Friday, June 06, 2008
Invansion of the Mini Laptop
Asus was first on the scene with their Eee PC. It was only available with a 7" screen, sporting Linux. Soon there will be a 8.9" version as well as a 10" version, with the option for Windows XP.
MSI has joined the game with their Wind, which will only be available with 10" screen for now in the US.
Acer just recently announced their Aspire One, which look to be healthy competition.
And last but no least, Dell is getting into the game with a Mini Inspiron.
I bought my 17" Vaio several years ago, and at the time had there been mini laptops like these I would definately have thought twice about my decision. Some of them can get over 5 hours of battery life, all while being small enough to fit into a womans purse, or a man's purse, a murse if you will.
They aren't powerhouses, but my Vaio was intended to be a desktop replacement when I purchased it, and some of these laptops half its size are rocking nearly the same processor speed. For portability, and ease of use, I can see alot more people buying these.
Will they take over the world? Well, the Eee PC had quite a bit of success using only Linux, and with the low entry price to these the modding community may also find them to be fun as well.
Monday, June 02, 2008
What's New
Well, there was recently a Harris Opinion Survey released showing pictures of a CTS Wagon, one only seen in spy shots thus far. The car looked how you would expect a CTS wagon to look, with tall rear tailights, plenty of curves. GM has since asked everyone to take the pictures down.
Many months back, I mentioned the Cadillac Provoq Concept. Something very close to the concept is coming to market, but it may not be called BRX like many had believed. People are now speculating that the SRX name will live on, and Cadillac will share a FWD platform with Saab for this new smaller SRX.
With gas prices above $4 a gallon, GM has to rethink their strategy as far as future production on vehicles is going. It makes you wonder what will happen to the DTS/STS replacement, or if a car like the XLR can survive with a redesigned Corvette (C7).
Tough times with not only GM, but all car manufacturers.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Dogs' Host Talented Aggies
NMSU entering:
The Aggies dropped Thursday nights game in Reno versus Nevada 88-75, but their last victory came in the Bracketbusters over Long Beach State, an 80-48 drubbing of the 49ers. The Aggies played 12 players, all played 30 minutes or less. This is a great asset this late in the season to be able to rest players and not be forced to play key players 40 minutes a night.
Freshman Herb Pope led the way with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Justin Hawkins added 13 points and 10 rebounds while Wendell McKines had 10 points and 8 boards including 5 offensive.
Key Aggie Stats:
-78.2 points per game
-48% field goal shooting
-Justin Hawkins (17 pts, 7.2 rebs)
-Jonathan Gibson (12.6 pts, 42.7% 3 pt fgs)
-Herb Pope (10.9 pts, 6.7 rebs) since joining team
-+8.8 rebounding margin
-16.4 turnovers per game
Fresno State entering:
The Bulldogs are coming in with the confidence of 2 straight victories, their first since Dec 20th and 22nd. They beat Hawaii after overcoming a 2nd half deficit and had timely free throw shooting, then they were able to defeat Cal Poly Saturday in the Bracketbusters 76-70. Eddie Miller finished with 25 points on 6 three pointers. His biggest was a 30 footer with the shot clock winding with 2:28 remaining that broke a tie and put the Dogs up for good.
The heartbeat of the Dogs Kevin Bell had 19 points and 9 assists, Bell has been playing well of late. Tyson Parker added 8 off the bench and provided some valuable slashing and penetrating into the Poly zone. Dwight O’Neil added 15, but looked fatigued and bothered by his wrist during a subpar 2nd half. Hector Hernandez continues to have issues and was not able to score a point in 37 minutes of play.
Key Bulldog Stats:
-Kevin Bell (18.1 pts, 6 assts)
-Eddie Miller (15.1 pts, 99 made 3pt FGs)
-69.6 points per game
-8.4 made 3 point field goals per game
-Rebounding deficit of -4.7
-Turnover marin +1.7
-5.8 steals per game
MBs Take:
This is a tough matchup for the Dogs. They have had plenty of rest while NMSU played Thursday and was beat easily by Nevada. Will the Aggies come in a bit down or hungry to bounce back? That will be the key to FSUs chances along with Bell and Miller combining for a minimum of 40.
In the end, too many offensive boards for NMSU, they turn it over 17 times and the Dogs keep it close, but the Aggies win this one 75-71.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The Last Stand-FSU v. Hawaii Preview
The Fresno State Bulldogs returned home for a Wednesday night matchup versus the Hawaii Warriors. This will finish the season series for the two teams, the first was in Hawaii where the Dogs dropped the contest 75-62. The Warriors come in winning 6 of their last 8 and are playing their best Basketball of the season right now after starting the season 4-9.
