Remember

New Blog

2005-09-12T13:20:00.000-04:00

OK, so I'm shutting this one down for lack of time, just to open a new one?

I know, makes no sense.

The new one is strictly to talk about the fun (and not-so-fun) stuff associated with running a magazine. Drop by and check it out..

The Rookie Editor

See you there!

OK, one last post.

2005-09-07T10:05:00.000-04:00

An Open Letter to Kanye West

Dear Mr. West,

You are both rich and famous. Your records are selling out of the stores that carry them. I can hardly flip by a channel that broadcasts any kind of entertainment news without seeing your face or hearing your name. From what I hear you throw a great party, too. Wine, food and...gunshots. Whatever floats your boat, I guess.

I'm pretty sure that if you called your manager today and told him you wanted to hold a press conference about, I dunno, anything, hundreds of media outlets would cover it. I'm equally sure that if you wanted to record a public service announcement and purchase airtime on all of the major networks, you could afford to do so. And I know for a fact that if you went to New Orleans and walked through the devastation, camera crews would follow you, hanging on your every word. Harry Connick Jr. did it, you could, too.

So why, then did you feel the need to use a stage that was set aside and dedicated to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina to spout out your political views? While so many others had dedicated their talents, their money and their time to help raise awareness and support for a devastated region, you simply abused your power and used that time to let your personal views on American society be heard.

This isn't about "free speech". This isn't about keeping you down and not letting you speak your mind. And don't tell me that this is America, and it's your right to spout off like that. You see, you won't get an argument from me about any of those things. I agree with and support your right to say what you what, when you want and about whomever you want. My issue is with your lack of class. Just because you have the right to do something doesn't mean it's right to do it.

While you were rambling on about the President's racism, thousands were in the Gulf Coast region without power. While you were implying that the media portrayed only blacks as looters, thousands in the Gulf Coast region were homeless. While you were going off script and tripping over your words to draw attention to yourself, thousands in the Gulf Coast region were starving. I'm not upset at what you said, even though I may disagree. I'm upset about when and where you said it.

You have an audience of millions, literally, at your disposal. You are like the hip-hop E.F. Hutton. You speak, people will listen. You could have spoken out about the Federal response or how you think the Federal government is racist any other time, but you took advantage of a situation that was created only to help. I hope your rant helped build a levee, or get the power turned on. I doubt the people in New Orleans sitting in the dark, starving and waiting for help cared much about you at that point. They just needed help.

'Remember' is taking a break.

2005-08-24T23:37:00.000-04:00

Not like I update this thing everyday, anyway.

I had hoped to write regulalry on things outside of sports that really meant something to me, but it wasn't in the stars. My goal was to talk about Alzheimer's, politics, the price of tea in China...anything that popped into my mind. I just don't have the time or motivation right now.

As we get closer to the launch of the magazine my time has been stretched to include travel time to Detroit for meetings, writing, laying out the issue, all sorts of emails and phone calls and helping to take care of my beautiful baby girl. Writing in this blog just isn't meant to be right now.

I know, I know...all of you will miss me. All six of you. Although, my hits per day did break 10 for almost two weeks not long ago, so it seems I gained a massive, and I mean MASSIVE following over the past several months.

In my absence, here are a few places I would suggest checking out:

Exultate Justi by my old grade school friend Jared Keller. There you'll find a little of everything...current events, religion, politics, pop culture...and plenty of Karate Kid references. Worth a visit.

Radio Free Detroit by EJ Smith, lawyer and writer for MCS Magazine. While I don't agree with everything he says, he says it well. And he knows his Red Wings.

Out of Bounds by my firend Greg Eno. How he comes up with something fresh to write daily, I don't know. But it's always worth checking out.

SportsInferno.com, the home to Terry Foster and Mike Valenti. Mainly I suggest it for Terry Foster's stuff (no offense, Mike). Terry is a great guy and a well-respected journalist.

There are a few more that I'm too lazy to link...Fried Rice Thoughts, Beyond Boxscores, Bleacher Guy...the list goes on.

I'll be back now and then, but not often. Just thought I'd let you know.

KA

The Beginning of the End of Sports

2005-08-15T11:47:00.000-04:00

Sports used to be about T-Ball and skipping work to take in the home opener. It used to be about teaching your son how to throw a spiral or catch a pop fly. It used to be about practicing your free throws or piling in front of your TV to watch your team on Monday night.

As if you all didn't already notice, that ideal way so many see sports comes closer and closer to dying every day. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that it's been on life support for the past five years, and it's currently laying in it's hospital bed being suffocated by a shadowy figure holding a pillow over it's face.

Sports as we know it is dying, and these are some of the reasons why.

1. ESPN Hollywood
A freaky love child of "Entertainment Tonight" and Sportscenter, the new ESPN-2 show will focus on the gossip, the glitz and the glamor of those in the sports world. If that isn't bad enough, Mario "don't call me Slater" Lopez is one the hosts. Sick.

2. Drew Rosenhaus
His new motto should be "so what if you have a contract?" No fewer than six NFL players were encouraged to hold out of their respective training camps, even though they all had signed contracts. It's not about the money, it's about fairness, right, Drew? Give me a break. The more your players get, the bigger your 10% becomes. You want your players to be treated fairly, tell them to live up to their deals.

3. Terrell Owens
The poster boy for Rosenhaus' money first focus. Terrell, if you spent half as much time working on your character as you did working on your biceps and abs, you might end up being a semi-decent person.

4. Soap Operas
I won't go back to the Philly situation as I've already hit on it twice, but the TO situation was not the only soap opera in professional sports. Look no further than LB and Joe D. here in Detroit. You and I will never know what really happened, but the truth is, I don't think I care. The whole ordeal took focus off of the Finals and made both sides look like feuding fifth-graders. I'm just glad it's over.

5. Celebrations
Don't get me wrong, I thought the Sharpie incident was pretty funny. But then came the cell phone and the sign, among other copycat show-offs. Or how about the defensive player that tackles an offensive player...whether for a loss of three or a gain of seven...who then reacts as though he just cured cancer. Dude, it's your job. You get paid to tackle people. My mailman put our mail in our box and preceded to dance down the street yelling "yeah, that was me, baby! Yeah, you know it! Who's the man? Who is The Man??"

I've got more, but the four of you that read this blog are likley bored by now, so I'll stop. I just hope that, by the time my daughter is old enough to play sports, they have somehow miraculously recovered.

Friday Lions News

2005-08-05T18:58:00.000-04:00

DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2005

TODAY'S NEWS

* The Lions completed their eight-day of training camp today with morning and afternoon practice sessions on the outdoor practice field at the team's headquarters and practice facility. The team practiced in full-pads during the morning workout and practiced in helmets and shorts during the afternoon.
* KR Eddie Drummond signed his restricted free agent tender late yesterday and reported to training camp. He joined his teammates on the practice field for the first time this morning.
* The team had an NFL officiating crew participate in both practice sessions today. Officials Pete Morelli (Referee), George Hayward (Head Linesman), Jeff Lamberth (Side Judge) and Don Dorkowski (Back Judge) will spend two more days in practice with the Lions calling penalties to both help the team and hone their own skills for the upcoming season. The officials also met with the team for rule clarifications and to explain rule changes and points of emphasis.
* The Detroit Lions "Black & Blue" public training camp practice at Ford Field will take place Saturday, August 6. Doors will open at 1:00 pm for this one-time opportunity to watch Head Coach Steve Mariucci and the Lions prepare for the 2005 season. Fans will have the chance to get up close and personal with their favorite players during the full-team autograph session, win Lions merchandise, get a look into the game with the on-field action and shop in The Roar & More team store for the new 2005 Lions Training Camp and Sideline gear, along with other Officially Licensed Detroit Lions Merchandise and several Super Bowl XL (40) merchandise items. To accommodate as many fans as possible, there will be a one autograph from each player limit, and due to time constraints, autographs will not be personalized. Fans will be permitted to take pictures, but photos with players will not be allowed. Autographs will be on a first-come basis and are not guaranteed. Players will be located at 20 different locations throughout the stadium. Each station will be limited to the first 300 fans.
* Approximately 2,000 tickets for each of the Detroit Lions 2005 home preseason games-Saturday, August 20 (vs. Cleveland Browns; 1 p.m. EDT) and Monday, August 29 (vs. St. Louis; 8 p.m. EDT)-remain available. Both preseason games must be sold out by NFL-mandated deadline of 72 hours before kickoff in order to lift the local television blackout. Fans can purchase tickets for both Lions' preseason games in person at the Ford Field Ticket Office and at all TicketMaster outlets. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone at 248.645.6666 via TicketMaster or on the Internet at Detroitlions.com/tickets and ticketmaster.com.
* The ninth annual Detroit Lions Kickoff Luncheon presented by Tribute Restaurant and the Wisne Family and hosted by the Detroit Economic Club will be held on Friday, August 26, at Cobo Center in Detroit. Lunch will begin at 12:00 noon followed by the program that will feature Lions' head coach Steve Mariucci and the introduction of the 2005 Detroit Lions team. The entire Lions' team annually attends the luncheon and awards from the 2004 season will be presented. Players receiving awards will include Most Valuable Players Kevin Jones (offense), Shaun Rogers (defense) and Eddie Drummond (special teams). Other awards will go to Fernando Bryant, Donté Curry, James Hall and Damien Woody. Proceeds from the luncheon go to Detroit Lions Charities, the Lions' non-profit foundation that has donated more than $3.2 million to charities in Michigan. The primary recipient of Charities' proceeds from the luncheon will be Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) youth football. The Lions sponsor the Detroit Lions PAL Football League, approximately 3,000 Detroit children playing football in the nation's largest after-school league.

MEDIA INFORMATION FOR PUBLIC PRACTICE AT FORD FIELD
Media covering the Black & Blue public practice at Ford Field should park in Lot 4 (located on Montcalm), and enter through Gate D. There will be a security check-in and inspection for all members of the media.

Credentials: Media photo identification issued by the Lions Media Relations Department for coverage of 2005 training camp and practices at Allen Park is valid for coverage of the Lions' public practice at Ford Field. Members of the media who have not been issued media photo identification through the Lions should check in at Gate D and receive a day pass. Members of the media checking in should have both government-issued identification and media-affiliation identification.

Viewing Practice: The lower rows of Section 106 will be reserved for members of the media to view Sunday's practice session. Photographers will be allowed on the field in a designated area. Access to the field for photographers will be via the staircase at Section 106. The press box (located on Level 7) will also be open to view practice, and there will be an allotment of pool phones for print media to file stories from the stadium.

Media Availability: Players will be available to the media on the field following practice. Head Coach Steve Mariucci will address media in the Home Press Conference Room.

LIONS HEAD COACH STEVE MARIUCCI
On having a better practice: "Are you talking about offense or defense? Offense? Ok, we are getting a lot of work and it is good stuff. That is the fourth period that we have had came on full blitz. (We have had) a lot of variety. It is good for the offense; it is great for the defense. We had a few more completions today. What happens in those periods, for example, there was five times we missed some throws that could have been 20-yarders or touchdowns, but in the course of a game, those are the ones that are difference makers. You have to make those plays or make your share of those plays and then the outcome is completely different. It is good work and we are getting a lot of it - like I said yesterday, that is the nature of the beast."

On practicing blitzes: "If there is blitz, often times there is one extra guy coming; it is an overload blitz, and you simply do not have enough protectors. The quarterbacks either has to get out of trouble with his legs or throw the ball quickly to a hot or a blitz read. Sometimes you are going to find those guys and sometimes the defense is going to win. That is how you play the game. There is a certain risk-reward to it on defense too - if you blitz and a back pops through there or a completion is made out in space, then there is the chance for a potential big play. We are going to be good at it on both sides of the ball."

On TE Leonard Stevens playing with the first unit: "We are just rotating guys. We rotate guys differently. We do not have all of the ones on offense for three snaps in a row, and then they are all gone. And then all the twos come out together. The linemen are changing differently than the backs would, changing differently than the receivers would, the quarterbacks are alternating differently too. We have not made any depth changes or anything."

On health condition of the team: "Not bad. I commented today in the staff meeting that we only had three guys miss practice. For the twelfth practice of the camp, that is a low number. We had James Hall out and Jamel White. Who else was out today? Maybe that was it. So we are relatively healthy for this stage of the training camp. We have been resting Boss in the afternoons as you know. We may from here on out, rest a guy that is nursing an injury, or a veteran player. We will do that at times. We are relatively healthy right now."

On WR Charles Rogers health-wise: "He is playing. He is doing everything we ask him to do. He is banging around with the defensive backs, competing down the field. He seems to be okay. He has been on the ground a few times, bumped around by the defensive backs several times. We expect him to play and be full speed for the Jets game."

On players like TE Jason Randall making a mark in order to make the team: "He is a big kid; he is 280-some pounds. He is a big man. His strength obviously is going to be in the run game where he is a little bit behind obviously is in the passing game and the route running and that sort of thing. His forte is run blocking. Very few tight ends in this league can match up against defensive ends in the running game. Tight ends can block linebackers because they are similar in size, but when you have a 290 pound defensive end in your face, it is hard to match up. Sometimes you have to scheme through that. He has a chance to block big guys, so that is where he makes his mark."

On DE James Halls' injury: "He has a groin (injury), so we are just going easy with him. He is a veteran guy that knows what is going on. It is not like he is behind mentally or anything like that. We just have to freshen him up."

Depth of the offensive line: "Two things come to my mind in that regard. Number one: we added to our depth with (Rick) DeMulling, Kyle Kosier, (Brock) Gutierrez and (Rob) Murphy. We have added some guys who have played in the league. They are competing for spots - Rick is starting right now at the left guard. The other thing that comes to my mind is Kelly Butler at the right tackle; he is playing pretty darn well. Now we have not played the Jets, and we have not played live and that sort of thing, but so far so good. I have been impressed with Kelly Butler. I think he has a chance to be a pretty good tackle in this league."

On KR Eddie Drummond being in camp: "I do not know if you saw that catch he made down the sideline. Everyone is kidding him about fresh legs, and it is true. The guys that just come in - there legs are different than the other 85 guys who have tired legs. It is good to have him back. He was well received last night when he came in. It was killing him to be out, watching, reading the newspaper, listening to your TV bytes. He is happy to be back, and the players were happy to see him. He is a popular guy here on this team."

On CB Fernando Bryant: "He had some injuries last season as you know. He's been starting at the left corner spot. We have very healthy competition at the corners. We're going to have to make some decisions on this team. We have a couple of young guys like (Stanley) Wilson and Keith Smith. We also have the veterans like André Goodman, Chris Cash and now we have R.W. McQuarters in the mix too. It's a very deep position, maybe our deepest position. He (Fernando Bryant) was a little bit like Roy Williams, playing hurt most of the time. It seemed like he was never completely healthy."

On how the team feels about the open practice at Ford Field tomorrow: "We can't wait because it gets to be too much of a routine here (at the practice facility), coming out here without any fans other than a few alumni or the Police Athletic League kids. The players like to play in front of the fans. To have almost 40,000 people, it will be great for the players. We're going to sign some autographs so that some of the fans get to meet the new guys close up. We'll be out for an hour-and-a-half or so and get some practice done. Some of the guys are going to go to the Tigers game afterwards. It's a good change of pace. We're looking forward to our practice at Ford Field tomorrow. We'll have some one-on-one pass rush drills and we'll put the receivers against the defensive backs, which is always fun to watch. We'll use coaches up in the press box. It will be like a dress rehearsal."

On if WR Charles Rogers is where a third-year veteran needs to be mentally: "Probably not. A third-year guy, hopefully, would have played more than five games. He knows what we're doing and he knows our system and the concepts that we teach, along with the techniques that we teach. But normally, a third-year guy will have had more playing time under his belt. He has some catching up to do. He's certainly capable. He played well when he was a rookie and we've missed him ever since. He's right on target right now."

On the running back situation and not having enough balls to go around: "I hope we have the problem of not having enough balls to go around all-year. That means that you have some weapons that are capable. I like our running back situation. It's so much better than it has been lately. Kevin (Jones) was trying to earn some playing time last year when he was a rookie and he didn't know what we were doing. Plus, he was hurt most of the time early on. Then Artose Pinner got hurt his rookie season too. The year before that, Shawn Bryson was our leading receiver and our leading rusher. They are all healthy right now. That's a great situation to be in."

On RB Artose Pinner: "He's maturing. He chiseled up a little bit. He lost some weight, so I think it gave him a little more speed. He's been having a good camp. Kevin (Jones) kind of jammed his wrist yesterday, and we've been giving him (Artose Pinner) a lot of work because we're spreading those reps around. We know what Shawn Bryson can do, he's a capable guy. We want to have Artose (Pinner) catch up a little bit."

On what DB R.W. McQuarters brings: "Experience, confidence, and he is coachable. We had a late personnel meeting last night and we discussed every player on this team. What a great addition to this team. He's a pro. I had him in San Francisco as a young guy, when he was 20 years old, and he has matured and grown into such a pro. If you ask him to punt return or cover kicks, whatever it might be, he's there. He does exactly what you ask him to do. He is able to start at corner and at nickelback. He has played safety before; we haven't worked him in there right now, but he's done it. I love having him here."

