Chuckster Arrested on DUI suspicion in AZ

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. Benjamin Franklin once said, "Glass, china and reputation are all easily cracked and never well mended. The same can be said about Charles Barkley the reigning Humpty Dumpty of the NBA on TNT circuit. This morning the Associated Press released a report on the arrest of former NBA superstar Charles Barkley in one of the trendiest parts of town in Old Scottsdale, after he ran a stop sign around 1:30 am. The NBA legend refused to submit to a breathalyzer but a sample of his blood was taken by police before he was cited and released. The results of the blood test were not immediately available.

In 1993, he sparked a national debate when professed that athletes are not role models and that he himself was not one. This latest arrest serves as further notice to us that he was not lying when he said those now famous six words. If nothing else the round mound of rebound is a model of a lot of things kids should never want to be such as a loud mouth, overweight, overly opinionated gambling addict and alcoholic. And this is the man that wants to lead the great state of Alabama as governor in 2014. C'mon Chuckster get it together baby!


Many Americans will hit the streets tonight to ring in the New Year with drink and celebration. The culmination of another fantastic year on this planet serves as a easy platform for us all to get out and appreciate the successes and failures of the past year but I want to remind everyone to take care to be safe no matter your holiday plans are for this evening. I don't know about you but I've got too much living left to do to die now. Peace and prosperity to all in 2009 and the years to come!!

Cockroaches and Mice linked to Asthma

The Journal of Black in Higher Education (JBHE) published an article in its weekly online bulletin last month regarding a case study released by researchers at the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health (CCCEH) at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. The study specifically identified exposure to mice and cockroach allergens as being one of the leading causes for the high racial disparity of asthma cases among black versus white children.

The report obtained from the Columbia University website also states that and urban children as young as the age of three are at risk if they develop antibodies to the proteins of these mice and cockroaches furthermore, they are more likely to have asthma and other respiratory problems. The website also states that the study, published in the November 2008 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, is the first to focus on the links between antibody responses to cockroach and mouse proteins and respiratory and allergic symptoms in such a young age group.
This news served as quite the wake up call for this parent of two black children with the upper respiratory disease better known as asthma. These household pests are common throughout the southern region of the United States particularly because of urban development. My natural curiosity led me to find new ways to not only get the word out to the people but also equip them with some tools to help reduce the new asthma cases in our communities and protect our babies.

The Cooperative Extensive Service of the University of Alaska lists two really great tips in their PMC-10071 that you can use to help reduce the cockroach population in your home or apartment.

1. Eliminating hiding and breeding places, including cracks and holes around plumbing fixtures and along baseboards or ceiling moldings. They prefer narrow cracks or crevices for hiding.

2. Removing access to food is also a good preventative measure. Do not leave unwashed utensils or exposed foods overnight. Keep food storage areas clean and keep pet foods in containers with tight-fitting lids.


The Professional Wildlife Removal website suggests the best way to get rid of mice and rats is to never use poison. Poison will never kill all the rodents, and it's only a temporary attempt at a solution - once you kill a few rodents, new ones will just come and take their place. They reproduce very quickly, and space or food supplies will dictate populations. Plus, the use of poisons will frequently mean dead and smelly rats in the attic or walls. The only surefire way to get rid of a rat or mouse problem is to find out how they are getting into the dwelling - seal off all of those areas, up to 1/4 inch wide, with steel, and this will keep them out. Once you prevent ingress/egress, you can trap and remove all the rats for a permanent solution. It's much easier said than done. Even experienced pros can miss the dozens of tiny spots that a home might have that will allow rat or mouse entry. Trapping is another art unto itself. You can't just slap a couple of traps near the attic hatch, they must be placed, dozens of them, strategically on the rat or mouse runways in the attic, on pipes, etc.

Truly the best ways to protect your kids from these common house pests is to have knowledge and remain vigilant in your efforts to keep your home clean and free of garbage and open food containers.

Imperfection Perfection

I was reading the online edition of the Detroit Free Press researching the blog I posted on the Lions before their historic 16th consecutive loss this past Sunday morning and I found this heartwarming story about a fantastic Special Olympian, who has bowled three perfect games. That's right. Three 300 perfect games. It's quite a phenoninal feat that will stand in the record books for ages. If we could only face the challenges in life the way this courageous man attacks the game of bowling we would all be winners and just like Kolan McConiughey, the bowling genius!!


