CKA SAVE Project News

1. We are working on some combined fundraiser with some local high school groups. We are excited about the opportunity to assist young people.

2. I enjoyed my trip to Southern Maryland. I presented at the 23rd annual Maryland Council for the Social Studies fall conference at Huntingtown High School in Huntingtown, Maryland. It was great to continue to have discussion about improving students’ ability to learn and be successful. I am finishing up preparations on my training at the University of Oklahoma this coming January.

3. We received a nice letter from the V Foundation thanking us for our donation from our September Coaches Clinic.

4. My senior mentors are beginning the college application process. They are considering such schools as:
· University of Maryland College Park
· University of Maryland Baltimore County
· West Virginia
· Salisbury
· George Mason
· Penn State
· Catholic University
· George Washington
· Towson
· John Hopkins
· James Madison

It is great working with a group of committed people regardless of the age. I will continue to keep you posted on our happenings.

Straight Talk with the Boss

For the rest of the season I will only reference one fantasy football team (in other words, the other two teams are terrible.) The 4 Horsemen, an elite organization of finely tuned athletes, are in 1st place.

Sam Bradford should have the surgery and prepare for the NFL Draft (He should have gone last year, when you will be #1-10 just save some money and go back to school.

All Time Paint Branch Basketball Team 1990-2000
In honor of my 20th anniversary of being named Team MVP and the 10th anniversary of winning the State Championship I am unveiling my 15 man PBHS Bomb Squad

1st Team
Riley Inge
Barry Friedman
James Mcilwain
Jamal Wise
Keith Adams

2nd Team
Eddie Bolton
Thomas Washington
Seyi Oyenuga
Darrian Lee
Seye Aluko

3rd Team
Shaun Sears
Larry Williams
Rashaad Crutchfield
Rod Berry
Peter Bauer

Now I know I left off a lot of people, but you can’t go wrong on any of those teams for a High School Basketball Game. Let the arguing begin.

I must give my 2 cents about the Redskins. You do not run a company like this. I repeat you do not run a company like this. You need a clear vision and mission of how your organization is going to operate (they don’t have it). You need to know who is in charge (they don’t have that). You need accountability (no one is held responsible). I only see it getting worse before it gets better.

I’m not a big fan of Maryland football right now either.

NBA refs got a new contract. It’s a tough job.

I’m watching baseball now. At least for the next 2-3 weeks.

Folarin Campbell update. He plays Artland Dragons in Germany. His team is 4-1 and he is averaging 29 MPG, 13.8 PPG, 3.8 APG

When I remember I will update his stats for you.

That’s all for now, my Wootton Team will be in my next column. Be easy and stay FLAM.

October 9:

CKA SAVE Project News

Friday October 9, 2009 we are taking some of our mentors to see the Washington Wizards play the Dallas Mavericks in Pre Season NBA Action.

Friday October 16, 2009 I will be a featured presenter at the 23rd annual Maryland Council for the Social Studies fall conference at Huntingtown High School in Huntingtown, Maryland.

Creating Professional Learning Communities at your Workplace

Presenter: Keith Adams, CKA SAVE Project, Inc.

Target Audience: All Room H-206

Session Description: Description: Learn how high-performing, collaborative teams work together to implement reflective practices “that raise student achievement.” This presentation is designed for Middle and High School Teachers and Administrators. Participants will be introduced both to the Professional Learning Community Concept and Strategic Action Planning through hands-on activities.

We are also working with several school groups about joint fundraising opportunities.

Straight Talk

David Letterman is in some hot water. Coach always said, admit you made a mistake, be sorry for it, tell the truth, ask for forgiveness and move on. However, I think we have not heard the last if this.

Fantasy Football

I am undefeated (one tie) in one league and .500 in my other two. Bye weeks are coming. Cross your fingers.

Usher wrote a song about his divorce. I wonder if it is good as It must be Jelly Cause Jam done it shake like that?

Michael Crabtree finally signs with the 49ers; the bad part is that he only has 2 less catches than Darius Heywood-Bey.

NFL Football Picks: 2-1

This week’s picks

Steelers over Lions
Vikings over Rams
Jets over Dolphins


College Thoughts

Top 5 Teams

1. Florida
2. Texas
3. Alabama
4. LSU
5. Boise State

This week’s Picks

Florida over LSU
Texas over Colorado
Maryland over Wake Forest

College Hoops will start soon and then all will be right with the world.

That’s all for now. Be Easy and Stay Flam.

