Sammy looking to return...

It's been a while since we've seen the great one smack one out of the park but it might be sooner then later that that image will be back. Sosa is currently fit to return to MLB and he wants to come back in full force and from what people have seen he looks to be in great shape especially when it comes to his hitting. I would be really excited to see him sport a red "B" but I don't know if Boston would even throw a bid for his skills. Check out the full story at this link and give it a complete read so that you can get a full view of what he is planning on doing. If any Red Sox decision makers are reading this (yeah right) please send Mr. Sosa a bid and who knows maybe he'll come on over.

Bring the proof...

This next section is from UPI...

SAN FRANCISCO (UPI) -- Barry Bonds wants a U.S. judge in California to dismiss most of the charges he faces from the steroids scandal, the San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News reported.

The charges, all felonies, stem from his grand jury testimony in the probe of BALCO, the lab cited for steroids distribution in 2003.

Bonds, 44, became major league baseball's all-time home run leader when he hit his 762nd round-tripper in the 2007 season, but was not signed in 2008 by any team.

He has denied knowingly taking illegal performance-enhancing substances.

The newspaper reported six lawyers representing him said in a pretrial motion Wednesday that 10 of the 15 counts Bonds faces should be dismissed for a variety of reasons, including one claiming that some of the questions posed to Bonds in the grand jury session were "fundamentally ambiguous."

The lawyers argued before U.S. District Judge Susan Illston in San Francisco.

Bonds faces up to 30 months in prison if he is convicted.

I have stated many times on this blog as well as other sport and nonsport blogs that if the man is dirty then please present the proof that doesn't extend to just words from people that might not have too good of a reliable background.

The man is innocent until "proven" guilty not considered guilty or assumed guilty. Bring the proof to the light and let's see it otherwise shut the piehole and remove the charges.

Let the Finals begin...

BOSTON - The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, who make up the most tradition-bound rivalry pro basketball, open the NBA Finals Thursday.

It will be the 11th time the franchises have met for the league championship, with the Celtics having claimed eight of the previous 10 confrontations.

Boston dominated the rivalry when Bill Russell was the symbol of the team and the Lakers won the last two meetings with the tandem of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Now it will be the Boston trio of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce attempting to get the best of Los Angeles superstar Kobe Bryant.

Bryant has hit 50 percent of his shots and averaged 32 points a game in 13 playoff contests this season.

The Celtics, meanwhile, have played only one post-season game under the maximum. They were extended to seven games by both Atlanta and Cleveland before closing out Detroit in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Boston won both regular-season meetings this season and will be at home for the first two games of the Championship Series. All games in the finals are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET.

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I can't wait to watch game one, I want to see which team will try to gain the lead early in the game. Who knows maybe my uncle can add the Celtics to his list of favorite teams right next to the Red Sox.

Stockton gets 11,000th NBA assist..

On this day in 1996, the Utah Jazz’s point guard John Stockton gets his 11,000th assist in the NBA. When Stockton retires from basketball in 2003, he leaves with 15,806 career assists, a record that still stands.

Stockton attended Gonzaga University and in 1984 was drafted by the Utah Jazz, where he would spend his entire career. The 6’1” point guard was the 16th overall pick in that year’s draft, which also included Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. Stockton got his first NBA assist on November 26, 1984, and his 1,000th assist on April 5, 1986. During the 1987-1988 season, he made 1,128 assists, setting a record for most assists in one season. Isiah Thomas had previously held the record with 1,123 assists.

On February 1, 1995, Stockton shattered the NBA record for career assists--9,921--which had belonged to Magic Johnson. Stockton earned a reputation as hard-working, consistent and the ultimate team player. During his 19 seasons with the Jazz, he and forward Karl Malone led the team to the playoffs every year, although they never won the championship. Stockton was also known for wearing short basketball shorts throughout his career, even when most players began sporting a longer, baggier style in the 1990s.

In addition to Stockton’s 10 All-Star game appearances, he played on the U.S. men’s Olympic basketball teams that won gold in 1992 in Barcelona and 1996 in Atlanta.

When Stockton retired from the NBA in May 2003, he was known as one of the greatest point guards in the history of basketball and was the all-time leader in assists, with 15,806, a record he still holds. He had 19,711 career points and led the league in career steals, with a total of 3,265. In November 2004, the Utah Jazz retired Stockton’s jersey--number 12.

