SnoTap Song of the Day: Lost You - Zeds Dead & Twin Shadow (Feat. D'Angelo Lacy)

My bad for not getting this up sooner. I know you all care so much about what the song of the day will be day in and day out. It also must be electronic week at the Tap which I don't care about one bit. It figures with Memorial Day weekend on the horizon; the best jams coming through are from the dance music side of things. This one comes from Zeds Dead whom incorporates the lyricism of Twin Shadow to go along with the music. Let me tell you this works really well. D'Angelo Lacy adds some background lyrics as well.  Twin Shadow is known for more of his 80's new wave type feel so putting with a song that will be featured promentinaly at clubs is interesting and adventurous.  I like it. Another great day at the Tap. I don't know what this means, but I am going to enjoy it.

Charlie.

Tapping The Keg Podcast Episode 89

Tapping The Keg brings you another edition this week with episode 89 featuring the usual stalwarts, Charlie and Mitch.  We talk about the song of the summer, and pick our selection which will most definitely be wrong. We move on to discuss the NBA Lottery night with Milwaukee Bucks, Mallory Edens and much more. It moves to baseball where we talk about the lack of media attention towards Ryan Braun, talk about Carlos Gomez's worth as well as what to do about Wei-Chung Wang. We discuss Colt Lyerla with the Packers, and why some journalists need to take a little step back before calling it a 'gutter' move. A wee bit of NBA Playoff talk to wrap it up. Really fun 50 minutes

Challenge Power Rankings Week 6

Yes another season of The Challenge is upon us. Hard to believe this is their 25th season of it.  We are doing the rankings like we usually do starting from the worst making our way to the top.  We will rank them every Thursday. Preseason rankings will definitely change next week because we will know a lot more about the season.  

16.) Preston, Last Week: 18.) - He might be there until the final eight which makes me sick. 

15.) Johnny, LW 14) - He continues to do absolutely nothing. I think he is on the outs this week unless they really, really want to get rid of Jordan. 

14.) Leroy, LW 12.) - The way he spelled 'disguise' might have been the worst thing ever in a Challenge. That was Brad bad. I think it was the worst one so far.  

13.) Jonna, LW 13.) - I couldn't believe what she said about Russia. No one cares about them? Have you seen what happened in Ukraine or nah?  

12.)  Aneesa, LW 15.) - Nice jump for her because she seems to be forgotten again due to the new Theresa-Laurel-Devyn feud which could keep her in the house longer than expected.

11.) Deyvn, LW 16.) - Biggest run for her in the last couple weeks. She made a slight move last week and then this week, she continues with Laurel plus winning the Spelling Challenge. Deyvn played this game so damn right.

10.)  Cohutta, LW 9.) - Not much from him this week. We talked about the last couple weeks, but Cohutta is lying the weeds for making the final. He might not make it, but I wouldn't be shocked if he is there.

9.) Jessica, LW 8.) - She disappeared sort of in the past couple weeks after becoming one of the stars of the show. Is it because Jessica realized how close to the sun she was after trying to get involved in

8.) Theresa, LW 10.) - Honestly, she is probably has a better shot at making the final more so than Nany, but it's quite a season thus far for Theresa. She really doesn't take advantage like this, but BAWSE LADY LAUREL has her on the kill list so... Might be in trouble. 

7.) Jordan, LW 2.) - What gives for the big fall?  I think he's running out of options and friends. It seems like he will be heading to elimination unless he wins the competition. The only saving grace might be Johnny from Portland still here without doing anything.

6.) Nany, LW 7.) - I am pretty sure it is in Nany's contract she needs to make out with one women before it's all said and done. I'm also pretty sure this isn't the first time Aneesa and her made out. I don't hate it.

5.)  Johnny Bananas, LW 5.) - I wanted to throw Bananas into the top four, but right now, Zach has a little more momentum than JB. But doesn't feel like he's controlling the game making everyone turn on Jordan?

4.) Zach, LW 6.) - He made a slight push by dominating the trivia challenge, and he sent Jordan into elimination. Zach will end up being there at the end because I don't know if anyone is beating him in elimination. Calling his brain a part of his muscle group was such a hardo thing to say though.

