Photos from the Maryland Maniacs games!

Santana Moss 30 and on a mission!!!

This week Santana Moss of the Washington Redskins turns 30 years old and like most of us that have a birthday we would normally have some type of party. Santana Moss made a decision to include plenty of other people to enjoy his 30th birthday. From the moments that I have met Santana Moss he seemed very genuine and real. I will post an article from the DC Sports Bog which highligts some of the events that Santana Moss has included in his 30th birthday. Kudos to Santana Moss.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2009/05/santana_moss_on_turning_30.html

"I mean, I actually feel wiser," Santana Moss told me Wednesday night, during the first part of a five-day celebration of his 30th birthday. "Every year I'm growing and becoming more of the man that I should be for my household....So I guess that's a part of being older, you get to start thinking more, and to start trying to make moves with stuff that you didn't do before."

What kind of stuff? Pondering what happens after the end of his career. Planning for his kids' futures. Showing his face at more community events. Putting more time into his foundation.

"You know, before I used to be the guy that said, 'Hey man, I don't want to be involved in this or I didn't want to be involved in that,' " he said. "You know, never shied away when it came to kids, but just other events. Now, I see myself, when I'm called upon, trying to show my face and trying to be there. I like to have fun, I like to party, I like to hang out. Now, I'm thinking like, every now and then, maybe I should go home, maybe I shouldn't go out tonight, maybe I should give that time to this person, that person. You know, I'm just thinking a little wiser.

"As far as the age goes, you're gonna get older every year. So if I was 10, you'd say, 'Do you feel like you're [turning] 11?' You never really feel like it, but you know you're 11, you know? I'm gonna be 30 June 1st, and I'm just pleased to be able to say that that day has come upon me. You have a lot of friends that didn't make it to that day, you have a lot of people that you grew up with, good people, that didn't get the chance. So I'm just proud man of anything that the Lord has blessed me with, and I try to build from it and try to just move on, not take it for granted."

And his legs? Do they feel like they're 30?

"Hard to say man," he said with a laugh. "I think regardless of what you do in life, when you play a sport, your legs gonna always feel the impact of that sport. But honestly, it's not about the legs, it's right here," he continued, pointing to his head. "At the end of the day, you tell yourself to get up and go. Your legs follow this....So, not really. I just feel like I know that every year is a year to cherish in this League, and I just cherish it, I just cherish every part of it. Because a lot of guys want to do what I'm doing, a lot of guys that didn't get the opportunity."

As for the week's events, they're, um, varied. Wednesday was an ESPN Zone Q&A (transcript here) and fundraiser, mixed in with a private party with 13-year old Rhett Stuart of the District and his friends.

The two met at an Obama fund-raiser co-hosted by Rhett's mother in September of '07. Rhett wanted to hold a charity fundraiser of his own in honor of his Bar Mitzvah, so his family got in touch with Santana's people, and they arranged for Rhett and his friends to each donate $50 to The Moss Foundation in exchange for a party attended by the man himself.

"I'm just pleased to have anything to do with some of these kids," Moss said. "I mean, I never know where this will take these kids, but I know for me, regardless of what kind of deed is done, I have something in my heart to just always find a way to give back, even when it's all about me. You know, you might look at this weekend, and say it's Santana Moss's 30th birthday, which a lot of guys might celebrate differently, we all know.

"I'm gonna have my fun, but I feel like on the eve of having my fun I should always have the chance to have time for the ones that look up or the ones that admire or want to be in my shoes."

Yesterday, Moss flew back to Miami, in advance of tonight's high-end party at Miami Beach's Eden Roc, hosted by Wild on E!'s Cindy Taylor, with guest appearances from Scarface's Steven Bauer, Louis Gosset Jr., Alonzo Mourning and Edward James Olmos, plus music from Biz Markie and a Frederick's of Hollywood/Bullets 4 Peace fashion show.

