[USA-ENGLAND COUNTDOWN] During the Confederations Cup in South Africa last year,soccer jerseys cheap, Coach Bob Bradley cited the experience of playing in cities and stadiums to be utilized during the World Cup as an important cog in the team’s preparation. He gave up a bit more information about his lineup than normal Friday by divulging that forward Jozy Altidore’s ankle sprain had healed sufficiently that he will start against England Saturday (2:30 p.m. ET, ABC, Univision) in the Group C opener.
“We step on the field believing we can win,” Bradley said. “It is said with no disrespect to our opponent. The preparation has been good. The players are ready.”
If a success at a particular venue counts for anything, the Americans might drive some benefit. The USA rebounded from losses to Italy and Brazil a year ago by beating Egypt at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, which is where it plays England. Goals by Charlie Davies, Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey earned the Americans a place in the semifinals,soccer jerseys cheap, in which it upset Spain, 2-0.
Of the 14 Americans who played in that match, only Davies and Conor Casey – who replaced Davies in the 82nd minute – didn’t make the World Cup squad. Though the stakes are higher this time,world cup 2014 jerseys,cheap soccer jerseys, the Americans believe – rightly or wrongly – that those two victories in the Confederations Cup and a 3-2 loss to Brazil in the final instilled belief and confidence that no matter what the opponent or the setting, they can get results.
“Our experience last summer was positive,” says Bradley, “just in the sense that we played against very good teams,custom soccer jerseys, we learned from those experiences, we had good moments and at the end we had a big disappointment. So we'll take that all in.”
However, as many as 10,world cup 2014 jerseys,000 English fans could be in attendance, according to figures in English newspapers. Large numbers of fans have been arriving in South Africa since the middle of the week. The listed capacity is 44,530, which is ninth among the 10 stadiums hosting World Cup matches.
There are no injury problems facing the Americans. Midfielder Ricardo Clark, who came off the field walking gingerly last Saturday in stoppage time of a 3-1 win over Australia, did not suffer a hamstring injury, as some outlets reported. According to U.S. Soccer press officer Michael Kammarman, Clark’s hammy cramped up but he is fully recovered and available to play against England.
Following his arrival in Germany last winter to play with Eintracht Frankfurt, he sat out two months with a calf injury but returned in time to play the last three games of the German Bundesliga season. Last month Eintracht offered him a three-year contract. Whether he starts alongside Michael Bradley in central midfield is one topic of great speculation as to which 11 players the coach will choose.
As to players recovering from injuries, Altidore and Oguchi Onyewu (knee) have participated in full training sessions since Tuesday, as have defenders Carlos Bocanegra (recovering from hernia surgery) and Jay DeMerit (abdominal strain). The green light for Altidore sets up at least a few confrontations with centerback and captain John Terry. Hull City's Altidoe and Chelsea's Terry dueled Feb. 2 in a 1-1 tie, one of 16 starts and 28 total league appearances in which Altidore scored just one goal.
“He's a great player and he reads the game well,” said Altidore, whose rights reverted back to Spanish club Villarreal when Hull, relegated to the second-tier League Championship, declined to retain him on loan or buy his contract. “It's going to be tough for whoever is going against him.”
A stomach bug is bothering English midfielder John Milner, though his inclusion in the starting lineup if healthy is far from assured. Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole, who sat on the bench much of the season but played well during a few appearances in May, is under consideration by Coach Fabio Capello to get a start at left mid.
What the USA accomplished in South Africa in 2009 may have laid a foundation, but nothing more.
“Last year was helpful in that it gives us the belief that we can do something special here,” said Landon Donovan. “Aside from that, that’s the past. Now our job is to focus on the now, but we know that we have the ability to be special. Now the focus is on bringing that out of us every time we play.”
2014年4月30日星期三
Jozy's a go for confident USA against England 06
Soccer America Women's Top 25 09 12 2011
[RANKINGS] Stanford took over the top spot in the Soccer America Women's Top 25 rankings, and UCLA, Oklahoma State and Duke each moved up two spots to 2-3-4. North Carolina, last week's No. 1 team, fell to No. 5 after being upset by Texas A&M,cheap soccer jerseys, 4-3, in overtime on Sunday. For the complete rankings ...
Soccer America Women's Top 25
TEAM (2011 RECORD) LAST WEEK
1. Stanford (7-0-1) 2
2,soccer jerseys cheap. UCLA (6-0-1) 4
3. Oklahoma State (8-0-0) 5
4. Duke (7-1-0) 6
5,world cup 2014 jerseys. North Carolina (5-1-0) 1
6. Florida State (7-1-0) 9
7. Maryland (6-0-2) 3
8,soccer jerseys cheap. Boston College (4-0-2) 11
9. Marquette (7-1-0) 12
10. Florida (5-2-0) 8
11. Wisconsin-Milwaukee (7-1-0) 14
12. Memphis (7-0-0) 16
13. Pepperdine (6-0-2) 17
14,world cup jerseys. Notre Dame (3-3-1) 7
15. UCF (4-1-1) NR
16. Penn State (6-2-0) 25
17,world cup 2014 jerseys. Virginia (6-1-1) 10
18. UC Irvine (5-1-1) 13
19. Santa Clara (3-0-4) 18
20. Virginia Tech (7-1-0) 15
21. Wake Forest (6-1-0) 22
22. Auburn (5-1-0) 23
23. Tennessee (6-1-0) 25
24. Missouri (7-1-0) NR
25. California (6-1-0) NR
Note: Records though Sunday's games.
Soccer America's Top 25 rankings will appear each Monday during the regular season.
Sign up for Soccer America's College Soccer Reporter to receive Soccer America's Top 25 rankings and news:
ESPN's 'highlights' disrespect MLS 05 09 2011
[TELEVISION WATCH] MLS should question the priorities of its television partner,cheap soccer jerseys, ESPN,world cup 2014 jerseys, in light of Saturday night's halftime segment, "Greatest highlights of the month," at intermission of ESPN2's broadcast of the Los Angeles-New York game.
What should have highlighted the best of the previous month led with clip after clip of negativity and violence,cheap soccer jerseys.
The decision to air the segment is all the more shocking, considering it was broadcast only hours after another MLS star was taken out with another horrific foul.
The segment was all too familiar,custom soccer jerseys, hammering home the point that soccer is not a sissy sport. Would anyone who bothered to stay up to watch the broadcast really believe that it is?
As ESPN2 came back from a break at halftime, it introduced the "Greatest highlights of the month," which led with two confrontations,cheap soccer jerseys, two challenges and a player nursing a bloody head in its first six shots.
Only then did ESPN get to the real highlights, including Juan Agudelo's golazo and fellow teen Omar Salgado's first MLS goal for Vancouver.
Does ESPN not value MLS's product to lead with the best it has to offer?
Frankly, the shots it led with were gratuitous images of violence, none of them, as I could recall, telling any major storyline.
If ESPN valued its broadcast of MLS games enough, it would have canned or re-edited the highlight segment in light of the shattered ankle Javier Morales suffered earlier in the day.
I guess someone was asleep at the switch. After all,world cup jerseys, it was around midnight in Bristol when the Galaxy-Red Bulls game reached halftime.
The Lament of the Lousy Losers 03 10 2011
By Paul Gardner
It's a sickening state of affairs for soccer when, within the space of a few days, two of the sport's top coaches brazenly advertise the fact that they are appallingly bad losers.
