Mike Douglas - Mike Douglas Passes Away At 81

I just got the news that Mike Douglas passed away at 81 years old. I basically grew up with the Mike Douglas Show, so it's as if a little part of me passed on with him.

For those of you who don't know about him, here's a video clip of Mike Douglas with Tom Waits, followed by a bio.



Mike Douglas bio from Wikipedia

Mike Douglas (born Michael Delaney Dowd, Jr., August 11, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois, died August 11, 2006 in North Palm Beach, Florida) was an American entertainer.

After serving briefly in the United States Navy near the end of World War II, Douglas became a vocalist in the big band of Kay Kyser, with whom he was featured on two notable hits, "Ole Buttermilk Sky" in 1946 and "The Old Lamplighter" the following year. He remained part of Kyser's band until Kyser retired from show business in 1951.

He next surfaced in 1961 in Cleveland, where he was hired for $400 a week as an afternoon television talk-show host at KYW-TV. The show rapidly gained popularity, and ultimately, national syndication in August 1963 on five Westinghouse-owned stations. It stopped broadcasting live in 1965 after guest Zsa Zsa Gabor used inappropriate language on the air. The program moved to Philadelphia in June of 1965. Guests ranged from Truman Capote and Richard M. Nixon to The Rolling Stones and Herman's Hermits. The show helped introduce entertainers such as Barbra Streisand and Aretha Franklin. Regrettably, Streisand's appearance, like many others of this era, was discarded by KYW-TV.

After the move to Philadelphia, Douglas also attempted to revive his own singing career, logging his lone Top 40 single as a solo artist, "The Men In My Little Girl's Life," in 1966.

By 1967 The Mike Douglas Show was broadcasting to 171 markets and 6,000,000 viewers each day, mostly women at home. It earned $10.5 million from advertisers, while its host was paid more than $500,000. In 1967, the program received the first Emmy Award for Individual Achievement in Daytime Television from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Douglas became a local cultural icon in Philadelphia, often inviting prominent players from the city's professional sports teams to be guests on his show (he had a particular affinity for the city's pro football team, the Philadelphia Eagles, constantly referring to the team as "Our Eagles," and he could often be seen in attendance at Eagles' home games, especially whenever they appeared on Monday Night Football). He also assisted in mayor Frank Rizzo's campaign against derisive jokes often told by outsiders about the city, acting as chief spokesperson for the "Anti-Defamation Agency" Rizzo had set up for this purpose.

In July of 1978, the talk show's home base was transferred to Los Angeles, where it remained until finally going off the air in 1981. A second series, "The Mike Douglas Entertainment Hour," ended production in 1982.
Douglas passed away on his 81st birthday, August 11, 2006.

Curtis Martin - Picts of Curtis Martin Walking Without A Limp

I remember when we were out at Jets camp two weekends ago.

Ken Berger and i were in the same interview with Curtis. He swore he was playing opening day. He also was NOT walking with a limp 12 days ago(or 11).

So now it's constantly swelling and he's limping? We even have Pics of him walking Without a Limp!!

Bob McNair - Houston Texans Owner Talks About 2006 Season

Bob McNair is the founder and CEO of the Houston Texans. In this candid interview he talks about the off-season changes from new head coach to new general manager to the controversial first round draft pick of Mario Williams from North Carolina State. He also discusses 2006 expectations and other changes on the team roster as the Texans begin their fifth season in the NFL.

Google Video - Google Option Bar Now Features Video

If you check out the option bar on Google pages, there's a new feature: video.
This is an exciting development which just by the quick availablity of video will change the way we see content online.

I think we're entering a new World where the definition of media has expanded to include web portals which not only give information in combination of video, text, and sound, but present information for use in -- for example the classroom -- using video, text, and sound, as well as games --- which are just another way of presenting media.

That kind of company is Sports Business Simulations.

Heathrow - A380 lands at Heathrow - Is It Safe From Terrorists

Watch the historic first landing of Airbus'A380 at legendary London Heathrow Airport as it was captured by the AirU team from www.airutopia.com The A380's service takes new focus in the wake of the plot to bomb planes out of Heathrow. Since this airport can accomodate the World's Largest Passenger Plane, the A380 will certainly become a terrorist target. Other than airport security, what on-board measures have been installed? This is a question that should be adressed.

9-11: CNN's Lou Dobbs Talks Of Possible Lies Regarding Government Involvement

This segment of Lou Dobbs' show is pattern-breaking in that Lou's seemingly conservative take would make one think he and his staff would not give airtime to such allegations as...

