News Flash - WBA Mascot - Lilo, Asks to be Traded

This posting was scheduled for the week following April 24, 2010.

The phones, mailboxes and internet site have been over-run with the latest news in the WBA universe. Lilo, the Chihuahua mascot of the WBA has been contacting friends and family regarding her desire to be traded from her current host and manager, Victor Delarosa. This reporter was perplexed and concered by the request and the media activity in the voice mail, snail mail and email in-boxes of Publication Headquarters. The activity was quickly understood once WBA reporter Robert "Wei-Jen" Lee sent in the following photographs.

Apparently, Victor attempted to kiss Lilo, as you can see in the exclusive pictures shown here. This set off the current avalanche of calls, letters and email messages at Publication HQ.


Lilo has requested an immediate trade with another family with perhaps a pit bull. Lilo obviously desires the pit bull for protection. She has been quoted by relatives as saying that this is no reflection on Zach (Victor's son) but purely related to Victor's desire for a new more restrictive contract and a closer relationship. Further, Lilo desires a new managerial contract that features a greater percentage of the funds provided for her as a result of her position as a WBA mascot.

This reporter has been informed that Lilo currently is penned into a 80/20 contract. She's claimed that Victor has been taking the 80% cut, while paying her in dog food, biscuits, table scraps and water that barely adds up to a 20% cut. I am surprised at Victor but cannot offer refuge for Lilo due to my position with the Publication. Lilo, in tears, claimed that the paw print on the contract was the result of hours of forced consumption of alcoholic beverages while being confined by a leather collar and six foot long steel chain. The inhumanity!!

Obviously, this is a first in the WBA. No mascot has ever asked to be traded before in the 25 year history of the league. Someone out there, please help Lilo!

Despite the new WBA controversy, folks turned out in bucket loads on Saturday morning. Perhaps they realized that it was the last Saturday in April to hoop it up. Or, maybe seeing the playoffs inspired the inner "Jordan" in each of them. But, they were out, at times with both courts going. All of the regulars were there; Eric, Danny, Robert, Roy, Larry, James, Nacho, Matt, Victor, Zach, DeAndre, DJ, Raphael, Rich, Shane, Steve, Brandon, Tony, Erik, Nick, Scott and others. There were over twenty of the faithful. All vying for the WBA consecutive win title for their team. The weather was also conducive to maximal hoopstatic activity. Early morning clouds kept the courts cool and the activity hot. Later the sun broke through to a group of tired yet determined ballers.

I think when Mike Fox returns from his jet setting vacation through the Coastal Europe (France, Italy) and the Islands of Spain (Ibiza, Menorca and Mejorca), he'll be offering a prize to the consecutive win team of the day. Of course, he's not yet aware that he'll be offering a prize, but what a surprise it will be for him when he realizes his new resonsibilities. You see that's how we do it here at the Chaparral.

Already all remain in hoopstasis for another group of seven. Have a great week everybody, God bless you and see ya next week in May!!

Update - The Memorial Day Weekend

Fast forwarding to the present we find ourselves at the Memorial Day Weekend. What a weekend this has been in the sports world. The Boston Celtics first knock-out the hapless, yet re-enrgized Orlando Magic. The series win took them a mystifying six games. Of course, we all knew that the Magic was toast after they fell to a 0 - 3 deficit in the best of seven series. A position from which no other team in NBA history has been able to overcome. Then, the re-focused Lakers knock out the Phoenix Suns in six games. In this series we all may have had the germ of a bubble of doubt with the Lakers since they allowed the Suns to even the series at 2 - 2. We may have thoought that the brief tie in the series was an indication that they may not be able to meet expectations and finish them off. Well, with some sporty heroics from the newest Laker, Ron Artest; and, the best Laker, Kobe Bryant the series with the Suns was put to rest after six games. How many of you had that prediction - I bet quite a few of you thouhgt just that. Now both the Lakers and the Celtics get a few days to rest. The Lakers will bear the burden of expectations form the start since they will have home court advantage, and the series will open in Los Angeles. Who could ask for a better match-up?!!? Who said, "David Stern, NBA Commissioner"? (Tell me if it's fair that I work a few blocks from the Staple Center but will not attend one game? If you agree that this is unbearably unfair please send tickets or cash to Publication Headquarters - U.S. Currencies please.)

