Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters

As any old school music buff knows, rock superstar Elton John wrote (along with legendary co-writer Bernie Taupin), performed and recorded many memorable songs over his illustrious 40-plus year music career.  In 1972, he released one of his most famous and critically acclaimed albums in Honky Chateau.  On that album (yes, they still called them albums back in the day) was song titled "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters."  

If you have never heard the song here is Elton John performing it LIVE at Madison Square Garden in New York City:

Well we were never really convinced that either Mona Lisa or Mad Hatters actually ever existed.  So we sent one of own, Canespace blogger Rashad, who just so happens to work as a Loss Prevention Manager for a major retailer and knows a thing or two about investigations, deep behind enemy lines to see what he could find. 

What did he find you ask?  As you can see from the photo below he found two Mona Lisas that ARE Mad Hatters.  Who would a thunk it?

I think you would agree that our man Rashad uncovered the The Truth (so to speak) and since there's no arguing with "hard evidence" that is one mystery that has clearly been solved.  Yet the mystery of just how good the University of Miami's basketball team is going to be this season is another case that remains unclosed. 

The Hurricanes stand at 10-1 after an relatively easy early season schedule.  Miami's lone loss was on the road in their ACC opener against Boston College.  Now, with the meat of the schedule and more ACC contests just around the corner, there is no more room for hiding from reality: This Miami team is young and younger.

Nine of the 13 players on this UM squad are Freshmen or Sophomores.  The Hurricanes have no Juniors and only four Seniors on the 2009-10 team:  Forwards Dwayne Collins, Cyrus McGowan and Adrian Thomas along with Guard James Dews.  Which means that next year this team will be even younger.

Collins currently leads the team in scoring at 12.5/ppg and is also the team's leading rebounder with 93 boards.  There are Internet rumors out there that next year he will play TE for the UM football team.  Just kidding that could never happen! 

Dews is second in scoring averaging 12.1/ppg and is also second in steals with 11. Thomas averages 7.5/ppg while McGowan contributes 4.5/ppg and leads UM in blocked shots with 18. 

Miami has outscored their overmatched opponents 847 to 616 over the first 11 games.  They scored big wins over Minnesota in the ACC-Big 10 Challenge and again over a highly regarded South Carolina team.  But the Miami team that scored 85 points against SC was held to only 60 points against BC in the Canes only loss this season. 

The Hurricanes over reliance on the three point shot hurts them when they have an off night shooting the long ball.  So as the season progresses the keys will be to pound the ball inside to the big men, hope that the young pups grow up quickly against the tougher ACC competition and develop greater offensive continuity and consistency down the stretch.

We have Faith in Haith (who was very friendly and shook our hands before the game near the UM bench) that these Hurricanes hoopsters will work hard to meet these goals and represent Miami well in the difficult and always challenging ACC conference.  GO CANES!

Here's a quick shout out to the good folks at Casey's On The Corner bar and grill in lovely Deland, Florida where Stetson is located.  We stopped in for a bite before the game and the food was delicious.  We recommend that you do the same when visiting the area.

Thanks for the good time!

Comments

[Esteban]

Ray Lewis was a stud in college. Just beyond a stud and then some in the pros though. But gotta improve to be the best at the nextlevel. Wasn't many MLBs in college I would taken over him when he came out tho. That equals pretty damn good to me.

And USF's Dline was great against FSU. Not so much against anyone else worth a damn. But they got hyped cause every one was watching that game. Pierre Loius got damn near all his sacks for the season in that game.

And I want the best 3 LBs starting next year. Hopefully for AB that includes him but if it don't than just means McCarthy gets to have more Morgan comparisons thrown his way (right or wrong) since he'll be making that transition like Morgan did. If Futch comes back even better than where he left off then I don't see how he can be a back up.

[CaneRock]

That's my favorite football terminology...SPILL AND KILL!!!

[Sebastian]

Take it back to the old days when they knew the scout team was going to be the best they were going to to see all week from them. Thats the kinda depth the Onion wants here at the U. Once he has us back to that then #6 is coming home

[Daytoncane]

we'll find out how good the coaching staff really is next season.

