NBA Playoff Round 3 Preview

(1) Detroit Pistons vs. (2) Miami Heat
As most people predicted, the top two teams from the East are squaring off for a shot at the NBA Finals. This is a difficult series to predict because both teams have been like Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde. The thing that often troubles the Heat is that they often don't play as a team, the Pistons' strength. The Pistons' problem has been scoring, which is the Heat's strength. Depending on which teams show up, we could see either team take this series. I believe that the Cleveland series will serve as a wake up call for the Pistons and they will barely, and I mean just barely squeak out of this series.

Prediction: Detroit, 4-3.

(2) Phoenix Suns vs. (4) Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs were finally able to take down the Spurs and they are now poised for a showdown against former teammate and reigning MVP Steve Nash. If you like exciting basketball, this series should be even more exciting than the Clippers/Suns series. This is starting to feel like it's the Mavericks year, which I don't like to think about being a Pistons fan. While the Suns can score with the best of them, Avery Johnson stresses defense, and I think that will be the determining factor in this series. Mark Cuban, you're on your way to your first NBA Finals.

Prediction: Dallas, 4-2.

Top 10 Rides

Recently, the Tool Box co-founders have agreed to embark on their most ambitious article to date. No, it's nothing original, but something definitely worth checking out. More news on that on a later date. For now, I thought I'd do something a little lighter. Being an expert in the world of thrill rides, or rides in general is something I take great pride in. I have been to numerous amusement/theme parks in my day, including: Walt Disney World, Cedar Point, Six Flags (Chicago and California), Universal Studios (Hollywood and Orlando), Disneyland, King's Dominion, King's Island, and most likely a couple more. After my recent visit down to Orlando, I thought it'd be fun to count down the top 10 rides I have been on. (These are in my opinion the BEST rides, not my favorites.)

10. Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom/Disneyland)
Most parks have the obligatory "log ride" where you usually just kind of float around for about 3 minutes, climb up a hill, and go down. Disney takes that to a different level with Splash Mountain. Riders get a chance to experience the story of Brer Rabbit, featuring some of their finest animatronics, along with numerous drops, most notably the one that takes you into the Briar Patch. A must ride.

9. The Tower Of Terror (Disney-MGM Studios, Disney's California Adventure)
Another ride where Disney takes a basic boring ride and turns it into a clever, enjoyable experience. You are a part of a Twilight Zone episode, where the elevator shaft is haunted. Featuring random drop patterns, you will most likely get the same ride twice. This ride beats any of those standing tower drop rides any day of the week. The exterior to the building is also very detailed, giving riders a feel of authenticity.

8. The Raptor (Cedar Point)
This is a ride that begs you to ride in the front car, giving you a genuine feeling of flying. Never one to just give you a 30 second roller coaster (okay, except for Top Thrill Dragster), the Raptor features numerous corkscrews and loops in a ride that is most certainly worth the wait.

7. Indiana Jones Adventure (Disneyland)
Looking at the building that contains this attraction, it's hard to imagine how they even fit a ride in there. However, it is brilliantly set up, and while it is not as thrilling as a roller coaster, you can't help but caught up in this re-creation of the Indiana Jones series.

6. Top Thrill Dragster (Cedar Point)
Although this ride is short on time, it will give you the greatest thrill of your life. Towering over 400 feet, riders are shot at over 100 miles per hour. Unfortunately, the ride often experiences technical difficulties, but it is one ride that every thrill-seeker must ride in their lifetime.

5. Test Track (EPCOT)
Test Track gives guests an up close encounter with what goes on behind the scenes at the auto companies. Riders go along through numerous simulated tests, which eventually leads to the climax, a high-speed ride around the test track.

4. Millenium Force (Cedar Point)
One of the most intimidating rides ever constructed, the Millenium Force is a true roller coaster. Even after the 300+ foot drop, the thrills continue on this exciting coaster. There is only one other roller coaster track that I have found to be better designed, and that is the next selection.

3. The Magnum (Cedar Point)
The original "giant" coaster at Cedar Point, the Magnum may have the smaller drop, but the actual track is even more exciting. Don't believe me? Ride this one at night, and I guarantee that it's a whole different experience.

2. Spider-Man (Islands Of Adventure)
Universal put all of their brain power into this attraction, and boy did it pay off. Combining 3-D technology with a simulator-type ride, Spider-Man is unlike anything else you've ever been on. Jumping from scene to scene, you experience Spider-Man and a whole group of villains right in your face. There are explosions of both fire and water, smoke, and it even feels as if you are falling off of a skyscraper.

1. X (Six Flags Magic Mountain)
This ride is absolutely insane. There is no other way to describe it. The wait is often around 4 hours, even if it's not a busy day, but you won't regret your decision to take this ride on. You are strapped down to the side of the cart, from there as you are traveling through the track, your seat also revolves around to give you a multiple ride experience. Never before has my brain been so scrambled.

