Drak (Mihailo)

I'd like to meet:

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You! I have friends all over the world. You wanna add me? Cool, I turn no one away!! Comment me and I promise to comment you back.

Now, relationship-wise, I've never desired to have the 'supermodel' girl. There are certain things that I think are important in a woman, and looks, though they're important, ain't everything! The girl for me has a great personality, smiles alot, likes to laugh, isn't a me-first bitch, and dark hair is a plus, but not a necessity. She is loving, caring, kind of heart, likes sports atleast a little bit, or atleast doesn't mind my love of it, and melts my heart everytime i look in her eyes.

I've never been afraid to fall in love like some people are. I see something I like and I go for it. You can't complete a pass if you don't throw the damned ball. As much as a man's man I can be, I'm not afraid to treat a woman like a princess, not afraid to hold your hand in public or stay at home on the weekends and watch movies on the couch curled up together amongst the pillows.

My personal kryptonite is being alone...and I desire to have everyone like me...I am distracted when I feel rejected or not respected...I was watching Saving Private Ryan and when I saw the scene with all those crosses at the National Cemetery I found it very hard not to choke up a bit, amazed that the people back then thought that WWII was the war to end all wars, yet, here we are today, with war and death all over the world...it made me realize that when you find something good, hold onto it, cause you may never get a better chance. I have met people over the past few years that have devastated my outlook on life and relationships...i have grown weary of the mindgames and such bitter people that roam this earth...I started to wonder if I'd ever find someone that would steal my heart, wondering if i was ever good enough or cursed...

...THAT WAS, until I met this wonderful girl who just came out of nowhere and has knocked me for a loop. At first, I have to admit I was hesitant, 'cause for once, I was the more passive one, and she the aggressor, which both excited me, and scared the hell out of me, 'cause I've always played the part of the hunter!! I sometimes shake when I am with her and when my arms are wrapped around her, I find myself almost helpless to move. Her name is Laurie and she has my heart.

Honestly, I really never knew what true love was till I met her, and that's why I have asked her to marry me and why I smile everytime I think about waking up in her arms every morning.

She may say she is nothing fancy, but she is special to me. She is a typical southern raised sweetheart. She loves NASCAR and Ryan Newman, and even has me watching the races now. I have liked Jeff Gordon since he won me a case of beer when he won the Brickyard 400 in 1994, so I have a driver to call my own, plus, I like the fact that everyone hates him. I like the me against the world scenario.

She likes country music, but that is one area where she ain't converting me, cause there is a better chance of the sun rising from the west than me having a cowboy hat on, with a belt buckle the size of a license plate listening to Travis Tritt or some other guy singing about hounddogs and moonshine. The Dukes of Hazzard is as country as I get!

So that's that, and I can't wait for June 14, @ 3pm, when we are married!

Laurie

Some guys salivate over the women in Playboy, with good cause--I mean, let's face it, those women are pretty freakin hot. But, when it really comes down to it, I love women who are naturally sexy, and that is what I see in Laurie. As I stated above, sexy isn't just all looks either. Beauty is completed when a woman's heart is true and is someone who enjoys life. You don't always have to be dressy to be classy looking. Oh, and if you need a chizzle to hack the make-up off your face at night, that ain't cuttin' it either! Just be yourself and that's good enough for me. Some of my favorites who define sex appeal are below...

Mila Kunis

Rachel McAdams

Keira Knightley

Mila Jovovich

Alessandra Ambrosio

Jolene Blalock

Natalie Portman

Adriana Lima

Josie Maran

Amy Smart

Natalie Furtado

Michelle Stafford. Partied with her in Toronto!

Kate Beckinsale

Taylor Swift

Create your own friendquiz here

Music:

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Sinatra

Tupac

I'm culturally diverse, so basically, I listen to everything--'cept country--no offense.

Here's what's in my CD case:

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SERBIAN MUSIC:

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Movies:

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"Jagshemash!"

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"Say 'ello to my little friend!"

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"Go ahead...make my day!"

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"Here's Johnny!"

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"Take some shooting lessons asshole!"

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Yeah, I'm a movie afficianado...and many times you may hear me quote a movie in certain situations, just depends. Tiffany, I'm sure, remembers when we were playing cards and I said, "Spaaaaaades", while pointing to my mouth, imitating the old man in Christmas Vacation.