The Dogs entering:
The Bulldogs limp home after a road loss in Boise at the hands of the Broncos 84-72. Kevin Bell had 21 points and Eddie Miller had 16. The Bulldogs were plagued by 16 turnovers and were unable to defend the inside presence of Reggie Larry and Matt Nelson.
The Broncos shot 53.8% from the field and dominated in the paint. BSU had frequent easy buckets and were not challenged around the rim. FSU was able to cut the lead late in the 2nd half but it was too little to late as they were again overpowered and unable to get the necessary stops.
Kevin Bell continues to lead the way with his 17.7 points and 6 assists per game. He has been turnover plagued over the last few games as opposing defenses have collapsed on his penetration and keyed to stopping him every possession. Eddie Miller has made 91 threes to this point and is looking to climb the WAC record books in this category. He is averaging 15 points per contest.
Hawaii coming in:
The Warriors enter after a big home victory versus Utah State and continue on their recent tear. They rode an extremely balanced attack on the way to victory with 5 players in double figure scoring, led by Matt Gibson’s and Riley Luettgerodt’s 16 each. They also combined for 8 assists and 9 steals. The Warriors were able to force USU into 20 turnovers.
Key Warrior Stats:
-Matt Gibson (16.9 ppg, 5 apg)
-Bobby Nash (14.5 ppg, 35.8% 3pt fg, 86.7% fts)
-44.8% Field Goals
-33.8% from three
-73.9% Free throws
-Rebounding margin of -3
-70.8 Points per versus 70.9 opponents
-Outscored opponents in the 2nd half
What to expect:
This is a pivotal game for the Dogs and one that may be their last chance to lay the foundation and build the confidence necessary to make a run in the WAC tournament. A loss here could be the final setback that does the Dogs in.
FSU must come out with energy, especially on the defensive end. Defending he flex cuts of the Warriors will be the key to holding their own tonight. Eddie Miller will need to be on, and Kevin Bell will need to be his rock solid self and put his last 2 games in the past.
MBs take:
I don’t like Matt Gibson, the guy is an asshole. That’s my first take. My second is that he is this WAC generations version of Chris Herren.
The Dogs will find a way because they are at home. Miller and Bell will lead the way with 40 combined. The crowd will not respond well to the Hawaii players acting out and jawing with them. It should b a good time.
FSU wins 75-68.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
'Dogs limp into Boise after embarrasing loss
The Fresno State Bulldogs will have to dig deep and bring maximum effort to the table Saturday night as they take on the Boise State Broncos. This will be a very difficult game for the Dogs to compete and win, the biggest factor will be how quickly the Dogs can get over their loss Thursday night to
The Broncos coming in:
The Bulldogs coming in:
What to look for:
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Dogs in Moscow to face Kiwi-less Vandals
The Fresno State Bulldogs will play the Idaho Vandals at the Cowan Spectrum Thursday at 7pm. The Bulldogs come in with an 11-13 record (4-6 WAC), while the Vandals hold a 5-17 overall record (2-9 WAC). Neither team has fared well on the road, the Vandals are winless at 0-12, and the Bulldogs haven’t fared much better at 2-8.
The Vandals entering:
Idaho returns home after a tough road loss at previously winless in WAC play Louisiana Tech 72-64. With Jordan Brooks in foul trouble, the Vandals struggled to replace his scoring and he finished with 9 points and 13 rebounds.
Terrence Simmons had 12 points and 6 assists while Michael Crowell added 13 points and 6 rebounds while playing the whole 40 minutes.
Idaho dropped the road game versus La Tech due to an inability to take care of the ball. The Vandals finished with an unacceptable 27 turnovers in Ruston. They also put Tech on the line 41 times and brought the game with a grinding halt with the multitude of fouls.
The Bulldogs entering:
The Dogs have dropped 3 of their last 4 games, the latest a tough home loss to conference leading Utah State 77-72. The Dogs got out of the gates slow as has been the case most of the season, even falling behind 24-7 midway through the 1st.
The Dogs were down 39-25 at the half, but made a second half run and cut the lead to 73-70 with just under a minute left. They had an opportunity to tie but Eddie Miller’s 3 was off the mark.
Fresno State was led by Hector Hernandez, who had 22 points and 11 rebounds in what many consider his best outing of the season. Guards Kevin Bell and Eddie Miller both finished with 20 points, Bell added 5 assists and 5 steals while Miller shot 5-11 from 3.
Dwight O’Neil, in his 2nd game back from a wrist injury, played 24 minutes and finished with a made 3 point field goal and a crucial steal to set up the opportunity to tie. He is obviously out of shape and will need the remainder of the WAC schedule to return to a version closer to his original form.
