Monday, August 29, 2016
Sunday, August 28, 2016
The 2016 GREATEST Flood in Baton Rouge. Photos are provided by Eric Singleton.
Click on link for Baton Rouge 2016 Flood Pictures
https://singbyrde.smugmug.com/Weather/Baton-Rouge-Flood-2016/
https://singbyrde.smugmug.com/Weather/Baton-Rouge-Flood-2016/
Friday, August 26, 2016
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Exclusive from the NFL New Orleans SAINTS: New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees 8/24/16 2016 Training Camp Presented By Verizon
New Orleans Saints
Quarterback Drew Brees addresses the FANS for MEDIA Day
Training Camp
Presented By Verizon Post-Practice Media Availability
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
I see Sean Payton uses this phrase a lot, the receivers need to paint the right picture for you. What does that mean?
“So much of the passing game’s trust, timing, and participation and that all leads to accuracy and the ability to throw catch, move the chains, score points. So I think when Coach is saying that and I will use that too. When I drop back to pass, I have this vision according to the coverage on where everybody’s supposed to be. In many cases, as a quarterback you have to throw the ball with trust and anticipation to spots based upon coverage and what it looks like and anticipate the guys are going to be there. That is where all the timing and the practice comes into play and when we are on the same page, man it looks awesome. Listen as we go through the phrase, the process of kind of learning what to do, what are the adjustments, what certain looks. That is part of the process. That’s still the phase that we are in right now. We are still coming together and fine tuning some of that stuff, but that’s my vision when I hear paint the picture for the quarterbacks. Your body language is telling me exactly what you are doing and I can feel it and trust to throw the ball accordingly.”
More important in this offense than other offenses?
“Yes, because I’d say our passing game is an extension of the run game. For example, when I throw a short pass maybe on the perimeter to C.J. Spiller, Mark Ingram or one of these receivers, (I) Might as well have just handed it off on a toss sweep or something like that. So the idea is that, if we get four yards with that pass play that was the purpose. It was an extension of the run game, and we will be happy with a four yard run just like we will be pleased with a four yard pass on first down. That’s what we mean by that.”
Speaking about participation, you had a play out there with Michael Thomas, way before he was in his cut, you released the ball. Where is the trust factor between you and him right now going into the season?
“It’s coming along, it’s night and day prior to going back to OTA’s. Our time at training camp we have been able to grow and leap some bounds in regards to his understanding in our offense and where to be and when to be there and when the ball is going to come/ when to get your head around. All those types of things. I think we see him progressing in a great way.”
What are you guys looking to get out of this preseason game, especially offensively.
“Typically your third game is your final dress rehearsal as a starting unit going into the season since a lot of us don’t play much during the final game. We want to look sharp, we have not game planned at all for New England or Houston. You practice against them a bit but then you are calling a lot of the same stuff that you are continuing to install and not so much based upon what they are doing to you. The third game is a time where, okay you are watching more film, you are able to fine tune a little more of what you are doing based upon how they are going to defend you. Again this is kind of like, hey we prepare in a very short amount of time to play this game as if it were a regular season game.”
Is it fair to say that, Michael Thomas has said he has gotten advice from Keyshawn Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins, Chris Carter, Michael Irvin. Is it fair to say that he is fairly savvy for a guy his age?
“I think he’s further along probably for a few reasons; number one he comes from that lineage. Number two he played at Ohio State. Urban Meyer, a head coach who makes things extremely competitive for his players at all times. Playing a lot of big games, they asked him to go in and make a lot of big catches in big situations. He is used to that type of atmosphere, which is good because you get under the stage at the NFL and he knows what this feels like.”
Are there things you do to set your guys up for success after the catch?
“I know for me as a quarterback, I know if a guy’s getting separation and I’m able to hit I am in stride as he is getting separation. That is an opportunity for big plays after the catch.”
How has the message and the mentality changed coming off back to back 7-9 seasons with the team?
“There is a great sense of urgency. I mean that’s unacceptable for those have been here for a while and are used to being a perennial player and a playoff team. At the same time we understand there is a process to acquiring the right guys here. Toughness, character, great leadership. Guys that are willing to sacrifice for the team. Guys that are here for the right reasons, I feel like the acquisitions we have made, especially this year in free agency and the draft. I think a lot of those guys would play a key role this year.”
