Thursday, September 11, 2008

I'll take 2.


If Nissan makes this 240z inspired concept, yea I'll take two. One for the old man who still has his heart set on restoring a classic 240. This concept looks astounding. Article below:

"A couple months ago, Benjamin Nawka was asked by Nissan to bring the Datsun name back to life through a design study named "X Link". Even though we have no idea what Nissan plans regarding Datsun might be, it seems to have motivated other designers including Iacoski. Here's his vision for a future Datsun Fairlady Z.

Moving away from the design of the recent Z (350), this concept is inspired by the legendary 240/280Z and the Nissan GT-R."

Monday, September 8, 2008

Hoop Dreams


Before I started the treadmill at the gym, the basketball courts looked pretty vacant so I stopped by to shoot around. I went to the far end of the court to let the fellas who were looking to play fives congregate at the basket near the entrance.

Some free throws, threes, and a few jumpers with elevation got my sweat going and I was ready to head for the treadmill. As I walked from the far end of the basket to the entrance through the other half of the court, I could see 3 guys in their mid to late 20s shooting around probably waiting for more people in order to play some fives. Two of the black guys looked like pals or at least regulars as they joked around. Both about 6 foot, I recognized one as a regular. 80% of the time you can tell by the how someone shoots around and what kind of shoes/gear they have on to gauge their skill level. From a glance they both looked legit. Cut offs coupled with utilitarian team air max variants, duffles to change into slippers later. For clarity of story telling, I'll name Quicks and the other Gray (in reference to his attire not age). The third guy I'll name Soviet, as he reminded me such. Tallest of the bunch probably with a soft jumper.

As I headed off the court, Quicks asked if I wanted to play 2s, just to get a sweat on. I hesitated, I had my Asics for running and most importantly was sans knee brace. I hadn't pushed my $50,000 arthoscopically repaired knee really in any game. The 2-3 games that I had participated in, I encountered limited footwork and speed as I had been only cleared for physical activity in June. My gut said why not as I had been building more and more confidence with each day of physical activity. I figured I would just play at the capacity I felt comfortable with.

Quicks teamed with the Soviet with Gray on mine. We had outs which Gray inbounded to me. About 6 inches beyond the arc, Soviet was matched up against me even though he was the tallest of the group and I was the shortest. There wasn't much choice as Quicks and Gray guarded each other. I'm sure they figured I would have trouble guarding Soviet because of the height disparity. Soviet wasn't respecting my shot which I wouldn't either since he hadn't seen anything yet. Instinct took over, I didn't hesitate as I let one fly from beyond the arc with the first play, touch for that matter of the game. Money. Up 2. I inbounded to Gray who missed a shot and Quicks responded with a pretty baseline lay in. Fundamentally sound to the hoop with a flashy one handed soft finish at the rim which Gray couldn't get to. The Soviet misses a shot which at this point I had to give him as I couldn't let him inside and capitalize. Gray quickly cleared the miss and hits me at the top right where i rain another trey (2). Quicks and Gray smile, they have me figured now as a shooter.

We went up quick due to about 5, 2 pointers which I'd drained. Quicks and Gray are awed by my potency even with the Soviet towering over me out on the arc. Gray clears a rebound and I headed straight for the arc. I catch the pass and turn my body in one motion and release only to have my shot swatted by the Soviet. It hits the wall (out of bounds) as the court is in close quarters. Un-phased, I figure the Soviet finally has my rhythm and game down. We are up with only 3 more points till game. Gray misses a shot only to get the ball back and I head for the top of the key after boxing out of Soviet. I catch the pass face up to the basket and I put it down on the floor. Dribble left, through the legs to the right, then back through my legs to the left, the Soviet shifts weight, I take another hard dribble to the left just inside the top of the key. I gather, elevate.. the Soviet is with me, arms stretched. I release the ball at the highest point of elevation, the Soviet may or may not get to this one. I'm not worried as I let the flow of the shot go through me and release. The Soviet turns to watch the shot. It's good. Onlookers stir. Gray, Quicks and the Soviet are impressed. I haven't felt like this since my knee went out. Basically 3 years. I even at some point gave into my knee and figured I'd never play again, let alone have moments like these again.


* We went on to lose the game by 1.. which followed with props from Quicks for my shooting.