Leo (July 23- August 22)

No matter what you knew about your life, or what you thought was likely to come up in the months to come, think again. The eclipses are back, and this time they are centering their main attention on you. Over the past two years the series of eclipses have been in Virgo and Pisces, but that series is over and the new one starting up is in Leo-Aquarius.

Eclipses always change our direction, bring surprising events, and change priorities - all in the blink of an eye. The purpose of an eclipse is to shake you out of your rut, illuminate certain circumstances that were hidden from view, or bring sudden opportunity that you have to seize to take full advantage. When an eclipse arrives in your own sign, that’s news, and if the eclipse falls within four days of your birthday, that’s even bigger news. If you were born on August 1 or 16, or close to that date, your entire year to come will be very different from any one you had experienced previously. Not born near those dates? You STILL will see shifts.

Because it is always best to react rather than initiate during eclipse time, you might as well sit back and simply wait to see what flies in the window this month. I always advise never to initiate on an eclipse if you can help it - respond to others’ decisions quickly if necessary, but try not to be the one calling the shots. Whenever we make a big decision on an eclipse (within a week of its appearance) things tend not to work out precisely as anticipated. Sometimes an initiation around this time can’t be helped, because eclipses are known to bring news of big life events, and you will see this at play - not only you but friends and family. You will see a flurry of activity around you. News of new job engagements, marriages, births, move of residence, the start of one’s own business - that sort of big life news happens around eclipse time.

While most eclipses deliver their news immediately (within days of when the eclipse appears), others don’t. Many wait one month to the day later, plus or minus five days. (If this will be the case for you, watch the time near September 1 and 16.) Still other eclipses don’t bring news until Mars moves over the mathematical degree of the eclipse, which will happen this coming February. If this is the case for you, you will probably still get some sort of subtle news now, so keep watch over the conversations that come up, even very casual ones. As you see, although eclipses fall on new moons and full moons, they have a much wider time frame over normal new moons and full moons.

The total eclipse of the Sun - a solar eclipse - will come up first, August 1. At that time the Sun, new moon, Venus, and Mercury will all line up in Leo, putting you in the spotlight. Sudden opportunities are sure to arise, some quite creative and exciting, that you will want to investigate. Many planets will be in Leo this month, so it’s time to think about what YOU want to do. Don’t worry too much about whether or not others will go along with your plans or ideas. You need to present a vision, and it appears you will, in a vivid, passionate way.

On this eclipse, something will end but as it does, something else will begin. A relationship may end, or it may be that a long-term condition will end. The two don’t always dovetail at precisely the same time, but be patient - not all will be revealed at once.

Others around you will be all ears about what you have to say, so make sure when you do speak or send a document, it’s cohesive, intelligent, and accurate. Others will later be picking apart what you say and do, for that always happens when you have a high profile. This shouldn’t stop you - this only means that you will have the floor, and it’s time for you to indicate your direction.

I say that you must be sure about the accuracy of the facts you are depending on this month because Neptune will oppose Venus precisely at eclipse time. Venus is the natural ruler of your sector of career, and Neptune may fog some of the facts you will need to make professional decisions. If those facts are not accurate, the direction you take won’t be either, and people both inside and outside your organization may criticize you. This month it is worth going the extra mile to check both your data and your assumptions.

It will also be important to know all about the people you partner closely with now and in future months. There is some indication that you are about to make a serious commitment to a business or romantic partner later in the month. In a business situation, asking for references and doing background checks should be part of the plan if you don’t know the person all that well. I am not saying you will find anything wrong, just that it would be a good idea to make sure you aren’t getting a little too carried away with enthusiasm that could bubble up this month.

Having said that, Venus’ position across the sky from Neptune may indicate that a highly creative project that you devised is being put into motion this month, and if so, that would be very favorable. Neptune rules creativity, and its position bodes well for the success of your project. In fact, you may be partnering with another individual as you move forward to make it happen, and that too would be a positive manifestation of this eclipse. Planets in Leo point to work in the entertainment industry, to the development or marketing of luxury goods, or to industries that cater to the needs of children. All these areas shine especially brightly for you.

I should also mention that at a total eclipse of the Sun, a prominent male might now leave for any number of reasons. (I say male because the “Sun” is considered male.) An eclipse will “eclipse out” that person from your life. For example, you may hear that your father has decided to buy a house in a sunny location and vacate the one you grew up in. In that case, for example, your parent may leave your vicinity and you won’t be seeing one another as much in person. Or, it may be that your boss will quit and go to another company quite out of the blue, and since this person hired you and protected you, you may be sorry to see him go.

You are ruled by the Sun, so you will feel the August 1 solar eclipse more powerfully than the lunar eclipse, August 16, a full moon.

If you were born on August 1, or close to that date, your whole life will change in the year to come, but I feel in a way that will please you.

Whenever one has an eclipse in one’s own sign, it’s always wise to get a medical checkup. An eclipse will sometimes highlight a medical irregularity that needs to be fixed. If nothing is wrong, nothing will come up and that will be the case for a vast majority of Leo this month. However if the eclipse brings up some sort of health or dental issue, you should go for advice to nip it in the bud. You are fortunate in that you have Jupiter, the great benefactor and giver of gifts and luck, moving through your sixth house of health now, a big advantage! It shows you’d get the very best doctor or dentist - someone you can rely on to keep you feeling tip top.

