A Nation Says Goodbye To Michael Jackson!

The Greatest Entertainer That Ever Lived

More than 1.5 million (or more) tried to get tickets to pay their respects to the King of Pop, Michael Joseph Jackson today at the Los Angeles Staples Center.

Among those who attended: Queen Latifah, Kobe Bryant, Louis Farrakhan, Smokey Robinson, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Brooke Shields, Teddy Riley, Magic Johnson, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Sean Combs and others.

I was overcome by the letter to the Jackson family from Nelson Mandela (read by Smokey Robinson) who encouraged the family to 'stay strong'. To me, that letter, somehow legitimized the magnitude of finality of this entire, dreadful turn of events.

Whatever your thoughts of Michael Jackson, he is still the best entertainer in the world. He will be remembered as having given the most to various charities and causes around the world.

No matter your thoughts on MJ, he was (and still is) loved by millions world-wide, and he will be sorely missed.

We send our condolences to the Jacksons at this time, and as Nelson Mandela spoke in his letter, ask them to indeed, 'stay strong'.


Thank you Jackson family for sharing Michael with us, and the world.

God Bless!

Related
Jackson Memorial Celebration

DC's Tribute to Michael Jackson
WhoIsBadMusic: The Ultimate MJ Tribute Band



TIP:Click memorial program above to view inside.

Washington Kastles Kick Off New Season

DC Mayor Adrian Fenty joined the Kastles for a dedication ceremony today as the Kastles hosted the team's first practice and kids tennis clinic for the 2009 season.

Kastles starters Leander Paes, Rennae Stubbs, Olga Puchkova, and Scott 'Boom Boom' Oudesema participated.

The Kastles kick off the season tomorrow, July 7th at Kastles Stadium with Venus Williams (straight off her Wimbledon performance where she lost to baby sis, Serena -but it's all good) and the Philadelphia Freedom. The following night, July 8th, the Kastles will host Anna Kournikova.

Kastles Stadium, is located (outdoors) at the corner of 11th & H Streets, NW. (If you know where the old DC Convention Center used to be, you're right there). Due to such great fan tournout and support last year, The Kastles have added 30% more seats this year, increasing the capacity of Kastles Stadium to close to 3,000.

Kids 16, and under can get autographs of their favorite players after each match.

For more info, and to see the 2009 schedule, click here.

Who can see some of our photos from last season here.

Tiger Wins AT&T National

Tiger proved on Sunday that’s he’s back and here to stay, getting his third major win of the year by winning his own tournament Sunday at Congressional Country Club.

Woods had a few of his younger fans in the crowd wondering about his play during his warm up period, as he continuously missed several practice shots on Hole 2.

“You gotta hit harder!”, said one kid. “Look at the slope”, said another.

Whether or not the kids’ advice was taken to heart, or not, Tiger’s game was fierce as he won 13 under par, and outplayed both Anthony Kim (who many thought would give Woods a run for his money), and the surprise player of the day, Hunter Mahan, who tied Woods at 62.

While Kim’s performance was good, and often excited the crowd, Kim closed with a one-over 71 and wound up third, three shots behind Mahan.

Tiger Mania Returns To The Area (Definitely)
“Tiger is fantastic!”

“He’s number 1, the best in the world”, said Larry Pauling, who attended the event.

“His focus is the key.”

Pauling likened Tiger’s focus to other top athletes like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Muhammad Ali.

“He’s coming off a knee injury that might be still sore, but he’s not showing it. You can see him stretching it every once in a while, but he’s relaxed and he’s enjoying it. I think it’s one of his best tournaments this year”, added Pauling.

Texting During The Tournament
What did Tiger text?

While Tiger was busy winning his tournament at Congressional, he still had time to text his best friend, Roger Federer, who also won a major tournament on Sunday, Wimbledon.

“Good job, now it’s my turn”, is what Tiger told the media he text'd to Federer.

Tiger has eight top ten wins, three wins this year, and is just five wins shy of matching Jack Nicklaus’ total career wins.

Tiger, the Comedian?
Woods, proving that he’s not just all work and no play, gave fans something else to remember on the day, after accepting the Congressional trophy during the closing ceremony.

“I’ve always wanted to do this so bear with me”, said Woods.

“So, Tiger, how’d you play today?”

“Well, it was a tough day. I got off to kind of a slow start. Hunter really put the pressure on us”, said Tiger as he pretended to interview himself with questions he likely thought reporters would ask him about his win on the day.

See the interview here.

A Word From Montgomery County Executive, Ike Leggett
“It was terrific. He won his tournament. His tournament happens right here in Montgomery County, and we’re delighted to have him."

”It’s been a tremendous impact to us all."

Leggett also added, “He’s a tremendous host. But more importantly, if you look at the generosity, and charities, and opportunities he’s created for young people, around the world, we’re very proud of him.”

A Word From Mystics Owner, Dr. Sheila Johnson
"It's another Tiger win. He did it with such grace, and focus, and we're very excited about it."

