Last night I did get the chance to watch the final Sopranos episode.  Unlike the majority of people who complained about the way it ended, I thought it was ok.  I guess what some people were craving was a Scarface like ending. Instead of Tony going out in blaze of glory or getting whacked at the end, he and his family ate onion rings while listening to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing”.  

First and foremost Journey flat out rocks.  A little over a month ago at my favorite hole in the corner. I got up in front of a bunch of people a sung “Don’t stop Believing” on Karaoke night.  (It took a few shots of Southern Comfort to give me the courage) I rocked it!

Back to Tony and the Sopranos,  Although we might want it bad enough we must be cognizant that sometimes the bad guy doesn’t get it in the end.  That is how life is and as words to “Don’t Stop Believing” goes………………..

“Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on”

That is the beauty of it

From the looks of it you might wonder how I survived with only a foot injury.  My daughter and I had on our seat belts, but my airbags did not deploy.  Along with with my shattered left foot, I did sustain an broken orbital socket (left eye) and had to received stitches underneath my my bottom lip and on in the corner of my eye.  My daughter’s received stitches  above her right eye and on her left arm.  My little warrior only missed two days of school. 

Many thanks to God.  I am blessed that my daughter and I survive.  (My Camaro didn't) God has been good to me and so has that car.  I can’t wait until Chevy roles out the Camaro.  But in the meantime until I am able to drive again I will be in the process of looking for another Chevy to last until I buy the new Camaro

Two weeks ago my oldest daughter and I were in a serious head on collision.  My daughter only suffer minor facial injuries that required a few stitches (Thank you god).  Me on the other hand, I had shattered just about every major bone in my left foot.  I am relegated to crutches for the next few months and don't know when I will be back to duty.  The accident happen less than 3 minutes from house as I was on my way to speak to a group OK middle school kids on career day.  The driver that hit me was uninsured and had crossed the double yellow line on a two lane rode for no reason at all.  As I was laying up in the hospital (more about that experience later) I was reminded by an individual who had called me to wish me well,  that I survived 9-11 (Working at the Pentagon) and two tours to Middle East to include Iraq and Saudi Arabia and come back home to get hit by a negligent driver (talk about bringing the troops home huh) Well my hero General Patton survive both World Wars and died in a hospital due to a automobile accident in Germany.  I am no Patton, but the irony does intrigue me.

Thank You to many people who sent me cards and balloons.  Now that I will be home for a few months I guess I can blog more.  

Ol' Sarge may be down but he is not out

HOOOOAH!     

Who can’t forget the layup DJ made when Larry Bird stole the inbounds pass and threw it to a streaking Dennis Johnson in the playoffs against the Pistons.  The Celtics were on the brink of losing that game and being eliminated from the playoffs. But with luck of the Irish they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.  Dennis Johnson was a very underrated player in NBA.  Not flashy, just gritty and clutch.  No matter if he was 0 for 7 in the game, he would hit the open shot whenever his team needed it down the stretch.  DJ was part of three championship teams (2 with the Celtics and 1 with the Super Sonics)

Although Larry Bird might have been the man for those great Celtic teams.  Clearly Dennis Johnson was the leader.

The race is near and and Ol Sarge is ready to hear those famous words “Gentlemen (drivers) Start Your Engines” This year we will see a Toyota run in this great American sport and International Super-star Juan Montoya make his debut.  Ol Sarge is excited.  My prediction, (drum roll please)

Tony Stewart.  Tony is hungry and he has never won the Daytona 500.  I am a Gordon and Jimmie Johnson fan but Tony Stewart has been impressive so far and I see big things from the 20 Home depot car today.

This man has been trusted with the responsibly of ensuring that Dale Earnhardt Jr. stays with DEI (Dale Earnhardt Incorporated).  DEI is the company that Junior’s late father Dale Sr. built which is now own by his widow and Dale Jr’s stepmother Teresa.  Max Siegel (pictured above) is the President of Global Operations.  Part Max Siegel bio is as follows..

He is a cumlaude graduate from the University of Notre Dame, School of Law.  While enrolled as a student, he made history at Notre Dame as the first African American to graduate with honors from their School of Law. During the past 12-years, the Indianapolis native has also presided over the legal affairs for several Fortune 500 corporations, as well as professional sports, entertainment individuals and organizations.  Siegel’s legal expertise and business acumen has afforded him the reputation as a “win-win attorney” among his peers, and has played a major role in the shaping of sports athletes as Tony Gwynn and Reggie White.  Max Siegel.com

Max touts himself as an industry pioneer, he has worked with the likes of Usher, Donnie Mclurkin, Fred Hammond.  Max is also the Senior Vice President of Zomba Label Group and Zomba Gospel.

The problem that Max faces is resigning NASCAR’S most popular star Dale Earnhardt Jr.  Dale Jr relationship with his stepmother has been sort of rocky at best.  Dale Jr’s contract is set to expire this year after the season.  With rumors flying around about Dale driving for Richard Childress and getting behind the wheel of the legendary number 3 car (the ride his daddy made famous), Earnhardt fans are excited that they might one day see that black number 3 Chevy intimidate the race track once again. 

I wish Max the best. NASCAR is a good sport and Max is great for its future.

Coming soon Ol Sarge’s Daytona 500 pick. (Can I pick the winner for the third year in a row?)

NASCAR has lost one of its ambassadors of the sport when stock car legend Benny Parson passed away.   Benny Parson was part of the broadcasting team for NASCAR's coverage on NBC.  He was good at providing insight and explaining what a bump draft” was and the different pit strategies during the race.  He provided novices like me a way to learn the sport quickly.  Thanks to Benny I can talk NASCAR with best of them. As my co worker Dave recently told me “For a Gordon fan……..Sarge you are pretty good”   That means allot because Dave is a die hard Earnhardt fan who loves Johnny Cash. 

R.I.P Benny Parsons

It has been awhile since we have had a true baller in DC.  Gilbert The Great or Agent Zero has sparked an interest in Wizards and put DC back on the map as far as respectability when it comes to being a legitimate NBA team. I no longer see people wearing other teams’ jerseys or cheering for players like Kobe, Lebron, Carmello, A.I. or Shaq when they come to town. Nor do the Wizards promote other teams’ superstars just to sell tickets. 

We got Gilbert Arenas.  Although it is early, if he continues to play like he has been playing. Gilbert can be a MVP.  I been through the hard times. I’ve seen Moses, Chris Webber, Rod Strickland, “Never Nervous” Pervis Ellison Jeff Malone, Mitch Richmond, Manute Bol.Ben Wallace and my two favorite player of all time Bernard King and Michael Jordan come and go. I have never given up on the Wizards/Bullets.  Year after year the I have been disappointed  in the Wizards.

Not now.  

Go Wizards

After two gulf wars, three presidents, six promotions, many bad hairs cuts and push ups. I have hit my 16 year mark.  Many have asked me “Sarge are you staying in past 20?”  my response….. “Hell Naw Hero!!!”  Besides let Barbara Boxer’s grandkids put on the uniform. I am done in less than four.  (unless my Country needs me)

16 years and 80 pounds later!! I still look good. 

My pointed ears are not that noticeable anymore.  Message to Barack Obama,  I too was picked on about my ears. (Get over it)