At the August 16 eclipse, your partner will have a chance to voice his or her opinions after having listened to your thoughts and announcements. Yet with Neptune prominent, this person may not know what he or she wants, and will be hard to satisfy. If your partner seems confused, your job will be to gently help sort out options. If your partner seems a bit unrealistic or working more with fantasy than facts, you will need to bring him or her back to earth. Have patience.

If your partner is prone to substance abuse, this August 16 eclipse may make it clear it’s time to get professional help for this person. Of course, the eclipse may not bring out a situation this extreme, only if there is that propensity to begin with! Do realize that eclipses in one’s opposite sign, as you will have in Aquarius on August 16, often will reveal a side of character that you never saw before. Eclipses are very illuminating, and although they can be disillusioning sometimes, any information that you are presented will be information you need. Let’s hope the side you see is a side you are happy to discover, for that is possible, too.

Conversely, if you are the one in the relationship who has idealized a partner a little too much, you may discover that now and need to make a bit of a correction. In this case, it would not be your partner’s fault - that was simply your imagination gone wild. We all do that from time to time (especially if the relationship is a romantic one), so if you do get a different perspective now due to a revealing incident, you will need to refocus on what “is” - not what you imagined.

Staying positive, one last possible interpretation of this trend may be that your partner may deeply inspire you though his or her belief in you. An eclipse in the seventh house could bring on an impending engagement or marriage, and if so, that would be happy news. In a business sense, you may form a close relationship to work on an artistic project together that would show really encouraging results from the very start.

If you were born on August 16, your life will center heavily on partnership issues in the coming year, and it appears one, whether in business or in your personal life, will leave.

Financially, you need to brace for an untoward surprise that could come up on August 6 when Mars opposes Uranus. Whatever it is, it will be difficult news that will need your speedy decision and action. When Mars reaches out to Uranus, the result is usually aggressive, angry, hot, or inflammatory. Uranus creates explosive, volcanic situations that are completely unexpected.

This is a tough aspect that comes once every two years, and this time will bring shocks to everyone, of any sign. Your focus from this aspect will be purely financial and it may trigger an argument. The problem with this aspect is that you have to keep your antenna up for a full ten days after it arrives, which can seem like a very long time. With Uranus, you may see absolutely nothing until one moment, quite by accident, something you say triggers quite a reaction.

You may have been beset with high expenses since last month, so you may already be trying to slash spending as best you can. You’ll be pleased to know that your outlook is really good for seeing those expenses drop later this month. Once Mars moves into Libra on August 19, a far more compatible sign, you should feel that you are able to bring money matters under control.

Also, a very positive new moon, August 30, will help you fix your financial situation. You may see a rise in income in the days that follow that new moon, so it would be worth investigating possibilities. You may get a new job or side jobs (Jupiter would make it easier for you to get freelance work, so this is a good area.) Saturn will be active at that new moon, so you seem very realistic, centered, and determined to make things right again because by this point, you’ve probably had enough of these monetary wrangles.

Saturn tends to constrict what it touches, however, so if you do ask for a raise, you may hear that your boss can’t give you quite as much of a raise as you had hoped. Take what you can. We can’t always get all that we need, but something may be better than nothing. If you want to change jobs, you may be able to do so in October or November, as your aspects are truly bright for a job switch or for winning a promotion.

Once Mars moves into Libra, Mars will bring you small but beautiful opportunities to travel to nearby towns, resorts, and cities. By then you’ll need a change in scene, so take up any invitations to be in a different setting.

Romantically, so much will depend on how your relationship has been going all along. Often an eclipse will crystallize feelings quite suddenly. If you are single and not dating, you won’t feel the August 16 eclipse because you don’t have a partner in your life. In your case, travel will help you meet people, especially if you have a summer share in a weekend house where you can meet new people easily, or if friends invite you to their houses.

This month your sweetest romantic evenings will be: August 1, 9, 10, 23-24, 28, and 29. The full moon eclipse August 16 may bring a fateful meeting - it’s a wild card! With Jupiter and Venus at gorgeous angles on that day, that’s very possible!

Summary

Events that occur as a result of the solar eclipse in Leo (a new moon) on August 1 will be so vital that you may say later that the developments that came up were positively life altering.

This total eclipse will help you decide how you’d like to shape your future. In early August, think about yourself, not others. Later you can extend your scope, but in birthday month, and with this important eclipse, you will be given a chance to see down the road and make plans for a better life. You are the star of this eclipse, and as such, you will be given the opportunity to make your life close to the vision you have in your head. So important will this total eclipse be that the decisions you make this month and in the weeks and months ahead will affect you now through 2017 or possibly forever!

Keep your health up to par at this total solar eclipse, as sometimes, when the Sun’s light is blocked, you may feel less energetic or a health concern that has been going on, unbeknownst to you, needs attention. If you notice something is “off” medically, get it checked immediately.

The closer your birthday falls to August 1, the more powerfully you’ll feel the coming shifts. All eclipses reveal certain truths, and this eclipse won’t be any exception. Yet with the Sun, new moon, Mercury, and Venus in Leo, you’ll have the upper hand, and with just a bit of effort you’ll soon see that you can maneuver events to your favor.

