Mercury at Liberty game review

So, I went to Sunday's Mercury at Liberty game. I sat in the third row of CRT 15, right behind the Liberty bench. My dad and I waited outside MSG until about 2:45, when light rain forced us to get in line. By the time we screwed around in the team store and went to the bathroom, it was about 3:20 or so.

We both ordered a grilled chicken sandwich and waited for the teams to come out and shoot some baskets. The Mercury shot around at our end, so I got to watch Taurasi in all her glory. It was a good thing, since she ended up sitting out most of the second half.

They didn't hand out roster cards, but we did get some shoestrings. Yeah, I know.

I like both teams, so I just wore a generic WNBA shirt and hat. I was sort of dismayed at the overall lack of jerseys/shirts, but I did see some cute kids who were wearing oversized Taurasi UConn jerseys.

The game started, and I thought, "Well, the Merc have this game. It's over."

And then the Lib treys started happening.

And then Taurasi got a technical for acting like a jackass.

By halftime, the Lib kids had stretched their lead to 22. The halftime entertainment was stupid, as always. I honestly don't even remember what it was, but I'm sure it involved a group of children dancing.

Because the Liberty had such a commanding lead, Ashley Battle played almost fifteen minutes and scored 17 points. Obviously, I was pretty happy about that. I was screaming like a maniac and taking her picture. They probably could have hauled me off on suspicion of stalking.

The Timeless Torches came out and danced to that retarded "Low" song, or whatever it's called. I hated that song to begin with. Now, I just want it to die a slow, painful death. If I can figure out a way to put videos on here, I will post some of it. The best part about it was that Ashley Battle was watching them and laughing her ass off. I didn't film her, but I totally should have. Coyle was talking about plays and everything, and Battle could not have cared less. At one point, she even had to cover her face because she was laughing so hard.

The entire Liberty squad made a music video for "Rapper's Delight," and it was hilarious. Erin Thorn looked slightly awkward, while Battle kicked ass. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Lib hit 100 for the first time in franchise history, thanks to a basket by Erlana Larkins. MSG pretty much erupted into one solid wall of cheers. I have to say that it was pretty awesome. The game ended with a 105-72 Liberty win.

After the game, Ashley Battle and Tiffany Jackson were interviewed by MSG. After the interview, I rushed over to get an autograph from Battle. I was literally pushing kids to the side. It was crazy. She signed ONE autograph, for the little kid next to me, and then went to the lockers. I was like, "ASHLEY!!!!" You know, she probably does think that I'm a stalker. I have to say that I really don't blame her.

After the game, I bought a bunch of Lib merchandise, most of which I really don't need. My dad and I walked around outside, before learning that the Mercury were riding the train to D.C. (someone forgot to check the damn schedule before she left). So, we were waiting in Penn Station, looking at the board to find out if our train was on time, when a group of Mercury players, including Tangela Smith, just walked by us. I started freaking out a little, but they either didn't notice or didn't care. So, they kept on walking. I was kind of shocked, to be honest. A few minutes later, freaking Kelly Mazzante and Jen Derevjanik walked by us. Instead of asking them for an autograph, I stood there like an idiot, saying, "It's Kelly Mazzante and Jen Derevjanik!" At that point, I got my Sharpie out, just in case Cappie or Taurasi walked by. They didn't, and I felt like an idiot because half of the Phoenix Mercury walked right by me and I have no pictures and no autographs to show for it. The greatest thing is that NO ONE cared about the fact the there were WNBA players walking around the station. There were people wearing Mercury shirts and Liberty jerseys, and I was the only one who actually cared. My dad told me that it was probably better that I didn't bother them, since they had lost by 33 points. But really, how often do you think Kelly Mazzante and Jen Derevjanik get asked for their autograph? They probably would have looked at me and said, "Really? You want US to SIGN something? Are you sure???"

The Liberty won't be playing in MSG during the 2009 and 2010 seasons because they are doing completely unnecessary renovations to the interior of the arena. They sent me a survey, asking me to comment on the renovations. One of the things they're working on is better seating. I sit three or four rows behind the bench; I really don't see how it can get any better than that, unless you want to give me a seat next to the Liberty bench. They're currently trying to figure out where they're going to play. I picked the Prudential Center, since I actually know where that is and can easily get to it on the train. If all else fails, I'll just have to go to the Verizon Center or Mohegan Sun.

My mom was trying to tell me that we're going to take a trip to the West coast next year, but I'm not holding my breath. I asked, "Does that mean we can go to Seattle?" She said, "Probably." I replied, "So we can see the Storm play at home!" She responded by saying, "Well, we can't always work things out like that." Ok, I really want to go to Seattle. But if I go, I'm going to go see a damn Seattle Storm game.

We're going to NYC in August, when the WNBA is off. So, I'll sit outside MSG, cry a few tears, and wait for 2011.

Ran is coming to town...but I won't see her

Miranda Lambert will once again be performing in my area. This time, she will be coming to my local fair with Blake Shelton. The only problem is that the concert falls on the same Monday that will more than likely be reserved for my first teacher induction meeting. Last year's meeting fell on the same Monday, so I can't think it will be any different this year. The concert starts at 7:30, which is the same time that the meeting ends. The meeting is being held a few miles from the fair, but parking is always a pain, and I probably wouldn't get there until 8. Even if she performs after Blake, I won't get to meet her, since the meet and greet usually happens about an hour before the show.

I know I already met her once this year, but I really would like to see her perform again, especially since I know people who can get really great seats for fair concerts. Teaching is great and everything, but I'm starting to realize how it's going to affect my life. A concert on the same night as parent/teacher conferences? Sorry, no. How about a trip to the WNBA finals? Not going to happen.

I missed out on seeing The Wreckers a few years ago, so I'm sure I'll get over this soon enough. It obviously helps that I've already met her and everything. If I hadn't, I'd probably be even more upset than I already am.

The worst part about it is that the fair still has one more open night, and it's a Friday. They could have tried to get them for Friday, but they went for Monday. Now, they're trying to get Danity Kane for Friday, and I'm definitely not going to go see them.

Becky Hammon

So, Becky Hammon will be playing for the Russian team in the 2008 Olympics. While I understand that the U.S. has a long and tumultuous relationship with Russia, I also understand that this is 2008. The Cold War? Yeah, it's over.

This decision ultimately comes down to two things. The first is reality. The second is money. Realistically speaking, Becky Hammon's chances of making the U.S. Olympic team, for whatever reason, were extremely slim. Becky has always been the underdog, so it really should come as no surprise that she's been overlooked yet again. It's not right, but it's reality.

WNBA players don't make a lot of money during June, July, and August. However, they make lots of money overseas. Hammon was worried that her Russian team would drop her if she took time off to chase a dream that probably wouldn't happen. So, she decided to join the Russian Olympic team.

Before I continue, let me make something clear. Becky Hammon joined another team; she did not kill someone, get a DUI, rob a bank, or fail to pay her taxes.

For a few weeks in August, Becky Hammon will be playing for a team that probably won't win the gold medal--but she'll get to play. And isn't that what it's really all about???

BASKETBALL.