Quote of the Day

While I was working in Memphis during 2008 I started a daily routine within Community Service called the "Quote of the Day." I used a Franklin Covey day planner and the guts of the planner had many different motivational tools and techniques for the everyday businessman/woman. It also provided our sales team with a little extra motivation each day, and a positive outlook during a bleak economic time. With an entire nation struggling, sales has been hard hit in all aspects, especially death-care. Not only did my fellow colleagues enjoy it, but I've missed the uplifting feeling of the positive vibes generated from the quote du jour. So in bringing this back, I will start with my favorite quote from my favorite athlete ever. Even "his Airness" had to struggle before he could achieve greatness!

I've missed over 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot . . . and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.

-Michael Jordan

Lakers push Magic to the brink

The Los Angeles Lakers got a big boost from an unlikely source as Derek Fisher hit the two biggest shots of the season to give the Lakers a 3-1 series lead with a 99-91 victory in Game 4 Thursday night. The cagey, veteran Fisher trails only Robert Horry & Michael Jordan in 3 pointers made in Finals history. In his postgame press conference, Phil Jackson agreed with my tweet I sent out in the 4th quarter that the rebound Kobe wrestled away from Dwight Howard and subsequent foul on DH would prove to be the turning point in the game. Mamba finished with 32 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds, while Trevor Ariza had another strong post-season performance with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Ariza is a free agent to be this summer whom I feel the Suns should pursue to fill the Marion void but that’s for a later article. The Lakers now have an opportunity to clinch their 15th championship in franchise history if they can close out the Magic on Sunday @ Amway Arena. I have a feeling they may wait to pop the Cristal until Game 6 though, back @ Staples, with the city, the fans, and Jack! AP photo courtesy of David J. Phillip

Lake-Show Headed Back to NBA Finals

What began with a billing throughout Denver as the biggest playoff game in Nuggets history, ended with the Lakers making an enormous statement as Kobe Bryant scored 35 points with 10 assists in a 119-92 victory at Pepsi Center Friday night. Los Angeles will now have nearly one week of rest before making their second straight Finals appearance. Game 1 is scheduled for next Thursday either in Cleveland or L.A. Kudos to the Lakers for closing out the series on the road, and giving Black Mamba time to rest his legs and replenish his venom through intravenous therapy. My early prediction, Lakers win the title in 5. Who they play is irrelevant at this point. Kobe’s will to win a title sans Shaq is so overwhelming that his teammates can’t help but buy in. He may not be the greatest teammate but neither was Michael Jordan. All that matters is rings!