September 24:

It has been a busy couple of weeks, but the right kind of busy.

CKA SAVE Project News

It was a lot of time and effort but our first ever Basketball Coaches Clinic was a success. Thank you to BOD members Seye Aluko and Seyi Oyenuga for coming out of retirement and helping coach out. A special thanks goes to Sophia Alfred and Timasha Barens for their help as well. We will have another clinic next year (September 11, 2010). We also want to welcome Catherine Gary to our organization. Cat is a longtime friend and will bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to our group.

The mentor program has begun; I will have an update for you in a few weeks.

Upcoming events:

Thursday September 24, 2009
Speak to Wilson HS students and parents about the college recruitment process.

Friday October 16, 2009
Speak to Social Studies Educators at National Council for Social Studies annual conference

Sunday January 17-19, 2010
Speak at the University of Oklahoma's Center for Effective Schools

Saturday April 17, 2010
BOD Meeting (TGIF in Silver Spring)

Saturday May 1, 2010 (Tentative)
Youth Basketball Clinic at Hood College

Saturday May 22, 2010 (Tentative)
Team Camp at Kennedy HS

Saturday June 5, 2010
Kings Dominion Trip

Sundays in June 2010 (Tentative)
Summer Basketball League at Kennedy HS

Straight Talk

Keith Jr. is20about to turn 1 next week, time does fly. Being a parent has changed me but I think for the better (a lot more patience) Now on to the randomness.

I got my Seasonal flu shot this past week, still debating on the Swine flu.

Fantasy Football Update

Ronnie Brown saved me from doom with a great Monday night performance. Randy Moss and Roy Williams did not live up to the standard of excellence set by the Horsemen. Hopefully this was a one game hiccup.

Overall Record (3 leagues)
Four Horsemen 1-0-1
Lewisdale Lions 2-0
CKA Lions 1-1

Players of the week:
Matt Schaub
Ronnie Brown
Jay Cutler
Reggie Bush


NFL Picks (Strictly for entertainment purposes only)
Redskins over Lions
Vikings over 49ers
Cowboys over Panthers

Somebody tell Lamar Odom to slow down.

That’s all for now. Be Easy and Stay FLAM.

September 7:

We have a lot going on in the world so let’s talk about it:

CKA SAVE Project News

1. The Coaches Clinic is in 2 weeks. We are excited about our silent auction (Thanks to the Redskins, Ravens and other groups who have donated items). A portion of the proceeds will go to the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

2. Our student athlete mentoring group is doing well. We will complete training this week and begin our program the following week.

3. We are also in discussions to do some joint fundraising with several school groups.


Straight Talk with the Boss

1. President Obama’s speech to American Youth

I applaud the President for taking the time to address our nation’s youth, however at my school we will tape the speech and show it at a different time because we have to take in account that not everyone is a fan of the president and parents have a right to not have their children view this speech.

2. University of Oregon

Although I do not condone the actions of Lagarrette Blount and I do believe he should be punished I disagree with how Oregon has decided to handle this situation. They have suspended him for the remainder of the season, but he gets to practice and keep his scholarship. Oregon did everything we were taught not to do20in administration and that is act quickly and fail to educate. What should have happened was this:

A) Suspend the player indefinitely from all team related activities until an investigation is complete. The player is still in class but is kicked out of the team dorm, meetings, practices, etc.

B) Interview everyone including the player who provoked the situation (Who go a BS punishment shame on you Boise State) to find out all information.

C) Demand that to stay in school this young man has to complete a counseling program.

D) After the program and maintains his eligibility he can return to the practice squad (This is after about 8-10 weeks)

E) After another 2 weeks he can return to the team in time for senior night and the bowl season.

This punishment actually teaches the young man how to function and still puts him in a chance to assist his professional future.

3. The NFL is about to take over

I am in 3 fantasy Leagues this year, so let’s break them down (Strictly for
entertainment purposes only)

The 4 Horsemen

Best Players: Big Ben, Randy Moss, Aquan Boldin, Ravens Defense

Question Marks: Ronnie Brown, Ryan Grant, Tony Gonzales

The Lewisdale Lions

Best Players: McNabb, TO,

Question Marks: Steven Jackson, Brian Westbrook

CKA Lions

Draft is Tuesday September 8, 2009.

That’s all for now.

Be Easy and Stay FLAM.

August 21:

CKA SAVE Project News

1. Our first Board of Directors meeting is Saturday August 22, 2009. If you are interested in attending please contact me via the website.