On the weight of today's defensive linemen: "There are several 400-pounders in the league right now. There are over 300 300-pound guys in the league right now. Two decades ago there were only a dozen. The men are getting bigger. The college players are bigger. They train for it, they lift for it and people recruit for it. They eat a certain way to become bigger men. I don't know where it's going to stop. I don't know if it will plateau or level off. We're always addressing that with our guys, as far as their percent body fat, their health, and their life after football. There are twenty times as many 300 pounders in the league right now than there were a handful of years ago. It's not going to get into the tight ends, fullbacks or receivers. It's going to be limited to the defensive and offensive linemen. There are a finite number of guys who can be that big. More than half of the offensive linemen are 300 pounds now. That number is staggering."

On Dominic Raiola being one of the smallest centers in the league: "I think he is. He's less than 300 pounds. He's more of the athletic linemen, but he's 290 pounds. Ten or fifteen years ago that would have been a relatively big man, but now he is considered one of the athlete types of centers in the league."

LIONS KR EDDIE DRUMMOND
On whether it was difficult for him not to be in camp: "Yes. I was at home working with some high school kids and things of that nature; going to the local gym - it was just killing me; (meanwhile I was) talking to teammates and going out to eat with them. We didn't get things in the place we wanted them, but we worked out something and I was going to be here anyways eventually. I'm glad we got this settled early."

On whether he was disappointed that he didn't get a long-term deal done: "To an extent I was, but I know the Lions are good people and as soon as I get off to a good start this year that we're going to work out something early. I'm just ready to be with the team right now, work with them and get better."

On whether he missed two-a-days: "(Laughter) I think today might have been the last two-a-day so it was kind of like perfect timing, but I did not intentionally do it."

On players being happy that he's back: "That's because of my personality - they know that I'm enthusiastic and that I'm an upbeat player. Hopefully I can express some feelings and some emotions that will pick up my teammates."

On what compelled him to report now: "Basically, we had a lot of success last year (in the return game) and I didn't want to get away from my teammates too much. I just really wanted to get in here so that we can have a successful return team and so I can help out on offense."

On how much he thinks not being here hurt his changes of making an impact at wide receiver: "Not at all because I was working everyday. I didn't lose a step - I was pretty fast today. Everything is looking good. We still have a couple more weeks. I'll probably play a little bit in the last two preseason games and loosen up a little bit and get ready for the season."

On how he kept in touch with the players while not being in camp: "I kept in contact with all of the receivers, Kevin Jones; we went out to eat at a couple of restaurants. They know what I was going through and they understood as did the coaches. We just didn't get a deal finished before training camp started. We had to work out everything and it took a couple of days."

On how his injury history has been a concern for the Lions: "My position is so dangerous that it's common for a return specialist to get injured - just because of the impact of our hits. It's been injuries that I can't stop - broken bones. It hasn't been hamstrings - it's always been broken bones. There's nothing I can do about that except to stop trying to be such a tough guy. I'm going to try and be even more elusive so that I can get away from some of the big hits."

On whether it came to him telling his agent that he needed to be here now: "Yeah - I was still intent on working out a long-term deal so it probably could have went out a little longer but like I said, it was killing me at home. I knew this is where I wanted to be so I came here and signed the (tender) in good faith with the Lions that we might work out a long-term deal."

Lions Update for Thursday

2005-08-04T17:34:00.000-04:00

DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2005

TODAY'S NEWS

* The Lions completed their seventh-day of training camp today with morning and afternoon practice sessions on the outdoor practice field at the team's headquarters and practice facility. The team practiced in full-pads during the morning workout and practiced in helmets and shorts for the special teams practice in the afternoon.
* The team had an NFL officiating crew participate in both practice sessions today. Officials Pete Morelli (Referee), George Hayward (Head Linesman), Jeff Lamberth (Side Judge) and Don Dorkowski (Back Judge) will spend the next three days in practice with the Lions calling penalties to both help the team and hone their own skills for the upcoming season. The officials also met with the team for rule clarifications and to explain rule changes and points of emphasis.
* Musical recording artist John Popper and his band, Blues Traveler visited the Lions Headquarters and Training Facility today and attended the afternoon special teams practice. Blues Traveler will perform Friday, August 5 at the DTE Energy Music Theater.
* Approximately 160 Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) youth football players and their coaches were the guests of Coach Steve Mariucci and Detroit Lions at training camp, today. The youngsters watched the Lions morning practice session from along the sidelines and after practice they met Coach Mariucci as well as many of the Lions players and got autographs. The training camp visit is an annual kickoff to several Lions-Detroit PAL activities. Approximately 2,700 Detroit children will participate in the Detroit Lions PAL Football League when its season kicks off at several city locations later this month. There are 20 PAL football organizations fielding teams in four age divisions, ages 7-16. The league is believed to be the nation's largest after-school tackle football league. The season will culminate with the league championships in November, hosted by the Lions at Ford Field. The Lions have sponsored Detroit PAL football since 1999.
* The Detroit Lions "Black & Blue" public training camp practice at Ford Field will take place Saturday, August 6. Doors will open at 1:00 pm for this one-time opportunity to watch Head Coach Steve Mariucci and the Lions prepare for the 2005 season. Fans will have the chance to get up close and personal with their favorite players during the full-team autograph session, win Lions merchandise, get a look into the game with the on-field action and shop in The Roar & More team store for the new 2005 Lions Training Camp and Sideline gear, along with other Officially Licensed Detroit Lions Merchandise and several Super Bowl XL (40) merchandise items. To accommodate as many fans as possible, there will be a one autograph from each player limit, and due to time constraints, autographs will not be personalized. Fans will be permitted to take pictures, but photos with players will not be allowed. Autographs will be on a first-come basis and are not guaranteed. Players will be located at 20 different locations throughout the stadium. Each station will be limited to the first 300 fans.
* Approximately 2,000 tickets for each of the Detroit Lions 2005 home preseason games-Saturday, August 20 (vs. Cleveland Browns; 1 p.m. EDT) and Monday, August 29 (vs. St. Louis; 8 p.m. EDT)-remain available. Both preseason games must be sold out by NFL-mandated deadline of 72 hours before kickoff in order to lift the local television blackout. Fans can purchase tickets for both Lions' preseason games in person at the Ford Field Ticket Office and at all TicketMaster outlets. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone at 248.645.6666 via TicketMaster or on the Internet at Detroitlions.com/tickets and ticketmaster.com.
* The ninth annual Detroit Lions Kickoff Luncheon presented by Tribute Restaurant and the Wisne Family and hosted by the Detroit Economic Club will be held on Friday, August 26, at Cobo Center in Detroit. Lunch will begin at 12:00 noon followed by the program that will feature Lions' head coach Steve Mariucci and the introduction of the 2005 Detroit Lions team. The entire Lions' team annually attends the luncheon and awards from the 2004 season will be presented. Players receiving awards will include Most Valuable Players Kevin Jones (offense), Shaun Rogers (defense) and Eddie Drummond (special teams). Other awards will go to Fernando Bryant, Donté Curry, James Hall and Damien Woody. Proceeds from the luncheon go to Detroit Lions Charities, the Lions' non-profit foundation that has donated more than $3.2 million to charities in Michigan. The primary recipient of Charities' proceeds from the luncheon will be Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) youth football. The Lions sponsor the Detroit Lions PAL Football League, approximately 3,000 Detroit children playing football in the nation's largest after-school league.

MEDIA INFORMATION FOR PUBLIC PRACTICE AT FORD FIELD
Media covering the Black & Blue public practice at Ford Field should park in Lot 4 (located on Montcalm), and enter through Gate D. There will be a security check-in and inspection for all members of the media.

Credentials: Media photo identification issued by the Lions Media Relations Department for coverage of 2005 training camp and practices at Allen Park is valid for coverage of the Lions' public practice at Ford Field. Members of the media who have not been issued media photo identification through the Lions should check in at Gate D and receive a day pass. Members of the media checking in should have both government-issued identification and media-affiliation identification.

Viewing Practice: The lower rows of Section 106 will be reserved for members of the media to view Sunday's practice session. Photographers will be allowed on the field in a designated area. Access to the field for photographers will be via the staircase at Section 106. The press box (located on Level 7) will also be open to view practice, and there will be an allotment of pool phones for print media to file stories from the stadium.

Media Availability: Players will be available to the media on the field following practice. Head Coach Steve Mariucci will address media in the Home Press Conference Room.

LIONS HEAD COACH STEVE MARIUCCI
On players who sat out of morning practice: "We rested James Hall because of a tight groin and Jamel White has a tight hamstring so we kept them out of practice today, neither one appears to be serious it is just a matter of rest, rehab and getting them back on the field."

On the blitz period: "We had ten base blitzes and ten nickel blitzes, which is always a good period for both sides of the ball and what happens is some plays the offense will win and some plays the defense will win. We bring it in this period, so you understand what your stress spots are on your offensive line and what you can pick up and what you can't. We need to work a lot with the blitz packages because this league has become a blitz-happy league so we have been working against it. This is day four against the blitz and we need to keep working on it. Protecting for the blitz is probably the toughest thing an NFL team has to do. A lot of the blitzes these days are zone blitzes where you are actually dropping off defensive lineman."

On the health of the defense: "We don't have three guys limping around with red jerseys on and that sort of thing, so we are contending for the ball on both offense and defense. We have more depth on both sides of the ball and we have some good healthy competition on both sides of the ball. In training camp we compete against each other once we get into the season we work off the cards and service each other. We are not servicing each other right now, we will once we have some of those practices where it is choreographed."

On the 'Black and Blue' scrimmage: "It is going to be a practice. It is going to be a variety of drills like one-on-one where our receivers and defensive backs play against each other; nine-on-seven drills which is our run drill; seven-on-seven drills on one side of the field; we will have our four officials there; we will have one-on-one pass rush drills with the big guys; we will have some teamwork opportunities where we actually have coaches in the press box and we substitute and signal plays; we will kick field goals and we will include the fans once in a while. We will get a work out in and sign some autographs before the practice. It will be a big sports day down in Detroit because the Tigers play at 7 p.m."

On the team's focus: "I think our focus is fine. I told the guys today that we needed a better practice with more energy and after practice No. 10, which is where we are at right now, guys tend to get a little weary and tired. You have to fight through that and that is where you get into better football shape."

On how much WR Mike Williams needs to learn: "When we drafted those other two receivers (Charles and Roy) we had a void for them to start. Mike's situation is a little bit different in that we have some people who have been here longer, who are competing for those starting spots and have a legitimate chance because they have been here. Mike is trying to earn some playing time whether it be at a wideout X or Z. (He's) primarily X right now, because Kevin Johnson has been doing well right now too and Scottie Vines and (David) Kircus - so we have some really good competition right now. He is trying to learn what is going on out there right now. There is a sense of urgency to bring him along quickly but there are a couple of guys ahead of him right now at this point."

On the linebackers: "We have to sort through our linebackers. Boss has been limited to one-a-day, which is in his best interest and we are just going conservatively with his rehab and return to the field - but he is doing well. We have some decisions how we are going to play those linebackers; we have some decision on who is going to make the team. There is some depth where it is not cut and dry. Some of them are cross-training with different positions, so it is a good situation."

On the rotation of the defensive line: "You rotate the defensive line more then any position in football. There is an eight man rotation there usually and you go into the game plan knowing it is a rotation. You don't rotate other positions quite like the linebackers. You could have a starting base group. You could have a completely different starting nickel group. In goal-line situations you would like to have your bigger guys in there, but we are going to mix and match in there."

On the development advantage the defense sometimes has over the offense during training camp: "You are going to have some practices where one side of the ball looks better than the other especially when you are competing like we are. We have a lot of volume that we have thrown at these guys on both sides of the ball. A lot of times there is so much material that comes out it really makes our players' heads swim, but training camp is the time to have that happen. As the season closes in we will go in there and clean everything up. "

On the top three things that he hates about training camp: "I love training camp. Think about it, you're out on the grass with the guys; what else is there? This is good stuff. I think some teams go away for a month and bond and try to get their game face on. We love staying right here because our facility is tremendous and we have everything right here at our disposal. The accommodations here with the Dearborn Inn and this facility are top shelf. We're getting a lot done. Training camp doesn't last forever. It used to be a lot longer back in the day when guys would work a different job and then try to get into shape during training camp. It's not that way now because these guys stay in shape all year-round. Their best shape of the season is in the first week of training camp. I love this. We have late nights and all that sort of thing but it's well worth it. This is where we get a lot of the work done where we can put the foundation in for season. Most of what we present during the year is going to be installed right here and now."

On if he has seen anything different in QB Joey Harrington this season that he has not seen in the past few seasons: "Every time he shows up on the field, every week and every day, he learns a little bit more, develops his skills and works like crazy. That's the normal progression for an athlete's development, especially at quarterback because it's so involved. We're running the same offense that he knows, but we're adding to it and expanding it here and there. He's on a fast learning curve; he's picking things up great and having a good camp."

On any concerns with needing to bring in Jeff Garcia: "I don't sense that. I think he, and everybody, knows on this team that we are going to try to improve the team in any way that we can at any position and add to the talent level at every position. By adding Jeff Garcia we added experience to our quarterbacking group and Joey (Harrington) is all for that. It makes the team better."

On Kevin Jones moving his family: "That doesn't happen very often. Usually they come by themselves. Do you know what that shows me? The commitment that they are making to this organization and this city."

On Kevin Jones development and how having his family here can affect it: "You think that because these guys are pros that they don't get homesick or that they don't miss their mom and dad or their friends. They come up here and move into an apartment by themselves and watch Sportscenter all night. That's not easy for anybody at any age. For a player to move his mom, dad and sisters to the place that he's playing is quite unique. It's very impressive."

On Jason Hanson: "We were talking about our specialists the other night. I really like our specialists on this team, starting with Jason Hanson. I hope that he kicks here until he is 103 (years old). We have confident holders, punters, and our return specialists are very good. We added R.W. (McQuarters) who gives us another good returner. We have kick blockers. Shaun Rogers has seven (blocks) in has career. We have a good group of specialists, and it starts with Jason Hanson. He's a guy who is always in shape. He can probably be an emergency quarterback. He's a workaholic. He's the real deal. He signed an extension and we just love having him here."

On Will Matthews: "I am trying to get over his fumble in practice today. Up until then, he has been showing us that he learns well, he'll put his nose in there and block, and he seems to catch the football out of the backfield well for a fullback. I like his attitude. He's giving himself a good shot to make this club. He's playing a little bit in the kicking game and trying to earn his stripes there. But if a guy like that can make this football team, that's quite a free agent pick up."

On Paul Smith: "Paul is not a true fullback. He can play fullback, but he can also play tailback, singleback, and as a great special teams player. He has a little bit of the same situation (as Will Matthews), but Will Matthews is strictly a fullback."

LIONS DT SHAUN ROGERS
On when Rogers' GQ Magazine experience: "(Laughter) I don't have any cover picture. I don't know what is going on with that - they just wanted to do a little article and try and sneak me in somewhere in between the pages. I'm in no way a GQ guy. I'm just a jeans and t-shirts guy. I didn't know they that had that sort of section. It is a blessing and I appreciate it; hopefully it will come out the way they want it to. I know I'm going to get it from the guys in the locker room once it comes out. I'll probably be the last one to see it because those early birds will get it first and put it all over my locker."

On encouraging his teammates to step up the intensity: "I don't try to tee off on the guys in practice - but every now and then you have to get on them to step it up a little bit."

On the offensive line: "We have good depth on the offensive line. They are a lot better with their maneuvers, their scooping, their doubling and they have become more cohesive. The offensive line has gotten a lot better this year."

LIONS WR KEVIN JOHNSON
On coming to Detroit: "It's been great. I think it is a great town; I think it is a great organization. There are a lot of great players on this team and I am happy to be here."

On being a veteran: "It is very weird. I think anytime you have three talented young guys like we have, and being in the league only seven years - you still have to walk a fine line. You want to teach these young guys the ropes; you want to teach these young guys how the game is played. But also you want to be a friend to these guys. You do not want to be strictly business to these guys. It is a great relationship that I have with all these guys. We look forward to having a good year this year."

On expectations in Detroit: "I think the sky is going to be the limit, it is just a matter of how fast we come together as a team and if we can get to the quarterbacks and get a feel for what they want and what we are doing. There are little small things about the game; I think we have the big picture, but the small things are where it is going to be. Playing in the division we are playing, we have little room for error and we have to be very precise as to what we do. I am just excited about the 2005 season."

On the secondary: "I think they are outstanding. I think you have Dré Bly, Fernando Bryant, the hitters in the back; R.W. McQuarters, Chris Cash - a lot of guys that can play on the outside. We have the good safeties in the middle. I think it is going to be a challenge for offenses to put wide receivers out there, knowing that we have two good cover corners as well as good hitters in the back who feel confident that they can get across the middle very deep because they have the talent. They can take wide receivers out of the game. Dre Bly is a Pro Bowl player. Fernando Bryant - he knows the game and was with some Jacksonville teams that went 14-2, 13-3. These guys are very talented. You have Terrence Holt back there who is a talented guy who knows where to be and he plays very physical. When we have that kind of talent back there, the sky is the limit."

