Omaha, NE CenturyLink Center (Formerly the Qwest Center)
Creighton University
2012 NCAA Tournament Regionals
The 2012 Sweet Regional Play to include the 2012 Sweet 16 and Elite 8 moves to Boston, Phoenix, Atlanta, and St. Louis on March 22nd, 2012. Boston College, ASU, Georgia Tech, and St. Louis University serve and the college hosts for 2012 regional play. Hosting the South Regional this season is considered to be a warm-up for the Georgia Dome which will serve as the host venue for the 2013 NCAA Basketball tournament.
31 March/April 2, 2012
Superdome
New Orleans, LA
Tulane
2012 will be the fifth time that the NCAA Final Four has been played in the Superdome. The venue is home to Tulane football, the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, the Sugar Bowl, New Orleans Bowl, and every 4th year the BCS National Championship game. Fans considering attending the 2012 NCAA Final Four do need to act quickly on making hotel reservations that are a convenient travel to the Super Dome to avoid expensive cab rides or drives to and from the games. A fan favorite, of course, is letting the traffic die down while visiting the world-famous Bourbon Street after game play is finished for the night.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) greets New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) on the field after Indianapolis defeated New England, 35-34 in an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009.
From this video you can tell how much the Mannings wanted to stay in Indy.
AP Photo / Darron Cummings
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning throws against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009.
Indianapolis Colts’ Peyton Manning answers questions during a media availability, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Indianapolis will face the New Orleans Saints in the NFL football Super Bowl XLIV Sunday.See larger
Photo by Haraz N. Ghanbari/Associated Press
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, right, and his wife Ashley walk through the Booksellers Area as they arrive for the State Dinner in honor of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, Monday, May 7, 2007, at the White House in Washington.
FILE – In this Dec. 2, 2011 file photo, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning talks to reporters in the locker room at the NFL football team’s practice facility in Indianapolis. The Peyton Manning era in Indianapolis is expected to end, according to a report. Citing anonymous sources, ESPN reported Tuesday, March 6, 2012, that the Colts plan to hold a news conference Wednesday to announce the long-expected decision. Manning is expected to attend. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
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I remember like yesterday coming up to Nolan Rollins who was a minister on the staff at the First Baptist Church of Little Rock and saying to him, “I got to see your Tennessee Vols play in person the other day.” He turned around and looks happy and then I told it was in Memphis and his expression changed. That night Tennesse lost 21-17 for the first time ever to the Tigers.
I have also listed below the other posts I have on the Mannings. Injured Peyton Manning shows off his adorable baby son (at least one of them is in uniform!) By Daily Mail Reporter Injured NFL star Peyton Manning proudly showed off his adorable eight-month-old son Marshall yesterday clad in a mini Manning jersey. […]
Peyton Manning holds his son, Marshall following the Colts-Panthers game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011. Provided by Fox-59 __________ Did you know that Peyton and Ashley Manning had kids? I did not know that and I thought that I kept up with news items like that. Here is an article that tells all about them: As […]
s See larger AP Photo / Darron Cummings Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) greets New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) on the field after Indianapolis defeated New England, 35-34 in an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. From this video you can tell how much the Mannings wanted to stay […]
Photo by Saul Young The fears surrounding the week after Alabama were realized in 2005 when the Vols lost to South Carolina on a night when the jersey of former Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning, center, was retired. _________________ “It wasn’t his decision. It wasn’t my decision. Circumstances kind of dictated it,” Manning said. Manning did […]
See larger Photo by Jim Mone / AP Photo Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning celebrates his touchdown pass to wide receiver Reggie Wayne in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008 in Minneapolis. The Colts came from behind to win 15-12. ______________ I remember like yesterday […]
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, shown holding the Vince Lombardi trophy after a 29-
17 Super Bowl victory over the Chicago Bears, has taken his play and handling his celebrity status to
new heights.
Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning, right, congratulates Florida defensive end Thaddeus Bullard after the Gators’ 33-20 win on Sept. 20, 1997.
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I was told that both Peyton and his wife Ashley both wanted to stay in Indy with all the close friends they have made over the years at their church but it was not meant to be.
(CNN) — A tearful Peyton Manning announced the end of his 14-year career with the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday, but said he plans to be playing in the NFL again.
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I remember like yesterday coming up to Nolan Rollins who was a minister on the staff at the First Baptist Church of Little Rock and saying to him, “I got to see your Tennessee Vols play in person the other day.” He turned around and looks happy and then I told it was in Memphis and his expression changed. That night Tennesse lost 21-17 for the first time ever to the Tigers.
In a press conference with Colts owner Jim Irsay, the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player said circumstances had brought his time with the Colts to an end, despite both the wishes of him and Irsay that things could have worked out differently.
The fears surrounding the week after Alabama were realized in 2005 when the Vols lost to South Carolina on a night
when the jersey of former Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning, center, was retired.
_________________
“It wasn’t his decision. It wasn’t my decision. Circumstances kind of dictated it,” Manning said.
Manning did not play during the entire 2011 season after having surgery to repair a neck injury. With their longtime leader off the field, the Colts plummeted to a 2-14 record and earned the top pick in April’s NFL Draft. That makes Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck and Baylor QB Robert Griffin III available to them. Both are considered franchise quarterbacks, much like Manning was when the Colts selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1998 draft. The Colts are expected to take Luck or Griffin and begin to rebuild the team.
Irsay said Wednesday keeping Manning during that rebuilding process wouldn’t be fair to Manning and would prevent the team from having the money necessary to revamp its roster. The Colts would have owed Manning a $28 million bonus if he’d remained on their roster past Wednesday.
“Just to sign our draft picks, we’re going to have to make more roster moves,” Irsay said. Manning deserves better at the end of a Hall of Fame-level career, he said.