Read full article: http://www.freep.com/article/20081228/SPORTS18/812280389

FLY EAGLES FLY!!! Eagles rout Cowboys 44-6 for final NFC playoff berth

PHILADELPHIA- The game had a ominous beginning for Dallas with a kickoff out of bounds and quickly became a Philly nightmare as the Cowboys were crushed under a mountain of turnovers by the Eagles 44-6 at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday. The lopsided win comes as the resurgent Eagles(9-6-1) are peaking for a playoff run and the ushers out the NFL's drama queens Dallas Cowboys(9-7) for what is sure to be a testy off season in Big D. The Cowboys maligned head coach Wade Phillips was at a loss for an explanation after the game regarding his team's poor play with their season hinging on a victory to continue into the playoffs.

"There's not much I can say about this one. It was a disaster from the opening kickoff, from kicking the ball out of bounds, to two 80 or 90-yard plays to start off the second half when we had a chance to get it back to 21-17 or something like that. We had everything to play for. I think that the turnovers that haunted us all season ended up really hurting us in terms of not getting enough turnovers on defense and giving up too many offensively. We got by with it a lot of the year and won a lot of games, but we were minus 1 or 2 in the turnover ratio and that ended up getting us. It obviously wasn't penalties, it was turnovers." (PhiladephiaEagles.com)



Despite the rocky beginning to the game Dallas had opportunities early to get going in a more positive direction but were not able to capitalize on the early miscues by the Eagles, particularly on crucial third downs. After a quarter eating 8:15 drive that resulted in the Cowboys kicking a game tying field goal the Eagles stormed the field and began their first touchdown drive. On third and seven play, Donovan McNabb eludes the massive Dallas rush and finds running back Correll Buckhalter who scampered 59 yards to the Dallas six. Then on 3rd and goal the Cowboys were again unable to stop the Eagles as McNabb finished the drive plowing into the endzone for a quick score. The Cowboys were so inept on offense on the next drive that they looked like a school girl at the dance for the first time. Tony Romo made two very questionable throws in traffic to tight end Jason Witten and wide receiver Terrell Owens on the failed drive. Both plays were poorly designed and executed.

Now a rapidly tiring Cowboys defense had to find a way to stop the Eagles before the game got out of hand. Enter linebacker Bradie James. On a one of the few highlights for the Cowboys he burst through the Philadephia line and sacked Donnovan McNabb forcing an Eagles punt. But his inspired play was not enough to energize the Dallas offense and they stumble again three and out. With 7:22 remaining in the half Philly began a drive from deep within it's own end of the field and appeared all but stopped again when the Dallas defense stumbled again on third down and seven. This time McNabb hit rookie wide receiver Deshawn Stevens on a long pass that went all the way to the Dallas four yard line. Two plays later on third down the Eagles score again to make it 17 - 3 with 2:03 remaining in the half. Things would only get worse for Dallas in the final two minutes.

Romo usually is at his best in the two minute offense so, the when the Dallas drive began to pick up steam one could easily guess the Cowboys would at least drive into position for another field goal if not a game changing touchdown. But with 1:01 remaining in the half the former "Boy wonder" missed on a toss to Roy Williams and was picked off by the Eagles defense. Then before the Eagles can run out the clock oft troubled cornerback Adam Jones is called for a personal foul penalty on another critical third down play which moved the Eagles into Cowboys territory at the 14 yard line. Not to be out done cornerback Terrance Newman is called for an equally boneheaded pass interference penalty in the endzone moving the ball to the Dallas one. McNabb would find his receiver Celeck on a beautifully arced pass in the back of the endzone for a 21 point lead for the Eagles. Then on the ensuing kickoff Adam Jones has the ball ripped from his arms and is recovered by Philly and with five seconds remaining they are able to line up for another field goal and a 27 - 3 lead at halftime.