Hurtt, Stoutland, and McGriff will be under the microscope. if their respective units can make that big improvement we're are hoping for, this team will be in the championship game next year. VAULT IT!!!!!

[86Cane]

Aqua: So your first year at Miami you were a Cornerback?

Marley: Yeah, my first year we were playing cover 2. I'm the trail, the safety's got the deep man. They used me as a cornerback jumping the underneath route. If you saw me chasing the deep guy, he's not my responsibility [refrences a play in the FSU game]. It wasn't long before I was moved to LB because I loved to hit and they couldn't block me.

Aqua: So how did you end up with #2?

Marley: Charlie Pharms had it and told me I had be in on every tackle in the toilet bowl. First couple of plays were run plays, I came in from the CB position. I loved to hit. I hit Warren Sapp, I hit everyone in that game.

Aqua: Who made you a Linebacker?

Marley: My first day of practice Coach Soldinger moved me to LB, I thought I was a decent CB. Linebacker? So I go 7-on-7 and it's run, run, run all run. Oh, man I'm eating it up, they couldn't block me. I move up to 2nd string, they still couldn't block me! End of story.

[86Cane]

Aqua: So how intense were those practices?
-
Marley: There's no friends in practice, this is serious. It's a war, it's war. You better hold your position because there's a guy underneath you that might be just as good, or might be a little better next year. You don't walk on Greentree Practice field, you run. There's no standing still. We run, we tackle, we hit, we sweat. These no quitting on Greentree practice field, there's no quitters out there. Lion's, all Lion's in the Serengeti, we run like deer and hit like a freight trains.

Aqua: So where did this "Swagger" come from?
-
Marley: If you don't tell someone they'll never know. It's not that I'm the best player in the world. But when I'm on the football field you're not gonna stop me. You may block me once or twice, but I'm going to get to you. You don't lose games when you think like that.

I realized when I came back[from Jamaica after being injured his junior season] I played in the 94 Orange Bowl. I was telling Sapp "Let's go! Rastaman time!" I realized [in that game] that I could make every play. I know how to get to the ball. I can do that.

[86Cane]

DeLand, Fla. - Stetson had three players score in double-figures yet could not generate enough offense to survive the Hurricanes that blew into the Edmunds Center Wednesday night. Miami (10-1) made its first appearance in DeLand since 1971 and went home with a 69-49 win over Stetson (2-6).

Freshman forward Ridge Graham (Stuart, Fla.) did everything he could to get Stetson back in the win column narrowly missing a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds. Senior guards A.J. Smith (Cocoa, Fla.) and Brandon Williams (Miami, Fla.) added 11 points each.

Although the Hatters kept the game close throughout the first half, it seemed that each time they would hit a big shot, the Hurricanes would have an answer. With 8:12 remaining in the opening period Williams knocked down a three-pointer to get Stetson within four points at 20-16. Then, 18 seconds later, James Dews (Cincinnati, Ohio) buried a three to slow the momentum. After falling behind by 12, Mark Lohuis (Vero Beach, Fla.) hit a long ball with 1:47 on the clock. Miami's Dwayne Collins (Miami, Fla.) followed with a rim-shaking dunk and the visitors were back up by 11.

"I think in the first half we clicked really well", said Stetson head coach Derek Waugh. "Ridge was fantastic tonight and Brandon Williams played very well."

Collins led the Hurricanes with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Adrian Thomas (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) and Malcom Grant (Brooklyn, N.Y.) added 11 and nine points respectively.

In the second half it looked like Stetson might build momentum for a run when freshman Tyshawn Patterson (Orlando, Fla.) hit a 3-pointer at 15:15 and reduced the deficit to 10 points at 42-32. Once again, however, Miami answered a three with a three, this time by Thomas, and was off to the races.

Miami built its lead to 27 points (69-42) with 1:40 remaining before Stetson scored the final seven points of the game with a 3-pointer and a pair of free throws by Williams and a layup by Lohuis.