"A real nice, upscale event," Moss described. "It's gonna be a really nice, cocktail event, something that's not normal for me. Because where I'm from, the inner city, I'm always catering to the inner-city crowd. When I have my events, I'm having my events for the inner city most of the time when I'm in Miami. Up here, I got away from that."

But Moss said he didn't want to neglect D.C., so he's back here on Saturday for an event at Current on Connecticut Ave, featuring many of his friends from the U.

"I just welcome everybody always, when you hear something that I'm doing, to always feel free to come out, whether I invite you or not, because it's always a good cause behind it. It's never enough fun for me just to have it all to myself, it's always enough for everybody," he told me. "I mean, they give me so much on Sunday and throughout the year that I have to find a way to always do something up here."

As for any 30th birthday presents for himself, "I don't know, I think I might buy me a new 750 or something like that," he said with a smile.

Sure, why not.

NBA Basketball!!!!

The playoffs for the NBA this year has been just downright the best I have watched in a long long time. The teams contending currently in Conference Finals are just going all out! It all started with the Boston/Chicago series where most of the games finished in OT and it went 7 games. To even right now with Lebron winning a game winner which he contends was the greatest shot of his career. 

The surprise this year is the Denver Nugget. Who would have thought that this team would be where it is at today? It begins and ends with one name "Big Shot" Billups. This guy has been a member of seven consecutive Conference Finals. The guy is a baller no doubt. For those that have followed the NBA for a while you should know the value of Chauncey Billups. Denver's acquisition of him for Allen Iverson has to be looked upon as one of the biggest coups of all-time. Denver went from being a lower end Western Conference playoff contender to damn near knocking off the number #1 seed and punching their ticket to the Finals. Since acquiring Billups Denver has the best record in the Western Conference. Billups as a stabilizing force and leader has put this team in order. With Chauncey and Carmelo running together their future is bright. Beware Los Angeles Lakers the dream match up might not happen if your not careful.

I remember as kid watching Magic and Bird and as an adult that era is looked upon as the time where the NBA jumped into all of the American homes. Ever since Jordan retired I felt as if the NBA has just lacked its own identity. Stars drive the league and now and I believe there are Stars that can stand and produce now on their merits without the hanging comparisons to past legends of the game. I would not be disappointed if any of the 4 teams  made it to the NBA finals.

I'm pulling for Orlando and Denver to meet in the finals just because I want to be the opposite of what I believe the NBA truly wants....Lebron and Kobe. So I will sit back and take in all of these great games and bear witness to the next new age of the NBA. Have a seat with me and pull out a nice Stoagie and enjoy!

Memorial Day!

Memorial Day is a time where we honor those that served in the Armed Services of the United States. As a former vet that served proudly in the United States Army I honor my brothers and sisters who proudly served the colors of this the greatest country. There are those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country and from the depths of my heart I thank you and your families for your loss. But please hold on to the fact that citizens who serve are indeed the best of us all and without that sacrifice our liberties we enjoy daily would be jeopardized. 

Memorial day is considered the kick-off to summer. We hold BBQ's and invite all of our friends and family over for a great time. Some play card games others play horseshoes and some just relax in lawn chairs as the sleep the food off. All of that plus great weather is the perfect combination...it is a relief because a few weeks ago we had rain for about 2 weeks straight. I don't think my grass has ever been this green so early in the year. 

As we begin this summer season and enjoy the fruits of liberty and freedom take some time to try to give back. There are those less fortunate than us who could deserve a little help. If you see guy at a stop light with a sign give him a buck...it is reported that 40% of homeless men age 50 and over are veterans of the Armed Services. Most have been diagnosed with Mental Disorders and whatever got them to this point in their lives is pointless and if a person has a need to resort to pan handling to survive, do what you can and help them out. It will make you feel better and hopefully it will help them. They gave a lot in service of our country and it is sad that our government can't do more for them. 

To our brothers and sisters currently serving abroad we Thank You and pray for your safety and wish you all the best as you proceed in your military career or life after the military.

