Post 50... Let us reflect and let me post something fun

It is weird since it has been over a year since I have started blogging. I have learned a lot from myself and from individuals that have taken the time to respond to the topics of my blog. Some of the responses have been constructive criticisms to the topics I wrote about and some of the responses have been reflections and thank yous for other topics. I am happy to still blog my thoughts to you. This winter break has made me realize just how much I love writing and getting a response out of people whatever I talk about a specific topic. For my 50th post, I want to talk from something that is a hot topic among die hard and enthusiastic Clevelanders and people that support Cleveland- Cleveland sports.
There are three main sports areas that a die hard Cleveland fan must have: Browns, Indians, and Cavaliers. One must not go without their weekly dose of LeBron, K2, and Pronk. Being a Clevelander has made me appreciate all of the hard work that the athletes have to go through week in and week out. Surely, I emote as much as other fans do when a pennant is clenched. Yes, I was at the clincher at Jacobs Fields for the Indians. I think that it will be our time and that Cleveland fans need to rise up and answer the call of duty very soon. For now, I hope that people can enjoy the exhilarating ride.
Let me start by addressing the Indians. We did not win it all but I believe it was their best showing in a while. It was overdue but well worth the wait. I believe that the Indians will make another run for the championship considering their lineup and their pitching. With people like Victor Martinez, Travis Hafner, and C.C. Sabathia, I think that the team can be another 1995-1997 diamond in the rough. Obviously, the team needs to continue having a balance of pitching and scoring but I do not think that will be a problem in the upcoming season or the season after if management does not change things dramatically. I think that the Indians are the underdogs and usually, I root for the underdogs (I am an underdog myself in most situations, so there you have it). I do not have anything negative to say. Continue playing with consistency, guys!
The Browns. I am crossing my fingers like all true Browns fans. I hope that the Browns can win and go to the playoffs. I think this season has been the best, bar none. The team has had chemistry, especially in the middle of the season. Derek Anderson has finally developed into a good quarterback. I do not believe that he will ever be on the caliber of a Peyton Manning but Anderson has found his niche in Cleveland. That quarterback question at the beginning of the season did not help matters for Cleveland so I am glad that someone stepped up for the position. As for the last playoff spot, I think that the Browns deserve it a little more. I do not believe the Titans are that good and even with the Colts resting their star players, I think the Titans will close to the 13-2 Colts, no doubt. I will change my mind if the Titans beat the Colts and say that the Titans deserve it more. Until Sunday, my mind is the same. If the Browns advance to the playoffs, it will be a late Christmas gift and people's first resolution in sports concerning a fast start next season. The question is "Will the Browns break hearts or make us into believers?" We will see in four days.
Last but certainly not least, the Cavaliers. Honestly, I knew that we are not ready for the Spurs in the Finals. The game against Detroit was awe-inspiring but the matchup drained our energy. Turning to the current season, the Cavs are straddling the line with fans. I know that with the emergence of the threesome in Boston and the consistency of Detroit that the Cavs were going to have an uphill battle. I did not expect the Cavs to be under .500 at this point of the season. I still thought that they would be top contenders in the conference race. I see that some factors such as Anderson "Wild Thing" Varejao holdout, King James injury after the Detroit game (causing the other Cavs to lose five straight games), and the low production of Larry Hughes and Sasha Pavlovic to bury the Cavs. Hopefully, the Cavs can get their wings back and regain their position as top contenders. I suppose a trade will help but right now, we need all the people we can get to contribute and make sure that the burden is not on LeBron. I know we have the talent and the ability to go back to the playoffs and shut some naysayers up.
This ends my report for Cleveland sports. Cleveland is building itself again to become to premier town for sports. We are witnesses just like the billboard downtown says. Now we just have to continue supporting our teams so that they will respond with a championship. I am down for that feeling of a jubilant city celebrating success.




Loving Cleveland Sports,
Hasani Wheat
Class of '10

But seriously... I'm a Clevelander

Previously on my blog, I talked about my neighborhood and how it has affected me to be a better and more knowledgable person. I discussed how my neighborhood has changed since I have been back in Cleveland and how this impact had an effect on me. Now it is the viewer's turn to experience Cleveland through my photos. This is an opportunity for some of us to look back upon some fond memories of Cleveland (or the suburbs of Cleveland since many of you already claim you are from Cleveland but are not technically Clevelanders). This is also an opportunity for those of you who are not familiar with Cleveland to get acquainted with some of its various landmarks. So enjoy the pictorals.

(From left to right from each row)

1st two pictures-

My first picture is of Moses Cleaveland, the person who founded Cleveland in 1796. It is good to know a little bit about the city. Cleveland seems to be thriving in a lot of areas; the population is over well 500,000 people.

