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Articles by Ed Bagley
Is There A More Winning NCAA Coach Than UCLA's John Wooden? Well, Yes
Any discussion of the NCAA's winningest coach naturally begins with UCLA's legendary basketball guru John Wooden, who won 10 NCAA championships in 12 years and 7 straight titles from 1967 to 1973. However, Arkansas's John McDonnell, who coaches the Razorbacks' cross-country, indoor track and outdoor track teams, has won 42 NCAA championships and 12 consecutive indoor track titles from 1984 to 1995. Learn more in the full article.
Travel Review - We Were Blessed By Visiting Manzanillo, South Of Puerto Vallarta, And Vida Del Mar
I had some serious doubts about whether my first trip to Mexico would be a success. Now I can report that my first trip to Mexico was fantastic because I found a slice of heaven at Vida del Mar in Manzanillo (Mon-zah-knee-oh). I almost selfishly thought about not writing about my trip to Manzanillo and Vida del Mar as word may get around and then everything that makes it a little slice of heaven might be less so in the coming years.
Job Interviews - When He Asked, "How Do You Motivate Yourself?," I Was Without A Good Answer
A reader emailed me with this question: "I was in an interview, and was asked this question: How do you motivate yourself? I could barely answer the question. What would you suggest?" That is a great question that deserves a great answer. After managing dozens of employees over the years, I can tell you not what I think, but what I know. Get the full story.
Social Commentary - Should We Be Concerned About The Apparent Violence Of Our Children?
Two incidents in the United States in recent days have caused me to wonder if we should be more concerned about the apparent violence among our children. Both sets of young women in both incidents had a choice to make. The difference between the two choices is clear: you can choose to be self-centered or other-centered. What caused some young women to make a great choice and others to make a poor choice? Find out why.
2008 NCAA Title - For Kansas Coach Bill Self, The Long Wait Is Over As His Jayhawks Outlast Memphis
The only guarantee going into the 2008 NCAA National Championship Game was that one of two very good coaches—Bill Self of Kansas or John Calipari of Memphis—would win his first national title. In the end, Bill Self, who had more NCAA tournament wins—18—without reaching the Final Four than any other active coach, would lead his Jayhawks past Memphis 75-68 in overtime to win the national championship.
Meet "Pre" - America's Greatest Running Legend And Greatest Middle Distance Hero
It has now been 33 years since the untimely, tragic death of America's greatest running legend and its greatest middle distance runner, Steve Prefontaine, and his legacy continues to grow as the void he filled remains open. It is rare but true to say that his legacy may never be matched again. Find out why.
Legendary High School Coach Pat Tyson Becomes New Coach At Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University Athletic Director Mike Roth made the most astute move since the hiring of Mark Few as his basketball coach by recently hiring legendary high school coach Pat Tyson as his first full-time running coach. Pat Tyson does not only eat, sleep and live running 24 hours a day, he is not only a high school coach with no peer, he is a coaching legend before he starts. Gonzaga is about to make an impact in its running program.
Look Out SEC - Alabama Rates No. 1 As Nick Saban Prepares To Go To War
If you think football in the Southeastern Conference is just a game that generates a ton of money for the schools and the NCAA that regulates it in a highly publicized environment, you do not understand what success is about in the SEC. SEC games are not battles between teams, they are outright warfare with a fight to the last man standing won by heavy artillery (talent). Learn why fans of Alabama are smiling today.
Joaquin Phoenix And Reese Witherspoon Make "Walk The Line" Better Than The Film
"Walk the Line" is the story of Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) and June Carter Cash (Reese Witherspoon). Born poor in Arkansas, Cash rises to fame in the country music world and destroys a lot of relationships along the way with drinking, drugs and pandering. Phoenix and Witherspoon are outstanding in this film, even though the movie production could have been better.
