I attended last night's Cavs game, which was much like Sunday's game against Detroit, not good for us. Thanks to Denise for asking me to tag along. This game was quite different than the Philly game I saw a few weeks ago. I thought the Q was a little toned down for that effort. But last night's game was a David Stern (and I assume, Dan Gilbert) wet dream.

It really did have that amusement park feel to it. They did not leave any time for rest at all, as your senses were bombarded from start to finish. Last night was supposed to be payback for Z getting chopped in the head the day before. Ronnie Duncan was ready. The fans seemed ready with their "Rasheed Must Bleed" signs (one kid, a kid, mind you with great parents, had a sign that read, "Hey Cavs, Jack Up Sheed For Me"). The Cavs are basically a wimpy team. No one stuck up for Z on Sunday and certainly yesterday, no one took it upon themselves to be a little rougher with their fouls.

But the sideshow is apparently what the games are about these days. Duncan with his "Eric Snow-ho-ho" schtick, an Alson Jewelers contest where a Detroit fan and a Cleveland fan sat on a block of ice to win something, halftime entertainment from the Acrodunk guys (they were subpar), pictures of Detroit or Michigan fans (including Bo a couple of times) contrasted with (ugh!) Ohio State garb-wearing sheep, Cavalier Girls all the time, constant video and sound that makes sure you're distracted from watching actual game action and a slew of other stuff. It's a shame, but that's what this ADD-addled society has wrought.

The game, ahh, the game. The Pistons are very good. Not exactly their best effort last night, and they still won by 12. Their much-maligned bench came through in both of the games as McDyess, Hunter and even Dale Davis provided quality minutes. Clearly, the best team in the East. The Cavs, on the other hand, were just outhustled and it shows how long they have to go to be an elite squad. The Pistons won, 84-72.

BTW, my favorite sign was: "We Came All the Way from Strongsville to See Stephen Graham Play".

Meal of Links

Today is Fat Tuesday. Fat Tuesday has spawned many traditions. One of the lesser-known ones I look forward to is when my brother says, "I don't like packzis."

Spent Mardi Gras at The Harp this evening. Honestly, it was kind of quiet celebrating it in an Irish place, but their special Creole menu consisted of pretty good chicken gumbo and a decent jambalaya. We know who makes the best jambalaya so that's not up for discussion. Interesting spoons at The Harp for the gumbo. Not as big as a soup spoon, slightly larger than a teaspoon (perhaps 1.5 times), with an ergonomically slanted handle, just the right size for my yap. Anyhow, it was quiet there until The Boys from County Hell fired up the instruments. I must say, some of their Pogues tunes were spot on. And it was getting pretty crowded when we left.

It also pays to have an unnamed family member double as a crack dealer, as I was able to obtain several boxes of Honey Graham O's. This one person is definitely not a fan. Regardless, I poured some in my Wheaties ceral bowl and ate them with a small spoon. At least 45 minutes of euphoria.

Exercise Yard

Manny Ramirez will be 34 years old this year. Gulp.

Visitor

42 Across: Mexican War President (4 letters) Answer: Polk