"A lot of credit goes to Miami. Defensively we could not contain them inside and offensively we missed too many jump shots", said Waugh. "Overall however, I think we were better tonight, we only turned the ball over eight times against an ACC Opponent. We'll take some positive things from this game and move forward."

As a team Miami shot 56.5% (26-for-46) from the field and 46.2% (6-for-13) from long range. After shooting 41.7% in the first half, Stetson dropped to 33.3% from the field for the game. The Hatters did shoot 76.9% (10-of-13) from the line compared to 55.0% (11-of-20) for the Hurricanes.

Stetson dropped its first home game in front of a season-high of 2,619 screaming, supportive Hatter fans (and a few Miami fans wearing Canespace T-shirts).

[Lurker]

this team will be in the championship game next year. VAULT IT!!!!!

Posted by: Daytoncane | December 17, 2009 at 11:58 PM

Daytoncane,

I like how you think and I'm gonna hold you to it!

Go Canes!

[Lurker]

86,

Can't say it enough. What you do is really appreciated. Enjoyed the Stetson recaps and all the hard work. I know it's not easy, but working hard and doing your best is the Cane way and you exemplify that. Thanks for all you do.

Over and out 'til tomorrow.

Go Canes!

[Six]

Did everyone notice who Reggie Wayne burned on that TD?

Reggie "The Eraser" Nelson - a piece of garbage UiF Croc player

I remember how much hype that kid got from Croc fans, calling him "The Eraser"

Ed Reed in a wheelchair is better than him

[Six]

Old Skool - I tried to keep that crossing guard vest that the ACC made me wear, so I could autograph it and 86 could auction it off for money

They said, that's a negative ghost rider

Looks like they wanted to make the next group of media members on the sidelines of their championship game look like jackholes as well

[Six]

Mahalo to everyone else that wished me a happy birthday as well

Talked to my parents, who were at that Stetson/Miami game on Wed. night .. said my mom actually kicked the basketball back onto the court a couple of times when it rolled over to her, they were sitting front row near mid court

Was funny to hear their description of the game, seeing how they are Stetson fans

[Esteban]

86, when u want the Bowl Edition of Break It Down?

[Rashad Reed]

LOL..Love it. Great pics 86!! I cant wait til the bowl game. Weather permitting I will be the guy in fatigues!! So everyone look out for me!

[Rashad Reed]

CC, Raize and Rashad...we are in Section 315, Row D, seats 1-6. Close enough.

Posted by: 86Cane | December 17, 2009 at 09:24 PM

Sounds great to me!! Fatigues are coming!

[canechic]

Stan Van Gundy is a great quote machine!

Did you guys see what Wade did to Reddick last night? Love to see Dukies sent crashing to the floor. Even better to see the Heat beat the "Magics" @ss!

[DATcane]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/um-hurricanes/fl-darryl-sharpton-1218-20091217,0,6738610.story

U

[TJL]

Six-Thanks for making me spill my coffee laughing so hard this morning!

"Ed Reed in a wheelchair is better than him"

[Cat 5 Cane]

86...

So???... Who are the finalist for the "Legends of the Fall" ?

[canechic]

Seriously six you are a word master!!!

[The Truth]

Canez

How do you drink THAT??!!! Good god man...

I guess I'm going to have try it! LOL

[canechic]

Oh 86 thanks for giving me a little Elton John....I love Elton...just listened one more time!

[Cat 5 Cane]

BTW... next year, Jacory should be excluded from the list of choices of "LOF".

BTJMO

[Fran]

canechic hope Ur dad will do well when he finally gets the surgery......2 weeks ago I was scheduled For a colonoscopy the docs refused to do it my B/P was very high and did not come down (didn;t take my B/P meds)

SIX happy belated Birthday tried to say that yesterday but the post just hung there & never went thru. Too bad we didn't get to meet U'r parents Wed at Edmonds arena all our neighbors are croc fans in Debary

[Lurker]

Slow day? Holiday doldrums?