In the WBA world, the turnout was fitting and consistent with the season. Both Saturday and Monday brought over twenty folks out to the courts each day. Our very own "Kobe" (Randy) was there too, visiting us from Las Vegas. Unfortunately, he was there on Saturday only. Apparently, he returned home that night. In addition, Rich's brother Kyle was there. The week before, both Hunter and Kyle showed up. Apparently, they will return to Spring practice at the University of San Diego where they each play wide reciever on the football teaam. However, a couple of other players from the past showed up on our Memorial Day Monday; Steve and Ken. Apparently, neither has lost a beat. They're both still popping the three-ball jumpers and driving the lane with fearless abandon.

As we begin June competition, we find a few folks will be out on vacation. Some known, some unknown. Among those known on vacation next week is our buddy, Mike Fox, who will once again vacation in some other-worldly type location thats beautiful, tropical and just a lot of fun. Among the unknown are - you didn't really expect me to mention anyone in the unknown category did you? After all, I'm not a mind reader - just ask my wife.

Well, another month passes by, this was the last week in May. So I will see you all in June.

Pictures of the Memorial Day Weekend:

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Monday, May 31, 2010 - Memorial Day

Virgil and Danny pose for the camera.

Everyone looks to the sky for the answer to why Victor is wearing University of Texas colors.

Victor gestures that the answer is falling from the sky......

Steve, Steve and Eric take a short break.

Brandon's son perfects his skills on his PS2.

Regarding the Ten in a Row Claim ......



I must admit that the claim of ten in a row was a joke that nobody seemed to get or challenge. All I can say to that is, "Wake up guys...!!!!" You really let me get away with that with no challenge? Come on.... Even Mike Fox didn't challenge the claim. I think Danny is gonna have to bring coffee for everyone to these Saturday morning meetings.



Have a great week everyone!!

Tic Tac Toe - Ten in Row - Consecutive Win Record is Smashed

There are times when you get up in the morning and you can just feel that something special will happen that day. Well, this April 17th was just a special day at the Chaparral. Then came the games - just one game after the other - each seemed to just melt away. The first was probably the toughest, with seemingly, every shot contested. But, once that game was history, well, WBA history was made. I guess one key to having such a run of consecutive wins has to do with personnel.

Then, every person becoming “as one” to prosecute the game – it’s all about the extra pass, the unthinkable shot that hits the bottom of the net. Necessary ingredients include the streaky shooter, Eric, that couldn't miss from three point range. His son, Nick, that elevated his game to NCAA standard, by playing tenacious defense, grabbing every available rebound and playing within his game. The team also had Rich, you may notice that he was on the last consecutive game winning team that achieved the “five-a-row” standard in the previous quarter of 2010 - and then he exploded in Saturday's meetings for offensive rebounds, passing lane "interceptions" and three point shots. Of course, Steve attacked each game with his usual energy with fast break scoring, offensive "put-backs" and ankle breaking stutter steps to the basket. Add Paul with defense and rebounding and you get a team that rules the day with ten consecutive wins in a row for a new Chaparral WBA record for the year. The opposing teams averaged less than five points a game with two blowout games where the opposition only scored three points. The game turnover was fast and steady.

Other than the "perfect alignment of the planets" type wins; the turnout for the day was very impressive. I guess the start of the NBA playoffs excites the urge of many of us to get on the court and jack up a few shots. It's a shame that Ike, Roy and Mike Fox were not available to defend there record. But, alas, sometimes that's the way these things occur.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to take many pictures 'cause I was busy hooping. Robert will probably have some of the footage from this history making day on the Chaparral. I will post them when I receive them.

