The Big Joke P.S.

Tonight on CBS, "The Late Late Show With Craig Kilborn" welcomes Vin Diesel!

Somehow, I suspect he'll remember to show up!

Goodbye, Chick.

I poke fun at the Lakers, since they are the home team around here and since they have a mountain as a Center, who apparently never fouls anyone.

But the Lakers and I have a little something in common. In case you hadn't noticed, there are no Lakes in the greater Los Angeles area. No, the Lakers were from Minneapolis and moved here. In a way, that's my story as well, though I came via Carmel, Bethel, Connecticut and New York City.

I can't claim to have listened to Laker games growing up (they were already in LA by that time), but in these parts, there was a standard, a reason people tuned in to hear the game. His name was Chick Hearn.

Chick was the voice of the Lakers for nearly 4000 games, and invented a lot of the phrases you think of when you hear an announcer calling a game.

The term, "boo birds" was a "Chickism" for fans that boo a player that doesn't do well.
"No harm, no foul" was Chick's.
"Give and go" for a pass play and a quick cut to the basket. Total Chick.
"Throws a brick" for a bad foul shot... Shaquille heard that one a lot.
"Mustard came off the hot dog" for a spectacular play that didn't work.

Chick Hearn died this morning. It is a great loss not only to the Laker family, but to the NBA family and to Sports. One of the greatest voices in broadcasting, ever. Chick Hearn.

Revenge!

I hope you enjoyed my sticking it to vin_diesel via Five Questions as much as I did!!!

God, that was satisfying.