Life aint easy, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much can you take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!
Male
99 years old
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
United States
What is my main interest in life? Life itself, I guess. I'm not into wasting any moments. I almost always work 6 days a week, 8-10 hours a day, so I gotta have an outlet somewhere to keep from actually 'going postal'. Sports is mainly my way to unwind other than going out on saturday nights. I am ultra competetive, whether it is playing sports, watching my teams, or even doing my job. I admit, I do not take losing well.
I am a diehard Pittsburgh sports fan. The Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, and Pitt are the teams that I love. I attend almost every Pitt football and Steelers home games, as well as many Penguins and Pitt basketball games, too, and yeah, like on the field, I like to run my mouth at the opposing fans while i'm there. All in good fun, though! I'm not threatening unless threatened. It's a good way of releasing some built up tension after driving around morons 8 hours a day, 6 days a week!
Basically, I'm into whatever brings excitement my way. I'm your typical guy when it comes to playing PS3 or throwing down a few hundred beers on the weekend. Ultimately, though, I'm a hybrid when it comes down to the core of all things. Like I said, I love my sports, love playing Madden, NHL, Rainbox Six Vegas, or the new GTA4, banging down shots with my friends, and letting loose on the weekends, but I also do not shy away from being that romantic man that every woman says she dreams about.
Basically, I pretty much do what I want. I really could give a flying fuck about rules and what people think anymore. If I want to dress like James Bond and look like I'm getting photographed for GQ, I'll do it, I can display some threads with the best of them. If I feel like wearing a basketball jersey out on a hot night to keep cool, I do it. I don't have to play by anyone's rules--I have my own. I kinda just go with the flow when it comes to life. I truly think if everyone just worried about themselves instead of trying to tell everyone else what to do, this world would be a much better place!
Alright, enough about all that...let's get to my true passion, shall we?
As you may have noticed, I love sports, and now you can read about the teams I love, their history, and a video of a special moment.
Here is a section dedicated to the teams I love: PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Steelers were World Champions in 2005. As I reflect on that magical 2005 season, February 5, 2005 was a day looong overdue as a member of Steeler Nation. What a party it was at Shootz Cafe in South Side. Since Coach Cowher took over in 1992, Steelers fans from my generation have known heartbreak all too often.
I loved hearing about the Super Steelers of the 70's, but it was time for MY generation to experience the euphoria of winning the Super Bowl! I remember where it all started that cold snowy day from Heinz Field vs the Bears, where we evolved from a 7-5 pretender and going nowhere to becoming the eventual Super Bowl Champions!
I am damn proud to call my team the PITTSBURGH STEELERS!
Hey Cincinatti, Who Dey?-- "We Dey", you punk bitches, as in SIX TIME WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Super Bowl Champions: 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 2005, & 2008
Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Randle El to Hines Ward...bye-bye Seahawks!!
Steelers Super Bowl XL Video
PITTSBURGH PIRATES Maz's 1960 World Series winning Home Run
World Series Champions: 1909, 1925, 1960, 1971, & 1979
PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates
Freddy Sanchez
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
"It's a great day for hockey!" --Badger Bob Johnson
Stanley Cup Champions: 1991, 1992, & 2008
Mellon Arena, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins
Mario Lemieux's game winning goal vs the Blackhawks in Game 1 of the 1992 Stanley Cup Playoffs, capping a comeback from a 4-1 deficit. The Penguins went on the sweep Chicago 4-0 to win back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships!
Sid roasts 4 Canadiens
The Second Coming
The UNIVERSITY of PITTSBURGH PITT FOOTBALL:
9 Time National Champions: 1915, 1916, 1918, 1929, 1931, 1934, 1936, 1937, & 1976
Darrell Revis' amazing punt return vs WVU
PITT BASKETBALL:
National Champions: 1927-28 & 1929-30
Big East Champions: 1987, 1988, 2002, 2003, & 2004
Big East Tournament Champions: 2003 & 2008
The Petersen Events Center, home of Pitt Basketball
Jerome Lane with the nastiest dunk in Pitt history!
Pitt's Sam Young with a nasty dunk on the hillbillies!
MICHIGAN FOOTBALL
Hail to the Victors!
DUKE BASKETBALL
Late in my 7th grade year, I went down to Durham, North Carolina for a week as my mom took a medical class. I visited the campuses of both North Carolina and North Carolina State, but something about Duke University just blew me away, and they became my second favorite team behind Pitt. The deal was sealed the moment I walked into a Carolina diner to have breakfast with my parents and I had a Duke shirt on. If looks could kill, I woulda been dead by the cute waitress alone, and I enjoyed every second of antagonizing the Tar Heel faithful that morning.
When I returned to school, I started following Duke and they eventually got killed by UNLV in the championship game. Everyone in my homeroom class laughed at me, but as they did, I stood on my chair and announced, "We'll see who's laughing next year, assholes!"
Duke went on to win back to back National Championships. The last laugh belonged to me.
National Champions: 1991, 1992, & 2001
The greatest shot in NCAA history: Duke-Kentucky 1992
Peja Stojakovic and the NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
Peja had been switching teams like Pamela Anderson switches her men. I was a 76ers fan growing up watching Dr J. and then Charles Barkley. When Barkley went to Phoenix, I became a Suns fan. Then Sir Charles went to the Rockets and I had to root for them. When Barkley retired, I started following Peja and the Sacramento Kings, especially when they were battling the Lakers.
In 2006, Peja was traded to Indiana, but left as a free agent to join the New Orleans Hornets. In his first year with the Hornets, Peja's back was injured and he was out the entire season.
In 2009, Peja and the Hornets should return to being one of the better teams in the NBA, led by MVP canidate Chris Paul. Peja has remained healthy and has once again become one of the more lethal shooters in the league.
Jeff Gordon. Gordon won me a case of beer way back when I was 18 and he won the Brickyard 400 and I picked him to do so over Dale Earnhardt, so I like Gordon. Plus everyone seems to hate him and I kinda like the me-against-the-world syndrome. Truth is, most of those dumb hillbillies are just jealous of Gordon cause he ain't from the south and now just passed the Intimidator's total lifetime victories. Maybe they should just appreciate the fact that he is pretty good and give him the respect he deserves. I hated Michael Jordan growing up, but I always respected him and felt privileged to watch him play. Fact is, you never know what you have till it's gone. I wish I could watch MJ play just one more game. Give Gordon his due.
I love playing basketball and play every year in the SNF Serbian Basketball Tournament--except last year when I was in Cancun. Thankfully, the tourney is back to being played in mid-May!
In addition to basketball, I enjoy playing football, softball, golf, hockey, pool and hell, even bowling. I love to compete and above all, I hate to lose...cause if you intend to play, expect to win. If the games on the line, I want the ball. No fear.
I am also into the sports media and have written for the Pittsburgh Sports Report and have been honored by ESPN on a winning sports essay back in 2001. Be sure to check my sports page here on Myspace under Pittsburgh SportsWorld!
I love to travel...still have so many places to visit, but here is where I've been so far:
CANADA:
Windsor
Toronto
Hamilton
Niagara Falls
UNITED STATES:
Every Memorial Day Week you'll find me partying with my friends Terry and Donna (and whoever else dares to go) in Cancun showing all those poor tourists how to push the limits when it comes to partying your respective ass off!
Also, as I mentioned in the 'About Me' section, my daily thrills come to me from the cockpit of my 2005 Mustang GT, black, ofcourse. Fuck Porshe. Mustang...there is no substitute!
Music
The Balkan Strings & Sloboda
Kossovo Tamburitzans & Dunav
Sinatra
Tupac
I'm culturally diverse, so basically, I listen to everything--'cept country--no offense.
Here's what's in my CD case:
SERBIAN MUSIC:
Movies
"Jagshemash!"
"Say 'ello to my little friend!"
"Go ahead...make my day!"
"Here's Johnny!"
"Take some shooting lessons asshole!"
Yeah, I'm a movie afficianado...and many times you may hear me quote a movie in certain situations, just depends. Tiffany, I'm sure, remembers when we were playing cards and I said, "Spaaaaaades", while pointing to my mouth, imitating the old man in Christmas Vacation.
F.Y.I.: I was an extra in the movie Kingpin, starring Woody Harrelson and Vanessa Angel--whose ass is simply heavenly up close, let me tell you--and I also was in a Bud Light Live! commercial filmed in the Strip District.
HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE MOVIE QUOTES:
From- DIRTY HARRY:
[Harry Callahan has to explain why he shot a man]
Harry Callahan: "Well, when an adult male is chasing a female with intent to commit rape, I shoot the bastard. That's my policy."
The Mayor: "Intent? How did you establish that?"
Harry Callahan: "When a naked man is chasing a woman through an alley with a butcher's knife and a hard-on, I figure he isn't out collecting for the Red Cross!"
[walks out of the room]
The Mayor: "He's got a point."
*
Harry Callahan: "I know what you're thinking punk, did he fire 5 shots or did he fire 6? Come to think of it in all this excitement, I've lost track myself. But being this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world and will take your head clean off, you gotta ask yourself one question. Do I feel lucky?"