Your offensive line takes a little criticism, is that just more of a time task issue?
“No, you can’t. No don’t mess with those guys, those guys are doing great. Those guys are grinding. We played a great pass rushing team last week. So they are going to get to you one way or another, no matter who they are playing. From a game plan perspective, everything we were doing is very simple. There is a lot that goes into protection, it’s not just the five guys up front. It’s the tight ends, it’s the running backs, it’s the quarterback getting the ball out on time and where it’s supposed to go. They are going to get to you from time to time. You just have to avoid something bad from happening.”
So you’re saying some of the nuances that go into avoiding some of the new match ups. Blocking in the regular season weren’t really happening in the last game?
“Well that’s part of it. I listed a lot of things that go into protection. There are a lot of guys that play a role in that. We had break downs in a lot of different places. There are times when you just get beat and its really good players and we got into some third and long situations where we are required to hold the ball for a long period of time and guys get pin the urge back and rush. No offensive line wants to be in that position. So put it this way, I’m not worried about our guys.”
With your self-imposed deadline of the start of the season kind of inching closer. Is there any talk of a new deal?
“I’ll just say there is nothing to report right now. Focus on football and we will see where it leads prior to the season.”
Drew, we all know how athletic Terron Armstead is but is there any play that sticks out as an example of his athleticism?
“His forty time is pretty cool. If you just want to look at that. There are plenty of times you see him on film and say wow that was really athletic for a 300-pound guy. Whether it was his ability to keep balance on something or pulling across the corner on a toss crack play or running down on a screen. He can do some pretty athletic stuff.”
KINGI KNOX hosts The GREATEST Fan with
SBN Pro PLAYER SPOTLIGHT on AURN
The GREATEST Fan connects the coolest FANS to the hottest celebrities
www.thegreatestfan.com
Exclusive from the NFL New Orleans SAINTS: New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton 8/24/16 2016 Training Camp Presented By Verizon
New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton addresses the FANS for MEDIA Day
Training Camp
Presented By Verizon Post-Practice Media Availability
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
TRAINING Camp kicked off with Opening statement:
“We kind of split (between) Pittsburgh emphasis in four of the periods and then some competition in the others.”
Why did you take the two fans out of the crowd?
“It was kind of spontaneous. We knew we were going to have a little kicker competition and we just decided we were going to include two (fans) and (they) called the coin toss. We didn’t make the loser do up downs. I was just sitting out here in the heat and wanted to get them involved.”
Just a random act?
“Absolutely, five minutes before I was looking around thinking, alright we are going to have two people as guest captains. They did a good job.”
How is the kicker competition going? Is anyone winning enough?
“You’re asking the question, which means it probably is close right now. You know what I mean. We have to continue in the next two weeks, next two games to continue to try and put them in situations where something jumps out. Both of them are handling it well. Hopefully, we receive more opportunities in this game. Whether it be the field goals, PATs, but we are going to be looking at that position at kickoff more, rather than have Thomas (Morstead) do that.”
Stephone (Anthony) was adjusting to a new position, now that he is back what have you seen from him?
“There are a handful of guys that came back into practice mode after Houston. He is one of them and he is moving around good and I’m encouraged with his rehab and I think he’s been solid. I think there is still, obviously, some things he is working on, but it’s good to have him back out here.
What are you wanting to see against Pittsburgh?
“I want to see our first offense do better. I want to see us play better in the front (offensive line). I want to see us run the ball better. The third down numbers have been solid, but I’d say that’s important. There are a handful of position battles. It is still selecting that right group for the 53 and I’d say there are a number of spots, much like what we just said with the kickers. Where in deciding a player, how is he going to help us in the kicking game and how many snaps do we envision him getting, will he be active week one? (Getting to) 53 then all of a sudden, inactive is your group, with this player what’s the vision. Whether it’s in the backend defensively or defensive front, some of those offensive line position or running back positions. There are a handful of spots that you’re hoping that in the third preseason game you can see some guys step up.”
Kenny (Vaccaro) seems to be getting his hands on the ball more, what do you think of his camp?
