Who Deserves A Second Chance?

ESPN Boxing Dewey Bozella wins pro boxing debut

http://www.deweybozella.com/

I am inspired by courageous true stories. Stories that may not start out so well, but end in fine fashion. The true story that I would like to share with you now, is about a man named Dewey Bozella. Dewey Bozella was imprisoned for 26 years for a murder he didn't commit. Mr. Bozella was said to have lived a life of petty crime before his conviction. Dewey Bozella went to prison for allegedly murdering 92 year old Emma Crapser on her way home one night. The state lacked physical evidence, but the lack of that evidence was overcome by the false testimony of convicts, and Mr. Bozella was sentenced to life in prison. His avoiding a lifestyle of petty crime may not have changed his being falsely accused, but if you think like I do, then you're thinking it couldn't have hurt him. It is no guarantee that a clean cut lifestyle would have helped Mr. Bozella, however, odds are better in ones favor, if one lives their life in such a way that can outweigh the testimony of a convict. I thought about that after reading Dewey Bozella's story, and asked myself one simple -two part- question, "Does your word hold up against a convicts, who's more convincing?" I.E., I was always that kid wearing the goofy grin, therefore, if i broke wind in class (in front of anyone) just once in my life, from then on, I was guilty for every foul smell, and wrongful act committed, that arose anywhere within a one mile radius of my being. Sad, but true. Also sad but true, Jesus (totally without sin, or crime) was convicted, and sentenced to death by crucifixion! So again no guarantees that just because you live a wholesome life, that you will not be judged falsely by men. However, the risen Righteous Judge, will set you free, when you stand before Him.

Dewey Bozella is an Arthur Ashe Courage Award winner -which is given by ESPN- and has a perfect 1-0 professional fight record. Bozella defeated Larry Hopkins in his debut professional fight (no relation to then Light Heavyweight Champion Bernard Hopkins). Oddly enough however, Bozella's fight with Larry Hopkins was on the undercard of the Bernard (B-Hop) Hopkins fight. Unfortunately for the Hopkins, both of them were defeated. Bernard's fight ended via an awkward TKO where he was dropped (not by a punch, but by a toss) landed on his arm, jamming his shoulder, and unable to continue. Larry, was out classed by a more mature Bozella. Dewey Bozella is not a national household name because of his being the prisons Light Heavyweight Champion, or because of his lone professional fight/victory/career. However, in his community, Bozellla is a well respected name. Well respected because Dewey Bozella is doing great things, and giving back. Dewey Bozella is giving back to his community by giving the kids in his community a chance to begin with. Why? Because Mr. Bozella understands that some of those kids, may not be as fortunate as he was to have a first chance, that grants them a pass to a second chance! Mr. Bozella said that his debut professional fight would be his first and last, and that he would not fight again after his big fight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. However, in my book, his greatest fight is ahead of him. Dewey Bozella's greatest fight, will be helping kids stay off the streets and out of trouble, by keeping his gym open, and teaching those kids self discipline, and self respect. My prayers go out to a great man, fighting for an even greater cause!

Bodies, & Body's

Let's start out with bodies...

It was a typical cool, fall, Smokey Mountain morning. On the agenda: drop off baby girl at school, get the upcoming future Federal Agent to the Body Farm Lab, and then get a ride in before time to pick the ladies up.

The fog rose over the mountains just like smoke (henceforth the name Smokey), and set the scene (see third and final picture above) and mood for our trip. Baby girl insisted on walking herself to class as a watchful, proud papa, and protective big brother eyed her trek down the walk, and into the school building. We then drove out of the school lot, and hit the highway after being satisfied with her safe arrival to class. We drove out to the top of the mountain and took a few snap shots of the islands in the clouds. The peaks peeking through the puffy sky pillows can pique your imagination.

We drove from 3,000 feet of elevation to approximately 1,000 feet of elevation, and were at that point, driving underneath the low clouds and in the fog. Our mountain is one of the most beautiful vistas in the world to me. When I am not too shy to be biased I say emphatically, that it "is the most" gorgeous view in the world! Top top o' tha mornin' to ya, from top o' tha world!

We arrived on the campus of Western Carolina University, and asked a campus policeman to help us find our contact. We gave him the doctors name, and told the officer that we had a meeting with the doctor for my son's schooling, that pertained to information concerning the "Body Farm." He said he would take us there, and we could follow behind his car. Sweet a police escort and we weren't even in trouble! The officer led us back to the entrance, and began to lead us as if he were going to take us off campus. I jumped out of the car (stopped and in park of course) at the now red traffic light, and ran up to his car. I explained that the good doctor was also a professor, and gave him the name of the hall in which the doctor had instructed us to go to. The officer then told us to follow him again, and he would take us there, but we were on our own with parking. Perfect weather and perfect timing (thank you Lord), we found a spot first thing.