From- A FISH CALLED WANDA:
Otto: "You pompous, stuck-up, snot-nosed, English, giant, twerp, scumbag, fuck-face, dickhead, asshole!!"
Archie: "How very interesting. You're a true vulgarian, aren't you?"
Otto: "You're the vulgarian, you fuck!"
From- MAN ON FIRE:
John Crease: "Well my friend, it's off to the next life for you. Don't worry though. You won't be lonely."
From- A BRONX TALE:
Sonny: "Now yous can't leave"
From- ANCHORMAN:
Ron Burgundy: "I'm gonna punch you right in the ovaries!"
*
Ron Burgundy: "You have a whorish mouth on you!"
From- PCU:
'Droz': "Wait, you're gonna wear the shirt of the band, to the concert? Don't be that guy" --
From- GOODFELLAS:
Tuddy Cicero to the mailman: "If one more letter from that school goes to that kid's house, it's in the fuckin' oven you're goin'--head first!!"
From- OLD SCHOOL:
Frank 'The Tank': "You tell ANYONE about this and I'll fucking kill you! Just kidding honey, we'll have him home by dinner..."
*
Frank 'The Tank': "BLUE!! YOU MY BOY!!"
From- PULP FICTION:
Jules: "The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he, who in the name of charity and goodwill, shepperds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great venghence and furious anger--those who oppose and try to poison my brothers. And you will know my name is the Lord, when I lay my venghence upon thee!"
From- TRADING PLACES:
the Gorilla: "MONKEY?? I'm a gorilla you fucking clown!!"
From- HOLLYWOOD KNIGHTS
Newbaum Turk: "Hey ladies. Hear about the guy with the five penises? His pants fit like a glove!"
From- DOGMA:
Bartleby: "You know, if i could actually get some, i would!"
Loki: "Let's do the next best thing then."
Bartleby: "What's that?"
Loki: "Kill people!!"
From- THE BIG LEBOWSKI:
Jesus Santana: "Let me tell you something, pendejo. You pull any of your crazy shit with us, you flash a piece out on the lanes, I'll take it away from you, stick it up your ass and pull the fucking trigger 'til it goes click!"
From- WEDDING CRASHERS:
John Beckwith: "You look beat. Soft mattress?"
Jeremy Klein: "Soft mattress? Maybe, or it could have been the midnight rape, or the nude gay art show. I had my sock, the one that I walked around in all day, played football, sweated in, stuffed in my mouth and duct taped in! I'm going to eat my breakfast over here. Don't talk to me."
From- FIELD OF DREAMS:
John: "Is this heaven?"
Ray: "No...it's Iowa!" -- Ray Cansella answering his dad John, Field of Dreams (If there is a guy who loves both sports and his dad, there isnt a way on earth you can watch that scene without tears...)
Love all James Bond films. I'm sold on Daniel Craig to rival the great Sean Connery as the best Bond ever. No one will ever be as good as Connery, But Craig is awesome as 007.
Dr. No
From Russia With Love
Goldfinger
Thunderball
You Only Live Twice
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Diamonds Are Forever
Live and Let Die
The Man with the Golden Gun
The Spy Who Loved Me
Moonraker
For Your Eyes Only
Octopussy
A View to a Kill
The Living Daylights
Licence to Kill
GoldenEye
Tomorrow Never Dies
The World is Not Enough
Die Another Day
Casino Royale
Quantum of Solace
Here are my favorite:
SCI-FI/FANTASY movies:
I think those who embrace science fiction films are the most creative people, for if you have no imagination, nothing can ever be achieved. I'm sure people laughed back in the 60's when Kirk was calling the Enterprise with his communicator...where do you think the idea for cellphones came from?
SUPERHERO flicks:
HORROR Films:
COMEDIES:
MAFIA:
WAR Movies:
WESTERNS:
ACTION/DRAMA/THRILLERS:
Sports Movies:
Television
Other than sports, the BEST show on tv is 24.
Don't make me go Jack Bauer on you! The best quote I've heard in a long time came from Jack last season when he was interrogating this guy and said, "You're gonna tell me everything I wanna know, it's just a matter of how much you want it to hurt!"
In addition to The Shield, Lie to Me, NCIS, Hell's Kitchen, and Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares, I also love old school shows like Sanford & Son, All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Different Strokes, Cheers, Star Trek, Airwolf, Miami Vice, MacGyver, Dukes of Hazzard, The Beverly Hillbillies, Seinfeld, and The Benny Hill Show is fuckin hilarious.
Yeah, call me simple, but I still love watching Bugs Bunny, Tom & Jerry, The Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote, and Sylvester and Tweety. Those are cartoons! Not that wussy crap they have on today.
Books
Other than reading many Star Trek novels, I really don't read much else other than sports based books. I am hooked on the comic strip 'Get Fuzzy'. It features a socially challenged kinda geek named Rob Wilco and his dog Satchel, who is good natured, but a little dim-witted, and Bucky Katt, an arrogant, vicious siamese cat who insults with the best of them...reminds me of my cat who was quite crazy himself, and who had his own unique personality, which included hunting you through the house and an occasional walk-by-bite on the toe...
Thunder
Heroes
First, I start of with those who are gone, but will never be forgotten in my life. They are missed dearly...
Family:
Matt Hapach. My Djedo. I'm not sure where it happened when I was young, but my Djedo ws always 'My Matt' to me. He was the strongest willed man that ever lived to me. His courage and strength to fight through his stroke he suffered still drives me to this day and always will. He was one of the best Bass Fiddle players to walk the earth and was well versed with other instruments as well, including the piano. He made great scrambled eggs with bacon, too.
Baba Millie Drakulich. Baba Millie was a true Serbian, from her love from singing, cooking, and loving her church. I learned alot of my Serbian swear words from her too, as she was quick to wit and wasn't afraid to ever voice her opinion!
Uncle Dick Dobronz
Mike Krusey. My cousin and one of my best friends growing up. We clicked together from the moment we met.
*
Friends:
Terry Dick. I knew TD since I turned 21 and drank at the St Anthony Club. He was a great friend, a teammate in pool, and one of the most mellow people I've ever known. He could always make you laugh and invited me to Cancun for the last 5 years, of which were the best vacations of my life. He loved tequilla, Corona, and just life in general. TD, I will miss you.
Spy Granito. A Midland legend, one of the craziest guys I ever met. God probably broke the mold when he was born, though...
Nicky Vuckovich. One of my best friends growing up. When I was young, the trio of me, Rod, and Nick were together just about every day. Friends like that are binded forever.
Mr. Rod Hupp. Father of one of my closest friends in Rod Hupp II. Mr. Hupp was one of the strongest men I've ever met, smart, very funny, and a great golfer.
Mrs. Emily Pitts. Mother of one of my closest friends in Al Pitts. She always had a smile on her face and loved her Braves, beer, and to hang out with us.
Sonny Vranes. Directed Dr Laza Kostich Choir and surely loved to yell at me, but it was all good as he was just trying to make me the best singer he could make me be.
Tubby Petroski. One of the best people I've ever known, though, I'm not sure everyone appreciated just how good a man Tubby was. He was the kind of person that would give you his last dollar. He was a graduate of Midland High School and the University of Pittsburgh. His love of baseball led him from playing the game, to being a scout for the Pittsburgh Pirates, to coaching and teaching the game to so many. He served his country as a Marine in WWII and was highly active in the VFW and the Polish Falcons. He will be missed.
The following section may be entitled 'heroes', but mainly, this section is dedicated to people who have influenced who I am today...my life is pretty much made up around my family, sports, and my Serbian heritage. Here they are:
My parents, 'cause they have always been there for me, through thick and thin. Dad is the kind of father that expects alot from me and keeps me motivated. My mom is the best mother anyone could ever wish for. She is hard working and is the kind of person that refuses to stop until a task is completed.
They are both proud of their Serbian heritage as am I, and it is because of them I strive to be the best I can be, 'cause I am a reflection of them, and when people tell me that I'm a good guy, I know alot has to do with my own choices and heart, but much of it is because I have the best parents in the world.
My Grandfather, Matt Hapach, for showing me the meaning of heart and determination. He was the best bass player Tambura knew. He was one of the strongest men that this world knew. He served his country in World War II in the army, and was a gifted musician. He played bass fiddle for many Tamburitzan Orchestras, including Sloboda and Gus Rogan and his Balkan Strings.
He was suffered a stroke in the early 80's and survived with it's lingering effects until June 9, 2001. Though the stroke stripped away at his speech and the use of his right arm, his heart was one of the strongest in any man I have ever encountered. I miss him dearly and know he is with me when I gather around an orchestra late at night at a Serbian event.
My Baba's (plural):
Baba Millie always made sure you were sharp and instilled her love of being Serbian into me. She was a charter member of the Dr. Laza Kostich Choir of Midland, Pa, and had one of the best alto voices I have ever heard. She was a proud Serbian and she loved her choir and her church. She was quick witted and knew how to deliver sarcasm very well, which explains where I got that trait. She passed away on December 24, 2002, but I know that when I step into the choir loft at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, she is a step down from me in the alto section, singing alongside everyone else.