1) Americans don't know the whole truth behind the government's response to 9-11
2) Pentagon made mistatements.
3) FAA and Norad gave an untrue account of their response.
4) Government officials were not forthcoming with information

There's more. Here's the video.

Heathrow - Airlines Not Helping Passengers According To This Blogger

Jae in England notes that the airlines are not being helpful regarding getting the right information to passengers.

US Terror Threat Condition At Severe; No Liquid Gels In Carry-On Bags - TSA Website

In response to the Heathrow bomb plot, the US Terror Threat level is now at "Severe."

Here's what they posted:

NO LIQUIDS OR GELS OF ANY KIND WILL BE PERMITTED IN CARRY-ON BAGGAGE. ITEMS MUST BE IN CHECKED BAGGAGE. This includes all beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency.

Well, I'm safe here, as I always put my lotions and bathroom items in checked luggage.

But they do make an exception for baby milk and formula.

But what about meals on flights? Does this mean I can't buy a meal anymore?

Heathrow - Plot To Bomb Planes In UK Blocked, But Worldwide Travel Chaos Results

It happened for me last night, flipping channels to CNN to see thousands of people crowded into a main terminal at London's Heathrow Airport. While this CNN report below explains it in detail, what can't be replicated is the sheer terror at play around the World. It still makes you wonder if any place is safe. And it makes you wonder to what degree US international policy is at fault.

Plane plot involved 'explosive cocktail,' official says
Air travel in chaos after plot to bomb airliners exposed

Thursday, August 10, 2006; Posted: 4:24 p.m. EDT (20:24 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Terrorists planned to concoct an "explosive cocktail" using MP3 players and sports drinks to blow up as many as 10 jetliners bound for the United States, authorities said Thursday.

U.S. intelligence officials said the plotters hoped to stage a dry run by Friday, The Associated Press reported. The actual attack would have followed days later, the officials told AP.

A senior congressional source said it is believed the plotters planned to mix a British sports drink with a gel-like substance to make an explosive that they would possibly trigger with an MP3 player or cell phone.

The sports drink could be combined with a peroxide-based paste to form a potent "explosive cocktail," if properly done, said a U.S. counterterrorism official.

"There are strong reasons to believe the materials in a beverage like that could have been part of the formula," the official said.

British and Pakistani authorities joined forces to block the plot to bomb the airliners, officials said.

British police acted urgently overnight, arresting 24 people in what U.S. government officials said privately could have been the biggest terrorist attack since September 11, 2001.

Among those arrested were a Muslim charity worker and a Heathrow Airport employee with an all-area access pass, according to Britain's Channel 4.

Five suspects in the plot are still at large, ABC News reported on its Web site, citing U.S. sources.

Information gathered after recent arrests in Pakistan convinced British investigators they had to act urgently to stop the plot, sources told CNN.

Pakistani authorities also made arrests in coordination with Britain, said a spokesman for the Pakistani Foreign Ministry. He did not say how many arrests were made.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said the plans were "suggestive of an al Qaeda plot," and President Bush said the arrests are a "stark reminder" that the U.S. is "at war with Islamic fascists." (Watch Bush say what the arrests mean for the U.S. -- 2:37)

Bush thanked British Prime Minister Tony Blair for "busting this plot." (Full story)

Authorities immediately banned all passengers headed to or departing from U.S. airports from carrying any liquid in their carry-ons. The massive lines that resulted at security checkpoints made chaos of air travel worldwide as flights were delayed or canceled. (Full story)

The effects of the plot rippled across the globe Thursday.

The plot was "intended to be mass murder on an unimaginable scale," London's Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Paul Stephenson said. (Full story)

Chertoff said the plan was reminiscent of a plot by September 11 coordinator Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, who in 1995 had envisioned detonating bombs on 11 airlines possibly traveling over the Pacific Ocean.

The plot was "as sophisticated as any we have seen in recent years as far as terrorism is concerned," Chertoff said. (Watch Chertoff detail the threat to blow up jetliners -- 7:38)

CNN terror analyst Peter Bergen said two factors pointed to the influence of al Qaeda. He said al Qaeda was "obsessed" with commercial aviation and that the timing of the plot was "very interesting."

"It's not clear when this was going to be implemented ... but we are coming up on the fifth anniversary of 9/11. They do want to make a big statement," he said on CNN's "American Morning."

The U.S. threat level has been raised to the highest level of "severe," or red, for commercial flights originating in the United Kingdom bound for the United States, according to the Department of Homeland Security. (Full story)

In addition, the threat level has been raised to "high," or orange for all commercial flights operating in or coming to the United States, the DHS said.

