Through Heaven's Doors

Toledo Mud Hen Awards (Tigstown cut)

2008-09-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

THE HONORARY 'HENS IN PERSPECTIVE By Michael J. Dault Like the James Taylor song, "Fire and Rain", the Mud Hens have seen it all this past season—honor, victory and defeat. But the good thing about baseball is that it never ends. Next year the fans have a lot to look forward to out of the 2009 team. However, let's look back and give credit to the players who really stuck out this season. There are so many to choose from, but the picks here are crucial to the Mud Hens' organization. Ok, maybe not. M.V.P This was a tough one. There was a three-man race for this coming into August between Mike Hessman, Brent Clevlen and Timo Perez. With Hessman's Olympic exit and Perez's strikeout/walk ratio and designated hitter status, this pick is going to Brent Clevlen. Clevlen played in a team leading 126 games, and sits on the top of almost every statistical category there is. With Clete Thomas and Matt Joyce being predominately Tigers this season, Clevlen led the 'Hens' outfield playing right and center field and provided at the plate when his team called. The month of May was Clevlen's best performance as he gathered a .359 average with 30 RBI off 37 hits in 29 games. He took the reigns of the team and made things exciting in the West Division in early August. Season Totals (* Team leader) Average: .279 Games: 126* AB: 476* R: 75 H: 133* 2B: 23 3B: 7 HR: 22 RBI: 82 BB: 54 SO: 166* SB: 7 BEST STARTING PITCHER Between Chris Lambert and Eddie Bonine, it's hard to say which fireballer was Toledo's best. Lambert's slider was smooth and Bonine's fastball showed much velocity and control, but in the end Lambert's promotion at the end of the season won him top pitcher here. The once St. Louis Cardinal prospect finished out the season with a 3.50 ERA and a team leading 124 strikeouts. He tied Bonine with 12 wins compiling a 12-8 record before being called up by Detroit August 31. Up the river he has a 1-1 record with a 5.84 ERA to date. If Lambert doesn't win an opening day roster spot in Detroit next season, look for this hard throwing right-hander to headline Toledo's staff in '09. BEST RELIEVER One man: Clay Rapada. The southpaw pitched in 28 games—10 fewer than Francisco Cruceta— but came through for his team every time. A reliever's main objective is to hold the other team back like a shield. Managers don't want flashy, they just want them to keep the momentum, or in some cases, save the starter's tail. Rapada was nothing more than a gift from the baseball gods to manager Larry Parrish. He ended the year with a Detroit promotion and 2.31 ERA, but that's not why he was picked here. His pick was due to his overall dominance on the hill. At 6-foot-5 he looks like catapult tossing boulders at the plate. He comes to Detroit providing them with much needed depth to a lackluster bullpen that has been suffering since opening day. DEFENSIVE STUD Again, Brent Clevlen. Max Leon, Clete Thomas or even Hessman could be here, but Clevlen has played in the most games and has seen every part of the outfield. He had eight errors in the field, but improved his speed and agility in the 2007 off-season. Clevlen has good range and can laser the ball from the deepest parts of the outfield. There was a play August 13, against the Louisville Bats, where a ball was hit from Paul Janish into the deepest part of Fifth Third's center field. Clevlen hit the gas and spread his arms apart, catching the ball over his head and into his glove for the third out before Superman-sliding on his stomach. That catch right alone is worthy of a defensive stud pick. TOP 5 MOST MEMORABLE GAMES July 28- In the bottom of twelfth against Pawtucket, Timo Perez struck out swinging on a wild pitch that advanced him to first and Freddy Guzman to home for the walk off wild pitch winning (5-4) run. June 12- In a single at-bat versus Indianapolis, Mike Hessman hit a shot to left that was ruled a home run. But when the umpires got together it was eventually ruled a foul. When Hessman stepped back up to the plate to finish the at-bat, he knocked an obvious home run in the same spot. As he touched home he muttered a few words to the umpire that declined his first shot and was ejected. Later in the inning the same umpire tossed Parrish and Neal, giving the 'Hens three ejected players in the same inning. July 30- Fifth Third marked its 200th sell-out. From July 9 through August 24, the 'Hens set a new record of 16 straight sell-out games. April 20- Hessman knocked three home runs in a game against Louisville, making him the third player in Fifth Third Field's history to ever accomplish the feat. July 27/August 26- Hessman and Blaine Neal were selected to the USA Olympic Baseball team in Beijing. They came back almost a month later with the bronze medal. TOP PLATOONER A few Mud Hens could be here, but Derek Wathan is the top choice. He's played a variety of positions, but he's no Brandon Inge. He's been around the infield and has a huge upside when considering depth for the 'Hens. Parrish was confident in making this switch hitter an essential piece of the roster when players were hurt, tired or just plain not getting the job done. Wathan was signed as a free agent on January 28, 2008, after the Kansas City Royals cut the infielder. At 31, don't expect Wathan to deliver any Hessman type miracles for Toledo next year. He's no more than a journeyman minor leaguer. However, he could very well be a real life version of Crash Davis—think about it. MR. PROMOTABLE Who has been the best call up all year for the Tigers? The Minor Leagues are the roots that keep Major League Baseball alive. A handful of 'Hens could go here, but there is only one obvious pick: Matt Joyce. In the 78 games he has played he is hitting .260 with 33 RBI off 54 hits and 12 home runs. His strikeouts are high at 52, but at least he's swing hard and really trying to take advantage of his time in the majors. Joyce has seen more big league action than any Mud Hen this season. When next year comes, don't be surprised to find Joyce in the Tigers opening day roster. PLAYERS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN '09 1. Dusty Ryan- He might be the only person in the Tigers organization to actually like the Pudge Rodriguez/Kyle Farnsworth trade. Ryan's name was never really brought up as much until the gold glove catcher was traded. Now, people are talking about starting catcher possibilities for next year, seeing that Inge isn't a permanent solution. Big catchers are the trend in the bigs right now (Example: Brian McCann, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Joe Mauer). Ryan is 6-foot-4, 220-pounds of pure raw ability that will be exciting to watch grow in the years to come. 2. Jeff Larish- Look for him to pick up where he left off. Watching him on the field, he resembles a young Ted Williams of the infield. Ok, he's no Splendid Splinter yet, but don't let his lackadaisical style fool you. This guy can play. 3. Mike Holliman- The former Oral Roberts alum shared time between shortstop and second base, while making occasional trips to Detroit to enjoy the major league life. Holliman did exceptionally good for the Tigers in '08; he did even better for the Mud Hens. The switch-hitter does equally well on both sides of the plate and contributes very well in the field. He's neither flashy nor boring; Holliman is more of an all-around type player. He is a number five-rated prospect in the Tigers' organization, and is a very solid player with quite a future ahead of him if he improves his hitting power. 4. Kody Kirkland- He is a sleeper that will turn heads next season. At 6-foot-4, he's a lanky player that could share time with Larish at first and third base next season. His hitting has become progressively better and seems to be clutch at times. With the right coaching and a strong off-season, look for the Idaho native to turn heads next year. BEST REHAB PLAYER The Tigers have sent a few big leaguers down the farm this year to recover from various injuries. Who has been the real deal for their time spent? Brandon Inge is the chose one. He had two errors in his three-game stint, but provided four RBI off three hits and one home run in Toledo's three-game winning streak with him on the roster. TEAM LEADERS From a popular stats point of view, here are the final stat leaders who helm the final spot. BattersR: Mike Hessman (83) H: Brent Clevlen (133) 2B: Timo Perez (30) 3B: Freddy Guzman (9) HR: Mike Hessman (34) RBI: Brent Clevlen (82) BB: Mike Hessman (59) SB: Freddy Guzman (56) Pitchers W: Eddie Bonine/Chris Lambert/Virgil Vasquez (12) L: Yorman Bazardo (13) SV: Blaine Neal (26) ERA (More than 10 games): Blaine Neal (1.21) IP: Virgil Vasquez (159.0) SO: Chris Lambert (124) 2009 will be a very interesting year for Toledo. They just missed the playoffs and have had so many player promotions to the big club that they will come into next year hungry for a change; Larry Parrish wouldn't have it any other way.