2. We are looking forward to the Coaches Clinic Saturday September 19, 2009.

Straight Talk with the Boss

“To be the man, you got to beat the man” Ric Flair in multiple promos

“He’s not a machine, he’s a man” Duke to Rocky in Rocky IV

On any given day, any man can be beaten Every coach in the country

Tiger Woods got beat, head up, man to man by a better player on that given day. It is a testament to his skill that it is major news when he loses. It’s going to be a long off season for him. I think he can rebound from the loss. That’s one of the things I love about golf and tennis. It’s one on one, no teammates to blame it’s you good, bad or indifferent.

Plaxico Buress received a two year sentence for shooting himself. Every attorney that I know (3 of them) said that the sentence was too harsh. Prison is for bad people, threats to society, Plaxico could do more good speaking to youth groups while he is=2
0suspended from football, not sitting in a jail cell. Just my thoughts, but this was a bit much.

Does anyone have enough guts to rock a #7 Eagles jersey?

I just might go to a Nationals Game….next season.

Memphis got hosed. The NCAA has a clearance house designed to catch these types of situations. Now don’t get me wrong, where there is smoke, there’s fire and they should be punished but don’t penalize the new kids. They should have to pay back money and be placed on probation. Derrick Rose gets off without a problem because he’s a pro. I think he should pay back his scholarship or create some type of program to help future Memphis students. Coach Cal should get some type of punishment as well. He is the only coach to have 2 Final Fours stripped. It’s a good thing Kansas won or it would be an even bigger story.

Look for me to get tickets to Michael Jackson’s concert film in October.

Usain Bolt is sick; he is quick as a hiccup. Those times are impressive.

Thanks again for all the Birthday wishes, I wish my friend Kesi was here so we can play birthday phone tag. Our birthdays were about a week apart and we had this bit that she would get me a present after I got her one. I miss her. Happy 36th birthday.

That’s all for now, be easy and stay FLAM.

August 14:

Happy Birthday to me! I am 37 years old. No real milestone there just another number. I feel great though, great shape as Granddaddy used to say. A lot has happen over the past 37 years but the funny thing is I still talk to pretty much the same people I did 15-20 years ago. Thanks.

CKA SAVE Project

1. We are finalizing the schools we are working with for Fall Fundraisers. The list should be complete over the next 2 weeks.

2. Thank you to the Washington Redskins for their generosity. They sent to us an autographed picture of Carlos Rogers for our ticket auction at our Basketball Coaches clinic.

Straight Talk with the Boss

I want to applaud the Philadelphia Eagles for taking a chance on Michael Vick. This is a difficult situation for a young man who has made terrible mistakes, but being in education I am around young people who need guidance and support. He should be allowed to try and reclaim his life. He is not the only person to make mistakes. I wish him the best.

Tiger did it again, his 70th victory on tour. He has won like 5 tournaments this year. If he wins the PGA he gets another player of the year award.

The punishment fit the crime with Donte’ Stallworth. I am sure he is remorseful, but a year’s suspension is warranted.

Rick Pitino is guilty of poor judgment; however Louisville did the right thing in expressing support, yet disappointment in their coach. He did what you are supposed to do, tell the truth, show remorse, ask for forgiveness, make restitution and move on. He should not be fired, but he should voluntarily give back some of his salary this year and donate it to some type of education group.

Pre Season Games are starting. I am beginning my fantasy football preparations as we speak. Remember it is strictly for entertainment purposes only.

I disagree with the decision of the young man from San Diego playing overseas in Israel. I think he has the right to go, but I think the decision is short sighted. Education is the key to success and he will make a lot more than the $140,000 salary if he gets a degree and plays for an elite team in college. I would have not advised my sons to do that.

Facebook is great, I got a lot of great messages from people who I don’t see on a regular basis, former students, players, etc. You just hope you treat people with respect and that you are remembered for something positive. Thank you.

That’s all for now.

August 5:

Welcome to the best month of the year August. I have a birthday coming up along with a lot of other quality people born under the sign of Leo. Let’s get on with the randomness:

CKA SAVE Project News

1. The coaches’ clinic is about a month away (September 19, 2009 at Hood College from 9-4). We are extremely excited that our lineup includes top men and women’s coaches from the Mid Atlantic Region. After the clinic everyone will head over to Glory Days for dinner (10% of the proceeds will be donated to the CKA SAVE Project). It should be a great day for basketball.