The lunar eclipse, August 16, will help you go a step further to see a partner in an accurate light, too. You may have idealized this person, but if so, now the eclipse will bring a more focused, true picture. If your relationship is flawed, you’ll know it, but if it is strong and sturdy, you will know that, too. If your partner is prone to escapist tendencies or relies on alcohol or drugs to get through hard times, you may need to get your partner help, but in that case, it’s good, and he or she will thank you for that later.

The closer your birthday falls to August 16, the more this lunar eclipse will affect you.

Finances also will be a topic of meditation. On August 6, Mars, currently in your house of personal income and wealth, will oppose Uranus in your eighth house of credit, debt, and large financial obligations. This eighth house also rules money others may give you or owe you, say for child support, or funds due you as a result of an insurance claim or commission, as a few examples. Near this date you may get a revelation concerning money, and it’s not likely to be the type of surprise you’d want.

Should you have an altercation over money with a close partner, you may have to document your case in great detail, with all kinds of backup documentation. The short-term solution may be to get a side job until this matter is cleared up. With Jupiter, giver of gifts and luck, in your work sector all year, you will able to find side work rather easily if you look for it.

The new moon on August 30 will usher in a new phase where earning more money will be very possible for you as long as you speak up. Saturn is close to that moon, so it appears your employer doesn’t have a large budget to draw on. Still, some money is better than none, so once this new moon arrives, it would be worth asking for a raise.

Romantically, a great deal depends on how things have been going all along. You may have to make an adjustment in how you see your partner, and that may require a bit of effort. If you are single, your best romantic prospects will occur while traveling, so pack those bags and go. You will need a break, and it looks like Mars from August 19 onward will help you get just that. Watch the person you meet near the eclipse August 16, as this person could be a soul mate. With Jupiter and Venus bubbling up fun, you never know! Eclipses bring big developments and this would be just the kind of twist to your life’s plot that you would welcome!

NBA: Backtracking On The '08 Draft

Well, another year of “D-Day” has come and gone, and it leaves us this year with a bang. Trades were made (and many of them, too), as well as players either moving up, or falling down, each teams draft boards. All in all, 60 players were chosen this year. A surprising trend seems to be coming out, as well. Buying players. Yes, you heard me, buying. For every selection you don’t have, you can cough up some of your extra salary cap to go out and get someone. For teams that are desperate for cap relief, this is a good way to operate. Although, it is living life in the fast lane. Often you will give up someone who could either be a solid rotation player, or a flat out stud, depending on where you pick, of course. But now that the Draft is over for another year, here are my Draft Grades from the 2008 NBA Draft, with analysis for each team. Enjoy!

Atlanta Hawks

No selections made.

The Hawks were one of the most inactive teams on Draft Day, partly because they had no picks to begin with. Atlanta was slated to select 15th, but with this being the first year they don’t have a protected lottery pick, it went to the Suns in part of the Joe Johnson deal a few years back. The Suns selected defensive presence Robin Lopez, brother of 10th Overall Pick Brook Lopez. Will the Hawks lose any sleep over knowing they missed Robin Lopez? I wouldn’t think so, not at this point, anyways.

Grade: Incomplete.

Boston Celtics

J.R. Giddens - 30th Overall
Bill Walker - 47th Overall
Semih Erden - 60th Overall

While it wasn’t as much as it was last year, but Boston looks like they are restocking there shelves for the future, and they did a good job of it, as well. Picking up 2 exceptional athletes in J.R. Giddens, and Bill Walker is no small feat. Walker was being talked about as a lottery pick in the 2009 Draft, so to buy this pick for nothing but a little cap is really not a big deal at all. If Walker can overcome those knee injuries, he will be a bright light on the horizon. Giddens is an energetic kid, but if he cannot stay mature and stay out of trouble, there may not be a spot in the NBA for him for very long. Semih Erden is a interesting international prospect, who will most likely stay in Turkey to work on his game.

Grade: B

Charlotte Bobcats

D.J. Augustin - 9th Overall
Alexis Ajinca - 20th Overall
Kyle Weaver - 38th Overall

Larry Brown and Michael Jordan have to be shopping Raymond Felton. At the time, the Augustin pick really didn’t make too much sense, but now I’m beginning to understand it, and I actually like it. He will be an eventual improvement over Raymond Felton, who at this point, obviously hasn’t been the guy the Bobcats hoped he could be. Alexis Ajinca and Kyle Weaver are both interesting selections. Weaver can play both Guard positions, and is an excellent defender. I was very high on Ajinca, based on his workouts, but stepping back and looking at him in a Pro standpoint, the 5 Points per Game he averaged in France is a wild card. Overall, it could have been a much more powerful draft for Charlotte, and was a bit of a disappointment.

Grade: B-

Chicago Bulls

Derrick Rose - 1st Overall
Omer Asik - 36th Overall

I can’t see anything wrong with the Rose pick. He’s a leader, which the Bulls need, and he can distribute the ball well, despite what his APG suggested in the NCAA. He’s a fighter, and is a guy who can really lead a team to victory. An all around great pick for Del Negro. Omer Asik is one of the better European prospects, and has a high motor, which should provide the Bulls with some energy off the bench. Of course, Asik will not be over in the NBA for a few years, but when (and if) he is, watch out.

