Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts

Thursday, March 24, 2016

How concussions may be linked to ALS: An interview with former NFL player Kevin Turner

(Kevin Turner passed away on March 24, 2016. ALS was originally believed to be the cause of his death. However, per a Boston Globe report Turner appears to have died from CTE.

Of particular importance in report cited is the following - 

"Former Patriots fullback Kevin Turner lived the last six years of his life believing he was dying from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

In fact, Turner, who died in March at age 46, spent his excruciating final years stricken with a severe case of football-related chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, which caused a motor neuron disease similar to ALS, researchers at Boston University announced Thursday."
and...
"The BU CTE Center has diagnosed the disease in 91 deceased football players (CTE can only be diagnosed through postmortem brain autopsies) and dozens of athletes who played other contact sports, as well as military veterans."

(The text of the feature shown below was originally published on June 23, 2011.
"What does anyone want to do with their life, other than to make a positive difference in this world?" - Kevin Turner
I had a chance to speak with former NFL fullback Kevin Turner recently. We discussed a wide range of issues, including the progress that he has made since he first announced that he had been diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Information about Turner's foundation can be found at: www.kevinturnerfoundation.org
Role models Our role models are people who inspire us to be strong and to pursue our dreams.
Beyond family members and friends, there are other sources of inspiration. Athletes stand on a stage that has been built by our modern society. They play a role in influencing who we are and who we want to be. Their choices strongly impact our culture.
The traits that we hope our heroes have lie within 42-year-old Kevin Turner. More than a year ago, the former football player learned that he also had something else inside of him, ALS.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It is a progressive, neurodegenerative, disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Each person is affected differently by it. In some individuals the disease slows, or seems to stop. In others, paralysis and a degeneration of motor neurons eventually leads to death.
Old school days
"I remember being in the fourth grade, telling my teacher that I was going to play in the NFL. After I got there, she sent me a letter that I had written about wanting to become a football player," Turner said.
After high school, Turner played college football for Alabama. He was then selected by the Patriots in the third round of the 1992 NFL draft.
Former Patriot teammate Sam Gash
Sam Gash was drafted out of college the same year that Turner was. Their professional association and friendship began when both rookies made the New England Patriots roster in 1992.
"We fed off each other and it helped both of us in our careers. Kevin was smart player who was always looking for the big play," Gash said.
The Penn State alumni played with Turner for three seasons in New England and has remained friends with him ever since.
"He exalted God because he put forth everything he had whenever he stepped on the field, whether it was practice or in games.
"He rightfully got a big contract with Philadelphia, because he was one of the best all-around fullbacks in the League at the time," Gash said.
The two-time Pro-Bowl fullback went onto to play for the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens before retiring after the 2003 season.
In mid-June, Turners foundation held a charitable event in Tennessee. Gash was one of many people who was happy to help Turner in that cause.
"He is really an inspiration to me. Kevin won't back down from a challenge. I still hear the same spunk in his voice when I talk to him.
"Kevin is the type of guy who will give you the shirt off his back. He has my friendship for life," Gash said.
Turner played for the Patriots until, as Gash referenced, the Eagles signed him as a free agent in 1995.
Reflections from Eagles Coach Juan Castillo
"Kevin always handled himself in a professional manner on the field. I saw how smart he was when I became a position coach," Castillo said.
Castillo played outside linebacker for Texas A&I and then played inside linebacker for the USFL's San Antonio Gunslingers in the mid-1980's. After his playing career ended, he began to coach full-time.
In 1995, he was hired as an Offensive Assistant by then-Eagles Head Coach Ray Rhodes and eventually became the team's Offensive Line Coach. Current Eagles Head Coach, Andy Reid, named him Defensive Coordinator during this off-season.
"As we grew, there were some things that I think we did because of Kevin. I thought it was amazing how he understood protections and blocking schemes. We also had Deuce Staley at that time. Both guys were smart.
"Kevin loved and understood the game. He would stay after practice and work on run blocking, pass protection and cut technique. He would also always help the young guys with their development and in the classroom," Castillo said.
After retirement
In 2001, Turner accepted an offer to be an Offensive Coordinator at Wetumpta High School in Alabama.