What to look for:
Idaho is a formidable team at home and the Bulldogs are a bad road team. Mix those 2 issues together and you have difficult sledding ahead for Coach Cleveland and his squad. They will need to put the clamps on all-everything Vandal Jordan Brooks, make sure Mike Hall’s 3 point attempts are contested, and keep the turnovers to a minimum. On the flip side, the Dogs need to keep the pressure up on the turnover prone Vandals to create some easy opportunities for themselves.
MBs take:
Its close, the Dogs stay in it, Idaho turns the ball over to much down the stretch and Bell, Miller, and Hernandez all go for 18+ points. Its up to the rest of the guys to make up the difference.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Dogs Host WAC leaders Sizzling USU
The Fresno State Bulldogs will play their second consecutive home game as the host the WACs best team right now in the Utah State Aggies. The Aggies have a 16-6 overall record and have a 6-1 conference mark. Their lone conference loss came on the road at the hands of New Mexico State 100-70. Aggies coach Stew Morril had disciplined 3 players for that game and did not allow them to play which added much to the outcome in Las Cruces.
The Dogs swept the season series last season, they were the only team on the Utah State schedule to win in Logan. Since the Aggies joined the WAC the Dogs have also had the best record against them, only one loss. The Aggies have won 11 of their last 12 games this season.
The Utah State Aggies coming in:
The Aggies enter off of 77-63 home victory over Nevada. Jaycee Carrol had 24 points and Gary Wilkinson had 23 points and 10 rebounds on 9 of 11 shooting from the field.
Senior Guard Jaycee Carroll leads the WAC with a 21.2 per game average, he leads in free throw shooting at 92.3%, and three point shooting at 50.4%. He also is eighth in overall shooting at 52.9% and averages 5.8 rebounds per game. One can surmise from this stat line that Carroll carries his team and if you want to slow the Aggies you must slow Carroll somehow.
Key Aggie Stats:
-49-18 in the month of February under Stew Morrill
-USU is 14-0 when the opponent is under 70 points
-leads WAC in free throw shooting at 78.6% (2nd in nation)
-leads WAC in 3 point shooting at 39.9%
-Shoots 50.5% from the field
-18.8 assists per game
-72.5 points per game
-+2.8 rebounding margin
-opponents have outscored Aggies 804-781 in the second half
The Dogs entering:
The Bulldogs stayed home in Fresno after their 70-58 win over Louisiana Tech. Junior Guard Dwight O’Neill returned to the court after a dislocated wrist he suffered in game 4 against CS-Bakersfield. It could help the Dogs in time but he will need to get back into playing shape and work off the rust in the coming weeks.
Against La Tech the Dogs were led by Kevin Bell who had 18 points and handed out 6 assists. Eddie Miller finished with 17 points on 5-10 3 point shooting, Miller has been spectacular from 3 at home in WAC play thus far.
Key Dog Stats:
-Kevin Bell (17.9 pts, 6 assists)
-Eddie Miller (14.8 pts, 40.4% 3 point shooting)
-Hector Hernandez (10.1 pts, 6.8 rebs)
-69 points per game
-33.5% 3 point shooting
-70% free throws
-rebounding margin of -4.5
-+2 turnover margin
What to look for:
Utah State is playing great basketball right now and it will be a huge task for the Dogs to win Thursday night. Expect the Aggies to get off to a great start and for Coach Cleveland to have to take a quick time out. If the Dogs can weather the early storm and feed off the home crowd they can stay in it.
Defense will be the key as the Aggie offense is finally clicking and they are running it to greater precision right now. It will take 40 points combined from Miller and Bell for the Dogs to have a shot, possibly 45. Two players need to be in the 6-8 point range and a few more key contributions off the bench will be necessary.
MBs take:
The Aggies are on a roll, although they have had a tough time in Fresno in the past. I say they jump out early, the Dogs reel them back in, Carroll takes over and the Dogs drop a tough one 73-71.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Bulldogs host namesake La Tech
The Bulldogs come into Fresno off a loss at Hawaii 71-57. Tech enters with an 0-7 WAC record and a 3-16 overall record. This has been a difficult season thus far, the Bulldogs do not have the depth to compete with most teams and are lacking the amount of talent necessary to stay in most games. The real bright spot for Tech has most definitely been guard Kyle Gibson. Gibson is averaging 15.5 points per game (only Bulldog in double figures) along with 5.6 rebounds. He is also shooting 35% from three.
