Debates Blog Pt. 1

One of my past times is arguing and sometimes I pretend to be a lawyer living vicariously through John Grisham novels. So this idea came to me while having a "spirited" conversation about Kobe Bryant and Lebron James last weekend. Turns out that I enjoyed it so much that I expanded the topics, put them up for debate, and pose them to the blogging court. It also provides a perfect launching point for the much anticipated podcast segment that I have been working on. Due to the length of the debates I am breaking this up into sections. Like the Godfather I will try to fit a masterpiece into two parts, but will probably have to make a third, ultimately dissappointing sequel.

Sports Section

Kobe vs Lebron

This has many layers to it, yet for some reason seems incredibly simple to me. Lebron is the best athlete playing in the NBA, in fact he is a freak of nature. He can play every position on the floor and is the 1 player in the league that can physically take over a game. Kobe is the greatest competitor in the league and relies on his insatiable desire to win to cover up some faults, like he is getting old and doesn't drive to the hoop as well as he used to.

The Case for Kobe: This argument begins and ends with the fact that he has 4 NBA Championships to his name. He is the closest we've seen to Michael Jordan, in that he will do whatever it takes to win. His game even resembles Jordan's. Earlier in their careers they attacked the hoop, created scoring opportunities and got to the line at a sickening rate. As they got older, they developed a jump shot, particularly the post up, fade away. The biggest argument against Kobe is that he's had ridiculous talent around him. This is true, but can't that be said for almost everyone that has won an NBA championship? Jordan had Pippen, Magic had Kareem, Bird had Parrish and the list goes on and on.

The Case of Lebron: He can do it all. His numbers this year are mindblowing, 29.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 8.3 assists per game. What's more impressive is that those numbers are insanely close to his career average, 7 years of consistently crazy numbers; 27.8/ 7.0/ 6.9. Also in his favor is that he is a great teammate, someone who makes his team better. Yet you can't help but notice he hasn't won a Championship yet. I know he hasn't had as good of a team as Kobe has, but if Lebron is the better player, he should have been able to make up for it by elevating his level of play. I know that is demanding alot, but if we are all witness to his greatness, then we deserve a championship.

Verdict: It's Kobe and simply because of the championships. This will not be a debate until Lebron wins one. Lebron is the more talented player and seems like the better guy and teammate, but lets not forget the greatest thing about sports...take it away HERM

Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning

The two most influential quarterbacks of the past decade will forever be linked to one another. So who was better, the pretty boy model/actress dater or the cheesy, nerdy funny guy? When I typed Brady's name into Google Images, only 4 of the first 21 pictures show him in uniform. The rest are modeling pictures and shots of him and Giselle (and while this bothers me as a sports fan, as a warm-blooded male I have to applaud the guy).

The Case for Brady: It begins with Bridget Moynahan and it peaks with Giselle. If Drew Bledsoe doesn't get knocked out of relevance (by the Jets of all teams) then perhaps the world doesn't ever know the name Tom Brady. But Bledsoe's career is murdered and Brady goes on to win 3 Super Bowls in 4 years. Tom Terrific had a chance to cement his legacy as the greatest quarterback of all time back in 2007. Had they gone 19-0, making Brady 4-0 in Super Bowls, he would have been the greatest. Only Bradshaw has 4 rings and the only other person to compare him to is Montana. But he lost, then tore his ACL, missed a whole year, and had an up and down season in 09, making 2010 a legitimate concern for him.

The Case for Manning: He's a numbers guy, not only individual but team too. 4 MVP's, numerous passing records, a Super Bowl and 10 of his 12 seasons his team has had 10 or more wins. By the time he retires he will probably own every major passing record, as well as the award for funniest athlete to host SNL. Manning has been great since college and the expectations have always been high for him. He got the monkey off his back by winning the Super Bowl, but his playoff record is 9-9, including 1-1 in the Super Bowl.

Verdict: This was harder then I thought it would be. Wins and Super Bowls define quarterbacks, so I give the edge to Brady. The better team argument doesn't apply because the Patriots were never a dominant team, except in 07 and they didnt win it all that year. I can't get past this year's Super Bowl. If Manning was the greatest, he would have engineered a comeback instead of throwing the game losing INT. The ceiling is higher for Manning and if he wins another Super Bowl I think he might have the edge over Brady because of the individual accomplishments. But until that point the answer is Brady.

Movies Section

Tommy Boy vs Dumb and Dumber

They represent the gold standard of comedy in the 90s. Each can be quoted with incredible ease, can be rewatched with great joy and have remained funny, if not funnier, through the test of time. Chris Farley made his mark on comedy as a cast member on SNL, but Tommy Boy is what he will be remembered for. Dumb and Dumber is so outrageous that the very good story and excellent writing from the Farrelly Brothers is often overlooked.

The Case for Tommy Boy: Chris Farley makes this movie with his unique blend of charisma and humor. The Farley/Spade dynamic was perfect as the wise cracking nerd and the lovable loser. The highlights include the "brakepads scene" in which Farley destroys a couple model cars, "fat guy in little coat" and of course the awkward moment in the car in which Tommy and Richard break out into song. A few of the underrated quotes include...

"does this suit make me look fat?" ..."no your face does"

"Richard, who's your favorite little rascal, is it Alfalfa or is it Spanky....sinner"

"Try an association like... Let's say the average person uses ten percent of their brain. How much do you use? One and a half percent. The rest is clogged with malted hops and bong resin"

The Case for Dumb and Dumber: It has the single funniest toilet/fart/bathroom scene in the history of movies. Even without seeing the movie, that clip is histerical. But when you factor in the "X-lax in the drink" trick and Jim Carrey laughing on a scooter right afterwards, it makes for great comedy. Despite all the gags and behind the veil of idiocracy, there is a surprisingly good plot and excellent writing. Memorable quotes include....

"The first time I set eyes on Mary Swanson, I just got that old fashioned romantic feeling where I'd do anything to bone her"

"That's a special feeling Lloyd"

"Just when I think you couldn't possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself"

"You can't triple stamp a double stamp, you can't triple stamp a double stamp Lloyd"

Verdict: If they were both on cable TV, which would you watch? I think I would have to go with Dumb and Dumber . It's one of the funniest movies of all time in my opinion with so many memorable images, moments and jokes. Who wouldn't recognize the orange and blue tuxes or the shaggy dog van? Does anyone look at ketchup and mustard bottles the same after Harry and Lloyd used them to douse the heat of a pepper? Who hasn't sarcastically asked a waitress what the soup de jour is? And I know everyone wants to try the old "4 boilermakers" trick they pull on Seabass. This was not an easy choice though. I love Tommy Boy and consider it in my top 10 funniest movies. But there's too much about Dumb and Dumber that make it a classic.

That wraps up part 1 of the Debates Blog. Part 2 is coming soon and there will be more movie debates to cover. I'm going to leave you with another quote from Dumb and Dumber, so until next time, as always....STAY SWEET!

"Hey I guess they're right. Senior citizens, although slow and dangerous behind the wheel, can still serve a purpose. I'll be right back. Don't you go dying on me"