Baba Kay has always seen the good in me even when I've been bad...plus, she always has good food around to eat! When I was younger, if I wasn't at my house, I was likely down her house watching TV with my Grandfather Matt, or fooling around in the basement trying to build some silly contraption. Whenever I am having a bad day, I just go to her for a hug and my day turns around instantly. She is also the most devoted Pirates fan that I have ever met. She knows the players better than I do, which is amazing. If the Pirates owe anyone a winning season, it is her for sticking by them everyday!
Here are my favorite players growing up. Their play and dedication to their sport influenced me to become the avid fan I am and to the way I play sports, which is to say, to the death!:
Mario Lemieux. Lemieux was my favorite player growing up in any sport. He was able to show me that you can overcome any obstacle in life if you really want it bad enough. Plagued with a bad back and later diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma, Lemieux still led the Pittsburgh Penguins to two Stanley Cup victories in 1991 and 1992.
A three time MVP of both the NHL and the NHL All-Star game, Lemieux is the only player in NHL history to score five goals five different ways in one game. He scored at even strength, short handed, on a power play, on a penalty shot, and an empty net goal to seal the deal in 1988 against the New Jersey Devils. Lemieux finished his career with 690 goals and 1033 assists for 1723 points in only 915 games. If he would have remained healthy throughout his career, he likely would have broken all of Wayne Gretzky's records. LeMagnifigue is truly the greatest hockey player of all time!
1st game, 1st shift, 1st shot..."Heeeeee shoots and scores!!"
Mario Lemieux Tribute Video
Sidney Crosby: Usually, one is lucky to have the greatest player to ever play the game of hockey as his favorite player. Mario Lemieux was someone I never could imagine watching hockey without. The NHL seemed empty without #66 on the ice. The void has been filled though, by a kid named Sidney Crosby. Of all the athletes that represent Pittsburgh, Sid is the one I'd choose to be the face of this great city. He is one of the most fiercely competitive players that you will ever meet, and he is already the best player in hockey at the age of 19. The future shines as brightly as the sun for Super Sid and I can't wait to watch him lift Lord Stanley over his head many times in the future!!
The 1980 USA Men's Olympic Hockey Team
Do you believe in miracles? It was the greatest upset in sports history, unlikely to ever be repeated. For a bunch of college kids to come together and beat the vaunted hockey machine known as the USSR was as likely as Gary Coleman kicking Mike Tyson's ass in a street fight. However, it did prove that nothing is impossible and if you work hard enough and dedicate yourself to overcoming any obstacle, you will be rewarded. Herb Brooks, you were a great coach, thank you for being a part of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the hockey world will miss you!
Jack Lambert: When I started playing football at a young age, Lambert was the player I wanted to become. I wanted to rip the heart out of every quarterback I encountered and I enjoyed intimidating people. Jack Lambert was one of the most feared linebackers in NFL history. People can talk about Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher all they want, but Lambert is still one of the most fearsome LB's to ever play the game.
A Jack Lambert Highlight Reel
Carnell Lake. Carnell Lake's father was an incredible athlete from my hometown of Midland. His Uncle Rich also happened to be one of my Dad's good friends. One day when I was little and home sick from school, a young black man came into my house and started talking to me about my future and to go for my dreams. We talked for a good long while about many things.
Later that week I was in the doctors office reading a Sports Illustrated, and to my surprise, the same guy who was in my house was featured in the magazine. He was Carnell Lake, an All-American Linebacker from UCLA!! Later that year he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a SS, and went on to become one of the best Steelers to ever play in the secondary. He was also the first Steeler I interviewed as sports editor of RMC's student newspaper, The Minuteman. Carnell is one of the classiest people you would ever meet.
Andy Van Slyke: My favorite baseball player growing up, #18 was one of the best defensive center fielders in the game while playing for the Pirates. Van Slyke was an ESPN Webgem almost nightly, with his incredible range, diving catches, and superb arm. Van Slyke finished his career as a 3-time All-Star and a 5-time Gold Glove winner.
Roberto Clemente: Even though he was before my time, Clemente had qualities about him that everyone should aspire to have. Clemente died on December 31, 1972, in a plane crash destined for eathquake victims in Nicaragua. Clemente was tired of hearing reports of aid shipments being stolen or hi-jacked, and felt his personal appearence would be enough for the guerrilas to allow the supplies to reach it's intended victims. How many athletes today do you know that would do that?
A 12 time Gold Glove winner, Clemente had the strongest arm maybe in MLB history, often toying with runners by lobbing the ball into the infield underhanded, daring them to run. He finshed his career with 3000 hits, good for a lifetime .317 average and won two World Series titles with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1960 and 1971.
Roberto Clemente Video
Willie Stargell
Charles Barkley: After Dr. J retired, Sir Charles was my favorite basketball player growing up. He may have been 6'6, but he played like he was 7'1 with his tenacious style of play and ferocious rebounding. He started his career with the 76ers before being traded to the Phoenix Suns, then finishing up his career with the Houston Rockets.
Sir Charles Highlight Video
Dr J: Julius Erving was Michael Jordan before Michael Jordan. He was a human highlight reel with his incredible dunks and shots. Dr J was who I started watching at a young age. He and Barkley are the only thing about Philadelphia I admire. His last game was in the playoffs vs Milwaukee and watching him walk off the court for the final time was the first time I ever cried because of sports.
Dr J Highlight Reel
FAMOUS SERBIANS AND SERBIAN EVENTS IN WORLD HISTORY:
Serbia: 2002 World Basketball Champions
My Serbian NBA players gallery:
Peja Stojakovic
Darko Milicic
Nenad Krstic
Mile Ilic
Vlad Radmanovic
Vlade Divac
Marko Jaric
Aleksandar Pavlovic
Zarko Cabarkapa
Bostjan Nachbar
Sasha Vujacic
'Pistol' Pete Maravich
Pete Maravich, a native of Aliquippa, was considered the greatest college basketball player of all time, averaged 44.2 points per game, WITHOUT the benefit of the 3-point line in his 4 year career at LSU. Maravich went on to average 24.2 points a game, good for 15th all-time, playing for the Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Jazz, and Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics.
Pistol Pete was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987 and named one of the 50 greatest basketball players of all time. Maravich died way too young of a heart attack playing a pick-up basketball game at the age of 40.
Pistol Pete Ultimate Highlights!!
Serbs have stormed the Tennis world! Novak Djokovic, Jelena Jankovic, and Ana Ivanovic are currently all ranked in the Top 10 Tennis Players worldwide!
Novak Djokovic
Jelena Jankovic
Ana Ivanovic
The brave and valiant Serbs who fought in The Battle of Kosovo, 1389.
For those who do not understand what Kosovo means to the Serbian people, here is why that land is so sacred to the Serbs and why it will never be taken from Serbian hands.
The following is taken from kosovo.net:
Saint Lazar the Great Martyr of Kosovo
Prince Lazar was born in 1329 in Prilepac to the aristocrat family Hrebeljanovic. His father Pribac was a Logotet-secretary doing very confidential work for King Dusan the Powerful in the royal palace. Young Lazar was raised in the palace, and was respected by the King who entrusted him with the rule of two parts of his kingdom: Srem and Macva. Lazar married Milica the daughter of an important aristocrat named Vratko also known as Yug Bogdan - a very wise and honorable man from the Nemanjic family. Lazar had three sons: Stevan, Vuk and Lazar and five daughters: Jelena, Mara, Despa, Vukosava and Mileva.
King Dusan the Powerful died unexpectantly in 1355 at the age of 48. This led to a weakening of Serbia's central government. Many dukes used this opportunity to secede from the Kingdom with the land that had been entrusted to them. The young son of Dusan Uros took over the throne and soon was killed. Vukasin Mrnjacevic proclaimed himself the King of Serbia. At this time, Turks were advancing toward the Kingdom of Serbia. In a battle on the river Marica in 1371, Vukasin was killed leaving behind him a weakened, poor and torn Serbia. Serbia was in desperate need of a gifted statesman, rich in virtue and deserving of God's Grace: a man similar to St.Sava and his father St. Stefan Nemanja who had founded the Serbian state. The Church recognized just such a man in Prince Lazar. His talent for leadership, wisdom and experience lifted him above those who would seize the throne by force and sought their own glory and importance.
Prince Lazar, first sought to consolidate and strengthen the Kingdom. As was the custom of that day and age, he married his daughters to the rebellious Serbian aristocrats. This enlarged and stabilized Serbia. Having thus secured the loyalty of dissident aristocrats, Prince Lazar turned to those countries which bordered his own, seeking to deepen Serbia's relationship with them.
At this time, the Serbian Orthodox Church was in a dispute with the Patriarch of Constantinople. King Dusan the Powerful wanted Serbia to have an independent Church. He single-handedly sought to elevate the Serbian archbishop to the level of a patriarch. The Patriarch of Constantinople utterly rejected this act and broke relations with the Church in Serbia. This was a very serious problem and one which King Lazar managed to solve by reconciling the Serbian Church and that of Constantinople. It was a result of this reconciliation that gave the Serbian Church its first canonical Patriarch.
