NBA Regular Season’s Final Week Commences, Playoff Picture Starts to Take Shape

Posted on April 13, 2014 by arlen spitalnik

As this season of the NBA winds down, the world is looking forward to what should be a highly entertaining playoffs.  With just one week remaining in the regular season, 15 teams have already clinched their playoff spot.

At the moment, the playoff picture for the Eastern Conference looks like this:

1. Indiana Pacers (55-26)

2. Miami Heat (54-26)

3. Chicago Bulls (47-32)

4. Toronto Raptors (47-33)

5. Brooklyn Nets (43-36)

6. Washington Wizards (42-38)

7. Charlotte Bobcats (41-39)

8. Atlanta Hawks (37-43)

This is not guaranteed, though, as each team has at least one more contest remaining.  If Miami were to win both of their final games against Washington and Philadelphia, and Indiana were to lose theirs to Orlando, the Heat would take the No. 1 seed in the East. In addition, if Toronto wins its last two against Milwaukee and New York and Chicago loses two of its last three, these teams would swap places with each other.  With evenly-distributed talent amongst the eight teams in the East, it appears to be anyone’s game to reach the NBA Finals.

As for the Western Conference, only 7 teams have clinched their spot at the moment, but that will be resolved later this week. Right now, though, the picture looks like this:

1. San Antonio Spurs (62-18)

2. Oklahoma City Thunder (58-22)

3. Los Angeles Clippers (56-24)

4. Houston Rockets (53-27)

5. Portland Trailblazers (52-28)

6. Golden State Warriors (49-30)

7. Dallas Mavericks (49-32)

8. Memphis Grizzlies (47-32)

In the hunt: *9. Phoenix Suns (47-33)*

One of the biggest stories of the year was how competitive the West is.  With teams posting unbelievable records, it was tough to even make the playoffs.  Two teams are still fighting for the eighth spot—Memphis and Phoenix.  In the coming days, the Grizzlies have to face the Lakers, the Suns, and the Mavericks.  The Suns will also play against the Kings.

The NBA Playoffs are set to begin on Sunday, April 20.

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Is Your Relative’s Debt Your Burden? The Gov. is to Take Your Tax Returns to Settle Age-Old Debts

Posted on April 13, 2014 by earl m

Majority of American families have come into contact with debt, whether its their own, or surrounding members of their family or community. With that realized, what if the burden of a family members debt was pushed on to younger relatives, without choice?

This is what one Food and Drug Administration employee was surprised find out when her tax refund was confiscated by the U.S. Treasury. Why?

According to the U.S. Treasury, Mary Grice’s federal and state refund of $4,500 was taken from her because the Social Security Administration over payed her family’s death benefits  in 1960 when her father had died. Grice was just 5 years old at the time.

In short, the government realized their mistake 54 years later and without notice, to a debt that was not Grice’s, seized her refund.

“To be honest, I was ticked off,” Grice said. “I’m like ‘how can they intercept or take my funds without my first being notified about it?'”

Her attorney Robert Vogel has sued, demanding the government stop these collections.

“The government should not be in the business of trying to collect 30+ year-old debts from people,” Vogel said. “There is no way that people have any reason to keep their records for that long.”

Congress quietly passed legislation in 2011 lifting the former 10-year statute of limitations on money owed to the government, allowing the Government to collect debts going back decades. The measure also allows the government to collect from debtors’ children and grandchildren.

Now, “some 400,000 Americans may see their tax refund checks grabbed by the government,” CBS news Reported

Former Justice Department attorney J. Christian Adams calls it “classic abuse”

As for Grice, she is just on of many holding the burden. Congress was quick to take action after Grice’s story was first published. Senators Barbara Boxer & Barbara Mikulski are opposing the  statute decision and are ordering Congress to stop this debt manhunt of children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and brothers & sisters.

The Social Security agency claims that they have contacted their “new” debtors multiple times before seizing tax refunds. Whats odd is that Mary Grice is a government employee, it shouldn’t be so hard to contact her right?

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/can-the-government-seize-your-tax-refund-to-pay-your-relatives-old-debt/

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UCF String Ensemble, why you should know about this!

