Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Johnny Unitas’ Son Says Joe Flacco’s Eerily Similar To Dad

Chad Unitas thinks his father would have really liked the way Joe Flacco plays football.


Baltimore Colts legend Johnny Unitas died on Sept. 11, 2002.

But if he was still with us, his son, Chad Unitas, believes he would be a big Joe Flacco fan.

Chad even sees an “eerie” similarity between the two quarterbacks’ personalities.

 Read the rest here.


Thursday, July 26, 2012

Optimism Abounds As Ravens Open Camp

And so it begins...



Running back Ray Rice strolled into the Under Armour Performance Center for the first official day of Ravens training camp at 9:27 a.m.
Asked by reporters if he was happy to be back, Rice simply said, “The smile says it all.”
Baltimore’s offseason wasn’t exactly rejuvenating after taking a difficult AFC championship loss.
The team lost a few key free agents in Pro Bowl guard Ben Grubbs, stalwart outside linebacker Jarret Johnson and defensive end leader Cory Redding to free agency.
Veterans Arrive For Training Camp
Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Terrell Suggs injured his Achilles tendon. There were contract negotiations with Rice and quarterback Flacco. Future Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed scared fans with comments suggesting he could hold out.
But by Wednesday, much of those potential distractions had dissipated.
Rice is signed. Reed has arrived. Flacco says he’s not at all worried about his contract.
Optimism abounds again as all the players and coaches are reuniting.
“The smiling faces are going to be gone shortly, but this excitement for a short window is priceless,” safety Bernard Pollard said. “This is the year we expect to do great things.”
The Ravens have reached the playoffs four straight years, a feat no other team in the NFL can claim. They’ve reached the AFC divisional round twice and conference title game twice, but have yet to get to the big dance.
“We were right there,” Pollard said. “Everybody is talking about New Orleans [site of the Super Bowl]. There are two teams that are going to mean it, two teams that are going to fight all the way. I think we’re one of those teams.”
Rice said the “mood of camp” will be getting past the AFC championship loss.
“It’s time for us to get over the hump,” he said. “And we’ve got the pieces to do it.”
Nose tackle Terrence Cody began to express the same sentiment before defensive end Pernell McPhee stepped in.
“We all about the Super Bowl this year?” Cody asked McPhee, expecting to be backed up.
“Game by game,” McPhee responded with a grin. “You’ve got to win first to get to the Super Bowl.”
The Ravens are also aware it’s only July and there’s still a long road ahead. They are focused on training camp and getting ready for a Monday Night Football showdown against the rival Cincinnati Bengals to open the season.
Head Coach John Harbaugh has been pleased with what he’s seen so far.
“Excited to have the players back,” he said. “The guys came back in really great shape for the most part. A couple of guys will learn their lesson the hard way, as far as the conditioning test and getting out and practicing at our pace, but that’s a good thing, too.”
Having Rice back and signed for the next five years creates a positive vibe that spreads through the rest of the team. At the very least, they don’t have it hanging over their heads.
“You don’t have to answer those questions,” Birk said. “We are happy for him, and I’m sure he’s happy and can just focus on football.”
That’s where the attention turns now. Pollard, despite his big predictions, knows that as well.
“Talking in the paper doesn’t win you games,” he said. “When you step in between those whites, you’ve got to do what’s right and play hard. That starts today.”

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Weekly Poop 7/25/12


Roost #44 Poop
·         Dates to Remember:
·         Friday, – Water Conservation Group Meeting @ …
·         Summer Raft-ups.  Admiral Bill Cordwell, of the RR44 Navy has selected the dates for the fleet exercises:
§  Sunday, August 26
§  Saturday, September 22
Meeting time and location will be announced later.  You can sign up at the monthly meeting or contact Bill at billycords558@gmail.com or 443-669-4129.
·         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!

