Memo To Reid And McNabb

Dear Andy and Donavan:

This is Alice, the biggest pain in the neck Eagles’ fan ever. I am writing this letter to you both, because my state of mind depends on it. You see, I have been up and down with these Eagles from the days of Cunningham. I have stayed up late on Sundays and Mondays and even changed my schedule for the early games. I have given up playing golf during football season, just be able to see my Eagles.

I have cried with the “almost bids” to the Superbowl and the shortcoming during the playoff bids. Yes, I have also scream my heart out during the days we have success. Heck, I am a diehard fan.

Donavan, you have made steady strides, you have been hurt and even had your selfishness challenged this year when Mike came to town. But I am thankful for the days that you are in the starting lineup. I can tell with the first snap, if you will have a great day in the huddle. But while I have not doubted your committment, today I am begging you to show up. Yes I know that Andy might not play you for the entire game, but I am begging you to play your hardest.

Andy, thank you for your leadership, courage under pressure and that calm demeanor, which has produced great success over the past decade. But make no mistake, you are as good as your last game. You and No. 5 have come a long way, and today is as important as any other record-breaking game.

Today Andy, you play the Cowboys – note to self, I loathe those freaks. But if pleasing your most outspoken fan is not enough, then just win one for the Gipper.

The Eagles’ Defense has been on fire, and I give props to Samuels and Cole, the offense get a bet sheepish and causes me insomnia sometimes. I am confident however, that the team is all on board for this last parting shot against Wade and the boys.

Hint, hint guys, the possibility does exist that the Eagles and Cowboys will meet again in the playoffs, so a win today is a must. Today, we might have to rely on Ackers to finish the job, but meeting him half way is a must.

Today boys “we play to win the game”. Today – “winning isn’t everything, is the only thing”, Today is about the heart and soul, pride and joy, do or die and any other cliché football quote.

So buckle up your chin straps and lace up your cleats, you are my prime time, cause you have to compete. Make no assumption, I will be up front and center watching – so please execute like your bonus depends on it.

Today, boys, you putt for dough and drive for show – ops thats a golf cliché, but hell you all could use it.

Sincerely – You Know!!

Out With The Old In With The New

Hal Borland once said that “the year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning, but instead its a going on, with the wisdom that experience can instill in us”. Since I am no great poet or philospher, I will only say that a year brings about time for reflection, re-evaluation and rejuvenation. Its a time to edit the broken reel, make amends, ask for forgiveness, forgive, and yes more soul searching.

As a divorced single mother of two well-rounded teenagers, I can say that my life has been tested over the last 17 years, but I have always stuck it out. For each year introduces itself with a brand new sets of challenges. But with every challenege, I managed to stay the course, leading my family for another 365 days.

Not everyone is built to play by my ground rules though, and sometimes, I even venture out with my friendship, to help those in need. Sometimes when the times gets rough and quitting could be only one thought away. I re-saddle my horse and and ride the mountains to see the other side of life.

Mainly because, I am never a quitter, I am all for team, yes I am that quarterback who plays hurt, defying all odds to win. So my friends and family always look to me, as the one who is built “Ford Tough”, but even when I feel down, I always rely on one word and one premise – “Tomorrow”, living today moment by moment.

So as 2009 came to a close, my reflection was in line with all my expectations, my re-evalutaion – I took too little time for myself with no regrets, rejuvenation – one day at a time.

As I faced the challenges of as a mother, an employee, a volunteer, a mentor and friend this year, I have always counted my blessings taking on the challenges and goals that were attainable. I am always hold myself accountable with the morals my mom taught me.

So thank you 2009, for the lessons learned, the obstacles, the successes and failures. I will head on into his new year being 2009 reformed and since I have completed the first challenge of 2010 (waking up), I am off to a great start.

A Few Parting Shots After My Glass Of Eggnog

Over the last weeks, I have been brainstorming, about a blog I would write to reflect on the year in sports and entertainment – the highs, lows and the most memorable. I thought about the death of legends, the making of legends and legendary performances. I thought to myself, how would I write a blog post capturing all that happened, and then it came to mind, that I should just let the thoughts flow from my fingers tips. You know me, I tend to shoot from my Caribbean hips, so with a little flavor and lots of drum and bass, here we go 2009.

