This is my personal tribute to Michael Jackson. As I and family were driving home from a short vacation, my lone Daughter asked, "hey---you know Michael Jackson died---right"? At first, I didn't take her seriously because she is the ultimate prankster.

However, "after further review", researching and combing the internet and satellite radio for answers while driving, sadly but surely, it was true. We, as human beings are not supposed to worship men. We worship God. But, Michael was a product of our generation and we will miss him dearly. He provided so many memories!

His music resonates in my mind like no other artist and for his talents and my being able to really appreciate his music at the highest level, I am grateful.

Rest in peace Michael and may God be with you!

One of your biggest fans!

Celebrating the life of Michael Jackson. Also check out the Michael Jackson mp3 player to the right of this tribute!

Big News abounds--College Baseball--NBA--NFL

LSU wins the NCAA College World Series on Wednesday versus the Texas Longhorns with an 11-4 victory at Rosenblatt Field in Omaha. This is the sixth National Championship for the Tigers.

Tigers rightfielder Jared Mitchell hit a three-run homer in the first inning to help LSU build a 4-0 lead. Texas pulled even in the 5th when Kevin Keyes would lace a 2-run homer over the left centerfield wall tying the game at 4.

Mikie Mahtook's tie-breaking double got the tigers going again as they would add two more, 6-4, Tigers and they would add 3 more to stretch the lead out to 5. The longhorns would not add anymore runs thanks to the efforts of reliever Chad Jones and Louis Coleman.

Anthony Ranaudo (12-3) earned the win. He would allow four runs on eight hits and five walks in 5 1-3 innings. Brandon Workman took the loss and finished at 3 and 5.
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The Spurs made a trade on Tuesday that could help them get back to the winners circle. But, what's it all about. They gave up their defensive stopper, Greg Bowen, to get Richard Jefferson, who is not just a good defender, but a scorer who averages about 18 a game. Could be trouble for the Rockets!

Click on pic for more!
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Rice Owl All-American, Anthony Rendon, says that the ankle injured in the NCAA Super Regional versus LSU, and surgically repaired about a week ago, is feeling better.


Rendon/Rice Sports Information
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From the it's about time list, four-time Pro Bowl defensive end, Julius Peppers signed his one-year, $16.7 million tender under the franchise tag on Wednesday with the Carolina Panthers, ending the chance that he could hold out at the start of training camp.
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Could be a good sign for former Rice Owl All-American receiver, Jarrett Dillard. The Jacksonville Jaguars are trying to trade receiver, Dennis Northcutt. According to ESPN, Northcutt's time as a Jaguar maybe coming to an end.


Dillard/Jacksonville Jaguars
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Rice Owl base-ballers continue to receive awards. This time it's Rice junior first baseman Jimmy Comerota. He was one of 12 student-athletes in Conference USA to earn the 2008-2009 C-USA Spirit of Service award.


Comerota/Rice Sports Information

Browns Receiver---Donte Stallworth---suspended indefinitely!

Roger Goodell decided to make a statement today by suspending Cleveland Browns receiver Donte Stallworth for the unforeseeable future. Something, seemingly, had to be done due to public outcry at what seems to be a REALLY reduced sentence for a DUI Manslaughter charge.

These are the details of the story as reported by ESPN.

After a night of drinking at a bar in Miami Beach's Fountainebleau hotel, police said Stallworth hit 59-year-old Mario Reyes, a Miami construction worker, who was rushing to catch a bus after finishing work at about 7:15 a.m. Stallworth told police he flashed his lights in an attempt to warn Reyes, who was not in a crosswalk.

Stallworth had a blood-alcohol level well above Florida's legal limit. He stopped after the crash and reported the accident. Police estimated Stallworth was driving about 50 mph in a 40 mph zone.

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle cited Stallworth's cooperation and willingness to accept responsibility as factors in the plea deal. Rundle also said the Reyes family -- particularly the victim's 15-year-old daughter -- wanted the case resolved.

Stallworth also must undergo drug and alcohol testing. His driver's license was suspended for life and he must perform 1,000 hours of community service.

Stallworth has reached an undisclosed out of court settlement with the family of the victim. In addition, the suspension is effective immediately and as a result, the Browns will not be able to use the services of the seven-year veteran.

The Browns receiver signed a seven-year, $35 million contract before last season but was hurt much of last season, and finished the 2008-09 season with 17 catches for 170 yards and a touchdown.

What do you think? Watch the video and comment below. While Stallworth had a high blood alcohol level at the time of the accident, and is clearly at fault, does the victim share some of the blame? Let me know what you think.

Sammy Sosa Test Positive----for Steroids---NOW?

