Friday, June 29, 2012

Baltimore Ravens Camp Outlook

I was all excited to read this article from The Sporting News; then I saw the author was Professional Pot Stirrer Mike Preston.  However, a decent read none-the-less.



Because the Ravens have several holes to fill on both sides of the ball, they could get off to a slow start in 2012. But they should be much improved by midseason and develop into a strong contender by the end of the season.

Despite some personnel losses, the Ravens still return top talent at the key positions. They have the ability to finish atop the AFC North again or at the very least get back into the playoffs as a wild-card team.

Cincinnati could challenge Baltimore for the top spot in the division, but neither Pittsburgh nor Cleveland looks capable of doing so.

Read the entire article here.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

OC’s Dew Tour Free To Public This Year

OCEAN CITY – The Dew Tour returns to Ocean City next month and today released big news -- the entire event will be free and open to the public.

The Dew Tour’s Ocean City stop is scheduled for Aug, 16-19. The event’s stop in Ocean City this summer aims to capture the unique beach lifestyle in the competitions, music and character with transition focused and ocean inspired events.

It will be completely free and open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis, according to Alli Sports, producer of the Dew Tour. A limited number of premium passes will go on-sale July 11 for purchase.

The concept of offering the event for free goes hand-in-hand with Ocean City’s 2012 Summer of Thanks campaign as the town has been hard at work offering a plethora of free events and activities to its visitors this summer, adding value to their vacation dollars.

Dew Tour’s stop in Ocean City this year will include expanded and new sports and disciplines and an enhanced on-site experience featuring more live music and a new “Dew Tour Experience,” bringing all aspects of action sports culture to life.

This year’s disciplines are Skate Vert, BMX Vert, Skate Bowl, BMX Park, Surf and a few new categories are Skate Legends Bowl, BMX Mega 2.0, and Skate Mega 2.0.

The top names in each discipline have been invited to compete in the five-day action sports and lifestyle festival. The following athletes have been invited but have not yet confirmed. Actual athletes will be announced closer to the event.

Invited for BMX is Kyle Baldock, Brett Banasiewicz, Drew Bezanson, Diogo Canina, Pat Casey, Scotty Cranmer, Rob Darden, Daniel Dhers, Dennis Enarson, Josh Harrington, Chase Hawk, Harry Main, Ryan Nyquist, Daniel Sandoval, Jeremiah Smith, Garrett Reynolds, Morgan Wade, Ben Wallace, Mark Webb, Gary Young, Jamie Bestwick, Vince Byron, Chad Kagy, Steve McCann, Dennis McCoy, Simon Tabron, Jimmy Walker, Coco Zurita, Anthony Napolitan, Morgan Wade, and Zack Warden.

Invited for skate is Pedros Barros, Sam Beckett, Mitchie Brusco, Bob Burnquist, Sandro Dias, Pierre-Luc Gagnon, Rune Glifberg, Bucky Lasek, Andy MacDonald, Alex Perelson, Paul-Luc Ronchetti, Tom Schaar, Elliot Sloan, Adam Taylor, Shaun White, Kalani David, Greyson Fletcher, Omar Hassan, Aaron Hamoki, Ben Hatchell, Willis Kimbel, Brad McClain, Zack Miller, Nolan Munroe, Michael Owen, Alex Perelson, Ben Raybourne, Tom Remillard, Grant Taylor, Raven Tershy, Steve Alba, Steve Caballero, Jeff Grosso, Tony Hawk, Christian Hosoi, Tony Magnusson, Chris Miller, Lance Mountian, Pat Ngho, Duane Peters and Jake Brown.

The action from Ocean City will be showcased across 11 broadcast hours on NBC and NBC Sports Network and an all-new digital platform with live streaming plus exclusive behind the scenes and in-depth content on dewtour.com.

In April, Alli Sports, a division of the NBC Sports Group, announced a four-year renewal of their partnership with Mountain Dew, along with the 2012 schedule for the new Dew Tour. Alli Sports, together with Mountain Dew, who has been the tour title partner since its inception, is reshaping the Dew Tour to showcase action sports in three large-scale, premium and “grand-slam” style events.