Local Poop
·         Today – Free Concerts on the Beach, On the Beach at North Division Street.
Live Tonight: 21 Horses Band (Country)
Free, live entertainment every Wednesday, 8:00pm - 9:30pm from July 11 - August 29 (except August 1).  Enjoy tribute bands and local favorites.  Treat yourself to a collection of summer beach music, watch the sun set, view the sparkling blue ocean and dance by moonlight.  There is no better setting for relaxing than Concerts on the Beach.  The beach beat will have your hands clapping and your toes tapping to the variety of entertainment from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. each Wednesday evening.  For more information about Concerts on the Beach, call the Ocean City Department of Recreation and Parks at 410-250-0125.  Entertainment subject to change without notice.
·         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   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 – Sunset Park Party Nights - Free Live Concert, S. Division St. & the Bay.  Every Thursday night in July and August from 7pm - 9pm.  Watch the sun set over the Isle of Wight Bay from the perfect location in Ocean City!  Sunset Park is located along South Division Street between Philadelphia Avenue and the Bay in downtown Ocean City.
All concert admissions and parking are free and open to the public.  Beverages, including beer, are available for purchase by the Ocean City Recreation Boosters.  All proceeds are used for youth programs in Ocean City.
Please bring your own chair.
Concert Schedule:
July 26: Kevin Poole (Acoustic Guitar)
August 2: Semiblind (Rock)
August 9: Allyson Taylor (Soulful R&B and Rock)
August 16: Randy Lee Ashcraft (Beach Country)
August 23: Rob Fahey and the Pieces (Rock)
August 30: Lauren Glick Band (Blues-Rock)
For more information, 1-800-626-2326 or 410-250-0125.
·         Tomorrow – Free Movies on the Beach - 91st St. on the beach at the Princess Royale 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 26: Cars 2
o   August 2: The Muppets
o   August 9: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
o   August 16: How To Train Your Dragon
o   August 23: The Adventures of Tin Tin
o   August 30: Hugo
For more information, call 1-800-476-9253.
·         Tomorrow – At the Freeman Stage at Bayside – Darius Rucker, 8:00pm - 10:00pm.  *Special Concert Event*  As the frontman of Hootie & The Blowfish, Darius Rucker was one of the most popular frontmen in mainstream pop/rock during the mid-’90s.  The band’s debut album, Cracked Rear View, was virtually inescapable in 1995, eventually selling more than 16 million copies, winning 2 Grammy Awards, and becoming one of the most successful albums of all time.  Rucker signed with Capitol Records Nashville in 2007 and released his country debut, Learn to Live, in 2008 which landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart.  His first record garnered three consecutive No. 1 singles and earned him the CMA New Artist of the Year Award.  When Rucker returned to the studio with Frank Rogers to record his sophomore release, he penned 77 songs for the album with the last song written becoming the lead single, “Come Back Song.”  Rucker’s shows center around the music found on his country albums, but occasionally he will embrace his Hootie & The Blowfish heritage by turning “Let Her Cry” into a very sad, slow country tune or rely on the acoustic intro to “Hold My Hand” to really rile up the crowd before the sultry lyrics pour out.  This is as assigned seating event.  Tickets start at $45.  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, picnic baskets, and folding tables will not be permitted inside the venue.
·         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   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 – A1A - Jimmy Buffett Tribute, 7:00pm - 9:00pm.  A1A pulls out all the stops for a highly energetic, colorful, family-friendly show featuring the music of the “son of a son of sailor” himself, Jimmy Buffett.  Named for Florida’s most famous highway, A1A - the only Tribute Band personally sanctioned by Jimmy Buffett - also treats fans to a variety of summertime hits from the Beach Boys and Van Morrison, some classic Reggae, as well as some original A1A Trop Rock music.  All mixed together in one big Buffett-style Caribbean beach party!  $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, picnic baskets, and folding tables will not be permitted inside the venue.