"I sit on Board of the Tiger Woods Foundation, and our main goal is to try and raise as much money as we possibly can for the Tiger Woods Learning Center in Washington, DC."

Noted
Woods may be friends with tennis favorite, Roger Federer, but he admits he has not reached out to the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena. Serena won Wimbledon 2009.

While major celebs and athletes, like Tiger, usually have a driver (not always, but usually) to get them from point A to point B, Tiger was seen leaving Congressional driving himself in his silver Buick-sponsored Enclave SUV.

The Tournament moves to Philadelphia next year as Congressional prepares its Blue Course for the 2011 US Open, and will return in 2012. Area fans, who attend the event in Philly, get in free just by showing their DC, MD, VA driver's license.

Tiger Talks His Father

We asked Tiger what he remembered most about his father, Earl Woods (whom the tournament's Pro Am was named after).

"We always had a house of love. No matter what I tried, and whether I failed or not, I always came home to a house of love", said Woods.

The AT&T National: An exciting week of golf, blessed by wonderful weather from the weather gods, hosted by the greatest golfer in the world, that helps children better themselves. (I made that one up).

July 5th photos.

For more info visit www.tigerwoodsfoundation.org, and attnational.org.

Comcast Sports Ivan Carter Talks to one of the remaining Tuskegee Airman, Mr. Ezra Hill on how he met Tiger's mom. Awesome interview!

Tiger vs Kim

It will be the 'showdown-in-golf-town' Sunday as Tiger Woods and Anthony Kim go at it for the last round of the AT&T National at the Congressional Country Club.

Both players tied at 10 under heading into the final round of Saturday's play, and will be paired on Sunday.

The young, and unapologetically brash, Anthony Kim (aka A.K.) won last year's tour when Tiger was out with season-ending arthroscopic knee surgery. Kim has never won while Tiger has played on the PGA Tour.

"I've been dreaming of this moment for a while now", mentioned Kim.

Tomorrow is the chance he will get to see if that dream comes true.

Tee-time for the Woods/Kim historic 'rivalry' is 1:50 pm (EST). See other player tee-times here.

Remembering Steven 'Air' McNair

Sad news to report about former Tennessee Titan and Baltimore Raven starting quarterback, Steve McNair.

ESPN first broke the story that McNair, thirty-six, and an unidentified woman, were found shot to death in a residence in downtown Nashville.



McNair had been a three-time Pro Bowler who passed for an amazing 27,141 yards. He spent the first eleven years of his career with the Oilers/Tennessee Titans and in addition to winning 2003 league MVP honors, he led the Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV.

In his final two seasons with the Ravens McNair led them to a 13-3 record and an AFC North crown.

McNair announced his NFL retirement in April of 2008, as a Baltimore Raven, citing injuries as a factor.

To quote McNair, "It's been ups and downs, I've learned from the good, and I've learned from the bad...I just couldn't do it anymore."



Titans owner K.S. 'Bud' Adams, Jr. had this to say on McNair's passing.

"He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they deal with his untimely passing."

McNair also won the coveted JB Award from the NFL Players Association in 2006, here in DC. The annual award is given to NFL players to recognize their community involvement off the field.

Friend and former teammate, Eddie George talks about McNair, here.

Steve also was a restaurateur, having just opened a restaurant in Nashville called the GridIron9.

McNair also held his annual youth football camp this past May.

Investigation into McNair's death is ongoing, and no suspects are in custody at the time this article was published.

Steven McNair: Born, February 14, 1976. Died, July 4, 2009. More about McNair.

Update: We've learned more about this case.

Photo: McNair's wife Mechelle, and son Trent.

A Real 'Playmaker' (or playa) Unveiled | Photos

McNair wedding photo; Sahel Kazemi photo.

The rumor mill swirls, and fans react.

Twenty year-old also shot and killed. Dated McNair for several weeks (and had an escalade already?).

Previously Noted
Say it isn't so.

Read more here.

The Kastles' Serena Williams Wins Two Wimbledon Championships

The Kastles' Serena Williams defeated her sister, Venus, 7-6, 6-2 in this morning's Wimbledon Ladies' Singles final to secure her third Wimbledon title.

She then teamed up with Venus later in the afternoon to defeat Kastles teammate Rennae Stubbs in the Ladies' Doubles final 7-6, 6-4.

With the titles, Williams now has 12 career Grand Slam single titles and 22 Grand Slam titles including doubles. Currently ranked no. 2 in the world, the California native and Florida resident's two other Wimbledon victories (in 2002 and 2003) were also against Venus. Serena has now won three of the four most recent Grand Slam tournaments.

"It hasn't set in that I won yet, but I'm really excited," Williams said in an interview after the match.

The victory also gave Serena the advantage in matches between the sisters, with her record now standing at 11-10 all-time.

In her second season with the Kastles, Serena will play against the Newport Beach Breakers July 14th at Kastles Stadium, located at 11th and H St. NW.