On having enough footballs going around the offense: "We have guys who are not selfish and guys that know the more games you win, the more important each game is. I think when you are catching all these balls and you are losing, that is no fun. If you catch two balls, three balls and you are winning… I tell Kevin (Jones) all the time: 'Kevin, you really don't want the ball until the middle of the third quarter. That is when we are winning and that is when you have to pound it out and dominate a team up front and you really have to score. You pass to score, you run to win.' I think he understands that and I think he understands what he is in for. Roy (Williams), Charles (Rogers), Mike (Williams); these guys are very humble guys; guys who just want to win. I think if you are playing in big games, you will get everything you want."

On Ted Tollner and changes in the offense: "I do not know what happened here last year because I was not here, but I know, just from mini-camps and the beginning of training camps that he is very aggressive. He is going for your throat. He has a very controlled pass, but he can also go for the kill. He is going to be aggressive. He is going to be controlled aggressive. He is not just going to throw the ball down the field. If they give it to you, you have to take it, if not we have other receivers doing other things, as well as the tight ends. I like his style; I like his aggressiveness. I am looking forward to big things this year."

More from the Lions

2005-08-03T19:17:00.000-04:00

DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2005

TODAY'S NEWS

* The Lions completed their sixth-day of training camp today with morning and afternoon practice sessions on the outdoor practice field at the team's headquarters and practice facility. The team practiced in full-pads during the morning workout and practiced in helmets and shorts for the afternoon session.
* Lions Owner and Chairman William Clay Ford visited practice today and addressed the team during the morning workout. He also announced that the contract for Lions President and CEO Matt Millen will be extended five more seasons following the 2005 campaign.
* Detroit Pistons Forward Rasheed Wallace and Pro Boxer Mary Jo Sanders (daughter of Charlie Sanders) visited the Lions' headquarters and practice facility today and attended the afternoon workout. Both were introduced to the team following practice. Sanders recently claimed the WBC Women's Welterweight title and had it on hand during her visit today.
* KR Eddie Drummond is the only player who has not reported to training camp. Drummond has opted not to sign his restricted free agent tender and cannot participate in team activities until signing a contract.
* The Detroit Lions "Black & Blue" public training camp practice at Ford Field will take place Saturday, August 6. Doors will open at 1:00 pm for this one-time opportunity to watch Head Coach Steve Mariucci and the Lions prepare for the 2005 season. Fans will have the chance to get up close and personal with their favorite players during the full-team autograph session, win Lions merchandise, get a look into the game with the on-field action and shop in The Roar & More team store for the new 2005 Lions Training Camp and Sideline gear, along with other Officially Licensed Detroit Lions Merchandise and several Super Bowl XL (40) merchandise items. To accommodate as many fans as possible, there will be a one autograph from each player limit, and due to time constraints, autographs will not be personalized. Fans will be permitted to take pictures, but photos with players will not be allowed. Autographs will be on a first-come basis and are not guaranteed. Players will be located at 20 different locations throughout the stadium. Each station will be limited to the first 300 fans.
* The ninth annual Detroit Lions Kickoff Luncheon presented by Tribute Restaurant and the Wisne Family and hosted by the Detroit Economic Club will be held on Friday, August 26, at Cobo Center in Detroit. Lunch will begin at 12:00 noon followed by the program that will feature Lions' head coach Steve Mariucci and the introduction of the 2005 Detroit Lions team. The entire Lions' team annually attends the luncheon and awards from the 2004 season will be presented. Players receiving awards will include Most Valuable Players Kevin Jones (offense), Shaun Rogers (defense) and Eddie Drummond (special teams). Other awards will go to Fernando Bryant, Donté Curry, James Hall and Damien Woody. Proceeds from the luncheon go to Detroit Lions Charities, the Lions' non-profit foundation that has donated more than $3.2 million to charities in Michigan. The primary recipient of Charities' proceeds from the luncheon will be Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL) youth football. The Lions sponsor the Detroit Lions PAL Football League, approximately 3,000 Detroit children playing football in the nation's largest after-school league.

MEDIA EXTRA
There will be a media session Thursday, August 4, at 12 p.m. with NFL Officials at the Lions Headquarters and Training Facility. After a short video presentation, officials will discuss rule changes and points of emphasis as well as field questions from the media.

MEDIA INFORMATION FOR PUBLIC PRACTICE AT FORD FIELD
Media covering the Black & Blue public practice at Ford Field should park in Lot 4 (located on Montcalm), and enter through Gate D. There will be a security check-in and inspection for all members of the media.

Credentials: Media photo identification issued by the Lions Media Relations Department for coverage of 2005 training camp and practices at Allen Park is valid for coverage of the Lions' public practice at Ford Field. Members of the media who have not been issued media photo identification through the Lions should check in at Gate D and receive a day pass. Members of the media checking in should have both government-issued identification and media-affiliation identification.

Viewing Practice: The lower rows of Section 106 will be reserved for members of the media to view Sunday's practice session. Photographers will be allowed on the field in a designated area. Access to the field for photographers will be via the staircase at Section 106. The press box (located on Level 7) will also be open to view practice, and there will be an allotment of pool phones for print media to file stories from the stadium.

Media Availability: Players will be available to the media on the field following practice. Head Coach Steve Mariucci will address media in the Home Press Conference Room.

LIONS HEAD COACH STEVE MARIUCCI
On things looking more on the "upside" since WR Mike Williams' arrival: "He came in two days ago and practiced in shorts. Yesterday he came out with some pads on because he has not had pads on in a long time. Today he banged around just a little bit. It is carrying the extra 22 pounds around that you do not get when you are working out on the beach in Tampa. He is going to have to get back into his pads and play fast with his pads on. It's good to see him out here. He got a limited amount of reps because we have been training these other guys. He has some catching up to do. It was good to see him. He felt better yesterday than he did during that first workout that you guys watched. He will probably have camp legs in a day or two, but it is good to have him in here. The only guy we are missing now is Eddie (Drummond), so everyone else is working hard. How hot is it today, 90-something? They push through it. We had a long practice. I like how we are working."

On seeing the offensive players on the field in pads: "They are spending some much needed practice time together because we are training them at a couple of spots. Roy has to learn 'x' and 'z' and Kevin Johnson is learning a bunch. Mike Williams is really starting at the 'x' spot with his meeting time. He has to learn the third receiver and fourth receiver spot. Scottie Vines is doing a good job - we are training him at several spots. We have a lot of work to do with these guys, but it's good to have them out there. They look good and they are getting better. They are all better than they were a year ago, every one of them."

On WR Charles Rogers: "I think he is feeling good; not that we don't concern ourselves with him, but we don't worry about him every snap. We are not careful necessarily. He is playing. He is practicing like everyone else. I think after another month of that he will feel really confident."

On building on the experience the receivers have: "We have to build on the experience that they have. When you grab these young guys and you play them, and there is a reason for that: A, necessity and B, to train them and put them on the fast track - that adds up. Every practice, every pre-season game, every regular season game will add to their experience level. They are going to get it fast. We are not saving them. They are all going to be out there, and getting as much playing time as possible. They will get better as they go. It will be fun to watch them. We just have to decide and stay open minded as to how we are going to play all these guys and what personnel groups we will use."

On the offense meshing quickly: "We want to get going. Some of the guys you were mentioning are newcomers, but I think we have enough guys that have been around and have some experience in this offense, that we are not completely new at it. We do have quite a few guys that have been around it, and we need to make it better by practicing and training and testing and that sort of thing. I think we are going to be more explosive on offense this year. We certainly have more capable bodies than anytime that I have been here in Detroit. I'm excited about it."

On the running game: "That is such a key. We can sit here and talk about the wide receivers. The running game with Kevin Jones and the offensive line is deeper and more experienced now. That's what I get excited about too. Kevin Jones, Artose Pinner and Shawn Bryson, all of our running backs are so much better than they were a year ago. They are more knowledgeable about what we are doing. They're not youngsters anymore. They got their feet wet. Now they are ready to play and cut it loose. I think they will be prepared from day one."

On the extension of Matt Millen's contract and having stability at the top: "It's great. Matt was brought in here to do a job and build this thing up as quickly as possible. We need continuity here at many levels, from the front office on down to the locker room. That's great. We think we are certainly on the right track, moving full speed ahead, and that will provide us with the continuity that was intended from the first start."

On his relationship with Matt Millen developing over the years: "Before coming here, Matt and I knew each other from a handful of games when he was in the broadcast booth. We never really had a personal relationship, other than when we bumped into each other on game-days or if they did a production meeting. That was the extent of it. We have gotten to know each other here over the last two years. There are a lot of new faces since Matt has arrived in the building in different departments. Matt is trying to get the right people in place from the tight ends to the scouts and to every other area. The continuity is great for any organization, and we are on the right track. We are looking forward to this season. We are looking forward to continuing the acceleration of this young football team. I think Matt was expected, when he was hired, to get into a controlled burn and make sure that the people he wanted in place, came into place. That does not happen over night, it happens over time; over several years really. It's the same with putting a team together. He is certainly well on his way in doing that."

On QB Jeff Garcia: "I think, first of all, that they both (are handling) the situation very well. My hat is off to both guys. Joey knew that we wanted to upgrade our pitching staff, and add a real good player. And Jeff knew that he was coming in as the backup. From day one, when we first talked about it, both men understood the pecking order and the responsibilities that they have, the expectation that we have. I thought they both worked like crazy in the off season. They both have a professional relationship and working relationship. They communicate with each other. Jeff has been in the system before, so they have that sort of exchange in meetings and what not. I think it has been very healthy for this team."

On FB Cory Schlesinger's role on the team (coming into his 11th season): "What is the average life span of a professional football player? Is it 3.4 years or something? Those are the lucky ones because most do not make it at all. To play 11 years, in any sport, particularly football, and particularly his position, is outstanding. His facemasks do not last that long. He's been through a lot of them. He loves to play the game. He's one of our fearless leaders. He has some position flexibility because he is not just a fullback. He is such a valuable guy in the kicking game. He is Chuck Priefer's right hand man in so many ways. He has been a very valuable guy for us; not just on the field, but in the locker room, out in the community, the whole thing. He's the real deal. He is looking forward to having another good year. He is playing with a bunch of new guys that he loves, and they count on him to knock linebackers out. For example, a Will Matthews, Paul Smith and our other young guys; they can watch him play fullback. But, it is much more than that. Our running backs are in with him in meetings and they see how he prepares mentally and physically and trains in the off season. He leads by example. He is not a real verbal guy. He is not going to be the guy that stands up in the meeting room and gives one for the 'gipper.' He is a lead by example kind of guy. He is an amazing guy. I love having him here."

On looking for a certain level of precision and execution in camp: "You hope that you get some of it as you put them in. You would like to have some precision the first time you run a play. Why? Because a lot of this is review from the mini-camp. We get a look or two, at the mini-camps indoors, and then when we come out here, and you start repeating it, and you flip it (the play) to the left, you get different coverages, different looks, and different fronts. It becomes a little bit multiple, even though it is the same play. But the more you do it, the more they understand it completely and the more they understand the concepts. Football is a game of repetition. You just put one more layer of experience on it every time you snap the ball. You expect precision and you hope that you get it. Obviously, it comes to them as they work together. The precision with the offensive line, with the communication that takes place. Precision in the passing game and the timing of the receivers. Something where Mike Williams runs a thousand routes with our quarterbacks because the timing has got to be just right. The communication that takes place with our linebackers and our defensive front, that doesn't happen in a meeting room, that happens out there on the grass, day-in and day-out. All of the work's important and it adds up to be more precise as you go on."

LIONS QB JOEY HARRINGTON
On how WR Mike Williams is adjusting: "Let's give it a day to get everybody on the same page - we're a few days into it and Mike (Williams) is a good athlete and a very talented receiver, but it's going to take him a bit to catch up. From the way that he worked during mini-camp and the way that he studied, along with his attitude coming into now, I know he's going to be ready to catch up with us real quick. I think he's going to be ready to step in and make plays for us, but it's going to take him a couple of days to get on the same page as we are."

On the talent level of this team: "You can tell that we have more talent in here than we've had since I first came. That makes it more exciting. It's still a matter of getting guys on the same page and keeping people healthy, but when we start winning ballgames, that's when it gets fun."

On lining up with the all of the offensive talent: "It's nice to look across (the field) and know that you have options. We had a third-down play at the end of practice where our defense had certain coverage on some of the receivers and I saw that they had given Charles (Rogers) bump coverage on the other side. I said to myself, 'I have no problem with taking a shot with Charles (Rogers).' It gives you options no matter where you go. When we're all on the same page and figuring things out then it's going to be fun."

On QB Dan Orlovsky not having the pressure to come in and start right away: "I would have loved to be in that position. It's a perfect position to learn in a great environment. He's in a position where he can relax and take things in. He has a chance to learn some things in a non-pressure situation. He's doing a great job of studying and learning things in the meetings. He hasn't made every play perfectly on the field, but when he's gotten the chance he's done the right thing; which is great to see from a young guy. He's not making the mental mistakes. He's figured out what's going on so far, which is really good."

On the team's rushing game with Kevin Jones: "That's what is going to make our passing game. You saw evidence of that last year the last six weeks of the season when Kevin (Jones) was running the ball so well; we threw the ball for 250-300 yards a game. When Kevin (Jones) is running like that and the offensive line is opening up holes, it creates short yardage situations in which we have the advantage. If we are sitting with second-and-three, then you can take a shot downfield knowing that the defense has to play for something short. If you don't convert then you're still at third-and-three. It gives us the upper hand. That's my favorite part of this. Kevin (Jones), at the end of the season, developed into a great runner, and if he can continue that then we'll be just fine."

On the depth at the wide receiver position: "That's great from my standpoint, to have a bunch of guys running around for me. In years past, we've had problems with injuries and with guys staying healthy through camp and until the end of the season. Now we have a good core group of guys that are very deep and talented - if we can keep those guys healthy, then we'll be alright."

On the competition at the quarterback spot: "I love competition. That's why I play the game. Every one of us loves to compete out here. When you have someone pushing you it adds a little bit of extra fun to it."

On what he has learned from QB Jeff Garcia this year: "It's been great for me watching Jeff (Garcia) because he has been where I want to go. He's been to the playoffs. He's been on a winning team. He's been on top of his division. He's been to the Pro Bowl. He's gotten the things that come from winning football games. Being able to watch how Jeff (Garcia) practices and how he prepares, the checks he makes at the line of scrimmage, and how he handles the huddle and the play calling has been great for me. I've definitely picked up a few little pieces on how to make myself better."

On if the players talk about where they want to go as a team: "Everybody knows where we want to go, there's no secret about that. We want to be better than Chicago, Minnesota, and Green Bay. When you win the division, you put yourself into the playoffs and that's where the fun starts. We want to win the division, which puts us in the playoffs and gives us a shot to make it to Super Bowl XL in Detroit."

On WR Charles Rogers and if he should be protected during practice: "No. he's had his red jersey on for a while and I'm sure that he wanted to get it off more than any of us wanted him to. It's been great to see him playing so well. He's done a great job. He's worked really hard; he's running great routes and he's catching the ball. He's done the things that he has needed to do to improve. He's worked on what were his short-comings and I really do think that he's improved this year. That's exciting from our standpoint."

On how it feels to have his receiving corps: "It's always good to see guys healthy around you but like I said, Mike (Williams) is just getting into the mix around here and we're hitting that point in camp where it's beginning to be a grind. If we can push through the next couple of days and get some guys on the same page then we'll be fine."

LIONS WR MIKE WILLIAMS
On his first practice with pads: "First time in pads was yesterday. I worked out with Coach in pads yesterday, which was good because when I got here today, this was not as big of a deal for me, as it probably would have been. We basically did everything we did today. I had a full hour and a half practice by myself, just trying to make up for the days I missed. They helped me get caught up. It is kind of weird at first when you put them on and you are hitting people again and people are hitting you. But it is kind of like riding a bike. Coach Mariucci was joking with me like 'it's been awhile!' It is like getting back on a bike. If you were an accountant or a lawyer, and you leave it alone, it does not mean you don't know numbers, or you don't know how to yell or how to lie to people - my mom is going to kill me because she's a lawyer."

On wanting to go all out right away: "There are some things I learned from the guys I have worked out with that I look up to. They told me, you don't need to come out on the first day or the first week of camp and just go all out. You need to come out and do what you are supposed to do and work hard and try to get better every day. I think the guys in my group do that Roy and those guys can play a lot harder than what they are doing for the duration of practice. Every day you just want to get better and learn more plays and learn more in the book than you do trying to come out here and try to catch the ball with one hand or diving and all that stuff."

