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Padres Opening Day parties | UTSanDiego.com

via www.utsandiego.com

Opening Day is right around the corner, and we’re in full preparation mode. It’s officially time to get ready, get set, and get down to Petco Park with the Padres vs. Dodgers game on Thursday, April 5th.

The Associated Press: Tar Heels return home to celebrate 5th title

The Associated Press: Tar Heels return home to celebrate 5th title.

Tar Heels return home to celebrate 5th title
By JOEDY McCREARY – 2 hours ago

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina saved the last dance for Danny Green.

The Carolina blue-clad crowd prodded him, and "Jump Around" blared from the speakers in his honor. So, just as he did before four seasons' worth of tip-offs at the Smith Center, the senior shook his hips, dangled his arms and cut loose one last time.

Whoop it up, Tar Heels, you brought another NCAA championship trophy back to campus.

Coach Roy Williams' team returned home Tuesday to celebrate the proud program's fifth national title and first since 2005 with about 13,000 revved-up fans less than 24 hours after beating Michigan State 89-72 in Detroit.

Tar Heels too much for Michigan State - Los Angeles Times

Tar Heels too much for Michigan State - Los Angeles Times.

NORTH CAROLINA 89, MICHIGAN STATE 72

[Article online screenshot]
Tar Heels too much for Michigan State
Associated Press

[Image] Streeter Lecka / Getty Images North Carolina Coach Roy Williams celebrates after the Tar Heels defeated Michigan State, 89-72, in the NCAA championship game.

DETROIT -- There was a team of destiny out there, all right. It's the North Carolina Tar Heels, and the final chapter of their story was about as heartwarming as a demolition derby.

Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson and North Carolina won a national championship a season or more in the making, stomping out Michigan State's inspirational run Monday night with a 89-72 blowout that wasn't even that close.

Tiger wins U.S. Open, captures 14th major title - Golf- nbcsports.msnbc.com

Tiger wins U.S. Open, captures 14th major title - Golf- nbcsports.msnbc.com.

One great tournament, one amazing 4 rounds of golf, one incredible playoff round, and one sudden death resurrection of a winner.. enjoy the video, NBC did very good with their coverage...

Finding the Hits, Avoiding the Errors - Interactive Graphic - NYTimes.com

Finding the Hits, Avoiding the Errors - Interactive Graphic - NYTimes.com.

June 8, 2008
Finding the Hits, Avoiding the Errors

A culinary scorecard for all 30 major league baseball stadiums. Read the related article and share your thoughts on the best and worst food you've tasted at a ballpark.

F as in Fat 2007: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America 2007

F as in Fat 2007: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America 2007.

F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2007
2007 Report (2.06MB .pdf)

Adult obesity rates rose in 31 states last year, according to the fourth annual F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2007 report from the Trust for America's Health (TFAH). Twenty-two states experienced an increase for the second year in a row; no states decreased. A new public opinion survey featured in the report finds 85 percent of Americans believe that obesity is an epidemic.

Mississippi topped the list with the highest rate of adult obesity in the country for the third year in a row, and is the first state to reach a rate of over 30 percent (at 30.6 percent). Colorado was the leanest state again this year, however, its adult obesity rate increased over the past year (from 16.9 to 17.6 percent). Ten of the 15 states with the highest rates of adult obesity are located in the South. Rates of adult obesity now exceed 25 percent in 19 states, an increase from 14 states last year and 9 in 2005. In 1991, none of the states exceeded 20 percent.

BB king: Bonds hits home run No. 756 Slugger sits alone atop MLB's long-ball list with shot off Bacsik

BB king: Bonds hits home run No. 756 Slugger sits alone atop MLB's long-ball list with shot off Bacsik.

08/08/2007 7:05 AM ET
BB king: Bonds hits home run No. 756
Slugger sits alone atop MLB's long-ball list with shot off Bacsik
By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com

SAN FRANCISCO -- Now he is second to none.

Barry Bonds joined the pantheon of the baseball gods Tuesday night at AT&T Park by hitting his 756th homer, passing the legendary Hank Aaron to take over perhaps Major League Baseball's most hallowed record: first place on the all-time home run list.

The homer, Bonds' 22nd of the season, ended Aaron's more than 33-year reign as MLB's home run king. Aaron has held at least a tie for the top spot on the homer list since he knotted Babe Ruth on April 4, 1974, Opening Day of that season at Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium.

Congrats to Barry, on the record-setting homerun.. I'm glad it got to happen at PacBell Park (oops, well, that's what it will always be to me).. classy video tribute to Barry from previous recordholder Hank Aaron...

755 | Barry Bonds makes history with 2nd-inning homer at Petco Park | The San Diego Union-Tribune

755 | Barry Bonds makes history with 2nd-inning homer at Petco Park | The San Diego Union-Tribune.

