Cowboys feast on Seahawks, 34-9 for third straight win!!

Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

IRVING, Texas - The Dallas Cowboys(8-4) used a stifling defensive effort and another superb performance from Tony Romo and the rejuvenated offense to carve up the woeful Seattle Seahawks (2-10) 34-9 in the last Thanksgiving Day game played at famed Texas Stadium. The win is their third consecutive victory since Tony Romo returned from a pinkie injury on his throwing hand.

Without their starting quarterback they had only mustered a poor 2-4 record and many had begun to write them off. However, today's dominating win over a hapless and beat up Seahawks team, coupled with last week's victory over the upstart 49ers's and their victory over the hated Redskins, collectively seem to suggest that they are back on track and ready to re-claim their position as the favorite to hoist the Lombardi trophy at the end of the season.

"We have a lot of options in this offense," Romo said. "When you've got that, and your offensive line gives you time, you can just wait a little longer (in the play) for something to develop. I think we did that." (Dallas Cowboys.com)

The stingy Dallas defense was surely up to the challenge of playing on the main stage before the national TV audience on Thanksgiving. And with the entire country watching they turned in one of their best efforts so far this season by not allowing an offense touchdown all day and forcing two turnovers (fumble and interception). "We get a lot of hits on the quarterback. It's something that you have to do, I think, to be able to win. Our pass rush was really good. Hasselbeck had not been sacked that much (12 times). Their team overall had, but he hadn't. I thought we really got after him and got after the passing game." Linebacker DeMarcus Ware had an awesome three sack performance while Bradie James (2), Tank Johnson (1) and Greg Ellis (1) also contributed to the seven sack barrage.



Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, center, is sacked by Dallas linebacker Bradie James, left, during the second quarter.
(November 27, 2008) Associated Press

Ware and the rest of the Cowboys still recognize that they face some very real challenges ahead in December if they are going to realize their goal of reaching the Superbowl. First, things first, they have to get into the playoffs.

"Obviously, this helps out a lot but I think somebody in the locker room said last week, if the season ended today, we're still left out (of the playoffs)," Witten said. "You've got to have that mentality and understand the challenges that are ahead. It's still going to be even tougher as December rolls around." (AP)

But, are they really ready for December? Really? If history is any indication, the answer to that question is a resounding, "NO!!" The Cowboys have not had a winning record in December since the 2001 season. Their brutal upcoming schedule will not be easy. It includes games against the tough Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) on the road, back to back home tilts against the defending champion New York Giants (10-1) and the Ray Lewis led Baltimore Ravens (7-4) before the season finale in Philadelphia against the Eagles (5-6-1). But these Cowboys are up to the challenge and seeking to write a different chapter to their December season this year.


"We've still got to go forward and keep putting together wins to get in the playoffs, "said Tony Romo. "Our confidence level is that on any given Sunday we can compete with the best of anybody. It'll be interesting to see how we do going forward."

Colts stomp Vikings 59-15 to open season

GARLAND, Texas- B.C. Forbes once said, "History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats." The Jackson MST Vikings will be reflecting on these words as the look for clues to answer their horrific season opening loss 59-15 to the Sam Houston Colts.










The capacity crowd of mostly Colts fans were treated to a dominating performance that saw the Colts push ahead early and never look back as they took a commanding 30 point half-time lead before putting away the Vikings in the second half. Jackson point guard Reggie Lockhart (#2) who lead the team with eight points on 50 percent shooting from 3pt range said, "Man, I don't know we had some mishaps, but with more communication and if we work as a team and do better on defense we should have a better result next time."




















Going back to the drawing board and starting fresh will be the best remedy for the young Vikings. Head coach Cummings told his team after the game, "We have a lot of work to do, we had pre-game jitters but be ready to practice tomorrow."

Photos by: Reggie "Lockdawg" Lockhart

Heeeeerrrrree's ROCKO(err Roscoe)!!

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas - Tennessee Williams once said, “Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.” Well if that is true I am confident that my life has been enriched 10 times over.

The family and I were in Grand Prairie last weekend to celebrate my youngest nephew's (Jamar Weathers) first birthday, when we met Rocky, well Rocko then Roscoe! Long story but I'll get through it ;).



