in the tournament is lunacy. Why even play the regular season?

-We love ya Joannie Rochette.

-Who would’ve thought we’d miss Olympic curling?

Any day can be reserved for 2Pac. Makaveli was a poet and ya ‘ll God damn know it. Let’s look at some of the lyrical genius whose legend lives on.

LEGENDS NEVER DIE

“Ghost”

[Tupac - speaking]
The only way, for me to come back, is by Makaveli
That’s it! All these motherfuckers stole from me
I’m takin back what’s mine

[slowed down voice]
[laughing] You motherfuckers can’t stop me
Even if I die, I’m gon’ be a fuckin problem
Do you believe in ghosts, motherfucker?
Real live black… ghosts
Feel me?

[Verse One: 2Pac]
Some say I’m crazy, these punk-ass cops can’t fade me
Mama tried to raise me, but had too many babies
Papa was a motherfuckin, joke
Used to find dope in his coat
And nearly choked when he’d tell me not to

“Still Ballin”
(feat. Trick Daddy)

Straight motherfuckin ballin
Part two, still ballin
Westside

[Verse One: 2Pac]
Now ever since a nigga was a seed
Only thing promised to me was the penitentiary, still ballin
Ridin on these niggaz cause they lame
In a six-one

Okay. So, it’s been a dreadful year for hoops in the metro area. Unless you’re an avid fan of some of the best HS basketball, there’s little to get amped over. If you frequent this space- meaning you probably got nothing else better to do- than you know how down I am on my alma mater St. John’s, who got predictably walloped by No.1 rated Syracuse last night 85-66. Can someone please wake me up when the Norm Roberts Era Error finally ends?

Then, you’ve got the Knicks who have come apart at the seams in Mike D’Antoni’s second season similar to last year. Monday, I was busy all day on Battle Of New York catching up on all the chaotic NHL hoopla leading into today’s 3 ET trade deadline. It cost me a chance to see a championship game I’d have liked to have caught. The BC Lady Lions fell at Martin Luther 51-44. Sounds like it was a really good game. Darn. Between that and former Berkeley standout Zoe Cohen’s New Paltz losing their league title by five (50-45) over the weekend, bad luck I guess.

At least those teams put out the effort. A foreign term for the Knicks, who are back to humiliating themselves. How else to explain their 30+ point loss to LeBron’s Cavs? A game so uncompetitive that a disgusted orange and blue fan tweeted about it, which made me check the score. When I saw 74 points for Cleveland and only halftime, my eyes almost popped out. They trailed 101-59 at the end of three quarters. C ‘mon!

While the Knicks have dropped 10 of 11 and 13 of their last 15, there aren’t even words to describe the ineptitude of the Nets, who amazingly with their 104-96 upset of the Celtics in Beantown have fared better. Yes. Remarkably, they’ve won two of their last seven. Break ‘em up! Too bad this sad bunch had just four more wins in 59 games, making the Jersey disgrace 6-53. Impossible. This is a pro sports franchise who boasts talented inside/outside duo Brook Lopez and Devin Harris. Courtney Lee, Yi Jianlian and Chris Douglas-Roberts aren’t bad either. However, it hasn’t mattered with injuries and lackluster play costing Lawrence Frank his job. If only it was getting better under Kiki Vandeweghe.

Amazingly, when you look at some of the pieces along with the enormous opportunity to win the NBA Lottery and select Kentucky’s John Wall, they could be much improved this Fall. Given the franchise’s uncertainty surrounding Brooklyn with the club shifting from the Meadowlands to The Rock, would a July 1 big name consider them? A lineup featuring Wall, Harris and Lopez is intriguing.

While their closest rivals cleared plenty of space by acquiring Tracy McGrady, there appears to be more unknowns surrounding the Knicks. Outside of Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler, there’s little else who will be back. Of the other moves Donnie Walsh made, Eddie House has been alright in his familiar role off the bench. With not many other options, D’Antoni is overusing him which has led to more misses from the outside. Speedy Spanish guard Sergio Rodriguez has proven he can get into the lane and dish but has a tendency to hold onto the ball too much. Spanish Chocolate needs to bulk up. As for Bill Walker, the jury’s out.

For all the positives David Lee brings, his defense is atrocious. Mr. Double Double can’t guard bigger centers and is exposed daily. Would you re-sign him and only target one max player? The Knicks are better off letting Lee walk while chasing Chris Bosh and either LeBron or D-Wade. They still need to address the lack of true point guard and a big man. Something they’ve lacked since that No.33 which hangs from the rafters.

Finally, just to exhibit how bad Net bball is, they’re so desperate to get people to come that they’re whoreing tix anyway they can. Ball Don’t Lie’s Trey Kerby had more on the bizarro marketing of the Nets:

This Friday, the Nets will unleash another in their long line of minor league-esque promos:

Their latest promotion will be unveiled Friday, when the Nets play the Orlando Magic. New Jersey residents 18 or older who attend the game will get a coupon that they can redeem at a Roni Deutch Tax Center to get their state income tax done free.

No one likes doing their taxes, but is it worth having to go to a Nets game? At just a $29 value, I’m not so sure.

