the air

A while ago, I wrote about the two issues plaguing NBA players. Perhaps the longest running issue is the fact that the NBA introduced and forced all of its players to use the new synthetic basketball without consulting the Players’ Association or the players themselves. NBA commissioner, David Stern, felt that the ball was a significant improvement for the game and for some strange reason, he felt it necessary to simply force his players to use it.

Luckily for many players, the new synthetic ball will not be used for the remainder of the 2006 - 2007 season starting January 1. Many of the veteran ball players are rejoicing and some of the newer players are indifferent. However, this does mark the significance of the Players’ Association since without their approval, the NBA had gone ahead and, in my opinion, illegally forced them to use new equipment without their feedback. On the other hand, the new synthetic ball did not contribute to poor performance statistically:

The stats show the ball had no real negative impact in the NBA. Scoring is up about 2½ points per game from a similar point last season, and field goal and free throw percentages also have risen.

As much as the players enjoy the news, they will have to learn to realize that leather balls will take time to break in and they will not be used to the different ball for some time. Stern has not set a deadline for, even if, the new ball will make a comeback. However, for next season, the ball could make its debut and spell the end of leather basketballs in the NBA.

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I am a huge fan of Mercedes vehicles. I am measuring my own financial success on my future ability to own and drive a prestigious Mercedes. Most of all, I love the beauty and serenity of German vehicles (e.g. Audi, Mercedes, and BMW). In addition to all that, I am a sucker for four door sedans. However, all that is about to undergo a transformation once the Mercedes Ocean Drive Concept is unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show.

The Mercedes Ocean Drive Concept is based on the venerable and luxurious S-Class platform and is one of the most unique convertibles. It will be one of the extremely rare four door convertible sedans on the market. You can definitely bank on this car being a hot seller among hip-hop artists and professional athletes. Not only that, this car will steal looks from everyone on the road.

This vehicle shares the same engine as the 2006 S600 sedan. Basically, that means a 510 hp, 612 ft-lb of torque with a nice big V12. What does that mean? It means this is going to be one fast convertible sedan that will have bystanders staring at awe at your nice topless car. Before you all get your checkbooks out, remember it is only a concept and there is a chance it may never see production.

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As I mentioned earlier, I am building a new computer and guess what. I now need a new power supply unit. My current power supply unit is 350 watts and has a 20 pin connector. Unfortunately, my new motherboard requires a 24 pin connector. As such, I have to go back to Fry’s and purchase a new power supply. Hopefully I’ll have the new computer built by January 2.

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2006 was the year of the muscle car. GM and Chrysler unveiled the concept Camaro and Challenger respectively. BusinessWeek has this great article with a slideshow that “documents” the hottest 2006 concept cars.

Perhaps the best part of many of the concept vehicles was the fact that many of them will retain their edgier styling for the final production version.

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It always seems that the Purdue Boilermakers tend to lose in their post-season bowl games. Although the Boilermakers did not play in a bowl game last season, they did play in the previous 8 seasons. Unfortunately, for the 2004 season, the Boilers lost in the Sun Bowl and this season was no different.

For the 2006 season, the Boilermakers capped off their winning season with a trip to the Champ Sports Bowl at Orlando, FL. Their opponent were the Maryland Terps. This trip was definitely a disappointing one for the Boilers as they lost to the Terps, 24 - 7. Curtis Painter finished the game 22 of 34 for 249 yards with 3 sacks, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Bryant lost one fumble, which played to the favor of the Terps and was consistent with the Boilers’ poor performance.

The Boilers will only lose 4 starters for next season and they hope to be a much better team overall. I do hope that the Boilers are able to beat a team with a winning record next season. Although Joe Tiller has played a pivotal role in turning the Boilers into a perennial powerhouse, he needs to garner more post-season victories and ensure that his team can give the best of the best Big 10 teams a run for their money and win.

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