On what he sees in his crystal ball: "I don't have one! This is all new to me. Charles has been here and they know this group better than I know this group as far as playing with them on Sunday and going through the season with them. When the guys that have been here are excited about the group - and these guys are still new to me because I have not played a game with them -that just says a lot. I know Shaun (Cody) and I, all we know is winning. That is all we know. When we first got drafted we were like, 'It is not going to be like it used to be,' but at the same time, when we came in, the excitement to win was here. We are both going to try to be a part of the rebuilding process. Same thing when I got to USC, and Shaun was there the year before me, so we are just excited and we just want to win. I watched the video about Matt Millen and what he said to the team opening day when I was not here and he was talking about how 6-10 was not good, and how this team is better and the guys know it is better. We are not going to say what we are going to be or who we are going to be, we just want to do really well. I think attitude is most important going into the season."

On watching video of the first team meeting: "Yes, it is mandatory. I do not know if it was really mandatory, but Coach Mariucci made it mandatory. It was good for me to watch. I watched it this morning. It was kind of a kick off for camp and for practice and for the season. Matt Millen talked about accountability and responsibility and about what makes a championship team - so it was good for me to watch it. One of the things I missed that I am trying to catch up on."

LIONS OWNER & CHAIRMAN WILLAM CLAY FORD AND PRESIDENT & CEO MATT MILLEN
On President and CEO Matt Millen's contract extension and the time frame of announcing the deal:
Matt Millen: "There really wasn't any secrecy. I just didn't want it to be a focus or anything. That is what we talked about before. Let it die and concentrate on (football); this stuff will take care of itself. We talked about it a while ago."

Mr. Ford: "Yes - for a month or so, roughly."

On Millen committing himself for another five years:
MM: "Because there are other commitments. I am just a small part of it. There is a commitment to what we have done on the field. There's a commitment with what (Mr. Ford) has done with the (facility and stadium). Everybody is throwing their hat in the ring. On top of it, I think we have started something here. I think we have a pretty good team together. We want to see it come together and do what we started to do in the first place. You do not want to stop right in the middle of it."

On whether the contract extension is signed:
MM: "We signed (a contract). It is a combination of both."

Mr. Ford: "He notarized where I x'ed."

On Millen feeling more "presidential" than he did four years ago:
MM: "I feel a lot more comfortable in the role - there is no question about that. (Mr. Ford) has helped a ton, as has his son. It helps that they are running the largest automobile company in the world. There are a lot of things that can bounce off a guy in terms of how things are going, and when to stay the course and what to push and what not to push. I have had a good mentor, both of them actually. I feel a lot more comfortable; but you do not feel comfortable until the job is done and obviously it is not because we have work to do."

On Millen feeling comfortable or satisfied:
MM: "No. You feel satisfied after you have a Super Bowl ring on your finger. And that lasts until about after the ring ceremony and then you start to feel uncomfortable again. That is something we have to do."

On when Millen started, if he considered doing it longer than five years:
MM: "Mr. Ford and I, when we first met, and this is a true story, he said, 'I want you to consider doing this,' and I turned to him and said 'Mr. Ford, this kind of thing happens to me all the time.' We just kind of laughed. To be honest with you, no I had not thought of it. You know what, we are here, we have a lot of stuff invested in it; a lot of time, a lot of effort, a lot of people, a lot of lives, and we are going to see it through."

On focusing on the future:
MM: "We have talked about it before."

Mr. Ford: "Just to elaborate a little bit more on what Matt said, we want continuity in here, and as I mentioned earlier, I think Matt has built a great foundation for us to move forward. I cannot think of anybody better to see it through than Matt."

On having another person at the top to have the last word:
Mr. Ford: "I think a lot depends on the individual. I think if you look at Matt's background and what he has done and his knowledge of football and football operations, I think he is more than competent to be able to handle all of that."

On coaching staff changes:
MM: "Every offseason we talk about that. Those guys have all been addressed and they have all been satisfied. We are in good shape."

Mr. Ford: "You have seen changes in the coaching staff this year, and that is Steve's input with Matt's collaboration."

Get your DAILY Pre-season fix here.

2005-08-01T09:49:00.000-04:00

DETROIT LIONS DAILY UPDATE FOR MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2005

TODAY'S NEWS

* The Lions completed their fourth-day of training camp today with morning and afternoon practice sessions on the outdoor practice field at the team's headquarters and practice facility. The team practiced in full-pads during the morning workout and practiced in helmets and shorts for the special teams practice in the afternoon.
* The Detroit Lions announced today that they have signed WR Mike Williams (6-5, 234). Williams signed his contract early this afternoon and worked out individually with wide receivers coach Fred Graves during the teams' special teams practice. The team waived WR Charles Frederick.
* KR Eddie Drummond is the only player who has not reported to training camp. Drummond has opted not to sign his restricted free agent tender and cannot participate in team activities until signing a contract.

LIONS HEAD COACH STEVE MARIUCCI
On WR Mike Williams getting caught up to speed with the offense: "When we install (new plays) at night on both sides of the ball, we'll have nine installations before the Jets game in New York. Well, we've had four already. So he's got to catch up on four installations that he's missed. Tonight is a review night for the team anyway, so he has a lot of reviewing to do. He's got to get on the field here a little bit. If we can get him in here and get him signed, I would like to have him on the field for the workout to start breaking a sweat and get some catching up."

On keeping the players hydrated: "We do a very good job keeping the players hydrated. We keep our players hydrated before, after and during practice and we take precautions the best we can."

On Lions WR Mike Williams receiving any sort of special welcome: "We don't rookie haze. I have not let my teams get into that I don't want guys worrying about when they have to sing and what skit they have to perform to the veterans, I just want them to think about football and blend in quickly and learn what is going on. Now that is not to say that the veterans won't make them buy pizzas or gets wings on the airplanes or carry their pads in, but for the most part we don't do rookie hazing. I have been around that before and it can be fun for the veterans and it can also get carried away. I have seen fights over it, I have seen rookies say, 'bring it on,' but, I have not gotten into that. I don't allow it, I think its nonsense and if they want to have fun on their own time that is fine, but not on our time."

On where the offense stands: "We want to be better. We have thrown, a lot at them every cadence in the book is in there and every formation that we are going to have is pretty much in there. We need to get the kinks out and smooth it out and fight through being tired."

On the difference between training camp practice and regular season practice: "In training camp you compete, so the defense is trying to stop everything too, once you get into the regular season you are working off cards, you have a service team and things look much better because you are cooperating with each other. Right now they are competing, the defense is trying to stop every play and they are going to win some because our defense is much improved."

On cadence of the quarterbacks: "Every quarterback's cadence is different than each others. Its not like synchronized swimming, they are all a little bit different so the team has to get used to them. We have a lot of different snap counts, so the team has to get used to hearing all the quarterbacks."

On getting WR Mike Williams back in the flow of the football routine: "We need to get him working, get him on the field, get him in the meetings and roll up our sleeves and get the work done, that is all we can do. He's just gotta have a little recall and a little muscle memory. He has been running routes and training, but he hasn't put on the pads and got knocked around for a while."

On how much material Mike Williams will have to catch up on: "The four instillations of the playbook that I have referred to will mostly be review from mini-camp so he has been exposed to most of it. He just has to study the book again and we test him tonight to see if remembers anything."

On what an instillation is: "An instillation is a group of plays for defenses. For example, we might install eight runs, 20 passes and the two minute situation plays. That would be an installation and those are the sort of plays that they are responsible for knowing the next day. An installation is the material that you are presenting for the next day's practice."

On players who holdout: "None of us like a holdout and we never will. You want everybody working the same amount of hours, but we understand that sometimes it happens particularly with a No. 1 pick, sometimes with a free agent veteran, but you would like to minimize that which we have."

On the length of time it took Roy Williams to understand the entire playbook: "Well Roy still doesn't understand the entire playbook yet because we have not presented it all to him yet. What he was talking about were these nine or ten installations. We are always presenting new material through training camp, by the time we play the Packers most of it will be presented, but even during the regular season you will add new wrinkles and new formations so it just keeps building. His point was that he doesn't know everything because we are still adding new things."

On the progression of Roy Williams and Kevin Jones: "If you just take the draft class from a year ago in Kevin Jones and Roy Williams, they are light years ahead of where they were last year. They are more confident, they get it, they understand what we are asking and I expect big things from both of those two."

On the depth on the cornerbacks: "We have some good depth at corner. We're going to have to make some decisions. We have Dré Bly, who has been in the last two Pro Bowls. After that we have Fernando Bryant, who did miss some playing time last year, but we're counting on him to be a good player. We have Keith Smith, Chris Cash, André Goodman, Stanley Wilson, and we brought in R.W. McQuarters. We have a lot of corners competing right now. You have to have those guys because some of them are returners, some of them are nickel and dime guys, and some of them are special teams guys. There is good competition there."

On QB Dan Orlovsky not having pressure on him like many other rookie quarterbacks: "He's been getting some playing time. He's not in Alex Smith's situation. We're not counting on him to beat the Packers. He's a guy that had to learn the offense gradually. He's getting a handful of reps with seven-on-seven and with the team. He can watch the other guys, that's real beneficial for a young quarterback to watch it be done properly. He's watching Joey (Harrington) and Jeff (Garcia) and he can soak it all in without the pressure and we can have some patience with him. I think there is a certain tension level with all of these rookies to perform well when they get a snap. They only get a limited amount so they want to do well when they do. He's been doing okay. I've been pleased with the limited amount of snaps that he has had. He seems to have a pretty good grasp of what we are doing right now."

On the competition in practice amongst teammates helping young players develop: "Roy Williams is playing against Dré Bly a lot. There are a lot of battles like that with running backs running routes against Boss Bailey and against James Davis, who are good cover guys. It's important to compete in practice. The Jerry Rice's of the world always pick out the best corners and they want to compete with somebody that's good. They don't want to pick on a rookie that doesn't get it. They always want somebody that's going to get them ready. That's how they get better."

LIONS WR MIKE WILLIAMS
On finally getting into camp and what he did once the deal was done: "It's a relief. You call some of your guys. Talk to Braylon [Edwards] for a little bit and told him I was done; he wished me good luck - things like that. So it's a relief when you love to play football and you're not doing it because of some contract stuff. Now you can put it behind you and just focus on football."

On catching up on what he missed: "The catching up mostly is out here [on the field]. As far as getting your book - and I get with Coach Graves and Coach Olson with the play stuff - that will come back to me relatively quickly. (While guys were) out here doing two-a-days, I was home in Tampa. I would run routes for an hour and then run a mile or two afterward, but it's just not the same when you get out here; you have the cameras all on you and the coaches in your ear and you've got to make the game-speed cuts. It's different working out on your own; you can work at your own pace. When you get out here, it's for real, you have to pick up the pace a little bit. So the catching up will be a couple days out here, but I don't think as much in the playbook."

On the greeting he got from his teammates: "Most of them were just asking to borrow money. Some of these guys have been through it; some of them have had friends who have been through it. It's good that it was a warm welcome and it wasn't a distraction to our team. The guys just said, 'Glad you got your situation under control. Let's move forward, let's get ready to make a playoff run.' I made the message loud and clear that I wanted to be here. I wanted to be here on time. I remember when I didn't think that Shaun [Cody] was going to be done, and then I got the call that he made the first day of camp. So then you get kind of upset because you're the only guy - as far as rookies anyway - you're the last guy and you're the guy who's expected to do the most being in the position where I was picked. But these guys are a young group of guys. The first person I saw was Dre Bly and he said, 'Are you ready to go?' So guys are excited that, with the exception of one guy, we're all here and we can get moving forward."

On how tough the last 17-months have been: "In April I found out what team I was a part of. So, you get over it. Really; honestly, you get ready for where and now. You get ready to be on the team and report to camp and I got over that when I came to mini-camp and I was around guys again in that locker room atmosphere. Being around guys I watched play football on TV and things like that. Now it's about getting back to what I've been doing in the past, and that's trying to win. I came from a winning program, so I look forward to coming here and trying to get back to the winning I'm used to."

On whether he's looking forward to his first practice in pads: "A little bit - just more for our team's sake. When we were out here in mini-camps we could push around the DBs and things like that. The only thing they kept saying is, 'Wait until we get pads on.' So you look forward to the real physical part of it. It's not as physical when you're in helmets and shorts and just bumping off of guys. But its football, that's what I love to do and that's what I do. It's going to be good to get back at it again."

On how close he is to his playing weight: "I heard the comment that I look like I'm overweight or (exhausted)- I'm just hot. But I made sure (there's) nothing they can fine me about. I'll probably be way less than they think I'm going to play at if this thing keeps up. So I'm just ready to go. All distractions are behind me, no weight stuff. I've just got to catch up on this field and get it done."

On whether he'll be ready for the first exhibition game: "I hope so. It's our coaches' decision. I want to work to have myself ready to go. I think that's something I can control. I just have come out here and do my work on the field and go out there and do what I'm expected to do."

On flying to Michigan: "I couldn't sleep. Sometimes in the morning for some people you just go with the flow; roll out of bed, go to the airport, check in, get on the plane, then you get here and you see the guys and it kind of wakes you up."

LIONS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND COO TOM LEWAND
On the contract situation with WR Mike Williams: "It's something that we've been working on for a few days. I think a lot of credit goes to Mike (Williams) and his representatives. They wanted to get him here as soon as possible. They knew the importance of getting him in here close to on time. Obviously we are disappointed that he wasn't here for the first day, but we are pleased it was only a few days into camp. He hasn't missed too much but has some catching up to do. He's going to have to get on the ground and get working hard to do that."

On if he was surprised at how long it took for many of the players drafted in the first round to sign contracts with their teams: "It was a little slower than normal. Since it took Alex Smith a while to sign, half of the first round has yet to agree to terms. It was a little slower this year than in past years. It's a credit to Mike (Williams) and his representatives that they kept working through the weekend. As other deals started to come to closure we were able to move quickly to get ours done."

On why it takes so long for the first-round draft picks to start signing: "Our system has some great strengths and it also has some weaknesses, just like any system does. If the biggest price that we have to pay is a guy missing a couple of days of training camp for the kind of salary cap that will have long-term ramifications, then we'll take that trade-off."

On the position of the Lions salary cap: "We've always tried to manage our cap so that if an opportunity does arise then we can take advantage of it. If you look at somebody like Dan Wilkinson a few years ago, we brought him in during training camp. We always want to have those opportunities should the chance arise."

On KR Eddie Drummond: "Eddie can show up or he can stay on his couch. We've had no discussion with them and we're not going to have any until he comes and signs his tender. Our system works a certain way. We had extended a fair offer to Eddie (Drummond) before that was taken off the table and he's got a very fair tender that our system affords him. He can come in and sign it, be with his teammates, and help us win football games - but that's really his choice."

On free agent DB Ty Law: "We haven't had any discussions. I can't really handicap it for you. It's just that we haven't had any real discussions with them and the ball is in his court. We'll see where it takes us."

On if an offer has been extended: "I'm not going to get into (details) but he's really surveying his landscape and seeing what's out there."

Good-bye, Larry; Hello, Questions.

2005-07-20T09:44:00.000-04:00

Unless you were spelunking yesterday, you've heard by now that LB is gone and is likely headed to the Big Apple to collect a big paycheck. I heard one person say that they were just glad this whole thing was over, but I think it's just starting. Answering the LB question has simply set off a series of other questions that need to be answered before we know anything about the '06 Pistons.

1. How will the players react to a new coach?

Everything I've heard said that the locker room was done with LB. He lost them with his "NY is my dream job" comments, and he hurt them with all of the Cleveland rumors. They will welcome the new coach for the simple reason that he's not the old coach. Assuming Flip Saunders is the next man to sit in the coach's seat, his biggest challenge will be motivating these guys to play every night.

Keep in mind, Flip took a team with less TOTAL talent to the playoffs nearly every year, and to the Western Conference Finals once. The West has always been (until recently) stacked with talent, and much tougher to advance through. He'll walk into a better situation here.

2. Will Chauncey revert back to his old ways?

Like it or not, LB built Chauncey the PG. Chauncey had never really been a floor general until just before the '04 playoffs. He was a shoot-first, and second, player that could pass on occassion. LB changed the way he played to better suit this team. He never became a pass-first guy, but he became a "look to see what the best thing for this team right now is" guy, and that was always good enough.

Under Flip, the old Chauncey was a shooter. We still need Chauncey the PG.

3. Will there be any major moves?

For all of you out there falling for the KG rumors, let it go. There is no way the Timberwolves brass would let KG leave that city and that team. Rasheed, Darko and Arroyo is not enough to replace one of the best players in the League. Not gonna happen.

That said, don't be suprised to see a name or two from last year's roster placed on the block. Make no mistake, Joe Dumars runs this team, but Flip will want some people that better fit his style, and Joe will have to listen.

But I will say this...KG in a Pistons uniform would look good.

4. Will Larry regret this?

I hope so. He's going to a team with 30-win potential after two straight trips to the Finals. New York doesn't have the money or the cap space to make any significant changes for some time, so LB is stuck with what he has right now. Getting Richardson from the Suns helps, but he's going to be rebuilding for a long time, and his health might not keep up.

