I know you are probably wondering what the heck does the Big Dog short-arm mean? Well let me take you down memory lane. The year was 2001 and the Big 3, as they were called, of the Milwaukee Bucks Ray Allen, Sam Cassell and Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson had just put together a 52-30 season record. They won impressive playoff series against the Orlando Magic and the Charlotte Hornets on their way to Milwaukee’s first Eastern Conference Finals since the 70’s.

It was a tough series against the Philadelphia 76ers lead by Allen Iverson (AI), a one man wrecking machine whose stature resembled more of horse jockey than a basketball player. AI had been dominant all year and carried that ability into the playoffs. Surely he couldn’t take out the powers of 3 elite scorers in the NBA, right?

This series would determine who would face the Los Angeles Lakers lead by Shaquille O’Neal in his prime and a young Kobe Bryant. That year the Bucks had the Lakers number. They had already swept the Lakers that year and the entire Western Conference. Milwaukee and it’s fans were confident they could make more than just noise in the Finals, if they could just get past that pestering AI and his big man Dikembe Mutumbo with his shot blocking and waging finger.

The Bucks held there own in this best-of-seven series and with the series tied 2-2 they went to Philadelphia with the hopes of stealing a victory. A win, would give the Bucks home-court advantage and a chance to win 1 of 2 games to seal a trip to the NBA Finals. Game 6 was to be played in Milwaukee and the Bucks to play for a trip to the Finals in front of their hometown raucous crowd.

That year the Bucks home court, the Bradley Center, was getting national publicity for its volume of noise. The crowd was so loud at times, it was a virtual sixth-man on the court. The energy in the building was electrifying and gave an extra boost to the home team.

In game 5 the Bucks played tough physical defense against the 76ers. The Bucks picked up a couple of flagrant fouls during the game, which would eventually lead to their demise in the series. However, this game was like a heavy weight fight with each time exchanging blows from sweet shots from outside the 3-point line by Ray Allen, to unbelievable cross-over moves and body contact in the paint by AI. Not long into the 4th quarter, it was understood, whoever had the ball last, would probably win.

The Bucks were down 1 in the waning seconds of the game, with possession of the ball. Big Dog had an open 5 to 7 foot look from the left side of the hoop, just outside the lane, but he “short armed” it. This means he didn’t put enough in to it and it barely hit the rim. Time expired and the Bucks lost. A tough way to lose and possibly a tough way to end the series if the Bucks could not win the next game at home.

The Bucks felt the pressure of series deciding game and went on to crush the 76ers in game 6 at the Bradley Center. However, Scott Williams picked up another flagrant foul that put him over a random limit imposed by the NBA. Keep in mind, at that point Scott Williams was a very important role player for the team. A very solid shot from the corner and a superb rebounder. Because of the additional flagrant foul, Scott Williams would be declared suspended from game-7, Ray Allen would hurt his knee in the 3rd quarter of game-7 and The Milwaukee Bucks lost the series.

So, right about now your asking, ok, what about the curse? Fair question. Since the game-5 Big Dog short arm, the Bucks were forced to play a game-7, which result in a knee injury to Ray Allen. The next season Ray Allen was still recovering from his injury when Glenn Robinson sustained an injury as well. Slowly the team started falling apart. The big 3 were often hurt, chemistry was gone and the Bucks missed the playoffs and dismantled the team.

First the Bucks traded Glenn Robinson, then Sam Cassell, then the organization dismissed Coach George Karl and then ultimately traded the hometown favorite Ray Allen to Seattle for Gary “The Glove” Payton’s expiring contract. Payton would spend a half-a-season in Milwaukee and then as a free-agent left the Bucks for greener pastures.

This was the end, the Bucks were making a statement, time to rebuild. So in 2 years, the Bucks went from a 5-foot open shot away from the NBA Finals, to a rebuilding project. Since that time the Bucks have been too often hurt, undermanned and especially under-coached. They have seen exceptional growth and individual performances from Michael Redd, but saw little defense or anything that resembled their former glory. Not only had the talent on the floor and on the bench diminished, but the passion from the city who once embraced the big 3 had disappeared. The belief in this proud organization was gone.

Slowly over the next decade the Bucks rebuilt and found themselves a tough defensive minded coach who gave them an identity. This was a team not of style and grace, but of shear determination and hard work. They drafted Andrew Bogut a 7-foot center, who could run the court, shoot a nice left-handed hook shot, take charges and play defense. He was a work in progress, but he had heart like his coach. Combined with a quality shooting guard in Michael Redd, perhaps there was hope.