Spanning the country August through December, the 2012 Dew Tour schedule includes its return to Ocean City and Breckenridge Ski Resort, with a debut event in San Francisco on the west coast. The Dew Tour will integrate the character of each stop into the overall feel of the event, capitalizing on impactful beach, city and mountain backdrops as each of the three events will draw inspiration from the host city to create its own identity.
 
 
 
 

Happy Birthday Mel Brooks

Love Mel Brooks.  Here's a scene from Brooks' Hitchcock homage, "High Anxiety".  In it, (along with the incomparable Madeline Kahn) Mel channels his inner Sinatra...



Happy B-Day Mel!

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Tell 'em Ray!

Ray Rice Talks about Removing Himself from Contract Discussions, Praises Joe Flacco

June 26, 2012 – 6:00 am by Brad Gagnon

Ray Rice is coming off a year in which he racked up over 2,000 yards from scrimmage to go along with 15 touchdowns. At only 25, he’s clearly one of the league’s best offensive players. And yet because he’s a running back, Rice is having a hell of a time trying to wrestle a long-term contract from the Baltimore Ravens’ front office.

Rice sat out mini-camp last week and could be digging in for a holdout as the deadline to sign franchise tenders looms in July.



Ray Rice joined Mayhem in the AM on 790 The Zone in Atlanta to discuss his contract squabble with the Ravens, how he felt about being picked late in the second round in 2008 and Joe Flacco’s play late in 2011.

On separating contract negotiations from football preparation:

“I have the best agent in football, so I let him take care of all the other stuff and my job is to always be ready. And the good thing about my situation is that I’m not going into a new offensive system. I’m going into a system that I’ve been in going into my fifth year, so as far as the football stuff, it’s gonna be just catching up to speed and polishing the fundamentals.”

On if he had a chip on his shoulder when he slid to pick No. 55 in the 2008 draft:

“Yeah, I mean, when you think about that year, of all the running backs that came out, I think stat-wise, I was the only guy to rush for 2,000 yards that year. No matter what conference I played in — I played in the Big East. Not taking away from all the guys that went before me but I was the seventh running back taken that year, and quite frankly, look where I’m at right now in my career. It has nothing to do with the other guys, so I just know, as far as talent wise and heart-wise, I was right up there with the best of the best.”

On the biggest difference he saw in Joe Flacco in the playoffs:

“It was his show. It was his show on offense and as much credit that I was getting and as much respect I was getting from defenses, all Joe really had to do is prove that we can drive the ball down the field and score, and he did that. Quite frankly, he outplayed Tom Brady the last game. He outplayed Tom Brady, and Tom Brady — he’s the trademark for a quarterback. So Joe Flacco feeling the way he feels is only right, because he did it on a high level. He did it on the peak of his performance.”

Listen to Ray Rice on 790 The Zone here

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Ocean City's Five Star Beach

Ratings of Popular Beaches

NRDC issued star ratings to 200 popular beaches around the country. The star system awards up to five stars to each popular beach for exceptionally low violation rates and strong testing and safety practices. Criteria include testing more than once a week, notifying the public promptly when tests reveal bacteria levels violating health standards, and posting closings and advisories both online and at the beach. Last year, twelve beaches last received a 5-star rating.

 

Ocean City Beach 6 (5 out of 5 stars)

  • Less than 5% of water samples exceeded national standards in 2009, 2010, and 2011
  • Less than 5% of water samples exceeded national standards in 2011
  • Local officials post advisories without re-sampling
  • Closings/advisories posted online and at beach
  • Water quality monitored more than once a week

Monitoring Data:

  • Assigned monitoring frequency: twice a week
  • Total samples reported: 27
  • % of samples exceeding state standards: 0%
  • Notification days: 0
  • Tier: 1

