More Fantastic-ness

Check Opposum and Mole geting down with their celebration dances. Can't get enough of this:

Fantastic. Absolutely Fantastic

First of all, an extra special thank you to Jah for making Fantastic Mr. Fox even more Fantastic!

Second, Fantastic Mr. Fox is my favorite movie of the year so far, no question. Wes Anderson's quirky creativity blew my mind away and I'm pretty sure I will watch this movie again soon enough to catch things I missed the first time

Third, this:


("Sometimes I feel like you don't understand what I'm saying...")

Why so serious? Have a joke!

Funny sh*t (pun unintended):

2009 (not 2012) part III

(Two friends: Big Bear [left] and Big Bird [right])

A true personal story about Jah (real names have been altered to protect the innocent)

Big Bird:
Imagine how it would be like if the world ended in the same way as in 2012? We would be so scared man

Big Bear:
No man, because as we fall toward the center of the earth Jah would appear and save us

Big Bird:
Jah???

Big Bear:
Jah man! He's like a god. They always mention him in Reggae songs. He would appear out of the earth and talk to us: "You have been so loyal to me. I will take you to paradise where each of you will have whatever you want, including 12 virgins."

Big Bird:
12 virgins eh? cool...

Big Bear:
Jah, 12 virgins. You can have whatever you want. I would have black, Asian, blonde, a Joan. But I would ask Jah: "Jah, could I ask you for a favour? Could I have 13 virgins? Only because she makes good food, could I have W***y from M*******a? For when I want to 'thank' her for the good food"

Little Bear:
Joanie. I like redheads hehehe



(Above: A third friend, Little Bear)


(Another friend, and honorary Banana brother, Mr. Shrek aka Shreky [right] with one of his Korean female friends. Don't eat her Shreky!)

2009 (not 2012) part II

PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENT: This blog does not promote the use of cannabis in any way, shape or form. Cannabis is an illegal substance in many jurisdictions, considered harmful, and frequent use may lead to addiction and dependence. Please confirm with local law enforcement and your health professional before consuming Cannabis. Minors, please ask your parents before attempting to consume cannabis.


(A album cover for the one and only Mr. Bob Marley, showing him spiritually consuming what seems to be a spliff)

Courtesy of Wikipedia (more info after jump):

"Religious and spiritual use of cannabis

. . .

This article is about cannabis used in a religious or spiritual context.

Cannabis has an ancient history of ritual usage as an aid to trance and has been traditionally used in a religious context throughout the Old World. Herodotus wrote about early ceremonial practices by the Scythians, which are thought to have occurred from the 5th to 2nd century BCE. Itinerant sadhus have used it in India for centuries, and in modern times it has been embraced by the Rastafari movement. Anthropologist Sula Benet claimed historical evidence and etymological comparison show that the Holy anointing oil used by the Hebrews contained cannabis extracts, "kaneh bosm" (קְנֵה-בֹשֶׂם), and that it is also listed as an incense tree in the original Hebrew and Aramaic texts of the Old Testament. Early Christians used cannabis oil for medicinal purposes and as part of the baptismal process to confirm the forgiveness of sins and "right of passage" into the Kingdom of Heaven.^{[citation needed]} The Unction, Seal, laying on of hands, the Counselor, and the Holy Spirit are all often synonymous of the Holy anointing oil.^[1] Early Gnostic texts indicate that the Chrism is essential to becoming a "Christian".^[2][3] Some Muslims of the Sufi order have used cannabis as a tool for spiritual exploration.

. . .

