It comes in 3's

It's a silly little phrase. Most reasonable people know that it is just a saying and not a fact. But like all the adages we surround ourselves with, they seem to come from some where. Early this morning I found myself mocking the numerous people on Twitter who we're noting the passing of Farrah Fawcett by asking "who's next?". Her passing along with that of Ed Mcmahon earlier this week gave us two of the three we have come to expect in a group.

As 1 o'clock rolled around Twitter started to buzz with the news of Michael Jackson's hospitalization; quickly followed by news of his passing. As realization set in that I had been a little hasty mocking the "comes in three's" adage I decided I'd call around and let a few people know about his passing.

I am not an ardent supporter of Jacksons music. I liked Thriller and Beat It. If you grew up in the '80's there is no way you didn't like those two. I felt something with his passing, but it was no more powerful than it would be had I found out anyone that I know of had passed. What little his music did for me had been negated long ago by his actions and choices in his personal life. I mean let's face it, dude was WEIRD.

I called my sister more to see if she knew than out of any need to wax longingly about Michael. Once I told her what had happened she immediately called bull. After a little back and forth and few different swears she made me go through she finally bought it. Her next question though was nice for this avid twitterer. "how do you know already when it's not even on my news page?" I answered her with smug satisfaction "I'm on Twitter" WIN

Why are you asking ME what's cool

A freind of mine, Bud, was recently visiting from Chicago. In order to really grasp this story you have to understand that he is one of those people that is constantly on the move; both mentally and phyically. There is always somthing to be gleaned from every person, environment, and situation.
Just before we left for the airport Bud up and decides he's getting on Twitter. I'd basically given up on talking him into it a while ago. Our discussions basically centered around the fact that I thought Twitter was AWESOME, and might even be more useful than it is a time-vacuum. He couldn't see any productive use for it. (This from a guy who plays scrabble on facebook through his iphone).
With only a standard image up on Twitter, I started pimping @budwierenga5 with a tweet before we headed off to LAX. On our way Bud says half-jokingly "well I guess now that everyone is on Twitter I will get on too" without much thought the words "At this point, I wouldn't have bothered, it'll be something besides Twitter in 6 months"
This banter suddenly became a legitmate discussion of Twitter's groundswell into mainstream. I have been on Twitter since January 2007. Not nearly early enough to count as in from the begining but certainy early enough to count as ahead of the curve. That being said I couldn't answer his simple question as to how Twitter suddenly became this moment's hammer-pants.

I have no idea why so many people use it, I have a hard time quantifying why I use it. But one thing I know for sure I am way to G33K to be deciding what's cool and what isn't.

So; Why do you use Twitter? How did you find it? If you have been on it for a while are you enjoying the influx of new blood or do you find it cumbersome?

Non-Sports: Making Good Use of Her Valentines Day

So while I will spend the day making sure my girl is good to me for another year. One of my Twitter buds is using her time to make the world a better place. Check out her efforts here.



Get involved in helping kids of you can. Even if you don't want to get involved, it is nice to see the good one person chooses to do.

NBA Midseason recap (Eastern Conference)

Boston - I am not as impressed as I thought I would be. I know they are leading the NBA but it is a long season and the longer the season the more pronounced the lack of depth becomes an issue.

Detroit - Looks like they Pistons aren't quite ready to pass the Eastern conference over to the Celtics just yet. Which is a good thing becuase Flip Suanders is coaching for his job this year.

Orlando - Ladies and gentleman your up and comer in the east. Led by the emergence of Dwight Howard, the revival of Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglo. I am sure Seattle and Sacramento are glad to be rid of all that dead weight.

Cleveland - Speaking of up and comers I'll bet King James and Mike Brown wish it was a year ago. All these pieces can't seem to fit together and what do the Cavs do. Extend Mike Brown, I heard a lot of how this was an endorsement of Mike Brown because they must have cleared it with Lebron James. First off I hope that isn't how decisions are made, by running them through James. If it is I still don't by the endorsement. I am more likely to think that means James wont be there long. If he is leaving anyway who cares who runs that team.

Washington - As Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison have risen to the occasion and then some, since Gilbert Arenas went down with an injury. Now with his looming return the question becomes, whata boutthe fact they were winning a lot more often since Arenas went out.

Toronto - While they definately need to solve the point guard question. They have the entertainment question answered between breakout Jomario Moon's high energy act on the court and Chris Bosh's High comedy act off of it.

Atlanta -They're not there yet, they probably wont get there this year, but they are so young and so talented across the board. The future is as bright in Atlanta as it has been since Dominique left town

Indiana - Between O'neal making his mediocre presence felt in only about a third of the games played, and the fact that Jamal Tinsley can't seem to make it home before 3 in the morning. The only real bright spot has been how well Dunleavy has played in O'neals absence.

New Jersey - All of a sudden supposed headache the Jason Kidd missed a game with earlier this season has become a very real one due to the Nets poor play.

Chicago - First the players get the coach bounced (on christmas eve no less) then they decide a fellow teammate needs tohave his suspension extended. Dear (whoever is coaching the bulls by the time I hit post), please stop letting the inmates run the asylum

Charlotte - With the addition of Nazr Mohammed, looks like Jordan might finally be turning that losing as a manager trend around. Also Jason Richardson seems to be fitting in very well. Though that Emeka Okafor versus Dwight Howard comparison seems to be developing a Grand Canyon between the two of them.

Milwaukee - Don't worry at leat you guys are number one in China. Oh, whats that... Houston. Hey number two ain't bad

Philadelphia - Larry Brown is basically begging in public for a coaching gig. But he felt the need to specify that he was interested in caching the team he currently works for. Not a good sign.

New York & Miami - Who will win the don't finish dead last track meet.
Miami