My Favorite Basketball Player
Lebron James
GROWING UP
Lebron James was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio. His mother, Gloria James, was only 16 at the time. His biological father, Anthony McClelland, was an ex-con uninterested in being a parent. Gloria raised Lebron on her own, and to this day he goes by her last name.
Life was often a struggle for Lebron and his mother. Gloria battled personal problems during much of his childhood. Some of those were brought on by the death of her mother, who passed away when Lebron was an infant. Bouncing between retail and accounting jobs, Gloria was never able to land steady work, and she and Lebron moved from apartment to apartment. The pair got to know all the seedier neighborhoods of Akron, a city of more than 200,000 located less than a hour south of Cleveland.
Despite her failings, Gloria worked hard to be a loving mother and shield Lebron from the poverty and violence of the streets. This was no easy chore, and at times made her choice of boyfriends seem puzzling. When Lebron was two, she started dating Eddie Jackson. In and out of trouble with the law, he went to prison in 1990 for aggravated cocaine trafficking. (In 2002, he pled guilty to mortgage fraud and mail fraud.) Nevertheless Lebron formed a bond with Jackson, and Gloria liked having a man around who was willing to serve as a father figure. Her brothers, Terry and Curt, also helped out.
From an early age, Lebron showed tremendous instincts for basketball. Gloria gave him a miniature hoop and ball when he was an infant and he amused himself for hours each day with the toys. Lebron also had the genes necessary to spawn a long-limbed basketball phenom. Though Gloria stands only 5-5, she has relatives who are much taller.
ON THE RISE
It didn’t take long for Lebron and his crew to gain recognition around Akron. They learned the fundamentals of basketball from Drambot and developed tremendous chemistry with one another. Literally and figuratively, Lebron was head-and-shoulders above his friends. By the eighth grade he was six feet tall, could play all five positions and had a sixth sense for the game.
Calling themselves the Northeast Ohio Shooting Stars, Lebron and his pals—coached by Joyce’s father—made a splash on the national scene in 1997 by qualifying for the Under/6th Grade AAU National Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah. Two years later they went all the way to the AAU Under/8th Grade final, in Orlando, Florida. The Shooting Stars won their first five games to set up a showdown with the Southern California All-Stars. They lost a heartbreaker, 68-66, but Lebron was the big story with his sparkling play.
By then Lebron, Joyce, Cotton and McGee—the self-proclaimed “Fab Four”—had arrived at a decision. They were a package deal, and pledged to continue their hoops careers together. The foursome settled on Saint Vincent-Saint Mary High School, a parochial school in downtown Akron. Best known for its tradition of academic excellence, SVSM was about to establish a new legacy, with Lebron leading the way.
MAKING HIS MARK
Lebron began the summer after his sophomore year in Colorado Springs at the USA Basketball Development Festival. The first underclassman ever invited to the camp, he broke the festival scoring record with 120 points in five games and was named MVP.
At his next stop, adidas’s ABCD Camp at Fairleigh-Dickinson University in New Jersey, Lebron officially arrived on the national scene. Going into the week, the player attracting the most attention was Lenny Cooke, a 6-8 forward from New York.
Cooke, who was planning to enter the NBA draft, was completely overshadowed by Lebron, who took control of the camp. With a camera crew from ESPN’s “The Life” following his every move and college and pro scouts looking on, he flashed his full offensive arsenal and played suffocating defense. But what blew away everyone were Lebron’s passing skills. Up until this point, most had labeled him the next Jordan. Now comparisons to Magic Johnson started.
LEBRON THE PLAYER
Lebron’s quickness and strength are off the charts, his court vision and ball handling skills are highly developed, and his rebounding and defense are improving with each season. Lebron’s passing ability is nothing short of extraordinary. He not only sees the whole court, but anticipates the movement of team-mates and defenders. Lebron knows he will be double-teamed whenever he egts the ball, so the first thing he does is look to see where the help is coming from—then thinking one or even two passes ahead before the second man arrives. Not surprisingly, he is considered to be one of the NBA’s best passers.