"I absolutely loved it. I got a thank you note from the quarterback of that team back then. Recently, I received another note from him. He thanked me for all of the things I taught him. Those notes mean the world to me," Turner said.
After coaching, Turner worked for three years with a real estate development company in Birmingham, AL.
He then formed his own development company in 2005 and worked with retail corporations, including Dollar General, on land development deals. While his business had been very successful, the collapse of the real estate market forced him to declare bankruptcy in 2009.
Ever resilient and adaptable, he smoothly transitioned into medical sales before being diagnosed with ALS. Within the last year, Turner's physical condition has left him unable to function well enough to continue working.
Dr. Sponaugle
Shortly after his retirement in 1999, Turner continued to feel the physical effects of his football career. That is when he became addicted to pain medication. 
In 2000, he first met Dr. Marvin 'Rick' Sponaugle, who heads the Florida Detox and Wellness Institute in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Dr. Sponaugle's program helped him to break his habit and allowed him maintain a healthy lifestyle for approximately five years.
"In 2006, when I started taking pills again, I went and saw Dr. Sponaugle. He was the first doctor that did a blood work up. He told me then that my brain was not functioning properly.
"I got off the pain pills, but had not taken the prescription that Dr. Sponaugle had given me. Eight months later I was in his office again, because I had relapsed. That is when he told me again that my brain was not functioning properly."
ALS diagnosis in 2010
Four years passed. In May, 2010, Turner was diagnosed with ALS by a number of different Neurologists that he met with. The condition was mostly affecting his upper extremities and back at that time.
"I first noticed that something wasn't right when I was playing my guitar one day. My fingers weren't going where they were suppose to go and I had played the guitar for 20 years."
"I think that, over time, the hits that I took to the head changed a lot about how my brain worked." - Kevin Turner
Sports Legacy Institute
It must seem as though the Alabama graduate is back in college, because his experiences in the last year have been similar to enrolling in a medical degree program.
Dr. Robert Cantu is a concussion expert and a clinical professor of Neurosurgery at the Boston University School of Medicine. He is one of the prominent doctors that Turner has met with and is also the founder of the Sports Legacy Institute. Cantu believes that Turner may have a version of ALS.
"I decided to go public about my condition (in August, 2010) because of the encouragement of Chris Nowinski and Dr. Ann McKee," Turner said.
Both are also connected to the Sports Legacy Institute. Nowinski is the President and CEO and Dr. Ann McKee is a Neuropathologist.
"I called Chris back in June, to let him know that I had just been diagnosed. He told me that Dr. McKee was going to publish a paper in August that linked head trauma with ALS."
Foundation formed and music video recorded
Tamara Alan, an attorney and friend from college, helped him to establish the Kevin Turner Foundation. The foundation helps to raise funds and awareness about the disease.
Country music star, Ty Herndon, contributed to Turner's charitable efforts in a unique way. 'Journey On', the title song to his Grammy nominated album, was written about Turner and dedicated by Herndon to his foundation. The accompanying music video also featured Turner and his children.
"I had always wanted to do something like that and was glad that we had the chance to. It is so great."
New protocol
Turner could have chosen to remain silent and to fight his health battle in private. But, the former NFL player transformed his passion from one public field to another when he decided to go public about his condition.
Turner worked throughout the spring of 2011 on a new health protocol. Doing so allowed him to maintain his football playing weight of 235 pounds.
Medical science is making progress in the area of head trauma, but it is still a developing issue. Cutting edge treatments are being tested, but true solutions are not yet available to the general public.
"Dr. Sponaugle called me on November, 1, 2010, and said that I needed to see him. So, every month I go to the Institute for at least a week. I get intravenous medications that are mostly vitamins and all-natural supplements that help get rid of toxins in my body."
He said that he is not aware of any Doctor who is involved in the type of work that Sponaugle is involved in.
Turner undergoes significant testing at the institute. He reviews his results and is informed of any recommended treatment adjustments. He was at the Institute in Florida at the end of April and didn't felt himself regressing after he received his treatments.
"I didn't go there in May and I noticed that since then some things had changed. Recently, I was trying to put gas into my car and I couldn't pull the trigger on the pump with my fingers. That was the first time that had happened."
Dr. Sponaugle has worked with Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis patients, but Turner is the first person with ALS that he has worked with.
Turner has considered many potential surrounding causes that may have affected the development of his condition. He has also been told that he has a highly abnormal marker point for Lyme disease.
