Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Steelers President Art Rooney’s Statement Regarding Ben Roethlisberger’s Motorcycle Accident - NFLMedia.com

This is from the Pittsburgh Steelers Press Release on NFLMedia.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2006
Steelers President Art Rooney’s Statement Regarding Ben Roethlisberger’s Motorcycle Accident

“On behalf of everyone within the Steelers organization, I want to express my concern for Ben Roethlisberger. I am sure
Ben knows that we are praying for his complete recovery. So far, we have been encouraged by the early reports from the
medical team at Mercy Hospital.

“Our public relations staff will pass along any additional updates as we receive them from the hospital.”

Vloggercon: Mary Hodder and "Dabble"




I met the wonderful Mary Hodder at Vloggercon Saturday in a most unusual way: she was sitting at the Peralta sponsor table where I was after I returned from a video walk; poor thing was just looking for a place to park her computer. Fortunately for me, I had enough presence of mind to make her stay a comfortable one. I was rewarded with an introduction to and an account with her new product, the website "Dabble."

Dabble is a terrific web device that can download videos placed on a website just by listing that webpage's URL. The program then develops a kind of video database. It's really a cool and useful tool. How do I know this? I tried it out on my blog, Zennie's Zeitgiest and with great success. Dabble's a great system to use; check it out.

In the video Mary takes us on a brief "tour" of Dabble and tries to upload my blog; something I did later. I've got to admit, it's a gas. (I also take this time to thank Mary for turning me on to Blip.tv
Formats available: Quicktime (.mov)

Steelers QB Ben Rothlisberger Rides Without A Helmet, Crashes - ESPN and Wire Reports

I heard about this Monday on KNBR, the San Francisco Bay Area Sports Radio Channel. Ben's lucky to be alive. I'm not a motorcycle rider and reports like this one are constant reminders why. But more to the point, Ben was careless: he drove without a helmet.

This certainly puts a crimp in the Steelers' pre-season plans and upsets the balance of power in the AFC Central Division. If Ben can't make a timely recovery, the Black and Gold will have lost another field leader alongside the retirement of Jerome Bettis.




Big Ben in serious condition after motorcycle accident
ESPN.com news services


PITTSBURGH -- Steelers star Ben Roethlisberger, the youngest quarterback to lead a team to the Super Bowl championship, broke his jaw and nose in a motorcycle crash Monday in which he was not wearing a helmet.

Roethlisberger remained in serious but stable condition after seven hours of surgery that ended at approximately 9 p.m. ET, according to Dr. Daniel Pituch, chief of oral and maxillofacial surgery at Mercy Hospital. His condition is not expected to change throughout the evening, Pituch said at a news conference.

"He suffered multiple facial fractures," Pituch said. "All of the fractures were successfully repaired. His brain, spine, chest and abdomen appear to be without serious injury. And there are no other confirmed injuries at this time."

The doctors declined to release further information at the family's request.

ESPN.com's John Clayton has confirmed that Roethlisberger also suffered a 9-inch laceration to the back of his head, has lost or chipped a number of teeth and has minor injuries to his knees from hitting the pavement. A plastic surgeon has been called in.

A broken jaw normally takes seven weeks to heal. It is not known how long it will take for the other injuries to heal. Pittsburgh's training camp begins in late July.

"He was talking to me before he left for the operating room," Dr. Larry Jones, chief of trauma at Mercy Hospital, said before the operation. "He's coherent. He's making sense. He knows what happened. He knows where he is. From that standpoint, he's very stable."

Roethlisberger was riding this motorcycle when he collided with an automobile in Pittsburgh on Monday morning.
Roethlisberger's stepmother, Brenda, was crying as she arrived at the hospital. Roethlisberger's father and sister were also at the hospital.

Steelers coach Bill Cowher cut short his vacation to return to Pittsburgh, and arrived at the hospital shortly after 9 p.m. ET.

Steelers president Art Rooney said the team was "encouraged by the early reports from the medical team" at the hospital.

"I am sure Ben knows that we are praying for his complete recovery," he said.

Roethlisberger, 24, was not wearing a helmet, police said. He has said he likes to ride without one, a habit that once prompted a lecture from Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher.

Roethlisberger's contract does not have a specific clause regarding riding a motorcycle, Clayton confirmed.

Roethlisberger was between radio interviews and on his black 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa -- a large, racing-style bike -- and heading toward an intersection on the edge of downtown. A silver Chrysler New Yorker traveling in the opposite direction took a left turn and collided with the motorcycle, and Roethlisberger was thrown, police said.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Roethlisberger flew into the Chrysler's windshield and then hit the ground head first. Blood pooled around him on the pavement, the paper said.

The other car was driven by a 62-year-old woman, police said. They didn't immediately release her name and no charges were filed.

Witness Sandra Ford was waiting at a bus stop when she said she saw the motorcycle approach. Seconds later, she said she heard a crash, saw the motorcyclist in the air and ran toward the crash scene.

"He wasn't moving and I was afraid that he had died. ... He wasn't really speaking. He seemed dazed but he was resisting the effort to make him stay down," said Ford, who didn't realize the motorcyclist was Roethlisberger.