Two coaches from the English Premier League (neither of them English as it happens, but that’s the EPL for you): Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger, and Manchester United’s Alex Ferguson (you can, should you so wish,custom soccer jerseys, give him his toy title of Sir Alex -- I prefer not to).
Both coaches are enduring a pretty bumpy moment. Their teams are not operating as they should, and crucial games are being lost or only tied. Ferguson first: just five weeks ago, it seemed clear sailing for ManU to race away with the EPL title. Then came a totally unexpected loss at bottom-of-the-standings Wolves. It was quickly followed by two more losses at Chelsea and Liverpool, and ManU’s lead over Arsenal at the top of the standings is now only three points -- and Arsenal has a game in hand.
The Chelsea loss led to Ferguson making derogatory comments about the referee, Martin Atkinson. The strong implication of Ferguson’s words was that Atkinson was not an impartial referee. The English FA has reacted by charging Ferguson with “improper conduct” -- and Ferguson has announced that he will contest the charge.
In the meantime, Ferguson imposed a total ban -- for himself and everyone else, including players -- on talking to the media after the loss to Liverpool. It has become something of a habit for Ferguson to go after the referee when his team loses games. Or even when they win -- in 2008 he accosted referee Mike Dean on the field after a victory over Hull City when he thought Dean had got a number of decisions wrong.
In 2009, in a preview of the current dispute, Ferguson weighed into Atkinson after a loss to Chelsea -- the FA investigated and took no action. But the FA did act when Ferguson, in the same year, criticized referee Alan Wiley as being “not fit” after ManU had barely squeaked a 2-2 tie with Man City. That landed Ferguson with a four-game ban -- two were served immediately, the other two were suspended, but should Ferguson be found guilty on the current charge, those two games will be added to any punishment he may receive.
Looking at Ferguson’s most recent criticism of Atkinson -- that he should have ejected Chelsea’s David Luiz, and that the penalty kick that won the game for Chelsea was “soft -- Ferguson was surely correct on Luiz, but the penalty argument is fatuous -- what coach ever agreed with a PK call against his own team?
Or a red card call, for that matter. Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal,soccer jerseys cheap, for all its undoubted devotion to skillful and attractive soccer, collects more red cards than most teams. The latest came against Barcelona on Tuesday. This red was the now notorious second yellow to Robin van Persie -- the one that reduced Arsenal to 10 men, the one that, according to Wenger, prevented Arsenal from advancing in the Champions League.
Referee Massimo Busacca decided that van Persie was guilty of belting the ball into the sign boards in frustration at being called offside. Which Busacca evidently interpreted as time-wasting. No, no said van Persie, I didn’t hear your whistle -- how could I with all these 95,000 fans yelling their heads off? That has to go down as one of the silliest get-outs yet. Just for that one moment in this game the ref’s whistle was inaudible? Because at no other time was there any suggestion, from any one, of crowd noise being a problem. That particular whistle,soccer jerseys cheap, for what it’s worth, was very audible on the telecast.
But Wenger rants on about Busacca’s decision being “wrong” -- he even claims that UEFA should apologize for it. So everyone is against poor Arsenal. According to Wenger, “the first leg was fantastic.” He’s talking about the game in London,cheap soccer jerseys, which Arsenal won 2-1. He could, of course, have admitted that the referee in that game made a dreadful error in nixing a perfectly valid Lionel Messi goal. But he didn’t -- just as Barcelona did not make a big deal of it. But the second leg, it seems, was “destroyed” by a call that Wenger didn’t like.
Frankly, humbug. Van Persie’s wild kick at the ball had the stamp of a frustrated player reacting instantly to a whistle he wished he hadn’t heard. Van Persie, already on a yellow, had looked to be in a nervously volatile mood -- so much so that TV commentator Graeme Souness had delivered his halftime wisdom that Wenger should get him off the field.
Wenger left him on. He lasted 11 minutes of the second half. Then came the red card, and Wenger asks us to believe that that was what lost the game for Arsenal. A decidedly flimsy claim, to put it mildly. We are, it seems, to forget that Arsenal did not conjure up a single shot on goal in the entire game, that it managed only 32 percent possession, that -- while the game was still 11 vs. 11 - it was virtually over-run by Barcelona, that the maligned referee Busacca allowed defender Laurent Koscielny to stay on the field, even though he clearly invited a second-yellow card on two occasions. And so on. A typical soccer game, with enough dodgy referee calls to exercise both coaches.
The actions and the words of both Ferguson and Wenger are deplorable. Ferguson, fearing that the EPL title is slipping away from his team, lands on the referees, yet avoids criticizing his own player, Wayne Rooney,world cup 2014 jerseys,cheap soccer jerseys, who got away, unpunished, with an elbow to the face of Wigan’s James McCarthy. Wenger, too, blames the referee as Arsenal is knocked out of the Champions League; his player, van Persie, did nothing wrong -- but Wenger has become famous for never having seen any fouls committed by his own players.
So these are the top coaches, the shining examples of their profession, both presenting a squalid image as thoroughly bad losers. They didn’t lose the games -- the referees robbed them. Credit to their opponents? Forget that, too.
Sadly, we are getting used to this sort of thing. Jose Mourinho has shown the way. Back in 2005, when Mourinho’s Chelsea was beaten by Barcelona, his vicious criticism of referee Anders Frisk led to Frisk retiring from the game when he decided that he didn’t need the abuse and the threats encouraged by Mourinho’s vendetta.
Sportsmanship? Fair play? Ferguson and Wenger should be ashamed. Indeed, they were shamed on Thursday, by the AC Milan CEO, Adriano Galliani. After Milan had been knocked out of the Champions League by Tottenham in a game that Milan had dominated and in which it had been denied a crucial goal on a very close goal-line call by the referee, Galliani had this to say: “We were five centimeters from scoring ... We need to have the maturity to accept this loss ...”
Just a few calm words -- really, all that are necessary to silence the torrents of venomous verbiage spewed out by Ferguson and Wenger. The profession of coaching was, perhaps, once upon a time, a creditable one, or at least a credible one. Today it struggles to be either.
Credibility? Week after week we listen to the same corny old explanations for games lost, the same vapid boasts about games won, the tinpot tactical explanations and the evasions and the excuses, and we watch the increasingly frenetic sideline leapings and cavortings of those who want, desperately, to be noticed. None of that is particularly honorable.
Galliani is not a coach, so he is relatively free from the constraints of this benighted profession. His statement encompasses sportsmanship and fair play, where Ferguson and Wenger have trampled all over those qualities. In addition, Galliani’s words have something that the celebrity coaches seem to shun. Seem to want to shun. Dignity.
UEFA Champions League live! 04 02 2012
[TELEVISION GUIDE] The second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals will be held Tuesday and Wednesday. Held to a 0-0 tie at the San Siro, Barcelonawill be under pressure to beat AC Milan in Tuesday's return match at the Nou Camp. In the other series, Bayern Munich,custom soccer jerseys, Chelsea and Real Madrid all return home with leads after winning on the road. Forthe complete schedule ...
Note: Matches will be available live or on demand on .
Tuesday:
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Bayern Munich vs. Marseille (delay) 5:00 PM
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Bayern Munich vs,world cup 2014 jerseys. Marseille (live) 2:30 PM
Wednesday:
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Real Madrid vs,soccer jerseys cheap. APOEL (delay) 5:00 PM
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2014年4月28日星期一
Central Basin Municipal Water District general man
COMMERCE >> General Manager Tony Perez of the Central Basin Municipal Water District on Monday will propose a counteroffer to its insurance carrier,soccer jerseys cheap, which had proposed canceling its policy.
