April 11, 2000

The following is not a typical athlete's journal entry. You will not read about how many points were scored, who won, or who was difficult to guard. Mostly because of what you'll read about below. Instead, you will experience The World According To Me. Each week, I'll be posting another entry, so stay tuned ...

I have to start this World by sending out congratulations to the UConn Huskies for their second National Championship (I forget which year they won the first ...). What a great way for the program to start this millennium!

Carter

The night before I headed to Philly for the Final Four, I checked out my first Nets game. I had great seats to watch the team beat the Toronto Raptors (thanks Avi). After the game my friend and I waited so he could talk to Vince Carter. Vince is a pretty nice guy. He asked me for more ideas for the dunk contest next year. I promised to draw him a few diagrams of the dunks I'm working on.

I wanted to write a new journal earlier but I've been having some major computer problems. I have had serious difficulty getting online. That is why I've fallen a little behind in answering my fan emails. However, I promise to correct the problem soon! Speaking of fan emails and requests, I can't possibly give a "shout out" to everyone who asks for one -- sorry about that. Also, I have to apologize to Corey. He asked if he could have my '96 Olympic gold medal. I'm not quite ready to part with that yet. (It's amazing what people will ask for.)

I got a swanky new bowling shirt when I went to the Knicks' charity bowling event. All of the guys were bowling to help raise money for the Knicks' after-school program. All the participants received bright blue and orange bowling shirts. I felt pretty special when I left the event (held at Chelsea Piers) and couldn't catch a cab. I ended up taking the bus and subway home. I have no problem with public transport. However, people were sending odd glances my way as they pondered my fashion statement! (As we like to say, "Nothing but the best for the Liberty"!!!)

Thanks go out to Mamie for this week's GHETTO TERM ...
She told me to start saying "I be spendin' dat cheese." To be honest, I'd rather say, "I be savin' dat cheese" (cheese = $$). Of course, my English-major mom won't let me say I BE doing anything. But please keep sending me the new vernacular!

Time for TRUE NEWS ...

Example #1 that Web users have a sense of humor: Maxim magazine has an animated game on its web site called "Ally Feedin'" in which players attempt to shoot food items -- pizza, hamhocks, donuts -- at images of Calista Flockhart (Ally McBeal) moving across the screen. The animated McBeal vomits between each game level, and in the end proclaims to be off her diet and heading toward a local Sizzler. Note from My World -- this is incredibly sick ... but too funny to ignore.

Example #2 that Web users have a sense of humor: There is a site called SmashRegis.com where players are invited to drop things on Regis Philbin's head. You can drop bags of cash, Better Cheddars, and even Kathie Lee Gifford on the head of the host of Who Wants to Be Millionaire. It's so popular that traffic jams have been crashing the site. Note from My World -- I really like Regis Philbin ... he's a women's hoop fan. (Reg, I wouldn't drop anything on your head.)

Is that a snake in your pocket? French police caught a man trying to sneak through customs with a snake hidden in his trousers. The 30-year-old was trying to smuggle a 16-inch boa from Columbia and was caught after a sniffer dog latched on to the reptile's scent through the man's bulging pants. Note from My World -- this guy definitely has guts ...

The "Let's make a toast award" goes to ... the brewer in Sao Paulo, Brazil who won a court case against his former boss, the Brahma brewery. The man argued that years of tasting as much as 3.2 gallons of beer a day had turned him into an alcoholic. The man worked at the brewery for 20 years and retired because of his drinking problem. He was awarded about $30,000 in damages and a monthly pension for life equal to his old salary of $2,600. Note from My World -- I know alcoholism is a serious disease. However, wouldn't common sense kick in around year two and tell you to find a new job?!?

Note from my home state: Students at Eastern Connecticut State University who commit a minor infraction have been ordered by the Dean of Student Affairs to attend a classical music performance (like an opera or symphony) instead of getting citations or fines. About 50 students have been given such punishment for things including violating a campus ban on alcohol. Note from My World -- some kids have claimed such performances have driven them to drink even more ...

OK, Shout Out time to ...

Vita (she's a rapper) who put me in one of her songs! That's what I'm talking about!
The kid who e-mailed me looking for tips on jumping (doesn't she realize my "ups" are limited?)
Danny D. and the TRUE fans at the Final Four
The outdoor hoopin' and partying crew in Philly
The Christ the King women's hoop team (told ya I'd give you a shout out)
Justin: my bowling partner
Lil' L-Dog: gonna miss ya ...
Folks at the Fire House -- thanks for the t-shirt and hat
Coach A and friends at Finnigan's Wake
Brad: we're gonna get me back online one of these days
My partners at Dunk.net
The guy at MSG who has no friends. At least your mom loves you!

On a serious note: If you know someone diagnosed with and battling breast cancer, they can find an informative and supportive website at Loboline.com (yes, this is my mother's web site). My mom reads all the e-mails sent to her and hopes her experience can help others during this tough time.