·         Friday thru Sunday – Greek Festival, Convention Center; 40th St. & Bay.  Why suffer with long airport lines & huge airfare bills?  Enjoy the sights, sounds & flavors of a trip to Greece right here in the beautiful Ocean City Convention Center where everyone is welcomed to be Greek for the week!  Traditional Greek Fare available.  Enjoy shopping at any of the vendors featuring original & reproduction art, jewelry, clothing and more.  Live entertainment.  Come for lunch, dinner, desserts & more.  Admission.  Located at the Convention Center on 40th Street.  Hours: Friday & Saturday, 12 noon - 11pm; Sunday 12 noon - 9pm.  For more information, contact the St. George Greek Orthodox Chuch at 410-524-0990 or visit www.stgeorgeoc.md.goarch.org.
·         Saturday – OC Beach Patrol Crew Competition, 8th St.; Surf Ave & Beach.  Watch the OC Beach Patrol lifeguards compete against each other in events & demonstrate their athletic skills.  Located on the beach at 8th Street.  Saturday, 6 pm.  For more information, contact Kristin Joson at 410-289-7556 or kjoson@oceancitymd.gov
·         Saturday (morning) – At the Freeman Stage at Bayside – Creating Whimsical Masterpieces, 10:00am - 12:00pm.  Renowned local artist John Donato will delight children during his energetic art class.  Your child will create their own masterpiece!
·         Saturday – At the Freeman Stage at Bayside – The White Party, 7:00pm - 11:00pm.  Michelle Freeman and Joan Vassos invite you to a White Party with lush white cocktails, fabulous food, live auction, and dancing under the stars to benefit the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation!  Casual white beach attire requested.  The 2012 White Party will be held at the Indian River Life-Saving Station in Rehoboth Beach.  Other special activities include: Tours of the Life-Saving Station, Scopes Photos, a Sandcastle Sculptor, Cigar & Vintage Scotch Stations, a DJ with dancing, and Silent Auctions.  A “white party” is a theme used in appreciation of the summer season, where the decorations, food, and attire are typically white in color.  $150 per person, or purchase a table of 8 for $1100.  To purchase your tickets online, please click here.  For more information, please contact Lucinda Williams, Development Director at lucinda@freemanfoundation.org or call 302-436-6241.
·         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.
·         Sunday – Sundaes in the Park - Free Concert and Family Entertainment, Northside Park.  Free Live Entertainment For Adults & Kids.
o   Tonight's Entertainment:
- Live Band: OH BOY! (A Tribute to Buddy Holly)
- For the Kids: Cascading Carlos (A juggling workshop)
Bring your picnic basket and beach chairs to Northside Park, located at 127th Street and the Bay for ice cream sundaes and live entertainment.  The lineup of entertainers this season will make you stand and cheer, however, the spotlight will be on you creating your own ice cream sundae with delicious toppings.  Sundaes in the Park is a family concert series offered Sunday evening in July and August from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.  For a small fee enjoy your own ice cream sundae creation as you listen to your musical favorites and watch the sunset over the beautiful Assawoman Bay.  1-800-OC-OCEAN (1-800-626-2326).
·         Sunday – Pig Roast at Burley Oak Brewery, Burley Oak Brewery.  Pig Roast at Burley Oak Brewery to benefit Relay for Life of North Worcester County a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society.
o   2pm - 7pm
o   $12 for adults
o   $6 for children 10 and under
o   Included:
§  * Pork (roasted on site)
§  * All the "fixins"
§  * Children's menu
§  * Soft drinks
§  * Craft beers - cash bar
§  * Live Music
§  * Brewery Tour at 3pm
§  * Silent Auction & More
o   For more information, contact Dawn Hodge at 443-497-1198, Jill Elliott at 410-430-8131 or Jean Holloway at 410-422-4337
·         Monday thru Wednesday – Jesus at the Beach Music & Ministry Festival, Convention Center, 40th St. & Bay.  Christian praise and worship music, dance, prayer & Holy Spirit ministry.  Baptism in the ocean on Wednesday after the morning meeting.  Hours: Monday through Wednesday from 10am - 1pm at the Convention Center on 40th Street and 7pm - 10pm on the beach at N. Division Street.  For more information, contact Dick or Gary at 410-289-1296 or visit www.jesusatthebeach.org.
·         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 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.
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.

Funny Poop
·         A little old lady was running up and down the halls in a nursing home.  As she walked, she would flip up the hem of her nightgown and say "Supersex."  She walked up to an elderly man in a wheelchair.  Flipping her gown at him, she said, "Supersex."  He sat silently for a moment or two and finally answered, "I'll take the soup."

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