Memorial Day is more than just a day we kick-off summer it has a far reaching global perspective...we honor those that serve. Your life is precious but you decided to put it in harms way! We hope that all that currently serve can relax with us next year as we BBQ, play cards and other games  to celebrate our brothers and sisters in the United States Armed Services.

Football, Tailgate and Friends!!!!

Ahhh the great weather of Memorial Day Weekend!!! It is the time of year that we officially usher in Summer. Typically everyone enjoys the weekend with a fabulous cookout with friends and family. We all remember those times as children when the family comes together and everyone has a great time. It was great in itself....but with the idea of being able to watch live sporting was out of the question. If you grew up in the DC area there was not much to do this time of year. Basketball was always over, we didn't have baseball until a few years ago...now our favorite love Football has about 3 months left until the beginning of the season.

I would say about 2 weeks ago I was at a neighborhood festival where various vendors were setup selling a variety of items. One table in particular had women scantily dressed who were the dance team of a team called the Maryland Maniacs of the Indoor Football League (IFL). The owner was present and we spoke for a bit. He is a very nice and young African American man in his 30's and he mentioned that this was his first year as the owner of the team in their inaugural season. He was very excited that his team was on a 4 game winning streak and the possibilities of the playoffs was likely if the team maintained. I told him I would come and check out his team since they play only 5 minutes away from where I live at the ShowPlace Arena in Upper Marlboro MD. 

Last week I attended my first game and I was blown away, firstly by the product of play on the field and secondly by the great work that the ownership puts in providing an awesome fan experience. The game was very fast and explosive as guys where hit with the ferocity as I am accustomed to witnessing as a season ticket holder of the Washington Redskins. I know great hits when I see them (RIP 21). The field is 50 yards and the scores can soar and kickoff returns are an adventure. During the breaks in game the kids are brought on to the field to perform competitions against each other and it is a real hoot watching them have a great time...I mean it is a kids game by the way!

I sat in the corner endzone where the cheerleaders are positioned which happened to be right next to the opposing team. In Indoor Football their is no real sideline and the teams bench's are situated  in the back of the end zones. If a player substitutes he must run to his teammates even if they are 50 yards away on the other side of the field. I love it when they are tired and can barely make it back to the endzone to avoid a penalty. So as I was sitting and enjoying the cheerleaders do a dance and I observed an opposing player just all up and enjoying the view of the cheerleaders in their skimpy outfits dropping it like it was hot and getting all Beyonce' like with their moves. So a buddy of mine and I started began to heckle him as he was clearly enjoying the show on the sidelines and not the beating the Maryland Maniacs was putting on his team. The player eluded to not having cheerleaders on his team as to why his eyes where so fixated on the Maryland Dancers. I guess that is why he is playing Indoor Football.

So the Maryland Maniacs beat the Saginaw Sting 43-10 and there was probably around 1000 people in attendance. I hope as the season continues and more people spread the word than this team can hopefully be around for a second season. The owner seems like a very good guy and I wish him the best. With the play of his team doing well hopefully the fan support can increase.

So this Saturday on Memorial Day weekend I will attend my 2nd game but this time I have brought a lot of friends and we will tailgate at 4pm like we do for Redskins games and use these games with our Maryland Maniacs as the fix we need as this new summer season begins. I can't wait!

With prices ranging from $14 - $24 it is certainly an affordable option in these lean times for those wanting to enjoy Football at a time where we are not accustomed to watching it. Hopefully Memorial Days in our future will always include a visit with our local Indoor Football League team. So come on out and enjoy it with me and bring the kids with you!

Mike Vick

So I was reading a posting about Mike Vick and most of the replies submitted were totally against him coming back to the NFL. We all know about the PETA and other advocacy groups that will picket at no end...which I truly hate BTW! The man was convicted of his crime and served the time levied against him. What more is a man to do. 