[raizecane]

I am officialy on vacation.......

[Lurker]

Soup told me there was no vacation from the space. I told him I needed a few days off but he said "no way". I might get Christmas day off, but that's kind of iffy right now.

Go Canes!

[Canez1]

T trust me it is soooo good.

I wouldn't steer you wrong bro.

Alot depends on who makes it. There are a ton of versions.

Mine is the best! ;)

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Canez1]

http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1029541

Congrats 35 and 7 on the recognition!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Fran]

Just to finish off Soup's restaurant recomendation in this article ....................
Casey's on the corner is located at 124 N Woodland Blvd. Deland32720 Ph...386 738 9800
http://www.caseysonthecorner.com
They claim they only sell the best all beef DOGS.... Sabarette, Nathans, ViennaBeef Chicago, Hebrew National

[tortugacane]

Enjoyed reading this nice article and comments. Pics look great. Go Canes!

[86Cane]

Can't say it enough. What you do is really appreciated. Enjoyed the Stetson recaps and all the hard work. I know it's not easy, but working hard and doing your best is the Cane way and you exemplify that. Thanks for all you do.

Posted by: CanesCanesCanes | December 18, 2009 at 12:20 AM

It's all good! I just want people to go to UM games and events. When I show up at a UM game and I see all the good folks wearing Canespace it fills my heart with joy.

I'll tell U a story about two die hard Canes fans who we are LUCKY to have as Canespacers: Fran and his wife Jean.

Now Fran is no youngster and he and Jean have been married 49 years. That's right, 49 YEARS!!! So Fran has bad, I mean really bad knees, and told us at the game that he will need knee replacement surgery before too long.

He hobbles and wobbles along and stairs are really difficult for him. But give him this: He shows up. We have met him at football games, basketball games and he and Jean even came to the UCF tailgate just to TAILGATE with us! Now that's hard core.

Now some other Internet blogs sites and bloggers from the SS or the MH may look at the picture of Fran, Jean, Rashad and me from the Stetson basketball game and say something negative about us. We aren't young, or hip or cool.

Buy I could care less. I am SO proud of who we are at Canespace. We are "Hurricane Fan" personified.

We are old and young, male and female, white and black and hispanic. We live all over the Country and are scattered all across the globe at military bases and other sites.

I love this place and I wouldn't trade Fran and Jean for anybody else on this planet!

GO CANES, GO CANESPACE!!!

[86Cane]

LOL..Love it. Great pics 86!!

Posted by: Rashad Reed | December 18, 2009 at 01:59 AM

U da MAN!

[86Cane]

So???... Who are the finalist for the "Legends of the Fall" ?

Posted by: Cat5Cane | December 18, 2009 at 07:44 AM

Article on this very issue is coming up early mext week.

[Mrs. 86]

I love this place and I wouldn't trade Fran and Jean for anybody else on this planet!

GO CANES, GO CANESPACE!!!

Posted by: 86Cane | December 18, 2009 at 09:46 AM

10-4 & Roger that Mr. 86!

[Mrs. 86]

LOL..Love it. Great pics 86!!

Posted by: Rashad Reed | December 18, 2009 at 01:59 AM

Rashad... U look pretty darn good! :) lol

[FightingIbis]

Was a huge fan of Rohan Marley. I went to Palmetto & used to hang out with that cat long before his UM days. Used to cruise around in his white GMC typhoon back in the day. Also knew Kevin Ferguson better known as Kimbo Slice. I can't believe Kevin never wore a UM jersey & balled out. That dude is a physical specimen of a man. Markeith Cooper & I were pretty good friends too. He wound up playing at Auburn.

Man I'm getting old. I graduated in 1995 & it feels like yesteryear.

[UMike]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/15/cfb-highlights-lowlights/index.html?xid=cnnbin

[UMike]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/10/cfb.all.decade.team/index.html

[DZ8]

I love this place and I wouldn't trade Fran and Jean for anybody else on this planet!

GO CANES, GO CANESPACE!!!