755
Barry Bonds makes history with 2nd-inning homer at Petco Park
August 5, 2007

San Diego became part of baseball lore last night as San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds tied Hank Aaron's home run record at Petco Park.

Bonds' 755th career homer came on a 2-1 pitch from Padres pitcher Clay Hensley and landed 382 feet away in the left-center field seats, moving Bonds within one home run of capturing what is considered baseball's most hallowed record.

The ball was retrieved by Adam Hughes, 33, a plumber from La Jolla who wrested it away from fans hoping to catch the milestone homer.

Great to see, and I was proud of the baseball fans at Petco Park in San Diego for their classy appreciation of the milestone for Barry Bonds, and baseball.. I won't debate the asterisk questions or steroids; for me, he's a great hitter than did something special last night.. I hope he can break the record at home, in San Francisco, where it should be done soon, likely this week during their home stand.. see also this good article (with comments on the homerun record, Bonds, etc.) at CBS Sportsline.com ...

CONGRATULATING TONY GWYNN ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME

Tony Gwynn's Congressional Record Statement: CONGRATULATING TONY GWYNN ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME.

CONGRATULATING TONY GWYNN ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME

Mrs. Boxer: Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Tony Gwynn on his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 29, 2007. During an illustrious 20-year career spent entirely with the San Diego Padres, Tony Gwynn was a consummate sportsman whose excellence at the plate earned him the recognition as one of the greatest hitters in the game’s long and storied history.

A native Californian, Tony Gwynn was a standout student-athlete at San Diego State University, where he excelled on the school’s baseball and basketball teams. Tony remains the only athlete in Western Athletic Conference history to be recognized as an all-conference performer in two sports. His talents on the baseball diamond and the basketball court would lead to his selection by the San Diego Padres and the National Basketball Association’s San Diego Clippers on the same day in 1981.

SignOnSanDiego.com > Sports > High Schools -- University City wins first baseball title

SignOnSanDiego.com > Sports > High Schools -- University City wins first baseball title.

High Schools
University City wins first baseball title
UNION-TRIBUNE, 6:58 p.m. June 6, 2007

University City defeated St. Augustine 8-6 Wednesday to win the San Diego Section Division III baseball championship at San Diego State's Tony Gwynn Stadium.

It is the first section baseball title for University City (22-11), which opened in the early '80s. The surprising Centurions, not among the top seeds in Division III, won five of six playoff games in the double-elimination tournament.

Ed Kalankiewicz led University City, going 2-for-4 with two RBI and pitching the final inning.

Way to go Centurions, first baseball title.. great traditions in sports at UCHS, but this is a major first.. congratulations to the team, the great coach, and all at UCHS...

Student Rameses dies from injuries - University

Student Rameses dies from injuries - University.

Student Rameses dies from injuries
Ray played mascot for three years
By: Erin Zureick, University Editor, Issue date: 3/26/07 Section: University

Jason Ray, a UNC senior who wore the Rameses suit for three years, died Monday morning after being hit by an SUV Friday afternoon while walking along a New Jersey highway.

A spokeswoman for Hackensack University Medical Center said that Ray died at 8:38 a.m. Monday. He sustained severe head injuries after being hit by an SUV on N.J. Route 4. He was in the area for the men's basketball game Friday against the University of Southern California. Hospital officials said that Ray was an organ donor.

Ray, 21, was an active member of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and the lead singer of a band, Nine P.M. Traffic. Those who knew Ray said he was a generous person who epitomized what a mascot should be.

Sad and tragic loss, an unexplainable accident.. another story covering this locally is at News 14 Carolina.. R.I.P. Ray, God Rest Your Soul...

A Triangle Equal to the Sum of Its Hoops - New York Times

North America > United States > North Carolina
American Journey
A Triangle Equal to the Sum of Its Hoops
By DAVE CALDWELL, Published: January 26, 2007

THE gentle hills of the Triangle region of North Carolina are spangled with the prim brick McMansions of migrant techies lured by opportunity and temperate weather — almost any day is good for squeezing in 18 holes. Out on the wandering back roads, tall pines still cast thin shadows, turning a sunny-day drive into a sparkling strobe-light show. Just roll down the window to air out your soul. The Triangle, bounded by the cities of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, is an easy place to live and an even easier place to visit. Refill your sweet-tea glass and sit a while.

Source: A Triangle Equal to the Sum of Its Hoops - New York Times

A fine travel article, about a little piece of "blue heaven," not just Chapel Hill only, but the whole region has a great vibe and lifestyle...

Chargers.com - Team » Coaches » Marty Schottenheimer: Fired in 2007

Chargers.com - Team » Coaches » Marty Schottenheimer: Fired in 2007.