The expansion of that Ottoman state, and increasingly frequent Turkish raids into his land, warned Prince Lazar that the time for a decisive battle was drawing near. Lengthy preparation on both sides preceded this confrontation. The fact that the armies were led by the Turkish ruler Murad 1 and by King Lazar of Serbia illustrates the importance of this battle. It was decided that the site of the battle would be a field in Kosovo (Kosovo Polje).
Prince Lazar knew that his chances against the Turkish aggressor were small and on the eve of the Battle of Kosovo he gathered his upper aristocracy and asked if they should fight for the Holy cross and Golden Freedom or surrender to their adversaries and live as slaves of the Muslims. They had to chose between the Heavenly Kingdom and earthly one. In the true spirit of Christianity they preferred to place their hope in Christ and Eternal Life. The Prince and all of this warriors took Holy communion and went into battle on Saint Vitus Day, Tuesday June 15th 1389.
In the beginning of the battle Serbian warriors were able to advance. Milos Obilic, the most famous hero of this Kosovo Battle, killed the Turkish King Murad. Despite this unexpected development, the Turkish army re-grouped and over ran the Serbs. They captured Prince Lazar alive, but beheaded him shortly thereafter.
Today his earthly remains are amazingly preserved intact and kept in the monastery Ravanica which was founded by him, along with many others churches and monasteries. The faithful gather from all Serbia just as they have through centuries to venerate his Holy relics and to get comfort and healing and to inspire them in the hope and belief that better days will come.
General Draza Mihailovic.
Serbian General who in WWII saved countless American fighter pilots who were shot down by German guns. His Chetniks stood tall to the Nazi's and the Ustashe to maintain Serbian freedom and pride. He was also given the Legion of Merit medal, the highest medal of honor by the United States by a non-citizen for his heroics.
The Legion of Merit in the degree of Chief Commander was bestowed upon the late General Dragoljub Draza Mihailovich of Yugoslavia by President Harry S. Truman in 1948, two years after General Mihailovich was executed by the Yugoslav communists. It was awarded to General Mihailovich posthumously in acknowledgment of and appreciation for:
“organizing and leading important resistance forces against the enemy which occupied Yugoslavia, from December 1941 to December 1944. Through the undaunted efforts of his troops, many United States airmen were rescued and returned safely to friendly control. General Mihailovich and his forces, although lacking adequate supplies, and fighting under extreme hardships, contributed materially to the Allied cause, and were instrumental in obtaining a final Allied victory."
Nikola Tesla.
If you thought Thomas Edison was the father of electric, guess again. Serbian born Nikola Tesla has been credited as having 3 out the 10 greatest inventions in modern history. Ever needed an MRI? Thank Tesla. Using a remote? Thank Tesla. Listening to the radio? Tesla again...and yes, that means Marconi stole Tesla's idea to send the first radio waves across the English Channel. It was Tesla who invented AC (Alternate Current) and it was he who was responsible for the first hydroelectric plant that was built in Niagra Falls. Many of Tesla's ideas are what lead to computers and robotics. It was an urban legend as well, that he also invented a 'death ray' laser that could be shot from space to destroy anything that was specifically targeted. When he died, the United States government, or should I say, J. Edgar Hoover, cleaned out his apartment...who knows what weapons or electrical marvels the US has been developing since they stole all of Tesla's work!
For the entire story on maybe the most brilliant mind this earth has ever known, go to:
Nikola Tesla
Dusan Popov
As you may have noticed, I love James Bond films. But, have you ever wondered where 007 creator Ian Flemming got his inspiration to create James Bond? Back in WWII, Flemming was a military intellegence officer who became friends with Dusan Popov...and who was Dusan Popov? Read on:
Ian Fleming worked in British naval intelligence during World War II and was detailed to trail the charismatic spy, who was eventually recruited to work as a double agent for the British. Popov was a young, wealthy Serbian businessman, who managed to continue a playboy existence while carrying out perilous wartime missions for the United Kingdom.
Signed up as a spy by anti-Hitler Abwehr agents early in the war, Popov, according to their plan, immediately offered his services to the United Kingdom. He was accepted as a double agent (codenamed Tricycle) and came to live in London. His international business activities provided cover for visits to neutral Portugal, which was linked to the United Kingdom by a weekly civil air service for most of the war. There Popov fed enough MI5-approved information to the Germans to keep them happy, and was well paid for his services. The assignments they gave him were of great value to the British in assessing enemy plans and thinking.
**In 1941 Popov was dispatched to the United States by the Abwehr, apparently to gather information, but secretly to transmit to the Americans the fact that the Japanese were planning to attack Pearl Harbor.[citation needed] He made contact with the FBI and explained what he had been asked to do. For whatever reason, the FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover took no action. Hoover disliked him and, according to author William ("Mole") Wood, found out that Popov had taken a woman from New York to Florida and threatened to have him arrested under the Mann Act if he did not leave the country immediately.**
In 1944 Popov became a key part of the Operation Fortitude deception campaign. However his usefulness was compromised when his German intelligence handler (who was also a double agent and knew of Popov's control by the British) was arrested. Fearing that he was betrayed, Popov was no longer given critical information to pass along. However after time passed and no indication of any distrust of Popov was discernable he was brought back into use.
Popov was a noted ladies' man - while in the US he lived an extravagant lifestyle and dated a well-known actress, Simone Simon. (It is even alleged his name "Tricycle" originated from his penchant for menages à trois. In truth, his earlier codename Scout was changed to Tricycle when he appointed two sub agents ("Balloon" and "Gelatine"), thus acting as the three wheels of a tricycle.) Popov was a worthy predecessor to the fictional spy James Bond. He stayed at the best hotels, ate at top restaurants, visited smart casinos, and was a bon vivant.
Popov died in 1981 aged 69, leaving behind a widow and three sons.
Dusko Popov published his memoirs "Spy, Counterspy" in 1974.
Tiger
I grew up in Midland, Pennsylvania, once known as the Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania. Midland is a superb hometown, filled with people of character, hard workers, and a great history in sports. Here is a little bit of Midland history:
Midland Leopards
Norm Van Lier. Member of the 1965 Midland High School State Championship team undefeated at 28-0.
Midland, which was known as the 'Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania' won State Basketball Championships in 1965, 1971, 1973, 1974, and 1976.
Midland boasts many amazing athletes and sports figures, including Norm Van Lier, Simmie Hill, George Green, Herb Lake (all in basketball), Nick Aloi, Ed Olkowski, Hank Kuzma (all in coaching), Joe Tonti (World's Strongest Upside-down Man), David Jakes (boxing), Art 'Tubby' Petrosky (baseball), Ivan Toncic, and Joe Yukica (both in football).
Tubby
However, Midland's most incredible athlete ever may be one of the all-time unknown secrets of Pennsylvania sports history. His name was Dave Alston. The following is taken from "mhsrodis.com":
Dave Sturgeon Alston '41: 1976 Inductee Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame. 2005 Inductee Midland Sports Hall of Fame.
He was the kind of athlete that comes around only once in a lifetime. He was the kind of person you'd want to have as a teammate, classmate, neighbor, a friend, and a brother. He was bigger than life, faster than a deer, talented beyond belief, and a credit to his family, his school, and his hometown.
Dave Alston was indeed unique. He quarterbacked Midland's Junior High team, but was so gifted that he was elevated to the varsity in his freshman year. While at Midland High School, he earned a record 12 varsity monograms: 4 each in football, basketball, and baseball between 1937 and 1941. He was All-County three straight years. He was the Valedictorian of his graduating class and was an accomplished singer and pianist. Dave dreamed of becoming a doctor, so he took his athletic talents to Penn State in exchange for an athletic scholarship.
Head Coach Bob Higgins called him, and I quote, "the greatest football prospect I ever coached and the first player I have seen who had all the qualities that made Jim Thorpe an all-time great".
Dave led the Penn State freshman football team to five straight wins in their first undefeated season in a quarter century. He scored eight of the team's 12 touchdowns and sportswriters across the country started taking notice. In the spring, Esquire magazine rated Dave among the "Top Ten Sophomores" in the nation. His work in the classroom at Penn State equaled his performance on the football field.
But Dave was having problems with constant sore throats and tonsillitis. He was going to come home to have his tonsils removed, but doctors in State College decided to have the operation performed locally. The procedure, done in Bellefonte, appeared at first to be successful. However, a few hours later, something went drastically wrong. A blood clot formed cutting off the air to his lungs, and Dave Alston was dead. The question remains; how could such as strong and strapping young man of 20, who walked into the hospital in such good health, have succumbed to a tonsillectomy? In the rarest of rarities, Midland's great star was gone.
Dave, son of Reverend Sandy J. Alston of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church here, was more than a wonderful athlete. Throughout his junior and senior high school course, for six years, he was on the honor roll. He was president and valedictorian of his senior class.
Tragically, Dave died following a tonsillectomy performed in August of 1941. Picking his 1942 All-American team, expert Francis Wallace called Dave, in a Saturday Evening Post article, (September 19, 1942), his "sophomore of the year in memoriam." Our town understood best when Mr. Wallace commented, "It does seem that Dave Sturgeon Alston was too good for this world."