Watching him play was a complete enjoyment, waiting for his quick shots and razor sharp passes were two of the many weapons that he brought to the court. When they played the Bulls they brought all of their attacks hard and on point, not once did I ever think that the Bulls can walk through this team and move on. Congrats to Stockton for an achievement worth remembering.

Great results and a great team...

NEW ORLEANS - Ray Allen scored 28 points and LeBron James 27, powering the East over the West 134-128 in the NBA All-Star Game Sunday. Cleveland's James -- who just missed a triple-double with nine assists and eight rebounds and scored the go-ahead points -- was named MVP of the game for the second time. HE previously won the honor in 2006.

Allen, of the Boston Celtics, sank three three-point shots in the closing stages of the game at the New Orleans Arena. Orlando's Dwight Howard made all seven of his shots from the field and added 16 points for the Eastern Conference. Miami's Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh of Toronto added 14 points each.

Denver's Carmelo Anthony, Portland's Brandon Roy and Amare Stoudemire of the Phoenix Suns each scored 18 points for the Western Conference. Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant played about three minutes at the start of the contest. Bryant, who has a torn ligament on the little finger of his right hand, is considering whether to have surgery -- which would keep him out of the Lakers' lineup for six weeks.

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While watching the game I found myself seeing that the East Team would be an awesome team to have. The way they were able to flow and make things happen and completing the drive and push just made me watch even closer. I would of loved to see James get that triple double during the game because that would of definitely put him in the bracket with all the other great players especially in the All Star Weekend. Great game fellas.

Something worth sharing...

A video that had me from day one. I hope that those of you here will spend some time and watch it.

Third brother feeling proud...

Just watched an interview with Cooper Manning regarding his reaction to his brothers' accomplishments. Cooper Manning is a great man and very outspoken. He is proud of his brothers both Eli and Peyton. The question of him possibly being jealous of his siblings' goal setting success was asked and as a stable and self aware gentleman he quickly answered by saying that what his brothers have done now and in the past are moments that places him in a proud and privileged to have them as part of the family. He is a strong son, brother, husband and above all a great father. My hat goes off to the Manning family in all of their successes as well as the NY Giants for achieving what many said they couldn't do

Cooper Manning Interview

"The Raven" from (1845)

"The Raven," like Poe's other works, conveys the dreamlike and often macabre forces that pervaded the author's sensibility. Poe wrote the poem while his moribund wife was suffering from tuberculosis, and it became an instant sensation when it appeared in the Evening Mirror in 1845. In the poem, the speaker, who is mourning the death of his love, Lenore, is mysteriously visited by a talking raven and asks the bird a series of questions.

Saturday Photo Hunt - Important

The gentleman you see to the right is Mr. Ken Leslie. He is the a man that considers himself just another person doing the right thing for those in need. Ken, my wife and myself have had a few meetings and get togethers in the past and are planning to continue because the 'important' thing is to remember that there are homeless people out there both veteran and non-veteran. He runs a site by the name 1Matters.org. If you would like to get involved or if you are interested in what's going on locally then please visit his site and view the many stories entered and see where the next step will be in the near future. I'm Miguel Roman and I matter - my fellow Americans that are homeless matter even more. This gentleman is very Important to the needy and the deserving.

Please join in each and every Saturday!

Common Sense since 1776...

Thomas Paine Publishes Common Sense (1776)
Paine was an Anglo-American political theorist and pamphleteer. He anticipated and helped foment the American Revolution through his powerful writings, most notably the enormously successful pamphlet Common Sense, in which he argued that the colonies had outgrown any need for English domination and should be granted independence. Paine's influence was also strongly felt during the French Revolution, and, despite the fact that he did not speak French. I found a site that was a real interesting read, if you have some time please head on over and take a look. This is a new site that was created not too long ago - and remember, there's nothing wrong with having a little common sense from time to time.
Thomas Paine

Civil Right's member Jackie Robinson...

Jackie Robinson Retires (1957)
Robinson, a vocal member of the Civil Rights movement, was the first African-American baseball player in the modern major leagues and the first African American to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1949, he led the National League in both stolen bases and batting average and was named its most valuable player. In recognition of his accomplishments both on the field and off, Major League Baseball retired Robinson's number in 1972.

