It’s hard to be a sports fan of any kind without having a favorite player. Typically, this favorite player is one of the stars, a person who shines brighter than most others. For Miami Heat fans, a favorite player is Dwyane Wade. A man who entered the NBA with little expectations, Wade has turned into one of the greatest players in the game. Lighting a spark under the Miami Heat, he is one of the reasons they get hot.
Dwyane Tyrone Wade, Jr. was born on January 17, 1982 in the south side of Chicago. Though the spelling of his name is odd, it is pronounced “Dwayne,” a pronunciation that has left his name misspelled on numerous occasions. Following in the foot steps of Michael Jordan, a childhood hero of his, Wade has solidified himself as one of the NBA elite, a man of style, skill, and great un-expectations. In 2006, He was named Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated and, after averaging 34.7 points per playoff game, he was awarded the MVP trophy in the 2006 NBA finals. His jersey was also the number one selling NBA jersey for two years in a row.
Nicknamed “Flash” and “D-Wade,” Wade plays the shooting guard position. With a subtle quickness, he is a hard player to guard and even a harder one to stop. If he’s not scoring baskets, as he averaged 27.2 points per game last season, he’s assisting in them. He’s poise under fire and ability to perform when his team needs it most have given him a reputation as one of the league’s best clutch players. The only weakness in his game seems to be his 3 point shooting. Shooting only 17.1 percent from long range, Wade is not too threatening behind the line. Inside of it, however, he’s nearly unstoppable.
Outside of the gym, Wade has been making a name from himself by appearing on late night talk shows and endorsing products. He has appeared on Late Night with David Letterman as well as Live with Regis and Kelly. He also endorses Gatorade, Sean John, Converse and Topps. In 2005, showing he has style on and off the court, Wade was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in People’s Magazine. This was followed, in 2006, by Wade being named the NBA’s best dressed player by GQ Magazine.
In his personal life, Wade is serious about his Christianity, rumored to have chosen the number 3 because of the Holy Trinity. He also donates ten percent of his salary to a Chicago church. Stating that he has only had one serious girlfriend in his entire life, Wade married his high school sweetheart in 2002. He and his wife have a son named Zaire Blessing Dwyane Wade.
Though the 2007 season has seen Miami be mediocre at best, any team that has a Dwyane Wade can never be counted out just yet. If he gets hot, the Miami Heat could spread like wild fire.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Groups Who Judge People With The Precision Of Truth
After hearing a speech in the House of Commons, Winston Churchill remarked, "I should think it hardly possible to state the opposite of the truth with more precision."
Whether lies are told with precision or stupidity, they'll eventually be exposed. The truth is sometimes painful but welcome compared to that sick, sinking realization that you've been had by a liar.
As Matthew, age 10, painfully discovered, some people don't take kindly to being deceived: "I lied to my brother once, and I got beat up for it. Please don't lie."
"People need to know the truth whether they like it or not," says Conner, 6. "Life is not easy."
You're right, Conner, but sometimes, they're not ready for it. A commitment to tell the truth doesn't obligate you to open your mouth every time you have a truthful thought.
Jesus said, "Don't cast your pearls before swine." Have you ever seen a pig wearing a pearl necklace? People who enjoy wallowing in the mud of self-deception are not ready for your pearls of truth and wisdom.
Jesus also said, "Be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove." In the Arizona desert, I nearly stepped on a rattlesnake. It was coiled, ready and waiting to strike. Be alert, and wait for the right moment to speak truth into someone's life.
"If somebody asks you if she looks nice in a super-dirty, ugly and disgusting dress, you should say she's pretty," says Jonathan, 12. It's very tempting to lie when asked about someone's appearance. Though it may seem like a small thing, it damages your integrity and your commitment to the truth.
Let's get some help from Hannah, 12: "If my friend wore this really weird outfit to a party, and she asked me if I liked it, I would tell her that I liked another dress she had better."
Here's another take on questions about appearance: "If someone asks you if they look good, and they really don't, you should tell them so that they won't be embarrassed," says Jacky, 12.
Hannah's answer is diplomatic but true. Jacky's answer indicates she probably has a close relationship with her friend. We should prefer unpleasant truth from those who love us over pleasing flattery from those who would manipulate us.
"If you're not honest, you're not being a true friend," says Ellyse, 8. You're right, Ellyse, but don't feel like you have to comment on everything. "Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise," says Proverbs 17:28.
"Speaking the truth in love," as the Bible advocates, doesn't demand one style of speaking. Tough love sometimes requires drastic language and measures. It also requires discernment.
To the religious leaders who brought a woman caught in adultery, Jesus said, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first" (John 8:7).
Before Jesus answered the woman's accusers, the Bible records that he "stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear."
Just because someone asks you a question doesn't mean you have to answer. Of course, if the person asking has authority over you, as in the case of a parent, boss or police officer, you should answer quickly and truthfully.
"God would want you to tell the truth no matter what happens," says Blake, 12. "Because you get paddled or something doesn't mean anything because Jesus had to suffer on the cross."
Whether lies are told with precision or stupidity, they'll eventually be exposed. The truth is sometimes painful but welcome compared to that sick, sinking realization that you've been had by a liar.
As Matthew, age 10, painfully discovered, some people don't take kindly to being deceived: "I lied to my brother once, and I got beat up for it. Please don't lie."
"People need to know the truth whether they like it or not," says Conner, 6. "Life is not easy."
You're right, Conner, but sometimes, they're not ready for it. A commitment to tell the truth doesn't obligate you to open your mouth every time you have a truthful thought.
Jesus said, "Don't cast your pearls before swine." Have you ever seen a pig wearing a pearl necklace? People who enjoy wallowing in the mud of self-deception are not ready for your pearls of truth and wisdom.
Jesus also said, "Be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove." In the Arizona desert, I nearly stepped on a rattlesnake. It was coiled, ready and waiting to strike. Be alert, and wait for the right moment to speak truth into someone's life.
"If somebody asks you if she looks nice in a super-dirty, ugly and disgusting dress, you should say she's pretty," says Jonathan, 12. It's very tempting to lie when asked about someone's appearance. Though it may seem like a small thing, it damages your integrity and your commitment to the truth.
Let's get some help from Hannah, 12: "If my friend wore this really weird outfit to a party, and she asked me if I liked it, I would tell her that I liked another dress she had better."
Here's another take on questions about appearance: "If someone asks you if they look good, and they really don't, you should tell them so that they won't be embarrassed," says Jacky, 12.
Hannah's answer is diplomatic but true. Jacky's answer indicates she probably has a close relationship with her friend. We should prefer unpleasant truth from those who love us over pleasing flattery from those who would manipulate us.
"If you're not honest, you're not being a true friend," says Ellyse, 8. You're right, Ellyse, but don't feel like you have to comment on everything. "Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise," says Proverbs 17:28.
"Speaking the truth in love," as the Bible advocates, doesn't demand one style of speaking. Tough love sometimes requires drastic language and measures. It also requires discernment.
To the religious leaders who brought a woman caught in adultery, Jesus said, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first" (John 8:7).
Before Jesus answered the woman's accusers, the Bible records that he "stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear."
Just because someone asks you a question doesn't mean you have to answer. Of course, if the person asking has authority over you, as in the case of a parent, boss or police officer, you should answer quickly and truthfully.
"God would want you to tell the truth no matter what happens," says Blake, 12. "Because you get paddled or something doesn't mean anything because Jesus had to suffer on the cross."
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