Perez’s proposal, which will go to the Board of Directors at its 10 a.m. Monday meeting,cheap soccer jerseys,cheap soccer jerseys, still would require the loss of insurance coverage for six months.
The insurance carrier, the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority, had recommended in March canceling the district’s insurance because of concerns it was paying out more in liability claims than it was receiving from the district.
In April, Walter Sells, the JPIA executive director, offered to suspend the district’s employment practice liability insurance for six months and have Central Basin withdraw from the workers compensation insurance program for a year. It could then reapply under that proposal.
Sells also proposed requiring the district’,world cup jerseys;s board to renegotiate its contract with Perez so that it would take a 4-1 vote to terminate his contract. He also proposed limiting coverage of several claims or lawsuits already filed against the district.
Perez’s counteroffer would allow the district to reapply for workers compensation insurance in six months.
It also would require the JPIA to continue to represent the district in a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against the district and Director Robert Apodaca and a whistle-blower suit filed by Director Leticia Vasquez against a former general manager and two law firms that once represented the district.
All three defendants in the whistle-blower lawsuits have asked the district to defend them, Perez said.
“Staff is recommending that we try to give JPIA as much as we reasonably can,” Perez said. “What we’ve done is make a counter that we felt would be acceptable.”
Those two lawsuits could cost the district the most money, Perez said.
If the district has to go out and get new insurance, the cost is expected to increase by about $65,000 said Richard Aragon, finance director. The district now spends about $120,000 on its insurance.
Vasquez said Friday she doesn’t like Perez’s counteroffer.
“The district still will lose its insurance so I think more negotiating needs to happen,cheap soccer jerseys,” Vasquez said. “They’re asking (Central Basin) to take in all of these claims and change the general manager’s contract and we still lose insurance. I don’t think (the JPIA) offer is reasonable.”
Perez said Central Basin may not have much of a choice.
“It was more of a take it or leave it proposal,” he said of the offer from JPIA.
They don’t seem open to negotiating, he said.
Vasquez also sent a letter to Sells, questioning whether the JPIA’s employment of attorney Grant Burton was a conflict of interest because he was fired as a Central Basin attorney in a billing-dispute lawsuit.
“Will Grant Burton present, provide input or participate during any discussions in the recommendation to terminate JPIA’s insurance coverage for Central Basin?” she asked in the letter.
Sells said Friday that Burton is not on the JPIA staff, never was consulted and wouldn’t be.
“I’ve never met the man,soccer jerseys cheap,” Sells said.
As for the Central Basin offer, Sells said he won’t comment on the offer because he hasn’t seen it in writing.
A final decision is expected to be made by the JPIA Board of Directors on May 5.
Ms. Racing Queen Pageant an opportunity to win $10
Founded in 2013, the,world cup jerseys, mission of the Ms. Racing Queen Pageant is to promote thoroughbred racing by representing the Stronach Group Racing Assoc. at various events, including but not limited to,cheap soccer jerseys, the Florida Derby, the Santa Anita Derby,cheap soccer jerseys,custom soccer jerseys,custom soccer jerseys, and the Preakness in 2014. Ms. Racing Queen needs to be poised, confident and ready to learn the basics of thoroughbred racing.
It is an exciting opportunity to partake in the Sport of Kings that spans centuries and has global popularity and a chance to will $100,000 in the California vs. Florida Grand Finale
This year, Ms Racing Queen 2014 will provide the opportunity for the winner to be the spokesperson for the The Stronach Group Racing Association within the thoroughbred community.
2014年4月27日星期日
Socceroos missing big guns for S.Korea friendly -
Captain Lucas Neill and midfield talisman Tim Cahill were on Wednesday left out of Australia’s squad for next month’s friendly against South Korea in Seoul, with striker Harry Kewell also in doubt.
Socceroos Coach Pim Verbeek omitted Neill from the 24-man squad as the defender searches for a new club in Europe and was forced to drop Cahill,world cup jerseys, a two-goal hero in Australia’s win over Ireland this month, due to a foot injury.
Verbeek included Kewell but admitted the former Liverpool player may miss the Seoul match after sustaining a knock on his ankle representing his Turkish club Galatasaray last week.
“He got a very nasty kick on his ankle, I was with him on Friday when he had his medical, it didn’t look good,” the coach said.
The Dutchman dismissed fears that Cahill’s injury was similar to the broken metatarsal that sidelined the Everton star for six months last year.
“It’s a totally different injury. At this moment it’s much better to leave him in England because I have enough other players,” Verbeek said.
Verbeek said Neill, who is out of contract with England’s West Ham, was released so he could talk to prospective clubs and undergo medicals.
He included two A-League players, Jason Culina and Shane Stefanutto, along with Japanese-based striker Josh Kennedy.
Vince Grella returns from injury, with Michael Beauchamp, Mark Milligan and Michael Petkovic the other inclusions.
Verbeek said Kennedy and Celtic’s Scott McDonald were likely to play as dual strikers against South Korea.
Australia’s 24-man squad announced Wednesday for the September 5 friendly against South Korea in Seoul:
Michael Beauchamp (Aalborg/DEN), Mark Bresciano (Palermo/ITA), Nick Carle (Crystal Palace/ENG), David Carney (Sheffield United/ENG), Ante Covic (Elfsborg/SWE),world cup 2014 jerseys, Jason Culina (Gold Coast/AUS), Vince Grella (Blackburn/ENG), Brett Holman (Alkmaar/NED), Danny Invincibile (Kilmarnock/SCO),world cup jerseys, Mile Jedinak (Antalyaspo/TUR), Josh Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus/JPN), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray/TUR), Patrick Kisnorbo (Leeds/ENG), Scott McDonald (Celtic/SCO), Mark Milligan (Shanghai Shenhua/CHN), Jade North (Incheon United/KOR), Michael Petkovic (Sivasspor/TUR), Nikita Rukavytsya (FC Twente/NED), Mark Schwarzer (Fulham/ENG), Matthew Spiranovic (Nurnberg/GER), Shane Stefanutto (North Queensland/AUS), Dario Vidosic (Nurnberg/GER), Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough/ENG), Luke Wilkshire (Dinamo Moscow/RUS)
Double blow for Socceroos
Australia have lost Premier League stars Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer from next week’s qualifier against Oman.
Cahill has been struggling with an ankle injury and aggravated it further in Everton’s loss to Liverpool on Saturday,world cup 2014 jerseys, while Schwarzer re-injured his back during the warm-up for Fulham’s match against QPR on Sunday.
“Tim played through the pain barrier on Saturday against Liverpool but the scan showed that the best course of action now is rest and rehab,” Everton head of medicine Danny Donachie told the club’s official website.
“Tim is disappointed but it is a straight-forward decision because he would not be fit enough to play in the games in Australia.”
The double blow means the Socceroos will be without Cahill and Schwarzer for Friday night’s friendly against Malaysia in Canberra and Tuesday’s Asian qualifier against Oman,cheap soccer jerseys.
Nathan Coe has been added to the squad as cover for Schwarzer with Reading’s Adam Federici likely to start both matches.
No replacement has been named for Cahill yet.
Also missing from the side is Brett Emerton and Harry Kewell,cheap soccer jerseys, who will feature in a blockbuster opening to the A-League season for Sydney and Melbourne respectively.
