Indy 500 Brickyard Triumph

On Sunday, Helio Castroneves became the ninth driver to win the historic Indy 500 race three times, and his timing couldn’t have been better. Just 5 1/2 weeks ago, he was acquitted of most charges at a federal tax evasion trial, and the remaining count was thrown out on Friday.

Instead of going to prison for six years, Castroneves pulled his red-and-white car into Victory Lane at the Brickyard. He was extremely emotional, and simply brought to tears when team owner Roger Penske leaned in to give him a hug. His mom, sister and girlfriend held hands in prayer as he was making the turn for the final lap. As he pulled into the brickyard, he could be heard lamenting and thanking God for his victory. “Thanks for giving my life back,” the 34-year-old Brazilian told his boss, who earned his record 15th win at Indy.

Castroneves completed a clean sweep of every Indy prize, also claiming the pole position and winning the pit-stop competition. Throw in the federal government’s decision to drop the last of the tax charges just minutes before he went out for the final practice, and “this is the best month of May ever,” said Castroneves, now only one win away from joining the most elite group of all: four-time Indy winners A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears.

Castroneves pulled away over the final laps to beat Dan Wheldon and Danica Patrick, who eclipsed her historic fourth-place finish as a rookie in 2005 by crossing the strip of bricks in third.
This day belonged to Castroneves, who pumped his fist all the way down the final straightaway. “I want to climb the fence,” said the driver known as “Spiderman,” referring to his signature celebration. Then he did just that, climbing out of his car after the victory lap and scaling the fence along the main grandstand with his pit crew. Someone tossed him a green-and-yellow Brazilian flag.

Catroneves’ victory was popular with the quarter million fans, who were on hand to witness this feel good story on the hot spring day. The fans were on their feet, cheering and waving their caps as Castroneves sped around the 2.5-mile oval for the final time. “You guys kept me strong,” Castroneves told the crowd. “You guys are the best. I’m honored to have fans like you. “Let’s celebrate now!”

Although Castroneves celebrated a big win, there were other big name contenders who were ousted prematurely as a result of crashes, among them Tony Kanaan, Marco Andretti and Graham Rahal. The most frightening wreck occurred on lap 173, when Brazilians Vitor Meira and Raphael Matos got together going into the first turn. Meira’s car went head-on into the padded outside wall. He was removed from the car, put on a stretcher and taken to a nearby hospital, complaining of severe lower-back pain.

The lengthy caution period ensured that everyone had enough fuel to get to the finish. When the race restarted with 17 laps to go, Castroneves got a great jump on Wheldon and Patrick and pulled away to win by nearly 2 seconds.

It was clear from the start that Team Penske and Chip Ganassi Racing had the strongest cars. Castroneves led 66 laps and teammate Ryan Briscoe ran out front for 11. On the Ganassi side, defending 500 champion Scott Dixon set the pace for a race-best 73 laps, while his teammate Dario Franchitti, who won in 2007 and returned to Indy this year after a disappointing foray into stock cars, led the other 50.

John Daly Showing His Softer Side

John Daly Go Pink For Amy Mickelson

Pro Golfer John Daly donned a pair of pink pants for his final round at the BMW Championships, in honor of Amy Mickelson, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Amy is the wife of world number two pro golfer Phil Mickelson, who has suspended his tour schedule to be by Amy’s side. Although Daly says he is giving Phil and Amy room to breathe, he said that he was touched by the news and is rendering his support for Amy, as he has also been affected by cancer in his family. I thought that was a softer side of Daly that we never get to see, so I use this blog post to tip my hat to him. Thanks John, for caring about a cause that has affected so many women. Good luck out there today.

John Daly Newest Fashion Statement

John Daly reveals yet another colorful pair or trousers at the BMW Championships. The multi-colored pants must have given some more golf savvy, as he holed a shot out of the sand. Daly who is currently having fun and the European Tour recently finished second in the Italian Open.

Natalie Cole Pulls Out Of Capital Jazz Festival Due To Illness

Natalie Cole, originally scheduled to perform at the Capital Jazz Fest on Friday, June 5, has canceled her summer touring plans due to medical issues related to her recent kidney transplant.  We wish Natalie the best in her recovery and hope to have her back to perform at a future festival.

However, Chaka Khan has graciously offered to step in to replace Natalie at the festival. Khan, the ten-time Grammy-winner, known for her many hits including “Sweet Thing”, “Through The Fire”, “I’m Every Woman”, and “Tell Me Something Good”, will perform as part of the Friday, June 5 lineup. Chaka Khan will share the bill with Fourplay, which should make for an awesome kickoff to this three-day weekend of cool jazz and soul! We all wish Natalie Cole a speedy recovery and hope that the Capital Jazz Fest will be a stop on her next tour.

There Goes My Baby Charlie Wilson

When you have created a name by earning fame and recognition two decades ago, as the lead singer of “The Gap Band,” going as a solo act could be tough. So here we are, fast forward to 2009, one would ask if Charlie Wilson could make a come back, and still have the musical stamina and creative genius to compete with the latest “beats”, and music trends in the 21st century R&B. Charlie Wilson has risen to the occasion and managed to fit right in, with people like Robin Thicke, Justin Timberlake and Ne-Yo, extending his act of yesterday to a fresh new sound for today.