We had just finished up at my other nephew's house Trevon for his 7th birthday party and while we were enjoying the majesty of the fall Texas atmosphere in the park, we were surprised and delighted to meet a friendly little Dachshund puppy. He had wandered up to our party away from his family that was playing in the not too distant field. Instantly we were smitten by this adorable little fellow and my fiancee Tanya had to have him...
We talked to his owners and to our amazement they were very willing to give us the puppy. We were so elated that after offering the man a handshake to seal the deal, I couldn't wait to get him home so we could start our lives together! We rushed out to get him a kennel and a little hoodie. His youthful energy has brought an immediate rejuvenating spirit to the entire house.
Since we got him home we have been trying to get him acclimated to us and us acclimated to him and somehow his name has changed twice. When we got him at the park, his name was Rocky. We didn't think it was fitting so we changed it almost immediately to Rocko, then for some reason after three days, it was changed again, this time for good to Roscoe. I didn't like the change initially but the name has begun wear on me.
Sadly, our dearest little friend has given us quite a scare today. He had been out in the yard yesterday sniffing and eating grass in the backyard. When we checked his kennel this morning he had puked and then after riding with me to take the kids to school he had a small drink and puked again.

After I left for work he puked again. That's when Tanya got scared! She had been hearing about a really serious viral disease, Parvovirus and when she researched his symptoms, we felt they were too close for comfort. We know so little about him. The family that we got him from said he was seven months old and he has only been with us for four days so without any documentation we could only pray.

After talking with our neighbor, we are hopeful, his puking was only related to an upset stomach set on by eating grass. He's a real champ so I'm confident he'll pull through!!



Photos by: Reggie "Lockdawg" Lockhart

REMEMBERING THOSE WHO SERVE...

DALLAS,Texas - Duty, Honor, Country. Veterans Day 2008 is significant to for many reasons. This year our country elected the first African-American a Democrat from Illinois Barack Obama president. Yet on a day reserved long ago to honor those American patriots that have served this great country, our brave servicemen and women are still valiantly fighting two wars on terror on foreign soil paying the ultimate price for our freedoms.



In Nov 1919, President Thomas Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov 11 the first commemoration of Armistice Day. On Oct 8, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed HR-7786, changing Armistice Day to Veteran's Day (Richland Chronicle)

Today, marks the 2021st day since President Bush's "mission accomplished" declaration but still we are no closer to finding Osama Bin Laden or the real culprit's behind 9/11 nor ending war on terror in America or the world. Hopefully, with the historic electoral college landslide presidential election, real change will finally arrive in Washington and we will find a way to end the war in Iraq victoriously while regaining our foothold in Afghanistan to root out Bin Laden, bring peace to the Middle East and bring our troops home!

I recently had the privilege of taking my son to visit the Vietnam Memorial in historic Fair Park.
I could not help but feel a special sense of pride watching him absorb a little of the historical significance of Veteran's Day while reflecting in the memorial's reflecting pool. Those of us who have served share a special bond that will never be broken. I wanted to take this moment to say thank you my brothers and sisters in arms and wish them and their families well during and throughout the holiday season. Your sacrifice and dedication to duty, honor, and country will be grossly under repaid but never forgotten.

Photos by: Reggie "Lockdawg" Lockhart

THERE AINT NO FUTURE IN YA FRONTIN!! OBAMA 338- McCAIN155

DALLAS- At precisely 11 pm eastern time it was announced to the world that Democratic nominee Barack Obama would be the winner of the 2008 United States presidential election. For the first time in modern American history, an African-American (bi-racial, whatever we know what colors the coffee) will take the highest office in the land. The face of America has changed forever.

Mama, we made it!!

Everyone in the world take notice, the world is not coming to an end

CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA!!!!

His opponent Republican nominee Senator John McCain had just finished up his concession speech to a live Republican audience when the feelings of being a part of something truly historic struck me. Not since the re-election of Bill Clinton in 1996 have I been so involved and personally connected to a presidential election. Euphoria is the best way to describe the compulsive emotion that is driving my fingers in their fevered typing spree. The next chapters of this country's majestic fantasy of the American dream will be lived out in live and living color.