2008 MLB PREDICTIONS

2008-03-06T18:47:00.000-08:00

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST 1.Red Sox 2.Yankees 3.Bluejays 4.Devil Rays 5.Orioles CENTRAL 1.Tigers 2.White Sox 3.Cleveland 4.Royals 5.Twins WEST 1.Angels 2.Mariners 3.Rangers 4.A's NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST 1.Braves 2.Phillies 3.Mets 4.Nationals 5.Marlins CENTRAL 1.Brewers 2.Astros 3.Reds 4.Cardinals 5.Cubs 6.Pirates WEST 1.Dodgers 2.Padres 3.Diamondbacks 4.Rockies 5.Giants WORLD SERIES Tigers vs. Dodgers Victors--- DETROIT TIGERS AL MVP Vladimir Guerrero- Angels NL MVP Andruw Jones- Dodgers AL CY YOUNG Justin Verlander- Tigers NL CY YOUNG Brad Penny- Dodgers

Goodbye You Great Son of A Bitch

2008-03-06T16:47:00.000-08:00

The Greatest. The Quarterback position is the most recognized of all positions on the gridiron. Brett Favre embodied what a QB should be like. He embodied the All-American Football Idol. Mr. Favre revolutionized the term, "Gunslinger" in the NFL. Green Bay fans will now know what it feels like to lose such a great player. I listened to his retirement press conference today... The man broke-down and cried. Goosebumps ran through my body like ripples on water while I listened to his retirement conference. Here I saw a man at the end of his dream; the end of his journey, to a game he put much of his spirit and emotions into. Brett gave the little city of Green Bay hope all those years. I don't know the man personally, but he seems like a guy of great stature. Brett Favre was the last great memory of the old "Black and Blue" Division. He normally beat the hell out of us Lions, but those were sure fun games, and grand football memories I will never forget. I've watched this guy play my whole life, up until now, and I tell you what, he might not be the best QB in history, but in my books he's the most memorable, stats or not...... MY BEST QUARTERBACKS IN NFL HISTORY 1.Joe Montana (San Francisco 49ers, K.C. Chiefs) 2.Terry Bradshaw (Pittsburgh Steelers) 3.Favre (Atlanta Falcons, *Green Bay Packers*) 4.Joe Namath (N.Y. Jets, L.A. Rams) 5.Johnny Unitas (Baltimore Colts, San Diego Chargers) 6.Otto Graham (Cleveland Browns) 7.Steve Young (San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) 8.Dan Marino (Miami Dolphins) 9.Troy Aikman (Dallas Cowboys) 10.John Elway (Denver Broncos) 11.Roger Staubach (Dallas Cowboys) 12.Phil Simms (N.Y. Giants) 13.Fran Tarkenton (Minnesota Vikings, N.Y. Giants) 14.Bart Starr (Green Bay Packers) 15.Bob Griese (Miami Dolphins) 16.Tom Brady (New England Patriots) 17.Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts) 18.Warren Moon (Houston Oilers, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, K.C. Chiefs) 19.Sammy Baugh (Washington Redskins) 20.Dan Fouts (San Diego Chargers)

Self Reliant

2008-03-06T11:55:00.000-08:00

Today I ate my Ramon Noodles with a smile. I am, without a doubt, an adult. My eyes will see much change, in not only the world, but through my own self being. Heart, love, triumph and defeat are my guides to a life with so hope. I buy my groceries. I pay my own bills. I live my own life. I make my own future. ---Michael J. Dault

2008

2007-12-31T13:09:00.000-08:00

It is New Years Eve 2007 and as always we will start fresh a new year. 2008 has much to offer for myself. 2007, though I thought was going to be different really surprised me. 2007 was suppose to be my breakout year, or so I thought, but really it was a year of experiences. I not only found my calling, but I found who I am. This sounds cliche' I know, but if you knew my life you would understand. Here I thought I was going to be a great and famous baseball player with my girlfriend at my side every step of the way.... I couldn't be farther from the truth. Instead I learned lessons. I learned that I am adventurous. I learned I truly am a fighter and have much hope. I learned that there is more to this world than you and I. I learned that if you want something bad enough than you have to get it, no one does it for you, just you. I've learned I've become more determined and I think more realistically and strategically than selfishly. I've experienced other races first hand and what a "ghetto" really is. I've met my anxiety and panic attacks head on and overcame the battle. I've jumped head first into the world of journalism where I would learn that freedom of speech is in the eye of the beholder (copy editors, editors, community). The word busy is quite fascinating to me for I now what it is like to have a lot on your plate. I've met interesting people as well. I would meet a man from Puerto Rico who is a distant cousin of mine. He was funny, but very wise though he didn't run his mouth. He was an observer like myself. He is a good friend who I hope I see again. I would meet an aspiring actor, and a religious buff just missing the acceptance from society, or what they call society. I would make friends and lose friends. I became more fit and vibrant in 2007. I would find out in 2007 that looks don't get you everything, nor skill. I would learn standing up for yourself and speaking out loud gives you respect among peers. In 2007 I would find out that family is the greatest gift of all. I would learn of another niece/nephew of mine is to be brought into this world. In 2007 I would find out what it was like to fall on my face several times and get up after ever blow by life. I would learn that I do not sit still very long before I have to move on to another place. I would find that traveling and seeing the world is more appealing than just living in it doing nothing. In 2007 I gained one of the best friends a guy have and to know and trust that there is great people in this world still. In 2007 I would find myself addicted to the thought of adultery for I had a two mistresses. One was a woman of much confusion but very appealing to the eye. Here words of broken were like pieces of a sexual puzzle I had to put together. The other mistress was more physical. She was a woman of not only beauty but history. She was a former dancer. She was a mom. She was a wife. When went for her I knew what I was getting into, but I didn't care. With this came a teaching a knew before my last girlfriend and I knew I didn't want a relationship with this mistress. I found I wanted and I found what was right. I found that playing hard to get and lack of not caring for her gave me an edge, an edge I truly loved and an edge that I will carry with me until I find the one, which I hope is a long ways and time from now..... I would learn that I do know about women more than I though, but even less about writing for which I thought I knew so well. In 2007 I became a better writer, a better thinker, a better do-er.... So, in 2008 I will take my experiences and turn them into a thing beauty. I will be remembered for the good of life and I will do great things whether I am just starting or moving along..... Patience is key. Time is valuable. Thoughts are give and take. Heart is my game. Michael J. Dault

My Greatest Lists Of All Time! (Lists Due to Change due to future movies)

2007-12-26T19:35:00.000-08:00

The Greatest Movies of All Time 1.Forrest Gump 2.A River Runs Through It 3.Schindler's List 4.Almost Famous 5.Remember The Titans 6.Back To The Future 7.A League of Their Own 8.The Sandlot 9.Ray 10.Saving Private Ryan 11.A Christmas Story 12.Good Fellas 13.Bull Durham 14.Pearl Harbor 15.The Departed 16.American Graffiti 17.The Shawshank Redemption 18.Walk The Line 19.The Titanic 20.The Ten Commandments 21.Born on the Fourth of July 22.JFK 23.61* 24.The Godfather 25.Rocky 26.Independence Day 27.Troy 28.Field of Dreams 29.Apocolypse Now 30.The Passion of the Christ 31.Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid 32.The Deer Hunter 33.Pirates of the Carribean 34.Gladiator 35.Boogie Nights 36.Good Morning Vietnam 37.Jurassic Park 38.Mighty Ducks 2 39.The Patriot 40.Full Metal Jacket 41.Meet The Parents 42.American History X 43.Far and Away 44.E.T. 45.Se7en 46.Star Wars 47.Friday Night Lights 48.The Lord of the Rings 49.X-Men 2 50.Blow 51.Eight Men Out 52.Young Guns 53.Gangs of New York 54.Ocean's Eleven 55.Braveheart 56.The Natural 57.Legends of the Fall 58.Silverado 59.A Few Good Men 60.Rocky II 61.Dazed and Confused 62.Kingdom of Heaven 63.The Bourne Ultimatum 64.Varsity Blues 65.Casino 66.There's Something About Mary 67.Terminator 2 68.A Hard Day's Night 69.Ghostbusters 70.The Doors 71.Spiderman 2 72.Rock Star 73.Catch Me If You Can 74.Mission Impossible 75.Wedding Crashers 76.The Wizard of Oz 77.American Gangster 78.He Got Game 79.Jeremiah Johnson 80.Open Range 81.Stand By Me 82.Jerry Macguire 83.The Polar Express 84.National Treasure 85.Hot Fuzz 86.Running Scared 87.Four Brothers 88.Scream 89.This Boy's Life 90.The Lion King 91.The Program 92.Iron Will 93.American Pie 94.The Exorcist 95.Toy Story 96.Sixteen Candles 97.8 Seconds 98.White Fang 99.Signs 100.Jackass The Greatest Songs of All Time (25) 1.Hey Jude- The Beatles 2.Satisfaction- The Rolling Stones 3.My Generation- The Who 4.Imagine- John Lennon 5.Like A Rolling Stone- Bob Dylan 6.You Really Got Me- The Kinks 7.My Girl- The Temptations 8.Stairway To Heaven- Led Zeppelin 9.Brown Eyed Girl- Van Morrison 10.Hound Dog- Elvis Presley 11.Jailhouse Rock- Elvis Presley 12.Johnnie B. Goode- Chuck Berry 13.Sunshine of Your Love- Cream 14.I Wanna Hold Your Hand- The Beatles 15.Yesterday- The Beatles 16.Smells Like Teen Spirit- Nirvana 17.American Pie- Don Maclean 18.Up Around The Bend- CCR 19.Thriller- Michael Jackson 20.Wish You Were Here- Pink Floyd 21.I Walk The Line- Johnny Cash 22.Purple Haze- Jimi Hendrix 23.Walk This Way- Aerosmith/Run DMC 24.Light My Fire- The Doors 25.We Are The Champions- Queen The Greatest Athletes of All Time (25) 1.Willie Mays 2.Barry Sanders 3.Michael Jordan 4.Wayne Gretzky 5.Muhammad Ali 6.Jackie Robinson 7.Mickey Mantle 8.Jesse Owens 9.Tiger Woods 10.Jim Thorpe 11.Rocky Marciano 12.Pele 13.Joe Montana 14.Walter Payton 15.Larry Bird 16.Gordie Howe 17.Joe DiMaggio 18.Oscar Robertson 19.Mark Spitz 20.Ty Cobb 21.John McEnroe 22.Brett Favre 23.O.J. Simpson 24.Tris Speaker 25.Ken Griffey Jr. The Greatest Musicians of All Time (25) 1.The Beatles 2.Led Zeppelin 3.Creedance Clearwater Revival 4.Elvis Presley 5.Bob Dylan 6.The Rolling Stones 7.The Who 8.Queen 9.Jimi Hendrix 10.Michael Jackson 11.Marvin Gaye 12.Ray Charles 13.Eric Clapton 14.Chuck Berry 15.Johnny Cash 16.Stevie Wonder 17.David Bowie 18.Otis Redding 19.Frank Sinatra 20.Paul McCartney 21.John Lennon 22.The Doors 23.Pink Floyd 24.Run DMC 25.Cream The Greatest Actors of All Time (50) 1.Tom Hanks 2.Paul Newman 3.Cate Blanchett 4.Gene Wilder 5.James Dean 6.Marlon Brando 7.Lucile Ball 8.Robert De Niro 9.Denzel Washington 10.Katherine Hepburn 11.Carey Grant 12.Angelina Jolie 13.Gary Cooper 14.Dustin Hoffman 15.Leonardo DiCaprio 16.Kevin Spacey 17.Hilary Swank 18.Anthony Hopkins 19.Tom Cruise 20.Robin Williams 21.Jack Nicholson 22.Ralph Fiennes 23.Morgan Freeman 24.Jim Carey 25.Al Pacino 26.Johnny Depp 27.Will Smith 28.Mel Gibson 28.Audrey Hepburn 29.Judi Dench 30.Brad Pitt 31.Kevin Kostner 32.Harrison Ford 33.Phillip Seymour Hoffman 34.Annette Benning 35.Edward Norton 36.Marilyn Monroe 37.Ian McKellen 38.Christopher Walken 39.Charlie Chaplin 40.River Phoenix 41.Robert Redford 42.Michael Caine 43.Nicholas Cage 44.Russell Crowe 45.Joaquin Phoenix 46.Orson Welles 47.Jamie Foxx 48.Bette Midler 49.Samuel L. Jackson 50.Madonna