Lebron’s willingness to share the ball and get others involved is one of the things coaches love about him. His unselfishness underscores his innate understanding of basketball and how fully he embraces the fundamentals. Of course, when it is time to take charge and make a momentum-changing statement—or score a key bucket—he is almost impossible to stop.
All of the things he has accomplished is why he is my favorite basketball player.
The News
Mother denied daughter’s organs
Mother in desperate need of a kidney transplant has been denied the organs of her dying daughter.
Laura Ashworth, 21, from Bierley, near Bradford, West Yorkshire, died on 2 April, two days after an asthma attack.
Her mother Rachel Leake, 39, who has kidney failure, was at her bedside when she died at Bradford Royal Infirmary.
Doctors attack ’supersize’ drinks
Increasingly large pub measures are pushing customers towards unsafe levels of drinking, the Royal College of Physicians has warned.
RCP president Ian Gilmore accused the pub industry of acting irresponsibly and urged it to put its house in order
A Publican magazine survey found 14% of pubs offered only 250ml wine glasses – equivalent to a third of a bottle
Cuban leaders plan more reforms
Recently announced agricultural reforms in Cuba could be the springboard for more changes, says a state newspaper.
The official Granma newspaper also welcomes the lifting of restrictions in several sectors of the economy.
It will now be easier for state workers to own their homes and pass them on to their children. Wage limits are to be removed to allow more incentives.
Raul Castro named Cuban president
Fidel Castro stepped down last week after nearly half a century in charge.
Raul has in effect been president since Fidel had major surgery in July 2006. It is understood that he was the only nominee in a vote seen as a formality.
Living on rumour in Harare
Harare’s quiet was burst today, but there was no loud bang. It was a bit like a flat party balloon finally finding the flame of a candle.
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Friday was Zanu-PF Politburo day and the rumours which have persisted about the state of the nation, the future of politics and, of course, those long-awaited results did not go away.
With a police escort, independence war veterans marched through town towards the Zanu-PF headquarters to show their support.
The news
Mother denied daughter’s organs
mother in desperate need of a kidney transplant has been denied the organs of her dying daughter.
Laura Ashworth, 21, from Bierley, near Bradford, West Yorkshire, died on 2 April, two days after an asthma attack.
Her mother Rachel Leake, 39, who has kidney failure, was at her bedside when she died at Bradford Royal Infirmary.
Doctors attack ’supersize’ drinks
Increasingly large pub measures are pushing customers towards unsafe levels of drinking, the Royal College of Physicians has warned.
RCP president Ian Gilmore accused the pub industry of acting irresponsibly and urged it to put its house in order
A Publican magazine survey found 14% of pubs offered only 250ml wine glasses – equivalent to a third of a bottle
Cuban leaders plan more reforms
Recently announced agricultural reforms in Cuba could be the springboard for more changes, says a state newspaper.
The official Granma newspaper also welcomes the lifting of restrictions in several sectors of the economy.
It will now be easier for state workers to own their homes and pass them on to their children. Wage limits are to be removed to allow more incentives.
Raul Castro named Cuban president
Fidel Castro stepped down last week after nearly half a century in charge.
Raul has in effect been president since Fidel had major surgery in July 2006. It is understood that he was the only nominee in a vote seen as a formality.
Living on rumour in Harare
Harare’s quiet was burst today, but there was no loud bang. It was a bit like a flat party balloon finally finding the flame of a candle.
|
|
Friday was Zanu-PF Politburo day and the rumours which have persisted about the state of the nation, the future of politics and, of course, those long-awaited results did not go away.
With a police escort, independence war veterans marched through town towards the Zanu-PF headquarters to show their support.