2. We will begin our mentoring group this fall. Student mentors will assist struggling HS Student athletes with such things as:

· Goal Setting

· Time Management

· Student Advocacy

· Classroom Discipline


Straight Talk with the Boss

The Sporting News released their list of the 50 greatest coaches recently and I just saw the full list.

Due to time and laziness I will not go through the entire list, just the top 10:

1. John Wooden

2. Vince Lombardi

3. Bear Bryant

4. Phil Jackson

5.C2 Don Shula

6. Red Auerbach

7. Scotty Bowman

8. Dean Smith

9. Casey Stengel

10. Knute Rockne

This is quite an impressive list. Now I can’t comment of Hockey or Baseball but I am going to list top 10 list of basketball coaches and football coaches.

Basketball

1. John Wooden

2. Dean Smith

3. Phil Jackson

4. Red Auerbach

5. Bobby Knight

6. Morgan Wootten

7. Pat Summitt

8. Larry Brown

9. Coach K

10. John Thompson

Breakdown

Wooden is the best, no question. Dean Smith is my 2nd His influence and his coaching tree is unquestionable. I hate all the Phil bashing. It’s hard to coach talent. I think one of the hardest things to do in coaching is to win when you are expected to. Managing egos is a tough thing. So Phil is my third choice. Red is number four because of his dominance of his dominance, even though he had the best players but doesn’t get the heat Phil does. I have the General at number 5. Possibly the best teacher of the game there is
. Morgan Wootten is number 6, the best HS coach ever. Pat Summitt the greatest women’s coach ever. Larry Brown has won everywhere. Coach K has 3 National championships and an Olympic Gold medal. John Thompson not only won at a high level, but used his influence to garner change in the business of coaching.

Football

1. Vince Lombardi

2. Paul Bear Bryant

3. Tom Landry

4. Don Shula

5. Chuck Knoll

6. Bill Walsh

7. Joe Gibbs

8. Bill Parcells

9. Joe Paterno

10. Eddie Robinson

Breakdown

They name the Super Bowl trophy after Lombardi, case closed. Bear Bryant was the best college football coach there was. Tom Landry was successful for almost 30 years. Plus he coached my 2 favorite players Tony Dorsett and Roger Staubach. Don Shula has the most NFL wins of all time. He won’t be caught. Chuck Knoll was 4-0 at the big show. Bill Walsh was an innovator. Joe Gibbs won three ships with three different QBs. Bill Parcells set the foundation for the current crop of coaches. Paterno has my respect, but it’s time to go. Eddie Robinson was a trailblazer.

If you beg to differ, let me know.

That=E
2s all for now.

Be Easy and stay FLAM.

July 28:

I went to Monday Night RAW at the Verizon Center and have to tell you how unimpressed I was with the show. Shaquille O’Neil was great as guest host but the matches were so not compelling. Beat the clock? You gotta be kidding me. I wanted my wife’s first TV Taping to have action. The crowd was hot but the action was not, very disappointing. The Survivor Series is in DC this year but I’m not interested. Speaking of wrestling I am truly depressed. Next month the original 4 Horsemen Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, Arn Anderson and Ole Anderson, along with the infamous James J. Dillon will be in Charlotte, NC. Barry Windham will also be there and I don’t have the extra money to go.

2009 has been the year of tragic deaths. Vernon Forrest passing away is a shock. My heart goes out to his family.

It’s time for the Gates/Mass Police incident to be over. The entire situation should have been handled differently and President Obama should have restrained impulsivity with his comments. I hope it does spark constructive dialog but this has been blown out of proportion.

Whitney Houston is making a comeback. I will be interested to see how well she does. I believe the children are the future…

It’s almost time for NFL training camps. I hope Favre comes back and I hope Dan Snyder signs Michael Vick.=C
2 I am ready for some football.

Congratulations to Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice for being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. BTW Pete Rose, Barry Bonds and Mark McGuire should also be in.

That’s all for now.

July 22:

CKA SAVE Project News

We are pleased to inform you that as of April 24, 2009 the CKA SAVE Project,
Inc has received tax exempt status under section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal
Revenue Code. Contributions to our organization are tax deductible under
section 170 of the code. We are also qualifies to receive tax deductible
bequests, devises, transfers, or gifts under section 2055, 2106 or 2522 of
the Code.

I have just returned from Beantown and I must admit that I had a great time.
I was a speaker at was a speaker at the 5th annual National Staff
Development Council Summer meeting in Boston, MA on the topic of Creating
Professional Learning Communities. My presentation had educators and
administrators from over 16 states. Here is some of the feedback I received
from the participants:

- "Excellent information, I look forward to using your strategies to
help your staff."