My next picture is of the Cleveland Convention Center. On the building, one of the slogans says "Patriotism, Progress, Peace"- everything this country strives for. This building is every dear to me- this is the place where I had my graduation from my high school, John F. Kennedy. A lot of events happen in this building- speeches, graduation, proms, etc.

2nd two pictures-

The picture on the right of it is the enormous poster of LeBron James. This picture is quite breathtaking and the poster of LeBron always seems to give energy to the fans. The poster reminds me of Cleveland itself- big and full of impact. Seriously, you should go see it and then see LeBron in action.

My next picture is of Jacobs Field. This is where the Cleveland Indians play their home games. Back in the mid to late 1990's, this was THE place to be. The Indians were always going to the playoffs and they always put on an exciting combination of athleticism, confidence, and entertainment. I miss the old Cleveland Indians- Ramirez, Thome, the Alomars, Lofton and that guy whose temper was as big as his swing (Indians fans- you know who I'm talking about).

3rd two pictures-

Almost next door to The Arcade is the House of Blues. If you ever decide to stop in Cleveland and your favorite act decides to perform there, you will be in music utopia. Different acts perform there from all genres (from rap to rock). This is a change of pace for the individual who wants excitement and entertainment.

This classy place is called "The Arcade". The Arcade is very classy- its restaurants include Vivo and 1890 (top quality, I would say). The Arcade is an adventure in itself; there are many places to eat, shop, and to hang out with your friends or co-workers. The newest addition to the Arcade is the five star hotel, The Hyatt (for anyone who has been here, please tell your reluctant friend to visit- it is a wonderful choice).

4th two pictures-

The next picture happens to be across the street from Tower City. This is the Key Tower. The Key Tower is a corporate powerhouse, housing a wonderful business establishment. I used to always pass by there because I was a peer assistant for information for the Cleveland Scholarship Program recipient in the BP Tower across the street. Now I am a scholarship recipient from CSP. Attention: Juniors and seniors who want to work in Cleveland may want to network with some people in these buildings. Just a suggestion.

Tower City. You have not been downtown if you have not stepped foot in Tower City. Tower City is a mini-city in itself. There are two hotels attached to it- the Renaissance and the Ritz-Carlton (up-scale, $$$$ = well-worth the money, TRUST ME!!!) There is a post office, a shoe shine company, too many restaurants to name that suits all of your tastes, and numerous places to shop (including Gollands, a Timberland specialty with custom made shoes, dress and fashion-wise; only for the grown & sexy). Tower City also brings in an industrial boom- businesses thrive off people in Tower City. Remember that future entrepreneurs.

I LOVE TOWER CITY!!!!

5th two pictures-

Inside Key Tower. The biggest building in Downtown Cleveland is Key Tower. A huge corporation, it is linked with another major hotel link, the Marriott. (I've pictures of my stay at the Marriott, but I'll leave that for another time). I must say that the time spent in the Tower was out of this world. Go there for break, you will love it. Warning- up-scale rooms-$$$ 1/2.

Over this bridge is where the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center lay. Bordering Lake Erie, both of these places of interest have a lot of offer. If you are interested in doing your thesis on a specific topic such as The Rolling Stones, the Rock Hall will help you find some information... and more if you need it. The Science Center is a great place to discover your inner passion for biology, chemistry, physics.

6th two pictures-

The Cleveland Browns. I remember singing the National Anthem at the first game of the newly crowned stadium back in 2000. That was awesome for me. Now, I have to look at the haphazard Browns get demolished week in and week out. What a bummer.

MY last picture is of Quickens Loan Arena- for those of you not familiar with basketball arena, this used to be known as Gund Arena. Quickens Loan Area aka the Q is known for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Man, I want to be in the arena when playoffs start- that would make my year. There is nothing more exhilarating than rooting for a team that you actually feel a connection with. Vote LEBRON JAMES for MVP!!

Well, for anyone who would like to come visit Cleveland, particularly the downtown portion of Cleveland, I highly recommended. In fact, I encourage you to go so. For those students who are thinking about attending Ohio Wesleyan, consider this. Cleveland is only two and a half hours away from Delaware, Ohio- if you bring a car and you ever feel the need to leave Delaware for a night or two, go up north for some fun and an opportunity to enjoy life as a college student. I guarantee you will grow to love Cleveland as much as I do. I am giving you the extended version of what the admissions office will introduce to you in the brochure. I put my stamp of official on it. Go and experience people.

Until next time,

Hasani Wheat

Class of '10