The 2008-2009 season showed promise. The combination of Redd and Bogut was hopefully what the team needed. They traded a young player for a quality small forward named Richard Jefferson, who could also play tough defense. Could this be the year the team and their fans were waiting for? Unfortunately, Bogut struggled with lower back problems and Redd tore both his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee. Redd’s injury required surgery and missed the remainder of the season. Another season lost from injury and the Bucks traded Richard Jefferson away in order to save money and continue to rebuild the franchise.

The 2009-10 season would be a rebuilding year. Redd would be coming back from injury and would use the year to develop new talent. The Bucks used the 7th pick in the draft to acquire a lightening quick point guard Brandon Jennings who was only 19 years old and due to college ineligibility played the previous year in Italy with mixed results. The Bucks also picked up Carlos Delfino and brought back their own player from the European league to play some forward, Ersan Ilyasova. It was a mismatch of unproven and inexperienced players. To say the least, hopes were not high.

Surprisingly the Bucks, modeled after their tough minded coach, played hard-nosed defense, rebounded well and put together a great start to the season. The young brash point guard finished 1 rebound and 1 assist away from a triple-double in his very first NBA game. The 7th game of the season Brandon Jennings scored 55 points, the most by a rookie ever, beating out the great Oscar Robinson. With two games remaining in the season, it still ranks as the highest points scored by any player in the league this season. The Bucks looked good and more importantly for the fans, they were fun to watch again. They showed passion and desire, they hustled and they even had a little bit of swagger.

Redd was slowly managing to get back into shape but then he tore his left ACL again, the same knee from the previous year. Big Dog are you out there? However, this time, the team pull together and played even harder. The fans loved them. They were young, but they played hard, just like there coach. With trades and free-agent signings the Bucks were able to add Jerry Stackhouse and John Salmons. Savvy veterans who could score.

With there new found identity the Bucks were in the 5th playoff spot in the east, their center had morphed into a consistent double-double player who was dominating teams with his offensive skills and surprisingly developed into a shot blocker. Multiple times putting up 6 and 7 shots in a single game. Everything was looking up. Could this be for real?

However, Big Dog and his short arm curse were lurking. Saturday April 3, 2010, on a fast break Andrew Bogut fell awkwardly and effectively ended his season and all hopes of winning an NBA playoff series for his team. There is no doubt in my mind the team will play tough without him, but when you lose your best player, it’s hard to recover.

I wonder, how long will it be before the curse is lifted? What have we done to deserve it? Unlike the Bambino and the goat, we did not turn Big Dog away. With his many faults, we embraced him and gave him a home. Big Dog, Big Dog, Big Dog, had you just made that shot, maybe everything would’ve been ok. Maybe Ray Allen doesn’t get hurt in game 7, because there is no game-7. Maybe the following year the team keeps it together and goes back to the playoffs. Maybe, just maybe. Until then, just remember to keep your big dogs on a chain and definitely don’t give him the last second shot.

Figures, doesn’t it? No less than a week after my post about implementing a Federal Sales Tax and the VAT is all over the news. I (and when I say I, I really mean White Boy T) want to clarify that when I suggested the implementation of a Federal Sales Tax, that was not to be above-and-beyond our existing Federal Income Tax. In fact, if you go back and read the post White Boy, you will see that I explicitly call for the abolishment of the Federal Income Tax first and then of all Payroll Taxes second.

The VAT on top of the existing tax codes will just further exacerbate and already raped society. How much more can we give to the governement as they continue to overspend? I have a great idea, why doesn’t the government try to learn to properly manage their existing budget, before collecting more funds. As all of us who actually have bank accounts and live in the “real world” can attest, more money doesn’t always make things better. If you can’t budget $10, chances are you can’t budget $100.

With the recent passage of the healthcare bill and the expected heavy cost to the tax payers, I thought I would take this opportunity to offer up my opinions of how to best pay for this monstrosity. First, let me segue into saying, since these policies are not going to be implemented for another 4 years, wouldn’t it have made since to take our time and get things right the first time around? Anyways, on ward with my advice I would give to the man if I was ever asked. So with that, let’s move on with Skubz’ 5 Steps To A Better Government.

Step One, to stop the incestuous relationships and inherit evil that exists in Washington, I would implement term limits for every elected official. No more lifetime congressman.