Christmas Time

2007-12-26T18:38:00.000-08:00

I was reminded not long ago by my late Grandpa Dault that when you're a kid Christmas is the most special and magical thing you will ever experience. It is a holiday rich with fantasy, tradition and spirit. The man of December is a fat man with a white beard and a suit that is as well known as Superman's. His vehicle of choice is a good ole' fashioned sleigh pulled by eight, or in modern days, nine reindeer, each with a name reminiscent of his personality like the eight dwarfs in "Snow White". This year the "magic" that I thought was possibly lost came back to me, not in the form of my own self fulfillment, but through my nephew Owen and my niece Sophia. Even before Christmas I knew early on I wanted to spend the holiday with them. This past Christmas morning I will never forget. I was brought back to times where the feeling of restless Christmas Eve nights and joyous Christmas mornings were something of thrill each year. Owen's excitement Christmas Eve made me excited to wake up the next day. Sophia's eyes of surprise of all the new gifts and colors, though oblivious to the event, made me observe the Ettermans beginning Christmas tradition much like my own family years ago. Don't get me wrong I've always enjoyed Christmas after I was a kid. As a person grows the happiness of receiving a gift is replaced by the happiness of giving a gift; something we learn through our youthful years. Christmas is always about family and ones you care for. For the "most wonderful time of the year" it makes me want to give to all who don't have great Christmas'. It makes me want to experience this one day with my own immediate family..... For now though I will wake up early, grab the garbage bags, drink coffee and watch my father, mother, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters open their gifts and smile ever so brightly for a season we hear Bing Crosby, Pat Boone, and Burl Ives sing so beautifully about,...Christmas.

Brown Eyed Girl

2007-11-01T10:34:00.004-07:00

When I was old enough to realize the concept of women my instincts kicked up and I became fascinated, as so many boys do. I've seen all types of women: skinny, fit, fat, trim, slim, hairy, weak, strong, beautiful and ugly, the list goes on..... Now in any boys life, after he's seen his share, he begins to pick favorites, like flavor or what have you, as bad as this sounds it's very true. When it really comes down to it I have to say brunettes and brown eyes catch me, yeah, yeah they do. When imagining my perfect woman I imagine a girl with dark hair and beautiful brown eyes... My brown eyed girl. She is a girl of great integrity. She is not only beautiful on the outside but in as well. My girl is an athletic girl with a heart of gold and morals and traditions that go above and beyond any expectations. The brown eyed girl gets my humor and laughs loud. She makes heads turn when she walks into a room and hates being the center of attention. My brown eyed girl loves me for me. Of course she has to be a baseball fan, but she doesn't have to know everything about it. My brown eyed girl tells me when I 'm wrong and has an opinion even if its different than mine. She makes me smile. She puts others before herself and when push comes to shove she fights for me. This brown eyed girl believes in god and family first. She's wise. Not only outgoing at times, but can really surprise you in life. This is my girl. This is the girl that I have dreamed of for so long. This girl makes my world stop..... My brown eyed girl. Although, I haven't met her yet. I've made a number stops. I went from fighting, lies to more lies, and artificial, all the way to one big mess after another. Life is grand, isn't it? I've seen lonely times where I could not find a friend, and times of gold. The good, the bad, and the very much ugly... Then there's light. Light of much hope. Not hope within relationship standards, but hope with in myself. See, as much as it may not seem I have figured out the majority of the woman population! Ha, ha.... Yeah, right. Having a even a girlfriend now is something I fear most. Things are going great. Why the **** would I want to mess things up. For the meantime I will just play the dating game I'm so fond of hearing...... (TOO BE CONTINUED) ----Michael J. Dault

Good Times Good Times

2007-09-26T19:12:00.000-07:00

Ok since my last post I've been feeling so much better. I'm about to embark on my first real movie, "The Boys Of Summer" I'm getting it financed for $2-$3 million. I've already picked a DP, now its time for the hiring! My final draft is almost done and now I will be able to show my baseball skills on the camera. Ok, so I won't be playing the real thing, but really I don't care because by the time I'm 30 I will have completed everything I have strived for and I will be that successful/money making guy I hear about so much. I'm 23 and I have the whole world in front of me! I'm never give up...I have heart...that's my greatest asset! Life always hands us a dark side but eventually we rise over that hump. I'm not famous or successful yet, but I see the promise land... I see it! Michael J. Dault

The Joker

2007-09-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

Life sometimes is very slow. I feel like the whole world is laughing at me. I try so hard to not over think situations, but I end up doing exactly that. Ever since Nicole (my ex) broke up with me, 3 months ago, I've been in this downward spiral when it comes to self confidence. Sometimes my confidence is up up and away, but at other times it seems to fall like a plane outta fuel. See, when I think of her I start to question myself. I wonder if she found her Mr. Right, and it hurts very much... I start to question what I am actually capable of doing. Funny thing is, I know I'm full of potential and promise, but as soon as I think of her and my rough patch in Richmond I start to lose track of who I really am. I got this job at the Grand Rapids Press and I am like an entry level staff writer; kinda doing everything you know? When I first had recieved this job I was on top of the world, but after being here a while, I still love it, but my mind seems to wander, a lot. I think to myself if Nicole knew my life now would she not look down on me? Not to say she hadn't before, but then again if she didn't then we wouldn't have broken up. 3 months! 3 months we've been broken up and still I think of her. No matter how hard I try to erase her from even laying eyes on her I still think of how beautiful she was. I still remember the times with her. I don't wanna, but I do... Remember that movie with Jim Carrey, "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"? He tries erasing his past girlfriend from his memory. Well, that's me; except for the getting back together thing. I know I could never go back to her. Knowing what I know now it would be impossible. I mean "honestlY" not being with her does make me thing more clear. For once I get to think about me and worry about me, only me. My future and everything I want seems so bright. The only thing that can stop me is,...me. Through all the possibilities of of what can be I have one fear and it is lonliness. Everytime I get close to someone it ends up not working out. Obviousy when its over I realize the mistakes we both have made, but as always it isn't enough. Funny, when it is all said and done I feel it is my fault it ended. I feel I wasn't good enough. I hate that because I know that's not true.... Sometimes I do and say the wrong things I know I don't wanna do. Maybe something is wrong mentally with me. Maybe I really am kinda slow upstairs. I know one thing, when I get nervous or doubt myself I don't think straight at all. I used to be on top of Sports like you wouldn't believe. Every stat, every player, everything! Now, I can't even hold a conversation with it with anyone else but my dad..... Its self doubt. Self esteem... Why? I finished my script that I want to make into an Indie film on a $2 Millon Dollar budget. I feel once I complete this I would have put myself above and beyond Nicole's standards...beyond anyone who doubted me.... I don't make friends very easy. I try I really do, but somehow other people are more important than me. I mean even when I make really good friends somehow they break away from me. Some how theres a misunderstanding or fight or moral issue that sets us apart. Then when I do have a girlfriend things move to fast for once and suddenly after I spill my thoughts, emotions, dreams and give them my loyalty and my undivided attention, we break up and I'm left with no one. I'm left with a world of self doubt and no friends again.... I'm not the big party guy frat boy, I'm not the computer geek in web groups; hell, I'm not even a follower. I'm a quiet guy at first, but once I get comfortable I'm easy going, speak my mind, blah blah blah you know? I do have friends, I do, but they are always so far away and when I do make friends close by somehow I push myself away either by distance or mentally. What will it take? Sometimes I wonder if I should have went with Jennifer (Nicole's sister) because really I liked her first and she was the kind of girl I seen myself with. She was perfect. I just bailed and took the next best thing because Nicole showed interest and I was on the rebound from Elise (my ex ex)....So much drama so much shit, I can't take it. I just wanna be me. I want people to like me. I wanna hold my head up high every day and not have people look down on me.... Everytime I get nervous I laugh at the stupidest shit, really! I suddenly turn into this Joker, WTF right?!