Back to the postings I was reading, there were people who said his job as QB in football is a privilege...NOT!!!! Driving a car is a privilege! The respondents would rather have him flipping burgers instead. Now that makes no sense at all! You would rather have him flip a burger than play a game. I suspected that the feelings are indeed racial but I wouldn't make that outward assumption until something is actually said that proves it. The burger flipping comment proved it. On television the man would be a person amongst a 100 others only identifiable by his #7. Take the number off and you got 20 others that share his body type. So to the people that would rather have Mike Vick flipping a burger for you I say get a grip on reality and stop letting your racial objectivity make you into a fool!

So this is my response I made to the posting I saw on Mike Vick:

Mike Vick served his time. He admitted to the charges against him. There is nothing more he has to do. The NFL is a business and not a privilege those that make those decisions will shoulder the burden of bringing him back on. Ray Lewis was mentioned in regards to the murder of 2 young guys. Ray Lewis paid a large settlement to the families of those guys. One had a daughter born a few months after the death. This baby has no father but the man who paid off the family, lives his life with the blood of a human on his hands yet people want to throw Mike Vick into purgatory. Is it because he is a celebrity and has the opportunity to make millions that people hate so much. So he can't earn a living in is career field but it is certainly OK for him to flip burgers for the rest of his life. What makes Football so special that he can't come back, but he can do anything else but Sport. This is a game he plays but I guess we as consumers are the authority in who plays and not plays. I'm a programmer if I did what Vick did I can still be a programmer and make good money. If he was a public servant than he would be toast with a felony but the man is not he is playing a kids game. Is it because he violates the purity of an animal that is so disturbing that you want to never hear about him ever again. I guess the mob rules on this one. The man did his time let him get back to his life. If it was you or someone you knew in his situation you would want them doing the things they were good at to provide for their family. Others have done worse and have not gotten half of the attention as this man.

Guys, Sports and Women!!!!!

Last night Wednesday May 20, 2009, I'm at a place called Chima Restaurant. It is a Brazilian themed and inspired Steakhouse. The decor and ambiance is awesome.

So the evening was Social Networking Event, where various companies set up booths and people enjoy appetizer type snacks and drinks while schmoozing it up. In attendance where former ex- NBA and NFL players, these ex-Pro athletes tend to have a way to just draw good crowds. I'm amazed that most of the former Pro athletes have transitioned quite well. In the DC metropolitan area there are so many non-profits and other charitable organizations that want to just get the word out on their cause. The former Pro athlete and these organizations are the perfect match. 

I witnessed alot of things last night....I saw plenty of plunging necklines and one lady without a neckline...hubba hubba! I would say it was pretty classy and a Professional crowd. It appeared that everyone enjoyed themselves with plenty of laughing and plenty of drinks being consumed. As the evening wore on and as the crowd thinned most of the remaining guys and gals converged on the bar to watch the final 5 minutes of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic. It was great watching the shots go back and forth with the Magic pulling out the upset victory. 

The convergence of Sports, Drinks, Food and Women is a nice combination especially when the weather is great! The beginning of summer is always a good time!!!!!

My Sweet Sister

My sister stays with me in my home and see is such a sweet heart.  I brought some clothes downstairs to wash in the laundry room. The machines were already occupied so I left my items their so I can come back when the machines are available. So I didn't get to it last night and when I woke up this morning she had my clothes in basket and my Shirts on hangers and ironed. That was very nice of here. Thanks sis!!! Love ya!

Flooded Basement

Well last week my basement flooded and the Insurance company has sent a company over to pull up the carpet and set up de-humidifiers and fans all around to dry out the area. So they finally retrieved all of their equipment after 3 days of these machines working around the clock. Now I will wait for the insurance adjuster to visit and tell me what kind of carpet will be allowed under my policy...I'm crossing my fingers so I can get a berber style of rug!

Day 1 -- I guess!

Day 1 - Not really when you think about the complexities and reality of life. I guess just a way to say it's my first day blogging.