Igniting 8-0 Orlando Magic & The 2010 NBA Playoffs/Finals Picture

I am impressed of the Orlando Magic's performance in this season's NBA PLAYOFFS. So far, they are a solid 8-0 eliminating the other East division teams - the Charlotte Bobcats and the Atlanta Hawks from advancing further. So what's next for the Blue and White? Its the gang in green: The Boston Celtics. They are no strangers to the Finals mix like the opponents that they've just taken out - The Cleveland Cavaliers. The Magic, Cavaliers and Celtics always wound up facing each other to go against the West's possible and only threat: The Los Angeles Lakers. I don't see the Suns having the potential to be making it to the Finals although they have pulled off a great series against another West rival, the San Antonio Spurs. I think the Lakers will make it without a problem. They had some trouble earlier with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but seeked redemption with a sweep over the Utah Jazz easily going to the next round - the Western Conference Finals ... I think the Orlando Magic are a better team than last season. The loss over the Lakers brings forth renewed confidence and strength for Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson who sat down while the other team celebrated on the Magic's own floor. I can sense the sequel happening all over again and I think that the Magic could possibly win it all if they keep up the 8-0 streak as well as believing in themselves (seeing how they got this far already). They've had stellar success against the Lakers in the regular season games. But as we all know, the playoffs and finals bring forth new light to any team out there. First things first. The Magic will have to face the Boston Celtics. It's gonna be tough. It's gonna be nasty. It's not gonna be a pretty picture either. And I've seen it with my own two eyes, as well. The Celtics are no joke. They are a legitimate threat. They killed the Magic in a game that me (a Magic fan) and my brother (a Celtics fan) went to check out in the O-rena. The Celtics drained 3s and jumpshots from all over in which it was too much for the Magic. Here's hoping to a memorable series with these two teams one of which will possibly face the Los Angeles Lakers (not the Phoenix Suns) in the 2010 Finals.

To be really patriotic is to go across the U.S.A.

It's been well over a decade now and I never imagined how far I have gotten to in visiting parts of the U.S.A, as well as becoming in resident in already two cities - Orlando, FL and Joliet, IL. It's an amazing feat, for sure, but I know I have long ways to go trekking myself across this wonderful land of ours. I've seen Times Square and Manhattan in New York, the great buildings including the Willis Tower in Chicago, the western part of VA (via west route 58) in Danville, the beaches of Ocean City, MD, the Disney and Universal parks in Orlando, FL, and the Chicago Speedway here in Joliet. If I had a map right now, I'll start thumbtacking where I've been and where I want to go next. I think California, Oregon, Arizona, and Washington would be the fitting conclusion to end the journey. Regarding the east coast, most of it has been completed in well over 10-12 years time. I've driven from Virginia Beach, VA to NYC and then Orlando, FL to Virginia Beach,VA. Pretty much the whole eastern seaboard. One thing's missing however. I would like to visit Boston, MA. That would be awesome .... But it's not just about the spots one visits. It gives the American citizen the expanded, in-depth, and unique perspectives of what makes this country great standing strong to the test of time. Wherever one goes, it's America - from north to south and east to west. People may seem different from the lifestyle that we are accustomed to living all our lives, but they are no different from you or I. We are all part of a United America. To be really patriotic for your country it to go across the U.S.A. seeing your fellow American counterparts from all over and having that full appreciation during and when the journey has reached its climactic end. And this is when you'll get that wholesomeness to the red, white and blue flag that stands before you and the men and women that put their lives for it, for us.