“He is having a good camp. (Kenny) Vaccaro has been active. He’s been that way in the games as well. He’s picked things up with what we are doing, (as far as) some of the changes and I think he is in really good shape. I think what you’re seeing, we are seeing.”
Who would make the best Olympian on the team, Kenny Vaccaro maybe?
“He would be a candidate. I don’t know what the event is, but he would be a candidate. Can’t discount a guy like (C.J.) Spiller, just with his speed. Thinking of the events here. Terron (Armstead) I just don’t know the event for him. (Brandin) Cooks looked like the Olympian today with his tights. He looked most like an Olympian. Powerlifting, there would be a few candidates there. After watching, what little we could watch, you really appreciate how good a handful of those athletes are. I mean it’s unbelievable to watch.”
What are some of the things that receivers can do to get better after the catch?
“First thing, it sounds as simple as (this). They have to learn how to stay out of the air when catching the ball. If you ever watch receivers, at times they will take this small jump to catch a football. When that happens there is a second where they are not moving and everyone else is. Stronger hands and the ability to pluck a ball in front of you with your feet on the ground can help dramatically. If you took the top 5 receivers in our league that have the best YAC (yards after catch) numbers, you are going to look at guys that catch the ball out in front of them with their feet on the ground and they are not in the air to catch it. That is one thing that jumps to mind. How they catch it and their feet on the ground.”
Is there any vision element to improve YAC?
“Some of that is instincts and ball security, but the real good run after catch guys while they are running and they don’t have that pause to secure it. They actually catch it in stride and obviously the throw matters, but they are confident in their hands away from their body.”
How much of a learning curve is there for a guy like David Onyemata?
“I think quite a bit and I think going in we knew there was a limited amount of playing time, but there were a handful of things that he was able to do that we just saw (that made us say) wow. Even the East and West (game) exposure and how he played in that game, because that was the first time he was getting lined up across from a better player than maybe he would have been (up against) in Canada. He is smart and there is a learning curve that is a little steeper, but I fully expect him to continue in the direction he is going. He is very athletic, he can move his body and get on an edge and is pretty strong. I think we just have to keep working the fundamentals, pad level and him getting familiar with the amount of what we are doing. Also, us looking at a role specific early on so that it’s not all encompassing.”
Is it fair to say that he has so far exceeded your expectations in what you have seen so far?
“I don’t know that I would use that but he is what we were hoping to draft. The early impressions of this draft have been real positive. Start with Sheldon Rankins and go all the way to (Daniel) Lasco. You guys are watching him. He made a kick coverage tackle each week, which is what we saw (on tape). He is tough, he can run (and) he is explosive. All of these guys have done some things that have really been encouraging. That is a good thing.”
How much do you actually game plan for the third preseason game?
“I would say more in this game than any of the other three. We have been on Pittsburgh already film-wise (and) scouting report-wise. Now the unique thing when you practice with someone is you get an exposure that you can’t replicate. So today, we’re doing Pittsburgh periods like last week we were working with Houston, and then the week before, we were working with New England. That is the exception. But from a film study, a handout, a game plan book and a personnel report, more this week, trying to put everyone in that mindset as to how it will be when we get going here and start playing against Oakland.”
Can you teach receivers to be tough over the middle? Is it something they either have or don’t?
“Well, they come with that being a strength or a weakness. I feel like you can improve that. It still gets back to strength of hands, confidence in hands and their ability to catch it in stride with their feet on the ground. Obviously, if there is confidence in their hands, then they are better prepared to catch the ball and get in a football position. The courage element that I think you are referencing to, I think some of that comes with confidence.”
What do you want to see from Drew (Brees) on Friday?
“Typically, in that position, there are a lot of things that have to function well for him to function well. One of the challenges of evaluating the quarterback during preseason is sometimes you’re trying to receive a good evaluation. In the second half, maybe there’s a guy that’s struggling in protection, and yet you receive an incomplete evaluation. I think we’re expecting to play guys a good half. I see our first group on both sides of the ball playing this first half. How many snaps we receive at that point, we’ll make some decisions on. Just that overall efficient operation. His tempo that he’s used to others have to quickly get up-to-speed with, and moving the ball and scoring. Those are the important things. I know that he is looking forward to this game and for good reason.”
How do you think (Drew Brees) has handled new faces on this offense?