Posted by: 86Cane | December 18, 2009 at 09:46 AM

Right on!

[CaneSawMassacre]

Dang... woke up this morning with a crappy eye infection..

On the day I'm suppose to be allowed to leave at 11:30 from work to go to Cheesecake factory for free lunch, then we get paid to go home after that.

BUT - If I leave now.. I not only don't get the 4 hours of paid time, I lose my lunch and I have to use 8 hours of my Paid Time Off.. So essentially it is a loss of 12 hours and lunch.

[DATcane]

BEST SINGLE-SEASON TEAM: Miami (2001)
Behind a staggering collection of talent largely recruited by predecessor Butch Davis, first-year coach Larry Coker led the 'Canes to a 12-0 record and national championship while outscoring opponents 512-117. The roster included 16 future first-round picks and 12 Pro Bowlers, led by safety Ed Reed, running backs Clinton Portis and Frank Gore, receiver Andre Johnson, tight end Jeremy Shockey and linebacker Jonathan Vilma.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/15/cfb-highlights-lowlights/index.html#ixzz0a3SggCDU
Get a free NFL Team Jacket and Tee with SI Subscription

U

[DATcane]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/15/cfb-highlights-lowlights/index.html

U

[LatinCane]

Sancocho,
It's your boy Latin. My boys and I finally got our tickets for the upcoming game in Orlando. Where are all the fellow Canespacers hanging out at? I read a while ago about a particlular parking lot(?) We'll be sitting in section 326. I believe thats on the Wisconsin side. Oh well. I'll be rocking my Canespace tee. Peace

[Lurker]

1)... and say something negative about us. We aren't young, or hip or cool.

2) But I could care less. I am SO proud of who we are at Canespace. We are "Hurricane Fan" personified ... old and young, male and female, white and black and hispanic...

3) I love this place and I wouldn't trade Fran and Jean for anybody else on this planet!

GO CANES, GO CANESPACE!!!

Posted by: 86Cane | December 18, 2009 at 09:46 AM

1) Come on now! Those other blogs are like shanty towns. Canespace is like the high-rent district. As far as looks...child, please! Do you think people that make comments like that will be gracing the cover of GQ anytime soon. Plus you guys look just like normal people.

2) Amen. We're all proud to be spacers!

3) Same here. Plus, Fran and Jean are part of the family. We love those guys!

Go Canes! Go Canespace!

[moneycane]

If you are in Miami you might want to take a break from the space. Weather is getting pretty ugly

[moneycane]

Tornado Warnings around the Miami area

http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=mfl&wwa=tornado warning

[Canez1]

Yoooo Well it's official. Canez1 will be in da house for the bowl game.

Crazy $$$$$ but Fukkk it. You only live once.

Where the party at????

Where do I have to grab a parking pass from??

JSQ you better make an extra batch of jello shots.

Holla at ur boy!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Fran]

Thanks Moneycane I have alerted our daughter in S. Fla we in Central Fl have about 90% chance of continued rain with high winds but no tornado warnings yet

[86Cane]

Legends of the Fall, FINAL list:

