A Canadian Icon...

Steve Nash

Born in 1974 in far-away Johannesburg, South Africa was a person many people would grow to love. That is Canadian basketball player Steve Nash for you. He may be 38 years old and on the verge of retirement, but he's been a top basketball player throughout his career. I'll begin by sharing an anecdote with you: NBA 06 had a demo that featured Miami and Phoenix. You got it: that is where I came across this 6-foot 3-inch player who impressed me. True, it was a video game, but when you look at his stats and his dedication, it paints a clearer picture.

"My heroes were Isiah Thomas, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. I think they were just so competitive and creative. Especially Isiah, he was somebody that wasn't very tall. He had played the game mostly on the floor and it made me feel that I could find a way to do the same." These were words by Nash when he reflected on his amazing journey back before the 2007/08 season. True, it's been an amazing journey for one of Canada's best basketball players of all time. He's scored over 16,000 points in his 15-year career, but the thing that he's remembered for a lot is his dedication. "I think they (his family) are really proud. I think they realize how hard I worked. They saw me going out there and shooting all hours of the days and night, shooting in the rain, dribbling in the garage. They realize how much time I put into it. I think that they are proud, not so much that I made it, but more because they know it took a lot of hard work," said Nash in the same interview.

Nash might not go down in the record books as a point scorer, he will go down as a top assist-getter: he's closing in on 10,000 (at the time of writing, Nash has 9,524 assists and leads the NBA in assists for 2011/12 with 272 in 26 games).

Not many people are aware of this, but Nash suffers from a medical condition called spondylolisthesis. That condition causes muscle and back pain and is the reason why he always lies on his back when he's on the bench – to prevent his muscles from stiffening. Yet his grit and determination have given us plenty of reason to celebrate his career. The two-time MVP was recently voted to the 2012 All-Star Game, which would be his eighth appearance. Phoenix has not been playing well at all this season – they sit 13th in the West – yet Nash is an All-Star once more. I don't think it's necessary to mention why; that fact is easily summed up when you read stats and look at the effort he's been putting in at each game. People were predicting an appearance at the All- Star Game for Nash, so you can hardly say that you are surprised. It was on its way, and I am one of those people who's waiting to see Nash link up with Blake Griffin and Kevin Durant on the courts in Orlando on February 26.

Another talking point for many is whether Nash would agree to move from Phoenix. He's clearly the franchise player over in Phoenix, but a championship ring has eluded him all his career. That debate is ongoing, but one thing is certain: whatever the outcome be, Steve Nash will always be remembered as one of basketball's greats.

Originally Written for the Interrobang: http://www.fsu.ca/interrobang_article.asp?storyID=8168&sectionID=4&issueID=197
Image Credit: http://server2.noble-hs.sad60.k12.me.us/~adella/mysite/images/nashpass.jpg
Video Credit:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwhwr4zZ1zw

Canadian Music: It's an Art...

Canada Rocks?

Isn't music amazing? I thought so, too. Music is something that surrounds us in every sphere of life. Canadian music is something I've come across more recently during my six months here in Canada. Canadian artists are famous world over. Take Celine Dion and Bryan Adams, for instance: everyone as far as India know about these artists. They're Canadian and Canada can be proud of them.

The National Post featured an article I remember reading quite some time ago. The article featured Roger Faxon, CEO of EMI Publishing, and was speaking about the vast amounts of musical talent in Canada. It featured a long quote from Faxon, from which this is taken: "...most people in the world don't see Canada that way, they don't see it as being a distinctive universe of music. But it is." In my opinion, Faxon is correct, for my iPod has a number of songs by Canadian artists: Nickelback, Drake, Sam Roberts, Arcade Fire, a bit of Deadmau5, Bryan Adams and, more recently, the Arkells. Canadian music: that is the factor that unites all these artists together.

I've noticed many Canadians who are not the biggest fans of Canadian artists, Nickelback in particular. The other day in class when my alarm accidentally went off to Nickelback's "Rockstar" in class, I sensed a bit of scorn. No, guys, I'm not mocking those who were present in class that day, I'm just saying that that unfortunate incident opened my eyes and got me to do some thinking, the result of which you see in your hands today. In such a large country that has seen three distinct groups of people (the Aboriginals, the British and the French), one wouldn't be surprised at the vast musical heritage of Canada. With America as neighbours, it's no wonder that a fusion of ideas from Canadians and Americans has given rise to Canadian music.

I don't want to brag, but I've already managed to learn the Canadian national anthem (through the numerous sports broadcasts I've conducted), and I find it an interesting and apt anthem. Take "The Hockey Song" for example; it's amazing how one song managed to unite a nation for years. Unfortunately, I never got to hear it on Hockey Night in Canada, but I do enjoy listening to it on YouTube.

