Meryl Streep Address

Meryl Streep
Hollywood Actress

Name: Meryl Streep
Birth Name: Mary Louise Streep
Birth Date: June 22, 1949
Birth Place: Summit, New Jersey, USA
Height: 5' 6"
Sex: Female
Nationality: American
Profession: actress
Education: Bernardsville High School in Bernardsville, NJ
Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York
Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH
Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut
Husband: Donald J. Gummer
Father: William Streep Jr.
Mother: Mary W. Streep
Sister: Dana Streep
Brother: Harry Streep III
Sister in law: Maeve Kinkead
Son: Henry Wolfe Gummer
Daughters: Louisa Jacobson Gummer, Grace Jane Gummer, Mary Willa Gummer

Meryl Streep's Address, Mailing Addresses, Fan Mail, Contact Addresses:

Meryl Streep Address #1:
Meryl Streep
42 West
220 W. 42nd Street
12th Floor
New York, NY 10036
USA

Meryl Streep Address #1:
Meryl Streep
Creative Artists Agency
2000 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, CA 90067
USA

Meryl Streep Address #3:
Meryl Streep
277 S. Rockingham Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
90049
USA

Meryl Streep Address #4:
Meryl Streep
c/o Leslee Dart
Dart Group
90 Park Avenue
19th Floor
New York, NY 10016

*** End of Meryl Streep Address ***

Raptors Rundown Podcast - Episode 3

Check out episode 3 of the Raptors Rundown Podcast. All the great feedback on the show is helping me stay consistent with the show. Keep them coming! If you'd like to guest co-host for an episode, don't hesitate to contact me via email, and I'm sure we can get something worked out.



This week, I have Abish from tdot-sports.com to help me discuss the latest happenings in the world of the Toronto Raptors. Topics include recent lineup changes to the starting 5, the laziness and lack of effort shown by the team, controversy surrounding Colangelo and Turk, Chris Bosh's recent play, and the week to come for the Raps. On top of that, Abish gives you his pick for this week's Raptor Factor.



You can find Abish on twitter here: TDotSports

Raptors Rundown Episode 3

Kris Cuaresma's Podcast

Raptors Rundown Podcast - Episode 3

Check out episode 3 of the Raptors Rundown Podcast. All the great feedback on the show is helping me stay consistent with the show. Keep them coming! If you'd like to guest co-host for an episode, don't hesitate to contact me via email, and I'm sure we can get something worked out.



This week, I have Abish from tdot-sports.com to help me discuss the latest happenings in the world of the Toronto Raptors. Topics include recent lineup changes to the starting 5, the laziness and lack of effort shown by the team, controversy surrounding Colangelo and Turk, Chris Bosh's recent play, and the week to come for the Raps. On top of that, Abish gives you his pick for this week's Raptor Factor.



You can find Abish on twitter here: TDotSports

Raptors Rundown Episode 3

Kris Cuaresma's Podcast

The Amazing Race

Other than the weekly reality show that airs on your television screen every Sunday, there is one race that truly pushes your mental and physical strength to the limit. To succeed, it requires cutthroat strategy, an unprecedented determination, and even a little bit of luck. With every team's eyes set on the same prize, you have to make a decision: Step up or be stepped on.

I'm no Phil Keoghan, but let's take a look at the final leg of the race for the post-season. Here are what challenges lay ahead for the Raptors, Bobcats, and the Bulls:

Raptors Schedule (8th):
vs. Clippers
@ Philly
vs. Golden State
@ Cleveland
vs. Boston
@ Atlanta
vs. Chicago
@ Detroit
vs. New York

Bobcats Schedule (7th):
vs. Philly
vs. Milwaukee
@ Chicago
vs. Atlanta
@ New Orleans
@ Houston
vs. Detroit
@ New Jersey
vs. Chicago

Chicago Schedule (9th):
vs. Phoenix
@ Washington
vs. Charlotte
vs. Milwaukee
vs. Cleveland
@ New Jersey
@ Toronto
vs. Boston
@ Charlotte

On a quick first glance, it seems as though the Bulls have the most difficult schedule. The only games they really should be expected to win no matter what would be the games against Washington and New Jersey. Every other team on that schedule will be fighting desperately for playoff positioning.