Six: Thompkins / Ojomo
Bham: Byrd / Brandon Harris
Texas: Fox / Moncur
Cold: Jacory / Brandon Harris
Navy: Jacory / Forston
Daytona: Cooper / Forston
OMFG: Jacory / Spence
Tortuga: Bosher / McCarthy
Esteban: Cooper / Vernon
djmoonbat: Byrd / MRob
Notsosane: Streeter / Telemaque
8thMan: Byrd / Spence
MD: Benjamin / Phillips
TLuv: JJ / CMac
Alex: Jacory / DVD
DFW: AJ / Telemaque
Seoul: AJ / Brandon Harris
Canezitis: Byrd / Ojomo
PhillyScott: Byrd / RayRay
CGNC: Bosher / Shields
DZ8: JJ / CMac
JC: Streeter / Telemaque
Warrior: Jacory / Forston
Century: Thompkins / DVD
Sebastian: Benjamin / Bailey
Solar: Collier / Spence
Hassan: Byrd / Jacory
Latin: AJ / Forston
DAT: Byrd / Telemaque
Sniper: Benjamin / Ojomo
Ocala: Benjamin / Forston
Super: Miller / Ojomo
Iraqi: Streeter / Spence
Chicago: Jacory / MRob
IN: Jacory / Spence
Ocean: Graham Cracker TE / RayRay
Truth: #12 / #26
True: MJames / Streeter
Loco: Benjamin / Moncur
MacJones: Jacory / Telemaque
Conch: Jacory / Bailey
OGV: Jacory / Bailey
UMike: Byrd / Spence
305: JJ / Sharpton
Dan Durkee: JJ / McCarthy
bg1906: JJ / Telemaque
Luver: Franklin / Forston
tjl: RayRay / JoJo
Cavaleer: Byrd / Vernon
KL: Byrd / MRob
Shwarma: JJ / Bailey
Sarasota: Jacory / Shileds
Canechic: Jacory / RayRay
MWD: Byrd / MRob
Hurriphin: AJ / McCarthy
Cat5: MJames / Brown
LB#1Fan: Byrd / Spence
Houston: Byrd / McCarthy
Brian: Streeter / Buchanon
JCane: Byrd / RayRay
Roach: Byrd / Spence
Windy1: MJames / DVD
Native: JJ / Shields
jw: Byrd / Bailey
Reggae: JJ / DVD
Elliot: Byrd / Spence
pb(CSROH09): Jacory / MRob
SFCane: Byrd / Spence
Canesagent: Cooper / Moncur
86: Mike James / Shields
Pre83: Jacory / Moncur
Teflon: Bailey / Hankerson
Aqua: Cooper / Spence
Lyquid: Benjamin / Telemaque
Sleazavitch: Baby J / Sharpton
Calvin: Hankerson / Brown
ChiCane: Jacory / RayRay
KillerBeez: Ojomo / J.Fox
Fran: McGee/ Robinson
Sling: Byrd / McCarthy
DisU: Jacory / Spence
Busy: Jacory / Spence
California: Benjamin / Telemaque
Tim: Benjamin / McCarthy
Dude: Franklin / Forston
Canestruck: Byrd / Telemaque
Brownsub: Mike James / McGee
CVS: Collier / Forston
Money: JJ / Phillips
Monty: Benjamin / Spence
Zilla: Benjamin / Spence
Sunshyyne: Benjamin / Ray Ray
CoCane: Graham / Shields
Dayton: AJ / MRob
J: Jacory / Telemaque
UpNorth: AJ / Bailey
Carlos: Jacory / Spence
USAF: Byrd / MRob
Aces: Cooper / McCarthy
Canefan777: Harris / Spence
CGNC: Bosher / Shields
RandyCane: Graham / McCarthy
360: Hankerson / Telemaque
Swamper: Collier / Buchanan
Fran: Streeter / Robinson
Jersey: Benjamin / McCarthy
MM01: Byrd / Telelmaque
4Life: Byrd / McCarthy
323: Chambers / Shields
Force: Byrd / Telemaque
Rashad: Hankerson / Spence
RCCF: Harris / Shields
Splarfy: Shields / Streeter
BerriCane: Streeter / Bailey
Trout: JJ / DVD
Slim32: Gordon / Brandon Harris
Zakkee: Epps / Buchanan
Mrs. 360: Jacory / Spence
Nashville: Cooper / Brandon Harris
SyCane: Chambers / Graham

Guest Bloggers:

Mary Clark: Mike James / Telemaque
Jon Beason: Harris / Sharpton
Sam Shields Sr.: Byrd / Shields
AllCanes: Jacory / Moncur
Don Bailey Jr.: Byrd / McCarthy
Steve Walsh: Cooper / Spence
Lamar Thomas: Hankerson / Phillips
Manny Navarro: Thompkins / Telemaque
Shandel Richardson: Cooper / Telemaque
Gary Ferman: Thompins / Ojomo