CURBSERVICEMUSIC.com

Every year around this time my college basketball hangover swells to it's peak and I'm desperate enough to watch a few NBA games. During the regular season I'm nowhere to be found but by the time the conference finals arrive I'm usually starved for competition and the players are actually playing some defense. Growing up in Indiana I saw scores of Pacer games. I watched Michael, Magic, Larry, Ewing, even Shaq as a rookie. So to see the Pacers in the hunt is nostalgic for me. Chances are I'll be tuning in tonight to see if they can take a 2 game lead over the villainous Heat. 

Been thinking about PE a lot lately. Going to school in the late 80's/early 90's in middle America, we were never taught the whole truth. Our history has been conveniently rewritten in order to prop up a fascade. I had never heard about Farrakhan or Elijah Muhammad or Marcus Garvey. Who were these men and what did they do? PE were my personal urban culture professors prompting me to dig further, learn more. I remember seeing them do this song on SNL when Michael Jordan hosted. Big time.

One of my favorite holiday jams, "Christmas in Hollis" was recorded for the Very Special Christmas compilation in 1987 (which went to benefit the Special Olympics). In the video however, we see Santa (who is already behind schedule) give up his "judging seat" to a punk-ass little elf who proceeds to mark everyone as "NAUGHTY". Exlains a lot.

Coincidentally, I received my favorite gift from my parents in 1987.....tickets to see the Bulls and Pacers play. Michael Jordan - in the flesh. He averaged 35 points a game that year - the highest of his career - but that night he was off, dumping in just 14 points and missing two dunks. Didn't matter - still my favorite gift.

*this is the poster that I had on my wall in '87.

I don't watch much of the NBA during the regular season. Too boring and not enough defense. Playoffs are a different story. Getting a kick out of the Conference Finals right now - the veterans against the upstarts. Been some great games and outstanding performances so far. Still, they can't touch this guy.....