Rastafari use

Members of the Rastafari movement use cannabis as a part of their worshiping of God, Bible study and Meditation. The movement was founded in Jamaica in the 1930s and while it is not known when Rastafarians first made cannabis into something sacred it is clear that by the late 1940s Rastafari was associated with cannabis smoking at the Pinnacle community of Leonard Howell. Rastafari see cannabis as a sacramental and deeply beneficial plant that is the Tree of Life mentioned in the Bible. Bob Marley, amongst many others, said, "the herb ganja is the healing of the nations." The use of cannabis, and particularly of large pipes called chalices, is an integral part of what Rastafari call "reasoning sessions" where members join together to discuss life according to the Rasta perspective. They see cannabis as having the capacity to allow the user to penetrate the truth of how things are much more clearly, as if the wool had been pulled from one's eyes. Thus the Rastafari come together to smoke cannabis in order to discuss the truth with each other, reasoning it all out little by little through many sessions. They see the use of this plant as bringing them closer to nature. In these ways Rastafari believe that cannabis brings the user closer to Jah, Haile Selassie I, and pipes of cannabis are always dedicated to His Imperial Majesty before being smoked [my emphasis]. While it is not necessary to use cannabis to be a Rastafari, some feel that they must use it regularly as a part of their faith. "The herb is the key to new understanding of the self, the universe, and God [my emphasis]. It is the vehicle to cosmic consciousness" according to Rastafari philosophy,^[29] and is believed to burn the corruption out of the human heart. Rubbing the ashes from smoked cannabis is also considered a healthy practice^[30]."

2009 (not 2012)

(Haile Selassie I, the incarnation of Jah)


(The flag of Ethiopia with the Lion symbol representing Jah)

Courtesy of Wikipedia (more info after jump):

"The Rastafari movement is a monotheistic, Abrahamic, new religious movement^[1] that contends that Haile Selassie I, the former, and final, Emperor of Ethiopia, is the incarnation of God, called Jah^[2] or Jah Rastafari.

The movement encompasses themes such as the spiritual use of cannabis, colloquially known as marijuana^[3][4], and the rejection of western society (called Babylon, in reference more to the metaphoric Babylon of Christianity than to the historical Mesopotamian city-state). It is also based on various Afrocentric social and political aspirations,^[3][5] such as the sociopolitical views and teachings of Jamaican publicist, organizer, and black nationalist Marcus Garvey (also often regarded as a prophet). Haile Selassie was in favor of a Westernized Ethiopia, introducing the first hospital and airport to his people. The Rastafari movement predominantly emerged in Jamaica in the 20th century, and it proclaims Africa (also "Zion") as the original place where the body of the first man was found.

The name Rastafari is a portmanteau of "Ras" (literally "Head," an Ethiopian title equivalent to Duke and which was the pre-regnal title of Haile Selassie), and the first name of Selassie's pre-regnal given name, Tafari Makonnen. The movement is commonly referred to as "Rastafarianism", but this term is considered derogatory and offensive by some Rastas.^[6]

. . .

God

Rastafari are monotheists, worshipping a singular God whom they call Jah. Rastas see Jah as being in the form of the Holy Trinity, that is, God being the God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Rastas say that Jah, in the form of the Holy Spirit (incarnate), lives within the human, and for this reason they often refer to themselves as "I and I". Furthermore, "I and I" is used instead of "We", and is used in this way to emphasise the equality between all people, in the recognition that the Holy Spirit within us all makes us essentially one and the same.

Some Rastas accept the Christian doctrine that God incarnated onto the Earth in the form of Jesus Christ, to give his teachings to humanity. However, they often feel his teachings were corrupted by Babylon. Many Rastas^[who?], in accordance with their assertion that "word, sound is power", also object specifically to the English pronunciation of his name (/dʒi:zəs/) as impure, preferring instead to use the forms in Hebrew (Yeshu) or Amharic ('Iyesus).

. . .

Zion vs. Babylon

Rastas assert that Zion (i.e., Africa, especially Ethiopia) is a land that Jah promised to them. To achieve this, they reject modern western society, calling it "Babylon", which they see as entirely corrupt.^[3][5][9] "Babylon" is considered to have been in rebellion against "Earth's Rightful Ruler" (Jah) ever since the days of the Biblical king Nimrod.

Some Rastas claim themselves to represent the real Children of Israel or children of god, (this point of view may have been spawned from the belief by some Jewish scholars that Ethiopia was populated at some stage by one of the "lost" tribes of Israel; modern credence is given to this view with the acknowledgement of the Beta Israel by the Israeli government. Another historical viewpoint which seeks to validate this link between Ethiopia, Israel and the Rastafari belief system can be found under the Lion of Judah and their goal is to repatriate to Africa, or to Zion. (Rasta reggae is peppered with references to Zion; among the best-known examples are the Bob Marley songs '"Zion Train" and "Iron Lion Zion".)