Grade: A-

Cleveland Cavaliers

J.J. Hickson - 19th Overall
Darnell Jackson - 52nd Overall
Sasha Kaun - 56th Overall

The Cavaliers played this draft safe, which is a good idea after their blockbuster with Chicago in the later part of last season, but it did, and should, work out well. The Cavaliers essentially got 3 sleepers with an extremely high ceiling for an amazing draft. LeBron really can’t complain about this. He gets one of the biggest sleepers in the entire draft, in J.J. Hickson. Hickson has the ability to become a very good player, but he is raw. Darnell Jackson is another good pick who will be great off the bench as a 6th or 7th man in a few years. Sasha Kaun, while playing in Russia, should continue to develop his game, and could be an interesting prospect down the line. The Cavaliers found a few diamonds in the rough, but they’ll have to be patient.

Grade: A

Dallas Mavericks

Shan Foster - 51st Overall

The Mavericks took a step back this season, which isn’t the greatest thought, considering Jason Kidd is in his thirties, and the Mavs lost both Devin Harris, and their 1st round pick, which was good for the Nets to get Ryan Andersen, a great player out of California. Shan Foster is a decent shooter, but will be buried at the end of a deep bench, and is really nothing to write home about.

Grade: D

Denver Nuggets

Sonny Weems - 39th Overall

I haven’t seen too much of Sonny Weems, but he essentially seems like a poor mans J.R. Smith, and is that a good thing? I wouldn’t think too highly of it. The Nuggets did get some cap relief, and with the players that were there, it looked like they didn’t make too much of a mistake. Although, a Darrell Arthur, or a Mario Chalmers could’ve been nice at 20.

Grade: D

Detroit Pistons

Walter Sharpe - 32nd Overall
Trent Plaisted - 46th Overall
Deron Washington - 59th Overall

You have to feel that Joe Dumars and the Pistons had success in this draft. Dumars had his own edition of “wheeling and dealing” on Draft Night, and ended up with a trio of prospects. Dumars is a guy who will go out of his way and pick up a guy who could either be a great player, or a complete bust, and Walter Sharpe is this years edition. I haven’t studied Sharpe much for this draft, but Sharpe put up 14 PPG, and 7 RPG, which is decent numbers for a player of his quality. I like this draft, so I’ll give them a solid B.

Grade: B
Golden State Warriors

Anthony Randolph - 14th Overall
Richard Hendrix - 49th Overall

I don’t understand this draft from my  perspective.  Anthony Randolph is seemingly Brandan Wright, with a higher ceiling, and a weaker body. Was he the right pick at 14? In terms of Best Player Available, yes, but when you already have a stronger, almost exact clone, it’s hard to see what is so great about this pick. Richard Hendrix is a good get at 49, one of the better value picks, but is another Power Forward, who for now, is just going to be buried and labelled as another guy who can’t get playing time in Don Nelson’s system.

Grade: C+

Houston Rockets

Donte Greene - 28th Overall
Joey Dorsey - 33rd Overall
Maarty Leunen - 54th Overall

I think Houston would’ve been more well spent keeping Darrell Arthur, who could develop into a real beast in the future, but I understand why they like Greene. While I think Greene could’ve been better off in staying another year at Syracuse, he is a good project guy to work with, who has all the raw talents you look for. Joey Dorsey will be the next Ben Wallace, in my opinion. He is rather limited in the Offensive end, but plays very stingy D, and is all around very good at guarding big men.

Grade: A-

Indiana Pacers

Brandon Rush - 13th Overall
Roy Hibbert - 17th Overall

I love this draft for Indiana. For a franchise who has been really floundering the past couple of years, they seem to be moving in the right direction now. Brandon Rush was one of the most NBA ready Forwards, and he is reunited with brother Kareem Rush. Roy Hibbert provides a presence down low. I don’t understand the Hibbert pick somewhat, as they just brought in Rush, and TJ Ford, two guys who really fit a fast paced system, but I think Hibbert can turn up the athleticism, and if he can reach his full potential, he will be a threat in years to come. One of the best drafts this year.

Grade: A

Los Angeles Clippers

Eric Gordon - 7th Overall
DeAndre Jordan - 35th Overall
Mike Taylor - 55th Overall

Let it be known that I don’t like Eric Gordon. I feel Gordon is just a 1 dimensional player, and has just his shot to rely on. He is relatively small at the Shooting Guard position, at 6’4. To trade up to #4 and get him would be ludicrous to me, and to be quite honest, I feel Gordon is going to bust up on the Clippers. A guy to  watch here is DeAndre Jordan. He is a project, and probably would be better fit if he stayed in school, but he will make the Clippers brass look very, very good, if he pans out into a Dwight Howard like player, like some were speculating him to. Mike Taylor is also a very good pick, and I feel he will be a solid NBA player.

Grade: B+

Los Angeles Lakers

Joe Crawford - 58th Overall

I read the SI NBA Draft Preview last week, and there was a section where the SI reporters and writers gave their thoughts on players that could be steals in the 2nd Round. Joe Crawford was amongst them, but not a whole lot of good was said about him. SI said that Crawford could not create his own shot well, as well as not set others up for shots, either, but would be a crafty scorer of the bench. I agree with this assessment. It really sounds like D League material to me. The Pau Gasol trade was the main center piece of the Lakers season, though, and it was such a steal, that an A is in order, just for it alone.