- "I learned that PLC's can be customized to each school with great
flexibility."

- "Thank you for sharing your information. I've started planning a
framework for implementing an effective PLC."

- "You're an excellent speaker, good implementation of music. I
like that the action plans incorporation of parent responsibilities, they
are part of the solution too."

- "Thank you for your awesome presentation. Great Energy."

- "I got a clearer understanding of how PLC's can work."

- "Great presentation, I will take back your standards and framework
for creating our PLC's."

The next big events for the CKA SAVE Project are:

1. Working with local schools and groups on joint fundraising efforts.

2. Implementing in school SAVE Project mentoring groups.

3. Hosting a Basketball Coaching Clinic on Saturday September 19, 2009
at Hood College in Frederick, MD. The cost is $60 and can be paid by credit
card on the main page of our website.

We would like to thank Ernie Dobson of Hair Tech for his generous
contribution to our group. Your financial support is appreciated.

Straight Talk with the Boss

Tom Watson almost won the British Open at 59 years old. That was
impressive, but it doesn't eclipse to top old people moments for me:

1. George Foreman beating Michael Moore for the Heavyweight
championship of the world.

2. Dana Torres still swimming and winning in her 40s.

3. Ric Flair wrestling into his 50s

4. Jack Nicholas winning the Masters at 46

5. Nolan Ryan kicking the crap out Robin Ventura

Please get Joe Jackson off of TV.

This week was the 40th anniversary of Man landing on the moon. I think NASA
should go back to the moon and then Mars, but they should discontinue the
use of the space shuttle while they build new ships.

If Kobe can make a comeback, then Chris Brown can come back.

Michael Vick should not play football this year, but not because of the NFL
banning him, he should not play so he can begin preparing for his life after
football. He should be reinstated to the league, but remember he lied to
the commissioner, so I think it's beyond the dog situation. Training camps
start next week and I don't think teams want the distraction. I would love
to see him play QB, you can't tell me he can't play QB for one of 32 teams.

Do the Right Thing is 20 years old this week.1989 a number another summer..
I am still made about Radio Raheem. I wonder if Sal would have brothers on
the wall in 2009.

Purple Rain is 25 years old this month. It's the greatest movie of all
time. Yes I still know much of the dialog, but still can't find any dialog
from Brown Mark.

Lamar Odom will be a Laker by the end of next week.

I saw Fenway Park while I was in Boston, but missed the tour by 10 minutes.

Brock Lesner is the baddest man on the planet.

That's all for now. Be Easy and stay FLAM.
 

July 12:

It It’s been a long time; I shouldn’t left you, without a strong rhyme to step to... Eric B and Rakim

I am so happy that the site has returned thanks to the hard work of Joe Dwyer and his staff. We also have a second address www.ckasaveproject.com. There has been a lot of happenings over the past few weeks.

First here is the latest CKA SAVE Project News:

1. I had the opportunity to speak at the DC Summer Youth Program about goal setting and planning.

2. I am heading to Boston July 19-21 to speak at the National Staff Development Council Summer Conference.

3. We will have a SAVE Project mentoring group this year at Kennedy HS.

4. We are in talks with several local schools and youth groups about working with the SAVE project.

5. Our coaches’ clinic scheduled for Saturday September 19, 2009 at Hood College is set and we are very excited about our speakers:

Date: Saturday September 19, 2009

Location: Hood College 401 Rosemont Avenue Frederick, MD 21701

Cost: $60 per coach

Guest Speakers include:

Milan Brown.......Head Men’s Basketball Coach Mount Saint Mary’s University

Chris Campbell....Assistant Women’s Basketball University of Delaware

Chris Caputo......Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach George Mason

Tom Dickman.......Head Men’s Basketball Coach Hood College

Mike Hibbs........Head Men’s Basketball Coach Cumberland Valley HS (PA)

Randy Monroe......Head Men’s Basketball Coach UMBC

Heather Podesek...Head Women’s Basketball Coach Paint Branch High School

All of these coaches have one thing in common, they win. You and your staff will gain a lot of knowledge at our clinic. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

You can pay with a credit card using this website.

Here are my takes on some of the recent deaths that have taken place:

Michael Jackson

I was completely stunned by his death. It’s well documented that I am a bigger Prince fan, but MJ is MJ. I am sorry that he’s gone. We had more debates in the 80s about Michael and Prince on the PB Basketball bus trips than anything other than wrestling conversations. Here is my 2 disc greatest hits complication.