Pardon Me, I Am Gushing Again About Movie's Incomparable Audrey Hepburn
Like a lot of shoppers at supermarkets, I look at the magazine displays while waiting in line to check out. Recently I was thrilled to see a recent edition to LIFE's Great Photographers Series: "Remembering Audrey 15 Years Later" with photographs by Bob Willoughby. You better believe I bought a copy faster than a single heartbeat, and remain a better person for having done so. Let me share why.
For Romance Without Any Stress, "Sleepless In Seattle" Is The Cure
If you were celebrating Valentines Day with a candlelight dinner for two at home and settled in to watch a movie, "Sleepless in Seattle" would be a great choice because it provides a pleasant experience and is already becoming a romantic comedy classic. Sleepless in Seattle stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan and reminds many viewers of "An Affair to Remember".
The Best Psychological Thriller Since "Wait Until Dark" Is "Dressed To Kill"
"Dressed to Kill" is the most horrific psychological thriller I have seen since "Wait Until Dark" with Audrey Hepburn as a recently blinded woman who is terrorized by a trio of thugs while they search for a heroin stuffed doll they believe is in her apartment. Dressed to Kill is just as well done and adds indiscriminate sex, adultery and a razor-slashing murder to the mix in a tense drama.
For Kansas Coach Bill Self, The Long Wait Is Over As His Jayhawks Outlast Memphis
The only guarantee going into the 2008 NCAA National Championship Game was that one of two very good coaches—Bill Self of Kansas or John Calipari of Memphis—would win his first national title. In the end, Bill Self, who had more NCAA tournament wins—18—without reaching the Final Four than any other active coach, would lead his Jayhawks past Memphis 75-68 in overtime to win the national championship.
First 2 Rounds In 2008 NCAA Tournament Produce 1 Major Upset In Every 6 Games
The first two rounds of the 2008 NCAA College Basketball Tournament underscored just how far parity has come in the men's competition as at least 1 major upset occurred every 6 games (8 major upsets and 3 minor upsets in 48 games). Who was smoking hot? North Carolina and Davidson. Who was not? Duke, Georgetown, Drake, Clemson, Vanderbilt, Connecticut, Pittsburgh and Southern Cal. Get results and highlights during the first two rounds here.
The Final 4 For The 2008 NCAA Tournament: North Carolina, Memphis, UCLA And Kansas
For the first time in the history of the NCAA National Basketball Tournament, all four No. 1 seeded teams made it safely through the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 brackets to the Final 4—UCLA, Memphis, North Carolina and Kansas. Three #1 seeds have advanced to the Final 4 only three times in NCAA history, most recently in 1999. Get the full story.
Female Executives Who Are Too Bold And Too Aggressive Do Not Rise As Fast
Female executives who are bold and aggressive do not rise up the corporate ladder as quickly as you may think. Female executives who use a self-confident but much softer, indirect approach do not highlight or reinforce any pre-conceived notions that they might be too bold, too aggressive or too judgmental for a higher position. Learn why it matters in dealing with male executives.
Potential Hires Who Are Quick To Judge May Be Quickly Eliminated By Interviewers
Female executives who are bold and aggressive do not rise up the corporate ladder as quickly as you may think. Female executives who use a self-confident but much softer, indirect approach do not highlight or reinforce any pre-conceived notions that they might be too bold, too aggressive or too judgmental for a higher position. Learn why it matters in dealing with male executives.
2 Things We Cannot Teach Employees: Judgment And Personality Development
We can teach people a lot of things, but there are two things we cannot teach people, potential hires or employees—judgment and personality development. We acquire judgment by making judgments, but unfortunately, some people have better judgment than others. Personality development cannot be taught because it is not driven by professional development but rather by personal growth. Learn why it matters.
Before You Interview, Learn And Practice Ed's "Zip A Lip" Theory
My best advice to clients about to interview for a job is to treat the interview like an IRS audit. When the Internal Revenue Service thinks you are cheating on your annual tax return, and they ask you a question during an audit, it is a real good idea to answer the field auditor's question and shut up. The same strategy works during job interviews. Learn the technique in this article.