Charlie Wilson, in my humble opinion needs no introduction. But for the young music fans, I will go down memory lane for those wanting to know. Wilson has been upfront and personal in the Gap Band’s overwhelming success going back to the 1970s. As lead singer of the Gap Band they released tracks like “You Dropped The Bomb On Me”, Yearning For Your Love”, “Burn Rubber Burn” and the ever popular “Season No Reasons To Change”. Wilson who was dubbed “the de-facto” father of the new jack , was given credence by artist like Aaron Hall (formerly of Guy) and R Kelly.

Wilson who is currently enjoying success with his latest album entitled “Uncle Charlie”, made a musical entrance or should I say rebirth with the release of “Charlie Last Name Wilson” , about two years ago which made its way on the chart a certified gold. The single, “Charlie Last Name Wilson” was quite an anthem for single men everywhere, who were looking for fresh pick up lines to win the hearts of women. This single written and produced by label mate R Kelly. Wilson collaborated with pop sensation Justin Timberlake On “Signs’. Snoop Dogg and master producer Pharrell Williams teamed up with Wilson on the Grammy nominated “track “Beautiful”. Charlier Wilson is surely appreciating the trends in contempprary music as he ca no doubt compliment the lastest “beats” with his incredible voice and unique stylings. In a recent interview Wilson said he was truly honored to be able to work with todays hottest artists, and thrilled about the success of is music.

To be able to put an equally successful album in a follow up effort tells music critics as well as fans that Wilson cares about quality. A few weeks ago when I received a copy “Uncle Charlie” album, I was hoping that Wilson would deliver like he has in the past. After listening to the record over and over again. I wanted to be sure I was ready toput my pen to paper and tell you that Wilson delivered, and delivery he did.

Judging from the the buzz around town about the Uncle Charlie album, Wilson has got another hit on his hands. He has collaborated with label mate T-Pain on the Supa Sexy track, a truly a great dance tune with some catchy hooklines and the voice of Wilson tearing it up. Wilson was excited to work with T-Pain again. Pain worked with him on Charlie Last Name wilson album, and Wilson said that he was happy he di, as has been watching Pain grow up over the last few years. First of all the song titles on the Uncle Charlie album tells a story of a man who has been around the “love” game long enough and probably broken a few hearts. Also lending his vocals of the remix was Jamie Foxx.

Of course in the tru Charlie Wilson style, “There Goes My Baby is a monster hit from the Uncle harlie album. The lyrics tells a classic story of boy meets girls, but just when you think you have this type of lyrics before, insert Wilson’s baritone voice coupled it with Calvin Richardson and Kenny Babyface Edmonds penmanship and this song a hit you can not miss. After listening to this song, I was thrown way back to my high school days, and those famous summer time jams we all use to love playing on the bopombox at the beach. But gosh, this is also a song for the prom, a wedding song, or just a song hwich tells a story we can all relate to. Oh wait did I say I have a big crush on this track. Let It Out was produced br Gregg Pagani and is a funky joint that should make its way to the dance floors around the world. I am definitely feeling this beat and for sure Charlie…”this one one points me in the right direction”.

When Snoop Dogg listen to the demo for “Let It Out”, he immediately started “to spit’ rhymes and Wilson’ decided that the song was a prefect fit for a Snoop/Wilson collaborations. This joint is a hyper track with Wilson’s vocals reminiesient of his days with the Gap Band, where he was dynamic to sya this least. You wil definitely realize that Wilson is fast forward to 2009 when Snoop chimes in in this track kicking it up a notch. Lyrics on this track is great too, if you cna force yourself to stop dancing.
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After wearing out this Uncle Charlie record on my MP3 there is no doubt that you should have it in your collection too. Wilson aims to please, he hit this one out of the ballpark. On tour to promote the Uncle Charlie album. Wilson is scheduled to perform on the 2009 Essence Jazz Festival over the July 4th weekend In New Orleans.

All Hail The Chosen One Roger Goodell

Okay after reading this blog post, you might think that I am being hard on the NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell. But these days the Commish seems to be always in the line of my fire. His latest contribution for my target practice is the Mike Vick issue. The esteemed Commish has every right to meet with Mike Vick, and determine whether to let him back in the No Fun League. But his latest sound-bite from the owners meeting in my revered hometown is turning my stomach. Commissioner Roger Goodell, who suspended Vick indefinitely in August 2007, reiterated Wednesday he will review Vick’s status after his criminal case is concluded. He has said Vick will have to persuade him and the public that he is genuinely sorry for his crime, has been changed by his experience and that he’s committed to leading a different life. But excuse me Commissioner, as a member of the public at large, I thought Vick offered an apology of the sorts before he went to jail, I saw it for myself, and I was convinced that he seemed remorseful.

Commissioner Goodell said that Vick will have to meet with him and prove to him that he is reformed enough to play football and be reinstated, and that he the Commish, will have to then make a “judgment” to reinstate the embattled star QB. Come On Commissioner Goodell – who exactly do you think you are to make further “judgment” on Mike Vick?