Jack Roosevelt Robinson (1919-72), the first black man to "officially" play in the big leagues in the 20th century, possessed enormous physical talent and a fierce determination to succeed. In the course of a distinguished 10-year career beginning in 1947, Robinson led the Brooklyn Dodgers to six National League titles and one victorious World Series. Beyond his many and stellar baseball feats, Jackie Robinson went on to champion the cause of civil rights when he retired from the game. Pleas visit his site and get a better understanding on the foundation that was created in his name. You can also get a detailed list of the history of Mr. Jack Robinson by visiting this site.

Today in 72...

Roberto Clemente Dies in Plane Crash (1972)
Right fielder Roberto Clemente played 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, winning the National League MVP award in 1966, as well as 12 Gold Glove Awards throughout his career. In 1973, he became the second Hispanic-American player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Clemente, who was dedicated to charity work, was traveling to Nicaragua to deliver aid to earthquake victims when his plane crashed off the coast of Puerto Rico. At the ceremony in 1973, Commissioner Bowie Kuhn honored him by creating the "Roberto Clemente Award", the highest award in baseball for sportsmanship and community activism. Kuhn spoke proudly about Clemente, "He was so very great a man, as a leader and humanitarian, so very great an inspiration to the young and to all in baseball, especially to the proud people of his homeland, Puerto Rico."

Today in 1890...

Wounded Knee Massacre (1890)
The Wounded Knee Massacre was the last major armed conflict between the Lakota Sioux and the US. After the death of Sitting Bull, a band of Sioux, led by Big Foot, fled south, but was captured by the 7th Cavalry on December 28, 1890. On December 29, the Sioux were ordered disarmed. During the tension that ensued, a weapon discharged, US troops opened fire, and within minutes almost 200 men, women, and children were dead.
The majority of the massacre fatalities occurred during the initial ten to twenty minutes of the incident, but the firing lasted for several hours as the army chased after those who tried to escape into the nearby ravine. According to recollections by some of the Indian survivors, the soldiers cried out "Remember the Little Bighorn" as they sportingly hunted down those who fled -- evidence to them that the massacre was in revenge of Custers demise at Little Bighorn in 1876. To read more detailed events and moments please visit this site "The Wounded Knee Massacre".

A Strong Leader Resigns...

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George Washington Resigns as Commander-in-Chief (1783) After demonstrating exemplary leadership as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, George Washington resigned his commission as commander-in-chief and retired to Mount Vernon, Virginia. This act established the important precedent that civilian elected officials, rather than military officers, possess ultimate authority over the armed forces. Six years later, Washington was elected US president. Washington enjoyed less than three years of retirement at Mount Vernon, for he died of a throat infection December 14, 1799. For months the Nation mourned him. Great leaders are usually the ones needed the most in times of need. Please join me in remembering a great man that had the courage to continue the fight for what was right on this day.

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A day to reflect...

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Before I begin this post I would like a moment to ask those of you reading this to perform a moment of silence for those who died during that attack 66 years ago today...
Thank You

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The Japanese Attack Pearl Harbor (1941)
The Imperial Japanese Navy's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii, severely damaged or demolished 19 American naval vessels, destroyed 188 aircraft, killed 2,280 American servicemen and 68 civilians, and wounded more than 1,000 military personnel. The following day, the US declared war on Japan. Pearl Harbor is now a national historic landmark; a memorial has been built over the sunken hulk of the USS Arizona.

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This year, survivors and their family members are dedicating a new memorial for the USS Oklahoma, which lost 429 sailors and Marines -- the second greatest loss of life among any of the battleships in Pearl Harbor.
About 18 of the estimated 90 living survivors who were aboard the USS Oklahoma were expected to join Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry and other dignitaries for the dedication of the $1.2 million memorial. The monument includes 429 white marble standards, each with the name of a fallen sailor or Marine, surrounded by black granite panels etched with a silhouette of the battleship and notable quotes from World War II-era figures that were selected by some of the survivors, said retired Navy Rear Adm. Greg Slavonic, co-chair of the USS Oklahoma Memorial Committee.

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VIDEO - Casualty List

Where it all started...

