I am voting YES on Issue 3 today, because I am a native Clevelander who believes that a First Class Casino (which will include Five Star Restaurants and a Top of The Line Concert Venue) will be a good thing for my city. Additionally, I am in favor of keeping a billion dollars in my state of Ohio, creating 34,000 new jobs in this state; providing 1 million in new revenue for local schools; bringing 6 billion in immediate economic impact to my state; and providing 2 million in new revenue for local government.
Furthermore, as a Sports Fan, I am voting Yes on Issue 3 today because I am an avid Cleveland Cavalier Fanatic! I love all the great things that Dan Gilbert has done with the Cavs Organization. During his tenure as owner he has consistently appeared in the Playoffs, including an NBA Finals run. And, I love the fact that he takes time out of his busy schedule to personally thank Cavalier fans for their support. He is most definitely a Man of the People, who genuinely cares about all of employees, and is committed to excellence and Humanitarianism. Additionally, I love the Brand, and the Culture which all of his businesses represent.
When I look at all of the success that Dan Gilbert has achieved in the corporate world, given his strong track record, strong leadership ability (and his high level of education and business savvy), he has proven himself to be capable of running a Casino which will provide an economic boost to the city of Cleveland. Therefore, I will vote yes on the strength of this man's excellent name, his vision, his passion, and his commitment to turning my city around.
A standing room only crowd packed into John A. Rhodes Arena, on the campus of The University of Akron, as the Cleveland Cavaliers kicked off their Annual 2009 Wine And Gold Scrimmage. But this year, Cavs fan received a special treat. "The Daddy" "The Diesel," a self proclaimed "Dun Dada," was in the building! And he wore his new number 33 practice Jersey!
Even though the reigning NBA MVP--LeBron James was greeting by a standing ovation, applause, and "MVP" chants, when he came out of the Locker Room, Shaquille O'Neal was clearly the Man of the Hour. As he stepped onto the court, he was greeted by cheers, thunderous applause,camera flashes, and a standing ovation! Not one to disappoint, Shaq went on to lead his Gold Team to a 54-38 victory against LeBron's Wine Team, in the 32 minute Scrimmage. And he lead all scoring, with 12 points--making 6 of 8 shots. LeBron finished with 10 points, making 4 of 12 shots and 2 of 7 free throws.
Other Cavs who played fairly well were: Zydrunas Ilgauskas with 8 rebounds and 6 points, Rookie Danny Green with 10 points, JJ Hickson with 11 points and 5 rebounds, Anthony Parker with 2 steals and 5 assists, and Jamario Moon with 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 9 points.
Three Cavs did not participate in the Scrimmage. A rehabilitating Leon Powe, dressed in street clothes, sat on the bench, and watched the game. An ailing Mo Williams, also dressed in street clothes (which closely resembled pajamas), didn't play due to a reported groin muscle pull. And a noticeably absent Delonte West, who was reportedly told to "work out," in lieu of participating in the activities.
At the end of the game, Gloria James and LeBron's two sons ran onto the court to give him hugs and kisses. And following in their dad's footsteps, his two boys grabbed basketballs and started shooting baskets.
Before exiting the building, King James, took off his Jersey, and his shoes, and threw a shoe into the crowd of excited fans! Then he asked the Lucky Lady fan who caught it, if she could give him the gel insole back. She was happily escorted onto the court, and got a chance to briefly talk to James. After retrieving his insole, he headed toward the Locker Room, while fans marveled at the "Chosen One" tattoo across his back.
I was born a Cavs fan, and I will always remain a Cavs fan---WIN or LOSE!!!!...I may get angry sometimes, but I TRULY LOVE this team and the entire Cavs Organization--because "IT" is in me...My dad was a longtime Season Ticket Holder and a Stock Holder with the Cavs, so I grew up with this Franchise...My dad was a star High School Basketball player-- who never made it to the Pros, because he had a Staff Infection in his leg...Then he developed an Ulcer (that never healed), in that same leg...Later, he developed Bone Cancer and he had to have his leg amputated...Since he could never fully play the game of basketball again, he played wheelchair basketball and devoted his passion for the game towards the Cleveland Cavaliers...He remained a Season Ticket Holder and attended as many games as he could, until he died....
All throughout my childhood, I picked up that same passion for this Organization, and I have stood by this team through thick and thin...Yes, I am hurt and devastated that we did not accomplish our ONE GOAL...I thought that this was finally OUR YEAR, to win it all...But, at the same time I am so very proud of all the things that we did accomplish: Central Division Championship, Best Record, Great Home Win Record, and LeBron's MVP...
