Drew Bledsoe

Drew Bledsoe retired this past week, ending a career in which he made two Super Bowls. Bledsoe threw for 44,611 yards and 251 touchdown passes in his career.

Suzie McConnell Serio

Suzie McConnell Serio is the new women's basketball coach at Duquesne University. McConnell Serio spent 13 seasons as head coach at Oakland Catholic compiling a 321-86 record. She was also head coach of the Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA for 3 1/2 years compiling a 58-67 record.

Mickie DeMoss RESIGNS!

Kentucky women’s head basketball coach Mickie DeMoss resigned this week, saying she needed to reassess what she wanted to do. “I would never rule out a return to coaching again,” DeMoss said. “But for me, right now was the best time to step away.” DeMoss, 51, arrived at UK in 2003 after 18 seasons as an assistant at Tennessee. Her record at Kentucky was 71-56. She was also head coach at Florida from 1979-83 going 45-68 record.

Tommy Amaker

Former Duke All-American and ex-Seton Hall and Michigan coach Tommy Amaker accepted an offer to become Harvard's men's basketball coach. In four years at Seton Hall, Amaker's teams compiled a 68-55 record, with a trip to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 in 2000. In 2001, Amaker moved to Michigan, where a 109-83 record and three 20-win seasons were overshadowed by the Wolverines' failure to make the NCAA Tournament.

Kevin Borseth

Kevin Borseth has been hired as the new women's basketball coach of the Michigan Wolverines. Borseth went 216-62 at Wisconsin-Green Bay. That included going 29-4 this season and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Previously he coached 11 years at Michigan Tech, where he was 225-97. In addition to Borseth, Michigan hired Grand Valley State head coach Dawn Plitzuweit to be the program's associate head coach, just a year after she led the Lakers to the Division II national championship.

John Pelphrey

John Pelphrey has been named head basketball coach at Arkansas. Pelphrey spent the past five years as the head coach at South Alabama. After going 14-14 in 2003, 12-16 in 2004 and 10-18 in 2005, his 2006 squad had the best turnaround in the nation, finishing 24-7. This past season, despite losing his top three scorers from 2005, USA went 20-12. The Paintsville, Ky., native went to South Alabama following six seasons as an assistant under Donovan at Florida from 1997-2002. He was also an assistant under Donovan for two years at Marshall in 1995 and ’96.

Donnie Jones

Marshall University has a new Men's Basketball Coach. Donnie Jones was named head coach. Jones, a native of Point Pleasant, W.Va., just completed his 11th season coaching at Florida and his 13th overall under Billy Donovan. The former Marshall assistant was instrumental in helping the Gators capture their second consecutive NCAA National Championship this season.

Happy Easter!

Charlotte's Web

New on DVD this past week is Charlotte's Web. It is available from Amazon.

The Jay Cutler Foundation

The Jay Cutler Foundation was established by Denver Broncos Quarterback Jay Cutler to support and fund organizations dedicated to improving our communities and the lives of young people through educational and mentoring programs.

John Beilein

John Beilein became the 16th men's basketball coach at the University of Michigan yesterday. Here is his coaching record:

Years
School
Overall Conference
1979-82
Erie CC (4 seasons)
75-43

1983
Nazareth (1 season)
20-6

1984-92
LeMoyne (9 seasons)
163-94

1993-97
Canisius (5 seasons)
89-62 44-26

1998-2002
Richmond (5 seasons)
100-53 56-23

2003-07
West Virginia (5 seasons)
104-60 40-40

Career Totals (29 Seasons)
551-318 140-89

REPEAT!

Florida fulfilled its mission to repeat as national champions, beating Ohio State 84-75 to become the first team since Duke in 1992 to win basketball national titles in consecutive years. This win completes a 2007 championship-game sweep of the Buckeyes in the two biggest college sports -- men's hoops and football. Florida, a 41-14 winner in the football title game in January, remains the only program in history to hold both championships at the same time.

Happy Birthday Reba!

Today is Reba McEntire's birthday. She turns 52 today.