We made it in and went down to the lab. Skeletal remains have never really bothered me. What hurts me is holding someone when they are dying, and you can feel the warmth leave their body. Especially if it's a loved one, someone in your family, or that has become like family. I have felt that more than once, and the first time was one time too many in my life time. I hope that I do not have to do it again ever, unless there is no way around it, and it is to comfort someone that has to have "ME" be the one to be there. It just hurts so bad to go through that with someone.

Body's...

This old body is ready for rest. The ride up the mountain was great today! I rode with my middle son, and we had a blast. The mountain is a steady climb, but we gain over 1,400 feet of elevation. It's not straight up and down, but will make you work nonetheless. So now that the darkness has fallen over this body of land, it is time to make a few calls, to let folks know we love them, and check up on world events, sports, weather, and tomorrows agenda.

The Governing Body in many sports organizations can't seem to work well with the bodies they are supposed to be governing! The majors have finally gone beyond the "Juiced" days of baseball, or so we hope. At least for now, all is good in baseball. The Yankees lost, the Brew Crew won, no one has been accused of throwing a spit ball, or taking any shots that are disallowed, so all is well. Brewers - Cards! STL shutout, and shutdown the Phils! "Mel Allen this is for you sir, "How about that!" Brewers - Cards in the NLDS, and the Motor City Kitty (Tigers) - Rangers in the ALCS... baseball is sweet this year, welcome back, and thanks for making it entertaining!

The NBA however, is making me think about boycotting for a couple of seasons! I didn't watch baseball or cycling for a good number of years because of strikes, and dopes, I mean doping. Now the NBA can't come to terms! The legalese of the matter is not worth going into great detail, and trying to talk to the bone headed egos (players and owners) that are arguing is senseless as well. Therefore, sensible reader, as much as it pains me, and for as much as I love Laker basketball, let me make my plea to you... boycott all things professional basketball until greedy players come to appreciate the real reason that they are not playing pick up games on the playground, it is because of "YOU!" In the same breath, I believe the owners of these franchised teams will have a greater appreciation for you as well.

Did I mention that the Yankees lost? Yeah, ok, good!

Onto NASCAR! Now here's a sport that everyone can learn from! Down to the wire baby! Can Jimmy surge in Kansas, and win another Cup Championship? Will Gordon conquer Kansas and get back into the thick of things, or drum roll please... Will Harvick do it again for DEI!? Stay tuned this NASCAR season finale is sure to be a barn burner!

College Football:

Which student body will cheer for a Heisman winner, and which student body will celebrate a National Champion? Well my Heels will not see it in football, but in soccer (the other futbol) our men, and women have a stellar shot! So in futbol Norte Americana, I say, "On Wisconsin baby!" I didn't think that the Badger faithful would have a shot at getting their first Championship this year, because the defense couldn't hang with speedy offenses. Note to self, when you have a one-two, and three punch on offense, with the third punch capable of producing a lethal fourth shot, your defense can rest a little easier. Your D can rest a little easier because the oppositions D can't! They cannot rest at all because they can't stop you late in the game due to the dominance of your offense. Out of the back field Wisconsin has a bruising back that can keep the "Ball" rolling, and they also have a Brown man name "White," that moves like lightening! Then when they get tired of scoring, they allow Russell "Oh Mr. Wilson" to run one in on you, or use his arm to throw one to Toon, or a host of other (now open) receivers because of what your running game has done. Oh did I mention the fact that this backfield is protected a front line of giants? 16'5" 1315lb average, and have a heart as big as all outdoors. When they lean on you, you feel it. So yes, defense can be generated by offense.

Cycling:

What trade of governing body is being fair in China now days? I love the Chinese culture, but the way they do business is killing me. Now the UCI is in their pocket. Yes, it has been rumored that the cycling committee called UCI told all of the worlds top teams, that if they missed the starting line in Beijing, that they would be looked over when it came time for licensure in 2012. Hey no doping with roids, just noids! Go Trek go!

How To Save A Life

This is not the normal Sports Blog, but here ya go! Reader discretion advised...

So I am driving at lunch, and the Fray is playing on the radio. I hear the words, "Where did I go wrong...?" and then the other words to cling to my frail brain were, "How to save a life," with that neat little piano tune that trails the lyrics. As I am passing the Chinese restaurant I see a stray dog. By chance I remembered this article from the LA Times:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2011/09/china-dog-meat-festival-is-canceled.html

Therefore, I figured since my appetite for Chinese was now destroyed, I would do my part to save a life, just in case the restaurant over here, didn't hear about the dog meat festival cancellation. You know I am teasing! I still eat General Tso's Chicken! I just try to ignore the sounds coming from the kitchen.