F.Y.I.: I was an extra in the movie Kingpin, starring Woody Harrelson and Vanessa Angel--whose ass is simply heavenly up close, let me tell you--and I also was in a Bud Light Live! commercial filmed in the Strip District.

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HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE MOVIE QUOTES:

From- DIRTY HARRY:

[Harry Callahan has to explain why he shot a man]

Harry Callahan: "Well, when an adult male is chasing a female with intent to commit rape, I shoot the bastard. That's my policy."

The Mayor: "Intent? How did you establish that?"

Harry Callahan: "When a naked man is chasing a woman through an alley with a butcher's knife and a hard-on, I figure he isn't out collecting for the Red Cross!" [walks out of the room]

The Mayor: "He's got a point."

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Harry Callahan: "I know what you're thinking punk, did he fire 5 shots or did he fire 6? Come to think of it in all this excitement, I've lost track myself. But being this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world and will take your head clean off, you gotta ask yourself one question. Do I feel lucky?"

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From- A FISH CALLED WANDA:

Otto: "You pompous, stuck-up, snot-nosed, English, giant, twerp, scumbag, fuck-face, dickhead, asshole!!"

Archie: "How very interesting. You're a true vulgarian, aren't you?"

Otto: "You're the vulgarian, you fuck!"

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From- MAN ON FIRE:

John Crease: "Well my friend, it's off to the next life for you. Don't worry though. You won't be lonely."

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From- A BRONX TALE:

Sonny: "Now yous can't leave"

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From- ANCHORMAN:

Ron Burgundy: "I'm gonna punch you right in the ovaries!"

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Ron Burgundy: "You have a whorish mouth on you!"

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From- PCU:

'Droz': "Wait, you're gonna wear the shirt of the band, to the concert? Don't be that guy" --

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From- GOODFELLAS:

Tuddy Cicero to the mailman: "If one more letter from that school goes to that kid's house, it's in the fuckin' oven you're goin'--head first!!"

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From- OLD SCHOOL:

Frank 'The Tank': "You tell ANYONE about this and I'll fucking kill you! Just kidding honey, we'll have him home by dinner..."

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Frank 'The Tank': "BLUE!! YOU MY BOY!!"

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From- PULP FICTION:

Jules: "The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he, who in the name of charity and goodwill, shepperds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great venghence and furious anger--those who oppose and try to poison my brothers. And you will know my name is the Lord, when I lay my venghence upon thee!"

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From- TRADING PLACES:

the Gorilla: "MONKEY?? I'm a gorilla you fucking clown!!"

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From- HOLLYWOOD KNIGHTS

Newbaum Turk: "Hey ladies. Hear about the guy with the five penises? His pants fit like a glove!"

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From- DOGMA:

Bartleby: "You know, if i could actually get some, i would!"

Loki: "Let's do the next best thing then."

Bartleby: "What's that?"

Loki: "Kill people!!"

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From- THE BIG LEBOWSKI:

Jesus Santana: "Let me tell you something, pendejo. You pull any of your crazy shit with us, you flash a piece out on the lanes, I'll take it away from you, stick it up your ass and pull the fucking trigger 'til it goes click!"

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From- WEDDING CRASHERS:

John Beckwith: "You look beat. Soft mattress?"

Jeremy Klein: "Soft mattress? Maybe, or it could have been the midnight rape, or the nude gay art show. I had my sock, the one that I walked around in all day, played football, sweated in, stuffed in my mouth and duct taped in! I'm going to eat my breakfast over here. Don't talk to me."

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From- FIELD OF DREAMS: John: "Is this heaven?"

Ray: "No...it's Iowa!" -- Ray Cansella answering his dad John, Field of Dreams (If there is a guy who loves both sports and his dad, there isnt a way on earth you can watch that scene without almost crying...)

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Love all James Bond films. If Daniel Craig is as good in the next Bond film as he was in Casino Royale, he will start to rival the great Sean Connery as the best Bond ever. No one will ever be as good as Connery, But Craig is awesome as 007.

Dr. No

From Russia With Love

Goldfinger

Thunderball

You Only Live Twice

On Her Majesty's Secret Service

Diamonds Are Forever

Live and Let Die

The Man with the Golden Gun

The Spy Who Loved Me

Moonraker

For Your Eyes Only

Octopussy

A View to a Kill

The Living Daylights

Licence to Kill

GoldenEye

Tomorrow Never Dies

The World is Not Enough

Die Another Day

Casino Royale

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Here are my favorite:

SCI-FI/FANTASY movies:

I think those who embrace science fiction films are the most creative people, for if you have no imagination, nothing can ever be achieved. I'm sure people laughed back in the 60's when Kirk was calling the Enterprise with his communicator...where do you think the idea for cellphones came from?