Former Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning leaves the field prior to the start of the game against Western Kentucky on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2009 at Neyland Stadium.
Manning’s doctors have cleared him to play for the 2012 season and he’s been seen recently working out at Duke University. The quarterback said he plans to be on the field in the coming season.
“I don’t want to retire… Nobody loves playing quarterback more than me,” Manning said.
The Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins and Arizona Cardinals are considered the top contenders to sign Manning.
In the meantime, the Colts will retire his jersey number.
“The 18 jersey will never be worn again by a Colt on the field,” Irsay said.
Both Manning and Irsay choked up as they made the announcement that Manning would continue his NFL career elsewhere.
“This town and this team mean so much to me,” Manning said. “I do love it here.”I’ve been blessed to play here and been blessed to be in the NFL,” he said, his voice breaking. “I truly have enjoyed being your quarterback.”
Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley with Peyton Manning before the start of the game against UT Martin Saturday, Sep. 4, 2010 in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.
__________________
Though his team will more than likely have another potential superstar in Luck or Manning, Irsay said Manning has defined the franchise.
“There will be no other Peyton Manning,” he said, choking up as he held the quarterback’s arm.
Indianapolis Star columnist Bob Kravitz says fans will be angry with Irsay for letting the pride of the city and the state leave town.
“It’s impossible to overstate the civic impact Manning had on this franchise, on this city and on this region. He did it not only as an athlete but as a philanthropist. He was, and still is, the most important athlete ever to grace the playing fields of Indianapolis,” Kravitz wrote Wednesday morning.
In 1999, Manning and his wife established the PeyBack Foundation in Indianapolis to help disadvantaged youth. It has donated more than $4.3 million since its founding to youth causes in Indiana, Tennessee and Louisiana, according to the foundation’s website.
In 2007, in honor of Manning’s work, St. Vincent Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis was renamed Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.
“There will be lots of tears today at that news conference,” Kravitz writes. “Without No. 18, the Colts might not still be in Indianapolis. Certainly, there’s no Lucas Oil Stadium, and there’s no Indianapolis Super Bowl. His impact is incalculable.
“The statue goes up immediately,” Kravitz says.
In the cities that covet Manning, it was websites and billboards that were going up.
In Miami, there was manningtomiami.com, complete with Manning depicted in a Dolphins uniform, a link to a petition to be presented to Dolphins owners and a shop to buy Manning in Miami T-shirts.
“When’s the last time we the fans have had an ‘impact’ quarterback? What about the most cerebral quarterback of all time?” the Miami site asks. “Get behind this movement and let your vote be your voice and make a difference!”
In Phoenix, the peyton2az website showed a picture of a billboard erected in the city by a local mattress retailer. “Peyton Manning, please sleep here,” it pleaded.
“The city will be his forever if he could bring a Super Bowl to the Valley of the Sun,” a commenter wrote on the site.
Former Tennessee coach Johnny Majors introduces his grandsons Owen, 10, and Tristan, 14, Majors to Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning before the start of the UT Martin game Saturday, Sep. 4, 2010 in Neyland Stadium.
I have also listed below the other posts I have on the Mannings. Injured Peyton Manning shows off his adorable baby son (at least one of them is in uniform!) By Daily Mail Reporter Injured NFL star Peyton Manning proudly showed off his adorable eight-month-old son Marshall yesterday clad in a mini Manning jersey. […]
Peyton Manning holds his son, Marshall following the Colts-Panthers game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011. Provided by Fox-59 __________ Did you know that Peyton and Ashley Manning had kids? I did not know that and I thought that I kept up with news items like that. Here is an article that tells all about them: As […]
s See larger AP Photo / Darron Cummings Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) greets New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) on the field after Indianapolis defeated New England, 35-34 in an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. From this video you can tell how much the Mannings wanted to stay […]
Photo by Saul Young The fears surrounding the week after Alabama were realized in 2005 when the Vols lost to South Carolina on a night when the jersey of former Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning, center, was retired. _________________ “It wasn’t his decision. It wasn’t my decision. Circumstances kind of dictated it,” Manning said. Manning did […]
See larger Photo by Jim Mone / AP Photo Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning celebrates his touchdown pass to wide receiver Reggie Wayne in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008 in Minneapolis. The Colts came from behind to win 15-12. ______________ I remember like yesterday […]
Bridgett Wagner: Andrew Breitbart had American Heart
Talk Radio host Bill Bennett has explained his own scrappy nature by explaining he is an Irishman. He then tells the story of the Irishman who happens upon a fight, muscles his way into the middle and asks, “Is this a private fight, or can anyone join in?” Fighting is just part of his nature you see.
With a name like Breitbart, you wouldn’t imagine he was Irish, but he was. Adopted by a Jewish couple, Andrew grew up in the Westwood section of Los Angeles with an adopted Hispanic sister. He said he was a “default liberal” who grew up in West L.A. listening to alternative rock. He drank more than he studied in college and graduated with fewer skills than when he went in. His ideological conversion began when his father cut off the funding of this life style, and Andrew had to get a real job. “I believe that walking for the first time in shoes that I bought, started … my path towards conservatism,” he told us during a Heritage talk in April 2011
Much like David Mamet, Dennis Miller, David Horowitz and other former liberals “mugged by reality”, Andrew said he was outraged by the hypocritical display of liberalism.
Those who only saw Andrew on FoxNews may assume that he was always outraged. After all, much of what his websites Breitbart.com, BigGovernment, BigHollywood, BigJournalism, and BigPeace have uncovered is outrageous.
But, Andrew was also a great friend and inspiration to so many in the freedom movement – young investigative reporters, conservatives and libertarians in Hollywood, students on liberal campuses, Tea Party activists from every corner of the country, and all those who’ve decided they’re outraged too.