Paradise

Many Rastafari are physical immortalists who maintain that the chosen few will continue to live forever in their current bodies. This is commonly called "Everliving" life, particularly in the context of "Life Everliving with Jah" as king and Amharic the official language. This replaces the term "everlasting", as "last" in "everlasting" implies an end (as in the term "at last"), whereas Rastas say their life will never have an end.

. . .

Diet

Main article: Ital

Many Rastas eat limited types of meat in accordance with the dietary Laws of the Old Testament; they do not eat shellfish or pork. Others abstain from all meat and flesh whatsoever, asserting that to touch meat is to touch death, and is therefore a violation of the Nazirite vow. (A few make a special exception allowing fish, while abstaining from all other forms of flesh.) However, the prohibition against meat only applies to those who are currently fulfilling a Nazirite vow ("Dreadlocks Priesthood"), for the duration of the vow. Many Rastafari maintain a vegan or vegetarian diet all of the time. Food approved for Rastfari is called ital. The purpose of fasting (abstaining from meat and dairy) is to cleanse the body in accordance to serving in the presence of the "Ark of the Covenent".

Usage of alcohol is also generally deemed unhealthy to the Rastafari way of life, partly because it is seen as a tool of Babylon to confuse people, and partly because placing something that is pickled and fermented within oneself is felt to be much like turning the body (the Temple) into a "cemetery".

In consequence, a rich alternative cuisine has developed in association with Rastafari tenets, eschewing most synthetic additives, and preferring more natural vegetables and fruits such as coconut and mango. This cuisine can be found throughout the Caribbean and in some restaurants throughout the western world.

Some of the Houses (or "Mansions" as they have come to be known) of the Rastafari culture, such as the Twelve Tribes of Israel, do not specify diet beyond that which, to quote Christ in the New Testament, "Is not what goes into a man's mouth that defile him, but what come out of it". Wine is seen as a "mocker" and strong drink is "raging"; however, simple consumption of beer or the very common "Roots Wine" are not systematically a part of Rastafari culture this way or that. Separating from Jamaican culture, different interpretations on the role of food and drink within the religion remains up for debate. At official state banquets Haile Selassie would encourage guests to "eat and drink in your own way".

Ganja

Cannabis

See also: Spiritual use of cannabis

For Rastas, smoking cannabis, usually known as "herb", "weed", "sinsemilla" (spanish for "without seeds") or "ganja" (from the Sanskrit word, "Ganjika", created by the Hindus of India), is a spiritual act, often accompanied by Bible study; they consider it a sacrament that cleans the body and mind, heals the soul, exalts the consciousness, facilitates peacefulness, brings pleasure, and brings them closer to Jah. The burning of the herb is often said to be essential "for it will sting in the hearts of those that promote and perform evil and wrongs." By the 8th century, cannabis had been introduced by Arab traders to Central and Southern Africa, where it is known as "dagga"^[12] and many Rastas say it is a part of their African culture that they are reclaiming.^[13] It is sometimes also referred to as "the healing of the nation", a phraseology adapted from Revelation 22:2.^[14]

The migration of many thousands of Hindus from India to the Caribbean in the 20th century may have brought this culture to Jamaica. Many academics point to Indo-Caribbean origins for the ganjah sacrament resulting from the importation of Indian migrant workers in a post-abolition Jamaican landscape. "Large scale use of ganjah in Jamaica... dated from the importation of indentured Indians..."(Campbell 110). Dreadlocked mystics, often ascetic, known as sadhus, have smoked cannabis in India for centuries.^[15]

According to many Rastas, the illegality of cannabis in many nations is evidence that persecution of Rastafari is a reality. They are not surprised that it is illegal, seeing it as a powerful substance that opens people's minds to the truth — something the Babylon system, they reason, clearly does not want.^[16] They contrast their herb to alcohol and other drugs, which they feel destroy the mind.^[17]

They hold that the smoking of cannabis enjoys Biblical sanction, and is an aid to meditation and religious observance. Among Biblical verses Rastas quote as justifying the use of cannabis:

• Genesis 1:11 "And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so."
• Genesis 1:29 "And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb-bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat."
• Genesis 3:18 "... thou shalt eat the herb of the field."
• Proverbs 15:17 "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith."[2]
• Psalms 104:14 "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man."
• Revalation 22:2 " the river of life proceeded to flow from the throne of God, and on either side of the bank there was the tree of life, and the leaf from that tree is for the healing of the nations"