Don’t get me wrong, Vick is deserving of full punishment for breaking the law and for the cruelty which resulted to those poor helpless animals. But he has also served his time behind bars. While football might be the furthest from his mind, the commissioner should focus more on programs to help the players reform themselves as good standings citizens. Mike Vick should not be held as the poster boy for all the other players in the league who knowingly and unknowingly committed or harbored criminal intents.

Commissioner Goodell should choose his words careful, as it does sound like he is standing way too high up thee with wings “judging” all of the players and in some way the fans. The Commissioner might want to enlighten us as to the checklist he will bring to the Mike Vick meeting in his quest to render judgment on someone who has already served time for a crime. It is my biggest hope that Mike Vick decides to play football in Canada and give fans there a bit of razzle dazzle leaving the NFL and all the drama behind.
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NFLPA Chief DeMaurice Smith Set Ground Work For New CBA Talks

Talks of a new collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the players union are expected to begin next month, in an effort to avoid a lockout that could disrupt the 2011 season.

Jeff Pash, the NFL’s executive vice president and general counsel, said Tuesday at the NFL meetings he believes both the league and new NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith have laid the groundwork for these discussions to begin. Pash failed to elaborate on how long he projects these talks to last, adding that they would stay at it for as long as it takes.

NFL owners opted out of the collective bargaining agreement last year, meaning there could be a labor-related stoppage if a new deal isn’t struck for the 2011 season. Combined with the global economic downturn and the chance of a longer NFL schedule, it seems possible talks between the league and union could be, at best, contentious.

“The right place to start is a place where the players understand why the owners opted out,” Smith said. “We all know that the players didn’t opt out of this deal. We do know the NFL generated in excess of $8 billion last year. We know that the average team has grown by 400 percent in 10 years. … What we don’t understand is what is wrong with the current deal when those facts exist.”

Smith reiterated Tuesday that he’d like to obtain more details on the league’s revenues, only to have commissioner Roger Goodell counter by saying the union knows details of the books “to the penny.”

Pash said the league has not set a deadline for a new deal to be struck, saying that would be counterproductive. “I think fans should be confident that we’re going to be single-minded in our focus on this as we possibly can,” Pash said. “I think it’s in everyone’s interest. We’ve had a very healthy partnership … it’s clearly in everyone’s interest to try to maintain that.”

The CBA isn’t the only issue the NFL will discuss with its players in the coming weeks and months. The prospect of more NFL games apparently is going to require more talking as well.

The NFL extended its television deals with Fox and CBS on Tuesday for two years through the 2013 season, and Goodell acknowledged those pacts allow for “flexibility” if the league added a 17th or 18th regular-season game. But it now seems likely no decision will be made until talks are held with the players.

“We have tried to look at this from every different perspective because you want to know the intended consequences and the unintended consequences,” Goodell said. “Whenever you’re dealing with the quality of the game, that’s a key factor.”

Smith said players need to be aware of what’s at stake for additional games. “The players understand the cost to their bodies,” he said. “The players understand how tough it is to get through a regular season. They understand how hard it is to try to stand up on a Monday morning. They understand why they need a day off on Tuesday. Their families understand when they get out of football and they have arthritis before they’re 40. They understand the cost.”

A Pink Ribbon For Phil And Amy Mickelson

My father once told me to serve good food with bad news, but the news Phil Mickelson received today, was hard to digest. As a fan of all things golf, there has always been a bright spot for Phil, even if he was not in the winner’s circle on Sunday. Of course that one bright spot was his family, his wife Amy was always there with the kids for a warm embrace. So today, the golfer Phil switched roles to become a caregiver as he learnt of his wife Amy’s diagnosis of breast cancer. Phil has canceled his golf schedule indefinitely to be with Amy. We can only wish Amy all the best, and hope for a speedy recovery. I am so sure this will come as an even bigger shock to the PGA Wives, who are a close knit bunch. Tiger Woods in a statement on behalf of his family, wished the Mickelsons all the best, offering his support during the tough times ahead.

2013 Super Bowl Goes To The Bayou

In light of my most recent scribes regarding the NFL Commissioner’s intent to hold a Super Bowl Championship in London. It was a happy moment for me today, when I heard that the the NFL owners voted to play the 2013 Super Bowl in New Orleans.

The 2013 Super Bowl will be the first time, that the championship will be played in the Bayou since Hurricane Katrina. The Superdome was torn to pieces as a result of Hurricane Katrina, causing 1,600 deaths statewide and devastating the Gulf Coast four years ago. New Orleans beat out Miami, which sought to go for a record 11th Super Bowl, and 2008 host Glendale, Ariz. This is the 10th time New Orleans will play hostthe Super Bowl site.

“We’re just thrilled about what’s going on,” Saints owner Tom Benson said. “We’re getting a new Superdome. Now we’re going to get a Super Bowl on top of that. It couldn’t be any more exciting than that.” New Orleans last hosted in 2002, when Adam Viniateri’s 48-yard field goal as time expired lifted New England over St. Louis.