The Bobcats' schedule isn't that bad, but I wouldn't say it's the easiest of the 3 provided. They have three games that can easily be had against Philly, New Jersey, and Detroit. But the rest include a formidable group of teams that have either something to prove or want to finish ahead of Charlotte.

As for the Raptors, I can honestly say they have the easiest schedule of these teams. This is of course assuming they play with the same type of effort they've shown the last three games. If they do, and that's a big IF, I see them having no problem taking care of the Clippers, Sixers, Warriors, Bulls, Pistons, and Knicks. Getting even 1 of the BIG 3 stretch (Cavs, Celtics, Hawks) would also prove to be huge.

Remember Raptors Nation, Toronto holds the tiebreaker over both Charlotte and Chicago. This little fact could prove to be very significant down the stretch. This makes it even more difficult for Chicago to pass us and for Charlotte to finish ahead of us.

Since my NCAA bracket went down the drain a long time ago, I'm going to attempt to make myself feel better here and give you guys my crazy prediction for all 3 teams:

Raptors: 7-2
Bobcats: 6-3
Chicago: 3-6

That would leave us with a final Eastern Conference standing of:

7. Charlotte: 44-38
8. Toronto: 43-39
9. Chicago: 38-44

Unfortunately, that wouldn't be enough to finish ahead of Charlotte, thus giving us a date with King James and his Cavs. Obviously, this is just some prediction from some random Raptors fan, and a lot can happen from here on out; but I totally expect it to play out something similar to this.

Regardless, this is a race and the Raptors are in it. And though it took forever for them to get a clue, the point is it looks like they've got it. But now it's the final leg of the race. And with the last pit stop in sight, it's time to shift into another gear, because the last team there will be eliminated.

The Amazing Race

Other than the weekly reality show that airs on your television screen every Sunday, there is one race that truly pushes your mental and physical strength to the limit. To succeed, it requires cutthroat strategy, an unprecedented determination, and even a little bit of luck. With every team's eyes set on the same prize, you have to make a decision: Step up or be stepped on.

I'm no Phil Keoghan, but let's take a look at the final leg of the race for the post-season. Here are what challenges lay ahead for the Raptors, Bobcats, and the Bulls:

Raptors Schedule (8th):
vs. Clippers
@ Philly
vs. Golden State
@ Cleveland
vs. Boston
@ Atlanta
vs. Chicago
@ Detroit
vs. New York

Bobcats Schedule (7th):
vs. Philly
vs. Milwaukee
@ Chicago
vs. Atlanta
@ New Orleans
@ Houston
vs. Detroit
@ New Jersey
vs. Chicago

Chicago Schedule (9th):
vs. Phoenix
@ Washington
vs. Charlotte
vs. Milwaukee
vs. Cleveland
@ New Jersey
@ Toronto
vs. Boston
@ Charlotte

On a quick first glance, it seems as though the Bulls have the most difficult schedule. The only games they really should be expected to win no matter what would be the games against Washington and New Jersey. Every other team on that schedule will be fighting desperately for playoff positioning.

The Bobcats' schedule isn't that bad, but I wouldn't say it's the easiest of the 3 provided. They have three games that can easily be had against Philly, New Jersey, and Detroit. But the rest include a formidable group of teams that have either something to prove or want to finish ahead of Charlotte.

As for the Raptors, I can honestly say they have the easiest schedule of these teams. This is of course assuming they play with the same type of effort they've shown the last three games. If they do, and that's a big IF, I see them having no problem taking care of the Clippers, Sixers, Warriors, Bulls, Pistons, and Knicks. Getting even 1 of the BIG 3 stretch (Cavs, Celtics, Hawks) would also prove to be huge.

Remember Raptors Nation, Toronto holds the tiebreaker over both Charlotte and Chicago. This little fact could prove to be very significant down the stretch. This makes it even more difficult for Chicago to pass us and for Charlotte to finish ahead of us.