Give Peace A Chance

2007-07-12T22:18:00.000-07:00

2007 was a turning point for much dispute in our world. The world has gone insane. The Middle East has turned into a free for all war zone leaving children the realization of a cruel life at a young age. Riots throughout countries happen every day. Protests in America are evolving once again. Corruption in government gives little hope to a bright future because unfortunately they hold the cards for us. Free speech has turned into a way to express hate with Michael Moore, Rick Imus, Howard Stern and even today's athletes using their power to corrupt, even if they don't mean to. Murders, rapes, assaults and issues are clouding our televisions, newspapers, and Internet. Everywhere we cannot escape the harsh realities of life. The world has lost as much as its gained. John Lennon once wrote/sang: "Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one." We lost Lennon December 8Th 1980. His and Yoko Ono's actions of peace might have been a little eccentric, but maybe that's what everyone needed. Peace was never more clear than in the days of Vietnam and Lennon. Love one another was the weapon of use for peace- seekers. This gave a little light to what seemed an inevitable dark future. The peace movement sparked not only protests and demonstrations of peace, it also created some of the best music this world has ever seen, giving youths and lost souls an understanding in terms they could relate with. The Byrds 1965 hit, "Turn! Turn! Turn!" on which they created from the bible, (Ecclesiastes 3, verses 1–8), kicked off a sign that the times were changing. Lennon's band, the Beatles were the pioneers of love and peace with such songs as, "All You Need Is Love", "Revolution", and many more setting the bar for other artists to follow. Barry McGuire's 1965 protest hit, "Eve Of Destruction" tells the tale of the hate and decline of our society in the Vietnam War. Folk/Rock N' Roll star Bob Dylan may be the biggest mover with such collaborated works as, "Times They Are A Changing", and "Like A Rolling Stone" glorified him into a Rock N' Roll god in America. Jefferson Airplane, Simon and Garfunkel and etc, all filtered well into the 70s of political inspiring songs. After while the public got tired of hearing the same old thing. These songs would gather misguided youths who didn't understand the meaning and used it as a way to express themselves with drugs, note the hippy-era. Fast forward to today peace isn't even a thought. The thought of power makes the human-being greedy which in turn gives the perception of being better than the other person. Religion itself flirts with the thought of one being right and the other as being wrong. This is an argument that has created war. In religion, no matter what belief, the sole purpose is for better life beyond our world. All beliefs end in good. So why is something that is so good make evil among people? Understanding is the first step towards peace, for if we do not understand one another than there is no hope. Wanting to understand is another ting. We must put ourselves behind someone else for a change and give our mind and ears to them; then just maybe peace will have a chance. Billy Graham though being Southern Baptist speaks of peace within. He speaks of accepting others which can be applied to everyone not just Baptists. Martin Luther King Jr. demonstrated peace within his rise of black movement. He wanted blacks to not rule or be handed everything, no he wanted blacks to be equal, to be given a fair shot. Listening and reading his words speak nothing but peace, that's where people get confused. In his famous, "I Have A Dream Speech" spoke from the heart, he gave indication there is hope among us. "I have a dream today....when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children - black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics - will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!" MLK speaks of freedom, not from slavery or out of a situation, but freedom from hate, freedom from power. Freedom in this segment of his speech says clear that it means peace. Peace is there. We all have peace. We just have to let it shine. Put behind our pride and give meaning to this life. Jackie Robinson once said, "A life has no meaning except for the impact it has on others lives.". This statement is oh so true. Life is a beautiful gift. Life has its ups and downs. We battle through the downs to make our way for the good. Let us not worry about looking cool or being politically correct, its a wast of time. We are only human, but we can be better. To try is to succeed, no matter how many times we fall. (Copywrited by Michael J. Dault)

The Boys Of Summer

2007-07-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

I was raised in a traditional Catholic Family. My father, an ex-Marine, made his money being a welder. My mother has worked various jobs throughout her life, sometimes two or three at a time. Born in Virginia in 1983 my family moved to, Republic, a small town in Michigan's upper peninsula. By no means was my family considered "rich" or even "about water". Hell, we boiled snow for water when our pipes were froze in the winter. We wore older clothes; hand me downs and drove junky vehicles. All this at a place we would love in for almost ten years. It use to be a farm back in the day. It was half a home and half trailer with barns, sheds, woods and fields surrounding it. We simply called it, "The Farm". My family loved and played all sports, but the one that catches our hearts is baseball, its our family's game. It's been in my dad's family for years. My dad started us out at four and five. It's a beautiful game. America's past-time...a game where a father and son see eye to eye. A game where they stand on common grounds. We look at it like that all the time. Nothing sounds more beautiful than the sound of a baseball smacking leather, or the echo of a hit. My brothers and I are very competitive. We use to fight all the time when it came to sports. My youngest brother Mark wasn't as competitive as my brother Matthew and I, but never the less would scrap when push came to shove. We're like young Earl Weavers! Sun, snow, storm, sleet, and shitty we'd be outside playing ball. Home run Derby, skills competition, sandlot ball, full-out game, and or any other way we could think of just to play the great game. Our dad would teach us many things about baseball, thins that we wouldn't learn from any other coach. Since we didn't have nice, new, expensive equipment he would show us how to practice on what we had, like Sylvester Stallone did in, "Rocky IV" for his training. It sounds ridiculous , but its true. Instead of using tees to teach us how to connect with the ball we would use, old tires, pipes, and soft-toss each other. For catching (for Catcher) my dad would make us get in our squat and then have us spring to our feet and sling the ball at this old red gas pump as if we were picking off a runner trying to steal. On his days off, (weekends), he would bring us out to the fields (actual rolling fields) and play catch. He would also hit us grounders and towing pop-ups. He would have us play "Pepper" for hand-eye coordination for fielding and bunting. Our dad always had a new way of teaching us to perfect our game. My brother Matt and I use to chop trees so we could not only gain bat speed but level our swing. Dad realizing the training went too far made us stop when we started cutting trees too close to the house. When I look back, the smell of it, the look and feel of it truly make me happy. There's a certain beauty to it in the summer. Baseball, camping, swimming, BBQ, and fishing make it like heaven. I remember times where my brothers and I would go to the local ball field. We would literally spend the whole day there. By the time we left we were so dirty and tired that we'd fall asleep without even taking a shower. To this day every time we see each other we play, if anything, catch. Out of us boys though I took the game to a whole other level. Almost everyday I'd be playing baseball, practicing and perfecting my game. I probably spent more focus on fielding if anything for which I perfected to a science. Playing the game wasn't just fun for me, it was a way of life. I felt like it was my best friend. For years I've dreamed of making it to the show. Just once would I love to step on a major league ball-field as a player and play my ass off; be compared to the ghosts of the game would mean the world to me. Since learning to walk I've always walked and ran on my tip-toes. I heard once that sprinters do that, I don't know if that's true, but I've been always known for running like the wind. Which in turn every sport I played I would show a certain flare that would be a crowd pleas er, I simply call it...heart. Even today no matter what I put my full heart into everything because if you don't try hard, what will you accomplish out of life? In practice for example, practice hard, play hard. My dad and I would get mad seeing today's major leaguers not hustle or even hold out for more money. We couldn't understand this. To us this is baseball not a dead end job. You play for the love of the game, not for the love of money. Throughout the years us boys played Little League, Babe Ruth and Legion ball; we did good. It was hard however to play ball in a whole other town. We are stuck with the politics of the game since 13 years old. The coach's sons and their friends would play the best positions on the field and in the line up. Fighting for starts would be a battle for us. It hurt us boys because we knew we were better than any of those guys on that field. All we needed was a fair shot; an even playing field. Where we played that must have been unheard of though. The guys from Republic followed in our footsteps, but couldn't take the unfairness so their baseball days ended there. My brothers and I loved the game too much to do that. Even if it meant riding the pine, we'd fight before giving up. That's how we did things. That's how we were raised. Starting spots came our way, but the politics were always inevitable; so playing sandlot ball or simple game of catch would be our fix for the frustration. My dad and I talked baseball all the time. We'd have discussions on all aspects of the game. We'd debate on players as well as give a certain philosophy to a franchise. When we'd do this nothing else mattered because this was baseball, a big issue, something that mattered.... well, to us. To fuel our thoughts every spring our boys, the Detroit Tigers would step on the field and give us our major league fix for 5 months. I keep track of the stats and news of the league which gives discussion with fellow fans. Now in clarity in my family we're all Tiger fans, but like in every family someone has to be different, that would be Matt who is a Cleveland Indians fan and Mark who is a Boston Red Sox fan. The reason for this I will never know. When we were younger our dad would take us boys on camping trips. There after he strictly directed us to set up the campsite like the camp-Nazi he was. Then he'd go into relax mode and we'd all breakout the ball games and have us a catch. Once the crickets sounded off and the setting sun painted the skies with colors we all would gather around the fire eating hot dogs and smores while dad would listen to us rant on of our dreams of going to the show. Then our eyes got heavier as the night grew with dad telling us stories from his youthful years. Wearing a uniform to me meant you go to work you give your all. I wore my socks knee high and always made sure to get light low-top cleats. That way my ankles weren't confined and gave me a tad more agility. I wore wrist bands which I hiked up to my forearms, for the look if anything. I was proud to play baseball. I truly felt like I was home. I use to have a dog named, Max, he was the family dog, but when my family was moving and couldn't keep him anymore he moved in with me. I'd roller blade with Max to the field and tie him up as he'd watch me do wall-grounders, which was just simply throwing the baseball off the wall so it could return to me in grounder form. I'd also do hit and runs where I'd dry swing it and sprint 90 feet as if I were trying to beat a throw to first. Then I'd do hit-a-way which was a hitting trainer, like tether ball, but with a baseball of course. Like my dad I'd found other ways of training if I couldn't afford it. My parents grew up and idolized Kaline, Rose, Clemente, and Ryan. So we'd hear stories of these greats and after seeing clips and shows they became our idols as well in which we'd even go farther back and idolize even more respected legends, soon, Mays, Mantle, DiMaggio, and Robinson were favored as much as our generations pros like, Griffey, Glavine, Jones, and Jeter. Being brought up this way having extensive knowledge of baseball you can guarantee us boys and our friends took card collecting as serious as eating dinner. To us the card collecting industry was our way of being little entrepreneurs. Our cards were gold and to lose them and or getting duped into a bad trade was sheer death to us. We took pride in ours. Whenever we seen someone not we got a little pissed I have to admit. Our brother Mark knows that all too well. When we weren't hassling him for not playing ball with us we were kicking his ass so he'd know to take better care of his cards. Before Matt and I cleaded him out believe it or not Mark had some damn fine cards. Like trading my brothers and I all brought something to the table when it came to playing. Matt had a powerful cannon for which if he worked at it more he would've been a good pitcher. He had nice form in his swing and had a good sense of the game. Mark was a raw hitter for which my dad would always tell Matt and I to look at because it was more level than a square. His stance was like a mix between McGwire and Bagwell for which we complimented him for. Though they knew their game wasn't going anywhere we all still shared that passion for it, which to us is far more than anyone I have ever recollected. I don't know if we just looked at it different or what. Maybe baseball is a way to connect for us. Maybe in this tough world baseball gives us comfort or even an escape. I will play it and love it the rest of my life. (Copyrighted by Michael J. Dault)