So no Chinese today! How about pulled pork, or ribs? Any FiDahla Footlong at Subway thru October! No ribs or pulled pork are the same after you eat at my uncle's house! But strangely enough another remembrance of an article struck me as I was on my way to Subway! Ex-model serves husband up Hannibal the Cannibal style:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/10/gruesome-details-recounted-in-case-of-ex-model-who-ate-husband-.html

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_MAN_COOKED_BY_WIFE?SITE=VANOV&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT



So just goes to show you, that not all cannibals and trophy seekers are from Wisconsin! Also goes to show you not all dogs killed and eaten have four legs. Mrs. Nelson said that Mr. Nelson beat her, and abused her in other ways so she defended herself. She evidently felt she needed to kill him to fully defend herself, and rid herself of the threat of being killed herself. The whole eating him plot, and dismembering him the way she did, well not self defense there in my book.

So if my dog goes missing, and the neighbors dog goes missing, could that be a different type of serial killer? Or if my wife kills me, could that be considered as animal cruelty? I think she'd receive a more harsh line of punishment if they tried her for animal cruelty. OK I will stop their and add a note to self, if I want to eat well, I do not need to look at blogs, or read the news before or during lunch ever again! OK I will conclude right there!

Weekend Activities:

Biking
Is totally stoked that NC is working on their Trail Systems, and bike paths! I just found a great ride that will allow me to traverse the once ensurpassable mountain that links the two counties I need to travel. At one time the freeway, and/or a gravel mountain road were the only ways to cross the mountain. The paved bike/walking/running path, now allows riders, walkers, runners, and hikers a safe passage through the mountains. It's wooded so cyclists have to ride cautiously, the wet autumn leaves could prove to be fatal. The open views to the mountains and valleys below are breath taking, and the ride is not a difficult one. It is a gradual climb to the west, and a sweet steady descend to the east. I wish that I had known about the trail earlier in the season!


NCAA Soccer That Matters
Tar Heels vs Devils Mens soccer... The two schools collided literally on Friday night. The conference foes both nationally ranked played fast and physical. The highlight for Duke fans, was the skirmish that saw Jordan McCrary red carded. He was ejected from the game. The Duke player that retaliated with a punch was not. So goes life, but we still didn't give up a W! They say that a tie is like kissing your sister. If that is the case, then tying Duke is like a kiss on the mouth from her, just after a vurp! Yes, it is just that nasty!

NCAA Football That Matters
Tar Heel Football... 35-20 Victory over East Carolina, in a win that could not be labeled as pretty. East Carolina, had more first down conversions, more total yards from scrimmage, and scored late to cut the lead to 15. A W is a W, but sloppy football will catch up with you!

Wisconsin, flexed their muscle in a very impressive victory against Nebraska. Wisconsin had big performances again from Montee "Let's Make A Deal" Ball, and Russell "Let's Move From NCSU To Wisconsin" Wilson. Wilson is now being mentioned among the Heisman hopefuls. 48-17 over a Top 10 Nebraska team, should boost their ranking a bit... I mean after all this wasn't Nebraska Community College, it was the Cornhuskerdoo's...

UPsets
Again Auburn was considered an underdog, and this game labeled an upset, but just because Cam Newton, is not involved in this college football program, doesn't make them dead! 16-13 Tigers over Gamecocks.

Speaking of Tigers... South Carolina's other football program went to Blacksburg and had a little Turkey! 23-3 drubbing of Virginia Tech, yeah should do a little somethin, somethin, for Death Valley's Jungle Tabby's ranking as well.

Pitt takes down South Florida, Arkansas recovers their own fumble for a TD, and defeats the Aggies of Texas A&M, and Baylor after upsetting TCU earlier in the season, was upset by Dorothy's State Kitty, the Kansas State Wildcats....

MLB That Matters

Brewers serve the Snakes a cold one. Nuff said.

NFL That Matters

Packers take on the Broncos, and I am going to say it now, this will be the week that John Fox makes a QB change, just sayin'! Here comes the Tebow express, so beware.

The Raiders will have their hands full with the Pats, and the odds are very much against them. Has Bilicheat's Pats ever lost three straight since winning a Super Bowl? Well if not, hopefully the Raiders will be the second defeat for them that leads to three, if not more.

Last but not least, it would be good to see Carolina walk all over the Bears, and Benedict Peppers. Again Nuff said!!!