We all rang in the new year with a new vision, as individuals and then as citizens of the free world, who elected our first African-American president – Barack Obama. It was a heavily contested democratic race, having almost elected the Senator from New York and Former First Lady Hilary Clinton. The female sorority of traveling pantsuits rallied behind Senator Clinton, but she finally succumbed to the change candidate Obama. The rookie Senator from Chicago, Illinois routed senior Senator John McCain to win the presidency. And then, there was the rise and fall of icon Sarah Palin with a fashion scandal too.

So after Mr. Obama became President Obama in the historic inauguration, The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals in the Superbowl with a clutch grab from wide receiver Santonio Holmes. Although, Larry Fitzgerald was my choice for MVP, Holmes was truly deserving of it. One low-light of that game was when Defensive End James Harrison punched Aaron Francisco, in what will forever be one of the dirtiest play, I have ever seen. Harrison made the news a few months later, saying he would not visit the White House with his team, as was tradition for the winning Superbowl team – Bonehead Award nominee.

The death of Michael Jackson stunned the nation, and fans from near and far came out to pay tribute to the king of pop. It was later determined that Jackson died of a drug overdose – a combination of prescription drugs, dispensed by his so-called doctor. But as big as Michael’s death was, there were other shocking moments. The sudden death of Titans’/Ravens’ retired quarterback Steve McNair, as a result of a murder suicide. As rumors swirl around the cause of his death, it was later discovered that his untimely death was as a result of an extramarital affair.

The Minnesota Vikings held the sports world and the media under seige, as they attempted to stay in the spotlight after a sub par 2008 season, by courting Brett Favre to come out of retirement. SportsCenter and every media outlet spent days and night covering Brett in his backyard mowing the lawn, playing pickup football with high school players in Mississippi, until they missed the secret private jet that took him to the Vikings headquarters. The Favre saga was out of control and I even stepped in to offer my two cents. Favre’s on again off again romance with the Vikings ended in a date to the prom after training camp, which was my bet – he is too old to be hit in two-a-days.

The Denver Broncos had their fair share of quarterback saga as Jay Cutler and his new coach had a falling out, after trade rumors surfaced, with talks of Matt Cassel coming to town. Stud wide receiver Brandon Marshall turned up his divatude refusing to show up to camp and demanded a trade in a contract dispute.

Bengals’ Chad Johnson deed-polled his name to Chad OchoCinco – need I say more? Terrell Owen was released by Dallas, did a TV Reality Show with his publicists, who were more like galpals – not one press release was written and one galpal booked a room for two with T.O. Then Mr. Owens went to Buffalo, his press conference was like an announcement for presidential candidacy.

The benching of Vince Young and then the return of Mr. Young who took his team on a playoff hunt. Young shared the spotlight with my candidate for MVP – running back Chris Johnson. Coach Mangini struggles in Cleveland, Coach Caldwell chasing the Dolphins 17-0 record – with my favorite horse Peyton.

Kobe and Lebron ads hinted of a NBA Finals matchup, but the Magic routed Lebron and the Cavaliers – breaking my heart as a Cavaliers’ fan. My fondest memory from the Magic-Cavs series was that 3-pointer by Lebron with seconds to go in the Orlando series. Lowlight was that unsportsmanlike infraction committed by Lebron at the end of the series – the “no hand shake”, come on Lebron. Steven Jackson was traded after that Don Nelson tirade. Ron Artest to Lakers and Vince to the Magic.

There was Chris and Rihanna, Beyonce, Taylor Swift and that annoying Kanye West moment. JayZ had that stupid D.O.A song, Usher got a divorce and wrote a song called “Papers”. Maxwell new album was a hit, Y.E. Yang beat Tiger Woods, talking about Tiger Woods – oh boy! As to Mr. Woods, he had a fall from grace after that Thanksgiving accident-incident turned extramarital affair turned media standoff, turn public relations nightmare turned transgressions. Oh well, I am just saying – agent/publicist for hire here – resume updated.