Ritchie McKay

Ritchie McKay is the new head coach of the Liberty Flames. McKay, 41, comes to Liberty from New Mexico where he spent five seasons at the helm of the Lobos’ basketball program compiling a 82-69 record. In 10 years as a head coach, McKay has posted a 165-158 career coaching record, including two-year stints each at Portland State (1997-98), Colorado State (1999-00) and Oregon State (2001-02).

Alford New Head Men's Basketball Coach at New Mexico

Steve Alford, has a 308-183 (63%) career record in 16 seasons as a collegiate head coach. In eight seasons at Iowa, Alford compiled a 152-106 record with a school-record seven consecutive winning seasons, and six postseason appearances. Prior to Iowa, Alford posted a 78-29 record in four seasons (1992-95) at NCAA Division III Manchester (Ind.) College and a four-year (1996-99) record of 78-48 at Southwest Missouri State.

Rene Portland Out At Penn St

Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland resigned, ending a 27-year tenure. Portland compiled a 606-236 record at Penn State, and earlier this season became the ninth women's basketball coach to win 600 games at one school. Penn State played in 21 NCAA Tournaments under Portland and advanced to the 2000 Final Four. Portland won five Big Ten championships and two conference tournament titles. As a player, Portland won three national championships with Immaculata College (1972-74) at the tournament sponsored by the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women.

Gators In The White House

The BCS national champion Florida football team was honored by President George W. Bush on Monday afternoon at The White House.

Amaker out at Michigan

The University of Michigan fired basketball coach Tommy Amaker after six seasons without an appearance in the NCAA tournament. Amaker had a 109-83 record at Michigan, including 43-53 in the Big Ten Conference. He also compiled a 68-55 record in four seasons at Seton Hall before taking over at Michigan.

Cheryl Burnett-RETIRED

Michigan women's basketball coach Cheryl Burnett retired on today. She had a record of 35-83 (10-54) in four season at Michigan.

Rebirth International

Rebirth International is the outgrowth of our founder Mo Leverett’s calling and vision to advance spiritual and community revitalization in pockets of poverty both stateside and worldwide. Mo grew up in the Deep South and even as a young man became increasingly burdened to see his South live up to its professed Christian ideals, especially in regard to the historic issue of race and the entrenched problem of multi-generational poverty. That passion has grown to a life’s call and mission and led Mo and his wife Ellen, after receiving his Masters of Divinity degree from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi to move into the Desire neighborhood of New Orleans in 1990 to launch his first urban ministry called Desire Street Ministries.
Of course the Desire neighborhood and the entire 9th ward that enfolds it are infamous for its poverty, crime and other social problems. The housing project which was built in this community was ranked the nation’s worst by HUD and was the center of most the cities murders and poverty. Mo and his team succesfully developed a ministry that became one of the leading young urban ministry models in this country. Within a multi-purpose facility that was built, a church, a school, an off-site medical clinic, and many other ministry programs were set into motion.But after 16 years of succesful yet arduous front-line incarnational urban ministry - the organization and community that he served was devastated and ruined by Hurricane Katrina. Mo went to work with a team of dedicated staff to rescue and redesign the ministry he founded in 1990. Yet through a series of events, it became apparent that God’s call on Mo to expand urban ministry initiatives in other pockets of poverty was the providential next step for Mo’s spiritual journey.
While leaving Desire Street Ministries was among the most painful circumstance Mo has faced in his professional life, the vision of Rebirth was always where Mo’s gifts and passions lied.

Carolyn Peck-FIRED!

The Gators have lost a program-worst 13 straight games and are 6-20 overall and 0-11 in the SEC. Peck is 69-74 overall and 22-45 in the SEC at Florida. She led the Gators to two NCAA Tournaments and one WNIT Tournament in five seasons.

Florida Gators

The Florida Gators defeated the Kentucky Wildcats in Men's Basketball yesterday 64-61. Florida won its fifth straight against Kentucky and two and a row at Rupp for the first time since 1988-89.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Cristina Ferrare. She turns 57 today.

New on DVD Today

Flags Of Our Fathers and Running With Scissors. Both are available from Amazon.