At this point one had to consider if the Cowboys and Tony Romo had lost their will to win completely. But down 24 points in the final game of their season, facing another horrible December finish, his team having failed to win its season finale in the last seven years, surely Tony and Cowboys would try to write a different ending to this season. This America's team and they are used to being down and finding a way to rescue victory from the jaws of defeat. Tony Romo to his credit tried his best to take charge of his own destiny when he went against his coache's wishes and keeps a drive alive with a quarteback sneak on 4th and inches. Then then once fan of Brett Farve began to reach deep in his bag of playground magic sensing his team's season slipping away. After he escaped the rabid Philly rush he throws a backward pass to Witten who finds an open Terrell Owens for 42 yards and Dallas is in business at the Philly 12 yard line. But the snakebite quarterback fumbles on the next play and Philly returns the ball 73 yards for a touchdown.

On the next drive Dallas again appeared to shake off their horrific start and was again moving in for a respectable score, when inexplicably running back Marion Barber III was stripped of the ball trying to fight for extra yards by Philly star safety Brian Dawkins. Joselio Hanson was in the right place at the right time and he scooped up the fumbled ball and rumbled 96 yards for another demoralizing touchdown and the score ballooned to 41-3 and Dallas' season was virtually over in the blink of an eye. The Cowboys could only muster a feeble field goal over the final minutes of the stunning defeat and are now faced with numerous questions headed into the 2009 season and the opening of their new stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Eagles will be traveling to Minnesota next week for a wild card playoff game against the Vikings (10-6) who defeated the defending Superbowl champs and #1 seed in this year's playoffs New York Giants 20 -19 earlier on Sunday to win the NFC North Division title. Donovan McNabb and the rest of the Eagles are playing some inspired ball right now and are poised to make a lot of noise in the playoffs. Fly, Eagles, Fly!!!

IMPOSSIBLE DREAM....Detroit Lions fight to keep history of futility in Tampa, CB vows to walk back if they win!!!

GREEN BAY, Wisc.- British abolitionist, Baron Thomas Foxwell Buxton is best known for saying, "With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable." Surely he must have known the Detroit Lions. Hopefully they will use this quote as their battle cry heading into the game today against the Green Bay Packers. With a loss they will achieve a new modern day record for NFL futility, 0-16.

Earlier this week, Lions cornerback Travis Fisher said he wouldn't fly back with the team if they found a way to get the win in Green Bay. "If we win, I ain't catching the plane back home," he said with a laugh "I'll walk back to Detroit." (AP)

Not since the 1976 expansion Tampa Buccaneers went 0-14 has any team failed to win at least one game in a season. In the 16 game era, no team had ever gone 0-15, until last week. But the Lions set a new low with their pitiful peformance last week in the 42-7 drubbing against the visiting New Orleans Saints and their fans shouldn't expect much more today. These Lions have been hibernating for most of the season. The last time the team actually won a game was two days before Christmas last year. Somehow, they found a way to plummet from potential playoff contenders after a 6-2 start to perrenial doormats losing seven of their last eight games and stumbling to a 7-9 record overall.


Now they have to find a way to win in the tough cold treacherous weather conditions of Wisconsin in December.


The temperature at game time is 22 degrees and anticipated wind gusts of up to 23 mph throughout the day.

In this remarkable year we have seen so many things that have inspired us to hope for change in our lives and society.

THE NOT SO GOOD
We have endured natural disasters on all of our coasts, from the wildfires of California to the hurricanes and tornadoes in South Texas and all along the Atlantic coasts. We are experiencing the greatest economic decline since the Great Depression, unemployment rates are at all time highs, our homes are losing value and our cars are worthless and millions of Americans are without healthcare and millions more suffer in poverty.

THE GOOD TO COME FOR AMERICA
We have elected a black man President and we've witnessed the end of the Bush administration.

THE HOPE FOR THE FUTURE ....
If there is any hope left in what has been awe inspiring 362 days so far in 2008 let us all hope that the Lions and the city of Detroit will be able to look back in the years to come and say that despite of over-whelming odds against them on this day and the tremendous adversity the faced, and say that they did not go quietly into the night. They fought back and said NO to making history for futility and just won baby!! You can do it LIONS!!