“I think good. Here he is right now and there are a handful of young guys that are on a race to get on the same page. That is not different any year. As you have newer receivers, newer tight ends or guys that maybe haven’t had the experience with some of the subtleties of the coverages or what we are seeing. I think the key is that those players need to paint the right picture for the quarterback. They need to be where they are supposed to be, their timing – all of that.”
As you guys start looking at roster cuts, how do you weigh potential versus proven veteran players?
“A lot of it is, (with) the proven player, where is he at today. Then, the (player with) potential, where is he at today. At some point, you have to see it on film from either group. The young player needs to demonstrate this is what he can do and he’s showing you he can do it. The veteran player, now it may not happen every day in practice, but he still needs to demonstrate that he still has it. I think we look at that closely.”
Can a younger player make a couple of egregious mistakes that outweigh everything else on the field?
“I think you have to be smart (and) really have to look at the body of work. A guy like (Marcus) Murphy for instance, I think he is a good punt returner. Now he had a fumble and he is as disappointed as anyone. I expect him to bounce back this week and play well. He played well the week before. You look at each of those situations and you really want to be smart in your decision.”
Have you identified that blocking receiver that can be used in the jumbo sets?
“I think we have a few guys that I know. (Willie) Snead is a guy that is physical. I think Michael Thomas is physical. I think that Brandon Coleman is a guy. If you’re just looking at size. (Brandin) Cooks is a willing blocker. The trick is what is the scheme and who is he blocking. I think we should be fine in that area. I think we should be physical in that area. If we’re going to run the ball well, generally, somebody is blocking the perimeter well.”
With you guys breaking after this game, what did you think about everything that went on over the past month?
“Good. We’re healthier maybe than we have been in a while. I said last night in the meeting that it seems as if this year, there are less hamstrings than I can ever remember. There have been some camps where it kept guys from practicing. We got a couple of guys back after Houston. That is one impression. We weren’t rained out at all, whether it was on the road against one of those teams or up in West Virginia. We have had some good heat here and yet guys have worked through it. Overall good, real good.”
KINGI KNOX hosts The GREATEST Fan with
SBN Pro PLAYER SPOTLIGHT on AURN
The GREATEST Fan connects the coolest FANS to the hottest celebrities
www.thegreatestfan.com
Thursday, August 11, 2016
"Olympic Pride, American Prejudice;" Narrated by Blair Underwood
They were world heroes yet returned home to a short-lived glory. This story is complicated. This story is triumphant but unheralded. This story is a vital part of history and is as relevant today as it was almost 80 years ago.
Since the 1936 Olympics was a well-documented event, this film will utilize the wealth of newsreel material, newspaper articles, photographs, personal interviews and never-before-seen footage as well as resources from the personal archival collections of Olympians and organizations in both the U.S. and Germany.The film is produced by Coffee Bluff Pictures (www.coffeebluffpictures.com).
Kevin Hart credits LOVE and Oprah to his success of being the GREATEST Comedian in the Nation. Kevin Hart will be getting married on Monday, August 15th.
Enjoy KEVIN HART cover story in Entertainment Weekly http://www.ew.com/article/2016/08/04/kevin-hart-happy-issue
The GREATEST Fan connects the coolest FANS to the hottest celebrities
www.thegreatestfan.com
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Rio 2016 Olympics - Team USA and Michael Phelps takes team GOLD in Relay Swimming
Michael Phelps glided his team to VICTORY as the Olympian won another victory in Rio 2016, Michael was positioned as the 2nd swimmer. Michael Phelps said, "I am bringing to American soil". Michael Phelps is an American Gold medalist, who won 19 Olympic Gold Medals.
Rio 2016 Olympics - Team USA and Simone Biles takes team GOLD in Gymnastics
Simone Biles lead TEAM USA to victory, which includes team mates Aly Raisman and Gabrielle Douglas, who became the first US women to win three Olympic Gold medals. Madison Kocian and Lauren Hernandez joined Biles in taking home a gold from their first Olympics. Its the third time the US has taken the title, with the "Fierce Five" adding to triumphs in 1996 and 2012.
The Americans final score was 184.897 points giving them a huge winning margin over Russia on 176.688.