Dave Alston became the first member of the Midland Sports Hall of Fame.
Dave Alston, #21. Midland High School Varsity Football 1940.
...and last, but most certainly not least...
The United States Military
It goes without saying that the men and women of the United States Military are true heroes. May God protect you and bring you all home safe. Thank you for your service to this great country!
Last, but never least, to the memories of all those who served and gave their lives in WWI, WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Middle East...your sacrifices for your country will never be forgotten, and because of you, we live in the greatest country in the world. Hopefully one day we will find a way to live in peace instead of starting wars over the most petty of differences.
"But dad, he bites!"
"Bite him back, Russ"
Robert Morris University
Moon Township,Pennsylvania
Graduated: N/A
Student status: Alumni
Degree: In Progress
Major: Communications
Clubs: Football team, Sports Editor for 'The Minuteman'.
Beaver Area Shs
Beaver,Pennsylvania
Graduated: 1994
Student status: Alumni
Degree: High School Diploma
Clubs: Football team, sports writer for 'The Echo'.
About me: -The Royal Carribean- Cancun, Mexico
Ziveli! How yinz doin' there? I'm Mike Drakulich, and welcome to MYspace!!
In addition to what you see here, I have also created a page dedicated to covering the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, and Pitt football & basketball.
Please check it out right here: Pittsburgh SportsWorld
OK, let's get to me...
I'm 100% genuine and though my page may take awhile to load and even longer to browse through, everything on it is who I am. Take your time and stay for a bit, you might like what you see.
So, you wanna know my story? Well here it is:
I'm just your typical crazy Serb who finds humor in just about any situation and loves to live each day as if it's my last, 'cause lets face it, who knows when your card is gonna get pulled, eh?
I make friends very easily and I don't look down on anybody. That's part of growing up in Midland, Pa. We come from all over down here. Serbs, Italians, Croats, Pols, African-American, ect, and we all get along, atleast most of the time.
I hate when people look down on others. When I meet people, I don't judge you on the color of your skin nor your gender...age means nothing either, it's nothing but a number to determine when you can vote, drink, and retire. I don't care what you look like, your age, or your religion.
I hand out my friendship and trust upon meeting you, how you lose it is your business. People need to calm their asses down and learn to live with one another...nuff preachin'.
Serbians usually have close knit families and mine is no exception. Does everyone get along all the time? No, but who does? Regardless, to me, I have the best parents in the world, as well as having the best two Baba's and a grandfather that instilled courage and strength in me that I will never lose. From my cousin Mandy to my Uncle Joe, I feel that I have a family that has no rival.
I have many friends, most of which live in Midland or Pittsburgh. Basicaly, it's like a wolfpack--you mess with one of us, you mess with all of us. You guys know who you are...point is, I have strength in numbers, and I consider my friends like family.
(as you can see, my friends are a little nuts...)
Most people are lucky to have one best friend. I've been lucky enough to have a handful and that's nothing against the others, but some people transcend friendship and become family. Rod, Pitts, Emerick, Craig, Stone, "Kum" Milanovich, and Terry Dick are special people to me, and have always been there when I needed their help. True friends stick together through thick and thin. They may not be related by blood, but they are my true brothers. To me, they are family. I'm not a violent person by nature, but mess with one of my friends or family and I will make you dig your own grave in the sumas.
Pitts
Personality-wise, I'm part Sinatra, part Sidney Crosby, part Stiffler...I'm the romantic guy, I'm fiercely competetive and I'm the guy who wants to kill you if you are playing against me in sports, and I'm that crazy sumbitch at a party.
Like Captain Kirk, I don't believe in a 'no win scenario'. Like Jack Bauer, I will do whatever it takes to get the job done, even if it means breaking the rules. Like Han Solo, I can be sarcastic and brash at times, but I'm still lovable.
I have been brought up to be honest and hardworking. I am very loyal and I will not back down from anyone. If you treat me well, there isn't anything I will not do for you. Cross me or betray me and you'll see a side of me that you do not want to see. I can play the mind games as good as anybody.
There are many amazing things this world has to offer, love being one of them. Yet, there are many things that are amazing but taken for granted.
Take the sun for example. It always rises from the east and it brightens your day when it is out. But, did you ever stop and appreciate how awesome the sun is? You go 20 feet away from a bonfire and you get cold at night, yet you can feel the heat of an object that is 93 MILLION MILES AWAY!!! I could go on, but I think you get my drift on the subject of amazing things, unless you're an idiot, or a graduate of West Virgnia University! (Just kidding Mandy)
I work for the United States Postal Service as a collections driver, so if you see a big white mailtruck driving around the downtown Pittsburgh area, chances are it could be me.
It's a great job, but the majority of the people who run it are some of the lowest people on earth. I've never seen people who are so intent on being as rude and as nasty as they can be to their employees as the ones who manage this once proud institution.
I do the best that I can. I can't tell you how many times that I have worked 9+ hours without a break. I once worked for over 3 weeks with Mono in my system before the doctors figured out what it was. I've worked through ankle sprains, a 3 inch gash on my head, and a partially torn rotator cuff on my carrying arm.
Never is it appreciated by management. They will work you to death and think nothing of it. They could care less about your health. It's unfortunate that I have had a few injuries and illnesses, but it IS a physically demanding job, and accidents are going to happen. It's not like being part of a sports team where working through injury is considered tough and noble. If you do this in this job you're just a puppet and an idiot.
Postal workers are some of the toughest people you will encounter. We work through the high heat of the summer to the bitter cold of the winter. We slosh through mud, torrential downpours, lightning, wind, snowstorms, ice, dogs, cats, and every other conceivable pain-in-the-ass, including traffic, that you could imagine. All of this just to bring you your mail--or collect it in my case.
Seriously, it is the first place I've worked where they f*ck you over if you are a hard worker and get the job done on time. You are rewarded if you are a slob or someone that just snails along all day.
So, if you get the chance and you see your local mail carrier or collector, tell you appreciate the job he/she is doing. It will make their day a little easier.
My car reflects my personality...a black 2005 Mustang GT that probably pisses off most of the cops I see since I occasionally fracture a driving law or two now and then. Hey, if I wanted to drive slow, I would have bought an Cavalier. I'm not bragging either. That is my gift to myself for working my ass off for the USPS everyday.
I love weekends in Pittsburgh and I've been to lots of cool bars and clubs all over the city, but my favorite place is Mario's South Side Saloon. That's where you'll usually find me on saturday nights or watching the Pens, Steelers, and Pitt. Beware when the wrecking crew is in the house leaving drunk Pitt or Duquesne girls or bachlorette parties in it's wake!
MY LIKES: Women that AREN'T stuck-up-lying-'my shit don't stink'-me-first bitches, sports, driving fast, playing sports, positive people, people with a sense of humor, ice cold beer, screwdrivers (with Grey Goose), Slivo (Serbian plum brandy and believe me, you'll know if you had a shot of it), parties, living life to the fullest and ofcourse, my Pittsburgh sports teams, the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, and Pitt!
MY DIS-LIKES: Assholes, bullies, bigots, racists, ignorant people, stupid drivers, jealous people, people who think they are above you, people who are dirty by choice, people who try to shove their values down your throat, people who take advantage of the less fortunate, terrorists, being ignored, ANY team playing one of my teams--but especially the Baltimore Ravens, the Cleveland Browns, the Cincitucky Bungals (if Oz needed a prison team, they'd be perfect), the Philthadelphia Flyers, the New York Rangers, the Toronto Maple Leaf fanbase, Don Cherry, West Virginia Mountaineer fans (except for Snow and my cousin Mandy), Penn State (P-E-N-N-S-T- SUCKS!), and the North Carolina Tar Heels.
I have to say, it is such a privelidge to be part of this city and it's sports teams. I wear my Black & Gold everywhere I travel, and it is awesome visiting places like Cancun and proudly answering when asked where I'm from with, "The City of Champions, Pittsburgh, Pa!".
Yes, if you recognize the first word in my about me section, you know that I am Serbian Orthodox, and therefore, an avid partier! 'Ziveli Serbia!' No one does it like the Serbs, baby, from Serb 3-Day to the SNF Tourney, to the most incredible Christmas, Easter, and wedding celebrations you can ever witness.
***A must video for Serbs above...trust me!***
Yep, I'm the guy your momma warned you about, but she was just mad I never talked to her! I'm very easy to know and the guy that everyone knows at a party by the end of the night...in a good way! 10 minutes with me and you'll feel like you've known me for a year...and chances are, we'll be doing a shot, 'cause I'm nice like that!
Oh, one more thing, I'm not really 100 obviously, not for a looooong time anyway...to me, age is just a number...am I 21? 25? 31? 75? Who cares? You are only as old as you want to be...that's the secret to keeping your looks. If you wanna be old, believe me, you'll become it! So how old am I? Ask and maybe i'll tell!
Pittsburgh Steelers: Six Time Super Bowl Champions
Who I'd like to meet: You! I have friends all over the world. You wanna add me? Cool, I turn no one away!! Comment me and I promise to comment you back.