Weekly Poop 6/27/12

Roost #44 Poop
·         Dates to Remember:
·         Friday, – Water Conservation Group Meeting @ The Jungle Bar, 9800 Coastal Highway (oceanfront @ the Plaza).  Our friend Ricky Laricci plays 4-7.
·         Saturday – Tony is trying to put a bus trip together to the Orioles game @ Camden Yards.  It’s a 4:05 pm start and is the Earl Weaver statue dedication day.  Cost to be determined but it’s probably going to be around $42 per person.  Tony needs at least 40 people to attend to make it all work.  For details call Tony @ (302) 436-6266.
·         Sunday, July 15 – Ravens Roost Annual Summer Picnic @ White Horse Pavilion in Ocean Pines from 1-6pm.  Roost #44 members’ cost will be $10, guests $15 and includes a chance to win the 50/50 raffle.  One guest per person and must be spouse or significant other.  Menu: Premium burgers, hot dogs, sausage, jerk chicken, assorted salads and snacks, corn on the cob, watermelon, desserts and assorted beverages.  Horseshoes.  Music by Mr. OC.  Sign up at the June meeting or call Tom Maly at 302-541-0780 to get on the list.
·         TBD – Summer Raft-ups.  Gary is no longer allowed to pick the dates since it always storms when he does.
·         Saturday, October 27 – Ravens Roost #44 Crab Feast.  Details soon.
·         Saturday, December 15 – Ravens Roost #44 Christmas Party.  Details soon.
·         Saturday, April 13, 2013 – Ravens Roost #44 Dance.  Details soon.
·         Roost Apparel: If you missed out on the last order of Ravens Roost 44 jerseys and you want one in time for the season, please see Maggie at the next meeting and get your name on the list for the next order.  Don't need to pay for them until they are delivered to you, but snooze and you will lose because this will be the last order before the season begins!  Also: Maggie is still taking orders for the new Raven Roost 44 "character shirts" with the Ox, Turtle and Raven on the beach on the back of the shirt.  They come in tanks and short sleeve styles.  New colors for the guys and v-necks for the ladies!  They are perfect for wearing around town this summer and sporting your "Ravenesque" spirit!  Tanks $12, Short sleeve T's $15.  Maggie needs 75 orders to get a run made and so far have 30 orders, so please put your name on the list so we can get those shirts too.  Finally, there are still "old style" T's left (Property of Ravens Roost 44) as well as sweatshirts that have languished in Maggie's garage for too long!  Get 'em while they last at the next meeting:  Short sleeve T's for $5!  Long sleeve T's for $10!  Sweatshirts for $20!  A variety of sizes and colors (ash grey, purple and black).  How can you say no??!!"
·         ROAD TRIP 2012-KANSAS CITY, MO – Our road trip this year will be Kansas City, MO-The Cue (as is barbeque) Capital of the World.  The game is on 10/7.  Mike finally received the booking contract signed by the hotel rep.  You can now call in to reserve your rooms.  You will need your credit card to reserve your room.  Their hours for reservations are 8:30am to 5 pm.  Call or contact Mike for further details at 410.250.3020 or at montegomike@verizon.net.

Ravens Poop
·         Good news notes and nuggets from Sarah Ellison’s Blog here.  It’s getting to the point where I can hardly stand ESPN, but I do go Jamison Hensley’s Blog here to stay up to date with all of the AFC North news. 
·         Looking for an Orioles Blog?  Go to Britt’s Bird Watch for the latest Orioles news!
·         With no more training camp in Westminster, the Ravens are doing some different things…See the preseason schedule here.