Venus will come to the nation's capital this Tuesday, July 7th with the Philadelphia Freedoms, where she will face off against the Kastles' own Wimbledon finalists: Stubbs and Leander Paes, who plays for Wimbledon's Mixed Doubles title Sunday morning. - (Courtesy: Washington Kastles)

The Number 12 Is The Order of the Day

Serena also had twelve unforced errors, and twelve Aces. Watch Serena do work to defeat older Sister, Venus.

AT&T National - Round 2

If you’ve ever attended an event and spent the whole day just enjoying yourself, you'd know what Friday’s experience at Congressional Country Club for Round 2 of the Tiger Woods’ AT&T National was like.

Aside from the near, if not perfect weather on Friday (a sunny, 78 degrees), just seeing the hordes of people (increasing as the tournament days continue) who love golf get together for the tournament's third year with its returning star golfer, Tiger Woods continuing as host, was a day made in summertime perfection. (Or somewhere close to it).

Returning to Congressional after missing last year, Tiger took the lead today, coming on the heels of a solid performance from up and coming golfer, Anthony Kim, who on Thursday, shot an 8-under par 62, setting a record on Congressional’s Blue Course.


On Thursday Tiger shot a 64, as did, Bryce Molder . Jim Furyk shot a 66.

On Friday, Tiger shot a 66 to become tournament leader.

“It would be great to win a tournament that I host”, Tiger told the media earlier this week.

Earlier today, Vijay Singh holed out from 14 yards from the primary rough on hole 14 for a birdie.

A Star-Studded Tournament
Among the many athletes and celebs making this year’s tournament a success included Dallas Cowboy QB Tony Romo, pop singer Jessica Simpson (who sang the National Anthem at the opening of the Earl Woods Pro Am), and the Washington Capitals’ head coach, Bruce Broudeau.

Among the list of invitees were Redskins’ Antwaan Randle El and returning quarterback, Jason Campbell (who tells us he’s been playing golf about ten times a year, for the last two years).

Campbell shared that he’s impressed with coach Bruce Broudeau’s golfing skills.

“Coach is an excellent golfer. I told him he looks like he’s been taking lessons, or something, because he can play.”

Honoring U.S. Service Men and Women
The AT&T National also honors the service men and women in the military. During the ceremonial opening of the Pro Am tour, Tiger tee’d off with several of the area’s military personnel.

We caught up with US Navy serviceman John Wynn, stationed at Anacostia’s Naval Station who told us, “I think it’s a great honor for him (Tiger) to recognize all that we do. It’s not always easy work, so for him to pay tribute to us, I think it’s great.”

Kids and the Tiger
As you might expect, the kids love Tiger. Thoughts from the kids we spoke to about Tiger varied as they told us they think he’s “the greatest golfer in the world”.

Thoughts on seeing Woods for the first time in person were just as varied.

“I think it’s a good time for me to see him, because last year we came came during the summer and I didn’t get a chance to see him because his knee was messed up”, said twelve year-old Virgil Beckwith, who attended along with his aunt and friend, TreVaughn.

Other kids spent the week trying to get autographs of their favorite celebrity.

Ten year-old Quentin had just finished getting Campbell’s autograph on his shirt when he told us was on his way to try to get a signature from Tony Romo.

“I’ve got to get Tony Romo’s signature along with the others, he said.

What’s It All About?
The AT&T tournament serves a fund raiser for the Tiger Woods Foundation, the organization that not only teaches the art of golf, but has reached over 10 million young people through character development, career exploration, scholarships and grant making programs.

The Tiger Woods Learning Center (Anaheim, CA), a youth-education facility, and Tiger’s Action Plan, (based on a book by Tiger’s father, Earl D. Woods, titled Start Something) is a free program for youth 8-17 that addresses not only character development and career exploration, but volunteer service.

While the DC area has already benefited from nearly $500,000 in grants to local youth services organizations like Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund (ending this year), Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services Inc. in Alexandria, and Our Military Kids Inc. in McLean, VA by the Tiger Wood’s Foundation, Tiger admits that the present economic recession has put a damper on charitable donations this year.

“We’re not immune to it”, said Woods.

Depsite that news plans are in the works for a Tiger Wood’s Learning Center here in the DC area to compliment the center’s West coast facility. The Fort Dupont area of DC’s Ward 7 area is one area being considered.

Celebrate Your 4th of July With Tiger
The tournament continues through the July 4th holiday weekend, ending July 5th with the world’s top leaders in golf to include this year’s U.S. Open winner, Lucas Glover; along with Mike Wier , Jim Furyk, and others.

Get the kids and head on over. Tickets range from $25 and kids under 12 are admitted free, and you can watch the 4th of July fireworks on the beautiful grounds of the Congressional Country Club.

Tournament Plans
The tournament returns to our area in 2012 as the tournament makes it way to New Jersey while the Congressional prepares its blue course for the 2011 U.S. Open at its Bethesda location.

“We’ve contracted from 2012-2014, and we’ll be here as long as Congressional will have us”, said PGA's tour director.

Related
ATT National Players
Leaderboard Scoring
Round 3 Tee Times (Remaining Players)

Photos from Second Round action.