A DOG CALLED GRK
GRK is about an English boy named Joshua Doder and his dog named GRK. Joshua and his parents lived in England and they wanted a vacation so they went to America so they could relax. When they went to America they did a lot of fun things. First they went site seeing to see all of the nice things like the statue of liberty and things like that. Second they ate some American food because in England they didn’t have all of the American foods. The last thing they went to was a museum to see the world’s most expensive statue. The man who owned it was taking it around the world so that every one would get a chance to see it. After the man finished he announced that him and his statue would be in New York for another day. When Joshua and his family went back to the hotel and the next day on the news that the statue had been stolen. After that happened Joshua wanted to investigate the robbery and he was angry because he had to go back to England. But he knew he had to stay for a few more weeks so when it was time to go to the airport he hid in the toilets and ran away. He started to wonder who did it and when he thought about the suspect he immediately went to the person and tried to catch him and the gold statue together when he finally did he reported it but he had no proof but eventually he caught the man and got him arrested and the golden statue was back to his owner
The latest news
Lately many tragic things have been happening such as:
Explosions in Albania - Albanian PM Sali Berisha says a “considerable” number of people have been killed in huge explosions at an arms depot near the capital, Tirana.
The killing of a police chief- The circumstances surrounding the death of Greater Manchester Police chief constable Michael Todd are to be investigated by another force.
Chinese set Tibet deadline for protest- The authorities in Tibet have given anti-Chinese demonstrators until Monday to surrender, following violence that officials say left 10 people dead.
Shannon’s mother joy to reunion- The mother of rescued Shannon Matthews says she is “overwhelmed” at being reunited with her daughter.
Teenager shot dead on estate- A teenager has been murdered in south London, police have revealed. The 19-year-old, whose name has not yet been released, was found with gunshot wounds on the Myatts Field Estate in Stockwell, at 0100 GMT on Saturday. He was taken to hospital where he later died. A post mortem examination is due to take place soon. Officers are keeping an open mind about the circumstances and motive of the killing. He is the ninth teenage murder victim in London this year. ‘Rough area’ A local resident said the area was blighted by gun and drug crime, and said the estate was not safe to walk through at night. The man, who gave his name as Jason, said: “It’s a rough area round here. “It’s less common to find somebody robbing a shop than shootings round here.” Detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.
Women arrested after stab death- Two women have been arrested after a female cyclist was stabbed to death in the Anfield area of Liverpool. The unidentified victim was riding a bicycle on Whitfield Road on Friday night when a car pulled up alongside her and an argument broke out. Witnesses reported that she rode off but the car followed her to Woodville Terrace where two women got out and she was assaulted and stabbed. The women, aged 25 and 48, have been arrested on suspicion of murder. They were held after raids at three addresses in the Anfield area. Merseyside Police are trying to find out the victim’s identity. She is aged between 16 and 20, about 5ft 6in tall, and had dark brown, shoulder-length hair which she was wearing in a single plait.
She was wearing a black Location brand tracksuit and a zipped jacket, a black t-shirt and red, black and silver Nike trainers. Garland tattoo Her cycle was a black and light pink Universal Fusion mountain bike with a black seat. The woman had “Atalia” tattooed on her right hip, and the name “Demi Lee” tattooed on her right foot with a rose entwined with the letters. She also had a tattoo of a garland of flowers circling her navel. Det Ch Insp Richie Davies, of Merseyside Police, said: “This was a vicious and brutal attack on a young woman and I would appeal to anybody who has any information which could help us with our inquiries to contact us urgently. “I am also anxious to trace anyone who may recognise the victim from the description we have released. It may be that you have not seen your partner, daughter, sister or friend since yesterday and if you believe she fits the description we have released I would urge you to contact us.” Officers have been carrying out house-to-house inquiries and the area around the attack was cordoned off.
How to live a healthy life
Facts on how exercise helps the heart.