The Little Scrapper

2007-07-12T01:26:00.000-07:00

A pointed finger rockets in the air and then once again as the words, "Your outta here!" are yelled. These actions are from umpire Ron Luciano in a 1985 double-header in which he twice ejected Baltimore Orioles manager Earl Weaver. This is an action Weaver knows all to well in his 17 years of managing in Baltimore. In fact, he's 97 times familiar with it; a dubious record of such that he once said, "On my tombstone just write: 'The sorest loser that ever lived.'" Season after season Weaver would try to intimidate the umpires by running on the field, getting in their face and exploding words of unfairness and ridicule. There was a certain philosophy behind this act though. All managers know that confronting the umpires won't change the original call, but will make them think twice about their decisions in later innings. Earl Weaver made arguing an art. The 5'8 Missouri native was drafted by the St.Louis Cardinals in 1947 where he played second base. Weaver never made it to the show only being a mediocre Minor League player. Weaver then turned his attention towards managing. In 1957 he joined the Orioles as skipper of their Class D Georgia club the Fitzgerald Orioles. There Weaver learned how to craft his managerial skills. His overall record was 769-641 before he was called up to the show in 1968 as a first base coach under Hank Bauer. The Orioles went 76-85 in 1967 and after a disappointing start to the following season Baltimore General Manager Harry Dalton fired Bauer who did have an impressive career with the club. The reigns were then handed over to Earl Weaver, who from the beginning exemplified what a scrapper he was for a win. In fact he loved to win; posting a .583 winning percentage (1480-1060) ranking him 5th all time among mangers in the 20th century. He had five 100-win seasons, 6 A.L. east titles, 4 pennants and a 1970 World Series under his cap, earning him the nickname, "The Earl Of Baltimore". His fiery attitude and intensity for a win made him into a fan favorite. He could have easily piled up hundreds of ejections if it wasn't for the talented team he had. On third base he had Brooks Robinson, the human highlight reel himself, who had such a good glove that he racked up 2712 put outs, 6220 assists and 16 Gold Gloves. He was their best clutch hitter too, especially in the 1970 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. On the hill they had hard throwing right hander Jim Palmer. He won 20 or more games eight times and garnished 3 Cy Young awards. Not to mention he wouldn't back down from and Earl argument from which the two butt heads profusely. In the outfield Weaver had a hitter that would hit 586 home runs, 179 of those with the O's, and he would lead them to four pennants and two World Series in his 6 year span with the club. With his boxer-type batting stance Frank Robinson provided the muscle for Weaver and with his name being said in the same breath as, Aaron, Ruth, and Mays was more of an honor to him than his two MVP awards he won through his career, (61'-66'). Earl Weaver knew hot to use the talent he had. Weaver's philosophy showed the use of the insider game, with strategy such as he quotes, "Pitching, Defense and the Three run homer". These tactics included, the stolen base, the hit and run, or the sacrifice bunt and "waiting for the home run." He would, "If you play for one run, that's all you'll get." and "On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs." Earl Weaver was incredibly smart despite being portrayed as a hot tempered sore loser. There was a method behind his madness. He obsessively kept stats on all players throughout the league and he would use these stats to create match ups that are either in favor for his pitcher of his batter. While other managers used their bench as subs and what have you, he would use his bench for a way to win games as he platooned them in and out of games to keep the other team guessing. Weaver was the first manager to start using radar guns in 1972. The man had a knack for winning for which he fought so hard to do saying, "I'd rather lose making a move than do nothing.", He'd prove this all the time. The late seventies did indeed belong to the Orioles. They were the kings of the A.L. East. In 1982 a teary eyed Earl Weaver stood before a giant standing ovation, he waved his cap good bye. In 1985 he returned to the game hoping to bring the ill-fated Orioles a spark, but what was once his talent was now a faded memory. Earl couldn't do what Earl does. He officially retired again never to run out of the dugout to go nose to nose with an umpire again. He was inducted into the hall of fame in 1996. The best thing to say about Earl Weaver is that he wasn't a great ball player , but he knew how to win and that's because he was afraid to lose. Earl loved baseball, he made sure everyone else knew that. (Copywrited by Michael J. Dault)

Leaders

2007-07-11T02:47:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while someone comes along and stands out in a crowd. You look at him/her and just know that person is special; you know they are different. Lets define a leader, with the help of Webster's Dictionary a leader is, "A guiding head; one that leads; a boss, chief, commander, ruler, director; ect. Leaders are born and leaders are made. Leaders can lead by example or lead by mouth. Leaders can teach or leaders can show. Everyone has their own definition for a leader. People need leaders. People want leaders whether they shoot the winning shot, bring in the final run, run a campaign, make money for a company, or someone to look up to. It is truly an art of its own. We tent to use the term, "leader" in sports more than any other profession; I guess that's because it's more visible and accepted. For the simple fact is that we live in a society where no one wants to hear word of mouth. No, the days of JFK and Martin Luther King Jr are gone. Today, people want power, so opening their mouths whether good or bad, it's freedom of speech, right? Ego and greed corrupt much of our young minds today with ludicrous thoughts of being better than one's self. That's not a leader. A leader first and foremost is someone who will always put others before themselves. You give me a sacrifice I'll give you my trust. You give me ego I give you the back of my head. That's the world we live in. One of the greatest sports leaders that comes to mind is Steve Yzerman, former captain and center for the Detroit RedWings. His resume looks exceptionally well as he enterend the NHL in 1983, became captain under head coach Scottie Bowman in 1985. He put up 692 career goals, 1063 assists, played 1514 games, had 1755 points, led the RedWings to 3 Stanley Cup championships and retired in 2006 with having his number 19 retired the following season. Now those are just numbers. Aside from leading by example he became captain because Scottie liked his drive. He had a, "no quit" attitude. Day in and day out he exemplified what a leader was. I once saw a game where the Wings were playing against the Blues and Yzerman was having a great game, scoring two goals and one assist. With under 1:00 to go St.Louis pulled their goalie to have the man advantage. Yzerman stealing the puck, stormed down the ice for a break away and what would have been a hat trick, but he passed it off to the slumping Thomas Holmstrom who put the icing on the cake for the Wings. Right then and there I looked up to Stevie Y as a boyhood hero. Everyone looks up to leaders, even if they don't want to, because they show hope, or maybe its because they never look worried; like they got everything under control. They grab people's attention and show a good sense of direction. When it all boils down to it people look up to leaders, because it makes themselves want to be better. If the world had more "true leaders" then maybe peace wouldn't be that far away. In times of need leaders are what make the impact. Race, good looking, ugly, fat, thin, small, tall, rich, or poor it does not matter. Its all about heart and passion. That might sound corny, but its true. (Copywrited by Michael J. Dault)