The first occasion I had to see Andrew in action over several days was at a Tea Party convention in Nashvillein early 2010. He was already a bit of a rock star in this community and swarmed by the media who had turned out in droves to hear Sarah Palin. You could also find him in the middle of groups of tea partiers answering questions. There were flag-wearing contingents who had arrived from the Midwest, couples who’d driven down from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, activists from California, Florida, and all points in between. They were all invigorated by their conversations with Andrew, and they told you about them. These were worried folks looking for answers to how we could turn our country around. Andrew inspired. He assured them that these were not private fights in Washington, we were all supposed to join in.
One evening he introduced the packed Nashville ballroom to his good friend – “a great American patriot and a tea party attendee” – singer Jon David who performed an original song that night. “American Heart” brought the crowd to cheers and tears. Hearing the stunning news about Andrew’s passing this morning, I thought about this song and how the refrain summed up Andrew’s optimistic scrappy nature so well:
I’m American made
I’ve got American parts
I’ve got American faith
In America’s Heart
Go on raise a flag
Cause I got stars in my eyes
Oh, I’m in love with her
And, I won’t apologize
His memory will live on in those who have been inspired to join the fight. Andrew Breitbart, RIP
One of Andrew’s last tweets was a perfect of example of the way he lived his life: ”Apologize for WHAT?”
Move America Forward’s tribute to Andrew Breitbart. We will always remember Andrew as a dear friend and a stalwart supporter of the troops. We are thankful and count ourselves lucky to have had Andrew’s help and support on many successful MAF projects to support the troops. He was a true friend and patriot. Never Forget.
Rush Limbaugh’s Moving Tribute To Andrew Breitbart Uploaded by MrTimotheus85 on Mar 1, 2012 Rush Limbaugh’s Moving Tribute To Andrew Breitbart Related posts: Sean Hannity’s tribute to his dear friend Andrew Breitbart March 1, 2012 – 3:03 pm Uploaded by MrTimotheus85 on Mar 1, 2012 Sean Hannity – In My Fathers House There Are Many Mansion […]
Andrew Breitbart at CPAC 2012 02102012 – FULL SPEECH Uploaded by bydesign001 on Feb 10, 2012 Courtesy of Mediaite via the Right Scoop. Related posts: Sean Hannity’s tribute to his dear friend Andrew Breitbart March 1, 2012 – 3:03 pm Uploaded by MrTimotheus85 on Mar 1, 2012 Sean Hannity – In My Fathers House There Are […]
Uploaded by MrTimotheus85 on Mar 1, 2012 Sean Hannity – In My Fathers House There Are Many Mansion And I Know Andrew Is In One Of Them I got a chance to meet Andrew once and it was on May 25, 2011. He was very gracious and I really enjoyed visiting with him. Below are […]
Rep. Louie Gohmert Pays Tribute to Andrew Breitbart Uploaded by GohmertTX01 on Mar 1, 2012 Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-01) spoke on the House floor about the life and legacy of his friend, conservative writer and American patriot, Andrew Breitbart. “Thank you, dear God, for sharing this extraordinary gift that was Andrew Breitbart with us. We […]
Andrew Breibart spoke in Little Rock on May 25, 2011 Andrew Breitbart in Arkansas The second monthly luncheon with featured speaker Andrew Breitbart was excellent. (Check out the Tolbert Report for more coverage of this event.) First, we got to hear from Dave Elswick of KARN who came up with the idea of this luncheon, […]
Andrew Breibart spoke in Little Rock on May 25, 2011 Andrew Breitbart in Arkansas Dave Elswick Chicago and Introduction.wmv Conservative film activist Andrew Breitbart spoke in Little Rock on Wednseday May 25th at the Hilton Hotel. The room was packed with conservative activist and Tea Party members. Breitbart talked about dealing with the liberal media […]
Andrew Breibart spoke in Little Rock on May 25, 2011 to a packed room. The second monthly luncheon with featured speaker Andrew Breitbart was excellent. (Check out the Tolbert Report for more coverage of this event.) First, we got to hear from Dave Elswick of KARN who came up with the idea of this luncheon, […]
Andrew Breitbart speaking in Little Rock on May 25, 2011. Andrew Breitbart – Taking Down the Corrupt and Biased, Leftist Mainstream Media Andrew Breitbart joined Hannity to talk about his new book “Righteous Indignation: Excuse Me While I Save the World!”, and about his mission to take down the corrupt and biased, leftist mainstream […]
Andrew Breitbart Andrew Breitbart CBS News reported on May 6, 2011: Conservative publisher Andrew Brietbart sat down for an extensive interview with CBSNews.com Friday in which he discussed his disdain for the mainstream media, offered his perspective on the Republican presidential field, said President Obama should have released a post-mortem photo of Osama bin Laden, and complained […]
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning celebrates his touchdown pass to wide receiver Reggie Wayne in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008 in Minneapolis. The Colts came from behind to win 15-12.
______________
I remember like yesterday coming up to Nolan Rollins who was a minister on the staff at the First Baptist Church of Little Rock and saying to him, “I got to see your Tennessee Vols play in person the other day.” He turned around and looks happy and then I told it was in Memphis and his expression changed. That night Tennesse lost 21-17 for the first time ever to the Tigers.
Tennessee’s quarterbacks in 1994, back row from left, Todd Helton, Mike Grein, Branndon Stewart, Jerry Colquitt and Peyton Manning stand behind offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe, front row, center, and his children Chris, left, and Kati, right.
________________
It is really sad that Peyton Manning and his wife Ashley have to leave Indy. They have lots of friends at their local church that they have grown close to and they really wanted to stay.