2014年4月26日星期六
Search for soccer - 6 680
Aussie media back fighting Socceroos
The Australian media swung firmly behind the national football team Thursday despite the Socceroos bowing out of the at the group stage.
Australia missed out on the second round of the World Cup on goal difference due largely to the 4-0 thrashing they received at the hands of Germany in their opening Group D match.
After launching a tirade of abuse at coach Pim Verbeek and, to a lesser extent, the players after the Germany loss, local media began to warm to the Socceroos following their 1-1 draw with Ghana.
And they were positively glowing after the 2-1 win over Serbia in Nelspruit on Wednesday.
“Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant,” wrote the Sydney Morning Herald’s Mike Cockerill,world cup jerseys, hitherto one of the Socceroos’ most trenchant critics.
“There was to be no salvation in Nelspruit. But there was redemption. The Socceroos are going home,cheap soccer jerseys, but they’re going with their heads held high. And as a consolation, that’s not to be underestimated.”
Cockerill said the Socceroos had managed to “claw back” some respect from the Australian sporting public.
“It’s the Australian way. You go down fighting, and didn’t they put up a fight?”
David Davutovic, writing for the News Limited stable of newspapers, agreed that Australia had nothing to be ashamed of.
“Getting out of the group phase was always going to be a huge achievement for the Socceroos, who in fairness are not among the best 16 teams in the world,” he wrote.
“Had they gone down in the lacklustre fashion they did against Germany then questions would have been asked of the players and particularly coach Pim Verbeek.
“,soccer jerseys cheap;But they went down swinging and that’s why every one of the Socceroos fans stayed in the stadium well after the final whistle.”
However, the ABC’s Joel Vander wished Australia had shown that same fighting spirit earlier.
“So where was this in the opening 4-0 embarrassment in Durban?” he asked.
“If only coach Pim Verbeek had instilled some confidence in his charges that they could get a result that day.
“Instead of the meek surrender that we witnessed, we might have seen the fighting Socceroos we’ve become accustomed to.”
2014年4月9日星期三
Bulls, Lakers show who they are in Christmas Day
Back finally from the lockout that nearly shut down the entire season, the Bulls went muscle-memory to pull out an 88-87 victory in their 2011-12 opener on Christmas Day.cheap nhl jerseys Late better than never, they played to the strengths that got them the league's best record last season: defense, patience and a sense of knowing where they and each of their teammates should and would be in the game's most pivotal moments.
They leaned again on the reigning Most Valuable Player, Derrick Rose,to bail them out at the end the way he bailed them out time after time last fall, winter and spring. They recalled similar situations in the playoffs where they fought back, as well as a few from May that provided always-valuable lessons in what not to do.
Meanwhile, they took solace in knowing that the other guys were relative newbies and could not draw on such vast resources of experience and familiarity. The other guys, after all, were only the Los Angeles Lakers.
Wait, what?
It's true. The Lakers are one of the NBA's most storied franchises, with 16 championships, 31 Finals trips and more playoff victories (433) than all but one franchise (Boston) has games played. The Lakers have a still-lethal, all-time great in Kobe Bryant and the most skilled big man in the league in Pau Gasol, as well as a former Coach of the Year orchestrating on the sideline.
But Mike Brown is in his first season as Lakers coach. Like every other coach, he's been able to talk to his players, never mind actually work on the court with them, for less than a month. His system is as new to the players -- who have no more Phil Jackson and no more triangle offense -- as he is to them.
And there are players who weren't around before -- hello Josh McRoberts, Troy Murphy and Devin Ebanks, goodbye Lamar Odom and (temporarily) Andrew Bynum -- which means they have no shared crises with the holdovers.
Compared to these Lakers, the Bulls' full season-and-a-few-days' worth of continuity is the difference between a finely-honed military drill team and yelling "Fire!" at five guys with scatterguns.
And Chicago's best player knew it. Late in the game, Rose reminded his guys which side of Staples owned the savvy.
"I told them, 'We've been in this situation before,' " Rose said, not so long after changed everything. "They have a new team. They have new players, new system. I said,Detroit Red Wings winter classic jerseys 2014 'They haven't been in that circumstance yet. And we've been there.' "
The Bulls were down by 11, 82-71, with less than four minutes left. They trailed 87-81 with 54.6 seconds to go. But from that point, they made almost all the right plays and the Lakers made almost all the wrong ones.
It was a snapshot of where the teams are right now in their development, expectations and capabilities. It was very different from what Laker fans are accustomed to and yet, something with which they might have to get acquainted.
"There were a lot of things that went wrong down the stretch," Brown said. "You name it, whether it was missed free throws or turnovers or unnecessary fouls or blown defensive assignments, we had all of that in a 50-second span. Give the Bulls credit, but we did some things to help them get this [one]."
Funny thing was, the Lakers' two most seasoned vets were in the middle of their meltdown. But then, all the changes have been hard on everyone.
When Deng followed his own miss for a layup, Gasol fouled him to toss Chicago an extra point. After a Lakers miss, Bryant put Deng on the line for two more. Still, with 20.4 seconds left, Los Angeles had the ball, the lead and arguably the game's most renowned closer.
But when Bryant got the ball out near midcourt, by one sideline, Rose and Joakim Noah trapped him -- and did not foul. The Lakers star, who scored 28 points on 11-of-23 shooting despite a torn ligament in his right wrist, looked for a release. He saw Gasol and tried to lob a pass out to him.
Ahem.
"He thought we were going to foul right away," Deng said. "It was a great call by [Bulls coach Tom Thibodea] to trap him. Then when he saw that we were trapping, not fouling, I was the next guy and I knew it was either going to Artest out of bounds or Gasol. I wanted to take out Gasol but I made it look like I was going to Artest."
Said Brown: "In that situation, we know a team's going to foul. The shot clock was off. The ball went into the right player's hands ... I have not asked why he jumped to make the pass. Yeah, we would like for him to hold onto it and then for them to foul him."
Except for that small detail of the Bulls not fouling.
Deng stole the pass and almost immediately looked for Rose, jumping up himself and nearly traveling before shoveling the ball over. The Bulls instinctively went into a late-game offense mode, one they had practiced (and used) many times before.
"It's real hard," Rose said. "You've got to know where everybody's at. At the end, people got to their spots and we were just making plays. We always do that in practice where we have certain places where people go, and you've got to be there a majority of the time."
All Rose has to do is be his MVP self. His teammates have it tougher, fighting the powerful urge to spectate. "Trying not to," Noah said, smiling. "I'm always confident when he has the ball, but I'm always thinking that maybe he'll miss and we'll have to get a tip-in."
Not this time. What Chicago needed to do was even tougher: stymie Bryant from going Hollywood in his house. Thibodeau wanted more denial but Bryant got the ball and drove the right side of the lane. Noah and Taj Gibson discouraged a zig inside and Deng caught up, blocking Bryant's running jumper just before the buzzer.
And so it went in one of the NBA's five Rust Bowl games Sunday. The Bulls did a lot of things they wished they hadn't but did not quit, and found themselves at the end. The Lakers produced game footage that gave them much to build on but couldn't finish what they'd started.
Now all they have to do is cram their improvement into an immediate back-to-back-to-back, with a game at Sacramento Monday and then comes Utah at Staples Center Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, before unwrapping this year's edition of Lakers team, Brown had said it would be "fun" to watch their season unfold. That's one word for it.