Feliz Navidad....Mavs win 102-94 over Blazers

AP Photo/Don Ryan


PORTLAND --Dirk Nowitzki goes for 30 and the Dallas Mavericks played Scrooge tonight downing the Portland Trailblazers 102-94 sending the holiday crowd home with a little less cheer and giving the Mavericks a three game win streak.

"We've got a lot of work to do." - Dirk Nowitzki

The game was full of scoring as both teams shot for an outstanding percentage from the field they were a combined 49 percent (74-150). At the end of the first the Mavericks held a slim four point lead 33-29 and were able to hold on through a second quarter that was filled with action.

With about six minutes remaining in the half Dirk (twinkle toes) Notwitzki scored on twirling layup to push the Mavericks lead nine then 10 because he was fouled on his pirouette to the hoop.

But the young Blazers did not blink. They moved the ball down the court and lost guard Jason Kidd on a Greg Oden screen that freed Rudy Fernandez who hit a clutch three to pull the Blazers to within seven. The teams would trade misses before Dirk's foul on former Maryland Terrapin Steve Blake, who made two free throws and suddenly the game was at five. Guard Brandon Roy could not be handled off the dribble and he strolled through a porous Mavericks defense laying up softly over Josh Howard and Dirk to bring Portland back to within three forcing a Dallas timeout with 2:36 remaining in the quarter.

Out of the timeout Jason "the Jet" Terry laced a mid range jumper over Blake to put the lead back to five. Then the Blazers got cold and started to clang shots off the rim. Dirk was fouled and hit two free throws now the lead was back to seven. Still the Blazers would not go away and they hung tough with stout defense and timely three point shots. As the final seconds of the half ticked away Dirk floated a high arching shot over former high school phenom Travis Outlaw. His high kneed, Magic Johnson like jumper was in a word indefensible. Guess the fifth year pro should have payed more attention in class because Dirk would school him all night and Dallas took a their four point first quarter lead to half time 59-55.

After the half, the game went along swingingly until about the 4:41 mark when the Mavericks Josh Howard shoved Blazers center Joel Pryzbilla to the floor on a entry pass. The uncalled for rough play quickly earned him a flagrant one from veteran official Robert Delaney. Pryzbilla was also given a technical foul by the referee who is well-known for his hard-nosed approach to rough play and disdain for foul mouths. Yet, Howard continued to jaw at him and he was rewarded with quick another technical and he was ejected. The Mavericks unfazed and unimpressed by his Ron Artest like play, were able to hold on to a slim two point edge before the Blazers came back again.

Travis Outlaw would get his revenge on Dirk as the quarter wound down stripping him repeatedly helping the Blazers capitalize. The raucous Rose Garden crowd was treated to a dazzling rebound and score by Rudy Fernandez off a Steve Blake missed three point attempt to take a three point lead of their own 80-77 into the fourth and deciding quarter.

But a poor shooting start to the quarter by Portland (0-4 FGs) allowed the Mavericks grab a brief one point lead when Brandon Bass stroked a slippery jumper on a pass from Jose Barea. The Blazers took a time out and were able to regain the lead quickly as LaMarcus Aldridge lifts and scored over Dirk, 82-81 Blazers.

The teams dueled back and forth all night and they would continue down the stretch. Blazers Rudy Fernandez and Travis Outlaw combined youth, speed and athleticism to push the Portland lead to three again at the nine minute mark but Dallas would regroup for the final minutes. Jason Terry and Jason Kidd would hit back to back three pointers to give the Mavericks a 95-92 lead and the Blazers would never get any closer.

Moments later more hustle play from the smallest guy on the floor Barea would give Dallas a 97-92 lead at 3:33 capping a fierce 10-2 run. Portland coach Nate McMillan called a time out hoping to come up with one last Christmas miracle to derail the Mavericks express.

But out of the time out it was Barea again finding a wide open Brandon Bass in the lane who powered home a thunderous dunk to push the lead to a more comfortable seven for the Mavericks.

The teams would exchange baskets again before veteran point man Jason Kidd would take the air out of the ball slowly taking the ball up the floor and the Mavericks got hard earned road victory.

OH - NO ROMO!!! Dallas loses tough one in final seconds to Steelers 20-13.