Testing for a concussion through a thumb print
"Head trauma leads to ALS-like symptoms. I say that because it has been documented in so many other people.
"I think that, over time, the hits that I took to my head changed a lot about how my brain worked. If you look at the football players who have been diagnosed with ALS, all of them have come from collision positions. Fullbacks, strong safeties, linebackers, special team guys, they are the ones that have this disease."
Dr. McKee taught Turner about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Her work at the Brain Bank at Boston University allows her to study the brains of many individuals who have suffered various forms of head trauma.
"I learned through a meeting with doctors, that there is such a thing as a neurofilament that is released into the blood stream when the head is traumatized. I believe that we will get to a point where people will be able to be tested genetically so they can know what conditions they are predisposed to."
Turner wants to raise money to help fund various innovative ideas that are currently being explored.
Developing technology would allow players to be tested on the sidelines, immediately after they have suffered a hit, through the simple prick of a finger. Doing so would allow neurofilaments in the blood to be measured to gauge the severity of any head trauma that has occurred and to determine if remnants of a concussion existed.
Moving forward
Turner has overcome some financial and personal challenges within the last year that were unrelated to his health concerns. He refused to relent as he worked through bankruptcy and a divorce. His determination helped him to weather those storms and has taken him to a better place in life.
"I'm as happy now as I have been in years. I know that I have gotten ALS for a reason. I think God has a plan and this is part of his plan. I have the right circumstances to make a difference in this world. What does anyone want to do with their life, other than to make a positive difference in this world?"
Turner and his former wife have maintained a connection that benefits their children. As a result, his relationship with them has remained strong. His three children just completed a good year in school, earning A's on their report cards.
His oldest son, Nolan is 13 and has played football for a number of years.
His daughter Natalie is 10 and is a cheerleader. She is also especially attentive to her Dad's health needs and helps him with any household tasks that he finds difficult to perform.
"Certain days I can do things better than others, like button my shirt. My daughter helps me with things like that."
Cole, his youngest child, is 8.
Going back to Philly
On January 2, 2011, Turner traveled with Nolan to Philadelphia to see the Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys. The trip allowed him to talk with players and spend time with old friends, including Juan Castillo.
"We spent some time together and I got to see his son move around a little bit and catch the ball. He is a hard worker like Kevin was.
"When you work together, it's important for people to know that you care about them. It's a game, but it's also about relationships and trusting each other. I have a lot of respect for Kevin," Castillo said.
Connecting with the fans and with former colleagues has continued to play a vital role in Turner's life. Whether it be a former Alabama fan, New Orleans Head Coach Sean Payton, or a current player who also has the condition, he offers advice to all who seek his input.
Working on solutions
Turner had only been aware of two concussions that happened during his career. One came in 1994, with the Patriots and the other in 1997, with the Eagles.
In recent years the NFL has been addressing the issue of head trauma through a number of rules changes, by placing informative posters in locker rooms and through the creation of 'return to play' guidelines. Turner knows the eduction process is key to awareness.
"This month we have partnered with the ALS therapy alliance. At every CVS store in the country, people will be able to make a $1 donation to ALS research. On June 18, we had a fund raiser in Tennessee with former players," Turner said.
When asked what advice he would offer to football players of any age, he responded with a comment about his youngest son.
"Based on what I know now, I'm thinking about holding Cole back from playing football this year. Maybe it's not the best thing to play Pee-Wee football and I've been coaching it for the past six years."
Turner, Turner, Turner!
Fans of the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles heard Turner's name mentioned many times when he was on their team back in the day. These days, the father of three is out in front of an issue that deserves focused attention.
When medical breakthroughs happen, in the hopefully not-too-distant future, certain prominent individuals will be recognized for their positive efforts.
At that time, the name Kevin Turner will be mentioned as one of the people who helped to create solutions for a problem that needed to be solved. That is what heroes generally do.
Information about Turner's foundation can be found at: www.kevinturnerfoundation.org
(All rights to this feature, which was originally published by the Yahoo Sports Contributor Network, are owned by the author, Sean O'Brien.)
Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOBthrough Facebook, or on LinkedIn

