ND All Americans Differ on Independence

Former Notre Dame All American football players Joe Theismann and Gerry DiNardo were recently interviewed for a Detroit News article about Notre Dame's football independence. Theismann was very clear in his feelings about Notre Dame remaining independent -- "It would be a very sad day for me personally if Notre Dame were to join a conference." Not surprisingly, DiNardo toed the company line (DiNardo is a Big Ten Network analyst), saying "The reason I believe Notre Dame should be affiliated with a conference because it gives them a chance to be the best..." NOTE TO GERRY -- Notre Dame doesn't need to join the Big Ten or any conference for that matter -- "for the chance" to be the best!!! Here's a link to the article:

NOTRE DAME'S FOOTBALL INDEPENDENCE

A Domer (Who Can't Sing) to the Rescue!

Jimmy Small, ND Class of 2008, joined NASCAR's Series Operations group just a couple of weeks after his Graduation from Notre Dame. ( That's him pictured at a recent NASCAR race with Kevin James and Adam Sandler). Well, last night Jimmy was at Gateway International Raceway -- five miles outside of St. Louis, MO. -- working the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. One of his "pre-race" duties for NASCAR is to ensure that the Driver Introductions, Invocation, National Anthem and the "Drivers Start Your Engine" command are performed on time for the television broadcast. Last night, the National Anthem was to be performed on an electric guitar (sans the singing) by a well known lead singer of a rock band. The rock star is standing on stage, with his guitar, awaiting the signal from Jimmy to start. It's three minutes and counting until the National Anthem is to be performed -- AND THE POWER GOES OUT. The rock star can't play his electric guitar! Jimmy runs up to him -- and tells him "You're going to have to sing the National Anthem!" The response; "Dude, I can't -- I don't know all of the words." Well, Jimmy immediately yells into his headset "WE NEED A NATIONAL ANTHEM SINGER NOW!" Within seconds a Gateway International Raceway representative says "We have an ex-cheerleader on staff who can sing, we'll find her." Looks like the crisis has been avoided -- until he hears over the headset: "She can't sing -- she doesn't know all the words." It's now less than two minutes before the National Anthem is to be performed on live television and Jimmy makes the snap decision; I KNOW ALL THE WORDS -- I'LL SING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM! Mind you, his only singing experience, since his third-grade choir's Christmas concert at St. Patrick Elementary, is with his buddies on GUITAR HERO -- trust me, he can't sing! So, he informs everyone that he'll sing the National Anthem. He jumps up on stage and grabs a portable battery powered microphone -- and gets ready to sing. As he tells it; "I am shaking like you can't believe -- yet, I'm thinking this is going to be a story that will be told for years and years..." He's literally FIVE SECONDS away from becoming YOUTUBE legend for the worst rendition of the National Anthem in the history of this great country -- when the POWER COMES BACK ON! However, it's already been announced "and now, singing the National Anthem, from NASCAR, Jimmy Small..." Thankfully, Jimmy gets a signal that the power is back and he immediately waves for the "rock star" to jump back on stage to take Jimmy's place -- and he plays the National Anthem on his electric guitar without a problem. CRISIS AVOIDED! For those of you watching the race live on the SPEED CHANNEL last night - you never saw this, because they run the live broadcast on a slight delay. It allows them to edit language and other things they don't want to air on live television. If you were watching the race, you also know that the power went back out -- right after the National Anthem and never came back on -- forcing NASCAR to reschedule the race to this afternoon at 1:30 PM EST. Here's hoping the "rock star" will come back and perform the National Anthem again today - keeping Jimmy away from the microphone! I guess the lesson here is we need to teach the National Anthem in all of our schools in America! FYI: In the spirit of "full disclosure" -- Jimmy is the oldest son of this blogger!

Notre Dame Chemists Receive $5.5 Million Grant

Dr. Mayland Chang, a researcher in the University of Notre Dame's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry received a $5.5 million grant to develop drugs designed to fight serious bacterial infections. The National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases awarded the grant to Chang. The research team includes three other researchers at Notre Dame and a researcher in Spain. Here's a link to Dr. Chang's biography:

DR. MAYLAND CHANG -- NOTRE DAME

Tim Brown - College Football Hall of Fame!

Former Notre Dame All American and Heisman Trophy winner -- Tim Brown, will be coming home this weekend to South Bend for his enshrinement into the College Football Hall of Fame. Brown will become the 49th Notre Dame Football player to be so honored -- the most of any school in the country. The festivities begin tomorrow -- so if you're in the South Bend area, think about attending a few of them. Here's a link to the schedule:

HALL OF FAME INDUCTION SCHEDULE

ESPN Classic to Air "Game of the Century"

The infamous "Game of the Century -- the 10 - 10 Tie" between Notre Dame and Michigan State, in 1966, will be commemorated with a special two hour show on ESPN Classic -- Tuesday, July 20th from 4 PM to 6 PM EST. MSU's Bubba Smith and Notre Dame's Rocky Bleier will be commentating and the entire second half will be shown. If you can't see it - be sure to TIVO or RECORD it.