Since my NCAA bracket went down the drain a long time ago, I'm going to attempt to make myself feel better here and give you guys my crazy prediction for all 3 teams:

Raptors: 7-2
Bobcats: 6-3
Chicago: 3-6

That would leave us with a final Eastern Conference standing of:

7. Charlotte: 44-38
8. Toronto: 43-39
9. Chicago: 38-44

Unfortunately, that wouldn't be enough to finish ahead of Charlotte, thus giving us a date with King James and his Cavs. Obviously, this is just some prediction from some random Raptors fan, and a lot can happen from here on out; but I totally expect it to play out something similar to this.

Regardless, this is a race and the Raptors are in it. And though it took forever for them to get a clue, the point is it looks like they've got it. But now it's the final leg of the race. And with the last pit stop in sight, it's time to shift into another gear, because the last team there will be eliminated.

With Spring Comes Meltdowns Or Sunshine

It's funny how things work sometimes.

At around this point last year, the Toronto Raptors were playing very inspired basketball. After a horrendous and disappointing season, the team managed to get everything to come together. As a result, the Raps ended up winning 9 of the last 13 games of the season. The kicker? They were already well out of the playoff race.

Fast forward to the present, and here comes the depressing part.

While in the center of the storm that is the playoff race, the Raptors have managed to lose 10 out of the last 14 games. To say the month of March has been a total disaster would definitely be an understatement. It almost seems like every game, Toronto finds a new way to lose. To make matters worse, everyday fans read another new yet disturbing revelation about the team in the papers. One day it's Colangelo saying he feels the team has individual agendas, and then the next day it's Turkoglu seemingly faking a stomach flu. On top of that, this team has had some of the most frustrating meltdowns I've seen a Raptors squad go through. Yet the most frustrating of all has been the season itself.

And even still, it's not too late to save it.

Currently sitting in the 8th seed, only a half game above Chicago and three games below Charlotte, the Raps' remaining 10 games of the season is quite manageable. Ignoring the Charlotte game tonight for just a minute, the 9 games after that looks like this:

Clippers
Sixers
Warriors
Cavs
Celtics
Hawks
Bulls
Pistons
Knicks

Regardless of the fact this team has lost its last two games despite the new starting lineup, fans who have stuck with the Raptors can still spot the difference in play. This isn't the same team that got blown out by 30 to the Thunder and the Jazz. The plays have clearly turned up the intensity and sense of urgency, but have unfortunately unable to finish strong.

Let's say they keep that exact level of play for the last 10 games. I think if they can manage to do that, wins will probably come against the Clippers, Sixers, Warriors, Bulls, Pistons, and the Knicks. And even if the Raps lose the games they're expected to lose, they'd still finish around .500 - which sadly will be good enough to finish in the 8th seed.

Of course, finishing in the 8th seed may be just as bad as missing the playoffs to some; but not to the players. It's these players - the same ones many in this city have given up on - that put in the work each and everyday to get a chance to play in the post season. They realize they've let Toronto down tremendously. I say give them a chance to redeem themselves and make it up to us. This roster just needs a brand new start, and that's exactly what the playoffs is. If this team plays hard, win or lose, I can guarantee a pretty exciting first round match-up.

Obviously, things wouldn't look very good for Toronto as they'd have to stay in front of the train that is LeBron James. But that's why there are such things as "upsets". And if the NBA Playoffs turns out to be anything like this year's NCAA tournament, you'll end up attached to your couch, eyes glued on the television, while cheering on the team you're so hopelessly in love with.

With Spring Comes Meltdowns Or Sunshine

It's funny how things work sometimes.

At around this point last year, the Toronto Raptors were playing very inspired basketball. After a horrendous and disappointing season, the team managed to get everything to come together. As a result, the Raps ended up winning 9 of the last 13 games of the season. The kicker? They were already well out of the playoff race.

Fast forward to the present, and here comes the depressing part.

While in the center of the storm that is the playoff race, the Raptors have managed to lose 10 out of the last 14 games. To say the month of March has been a total disaster would definitely be an understatement. It almost seems like every game, Toronto finds a new way to lose. To make matters worse, everyday fans read another new yet disturbing revelation about the team in the papers. One day it's Colangelo saying he feels the team has individual agendas, and then the next day it's Turkoglu seemingly faking a stomach flu. On top of that, this team has had some of the most frustrating meltdowns I've seen a Raptors squad go through. Yet the most frustrating of all has been the season itself.