The Biggest Mistake Potential Hires Make While Interviewing For A Job
While interviewing, sometimes the potential hire talks himself or herself into an offer and then right back out. The reason why is they commit the biggest mistake a person could make when interviewing for a job, and this is it: They are asked a question, they answer the question, and then they feel compelled to explain or justify the answer they have given. Get the full story.
The Greatest Explosion Can Only Occur When Opportunity Meets Preparedness
There is probably not a day in America when at least a million employees wonder "When am I going to get promoted?" or "I am so upset that they promoted him and not me?" These workplace sentiments tend to happen because employees tend to look only at opportunity, and employers tend to look only at preparedness. The reality of life is that the greatest explosion can only occur when opportunity meets preparedness.
How To Make An Incredible Impression During Your Most Vulnerable Moment
When you start a new job, even if it is a part-time job, you can be thrust into a needy situation that could cause harm to your psyche and confidence. This real life story tells you how you can make an incredible impression during your most vulnerable moment. There is a real lesson to be learned in surviving in the work-a-day jungle of everyday life.
What Is The Most Critical Career Choice Graduating Students Make?
After reading The Tao of Warren Buffett, I discovered that Buffett had some very valuable information on what students should know when selecting their first job after graduating. According to Buffett, one not only needs to learn what kind of business to invest in but what kind of business to work in. Learn why.
Michigan State's Nicole Bush Finishes 5th At NCAA Nationals, Best Spartan Run Ever - Part 2
Senior Nicole Bush put the finishing touch on an outstanding cross-country season by finishing 5th in the NCAA National Championship meet, leading the Michigan State women to a 5th place team finish, the second best showing ever for the Spartans. Learn why Michigan State's women middle distance runners are among the rising stars nationally. This is Part 2 of a 2-Part Article.
Michigan State's Nicole Bush Finishes 5th At NCAA Nationals, Best Spartan Run Ever - Part 1
Senior Nicole Bush put the finishing touch on an outstanding cross-country season by finishing 5th in the NCAA National Championship meet, leading the Michigan State women to a 5th place team finish, the second best showing ever for the Spartans, topped only by the 4th place finish in 1981 at the first-ever NCAA women's championships. This is Part 1 of a 2-Part Article.
Walt Drenth Becomes Director Of MSU's Cross-Country And Track & Field Programs
Michigan State University's cross-county and track & field programs have taken a really positive step forward with the appointment of Walt Drenth as the director. Just as Tom Izzo has led the Spartan basketball program back to national prominence, and new first-year coach Mark Dantonio has already dramatically improved Michigan State's football fortunes with a bowl appearance, Walt Drenth will create a winning tradition among Spartan runners.
Meet Michigan State's Newest Dynamo - Associate Head Coach Rita Arndt-Molis
During the changing of the guard for Michigan State University's cross-country and track & field programs, Rita Arndt-Molis was named Associate Head Coach following Walt Drenth's appointment as director of the programs. Arndt-Molis will coach both men and women middle-distance runners. Her impact was immediate. Learn why the Spartans will benefit every day she is coaching.
If You Are Looking For Leeches, Skip The Pond, Go To Your Credit Card Company
Two seemingly unrelated stories caught my attention yesterday. One was about corporations stockpiling cash and the other was about consumer savings rates, which moved into negative territory for the first time according to the U. S. Commerce Department. Credit card companies have no legal limits on what they can charge for interest and fees.
"Meet The Fockers" Gets A Real Boost From De Niro And Hoffman
Meet the Fockers is the best comedy I have seen in a long time. This movie could have been easily over-the-top with its descriptive title, but there is no hint of it in the presentation. A believable story line and an all-star cast with former Oscar-winners gave this comedy a real boost of professionalism.
"The Five People You Meet In Heaven" Is Difficult To Understand But Rewarding
"The Five People You Meet in Heaven" is the story of Eddie (Jon Voight), a simple man living a simple life as a maintenance man who has a regret and an ache in his heart. He dies while trying to save a little girl in an accident, and does not know if he saved her life or not. He awakens in Heaven and finds out the real meaning of his life. A complex but rewarding story and movie.