The nation's overall terror threat level has not been altered.

Thursday was the first time the DHS has raised the threat level for a specific group of flights.

New security restrictions

"Due to the nature of the threat revealed by this investigation, we are prohibiting any liquids, including beverages, hair gels, and lotions from being carried on the airplane," a DHS statement said.

Increased security means airline passengers around the country should show up at least two hours early for all flights, an official with the Transportation Security Administration told CNN.

Manny Lawson & Vernon Davis Duel In 49ers Training Camp - SF Chroncle

Lawson and Davis



49ERS NOTEBOOK

Davis-Lawson rivalry is user-friendly
Kevin Lynch, Chronicle Staff Writer
Thursday, August 10, 2006

Linebacker Manny Lawson and tight end Vernon Davis will welcome the opportunity to go against somebody else Friday night when the Bears come to town for the 49ers' first exhibition game. So far, the two have done a fairly good job of beating up on each other in training camp.

The 49ers' two first-round picks have dueled both when Davis goes out for passes and when Lawson is rushing the quarterback.

"We've got a little friendly competition going," Davis said.

The competition nearly turned calamitous early in camp. During a scrimmage, quarterback Alex Smith rolled out while Davis tried to block the onrushing Lawson. Lawson was just about to slip the block when Davis dived at the 6-foot-5, 240-pounder. Both players tumbled to the ground and then rolled into a bank of players watching.

Coaches constantly instruct players to stay on their feet during practice, and cutting your teammate is strictly forbidden. Davis let his competitive instincts overpower him.

When each was asked separately about the incident, neither commented but both laughed.

"He's just making me better," said Lawson, who thinks he probably won't face another tight end with Davis' physical gifts. "You fast? Vernon's fast. You strong? Vernon's strong. I've got that right here in San Francisco."

Coach Mike Nolan considered easing Lawson's learning curve in converting him from college defensive end to NFL linebacker, as he'd had to do with former Arizona State player Terrell Suggs in Baltimore. Now Nolan and 49ers defensive coordinator Billy Davis believe Lawson can handle the position mentally.

"If you set me down and told me a play, I could tell you what I have to do," Lawson said. "Now it's just doing what I know and trusting what my eyes see."

Torrey out: An MRI exam of linebacker Andre Torrey's left knee revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The 49ers probably will put the Alameda High School grad on injured reserve, which means he won't play this year.

Torrey went down after getting tangled up with defensive end Scott Scharff while covering a kickoff Tuesday on the 49ers' new synthetic turf.

The 49ers signed rookie free-agent linebacker Bobby Iwuchukwu to replace Torrey on the roster.

Jerramy Stevens - Seahawks' Jerramy Stevens Ready For 2006 After Super Bowl Loss - Seattle PI

Seahawks' Stevens ready to move on

TE recovering from injury, Super malaise

By CLARE FARNSWORTH
P-I REPORTER

CHENEY -- Jerramy Stevens' bothersome left knee passed every physical test necessary to get the explosive tight end back on the football field Wednesday for the first time since the Super Bowl in February.

It's his mental well-being from an implosive performance in the Seahawks' loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that has coach Mike Holmgren concerned even after Stevens took his next step back from arthroscopic surgery in April.

"We did have a pretty in-depth discussion about how you bounce back from something, and he's listening," Holmgren said. "The disappointment lingers certainly, particularly with a player that cares, and he cares. He was very disappointed and he felt bad.

"And that's a good thing."

So is getting Stevens back in pads, which will allow him to continue putting the game against the Steelers behind him. He will not play in Saturday night's preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys at Qwest Field, but is scheduled to see his first action Aug. 20 against the Colts in Indianapolis.

"You've got to mature and grow from that and keep pushing forward," Stevens said after practice. "Obviously it was rough. But it's something that's behind me now and I'm using that as a shield to go forward."

As they look to defend their NFC championship, the Seahawks need Stevens to be the player who caught 45 passes last season, the second-highest total by a tight end in franchise history, not the one who had more passes go off or through his hands (five) than receptions (three) in the Super Bowl.

The tight end has traditionally played a large role in Holmgren's hybrid of the West Coast offense, and Stevens has the size (6-foot-7, 260 pounds), speed and soft hands to excel like Brent Jones when Holmgren was the San Francisco 49ers' offensive coordinator; and Jackie Harris, Mark Chmura and Keith Jackson during Holmgren's tenure as head coach of the Green Bay Packers.