Ashley Manning is a wife for 9 years of famous Indiana Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. One of most popular and successful quarterbacks in the NFL history. He holds the record for most NFL MVP awards and he’s known to many as one of the best quarterbacks of all time.
Ashley Manning had completed a degree from the University of Virginia in 1997 in finance and marketing. Peyton Manning met Ashley Manning by Ashley’s neighbor in their freshman year of college. They got married St. Patrick’s Day 2001. She is now a real state developer and recently built homes in Tennessee.
She’s stunningly beautiful but she prefers to stay out of the spotlight. She told the media in the past that she’d “like to stay out of the spotlight” and has held true to her word.
Ashely Manning was the rock that Peyton Manning can lean on when he’s had a worst moments on or off the field.
Photo by Mark Humprey, Associated Press
Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning (16) runs toward the end zone to score a first quarter touchdown as Georgia’s Randall Godfrey (42) gives chase in Knoxville during the Vols 30-27 win on Sept. 9, 1995.
I have also listed below the other posts I have on the Mannings. Injured Peyton Manning shows off his adorable baby son (at least one of them is in uniform!) By Daily Mail Reporter Injured NFL star Peyton Manning proudly showed off his adorable eight-month-old son Marshall yesterday clad in a mini Manning jersey. […]
Peyton Manning holds his son, Marshall following the Colts-Panthers game, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011. Provided by Fox-59 __________ Did you know that Peyton and Ashley Manning had kids? I did not know that and I thought that I kept up with news items like that. Here is an article that tells all about them: As […]
s See larger AP Photo / Darron Cummings Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) greets New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) on the field after Indianapolis defeated New England, 35-34 in an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. From this video you can tell how much the Mannings wanted to stay […]
Photo by Saul Young The fears surrounding the week after Alabama were realized in 2005 when the Vols lost to South Carolina on a night when the jersey of former Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning, center, was retired. _________________ “It wasn’t his decision. It wasn’t my decision. Circumstances kind of dictated it,” Manning said. Manning did […]
See larger Photo by Jim Mone / AP Photo Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning celebrates his touchdown pass to wide receiver Reggie Wayne in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008 in Minneapolis. The Colts came from behind to win 15-12. ______________ I remember like yesterday […]
When I think of the attributes that matter the most to Arkansans, it is probably honesty and hard work. I am hoping that Terry Rice of Waldron will be the next speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives. We will find out on Friday if he is elected in the first vote. However, the real vote will come in January of 2013.
First here is something that Jason Tolbert wrote the other day followed by a flyer about Terry from 3 years ago and then followed with an article about a mentor of Terry’s from Waldron.
If you walk into a meeting at the Arkansas House of Representative, Rep. Terry Rice (R-Waldron) would not be the first member to grab your attention.
Observers could see him quietly taking in the happenings of committee meetings and talking to colleagues in the back of the room. But this soft-spoken servant leadership style might be the key to his becoming the first Republican Speaker of the House.
Rice currently represents rural House District 62, just southeast of the Fort Smith area. He will return next year for his third and final term – before term limits apply — representing the newly drawn House District 21, which makes up roughly the same area. Rice is unopposed in both his primary and general election.
Rice has lived the Waldron his whole life raising two kids with his wife of almost 40 years. He tells me that now has four grandkids. He is the owner of Rice Furniture and Appliance stores and is past president of the Arkansas Home Furnishing Association.
But politics is in Rice’s blood with both his father, W.R. (Bud) Rice, and grandfather, W.S. Rice serving in the state legislature. Terry Rice is a Republican, but his father and grandfather served as Democrats.
Perhaps this heritage may help Rice in his next challenge of being elected Speaker. The election takes place next Friday (March 9) as the House meets to caucus after concluding its work for the fiscal session. Outgoing House members elect a Speaker-designate for the next year.
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Today I am profiling St lawmaker Terry Rice of Waldron who I deeply respect.
Terry has known the Sawyer family since his youth and grew up in the
First Baptist Church were the Sawyers got to know him.
Meet Terry Rice
I am passionate in my belief that we cannot continue the status quo. We cannot tax and spend our way to prosperity. Government must become more efficient just as successful businesses have. With over 35 years business experience I am president and co-owner of three Rice Furniture & Appliance stores. I believe our state needs to foster the right environment to attract business while at the same time practicing tax conservation for the future. I currently serve on the southeast region board of Associated Volume Buyers/ Brand Source national dealer group and am past president of the Arkansas Home Furnishings Association, serving on the board for over ten years. Serving people’s needs and solving problems are everyday goals for me in our family’s 58 year third generation business. I have been recognized as state and region “Dealer of the Year” from our various industry associates.
I believe our faith, life and family values are the foundation of this great country and must stand before political correctness. Lifelong residents of Scott County, my wife, JoAnn, and I have been married 35 years, have 2 sons, Jeremy and wife, Kim, and Paul and wife, Sarah, who have blessed us with four grandchildren. We are active members of the Bates Baptist Church. I have raised cattle and have been a long time supporter of FFA and 4-H Youth livestock programs. I understand the importance agriculture plays in District 62 and the state. I helped establish and served as past president of the State Line Volunteer Fire Department and will support our community fire departments.
I have long been interested in our legislative process and feel now is the time to make a difference by voicing my conservative values for our future. Hard work and a common sense approach are needed to serve District 62. I do not seek personal gain or recognition from the office and only seek to work for the good of all people. I stand for principles and integrity. I follow the tradition of proven leaders. My dad, W.R. Bud Rice, served South Sebastian and Scott counties as state representative for 18 years from 1977-1995. My granddad, Worth Rice, served in the House from 1935-1939.