I am behind in my posting but the Saturday before last (April 10th) was also a very special day. The following are postings from that Saturday morning and afternoon....

Saturday, April 10, 2010 - It's Not Just the Hoops!!

Yes, April 10th was special for many reasons.... Just see below!!

Here's Virgil going for the ball.....

Here's Virgil making a cut to be passed the ball for a lay-up.....

Here's Virgil again. Do you notice anything interesting about Virgil? The picture doesn't do justice to what you're seeing here.

Yes, you guessed it, he's wearing a neon, fluorescent yellow-green "can-you-see-me-now" shirt. Apparently, waving for the ball and jumping up and down screaming, "..pass me the ball" wasn't enough. He need a neon shirt to help his cause. Well he did get the ball...

...and made many jumpers afterwards.

Steve took one of the longest side-court originated jumpers I've seen from out of bounds it was so far. I quickly challenged him to a bet for twenty Ben Franklin's while the ball was in the air - he accepted. Of course, Ben Franklin's are one hundred dollar bills.

When he missed the shot he said that I had said Francs. So he delivered the equivalent of 2000 Francs to Publication Headquarters. Of course, the French Francs are worthless now that France has converted to the Euro. I guess he's been talking with Mike Fox....

And on that day (April 10th) the "quintabulous streakers" displayed their collective grills with the Commish with this posting on the door adjacent to the courts...

Mike Fox was his usual exuberant, vivacious self...

Finally, here are a few the pictures of the days other more normal activities....

What Next? - Mike Fox Turns 29!!

Yes, Mike turned 29 for the 20th time (Hint: for those of you challenged by math, you add the two, 29 + 20 ).

So Happy Birthday. I'm not sure if the tenth of April is the date of his birthday but it must be close. Further, rumor has it that Mike has actually turned 29 more than 20 times. He might have even turned 29 as many as 24 times. I warned him that the limit for turning 29 is 29 times. After that you must admit to being at least 39. Anyway the following is shocking news about Mike. So, take a seat and if there are any hard liquors in close proximity, you have one time permission to partake, 'cause this news is gonna knock your socks off!!!

I heard rumblings about a party, and used my stealthy cable guy uniform to crash - I mean attend - the party.

Mike is actually surrounded by the most attractive girls you can imagine. The shocker is that one of them is actually his twin sister!! That's right, Mike is a twin - a fraternal twin (because he's got a sister and not an identical brother). But, unfortunately, she took all of the good looks from their Mother as we all now know.

Rumor has it that he has never forgiven her for being so so much better looking. At the birthday celebration he took a piece of cake, while she wasn't looking, and smudged it all over her face. However, his attempts of equalizing their looks was unsuccessful. Count among the "Mikenian cuties", his Mother, his wife and the his three beautiful daughters, and one handsome son. It obviously passes through Mike from his Mom directly to his daughters. Therefore, the name "Fox" applies to them (as in the vernacular), but strangely not him. I even met his old High School sweetheart, she is another attractive lady associated with Mike. I didn't get an opportunity to ask her about her interest in him back then, but, I assume that he must have been an excellent conversationalist. Probably how he managed to grab his "Fox-y" wife too.

Roy finds the Red Stripe beer (Jamaican beer), and shares it with Ike.

In an attempt to come to terms with Mike's compromised looks, relative to his sister, I have enlisted the help of my daughter who is studying higher math, science, physics, and organic biology. She has informed me that these things take time to study. Further, she says to seek a DNA sample. After she said that I quickly determined that I really didn't want to know.

All joking aside now; Happy Birthday Mike, Pam, Surya and Brittany. Yes, I know I'm late. But, imagine how my daughter, Surya, feels. I'm late saying "Happy Birthday" to her late too and she lives in the same house.

Mike with a few of his gals.

Have a great week everyone!!