Posted on April 13, 2014 by scsmith

I went to the UCF String Ensemble this past Friday night not knowing what it was about or who was performing but I knew it was free and that was enough. The concert consisted of three ensembles and two programs.

The first act lasted an hour with two ensembles performing. The first ensemble was a five piece ensemble made up of two violinists, two violists, and one cellist. They performed the String Quintet No. 2 for two Violins, two Violas, and Cello. Op. 11 by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897). The individual acts were entitled “Allegro non troppo, ma con brio; Adagio; Un poco Allegretto; and Vivace ma non troppo presto.” Marcus Ojito and Caitlyn White were on Violin, Addison Viets and Ayaka Yonetani were on Viola, and Michelle Chen on Cello. The performance was really good, there were a few times that the principle violinist was out of tune throughout the piece but the overall conduction was good. The queues were together, for those of you who do not know what a queue is, it is a breathing technique usually done by the principle chair to let everyone know when to start. The audience was small at first, but in typical college student fashion, lots of students showed up late, but surprisingly were respectful enough not to enter the room until one act was finished.

The second piece was a Sonata Concertata for Guitar and Violin by Niccolo Paganini (1782-1840). The individual acts were entitled Allegro spiritoso; Adagio assai espressivo; Rondeau-Allegretto con brio, Scherzando. The performers were Vasily Yurin on Guitar and Ayako Yonetani on Violin. I had never seen a classical guitar performance before, this was a treat for me. I am a big rock n’ roll fan so I see plenty of guitar played up close and in person, but this type of performance was a little different in technique. I felt like he was playing a classical instrument. It was different. Multiple fingers being used to strum multiple notes at the same time. Individually hearing each note, classic Baroque era style towards the end of the Baroque era.

After the first program was over, the second was part of the Student Recital Serires. That nights student was Savannah Adams on Violin, and accompanying her was John Olearchick on Piano. She performed a piece by herself called Sonata No. 2 in A minor, S. 1003; Grave and Allegro by J.S. Bach (1685-1750). Then a couple of duets with the pianist, the songs Concerto I. Allegro con fermezza by Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978) and Havanaise by one of my favorites, Camille Saint-Saens (1835-1921). The first performance was hard to listen to because it was very out of tune, but even though I don’t know her I blame that on performance anxiety. The next two pieces she began to calm down, even though she had a few misses, you could tell she was in her zone. She was a much better fast paced performer. I can relate, sometimes when the piece is slower the count is harder.

The overall performance was great, and I would recommend all UCF students come out to the upcoming performances by your very UCF orchestra. Its free, and its a great date idea. Or even if you just have nothing to do, why not come listen to some great classical music. I’m glad I did.

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University of Central Florida Knight-Thon Raises $392,831 For Children’s Miracle Network

Posted on April 13, 2014 by rboniniv

Many UCF students wish that they can be a part of something big but do not know where exactly to start. Many of these want to help children and make a difference in their worlds.

Knighton is UCF’s annual dance marathon which helps raise money for kids and is supported by students, organizations, and community members from around Orlando. During the event, the community comes together to dance for 20 hours straight in support of Greater Orlando Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Students raise money year round through different fundraiser events or through personal support from their friends and family. Money raised which stays local supports kids in these hospitals in many different ways such as with support research, new equipment, or uncompensated care. This year, their goal is $365,000.

Over the 20 hours, different families from the Greater Orlando area will come to share their stories with participants as they dance non-stop. The event will be full of food, entertainment, and even bounce houses. Come together with your fellow knights and dance the ‘knight’ away in support of these kids and make their dreams into miracles.

On Saturday, roughly 800 UCF students stood for 20 straight hours for the kids who couldn’t. Knight-Thon is UCF’s annual dance marathon which raises money for the Great Orlando Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, last year the philanthropy raised over $250,000. This year, Knight-Thon exceeded that, raising 392, 831. 65.

Knight-Thon is comprised of students, student organizations and community members who all raise money through different avenues, including personal donations and fundraising events. Aside from the dancing, Knight-Thon has a variety of different activities for the students to participate in. This year, there was bounce houses, ping pong, corn hole and much more.