"YES WE CAN!!"

A black man is going to lead the United States of America the leader of the free world. He will face enormous pressures starting first with the bleak economy. We will all be watching with so many watchful and hopeful eyes as he takes the reins of the country on inauguration day. In what has been depicted by many noted economists as the worst economic period since the Great Depression (remember "when America sneezes the world gets a cold") we will send in the youngest American president to bring about the promise of change that got him elected. But we must practice patience. Rome wasn't built in day. Only burnt in one day!!


YES WE DID!!Going against the grain won't be easy. Together, we will take many steps as a society over the next few years as the barriers of color, race, religion, and sex all began to break and be reborn. This pleasant sensation that is overwhelmingly swinging throughout me is fantastically significant as President-elect Obama, prepares to lead the greatest country in the world.


YES WE DID!!The reaction and emotion to this historic night will last a lifetime and will be written by many for ages the to come. This feeling of pride will be felt by the greater many of us Americans great and small, as we begin the real transition forward into the future. The "city on the hill" that Ronald Reagan spoke so eloquently about in the past has returned to it's greater history and chosen this time to be a "maverick".

YES WE DID!!The chains of slavery have officially been broken and the sourness of Jim Crow turned bittersweet. No longer will those old hateful images which portrayed an America, still in it's infancy during the turbulent 1960s, define this country. On this historic night, I am the proudest that I have ever been of my country. Get ready world, at this very moment we all are confidently stepping into the next millennium of life.


President-elect Barack Obama addresses the nation:

TI VOTED!!!Rapper votes with felony under Georgia law!!

Photo: Gregory Smith/AP Photo
GEORGIA- The KING has done it again. On Wednesday the 28 year old rapper T. I. (born Clifford Harris), cast his vote early for this year's presidential election.

Though recently convicted on gun possession charges, he has remained driven to get out and use his voice to be an activist and advocate for getting out the message to vote. Tip is the national spokesperson for the nonpartisan group Respect My Vote's "Get Out the Vote" campaign.

The importance of this year's election was so significant that Mr. Harris researched on his own and found that he is eligible to vote in Georgia because the state constitution says that to be able to vote, you have to have served your entire sentence, which includes all probation and fines and any other stipulations," said Matt Carrothers, the Secretary of State's director of media relations. (MTV.com)

Since he doesn't have to begin serving his prison sentence until March next year and is not currently on any other type of probation he only needed to be re-registered in his county to cast his ballot for the first time in his young life. "Feels like I've taken advantage of my right to become a part of the democracy," T.I. said in the release. "It was definitely worth standing in line and doing all the things people complain about voting. I think it's more than worth it." (MTV.com)

(PH) INALLY A (PH )ANTASTIC PHILLIES WORLD SERIES WIN!! Phillies defeat Rays 4-3, take series 4-1

PHILADELPHIA, PA - HOW BOUT THEM PHILLIES!!! The city of "brotherly love" is on cloud nine today. Finally, after 28 long agonizing years the Philadelphia Phillies are World Series champions again. They defeated the scrappy upstart Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 in the longest World Series game played. Remarkably, their second championship comes on the anniversary of their first title.

"Thanks for your support! And let's do it again!'', said the Phillies 71 year old General Manager Pat Burrell. This youthful Phillies team is definitely capable to make another series title run but only two teams have repeated as series champions (Yankees and Blue Jays) in the last 30 years.


Cole Hamels, the MVP of the World Series, is only 24.

The much maligned Phillies and their rabid fans, really deserved this much anticipated championship. After setting a new low for futility last year when they lost their 10,000th game in MLB and franchise history, taking home the title this year has to be pretty sweet. Pitcher Jaime Moyer, a Philly native can attest to the sweetness of getting the coveted World Series win in his hometown. "It's not easy in Philadelphia,'' he said. " But when you win, it makes it that much sweeter.'' (AP)

The Closing Argument.

Barack Obama takes the stage with former President Bill Clinton at a campaign rally in Kissimmee, Florida. (Reuters Graphic / Jason Reed)

FLORIDA - Democratic nominee Barack Obama "palled around with a President" last night after he delivered what some of his campaign staff have dubbed "The Closing Argument" to America. The night definitely belonged to the Democratic nominee. With his opponent reeling due to a poor stance on the economy, a cash strapped campaign and infighting among members of the rank and file of the Republican party, Sen Obama went on a full press the attack with former President Bill Clinton at his side in the battle ground state of Florida.