Local Poop
·         Today – Free Movies on the Beach, 117th St. on the beach at the Carousel Resort Hotel.  Enjoy a movie on the beach with our 16-foot projector.  Each week a general audience movie is presented free of charge.  Bring a blanket & enjoy the night beside the ocean.  Movie starts around 8:30 p.m.
Summer Movie Schedule:
o   June 27: Kung Fu Panda 2
o   July 3: The Smurfs
o   July 11: Puss in Boots
o   July 18: Adventures of Tin Tin
o   July 25: the Muppets
o   August 1: Soul Surfer
o   August 8: Jack & Jill
o   August 15: Dolphin Tale
o   August 22: Hugo
o   August 29: The Zookeeper
For more information, call 410-524-1000.
·         Tomorrow – Arts on the Docks, Ocean City Fishing Center.  Come to the Ocean City Fishing Center marina to see local artists showcase their works.  For more information, call 410-213-1121.
·         Tomorrow – At the Freeman Stage at Bayside – Illstyle & Peace Productions Dance Company, 7:00pm - 9:00pm.  Impossible IZZpossible celebrates the art and movement of hip-hop and includes a funky blend of locking, breaking, popping, tap and house dancing, vocal percussions, DJing, blending both modern and traditional dance forms.  The work emphasizes hip-hop’s use of similar steps to those found in ballet, modern and other, more traditional dance forms, adding an urban style to them to create new steps.  Free!
·         Friday – Free Movies on the Beach - On the Beach at 27th St.  Enjoy a movie on the beach with our 16-foot projector.  Each week a general audience movie is presented free of charge.  Bring a blanket & enjoy the night beside the ocean.  Movie starts around 8:30 p.m.
Summer Movie Schedule:
o   June 29: Dolphin Tale
o   July 2: Puss in Boots
o   July 6: HOP
o   July 9: Yogi Bear
o   July 13: Kung Fu Panda 2
o   July 16: Happy Feet 2
o   July 20: UP
o   July 23: Cars 2
o   July 27: Tangled
o   July 30: The Smurfs
o   August 3: Winnie the Pooh
o   August 6: Princess and the Frog
o   August 10: The Muppets
For more information, call 1-800-626-2326.
·         Friday – At the Freeman Stage at Bayside – Celtic Fire: Irish Music and Dance with Riverdance's Michael Londra, 7:00pm - 9:00pm.  Michael Londra’s Celtic Fire, starring the renowned Irish tenor, presents the culture of Ireland, with a focus on Irish dance.  Its electric energy sweeps audiences away to the Emerald Isle-its culture, music, pubs and heart.  World-class Irish dancers take the stage with brilliant flashes of speed and exuberance.  The jigs and reels they perform with precision are a joy to watch!  Celtic Fire features 2008 World Champion Owen Barrington.  $10* • Kids are free!  *A handling fee will be applied to all ticket purchases.  Due to an expected high attendance for this event, large items such as coolers, blankets, umbrellas, and folding tables will not be permitted inside the venue.
·         Saturday (morning) – Hot Peas 'N Butter Kids Band, 10:00am - 12:00pm.  Winners of the 2006, 2008 & 2009 “Parents Choice Awards” and regularly featured on Nickelodeon and Nick Jr., Hot Peas ‘N Butter is a unique children’s musical group that incorporates elements of traditional Latin music, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, jazz, folk, and rock.  By combining an interactive, invigorating approach to performance with mature, multicultural music, the band has developed a distinct way of inspiring care and creativity in kids and adults alike.  Free!
·         Sunday – Beach Lights Spectacular, On the Beach at North Division St.  Beach Lights Spectacular is a new, exciting show featuring lasers, lights and special effects displayed on a giant 5-story beach ball choreographed to action-packed music.  Beach Lights Spectacular will be lighting up Ocean City three times a night every Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day!  Show times are 9:30pm, 10:00pm and 10:30pm.
·         Monday thru Saturday – Free Family Programs, Ocean City Lifesaving Station Museum.  Located at the Ocean City Lifesaving Station Museum at the south end of the Boardwalk.  Every Monday through Saturday from Mid-July through end of August.  Gather outside the Ocean City Lifesaving Station Museum for fun facts and topics.  A different subject is discussed each day.  Topics include beach safety, aquarium feeding, knot tying and all about sharks.
·         Monday – Free Movies on the Beach - 27th St. on the Beach at 27th St.  Enjoy a movie on the beach with our 16-foot projector.  Each week a general audience movie is presented free of charge.  Bring a blanket & enjoy the night beside the ocean.  Movie starts around 8:30 p.m.
Summer Movie Schedule:
o   July 2: Puss in Boots
o   July 6: HOP
o   July 9: Yogi Bear
o   July 13: Kung Fu Panda 2
o   July 16: Happy Feet 2
o   July 20: UP
o   July 23: Cars 2
o   July 27: Tangled
o   July 30: The Smurfs
o   August 3: Winnie the Pooh
o   August 6: Princess and the Frog
o   August 10: The Muppets
For more information, call 1-800-626-2326.
·         Tuesday – Family Beach Olympics, on the Beach at 27th St.  Enjoy fun on the beach!  Each Tuesday evening features a variety of contests for all ages.  Events may include sand castle contests, tug-of-war, relays and more.  All activities are free and are offered from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  For more information, call 1-800-626-2326.
·         Tuesday – Beach Fireworks, On the Beach at North Division St.  Beach Fireworks Display is an amazing fireworks show choreographed to music.  This event will take place every Tuesday night starting May 29, 2012 at 10:30 on the beach at North Division Street in downtown Ocean City.  The shows will run through the entire summer.  There will be no show on July 3, 2012 since there will be a 4th of July Fireworks Celebration the next night.
The final fireworks show will be Sunday (not Tuesday), September 2nd and will be part of the 10:30pm Beach Lights Spectacular Show.  This will be the grand finale of the summer.
·         Tuesday – Free Movies on the Beach, 117th St. on the beach at the Carousel Resort Hotel.  Enjoy a movie on the beach with our 16-foot projector.  Each week a general audience movie is presented free of charge.  Bring a blanket & enjoy the night beside the ocean.  Movie starts around 8:30 p.m.
Summer Movie Schedule:
o   July 3: The Smurfs
o   July 11: Puss in Boots
o   July 18: Adventures of Tin Tin
o   July 25: the Muppets
o   August 1: Soul Surfer
o   August 8: Jack & Jill
o   August 15: Dolphin Tale
o   August 22: Hugo
o   August 29: The Zookeeper
For more information, call 410-524-1000.