Famous Quotes By Lou Holtz During Football's Annual Bowl Season
College football's annual bowl season is full of surprises and spectacular moments. Famous coaches have had some memorable remarks about American's most popular sport, and here are some of them by Lou Holtz, who some consider to be the best of the best college coaches and for good reason. Find out why.
Famous Quotes By Knute Rockne During Football's Annual Bowl Season
College football's annual bowl season is full of surprises and spectacular moments. Famous coaches have had some memorable remarks about American's most popular sport, and here are some of them by legendary Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne, who many consider to be the best of the best.
Famous Quotes By Vince Lombardi During Football's Annual Bowl Season
College football's annual bowl season is full of surprises and spectacular moments. Famous coaches have had some memorable remarks about American's most popular sport, and here are some of them by legendary Green Bay Packer coach Vince Lombardi, who many consider to be the best of the best.
Coach Was Color-Blind, He Only Wanted To Know If You Could Play Basketball
Basketball Coach Don Haskins does not have to wait for his legend to happen. He was the coach at Texas Western in 1966 when his 27-1 team played Adolph Rupp's 27-1 University of Kentucky Wildcats for the NCAA title. Haskins would become the first coach in NCAA history to start an all-African American lineup which beat Kentucky 72-65 to become the NCAA champion. February is Black History Month.
"Coach Carter" Sends An Outstanding Message About A Coach With Integrity, Honor And Goodness
Samuel L. Jackson plays Coach Ken Carter in a good sports drama with an outstanding message for today's high school basketball players who see playing with the pros as their only objective in life. Carter believes that a basketball scholarship and ethics should go hand in hand. This is an incredible story of a coach who will not compromise his values by not compromising his integrity.
Four Average Movies That Do Not Get Any Better The Second Time Around
Here are four average movies that do not get any better the second time around: Anger Management with Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler, The Emperor's Club with Kevin Kline and Emile Hirsch, The Fast and the Furious (a totally mindless guy flick about macho wannabe men street car racing), and Five Easy Pieces with Jack Nicholson and Karen Black (both Oscar nominees in a depressing film about a guy going nowhere 1,000 miles an hour).
"To Kill A Mockingbird" Exposes The Destructiveness Of Bigotry
Gregory Peck won a Best Actor Oscar in this adaptation of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about white lawyer Atticus Finch defending an innocent African American man accused of raping a white woman. This is a story that illuminates everything that is wrong about hate, prejudice, bigotry, ignorance, stupidity, lack of backbone and lack of a heart.
Two Films Offer Great Examples Of What Not To Do With Your Life
Kiss the Bride centers around four sisters from an Italian Catholic family in Rhode Island trying to work out their childhood hang-ups as three of them-all self-centered, self-absorbed and out of touch with reality-return to help their little sister get married. Sideways focuses on two men in midlife crises taking a one-week excursion through California wine country.
"Tipping The Velvet" Is First Alternative Lifestyle Film With An Educational Message - Part 2
Based on Sarah Waters' acclaimed debut novel, Tipping the Velvet was adapted by Andrew Davies, an Emmy award-winning British screenwriter who has also written "Doctor Zhivago", "Bridget Jone's Diary", "Sense and Sensibility", "Vanity Fair" and "Pride and Prejudice". Davies is a very talented heavyweight.
"Tipping The Velvet" Is First Alternative Lifestyle Film With An Educational Message - Part 1
"Tipping the Velvet" is what some viewers would consider a terrible film about a sinful, raunchy lifestyle, and what I would consider an excellent film despite any apparent raunchiness. The BBC brought this controversial movie to a 5-millon strong mainstream television audience in England. Tipping the Velvet is an incredibly unusual firm because you rarely, if ever, see an alternative lifestyle movie with a happy ending.