Stevens damaged the meniscus in his knee during the Seahawks' first playoff victory over the Washington Redskins. It was originally diagnosed as floating particles, Stevens said, and "something that I was just going to work through." But as the discomfort increased, an MRI detected the meniscus damage and he had it repaired.
"The trainers and doctors say he's good to go," Holmgren said. "He's worried up here, in his mind: How's it going to feel? So we've got to get over that hump."

Wednesday was a needed step. Stevens did not participate in the full-team portions of practice, but he looked quick and smooth while running routes and catching the ball in individual drills.

"It's all about strength in my leg and confidence," Stevens said. "It felt good today. It was good to stop while I was ahead. That's the plan, to stop while I'm feeling good every day and try and progress a little bit every day."

The mental anguish from the Super Bowl also should subside as Stevens moves closer to the 2006 season.

"If you're playing this sport, most every play you get hit right in the mouth. How do you handle that?" Holmgren said. "You've got to get back up, and that was on a bigger stage. So I would expect him to bounce back. If a player can't bounce back from things like that, then they don't last very long."

It didn't help that Stevens became an unwitting participant in what turned into a woofing match with Steelers linebacker Joey Porter during the week leading up the Super Bowl.

"I don't feel like I said something that was inappropriate or out of place," Stevens said. "I supported my team and told (reporters) that we were here to win, and I stick by that now."

Stevens would just as soon put it all behind him -- the Super Bowl and the injury.

"I plan on moving forward and doing better and bigger things this year, just use that as a stepping stone," he said. "I've taken one step. I've got to continue to take steps forward."

P-I reporter Clare Farnsworth can be reached at 206-448-8016 or clarefarnsworth@seattlepi.com.

Chris Chambers - Chris Chambers Picked To Improve With Daunte Culpepper - Miami Herald

CHRIS CHAMBERS
Pressure thrown at Chambers

With the offseason acquisition of Daunte Culpepper, receiver Chris Chambers will have greater expectations placed on him for the 2006 season.
BY DAVID J. NEAL
dneal@MiamiHerald.com

Dolphins wide receiver Chris Chambers knows what is expected of him after a career season: more.

More catches, more yards, more spectacular plays, more big plays that aren't so spectacular but lead to more victories. More leadership, especially with rookie Derek Hagan.

Like the Dolphins, Chambers' 2005 success earned him the right to be judged against a higher standard. That would be the case even if the Dolphins had not traded for quarterback Daunte Culpepper in the offseason.

''I don't really feel the pressure,'' Chambers said. ``I know it's my responsibility to be more of a leader and step my game up even more to help the team win. I know I have guys around me that can make plays as well. So it's really not a pressure-type deal for me.''

Or maybe it's that Chambers has dealt with expectations since the start of his career. Last season wasn't much different.

Everything seemed set for a big season from Chambers. The Dolphins brought in Scott Linehan as offensive coordinator from the Minnesota Vikings, where Linehan choreographed a dazzling offense starring Culpepper and Randy Moss. Quarterback Jay Fiedler was replaced by Gus Frerotte.

The Dolphins voted Chambers an offensive captain, acknowledging him as a team leader but also making an unspoken request for greater production.

Few who have spent time around the reserved Chambers would expect him to transform into an emotional, vocal leader. His brand of leadership would have to come through performance.

And it did, after eight games in which he sometimes struggled. In the second half of the season, Chambers had 52 catches for 701 yards and eight touchdowns. Subtract the 15-catch, 238-yard game against Buffalo that made him the first Dolphins wide receiver since 1994 to be named AFC Offensive Player of the Week, and still there is a respectable 37 catches for 463 yards and seven TDs in seven games.

''Reading defenses is one of the things I got better at,'' Chambers said. ``As I get better at that, it makes it a lot easier for me to go out there and run routes. Different ball drills that I wasn't doing early in the year, I'm starting to do them now early in training camp so that I can continue doing that throughout the whole year.''

Dolphins coach Nick Saban said he believed Chambers' confidence grew during last season.

''[He] made more big plays with fewer drops,'' Saban said. ``Played faster with a better understanding and knowledge of what he needed to do to get open or execute that particular play. That's no disrespect to what he did in the beginning of the year, but I just think he got better and better as the year went on.''

And his expectations for this season?

''I think, if he plays with the consistency that he finished the year with last year for an entire season . . .'' Saban said, his voice trailing off before finishing, `` he had a fantastic year last year, but he would have an absolutely fantastic year.''