Some say that the nationally televised ad, had the production value of a major motion picture and did little to show that he is ready to be president. To those people I can only ask them,"just what in the world were you watching last night?"

Admittedly, I must note that the televised ad was visual masterpiece. The warmth and patriotic symbolism could not have been more professionally orchestrated and sincere. Featuring several touching life accounts from real Americans, like Rebecca Johnston whose middle class family is finding harder and harder to make ends meet because of rising healthcare and food costs. Or Larry and Juanita Stuart, a retired family in Ohio who have had to take a loan on their home to their pay medial bills. Their stories helped him to reaffirm his plans to revitalize the economy by putting the working middle-class first and fixing the broken healthcare system.

Sen Obama's Republican adversary, Sen John McCain was expectedly critical of Obama reminding all of the broken promise to use only public financing to fund his campagin. "When you're watching this gauzy, feel-good commercial, just remember that it was paid for with broken promises," said McCain. (Boston Globe)

There are only 5 days left until the election and early voting ends this Friday on Halloween. I don't know if he closed the deal last night but, he definitely provided a beacon of hope to those of us in this country that really want change!!

HELLO WIN COLUMN!!! Dallas eeks out defensive win against Bucs 13-9.

AP Photo/LM Otero

DALLAS - Whew! The fat lady can rest for another week. The Cowboys(5-3) "D" returned to form to make the difference today and possibly the rest of the season. The stifling "D" earned the hard fought 13 -9 win against the high flying Tampa Buccaneers (5-3) before a capacity crowd at Texas Stadium. It wasn't pretty early or often, but it was pretty effective.

"Coming through at the end, that's what you have to do," Phillips said. "Our defense certainly stepped up today. Our offense had a tough time, but that touchdown before the half was a big, big play." (ESPN.com)



Fast Facts

• Leading by four, the Cowboys stopped a late Buccaneers drive in Dallas territory to hold on and snap their two-game losing skid.

• Brad Johnson went 19-for-33 for 122 yards with 1 TD and no interceptions. He had three interceptions last week against the Rams.

• The Buccaneers had six drives into Dallas territory but come away with only three field goals. Jeff Garcia had 228 passing yards with no TDs or picks in the loss.

• Terrell Owens had five catches for 33 yards. He has only 11 catches and 100 receiving yards in his past three games.

• Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware failed to record a sack, snapping his NFL record-tying streak of 10 games with at least one sack.

-- ESPN research






The last few weeks have been really tough mentally and physically for the players and coaching staff. Getting the hard nosed win helped everyone breathe a much needed sigh of relief. After the defense held Tampa out of the end zone in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter to seal the victory, the Cowboys sideline erupted with elation. But, this veteran team remains poised and optimistic towards the future. "If we allow it to be more than a win, then it can be," linebacker Greg Ellis said. "We have to take the same approach each week, but if we don't build on this, then this one will be just like one of the rest."(dallasnews.com)

The chance of a lifetime...

ATLANTA, Georgia - Ann Nixon Cooper, 106 years old, lived during a time when blacks and women did not have the right to vote. Now she relishes the opportunity to vote for the first African American presidential nominee, Barack Obama. She proudly boasts that she is ready to see the first black president. "I ain't got time to die," she said.

Ms. Cooper and her late husband Dr. Albert Cooper have always been involved in the black social movements of the time. "Our days and nights were just social affairs," she said. The home was a center of Atlanta's black society and the scene of many parties. Celebrities, including the late singer Nat King Cole, dropped in to visit.

The road to the White House is still a long winding perilous journey filled with uncertainty and Ms. Cooper was poignant in pointing out the significance of the Obama nomination. "Even if he didn't win, I was happy for him just to be nominated," said the former socialite. "

With her usual eloquence and grace she gleefully voted early this year for her candidate. She offers to young people some very sound advice for happy living.

"Keep smiling. No matter what, you get out and vote. Vote your choice."


Read the full story at: Cnn.com