Disc 1:

I want you back

ABC

The Love you Save

I wanna be where you are

Mama’s Pearl

I’ll be there

Who’s Loving You

Dancing Machine

Enjoy Yourself

Shake your Body

Heartbreak Hotel

State of Shock

Torture

Scream

SAY SAY SAY

We are the World

Disc 2

Off the Wall

She’s Out of my Life

Working Day and Night

Billie Jean

Beat it

PYT

Thriller

The Lady in my Life

Bad

Smooth Criminal

Dirty Diana

Man in the Mirror

Blood is on the Dance floor

Butterflies

You Rock my World

The bad part is that I left off so many songs because I gave myself a limit. He will truly be missed.

Steve McNair

I am from an HBCU, so when I say that I rooted for Air McNair I wasn’t kidding. He did great things during his life and that should not be forgotten, however the way he died will take away some of that and that is unfortunate. His family however should be the ones who deal with it and not every detail should be made public out of respect for the family.

Farah Fawcett

She staged a brave fight against cancer and was definitely an icon in the 1970s. I had a Lee Majors 6 million dollar man doll (her 1st husband) myself.

Ed McMahon

The greatest sidekick ever. He was better than Robin, better than Oates, better than Robert and Marty combined (another wrestling reference). 0I love the rap commercial at the Super Bowl.

Misawa

Simply the best in ring Japanese wrestler ever. The standard bearer. He is right there with Gotch, Flair, Thez, Angle, The Rock, and Kobashi as guys who could get it done when the bell rang.

That was a long list. I need to get to some more positive news.

Tiger Woods won his own tournament last week in DC. Check that off his master list.

I went to Colonial Williamsburg for vacation this year. I must say that I was impressed with Busch Gardens; they had a great family atmosphere. Water Country USA is great for kids and people who swim (I don’t fall into either category). The Historical sites were good not great, I find myself being too critical of the actors.

I visited the redone Smithsonian museum of American History and it was fantastic. I also visited the art museum and the Portrait gallery. I need to do a museum day with the family this summer.

The Hoop Group Elite has moved to Albright College this summer which was a great move. As always it was well run and good to see all of the talent in action.

Victor and I are planning our Wrestlemania trip for next Spring, I am looking forward to the greatest entertainment spectacle of them all.

That's all for now. Look for more frequent updates as well. It's good to be back.

Be Easy and Stay FLAM.

May 10:

It has been too long since I wrote a column, but I have been super productive. After years of talking about it, I have finally started my own business. It is a nonprofit group called the Coach Keith Adams Student Athletes Valuing Education Project, Inc. (CKA SAVE Project, Inc).

Why did I start the CKA SAVE Project?

I did so because I believe in student athletes and the amazing potential they have. My high school coach told me story after story of athletes who made a difference in peoples’ lives. People like Jim Brown who works with inner city youth through people like Magic Johnson who is one of the most successful businessmen today along with countless others who make an impact in their community. We were taught about the power of giving back and I have been fortunate to have a lot of opportunities many of which came through my association with High School athletics.

What the CKA SAVE Project would like to do is give opportunities to student athletes and the people who work with them a chance to improve their skills and reward them for a job well done. How do I think this can be done? We can do this with the help of supporters like you. Your support can help us do the following:

- Award scholarship money to qualified student-athletes

- Host affordable Clinics and Camps

- Provide information about the NCAA so student athletes can make informed choices.

- Raise money for charities such as the V Foundation for Cancer Research

We are fully funded by people who believe in our mission. The CKA SAVE Project is a nonprofit group. We are in the process of getting certified by the IRS so your donation may be tax deductible. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in working with us and hearing more about our programs.

Thanks,

Keith


April 2

12 noon
Well it's time for my annual trip to the Final 4. This year it is going to be in Detroit, MI. Please excuse any mispellings because I am using my cell phone so I have instant access to all of these fine memories.

All I have heard is how bad it is in the motor city and its not San Antonio, I hope to be surprised.

As usual the NCAA has set up a great shuttle service. My hotel is 15 minutes from the airport.

As I wait to depart I just have to say again that Tiger Woods is amazing. I watched the final 5 holes and he just finshes so well. That was a pressure situation and he nailed it.

2:30
Ok I am already hating it. There is a major crash on I 94.

The hotel is nice but the TV is at a stupid location in the room. It took me a minute to learn how to move the TV but I got it.