Grade: A

Memphis Grizzlies

O.J. Mayo - 3rd Overall
Darrell Arthur - 27th Overall

The Grizzlies had a productive draft, which saw them pick up a possible gem in the late 1st Round, in Kansas Power Forward Darrell Arthur. Arthur apparently has kidney and heart problems, never good for a team that is going to spend a 1st Round pick on him. But the kid has Top 15 talent, and will make a lot of GM’s look bad if he progresses fine, and turns into a productive player. Mayo is reportedly already on the move, possibly in a move with Miami, where Michael Beasley would be sent back. If this happens, Chris Wallace will go from donkey, to genius.

Grade: B+

Miami Heat

Michael Beasley - 2nd Overall
Mario Chalmers - 34th Overall

The Heat had the best Draft, far and away the best draft. They picked up a crafty, powerful scorer in Beasley, and a great guy to start at Point Guard, in Mario Chalmers. Chalmers is a typical Pat Riley player, who can steal the ball and play stingy defence, then turn around and dish the ball to either Dwayne Wade, Shawn Marion, or Michael Beasley, all day. But, if the grumblings of a Beasley/Mayo swap are true, the Heat may have made a bad choice. Now, I’m not saying it based on the talent of Mayo, but on the lack of common sense by Pat Riley. If he doesn’t like Beasley, fine, he doesn’t like the kid. But to trade for something you know you could’ve had? Nonsense.

Grade: A

Milwaukee Bucks

Joe Alexander - 8th Overall
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute - 37th Overall

The Bucks didn’t have a flashy draft. They played it safe this year, but also made a great deal as well. Picking up Richard Jefferson for Yi Jianlian is a plus, as Milwaukee no longer has to really deal with the baggage Yi came with. Jefferson provides a veteran spark, and tough defender, something Milwaukee sorely needed last year. Joe Alexander could learn well under the tutelage of Jefferson, and could become one of the leagues most hard nosed players if he comes through. A solid, safe draft.

Grade: B+

Minnesota Timberwolves

Kevin Love - 5th Overall
Nikola Pekovic - 31st Overall

Kevin McHale actually did quite a solid job this time. I personally see many connections between Love and McHale, and both Kevin’s actually see the same thing as most do. Love has many old school type moves down low, and can shoot the ball as well. He is powerful in and around the basket, but like DeAndre Jordan, Love could’ve probably used another year in College. Pekovic was one of my favourite prospects, and although he’ll stay in Europe for a few more years, he has done many things already. Bringing in Mike Miller is great as well.

Grade: A-
New Jersey Nets

Brook Lopez - 10th Overall
Ryan Anderson - 21st Overall
Chris Douglas-Roberts - 39th Overall

I’m not a fan of Brook Lopez, I think he is going to be somewhat exposed in the NBA, especially in the first few years. But he was great value at 10, especially since there were reports of him going at 4 to Seattle. He needs a few more post moves, and could toughen up a bit, but he has the skill set to survive. The addition of Yi makes the already soft Nets even softer down low, and Ryan Anderson doesn’t exactly fix it. Anderson faces the basket a lot, and also needs to toughen up. Chris Douglas-Roberts is going to be a great pick up from the 2nd Round. He presented good value, and filled a need, left by Richard Jefferson. The Nets are going to miss his Defence more then they think.

Grade: A-
New Orleans Hornets

No selections made.

The Hornets “sold” there 27th Overall pick in exchange for cap room, from Portland. It left them with no picks in the Draft.

Grade: Incomplete

New York Knicks

Danilo Gallinari - 6th Overall

I like the pick of Gallinari, but I feel he is going to be another kid who may be exposed a bit early on in his career, as he gets used to the North American style of game. His defence needs to improve, which is surprising, as his father was a “defensive specialist” in Europe. But this was a good start to an eventual rebuilding process for Mike D’Antoni and his team. If they can dangle David Lee from Charlotte, for Ray Felton, this team could be very competitive this year, and could definitely surprise people.

Grade: A-

Orlando Magic

Courtney Lee - 22nd Overall

I feel Lee was a need pick for the Magic, and someone who could contribute right away. He has a great pass of the dribble, and can shoot fairly well. But, there was better talent on the board, I felt, that could have helped Orlando more, including Darrell Arthur. The Magic had reportedly promised Lee the 22nd Overall pick, and he should do well off the bench for Hedo Turkoglu.

Grade: B-

Philadelphia 76ers

Marreese Speights - 16th Overall

In my opinion, this was the best fit for Speights, out of anyone. He is a bruiser down low, and can rebound exceptionally well, both of which Philly needs. If the 76ers can lure a high profile Free Agent player, like Elton Brand, the 76ers are going to excel in a growing Eastern Conference.

Grade: A

Phoenix Suns

Robin Lopez - 15th Overall
Goran Dragic - 42nd Overall

This draft signifies the end of the high tempo offence in Phoenix. The D’Antoni days are behind them, and with the pick of Robin Lopez, it only makes sure of it. Lopez was brought in to do exactly what the Suns need; play defence and bring energy to the squad. He gets extra marks for the way his hat fit onto his bed of hair. Goran Dragic could eventually become another energy player of the deep bench, but that remains to be seen.

Grade: B

Portland Trail Blazers

Jerryd Bayless - 11th Overall
Nicolas Batum - 25th Overall

It’s time to really watch out for Portland. They originally added Brandon Rush at 13, but made a swap with Indiana, who took Bayless at 11, in exchange for Rush, Josh McRoberts, and Jarrett Jack. It gives the Blazers the Point Guard they have been looking for some time. Moving up for Batum could turn out to a move that everybody envies, and that’s the type of thing your going to get from Kevin Pritchard, who is always getting the better of deals, and making moves to better the franchise. Portland is going to be flat out scary in 2 or 3 years.