Now, relationship-wise, I've never desired to have the 'supermodel' girl. There are certain things that I think are important in a woman, and looks, though they're important, aren't everything! The girl for me has a great personality, smiles alot, likes to laugh, isn't a me-first bitch, and dark hair is a plus, but not a necessity. She is loving, caring, kind of heart, likes sports a little bit, or atleast doesn't mind my love of it, and melts my heart everytime I look in her eyes.
I've never been afraid to fall in love like some people are. I see something I like and I go for it. You can't complete a pass if you don't throw the damned ball. As much as a man's man I can be, I'm not afraid to treat a woman like a princess, not afraid to hold your hand in public or stay at home on the weekends and watch movies on the couch curled up together amongst the pillows.
My personal kryptonite was being alone...and I desire to have everyone like me...I am distracted when I feel rejected or not respected...I was watching Saving Private Ryan and when I saw the scene with all those crosses at the National Cemetery I found it very hard not to choke up a bit, amazed that the people back then thought that WWII was the war to end all wars, yet, here we are today, with war and death all over the world...it made me realize that when you find something good, hold onto it, cause you may never get a better chance. I have met people over the past few years that have devastated my outlook on life and relationships...i have grown weary of the mindgames and such bitter people that roam this earth...I started to wonder if I'd ever find someone that would steal my heart, wondering if i was ever good enough or cursed...
...and then I met this wonderful girl who just came out of nowhere and has knocked me for a loop. At first, I have to admit I was hesitant, 'cause for once, I was the more passive one, and she the aggressor, which both excited me, and scared the hell out of me, 'cause I've always played the part of the hunter!! I sometimes shake when I am with her and when my arms are wrapped around her, I find myself almost helpless to move. Her name is Laurie and she has my heart.
Honestly, I really never knew what true love was till I met her, and that's why I asked her to marry me and why I smile everytime I think about waking up in her arms every morning.
She may say she is nothing fancy, but she is special to me. She is a typical southern raised sweetheart. She loves NASCAR and Ryan Newman, and even has me watching the races now. I have liked Jeff Gordon since he won me a case of beer when he won the Brickyard 400 in 1994, so I have a driver to call my own, plus, I like the fact that everyone hates him. I like the me against the world scenario.
She likes country music, but that is one area where she ain't converting me, cause there is a better chance of the sun rising from the west than me having a cowboy hat on, with a belt buckle the size of a license plate listening to Travis Tritt or some other guy singing about hounddogs and moonshine. The Dukes of Hazzard is as country as I get!
She sometimes believes that I focus everything on sports, but she needs to understand that she IS the love of my life, and that sports are a part of my life, but not as much as she is. Sports are my escape and always have been my retreat from the hurt many people have incurred upon me. It's something I've always been good at, and I've not been that good at anything else.
So after all the heartbreak endured for so many years by so many rat bastard bitches that I went out with...was it worth the wait for Laurie?
Without a doubt.
Laurie
Now, understand, that there is only one woman in the world for me, and that is my Laurie, but I am a man, and most men love beer, sports, and lovely women. Yep, that describes me to a T. Some guys salivate over the women in Playboy, with good cause--I mean, let's face it, those women are pretty freakin hot. Honestly, though, most of those women are doctored up. I love women who are naturally sexy, and that is what I see in Laurie. As I stated above, sexy isn't just all looks either. Beauty is completed when a woman's heart is true and is someone who enjoys life. You don't always have to be dressy to be classy looking. Oh, and if you need a chizzle to hack the make-up off your face at night, that ain't cuttin' it either! Just be yourself and that's good enough for me. Some of my favorite actresses and Maxim Girls who define sex appeal are below...
Rachel McAdams
Keira Knightley
Mila Jovovich
Alessandra Ambrosio
Jolene Blalock
Adriana Lima
Amy Smart
Michelle Stafford. Partied with her in Toronto!
***
There are women, then there are Serbian Women...
*
And there are hot country singers, and then there is...
Taylor Swift
i reactivated the fantasy football league so u can log in now and update your info if u want or change your team name and logo, and prerank players. i also set the draft date august 30th @9pm
Yoi Drak...it took me forever to find where to leave you a comment! Someday when I have time I'm gonna read all that stuff on your page..lol! Just wanted to say it was nice to see you while I was home..and thanks for the beer! Hope to see ya again soon! Take Care of you..oh..and CONGRATS ON THE BABY!!!!!
just wanted to tell everyone that I am so grateful to have each of you in my life. I pray you all have a day filled with grace. It was difficult for me to decide who I thought would DO this because many people claim to pray, but not everyone does. I hope I chose the right twelve. Please send this back to me (You'll see why). May everyone who received this message be blessed. There are 12 months/ 12 disciples/ 12 tribes of Israel / Jesus' birth celebrated in the 12th month. There is nothing attached. Just send this to twelve others. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost, just a lot of reward. Make sure you pray, and pray believing God will answer. May today be all you need it to be. May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight, and conquer all your fears. May God manifest himself today in ways you have never experienced. May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer, and your prayers be answered. I pray that faith enters a new height for you; I pray that your territory is enlarged. I pray for peace, healing, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, true and undying love for God. Now send this to 12 people within 5 minutes and remember to send this back.... I count as 12, you'll see why
Just stopping by to say happy birthday. Yoi! Your page is very busy..it took me forever to find how to leave a comment and for all your images and stuff to load!! Hope you have a great birthday and VOTE MCCAIN!!!!
Super Bowl Champions: 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 2005, & 2008
Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Maz's 1960 World Series winning Home Run
World Series Champions: 1909, 1925, 1960, 1971, & 1979
PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates
Freddy Sanchez
"It's a great day for hockey!" --Badger Bob Johnson
Stanley Cup Champions: 1991, 1992, & 2008
Mellon Arena, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins
The Second Coming
PITT FOOTBALL:
9 Time National Champions: 1915, 1916, 1918, 1929, 1931, 1934, 1936, 1937, & 1976
The Petersen Events Center, home of Pitt Basketball
Pitt's Sam Young with a nasty dunk on the hillbillies!
National Champions: 1991, 1992, & 2001
Peja had been switching teams like Pamela Anderson switches her men. I was a 76ers fan growing up watching Dr J. and then Charles Barkley. When Barkley went to Phoenix, I became a Suns fan. Then Sir Charles went to the Rockets and I had to root for them. When Barkley retired, I started following Peja and the Sacramento Kings, especially when they were battling the Lakers.
In 2006, Peja was traded to Indiana, but left as a free agent to join the New Orleans Hornets. In his first year with the Hornets, Peja's back was injured and he was out the entire season.
In 2009, Peja and the Hornets should return to being one of the better teams in the NBA, led by MVP canidate Chris Paul. Peja has remained healthy and has once again become one of the more lethal shooters in the league.
Jeff Gordon. Gordon won me a case of beer way back when I was 18 and he won the Brickyard 400 and I picked him to do so over Dale Earnhardt, so I like Gordon. Plus everyone seems to hate him and I kinda like the me-against-the-world syndrome. Truth is, most of those dumb hillbillies are just jealous of Gordon cause he ain't from the south and now just passed the Intimidator's total lifetime victories. Maybe they should just appreciate the fact that he is pretty good and give him the respect he deserves. I hated Michael Jordan growing up, but I always respected him and felt privileged to watch him play. Fact is, you never know what you have till it's gone. I wish I could watch MJ play just one more game. Give Gordon his due.
I am also into the sports media and have written for the Pittsburgh Sports Report and have been honored by ESPN on a winning sports essay back in 2001. Be sure to check my sports page here on Myspace under Pittsburgh SportsWorld!
The Balkan Strings & Sloboda
Kossovo Tamburitzans & Dunav
Sinatra
Tupac
I'm culturally diverse, so basically, I listen to everything--'cept country--no offense.
Here's what's in my CD case:
"Jagshemash!"
"Say 'ello to my little friend!"
"Go ahead...make my day!"
"Here's Johnny!"
"Take some shooting lessons asshole!"
From- A FISH CALLED WANDA:
Otto: "You pompous, stuck-up, snot-nosed, English, giant, twerp, scumbag, fuck-face, dickhead, asshole!!"
Archie: "How very interesting. You're a true vulgarian, aren't you?"
Otto: "You're the vulgarian, you fuck!"
From- MAN ON FIRE:
John Crease: "Well my friend, it's off to the next life for you. Don't worry though. You won't be lonely."
From- A BRONX TALE:
Sonny: "Now yous can't leave"
From- ANCHORMAN:
Ron Burgundy: "I'm gonna punch you right in the ovaries!"
*
Ron Burgundy: "You have a whorish mouth on you!"
From- PCU:
'Droz': "Wait, you're gonna wear the shirt of the band, to the concert? Don't be that guy" --
From- GOODFELLAS:
Tuddy Cicero to the mailman: "If one more letter from that school goes to that kid's house, it's in the fuckin' oven you're goin'--head first!!"
From- OLD SCHOOL:
Frank 'The Tank': "You tell ANYONE about this and I'll fucking kill you! Just kidding honey, we'll have him home by dinner..."
*
Frank 'The Tank': "BLUE!! YOU MY BOY!!"