I'm guessing it's largely due to the fact that we never really enjoy something unless it goes away. Perhaps that is when more people will realize the rich, varied heritage that Canadian music has. I know the world would be a different place without some of the artists I mentioned above. Imagine a world without the song "My Heart Will Go On." I think I've made my point here with this example. Though frowned upon by some people, Canadian music is something I find fascinating – that is, unless it's by a certain teenage boy.

Originally Written for the Interrobang: http://www.fsu.ca/interrobang_article.asp?storyID=8148&sectionID=2&issueID=197
Image Credit: http://www.esquire.com/cm/esquire/images/canadarocks-esky-0407-240x3.jpg
Video Credit:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKc-kstjHrg

NBA Watch: Justifying the NBA All-Stars

This is what greatness looks like. NBA All Star Starters 2012

Come the end of February, the NBA will host its 61st All-Star Game in Orlando, Florida. It's the first All-Star Game being held in the Eastern Conference since Atlanta in 2003, and fans and pundits are gearing up for the showpiece event. The starters have already been confirmed and I'm not too surprised by the votes that came in.

Eastern Conference

Derrick Rose: I've said it time and again; Rose looks to be the focal point of the Chicago Bulls. The 23-year-old Chicago native is in his third consecutive All-Star season and I see him maintaining that run for a number of years to come. I'd have been surprised if the reigning league MVP didn't make the NBA All-Star game.

Dwyane Wade: Shooting guard and eight-time NBA All-Star, Wade has been good this season so far, averaging 21 points a game. It's always nice to see players with potential perform. He's making a return from injury and I believe that the injury was a boost for team chemistry.

LeBron James: I'd have been surprised if James wasn't voted into the NBA All-Star game; this guy has been on fire this season. He's an eight-time All-Star, like his teammate Wade, and I'm sure he'll have plenty more. The only thing that bugs James right now is the fact that he's missing an NBA ring.

Carmelo Anthony: To be really honest with you, I haven't heard much about Anthony this season. True, he's averaging 22 points a game, which is great, but most of the news that I've seen out of New York has been concerning Amar'e Stoudemire, so this is great news for the former Denver man. This will be his fifth All-Star appearance and he is surely going to try to make the most of it.

Dwight Howard: Superman Howard is one of the most coveted players in the league. I know the Los Angeles Lakers were eyeing him during the off-season. This will be the sixth straight All-Star appearance for the player, who's won three NBA Defensive Player of the Year Awards. Howard has started all but one game in his career, and that is something special. He's definite All-Star material and he proved it by getting the most votes at a little over 1.6 million.

Western Conference

Chris Paul: The transfer saga of the off-season, Paul is doing justice to the faith that the Clippers put in him. An All-Star appearance, his fifth in a row, is justified. Paul might not have the flashiest point per game stat, but at nearly nine assists a game and almost 19 points a game, he's impressive.

Kobe Bryant: Another perennial All-Star, Los Angeles Lakers' main man Bryant somehow always seems to find form every year. A 40-point night with an injured wrist seems to be the order of the day. Bryant is definitely up for a lot of praise once he eventually retires, but before that day comes, I expect more MVP-type performances from the Lakers' lynchpin.

Kevin Durant: What can I say about Durant? It's hard to criticize him because he's been great so far in his short career. You could say that Durant is the face of the Oklahoma City team and their success largely depends on his form. Remember, this is a guy who's started every game he's ever played and he's only 23. Having played in three All-Star games in a row, Durant definitely has many more to come in the future.

Blake Griffin: Big Griffin has been a beast. The Clippers have one of the best young players in the league. His recent monster dunk over Kendrick Perkins went viral, and is only one of the reasons why he is an All-Star. There is a mean swagger to his style of play and his dunking ability is one of the best I have seen in quite a while. One thing is certain; Griffin will have a successful career in basketball's big leagues.

Andrew Bynum: Bynum is another player whom I haven't heard much about this year, probably because most of the news from the Lakers concerns Bryant. Looking at his stats, Bynum is averaging 17.1 points per game, his best ever. He's polled in over a million votes, so basketball fans are noticing his efforts. This year marks Bynum's first All-Star appearance, so the 24 year old is definitely progressing in the correct direction.

The weekend of February 26 is definitely going to be a big one for basketball fans, given that the league is a truncated one because of the lockout. The rest of the All- Stars will be announced in due time. Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge are amongst my favourites. The NBA website reports that Canadian Steve Nash could make the cut at 38, and I know I would love to see that materialize.