Police spokesman Lt. Kevin Kraus said police and homicide units were investigating the crash, something standard when there is an accident with critical injuries. Kraus would give no details on the extent of Roethlisberger's injuries or if anyone else was injured.

The accident occurred on Second Avenue near the intersection of 10th Street in Pittsburgh, around 11:30 a.m. The route is one often taken in traveling to the Steelers' facility in the Southside section of the city.

Several teammates, including backup quarterback Charlie Batch, linebacker Joey Porter and safety Mike Logan, arrived at the hospital emergency room but did not comment.

The car, which had damage to the front passenger fender, was removed and Roethlisberger's bike was loaded onto a flatbed truck. Police were detouring traffic around the crash scene as onlookers and media gathered.

One of his agents, Ryan Tollner, was en route to Pittsburgh for what was supposed to be a pre-planned trip and was to arrive later Monday.

Paint outlines puddles of oil and blood on the street where Roethlisberger collided with an automobile while riding a motorcycle on Monday.
In only his second year in the NFL, Roethlisberger became the youngest quarterback to lead a team to the Super Bowl championship. He was 23 when he did it last February.

In May 2005, Cowher warned him about safe riding after Cleveland tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. was injured in a motorcycle accident. Winslow tore knee ligaments and was lost for the season.

Roethlisberger has said in the past that he prefers not to wear a helmet when riding his motorcycle. Roethlisberger has pointed out Pennsylvania's 35-year-old state law requiring helmets to be worn was amended in September 2003 to make helmets optional.

"He talked about being a risk-taker and I'm not really a risk-taker. I'm pretty conservative and laid back, but the big thing is to just be careful," Roethlisberger said at the time. "I'll just continue to be careful. I told him we don't ever ride alone, we always ride in a group of people, and I think it makes it even more safe."

New England quarterback Tom Brady was at a charity golf event when he found out that Roethlisberger was injured riding a motorcycle.

"You try to take some of those things and put them off for a later time in your life," Brady said, "but sometimes people want to live their lives and have fun and I think sometimes things happen like that. Hopefully, he's OK."

Roethlisberger, whose mother, Ida, died in a car accident when he was 8 years old, continued to ride after Winslow's accident and that angered Terry Bradshaw, who quarterbacked the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories during the 1970s.

Visiting the Steelers' training camp last summer, Bradshaw remarked: "Ride it when you retire."

Monday, June 12, 2006

Bill Walsh Video: Former 49ers and Stanford Head Coach Explains Proper Footwork For Throwing The Football

There's no better passing game technician and teacher than Bill Walsh, architect of the great San Francisco 49ers offense of the 80s and 90s and the system that's become the standard in modern pro, college, and high school football.

Coach Walsh first developed the offense while the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals under Paul Brown, honed it while guiding the Stanford Cardinal, and built on the foundation of concepts while head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

Coach Walsh then returned to Stanford in the early 90s, using what has been called "The West Coast Offense" -- but should be referred to as "The Walsh Offense" -- to direct Stanford to a 9-3 season and a co-Pac-10 Championship in 1993.

In this video, Coach Walsh works with his star student Quarterback Joe Montana to show how to throw several kinds of passes: the three step pass without a hitch step, the crossover hitch step, slant passes and quick out passes. Look at Joe's footwork, and then look again at where and how he holds the ball before release.

Sunday, June 11, 2006

CNET - CNET Woman Has A Problem...








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After filming I looked for a seat and found one next to this brunette who turned out to be a reporter for CNET. Ha. She was talking to a balding older white guy to her left -- I was to her right -- and apparently peppering him with questions. Meanwhile Ted Tagami -- who I've known since high school and played a major role in Vloggercon -- came over to say something to her and recognized me.

Through all this, she never asked me one question -- and the guy to her left was someone she just met. The only reason I knew she worked for CNET is I asked her who she was representing. See, she had a pad and pen and was writing. At a vlogging conference, you come with a camcorder.

Regardless of my questions -- just two -- and Ted, she asked me nothing. And when I passed by her in the hallway later in the day, she turned as if to avoid me -- I kept walking. And what did I do? Nothing. Do I think she would not have done that if I were white?

Yes.

Look, after a time on Earth, you can figure out what's going on with some people. It was insulting and a great example of how racism really is a mental illness. It kept her from being a good reporter. In my view she did a terrible job. I noticed she didn't even try to interview the Rocketboom people and they're huge! A good reporter never brings their hangups and race issues into a work situation. This woman did. CNET can do better.

Vloggercon - Scenes From Day One




This is a video I took on the Saturday before the start of Vloggercon. I'm in what could be called the event's "main room." Here's where some -- but not all -- of the sessions were held. As you can see all of the seats are not filled, people are filing in, and the sponsor tables are still half empty. Oh, what Vloggercon would be just that without vloggers: myself and someone who was "flying" over me. And the guy nodding to me is Bill Streeter, a well-known Vlogger. You'll see.
Formats available: Quicktime (.mov)

Vloggercon - "Secrets Of Videoblogging" A New Book




At Vloggercon, Schlomo, one of the organizes of Vloggercon, gave me a copy of a neat book called "Secrets Of Videoblogging" This video's a brief introduction to the book and one of it's writers.
Formats available: Quicktime (.mov)

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Vloggercon2 - MonkeyBrains.Net




Michelle Mokolla presents "MonkeyBrains.Net" an internet service provider. She also works at Peralta TV.