Monday, January 12, 2015

An interview with Blessed2Play sports talk show host Ron Meyer

"Like a feather in the wind, I was living a life that was not directed. I reflected on my own life and my battle with Myasthenia Gravis. It reminded me that I am blessed to perform athletically. All athletes are truly blessed2play." - Ron Meyer

Blessed2Play is a weekly sports talk show that is unlike any other. Founder and host Ron Meyer has interviewed famous athletes like All-Pro wide receiver Danny Abramowicz, World Series Champion Sal Bando, and Olympian Kirsten Holum.
Holum was a speed skater at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Japan. She later chose to leave competitive skating and become a Catholic nun. Sister Catherine Mary's faith is the common bond between Meyer's guests. Each has a sports connection and is also Catholic.
I've had the occasion at various stages of my writing career to interview those who interview others. I have found that these individuals are more than strong conversationalists, they also have a deep insight into human psychology.
The true quality of any conversation with another person can be somewhat measured as you are having it. But my interview was recorded. So, I had the opportunity to analyze our conversation as I prepared this feature during digital replays. While doing so, Ron Meyer's depth of intelligence and the sincerity in his character was even more fully recognized.

The Pitch

It took time for Meyer, now 44, to achieve the lasting personal and career success that he has. His life was not always as directed as it is now. Along his path, the idea for Blessed2Play developed.
"I always thought it would be a great opportunity to have a show like this. There wasn't a radio show interviewing Catholic athletes. So, I pitched the idea to Barbara Gaskell who is the General Manager at WILB in July, 2010. She liked it and we began developing the show later in the year," Meyer said.
Blessed2Play, which is produced by Dan Clark, is broadcast live Saturday's at 1130AM (with an encore Saturday at 930pm. A "Best Of" segment also airs Sunday at 1230pm) on WILB 1060 AM in Canton, Ohio. The show can also be accessed through the station website: www.livingbreadradio.com and through archived podcasts. Listeners can connect with the show by email: info@blessed2play.com.
"One of the things that I try to do is put myself in the seat of the listener. I try to draw out the story of the person I'm interviewing. During the first half of the show we talk about their career and in the second half we talk about their faith life."
"When athletes are interviewed, it's often about what they do, not who they are. Our talents don't define who we are, they define what we do. One of the outlets where the athletes get to talk about who they are is on my show. The best witness that we can give is about our faith and our life."

Formative Years

Meyer's father once set a New York state record by scoring 68 points in a high school basketball game. He credits that athletic example and his coaching with helping him to excel in sports at both the high school and college levels. After high school, he played baseball for a nationally ranked Junior College team and for the Manalapan Braves in the Jersey Shore semi-professional baseball league.
After moving to Florida, while working at a hotel resort on the beach, the bright lights of Hollywood shined on him. Meyer was approached about a casting call for a movie. He was intrigued, went to audition, and was chosen for a small part in a major motion picture. It was during the two weeks before shooting was set to begin that an unexpected development changed the course of his life.

Myasthenia Gravis - "Grave Weakness"

The following is an excerpt from "A Journey to Faith" that Meyer wrote for Catholic Men's Quarterly in 2006.
Shortly after receiving this inspiring news my life would hit the proverbial brick wall. Just days before my acting debut a friend recognized my right eye was drooping and made me take notice. I ran to the nearest mirror to confirm this anomaly. A visit to a local eye doctor was in order. The doctor conveyed he believed this to be more serious than an eye ailment and encouraged me to see a neurologist. My plans for motion picture stardom were now stymied and I decided to head back north to seek further medical opinions.
I entered Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY where doctors commenced a battery of tests. The tests confirmed the doctor's suspicions and I was diagnosed w/ Myasthenia Gravis (Grave Weakness in the vernacular) one of the forty muscular dystrophy diseases with severe implications that could change my life.
My world was rocked and overcome with fear and uncertainty. Myasthenia who? Doctors conveyed the condition would likely cause weakness in my limbs and at its' worse stage my breathing, which can result in death. On top of this harsh and frightful news the guys in the white coats disclosed there was no known cure for this disabling condition. During the next two months my conditioned worsened to the point where both eyelids became significantly weaker and drooped so badly it became hard to see. Ordinary activities such as driving, reading, playing sports, and communicating through my eyes became challenging and sometimes impossible.
Depression set in and the fear of the disease progressing further ruled my thoughts every waking moment. One Sunday, needing a peaceful refuge, I decided to visit the local Catholic church after not being there for many years. I walked in and proceeded to take my seat in the pews located on the side of the altar before the start of Mass, a perfect place for a skeptical young man that might have to dash out if need be. I followed the congregation as their bodily postures changed during the progression ofthe liturgy. I looked the part but didn't quite know the reasoning behind the sit and stands.
As the priest commenced the Eucharistic Prayer everyone dropped to their knees, eyes fixed toward the altar. I recalled from my days attending Mass in grammar school that before communion was the time everyone was conscientiously quiet and bells would ring from the altar boys shake. The priest went through the words of consecration and at the elevation of the Sacred Host; Our Lord infused in me a love and belief in his real presence contained but not trapped in the Eucharist. My droopy eyes gained full strength as the host was raised and the scales of unbelief were no longer.
Although my eyes returned to their weakened state after the Mass I recognized for the first time there is a God who loves me and is willing to guide me on a journey to him. These events repeated themselves during the following Sunday's liturgy. This was the start of my pursuit of God or better stated the hound of heaven was on my tail.
My condition was a struggle, although it never progressed as the doctors anticipated, I did feel its sobering effects. Finally, I was regulated on a medicine that alleviated most symptoms and allowed me to function without some of the disease's serious disabling applications. I was able, once again, to pursue my competitive athletic inclinations. (End of excerpt.)
(While the disease did continue to affect his eyes, it never spread to his limbs.)
"The doctors told me that the disease probably would go into my limbs, could eventually affect my breathing, and I could succumb to it. For one month, I was waiting for the inevitable to happen. So, I didn't go to church because of that. I went because it was a peaceful refuge. I would have given myself fully to that life and who knows how it would have turned out. When I chose the alternate path that I did, it led to a solid foundation."
At 21, Meyer moved to Arizona and was put on a medication that allowed him to maintain a fully functioning life and also to achieve significant athletic accomplishments.
He played baseball for two years while attending Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio and was the team MVP in 1993. He played in the US National Singles Championships and the US National Doubles Championships. He also played in the International US Open Racquetball Championships. He won two state divisional racquetball titles in West Virginia and two in Ohio. At the 2011 West Virginia State Racquetball Championships, he and his partner Gary Gross were crowned State Doubles champions.
Beyond sports, he also went on to earn both a Bachelors Degree in Communications from Franciscan University and an MBA from Point Park University, Pittsburgh in 2002.