"Sixty-six games," he said. "We're going to have to use some of these games as practices. Meaning,Toronto Maple Leafs winter classic jerseys 2014 we're going to go through some growing pains and we're going to have to learn from them. Obviously, hopefully, we can learn sooner than later. But there might be some times we make some mistakes that hopefully won't be characteristic of what we're going to do at the end of the season."
BWB Africa Fulfilling The Dreams Hang Tim
They were in one of the impoverished townships outside of Johannesburg. They were in classrooms where hungry minds craved answers for a better life.cheap nhl jerseys They were on the basketball courts where raw talent gathered to show their skills and sought a way out. They were on so many of the faces that crossed his path .
“In my short NBA career, I’ve had lots of great experiences,” said the Cavs’ 21-year-old point guard during a phone conversation from South Africa. “Just being in the league, winning Rookie of the Year, playing against guys that I looked up to. But being here is an amazing experience in a completely different way.
“Kids are kids no matter where you go in the world and they’re always going to get a smile out of you and make you happy. But these kids that we’ve worked with here in the camps and the younger kids that we’ve met in the schools, they seem to draw even more out of you, because of the environment they come from.
“I’ve traveled around a bit and taken part in some UNICEF programs in the past. You think you’ve seen some situations that are bad. But the poverty in Africa is overwhelming. There are levels of poverty that I’m not sure we can understand as Americans without actually having been here.
“Some of the kids knew my name, who I was, where I played in the NBA. Others didn’t. All they wanted was somebody to be with them and be there for them. That’s the way we have to approach it — help one kid at a time.”
that aims to create positive social change in the areas of education, health, and wellness. To date,there have been 36 BWB camps in 21 cities across 18 countries on five continents.
The program has featured more than 150 current and former NBA/WNBA players and nearly 140 NBA team personnel from all 30 NBA teams as camp coaches and mentors.
The inaugural BWB camp was in July 2001 led by former NBA players Vlade Divac and Toni Kukoc, for 50 children from five nations of the former Yugoslavia. In 2013, BWB were held in three countries on three continents: Argentina, Portugal and South Africa.
FIBA and local federations help identify 50 to 65 of the top basketball players 18 and under from countries across the related continent to attend.
BWB has featured over 1,700 campers from over 120 countries and 28 BWB campers have been drafted into the NBA. There are currently 11 BWB alumni on NBA rosters: Jonas Valanciunas, Raptors/Lithuania; Donatas Motiejunas, Rockets/Lithuania; Enes Kanter, Jazz/Turkey; Greivis Vasquez, Kings/Venezuela; Omri Casspi, Rockets/Israel; Luc Mbah A Moute,Kings/Cameroon; Danilo Gallinari, Nuggets/Italy; Nicolas Batum, Trail Blazers/France; Marco Belinelli, Spurs/Italy; Marc Gasol, Grizzlies/Spain; Andrea Bargnani, Knicks/Italy.
Four former BWB campers were drafted in 2013: Sergey Karasev, Cavaliers/Russia; Kelly Olynyk,Detroit Red Wings winter classic jerseys 2014 Celtics/Canada; Gorgui Dieng, Timberwolves/Senegal; Arsalan Kazemi, 76ers/Iran.
Other NBA players in South Africa were: Thabo Sefolosha, Serge Ibaka and Hasheem Thabeet of the Thunder, Jerryd Bayless of the Grizzlies; Bismack Biyombo of the Bobcats, Luol Deng of the Bulls, Al Horford of the Hawks and NBA Global Ambassador Dikembe Mutombo.
NBA coaches took part, too, including Tyrone Corbin (Jazz); Luca Desta (Mavericks); Mark Hughes (Knicks); BJ Johnson (Rockets); Jamahl Mosley (Cavaliers); Patrick Mutombo (Nuggets); Monty Williams (Pelicans) and ex-Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins.
The BWB program has been a favorite of Dikembe Mutombo, who attended the first in Johannesburg more than a decade ago.
“The biggest difference that I see from when we held the first camp here is the level of play,” Mutombo said. “Back then, a lot of guys were just lucky to be able to get into the gym and show a little bit. Now they’re getting coaching, getting direction and they are giving themselves a real chance for a better life.
“We all know that it is a long shot for anyone to make it into the NBA, even more when you’re coming from the background of Africa. That’s why the real goal for a lot of these kids is to come here and attract attention and maybe get an opportunity to come to the United States for a high school education, to play basketball and then maybe to attend an American university.
“To me, that’s how we make the world, and Africa in particular, a better place. We lift these kids up, educate them and hopefully many of them will return to their countries and try to make things better.”
Irving recalled that he had learned about apartheid in schools while he was growing up, but that had not prepared him for an up-close experience with people who had lived through it.
“To me, Steve Biko and Hector Pieterson were names I read in books,” Irving said. “But here I’m walking where they walked and talking with their people. It’s had more of an impact. It makes me know that I want to come back to Africa and do what I can in the future.”
The 47-year-old Mutombo, a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, rarely misses an opportunity. He had spent millions of his own dollars building a hospital in his mother’s name in his homeland and has spent more to erect dormitories and classrooms during his many BWB trips to South Africa.
“On the anniversary of Dr. King’s speech, I took time to stop and think,” Mutombo said. “I have achieved so many blessings in my life after a childhood of poverty. I achieved a dream of working and getting noticed and getting myself an education.
“I realized a dream of playing basketball for a living and having the NBA doors open for me. I realized a dream of making a fortune and being able to use it to go back home and help my people. I realized a dream to build a hospital in my country.
“We all have to dream because big things are possible, especially in a world that has gotten smaller with things like cell phones and Facebook and Twitter.
“I tell these young players that come here that we’re all connected.Toronto Maple Leafs winter classic jerseys 2014 What Dr. King was talking about fifty years ago was not African-American dreams or American dreams. These are human dreams all over the world and every time I come here see a young player like Kyrie with his eyes wide open on his first trip, I feel like we can fulfill more.”
2014年4月7日星期一
Defense the Focus Early in Camp THE OFFICIAL SITE
After Saturday’s opening practice of the 2013-14 season that saw the Thunder spend over two hours laser-focused on the defensive end of the floor, Brooks and company followed it up on Sunday with a morning session that reinforced those principles.
“The focus today was defensive intensity,” Brooks said. “We wanted to make sure we came back after the first day really challenging ourselves and pushing each other as much as we can. The physicality was good throughout the day. The guys came back with great energy and great focus, paying attention to the details.”
The Thunder’s core defensive tenets are based around team-wide concepts like communication and trust that help-side defenders will be in place to stop opponents from getting to the basket. When all five players in the defense are tied on a string, moving as one flowing unit, the Thunder can make attacking the paint or finding open looks extremely difficult. Detroit Red Wings winter classic jerseys 2014
It all starts, however, by each man keeping a wide stance, their hands up and their feet moving to stay in front of their man. Point guards Russell Westbrook and Reggie Jackson lead the defense from the front while anchors of the defense like Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka communicate while patrolling the paint.
“It’s a combination,” Brooks said. “It starts with you taking pride in guarding your man and then we also talk about the four guys on the backside helping out if needed. We always want to focus on the individual defense. That’s just pride, determination and what you have in your belly to get a stop. We have a team full of guys like that.”
“Basically being nitty-gritty and not letting your guy get by you,” Jackson explained. “Just try to contain your own man and take pride in one-on-one defense.”
Drills throughout practice help players hone their individual skills and understand the basic shell that helps the Thunder defend all five opponents at once. In order to keep players engaged throughout the intensive practices, the coaching staff also mixes in some live competition. With three-on-three and four-on-four action, Thunder players can get after one another and compete with high energy, which breeds camaraderie and builds bonds early in camp.