Step Two, because someone will most likely complain that Step One will change nothing, since it’s really the special interests that run Washington, I would implement true campaign reform. Unlike the McCain/Feingold charade that only gave more power to special interests, this measure would eliminate all private funding. Instead, every qualified candidate would be given public funding to run for office. Yes, I know, lots of fraud would be possible, but something has to be done. Currently we only hear from 3 or maybe even 4 Presidential candidates in a given election. Much to my surprise, when I went to the polls, there were 6 people on the ballot. There should be equal voice given to all and the best ideas and representatives should move forward, regardless of their financial standing in society. Could you imagine your local postman running for President? Um…..wait, maybe not…no offense to my brother Mike, I might actually vote for him.

You are probably saying right about now, great more tax payers dollars going out and not coming in. Don’t we want less government, not more? Yes, yes, we are getting to that my friend, you just have to be patient. So on to the financial portion of this rant.

Step Three, eliminate the Federal income tax. That’s right, I said it, eliminate it! It’s antiquated and inefficient anyways. I suggest we implement a Federal Sales Tax. I know some of you are screaming at the top of your lungs at this one, but hold on, hear me out please. A Federal Sales Tax would equally tax everyone who uses the system regardless of their status in society. Rich, middle-class and poor according to what they can afford, since you don’t pay taxes unless you are purchasing something. You will also be taxing every illegal citizen and tourist who visits this fine country. This part is very important, so I’m going to repeat it for those likely to tune out new ideas they think are asinine. This system would be taxing every illegal citizen and tourist drastically increasing the taxing portion of society and reducing the burden on each individual. In other words, we can tax each person less, since more are paying into it, get it?

Now, I am going to stop hear for a second to take a breath and just say, I realize the Federal Sales Tax concept would just open up a huge black market for all kinds of goods and services that would allow people to bypass taxes altogether. I understand that, but it’s time for a change. Eliminating the Federal Income Tax would greatly reduce the size of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and would further save more money for the government.

Step Four, after some time, once the Federal Sales Tax is operating smoothly (yeah right) and the economy has rebounded from the sudden loss of so many government sector jobs, and the left is no longer screaming about the disenfranchised being taxed while the wealthy are getting off cheap and the right are no longer complaining about how they can’t bypass taxes with special loopholes anymore, we eliminate the Federal Payroll Tax, Inheritance Taxes and Interest Taxes. Everything that hinders this once great economy and it’s citizens from truly controlling their own financial destiny.

The elimination of the Federal Payroll Tax will encourage further job growth and may even stop jobs from being sent overseas. If a companies tax burden is transferred to the consumer, it will foster true growth in the economy. Of course, with the elimination of so many additional avenues of federal tax dollars, the Federal Sales Tax would have to be increased, but only incrementally, since again, the tax base is much larger.

Step Five, a measure would be put into place that would require a nation-wide referendum, a majority vote required of all citizens, similar to any local government, to allow for any increase in the Federal Sales Tax. This measure is very important, since we don’t want a Federal Sales Tax approaching 20-30%. Regardless of the percent the price of goods will seem step for awhile, however, like any thing worth doing, there will be some adjustment period, but in the end, the power will truly be back in the hands of the people where it belongs.

Of course I see lot’s of potential issues, even outside the aforementioned black market issue. Foremost (and I am going to make a lot of enemies on this one) online sales. In the new system, if online sales continue to not be taxed, it would just open up a large market to bypass the Federal Sales Tax. In my opinion, this loophole will be changing soon anyways. As commerce continues to become more web-driven, states will not continue to put up with a loss in revenue. However an additional issue would be any purchase coming from overseas, such as manufacturing, it will have to be Federally taxed, but this should be offset for companies by the elimination of the Federal Payroll Tax. Besides, if we are truly going to make this thing work, we are all going to have to get used of some changes, but isn’t it worth it in the end?

So that’s it. That’s my plan to overhaul our existing government and it’s messed up financial policies. The wealthy, since they generally spend more, will still be paying the largest portion of the tax bill, but we will no longer be burdened by a system that double and triple taxes its citizens. By taxing at the source of commerce, everyone pays and since everyone truly pays, we all pay less. It’s more efficient in the end, should generate more cash and be less of a burden on society. It might even allow the government to get out of debt one day…..nah, they’ll just think of new ways to spend more money.

I thought that point of view made for interesting conversation.