Originally Written for the Interrobang: http://www.fsu.ca/interrobang_article.asp?storyID=8098&sectionID=4&issueID=196
Image Credit: http://www.nba.com/media/hoop/all-star_starters_670.jpg
Video Credit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IESl5n54n0A (West)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFt6QNs_6l0 (East)

Thoughts Of An (Almost) New Canadian

O! Canada...

Normally I use this column to write about something Canadian that the country loves (or something that the majority hates). This week I thought about twisting it around just a little bit. The reason is simple: I've been here for five and a half months and it has been quite a ride.

I guess the best thing that has happened to me so far is hockey. No, not ice hockey, but ball hockey; 'Ball So Hard,' to be precise. Imagine the joy on my face walking into Sportchek to buy my first ever hockey stick. I'm told by many people that they've "never seen anyone embrace Canadian culture so much." It is strange when I think of it, but as an international student, I guess I find it contagious to a large degree.

Should I decide to put sport aside (although that would be very hard), there are still many things I love about Canada. Take London, for instance. I never expected the city to be this good. The people and even the college is amazing. It's always hard for someone to pack his bags and move to a new country alone, but fitting in to Canadian culture has been smooth so far. What's interesting to note is the banter I enjoy with friends in London, England. The constant question, "How's your London? My London is fine," goes around quite often. That's when I realize that I'm not from the city, yet I've adopted it as my own in a little over five and a half months. It's been homelike so far, this city, and I can only expect the future to be equally pleasant. Canadian culture is something I really want to experience, and though things like poutine and Tim's coffee are already crossed off my 'To Do In Canada' list, there are other things that I would love to try – I just don't know what they are yet.

I already know one of the things I'm going to try real soon (although chances are it will be next winter before I finally attempt it): ice hockey. I told you earlier, it's going to be hard to put sport aside, but going to the John Labatt Centre to watch the Knights play has been great. How great? I won't tell you, you need to experience that yourself.

I've had so much fun in this city and I've yet to set foot into a bar. I hear that is uncanny and unheard of, especially since I'm a student in the Forest City.

I may not know what's in store for me another five months down the line, but I can look back at the past five and a half months with nostalgia, and always be glad I made the decision to leave Calcutta, India and move thousands of kilometres away to the city of London, Ontario.

Originally Written for the Interrobang: http://www.fsu.ca/interrobang_article.asp?storyID=8089&sectionID=2&issueID=196
Image Credit: http://www.eco.ca/Uploader/files/images/Newcomers-to-Canada.jpg
Video Credit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjLQ6uCw2g8

NBA Watch: Short Season, Big Men

He's the Dark Horse and you know it.

Last week I looked into the teams that are favourites to run away with the NBA title. This week I thought it best to look at the individual players who are tipped to shine during the current NBA season:

LeBron James: Miami's James is always a favourite to shine year after year. This year he's showing how he plays without Dwyane Wade, who many predict will also have a big year. James is averaging almost 30 points a game this season and with his presence on the court, more and more people are taking notice each day.

Kevin Durant: Let's be honest here, I don't know what to write about Durant. The 23 year old is in his fifth season and he's only getting better each day. Durant played a lot of basketball during the recent NBA lockout and it shows. He looks a lot tougher than ever before and has added a lot of moves to his arsenal. Durant has started every game of his NBA career and he's averaging 26.3 points this year; he's the best all-round player in the league after James.

Derrick Rose: The Chicago Bulls finally have a good team; their last championship winning side featured Michael Jordan. Rose looks to be the focal point of the Bulls' side and on his day, the reigning league MVP can destroy any defence in the league. Chicago will be looking to continue last year's exquisite run and I will not be surprised if Rose is battling it out for another MVP trophy.

Dwyane Wade: It's often been taken for granted that a great NBA team has three big-name players as their focal point. In Miami's case, part two of their 'big three' features Dwyane Wade. James and Wade can put on a show that you won't get to see elsewhere. Wade is averaging 20 points this season and Miami fans will be hoping he keeps this form.

Russell Westbrook: The Oklahoma City point guard is a player you'd love to hate. Westbrook is lighting up the league. He's averaging more points per game than Wade, and along with Durant, these two young athletes are the reason why Oklahoma City could be the team that challenges Miami right to the very end. His teammate Kendrick Perkins sees Westbrook as a scoring point guard and he's not selfish, though many fans deem him to be so.

LaMarcus Aldridge: Brandon Roy has retired. Greg Oden is out injured. It seemed to be a lot of gloom for the Portland Trailblazers. Aldridge was the only one standing from Portland's 'big three,' and he has stepped up to the plate. Aldridge is averaging 22.6 points per game, which is the highest he's managed in his career so far. Portland could be on its way to another playoff campaign, and Aldridge will have a huge part to play.