-58.2 points per game (70.2 opp)
-39.4% field goals (48.2% opp)
-28.6 rebounds per game (38.1 opp)
-8.1 assists per game (13.5 opp)
-13.1 turnovers per game (13.8 opp)
The Dogs come back home after the loss in Reno 79-67 and have dropped two straight, the first was the overtime heartbreaker at the hands of Boise State. Kevin Bell had 22 points and 5 rebounds in leading the Bulldogs. Eddie Miller added 17 points and 4 assists and the big surprise was freshman Brandon Webster who had career highs with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
The Bulldogs once again fell behind early on the road, and against a team like Nevada that isn’t going to be an easy hole to dig out of. Marcellus Kemp dominated and couldn’t be stopped by the Dogs, he finished with 28 points. There were too many easy baskets for the Wolfpack while the Bulldogs missed a few too many easy opportunities. The Pack finished on 50% shooting from the field, 61% from three. Those numbers are difficult to overcome for any team, especially a shorthanded Bulldog squad.
Look for the Dogs to play well in the friendly confines of the Save Mart Center, guard Eddie Miller is averaging 28 points per game in WAC contests at home. They need to use this opportunity to get minutes for Webster and gain some confidence as a team. The key will be holding Tech swingman Kyle Gibson under wraps cause he is the key to the Tech’s success. Tyson Parker will get the start and will be matching up with Gibson.
Dogs shoot it well and break the losing streak, Miller with 24, Bell with 19 and 7 assists, Dogs win 74-61.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Blog Post 134
Yes, I am a month late. Sad huh? I only have 3 vehicles to highlight, one already going into production, one that needs to be in production, and one that probably will end up in production in one form or another.
#1 is the CTS Coupe Concept.
The front end isn't a huge departure from the sedan, obviously the car is much lower, bigger wheels, and a few of other options that would never make production. I wonder what it will look like in production trim? Will there be a CTC-V?
The interior also doesn't stray too far from the production sedan, albeit with a little more dress up as far as the seats and dash go. Hopefully the V-series comes with some flavor of the Carbon Fiber pictured above, man it looks sweet.
Really a bad angle for the Concept. The rear quarter panel is odd, and the rear bumper looks very high up in the air. Not bad, just odd proportions.
#2 The Hummer HX Concept.
A baby Hummer. Not a Mini-Me H2 like the H3 ended up looking(which isn't necessarily a bad thing).. This Concept is what Hummer has needed to build for a long time. How many years have we heard about them competing directly with the Jeep Wrangler?
The concept seats 4, has a removeable glass hatch cover(not picture obviously) and has some pretty cool other options. Slap an H4 badge on this bitch and release it GM.
#3 The Cadillac Provoq Concept.
This concept is built on the E-Flex Fuel cell platform. A platform showing off Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles usually means said vehicles would probably not be released. Never you mind, Cadillac merely used this to show the versatility of the platform, while showing off what very well may be their mini SUV. They have said they need an SUV smaller than the SRX(which is in need of a redesign).
Supposedly inside and out this concept will look very similar when it comes to production for Cadillac, just don't expect a fuel cell.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
A near impossible task
Nevada last played on Saturday where they were in Ruston to defeat Louisiana Tech 83-70. Senior David Ellis had a career high 14 points on 7-7 shooting. The Pack were able to hit a season high 61% from the field while holding Tech to 38% field goal shooting. Sophmore JaVale McGee had 12 points along with freshman Armon Johnson. Standout Marcellus Kemp added 11.
-Marcellus Kemp (18.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 34% 3pt fgs, 86.5% fts)
-JaVale McGee (12.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 52% field goals, 58 blocks)
-Armon Johnson (12.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3 apg)
-Brandon Field (12.2 ppg, 38% 3pt fgs, 84% fts)
-74 points per game
-47.4% field goal shooting
-71% free throw shooting
-+4.1 rebounding
--2.5 turnover margin
The Dogs enter on the heels of a very difficult home loss Monday night at the hands of Boise State in overtime, 90-89. Reggie Larry led the Broncos with 27 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 steals. The Broncos were able to shoot a blistering 50% from the field. Tyler Tiedemann had 23 and Matt Nelson added 15. The Bulldogs trailed by 7 points late in regulation, but Eddie Miller and Hector Hernandez were able to make difficult 3s and the Dogs forced overtime.
Leading the way for the Bulldog was Eddie Miller with a career high 30 points on 11-12 from the line. Senior point guard Kevin Bell had 26 points and 8 assists while fellow Senior Hector Hernandez 16 points and 9 rebounds.
