This isn’t looking good

The Atlanta Hawks can't seem to find an answer to Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic in game 1 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals.

So I’m watching the Atlanta Hawks take on the Orlando Magic in game one of the Eastern Conference semi-finals and things aren’t looking too hot for my Hawks.

And that’s an understatement.

As I write this, the Hawks are down 67-41, obviously leaving something to be desired for yours truly. Dwight Howard is a beast – no one doubts that – but the Hawks are having a harder time defending him than most.

What makes matters worse is that they are hurting themselves with dumb fouls and silly turnovers – something that you can’t do against any team, especially not the Orlando Magic.

Although this is just game one, this is a crutial game for Atlanta, if they can pull off an upset in Orlando, they will be in good shape for the rest of the series.

Unfortunately that doesn’t seem to be likely to happen.

Here’s looking at game two…

Hate the song but love the parity

So, this episode of the Simpsons appeared last night and I missed it. Luckily, there’s this site called Youtube (not sure if you heard of it). Anyway, apparently the intro video to the Simpsons was remixed if you will to make a parity of the hit song by Kesha, Tik Tok. Although the song is not one of my favorites to say the least, this parity video by the geniuses that are the Simpson creators is priceless. Take a look, I’m sure it will brighten up your day.

Lantern Walk Magazine

So I just finished the Lantern Walk Magazine today. The Lantern Walk is a publication of Georgia Southern Student Media, that will be handed out to families and friends of Spring graduates. The magazine features a list of all the 2010 graduates, a photo spread of prominent events from this past academic year and thoughts from some of this year’s Student Media seniors. This year has brought a lot of memories and notable events. Some that stand out to me personally is the 2009 Eagles Over the Big Top Homecoming celebration that I was partly in charge of with my position with the Traditions Council, the 2009 football season – my last as a student here at GSU, and the Tim McGraw spring concert – which I had the opportunity to cover for GAdaily.com.

This has been an eventful year no doubt. I suggest for anyone who will be graduating or will be attending graduation to try to get your hands on a copy of the Lantern Walk Magazine. I have no doubt that you and your family will take something from it and have conversations and reflections on your time spent at GSU.

Hawks get it done

The Atlanta Hawks were able to get it done today and advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs against rival Orlando. The Hawks came to play Sunday and I couldn’t have been happier. As I stated in a previous post, I was upset and scared when the Hawks lost game five to Milwaukee at home. It was unlike the Hawks to drop a game at home and today in the final game of the series, the Hawks were able to come alive and defeat the Bucks 95-74.

Now it’s on to Orlando to face the Magic, a team that Atlanta has struggled with this season. The Hawks are just 1-3 against the Magic this year, with the win coming at home after a last second game winning dunk by Josh Smith. That victory sealed a playoff birth for Atlanta. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, take a look:

I hope the Hawks can pull off some more “magic” like this in round 2, because they’re going to need it against a tough Orlando team.

Last week of school!

So tomorrow begins another week of school – my last as a college undergraduate. The countdown has begun and I have less than seven day before I walk across the stage at Paulson Stadium as a college graduate. It seems like just yesterday when I was moving into Eagle Village as a freshman at Georgia Southern. Now, five years later, I am set to graduate and take my turn in the real world.

Although my time in college has flown by, I will cherish every single moment and memory in my time here. Everyone that has crossed my path in these past five years has truly shaped my life, in one way or another, and although not all moments and experiences were good ones, they all made me the person I am today and for that I am forever grateful.

I would like to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to my student media family. I don’t know what my time here in college would have been like if it wasn’t for each and every person in the GSU Student Media program. I have learned so much and have been given so many opportunities to learn and grow and ultimately become a better journalist. I owe so much to the people who have given me these opportunities to progress and prove myself, and for that I cannot thank them enough.

Also, I would like to thank my friends and family for believing in me and supporting and guiding me throughout my academic, professional and personal life. There are simply too many of you to thank but you should know that you each hold a special place in my heart and I will take all of the life lessons, experiences and memories with me as I move on to a new chapter in my life.

Finally, I’d like to thank my school, Georgia Southern, and all of the staff and faculty that have made these past five years so great. With the guidance of my professors and advisers, I have grown into the person and the student that I am today. I have learned so much in my time here and know that this would not be possible without the help and instruction of these people.

Now I move on and begin the next chapter in my life, but I will never forget the people, the experiences and the school that shaped my life in such a wonderful way and allowed me to be where I am today.