PITTSBURGH- Cold, tired, and hurting the Dallas Cowboys waste a masterful defensive effort and fall short of victory in the "Steel City" today 20-13 at Heinz Field. The lost ushers in the month of December with it's usual tenor for the Cowboys and gives the New York Giants the NFC East title. The Cowboys knew coming in that getting the victory would be tough, if not impossible against the Steelers number one rated defense.

The Dallas Cowboys (8-5), winners of their last three games came in without the services of their bruising running back Marion Barber who was out with a toe injury suffered in the Thanksgiving win over the Seahawks. His rookie understudy Tashard Choice appeared to be the answer as he was an effective stand in earning 88 yards on 23 carries in his first NFL start. Yet, the vaunted Steelers (9-4) defense proved to be worthy of all of the hype.

Dallas quarterback Tony Romo had his worst game since his triumphant return against the Washington Redskins weeks ago going, 19 for 36 with three interceptions and a fumble lost. Facing the relentless Steelers pass rush, Tony Romo had been able to avoid making the one mistake that would cost his team the game until the final moments. For most of the night he had used his elusiveness to avoid sacks and keep scoring drives alive. When he heaved a desperation strike to Owens in the back of the end zone late in the third quarter the score pushed the Cowboys lead to 10 points. The play was in a word Romo-rrific.

But Romo and Cowboys' luck would run out as Pittsburgh cornerback Deshea Townsend intercepted Romo's ill advised toss to tight end Jason Witten and returned it for the game winning score. On a second and eight pass play deep inside of your own territory with less than two minutes to go and a full compliment of timeouts passing the ball should have been the last thing on his mind. Especially, in a tie game on the road in those windy conditions.

The Cowboys also wasted a golden opportunity to gain an advantage in the NFC playoff race as they begin another December with a thud. The lost by the Atlanta Falcons has for the moment given Dallas a slight edge in the NFC Wildcard race but things don't get any easier for this team. Next up is another tough match-up against the hated Giants. The G-men (11-2) took it on the chin pretty good today losing 20-14 against the rejuvenated Eagles (7-5-1) at home. They will definitely come into the historic final game with a lot to prove. Let's just hope the Cowboys are ready to prove that this will be a December to remember for their fans and more importantly that they are ready to become playoff contenders.

SEC coaching pioneer Sylvester Croom resigns

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippi State University’s Sylvester Croom announced Saturday that he was officially resigning as the head football coach. The sudden decision to resign comes to some but not all after the schools' most lopsided performance a 45-0 drubbing last Friday by #25 Ole Miss in the famed "Egg Bowl".

"Five years ago, Mississippi State gave me the unprecedented opportunity to be a head football coach in the Southeastern Conference and to build a program based upon a strong foundation," Croom said. "I believe the foundation has been set for those goals to be reached under the leadership of someone else, and it was my decision to resign."

The former Alabama star was an assistant at his alma mater from 1977-86, then spent 17seasons as an assistant in the NFL. Last season after the Bulldogs posted an 8-5 record and won the Liberty Bowl over UCF, Coach Croom was awarded the prestigious SEC Coach of the year award. However, in our win now or go home era of college and professional sports the expectations of fans, boosters and alumni can and most often does lead to quality coaches being shown the door.

The weight of a 4-8 record this season and a 21-38 record overall during his tenure proved to be too much for the SEC's first African American head coach endure. His players were alerted of his decision to resign via text message from the school's officials but many felt that he would not return next season and some defended the coach after the horrible defeat on Friday.

"I think it is unfair," wide receiver Delmon Robinson said of the criticism. "It's all about the players. We've got to win and we've got to go out there and execute coach's plays." (Dallasmorningnews.com)

Mississippi State will begin its search for a new head football coach immediately. All current assistant football coaches remain under contract and will continue performing their duties until the new head coach is hired. Kudos to the MSU organization and administration for breaking down racial barriers in the south by hiring Coach Croom five years ago then, allowing him the dignity of resigning quietly. Although, he will no longer be their coach his impact on the players and the MSU family will not be forgotten.

“Coach Croom instilled in our football program a level of academic commitment, good sportsmanship, and good citizenship that represents our institution well,” Interim President Dr. Roy H. Ruby said. “The Mississippi State family wishes only the best for Coach Croom and his family.” (Mstateathletics.com)