I know the education and training of Arkansans is vital for our state to compete and I will work to further improve those goals. I look forward to meeting and listening to your concerns during this campaign. I believe when Arkansans passed term limits for serving in political office their intent was to be represented by ideas and fresh view points that come from the people and not a single view point passed back and forth from spouses swapping political offices. This is about the people having a choice to have their voices heard.
I am dedicated to spending the time and resources needed to serve District 62 in the Arkansas House of Representatives, and I will be the one who handles constituent concerns myself as your elected official. Please feel free to contact me about the issues that are important to you. I humbly ask for your vote and support in the November 4th General Election
Originally published in Saline Courier on January 8, 2011
My wife’s grandfather was Lecil Richard “Tom” Sawyer and he lived from September 30, 1906 to September 5, 2004. He was one of the most outstanding men I have ever known. In Waldron, he was a legendary football coach that won 87% of games during the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, and they would later name the football field after him. Coach Sawyer was married for over 60 years to Vera Mae Martin Sawyer, and their children are Tom Franklin Sawyer of Houston, Texas (who is my father-in-law) and State Senator Mary Anne Salmon of North Little Rock (who is my wife’s aunt).
Most of the details for this article come from an interview I had on Dec. 22nd with Edward “Odell” Fryar who was a running back on the Waldron Bulldog team. Odell and his wife Peggy live in Little Rock, and I got to know them in 1983 when I was a member of Little Rock’s First Baptist Church.
“Coach Sawyer was probably the best high school football coach in Arkansas,” Fryar said. “He was a task master on the practice field and made sure every player played hard every play. Moreover, he was an even better person off the field.” Tom Franklin Sawyer noted, “My father cared about his players, but he got the most out of them. I remember that if a running back fumbled the ball in a game, then that player would carry a football with him to all his school classes the next week.”
“My father was a great motivator and encourager and those two qualities brought out the best in his players,” daughter Mary Anne Salmon said.
Fryar was a junior on the district winning 1948 team, and actually Waldron won the district all three years that Fryar was on the team (1947-49). Waldron was a small town of only 1,292 people in 1948 and Benton had over 6,000 people. Fryar said it was not unusual for Waldron to have 30 players dressed out and to be facing teams that had many more players and also the opposing players would be much larger than they were.
The day after Thanksgiving in 1948, Waldron had traveled to Bentonville and beat the undefeated Tigers. Fryar said that the Tigers should have won the game, but two trick plays resulted in big plays for Waldron.
The first was on a kick off when Herman Jones faked a hand off to Buddy Rogers while returning a kickoff, and all the team blocked for Rogers. The result was that the whole Bentonville team tried to pursue Rogers while Jones hid the ball on his hip and ran slowly all the way to the 10 -yard line.
The second trick play involved Fryar getting a pitch from the quarterback, Leon Bobbitt, and running hard to the left. When the defense rushed him, he threw a long 45 -yard lofty pass to Bush McGaugh who was wide open, and McGaugh ran under it and took it for a long touchdown play. That resulted in a 20-19 victory over a very good Bentonville team. Now, Waldron would advance to play the Benton Panthers in the state playoffs.
The victory over Bentonville was a costly one for the Waldron Bulldogs. Johnny Evans, the star running back,was banged up and Fryar had to replace him most of the time for the Benton game.
Fryar said there was a big crowd on hand and a thick fog settling over the field. The Panthers had more players suited out than Waldron, and they looked much bigger than the Bulldogs did too. However, Waldron had the tallest player on the field with tight end Don Sevier who was 6-8, and later Sevier earned All Conference honors for Arkansas Tech in basketball as their center, and eventually served as the Athletic Director for Arkansas Tech.
Benton Panther standout players included Bill Level, a 225 lb tackle, who was a four year letterman, and “Shoat” Shoppach, 165 lb left halfback.
According to the December 9, 1948 issue of The Benton Courier, the Benton Panthers defeated Waldron 13-6 at C.W. Lewis Stadium. Here is what the article reported:
The Benton Panthers were pushed to defeat the unbeaten and untied Waldron Bulldogs 13-6 at Lewis Stadium Friday night.
The Panthers scored late in the second quarter on a pass from Erwin to Jennings, who was standing in the end zone. Lovell’s try for the extra point was good. The Panthers led 7-0 at the half.
Benton kicked off to start the last half. One play after the kick off Buddy Rogers got on a 75 yard run, and was brought down on the 5 yard line. Two plays later Herman Jones try for the extra point was blocked. Benton led 7-6.
Benton scored in the last quarter on a pass from Erwin to Smith that was good for 35 yards and Smith ran 20 more to score. Lovell’s kick for the extra point was blocked.
Waldron was hampered by injuries, and many of the players had to be taken from the field. There was a fog all the last half which made seeing the ball difficult for the players, as well as the fans.
The final score was Benton 13, Waldron 6.
Probably the greatest legacy that Sawyer had was the family and friends that he influenced. Not only did Sawyer serve as football coach but he was the Waldron School Superintendent from 1934 to 1975 and Mayor of Waldron from 1975 to 1983. He also taught a men’s Sunday School Class at the Waldron First Baptist Church for many years.
“There are few people in my life that have received the level of respect I hold for L.R. “Tom” Sawyer,” state representative Terry Rice of Waldron said. “I guess the saying, ‘You give respect, you get respect’ fits well here. Whether it was a small child who needed reassuring, a student who had acted up, or an adult from any walk of life, I witnessed someone who could be as kind, as tough, or as knowledgeable as possible while always listening”
Rice said that even though Sawyer could have moved on to have “achieve lofty heights and big pay,” he chose to stay and touch the lives of thousands of people in Scott County. William Roy Wilson, Jr., an United States Senior District Judge, recalls a story from his senior year at Waldron High School involving Sawyer and some chewing gum.