Judy Rodman

Power, Path & Performancefor Maximum Voice
Now, renowned vocal instructor and award-winning recording artist Judy Rodman gives you access to the ultimate vocal technique!
Singers can spend years searching for a method that teaches them how to have it all -- a powerful, healthy voice that can move the heart through authentic communication. After intense personal study and over 30 years of professional singing experience, Judy Rodman offers her comprehensive technique for the contemporary performer.
Power, Path and Performance is available in a series of six CDs. You will receive:
Two audio CDs, from which you’ll learn the method’s basis
Three audio CDs with vocal exercises
One video CD-ROM, viewable on Windows Medial Player, of Judy demonstrating the exercises (45 minutes)
11 color illustrations
Male and female vocal routines
Sounds effects and humor to make your intense learning fun!
With over four hours of instruction, Power, Path and Performance is easily a $400 value. Right now, you can buy the entire course for $130, plus $5 (U.S.) or $10 (outside U.S.) shipping.
More about Power, Path and Performance
Power, Path and Performance features instruction in three essential areas that Judy believes are necessary to master when developing your maximum voice:
“Power”: Breathe correctly, understand your voice’s “engine” and sing with extraordinary strength and volume.
“Path”: Learn how to keep your throat open and easy, maintaining your power withoutstraining your vocal chords.
“ Performance”: Move your audience to tears, joy or profound reflection by entering the song and “making it real.”
Using tools of anatomy, imagery and vocal exercises to connect the mind and body to the voice, you’ll reap the following rewards:
A powerful yet controlled voice with no vocal-cord strain
Pitch accuracy and vocal “lick” ease (stylized ad-lib or embellishment)
Evenness of volume and intensity yet passionate and believable delivery
Healed vocal “breaks” (unwanted yodels) and blended registers (high and low voices)
Vocal uniqueness from access to one’s own resonances
Floating, sustained tones
Expanded vocal range
Freedom of expression due to lack of tension and fear
Confidence and joy in the ability to communicate and to move the heart
Who Benefits?
Beginners, highly advanced professionals and even classical vocalists desiring a more contemporary sound will benefit from this ultimate vocal technique. Public speakers will gain powerful yet pleasant, communicative voices that are not easily fatigued.
Power, Path and Performance starts working quickly but can be studied for a lifetime, as the concepts become clearer and the techniques more entrenched in muscle memory.

Patricia Neal

Happy 81st birthday to Patricia Neal, the greatest actress of all time. Here is a link to the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center.

The World War II Memorial

The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S., the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home. Symbolic of the defining event of the 20th Century, the memorial is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people. The Second World War is the only 20th Century event commemorated on the National Mall’s central axis.

Upper 84 Ranch

Former Dallas Cowboy Jay Novacek, invites you to be a guest on his PRIVATE HUNTING RANCH.
It is known as the Upper 84 Ranch, but Jay Novacek refers to it as his little slice of heaven in Nebraska. Jay, known as the tight end who went to five Pro Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys in the 90s, has turned 3,500 acres of land near Brady Nebraska into something he has dreamed of since his youth.

Ronald McDonald House

A strong mind. A strong body. And a safe, supportive place to grow. These are things that every child needs - and deserves. Helping to provide these things is what we do. By creating, finding and supporting programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is working to better the lives of children and their families around the world. The three core programs of RMHC - the Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile - are focused on helping families in need. Our cornerstone Ronald McDonald House program began in 1974 based on a simple idea: Provide a "home away from home" for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Since that time, more than 10 million families around the world have benefited from the comfort provided by a Ronald McDonald House.The Ronald McDonald Family Room program extends the comfort of a Ronald McDonald House to a hospital setting. Typically located just steps from neonatal or pediatric intensive care units, the Family Room provides a place to escape the stress and tension of the hospital.Through relationships with local health care providers, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program brings cost-effective medical, dental and health education services directly to underserved children in both rural and urban areas around the world.In addition to supporting the core programs, RMHC and our global network of local Chapters in 49 countries have awarded more than $440 million dollars in grants and program services worldwide to make an immediate, positive impact on as many children as possible. Together with support from hundreds of thousands of passionate and caring volunteers, donors and RMHC staff, we've had plenty of success.