Delonte West and Gilbert Arenas had weapons issues, T.I. went to jail on weapons charges and his girlfriend had a reality show. Rodney Harrison retired, Junior Seau wanted to come back, Derrick Brooks had tryouts, Mr. Haynesworth went to Washington, Shaq to Cleveland and Dwayne Wade refused to resign – oh boy. Twitter became a bigger hit with athletes, artists and actors. Chad OchoCinco coined the phrase “child please” and Deion Saunders shouts “pay the man” when Joshua Cribbs runs one back. Chalmers of the Heat, started all 82 games off the bench, while Michael Beasley puts himself on blast on twitter result ing in a 30 day stay in rehab – too much disclosure there.

Hollywood lost Farah Fawcett and Britney Murphy,the Twilight Saga New Moon, Avatar and Transformers were all box office hits. Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry gone too soon and Brett Favre needs to know its too soon to show up his coach in national TV. Jamarcus Russell still overrated, Dolphins still struggles on December.

How I could I forget the Mike Vick story and the fact that he ended up on my favorite team the Eagles. The unselfishness of Donavan McNabb, the leadership of Andy Reid, the over-bearing Jerry Jones. The Tony Romo’s excuses, the heart of Darren Sproles.

Michael Jordan to the Hall Of Fame and Charles Barkley to golf rehab for that god-awful swing. So as I sip the last bit of eggnog and brings this blog to a close. Here are my final shouts outs: Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson, Lebron James, Chad OchoCinco, Akron Ohio High School wrestler amputee Leroy Sutton and his best friend Dartanyon Crockett – for their display of courage and friendship. John Daly for his courageous attempt coming back to the PGA Tour, Stewart Cink for his British Open win, Ray Allen and his son, Shaq for his kind gesture helping that North Carolina family, Senator Ted Kennedy for his contribution to mankind and politics. The Female US Golf team for winning the Solheim Cup and the boys for the Ryder Cup. Get a grip to Tiger Woods, James Harrison, Gilbert Arenas, Tom Brady (for snobbing Susie Kolber), Flozell Adams, Adalius Thomas, Brett Favre, JayZ, Kanye West, Sarah Palin (you are not a rogue), Charlie Weiss, Roger Goodell of the No Fun League. Tom Cable gets a thumbs down and shame on you Brett Favre for refusing to sit down, causing shame to your coach and yes Tiger Woods earns my god-awful swing for being a swinger… I am out.

Michael Vick My Choice For NFL Come Back Player

I am all for a come back story, because as human beings, we spend a lot of time celebrating other people’s demise, instead of offering a helping hand. When Michael Vick was implicated in the dog fighting ring, I was angry at first, as the owner of a beautiful Lab and next as just an individual with morals. But, I have taken a step back to evaluate the Michael Vick saga and decided that as an individual of morally sound mind, I should approach Vick’s comeback with an open heart.

When Vick was released from jail, I really hope that he would have taken a shot back at the NFL, but a part of me thought that it was not a good idea. But even within that mindset, deep down inside of me, I wanted him to fight back and prove his critics wrong.

Signing with the Eagles with McNabb’s blessing was a great way to give him a shot of redemption. I was really excited about this especially as an Eagles’ fan and for the opportunity he had to work with Andy Reid and his coaching staff. After all who is calmer under the collar, than Andy Reid? Although Vick has been patiently making his way into the Eages’ lineup his peers have shown that they appreciate his tough journey back to the NFL.

Vick won the Ed Block Courage Award, voted on by his teammates on the Philadelphia Eagles, after the once-disgraced star quarterback returned to the league after spending 18 months in a federal prison for his role in a dogfighting ring.

“It means a great deal to me,” Vick said Wednesday. “I was voted unanimously by my teammates. They know what I’ve been through. I’ve been through a lot. It’s been great to come back and have an opportunity to play and be with a great group of guys. I’m just ecstatic about that and I enjoy every day.” Vick, who is a three-time Pro Bowl pick in six seasons with Atlanta, Vick has played sparingly with the Eagles. He has two touchdowns rushing and one passing in 12 games. The Ed Block Award honors players who exemplify commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. Each of the 32 NFL teams selects a recipient.