Sheahan Impresses Red Wings' Top Execs!

Former University of Notre Dame Hockey Player, Riley Sheahan spent the past three days in a new uniform (pictured). Sheahan joined a number of the Detroit Red Wings top prospects at a three-day camp in the Detroit area. Sheahan, the Wing's #1 draft pick, didn't disappoint -- as you'll learn if you click on this Detroit Free Press article:

SHEAHAN IMPRESSES WINGS

Desert to Dome!

University of Notre Dame's Dean of their College of Science -- Greg Crawford and his wife Renate (pictured) are going to ride their bikes from Tuscon, AZ to Notre Dame, IN this summer. The ride -- dubbed; "Desert to Dome" -- begins on July 24th and it celebrates the Ara Parseghian Family Medical Foundation and the University of Notre Dame's partnership to find treatment options for Niemann-Pick Type C -- a rare and deadly disease that primarily strikes children. Former ND Football Coach Ara Parseghian's family has lost three children to Neimann-Pick. The 2,200 mile bike ride will end on the Notre Dame campus -- some time in August. Good Luck to the Crawford's! Here's a link to a video Notre Dame created to promote this event and a link to Dean Crawford's BLOG -- where you can track what they're doing to prepare for the ride:

DESERT TO DOME

DEAN CRAWFORD'S BLOG

Here's a Video of Coach Kelly talking with Students

I missed this video of Coach Kelly meeting with students at Notre Dame on April 27th. I thought it was quite good -- especially the answer to the question: "Have you spoken with any of the previous Notre Dame Head Coaches?" Here's a link:

COACH KELLY WITH NOTRE DAME STUDENTS

"A Man of the People"

ESPN Journalist Wes Morgan was in Grand Rapids, MI with Coach Kelly this past Friday -- as he joined the Notre Dame Club of Grand Rapids for their 27th Annual Golf & Scholarship Invitational at Centennial Country Club. Kelly played golf in the afternoon and then he spoke at the dinner that evening. Here's a link to Morgan's ESPN Blog article:

A MAN OF THE PEOPLE

ND Football Announcer -- Next USC AD?

There are strong rumors on the internet that Pat Haden, NBC color analyst for their Notre Dame Football telecasts is the leading candidate to replace embattled USC AD, Mike Garrett. Haden is a former QB at USC and Rhodes Scholar. Although he chose to play for USC over the Irish, Haden readily admits that his mother wanted him to go to Notre Dame and always lights a candle in her memory at the Grotto whenever he is on campus. Pat is currently a member of USC's Board of Trustees.

Muffet McGraw -- Basketball Hall of Fame!

It was announced today that University of Notre Dame Women's Basketball Coach -- Muffet McGraw will be enshrined in the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame next year. Muffet, who led the Irish to their only National Championship in 2001, has won more than 600 games as a head coach. Congratulations Muffet!

HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCEMENT

ND Icer -- YouTube Sensation!

Riley Sheahan, first round draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings -- and former Irish Hockey player -- performed his stick handling magic for the YOUTUBE cameras as a 15 year-old. Here's a link to the story and video on the Detroit Red Wings' official website:

PUCK HANDLING TO A NEW LEVEL

Is Brian Kelly Playing in Lake Tahoe Tournament?

It's been rumored for weeks that Notre Dame Head Football Coach Brian Kelly accepted an invitation to play in the 21st American Century Championship at Lake Tahoe. Yet, his name isn't on the 'official' list of participants -- even though they promote the fact that he's playing in the event for the first time this year. This is the "made for TV" golf tournament that is made up of former athletes, coaches and actors -- who play in what's called a modified Stableford Scoring Format. Each double eagle, eagle, birdie, par, bogey or double bogey has an assigned point total. The player who scores the most points -- wins the tournament. The event runs from July 13th to the 18th on the shores of Lake Tahoe at Edgewood Tahoe. NBC televises the action -- former Notre Dame greats; Jerome Bettis, Lou Holtz, Digger Phelps and Joe Theismann have committed to play. You'll also have the opportunity to see Charles Barkley swing a golf club (pictured). Once we learn if Coach Kelly is officially playing -- we'll post it on the blog. Here's a link to the tournament's website:

AMERICAN CENTURY CHAMPIONSHIP AT LAKE TAHOE

Harangody Scores 23 in NBA Debut!

Luke Harangody wasted little time in putting on a show for the Boston Celtics and their fans. The second round pick out of Notre Dame scored 23 points on 9 for 13 shooting in their Summer League opener today in Las Vegas. Congrats Luke!

BOSTON CELTICS WEBSITE

Coach Kelly in Grand Rapids this Friday

The Notre Dame Club of Grand Rapids is hosting its 27th Annual Golf & Scholarship Invitational at Centennial Country Club. As of Friday, a few spots in the morning scramble (7:30 AM Shot Gun Start) were available -- and some tickets to see Coach Brian Kelly speak at the dinner that evening. If interested, please contact Bob Belmonte at bbelmonte@appliedimaging.com -- it should be fun!