“I was in the library chewing gum, and Mr. Sawyer called me outside and told me, ‘Billy Roy, you are kind of a leader and I need for you do me a favor,” Wilson recalls. “’If you see anyone chewing gum, tell them it is against the rules and I am sure they will listen to you.’ I swallowed that gum on the spot.”
About a year ago, my wife Jill and I talked about the legacy of her grandfather who we called, “PapPaw.” I told her that I decided to have my grandkids call me PapPaw out of honor of the memory of her grandfather. The complicating factor was that my 3 yr old grandson, Luke Hatcher, had already been calling me “Granddaddy.” However, he did well in the transition, and he told my son , “Granddaddy wants me to call him PapPaw!!!”
I hope that one day Luke will ask me why I chose the name “PapPaw, and I will be glad to tell him.
• • • Everette Hatcher is a regular contributor to The Saline Courier. He is the fourth generation in his family to work in the broom manufacturing business. Everette and his wife Jill have four children and live in Alexander.
LR “Tom” Sawyer shown at his desk at Waldron School District around 1940.
Ericka Andersen: Nearly four years ago, I read a profile piece on Andrew Breitbart in the New York Observer, calling him an “internet guru turned right wing messiah.”
I was enthralled by the energy of his quotes, they radiated off the page. This guy was fearless – completely unconcerned with offending anyone. I tracked down an email address and asked if I could interview him for a story, he responded within minutes “How about now?”, he asked.
In the next hour Brietbart answered every question about his personality and his activism with vigor and excitement. Thank god I was taping the conversation because he had a lot to say – really fast.
Little did I know, he’d soon be known by just about everyone. That inspiring energy I heard on the phone would be the first of many times that a hyperactive Breitbart would make me say, “Man, he’s good.” His passion and conviction were contagious. He moved fast but always apologized if he was wrong. In that interview four years ago, we discussed the dismissal of conservative beliefs in Hollywood. His disdain for big name Hollywood liberals was well known – and part of what fueled his drive to combat media bias.
“Everyone [in Hollywood] I meet makes me feel like I need to be louder more obnoxious to make sure their story is told so more people feel comfortable to come out of the woodwork,” Breitbart told me that day four years ago.
He always remembered me when I saw him after that interview, though I was usually one among many fighting a big crowd for a chance to say hello.
He was fighting for others, for liberty, for America. He did it with gusto and that big, vivacious personality will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, Andrew.
Kate Nix: Coming to Heritage from one of the country’s most liberal college towns, I know it takes a lot of courage to stand up for your beliefs in the face of strong opposition. Andrew Breitbart was the poster child for fearlessness within the conservative movement, and was a great role model for myself and others who want to fight for what they believe in. The last time I encountered Breitbart in person, he was surrounded by young people, hearing and sharing ideas and encouraging everyone to make their voices heard. I hope his passion and unbreakable spirit will continue to inspire, shake things up, and advance the principles he fought for through those he leaves behind.
Rush Limbaugh’s Moving Tribute To Andrew Breitbart Uploaded by MrTimotheus85 on Mar 1, 2012 Rush Limbaugh’s Moving Tribute To Andrew Breitbart Related posts: Sean Hannity’s tribute to his dear friend Andrew Breitbart March 1, 2012 – 3:03 pm Uploaded by MrTimotheus85 on Mar 1, 2012 Sean Hannity – In My Fathers House There Are Many Mansion […]
Andrew Breitbart at CPAC 2012 02102012 – FULL SPEECH Uploaded by bydesign001 on Feb 10, 2012 Courtesy of Mediaite via the Right Scoop. Related posts: Sean Hannity’s tribute to his dear friend Andrew Breitbart March 1, 2012 – 3:03 pm Uploaded by MrTimotheus85 on Mar 1, 2012 Sean Hannity – In My Fathers House There Are […]
Uploaded by MrTimotheus85 on Mar 1, 2012 Sean Hannity – In My Fathers House There Are Many Mansion And I Know Andrew Is In One Of Them I got a chance to meet Andrew once and it was on May 25, 2011. He was very gracious and I really enjoyed visiting with him. Below are […]
Rep. Louie Gohmert Pays Tribute to Andrew Breitbart Uploaded by GohmertTX01 on Mar 1, 2012 Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-01) spoke on the House floor about the life and legacy of his friend, conservative writer and American patriot, Andrew Breitbart. “Thank you, dear God, for sharing this extraordinary gift that was Andrew Breitbart with us. We […]
Andrew Breibart spoke in Little Rock on May 25, 2011 Andrew Breitbart in Arkansas The second monthly luncheon with featured speaker Andrew Breitbart was excellent. (Check out the Tolbert Report for more coverage of this event.) First, we got to hear from Dave Elswick of KARN who came up with the idea of this luncheon, […]
Andrew Breibart spoke in Little Rock on May 25, 2011 Andrew Breitbart in Arkansas Dave Elswick Chicago and Introduction.wmv Conservative film activist Andrew Breitbart spoke in Little Rock on Wednseday May 25th at the Hilton Hotel. The room was packed with conservative activist and Tea Party members. Breitbart talked about dealing with the liberal media […]
Andrew Breibart spoke in Little Rock on May 25, 2011 to a packed room. The second monthly luncheon with featured speaker Andrew Breitbart was excellent. (Check out the Tolbert Report for more coverage of this event.) First, we got to hear from Dave Elswick of KARN who came up with the idea of this luncheon, […]
Andrew Breitbart speaking in Little Rock on May 25, 2011. Andrew Breitbart – Taking Down the Corrupt and Biased, Leftist Mainstream Media Andrew Breitbart joined Hannity to talk about his new book “Righteous Indignation: Excuse Me While I Save the World!”, and about his mission to take down the corrupt and biased, leftist mainstream […]
Andrew Breitbart Andrew Breitbart CBS News reported on May 6, 2011: Conservative publisher Andrew Brietbart sat down for an extensive interview with CBSNews.com Friday in which he discussed his disdain for the mainstream media, offered his perspective on the Republican presidential field, said President Obama should have released a post-mortem photo of Osama bin Laden, and complained […]
In interview after interview, down through the decades Woody Allen has spoken repeatedly of his love of Ingmar Bergman and the influenece he’s had upon his films. While Interiors is clearly an homage to Bergman, Cries and Whispers in particular, to me his movies have been much more influenced by the films of Fellini. Stardust Memories is clearly a tip of the cap to 8 1/2, Celebrity to La Dolce Vita, Radio Days to Amarcord and Sweet And Lowdown to La Strada in that they both featured an emotionally crippled protagonist who realizes too late he’s fallen in love with a simple minded young woman.