“I’ve overcome a lot, more than probably one single individual can handle or bear,” Vick said. “You ask certain people to walk through my shoes, they probably couldn’t do. Probably 95 percent of the people in this world because nobody had to endure what I’ve been through, situations I’ve been put in, situations I put myself in and decisions I have made, whether they have been good or bad.

“There’s always consequences behind certain things and repercussions behind them, too. And then you have to wake up every day and face the world, whether they perceive you in the right perspective, it’s a totally different outlook on you. You have to be strong, believe in yourself, be optimistic. That’s what I’ve been able to do. That’s what I display.”

The Eagles were criticized by animal rights activists for signing Vick less than a month after he was released from prison. Dozens of protesters voiced their outrage outside the team’s practice facility the day after Vick was signed, and many fans threatened to give up their tickets.

But Vick got a warm reception in his first game with the Eagles and by most accounts has been a model citizen off the field.

The animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, issued a statement reprimanding the Eagles for giving Vick the award.

“The Philadelphia Eagles fumbled when they gave Michael Vick the Ed Block Courage Award, which was named after a man who advocated in behalf of abused children,” the PETA statement read. “Michael Vick should not be the person anyone points to as a model of sportsmanship, even though he has now exchanged dogs for touchdowns after serving time for extreme cruelty to animals. We wish him well in educating others, but this is not appropriate and does not mark a joyous moment in NFL history.”

Vick has spent time working with the Humane Society of the United States, speaking to school and community groups about the mistakes he made in getting involved in dogfighting.

“It was a big obstacle proving I’m worthy of a second chance,” Vick said. “It doesn’t stop here. I have to continue to prove that. I think it’s not going to be a day-to-day process, it’s going to be a year-in, year-out process. It’s a challenge to myself. The thing I told (NFL commissioner) Roger (Goodell) is that four or five years from now, I’m going to come to him and say, ‘Everything I told you I was going to do, I’m still doing it.’ And that’s what I pride myself on and that’s my focus and that’s my goal.”

Quarterback Donovan McNabb called the award “well-deserved.”

“Congratulations to him for straightening his life around and bettering himself as a human being,” coach Andy Reid said. “He’s obviously very well-respected by his teammates.”

Is Flozel Adams Stupid, Simple Or Slow

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Regardless of how much I dislike the Cowboys, Jerry Jones and the stupid stadium, I have enough intelligence to write an objective piece about another boneheaded infraction by the self-destructive hulk himself – Flozell Adams. I am of the opinion, that if there is no collective bargaining agreement in place, players should be on wallet watch, but instead, hot-headed players continue to contribute to the NFL Boneheaded Mutual Fund. Week after a week, players get into mischiefs, which cuts deep into their pockets.

Former Dallas Cowboy Roy Williams (now a Bengal) was in my opinion one of the dirtiest players that ever wore a Cowboy uniform, but he has left his legend for the latest moron of big hits – Flozell Adams. Adams who is fresh off a $50,000 stupidity investment for a hit on New York Giants’ Justin Tuck, continued with his antics this week. If you watched the Cowboys game on Saturday night (aside from the hype about “will they win” in December), America’s team executed just enough to overpower the Saints’ offense, shutting down the run. And if that was not enough to celebrate, “Nozell Adams” took celebration to another limit, head butting his teammate and ironman running back Marion Barber.

If you watch the video at nfl.com, check out the excellent celebratory headbutt by Adams, which knocks Barber to the ground. Of course, Adams is no stranger to extracurricular hits — he’s now known as perhaps the dirtiest player in the game. It’s not known if the Cowboys will make Adams’ wallet any lighter after his hit on Barber — most likely he’ll get a good talking-to from his coaches. “Late hits are for the other guys, Flozell. Not ours. ” And the next time you go hitting on your teammate, it might just affect the rest of the December games. Are you stupid, simple or slow?

The Sports World Mourns The Lost of Chris Henry

In a another case of how sports imitates life, today the sports world mourns the lost of Bengals receiver Chris Henry, who died on Thursday after falling from a moving truck in Charlotte, N.C., on Wednesday, according to police. Henry was a mere 26 years old.