The mall is across the street from the hotel. It was kind of weak. The last bus leaves for Dearborn at 11pm so I won't be out late.

It took me an hour to get to the convention center.

My brackets did not look good at all. I only had 1 team in the final 4, of course it's UNC.

This is not going well, plus I forgot to eat lunch.

I can't wait to see the new products, I am looking for a digital editing system.

9:30
I just finished watching the exciting NIT finals. I just had a salad, ribs, shrimp, baked potato and peach cobbler for $25. You just can't beat that. The place is called Starters Bar and Grill. Nice atmosphere and I can walk back to the hotel. Sarita was the bartender and she was nice to all of the coaches (she was the only one working the bar).

11:00
I am about to close up shop and Brian Mitchell walks into the bar. I am a big fan of his outspokeness on the radio. I am staying in the media hotel this year.

April 3, 2009

8:00am
Rise and shine. I am on the bus ready to attend the early morning sessions, do some shopping and enjoy this wet, rainy day.

I had to do some JFK work before I transitioned back to basketball but now that's all done it's all about Hood.

8:30
Still on the bus. I should of had breakfast at the hotel.

9:00
Just arrived at the Convention Center, grabbed a quick breakfast and now off to a PDS session.

12:00
This experienment needs to end. It's about 40 degrees. I am wearing a skull cap and I'm freezing. I saw Michigan State practice and then I headed back to the hotel.

3:30
I'm still cold but I am ready for a long night. I'm off to another session and then a long cold evening in downtown Detroit. Won a little bit at the casino (yes table games are fine) Met up with Pete Strickland (NC State) and Lewis Preston (Penn State NIT champs) and had a great dinner for again under $25. I am headed back to the hotel before going back out one more time for the evening.

9:30
I braved the weather to go back downtown, hung out a little bit. People are starting to get excited about the game. I'm going back to the hotel and finish watching the Lakers. See you tomorrow.

April 4

One Shining Moment. Please stop me from hearing this song. The first 5,000 times were ok but now I can't get away from it. Its on a continuous loop on the bus.

Today is a big day. I have the D3 meeting at 9:00. I will spend some time in Hoop City today. The BCA meeting is at 2:00. I am to find somewhere to watch the games. Probably with the Hoop Group, but we will see.

12:30
The weather is cooperating today and the NCAA does a great job with Hoop City. I bumped into a of my coaching buddies, but forgot my passport just in case I decide to go to Canada. I will watch the final 4 with my buddies at the HoopGroup. I thought about watching the first game at Ceasar's and then return for the second game but that may not happen. I wish I could fly to Houston for Wrestlemaina but I really will try to take Victor next year for the multiple day experience.

Bumped into the webman himself Joe Dwyer as I rushed into the BCA meeting. Always good to see Joe.

4:00
I made the mistake of riding the People Mover. Man I know what a Sardine (hey and Pork n Beans) feels like, but for 50 cents a ride you can't beat it. You may get beaten but again its only 50 cents.

5:00
The HoopGroup did it again, they had an outstanding shindig for the coaches to enjoy the games. I also got a chance to see a lot of old friends. Michigan State played well the first game as they got by UCONN who always seems to play a great heel in the home of the babyface. (translation they always seem to lose to the local favorite)
I wanted to watch the UNC game back at the hotel but the busses did not run on time during the game. So I listened to the first half on the radio. I ended up watching the WWE Hall of Fame show on USA and caught the last 5 minutes of the UNC game at the hotel bar.

April 5, 2009
8:45
At the airport ready to depart. Final thoughts on Detroit. Nice people, everyone was kind and warm. Tough town going through some tough times, but I respect the heck out of them. However its too spread out to host a final 4 and I didn't get to Canada either. I hope to do a Wrestlemania blog later.

Be easy and stay FLAM.

March 18

Let the Madness begin!

I will do my stone cold lead pipe lock picks for all of your post season tournament action. Remember, this is all strictly for entertainment purposes only.

NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament

Sweet 16
Louisville
Wake Forest
Kansas
Michigan State
U Conn
Miss St
Utah St
Memphis
Pitt
Florida State
Villanova
Duke
UNC
WKU
ASU
Oklahoma

Elite 8
Pitt
Duke
UNC
Oklahoma
Louisville
Kansas
UConn
Memphis

Final 4
Louisville
Memphis
Pitt
UNC

Championship Game
Memphis
UNC

NCAA Champions
UNC
90-78

I made my picks before Obama did.