Uh…this is a new low. If you’ve flipped to a Net game, the empties make it seem like nobody cares. Either that or huge blizzards every night which come to think of it, could’ve been possible given how the winter’s been. Perhaps it’s time for a new slogan.

CHASING HISTORY: Catch The Circus Before It’s Too Late

Whenever it’s going too slow, I turn to music because it’s always reliable. Lyrics and beats inspire. Sometimes in a cruel world, that’s all you need.

Today, we feature Jay Elektronika with Mos Def and one of my homie’s faves Joe Budden, who’s just sick to original Rihanna hit “Russian Roulette.” Let it all flow to an alternate universe where nothing can stress.

Tossing in a little Budden Bonus. P’s favorite track which has also become mine. “Sidetracked” is just the way rap should sound. Just the beat alone will hook ya. But the words are the stuff of genius.

[Verse: Joe Budden]

Look…

Sometimes I wanna make money,
But sometimes I ain’t motivated
Sometimes I think it’s overrated.
Sometimes I’m thinkin’ I wasn’t supposed ta’ make it
But what I show is basic, I normally pokerface it. (What else?)
Sometimes I wanna make music
Sometimes I think it’s jus’ useless.
So y’all don’t hear alot of new shit
Clueless, dependin’ on what my mood is.
Sometimes I wanna dress-down
I mean I wanna let-up, but’chall be let down.
I’m so easily sidetracked
I jus’ lost my train of thought, but besides that…
I wanna stop somebody an’ keep it real
But know that they’ll understand ‘fore I tell ‘em how I feel.
I wish I knew how it’d feel
I swear I needed somethin’ from the store.
Got a call that I jus’ ignored, my day’s hectic
I’m overwhelmed wit’ thoughts, leave a message.
This Saturday I… plan ta’ go shoppin’ for my kid
Wanna smoke, no cigs., I’m like where the fuck’s the store?
Got a migraine, but I forgot that I was sick
‘Cause these jeans don’t seem to lay right over my kicks.
An’ this’ll be the last time that I buy this brand
That I try this brand, oh shit, the bitch called me.
She seems like the perfect girl ta’ cheat wit’
Sleep wit’, I bet that she can keep a secret.
I turnt’ the radio on an’ heard a beat, sick
Know I could kill that shit better than he did.
Sometimes I could be so analytical (why?!)
Wit’ no audience, so who am I a critic to? (Nobody)
I’m so easily sidetracked
I jus’ lost my train of thought, but besides that…
I spent years try’nna figure out why’s that
Beat of my drum thrown off by a hi-hat (oh!)
I should hit the club, get a outfit
But fuck that, the lifestyle ain’t about shit.
That no longer gets me up, it don’t arouse shit (why?)
See, I’m on my OnDemand in the house shit.
I’ve lost so many relationships (tell me…)
Is it jus’ because I don’t relate ta’ shit?
(Me I) Me I… I hate ignorance so much
I’m prayin’ for niggas that didn’t grow much.
Maybe our whole generation was raised wrong
I’m only responsible for me, I gotta’ stay strong.
I’m so easily sidetracked
I jus’ lost my train of thought, but besides that…
I spent years try’nna figure out why’s that (why?)
But besides that…
I’m so easily sidetracked
I spent years try’nna figure out why’s that (why?)
I’m so easily sidetracked
Cig’s still unlit, lookin’ at a pic of a man cross-eyed
On my way ta’ kill the nigga ’till the thought died
(Or…) or it’s a lie, I’m jus’ hogtied
Got frog-eyes ’cause chick wit’ the phatty walked by.
Nice complexion, nice tan an’ so behind her I ran
‘Till I seen her destination was a man.
(So) In the street I stand, wit’ my heat in hand
For what reason, I don’t remember beefin’.
Note to self on my hand: Get even
But I don’t remember needin’ re-venge.
Now anybody comin’ toward me, I’m reachin’
Leg bleedin’, (so) fuck it -
I’ll retrace my steps followin’ the path of my blood leakin’
Lead me ta’ Juan’s house, which I visit every weekend.
To my knowledge, me an’ him wasn’t speakin’…

Later today, the final hoops game of the Berkeley Carroll season takes place when coach Morgan Sevigny’s Lady Lions take on Martin Luther for the PSAA championship.

In what’s been a chaotic winter, fittingly it’s a makeup with the game originally slated for last Thursday at Long Island Lutheran. Due to another snowstorm that dumped over a foot of the white stuff in the metro area, instead it will be played at top seed Martin Luther’s gym at 4 PM this afternoon. They met once back on 1/22 with ML prevailing in the same building. But that was then. Now, it’s all on the line.

Can Sevigny’s five starters who all return next year upset the No.1 seed in enemy territory? They’ll need a big game from leading scorer Keyanka Bailey and good shooting days from Tess Salvatore and Sarah Paller. Defensive stopper Olivia Wilson and first-year starter Morgo Miller have contributed all season on both ends. It’ll take a yeoman effort defensively along with good execution in the halfcourt set.

Berkeley Carroll will need to be extremely disciplined staying out of foul trouble and limiting turnovers. Sevigny and assistant Manny will be limited in their options off the bench. If needed, Gianni LaTange could see some important minutes. However, it will largely depend on how well the starters handle the pressure. Are they up to the enviable task?