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Recent times have seen many people decry the loss of prestige that America has suffered by way of the war in Iraq, Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo and other fiascoes. But I can point to a story that has touched my life that clearly shows how America still holds the torch of liberty and freedom for all the world to see.
The Lakers recently signed Didier "D.J." Mbenga to a contract with an eye to solidifying our bench. His story has helped me to see how much freedom and opportunity mean in the world today. D.J.'s dad was involved in the regime of Mobutu Sese Seku in the Congo. He was an administrator in this regime. Politics in that part of the world are in many ways a minefield, but Mr. Mbenga did his job and was able to send his family to live in Belgium. D.J. lived in Belgium from the age of 6, but his father felt that the family should return to the Congo to see first-hand what their homeland was all about. The timing of their visit was most unfortunate. D.J.'s father was implicated in an attempted coup and imprisoned immediately, along with other family members. He never returned from the lockup. D.J. was imprisoned also and would have met the same fate as his dad if not for a relative who was able to secure the family's release by bribing their jailers. A flight was arranged for their escape, and they made it by the slimmest of margins. There were threats to shoot down the flight as it took off, but somehow the Mbengas made it back to Belgium.
D.J.'s athletic potential has made it possible for him to have an opportunity to play in the NBA. He is a quiet, cheerful young man with a positive outlook, and he is so thankful for the opportunity to play basketball. His story should serve as an example of how lucky we are to live in a country with the many rights and opportunities so that many cannot dream of in the rest of the world.
Have no doubt about it, the torch of liberty that is held high in New York Harbor sheds a very special, wonderful light. We who live here are truly privileged.
Dr. Benjamin Spock published his famous "Baby and Child Care" in 1946, eventually outselling all other nonfiction books other than the Bible. However, in 1883, 63 years before Spock’s book, America’s first African-American woman medical doctor published her "Book of Medical Discourse," offering medical advice for women and children. What makes Dr. Crumpler’s success even more remarkable is that she received her medical degree in 1860, one year before the start of the American Civil War. To be black and trying to become a doctor at that time was challenge enough, but to also be a woman breaking into a male bastion like medicine required heroic strength and courage and commitment.
Born in Delaware in 1831, Crumpler was raised by an aunt who was dedicated to caring for sick neighbors and friends. At the age of 21, young Rebecca moved to Charleston, Mass., to work as a nurse for the next eight years. The first formal nursing school wouldn’t open for another 20 years, so she was able to practice nursing without any sort of degree. In 1860, 29-year-old Rebecca Crumpler entered the New England Female Medical College. Upon graduation, she became the first black female doctor in the United States, and the only African-American woman to graduate from that college, which closed in 1873.
She practiced in Boston until the end of the Civil War. Then, in 1866, she moved to Richmond, Va., to help those affected by the devastation of the war. It was here, among a black population of 30,000, that she felt she could learn most about “the diseases of women and children.” Despite enduring horrific racism and sexism, she, along with other brave black doctors, cared for freed slaves who otherwise would have received no medical care.
She returned to Boston, living in a mostly black neighborhood, caring for women and children until her retirement in 1880. She died in 1895. Although no photos of her remain, we can all imagine a face that reflects both the determination and compassion that guided her life.
People in their 20s and 30s mostly work out to train for a specific sport or to look good in a bathing suit. People in their 40s mostly work out to stave off admitting they're middle-aged. But people in their 50s not only have more varied reasons for working out, but they also have a variety of physical problems that need to be considered. Some just want to maintain a level of fitness and health so they can stay active along with their teenage children (or young grandchildren). Some want to continue the camaraderie of playing softball or racquetball or tennis with their longtime friends, but still remain competitive. Even after 50, no one wants to be the last one picked (maybe especially after 50).
Cardio (short for cardiovascular) exercise is the cornerstone of any good fitness routine. Lots of people get caught up in the glamor of pumping a lot of iron to get those muscles big and bulging. But if they have to haul all that muscle weight up and down a shopping mall with the family, or jump in a pick-up game of basketball, they're soon bent over huffing and puffing. If you're looking to keep a healthy heart and stay as active as possible for as long as possible, balance any weight training with a solid cardio routine.
After the jump are four suggestions. Remember to select according to your own level of fitness, taking into consideration any physical ailments you may have.
Continue reading The care & maintenance of the after-50 athlete »
I wanted to add an answer to one more question that didn't make it onto the previous video. I received a great question/response on my Slice ‘Em blog from Robert Sommers, and I would like to respond.
Robert speaks of the traditional arts as being civilized and measured as opposed to the mixed martial arts phenomena that are so popular these days. He certainly has a point.
Unrestrained aggression is a very ugly path to take in living one’s life. On the other hand, when someone’s life, loved ones, or home is threatened, it is necessary to respond in a radical way. We have to be prepared to deal with those who use violence as their voice. The balance is found in knowing when to act and when to use reason. But it is so difficult to find that moderate space when dealing with irrational aggression.