News reports are citing to an apparent argument between Henry and with his fiancée at a home, when she drove away in a pickup truck. Henry jumped onto the bed of the truck, but fell out of the vehicle about a half-mile away and was later discovered by police.

A police spokesperson said homicide detectives were assigned to the case, but that no charges have been filed.

A seemingly perpetually troubled player, the hot-tempered Henry was arrested at various times for marijuana possession, gun possession and assault, earning him the epithet of “one-man crime wave” from a judge – and his ouster from the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008.

But after the Bengals’ owner gave Henry a second chance, the athlete seemed to have straightened out, staying out of trouble and focusing his off time on his fiancée and the three children they were raising.

Jazz In The Gardens Music Festival Announces Their 2010 Headliners

The City of Miami Gardens is pleased to announce the star-studded lineup for the 5th Annual “Jazz in the Gardens” hosted by #1 rated, nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner, taking place on Saturday, March 20th and Sunday, March 21st at Dolphin (Landshark) Stadium, 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Miami Gardens, Florida 33056.

Confirmed artists include the queen of R&B, Mary J. Blige; Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter, John Legend; R&B crooner, Robin Thicke; funk/R&B diva, Teena Marie; 90’s R&B/pop super group, Boyz II Men; Grammy nominated R&B vocalist, Melanie Fiona; jazz chanteuse, Cassandra Wilson; saxophone king, David Sanborn; already classic newcomer, K’Jon; and famed pianist, keyboarder and founding member of the Jazz Crusaders, Joe Sample. Local artist names will be released soon.

Jazz in the Gardens, a two-day weekend festival is now in its fifth year and has grown to be one of the top cultural events in America. The jazz festival delivers a diverse mix of music genres and mixes jazz, pop, R&B, Neo-soul and Caribbean flavors, having something to offer all music aficionados at an affordable price.

“I am proud to proclaim “Jazz in the Gardens” as an undeniable premier stop on the national festival circuit. With audiences coming from international and domestic markets, it has become a major destination event for anyone seeking the combined ambience of fabulous music, sunshine, great food, shopping and beautiful people all in one setting,” says Shirley Gibson, Mayor Miami Gardens.

The 4th Annual Jazz in the Gardens shattered expected ticket sales, enjoying an attendance of almost 40,000, more than double the sales of the 2008 festival. In 2009, the “Jazz in the Gardens” crowd enjoyed performances by Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, Kenny G, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Erykah Badu, Common, Roy Ayers, Jonathan Butler, Will Downing, and Angelique Kidjo. This year’s line-up raises the bar yet again!

For more information on the highly-anticipated 5th Annual “Jazz in the Gardens” Hosted by Tom Joyner, go to www.jazzinthegardens.com or contact the City of Miami Gardens at 1-877-640-5299. All media inquiries should be directed to Circle of One Marketing at 305.576.3790.

The City of Miami Gardens was incorporated on May 13, 2003, as the 33rd city in Miami-Dade County. At a population of approximately 10,000, it is the third largest city in Miami-Dade County. Miami Gardens is a solid, working and middle class community of unique diversity. It is the largest predominantly African-American municipality in the State of Florida and boasts many Caribbean residents. In 2007, the City hosted the 41st annual Super Bowl. The City recently hosted the 2009 college BCS championship game and in 2010, will host the 44th Super Bowl.

For general information on the festival, visit www.jazzinthegardens.com or call the event hotline at: 305-622-8043. For vendor and sponsor opportunities, contact Vendor Express at 954-275-3092. All media inquiries should be directed to Circle of One Marketing at 305.576.3790.

Miami Dade Chamber of Commerce 2009 Distinguished Service Award

The Miami Dade County Chamber of Commerce announces that the 2009 Distinguished Service Award will be awarded to the president of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Bill Talbert. The Chamber by virtue of this award is recognizing Mr. Talbert for his demonstrated community leadership, sparked inspiration and his effort to spearhead a successful international effort – to drive unprecedented economic development in Miami’s hospitality and travel industry.