Summer Movie Preview

Sorry for the lack of posts as of late. I've been really busy selling coupon books door-to-door. I planned on having this article up before Mission:Impossible 3 came out to theatres, so it's a little late, but it still should work out okay. These, my friends, are my top 10 movies to see this summer.

10. You, Me, And Dupree
This movie kind of falls into the sleeper role. You take the best characters from Almost Famous and There's Something About Mary (Kate Hudson and Matt Dillon) and mix them with odd-ball Owen Wilson, and you should have yourself a laugh out loud picture. However, the trailer I did see was a little weak. Was this a case of the studio holding back thinking they can bank on Wilson's recent success? Or is this movie going to be a bomb? We shall find out.

9. The Da Vinci Code
Those who know me know that I am not a big Tom Hanks fan. He is a good actor, but typically I don't have much interest in the films he chooses. Those who know me also that I don't read much, not even a book as popular as The Da Vinci Code. But knowing that Ron Howard is involved, I find it hard to beleive that this movie will be anything worse than average, and it will save me from reading once again.

8. The Break Up
Last summer, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were able to make millions on Mr. and Mrs. Smith despite it looking absolutely horrible. Well this movie actually looks like it could be entertaining for both sexes, a rarity for a romantic comedy. Vince Vaughn is on a role and Jennifer Aniston is usually successful when she has a reliable star to lean on.

7. Beerfest
Being that I was the only person who enjoyed Club Dread, I am probably one of the few people who would have this movie in the top 10. However, I have faith in the Broken Lizard troupe to give us another stupid comedy that somehow finds a way to be entertaining. Will anyone see it? Probably not.

6. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
The first Pirate movie is one of the few action/adventure movies I have ever liked. Johnny Depp finally got some box office respect and the movie grossed a billion despite it looking like a total bomb. With a third Pirate's movie on it's way shortly, they better have made sure this one is even better to hold the audience's attention.

5. Little Miss Sunshine
This movie was the big comedy hit at Sundance and should be able to bring in a decent amount of cash thanks to the recent success of the hilarious Steve Carrell. The reason this movie intrigues me even more is due to the very underrated Greg Kinnear being involved. Kinnear is often golden in his performances, even if I'm the only one who thinks so.

4. Nacho Libre
My friends have been saying that this movie "looks stupid". Well the man who wrote/directed Napoleon Dynamite is the same man who is doing this film, so I wouldn't expect anything less. Jack Black is as funny of an actor out there, and the premise looks fresh and potentially hilarious.

3. Cars
Pixar is probably the most consistent company when it comes to movies. I have never left one of their films and been disappointed. The trailer is admittedly weak for this film, but I'm almost positive this will be another wonderful computer animated delight.

2. Clerks 2
I never thought I'd see the day that there would be another Clerks film. I expect this to be Kevin Smith's dirtiest film to date after his lighter Jersey Girl, and that's saying something. Stephen King recently said that he thought this movie would be a summer bomb, but I don't think it's a movie that anyone expects to make $100 million, I think they're going more for a $20-40 million dollar gross, which would not be a bomb at all.

1. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
The team from Anchorman (one of my favorite movies) is back, this time taking a jab at professional racecar driving (my least favorite "sport"). For me, just knowing that, I'm already there. I obviously have very high expectations for this film, but I have a gut feeling that it just might live up to them.

NBA Round 2 Playoff Preview

Since I wasn't that far off on my Round 1 predictions, I figured I'd give Round 2 a shot.

(1) Detroit Pistons vs. (4) Cleveland Cavaliers

The Pistons need to wake up and play like they did in game 5 in order not to get shocked by Lebron James and company. James is definitely good enough to win at least one game against the Pistons and it seems like his supporting cast is starting to play better, giving them at least one more win. However, the Pistons experience will definitely give them the edge, and I really see no way the Cavaliers can shut the Pistons down 4 games.

Prediction: Pistons 4-2.

(2) Miami Heat vs. (3) New Jersey Nets

We got to see the Heat start to fall apart in Round 1, only to get their act together for the final two games of the series. The Nets on the other hand, were able to beat a very capable Indiana team fairly easily. Shaq has not had the consistent monster games that one would expect him to have in the playoffs, and if that trend continues, the Heat may be watching the third round on television.

Prediction: Nets 4-3.

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs. (4) Dallas Mavericks

The Spurs surprised me by actually losing to the Kings. Was that just them taking their opponents too lightly or are they not as strong this time around? We'll find out very soon as the Mavs seem to be as good as ever. However, year after year, Dallas seems to be hot and finds a way to lose everytime in the playoffs. Even though I think the Spurs are the second best team in basketball, I see them losing this series.

Prediction: Mavericks 4-3.

(2) Phoenix Suns vs. (3) Los Angeles Clippers

In my other preview, I listed the Clippers as the darkhorse, and I would not be the least bit surprised if they were to win this series. However, I think the Suns have awoken from their deep sleep and are ready to score 105+ points this series. The Clippers have been impressive, but when Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, and crew are on fire, they're hard to beat with an average defense.

Prediction: Suns 4-2.