LINK TO ND GRAND RAPIDS CLUB SITE

Brian Kelly on THE HUGE SHOW

Notre Dame Head Football Coach was a guest on The Huge Show -- a sports radio program on WBBL 107.3 FM in west Michigan. You'll love his answer to the question: "Will you win a National Championship at Notre Dame?" -- Here's a link to the interview:

KELLY ON THE HUGE SHOW

Bobby Taylor -- Seeking NFL Comeback?

Rumors persist that former Notre Dame All American Bobby Taylor, is working out in Houston, TX -- preparing to make a comeback. Taylor, now 36 years-old, last played in the NFL for the Seattle Seahwaks in the 2004 season. Prior to his one season with the Seahawks, Taylor played for the Philadelphia Eagles, the team that drafted him in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft. A corner, the 6'-3" Taylor was named NFL All Pro after the 2002 season -- and is reportedly seeking to make a NFL roster this time as a safety. Well liked by teammates, Taylor received the Ed Block Courage Award in 1998. The Ed Block Courage Award is an annual award presented to selected players in the National Football League (NFL), who are voted by their teammates as role models of inspiration, sportsmanship, and courage. Out of Longview, Texas -- Taylor received the Jack Tatum Trophy in 2004 as the top defensive back in college football. He's the only Notre Dame football player to be so honored. Bobby's Dad, Robert Taylor, won a Gold & Silver Medal in the 1972 Summer Olympics. While it's not entirely crazy to think a 36-year old could play in the NFL (Brett Favre??) -- playing a "back" position in an NFL defense, at this age, would be unique. We wish you well Bobby Taylor!

Notre Dame's Five Star Recruit - Hegarty Talks...

Matthew Hegarty out of Aztec, New Mexico -- sat down with WSBT 960 AM's SportsBeat Weekly Show to talk about his commitment to Notre Dame. Hegarty is a Five-star recruit -- meaning he's one of the absolute best at his position (Left Tackle) in America. Matt was the MVP at last summer's University of Oklahoma's Top Prospect Camp (Video Below). Here's a link to his interview with Weekly SportsBeat:

HEGARTY TALKS WITH SPORTSBEAT WEEKLY

MVP OF OKLAHOMA'S TOP PROSPECT CAMP

Another Independence Day for Notre Dame!

I found this story this morning -- "How many more days of independence will Notre Dame celebrate?" It's a good read and I thought you would enjoy:

HOW MANY MORE INDEPENDENCE DAYS FOR ND?

ND Professor Discusses GOOGLE and China

Notre Dame Professor John D'Arcy, an internet security expert -- boy, do I distrust the word EXPERT -- believes that GOOGLE and China may have kissed and made up. Some may recall that GOOGLE and China have been in a fight over China's censorship of the internet. Well, China is expected to announce this next week whether they will renew GOOGLE's license to operate in their country. China is the world's largest internet market -- as they are for many goods and services these days. The Chinese government's decision will have far reaching ramifications for companies around the world -- stay tuned! Here's a link to the story:

WILL GOOGLE DO ITS THING IN CHINA?

ND GO IRISH BLOG -- Fans from 44 States Today!

The NOTRE DAME GO IRISH BLOG is only five months old -- but, in that short time more than 8,000 unique Notre Dame fans have paid a visit! You come from all 50 States and more than 30 countries around the world. Pretty amazing how a little school "in the middle of nowhere" can drive such passion. Today alone, Notre Dame fans from 44 States stopped in to check in on their Irish. Thanks for making this great fun and GO IRISH!

ESPN's Mark May -- Predicts 10 Wins for Irish!

No, it's not April Fool's Day - it's the first of July, not April. ESPN College Football Live's Mark May has apparently visited a Priest and confessed his sins - because he's done a "180 on the Irish" and predicts 10 win this season. Here's a link to the video:

COLLEGE FOOTBALL'S BOLD PREDICTIONS

Notre Dame Degree -- Ninth Most Valuable!

PayScale just released their annual "College Salary Report" and it ranks a degree from the University of Notre Dame as the "ninth most valuable" in America. PayScale, which collects pay information from individuals using its online pay comparison tools, analyzed its trove of 1.4 million reports on U.S. college graduates for Bloomberg Businessweek and put a price tag on the college diplomas handed out during recent commencement ceremonies. The rankings list the net 30-year return on investment (ROI) of undergraduate degrees from various colleges and universities. With a typical college degree from the schools in this report, a graduate will earn a gross income of about $1.95 million over a 30-year career, netting about $670,000 more than a high school graduate. Notre Dame graduates out-earned high school graduates by $1.4 million, making it the ninth most valuable undergraduate degree in the nation. Here's a link to the South Bend Tribune article:

TOP TEN MOST VALUABLE COLLEGE DEGREES