McGraw Madness

Tim McGraw performs at Paulson Stadium on April 30 in Statesboro, Ga. Photo credit: Scott Bryant of the Statesboro Herald

Country singer Tim McGraw rocked Statesboro last night at Paulson stadium and I was there to experience it. However I wasn’t just one of the thousands of screaming intoxicated fans who was trying to get the best view and perhaps even touch Tim himself. No, I went last night as a member of the press and I can truly say that it was an experience that I will never forget. As with any large production show, it is pretty standard to have strict regulations on the media and last night was no different. I went as a cameraman to get footage for GAdaily.com. The stipulation was that I was only allowed to record the first 60 seconds of the first two songs McGraw performed. As for barricades, well that’s a different story.

There was a a small fenced off area around the soundboards, located in the middle of the field, where press could stand to take pictures and photos. However, this area was too small for the four cameramen and three photographers in attendance, which meant it was time to improvise. Concert staff and members of Georgia Southern Marketing escorted myself and other press to the front of the stage, but I must say that this was no easy task.

Fighting my way to the front of the crowd, a crowd filled with people who had claimed their spot for over five hours – some drunk and some just tired and frustrated – the last thing they wanted to see was me with my video camera. Some were understanding, some not so much, but it was definitely an experience that I will take with me as I pursue a career in journalism.

At the end of the day, I got some great footage, angered some people and after the first 60 seconds of the first two songs, was able to enjoy what was a great concert. For that, I am thankful.

Hawks hanging in there

Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford put up 15 points and 15 rebounds in the Hawks 83-69 victory in game six against the Bucks. Photo courtesy of Hawks.com.

The Atlanta Hawks were able to hang on last night in game six against the Milwaukee Bucks, tying the series at three games a piece. It was the first time the Hawks were able to beat the Bucks on the road in this year’s series and the first road playoff win in over nine tries. I couldn’t be happier about this result. As an avid Hawks fan, I was extremely worried when they lost three straight to the Bucks and found themselves going to Milwaukee down in an elimination game down 3-2. Winning 83-69 last night was more than a statement, it was a declaration. It meant that the Hawks are for real, they do belong as the third seed and they should be considered one of the best teams in the league and a legitimate contender for a title run.

Now, the Hawks go back home, where they are arguably one of the top four teams in the NBA, with a 34-7 record this season. The Hawks look to come into A-town and take care of business, despite dropping game five in the Georgia State capitol early last week. If Atlanta is able to close out the series Sunday night, they will face the Orlando Magic, a team they have struggled with this year, only winning one of four against them in the regular season. All Hawks fans can do now is wait and hope for the best.

Good luck Hawks. There’s no need to “fear the deer,” cause “now they know.”

First Amendment Free Food Festival 2010

The 2nd Annual First Amendment Free Food Festival will take place this Thursday, April 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Student Media Plaza (the new courtyard area next to the Williams Center on the Georgia Southern campus). I am the event coordinator for this event, and I hope that if you are on or near campus that day that you’ll be able to make it out. The event is free and is an opportunity to enjoy free food from 12 local restaurants.

So what’s the catch?

In order to get access to free food, students will have to sign away their first amendment rights. The event is sponsored by the office of Student Media and we feel that it is a great opportunity for students to come out and learn about their first amendment rights and appreciate them enough to never take them for granted.

For the second year, the GSU men’s rugby team will act as the Goon Squad for the event. The Goon squad is the enforcement that will ensure that students do not try to use the rights that they give up. Also, the GSU Flash Mob will take part in scheduled acts that further dramatize what we are trying to accomplish.

I hope everyone can make it out on Thursday!

Shameless self-promotion part 2

I’m writing this post to notify everyone  that my radio show, Mauney in the Midday, will be broadcasting live from the Russell Union Rotunda tomorrow, April 14 from 12:30-1 p.m.

My show can be heard live on 91.9 The Buzz WVGS. The show will be live on location as part of Student Appreciation Week, where I will be playing music all show long and keeping students entertained with special guest and as always witty banter.

I hope that anyone around or near campus tomorrow will stop by and say hello.

Welcome to the “Big Show”

On opening day for the Atlanta Braves, their prized rookie and prospect Jason Heyward took two high balls in his first at-bat at the major league level before crushing a three run homer in the first inning yesterday against the Chicago Cubs. As a Braves fan, this excites me that we are already seeing big things from this young man. Welcome to the big leagues young fella!