From- PULP FICTION:
Jules: "The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he, who in the name of charity and goodwill, shepperds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great venghence and furious anger--those who oppose and try to poison my brothers. And you will know my name is the Lord, when I lay my venghence upon thee!"
From- TRADING PLACES:
the Gorilla: "MONKEY?? I'm a gorilla you fucking clown!!"
From- HOLLYWOOD KNIGHTS
Newbaum Turk: "Hey ladies. Hear about the guy with the five penises? His pants fit like a glove!"
From- DOGMA:
Bartleby: "You know, if i could actually get some, i would!"
Loki: "Let's do the next best thing then."
Bartleby: "What's that?"
Loki: "Kill people!!"
From- THE BIG LEBOWSKI:
Jesus Santana: "Let me tell you something, pendejo. You pull any of your crazy shit with us, you flash a piece out on the lanes, I'll take it away from you, stick it up your ass and pull the fucking trigger 'til it goes click!"
From- WEDDING CRASHERS:
John Beckwith: "You look beat. Soft mattress?"
Jeremy Klein: "Soft mattress? Maybe, or it could have been the midnight rape, or the nude gay art show. I had my sock, the one that I walked around in all day, played football, sweated in, stuffed in my mouth and duct taped in! I'm going to eat my breakfast over here. Don't talk to me."
From- FIELD OF DREAMS:
John: "Is this heaven?"
Ray: "No...it's Iowa!" -- Ray Cansella answering his dad John, Field of Dreams (If there is a guy who loves both sports and his dad, there isnt a way on earth you can watch that scene without tears...)
Love all James Bond films. I'm sold on Daniel Craig to rival the great Sean Connery as the best Bond ever. No one will ever be as good as Connery, But Craig is awesome as 007.
Dr. No
From Russia With Love
Goldfinger
Thunderball
You Only Live Twice
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Diamonds Are Forever
Live and Let Die
The Man with the Golden Gun
The Spy Who Loved Me
Moonraker
For Your Eyes Only
Octopussy
A View to a Kill
The Living Daylights
Licence to Kill
GoldenEye
Tomorrow Never Dies
The World is Not Enough
Die Another Day
Casino Royale
Quantum of Solace
In addition to The Shield, Lie to Me, NCIS, Hell's Kitchen, and Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares, I also love old school shows like Sanford & Son, All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Different Strokes, Cheers, Star Trek, Airwolf, Miami Vice, MacGyver, Dukes of Hazzard, The Beverly Hillbillies, Seinfeld, and The Benny Hill Show is fuckin hilarious.
Yeah, call me simple, but I still love watching Bugs Bunny, Tom & Jerry, The Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote, and Sylvester and Tweety. Those are cartoons! Not that wussy crap they have on today.
Thunder
My parents, 'cause they have always been there for me, through thick and thin. Dad is the kind of father that expects alot from me and keeps me motivated. My mom is the best mother anyone could ever wish for. She is hard working and is the kind of person that refuses to stop until a task is completed.
They are both proud of their Serbian heritage as am I, and it is because of them I strive to be the best I can be, 'cause I am a reflection of them, and when people tell me that I'm a good guy, I know alot has to do with my own choices and heart, but much of it is because I have the best parents in the world.
My Grandfather, Matt Hapach, for showing me the meaning of heart and determination. He was the best bass player Tambura knew. He was one of the strongest men that this world knew. He served his country in World War II in the army, and was a gifted musician. He played bass fiddle for many Tamburitzan Orchestras, including Sloboda and Gus Rogan and his Balkan Strings.
He was suffered a stroke in the early 80's and survived with it's lingering effects until June 9, 2001. Though the stroke stripped away at his speech and the use of his right arm, his heart was one of the strongest in any man I have ever encountered. I miss him dearly and know he is with me when I gather around an orchestra late at night at a Serbian event.
Baba Millie always made sure you were sharp and instilled her love of being Serbian into me. She was a charter member of the Dr. Laza Kostich Choir of Midland, Pa, and had one of the best alto voices I have ever heard. She was a proud Serbian and she loved her choir and her church. She was quick witted and knew how to deliver sarcasm very well, which explains where I got that trait. She passed away on December 24, 2002, but I know that when I step into the choir loft at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, she is a step down from me in the alto section, singing alongside everyone else.
Baba Kay has always seen the good in me even when I've been bad...plus, she always has good food around to eat! When I was younger, if I wasn't at my house, I was likely down her house watching TV with my Grandfather Matt, or fooling around in the basement trying to build some silly contraption. Whenever I am having a bad day, I just go to her for a hug and my day turns around instantly. She is also the most devoted Pirates fan that I have ever met. She knows the players better than I do, which is amazing. If the Pirates owe anyone a winning season, it is her for sticking by them everyday!
Mario Lemieux. Lemieux was my favorite player growing up in any sport. He was able to show me that you can overcome any obstacle in life if you really want it bad enough. Plagued with a bad back and later diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma, Lemieux still led the Pittsburgh Penguins to two Stanley Cup victories in 1991 and 1992.
A three time MVP of both the NHL and the NHL All-Star game, Lemieux is the only player in NHL history to score five goals five different ways in one game. He scored at even strength, short handed, on a power play, on a penalty shot, and an empty net goal to seal the deal in 1988 against the New Jersey Devils. Lemieux finished his career with 690 goals and 1033 assists for 1723 points in only 915 games. If he would have remained healthy throughout his career, he likely would have broken all of Wayne Gretzky's records. LeMagnifigue is truly the greatest hockey player of all time!
Sidney Crosby: Usually, one is lucky to have the greatest player to ever play the game of hockey as his favorite player. Mario Lemieux was someone I never could imagine watching hockey without. The NHL seemed empty without #66 on the ice. The void has been filled though, by a kid named Sidney Crosby. Of all the athletes that represent Pittsburgh, Sid is the one I'd choose to be the face of this great city. He is one of the most fiercely competitive players that you will ever meet, and he is already the best player in hockey at the age of 19. The future shines as brightly as the sun for Super Sid and I can't wait to watch him lift Lord Stanley over his head many times in the future!!
The 1980 USA Men's Olympic Hockey Team
Do you believe in miracles? It was the greatest upset in sports history, unlikely to ever be repeated. For a bunch of college kids to come together and beat the vaunted hockey machine known as the USSR was as likely as Gary Coleman kicking Mike Tyson's ass in a street fight. However, it did prove that nothing is impossible and if you work hard enough and dedicate yourself to overcoming any obstacle, you will be rewarded. Herb Brooks, you were a great coach, thank you for being a part of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the hockey world will miss you!
Jack Lambert: When I started playing football at a young age, Lambert was the player I wanted to become. I wanted to rip the heart out of every quarterback I encountered and I enjoyed intimidating people. Jack Lambert was one of the most feared linebackers in NFL history. People can talk about Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher all they want, but Lambert is still one of the most fearsome LB's to ever play the game.
Carnell Lake. Carnell Lake's father was an incredible athlete from my hometown of Midland. His Uncle Rich also happened to be one of my Dad's good friends. One day when I was little and home sick from school, a young black man came into my house and started talking to me about my future and to go for my dreams. We talked for a good long while about many things.
Later that week I was in the doctors office reading a Sports Illustrated, and to my surprise, the same guy who was in my house was featured in the magazine. He was Carnell Lake, an All-American Linebacker from UCLA!! Later that year he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a SS, and went on to become one of the best Steelers to ever play in the secondary. He was also the first Steeler I interviewed as sports editor of RMC's student newspaper, The Minuteman. Carnell is one of the classiest people you would ever meet.
Andy Van Slyke: My favorite baseball player growing up, #18 was one of the best defensive center fielders in the game while playing for the Pirates. Van Slyke was an ESPN Webgem almost nightly, with his incredible range, diving catches, and superb arm. Van Slyke finished his career as a 3-time All-Star and a 5-time Gold Glove winner.
Roberto Clemente: Even though he was before my time, Clemente had qualities about him that everyone should aspire to have. Clemente died on December 31, 1972, in a plane crash destined for eathquake victims in Nicaragua. Clemente was tired of hearing reports of aid shipments being stolen or hi-jacked, and felt his personal appearence would be enough for the guerrilas to allow the supplies to reach it's intended victims. How many athletes today do you know that would do that?
A 12 time Gold Glove winner, Clemente had the strongest arm maybe in MLB history, often toying with runners by lobbing the ball into the infield underhanded, daring them to run. He finshed his career with 3000 hits, good for a lifetime .317 average and won two World Series titles with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1960 and 1971.
Willie Stargell
Charles Barkley: After Dr. J retired, Sir Charles was my favorite basketball player growing up. He may have been 6'6, but he played like he was 7'1 with his tenacious style of play and ferocious rebounding. He started his career with the 76ers before being traded to the Phoenix Suns, then finishing up his career with the Houston Rockets.
Dr J: Julius Erving was Michael Jordan before Michael Jordan. He was a human highlight reel with his incredible dunks and shots. Dr J was who I started watching at a young age. He and Barkley are the only thing about Philadelphia I admire. His last game was in the playoffs vs Milwaukee and watching him walk off the court for the final time was the first time I ever cried because of sports.