Justin Biberkopf
about 3 years ago
Kenny, the La Strada connection is very perceptive. Sweet and Lowdown being less tragic, of course. But yes, I just rewatched Amarcord and was reminded of how much the whole structure of Radio Days borrows from it. Amarcord is such a dense text by comparison, though. At its funniest, I think it’s funnier than a lot of Allen’s movies, too. But then, Fellini is generally more of a comic director than Bergman, so that’s another connection with Woody.
Good points Justin. I was even tempted to compare Le notti di Cabiria to Mighty Aphrodite but decided their only real similarities is they both feature a prostitute as a main character.
Stardust memories is totally Woody’s 8 1/2. He said himself said in an interview, “I am not even half of the Fellini of 8 1/2”
Justin Biberkopf
about 3 years ago
Yes, the dream sequence that starts Stardust Memories is very Fellini-esque, with the sensuous woman and the party on the other train. Woody Allen isn’t half of Marcello Mastroinanni, either.
A few Woody Allen films are built around the conceit of a fake documentary (Zelig, Husbands and Wives, Sweet and Lowdown), a device that he may have gotten from Fellini (The Clowns, Roma, Intervista), although Bergman also uses this device at least once that I can think of: at the end of Hour of the Wolf. But Woody Allen’s borrowings aren’t limited to Fellini and Bergman. Manhattan Murder Mystery is basically Rear Window, for example.
That’s a great point Jeff D about the fake documentary device although Allen did also use it as early as 1969 with Take The Money and Run. Perhaps no director has used it as well as Fellini did with Roma.
Fellini seems to be the bigger influence primarily because of the fact that he was a lot more unneurotic, a lot less austere and not as rigorous as Bergman was. If u watch Fellini’s films there are always moments of quiet humor in them. Like in 81/2, u see Guido being sorrounded by his cast and crew asking him for directions, he sees a person coming ,quietly avoids talking to him by taking another guy in his fold and whispering in his ear, “I just called you, cos I did not want to talk to that guy”.. Also, Fellini’s films are soaked in a dream-like structure. Bergman’s films were probably born out of his own dreams, but they were then religiously fitted into a certain kind of worldly realism.
But then at the end of the day, I always watch Woody’s films to see the fun of it, to revel in the parody it brings with itself.
They should only be seen as approximations of something great that has been done before. To me, they are mere condensations..
Belle de Jour Presentation In a film class my partner and I did a video presentation on the film Belle de Jour and the filmmaker Luis Bunuel. Bunuel was a surrealist, so if the video doesn’t quite makes sense, its not supposed to. ___________________________________________________ I am presently going through the characters referenced in Woody Allen’s […]
I am currently going through the characters referenced in the Woody Allen movie “Midnight in Paris.” Today I am looking at Henri Matisse. Below is a press release from a museum in San Francisco: the steins were known for their saturday evening salons, where artists, writers, musicians, intellectuals, and collectors gathered to discuss contemporary art, […]
Adriana and Gil are seen above walking together in the movie “Midnight in Paris.” Adriana was a fictional character who was Picasso’s mistress in the film. Earlier she had been Modigliani’s mistress and later Georges Braque’s mistress before moving on to Picasso according to the film story line. Actually Picasso had taken girls from others […]
An article from Biography.com below. I am currently going through all the personalities mentioned in Woody Allen’s movie “Midnight in Paris.” Today I am spending time on Coco Chanel. By the way, I know that some of you are wondering how many posts I will have before I am finished. Right now I have plans […]
The Thinker (1879–1889) is among the most recognized works in all of sculpture. In fact, below you can see Paul who constantly is showing up Gil with his knowledge about these pieces of art. He shows off while describing Rodin’s life story when all four of them are taking in “The Thinker.” However, he is […]
Artists and bohemians inspired Woody Allen for ‘Midnight in Paris I love the movie “Midnight in Paris” by Woody Allen and I am going through the whole list of famous writers and artists that he included in the movie. Today we will look at Salvador Dali. In this clip below you will see when Picasso […]
2011 Roger Arpajou / Sony Pictures Classics Lea Seydoux as Gabrielle in “Midnight in Paris.” Adriana and Gil are seen above walking together in the movie “Midnight in Paris.” Adriana was a fictional character who was Picasso’s mistress in the film. Earlier she had been Georges Braque’s mistress before moving on to Picasso according to […]
How Should We Then Live 7#3 2011 Roger Arpajou / Sony Pictures Classics Owen Wilson as Gil in “Midnight in Paris.” Paul Gauguin and Henri Toulouse Lautrec were the greatest painters of the post-impressionists. They are pictured together in 1890 in Paris in Woody Allen’s new movie “Midnight in Paris.” My favorite philosopher Francis Schaeffer […]
How Should We Then Live 7#1 Dr. Francis Schaeffer examines the Age of Non-Reason and he mentions the work of Paul Gauguin. 2011 Roger Arpajou / Sony Pictures Classics Kurt Fuller as John and Mimi Kennedy as Helen in “Midnight in Paris.” I love the movie “Midnight in Paris” by Woody Allen and I am […]
Midnight In Paris – SPOILER Discussion by What The Flick?! Associated Press Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas in 1934 This video clip below discusses Gertrude Stein’s friendship with Pablo Picasso: I love the movie “Midnight in Paris” by Woody Allen and I am going through the whole list of famous writers and artists that […]