3.) Cara Maria, LW 4.) - I did think this was a strong year for women of The Challenge, but I didn't think the second strongest women would be Cara Maria. She's been great this year and a true contender for the final group. Although the fact she didn't know what a continent was is pretty bad as well as thinking Ghandi is a boxer.

2.)  CT, LW 3.) -  He moves back to the two spot after the classic line to Jordan where he says, 'You should sign a release, Jordan so CT can punch your head in.' Perfect line from CT, needed it, wanted it. Hopefully, we see a big push.

1.) -Laurel, LW 1.) - Big week for us here in the Challenge Power Rankings game as Laurel follows me on Twitter now. BAWSE LADY LAUREL obviously gets it. Also you cannot rank her lower than one when she's following the Tap on Twitter. Facts are facts. Also when you pull some Game of Thrones-type shit with a kill list, you're a clear number one.

Charlie.

NBA Playoff Recaps: San Antonio Smashes Oklahoma City

After Game 1, it seemed like pushing the panic button on Oklahoma City's chances to challenge San Antonio was premature. After Game 2, the panic button has been pushed, and it is right for everyone to freak out for a little while. San Antonio beat the brakes off the Thunder as they won 112-77 in a 35-point playoff defeat, one of Oklahoma City's worst losses with a big night from Danny Green and a healthy effort from Tony Parker plus what will happen with Oklahoma City in the following two games.

Green became one of the biggest X-factors in the 2013 NBA Playoffs for San Antonio. In fact, he became one of the biggest storylines of the NBA Finals last year only to fall off in the last couple games. Green had his best night from shooting beyond the arc which helped San Antonio push out their lead in the second and third quarter.  The game remained close into the latter parts of the second half looking like we could get a close game between these two teams. Then Green happened in a major way. He helped push out the lead to 14 points by halftime and assisted in San Antonio's 33 point third quarter helping the Spurs go on a 43-14 run. In the second and third quarter, the Spurs outscored Oklahoma City, 67-36 and Green played a large part in it. In the last three games, Green is averaging 19.6 a game which is huge for this Spurs team.

Another major thing for the Spurs is the health of Tony Parker. He hurt his hamstring in Game 5 of the Portland game, and it appears he is all healed up. Parker had 22 points with five assists leading the scoring. Parker. He made 10 of 17 shots doing usual Parker things in the paint. One of the more unexpected things about the first two games is how Parker is still playing at such a high level going up against Russell Westbrook. Maybe I overvalued Westbrook's defense, or Parker is much better than I give him credit for. Regardless, he played great for a second straight game and appears he is back in full force. Hopefully, Parker stays healthy throughout the remainder of the playoffs.

Oklahoma City is in a state of flux. It is not just Serge Ibaka anymore either. Kevin Durant and Westbrook combined for 30 points with shooting 13/40 from the field making 1/9 from three. That's terrible. There is no way to describe it any other way. It is evident Durant and Westbrook are trying to do too much out there right now, and that's a problem for Oklahoma City. Neither of these two guys could have saved the Thunder last night as they had no else scoring for them. Jeremy Lamb got most of his points in garbage time, and the rest of the starting lineup had four total points. Someone not named Durant or Westbrook needs to step up in a major way for Oklahoma City, or this series could be over before we know it.

Does it look like San Antonio could sweep Oklahoma City right out of the playoffs?  Yes it does. Do I think it will happen?  No I don't because the Thunder are too good to let San Antonio walk all over them for the entire playoffs.  Oklahoma City needs more scoring in the starting lineup. I don't know if that means going small putting Durant as a four, but something needs to change before it's too late. It doesn't need to be said, but Game 3 is a must-win for Oklahoma City on Sunday night.

Charlie.

An Open Letter to NBA Draft Prospects About Milwaukee

One of the more depressing parts of the NBA Draft is how many prospects do not want to go to Milwaukee.  I decided to write them an open letter to them.  