The Levels of Love

2007-07-11T02:19:00.001-07:00

Once in a while someone comes into your life that makes an impact. Suddenly the way you think, the way you feel and the way you act is all changed. In some ways this person can change your outlook on life. They can make you a better person, even if you're stubborn. In the early stages it's new and exciting; every moment your together. Every look and every word is a trip. Your stomach gets tingles as it is a feeling you will always remember. Later after being use to each other the comfort factor comes into play; as you see them do things out of the norm. This is an adjusting stage as you continue to go about your life with them along for the ride; with work, friends and what have you. Next you start to notice things you don't like about them. Whether its accepted or not is up to you. A lot of times it's the little things, but little can be big. It's funny when you can look at that person and all your troubles go away. Actions as simple as a smile break any wall or barrier you might have up. A song or songs you listen to make you think of that person. Thoughts cloud your mind of situations and memories. The thought of them interrupts your everyday life. Being scared or misunderstood, arguments big and small occur. Whether you stay together or not depends on how much you like that person. This like may turn into love as a certain bond begins to materialize. You realize being without that person makes you incomplete. Now love is a tricky thing. So many people do it differently. If both can't come to terms with it then the relationship won't last. If all goes well love can be the most exciting experience. If not then...beware. Love is always tested which makes relationships stronger. Explaining love is almost impossible. You have to have been through it to know what its like. Everyone's love is different. You think that person will always be there. You lay trust in that person telling them your most inner thoughts. You share things that you will never be able to take back. These times are golden....these times are perfect, if there is such a thing. Then there are times where things aren't right. The person you fell in love with isn't the same. You try to ignore it. You try to change it. You can't. Life always wins. The feeling in your stomach is no more. Your mind wanders and you think of simpler times. You lose yourself in thoughts of that person and for that one moment you feel its real. You feel you can go back in time. You want it be real so bad... When losing that person life seems lost. Life seems hard. Instinctively you move on, for you gain knowledge from the past and you realize the most that you can't fix fate. (Copywrited by Michael J. Dault)

What The Hell Roomie?!

2007-07-10T23:15:00.001-07:00

My roommate is fucking crazy man, I tell ya what. I moved to Richmond, Virginia for baseball in April. A week of living there I met my roommate who I'd be living with the remainder of the summer. He was an ex-squid (Navy-Man). See, he sort of has this lazy eye which for some odd reason I just couldn't take my eye off of... Then after the first day I started to find out quickly how our personalities clash quite a bit. Not in a bad way, I mean shit, I'm not perfect, and he was a nice guy, he'll give you the shirt off his back, well maybe, but all the same he aims to please. He's one of those guys that will talk a big game, but when push comes to shove he jumps ship on you, you know? He will talk and talk and talk and talk and then when you have something to say he's in his own fuckn' world. He blows off anything you say and turns it into about him. I mean the guy is nice, but VERY arrogant. The next few weeks in the house were bizarre as he started talking of this card game Magic and demons and sorts like this. Now, I've played D&D before when I was a kid and to be honest loved it, but he took this shit to a whole other world! One day as I was laying down watching TV after a hard nights work he just non-Schalantly walked across the living room to go out back to smoke a cigarette, which he did often, but there slung over his shoulder was a fucking sword! Now this isn't some plastic sword that you buy from the dollar store and stick in your underwear like a pirate. This thing is a genuine samurai sword! So I get up thinking, "What the fuck." and I peak outside the window to see him swinging it and air-fighting the trash can, I don't know, but he was trying to act all Bruce Lee and shit....Although I didn't see Bruce Lee, I saw this uncoordinated white dude flinging a piece of metal around wondering when he was gonna stab himself! A week later or so we decided to go to the mall because he had to pick up a coffee grinder. So we went to this mall that he says was the shit, but like always whatever he says is the shit, isn't the shit. It was pretty ghetto, lets put it that way. Anyway, so we get to this, "Ghetto Mall" where big butts, gangstas, and wiggers roam and we stop in this women crafts store to get this coffee grinder thing. Suddenly, as we were checking out he turns and points while almost smacking me in the head at this bedroom set smiling like a retard humping a door knob, and he says, "There!...That's the same exact bed-spread my girlfriend got for me!" I look around to make sure no other guys were seeing this, luckily we were the only two swinging dicks in there on a Sunday. I said, "Cool". And turned slickly exiting the store with him grabbing one last look at his precious replica bed-spread. Shit really got weird when were getting ready to leave and we stopped by one of those carts you see in the middle of the mall selling, watches, sunglasses, hats and what have you. Only this wasn't that type of cart. It was a cart of lighters and....you might have guessed it, weapons. Seeing the other side of the cart had weapons I walked around to try and lure him away from that side before he saw it. The mook stands about 6'4 so he saw over my 5'8 ass like Mr. Rogers invading his fucking puppet world! His eyes grew with excitment and I didn't have the heart to kill his boner you know, so I let the dude be. I stood next to him so he didn't look to much like a tool peering over a glass case full of un-purchased weapons that have probably been there since the mall was frickn' built. In that moment though as his eyes sparkled over the glass case, I looked at him different you know, I mean I have always like people who are passionate about something and to this guy this was it. Maybe being a grown up Ninja Turtle or Karate Kid was his thing I don't know, but you couldn't help, but have one of those, awwww moments you see when Steve Urkel on Family Matters gets when that fat black dude gives him a hug for saving his naive ass, I think his name was Kevin, or Carl, he was your typical donut eating cop, but annnnyyywaysss so there we were kinda bonding you know, then something had to ruin it, the lady opened the glass to let my roommate fondle the weapons,..."Son of a bitch!" I was thinking. He drove too so there was no way I could peel out of the parking lot from this one. I looked at the sales lady and gave her one of those looks you know, that look like, "Yeah you know what the fuck you just did." "You want to get rid of these pieces of shit, and you found the right sucker to do it, damnit!" So there my roommate was holding these Si things that I'd seen Raphael on the Ninja Turtles use once. My roomie was doing moves with them and like trying to turn on the sales lady or something as he was looking at her while giving her the history of the weapon. So what did I do? I started to wonder away. I thought, "Fuck it" the dude never pays attention to my opinions or likes or dislikes so..."Later dude!" I started walking away like I seen something to my liking....(the door). He got his fix on the weapon and after contemplating on buying it he didn't buy the $40 something dollar weapon. By the time we left the mall his final words were, "That place wasn't that great." I was like, "Yeah, you think tard." So we were off for bigger and better things. About a month later or so I put up this small metal basketball hoop in the living room that attaches on the door so I could play some living room ball when I was bored, which in Richmond with no money I was, so yeah it was pretty sweet. That same day I went to the coffee shop to work on my scripts and when I got home around six o'clock or so I opened the door to my roommate playing basketball in the living room. That's not the part that bothered me, cuz I wanted to kick some roomie ass at b-ball. No, what bothered me was his shirt was off revealing his sweaty beer belly, his shorts we're well below the legal limits of ass crack, and my ball was sweaty. He looked at me all surprised and shit and he said, "What are you doing home?" WTF right? What am I doing home? What are you doing with my ball?! I told him and he quickly disappeared and reappeared with clothes on and hair slicked back like fucking superman getting into his outfit! So as always he said a few words and went up stairs where he locked himself in his room 95% of the time...... Oh but the best is still yet to come......................MUUHAHAHAHAHAHAH (Evil Laugh) (Copywrited by Michael J. Dault)