Marty Schottenheimer

Head Coach
30th NFL Season, 5th with Chargers

Marty Schottenheimer has led the Bolts to 21 wins in the last two seasons. It is the team’s most wins in consecutive seasons since 1980-81. Schottenheimer has more wins than any active coach in the NFL.

I imagine you'll have to read this nice biographical piece on San Diego Chargers' former head coach quickly, before they remove it.. sad news today, for he was fired and the reason: can't seem to get along with the General Manager.. everybody picks the GM over the coach these days, which I don't get.. people seem to feel the GM Smith is responsible for the team we have, and the record of the team.. I still think that's the coach's winning, not the GM.. but, it's professional football in America c. 2007, and there's a revolving door policy if you don't win the Big One...

For Manning and Dungy, a Long-Awaited Championship - New York Times

For Manning and Dungy, a Long-Awaited Championship - New York Times.

Super Bowl XLI: Colts 29, Bears 17
For Manning and Dungy, a Long-Awaited Championship    
By CLIFTON BROWN, Published: February 5, 2007

[Left, screenshot of story photo from NY Times]

MIAMI, Feb. 4 — In a rainy Super Bowl XLI, the Indianapolis Colts refused to let an elusive championship slip away.

Peyton Manning no longer has to worry about a career without a Super Bowl title. Tony Dungy, who joined Lovie Smith as the first African-American coaches in the Super Bowl, became the first African-American coach to win it. The Colts’ defense, often maligned for being too soft against the run and too unreliable in key situations, forced five turnovers and held the Chicago Bears to just 3 points in the second half to secure a 29-17 victory Sunday night at Dolphin Stadium.

I loved the game, and the outcome, having predicted the Colts this week and felt they were the better championship-ready team; it was their time this year, though watch out for the Chargers on a mission next year (sounds like the Padres' tale - wait 'til next year).. still, looking back, 3 point loss to Patriots.. the Colts would have had to come to San Diego's home, and beat them there.. who would have won this hypothetical game? I think next year, we might find out more..

..And congrats to Manning-Super-Hero champ, Tony, the great Colts defense and that awesome offensive line.. the dome team in the rain outplayed da Bears, who would have thought it possible? The rain, the blurry CBS long-range camera shots, and the giant stage for a great quarterback.. it made me nostalgic for some other great Super Bowl games.. and, appropriate this feat was done in Miami, in some way a tribute to another great quarterback who never got the ring, Marino.. he made you feel welcomed to Miami every time he was on tv.. was this Super Bowl One for the Ages? No, but it was fun game.. the ads, well, so so.. Coke had some of the best, IMHO.. see for yourself at CBS link to ads: http://cbssportsline.com/superads ..

MercuryNews.com | 01/15/2007 | Lights out for Chargers

MercuryNews.com | 01/15/2007 | Lights out for Chargers.

NFL PLAYOFFS
Lights out for Chargers
Posted on Mon, Jan. 15, 2007, Mercury News Wire Services

SAN DIEGO - Of the 13 postseason games in the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era, this may have been the weirdest. Weird, as in uncharacteristically sloppy, as Brady -- Mr. January -- nearly threw away the game. But when it was over, the New England Patriots were dancing on the field in a silent stadium and the classy LaDainian Tomlinson was sulking.

Capitalizing on a fourth-quarter meltdown that might cost Coach Marty Schottenheimer his job, the Patriots scored 11 unanswered points in the last 4 minutes, 36 seconds to stun the top-seeded San Diego Chargers 24-21 in a thrilling AFC divisional playoff Sunday.

The ironic headline drew me to post this article on the Chargers' playoff loss, after reading about 15-20 different stories by different writers at different media outlets over the last half-hour.. I'm disappointed in the loss, but not devastated by it.. the team lost the game, not Coach Schottenheimer.. even that early poor decision to go for first down with 4th-and-11 instead of kick a field goal seems "blamed" on Coach Schott, when he didn't script that - his coaches called that.. maybe he should have that headset on after all; maybe he should over-rule his coaches (it isn't second-guessing if your experience and gut tell you more) some of the time.. I'm proud of the season, the team, the records set and our great running back, LT.. he is a class act, and sure, he's upset with losing and teams celebrating "in your face" on the home turf - who wouldn't be? .. next year, I hope they keep Coach Schott and the team finds a way to advance in the playoffs further.. it's what you do in football, re-live, learn, watch film or mental "film," try again.. isn't that why football intrigues us, and is a lot like Life? Congrats to the Chargers on a wonderful season, and my condolences for the too-early exit.. I still would have really enjoyed the Chargers-Saints in the Super Bowl.. what might have been...