5. Will the Pistons regret this?

Let's hope not, but I think they will. Nothing against Flip, but he's no Larry Brown. LB is the BEST X's and O's coach in the recent era, and maybe ever. He found ways to get the team going when they seemed to be getting lazy. He took two players that were struggling to find themselves and made them integral pieces of a Championship team (Billups and Prince).

6. Can the Pistons make another run?

Sorry to be so vague, but it all depends. They have the talent. They have the experience. They have new blood that has never let them down sitting at the head of the bench. It's up to them to act on these things.

If there is a group of guys in this league that CAN make run and rise from these ashes, it's these Pistons. Should be a fun off-season.

Recently Busted Myths About Detroit Sports

2005-07-12T11:28:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite time-wasters is a show on the Discovery channel called "Mythbusters". Two guys with vast technical knowledge take on scientific or historical myths with the purpose of either proving they are legit, or showing that they are simply...myths.

Well, allow me to share with you some recently busted Detroit Sports myths.

1. "Larry Brown seems to have found a home in Detroit"

I wish I could recall who said this, but I promise you that is a word-for-word quote. It seemed like it might even be an accurate quote up until the playoff series against the 76ers when all of the rumors started. Cleveland, New York, Los Angeles...all were mentioned as possible destinations for LB. Some people took his "I love you guys" statement in game 6 against the Spurs as a sign he was staying put, I took it as his way of saying "if this is it, the end of my run with you guys, just know I love ya!"

Whether he stays or not (he's not...see you in NY), there can be little doubt that Detroit is the furthest thing from "home" to LB right now.

Myth: Busted

2. "Comerica is a Pitcher's Park"

107. No, that was not the temperature in CoPa last night, it was the total number of homers hit in last night's Derby - an all-time record. The single round record of 14 was shattered not once, but twice. Bobby Abreu hit an astonishing 24, David Ortiz followed with a normally dominant 17. Pudge, the skinny version, made it to the finals with 15 in the first two rounds.

In a competition that felt void of big names, the big swings showed up - 500 foot swings.

Myth: Busted

3. "Lions Fans Have Learned Not to Get Too Excited Before the Season"

Right. This team has what could potentially be the most explosive offense in the NFL. Two WR's with enormous potential, a third WR that proved himself as a big-play guy last year, a RB with 1,500 yard possibilities, a proven TE that can catch and block and a QB with Pro Bowl credentials...backing up a number three draft pick.

I cannot wait for September.

Myth: Busted

4. "The Tigers Could Make a Run at the Wild Card Spot"

At the beginning of the season, this did seem plausible. With the growth of players like Bonderman and Inge, the return of future HOF'er Pudge Rodriguez and the addition of Magglio Ordonez and Troy Percival among others, many thought the Tigers could be working their way into the top tier of the American League.

And then came injuries...and inconsistent play...and blown saves. And though they've been playing better in the last week, thanks to Maggs and youngster Chris Shelton, the distance they have to make up is just too great. Does this sound familiar: "Maybe Next Year"? Maybe.

Myth: Busted

That's all I've got right now, but I'll wrap up with a few myths I'd like to see busted, and soon.

-The Lions won't win the Super Bowl in my lifetime.
-Michigan won't compete for the National Title this year.
-Ben Wallace can't play forever.
-Barry Sanders is NOT coming back.

Carry on...

My CCCA

2005-07-12T11:17:00.000-04:00

This entry was posted at www.ourccca.com, a website started by my brother to get back in touch with old friends from Cherry Creek Christian Academy in Colorado. Not many of you will find it that interesting, but I thought I'd post it here, anyway. Carry on...
__________________________________________________________

When my brother told me about his idea to start up this website, I got excited. I've always been a big fan of reuniting with old friends. I regularly find myself "Googling" names of people from my past hoping to find some information on what they're up to, and how their life has changed. Shoot, put the words "Reunion Special" on the end of any old TV show, and I make sure to make time to check it out.

As the names from the past started popping up, I quickly realized that this was more Rick's CCCA then it was My CCCA. Sure, I've seen several names that I remember, and those names are bringing to mind events that I had forgotten, but the excitement I initially felt about the site was starting to fade. My days at CCCA consisted more of playing with my G.I. Joe figures at recess or swinging outside waiting for my mom after school let out. I wasn't really an impact player at the age of seven.

While I was watching He-Man, Rick was playing high school basketball. While I was pretending to be a Transformer, Rick was taking a trip to Mexico. While I was playing my Atari 2600, Rick was out getting in fights with drunks in convenience store parking lots (he can tell you about that one later).

It was obvious to me that CCCA meant more to Rick then it ever could to me. Rick's years at CCCA helped to define him as a man. My years there only defined me as "Mrs. A's son" or "Rick's little brother". Rick can look back and remember instances and events that changed his life. The value of my memories didn't add up to Rick's. And just to prove it, I started running through some of my CCCA memories in my head...

I remember falling off of the playground equipment and breaking my collarbone. Ms. Bew didn't think I was that hurt, so she made me move my arm around until the pain went away. It didn't.

I remember a friend of mine suggesting I should "moon" the cheerleaders. I didn't know what that even was at the time, but after a description it sounded like fun, so I let it shine. I remember the swats from Brother "O"...and the swats from my dad later that night.

I remember winning my 3rd grade spelling bee and getting a big, blue ribbon for my troubles. I also remember failing to defend my title in 4th grade after replacing the "z" with a "c" in the word citizen.

I remember my parents trying to explain to me why we had a new Preacher.

I remember that children's church had huge, wooden cut-outs of buildings for their puppet shows. I remember playing with one, knocking it over, making it fall on me and crushing my kneecap. A lot of people signed my cast.

I remember playing JV Football...in 4th grade. We scored 6 points that season. I lettered, but I had a cold so my mom made me stay home from the sports banquet. You'd think that six years of getting my butt kicked by Sheila McKnight in one-on-one flag football would have made me a better player.

I remember having a special chapel called so they could announce the news that Scott Christner was involved in an accident. It was my first experience with the death of somebody I knew - somebody who had been to my house.

I remember the pot luck the church held for my family on our last Sunday there. There were a lot of hugs, a lot of tears and a lot of sadness. I remember that I was leaving all of my friends, my teachers and my history - even though I was only 10 at the time.

...

And that was when it hit me.

Even though I downplay my years there by saying "oh, I was just a kid", it doesn't change the fact that there were numerous events that occurred there that I'll remember my entire life. Events that make CCCA just as much MY CCCA as anybody else's.

I'd assume that's why Rick chose to call this site "Our" CCCA. He was right.

"Comment"

2005-07-11T10:39:00.000-04:00

It's a cool little feature that this blog offers, although you'd hardly know it by flipping through the archives.

People, here's the deal. My readership has erupted into the double digits over the last two weeks, yet nobody interacts. I mean, 11 people visit my page each day. Out of all of those readers, hanging on my every typed word, nobody has any input?

Jared, you are not included in this list of people who let me down, but now that you're on your hiatus, my readership is down 10% and my commentingship is down 100%.

To the rest of you, chime in. Leave a post. Remark on something I've said. Let me know you exist.

You know you wanna.

Too Much to Focus on One Thing

2005-07-07T20:20:00.000-04:00

London, Magazine, Riley, Alzheimer's...

Lots going through my head today, much of which is blog-worthy. Unfortunately, I am too much of a spaz today to be able to focus on one item long enough to talk about it.

I will say this:

Not to sound cliche', but our thoughts and prayers are with the families and the victims in London. Try as they might, these killers WILL NOT WIN. All you've done is strengthen the resolve of an already dedicated nation - and her allies.

Not a wise move.

Just Some Quick Thoughts...

2005-07-05T09:23:00.000-04:00

- The Live 8 concerts from last weekend really opened some eyes and accomplished exactly what they set out to do - "raise awareness, not money". Now the world leaders arriving at the upcoming G8 meetings know that there is poverty in the world. I'm sure none of them had been informed up to this point. Thank God the Fresh Prince and the Pet Shop Boys were able to spread the word.

Of course, had you charged $1 a head for admission to these concerts you could have raised over $1 million. Or, had the artists all donated money instead of traveling cross-Continent to perform a free concert, you could have raised $1 million more.

Oh, well. At least the artists got nice, expensive gift baskets as a "thank you" for performing. And the awareness you all raised will feed starving families for at least three weeks.

- Baptist Minister Joe Simpson is now said to be urging his daughter Jessica to leave her husband of three years. He thinks her career is being held back by singer Nick Lachey. ::Shakes head in shame:: Joe, if I ever meet you in a dark alley...I'll tell you what a sad excuse for a father you really are.

The sad thing is, I don't think he'd care as long as he's making money.

- I've been a staunch supporter of President Bush since day one. That said, I'm going to say something that might shock some of you: He's not being nearly tough enough in Iraq. Mr. President, our men and women are being killed almost daily. What's the best way to put an end to this thing soon? Send in another 100,000 troops. Make it so that no Iraqi can even look out their window without seeing 25 of our guys loaded with M-16's, rocket launchers and an armored Hummer looking back at them. Keep the Apache's in a constant pattern overhead. Bomb the crap out of anything that doesn't belong.

Pound them until they quit or die.

- Coca-Cola C2 is 1/2 the sugar and carbs of regular Coke, but with all of the taste. In my effort to break my addiction from pop, this is my golden ticket. No cold-turkey for me. I take baby steps.

- Gas prices. Geez. Need I say more?

- Dear Larry Brown:
Stop all of this stupid delaying and let Dumars know what your plans are - today. You don't have to play this little game where you make your team tell you how much they love and need you. I think Detroit's desire to keep you is pretty obvious at this point. If it helps, here - we love you, LB. Come back for another year...please. We don't want any other. You're the man for us.

Now stop with the grade school drama.

- Did watching Dennis Rader, also known as the BTK Killer, in court last week make you want to throw up, and then jump through the TV and beat him into oblivion? That was exactly my reaction. It amazes me sometimes how cold and cruel the human heart can be. This is a sick man.

- I was sucked into an all-day marathon of Monk on the USA Network yesterday. I'd seen the show once or twice, but I was not aware how well done this show really is. It's equal parts hilarious and sad. Well worth the 60 minutes if you can spare them.

- My brother is working on a website for former students and faculty of the school we spent six years at in Denver back in the 80's. I started out pretty excited about finding out where old friends had gotten off to, but I'm slowly realizing that my history there consists mainly of playing with my GI Joe's, or swinging at recess. My "glory days" were much later, and I'm lucky to still be in touch with nealry all of my closest friends from high school and college.

- I hope everybody had a great 4th!

The Ten Commandments

2005-06-28T13:37:00.000-04:00

Since it appears the US Supreme Court has forgotten them, I figured I'd post them here to help clarify things. If you will, allow me to bold a few that today's politicians (even these Justices) might want to pay particular attention to.

Exodus 20

1 And God spake all these words, saying,
2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.*
4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
13 Thou shalt not kill.
14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
15 Thou shalt not steal.***
16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.**
17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house***, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

* Does putting the liberal's request to remove God from our lives entirely count?
** You've seen the average election campaign. 'Nuff said.
*** Unless stealing your neighbor's house can benefit the economy.

Insanity.

Remembering and Looking Ahead

2005-06-28T13:09:00.000-04:00

Kind of an odd topic for today, but it's been weighing on my mind a little bit.

I, like most others in this world, have spent a decent amount of time looking back on my life and the decisions I've made. If you're anything like me, there is a pretty good-sized list of things that you see while looking back that you just don't like.

I see the ways I sometimes treated people that cared about me. Not to brag, but there were two, that's right - TWO, girls before Becky that said they cared about me. In both cases I ended the relationships by being just short of a huge jerk. If you ask them, maybe they'll say I was, in fact, a huge jerk. Or maybe they don't even remember me. Either way, I'm not proud of the person I made myself out to be in those instances.

I see the way I sometimes treated my mom when I thought I was too cool to call her my friend. I talked about her behind her back and secretly gave her the "evil eye" from the safety of my room. Perhaps neither is rare among teenagers, but it still makes me ashamed.

I see the way I reacted to others in authority over me when I was younger. To their faces I was always kind and polite, a good example for the younger kids. But when I got away from them and with my friends, I talked about them like they were evil in man's form. Again, basic teenage rebellion, I assume. Still doesn't mean I should feel OK about it.

I see the way I used to disrespect my dad. I've never known a man that worked as hard to take care of his family. I know most dads probably give things up for the good of their family, but mine seemed to always go a step further. Time after time I embarrassed and shamed him, and time after time he took extra jobs stocking groceries to make sure we were fed. And it didn't end when I left home. In fact, it intensified. Whether it was paying for my car repairs when I was short on cash, or taking care of my mom in her worst phases of Alzheimer's, he never stopped being a good man - in spite of the way he was sometimes treated.

I see the way that I sometimes treat my wife. Now we're getting pretty recent. She works her butt off for this family. She currently puts in 20 hours at her regular job every week, another 15-20 doing design jobs on the side, 5-10 more doing "little things" for the magazine and, don't forget this part, she has a seven-month-old baby girl at home that she stays as involved with as possible. I haven't always given her the respect that that kind of effort deserves.

The moral of the story is simply this: Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. You and I are going to be faced with the kind of decisions that could help further define us. They won't be easy calls to make, and the stress from their importance could put a strain on the person you are. Or, the decision could be as simple as treating a person the way they deserve to be treated.

I can only hope that, in 15 years, I will be able to look back on those events and be proud of the way I handled them. As I get older, I'd like for the list of "things I'd change about my past" to stay just the length it is now. I don't have a lot of room for additions.

Baby, it's HOT Outside

2005-06-27T11:36:00.000-04:00

At 11am the temperature in Grand Rapids was 81. Our high today is expected to reach 96, and the humidity is going to be well over 70%. They say it'll feel like 105 this afternoon.

This is one of my least important posts ever. Just wanted to vent.

The Post Below This One is VERY IMPORTANT

2005-06-24T14:19:00.000-04:00

But I wanted to post this, too.

Check this out.

Would you believe you can find your old school photos, photos of your many (or in my case my one) ex's, your teachers, group outings, etc., on the internet?

This site kind of scares me. If you can find this on the web, what else is out there?

Now, move on from this one and pay attention to the post below it. Remember that tomorrow is "Realize How Important Your Parents Are" day.

Carry on...

To All Who Read This

2005-06-24T12:17:00.000-04:00

Allow me to get mushy for a second.

More than usual, I miss my mom today. Not sure what brought it on, and I don't think it matters.

What I do know is that I'd love to call my mom and talk to her today. Tell her about all the magazine stuff going on, the new website Rick is working on, how Riley is almost standing on her own...the list goes on.

So, I am taking it upon myself to proclaim tomorrow "Realize How Important Your Parents Are" day. In fact, every June 25th from here on out will be known as such. Call them, think about them, send them an email. Whatever you do, just make sure you take a second to appreciate what you have or even what you had.

If you're a fellow blogger, spread the word - but not until you call your parents.

"Next Year"

2005-06-23T23:56:00.000-04:00

I know it isn't much comfort now, but this team's run is not over. Sure, they are done for the summer and they can no longer call themselves "Defending Champions", but they are far from done.

The bench will get deeper. The young guys will gain experience. The coach (whoever he may be) will remind them of this sting all year long - not that he'll have to. This team has been on the highest mountain top and now they feel like they reside in the lowest of valleys.

The flight home will allow them a few hours to vent and steam. It will allow them to rethink their shots and passes. Most importantly, it will give them time to get angry.

Let's just hope that the anger carries over until next year.

They're not done, yet.

So angry I'm blogging on Saturday

2005-06-18T12:15:00.000-04:00

"__________ never tries to be sexy, she just is sexy. You put her in a T-shirt or you put her in a bustier, she's sexy in both. She's got double D's you can't cover those suckers up."

This one is for the dads with daughters out there. Take the quote above, and insert the name of your daughter in it's place. If you don't feel instantly sick and dirty from thinking of your daughter in those terms then I'm afraid you have some serious issues.

Yet, this is how Joe Simpson spoke about his daughter, pop star Jessica Simpson in an interview with GQ Magazine last December.

Joe Simpson, Baptist minister, is not "opposed to using his daughters' God given gifts to draw attention to their careers."

I'm not sure what's worse. It's awful to call yourself a Baptist preacher while living a lifestyle where you constantly pimp out your daughters (BOTH of them) in order to make your 10% while working as their manager. That said, it might be worse to talk about how sexy your daughter's double d's are.

He's giving two groups of people that I include myself in bad names - Christians and Dads.

Joe Simpson is a sick man, making sick comments and doing sick things to make money off of his own children. And he's doing much of it in the name of Christ.

Back to the "D"

2005-06-16T09:36:00.000-04:00

We're heading back to Detroit in just bout an hour for more magazine meetings. With all of the money I've spent travelling the last three weeks, I should have just bought a house.

Keep your proverbial fingers crossed for us, as we'll be signing a major cross-promotional deal with Fox Sports Net tomorrow, and another with an undisclosed organization next week.