Funny Poop
·         A Baptist Preacher was seated next to a cowboy on a flight to Texas.
After the plane took off, the cowboy asked for a whiskey and soda, which was brought and placed before him.
The flight attendant then asked the preacher if he would like a drink. Appalled, the preacher replied, "I'd rather be tied up and taken advantage of by women of ill-repute, than let liquor touch my lips."
The cowboy then handed his drink back to the attendant and said,
"Me too; I didn't know we had a choice."
·         Things Women Want to Hear, but Never Do
o   Wow, I just don’t know what to do with this money we won in the lottery, so why don’t you take it to the mall and see if you can find something to buy with it.
o   Hey, how about inviting your mother to spend the summer with us.
o   Oh, go ahead and eat that third piece of chocolate cream pie.  If it’s one thing I hate it’s skinny women.
o   What luck, they had a special rental rate at the video store on romance movies.
o   You know, that Pam Anderson just doesn’t seem to have the brain power that I find so attractive in a woman.
o   What a break, I won a prize on the radio station…tickets to either the Super Bowl or the opening of the New York Ballet.  I got first choice so pack your bags for New York, we get to go to the ballet!!!
o   Who wants to play golf when I can get to see how good the lawn looks when it’s freshly mowed?
o   Shoot, there’s nothing on TV but football games.  Let’s go furniture shopping.
o   Man I tell you, nothing feels better than getting all spruced up in a suit and tie.
o   I’m getting a little tired of steak on the grill.  How about a nice quiche?
o   You know, I think I’d really prefer the four-door sedan to that impractical Corvette.
o   Golly I think we’re lost.  Let me find a gas station to ask for directions.
o   My golf clubs are only 30 years old.  Why don’t you use the money my parents gave us to get something nice for the house?
o   If the guys call and want me to go to that new sports club with them, tell them I’m busy.  I really want to get the living room painted tonight.
o   Sports cars are just such stupid little toys for men who have never really grown up.
o   If you’re looking for me later, I’ll be over there looking at the home decorating magazines.
o   You know, we really don’t visit your relatives enough.
o   Why don’t you relax this weekend?  I’ll take care of the cooking and housework.

Etcetera
·         Got poop?  Let me know!  I’m going to try to get this out every Wednesday so if you get it to me by Tuesday I’ll try to include it.  Your input is appreciated.
·         Be sure to visit our website @ www.ravensroost44.com or our blog @ http://ravensroost44.blogspot.com/ for the latest news, notes and nuggets.
·         Life is short.  Focus on the good.



Frank

Baltimore Ravens, let’s go
And put that ball across the line
So fly with talons spread wide
Go in and strike with Ravens pride
Fight! Fight! Fight!
Ravens dark wings take flight
Dive in and show them your might
For Baltimore and Maryland
You will fly on to victory