And even still, it's not too late to save it.

Currently sitting in the 8th seed, only a half game above Chicago and three games below Charlotte, the Raps' remaining 10 games of the season is quite manageable. Ignoring the Charlotte game tonight for just a minute, the 9 games after that looks like this:

Clippers
Sixers
Warriors
Cavs
Celtics
Hawks
Bulls
Pistons
Knicks

Regardless of the fact this team has lost its last two games despite the new starting lineup, fans who have stuck with the Raptors can still spot the difference in play. This isn't the same team that got blown out by 30 to the Thunder and the Jazz. The plays have clearly turned up the intensity and sense of urgency, but have unfortunately unable to finish strong.

Let's say they keep that exact level of play for the last 10 games. I think if they can manage to do that, wins will probably come against the Clippers, Sixers, Warriors, Bulls, Pistons, and the Knicks. And even if the Raps lose the games they're expected to lose, they'd still finish around .500 - which sadly will be good enough to finish in the 8th seed.

Of course, finishing in the 8th seed may be just as bad as missing the playoffs to some; but not to the players. It's these players - the same ones many in this city have given up on - that put in the work each and everyday to get a chance to play in the post season. They realize they've let Toronto down tremendously. I say give them a chance to redeem themselves and make it up to us. This roster just needs a brand new start, and that's exactly what the playoffs is. If this team plays hard, win or lose, I can guarantee a pretty exciting first round match-up.

Obviously, things wouldn't look very good for Toronto as they'd have to stay in front of the train that is LeBron James. But that's why there are such things as "upsets". And if the NBA Playoffs turns out to be anything like this year's NCAA tournament, you'll end up attached to your couch, eyes glued on the television, while cheering on the team you're so hopelessly in love with.

Heidi Montag will

With the hills, which are introduced into a field and shooting, Heidi Montag is looking forward to her career as an actress in "start full picture of the movement of time."

http://hotcelebrityhollywood.blogspot.com/

Write In fact, a script for the launch. I'm not even kidding. People across: One of the characters wants to play Sunday "is a lifeguard in the summer on a script he wrote himself called."


I have the first 3-D on the beach in a comedy shark attack on a small beach town and save the day with my 3-D tits, "said Monday." I also wrote an article for Dolly Parton to the Mayor to play! Let me clarify this point: all this time, Heidi Montag utmost secrecy, the writer of our generation? Jesus Christ.


Who saw that coming? James Cameron is likely to escape this area of Avatar 2, as we speak. "Well, I remember they were all crazy shit on the planet with the sick?" This time, the area monitored by 3D breasts Heidi Montag. They give me money now. "

Heidi Montag is gonna make it

Hollywood Celebrity Photo,Celebrities picture,Celebrity Image,Celebrity Picture Galleries,Hollywood Celebrity pictures,Celebrity Pictures - The Hollywood Gossip,Hollywood Actress Pictures,Hollywood Stars Picture

Hollywood Celebrity Photo,Celebrities picture,Celebrity Image,Celebrity Picture Galleries,Hollywood Celebrity pictures,Celebrity Pictures - The Hollywood Gossip,Hollywood Actress Pictures,Hollywood Stars Picture

Hollywood Celebrity Photo,Celebrities picture,Celebrity Image,Celebrity Picture Galleries,Hollywood Celebrity pictures,Celebrity Pictures - The Hollywood Gossip,Hollywood Actress Pictures,Hollywood Stars Picture

Hollywood Celebrity Photo,Celebrities picture,Celebrity Image,Celebrity Picture Galleries,Hollywood Celebrity pictures,Celebrity Pictures - The Hollywood Gossip,Hollywood Actress Pictures,Hollywood Stars Picture

...................................................................................................

Angelina Jolie and mystery that is her mind blown up

My bad! I completely ignored the photo of one hour, because I thought it was the same as yesterday, but it's new! Apparently Angelina was now on the balcony, and if even one of the twins. Perhaps one of the twins. Fame Pictures claims is now the son of Vivienne, but I see the earrings and this guy seems to Knox yesterday (if it was Knox) and Shiloh Jolie-Pitt in Cannes and fax numbers, and what they are.