Grade: A

Sacramento Kings

Jason Thompson - 12th Overall
Sean Singletary - 42nd Overall
Patrick Ewing Jr. - 43rd Overall

This was another ugly draft by the Sacramento Kings. All 3 times (yes, count it, all 3 times) the Kings could’ve selected a better player. The selection of Jason Thompson was arguably the ugliest one in the draft. I feel like the Kings could’ve either bought a late round pick for him, or traded up with their 2 2nds. Maybe that’s the way things go, though. I feel Patrick Ewing Jr. was drafted based on name, and not on skill. He really doesn’t even have a set position. I just don’t know about this draft.

Grade: D-
San Antonio Spurs

George Hill - 26th Overall
Malik Hairston - 48th Overall
James Gist - 57th Overall

San Antonio is usually spot on with their picks, and they usually have an international blend to them. Neither happened this year. I feel there will be a lot of questioning with the pick of George Hill, especially when Mario Chalmers is on the board. Malik Hairston is a threat all around. Good defender, good shot, and can drive. Very nice pick up at 48. James Gist is a guy who could surprise, especially where he was picked up, but I don’t think he can make the veteran laden Spurs, not yet. Some D-League ball could do him some good.

Grade: C

Seattle SuperSonics

Russell Westbrook - 4th Overall
Serge Ibaka - 24th Overall
D.J. White - 29th Overall
DeVon Hardin - 50th Overall

I feel Seattle had one of the most productive drafts. They picked up one of the top defenders in this class, in Russell Westbrook. He will man the point, and will garner a lot of attention, even with Kevin Durant on the floor. I feel he was the right choice at 4 now, and looking over the comparisons of Westbrook and Bayless, I’m confident Sam Presti made the right decision. Serge Ibaka is another International Power Forward, who is another project. How many more does Seattle need? Johan Petro, Saer Sene and Serge Ibaka seem like enough to me. D.J. White and DeVon Hardin are both also solid pick ups.

Grade: A

Toronto Raptors

Nathan Jawai - 41st Overall

Based on the deal the Raptors made to pick up some more star talent, and the pick up of Jawai, I feel Toronto is going in the right direction. The Raps needed another big presence, and definitely get it here with the big man from Australia. The deal with Indiana went down as TJ Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, Maceo Baston, and Roy Hibbert for Jermaine O’Neal. I think Raps fans can live with that.

Grade: B
Utah Jazz

Kosta Koufos - 23rd Overall
Ante Tomic - 44th Overall
Tadija Dragicevic - 53rd Overall

The Jazz went with a certain International flair here. Although American, Koufos definitely has a Greek name, and has Greek parents. The Jazz got a steal with Kosta, who is much like Mehmet Okur. The need was there, as the Jazz needed some big men coming into the draft. Ante Tomic is a guy who will take his time developing in Europe. Dragicevic has a lot of work to do to make it in the NBA.

Grade: B

Washington Wizards

JaVale McGee - 18th Overall

McGee is an interesting player. He has potential, and a lot of upside, but he is fairly raw, and should’ve stayed in school. He and DeAndre Jordan can relate together. I don’t see much of an NBA career from McGee if he isn’t brought along correctly. If the Wizards take their time with him, they could have an interesting  prospect on there hands.

Grade: C+

This draft was fairly entertaining, with a lot of star presence being moved, and a great deal of International flair coming into it. I feel that most teams are going to find that at least 1 player makes it on their bench from this draft. The draft was fairly deep, and had a lot of talent at the top, much like the NFL Draft. Here are my thoughts on some personal picks this year.

The gem of the draft in the near future is going to be Cleveland’s Darnell Jackson. He could replace Joe Smith even at the start of Camp, and provides a lot of energy and offence to the team. Minnesota’s Nikola Pekovic is my pick in the next 4 to 5 years. I really like Pekovic as a prospect, and he will flourish when given the chance in Minnesota.

My bust pick is Eric Gordon. Bias aside, I just don’t think this kid has what it takes to be depended on in the NBA. He seems like a kid who will play only when he wants to, and has just his shot to rely on. People may bring up the fact that he got to the line in College, but the NBA is head and feet over the College ranks in terms of defence, and Gordon will soon find that out.

My Rookie of the Year is Greg Oden. I know he wasn’t drafted this year, but he is ROY eligible, as he has not played an NBA game yet. If I had to choose someone from this class, it would be OJ Mayo, right now. If he is traded to Miami, like reports say, I would then have to say Brandon Rush and Michael Beasley would be front runners.

I hope people enjoyed the draft as much as I have, and I can’t wait till the next one.

Leo (July 23- August 22)

June finds you ready to galvanize your courage and swing into action. Mars, the warrior planet, is now in Leo, a position that started last month on May 9. You’ve not had this special favor of the Red Planet since June 2006, so while you have it you seem ready to use it for all it’s worth.

A Mars visit to one’s sign is somewhat rare, typically lasts seven weeks, and always brings with it the opportunity to start a powerful new cycle. It’s always best to focus on endeavors and projects that require all the qualities that Mars is known to bestow: extraordinary courage, drive, and an attractive “I can’t fail” can-do spirit.