National Down Syndrome Society

The National Down Syndrome Society envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to realize their life aspirations. NDSS is committed to being the national leader in enhancing the quality of life, and realizing the potential of all people with Down syndrome.

National Champs!

The Florida Gator Football Team won the National Championship last night beating Ohio State 41-14.

Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round training and competition.

Jim Harbaugh

Stanford University will have a new football coach next season also. Former University of Michigan and NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh was named head coach. He was formerly head coach at San Diego University.

Kerwin Bell

Kerwin Bell is the new football coach at Jacksonville University. He is the former coach at Trinity Catholic in Ocala and a former Florida Gator quarterback.

Happy New Year!

Another Season

I have a book recommendation for you. It's called "Another Season" by Gene Stallings and it is available from Amazon. I have read this book and thoroughly enjoyed it.

President Ford

President Gerald Ford has passed away at the age of 93. Here is a link to the Gerald Ford Memorial. Here is a link to the Gerald Ford Library and Museum.

Merry Christmas!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.

When out on the roof there arose such a clatter,I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.Away to the window I flew like a flash,tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave the lustre of midday to objects below,when, what to my wondering eyes should appear,but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.More rapid than eagles, his coursers they came,and he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
"Now Dasher! Now Dancer!Now, Prancer and Vixen!On, Comet! On, Cupid!On, Donner and Blitzen!To the top of the porch!To the top of the wall!Now dash away! Dash away!Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky so up to the house-top the coursers they flew,with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.As I drew in my head and was turning around,down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes--how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.He had a broad face and a little round belly,that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.A wink of his eye and a twist of his head soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.And laying his finger aside of his nose,and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

We Are Marshall

New in the theaters today is We Are Marshall.

Invincible

New on DVD today is the movie Invincible. It is available from Amazon.

The Rise School

The Rise Program Mission Statement
The purpose of the Rise Program is to support the mission of The University of Alabama which is to provide research, training, and service. This mission of the Rise Program includes:
• Providing exemplary services based on recommended practices to young children with diverse abilities and their families.• Interfacing with the community through outreach activities.• Offering instructional opportunities through collaboration with various academic units within The University of Alabama system and with other colleges and universities. • Engaging in research that positively influences practice in the field of early childhood education at the local, state, and national levels. • Disseminating information and providing technical assistance to other community-based agencies; and effecting policy and systems change at the local, state, and national levels.

Charlotte's Web

Opening at the theaters today is Charlotte's Web.

Disability Resources Incorporated

Today I'd like to tell you about Disability Resources Incorporated. Check out their website to learn more about it.

City Of Hope is an innovative biomedical research, treatment and educational institution dedicated to the prevention and cure of cancer and other life-threatening illness.

Pat Sullivan

Samford University has a new football coach. Pat Sullivan was named head coach this past week. He had been working as offensive coordinator at UAB and was previously head coach at TCU.

Happy Birthday Sylvia

Today is music superstar Sylvia's 50 birthday. She is an amazing singer/songwriter and one of my all time favorites.

Fred Goldsmith

Lenoir-Rhyne has a new football coach. Fred Goldsmith, the former head coach at Duke and Rice is their new coach.

Pearl Harbor Day

Today is Pearl Harbor Day.

How To Eat Fried Worms

New on DVD this week is How To Eat Fried Worms. It is available from Amazon.

SEC Champs!

The Florida Gator Football team won the SEC Championship Game for the sixth time and took its seventh SEC title with a 38-28 win over Arkansas.

The 107th Army-Navy Game

Navy (8-3) will play host to Army (3-8) in the 107th edition of the Army-Navy game Saturday at a sold-out Lincoln Financial Field (68,532) in Philadelphia. The Mids will be gunning for a fourth-straight Commander-In-Chief's Trophy and with a victory, the Navy senior class will become the first in school history to go 8-0 against Army and Air Force. GO NAVY BEAT ARMY!!