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FTC and Facebook Concerns…

Posted on April 12, 2014 by chelsiesloan

Earlier this year in February, Facebook announced its purchasing of messaging app WhatsApp for $19 billion. There was doubt that the Federal Trade Commission would clear the deal. The FTC indeed cleared the deal but with one condition which was to notify users before their information is shared.

The FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection notified both Facebook and WhatsApp, saying that, while the deal was approved, both companies must adhere to Facebook’s agreement in 2012 with the FTC. In the terms of the agreement, Facebook must clearly and prominently notify users before their information is shared. In addition, Facebook must obtain express consent before sharing your information beyond any privacy settings you set while also having to maintain a privacy program that will protect your information.

According to the FTC, if WhatsApp doesn’t adhere to the agreement, “both companies could be in violation” of the law and deal. Facebook has said that it is “pleased the FTC has completed its review and cleared our acquisition of WhatsApp,” but it did not comment on the deal’s mandatory adherence to the agreement.

Back in February, DT writer Andrew Couts was concerned over the Facebook-WhatsApp deal, wondering what would happen to WhatsApp user privacy. Facebook and privacy haven’t exactly gone hand in hand, and it seems that the FTC was cognizant of that when it reached the agreement with Facebook. While this is sure to calm some nerves, it won’t completely calm WhatsApp users bothered with the notion that Facebook now owns the messaging service.

 

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Opinion: Johnny Manziel will succeed in the NFL. What do you think?

Posted on April 11, 2014 by christie jauch

When people set goals for themselves, he/she has to realize that there are going to be people out in the world who will discourage you and talk negative about you no matter what. In other words, we call these people “haters”. Johnny Manziel aka “Johnny Football” is your typical 21 year old college kid from Tyler, Texas who enjoys having fun, smiling, and playing football. Manziel was a three star recruit and broke several South Eastern Conference records when he started as a red shirt freshman under Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin’s Air Raid Offense. So, my question is, Why do people think he won’t succeed and last in the NFL?

Is it because of his height? Is it because of his weight? Take a look at Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson is 5’11, 206 pounds, and won the Superbowl in Feburary. Check this out, Russell Wilson was only in his fourth year!!! Wilson’s hard work ethic, positive attitude, and his accuracy is why he’s succeeding in the NFL.

Johnny Manziel is no different. Manziel is undersized but he has a strong arm and is a winner. Who wouldn’t want a guy like that on their team? As much as people Manziel, he’s using the negativity as motivation. Yes, Johnny Manziel has some weaknesses, but he’s going to shine in the NFL because of his will to win.

In my opinion, it would be a huge loss for any team that doesn’t draft Manziel. Manziel reminds me of Tim Tebow. Tebow had a winning attitude, and he always produced on the field. That’s the same thing Manziel does. The NFL game is a lot faster and the players are smarter, but I’m positive Johnny Manziel will do just fine.

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Actor Mickey Rourke Dies at the Age of 93

Posted on April 10, 2014 by joecool12

Actor Mickey Rourke died at the age of 93 on Sunday. He will be remembered as the actor who received fame as a youth from the 1930s and 1940s. In a year he made 150,000, which was unusual for youth actors at that time.

Mickey Rourke is an actor who was always keeping busy with his career as an actor. I remember seeing him as a child actor starring in roles that were very amusing. But even as he got older, he continued to perform well in other films, such as the Disney Channel Original film “The Phantom of the Megaplex”. Mickey Rourke can be looked as an entertainer who started young, and never quitted. Throughout watching television shows and movies, I have seen child actors and actresses begin their career, but soon fall into a level of an ending career. This can be caused by bad decisions, such as drug use, which can eventually lead to the trouble of finding contracts to sign.

Another interesting fact about Rourke was dealing with his height. He stood at 5 feet 2 inches. Many stars can be considered outsized, but not really undersized. Humphrey Bogart, Edward G. Robinson, and Paul Muni were also stars that were considered having a small size appearance.

What I liked about Mickey Rourke was that he played down to earth roles. This included being a quiet man that lived in Connecticut who takes care of his family. He was not that actor that constantly played the hero who takes down the vigilante of a film.

Maybe other young actors and actresses will use him as a role model to stay on a clear path of acting in the movie industry.

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Big Dogs on Top!!! UCONN Huskies Knock Off Kentucky Wildcats To Win National Championship.