The Art Of Losing

2007-06-21T15:07:00.002-07:00

“I’m going to Disney world!” Peyton Manning said after winning Super Bowl XLI against the Bears. I hate that stupid saying. I hear it every year and every year it gets worse. See I’m a Detroit Lions fan, yeah, I admit it. I don’t cover my head with a paper bag, or ride that famous band wagon. I do however get to say that well known phrase, “Wait ‘til next year.” Lion’s fans said it so much that I don’t even think they say it anymore. It’s actually kind of funny because when I tell people I’m a Lions fan they give me that pity face, every expression looks different and amusing. You can all talk about the old curse of the Bambino with the Red Sox, or the infamous Bartman Ball, but the longest running curse in sports has to be on the Lions. Since 1983, the year I was born, I’ve seen loss after loss and the worst thing about it is it has been going on long before I was born. They have turned losing into an art—How are they going to blow that game? Which head coach or quarterback’s career are we going to ruin? Let’s win the last two games of the season so we don’t get the number one pick in the NFL Draft. We should sign a veteran on the verge of retirement so we don’t contend with top notch talent. If you think that’s bad, then it gets worse. The Lions are the oldest team in the NFL to not win or even be in a Super Bowl since it was created in 1967. During the 1950s they had a powerhouse of a team that won three championships and four division titles. Bobby Layne and Dick “Night Train” Lane are a couple of those big names. We’re talking curses, but let’s talk curses. Detroit has wasted first round picks on four of the last five drafts. Only one of those receivers, Roy Williams, has paned out so far. The 2007 pick of Calvin Johnson is still to be determined. Staying with the draft, picks such as, Joey Harrington, Mike McMahon, Charlie Batch, Andre Ware, and Rodney Peete who were labeled as possible saviors were far from it, they only became debt makers as owner William Clay Ford had no problem opening his wallet for them, all became career back ups and job seekers. There is a bright spot though, we did draft Barry Sanders, Herman Moore, Robert Porcher, Jason Hanson, Corey Schelsinger, Luther Ellis and a few more over the past 20 years, and that was in part due to the brilliant scouting of Mr. Wayne Fontes, who was the Lions head coach from 1988 to 1996. He was their last decent coach. Life after Wayne got only darker as we seen the likes of Bobby Ross who’s famous parting words, “The whole team blows, from the quarterback down to the water boy.” Summed it up about right, but having him clash with Detroit’s prodigal son Barry Sanders only left us with a tearful good bye to a running legend. Gary Moeller, Marty Morningwig, Steve Marriuchi, and recent time bomb Rob Marinelli have a combined record of 27-71-0 proving last names that start with the letter “M” aren’t cutting it. Just ask the man who hired them, team president and CEO “Matt Millen”. Another last name that starts with an, “M” gives Lions fans jitters when talking of him. The great flop of the Lions franchise, quarterback and instant millionaire, Scott Mitchell. Joining the Lions in 1995 Mitchell proved early on that he was a clown not a quarterback. He did it all for the Lions, made fun of coaches, fought with teammates, led receivers to early retirements, and put holes in our salary cap. We held on though, even after that memorable 1995 season where we came into the playoffs as the hottest team only to lose not only receiver Brett Perriman for his career, but the game as well. Randal Cunningham and the Eagles soared to a 58-37 victory. I’m only covering 1988 to present. There is much heart break well before that too. We once broke headlines with the signing of great coach Don McCafferty only to lose him a season later to a fatal heart attack…. I’m not even going to think of the possibility why. Lion’s former 80s quarterback Eric Hipple was sacked so many times that fans called him, “Hipple the Cripple” before his humiliating departure. A few more bright spots teased us with the talent of, Lem Barney, Charlie Sanders, and Billy Simms over the years, but when all those seasons came to an end words like, mediocre, horrible, losers, and amateurs sealed the Lions fate as a losing franchise. I imagine you’re asking, why put yourself through this? Or, why like the Lions? Well, I always rooted for the underdog and I guess if you really look at it everyone is a closet Lions fan. People I come across give them so much pity that when they do win, even against favorite teams, people cheer for them. They are so interested in what the Lions will do next. In 2004 the world was ecstatic for the Red Sox World Series win that took eighty six years to accomplish. The Lions are in that same boat. They find new ways to lose all the time, but every once in a while they show this spark, and when they do, it’s a thing of beauty. Tease or not, when things click for them dreams of hoisting up that Lombardi trophy seem almost real. Just ask former Lions who were let go like Pro Bowler Mike Compton of the New England Patriots or Pro Bowler Jeff Hartings of the Pittsburgh Steelers. They know all to well of this. Oh somewhere in this country now or in the future is a kid holding a pigskin and day dreaming of NFL stardom. This kid will be drafted by the Detroit Lions and possibly be the missing piece to a complicating and miserable Lions team that will hold up the silver and say that same awful phrase. Hopefully I see it in my life time. Faithful Lions fans deserve it. (Copywrited by Michael J. Dault)

Papa's Gotta Brand New Bag

2007-06-21T15:07:00.001-07:00

“He’s doing the jerk….. He’s doing the fly….. Don’t play him cheap ‘cause you know he ain’t shy. He’s doing the monkey, the mashed potatoes, jump back jack, see you later alligator……” This verse from the late James Brown song, “Papa’s Gotta Brand New Bag” best symbolizes my boyhood idol, Barry Sanders, and listening to that tune makes me think of good ole’ number 20 juking and hopping his way through packs of defenders. His moves were like music to my ears. He was the Willie Mays of my era. The Motown gem was drafted behind Troy Aikman and Tony Manrich in 1989. Detroit head coach Wayne Fontes picked the kid from Oklahoma State, where as a Cowboy Sanders put up 3,556 yards, 55 TDs, and a 1988 Heisman Trophy in his three year stint. Growing up everyone tried to imitate him, from his ankle breaking moves to his no celebrating touchdowns, he was just simply the best thing next to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as a kid. Barry played with heart and he always kept his powerful legs moving. In his rookie season after running Minnesota in circles, former Vikings head coach Jerry Burns asked officials to inspect Barry’s jersey. Suspicions of silicon spray were on his mind. Obviously the verdict came out negative as that would be the NFL’s first taste of the future Hall Of Famer. His 5ft8 203 pound frame made him into a giant killer. I remember watching a game once where I had seen eight Chicago players pile up on Sanders behind the line of scrimmage of a 3rd and 10. Suddenly from out of the pile like a Bugs Bunny cartoon runs a little blue jersey which actually fooled the camera guy. Barry took it all the way. The man’s character never was questioned, as he demonstrated enough self-respect, good sportsmanship, and a humble personality that made him a class act in the NFL. I guess over Barry’s career we all grew with him. We watched those struggling games where Barry’s runs would be called back by linemen penalties, or his touchdowns wasted on a sloppy defense. We would see the legend not get to a Super Bowl and courageously stay with a team that consistently was below .500 almost every season. Watching Barry Sanders brought great joy to my family on Sundays. My mother and father worked six days a week from dawn to dusk, and some of the happiest times I had ever seen took place in our living room on Sunday afternoons. My father was a closet Lions fan and every time Barry got the ball his eyes grew with excitement. My mother was a huge Lions fan and would simply scream at the top of her lungs every time he broke free. It’s moments like those that made me proud he was on our team. The number 20 shines bright in the Great Lake state. I mean sure we haven’t hoisted that Lombardi Trophy, we haven’t had many winning seasons, we might not be the ideal place to play, but by god we had Barry Sanders, that’s all we truly, cared about. Barry played the game for fun, he never held out for money nor did he ever have team conflicts. He praised his offensive line led by mentor/friend Kevin Glover, and he seemed to be quiet as well as, forgive me for the cliché, but the heart and soul of the Detroit Lions. 1989 he received Rookie of the Year honors. In 1997 he exceeded expectations by running for 2,053 yards putting him on a rare list of running backs to exceed “2,000 yards” in a season; at the time only O.J. Simpson and Eric Dickerson previously had done the feat. The year proved to be Barry’s best as he shared the MVP award with Brett Favre of the Green Bay Packers . His numbers speak for itself too as he rushed for over 1500 yards in a season, for an NFL record 5 times. He led the NFL in rushing 1990, 1994, 1996, and 1997. In 1997 he set another record rushing 100 yards in 14 consecutive games. He appeared in 10 Pro Bowls, and had a Lions record 99 touchdowns to his ten year campaign. His last season and hand off under head coach Bobby Ross he marked 15,269 all-time rushing yards just short of then present leader Walter Payton’s 16,726. After much scrutiny over coaching and family Barry Sanders bowed out of the NFL. He left us all to ponder why after being so close to becoming the all-time rushing leader? Not to mention he was only 30 years old putting him among Sandy Koufax and Howie Long ranks. Getting over the shock people realized the record didn’t matter to Barry like it mattered to them. He simply played the game for fun and to win. He couldn’t see himself in any other jersey but the Lions, asking for more money was not even a thought. To ask him for another season might have been too much, but he gave us ten years of thrills, that’s for sure. So now almost a decade later after seeing Sanders get inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in 2004, we see a whole new Detroit Lions team. We see them try to embark on a Super Bowl that seems so far away. What we are left with are pure memories of number 20 running up and down the field making a lot of defenders look really bad. I only speak for myself when saying “Thank you Barry Sanders for being a great boyhood idol.”…… I will pass down your legend to my kids and them to theirs. (Copywrited by Michael J. Dault)