As you may be able to tell, I'm getting stoked all over again.

WooHoo!

2005-06-16T09:33:00.000-04:00

Got my first ever trackback!

Not sure how they work, as I am currently linking to a specific story in the post below this one and their site does not show a trackback, but I guess it means somebody found my post semi-interesting.

I am like, way honored.

I wasn't even sure I found that post semi-interesting.

Time Once Again...

2005-06-15T15:33:00.000-04:00

For the Magnificent Seven.

1) The list of movies I need to see keeps growing. Episode III, Batman Begins and very soon, Fantastic Four. I SO need a babysitter.

2) Ben Wallace is my hero, sportly speaking. He was the fire under the rest of the Pistons' rear ends last night. Thank God he showed up.

3) My wife is buying me a Superman T-Shirt for my first Father's Day. I will wear it proudly.

4) I'm pretty sure that there is no greater sound in the world than that of your child's laughter.

5) MCSM is launching on October 4th. We still have plently of ad space to sell to ensure it happens. My fingers are crossed, but things are starting to go much better.

6) I dig video games, but I never have time to play them anymore.

7) My parents 39th anniversary would have been June 18th. It's already been six months since my mom passed away. Some days it hurts like it was yesterday.

Carry on...

More Sports...

2005-06-14T09:30:00.000-04:00

Sorry for being stuck in the world of fairly unimportant posts recently. My mind has just not been able to wrap itself around some of the issues I normally hit on. I'm sure I'll be back in the swing of things eventually.

Having said that, tonight is HUGE for the Detroit Pistons. While they seem somewhat obvious, I see three main issues that need to be confronted and fixed by 9PM.

1. Ben Wallace
They desperately need a 14, 16 and 4 night from him to get the crowd and his teammates fired up. For better or worse, this team feeds off of his emotion.

2. Tayshaun Prince
Be the aggressor. With his long arms and his ability to hit a hook, a tough layup or a three, he needs to use every weapon he's got to keep SA on their toes.

3. Rip vs. Bowen
I don't know if he needs better screens, or if he just needs to refocus and play his game. I know he needs to stop forcing his shots. He is our most explosive scorer, and he needs to show us some of that. Bowen is a beast, though. He's really impressed me.

Oh, and one more thing, Detroit: Stop crying about every whitle. You foul people. It happens. Sometimes refs make bad calls, it happens. PLAY THE GAME.

We're on life-support as it is, but if we let this game slip away, it truly is over. It won't be enough to just play at the Palace. It's not a cure-all. Show up, or give up.

92-86, Pistons.

Spurs in seven.

Big Game Sunday

2005-06-12T10:51:00.000-04:00

In the world of sports...

Tonight is pretty much a must-win for the Pistons. If Detroit goes down 2-0 to the Spurs, you can start writing the obituary for their season. Beating the Spurs four out of seven times is tough enough, but having to beat them four out of five times? I don't think it's possible.

Not to beat a dead horse, but Rasheed has GOT to step up tonight. Six shots is not going to get it done. He needs to put pressure on Duncan on the defensive end of the floor AND the offensive end.

I saw a picture of Ben's game today - it was on the side of my milk carton. This team goes the way Ben leads them, for better or for worse. If they can get a 12 point, 14 rebound, 4 block game out of the big fella, it will make stealing a win in San Antone that much easier.

They've had two days to rest, their heads are on straight and they play best when their backs are to the wall. I think we'll see the real Detroit tonight. Champs or chumps?

87-82, Pistons.

Spurs in seven.

More later...

2005-06-09T10:54:00.000-04:00

I'm in Detroit for some magazine-related meetings today, so not much time for being blogger-iffic.

Luckily we hired salespeople to make these ad sales for us. I am not, nor could I ever be, a salesman.

Ouch

2005-06-09T10:23:00.000-04:00

Just had to tell people that I haven't seen in five years that my mom died. One of the worst things is rehashing the story for people that didn't know. The get emotional...I get emotional...and then we try to move on.

Not a big fan.

Sticking With Pop Culture

2005-06-05T22:54:00.000-04:00

Though I've failed to blog for over two weeks, my mind has still been focused on things not related to Alzheimer's Disease. Don't get me wrong, it's still a main issue in my life, and it always will be. It's just that I've needed to let my mind sink into it's own little sludge for a few weeks. Instead of finding a cure or raising awareness, I'm talking about Star Wars.

Keeping the string of unimportant subject matter alive, I'm talking movies again today. More specifically, movies that have spun off sequels and prequels.

When you think of movie series', which ones pop in your mind? Which ones give you the urge to head to the video store and set yourself up for a movie marathon? Which ones make you shake your head in shame and embarrassment?

Today Remember looks back at some of the best and worst movie series ever. It's just my opinion, and there is no scientific reasoning involved. I either liked 'em or I hated 'em. It's just that simple.

Series' to Remember

1. Star Wars
Even though I and II fell far short of expectations, this is still a classic movie series that has given us memorable lines and life-altering quotes. Episode III (still haven't seen it - looking for a babysitter) brought the feel of an Epic back to the big screen, and made the series complete.

2. Rocky
Rocky V just about dropped this series off of my list. Luckily I love the other four movies so much that I barely noticed V at all. From his days on the street to his battle with the evil Russian, Rocky always gave us something to wrap our emotionas around. And every time I watch one of Balboa's training sessions, I get the urge to workout. Thanks, Rocky.

3. Back to the Future
The whole time travel thing has always interested me. Add into the equation flying DeLoreans, poop-eating bullies and Reverend Jim from Taxi, and you've got a winner. The third was my favorite.

4. Karate Kid
I do not count The Next Karate Kid because you can't HAVE a Karate Kid without Daniel-san. "You're the best...around..." Love that song blaring during the opening rounds of the tourney. Love the crane kick. Love "live or die, man." Love Karate Kid.

5. The Godfather
I'm giving the nod to this series on credit as I've never actually seen any of the films. Again, a great series gives you memorable moments and quotes. A horse's head in bed, an "offer you can't refuse". I know these moments without ever having seen a second of the films. That's the sign of a good series.

6. Lethal Weapon
I know, not exactly the best movies ever made. What I love about these films is the fact that they stayed consistent in each release. They didn't need gimmicks to keep interest (with the exception of Chris Rock joining the cast), they were genuinely funny, the action was some of the best big-budget stuff I've seen and the storylines were feasible. Good stuff.

7. Indiana Jones
No list of the best movie series' would be complete without Harrison Ford and Indiana Jones. This is one of the few series where the movies might have actually gotten better as they came out. These movies have humor, romance, adventure, action and even a little taste of historical fiction. Keep in mind, the fourth Indy movie will be out next summer.

Honorable Mention

Superman
Superman III and IV forced me to leave the Man of Steel off of my list.

Series' to Forget

1. Batman
It started off with such promise in 1989. Michael Keaton played the best Batman to date, Nicholson was amazing as the Joker and the Bat-Suit didn't have nipples. Each progressive release was more cartooney than the last. Bright colors, horrible dialogue, unbelievable stunts and stories - and the Bat-Suit had nipples. Perhaps Batman Begins can restore the luster to this dying franchise.

2. The Matrix
The first one was great. New effects that we'd never seen before, a storyline that made you say "wha-?", intense action and Lawrence Fishburn. The last two chapters, while rich in CGI and other special effects, answered none of the questions that we'd all been asking since the original film. If anything, Revolutions and Reloaded might have made things even more confusing. "What is the Matrix?" A poorly done movie series.

3. James Bond
I know a lot of you think I'm crazy right about now, but I make no apologies. If there had been four or five Bond movies made, perhaps there would still be an interest. People, they have been making Bond movies for 40 years. There are at least 21 movies in the series, assuming I didn't forget any of them. How many times can we see a fast car fire missiles or a wrist-watch detonate a bomb? And now they are searching for a NEW Bond to continue the series. Make it stop!

4. Lord of the Rings
Again, I'm sure to be stepping on some toes here. I just don't see the draw of movies about gnomes and hobbits. I'm sure there's more to it that I'm unaware of, and I'm sure that these movies are amusing - to people that love gnomes and hobbits.

5. Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm St.
This one is a two-fer because the same problems exist with both series'. I'm all for recycling, I really am. Bottles, cans, paper - you betcha. But bad "horror" flicks? Not so much. Every movie it's the same thing. Jason and Freddy can't think of new ways to kill people, so they keep doing it like they did in the originals. If it ain't broke, I guess.

6. Police Academy
This one hurts a little bit. If they had stopped at three movies, it could have made my good list. But instead they pushed the idea as far as they could push it, and then they pushed it some more. Plus, you can't have Police Academy flicks without Steve Guttenberg!

Well, that does it. I know I'm missing several solid picks for either list, but these are just the ones that popped into my head as I wrote this. I would love for you to leave me some feedback and tell me where I'm off, or to remind me of a series I've forgotten.

Crossing the "Dork" Line

2005-05-16T10:28:00.000-04:00

In just three short days, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith hits theaters. Assuming I can find a babysitter, my wife and I will be watching that movie at our earliest convenience .

In June, just a couple of days before my 29th birthday, the newest installment of Batman makes it to the big screen. Just like with Star Wars, I'll find a way to the theater to see Batman Begins.

In July, Fantastic Four. Next June, Superman Returns. The list keeps growing and growing.

My main concern in all of this? When do I go from "aficionado" to "dork"? Am I standing near a line I shouldn't cross? Is a Batman keychain someting an adult should carry? Is collecting toys, er...ACTION FIGURES better saved for kids of eight, not men of 28? I'll try to sort it out as best I can, mainly for my own peace of mind. As I consider myself much more into Superman and Star Wars, I'll focus there and hope the rest sorts itself out.

Star Wars

Dork: Dressing up as Jedi Master Agen Kolar while standing in line four months before the movie is released.

Almost a Dork: Knowing who Agen Kolar is.

Not a Dork: Drooling everytime you see the trailer.

---

Dork: Calling "Jedi" my religion.

Almost a Dork: Trying to change the channel using the Force.

Not a Dork: Waving your hand in front of your wife's face while saying "you WILL make dinner".

---

Dork: Spending $18 on a toy lightsaber because it sounds like a REAL lightsaber.

Almost a Dork: Wanting to spend $18 on a toy lightsaber, but never actually buying the thing.

Not a Dork: Waving a broomstick around while making lightsaber noises (this could also be filed under "Dork").

Superman

Dork: Dressing up as Superman...and it's not Halloween.

Almost a Dork: Asking your wife for a Superman T-Shirt and Superman pajama pants for Father's Day.

Not a Dork: Getting over-excited to get the orginal DVD set for a housewarming gift.

---

Dork: Dressing your child in Superman gear and video taping it pretending to fly (it should be noted that the baby is a girl, and is only six months old).

Almost a Dork: Collecting comics. LOTS of comics.

Not a Dork: Collecting Superman toys to place all over your home office.

---

Dork: Playing the "Theme from Superman" while slowly standing from your chair...everytime you stand from your chair.

Almost a Dork: Making fake lyrics to the "Theme from Superman" that talk about you.

Not a Dork: Burning the "Theme from Superman" onto every CD you make.

---

The good news is, I'm not quite a "dork". The bad news is, I'm close enough that I'm going to have to change the name on this blog. It's still kind of embarrassing.

Sorry, everybody

2005-05-10T13:45:00.000-04:00

Haven't felt very "bloggy" this last week or so. We've had a lot going on, and it's been tough to focus on something long enough to write about it. Hopefully that won't be the case much longer.

I'll get back into it as soon as possible.

One of Life's Toughest Decisions

2005-05-02T13:05:00.000-04:00

If you have a loved one suffering from AD, or any terminal disease for that matter, one of the toughest decisions you may have to make is whether or not to place that loved one into a care facility. On top of that, you have to decide when the right time is to make that decision.

I'm not going to sit here and pretend to have all of the answers. Placing my mom was my dad's decision to make. And while he did come to my brother and I, as well as my Aunt, for input, we knew the final call would rest on his shoulders.

What I will tell you is that the decision is hard, and it brings out some thoughts and emotions you never thought you'd feel. So, here are a couple of myths that need to be put to rest.

1. "If I put him/her in a home, I'll feel like I'm giving up on them."

If you put your loved one in a home and then never return, then you might be giving up.

The truth is, placing a partner or a parent in a home only ensures that they receive the care they need and deserve. YOU CANNOT DO EVERYTHING. No matter how strong you are, physically or emotionally, you have limitations. At some point you will come across a responsibility or task that you cannot complete. You have to understand that now, before that day finally comes.

2. "I can do this on my own."

I'm sorry to say, but unless you have a family support system that includes people with medical expertise, you cannot do this alone. Don't get me wrong. This is NOT an excuse to stop caring. And if you do have a strong support system in place, you can be a caretaker longer and more effectively than some others. But there WILL come a time when your support system is not enough.

I don't recall where I read this, but several months ago I saw a website that listed stats about the primary caretakers of individuals with AD. What I saw shocked me. It stated that 51% of those that acted as a caretaker at home to a spouse or parent with AD became very ill, and in some cases died because of the stress of doing it alone.

Looking for assisted living could actually save your life.

3. "He/She wouldn't want me to put them in a home."

Maybe you're right. But ask yourself this question: "If they knew how much I was suffering, and if they knew the toll this was taking on me emotionally and physically, would their feelings be different?"

We knew my mom would not have wanted to be placed in a home. Who would? But we also knew the kind of person she was before this disease took its toll. There was nothing in the world more important to her than her family, and she would have done anything in her power to take some of the burden off of us. We know that she would have understood.

Only you know what the right decision to make is. Only you know if you can afford it, or if you're able to seek out help from Medicare. Only you know when the right time to consider your options will be. Seek out advice, talk to others that have lived through it...most of all, pray for wisdom.

Sometimes, doing what's best for those you care about is the toughest thing to do.

All Better...

2005-04-28T19:58:00.000-04:00

Thank God I married a web designer.

Oops...

2005-04-28T16:31:00.000-04:00

I completely screwed the page up, so I'm going to have to have Becky check it out and see what I did so I can fix it. Sorry it looks so messy now.

A Voice from Inside

2005-04-28T10:00:00.000-04:00

I was searching blogs today, hoping to find an Alzheimer's blog network of some kind that I could piggyback on to and get this blog noticed a little more. I didn't find a network, but I think I found something better.

Young Hope's World is a blog written by a victim of Early Onset Alzheimer's. Tracy, according to her profile, is just 40 years old, yet she's already begun the process of deterioration brought on by AD.

I've always wondered what my mom would have said had she kept a journal of her early fight with AD. What was she thinking and feeling? How did she really deal with the changes internally? This blog gives us all a bit of an insight into the mind of an Early Onset AD victim.

I highly suggest you drop by and check in on Tracy, seeing where this journey is taking her. Hearing it first-hand can do nothing but help others understand what this disease is all about.

Read her blog, and pray for her and her family.

Quick Hits - The Magnificent Seven

2005-04-27T17:32:00.000-04:00

1. Mike Williams was a great pick. I know we didn't need a WR quite as badly as we needed a Defensive End or a solid CB, but he'll make our offense nearly unstoppable.

2. I LOVE the NBA Playoffs. I HATE stupid fans. A fan at the Palace of Auburn Hills tossed a quarter and hit Allen Iverson in his back. Riots, Bomb Threats, Assults with Pocket Change. People, stop being idiots.

3. My partner at MCSM informed me today that he'll be buying me the Superman DVD Collection for my housewarming gift when we move closer to Detroit. God bless you, Mooney.

4. Watch Scrubs Tuesday nights on NBC. You will laugh.

5. Riley is starting to crawl at 5 months and change. She's brilliant. Potty trained by a year - that is our goal.

6. I was thrilled to see our gas prices had dropped for a few days. The price reduction of nearly .50 cents was a welcomed suprise. We only had to pay $1.99 that day. It's messed up when $2 for a gallon of gas is a bargain.

7. Holiday Inn Express jacuzzi suites rule. If you're married, take your significant other out for the night. He/She will adore you for it.

OK, that's it for the day. Have a good one.

Disturbing Dreams

2005-04-26T12:13:00.000-04:00

Well, they're back.

Shortly after my mom passed, I began having vivid dreams that forced me to feel as though I was experiencing her death over and over again, every night. Time seems to have healed that wound, but now I've got some even more disturbing dreams keeping me awake at night.

I won't go into graphic detail, but I'll summarize for you. Essentially, I see my mom...in bed, in a chair, sometimes I'm even holding her...she's small, like a baby. I try to tickle her, I try to talk to her, I even try to feed her. I try to get her to crawl, I try to get her to reach out for items I'm holding, I even try to get her to stand up. While she's the size of a baby, she looks and sounds like my mom. It's her hair, her glasses and her smile.

I'm no dream analysis expert, but it seems pretty easy for me to figure out what these dreams are all about.

I've blogged before about AD and it's effects, so I won't go into detail again. In my mom's last few months, she was very much like a new-born baby. Couldn't walk, no solid foods, only grunts and groans for communication and she could barely hold her head up on her own.