Awakening

Meyer was present at the 8th World Youth Day in Denver, 1993. He was inspired by a speaker who was a skier, swimmer, and a competitive kayaker. That man was Karol Wojtyla.
"There were a million people present and Pope John Paul II connected with each one of us. When he would talk, the crowd would hush. He was calling us to something greater and told us that we didn't have to sell out. Be not afraid."
While in Arizona, Meyer was affected by Mother Angelica's shows on the global television network she founded, EWTN. He eventually went to work for the network and has spent the last eleven years as their Mid-Atlantic Regional Marketing Manager.
Meyer is also married with three daughters. He referred to his wife Julie, his daughters Anna, Angelica (who was named after EWTN's founder), and Maria as his gifts from God.

More Than Statistics

"Sports is etched into the fabric of Catholicism throughout history. If you are an athlete, you are called to give your best. When you step onto the field you have to give your all. John Paul II (who was a competitive athlete himself) had the philosophy of self donation, giving oneself to whatever you do. This not only applies to sports, but to other areas of life as well."
"Athletes are under so much pressure today. Everyone says they are making so much money. But, there is also a lot of hardship. Often times reporters have the obligation to learn about the story behind the talent. It is something that the audience wants to absorb."
Meyer cited the ESPN show, Outside the Lines, as one that offers a positive example of how the full picture of an athlete is properly presented.

World Famous Guests

Guests on Blessed2Play have sports backgrounds that are as varied as their personal lives, but common threads are sewn between them all. Recent interviews have included those with:
Rich Donnelly, who was a major league baseball coach for 25 years. He tells a haunting story, called "The Chicken Runs At Midnight", that ties the battle his daughter lost to cancer with the 1997 Florida Marlins World Series victory clinching event.
NFL ALL-Pro wide receiver Danny Abramowicz. He discussed his career, how he overcame alcoholism, and how his current television show "Crossing the Goal", is one that men can connect with.
Three-time World Series Champion Sal Bando, who was captain of the A's and a conduit between legendary owner Charley Finley and his teammates. Father Burke Masters' Mississippi State Bulldog team was ranked number 2 in the United States. He went 6-6 in the Super Regionals game against Florida State. His performance included a grand slam, known as "the shot heard 'round Mississippi ", that vaulted his team into the College World Series. Sister Joan of Arc, a former Notre Dame Women's basketball player. Chris Godfrey, a Super Bowl Champion guard with the 1987 New York Giants.
"The common links between these individuals are faith and the pursuit of virtue. Life is filled with many quagmires. Some of the athletes I've interviewed have been on the other side of the fence. They found out that they were still unfulfilled even though they had money, fame, and glory. They were forced to redirect their lives. They were all searchers and seekers of truth."
Upcoming guests include: Antonio Soave, creator and host of the television show "Soccer Academy", who is also a former All-American high school and professional soccer player. Kerry Fraser, former NHL referee. Pat McCaskey, co-owner of the Chicago Bears. Father Kevin Lixey, who heads the Department of Church and Sport at the Vatican. Diane Holum, mother of the previously referenced Sister Catherine Mary (Kirsten Holum), who won a gold medal at the 1972 Olympics and also mentored Olympian Eric Heiden. Ryan Lefebvre, who is the play-by-play voice of the Kansas City Royals.