According to some Rastafari^[18] and other scholars, the etymology of the word "cannabis" and similar terms in all the languages of the Near East may be traced to the Hebrew "qaneh bosm" קנה-בשם, which is one of the herbs God commanded Moses to include in his preparation of sacred anointing perfume in Exodus 30:23; the Hebrew term also appears in Isaiah 43:24; Jeremiah 6:20; Ezekiel 27:19; and Song of Songs 4:14. Deuterocanonical and canonical references to the patriarchs Adam, Noah, Abraham and Moses "burning incense before the Lord" are also applied, and many Rastas today refer to cannabis by the term "ishence" — a slightly changed form of the English word "incense". It is also said that cannabis was the first plant to grow on King Solomon's grave.

In 1998, then-Attorney General of the United States Janet Reno, gave a legal opinion that Rastafari do not have the religious right to smoke ganjah in violation of the United States' drug laws. The position is the same in the United Kingdom, where, in the Court of Appeal case of R. v. Taylor [2002] 1 Cr. App. R. 37, it was held that the UK's prohibition on cannabis use did not contravene the right to freedom of religion conferred under the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

On January 2, 1991, at an international airport in his homeland of Guam, Ras Iyah Ben Makahna (Benny Guerrero) was arrested for possession and importation of marijuana and seeds. He was charged with importation of a controlled substance. The case was heard by the US 9th Circuit Court November 2001, and in May 2002 the court had decided that the practice of Rastafari sanctions the smoking of marijuana, but nowhere does the religion sanction the importation of marijuana. Guerrero's lawyer Graham Boyd pointed out the court's ruling was "equivalent to saying wine is a necessary sacrament for some Christians but you have to grow your own grapes."^[19]

In July 2008, however, the Italian Supreme Court ruled that Rastafari may be allowed to possess greater amounts of cannabis legally, owing to its use by them as a sacrament.^[20][21]

Symbols

The Lion

The Lion is a symbol of Haile Selassie. Jesus Christ is described as "the lion of Judah" in the Bible, and for this reason, Haile Selassie is seen as the reincarnation of Jesus, however, in the Nyabinghi order and the Bobo Shanti sub-division The Lion of Judah is seen as a symbol of God or Jah, therefore Haile Selassie I is seen as God or Jah."

Ding Ding! Tonight! Pac v. Cotto

This was Pacman's last fight (Ouch). Tonight Manny will square off against Cotto for a possible 7 titles in 7 weight categories! Mayweather Jr., you next son! I'm not Filipino, but got to love the fact that a tiny dude from Asia is dominating the boxing world right now

If I didn't say it already, NBA IS BACK!!!

nuff said...NBA is back and in effect

Reason #8 why being a man is so good

If you ever needed one (or two. or three) reason for living:

(SWEET (sweet sweet) SULEIKA courtesy of Kanye's Blog)

N-B-A IS BAAAAAAACCCKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!

Jose Barrea currently has 11 points and 2 victors (that's dimes vlad, yes, assists, stocktons, CP3s, victors). For all of the haters, HE HEARD YA!

It's been a long time coming but the NBA is back in effect. Season 09-10 ready for takeoff!!!!!!!

This is how the NBA is back:




AAAAARRRRGGGGGGHHHH! MONSTER!!

Sorry Shimrit, I think you just got overthrown

God Bless the Commonwealth. If this is what Imperialism is all about then by all means conquer me! British model Tanya Robinson doing her thing on a very lucky white couch

Shimrit As Part II: I don't believe in repeating myself, but I just had to - DAAAAAAAAMN!

Can you believe this is Magic in the photo?? That's why he WAS one of the greatest and pimpest

Grammy Family = Hakka Family

Just feeling this song right now (sorry, copyright police preventing me from embedding this video here but trust me the video is pretty sweet x willy). Here's the song sans the video:

Opener for Hova Oct 16, 09' @ GM Place

I know we got a lot of Kid Cudi fans following me here - and justifiably so, check Solo Dolo's first studio album - but if you're going to take a break from the "Man on the Moon," check Hov's first signee J. Cole:



With lyricists like Asher Roth, Kid Cudi, and J. Cole coming onto the scene is hiphop finally back???

