The Atlanta Hawks are transforming before our eyes. They are becoming aware of themselves. With that knowledge of self performances like the Thursday’s 106-91 thrashing of the Miami Heat will become more commonplace. The words of Nelson Mandela ring true here, “Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, it that we are powerful beyond measure.” These young Hawks are realizing just how powerful they are.

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Stonecoldsports.com’s Ed Berliner and I have had many discussions…both on and off the record…on all kinds of subjects ranging from Donovan McNabb to President Obama. I’ve been doing a lot of radio lately (NBA playoffs), but I get up for conversations with Ed because the topics are always TSF relevant. In these series of clips, we discuss Barry Bonds and Michael Vick. I know, I know, we’ve all commented on Barry and Mike many many times, but we cannot let the legend become fact. Simply put, Barry Bonds will not become the face of the steroids era and Michael Vick did not commit the worse crime ever. Keep it in perspective. Click the logo to hear the conversation.

There’s all this buzz about the A Rod book, but I’m not totally convinced there’s anything credible to speak of that has not already been said. I’m a Yankee fan…not an A Rod fan and definitely not a fan of gotcha journalism. It’s not news. Jerold Wells will have an Atlanta/Miami report later and an interview with Spencer Haywood will be posted later as well.

Carmelo finally gets out of the first round. (Denver Post)

All Fort Worth Schools closed amid swine flu concerns until May 8. I was just there. (Star Telegram)

Brandon Roy is the best player Ron Artest has played against. (YOUBEENBLINDED)

Part 1 of a 3 Part Series on the Pacquiao/Hatton Championship Bout. (Ebony/Jet)

Davey D Interviews Somali-Born Rapper Knaan, Pt 1 — The Real Story Behind Somalia’s So-Called “Pirates” (Black Agenda Report)

Inside the 2009 NFL Draft: Everett Hood vs. B.J. Raji. (Temple3)

Justin Walsh gets down with the Professor, Grayson Boucher…twice. (Ball Is Life and SLAM)

Philly baby…

Whether or not you ascribe to President Obama’s politics is immaterial, for no one can deny how proactive he’s been over the first 100 days of his term. He is shaking up the infrastructure in ways never before seen and that’s a good thing.

He’s also brought out the worse in some of those on the right…who have blamed him for everything from the current financial climate and “sleeping with the enemy” to the recent outbreak of the very serious swine flu and being “soft”.

The $787 billion stimulus plan is the early mark of his presidency, but Barack has also signed 18 other executive orders and 12 laws.

We won’t know how long before a true impact can be felt regarding the stimulus package. There’s less public pessimism than when the issue was headline news, so we’ll see. How about the child health insurance expansion, shutting down Gitmo, bringing the troops home (initiating a pullout) and pay equity? He’s tried to persuade Republicans to help right the ship…whether he’s successful depends on how long the Republicans pout after getting their asses kicked on November 4th. Other positives: The reversal of a string of anti-union executive orders issued by the Bush Administration. The establishment of the Middle Class Working Families Task Force. His tour of Europe with First Lady Michelle Obama, which raised good will for America abroad during the G-20 economic conference. His trip to Mexico with hopes of stopping violent drug cartels and preventing them from entering the U. S. His reaching out to Cuba for the renewed relationship, supported by the Congressional Black Caucus. A new commitment to pour millions of dollars into the prevention and awareness of HIV/AIDS in America.

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(AP Photo/Eric Gay)

TNT’s “40 Games in 40 Nights” NBA Playoffs coverage continues on Wednesday, April 29^th with the Miami Heat @ Atlanta Hawks (Game #5) at 8 p.m. ET followed by the New Orleans Hornets @ Denver Nuggets (Game #5).

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

“They should just quit playing and start the game in overtime.”

–Barkley on the NBA Playoffs record of three overtimes in the Bulls/Celtics series.

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(AP Photo/John Raoux)

Magic 91, Sixers 78. Yeah, Dwight Howard went off on the Sixers last night. For the first time this series, they were the tougher team. Instead of crying about an elbow that Sammy doesn’t feel anymore, man up and represent at home in Game 6. Losing Game 2 might have doomed the Sixers. We’ll see. Click on the pic to check the piece out on SLAM.

This series has been as exciting as any other match up this post season. There have been all kinds of runs leading to almost insurmountable comebacks. You have three buzzer beaters out of four games. Despite the seeding, these teams look about as evenly matched as your local cross town rivalry. Dwight Howard has caught heat for not dominating–as has Andre Iguodala. the key players, IMO, have been Hedo Turkoglu and Andre Miller. Both vets have given their respective teams a sure spark by not letting their teams die on the floor. Game 5’s are pivotal. Teams winning this all important game have gone on to win 83% of the time. Dig the piece on SLAM by clicking the pic. Who ya rockin’ with?