"There has been a steady stream of guests, because athletes want to talk about more than just their numbers. It is a blessing for them to play and for me to talk with them," Meyer concluded.

(I hold all copyrights to this article which originally appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)

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Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOBthrough Facebook, or on LinkedIn.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

The Coolest Old School Philadelphia Phillies

In preparation for the new baseball season...
(Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.)

I wanted to post one of my recent online features here for my blog readers to see in preparation for the arrival of the Phillies' opening day on April 1.

The Coolest Old School Philadelphia Phillies feature is one that will make mature fans smile and newer fans wish that they were alive way back when. 

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Yesterday's Post: Pope Francis Makes Great First Impression


For those who choose not to be in whatever, we must allow them to believe in themselves...because that is who they are at the moment. However, everyone has the potential to be better. Time, effort and relentless persistence can change hearts. 

First impressions are always important in life. As a faithful Catholic I have not be deterred during the past decade, or so, as some others have. And that's not because I'm naive.

All large institutions have their problems, because human beings populate them. Hearing those who aren't Catholic offer their expert opinion about the church is something that I take with a grain of salt. 

Along those lines: Pope Francis truly appears to be a "Salt of the Earth" type of guy. His record with the poor is impeccable, his humble nature and rejection of the trappings of power is consistent and his election was smart for many reasons. 

One of those reasons involves the Cardinal electors wanting to refocus everyone's efforts where they should be: On the faith through the people. 

This man has already shown the potential to fulfill expectations. 
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Some GREAT links to some fine digital friends:

The Paris Review The best site for readers and writers in the world.

Blessed2Play by Ron Meyer via EWTN

Meltzer's Musings by Bill Meltzer via HockeyBuzz.com 

Jen Groover Her name says it all. Click and you'll know why.

The Sports Critic by Raymond Bureau

Awaken the Magic by Maryellen Brady

Positive Calm by Solvita Bennet

(Over the years I've been honored to write guest posts on various friends' websites. Social media connections, just like all other friendships in life, build trust.)
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I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
Visit my RantSports Author Page,
my Examiner Contributor Page,
or my Yahoo Contributor Page 
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Digital Creation
Writing my brief eBook was enjoyable. Making it available to the public by publishing it was exciting.  

A strong thank you to everyone who has been downloading: 
Fast Fiction and Other Stuff on Amazon.com. Your response has been heartwarming. Humor, horror, mystery, adventure, travel, sports and a few selected stories are all wrapped inside this mini-tome. 
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At the end of 2012, I was ranked among Yahoo.com's Top 100 Contributors. Yahoo cites more than 600,000 paid writers. Click on my Contributor Page to learn more.
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My most recent Examiner Television feature on the mystery surrounding J.R. Ewing's killer.

I've also included a link to my most recent Yahoo entertainment feature article: Dallas and the Legacy of J.R. Ewing.
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Baseball cards
Bygone spring days spent with elementary school days and family members opening packs of Topps cardboard gold never truly fade away. 
Here is my special feature that highlights many of our collective childhood memories:  When Baseball Cards were King.
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Hockey cards
Whenever the NHL playoff season nears, I recall those great days when I first began to love this great game. Nothing has topped the meaning that the hockey cards mentioned in this piece still hold for me. Here's a link to the article that continues to rank among the most-read features that I've written since 2010...
Topps Hockey Card Mystery is Revealed.
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Philadelphia Flyers' LegendsEach of these Flyers' legends (Brian Propp, Dave Poulin and Tim Kerr) deserved their own article. So, that's why these three features were written...
Here is a link to the story about Propp: 
The link to Poulin's piece: 
Philadelphia Flyers' Captain Dave Poulin Earned Permanent Respect
Last, but not least, here's Kerr's link:
Philadelphia Flyers' Tim Kerr Was a True Power Forward
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My recent feature: State of the Union Address: Commonsense Gun Response Warranted was written in response to an assignment from the Yahoo News editorial team.
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Name-dropper 
These are some of the high achievers I've had the opportunity to interview...
Not just sports though...

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