Well, now I have a baby that just hit the five month mark. We're giving her solid foods, we're watching as she is about to start crawling and now she's beginning to vocalize sounds as though she's trying to communicate with us.

It doesn't take an expert to make the connection. I see in my baby's day-to-day life the same things I saw in my mom's last few months. And while I don't recognize it as it happens, I'm putting the two together in my dreams. Riley Kathleen at five months is the same essential person that Sharon Kathleen was at 57. The same abilities, the same capacities.

It's bad enough that these thoughts hit me during the day when I can deal with them, push them aside and move on with my day. But now that they come to me in the form of my dreams, where I have no control, I'm at their mercy.

Just isn't fair.

Lack of time...again.

2005-04-25T14:26:00.000-04:00

More job interviews today, and I also have a five month old baby at home, so time is not on my side as far as blogging is concerned. I did notice that my readership increased from 4 per day to 6 per day last week, so I'll be out celebrating all night.

I will try to get something note-worthy up tonight or tomorrow, but no promises. Hope you don't miss me too much!

Something a Little Less Important...

2005-04-22T12:25:00.000-04:00

I have a weakness for Superhero movies. Batman, X-Men, Spiderman...shoot, even if "Aquaman the Movie" came out, I'd probably watch it. But the mother of all Superheroes, and my personal favorite is the man in the blue tights...Superman. The 70's movies were fun...when I was a kid. Now I look back and it's semi-embarrassing to think how much I loved those things.

Soon, all will be well. In June of 2006, Supes makes his way back to the silver screen. Here is a sneak peak of the big guy's new suit.

Not a huge fan, but it'll do.

To follow the developments of "Superman Returns", go to Super Hero Hype, or Blue Tights.

Up, up and away!

Nothing blog-worthy...

2005-04-21T13:03:00.000-04:00

Been busy with Riley, as well as a few job interviews (finally!).

As soon as I've got some more time to find something that I want to discuss, I'll be sure to toss it up here for you.

Thanks to those of you that have sent me emails recently asking about some of the lesser-known facts concerning AD. I think one person's response to some new details that he learned says it all: "Wow".

Yeah. Wow.

More soon.

Jokes That Aren't Funny

2005-04-19T10:54:00.000-04:00

I'm sure I'm too sensitive about this, but I just can't help getting downright angry at people who make inappropriate jokes about Alzheimer's.

For some reason, it's become the popular thing to do these days. Forget somebody's name? Say "it must be Alzheimer's!" Forget to put the milk back in the fridge? Say "it must be Alzheimer's!" Pass your exit on the freeway? Say "it must be Alzheimer's!"

Obviously, the people that make these comments (I won't call them jokes - jokes are funny) have not lived through, or experienced in any way, Alzheimer's. About three months before my mom died I went to the store to get some dog food. I placed the bag on the scanner, got my cash out and waited for the cashier. She fumbled around looking for the right button to hit, and finally said "it must be my stupid Alzheimer's, huh?" Without hesitation I replied with "I know what you mean. My mom is in a nursing home dying from Alzheimer's." She just kind of froze right there looking at me. She didn't know what to say, and she quietly went back to her job. I know I should have been more understanding, especially noting that she was just a kid and didn't know any better. I just take this too personally sometimes.

What these people don't understand is that, even though my mom is gone, whole and happy now, Alzheimer's still affects me on a near daily basis. Now that Early Onset AD is in my family, I am three times more likely to get AD than you are. What scares me the most is that my baby girl is also three times more likely to get it than the average person.

Anytime I fumble around with my words, forget a name or lose my concentration, I panic. AD is a real and very serious threat to me and to my daughter. Not just to us, either. My brother and Aunt, as direct blood relations to my mom, are both at risk, too.

So, as you might be able to guess, comments like this about AD aren't funny to me. It killed my mom, and it might very well be stalking me, my brother, my Aunt...even my little girl.

That is nothing to laugh about.

Stem Cells in Our Own Brains

2005-04-18T11:06:00.000-04:00

Interesting read from medicinenet.com that I found this morning.

According to the piece, we all have stem cells inside our own brains that could, hypothetically, be used to treat or cure diseases like Alzheimer's. The problem is that the researchers have no idea how to "activate" the cells and put them to work.

This method of stem cell use would also aleviate the need to harvest the cells in embryos or even bone marrow. It's far less controversial, and just as effective, in theory.

Here's a clip, but go read the rest of it, too.

The activation of dormant stem cells in the patient's own brain could someday allow doctors to re-grow lost cells without resorting to surgery, and in ways that target exactly those areas of the brain -- and specific types of cells -- damaged by disease.

We're developing maps so that we'll know exactly which stem cells give rise to every cell subtype in the brain," explained Dr. Mark F. Mehler, chairman of the department of neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and neurologist-in-chief at Montefiore Medical Center, New York City.

"That means, we'll be able to say the equivalent of, 'OK, in sector three of sub-zone 7, we need to activate that cell.' And not only activate it, but activate it in a specific way," he added.

The technique -- still years away from clinical trials -- is called endogenous (meaning sourced from the patient) stem cell activation.

While stem cells sourced from embryos or bone marrow have received the most media attention, residual amounts of these regenerative cells exist throughout the body. According to Mehler, about 0.3 percent of brain cells may be dormant stem cells.

Just why they so often remain dormant -- even when the brain experiences injury -- remains a mystery.

Depressing

2005-04-13T12:18:00.000-04:00

I just spent the last hour researching early-onset Alzheimer's Disease. There is so much I could post here that would be educational and informative, but I refuse to post it. Everything I found was incredibly depressing.

I cannot afford to focus on the danger this disease is to me, my brother or to my daughter. I can't focus on the fact that I may already be carrying any of the three genes associated with AD, and I'm just waiting for the symptoms to kick in.

I can't let this disease scare me into not living my life.

Sex, Running and Crosswords

2005-04-12T13:24:00.000-04:00

According to an article posted on MSNBC last week, mental and physical excercise help to create and nurture new brain cells, which help to fight off degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Likewise, doing the "hibbity-dibbity" (my term, not their's) releases a chemical called Procatin, which is believed to help stimulate the production of new brain cells.

Let's see...I'm 60 pounds overweight, I haven't run or played basketball in almost two years, and my daughter is four months old. Looks like it's time for a lifestyle change.

A Look Back...

2005-04-12T11:10:00.000-04:00

I haven't had much time or energy for blogging over the past few days, but I wanted to take a second to at least post a few things that are worthy of a look.

As many of my readers know (all five of you), my mom ended her fight with Alzheimer's Disease on December 7th, 2004. For the last year, I've wanted to find any way I could become an advocate for AD education. It takes money to get going and to be effective, so my plans are on hold. After the magazine gets going, I'll hope to have some time to commit to this cause. Until that day comes, I'll use the only tool I have - this blog.

Here are a few blogs from my old blog site, all written either the week my mom passed, or within a week or two after. I hope they are worth reading.

---------

12-6-04

I don’t recall the context of the conversation, and I sure don’t remember how the subject came up. What I do remember quite clearly is the question that I asked, and the answer that my mom gave me.

“Will I always be your baby boy, mom”, I asked. I could not have been more than seven or eight at the time. I had always had this unhealthy infatuation with the fact that every time she introduced me to somebody she would say “this is Kevin. He’s the baby.” It’s not that I had a problem with being the baby. Really, it was just the opposite. I was afraid that at some point, I’d stop being her baby and our relationship would change. Kind of a deep thought to have for a seven year old.

The answer to my question, in case you’re curious, was yes. That wasn’t good enough for me, so I kept pushing it. “Even when you’re 50 will I still be your baby?”

Without hesitation, she gave me another “yes”. I kept going.

“Even when you’re really old and gray will I still be your baby?” She kind of laughed at this one, but still gave me the answer I was looking for – “yes.”

Still trying to outdo myself and my previous questions, my seven-year-old mind came up with this gem: “Even when you’re dead and buried in the grave will I still be your baby?”

I guess I was expecting her to finally give in and say no, but she just wouldn’t do it.

“Yes, Kevin. Even when I’m dead and buried in the grave you will still be my baby.” Her answer was as shocking as it was comforting, but she wasn’t done there. She took it a step further, as if to beat me to the punch of another potential question. “Even when we’re in heaven, you will always be my baby boy.”

“Even when we’re in heaven.” Eternity. You can’t really one-up that, can you? I remember that I just smiled and said “good”. That’s all I needed to hear.

Well, as I write this my mom is just hours from going on to heaven ahead of me. She has fought a four-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease, and she did it with bravery and dignity. Her battle is coming to an end, and while it appears on the surface that this disease was victorious, we know that mom is the real winner, as she gets to go home now.

Watching mom slowly die this past week has not been easy. We’ve said good-bye for the “last time” every night for the last four days. My family is racked with guilt, as many of us are quietly cheering death which will bring mom her sweet release. Watching her lifeless eyes stare into space, her shallow breaths and her emaciated body lie in that bed has been sickening and gut-wrenching.

Yet, somehow I feel OK tonight. Sometime in the next few hours my phone will ring, and my dad will tell me that mom is gone, and her fight is over. As afraid as I am to hear that news, I’m also OK with it for several reasons.

First of all, because my mom will be whole again. We all want that, and we are excited that the time is near for her mind and body to be restored.

Second, because my dad needs this to end. He has been there for every second of my mom’s fight. He’s watched her mind slip, her body fail and her life change in every aspect. He’s drained, and he deserves a break.

But I think what is making me feel OK tonight is the fact that I had a memory pop in my head. It was the memory of my mom and I in the car that day. “Even when we’re in heaven, you will always be my baby boy”, she said. Well tonight as I said my true and final good-bye I looked into those eyes and reminded her. I reminded her that I will always be her baby boy, even when we’re in heaven.

She may get there first, but it doesn’t change a thing. I am now, and I always will be her baby boy, and I know that she’ll be waiting for me in heaven. I’ll see her smile, I’ll hear her voice and I’ll feel her give me a hug. And when I do get up there with her, I look forward to hearing her say that I’m still her baby boy.

----

12-11-04

If I were to ask you right now to explain Alzheimer's Disease to me, what would you say? How much do you really know about this disease? If you've never come face-to-face with it in your personal life, your knowledge is likely based on what you are shown on TV or in movies.

When my dad called me nearly four years ago to break the news to me that my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, I was upset but not broken up about it. I, like many of you reading this right now, just thought of AD as the "forgetting disease". I went home that night and jumped on the computer. I went on a Google-driven mission to find out all that I could about AD. What were the symptoms? What were the causes?

I was shocked as I read of the progression that this disease would take, and the effect it would have on my mom and family.

What we see from Hollywood leads us to believe that AD is "the disease where you forget things." In movies and TV shows the AD victim will say things like "I recognize your face, but I can't place your name." Or perhaps they will forget what the chair is called. In some cases, the victim might forget how to find their way home from the store, and they become disoriented.

While it is true that these are all phases of the disease, what most people don't realize is that these symptoms are only the tip of the iceberg. The truth is, Alzheimer's is a fatal disease. It's a disease that moves too quickly, but really not quickly enough. When a loved one has AD, you have to go through the pain of losing them twice. First, their mind will go, and eventually their body will go.

To make things a bit more clear, let me give you a list of the stages of AD. Read them closely, as they might provide some information you never knew or associated with this disease.

Stage 1 - NO SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER'S ARE SEEN.

Stage 2 - FORGETFULNESS: Very mild cognitive decline. For example, problems such as: vagueness of where familiar objects are, complaints about not remembering well, forgetting names once well known. There is however, no loss of abilities in social interactions or in employment situations.

Stage 3 - CONFUSION EARLY STAGE: Mild cognitive decline. For example, problems such as: getting lost when traveling to a familiar location; noticeably lowered performance level at work; trouble finding words and names; little retention from reading; little or no ability to remember names of new people; loss of valued objects and trouble concentrating.

Stage 4 - CONFUSION LATE STAGE: Moderate cognitive decline. For example, problems such as: decreased knowledge of current and recent events; loss in memory of personal history; decreased ability to handle travel or finances; and inability to perform complex tasks. Appropriate responsiveness to outside stimulation decreases sharply. Denial of any problem, and withdrawal from challenging situations are common.

Stage 5 - DEMENTIA EARLY STAGE: Moderate severe decline. For example: the person can no longer survive without some assistance. Patients can't remember names of people or places in their lives. They may be disoriented about time and dates. However, they will require no assistance when using the bathroom or eating, but may need help getting dressed.

Stage 6 - DEMENTIA MIDDLE STAGE: Severe cognitive decline. For example: the person may forget the name of the spouse and be unaware of events in his or her life. They are entirely dependent on others for survival. They may have trouble sleeping in a regular pattern.

Stage 7 - DEMENTIA LATE STAGE: Very severe cognitive decline. For example: all verbal abilities are lost and he or she needs help eating and using the bathroom. Eventually they lose ability to walk, the brain appears to no longer be able to tell the body what to do.

Note that last line. "The brain appears to no longer be able to tell the body what to do." This includes the brain telling the victim how to eat, how to drink and eventually, how to breathe.

Another way to describe the progress of the disease is this: The brain, once afflicted with AD, begins to move backwards. The victim will act like a teenager - goofy and silly; then a child - difficulty eating or taking care of themselves; then to an infant - unable to hold their bodily fluids or even hold their head up; and finally to an unborn child - unable to operate the lungs/heart, etc.

Alzheimer's Disease is a killer. People need to know that.

I know this wasn't a very fun or entertaining blog entry today, but that wasn't my intent. It's just time that people realized how horrible, merciless and deadly this disease is. You'll see many entries on this page that will attempt to raise awareness about AD. There is an awful misconception in the world, and people won't get involved to help as long as that misconception is the general rule of thought behind AD.

If it were just "the forgetful disease", I'd still have my mom.

Its not, and I don't.

----

12-21-04

Ever since December 7th of 2004 I've had a tough time sleeping. It has nothing to do with Pearl Harbor, but it is a day that will kind of live in infamy for me and my family.

December 7th is the day I watched my mom take her last breath. That is the day that she ended her four-year fight with Alzheimer's Disease, and went home to be with the Lord. It's the day that started my string of sleepless nights.

On average, I'd say that I replay those final few minutes in my head about four nights per week. Sometimes I just replay the last gasp for air, other times I replay the tears, hugs and pain from the moments afterwards. On occasion, I'll even replay the days leading up to the 7th. Just about my entire family was at mom's bedside at some point during that last week. Having us all together like that is something mom really would have enjoyed.

While the sleepless nights and the uncontrollable thoughts are wearing on me, they aren't the real cause for my troubles lately. What really bugs me is the fact that I can't remember much about my mom the way she used to be. I have certain memories that I'll make myself relive, but it's tough to find new ones that can remind me of how great she was. It's hard for me to recall her voice, her sense of humor, her favorite foods to eat or even shows she'd like to watch on TV.

Instead, all I see is the mom that was lying in that nursing home bed for the last six months. The mom that wasn't able to communicate with me. The mom that never really saw her youngest grandchild, my first-born baby. I see the mom that my dad had to hand-feed. I see the mom that couldn't walk. I see the mom that told me she wanted to kill me. But worse than all of that, I still see the mom that took that last breath as I watched with my family.

I try to replace those images with happier times, but no matter what I do, I can't seem to stop replaying that movie in my mind. Even though it's been over a month, it hurts just like I'm there again when I see those images. It hurts now as I'm recalling them to tell this story. I can't shake it.

During the day I'm able to concentrate on being a husband and a dad. I can turn these thoughts off and deal with everyday life. But as soon as my head hits that pillow and my mind starts relaxing, there they are again. These thoughts and images are the foundation on which everything else in my life is currently resting. My mom's last few minutes are at the center of my mind.

Why is it so hard for me to remember "mom"? The real mom, not the one I've known for the last three years. I spent 20 years living in her house. She was my teacher for four. She was one of my closest friends for several more than that. I get flashes of her, but nothing I can really wrap my mind around. I want to be able to tell my daughter funny stories about her Nanny. I want to her to grow up knowing how great a person my mom was. I want to tell her about her laugh, her smile, her fears, her talents, her heart.

But when I try to think of all those wonderful things, my sick mind takes me back to that dreary December 7th afternoon, or even to the weeks and months prior.

They say that remembering somebody you love after they die is a great way to deal with the pain. But what if you can't remember? How are you supposed to deal with it then?

I don't know the answers. What I do know is that I feel like I miss her twice. I don't know if that makes sense or not. I miss her because I lost the physical "mom", but also because I feel I've lost a large part of the real mom I grew up with, and I miss her, too.

For now, I'll just look forward to the night that I can lay down, close my eyes and not want to keep them open all night. But even when that happens, I'll still miss her.

My Career in TV...

2005-04-03T09:02:00.000-04:00

I would imagine would go something like this.

This is why I intend to always stay behind the scenes as much as possible. You gotta feel for the kid, man. And while I do feel bad for him, I also could not stop laughing at him.

Just For FUN, Right?