Fish of the Day

I know it's been a while since I blogged for y'all and myself, so I need to do this (Shimrit As via Kanye West Blog):




Aaaaahhhhhhhhh..........

Requiem for a weekend

I only put up this demotivational poster because it is something that sticks out from my past Saturday. When did this become a term? Youtube "fail" and I'm sure you'll get some crazy clips. Enjoy. On a different note I saw Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and it blew me away in terms of what I expected (nada) and I am now of the conclusion that this year has been a particularly strong one for computer-animated flicks (see 9, Up, D9, and Coraline). Can't wait till they make a cartoon about this legend. Wait, aren't there rumours about a Yogi Bear animated feature around the corner?

DJ Premiere Moisson

(going to the cakes, not the mattresses)

(if blueberries could talk they would be screaming right now)

(I could spend all day long here)

(decisions, decisions...)

(breakfast of champions)

If the French know one thing, it's their damn pastries. These savored moments brought to you by "bananas" and one of the finest bakeries in Montreal, Premiere Moisson

cher chez la Johan

Bonjour mes amis

(where young Johan's dreams come true for ten dollars a dance)

One week in Montreal and this is truly BaNanA city in every possible way, from the foods to the activities to the womens. Montreal is full of life and culture, and right now I'm staying with miss Bird and her place is smack middle in downtown Montreal so we're a stone's throw away from everything (or at least an hour walk). I haven't even truly experienced much yet but the sights and sounds so far have been more than enough to make my time here something out of a Hunter S. Thompson novella. Little Bear has arrived in town and although Big Bear is holding down the Hakka fort back home we miss his presence. It's hard to find someone big enough to fill his presence (guess who's who). Until next time we'll try to keep it clean and safe



(My new Montreal friends Schwartz, Boustan and Ben and Jerry)

Fret not loyal followers, I'm still here!

Ok, I was MIA for a sec, kind of got lazy with the blogging but I also had a bunch of stuff to take care of for school which always hampers anything to do with the rest of my life.

Boy, got a lot of stuff to blog about but most of it you can read about on the respective blogs of Little Bear and VZ. Since the last time I posted I've been to LV - where I took in some 35+ degree weather, family fun, guns, and one crazy bet for all of one man's marbles -; I was a grooms man at a wedding - one which I was not completely sober for from start to finish -; I saw Bruno - "Stevie Wunderbar?" -; and I spent a day at Granville island under the influence of bananas and lots of cake - pigeons have deadly aim and I ain't ever taking The Number 14 bus. All in all, I can still remember my name, so all good.

Going to go enjoy the annual Dolphin Park Tourney Dunk Comp (which should be renamed the A.C. dunk comp. R.I.P. bro) and final later. The Dolphin tourney is always a bittersweet moment for me because it's a lot of good ball and sightseeing, but once it's over I know we've passed the halfway mark of summer and it's winding down. Unfortunately, summers are always too short here where I and the Hakka gang live.

For the curious, here are some sights from the past month:


(Keep this man away from your children folks)



("VESSSIDE!")



("Who's this action hero?")



("I swear, it felt this big!")



(The sexiest man in the world................NOOOOT!)



("Wunderbar!")


(watch out for the pigeons here. they got serious aim.)

Horrible song, GREAT video!

Not really much to say except press the mute button and enjoy the show (is it a surprise that Kanye directed this vid?):



This is kind of like a Johan Blaze dream sans the bodily fluids

What's spinnin' on Big Bird's iPod

Just discovered this artist. Really feeling it. On that real old old school tip, even down to the vinyl sound. Big Bird kind of music. Say hello to Mayer Hawthorne:



I feel like joining a barbershop quartet everytime I listen to this

Will I be going to T-Dot next season to catch a few Raptors games?

YES!