One day in particular when you’ll find things go your way will be June 4, when the Sun will be beautifully angled to Mars. You will be able to seize the reins and take a leadership position on a project or cause that’s dear to you. It’s an excellent day for an important meeting or presentation, too.

One other day you should circle in red will be June 24, when again the Sun, your ruling star, is involved, this time beaming important rays to Saturn. You’ll be pleased with how beautifully you express yourself on this day, and how persuasive and determined you can be when much is at stake.

There is only one little wrinkle in the way things will go this month. Despite how energetic and ready for anything that you may be, the world will not quite be ready to respond to you. It’s an unfortunate fact that the world doesn’t always work on our timetable, but rather ticks on its own little inner clock, something you will be reminded of now. Mercury, the planet of communication, negotiation, contracts, and commerce, will continue its retrograde course during most of June, a trend that started on May 26.

So although you’ll be biting at the bit, you’ll have to hold yourself back until you get past June 19, the date that Mercury will go direct again. Actually, don’t write down June 19 as your start date, as it’s never wise to act immediately on that very end date of Mercury’s retrograde. Mercury will always send out an inordinate amount of unintelligible static then, so you’d be best to wait until Monday, June 23, to take decisive action.

I particularly like the two dates of June 23-24 for you, days when you will be able to take advantage of a lovely interaction between Saturn and the Sun, mentioned earlier. This is a stabilizing and comforting aspect that will allow you to build something valuable that will stand the test of time. The Sun rules your sign, so this configuration - a blessing for all zodiac signs - will be doubly special for you.

Admittedly, this puts you in a bind. Here you have one of the best cycles starting up with Mars in Leo, but are being told at the same time to hold back and wait. Cheer yourself in the knowledge that any decisive actions you take during Mercury retrograde will later prove to be a false step, so rather than react in haste, take your time. Conditions are in a rapid state of change, and it will be impossible to make informed decisions until the last week of June. At that time the fog will lift and you will see things with much greater acuity.

Rather than try to push hard on projects now, particularly when delays, postponements, and reversals in direction crop up, go with a slower pacing. If you try to push things through anyway, you will wind up spinning your wheels and not accomplish much. Any deal you put in place while Mercury is retrograde will need to be redone later, so you see, there’s no value in forcing your will at this time. Let things take a natural course. If you “lose” anything, you will realize later, in hindsight (when this month is over), that it was not worth what you had assumed.

In the meantime, there are things you can do. Re-contact old friends, spend time mulling over current projects, and discuss ideas with colleagues and friends to get a feeling for the environment that you’re operating in. You will see that just recently the wind has changed direction, and you will want to be the first to pick up the subtle signs. Mercury retrograde is a time to stop moving frantically and move in to look closer. You will soon see - a new picture will emerge.

Socially, a brilliant new phase is starting up, too, one that is set to begin on the new moon, June 3. You’ll have much more interaction with friends this month, especially with dear friends from the past that you’ve not seen in ages. Those friends will prove to be true blue to you, and one in particular will show a willingness to go the distance to help you in some way.

There will be opportunities for you to make one or two new associations too, and those new friends will offer a whole constellation of new interests and fresh experiences. Be open to ideas and timely introductions that friends present to you now. You need to open up your mind and your heart now, for this social area is where your greatest personal growth will stem in coming weeks.

There appear to be special opportunities for you to gain from certain involvement with communities, groups, or charities this month, too. If you have been looking over a brochure for a conference to attend or a series of seminars to take, see if you can go. You’ll find that rubbing shoulders with others brings enlightenment and pleasures you hadn’t anticipated. Humanitarian interests are also indicated for you, and you’d find the work you do not only heartwarming but could lead you down a new path that you will want to continue on in months and years ahead.

This new moon will fall next to Venus, so events that fall just after June 3 should offer a touch of luxury and beauty that you will enjoy and find refreshing. We all need a little fun in life, for at the very least doing so will enhance your creativity (almost always important to a Leo). So give in, let go, and stop stressing about how slowly your plans are proceeding. It’s not often we are given a chance to kick back without guilt - take it!

If your birthday falls on August 5, plus or minus five days, then you will benefit in an outstanding way from this new moon.

Your social life reaches a pinnacle point on the full moon, June 18, plus or minus four days, but again the messages you will pick up from the universe at this point will be mixed. This full moon falls in a late degree of Sagittarius, usually a good placement for you because it’s a fellow fire sign.

If you were born on August 20, this full moon will be ideally angled to your Sun, suggesting that you will find benefits to all that happens. This full moon will light your house of true love, usually a fantastic development, but Pluto is associated with money and in your case, also home and property - so you may find you don’t see eye-to-eye with a lover or someone else, possibly a friend, about these more mundane matters of living.

If a love relationship or friendship becomes rocky at this time (and it could), try to craft a more thoughtful response rather than blurt something out in the heat of the moment that you might regret later. This month will be fraught with the possibilities for misunderstandings and miscommunications. If you take a little time to sort things out, you may be able to avoid assuming something that simply isn’t true.

Having said this, Uranus is about to go retrograde in your serious commitment sector on June 26, so you may find this full moon to be an awakening. If you feel the relationship needs to be fixed, you will be given the opportunity to work on it, possibly with a counselor, over the coming five months, until November 27, the date when Uranus will go direct. If you feel you have to break up completely, you can, and probably will. If however you feel this relationship has potential and that you are willing to give it your all, then don’t jump the gun.