2011 Roger Arpajou / Sony Pictures Classics Gad Elmaleh as Detective Tisserant in “Midnight in Paris.” I love the movie “Midnight in Paris” by Woody Allen and I am going through the whole list of famous writers and artists that he included in the movie. Juan Belmonte was the most famous bullfighter of the time […]
Woody Allen explores fantasy world with “Midnight in Paris” 2011 Roger Arpajou / Sony Pictures Classics Corey Stoll as Ernest Hemingway in “Midnight in Paris.” The New York Times Ernest Hemingway, around 1937 I love the movie “Midnight in Paris” by Woody Allen and I am going through the whole list of famous writers […]
What The Flick?!: Midnight In Paris – Review by What The Flick?! 2011 Roger Arpajou / Sony Pictures Classics Alison Pill as Zelda Fitzgerald and Tom Hiddleston as F. Scott Fitzgerald in “Midnight in Paris.” 2011 Roger Arpajou / Sony Pictures Classics Owen Wilson as Gil in “Midnight in Paris.” 2011 Roger Arpajou / Sony […]
The song used in “Midnight in Paris” I am going through the famous characters that Woody Allen presents in his excellent movie “Midnight in Paris.” This series may be a long one since there are so many great characters. De-Lovely – Movie Trailer De-Lovely – So in Love – Kevin Kline, Ashley Judd & Others […]
Photo by Phill Mullen The only known photograph of William Faulkner (right) with his eldest brother, John, was taken in 1949. Like his brother, John Faulkner was also a writer, though their writing styles differed considerably. My grandfather, John Murphey, (born 1910) grew up in Oxford, Mississippi and knew both Johncy and “Bill” Faulkner. He […]
I love the movie “Midnight in Paris” was so good that I will be doing a series on it. My favorite Woody Allen movie is Crimes and Misdemeanors and I will provide links to my earlier posts on that great movie. Movie Guide the Christian website had the following review: MIDNIGHT IN PARIS is the […]
Here is an article I wrote a couple of years ago: Solomon, Woody Allen, Coldplay and Kansas What does King Solomon, the movie director Woody Allen and the modern rock bands Coldplay and Kansas have in common? All four took on the issues surrounding death, the meaning of life and a possible afterlife, although they all came up with their own conclusions on […]
Coldplay seeks to corner the market on earnest and expressive rock music that currently appeals to wide audiences Here is an article I wrote a couple of years ago about Chris Martin’s view of hell. He says he does not believe in it but for some reason he writes a song that teaches that it […]
I know that the liberals in Arkansas like John Brummett, Gene Lyons, Ernie Dumas and Max Brantley love to ridicule the Republicans, but when the Republicans are right then you need to be big enough to just say so.
Mark Darr has gone out and worked hard to raise money and I am sure he would like to have someone give him 18 million without him having to raise it. However, the way his potential 2014 Democratic opponent is going to use the tax payer’s money is just shameful.
Maybe the Democrats have forgotten that they no longer have 90% of the power like they did for 150 years.
You may have seen the latest commercial from Attorney General Dustin McDaniel on his new “Got Your Back, Arkansas” campaign. This is a new consumer education and awareness initiative “to equip Arkansans with the information they need to navigate the consumer marketplace and avoid scams and fraud” according to their press release.
But the $350,000 advertising campaign for the initiative – much of it to Stone Ward Advertising – has drawn criticism from some Republicans, including Lieutenant Governor Mark Darr.
“I wish my office had millions at its disposal to run my campaign ads,” tweeted Darr after the announcement. “It’s nice to know that Government official ‘got your back’ but unfortunately they really ‘got your back pocket.’”
Darr’s criticism reflects an ongoing criticism – particularly from those in the state legislature – of McDaniel using settlement funds, not necessarily improperly, but in a way he chooses with little legislative oversight. He has also been criticized for promoting projects that also promote him personally.
McDaniel’s office tells me the $350,000 initiative has $250,040 budgeted for “paid media, production and focus groups” and $99,960 for “personnel.”
The vendor for the project is Stone Ward Advertising, where chief of staff Blake Rutherford worked prior to being hired by McDaniel. A division of Stone Ward Advertising was also the vendor that produced a $6,000 video for McDaniel to announce settlement funds for an Arkansas State Police training facilities while he was out of town in Hawaii.
“Last fall, our office issued a request for proposals. A five-member team (including three employees from our Consumer Protection Division and two from the Communications Division) evaluated the proposals that were submitted and selected that agency,” said AG spokesman Aaron Sadler.
I am passionate in my belief that we cannot continue the status quo. We cannot tax and spend our way to prosperity. Government must become more efficient just as successful businesses have. With over 35 years business experience I am president and co-owner of three Rice Furniture & Appliance stores. I believe our state needs to foster the right environment to attract business while at the same time practicing tax conservation for the future. I currently serve on the southeast region board of Associated Volume Buyers/ Brand Source national dealer group and am past president of the Arkansas Home Furnishings Association, serving on the board for over ten years. Serving people’s needs and solving problems are everyday goals for me in our family’s 58 year third generation business. I have been recognized as state and region “Dealer of the Year” from our various industry associates.
The Daily Hatch 