"The Quiet Man" Is A Love Story Set In The Emerald Isle Of Ireland
No one ever said that filmmaking was easy, only that it could be very good and sometimes enduring, as in "The Quiet Man", starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara with legendary Director John Ford. The Quiet Man was the first American feature to be filmed in Ireland's picturesque countryside. Ford earned his 4th and last Best Director Oscar for The Quiet Man in 1952. See the film and understand why this love story will touch your heart.
"Nanny McPhee" - An Excellent Movie With Magic And A Message For Children
In an entertainment world full of trashy and violent video games and movies, Nanny McPhee is everything good about movies for children. You and your children can watch this film without fear of unpleasant and unwanted garbage rooted in sensationalism for ratings and greed. Nanny McPhee is an excellent film with a wonderful message for all children to recognize and understand.
"A Lot Like Love" Is Light Enough To Fly Away And Never Be Missed
"A Lot Like Love" chronicles the indecision of two young adults who are misguided and muddled in both their careers and love life. They haul off and do nothing with themselves and then wonder why they are not happy. No wonder they are confused about love. They deserve each other. See this film once and move on.
Movie History: If You Thought "Titanic" Was The Largest Grossing Film In The U. S., Think Again
A lot of moviegoers think that "Titanic" is the largest grossing domestic film of all time, topping $600+ million in revenue following its release in 1997. Titanic, while No. 1 in actual dollars generated, is only No. 6 when adjusted for inflation. Learn the real No. 1 largest grossing domestic film in moviemaking history in this article.
Dantonio Finally Arrives On The Big 10 Stage As Head Coach At Michigan State
Michigan State University has a football history of folding when it counts. By unloading John L. Smith and hiring Mark Dantonio as their new head football coach, the Spartans have put themselves in a position to perform better than any time since the legendary Duffy Daugherty coached Michigan State to a combined 19-1-1 record in 1965 and 1966, winning back-to-back Big Ten and National Championships.
A Disturbing Trend In Our Society: The Lack Of Trust In Our Institutions - Part 1
The lack of trust for institutions in our society may be reaching epidemic levels. A recent survey shows trust in banks and financial institutions has dropped from 35% to 28% in 40 years, major companies from 26% to 17%, the nation's press from 24% to 9%, educational institutions from 36% to 27%, and organized religion from 35% to 24%. Learn why this is happening.
"A Man For All Seasons" Demonstrates What Integrity Should Be In The Middle Ages And Now
A Man for All Seasons poses the question: What would a man sacrifice for his principles? When Henry VIII seeks approval to divorce his wife and marry Anne Boleyn, his new Chancellor and Cardinal—Sir Thomas More—stands in his way. In the end, Sir Thomas becomes the only person in England who will die for his principles. A Man for All Seasons won 6 Oscars at the 1967 Academy Awards.
"Ryan's Daughter" Is A Love Triangle With Passion, Adultery, Rebellion And A Village Idiot
"Ryan's Daughter" is a love story that evolves into a love triangle set in the epic splendor of an isolated village on Ireland's scenic Dingle Peninsula. Like all love triangles, it ends in a disaster that becomes a tragedy. Cinematographer Freddie Young captures the raw beauty of Ireland with its ocean cliffs, green countryside, lazy pastures and hidden forest love nest. He won an Oscar for his filming.
College Football - If You Thought SEC Was The Toughest NCAA Conference, Think Again
There is so much buzz and hype about the Southeast Conference—better known as the SEC—you would think there are no other NCAA football conferences that can compare. I did a little investigating into the strength of schedule for the various conferences. Turns out that the toughest conference is not the SEC, it is the Pac 10. Find out why.
College Football - How To Ferret Out Which Teams Are Rising And Falling In The Polls
Many sports fans who anxiously await the release of the weekly football polls really miss one of the best parts of the poll when searching only to see where their favorite is ranked. Many newspapers and online services list only the Top 25 picks. You have to dig a little deeper to discover which teams received votes but not enough votes to make it into the Top 25. Where to find the rest of the poll.