Later in the month, the interaction of Mars and Pluto on June 30 could be a vibration you find quite affirming and uplifting. That hopeful aspect may bring you an illuminating change of mind or a sudden burst of clarity.

Dear Leo, in a month that is filled with retrograde planets, the message from the universe is to go slow and take your time.

If you are single, Mars in Leo will make you very attractive and should increase your social visibility enormously. Don’t be surprised if your BlackBerry keeps buzzing and your calendar fills up rapidly. You are a Leo, so being fussed over isn’t something you’ll have trouble adjusting to - you love it! In June you should get more than your share of compliments!

Attached or single, your very best romantic dates this month will be: June 3-4, 6-7, 25, and 30.

Summary

Despite life’s little “off” moments, June should prove to be a brilliantly happy month for you. Thanks to Mars in Leo all month, you’ll brim with energy and drive, and few will be able to resist your charms. You are starting a whole new two-year cycle, so it’s time to take a risk and to break out of old ruts. Anything that has held you back won’t continue to do so much longer - you won’t hear of it! While you have everyone’s attention, you will want to make the most of it. Present ideas, send letters, and strike out on an independent course.

On June 4, you should easily be able to get the attention of a key authority figure. You’ll be persuasive, articulate, and eager to succeed - the reason why you will!

This also will be a very festive month, filled with dinners, parties, events, and possibly a vacation. With four planets in your house of fun and friends, hopes, and wishes, you are being urged to dream big and bold. Truly, June will be one of those rare months when you come to realize that dreams really do come true.

You will be hearing from a number of old friends this month too, and one may have an idea you’ll want to take seriously. Be open to making new friends, too. If someone seems to have plenty in common with you, offer to meet for lunch or suggest your friend take a place on the committee of the fundraiser you’re working on, too. Send your new friend a clipping on a topic you both care about or ask her for advice on which boutique or bistro to visit. New friends will open a window of fresh ideas and take you in a new direction.

The full moon June 18 may bring problems however, as Pluto will oppose the Sun. Something seems “off” and you’ll be upset when a friend or lover tries to railroad you into accepting a position you find unacceptable. This full moon will be tense for everyone, so it may be wise to take a few days to think before you give your response. Full moons intensify emotions, but as you move away from them, things become clarified.

By time you get to June 23, you should feel the tension subside. After this episode is over, however, if it turns out that a romantic partner is the source of your woe, with Uranus turning retrograde on June 26, you may need to rethink the relationship, try to fix it, or if you feel there is no chance for reconciliation, simply leave it. See how you feel, and make decisions slowly over the course of several days.

There is one ray of hope when it comes to matters of love and relationships. At month’s end, June 30, Mars’ strong and positive angle to Pluto could bring forgiveness and a complete change of perspective. If you proceed slowly you won’t be sorry, for you’ll make the right decision for you.

Summing things up:

Make a new friend, join a club, volunteer for political organization: June 3 plus two weeks

A tough full moon for love or friendship: June 18 (+ or - 4 days)

Forgiveness and love conquers all: June 30

Leo

Romantic matters could be a little taxing today; the clash of energies suggests that heavy discussions are likely to crop up out of nowhere, and that creating the a tender, loving atmosphere will be almost impossible. As with Taurus today is a good day for catching up with practical matters!

Leo

Like almost everyone else in the Zodiac you can look forward to a fine day today, thanks to beneficial planetary influences! Money is looking great, and although you might not have much time in what is likely to be a hectic but fun schedule, today is a great day for hitting the malls!

My Dream Job!

The Googlenairs Thursday, April 10, 2008

Google has been known for a long time as the best place in the world to work. They offer free massages, gourmet meals, and professional haircuts at their beautiful campus in California. That right there puts them above 99.99% of the other companies in the world. At any rate, you already knew all that so lets move on.

Have you ever wondered how much a Google employee makes? Well this data isn’t extremely easy to find, if you don’t believe me just search Google. However, here is some interesting statistics.
Google Programmer in Phoenix - $174,000/year
Google Programmer in California - $197,000/year
Google Programmer in Chicago - $222,000/year
Google Programmer in New York - $242,000/year
(according to Indeed.com)

…and thats just in salary. What other financial benefits does Google offer it’s employees?

• 1) Google will pay $8,000 / year for you to continue your education. They just require you get at least ‘B’s in your classes.


• 2) If you refer another employee to Google’s staff and they stay for 60 days, Google will pay your $2,000


• 3) If you are thinking about adopting a kid, Google will contribute $5,000 towards all the legal and adoption fees.


• 4) Depending how long you have worked at Google you can get up to 25 days (almost a month) paid vacation a year!

Now their is one more thing that is very interesting about Google employees financial lives. According to the New York Times there are estimated to be over 1,000 Google employees with Google stock worth over $5 million dollars. Woah wait! There are over 1,000 people working for Google who are worth OVER $5 MILLION DOLLARS! Even Google’s former masseuse (did I mention employees get free massages) is a millionaire. Also, according to the New York Times, every employee that has been at Google for over a year is worth well over $250,000. Competing firms have said that Google alone has raised the average programmers salary by 50% over the last few year and with salaries and benefits like this I really don’t doubt it.