Special THANKS to Tom McGowan, CNN
Special THANKS to John Sawatsky for allowing me to train with ESPN's Rio 2016 Olympics Reporters Mauricio Pedroza, Felix Sanchez, and Bernardo Osuna, along with William Diepenbrock in ESPN Los Angeles studios on how to conduct GREAT interviews.
Monday, August 8, 2016
Kevin Hart WHAT NOW? has FANS buzzing with laughs, admiration, and TRUE LOVE
Kevin Hart WHAT NOW? has FANS buzzing with laughs, admiration, and TRUE LOVE.
Kevin Hart WHAT NOW TOUR was off the CHAIN
I met and shook Kevin Hart hand as I bowed down to greet him and tell him he did a GREAT job as exited the stage for the WHAT NOW? Tour in Biloxi. Kevin Hart FANS please know that he is very humble. He walked in speaking to everyone as he encouraged everyone to enjoy the food in the GREEN ROOM. His entire crew are HANDSOME men with their own style of GQ....
Joey Wells and I shared laughs as he told me how SECURITY WAS ON THEIR JOB when they made JAMIE FOXX put away his phone backstage for Kevin Hart WHAT NOW? Concert in Atlanta. I added I didn't touch my phone for the entire 2 hours during the show. I was not having SECURITY kick me out.
Comedian Spank was gracious when I gave him a high five for a GREAT show. Nate Smith did GREAT job as the TOUR MANAGER for Kevin Hart's WHAT NOW? Tour. Nate made sure each lighting design executed to perfection to closing the gate with collecting that money. Biloxi had 67,000 FANS in attendance.
Joey Wells was awesome as the host. Joey WARNED FANS about the consequences of using your phone during a KEVIN HART concert.
Comedian Spank was hilarious with making that determination of deciding which name to PUT as your EMERGENCY contact.
Naiam was funny as he discussed the RESPECT you have when your lady brings your child into the world.
Kevin show was dedicated to his fiancé , brotherhood friendship, and wisdom from his friend Nate. Kevin shared with FANS he will be getting married in 2 weeks. He took them on a close journey of his home life to his friendship with the funny and TALENTED PLASTIC CUP Boyz.
Kevin Hart WHAT NOW TOUR was off the CHAIN
I met and shook Kevin Hart hand as I bowed down to greet him and tell him he did a GREAT job as exited the stage for the WHAT NOW? Tour in Biloxi. Kevin Hart FANS please know that he is very humble. He walked in speaking to everyone as he encouraged everyone to enjoy the food in the GREEN ROOM. His entire crew are HANDSOME men with their own style of GQ....
Joey Wells and I shared laughs as he told me how SECURITY WAS ON THEIR JOB when they made JAMIE FOXX put away his phone backstage for Kevin Hart WHAT NOW? Concert in Atlanta. I added I didn't touch my phone for the entire 2 hours during the show. I was not having SECURITY kick me out.
Comedian Spank was gracious when I gave him a high five for a GREAT show. Nate Smith did GREAT job as the TOUR MANAGER for Kevin Hart's WHAT NOW? Tour. Nate made sure each lighting design executed to perfection to closing the gate with collecting that money. Biloxi had 67,000 FANS in attendance.
Joey Wells was awesome as the host. Joey WARNED FANS about the consequences of using your phone during a KEVIN HART concert.
Comedian Spank was hilarious with making that determination of deciding which name to PUT as your EMERGENCY contact.
Naiam was funny as he discussed the RESPECT you have when your lady brings your child into the world.
Kevin show was dedicated to his fiancé , brotherhood friendship, and wisdom from his friend Nate. Kevin shared with FANS he will be getting married in 2 weeks. He took them on a close journey of his home life to his friendship with the funny and TALENTED PLASTIC CUP Boyz.
Monday, August 1, 2016
LONDON BROWN returns to Season 2 of HBO BALLERS with High FAN Fare
Congratulations to LONDON BROWN on the 2nd Season of BALLERS!I had fun catching up on BALLERS over the weekend. I had London Brown laughing when Itold him I like his improv DANCE MOVES. London reminded me of the movieEnjoy London Brown on HBO BALLERS every Sunday!BREAKIN with Turbo and his iconic dance moves.K I N GI K N O XConnects the coolest FANS to the hottest celebrities with The GREATEST Fanwww.thegreatestfan.com