2005-04-01T09:18:00.000-05:00

I've flipped through several blogs over the past few days, and I realized that life is depressing. It's just about all anybody talks about - this is depressing, that is depressing, blah, blah, blah. As depressing (I know, I've used that word a lot) as it was to read all these depressing blogs, it did help me realize something.

I gave this blog the title of Just For Fun, and up until yesterday, I didn't really blog anything fun. We need a refuge from all of this gloom and despair on the web, and I am volunteering to help out. I'm not saying I'll make you forget about all your problems, and I'm not saying I can make all the depression subside. What I WILL do is post something mindless and hopefully humorous on this page every day. You feel buried in the Anti-Bush blogs? Come visit JFF. The Schaivo case too much for you today? Drop by JFF. Medical research got you down? Head over to JFF.

For those few of you that link to me, I'd greatly appreciate you letting your readers know that I exist. Hopefully I can give them a good laugh once-in-a-while.

So, here we go. Thanks to my brother Rick for passing along this video. Enjoy.

Owned.

Quick Hit

2005-03-30T17:50:00.000-05:00

One of the best shows ever on TV is being replayed every weekday at noon on TBS. If you have a spare hour, or if you're a stay-at-home dad with the ability to choose what you watch, make sure you check out "Ed".

I've slowly become addicted to this show. Think Scrubs with some drama. Good times.

OK, carry on.

Zen

2005-03-30T17:48:00.000-05:00

It's been a few days since I posted. Lots going on in the world, but I'm not going to blog about any of it. Instead, I give you a moment of zen.

Enjoy.

Milestones

2005-03-25T10:34:00.000-05:00

My daughter is just over four months old. Over the course of the last few months, we have been able to witness numerous developmental milestones in her life. Her first smile, her first laugh, the first time she reached out for something, the first time she rolled over and the first time she held her own bottle, just to name a few.

Last night we reached another milestone, as we gave Riley solid foods for the first time. Using her little pink spoon we placed just a little food in her mouth, some she swallowed and some she spat out. We'd then use the spoon to get the residual food left on her cheeks and chin, and give her that to eat.

As I read about new parents and their first-borns, I found that many parents have trouble dealing with these steps in their child's development, as they feel that the child is "growing up too soon." I never figured I'd have any issues with that, as I was excited about Riley being able to grow and learn, and interact with me. Yet, when Riley reached each milestone, I did find myself struggling, but not for the reason you might think.

I've blogged before about Alzheimer's Disease, what it is and what it does to its victims. If you have not read this blog before, I ask you to go read it now. Perhaps the most difficult thing to ponder from that blog is this:

"Another way to describe the progress of the disease is this: The brain, once afflicted with AD, begins to move backwards. The victim will act like a teenager - goofy and silly; then a child - difficulty eating or taking care of themselves; then to an infant - unable to hold their bodily fluids or even hold their head up; and finally to an unborn child - unable to operate the lungs/heart, etc."

As Riley reached each milestone, it was as much a painful reminder of something my mom had to endure before she passed as it was a joyful look into the development of my baby. Each milestone was difficult in its own way, but the feeding, for some reason, was so much worse. Every spoonful we gave to Riley, I saw us feeding my mom. I can't explain why, and I wish I knew how to block it out.

As Beck and I talked about this last night, she made a point that really hit home. It seems so unfair that we can't just sit back and enjoy these fun little things that Riley does, but instead we are reminded of the suffering my mom endured for the last year or two before she passed away. As unfair as it is, I try to be thankful. It could be worse.

I try to imagine what it would be like if we went to the nursing home, fed and cleaned my mom, then came home and did the same to Riley. I thank God that we don't have to do that. I thank God that mom is "mom" again, and isn't suffering. And I even thank God that Riley will always serve as a constant reminder of my mom...her milestones reminding us of the bad times, her middle name reminding us of the good times.

Do you "Get It"?

2005-03-22T08:37:00.000-05:00

Every week I receive an average of 15 emails asking about Motor City Sports Magazine. Some are responses to ads for writers, interns or photographers. Some are general comments like "can't wait" or "looks good". And every now and then I'll get one or two that bash the idea of a monthly magazine, or give me a link to somebody else who does.

Now, I agree that a monthly magazine is risky. If all we do is write about things that happened a good 30 days before the magazine hits the store shelves, we're not going to do well. If we just run the same recycled opinions that we ran when MCS was just a sports blog site, we'd die an early death.

Most people I talk to about this magazine are large-minded enough to understand what we'll be doing. It's obvious to them that a monthly publication can't survive by giving old news. Obviously our publisher knows that, or else any of their three magazines would have gone out of business well before now, and they sure wouldn't be expanding into ten new cities in the next year or two using the same formula - starting with us.

Mile High Sports Magazine has a great grasp on how to put out an effective monthly publication, and we're lucky enough to have them sharing that knowledge with us. MHSM was profitable quickly, they had the support of major advertisers from day one, and they have learned what does and doesn't work, which will allow us to grow and profit much quicker.

As I talked to one of the MHSM Executives that was in town recently for sales meetings, he told me that their biggest hurdle with their launch was coming across advertisers, promoters, retailers, etc. that just didn't "get it". But soon after a few issues of the magazine were out and available, they quickly became one of the most popular publications in Colorado.

We've been lucky so far, as everybody we've talked to regarding partnerships and promotions has jumped on board, even asking us to be exclusive partners with them. Advertisers look at our sample publications and are interested instantly.

So, to those of you who do get it, we look forward to giving you what you expect, and exceeding those expectations as we grow.

To those of you who have no clue what we'll actually be doing, withold your judgement until you've actually read an issue, then rip us all you want if you still feel the need. That said, we look forward to making you fans of MCSM.

It Has Begun...

2005-03-19T09:03:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned a few posts ago, I am a Rocky freak, and there are no current fan sites out there that cater to those of us that suffer from Rocky-itus. Well, that will soon be over. I proudly present to you, www.kevinantcliff.com/rocky/.

Yes, I'm too cheap to buy my own domain name.

Now all I need is a bunch of Rocky-related stuff to throw on these pages. Sound or video clips, trivia, news about Rocky VI, pictures...and so on.

If you're a Rocky nut such as I, keep checking back. And if you have anything I might find useful for the site, drop me a line.

In the mean time, I leave you with these memorable lines from the original Rocky, which won an Oscar for Best Film...

Rocky: Adrian!
Adrian: Rocky!
Rocky: Adrian!
Adrian: Rocky!
Rocky: Adrian.
Adrian: Rocky.

Wow. Moving.

Answers besides "Yes"

2005-03-14T09:35:00.000-05:00

My family has been going through a tough time since December. As most for you know, I lost my job on Christmas Day because I took too much time off of work to be at my mom's bedside as she passed away. I won't get back into that today, as I'm just starting to get over my frustration and mild bitterness.

With only one income for the last four months, it's a miracle that we're still standing. We've had a tax return come in that equaled more that I used to bring home in a month at Sara Lee. We were able to sell my X-Box (I miss it so) for a good $100 more than it was worth. I had $160 in an old 401(k) sitting around, so I was able to cash that in. God has been very good about taking care of us.

I looked around for jobs, but the market here is horrendous. Any job I was able to find open only offered pay that would barely cover the cost we'd incur from needing a babysitter while I worked. We were in a tough spot.

Even though I wasn't a big fan of the idea, I applied for Unemployment. After a huge run around with the State, they finally told me (almost 2 months later) that I did not qualify for assistance because I quit my job. I, obviously, disagreed and I appealed. It's been another four weeks, and we're still waiting on an answer.

The money we'd get in from Unemployment would save us. It would cover all of the bills we've started to lag behind in, it would allow us to purchase some personal needs that we've both been putting off, it would allow me to see my doctor about my migranes, it would pay for the repairs we need to make on the house before we try to sell it...it would be a God send.

Over the last several weeks, I've gone from asking God to provide anyway He can to specifically asking Him for this unemployment money. My tiny mind can only see one way to get us out of this tight spot we're in, so I've been asking...no, begging...for this check.

It's usually during one of my prayers that I'm reminded of a couple of things.

One of those things being that "yes" is not the only answer to prayer. Among other things, God can say "wait". "Be still, and know that I am God." Why is that not enough sometimes? Why can't we just sit back, trust that God is in control, and allow Him to work? I can allow myself to be OK with hearing "wait", but the answer I fear is "no". People often forget that "no" is every bit as possible of an answer as "yes". If God says "no" about this money, then what do we do? I can't see another way that we can survive. All I can understand is that this money would save us, and it's the only way I see any money coming in.

And it's at this point that I'm reminded of the second thing.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9

Just because I don't see another way doesn't mean He doesn't. My best possible solution could be, and likely is, so many levels below His master plan, that I'd be ashamed to mention it to Him. Yet, in my failure to believe that He can help us any other way, here I am begging him to do it my way.

The truth is, I'd love to have that check be in the mailbox today. My mind would be at ease, my stress level would drop and I'd be able to rest easy. But with God in control, I should be doing that, anyway.

Common Sense in Atlanta

2005-03-12T08:54:00.000-05:00

Is there any?

Listen, I know what happened was a tremendous tragedy. I have many friends and acquaintances in law enforcement, so my heart goes out to the families of the fallen Deputy, the Judge and the court reporter.

That said, who in their right minds would leave an armed 5' tall, 51 year-old woman alone with a 6' 1", 200 pound former athlete that was on trial for rape and sodomy? Not to mention the fact that this guy had two metal "shanks" found in his shoes just days before.

The Judge requested extra security for the trial after the shanks were found, which brought the total number of Deputies in the courtroom to three - two women and a man.

Now we hear that the car that we've all been told to be on the lookout for was found ONE FLOOR DOWN in the same garage it was supposedly stolen from. Did it not enter the minds of the officers to take a quick run through the garage to make sure the information they received was accurate? How much time did they lose looking for the wrong car?

I'm not going to get into the blame game, and I'm not going to point fingers. It just seems like this could have been easily prevented. If not prevented, then at least we could be a step or two closer to ending this then we are now.

The next day or two should be interesting, and I'm sure I'll be glued to the news to see what transpires. After this is all said and done, I just hope that the powers that be in Georgia (as well as the rest of the Nation) take a step back, look this situation over, and make sure it doesn't happen again.

Fame and Fortune

2005-03-09T14:27:00.000-05:00

The following entry was taken from www.kevinantcliff.com. I know it's not original, but I wanted to keep something fresh on the new blog page. Enjoy.

When I was growing up, one of my "dreams" was to be rich and/or famous, maybe even powerful. I wanted people to know who I was. I looked forward to the day where a mob of people would trail behind me seeking an autograph, or for the day that an entire crowd would hush as I entered the room.

Well, I'm 28 and I have yet to make any crowds hush. And the only autograph I ever handed out was on a missions trip to Mexico. They had never seen a 6' 5" white man in their village, so they assumed I was an NBA player. They mobbed our van looking for an autograph, so I signed a basketball card sitting on the floor of the van, and gave it to one of the kids in front. It was a good feeling, but all they had to do was watch me actually play a game to know I was nothing but a fraud. A large, white fraud.

Now I'm a matter of weeks away from working full time as a managing editor of a sports magazine. We've got our funding, we're meeting with advertising clients, and by October at least 10,000 people will see my name on those pages. The money might not come as soon as I'd like (when does it ever?), but the fame might be right there. I may walk into a Target to buy some undies and some bleach (unrelated), put my credit card down, and hear the cashier say "Wait. Are you THE Kevin Antcliff? From the sports magazine I love and cherish?" I can only imagine what my new hat size will be if that ever happens to me. I'll be lucky to make it out of the front door.

Yes, I am looking forward to living a comfortable lifestyle. No more paycheck-to-paycheck junk for us. No more guilt about ordering pizza, or going to see a movie. I'm looking forward to shaking hands with famous athletes like Ben Wallace, Pudge Rodriguez and Roy Williams. Even more than that, I'm looking forward to finally having a career I can be proud of, and be excited about every morning.

Having said all of that, I recently had a realization. I could be the President, the King, even the Master of all that is Good and Pure (tm), but there would be no comparison to the joy I get on a daily basis just from being "daddy". Now I'll try not to get too sappy here, but I make no promises.

My first experience with this phenomenon was several weeks ago. My daughter, then just four or five weeks old, woke from her nap and began screaming bloody murder. I rushed into her room to make sure she was OK, and found her still sleeping. I gently woke her up, picked her up and put her head on my shoulder, but her screaming continued. After a few seconds, she realized who had her, and she clenched my shirt in her hands, and buried her head in the nape of my neck. Only then did the screaming turn to a soft cry. It was a good 15 minutes before she let go of my shirt, and even then when I tried to lay her back in her crib, she screamed until I held her close to me again. Daddy fixed it.

Now I see this happen on a daily basis. Riley cries, and I try to do everything to make her feel better. Is she teething? I get her some Orajel. Is she uncomfortable? I'll put her in her swing. Is she dirty? I'll change her. But often times, none of those things work, and she just wants to be held. I pick her up, she quiets and becomes content.

If there is a feeling that makes you feel more powerful than that, I'd like to know what it is. This magazine might fail, and there is a good chance I'll never be elected President, but no matter what happens in my life, I'll know that I was loved so much that I was the ultimate comfort to that baby girl. Out of all the things we have to offer her to make her happy, she just wants daddy to hold her.

To her, I'm already famous.

"If he dies, he dies."

2005-03-07T20:26:00.000-05:00

Yeah, baby. Rocky IV.

Anyway, with all this talk about Sly's new show "Contender", and the possibility of seeing Rocky VI (Sly has been approached to write the film, and return it to the Indie feel that made the original seem like real life), it got me in the mood to look for a quality Rocky-based fan site. I am sorry to announce that I was unable to find one.

My co-blogger Jared Keller (see link over there ----->) is a Karate Kid freak in the same way I'm a Rocky freak. I can quote lines. I can tell you interesting tid-bits about the scene on the screen. I feel the need to work out whenever I see Rocky train. He's the man.

Well, after careful consideration, I am seriously contemplating purchasing the domain www.rockyrockyrocky.com and having my wife design the bestest ever Rocky fan site. I could be famous. Sly might see it, and become a regular visitor. Sony Pictures might wanna buy it and take it over.

It could happen.

If you read this and steal my idea..."My prediction? Pain."

(Thank you to Mr. T, aka Clubber Lang for the great quote from Rocky III.)

Man, am I out of shape.

2005-03-07T10:21:00.000-05:00

I just lifted weights for the first time in over three years this morning. Last time I lifted, I was benching in the low 200's, curling about 60 pounds each arm, and I didn't hurt too much after I was done.

Those were the days.

I'm not going to get into all the detailed numbers, but we can just say that I've got a long way to go to get back to where I was three years ago. With a strong possibility for public appearances and TV spots to promote this magazine, I figure I have about 3 months to lose my wedding add-on of 70 pounds. Stupid home cooking.

As the weather warms up, I'll get back on the basketball court, and I'll keep lifting here at home evry day - assuming I can move the next morning. I'll post my progress here, and I hope that will serve as motivation for me to keep it going.

Stay tuned, and feel free to leave any useful advice. I can use all the help I can get.

86 Days...not that I'm counting.

2005-03-06T08:38:00.000-05:00

We'll be moving to the east side of the state in around 86 days. There, we will get things set up to run this magazine from our home office. Words cannot express how eager I am to get out there and get moving on this.

There are a lot of doubters right now. I'd dare say that 24% of my motivation is to get an issue out, send one to their house on me, and shove it in their face. They don't think it can be done and they don't get the concept of the magazine, so I've already been labeled a failure.

Don't think so.

You'll be seeing us in October. You have me word. And we'll be staying around for a while. I have no plans to fail, and no desire to quit.

Carry on...

Stop the Car

2005-03-04T17:17:00.000-05:00

I just heard the story about U.S. forces opening fire on the car speeding towards their checkpoint.

Already, I'm hearing how things are a mess over there, how we are responsible for more innocent people losing their lives, how it's Bush's fault that we shot up that car, killing one and injuring two more.

Listen, if I were driving a car towards a group of U.S. soldiers and they began flashing lights, firing warning shots across the hood of my Durango and giving me the international sign for "stop", I'm pretty sure I'd stop. Worst-case scenerio, my escape from the captors takes a little longer as I explain my story to the soldiers. But at least I'm alive.

Just stop right now with the blame game. "If there were no war, we'd have no reason to..." blah, blah, blah. I would have shot them, too.

Here's my advice to any innocent drivers being ordered to stop their car by men with guns: Stop the car.

/rant.

Newbie Blogger

2005-03-04T16:11:00.000-05:00

Well, here I am. I've finally given in to the urge to use blogspot.

Now, let me explain. My wife, a talented graphic designer, built me my own page several months ago (www.kevinantcliff.com). The page looks great, and I'll continue to use it, I just think that I need an easier form of posting for those intense thoughts that pass too quickly through my brain.

So, I hope to gain a bit of an audience here at Just For Fun, and I hope to have...um...fun.

More later, I'm sure.