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I recently had the pleasure of catching a performance of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, which is now touring, under the direction of Wynton Marsalis. They played at the Pepperdine University Performing Arts Center in Malibu, and really raised the roof. In New York City, my high school was immediately adjacent to the Lincoln Center site, and I watched those buildings being erected during my four high school years. At that time, I never thought that jazz would become a part of the permanent curriculum at Lincoln Center, but some forward-looking people finally got the idea that jazz should be included in Lincoln Center's calendar of events. It was a natural progression and has put jazz on the map in a very meaningful way.
The performance I attended was dedicated to the works of Duke Ellington. Wynton is a dedicated teacher and historian, in addition to being a virtuoso performer. His introductions to the various tunes are explained with eloquent and humorous asides that explain the context and historical framework of the music. In his hands, this great musical tradition will reach new generations of fans and maintain its status as “America’s classical music.” Lincoln Center has also responded to the needs of the music by building three rooms on Columbus Circle that will ensure performers have a venue where they can play. The rooms go from a club setting to a concert ballroom, and the acoustics are world-class. Lincoln Center has made sure that jazz has a home.
photo of Wynton Marsalis & the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra by John Marshall Mantel, AP
The Lakers stepped up and delivered in a major way in last week's victory over Phoenix. It was a statement of the first order. The Suns' acquisition of Shaquille O'Neal was an attempt to put some muscle and size in the mix for a small but speedy lineup. Shaq was able to deliver some muscle but that alone is not going to stop these Lakers.
The depth and cohesion of the Lakers squad is a pleasure to watch for Laker fans. Pau Gasol has made a seamless transition to the Laker offense and complements Kobe perfectly. His ability on the perimeter to shoot, pass or attack the hoop creates problems for both his defender and those trying to help. Lamar Odom is like a Swiss Army knife at both ends of the court and is a threat to produce triple-double stats at any time.
Kobe was his usual self despite an injury to his shooting hand. The most ominous fact for their opponents is that the Lakers are not even at full strength. Trevor Ariza and Andrew Bynum are still sidelined with injuries at this point. When they return, we may get to see some truly scary hoops.
Like the rest of the Laker faithful, I can't wait for the next episode.
Photo of Pau Gasol taking on Shaquille O'Neal in Phoenix, by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images
I had a great time with the NCAA Double-A Zone. We talked about blogging, my audio book, fans, sports, writing and many other topics. Please join me in this really interesting conversation with the National Collegiate Athletic Association blog. Click here.
image credit: NCAA Double-A Zone.
Today is cool day for me. ESPN.com is launching my audio/visual show as a part of my audio book On the Shoulders of Giants. It shows you some insights to my life when I was a young boy growing up who loved baseball and had no serious interest in basketball. As a boy I was interested in competing in many sports -- sandlot football, baseball, basketball, swimming and track and field. But baseball was my real love. The field started to narrow down as my body started to develop and I had the prominent physical attributes to become a very good basketball player.
My dad played a hand in this also, telling me that I would get hurt playing football in ways that would preclude me from playing any other sport. Thanks, Dad!
While I was coaching for the Knicks in 2004, I took a quick peek at the Inwood Little League playing fields, and the league is still up and running. It brought back many fond memories of my baseball days, so I hope that you all enjoy the ESPN E-Ticket excerpt of my new audio book, which reflects this era.
If there is one device that defines human civilization today, it’s the personal computer. No one can dispute how much the personal computer has revolutionized our lives, from increasing our productivity to spreading education to enhancing entertainment. We are riding the personal computer into the future on the backs of our iPods and iPhones and GPS devices with the childlike glee of knowing anything is possible. Well, that renewed optimism in the future—and the conveniences we enjoy today—all comes to us courtesy of African-American inventor Dr. Mark E. Dean.
Born in 1957 in Tennessee, Dean showed an interest in mechanics at an early age. While still a boy, he and his father built an entire tractor from scratch. But it wasn’t easy being a bright black kid on the cusp of the Civil Rights Movement. When he was in sixth grade, a classmate impressed with Dean's knowledge asked if was really black. After all, how could be both smart and black? Dean admits that he faced the same prejudice even when he went to work for IBM in 1980. However, despite that, he quickly became one of IBM’s most valued employees. In 1995, he was named an IBM fellow, one of only 50 (out of 310,000 employees) and the first African-American to receive this honor.
So, what did Dean do exactly to become this exalted? He holds three of the nine patents on the computer that all personal computers are based on. Along with Dennis Moeller, Dean created the ISA systems bus that allows external devices like modems and printers to be connected to your PC. Then, in 1999, he led the IBM team that built a gigahertz (1,000 mhz) chip capable of doing a billion calculations per second. Among his numerous awards is his induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
“A lot of kids growing up today aren't told that you can be whatever you want to be," Dean once said. "There may be obstacles, but there are no limits.” The proof of what he says is right in front of you on the screen you’re using to read this.
photo of the original IBM 5150 PC (circa 1981) by Los Angeles Times
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