In addition, the child is returned to yesterday, when he / she has moved shirt with a little "friendly. In this series of photos, I see polka dots Bankie (s). I see a child who blew through that little mind in The sky and water, maybe. The girl looks great, what kills me.



By the way, I think this group of photos may have begun as a game, "Spy" between mother and child. My parents did that for me, so I have a the thing. Obviously, it was F-cking obsessed with flags as a child, and I always knew, see the flag! "Seeing the flag!"



I love the picture where it appears that Angelina Mystery cracked. If you are not laugh at their children, how to laugh?

http://hotcelebrityhollywood.blogspot.com/

Effort Too Mellow For Jazz

Really? That was it?

Exactly where was the effort tonight? Does this team not get it? Tonight's performance by the Raptors had to be the worst display of effort ever seen by a team fighting for a playoff spot - Ever.

This is the time of the year you want to hit your stride. It's at this point of the season where all excuses are left at the door. With the playoffs just around the corner, you're either doing one of two things:

1) Getting ready for the lottery.
2) Jockeying for better playoff positioning.

And truth be told - based on the last few games - the Raptors look like they're going with number 1 on that list. What absolutely boggles the mind is the fact that it's not like the Raptors are in a bad position. The magic number countdown that so often pops up with Leafs fans is irrelevant (for now) in Raptors Nation. And it's not like the Raptors are necessarily trying to chase an 8th seed, nor are they depending on other teams to help them out. Their playoff destiny is entirely in their hands.

And yet time after time again, the effort isn't there. How many blowouts can one team victimize itself through before the intensity picks up? Is it too much to ask for the Raptors play hard every game? Scratch that - make that every other game.

The magic Raptors formula: Effort + Skill + Some Luck = Success.

Just look at the recent Atlanta game.

My solution: Triano - it's time to be bold.

And no, I'm not talking about something like taking Jack out of the starting lineup for Jose. Nope. Think bolder. Why? Because whatever you've done so far, well, it's not working. It's not even close to working. If it were up to me, I'd want to blow this team up and do a complete rebuild. A different theme, a different attitude, and a different perspective on both sides of the court. But with the season dwindling down, it's too late for that. Such an act would have to wait. So how do we change it up with the resources we have and the realistic options we have available to us?

Play anyone and everyone ready to commit on the defensive end. From keeping your man in front of you, to boxing out, to cleaning up the glass. Triano shouldn't care about whether or not someone scores 20 points. All that should matter is you play defense.

Disgusting Fact of the Night: The Raptors have given up at least 100 points in 14 of their last 16 games. A petty Knicks team almost got there with 96, while the juggernaut New Jersey Nets could only put up 90.

Triano should not hesitate to take away minutes from Reggie and Bargnani if it means getting more court time for Amir. He shouldn't be afraid to give Banks some of the time Jack and Jose are seeing. And go ahead and give Sonny more burn as well. Do something, anything! Because teams are clinching playoff spots left and right.

The time's ticking Toronto.

Effort Too Mellow For Jazz

Really? That was it?

Exactly where was the effort tonight? Does this team not get it? Tonight's performance by the Raptors had to be the worst display of effort ever seen by a team fighting for a playoff spot - Ever.

This is the time of the year you want to hit your stride. It's at this point of the season where all excuses are left at the door. With the playoffs just around the corner, you're either doing one of two things:

1) Getting ready for the lottery.
2) Jockeying for better playoff positioning.

And truth be told - based on the last few games - the Raptors look like they're going with number 1 on that list. What absolutely boggles the mind is the fact that it's not like the Raptors are in a bad position. The magic number countdown that so often pops up with Leafs fans is irrelevant (for now) in Raptors Nation. And it's not like the Raptors are necessarily trying to chase an 8th seed, nor are they depending on other teams to help them out. Their playoff destiny is entirely in their hands.

And yet time after time again, the effort isn't there. How many blowouts can one team victimize itself through before the intensity picks up? Is it too much to ask for the Raptors play hard every game? Scratch that - make that every other game.

The magic Raptors formula: Effort + Skill + Some Luck = Success.

Just look at the recent Atlanta game.

