Wednesday, December 18, 2013

JAMEIS WINSTON, THE 78TH HEISMAN WINNER HAS BIGGER DREAMS


The most prestigious award in college football goes to Jameis Winston whose eyes are set on much much more; The NFL, MLB and Florida State.

Filled with determination, confidence, humility and a sparkle in his eye, the 78th Heisman winner becomes the youngest to date, the second freshman, the 3rd seminole, a dual athlete and a desire to be better than Bo.

Jameis Winston joins Florida State's Charlie Ward and Chris Weinke on the Heisman List with 79.20% of the vote. The 19 year old dons the honor 23 days shy of his birthday. But don't think for a moment that he's putting down his glove, bat or his books. He has a vision and his heart is set on more .

"Education's always first thing," Winston said. "So when people keep asking, 'Jameis, are you leaving next year?' and all this stuff, I say, 'I need my education.' That's what it's really about."

The outfielder and relief pitcher already was drafted in 2012 in the 15th round to The Texas Rangers, but decided to stay in college. He continues to play both for FSU.

"I don't feel I can play football without baseball," Winston said. "I don't feel I can play baseball without football."

He is encouraged by FSU Head Football Coach Jimbo Fisher stating he has no problem with his star quarterback's plan to play baseball. In fact, he thinks it might help create a diversion from all the hype that will follow him winning the Heisman.

With a select group of dual Athletes, specifically NFL/MLB connection he stands a good chance to join an exceptional list. Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders , John Elway, Dan Marino, Jack Del Rio, Ronnie Brown, Bill Parcell's and even more recent Jake Locker, Colin Kaepernick, Brandon Weedon, Matt Moore and Brandon Jones.


The 6' 4" Alabama native holds Bo Jackson, the 51st Heisman Winner, in the highest esteem. Ironically Winston and his 13-0 Seminoles will meet Jackson's alma mater, the Tigers (12-1) in the BCS Championship game on his 20th birthday, January 6th, 2013 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA.

"He's a way better athlete than I ever will be," Winston said. "But hopefully I can be to his standard one day. Hopefully I can be better than Bo."

No possible way not to mention, Seminole's two time super bowl champ Deion Sanders, who also chimed in on Twitter

DeionSanders ‏@DeionSanders14 Dec
Yes Jamies Winston wins the Heisman. #FlaState Truth

Deion who in 1989 hit a home run in the majors and scored a TD in the NFL in the same week. Sanders also drafted in high school chose Florida State and was drafted again by the Yankees in 1988. He is the only man to play in both the Super Bowl and the World Series.

"Football is my wife and baseball is my mistress." Sanders

And with the Auburn Tigers in the talks, I can't omit Ronnie Brown, the outfielder also Drafted out of high school to the Seattle Mariners, opted to pick school, the college experience and play football at Auburn, but told me "baseball was really my first sport."  Brown continues to play in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers.

Congratulations Jameis!!
With a good head on his shoulders, strong team of mentors and drive, he is sure to make his dreams come to life. I, for one, am looking forward to watching that happen.


Desiree Astorga
Photographer, Reporter, Producer, Host; TV/Radio
Time out with Desiree, the silver linings
An optimistic realist with intermittent football turrets all the while searching for the 3rd dimension.
The DesireeSHOW

Monday, October 28, 2013

KC 8-0; IS IT REALLY THAT SURPRISING??

8 - 0 KC
YES SIR!


The Chiefs are 8 and 0.
THE Only UNBEATEN team in the ENTIRE League!!
Critics are all alarmed and raving at this unbelievable feat, so they think.

I beg to differ.  
This seemed to be the perfect marriage, a few powerful sources needing refuge, direction, compassion, hope and some love. 

Andy Reid had a horrific year.  After years of heartache, August 5th loses his eldest son, Garrett Reid to a heroin overdose.
How does anyone ever get over this?? 
PLUS all the normally ranting Philly fans up in arms at a 4-12 record.  A Broken franchise in despair.   

While back in Kansas City they were dealing with horrific scenarios as well. Their 2-14 record being only a partial frustration. 

Then December 1st Jovan Belcher shot his girlfriend and then went to Arrowhead Stadium thanked GM Scott Pioli and HC Romeo Crennel for giving him a chance in the NFL then turned away and pulled the trigger.   
How does anyone get over this??

Alex Smith, being shunned after a great season start to loosing his position in San Francisco after an injury never to return.  Plus other side notes, that I won't address.

Devastated Ones', but when you unite wounded hearts something magical can happen.  It reminds me a little bit the 2006 New Orleans Saints, which I have nicknamed, the island of misfit toys. Hurricane Katrina, a 3-13 record, an era of brown bags, an unwanted QB, Drew Brees and HC, Sean Peyton unite with the aid of a heisman trophy winner Reggie Bush.  All join together for a broken community and bring a NFC South Division Title to the Bayou.
   
Chiefs aren't misfits, but a collection of misfortunate ones, bonding together to strive to incorporate so as to form a single whole or unit.  It doesn't seem vengeful as I felt with The Saints, at times, it appears therapeutic and perfectly suited.