Hitting And The Chance

2007-06-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

Long ago there was a man, a man of great rage, but beautiful ability for the game. This ability led him to 4,192 hits. He died many years later after that in 1961. This man was the great Ty Cobb. Another great man took over shortly there after in 1963, this man was Pete Rose. Starting out at second base Rose at a young age showed much promise. From a nickname Whitey Ford gave him early on, “Charlie-Hustle” lived up to that name in every game he played. Rose played hard and he played good, he wasn’t the strongest, fastest, or most athletic on the field, but he made sure everyone knew who he was. Being a leader of the Cincinnati Reds and later with the Philadelphia Phillies Rose showed consistency; not only in hits, but in the way he played. He had a no quit attitude, which eventually led him to baseball greatness. This put him with such legends as, Cobb, Ruth, Mays, and Mathewson. All roads seemed to lead to the hall of fame, but Rose had a weakness, a weakness for Chance….. Gambling was this man’s passion and a passion that people were not fond of. After much controversy when Rose retired he was later banned from baseball in 1989 due to betting on games when playing and managing. When news spread of this the baseball world was in shock. How could arguable one of the best players of all time put such a black mark on his career? That was the question everyone wanted to know. The walls started to cave in on Rose as more and more of his fans turned against him. The game he loved all his life started to disappear before his eyes. From being on the field to not even being a loud in the park Rose’s legend seemed to be a farce. Major League Baseball and the hall of fame committee sealed his potential hall status as they banned him from even being in the hall of fame, something Rose has always dreamed about. After much controversy, meetings, hearings, and what have you, Rose has become the legendary miss among the baseball world. Loving and hating Rose is a great debate today, and the argument has a political feeling to it. Pete Rose has denied in the past of even gambling, but when push came to shove Rose broke and revealed he had done such a thing, but never has bet against his own team. The media badgered him trying to see if he did indeed bet against his own team, because that means Rose would have had to try and throw games for his winnings, which would put him in the “1919 Black Sox” category. Baseball has let many players slide in the past for various reasons, but cheating they have never stood for. Once a player tries to jeopardize the way the game should be played baseball as a society rejects them. To this day Rose has made it quite clear that he never bet against his own team. So, going with no proof and simply on the fact that he gambled games which still is a no, no, baseball remains firm on keeping Rose out of the game and out of the fame. This brings much sadness to me not only as a writer, player, or fan, but as an individual. Why should we reject a man of a dream that we know he worked so hard for? Was he wrong to gamble?—yes, but seeing there is no proof of him betting against his own team I can only speculate that his character comes into play here. Now, if we do that than we better ban half the players who are in the hall. Ty Cobb broke almost every rule in the book, but that didn’t keep Ban Johnson (president of the American League at that time) to kick him out for good. Babe Ruth was the poster child for partying back in his day. Former commissioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis was so racist he did everything in his power to keep the game white before he died. Mickey Mantle, Cap Anson, and many more could fall under hall outings. When did the hall of fame become so picky? When did baseball become so picky? I thought you make the hall surely on talent, not character. When did character ever become an issue? Why judge a man who played the game the way it should be played? That’s a question! When your starting out in little league your coach always tells you to hustle and have fun, play hard and always swing. Rose showed that throughout his whole career. We should never question a man’s integrity like this. Peter Rose has had his name dragged through mud over and over again. His character was exposed and he was doubted for so long that if he ever did get accepted into the hall, would it be worth it? Is it tainted? There are too many questions left unanswered in this complicated tale. I guess I look up to Rose in some ways. The way he played the game is similar to me, his love and passion for it is similar, his heart…… Oh I don’t know, maybe someone had it in for Pete. Maybe there is more to this, but as I see today’s players walk out to their position, not run out grounders and flies, show no heart, I think of Pete Rose who is the opposite of all that. I’m disappointed in Major League Baseball. You know Rose once said of Brooks Robinson’s play in the 1970 World Series, “He belongs in a higher league.”…..maybe that’s Rose. (Copywrited by Michael J. Dault)

Racism In America

2007-06-21T15:04:00.002-07:00

America is a very diverse country. However it does have a high school type click to it, but not with the popular people, jocks, skaters, or geeks, it’s a click of races. The blacks, whites, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, Hispanic, Indian, and so forth are clicks who act like the victims of America . The blacks hang out and live by the blacks, the whites with the whites and so on. Is this because everyone is more comfortable with their own race, and if so why? Do the stereo types come into play? Is a white person considered too judgmental, arrogant, or just plain “white trash”? Are blacks prone to killing or robbing? Are Chinese to awkward and hard to understand? Is a hick different to a gangster? Or is it as simple as what it was years ago, skin? If all these factor in than it’s all ludicrous! For each one of these stereotypes we can pick out a person from another race who has followed suit. Our society likes to put people into categories too much, I guess that’s trend these days. For example walking up to a checkout counter a black cashier is straight faced and doesn’t even give me a thought. The black customer behind me gets an instant generous response and conversation sparks between the two. A white cashier cashes me out and cracks a smile with a gratuitous response. Then a black customer comes up and the cashier is at a loss for words and has about as much expression as a door. Now let me mind you not everyone is like this. There are many interracial couples and friends who are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. I myself work with a black man who is nothing short of a genius and very kind. My roommate is a Japanese woman who is the most interesting person you will ever meet. I’m not perfect, but when I see simple forms of racism it makes me speculate how much we’ve moved along since the days of cruel and unusual racism. Maybe everyone’s racist to a point. For all we know everyone will evolve into a united front where skin is as important as picking out socks. Then things won’t be so “white and black”. (Copywrited by Michael J. Dault)

Ain't Any Sunshine In Republic

2007-06-21T15:04:00.001-07:00

A soft cool breeze drifts through the screen of a window waking me up as I get up for my high school graduation day. During the ceremony the speaker unveiled our class’s sports accomplishments. Seeing that my class is only made up of thirteen people, including myself, the accomplishments were a few sandwiches short of a picnic. The real heart breaker was the sports my school didn’t have to offer. In 1932 Republic-Michigamme School opened its doors for the very first time. Republic prospered off mining, which brought in many families, and much hope for a small town in Michigan’s cold but beautiful Upper Peninsula. The school and town’s sports programs grew as it brought in football, baseball, track and basketball. Republic-Michigamme School burned down in 1963. The town was devastated, but pulled together and built a brand new brick building on Republic’s south side. The Hawks flew again. Years past and the town grew with cross-country, girl’s basketball and volleyball. Town heroes were born with such names as, Koski, Racine and Helmila standing out among fans. Republic was never a serious competitor in sports, but had a likeable feeling to them. From their colors orange and black; to the haunted waters of Witch Lake, the town’s picture seemed bright and wholesome, that is until 1976, which was a good year for the “Big Red Machine” sweeping the Yankees 4-0 in the World Series, but not for Republic. The mines closed, and with no work for miles families started to leave. With each year the town that was once growing was now dying. Almost overnight football, baseball and volleyball disappeared leaving basketball as the school’s most treasured sport. Years later Republic, once so admired, turned into what one visitor once told me as, “The slums”. Beyond the abandoned buildings and empty streets lay hidden stories with a past well worth its telling. As Republic dwindled in students, and the town running on empty with funds calls out for the things that made it once kick. Where’s Ethnic Days? Why aren’t there players on the little league field, or fans in the stands? Where is that cool mom Marda Niemi, or James Dault, simply known by everyone as, “Coach”? What happened to that famous Republic/Ishpeming rivalry? Where is that sweet smell of vanilla tobacco from Mr. Holsworth’s pipe after every sporting event? When will we ever hear that cheesy school song again? The elderly who are still there remember so much, but talking to them you get the feeling of a great loss; as if a family member died. A black cloud hangs over Republic now as deaths; alcohol, job loss, money and population are a few problems that haunt this modern day ghost town. In 2005 the school cut the cross-country program due to limited funds. Today, boys and girls basketball stands as the school’s lone sport with track dwindling away each year. Combined with elementary and junior high, 200 students make up the school. Year by year everyone wonders when the doors will close, and the Hawks will be no more. So many memories lie in Republic; that on every country road or every street corner there lays a story. As us seniors threw our caps in the air we knew we were leaving the town for bigger and better things. “ I was a Hawk.”, I once told my dad, and behind that lies a little pride I guess, but my dad turned to me and replied, “Ain’t any sunshine in Republic son.”. I knew what he meant, I asked no questions. (Copywrited by Michael J. Dault)

Smile On Your Brother

2007-06-21T15:03:00.000-07:00

March 20th 2003, our bombs dropped over Iraq’s troubled nation. A traditional Catholic family’s eyes are glued to events that will go down in our children’s history books forever. As my family one by one went to bed I stayed up late to keep watching. Bright lights illuminated the Iraqi night skies. Only watching through night vision made it reminiscent of the Gulf War, but this was bigger. Something about this was different. After the final explosions sounded off I didn’t know this could ever affect this small town family. The months transcended with the staged Jessica Lynch debacle, the destruction of the Saddam Statue, thousands of troops entering Iraq, and myself graduating from high school. Moving away from home I stayed up to date with the events while I watched and listened to reports of our boys dying. I myself thought hard about joining the military, but I didn’t know where I stood on this war. True, I came from a conservative Republican family, but being young and hard-headed I came to a question many young adults have been asking since the 60s were born…..why? There were too many loose ends. Not long after President Bush was re-elected my best friend, a goofy looking red haired guy enlisted with the National Guardsmen, his sole purpose for lack of money. That same year he was shipped to Iraq. I wouldn’t see him for almost a year and a half. The war really hit home when my rebellious trouble making brother followed my father’s footsteps. He joined the Marines his senior year of high school. The move was very dauntless of him. It’s funny that when something serious happens in our lives we remember things that made us once happy. My last year of Little League I will never forget. The dog-days of summer were hot in 1996. Especially in catchers gear for which I had worn for the past 4 seasons. My brother was 8 and just starting out. If anything we’ve always seen eye to eye with baseball. I had seen a player hit this ball deep to where my brother was playing in left field, and he did this 360 type catch that was just unbelievable! From the plate I just looked at him and smiled. He stood out on his own for the first time. That’s a moment of him I will remember the rest of my life. My family was scared. The thought of him fighting over seas was hard to fathom. My final goodbye came when I drove to Baltimore from Richmond to spend the day with him. We had a great time. I looked and talked to my brother as a grown up for the first time. The next day as he entered security to board his plane we hugged and said goodbye. He turned back for one last look, I just shooed my hands at him smiling. He smiled back and walked out of sight. Though he will always be my little brother he is now a Marine. I understand the war a little more now. The times are changing. We are growing as a nation and we must keep moving forward. It’s the only way to adapt, overcome, … and semperfi. (Copywrited by Michael J. Dault)