Kobe Bryant: The Los Angeles Lakers guard is another perennial favourite to have a big season. The one thing I have noticed is that he always seems to have an injured hand and yet he has 40 point nights. Bryant is averaging 30.2 points a night yet the Lakers sit eighth in their conference (at the time of writing). I had this huge discussion with a friend of mine who's a self proclaimed "NBA Guru" and he cites Bryant as "a very lucky player," because of the fact that many of Bryant's bad shots are still converted. Whatever happens, Bryant and his Lakers will be challenging once again.

Blake Griffin: Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers is my dark horse for this NBA season. He's got this mean swagger when he plays and his dunk on Kendrick Perkins, which went viral on YouTube, is an example that proves this statement. Griffin has the promise to be the next big star in the league. The Clippers have added Chris Paul to the roster and the man from Oklahoma is on his way to becoming a top NBA player.

It is hard to compile a definitive list of players to watch out for in the NBA every season. There are top players that I've left out that will have good seasons but personally I feel not as good as the players I've listed above.

Originally Written for the Interrobang: http://www.fsu.ca/interrobang_article.asp?storyID=8040&sectionID=4&issueID=195
Image Credit: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqByFK-wdOBAbW2jUeGtyRJqEcAlax75YrH5yBD4ExFykGdLz5GDyowuRsBg6P2utZ2C6N7r2WyIDjimTmSssGgbLVW9pIZxBGCOuXebSaUQO-zoXWnu7DCrbTYrZdbScju4GPvco9WZd/s1600/blake+griffin+car+dunk3.jpg
Video Credit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l10Bo-X0WNM

Bieber Fever

I'm not a fan and I hate his music. So do many Canadians!

"Baby, baby, baby, oh" – who hasn't heard these lyrics before? And to think the guy behind these annoying words is Canadian. I mean with all due respect to Justin Bieber and his 'talent,' I'm not his biggest fan. I'd rather listen to Nickelback (although I can think of some people who'd mock me for wanting to listen to them). The reason why I wrote this article for this week is because this is the Valentine's Day issue of the Interrobang, and I thought who better than Justin Bieber? I mean, there are lots of people who would love to get married to him.

I'm going to be very frank here: I know a lot of people, especially girls, will not like the fact that I chose to write something where I'm not in favour of the teen pop singer, who was born in London and grew up in Stratford. Now, don't get me wrong, guys and girls; Bieber sings, I can't sing and I respect that. But since I grew up listening to classic rock, teen pop isn't quite my thing.

Justin Bieber is better than Rebecca Black, this I will confirm. I'd rather be forced to listen to "Baby" over "Friday." And Bieber does have a lot of publicity for a 17 year old; I'm assuming that would happen since he was discovered by Scooter Braun and he was signed to the Raymond Braun Media Group (a joint venture between Scooter Braun and Usher). Stardom was sure to follow. He's even dating Selena Gomez, though how long that relationship will continue remains to be seen.

Bieber had been in the news recently and his not-so-biggest fans like me had a good chuckle over the whole incident. The alleged claim that he was the father of Mariah Yeater's baby. Bieber fans were in shock, others had a good laugh. Then there was the incident at the 2012 Golden Globes when Ricky Gervais mocked the teen pop sensation. "Justin Bieber nearly had to take a paternity test. What a waste of a test that would have been!" he joked. "No, he's not the father. The only way that he could have impregnated a girl was if he borrowed one of Martha Stewart's old turkey basters. Open wide." 'Beliebers,' as Bieber fans call themselves, did not take that joke lightly and Gervais was subject to an angry barrage on Twitter and received death threats. That was something I wasn't expecting – not from angry young ladies, anyway.

I will mention that I was impressed by Bieber when he responded to 20-year-old Helen Campbell, an ailing fan, in her bid to raise awareness about tissue and organ donations. The last line of the article in the Toronto Star (dated January 28) caught my attention: "Bieber is not one to mumble a few catchy lyrics with the sole intent to make girls faint. He's a stand-up guy, ready to use his fame for others. Bravo Bieber."

Justin Bieber is one of those guys many people love to hate. He's famous, and that's a fact no one can escape. I'm not his biggest fan, nor will I ever become one, but he's Canadian and something Canada (or most Canadians) are proud of.


Originally Written for the Interrobang: http://www.fsu.ca/interrobang_article.asp?storyID=8050&sectionID=2&issueID=195
Image Credit: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYquLSslLlYAPrJ0Okd8jCcD_ikxzP0d4tkbha7RI5ErkK_Kll2lQnpKk4d9TpasVrjZR86yJetkDS2fg4mRGVq2EN_KANrJvAb8k3HEvBkwYr-AxpWz3btPcn7rzdY1rKNkVZnfA9Omk/