Hence why I believe its no mistake.  Simply the bond that can occur when people have come from the same hard experiences life brings and are able to rechannel and have a glimpse of hope. Your experience, strength and HOPE,  It's a healing gift for all and unquestionably transformed on to the field as it obviously is in the locker room.

Although per the Legend John McKay,
 "Emotion is highly overrated in football. My wife Corky is emotional as hell but can't play football worth a damn." 
I think there are exceptions especially with these variables.



Thursday, October 17, 2013

TROJAN HC HUNT ON HOLD! COACH O IN THE HOUSE

From Crazy Vegas odds to a settled fan base, at least at present.

USC TROJAN FOOTBALL has been a roller coaster ride.

But it is game 2 of the season in LA.
Its been a batty few years, since Pete left, to be precise.

Sanctions, #FireKiffen RANTS actual campaigns,  LAX Departure papers
to an interim HC Ed Orgeron.

With a just over 2 weeks from the momentum changer, Coach O has brought back cookies, welcomed back the media, former players and inspirational ones.  But if you saw them play Arizona, even more so the purpose,  passion and love back to John McKay Center and the Coliseum.

Watching last Thursday nights game vs the Wildcats, I thought it's a WIN WIN for Coach O, if he doesn't get the job he's auditioning for a new one.  Passion! Passion! Passion!  Something I crave in sports with myself and as a spectator, just makes me tick!!  Orgeron brought that in less than 10 days.
You've heard it before, but it is true, players take on the personality of their coach.  Even Phil Simms on Inside the NFL touched on the importance of coaching, means a lot just look at The Chiefs and The Saints.

Marcus Allen #33 forever at USC, No introduction needed, SuperBowl Champ & MVP, 6 time Pro Bowler (which, by the way, is why I became a RB in 3rd grade) delivered 3 minutes of motivation pep pre-game last Thursday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QVBAihThfQU

On Monday 2 time SuperBowl Champ and 7 time ALL PRO Linebacker, the one and only, RAY LEWIS brought inspiration to the locker room.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZXR4hdclnBE

The search?  Vegas odds are at bay at present, obviously pending the outcome of each game, but I don't see any bashing from fans or the media if they continue to play behind this positive force and accountability.

Former players had told me (during the Lane era) that it wasn't USC football.  After the annihilation in Arizona at Sun Devil Stadium which finally led to walking papers for Lane ( I however thought the last straw was Sun Bowl classless appalling conduct)  heartbreaking to see those players beat, not just physically but emotionally. Simply exhausted with poor/limited rotations and looking hopeless

Not sure what will happen in South Bend Saturday, but with Marqise Lee questionable and a slew of backs bringing the run.  Just to name a few;  Tre Madden, Justin Davis, Javorious Allen, Silas Redd, Ty Isaac. (Which rings memories of McKay/Robinson era in addition to the name association with Allen and Davis).  O-line opening up lanes and a determined passion instilled Defense.  A QB, not the strength, however with a rushing game it opens it up for a manageable passing game,  a balanced one.

Historical Note
 • USC has not lost since 2001
 • Only 2 USC coaches ( John Robinson and  Paul Hackett) have beaten The Fighting Irish on their   first meetings
 • No USC Coach has won a debut at Notre Dame Stadium.

Could this be a first?  Can the Trojans go into South Bend on the Kentucky Blue Grass
and get a W?  I sure hope so!

Can emotion be a key factor? 

"Emotion is highly overrated in football. My wife Corky is emotional as hell but can't play football worth a damn."  
John McKay

Not sure but I think PASSION & Purpose can!


FIGHT ON!! TROJANS !



Thursday, September 19, 2013

Florida's Vanilla Ice singing "The Macarena-Tainted Love" remix looped


I've never been of fan of Tim Tebow or Florida or the SEC for that matter.  I can't stand a QB who acts like a RB, (I'm sorry that's not a mobility, but lack of throwing ability) however my heart does goes out to him.  One thing that stuck with me is after losing to the Pats in the AFC Divisional round, he actually walked out helmet off and was a good sportsman .

Surprised that no one has been able to utilize him, he is NOT a good QB, he's proved that with all his inaccuracies and fundamental issues,  a full back-TE, yes!  But what he does have is leadership, along with "it" which rallies players to come together, which any team needs. 

Coach McCoy was able to harness his assets for the best interest of the team, (The Broncos) I had thought John Fox was the brilliant mind behind, credit due to Broncos for trusting the utilization which equalled post season appearances.  A sign of great coaching, ability  to utilize your resources !  Hat is off!  But don't think that SD will grab him either.


Jets unable to incorporate, all they did is add more media attention and help frustrate the locker room along with Mark Sanchez.

Pats, I thought the brilliant Belicheck would of turned him into a FB, even  TE, especially with all of Brady's losses in receiving targets.  Once again, CUT!

Reports that Tim was even practicing with a trainer at the USC baseball outfield, pretty heartbreaking and has yielded notta.

