"I've been assaulted in public by two people--or three people. You've been witness to this."

I could write about the newest volume of Ron Artest Yearly for days. But I'll leave that for another time. Anyone who hasn't seen the video of him sticking up for Yao against the Mavericks should catch that quick. Compelling stuff undoubtedly.

***

The Blazers beat the Spurs last night. It feels like something heavy, but who knows whether or not it is. I wrote in my season preview that the Spurs can't be judged until much later in the season. This is not a unique perspective whatsoever and there's a reason for that. Nonetheless it feels like an arrival of sorts for the Blazers, especially when you consider the embarrassment that was the Blazers performance on opening night. It's nice to know that last year wasn't just a tease and at some point the Blazers will (no room for conditionals here) be a force in the West. Which also means that if they were in the East they'd probably be vying for one of the top three seeds rather than trying to scrape their way into the playoffs.

Also while only having one game to use as evidence, it appears that the Blazers are a better without Oden on the floor. This is a ridiculous assumption of course--I will be the first to say--but the Blazers take on a different aura when Oden's in the fold. But not in the good way. Everyone just looked frightened on Tuesday, even before Oden rolled his ankle or foot or whatever it was but yesterday was different. It might have been because they were playing the Lakers but the Spurs have a more intimidating reputation over the last few years if anything. Last night though, the Blazers looked a cantankerous bunch of much more successful oldsters in the eye and took the game. It was nice and refreshing, but is it something they would have done with Oden on the court? I feel that Oden's presence has been so hyped that the team couldn't help but be curious and ended up getting distracted looking for the results.

***

I fear for Baron's hip. I hope he is ok. Also Beasley rebounded and had a pretty kick ass second game. I am hard on him for some reason. I like his personality but his game feels to workman like. I think its the all black sneakers he wore at Kansas State that lead to that impression.

Finally for all The Fall fans out there--and even those who don't like the band or haven't heard of them--head on over to Youtube and search for "The Wonderful and Frightening World of Mark E. Smith." It's an interesting and rather hilarious documentary about the band. It's 9 parts long, but they'll all be linked together and even if they're not they're worth searching out.