Sammy Sosa tested positive in 2003 and why are we just hearing about it? For one, baseball did not have penalties for the first-time use of performance-enhancing drugs in 2003.

One assumption why this is just coming out? The New York Times said Sosa is one of 104 players who tested positive in baseball's anonymous 2003 survey, which has been the subject of a protracted court fight. Remember that same survey included the name of New York Yankees slugger and third baseman Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez eventually came clean and admitted that he did test positive. The drug was not identified by the Times although sources indicate it was a PED, (performance enhancing drug).

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig seems to be very upset about this and can not confirm nor deny the report especially since he stated that he is uncertain about the source.

Sosa is number six with 609 longballs on baseball's career home run list...545 of those with the Chicago Cubs. He has not played in the majors since 2007 with Texas and would be eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013.

Several of the game's biggest stars, including home-run king Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco, have been implicated in steroids use. Will any of these players, who we at one time considered great players, be voted into the Hall of Fame?

See the video and comment below.

Former Ch. 11 Newscaster---Next Food Network Star?

Terrence Jackson has completely transformed himself. He was once the smooth-talking, "live" and-on-the-scene reporter, who for KHOU-TV, would occasionally be put in harms way to deliver the news, no matter the situation. That is the job of a reporter.

Today, Terrence is a smooth-talking salesman for a national home builder. In addition, Terrence moonlights as a gourmet cook. Based on personal experience, he's pretty good at it---and really has created some pretty tasty dishes.

He is setting his sights on becoming the next food network star and has taken the first step in the video below. After you view, please render your thoughts in the "comments" section.

Thanks for watching.

Wide Receiver Plaxico Burress' trial has been postponed until September 23rd by Felicia Mennin. The postponement could possibly allow Burress to sign with an NFL team. According to Burress' attorney, the former New York Giants receiver can step on the field of play and perform . For those of you who may not know what happened, here goes. This, according to ESPN.

Burress shot himself in the thigh Nov. 29 in a Manhattan nightclub. He was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and faces up to 3½ years in prison. Burress could face a minimum of 3½ years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty and is free on $100,000 bail.

Outside court Monday, Brafman said it was "inconceivable" that Burress would face trial on the charge before 2010, said several teams were trying to sign his client, and "physically he's in the best shape of his life. He's ready to play."

According to the same report, Burress is negotiating with several NFL teams to return to the league in 2009 after the judge delayed his trial Monday on gun possession charges.

Burress made a brief appearance in court Monday, accompanied by his wife and attorney Benjamin Brafman. Judge Felicia Mennin adjourned the case until Sept. 23.

The big question is, will NFL Commisioner Roger Goodell allow Burress to play for an NFL team until time for his trial.

I say that he will. Burress has a right to earn a living and until the trial, there is no precedent set that precludes him from playing...at least for now. It's a matter of whether or not an NFL team is willing to give Burress a shot.

One team that could be a perfect fit would be the New York Jets. Same city, rookie quarterbackin Mark Sanchez who needs a good veteran "go to" guy, Burress needs a second in the chance, all of the ingredients are there.

But first, there's this one little hurdle that Burress needs to jump to make the leap to the Jets. See below. And let me know what you think about Burress to the Jets or whatever team you think would be a great fit.

Atlanta Falcons release QB Michael Vick!

Well...what do ya think? Think he could play for the Houston Texans? Why not give him a shot?

The Atlanta Falcons have released Michael Vick and he is eligible to sign with any NFL or CFL team. However, the NFL has not yet reinstated him. Vick's incarceration sentence ends July 20. NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, plans to meet with Vick post his complete release.

But, in the meantime, let's just say that there's not an option for him to play in the NFL because of all the negative publicity and pressure signing him would bring to that team. In PR circles BAD publicity is better than NO publicity. But, how badly does an NFL team want the shenanigans and how much attention does that particular NFL team really need? BTW...there were some rumblings in San Francisco about the 49'ers.

However, the prospective-Vick NFL team could choose to completely ignore that negative pub that their probably going to get thinking that Vick can help the team win, or they can choose to simply embrace the attention and realize that the pub-seeking-organizations responsible for the creating the hub-bub only wants attention for their cause anyway and that has nothing to do with football. At the end of the day, it's all about wins and losses and whether or not a person can help your team win.

I understand both sides. But, I like the side that says give a talented person, allegedly, an opportunity to rectify their wrong and tell those outside organizations to find another creative way to seek attention for their cause! They should have talented people within their organizations to create new and better ways to communicate their ideas and cause to the public.

What do you think about this...and oh, BTW! Do you think the Texans should give Vick a shot?
Let your voice be heard and respond to the question.

Meanwhile, this is what we knew Vick could do!



And then this!