Serbia: 2002 World Basketball Champions
Darko Milicic
Nenad Krstic
Mile Ilic
Vlad Radmanovic
Vlade Divac
Marko Jaric
Aleksandar Pavlovic
Zarko Cabarkapa
Bostjan Nachbar
Sasha Vujacic
'Pistol' Pete Maravich
Pete Maravich, a native of Aliquippa, was considered the greatest college basketball player of all time, averaged 44.2 points per game, WITHOUT the benefit of the 3-point line in his 4 year career at LSU. Maravich went on to average 24.2 points a game, good for 15th all-time, playing for the Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Jazz, and Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics.
Pistol Pete was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987 and named one of the 50 greatest basketball players of all time. Maravich died way too young of a heart attack playing a pick-up basketball game at the age of 40.
Pistol Pete Ultimate Highlights!!
Novak Djokovic
Jelena Jankovic
Ana Ivanovic
General Draza Mihailovic.
Serbian General who in WWII saved countless American fighter pilots who were shot down by German guns. His Chetniks stood tall to the Nazi's and the Ustashe to maintain Serbian freedom and pride. He was also given the Legion of Merit medal, the highest medal of honor by the United States by a non-citizen for his heroics.
The Legion of Merit in the degree of Chief Commander was bestowed upon the late General Dragoljub Draza Mihailovich of Yugoslavia by President Harry S. Truman in 1948, two years after General Mihailovich was executed by the Yugoslav communists. It was awarded to General Mihailovich posthumously in acknowledgment of and appreciation for:
“organizing and leading important resistance forces against the enemy which occupied Yugoslavia, from December 1941 to December 1944. Through the undaunted efforts of his troops, many United States airmen were rescued and returned safely to friendly control. General Mihailovich and his forces, although lacking adequate supplies, and fighting under extreme hardships, contributed materially to the Allied cause, and were instrumental in obtaining a final Allied victory."
Nikola Tesla.
If you thought Thomas Edison was the father of electric, guess again. Serbian born Nikola Tesla has been credited as having 3 out the 10 greatest inventions in modern history. Ever needed an MRI? Thank Tesla. Using a remote? Thank Tesla. Listening to the radio? Tesla again...and yes, that means Marconi stole Tesla's idea to send the first radio waves across the English Channel. It was Tesla who invented AC (Alternate Current) and it was he who was responsible for the first hydroelectric plant that was built in Niagra Falls. Many of Tesla's ideas are what lead to computers and robotics. It was an urban legend as well, that he also invented a 'death ray' laser that could be shot from space to destroy anything that was specifically targeted. When he died, the United States government, or should I say, J. Edgar Hoover, cleaned out his apartment...who knows what weapons or electrical marvels the US has been developing since they stole all of Tesla's work!
For the entire story on maybe the most brilliant mind this earth has ever known, go to:
Dusan Popov
As you may have noticed, I love James Bond films. But, have you ever wondered where 007 creator Ian Flemming got his inspiration to create James Bond? Back in WWII, Flemming was a military intellegence officer who became friends with Dusan Popov...and who was Dusan Popov? Read on:
Ian Fleming worked in British naval intelligence during World War II and was detailed to trail the charismatic spy, who was eventually recruited to work as a double agent for the British. Popov was a young, wealthy Serbian businessman, who managed to continue a playboy existence while carrying out perilous wartime missions for the United Kingdom.
Signed up as a spy by anti-Hitler Abwehr agents early in the war, Popov, according to their plan, immediately offered his services to the United Kingdom. He was accepted as a double agent (codenamed Tricycle) and came to live in London. His international business activities provided cover for visits to neutral Portugal, which was linked to the United Kingdom by a weekly civil air service for most of the war. There Popov fed enough MI5-approved information to the Germans to keep them happy, and was well paid for his services. The assignments they gave him were of great value to the British in assessing enemy plans and thinking.
**In 1941 Popov was dispatched to the United States by the Abwehr, apparently to gather information, but secretly to transmit to the Americans the fact that the Japanese were planning to attack Pearl Harbor.[citation needed] He made contact with the FBI and explained what he had been asked to do. For whatever reason, the FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover took no action. Hoover disliked him and, according to author William ("Mole") Wood, found out that Popov had taken a woman from New York to Florida and threatened to have him arrested under the Mann Act if he did not leave the country immediately.**
In 1944 Popov became a key part of the Operation Fortitude deception campaign. However his usefulness was compromised when his German intelligence handler (who was also a double agent and knew of Popov's control by the British) was arrested. Fearing that he was betrayed, Popov was no longer given critical information to pass along. However after time passed and no indication of any distrust of Popov was discernable he was brought back into use.
Popov was a noted ladies' man - while in the US he lived an extravagant lifestyle and dated a well-known actress, Simone Simon. (It is even alleged his name "Tricycle" originated from his penchant for menages à trois. In truth, his earlier codename Scout was changed to Tricycle when he appointed two sub agents ("Balloon" and "Gelatine"), thus acting as the three wheels of a tricycle.) Popov was a worthy predecessor to the fictional spy James Bond. He stayed at the best hotels, ate at top restaurants, visited smart casinos, and was a bon vivant.
Popov died in 1981 aged 69, leaving behind a widow and three sons.
Dusko Popov published his memoirs "Spy, Counterspy" in 1974.
Tiger
Midland Leopards
Norm Van Lier. Member of the 1965 Midland High School State Championship team undefeated at 28-0.
Midland, which was known as the 'Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania' won State Basketball Championships in 1965, 1971, 1973, 1974, and 1976.
Tubby
However, Midland's most incredible athlete ever may be one of the all-time unknown secrets of Pennsylvania sports history. His name was Dave Alston. The following is taken from "mhsrodis.com":
Dave Sturgeon Alston '41: 1976 Inductee Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame. 2005 Inductee Midland Sports Hall of Fame.
He was the kind of athlete that comes around only once in a lifetime. He was the kind of person you'd want to have as a teammate, classmate, neighbor, a friend, and a brother. He was bigger than life, faster than a deer, talented beyond belief, and a credit to his family, his school, and his hometown.
Dave Alston was indeed unique. He quarterbacked Midland's Junior High team, but was so gifted that he was elevated to the varsity in his freshman year. While at Midland High School, he earned a record 12 varsity monograms: 4 each in football, basketball, and baseball between 1937 and 1941. He was All-County three straight years. He was the Valedictorian of his graduating class and was an accomplished singer and pianist. Dave dreamed of becoming a doctor, so he took his athletic talents to Penn State in exchange for an athletic scholarship.
Head Coach Bob Higgins called him, and I quote, "the greatest football prospect I ever coached and the first player I have seen who had all the qualities that made Jim Thorpe an all-time great".
Dave led the Penn State freshman football team to five straight wins in their first undefeated season in a quarter century. He scored eight of the team's 12 touchdowns and sportswriters across the country started taking notice. In the spring, Esquire magazine rated Dave among the "Top Ten Sophomores" in the nation. His work in the classroom at Penn State equaled his performance on the football field.
But Dave was having problems with constant sore throats and tonsillitis. He was going to come home to have his tonsils removed, but doctors in State College decided to have the operation performed locally. The procedure, done in Bellefonte, appeared at first to be successful. However, a few hours later, something went drastically wrong. A blood clot formed cutting off the air to his lungs, and Dave Alston was dead. The question remains; how could such as strong and strapping young man of 20, who walked into the hospital in such good health, have succumbed to a tonsillectomy? In the rarest of rarities, Midland's great star was gone.
Dave, son of Reverend Sandy J. Alston of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church here, was more than a wonderful athlete. Throughout his junior and senior high school course, for six years, he was on the honor roll. He was president and valedictorian of his senior class.
Tragically, Dave died following a tonsillectomy performed in August of 1941. Picking his 1942 All-American team, expert Francis Wallace called Dave, in a Saturday Evening Post article, (September 19, 1942), his "sophomore of the year in memoriam." Our town understood best when Mr. Wallace commented, "It does seem that Dave Sturgeon Alston was too good for this world."
Dave Alston became the first member of the Midland Sports Hall of Fame.
Dave Alston, #21. Midland High School Varsity Football 1940.
It goes without saying that the men and women of the United States Military are true heroes. May God protect you and bring you all home safe. Thank you for your service to this great country!
Last, but never least, to the memories of all those who served and gave their lives in WWI, WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Middle East...your sacrifices for your country will never be forgotten, and because of you, we live in the greatest country in the world. Hopefully one day we will find a way to live in peace instead of starting wars over the most petty of differences.
"But dad, he bites!"
"Bite him back, Russ"
-The Royal Carribean- Cancun, Mexico
(as you can see, my friends are a little nuts...)
Pitts
Pittsburgh Steelers: Six Time Super Bowl Champions
Laurie
Rachel McAdams
Keira Knightley
Mila Jovovich
Alessandra Ambrosio
Jolene Blalock
Adriana Lima
Amy Smart
Michelle Stafford. Partied with her in Toronto!
***
There are women, then there are Serbian Women...
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And there are hot country singers, and then there is...
Taylor Swift