I scheduled my vacation around the time when I thought the last part of the Finals would be played, and the time that we would have our Championship Parade and Victory Parties...And I had tickets for every Home Playoff game--all throughout the Finals...But the Finals didn't happen...So, am I giving up?...NO!!!!..I am looking forward to next season, and winning it all in 2009-2010!!!!...I have renewed my Season Ticket Package and I can not wait for the new season to begin!!!!....I believe in this team, and I stand with Dan Gilbert, Danny Ferry, Lebron,Len Komoroski, Mike Brown, and the entire Franchise...I share their vision, I am committed, and they have my total support ...What I love most about this Organization is its appreciation for us fans...I just recieved a card yesterday, from my Ticket Rep, thanking me for my all my support and for being such a great fan...And I have received cards, etc. (in the past) from the Front Office People thanking me....I am not one who is easily impressed, but I have to say that this entire Cleveland Cavalier Organization constantly impresses me....
In these tough economic times, I will find a way to be at Quicken Loans Arena--at every Cavs Home Game. Additionally, I will continue to support this team...Where there is a Will, there is most definitely a way...And furthermore, people find ways to do what they really want to do---IF "IT" IS IN THEM..
"...Hard work pays off, and dreams do come true." Lebron James.
Congratulations, LeBron, on winning your well deserved 2009 MVP!!!..It has been a long time coming, and you should have won others in the past--as I am sure you will win more in the future. However, you are more than just an MVP. You are an inspiration to all people, who come from humble beginings. You have proved that it can be done. And you have shown that yes, you can overcome situations and beat all the odds that are stacked against you. Also, you can come from a single parent home, have a teen-aged mom, live in the Projects--but yet emerge a Superstar. Therefore, you inspire and give hope to every young boy living in the inner-city today.
Standing underneath three of the St. Vincent St. Mary High School Basketball State Championship Banners that you helped your school to win, you became the first Cleveland Cavalier Basketball Player to ever win the prestigious MVP Award. Yes, the "King" has arrived to take his rightful place, among the NBA's Elite!!!
At your beloved Alma Mater, you held Court, surrounded by Cavs owner Dan Gilbert , GM Danny Ferry, Coach Mike Brown, your Cavalier Teammates, family, friends, St. Vincent students, and the local and national media.
Requesting to have your Ceremony at your former High School, made a statement to the world. And it showed the love that you have for your city, and your school. Futhermore, it showed that you never forgot your Roots. For making that statement-- I respect, admire, and appreciate you. Your MVP Ceremony was none like any other before!!!
Being the unselfish person that you are, you even called your teammates up to the podium, and gave them all gifts--tokens of your appreciation of them. How befitting that was, since you all have a "Family Photo" pregame ritual before the games.
In closing, I would like to thank you for everything that you do--for the city of Cleveland . And I honor you, for winning the coveted MVP Award. Also ,I look forward to the Cavs winning its first NBA Championship, this season!!!!
Neither LeBron James or Dan Gilbert, were born (or raised) in the city of Cleveland. But yet, they have both contributed tremendously in putting this city--my hometown--in the national spotlight. Both men are committed to winning, excellence, humanitarianism, and bringing an NBA Championship to this city.
On his WTAM "Weekend Sportsline" Show yesterday, Andre Knott said: "The Cavs are doing things we have never seen before. As they break the negativity of Cleveland sports." I totally agree with his comment. The Cavalier Organization is setting this town on fire, by playing great basketball, breaking records, and through generating a lot of positive publicity for this city. Also, slowly but surely, Cleveland is becoming known as "the Mistake On The Lake," NO MORE!!!!!!!
Excuse me Browns Organization, but I do beg to differ with you. "The name on the door" now reads: Cleveland Cavaliers, Baby!!!!!! And never have I been so proud to be a "Witness," and so proud to be a native Cleveland resident, as I am right now!!!! Complete strangers are constantly coming up to me, in local area malls, venues, stores, and resturants--when they notice me wearing a Cavalier pin or Jersey--just to say "Go Cavs!!!!" And to talk about how much they love the Cavs and to say that they too, think that this is our year to win it all!!!!
I thank you-- LeBron, Dan Gilbert, and the entire Cavs Organization for what you have done, are doing, and will continue to do in the future--as this city prepares itself to once again be in the national media, as we host--and our Cavs move forward into-- the NBA Playoffs.
Also, the entire cities of Cleveland and Akron look forward to LeBron winning 2009's well deserved MVP Honor. Both cities are letting the world know that our "Chosen One" is well loved, and well supported here--by paying homage to him through the lighting of the word "MVP" on two of its downtown skyscraper buildings.
In his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Speech (this past Saturday, in Cleveland), Run-D.M.C. Rapper--Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels said: "The best thing y'all can do, is give love to a kid. Because that kid may grow up to be in the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame one day..." Well, the Cleveland/Akron area gave love to our "kid," and he grew up to win an Olympic Gold Medal!!!! And one day, he will most definetly be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame.
Good Luck, in the Playoffs Cleveland Cavaliers!!!! As you continue to "Put On For My City!!!!"