My solution: Triano - it's time to be bold.

And no, I'm not talking about something like taking Jack out of the starting lineup for Jose. Nope. Think bolder. Why? Because whatever you've done so far, well, it's not working. It's not even close to working. If it were up to me, I'd want to blow this team up and do a complete rebuild. A different theme, a different attitude, and a different perspective on both sides of the court. But with the season dwindling down, it's too late for that. Such an act would have to wait. So how do we change it up with the resources we have and the realistic options we have available to us?

Play anyone and everyone ready to commit on the defensive end. From keeping your man in front of you, to boxing out, to cleaning up the glass. Triano shouldn't care about whether or not someone scores 20 points. All that should matter is you play defense.

Disgusting Fact of the Night: The Raptors have given up at least 100 points in 14 of their last 16 games. A petty Knicks team almost got there with 96, while the juggernaut New Jersey Nets could only put up 90.

Triano should not hesitate to take away minutes from Reggie and Bargnani if it means getting more court time for Amir. He shouldn't be afraid to give Banks some of the time Jack and Jose are seeing. And go ahead and give Sonny more burn as well. Do something, anything! Because teams are clinching playoff spots left and right.

The time's ticking Toronto.

Manny Pacquiao Boxer

Manny Pacquiao

Emmanuel "Manny" Dapidran Pacquiao (born December 17, 1978) is a Filipino professional boxer. He is currently the WBO World welterweight champion, Ring Magazine light welterweight champion, and is rated by Ring Magazine as the number 1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

Pacquiao is also the former WBC World lightweight champion, WBC World super featherweight champion, IBF World super bantamweight champion, and WBC World flyweight champion. Furthermore, he is the former Ring Magazine featherweight and super featherweight champion.

Pacquiao is the first boxer in history to win seven world titles in seven different weight divisions. In addition, he is the only boxer to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes. Aside from being a boxer, Pacquiao has participated in politics, acting, and music recording.

Source : Wikipedia.com

Manny Pacquiao Boxer

Manny Pacquiao

Emmanuel "Manny" Dapidran Pacquiao (born December 17, 1978) is a Filipino professional boxer. He is currently the WBO World welterweight champion, Ring Magazine light welterweight champion, and is rated by Ring Magazine as the number 1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

Pacquiao is also the former WBC World lightweight champion, WBC World super featherweight champion, IBF World super bantamweight champion, and WBC World flyweight champion. Furthermore, he is the former Ring Magazine featherweight and super featherweight champion.

Pacquiao is the first boxer in history to win seven world titles in seven different weight divisions. In addition, he is the only boxer to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes. Aside from being a boxer, Pacquiao has participated in politics, acting, and music recording.

Source : Wikipedia.com

Shane Mosley Sport Boxer

Shane Mosley

"Sugar" Shane Mosley (born September 7, 1971) is a boxer from Pomona, California. He has won world titles in three weight divisions, and is the current WBA Welterweight Super Champion. He is also a major proprietor of Golden Boy Promotions.

Source : Wikipedia.com

Shane Mosley Sport Boxer

Shane Mosley

"Sugar" Shane Mosley (born September 7, 1971) is a boxer from Pomona, California. He has won world titles in three weight divisions, and is the current WBA Welterweight Super Champion. He is also a major proprietor of Golden Boy Promotions.

Source : Wikipedia.com

With A Side Of Red - Mar.23 [Being Lazy Is A Skill; Not Everyone Does It]

Just like hustle right?...



Regardless of what your answer is to that, let's kick off another edition of "With A Side Of Red" - your favorite side dish of random Raptors related tidbits. A good number of people seemed to have enjoyed the God of War 3 theme I used in the last WSR, so I find it pretty hilarious that the theme this time around involves the one word that has been thrown around a lot in Raptors Nation lately: Lazy.



From Kratos to laziness...nice.



If you looked on twitter, message boards, your IM - you'd know what I was talking about. If the topic was the Toronto Raptors, then the word "lazy" was included at least once somewhere throughout the day. What started it all? This handy dandy article from Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.Com:



Toronto's Bargnani still searching for a little consistency



The piece starts off with this line:



"The fifth month of the fourth season, and still no conclusion. Except that Andrea Bargnani is lazy."