Vloggercon - Peralta People




This is a video of the people who represent Peralta TV at Vloggercon

Jon Stewart / Bill Bennett Video Debate On Gay Marriage

This is becoming the classic values debate in America, and who to better have it than political comedian Jon Stewart and former Reagan aide conservative Bill Bennett.

Bill's met his match, but both carry out a sprited discussion without loosing perspective. The result is a fun conversation to watch.

Friday, June 09, 2006

Tennessee Titans’ Stadium to be Named LP Field

From NFL Media.com press release

Tennessee Titans’ Stadium to be Named LP Field

LP, Premier Supplier of Building Products, Purchases Naming Rights

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 6, 2006) - Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LP) (NYSE: LPX) and the Tennessee Titans today announced an agreement on a stadium naming rights sponsorship; the Titans stadium in Nashville, Tenn., will now be called LP Field. This agreement calls for LP to have stadium naming rights for 10 years at a cost of approximately $3 million per year.

“This is a rare opportunity for LP to align with a great organization, the Tennessee Titans, as well as the National Football League, the most prestigious brand in sports,” said LP CEO Rick Frost. “The LP brand will gain exposure and grow through this dynamic alliance with the Titans.”

Frost continued, “We are very proud as well that a great institution like Tennessee State University will play all its home games in LP Field. We are committed to making this sponsorship successful for our company, our customers, and the Nashville community.”

For the duration of the agreement, LP and the Titans will work together on several philanthropic initiatives to benefit Nashville and surrounding communities. Specifically, for the 2006 season, LP and the Titans will jointly provide financial and volunteer support to build a home for the Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, LP will continue to support The PENCIL Foundation, a Nashville business-school partnership program and its LP PENCIL Box free school supplies store. LP will now have opportunities to incorporate the Titans into these and other philanthropic efforts.

“LP is a pillar in the Nashville community with many of the same values that the Titans represent,” said Titans Owner K.S. “Bud” Adams, Jr. “I have had the pleasure of meeting several employees and am thrilled with this relationship. Both the Titans and LP have a vision of significant community involvement that is incorporated into this agreement.”

“LP represents Nashville's strength as a city at the top of its game,” said Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell. “This relationship between LP and the Titans will make sure everyone knows that whether it comes to scoring touchdowns or building a successful business, Nashville is the place to be.”

Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen said, “Since choosing Tennessee as its home, LP has shown in many, many ways that it is a considerate and active corporate citizen. This sponsorship demonstrates to the whole nation that LP is proud of its new home city, proud of its state and proud of our Tennessee Titans. I am delighted to hear this news."

It was also announced today that LP will donate its building products to Habitat for Humanity to support the construction of at least one home in every city in which the Titans play an away game in the 2006 season. Specifically, LP will be donating a kit of LP materials that provide the structure and siding of homes -- Oriented Strand Board (OSB) structural panels, LP I-joists, flooring systems, LP TechShield® Radiant Barrier roof sheathing, LP SmartSide® siding and trim products, as well as LP WeatherBest® composite decking and interior decorative mouldings.

LP has launched a specific LP Field Web site at www.lpfield.com. The Web site features events, attractions, links to ticket sales and a sweepstakes for tickets to the Titans opening home game.

Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, LP is a premier manufacturer of building products, delivering innovative, high-quality commodity and specialty products to its retail, wholesale, homebuilding and industrial customers. Visit LP's Web site at www.lpcorp.com for additional information on the company.

More on SF 49ers QB Cody Pickett - Pickett's Refusal To Play In NFL Europe Wrote The Ticket For His Possible Departure



Leave it to Profootballtalk.com to get the skinny on SF 49ers Cody Pickett. Here it is:

PICKETT'S DECISION NOT TO PLAY IN EUROPE WILL HAUNT HIM

Last week, the 49ers signed quarterback Shaun Hill, expanding the number of quarterbacks on the roster to five. Along with Hill, the team has under contract Alex Smith, Trent Dilfer, Jesse Palmer, and Cody Pickett.

Per a league source, the odd man out is and will be Pickett.

And despite what anyone connected to the team might say publicly, we're told that Pickett sealed his fate by declining the team's request that he spend the offseason playing in NFL Europe.

Though more and more young players prefer to stick around in the U.S. in the offseason and participate in the team's voluntary workouts, it's never a good idea to tell the team "no" when the team asks a guy to play in NFL Europe. Roster spots with pro football teams aren't entitlements, and until a player has proven on the field that he can get it done he needs to be ready and willing to do whatever the team asks him to do.

So it soon will be farewell in San Fran to another guy who was drafted during the Terry Donahue era.