Be Easy and Stay FLAM

March 3

Well the season is over (more on the Team news site)

I feel like yakking so…off to the randomness

Mickey Rourke got jobbed he should have won best actor. I didn’t care about the rest of the show sorry.

I wish I had a friend like Greg Anderson.

The Cards should dump Kurt Warner and the Colts should dump Marvin Harrison, the Ravens should let Ray Lewis go as well. Remember this is the business and you ain’t too far gone to know that (PR reference)

I really want to go to Wrestlemaina.

The NFL draft just isn’t my cup of tea. Kinda boring if you ask me.

Baseball is back! (Wake me when it’s over)

Tiger is back (Call me on any Sunday if he has a chance to win)

The Wizards should have made a deal for Antwan Jamison, Cavs should have got Shaq.

Speaking of Shaq, Folarin was in town last week and we got to catch up, Hank always told me about life long relationships. He was right, we spent more time playing with our children and sharing parenting tips. KJ and Cade will make quite a duo in about 15 years.

Back to the Association

NBA Top 5
1. Lakers
2. Cavs
3. Celtics
4. Magic
5. Nuggets (I know that’s what I said)

What if Georgetown and Maryland don’t make the tourney?

NCAA top 5
1. UConn
2. Memphis
3. Oklahoma
4. Pitt
5. UNC

That’s all for now. Be easy and stay Flam.

February 10

Here’s to another wild and wacky week. Off to the random thoughts:

I know a lot of people who have birthdays in February:
My sister Prince
My niece Jazz
Cousin Shelly
Cheryl
The NFP (inside reference)
And a host of others

I don’t know about having 8 babies, having one is hard enough. Good luck to the mother, she’s going to need it.

I hope Congress passes the stimulus bill. I hope I don’t owe on my taxes this year, come on Stan.

ARod used Steroids. I must first say that I am not a baseball fan, I watch on occasion and make my Barry Bonds jokes because I think it is a waste of tax payers dollars to prosecute this guy and we have so many other troubles in the world that actually mean something. My question has always been, “who died and kept these hall of fame voters keepers of the gate?” The baseball hall of fame has racists, murderers and cheaters, yes cheaters. Pitchers cheat, hitters cheat, what makes Gaylord Perry different from these other guys? I believe in quick simple solutions, if they deserve to be in all put them in, but on their plaque add a sentence or two about reported facts about the use of banned substances and then while you are at it put Pete Rose in the hall too. You can use drugs, but you can’t gamble…whatever.

That’s the most baseball I have ever written about; let’s hope that doesn’t happen again soon.

I got to coach in my first college game last weekend when Coach Dickman got two T’s and I had to take over. Thanks to a great effort by everyone, we were able to pull out a 2 point overtime win.

I am not a big fan of the Randy Orton/Shane McMahon angle, but I will probably get the PPV.

Welcome back Charles Barkley.

My friend Riley has started a lot of crap, thanks Mouse. He posed the question of Kobe, Lebron, MJ, Bird or Magic at 24, who would you take?

Here are my rankings

1. Magic: He was a true leader who made everyone around him better. He could fit in with just about anyone.
2. Lebron he is big athletic, can play multiple positions and is extremely skilled and mature for 24.
3. MJ at 24 he was just starting to become the Jordan we remember, if it was age 25 it is no question.
4. Bird: He was a smart, heady player, but was a true Legend. He could really only play 3 or 4.
5. Kobe at 24 was a bit selfish and that would not go over well. Still a great player though.

That’s all for now, be easy and stay FLAM.

January 26

Wow it was cold out there. We as a family watched history unfold as we went to the inauguration of our 44th President of the United States Barack Hussein Obama. Even as I type his name it still comes up as a misspelled word. It was truly a moving experience to have my family there as we transition power without guns or tanks, and we wish the President good luck, because you are going to need it.

I finally saw the Wrestler. It was very well done. Mickey Rourke played a great indy wrestler, but I wish they had more time to go into how he was a star and what led to his decline. He deserves to win Best Actor as does Heath Ledger for best supporting actor for his role as the Joker, now that’s a heel.

Well here is my official Super Bowl Pick. Pittsburgh 24 Arizona 20.

NBA Top 5
1. Lakers
2. Cavs
3. Celtics
4. Magic
5. San Antonio

I need to get out to Verizon and see a game soon.

NCAA Top 5
1. Duke
2. UConn
3. Pitt
4. Wake Forest
5. UNC

Again with the east coast bias.

That’s all for now. Be Easy and Stay Flam.