“It’s fun to get after it,” Jackson said.
Throughout both drills and live sessions, though, the focus early in camp is to ensure that every member of the squad understands and lives by the team’s defense-first identity. Last season the Thunder finished second in the NBA in field goal percentage defense and led the league in combined blocks and steals per game. Entering this year, veterans like Perkins know that it will be imperative to re-solidify the mantra that encourages taking pride and displaying determination on the defensive end.
“We hang our hats on being a defensive team, because great defense is going to translate to good offense,” Perkins said. “It’s very important because that way you can set the tone for all the young guys and newcomers to let them know.” Toronto Maple Leafs winter classic jerseys 2014
Delaney gets simpler view of world after trip to A
So it was that Delaney found himself one morning earlier this month in Kabul, Afghanistan,cheap nhl jerseys a place that most of the world associates with war, trying to teach teamwork, cooperation and maybe the finer points of a well-thrown bounce pass.
He was there as an NBA Cares ambassador along with a group of AAU volunteers as part of a sports diplomacy program sponsored by the International Assistance Force and the U.S. embassy in Kabul.
"It was freezing with snow on the ground when we arrived and there was security all around," Delaney said, "and you go into something like that not really knowing what kind of reception you're going to get.
"All we hear about is the insurgents and the Taliban and Al Qaeda, all the bad things that are taking place. But there was a lot of good that was going on.
"It's amazing how sports is that equalizer. You know, after the second day of being in a gym in Kabul, Afghanistan, I didn't know if I was in Kabul or Jersey City, New Jersey or Sarasota, Florida. It was a gym with kids playing basketball and that's all that mattered. That's a great equalizer.
"There is an Afghanistran and an Afghan people that are away from all that stuff we only see on the news. And while it was important for us to teach the kids and the coaches that were in that gym the skills of our sports, it's the other things they're learning on that court or that playing field that can help them make better lives for themselves and give all of us peace of mind."
The visit was at the invitation of Lieutenant General Zahir Aghbar, head of the Afghan National Olympic Committee, and was arranged with Admiral Hal Pittman, ISAF HQ Sports Diplomacy Director, after Afghan sports delegation leaders toured U.S. facilities in Florida and Colorado last fall. The American coaches and officials gave mentoring lessons in basketball, soccer, volleyball and taekwondo to male and female coaches and athletes.
"I saw great Afghan patriots, people that want to make a difference in their country," Delaney said. "They're folks that are no different than the ones on your street or my street. They just want a better place for their family to live. They want a safe environment for their kids and they want to leave it a little bit better for the next generation. It struck me that this is no different from what is on Main Street, USA.Detroit Red Wings winter classic jerseys 2014
"Well,one difference is some of these kids got there by bus. And by that I mean riding on the back of a flat wagon that was being pulled by a horse. We had some who walked four or five days to Kabul. We said, 'You walked?' It was beyond our comprehension. But that is how desperate a lot of these people are for some normalcy."
For Delaney, who retired as an NBA ref in 2011, the trip was a two-fold mission, giving him a chance to speak to members of the U.S. and NATO troops about dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. It is a condition he suffered from as a young N.J. State Trooper in the mid-1970s, following a three-year undercover investigation of the Genovese and Bruno crime families who had a stronghold in the greater Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York areas.
Post-traumatic stress is a problem that Delaney says is growing in an increasingly violent world filled with wars and acts of terrorism and tragedies and he believes should be addressed more directly by soldiers, policemen, fire fighters and assorted first-responders. To that end he has written his second book: "Surviving the Shadows: A Journey into Post-Traumatic Stress".
"I point my finger at myself," he said. "I tell my story of what I went through and how as a result of doing that long undercover job, I developed post-traumatic stress and was in denial about it. I had all the telltale signs: paranoia, isolation, quick to anger, levels of feeling of revenge. All those kinds of feelings that I was experiencing, when I tell them it resonates. Because they come up to me during the break or afterwards and say, 'I'm going through some of that.'
"My goal is to keep it at post-traumatic stress and not let it get to the point of post-traumatic stress disorder ... All too often we wait until it becomes PTSD and then we try to deal with it. The reality is we can't take away Afghanistan. We can't take away Iraq. We can't take away 9-11 or the Oklahoma City bombing. Those are traumas and there are more to come in our lives. Those who serve us are going to be more susceptible to that because they are on the front lines and experiencing that. My belief is we need education and awareness programs. We've done it with HIV-AIDS, with drugs, alcohol, tobacco ...
"And it's not just the cops, fire fighters and soldiers who suffer from post-traumatic stress. It's the spouses and the children and the husbands of those on the front lines.
"I got to tell my story and spread my feelings about all of this to not just U.S. troops, but troops from Macedonia, Mongolia, Italy, Germany, The Netherlands, I could go on and on. The feelings are common, I think. I mean, we had an interpreter as I told my story about being undercover. It's a Soprano-esque story and I don't really know how that all gets spelled out or relates to Mongolians. But they seemed to be laughing in all the right spots, so I guess it went over pretty well."
From teaching jump shots and dribbling to teaching soldiers how to deal with problems that grow out of putting their lives on the line every day, there was a universal bond that Delaney saw.
"In the gym and with the kids, these were people who wanted to have some time to just relate to each other and be happy. We were there for the Super Bowl. So there we were on the other side of the world with the kickoff at four o'clock in the morning. But there we are in a tent filled with guys wearing Giants and Patriots jerseys. We had wings and chips and dip and sodas for breakfast.
"I remember looking at the whole scene and thinking to myself, 'Hey, I'm in Afghanistan and you know what? Along with hoping to do some good, I'm having fun.' "Toronto Maple Leafs winter classic jerseys 2014
2014年4月4日星期五
Heroes Among Us - April 2013 The Official Site of
April 26, 2013 - Robert Wheeler
Mere minutes after Robert Wheeler completed the 26.2 mile trek from Hopkinton on Marathon Monday, he heard two loud explosions erupt nearby.cheap nhl jerseysWithout a moment’s hesitation he rushed to the scene to help those who were injured. Robert came to the aid of Ron Brassard whose leg had been struck by shrapnel and immediately used his shirt to stop the bleeding. Thanks to Robert’s brave actions, Ron will make a full recovery!
In appreciation for all of the first responders who helped injured civilians, please join us in celebrating Robert Wheeler as a Hero Among Us.
April 26, 2013 - Boston Marathon First Response Heroes
In the midst of the chaos and tragedy of the Boston Marathon bombings, we also saw incredible bravery and selflessness. Thanks to first responders from the Boston Police, Boston Fire, marathon volunteers, medical personnel, Watertown Police and so many others, several lives were saved and we were all reminded of the power of our community.In honor of all these brave individuals please join us in celebrating Governor Patrick, Mayor Menino and representatives from the FBI, Watertown Police Department, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Tufts Medical Center, Youth Violence Strike Force and volunteers from Boston Athletic Association as Heroes Among Us.
April 10, 2013 - Krystal Banfield
Krystal Banfield has dedicated her entire career to community music awareness and education.A proud promoter of the arts, Krystal serves as the Dean of Berklee City Music, a nonprofit program that provides music education to students in underserved communities across the country. In Boston alone, she has been instrumental in expanding City Music’s reach from four to now 18 Boston Public Schools. To date, thanks to Krystal’s leadership, Berklee City Music has incredibly educated more than 13,000 youth!Detroit Red Wings winter classic jerseys 2014
For her tireless efforts to expand music awareness, please join us in celebrating Krystal Banfield as a Hero Among Us.
