As the world was reeling from the death of one king, we lost another one. Billy Mays died today (Sunday). No word on what happened right now, but wow.

Billy Mays was the first guy to introduce me to OxiClean. He introduced me to What-Odor.  He made watching an infomercial cool.  Simply put, he's the best seller on the planet. He could probably sell me a tub of poo without even trying. That's how good he was.

It is with great sorrow that I inform you that the State of Louisiana has officially broken my heart.  There are several reasons for this, which I will get into with this blog/note.

Ever since I was a little boy, I loved being in Louisiana. While some will talk of racism, I hardly ever experienced it, as White people had learned to get along with the Blacks and we learned from each other. The state had my favorite football team, the New Orleans Saints, and also introduced me to my first hockey game as a youngster, when the Monroe Moccasins used to exist.

Reuters

It was reported on TMZ first. Then by Fox News in New York next. Then LA Times. And finally CNN.  Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, passed away on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50.

The (New Jersey) Star-Ledger

It's the deal that the Cleveland Cavaliers should've made.  It's a deal that will put Orlando over Cleveland -- again. To be quite honest, it's a deal that could put a ring on Dwight Howard's finger earlier than anyone expected.

The New Jersey Nets have agreed to ship Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson for Courtney Lee, Rafer Alston, and Tony Battie. While I disagree with them trading Courtney Lee, the Magic had to give something to get Vinsanity. Carter has been a fan favorite since he entered the league, impressing people in his sole dunk contest win in 2000. Since then, fans have just always liked Carter -- and for good reason.

Carter was the sole scorer on the less-than-stellar Toronto Raptors squad, who trated Tracy McGrady too early as well. Then, the New Jersey Nets took up the task of acquiring Carter, who has been stellar there, but he was never a part of a good squad.

No more. Vince Carter now joins Dwight Howard, Rashad Lewis, and Jameer Nelson. With the uncertainty of Hedo Turkoglu (I think he'll opt out or be released), the Magic made a smart deal. This starting lineup can be pretty potent, and it should help solidify the Magic's seriousness as a competitor.

However, we'll hear from the naysayers saying that Carter is too old. May I remind you that Carter is only 32, pretty "young" by NBA standards. Either way, I may have a true reason to by a Magic jersey this year.