As President and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) for the past 10 years, and as Chief Operating Officer for the prior nine years, Bill Talbert has distinguished himself as a highly respected visitor industry and community leader. Talbert’s 19 years of experience at the GMCVB includes major accomplishments such as assisting with the passage of the Food and Beverage tax to fund GMCVB’s advertising budget, negotiating inter-local government funding agreements and preparing four successful Super Bowl bids and three Pow Wow bids.

In addition, Talbert has been professionally affiliated with several organizations such as Camillus House, the Hands of Miami Advisory Board, the Orange Bowl Committee, the South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee, the Florida International University School of Hospitality Management Executive Advisory Board, and the Greater Miami & the Beaches Hotel Association, among others.

A Profile Of The 2009 H.T. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award

The Miami Dade Chamber of Commerce will present the H.T. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary contributions in community leadership and philanthropic endeavors to local prominent attorney and community activist, Dr. Larry R. Handfield.

A Bethune-Cookman University alumnus, Dr. Larry R. Handfield has the distinction of being the namesake of their music building and new athletic training center, as well as being appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the historically black college.

After his undergraduate education at Bethune-Cookman, Handfield attended the Howard University School of Law where he received a degree of Juris Doctor. Handfield, a Miami native, currently practices law as the head of The Handfield Law Firm and is proud to be the Chairman of the Police Oversight Board for the City of Miami whose responsibility is investigating police misconduct.

In addition, Dr. Handfield serves as the Chairman of the Board of the James E. Scott Community Association (JESCA), an organization famous for providing services that respond to the changing needs of underserved communities, as well as improving their quality of life.

Miami Dade Chamber of Commerce 4th Annual Holiday Gala

Miami – The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce will host its 4th Annual Holiday Gala, “Progress: The New Currency,” on Saturday December 5, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Miami.

A cocktail reception will begin at 6:00 p.m. with dinner and an award ceremony following at 7:30 p.m. The Gala has become “the event” of the holiday season, honoring the accomplishments of professionals and businesses in the South Florida community. The “progressive” theme for the night is a tribute to the Chamber’s continuous efforts to move forward in this time of economic uncertainty.

The high-profile social event is expected to draw over 700 of South Florida’s savviest and most successful business. Among the festivities, the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce will honor three of South Florida’s most well-respected business and philanthropic leaders throughout the night. Receiving the H.T. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary contributions of community leadership and philanthropic endeavors is famed attorney and community activist, Dr. Larry R. Handfield.

The Distinguished Service Award will be awarded to the president of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Bill Talbert, who has demonstrated community leadership, sparked inspiration and spearheaded a successful international effort to drive unprecedented economic development in Miami’s hospitality and travel industry. Finally, the Citizen of the Year Award will be presented to former Dade Community Foundation president, Ruth Shack, whose selflessness, foresight and guidance has contributed immeasurably to the quality of life in our community. Keeping Gala attendees grooving will be the Leesa Richards band, a nine-piece top 40 musical ensemble, led by popular chanteuse, Leesa Richards.

“This is the event of the year for the minority business community. We will celebrate the many accomplishments we had in 2009 and look forward to new partnerships for 2010. The Chamber invites all business, civic and community leaders, elected officials and budding entrepreneurs to join us and celebrate the Chamber’s successes, especially our progressive efforts and activities on behalf of small, minority and women-owned businesses,” stated President and CEO of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, Bill Diggs.

The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce Holiday Gala has earned a well deserved reputation as one of the most anticipated corporate and social events of the holiday season, featuring stellar entertainment, fine food and a diverse mix of South Florida’s corporate leaders. Attendees can expect to enjoy an elegant and fun evening of networking, dining and dancing.

Please join us for an unforgettable evening, a celebration of true excellence and extraordinary entertainment. Businesses may purchase corporate tables for $1,500, while individuals may purchase tickets for $150 each. For tickets and more information please contact Beverly James at 305-751-8648 or visit www.m-dcc.org. For media inquiries, contact Circle of One Marketing at 305.576.3790. This year’s top corporate sponsors include Macy’s, Carnival Cruise Lines and FP&L.