April 7, 2013 - Rich and Traci Maynard
Rich and Traci Maynard tragically lost their four-year old daughter to heart disease in 2006.Wanting to turn their pain and loss into something positive, the couple founded the Erika Kate Foundation a year later. The non-profit works with families whose children are enduring heart-related medical issues at pediatric heart centers around the country. To date, the Erika Kate Foundation has amazingly helped hundreds of families offering financial assistance for lodging, transportation and utility bills when they need it most!
For their dedication to helping others, please join us in celebrating Rich and Traci Maynard as Heroes Among Us. Mary Hopkins and Annie Thomas from the Erika Kate Foundation accepted the award on the Maynards’ behalf.
April 5, 2013 - Janielle Monbleau
Athletic trainer Janielle Monbleau will never forget the night in late January when Methuen High School hockey player Brady Barron’s wrist was cut by the skate blade of an opposing defender.Noticing blood dripping from Brady’s wrist, Janielle immediately rushed on the ice while the game was still in play to tend to his injury. She was able to put pressure on the severed artery to slow the bleeding before medical help arrived. Thanks to Janielle’s quick-thinking, Brady will make a full recovery preventing what could have been a terrible tragedy!
For her life-saving actions, please join us in celebrating a Hero Among Us, Janielle Monbleau.
April 3, 2013 - Adriana Mallozzi
Having been diagnosed with cerebral palsy as an infant, Adriana Mallozzi fully understands the challenges facing people with disabilities.From the age of one, Adriana has been a part of Easter Seals and has made it her life’s mission to help others with disabilities foster independence and self-confidence. As a member of Easter Seals’ Board, she spends countless hours fundraising and mentoring. Adriana has also dedicated herself to the promotion and creation of assistive technology that improves the lives of people with disabilities.
For her unyielding efforts to support others with disabilities, please join us in celebrating a Hero Among Us, Adriana Mallozzi.Toronto Maple Leafs winter classic jerseys 2014
Heroes Among Us - December 2005 Celtics.com - The
Dr. Peter Raffalli
During the day, Dr. Raffalli is an attending physician in child neurology at Children's Hospital Boston. His patients are often afflicted by cerebral palsy, autism, and other neurological disabilities.cheap nhl jerseys
At nights and weekends, Dr. Raffalli dresses as a clown and visits patients that are children struggling through cancer treatments, dealing with an HIV diagnosis or recovering from burns. He also heads up the Starlight Starbright Clown troupe, a group of clowns dedicated to brightening the lives of seriously ill children.
Although both outfits are strikingly different, Dr. Raffalli's objective remains the same: to use his passion and compassion for children who are ill and coax a smile at times when none would appear.
December 14, 2005
Bob Magner
Bob, an insurance broker from Scituate, spends his spare time volunteering at Children's Hospital Boston. Every Sunday, Bob is at the hospital, taking the kids on walks or simply keeping their company when their parents need a break. Bob also participates in the hospital's annual Miles for Miracles Walk. Last year he personally raised over $12,000.
On December 25th, Bob will be doing what he has done for the past 15 years. He will dress up as Santa to bring the joy of Christmas to as many patients as possible at Children's Hospital.
December 16, 2005
Jay Blake
In May of 1997, at the age of 31, Jay was involved in an industrial accident that caused him to lose complete vision, smell and taste. Refusing to give up on life, Jay aggressively participated in extensive rehabilitation at the Carroll Center for the Blind.
With renewed self-determination, Jay began to follow his dream of owning a professional auto racing team. As the sport's only totally blind race crew chief, Jay has led his team to an 8th place finish in the country. He has also founded Follow A Dream, a non-profit organization that teaches how the power of positive thinking and self-determination can overcome adversity.
December 19, 2005
Jane Smith
Jane began volunteering for the New England Hemophilia Association in memory of her father, who passed away from complications related to hemophilia. In 1993, when her son, Leland, was diagnosed with severe hemophilia at birth, Jane increased her involvement with the Association.Detroit Red Wings winter classic jerseys 2014
After years of volunteering and serving on the Board of Directors, Jane was asked by the Association to take on a staff position. As Program Director, Jane organizes programs and events that bring together families and individuals who might not otherwise connect with each other. She is an advocate for those with hemophilia on the state and national level.
December 21,2005
Adam Roberge
Adam had been blind since birth, but doesn't allow his disability to stand in the way of a typical life as a 12-year-old. He is fully integrated is his school, and takes vision classes where he reads in Braille.
When Adam is not participating in swimming and gymnastics, he is raising funds for the National Braille Press, a nonprofit Braille printing and publishing house. He was able to raise more than $8,000, which will be used to sponsor two children Braille books. Adam is a perfect example of a child who is determined to expand his own independence, while helping others.Toronto Maple Leafs winter classic jerseys 2014
2014年4月2日星期三
Heroes Among Us - November 2006 Celtics.com - The
November 3, 2006 - Sgt. Ayman Kafel
As part of the Massachusetts National Guard, Sergeant Kafel arrived in Iraq on December 31, 2004. During the year he spent in Iraq, Sgt. Kafel served for the Military Police Headquarters' Task Force and then later for the Protective Service Security Squad.As an Arab-American who spoke fluent Arabic,cheap nhl jerseys Ayman was able to bridge a cultural gap to create a unity that could not have existed without him. Ayman's command leader, Lieutenant Colonel McElroy, stated that Sergeant Kafel's presence instantly changed the demeanor of Iraqis with whom his squad interacted, leading to many successful missions that might have otherwise failed.
In recognition of Sgt Kafel's dedication and service to this country, would you please join us in recognizing tonight's Hero Among Us, Sgt. Ayman Kafel.
November 8, 2006 - David Youngerman
When David was six year old, his mother, Michelle, noticed David exhibiting some odd symptoms on their way home from a soccer practice. His arm felt numb and he had trouble walking without stumbling.After extensive tests, doctors at Children's Hospital Boston discovered that David has Moyamoya Disease, which means that the arteries at the base of the brain are blocked, resulting in strokes that can cause permanent damage if left untreated. There are only two doctors in the country who perform surgery for this disease, and luckily for David one of them, Dr. Michael Scott, is at Children's Hospital Boston. David had this life-saving surgery. He is now a happy and healthy nine-year-old who enjoys soccer, skiing, and also giving back to others in need of medical care.
David has been participating in the Miles for Miracles Walk for the past three years and was chosen as the Child Ambassador for this year's event. David gave the welcome speech to 3,000 participants from the stage of the Hatch Shell. He also personally raised more than $1,500, and recruited a team of classmates to walk with him who were able to raise almost $4,000. He understands the importance of giving back to a community that did so much for him, and truly is a role model for others.
November 10, 2006 - Catherine Pisacane
Catherine is the founder and executive director of Project Smile, a non-profit organization. Project Smile donates stuffed animals to police officers, fire-fighters and paramedics to give at first response to children involved in traumatic situations. Many of these children were involved in car accidents, witnessed domestic abuse, or were victims of child abuse.The connection kids form with these stuffed animals is truly amazing. Many times,kids have simply refused to let go of their new toy, clinging tightly to this small sense of comfort. Within days of Hurricane Katrina, Project Smile sent 3,700 stuffed animals directly to the Houston Astrodome for the many children who had lost everything. To date, Project Smile has donated over 15,800 stuffed animals assisting over 100 police and fire departments throughout New England.