First, if there's one thing that us Raptors fans can conclude, it's that our neighbors South of us sure do know how to reel us in. Journalists and whoever else associated with the media know by now, if you'd like to see the biggest increase spike in traffic you've ever seen in your career, all you have to do is say something bad about the Toronto Raptors. It works like a charm every time.



Btw: Bargnani finished last night's game with 19 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl and was the Raptors' broadcast crew's "Just Energy Player of the Game". Funny stuff.



And then of course, this morning we have an article out of the Toronto Star by Dave Feschuck. Check it out here to help me avoid my tendency not to include sources:



Raptors nearly felled by lowly Timberwolves



This time around, we have Sonny Weems (who keep in mind is 24 years old and is practically an NBA rookie) with this quote:



“Just play defence, that’s all we’ve got to do,” said Weems. “I think some people just don’t buy into it. It’s just some people being lazy. Once we buy into it, we can be a great team.”



Ah - there's that word again. Just never seems to escape us. It's like the Raptors' version of Jason, Freddy Kruger, and Michael Myers rolled into one.



Next on WSR - how can I have a "lazy" theme and not include the one Toronto Raptor that has been ragged on all year for looking out of shape. Hint: He loves pizza!







Hedo Turkoglu!



But of course, as Raptors fans know, you can always expect the unexpected, or better yet, you can always expect what doesn't make sense. When the Raptors are on a high, they show up with a weak performance, and vise versa. So with all this talk about laziness, it was only fitting that Turk had one of his best 4th quarters of the season.



When the game got close, the team constantly put the ball in Hedo's hands to make plays. The ball handling skills he possesses at his height makes him deadly in PnR situations. Here's perhaps the most significant play he created late in the 4th with the Raps only up by 2.







Jack brings the ball up the court to begin the offensive set. Meanwhile Turk goes as far up the wing as it takes to bring his man near the free throw line extended. He uses a small Bargnani screen (or what is supposed to be...) and makes his way towards Jack to receive the hand-off.







Hedo gets the ball and is now in the basic and fundamental triple threat position (though he could have gotten the ball a little closer to the 3pt line just in case he wanted to shoot). Bosh prepares himself to go set the screen for Turk. Everyone on Minnesota knows what's about to happen, so they set their entire focus on stopping it.







Bosh sets the pick, and Turk takes his dribble towards the basket. Knowing they can't give Turk the shot, the Wolves defender goes over the screen. The goal here is to make the defense react and take whatever they give you. Having run this set to death throughout his career, Hedo knows what will be available to him. If Hedo takes it strong to the basket, Al Jefferson - the Minney player in the middle - must pick his poison. He can either stick on Bosh's roll to the basket, and hope Brewer fills in (which leaves Wright open in the corner); or he can stick on Hedo and hope Love helps him with Bosh's roll to the bucket (which leaves Bargnani open for 3). Being about 6'10 helps Turk see over the defense for the best decision.







The Wolves collapse into the paint in an attempt to contain Hedo's penetration or Bosh's decision to roll or pop. This leave both Antoine Wright and Andrea Bargnani open for a clean look at a three pointer. Turk makes the easier pass of the two, and Wright eventually knocks down the basket.



The Raptors went to Turk consecutive times late in the game to make plays for them and it worked out well. Some would point to the fact that it was against the Wolves, but when done right and consistently, Turk can be a force in the PnR scenarios. Just ask Boston and Cleveland.



Last up on the biggest edition ever of "With A Side of Red" [The lazy edition mind you], I've got episode 2 of the Raptors Rundown podcast. This episode is co-hosted with Anton, who is the author and creator of the Toronto Huskies Blog. Topics include Chris Bosh's performance and level of play since his return from the injury, the team's inability to feed the hot hand, Wright's criticism of DeRozan and Weems, Jack's demotion to the bench, and the meltdown against OKC. On top of that, Anton gives you his pick for this week's Raptors Factor.



Hope you enjoy it!

Raptors Rundown Episode 2

Kris Cuaresma's Podcast

Whatever you happen to be doing Raptors fans, I hope you enjoyed it With A Side of Red!