Alex Blair had maybe his best game of the season finishing with 8 points and 12 rebounds on 4-5 shooting. Freshman Brandon Webster was able to log 16 minutes and he contributed 4 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
Its difficult to say, will the Bulldogs still be dwelling on the missed opportunity at home? Will they be prepared for the onslaught the Pack will throw at them? As with all games from here on out it will take major efforts from guards Kevin Bell and Eddie Miller. Hernandez will need another solid effort, but there must be contributions from the bench and from the other starters. The Dogs need all the help they can get scoring to stay in the game versus Nevada.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Dogs host high scoring Broncos at SMC
The Fresno State Bulldogs will host the Boise State Broncos Monday night at the
The Broncos were on the island on Saturday where they took care of the Warriors 95-80. Senior guard Matt Bauscher scored 21 points, while Matt Nelson had 21 points and 12 boards. The Broncos hit 14 of 22 from three point range to keep the game out of reach for
Key Bronco Stats:
-Reggie Larry (18.3 pts, 9.1 rebs)
-Matt Nelson (15.9 pts, 8 rebs, 66% fgs)
-52% field goals (leads nation)
-83 points per game (11th nation)
-8.4 3 point field goals per game
-40.4% 3 point field goal %
-18.2 assists per game (18th nation)
The Dogs entering:
The Bulldogs were able to avenge their loss in
Freshman Ned Golubovic set his career high with 14 points and also added 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Golubovic has averaged 9.3 points per game, hit 55% from the field, and 44% from three in WAC play. His minutes have steadily increased as has his contributions as the season has gone on. Consider that Golubovic was a redshirt candidate to start the season.
Key Bulldog stats:
-169 made 3 point field goals on the season
-lead the WAC in defense at 66.3 points per game
-lead the WAC in turnover margin at +2.80
-Eddie Miller 3.4 made 3 points field goals per contest
-Dogs at a -5.6 rebounding margin
-68 points per game
-69.4 % free throws
-33.5% 3 point field goal percentage
-Kevin Bell (17.1 ppg, 6 assists, 3 rebs)
MBs Take:
This will be tough for a Bulldogs team that gets dominated inside and gets beaten up on the offensive glass by everyone. Add to the fact that the Broncos can knock down the three and we have ourselves some issues.
Dogs play inspired at home but lose 85-80.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Dogs looking for a win vs. SJSU
The Fresno State Bulldogs return home Saturday night to take on rival San Jose State, the game will begin a home stand that will have 4 of the next 5 WAC games being played at the Save Mart Center. In the first meeting of the 2 teams this season the Spartans edged the Dogs in San Jose 69-65.
In the first meeting between the two teams SJSU was lead by Jamon Hill and his career high 14 points. The Spartans were able to keep the Dogs behind throughout the second half and the Dogs were not able to hit from three point range finishing 5-27.
The Spartans will also be without the services of guard Justin Graham for the rest of the season with an elbow injury.
The Spartans coming in:
The Spartans enter with a 9-9 record (2-4 conference) which is already 4 more wins than they were able to amass last season. Last outing the Spartans were beat in
SJSU Players to watch for:
-Dashawn Wright (10.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 43.8% 3pt)
-Tim Pierce (10.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 79.4% fts
-CJ Webster (10.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 47.6% fgs)
-Chris Oakes (9.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 54.4% fgs)
The Bulldogs coming in:
The starters will be forced to log big minutes the rest of the season, its how they can handle that adversity that will make the difference in the duration of the season. Can the Dogs find any consistency on the defensive end out of their post players? The Spartans were able to score many easy buckets around the rim in the first meeting which has to be minimized this time around.
The best thing the Dogs have going for them is the homecourt which is undoubtedly worth 10-12 points a game as has been the case over the first half of last season and the duration of this season.
MBs take:
Dogs win, they are at home.
Highlight of the night=announcing the football team at halftime. Only 7 months till UCLA
Thursday, January 17, 2008
A consistent roster please! (FSU-SJSU preview)
FSU heads to
The Fresno State Bulldogs will play rival
Also, the Dogs were dealt another blow to an already difficult season when sophomore guard Bryan Harvey became academically ineligible for the spring semester.
The Dogs coming in:
The Bulldogs enter the SJSU game off of a 69-53 home victory over
Ned Golubovic had 8 points, making three of the last four games in which he has scored 8 points, including 3 WAC games in a row. The victory came despite the fact that
Getting to know
The Spartan are maybe the most improved team in the WAC, although
The Spartans are led by former Porterville JC head Coach George Nessman who is in his third season in
What to looks for:
This will be a very difficult game for the Dogs, San Jose will be confident as they split the series last season, and they have defeated Nevada at home this season. With the loss of
MBs Take:
No, Harvey, a thinner bench, on the road against a team that beat