Warriors 2022: Champions Once More.

The Golden State Warriors, after 3 seasons varying from disappointing to dismal, returned to the top of the basketball world, led by the clutch heroics of Steph Curry. In the words of head coach Steve Kerr: “Without him, none of this happens,” Kerr said. “And that’s not taking anything away from Joe and Peter’s ownership, because they’re amazing owners. They’ve built an incredible organization. Bob Myers, hell of a GM. Our players. We’ve had so many great players. But Steph is ultimately why this run has happened. Much like Timmy [Duncan] in San Antonio. I’m happy for everybody, but I’m thrilled for Steph. To me, this is his crowning achievement in what’s already been an incredible career.”

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Swooper and Scorer: Monta Ellis.

During his stint in professional basketball, Monta Ellis was a prolific scorer, once averaging better than 25 points per game. As a high school player, he once tallied 72 points in a single game. But what really made the guard stand out were his fearless, improbable, balletic forays to the hoop. Incredibly creative and hang-in-the-air-ish.

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American Pie.

1971 was the year everything changed in the music world, as Don McLean’s epic composition American Pie was to shortly ascend to the summit of the charts. The longest song to achieve #1 Billboard status, it was steeped in symbolism and mysterious goings-on that enlarged the canvas for what was felt to be possible in popular music. Oh, and McLean was a formidable vocalist and performer, to boot.

Others have taken a swing at the iconic piece, most notably Madonna in 2000. This version is surprisingly strong, but lacks the sweep and power of the McLean iterations. The song remains a landmark to this day.

It is fair to say that a major theme in the song is the loss of innocence. It is also fair to say that there would appear to be a lot more going on than just that. And, finally, the tone of the song lends it more of a heroic than tragic quality.

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The Moray Eel.

Jazz Music photography Roland Kirk Tenor Saxophone

Roland Kirk.

The indomitable Roland Kirk was simply an unstoppable force of nature. Being a virtuoso on tenor sax and flute was simply not enough for this man; he was irresistibly compelled in the direction of “more”. He not only invented instruments; he often played several of them simultaneously. Blindness couldn’t stop or slow him, nor could a major stroke. A truly inspirational jazz titan.