Blogging or writing in general is really interesting, because it seems to evoke a lot of emotion from those who are reading. If I enable the comments I am sure I will have to develop thicker skin, since most responses will probably make sure I understand how pathetic they think I am. One thing is good, I am opioniated, so I should be able to come up with some good contrevsial topics that will elicit some responses from readers.

Thanks for checking out the first blog and please make sure to come on back.

On the music front, I am currently working on putting together enough money to go back into the studio. The plan this time around is to record 2-3 songs at a time and place them on this site for free downloading. I would like to add a clause to the site, asking those who download the song to share it with at least one person. I mean the goal is really to get as many people as possible to hear your music. You never know who is going to like a song and like any sales, the more people who hear the song, the better chances of finding those who like it.

Within the next couple of months we practiced and then split up. I began work on Lorna Bracewell’s songs for a big show at Ruth Eckerd Hall in November and Lexi got ready for deployment to Iraq (she is in the Reserves). Ruth Eckerd is an exceptional venue, which is the kind of place people come dressed up a bit, to attend. The show was in November, it went really well and the band was great. Lorna ended up getting an exceptional drummer Hiram Garazo, Anthony Landi on the keyboards (you can hear him on my disc - check out Luvin’ Man) and Jody Grey the sound engineer/bassist/drummer on my disc Freedom. We put in a lot of practice time and had one show to let loose. It was great!

Currently I’m working on my own music again, while trying to retain my knowledge of Lorna’s music. Lorna has booked us a couple of gigs, one at Pro Star Studios (where my CD release party was held) and one at Vinoy Park, which is a beautiful spot in downtown St. Petersburg overlooking the water (Tampa Bay). I think we are all pretty excited about this show. Vinoy is where they hold the medium sized music festivals in St. Pete. Blues fests (Buddy Guy, Johnny Lang, etc.), Reggae Fests and The Vans Warped Tour have all been held at this same location. We will be playing right before the Headlining act at a Woman’s Music Festival. It should be a lot of fun.

I also hope to get back in the studio soon, to start my new disc. I still have so many more songs to choose from. I’m really hoping this time to capture more of my live raw vocals, rather than what I heard on this last disc. People who have been listening to me play for years, have told me that the edge is missing, I hope I can fix that this time around. It’s one thing to play, sing/write in the comfort of your own living room feeling every bit of what you are singing, it’s a whole other animal to step into an isolated vocal booth with no guitar in hand singing along to your previously recorded tracks coming through headphones.

I have a stack of cash that is set aside for a brand new Acoustic guitar, I am so totally psyched. I have been playing the same pressed-wood cheapo for the last 14 years. It has served me well, but it has a nasty little buzz to it and it’s time to step-up to the real deal. Before my vacation I had been spending quite a bit of time at the local music shops, usually in their “vaults”. For those that don’t know, those are the rooms that have the locked cabinets. When you have to ask a salesman to unlock a cabinet so you can play the guitar, you know it’s worth some cash. I’m currently hemming-n-hawing between a solid-spruce top Taylor with mahogany back and sides, a Martin with the same qualities, or a used over-priced Gibson. The Martin and Taylor sound so totally different. They are so unique in their sounds that I really could “use” both. The Taylor I really want, is quite a bit more expensive than the Martin, but it melts in my hands whenever I play it. I like the way open chords and jazz chords sound, just trying to determine if the sound gets dirty enough for me when needed. The Martin has a very deep-rich sound and fits rock very well, just not sure it’s flexible enough. The Gibson I really like, but find that my finger is constantly slipping off the fret board when fingering the high E string. I guess I’m not too keen on laying out the cash for an instrument that won’t fit the way I play, even if it does sound really nice. What to do, what to do? I’ll will probably continue to bother the sales people at my local music shops over the course of the next couple of weeks until I finally decide to purchase one. Regardless of which way I go, one thing is for sure, my guitar will cost more than my car. I think I have arrived at some sort of musician apex when that occurs.

Over the past 6 months or so I have been recording my first studio cd project. I am going electric on this cd and have been frustrated with the outcome so far. I had not been able to put a finger on the frustration until my little vacation break. While speaking to a friend about the issue, it came to me. Because I usually play acoustically, I don’t have a defined “electric sound”. At least not yet. I believe I have an acoustic “voice” if you will, but not a defined destortation and vocal layering. This has lead to lots of expermenting in the studio. Now expermenting is fun, but when you are flippin’ the bill, it definitely is not cheap. So here’s to the new year 2007 and finding the Skubz “sound”.