Dear Dante Exum, Andrew Wiggins, Joel Embiid, Jabari Parker and anyone to whom this concerns,

I know you don't want to go to Milwaukee. No one really does as an NBA player. Even in the early 90's, this was a problem with one of the most famous Draft Day moments with Todd Day going MILWAUUUKEE... Damn (Kevin Hunt is the man, 'All we do is drink cheese and beer' is a gold line), but truly, this is a great city with a bright future and the opportunities could be endless. But once again, I understand why Milwaukee doesn't sound as alluring as some of the other lottery picks.

Not every year do you see Los Angeles Lakers, winners of 16 NBA Championships or Boston Celtics, winners of 17 NBA Championships although did you know the Bucks have a championship under their belt in 1971?  Los Angeles and Boston are nice, but truth be told, the Lakers could be a mess for awhile plus Boston might be a year or two away as well. The same could be said for the Bucks, but they have a wealth of young players to not only play with but also hang out with in Milwaukee.

I realize Milwaukee gets a bad rap for the lack of a nightlife scene and that's probably accurate for an NBA player. There aren't swank clubs that only the elite hang out at meaning you will probably run into some fans attending a night club here. Just don't throw any bottles, okay. And yes there are no strip clubs downtown and don't be fooled by Arts. But the fact of the matter is there are a bunch of young guys to hang out with off the court like John Henson, Brandon Knight and Giannis Antetokounmpo whom are all under the age of 24. The nightlife might not be there, but at least you are not walking into a situation where you are the only rookie without many other young players.

The other thing about Milwaukee besides the nightlife and the franchise is the thought your brand will die in Wisconsin. Wrongo.  First of all, look at Kevin Love. He plays or played pending on this summer in Minneapolis, a little bigger city than Milwaukee, but he built his brand into multiple Taco Bell commercials along with being a must-follow on Twitter. Second, look at what Ryan Braun did before the PED scandal, what Aaron Rodgers has done and it is clear to see if you are as good as the Internet says you could be, the brand will go in a major way in Milwaukee. Plus you will be seen as a cornerstone of the players who saved Milwaukee basketball. Sounds pretty nice, doesn't it?

There will be pressure to win like anywhere else, but it might not be as intense as say Cleveland. The Cavs are picking their third top pick in four years, and with Kyrie Irving, there is a need to win right away. Bucks fans would love to back in the playoffs, but honestly, if they end up in the lottery for a second straight year, it is not the end of the days more so the continuing building process. Now, if they are still there after the second year, it becomes a problem. But right now, Milwaukee is about as low pressure as they come, right now. The microscope will be on because you are one of the best NBA rookies, but the local media will not be breathing down your neck.

All of this letter has been said without talking about the city of Milwaukee. It's a great one with a loving fanbase that will come back in no time. It's already building. Hopefully, you reconsider your stance on Milwaukee.

Signed,

Charlie Tritschler
CEO of SnoTap

Closing Time: You & Me (Feat. W. Darling) - Bassnectar

Another night, another song worth putting on your summer playlist. We hear from Bassnectar, one of the most popular electronic acts in the past couple of years. He will have an album coming out in late June which is perfect for the dog days season and featured heavily in the mid-late summer festivals.  This is not the usual from Bassnectar whose known for a little more hard-hitting style of dubstep. This slows it down a bit, and dare I say feels like something to throw to the wolves at Top 40 radio stations. I definitely enjoyed the approach here from the Californian DJ. I don't know if all of his fans will dig it as I am not a big one, but I like it so that's all that matters. Take care Tappers, thanks for putting up with the few posts.

Charlie.

Yasiel Puig Dominating Bat Flip Life Per Usual

First of all, I am celebrating a lazy day. We are coming close to Memorial Day weekend and since I have stuff to write about on Friday and Monday, I need to get a free day in here. That's what today is since I had to work during the morning and had no motivation when I came back. I am sure this makes me a bad blogger, Chuck's Corner type shit, but we have nearly 1,500 hits out of the goddamn blue so that's cool. Also what's pretty cool is Yasiel Puig bat flipping with random people even if these people have awful reasons to bat flip and probably haven't watched baseball in the past decade. Puig is the man, and he would probably be one of the only non-Brewers jersey I need to own.  Related, Fat Joe is Kinda Fat Joe these days. We will back in full force tomorrow, definitely a song tonight, maybe a post tonight if I get my shit together. (H/T Barstool Sports)