Mildly excited (nothing is set in stone until Hedo signs and we actually see this potential unit in action) and now I have another good excuse to visit my relatives in the big TO, in other words the potential starting 5 for the Raptors:

1. Calderon
2. DeRozan
3. Turkeyglue
4. Bosh
5. Bargnani

I like the international flavor to it-DeRozan might as well be Spanish/Filipino with that surname. Colangelo doin' work as usual, moving the chess pieces into the right spots. Still, Toronto is either a great bench or one solid superstarish player (preferably in the sg position) away from being regulars on ABC in June. Bosh will remain a second-tier superstar. Bargnani maybe, but I think he has still to prove he can be a consistent performer before I am going to consider him as a game changer. Calderon brings a Stockton presence at best. DeRozan? If all the hype is true (I haven't seen a game with him yet) we might have a star in the making. I think this potential Raps team will be fun to watch in a year or so, maybe even by mid season. Turk will be a nice addition, the anti-Marion in all the right ways. Did he come for the money? Heard on the radio today that it had more to do with lifestyle, his wifey wasn't feeling the twin peaks style living in Portland and the fact that it's another 5 hours on a plane to Turkey. Of course, Toronto is forking up another 5+ mill more than the city of roses for Turk's services, buuuuuuuuuuuuuut money ain't a thang right? right?

Obama and his hoops jones

(Prez O is a lefty??? Maybe there's hope for Eric after all)

Not necessarily the best written article (it's ESPN, I shouldn't be surprised) but nevertheless offers a cool insight to Obama's love for the orange pill and how it's affecting the political epicentre of the world. This is why he's the greatest world leader. Ever. And am I biased because I'm a hoop head myself? Yes. But if the President of the US plays it, then it must be the best game in the world

Signs that the economy must be picking up

Yes, only because I am willing to spend 13,000 Washingtons on a 6'8" bobble head. One championship "on his own" and they begin pushing this on people??? One question, does it come with an authentic game-worn jockstrap too? I don't even want to imagine what they'll start selling in his likeness if he wins another 3 chips...

In other interesting Kobe paraphernalia news, Nike recently released a special edition Zoom Kobe IV's to commemorate Kobe's entry into the league when he was drafted by the Hornets on June 26, 1996. The shoe comes in Hornet colours and even has the draft date stitched on the back. EXCEPT Nike messed up and put June 11, 1996 instead of the proper date, which is the 26th, not 11th (peep the second pic below). How Nike fudged the draft date of arguably its premier athlete/spokesman is beyond me (remember, this went all the way from the Nike headquarter drawing board to the sweatshop in China without anyone stopping its production). Maybe it's some conspiracy, with the numbers 6-11-96 having some sort of greater meaning. Or maybe someone at Nike has a really twisted sense of humour. Nike will begin putting out the "right date" IV's (see third pic below) once the "wrong date" stock has been sold out. I think the wrong dates are neat and, as in the past when there have been aesthetic mistakes on mass-produced kicks, these will probably become a collector's item and worth a gazillion dollars


(And for another $5,000 they will throw in a Vanessa Bryant blow-up doll)


(I got a feeling the Nike basketball department just got one job opening)

Cool cool movie

Just saw this. It won't blow you out of the water, if anything it might even sedate you. Most regular humans won't like it (maybe not even get it??). New York is one of my cities, this movie definitely slices some of the magic of the city into its 77 minutes. Sasha Grey pulls off a cinematic role without being on her knees. I like the subtle messages of this movie. Once again shows me how small and absurd our lives can be. Interesting fact: Mark Cuban helped back this movie.

I give this 7.5 Bananas out of 10.

Catch of the Day

Note: Johan's blog is not a softcore porn site. Proof below


(Amazin Amie and her "Papa, are those real?" via Kanye West Blog. More pics after the jump)

Gotta show some love for the Reigning Champs

("Machine make Kobe BFF look like punk.")


("I'M ON A PARADE BOAT!! ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!!")

I pretty much had to do a post on this. I know, I'm a million years late. Not much to be said except congratulations Lakers (do I really care???). I'm a lifelong Knicks fan (LBJ 2010 or bust!) but living on the pacific westcoast - sans a basketball team, now with Sonics gone - you support the Lakers by default. Phil is King. Kobe has now proven that he can win a championship without Big Daddy "How my Ass taste?" Shaq (but interestingly, not without Derek Fisher). The dynamics of Kobe's legacy has changed immensely and it will be interesting to see where his career goes from here. Not to be a killjoy, but the question has to be if he has really shaken the stigma of the Colorado incident? Even if he won 20 championships, would people truly forget? As a disclaimer: I'm not a Kobe hater, if anything he's one of my favorite NBA players and personalities.

On a lighter note, I love Machine pawning Kobe in the first pic. Nice to see Kobe wearing a completely different t-shirt than the rest of the team. Me, Myself and I? The more things change, the more they stay the same.