I feel like I'm watching  a *One-hit wonder special on VH1

Jacksonville fans vying for their Florida's Milli Vanilli to help rescue their Jags, who are considered the worst team in the NFL at present, with a 20 point underdog line going into Seattle this week.


The perfect analogy of how difficult it is to play in the NFL and the challenges from college to the pros.
Will he ever play again?  Or is he truly "a one-hit wonder"?? I guess time will tell.


*A one-hit wonder is a person or act known mainly for only a single success. The term is most often used to describe music performers with only one hit single or for having one signature song that overshadows their other work. However, the term is used as well to describe other, related phenomenon such as a software company that only has one widely successful release and an athlete known for only one major career event.


VH1's list of "100 greatest one-hit wonders"[edit source | editbeta]

In 2002, the American cable network VH1 aired a countdown of the VH1's 100 Greatest One-hit Wonders, hosted by William Shatner.[7] It listed musicians with only one American hit, regardless of international success, which has been substantial and long-lived for musicians like a-ha and Nena (see below). In fact, if the "only one American hit" criterion had been strictly applied, a-ha and Falco would not be eligible for the list, as they each actually had two top-20 US hits—although as noted above their second hits were greatly overshadowed in the US by the prior hit. The same goes for Vanilla Ice: his follow up to his #1 hit was a #4 hit titled, "Play That Funky Music". Gerardo also had another Top 15 hit. Los del Río likewise had two top 40 hits, though both were versions of "Macarena."
The countdown also omitted acts such as Jimi Hendrix and Grateful Dead who, while technically charting with only one single, became too well known for their entire bodies of work to merit inclusion on the list. They did get mentioned, though, in a short segment of one-hit wonders that had popular followings. The top ten consisted of:
  1. Los del Río — "Macarena" (1996)
  2. Soft Cell — "Tainted Love" (1982)
  3. Dexys Midnight Runners – "Come On Eileen" (1983)
  4. Right Said Fred — "I'm Too Sexy" (1992)
  5. Toni Basil — "Mickey" (1982)
  6. Baha Men — "Who Let the Dogs Out?" (2000)
  7. Vanilla Ice — "Ice Ice Baby" (1990)
  8. a-ha — "Take On Me" (1985)
  9. Gerardo — "Rico Suave" (1990)
  10. Nena — "99 Luftballons" (1984)

A Few MIA in Action Sports (Snow) Hall Of Fame 2013 Inductee


2013 Action Sports Snow Inductees;  I had to read the fine print to see that this was FAN voted, hence the missing links.


Pretty amazing list of snowboardings iconic
However many missed who were very instrumental in growing the sport from banned at mountains and ones who pushed the envelope in the back country, ghetto pipes, AK, Filmer's and photographer.
Don't get me wrong, this is a banger list, hard to get everyone, especially as the list is from fans. 
But it's such a vast group I feel many pioneers were missed.  These stuck out at first glance, which means more missing, many as well, not to exclude anyone.  As mentioned partial list that came to my mind immediately following reading the above.

In no particular order;
Standard Films;  Dave & Mike Hatchet 
Mack Dawg Productions;  Mike McEntire
Chris Roach
Heather Mills
Nate Cole
Tex Davenport
Sean Johnson
Circe Wallace
Janna Meyen
John Cardiel
Fall Line Films;  Jerry Dugan & Arte Krehbiel
Aaron Sedway - Photographer
Kurt Wastell
Matt & Temple Cummins
Melinda Maxfield - Photographer
Barrett Kristy
Nick Perata

As I mentioned, I know I have missed many with my amended list, just quick adds that came to mind.
Snowboarding was not the hip slick and cool Olympic sport it is now.  It consisted of road trips, couch tours, clipping tickets & selling clipped tix for dinner money, gas money, sleeping in the back of cars, we were outcasts and rebels.  Many made little to no money, purely for the love and high that snowboarding gave us.  With a huge skateboarding backing as well, during the small wheel era.  With that note, many many more could be added.  But I'll never get this finished if I were to do that.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

MOORE LOVE BENEFIT FRIDAY 6-14-13

LOCAL CELEBRITIES, BULL RIDING, RAFFLE, SILENT AUCTIONS AND HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS ALL TO BENEFIT THE VICTIMS OF OKLAHOMA'S DEVASTATING TORNADOES

After doing some interviews last week at  Clash at Claremont, Sherry Landry from the Mighty 1090 asked Tony to sign a board, after she told me that it was for a charity event to raise money for Oklahoma tornado victims and she was an Oklahoma native.
 It warmed my heart, It's something I see constantly from the skateboarding community, where everyone gives, donates no questions and not many are in a financial scenario to do so, but the do.      

Sending continued prayers and good thoughts to all in Oklahoma.

Hope you can make it to the event!


GREAT EVENT BENEFITING 
OKLAHOMA TORNADO VICTIMS

WHERE:  BARWEST    959 HORNBLEND ST, SD
WHEN:    6 PM  FRIDAY JUNE 14TH, 2013