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Ford's Assembly Line Ushers in Era of Mass Production (1913) Henry Ford, an American engineer, introduced the world's first moving assembly line at the Ford Motor Company's Highland Park plant. The new technology reduced chassis assembly time from 12½ hours to less than 3; however, these innovations were hard on the factory workers, and many left the company. Ford's innovative solution to his employee turnover crisis was simple; he doubled pay and reduced shifts by one hour.

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Ford was launched in a converted factory in 1903 with $28,000 in cash from twelve investors, most notably John and Horace Dodge, who would later found the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle Company. Henry Ford was 40 years old when he founded the Ford Motor Company, which would go on to become one of the largest and most profitable companies in the world, as well as being one of the few to survive the Great Depression. The largest family-controlled company in the world, the Ford Motor Company has been in continuous family control for over 100 years.

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A day to remember...

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President John F. Kennedy Assassinated (1963)

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The assassination of John F. Kennedy while he was riding in a presidential motorcade in Dallas was a seminal event in American history. Although two official investigations have concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald was the culprit, the assassination is still the subject of widespread speculation and has spawned a number of conspiracy theories. Who was the "Babushka Lady," and what was she doing at the time of the assassination?
Kennedy had chosen to visit Dallas for three main reasons: to help generate more Democratic Party presidential campaign fund contributions in advance of the November 1964 presidential election; to begin his quest for re-election; and, because the Kennedy-Johnson ticket had barely won Texas (and had lost Dallas) in 1960, to mend political fences among several leading Texas Democratic Party members who appeared to be fighting politically amongst themselves. The basic decision on the November trip to Texas was made at a meeting of President Kennedy, Vice President Johnson and Texas Governor John Connally on June 5, 1963. The trip also included a first stop in Houston for a 3,200-person dinner for senior Congressman Albert Thomas, who was considering not seeking re-election. On September 26, 1963, the two daily Dallas newspapers confirmed plans of the November visit. *RIP Mr. John F Kennedy*

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Veteran Ben Israel...

About 44,000 to 64,000 veterans are classified as "chronically homeless" -- homeless for long periods or repeatedly.
Other veterans -- nearly 468,000 -- are experiencing "severe housing cost burden," or paying more than half their income for housing, thereby putting them at a high risk for homelessness.

This past weekend my wife and I volunteered at the Annual Tent City here in downtown Toledo, OH. She and I helped serve many of those very same vets as well as non-vets. The sight of seeing that many homeless individuals brought out a lot of volunteers as well as many organized groups to help out. We intend on donating time, energy and money to help those who need the extra leverage to get back on their feet. Watching the video I can hear it in Mr. Israel's voice that he has experienced one too many rough nights. If you are currently helping those who are in need of help I would like to say Thank You, if you have been thinking about it but haven't found the time to do so please try to make the time, you'll see the difference your help brings to their eyes and hearts.
VIDEO

Jim Mitchell passed away at the age of 60...

Football
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. (UPI) -- Two-time Pro Bowl tight end Jim Mitchell, who played 11 NFL seasons for the Atlanta Falcons, has died at the age of 60.
Mitchell died Saturday, one day after his 60th birthday, of an apparent heart attack, the Shelbyville (Tenn.) Times-Gazette reported Monday.
A family friend found Mitchell on Saturday morning unconscious on the steps of his Shelbyville home. Mitchell was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.
Mitchell played for the Falcons from 1969 to 1979 and was selected for the Pro Bowl after the 1969 and 1972 seasons. He had 305 career receptions for 4,358 yards and 28 touchdowns. A prayer to him and his loved ones left behind, the doors to heaven were open to welcome such a great man.
God Bless

Visiting the BIG HOUSE!

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a Michigan football game and let me tell you that it was worth it from beginning to end. I parked in the Brown Lot which cost us about $15 bucks, they offered those who parking there a shuttle ride to the stadium. It was an enjoyable ride going through one of the golf courses. Another thing that I noticed is that all Michigan fans had a great personality and sense of humor a great bunch to have met personally. The game itself was awesome, as you all might know Michigan won over Eastern Michigan 33 - 22. It felt great being there and witnessing a Big House game first hand. I took lots of photos and created a video stream so that you can see what I saw. Enjoy and have a great weekend.