In recognition of Catherine's initiative and her dedication to youth in need, would you please join us in recognizing tonight's Hero Among Us, Catherine Pisacane.
November 13, 2006 - Helen Ford
Helen Ford worked 28 years in security for the Cambridge School Department. She may well be the most loved Security Guard a school has ever seen. Her mere presence stopped fights before they began. She has received numerous Community Service Awards on the local and state level.Hundreds of youth throughout Cambridge consider her their mother away from home. What sets Helen apart is her dedication to youth without a home to call their own. In addition to her five biological children, Helen has sheltered over 15 foster children,Detroit Red Wings winter classic jerseys 2014 treating every one of them as her own. As Helen put it, "If I had a castle, I would've had a 100 children."
For her dedication and shelter for those most in need, please welcome tonight's Hero Among Us, Helen Ford.
November 15, 2006 - Eric Christopher
Eric has been on the Gloucester Fire Department for eight years and has responded to countless civic service and emergency situations.One day back in January, Eric and his partner were on their way on the firehouse when they spotted a house fully engulfed in flames. An occupant who had escaped the blaze was yelling that another individual was still trapped inside. Without taking time to don his protective gear, Eric ran into the burning house and spotted an unconscious woman slumped on the floor. Eric carried her from the burning home in time to save her life.
For his amazing bravery under pressure, please welcome tonight's Hero Among Us, Eric Christopher!
November 17, 2006 - Lawanda Myric
Lawanda has been a committed parent, employee and advocate for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. MSPCC, is dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights and well-being of children and families.Three weeks ago, Lawanda's daughter and younger sister, ages 7 and 11 were unfortunate victims of a drive-by-shooting in Dorchester. Miraculously, both girls have recovered quickly. Lawanda's struggle however, continues on. Despite facing constant adversity, she has worked professionally and personally to make our community a better place.
xLawanda remains committed to the success of her daughter, younger sister & all those around her. Tonight, Lawanda is joined at center court by her sister and daughter, because as she puts it "they are the strong ones".
Please welcome tonight's Hero Among Us, Lawanda Myrick!
November 24, 2006 - Lynn Dadekian
Lynn's father, David, was given only a couple of months to live as a result of a chronic liver disease. He was in need of a living donor transplant, and his survival window was closing quickly.
Without hesitation, Lynn volunteered to donate her liver for a chance for her father to live. Lynn and David went in simultaneously for the ten-hour operation. Father and daughter were released from the hospital one week later after successful surgery.Toronto Maple Leafs winter classic jerseys 2014 David's words best describe Lynn's gift, "I feel like Lynn gave me a second chance at life."
For her amazing gift to her father and dedication to teaching others about the importance of organ donation, would you please join us in recognizing tonight's Hero Among Us, Lynn Dadekian.
November 29, 2006 - Brittany and Robbie Bergquist
Two years ago, at ages 12 and 13, Brittany and Robbie heard a depressing report about exorbitant phone bills of US soldiers trying to call home. Armed with $14 from their piggy bank and a dream to make a difference, Robbie and Brittany started the "Cell Phones for Soldiers" campaign.
Donations started pouring in the form of money, prepaid phone cards, and used cell phones. Astonishingly, Brittany and Robbie's ongoing campaign has collected over $1,000,000 and has sent more than 80,000 calling cards to troops in the Middle East.
For their amazing initiative, and dedication to our troops, would you please join us in recognizing tonight's Heroes Among Us, Robbie and Brittany Bergquist.
Heroes Among Us - November 2007 Celtics.com - The
November 29, 2007 - Robert and Noelle Rainer
In August 2006, Robert and Noelle Rainer used their own resources combined with their backgrounds in law and psychology to found the Abuse Victim Hotline.cheap nhl jerseys This non-profit organization provides free legal advice and counseling for those dealing with child, sexual, and spousal abuse. Amazingly, in just its first year, they have already serviced hundreds of victims.Many of these victims credit Robert and Noelle's hotline as the reason they are now safe,and are no longer living in fear!
For their dedication and support to those dealing with domestic abuse, please welcome Robert and Noelle Rainer!
November 23, 2007 - Lance Corporal James Crosby
Lance Corporal James Crosby had served two years for the Marines in Iraq when disaster struck. A rocket hit his base camp, and the after-affects left him confined to a wheelchair with a severe spinal cord injury.James returned to Boston as a recipient of the Purple Heart but still believed there was more he could do to serve our country. James is now a full-time employee of the Department of Veterans' Services and provides assistance to Massachusetts veterans as they return from overseas.
For his valor and amazing dedication to our country, please welcome James Crosby.
November 21, 2007 - Al Pierre
Last week, Al Pierre was driving down Blue Hill Avenue when he saw smoke billowing out of an apartment building. Despite having no firefighting experience,Detroit Red Wings winter classic jerseys 2014 Al immediately stopped his car and ran to see what he could do. He noticed a woman and baby trapped on the third floor.Quickly, and without any regard for his own safety, Al scaled a nearby pole and brought the two to safety.
For his bravery and life-saving actions, please welcome Al Pierre!
November 16, 2007 - Travis Roy
Only 11 seconds into his first collegiate hockey game as a BU freshman, Travis' career was abruptly ended when a freak accident drove Travis into the boards shattering part of his vertebra and leaving him paralyzed from the neck down.Travis has faced his disability with the same optimism and determination that made him a successful athlete in the first place. He graduated from BU in 2000, is an accomplished motivational speaker, and through the Travis Roy Foundation has amazingly distributed over $1.8 million dollars in research projects and grants to help paraplegics and quadriplegics live their lives to the fullest.
For his wonderful spirit and unyielding dedication to those with disabilities, please welcome Travis Roy!
November 14, 2007 - Mary Pat and Tom St. Jean
In recognition of National Adoption Day, the Celtics and MSPCC are proud to welcome Mary Pat and Tom St. Jean as tonight's Heroes Among Us!Seven years ago, the couple contacted MSPCC to learn about their adoption program. Since then, Mary Pat and Tom have adopted three homeless children, and recently welcomed a fourth adopted newborn into their busy home.
The family now includes 6-year old Katie, 4-year old Meaghan, 2-year old Andrew, and twenty-month-old Molly and they couldn't be happier.
For their amazing kindness to open their lives and home to children in need, please welcome Mary Pat and Tom St. Jean!Toronto Maple Leafs winter classic jerseys 2014
November 9, 2007 - Nico Calabria
Despite being born with only one leg, Nico is an avid soccer player and this summer bravely set out to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro for his 13th birthday.Simply overcoming his disability and climbing the mountain was not enough for Nico, he also wanted to raise money to help others. He collaborated with the Free Wheelchair Mission and has amazingly raised over $60,000, which will provide over 1000 wheelchairs to the disabled poor in Tanzania and give them the gift of mobility.
For his spectacular efforts to help those in dire need, please welcome Nico Calabria!
November 7, 2007 - Father Paul O'Brien
For years, Father O'Brien has worked tirelessly to assist those in need.Last September, Father O'Brien opened the cutting-edge "Cor Unum" Meal Center to provide high-quality meals to the hungry throughout Lawrence. In just one year since its inception, Cor Unum has amazingly served more than 100,000 meals and has plans to serve over 200,000 more in the coming year!
For his outstanding work to eliminate hunger, please welcome tonight's Hero Among Us, Father Paul O'Brien.