How it helps your heart
Evidence shows those who exercise three or more times a week for 20 to 40 minutes at a time benefit from stronger muscles and a heart that pumps more blood with less effort. The ability of all cells to use the increased blood flow and oxygen is increased. Blood pressure goes down and levels of good cholesterol, high density lipo-protein or HDL, go up. Even small increases in HDL can lower the risk of heart disease. Better still, exercisers feel better, sleep better and have more energy.Exercise can help you lose weight by burning calories and increasing metabolism. It also helps you handle stress by burning chemicals in your blood stream like adrenaline that are released when you’re under stress.
Facts about the heart
- Your system of blood vessels – arteries, veins and capillaries – is over 60,000 miles long. That’s long enough to go around the world more than twice!
- The adult heart pumps about 5 quarts of blood each minute – approximately 2,000 gallons of blood each day – throughout the body.
- When attempting to locate their heart, most people place their hand on their left chest. Actually, your heart is located in the centre of your chest between your lungs. The bottom of the heart is tipped to the left, so you feel more of your heart on your left side of your chest.
- The heart beats about 100,000 times each day.
- In a 70-year lifetime, the average human heart beats more than 2.5 billion times
- An adult woman’s heart weighs about 8 ounces, a man’s about 10 ounces
- A child’s heart is about the size of a clenched fist; an adult’s heart is about the size of two fists.
- Blood is about 78 percent water.
- Blood takes about 20 seconds to circulate throughout the entire vascular system.
- The structure of the heart was first described in 1706, by Raymond de Viessens, a French anatomy professor.
- The electrocardiograph (ECG) was invented in 1902 by Dutch physiologist Willem Einthoven. This test is still used to evaluate the heart’s rate and rhythm.
The first heart specialists emerged after World War I
Exercises that can help you get healthy.
A sedentary (inactive) lifestyle is one of the top risk factors for heart disease. Fortunately, it’s a risk factor that you can do something about. Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, has many benefits. It can:
- Strengthen your heart and cardiovascular system.
- Improve your circulation and help your body use oxygen better.
- Improve your heart failure symptoms.
- Increase energy levels so you can do more activities without becoming tired or short of breath.
- Increase endurance.
- Lower blood pressure.
- Improve muscle tone and strength.
- Improve balance and joint flexibility.
- Strengthen bones.
- Help reduce body fat and help you reach a healthy weight.
- Help reduce stress, tension, anxiety and depression.
- Boost self-image and self-esteem.
- Improve sleep.
- Make you feel more relaxed and rested.
- Make you look fit and feel healthy.
Foods that can help you get healthy.
EATING RIGHT
Eating the right foods and the right amounts of foods can help you live a longer, healthier life. Research has proven that many illnesses—such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure—can be prevented or controlled by eating right. Getting the nutrients you need, such as calcium and iron, and keeping your weight under control can help. Try to balance the calories you get from food with the calories you use through physical activity). It is never too late to start eating right. Here are some helpful tips.
Eat a variety of foods, especially:
Vegetables. Choose dark-green leafy and deep-yellow vegetables.
Fruits. Choose citrus fruits or juices, melons, and berries.
Dry beans (such as red beans, navy beans, and soybeans), lentils, chickpeas, and peanuts.
Whole grains, such as wheat, rice, oats, corn, and barley.
My Basketball Video
Well I have always wanted to have my own basketball video so when I came to england my dad promised to make me one. Not just of me but of me and my brother playing a one on one basketball match. It all started when my dad asked me and my brother who was the best between the two of us. We both disagreed in which who was the best at basketball. So to settle it my dad filmed us at Round Wood park at the basketball courts. But first we had to buy some basketball shoes and shorts so that it would be a proper game and we can play to the best of our abilities but because my bro shalmuwn was not as good as me so I took it easy on him. But still he got lucky and beat me by a couple of points, he however cheated. He broke so many rules but I didn’t say anything I didn’t want to break his spirit. So every time he tried to score I would just let him go by me and make the basket. Before we played we practice a little and then we started. When we started I played ruff but as the game went on I eased up so he could have his time to shine. While the game was going my little cousin kept on saying that he was cheating but I told him that it didn’t matter and after he won we went home and live happily ever after.