Posted on April 8, 2014 by jmandel

After an thrilling month of intense finishes that left hearts broken and brackets busted, the two best teams in the NCAA took to the floor in a battle for the college basketball crown. In the end, it was the University of Connecticut Huskies who ascended to the top of the basketball promise land. After a season where they lost the conference championship and their coach, it is truly a remarkable site that they are now the best team in the tournament.

The huskies and the wildcats delivered a tremendous conclusion to the college hoops season. UCONN senior Shabazz Napier had a huge game in his final running as a huskie. He led his team with 22 points, 3 assist, 6 rebounds and shot 4 of 9 from three point range. Others pulled their weight such as Ryan Boatright who put in 14 points as well as Niels Giffey adding 10 points.

As for the wildcats, they had their share of big performances. Guard James Young led the way with 20 points and 7 rebounds. NBA hopeful Julius Randle had a quiet night with just 10 points and 6 rebounds.

Team wise, the huskies shot 41% from the field, 31% from 3-point range, and were a rock solid 10-10 from the free throw line. On the other side, Kentucky shot a mediocre 39% from the field, 31% from 3-point range, and 54% from the free throw line.

With all the trials and tribulations that Shabazz Napier, Coach Kevin Ollie, and the UCONN Huskies went through, they banded together and snatched an emotional wine on college basketballs biggest stage. This latest championship for the huskies marks the fourth one in school history and the second one in four years. Congratulations to the UCONN Huskies: The 2014 NCAA National Champions!!!

 

 

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The Big Push!!! Several Teams Fight for Post-season Position as NBA Playoffs Near.

Posted on April 8, 2014 by jmandel

The period of late March-early April always brings excitement and thrills to hoops fans alike. Even though college basketball kind of takes center stage during this time of the year, that in no way means that thing don’t get more intense in the big leagues. As of right now, the NBA Playoffs are only a few weeks away and several teams are jockeying for position as the road to the championship inches ever closer

 

The standings in both the eastern conference and the western conference have drawn some great storylines in the past few weeks. The Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers budding rivalry has continued to thrill fans and the tension between these two Eastern Conference beast is becoming more heated as the Heat have knocked the currently slumping Pacers out of the top seed in the Conference. Meanwhile, the bottom of the Eastern conference playoff picture is slowly beginning to take shape. Recent wins by the Bobcats, Wizards, and Hawks strengthen those teams’ chance of competing in the post-season while teams such as the Knicks and Cavs try to hold on for dear life to their fading playoff hopes.

 

Out West, the playoff push is at an all-time high. Every day, a teams’ position in the standings change creating layers to the already budding sense of urgency. As for the bottom of the west, the expression “It is always hotter in the south” is the best way to describe the battle between the #7-8 seeds. Dallas, Phoenix, and Memphis are fighting hard to keep their playoff dreams alive. But with all their records eerily similar, it might take the end of the regular season before we find out who will continue to the playoffs and who will catch it on TV.

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UConn Huskies & Kentucky Wildcats Face off in College Basketball National Championship

Posted on April 7, 2014 by jordan hicks

Tonight the University of Kentucky Wildcats and the Huskies from Connecticut face off in the National Championship round of the the coveted National Tournament. The Final Four took place in Dallas this year in Cowboys Stadium also known as AT&T Stadium, I believe this is the 2nd time that it was held here.

The storylines were a plenty in this game which included a 7 seed and an 8 seed facing off for the first time in NCAA history, it was the highest sum of seeds in the title game ever and it marked the first time a top 3 seed wasn’t represented in 5+ years. Kevin Ollie was coaching in his first national tournament after succeeding the great Jim Calhoun and it he has made all the way to the top of the mountain top and has room to make his own legacy. Coach John Calipari has a bit of a name on his hands already, but he is crowning out his own legacy now. The people have always seen Cal as the stick up kid who is ruining the college basketball party with his antics and coaching styles. He has a chance to put his doubters to rest once and for all with this potential victory that is coming up. The UCONN  and Kentucky game is sure to be a stunning one that can serve almost as  feel good for all. The kids are all deserving and hungry to be raised to such stardom. One Shining Moment is upon us and it will tell us who the true champion and tournament winner is.

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