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SUPERHERO flicks:

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HORROR Films:

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COMEDIES:

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MAFIA:

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WAR Movies:

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WESTERNS:

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ACTION/DRAMA/THRILLERS:

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Sports Movies:

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Television:

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Other than sports, the BEST shows on tv are 24 and The Shield.

Don't make me go Jack Bauer on you! The best quote I've heard in a long time came from Jack last season when he was interrogating this guy and said, "You're gonna tell me everything I wanna know, it's just a matter of how much you want it to hurt!"

In addition to Hell's Kitchen, and Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares, I also love old school shows like Sanford & Son, All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Different Strokes, Cheers, Star Trek, Airwolf, Miami Vice, MacGyver, Dukes of Hazzard, The Beverly Hillbillies, Seinfeld, and The Benny Hill Show is fuckin hilarious.

Yeah, call me simple, but I still love watching Bugs Bunny, Tom & Jerry, The Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote, and Sylvester and Tweety. Those are cartoons! Not that wussy crap they have on today.

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Books:

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Other than reading many Star Trek novels, I really don't read much else other than sports based books. I am hooked on the comic strip 'Get Fuzzy'. It features a socially challenged kinda geek named Rob Wilco and his dog Satchel, who is good natured, but a little dim-witted, and Bucky Katt, an arrogant, vicious siamese cat who insults with the best of them...reminds me of my cat who was quite crazy himself, and who had his own unique personality, which included hunting you through the house and an occasional walk-by-bite on the toe...

Thunder

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Heroes:

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First I start of with those who are gone, but will never be forgotten in my life. They are missed dearly...

Family:

Matt Hapach, my Deda (Grandfather)

Baba Millie Drakulich

Uncle Dick Dobronz

Mike Krusey, my cousin

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Friends:

Spy Granito, a legend, one of the craziest guys I ever met. God probably broke the mold when he was born, though...

Nicky Vuckovich, one of my best friends growing up.

Mr. Rod Hupp, one my best friend's dad.

Mrs. Emily Pitts, one of my best friend's mom.

Sonny Vranes, Directed Dr Laza Kostich Choir.

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The following section may be entitled 'heroes', but mainly, this section is dedicated to people who have influenced who I am today...my life is pretty much made up around my family, sports, and my Serbian heritage. Here they are:

My parents, 'cause they have always been there for me, through thick and thin. Dad is the kind of father that expects alot from me and keeps me motivated. My mom is the best mother anyone could ever wish for. She is hard working and is the kind of person that refuses to stop until a task is completed.

They are both proud of their Serbian heritage as am I, and it is because of them I strive to be the best I can be, 'cause I am a reflection of them, and when people tell me that I'm a good guy, I know alot has to do with my own choices and heart, but much of it is because I have the best parents in the world.

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My Grandfather, Matt Hapach, for showing me the meaning of heart and determination. He was the best bass player Tambura knew. He was one of the strongest men that this world knew. He served his country in World War II in the army, and was a gifted musician. He played bass fiddle for many Tamburitzan Orchestras, including Sloboda and Gus Rogan and his Balkan Strings.

He was suffered a stroke in the early 80's and survived with it's lingering effects until June 9, 2001. Though the stroke stripped away at his speech and the use of his right arm, his heart was one of the strongest in any man I have ever encountered. I miss him dearly and know he is with me when I gather around an orchestra late at night at a Serbian event.

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My Baba's (plural):

Baba Millie always made sure you were sharp and instilled her love of being Serbian into me. She was a charter member of the Dr. Laza Kostich Choir of Midland, Pa, and had one of the best alto voices I have ever heard. She was a proud Serbian and she loved her choir and her church. She was quick witted and knew how to deliver sarcasm very well, which explains where I got that trait. She passed away on December 24, 2002, but I know that when I step into the choir loft at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, she is a step down from me in the alto section, singing alongside everyone else.

Baba Kay has always seen the good in me even when I've been bad...plus, she always has good food around to eat! When I was younger, if I wasn't at my house, I was likely down her house watching TV with my Grandfather Matt, or fooling around in the basement trying to build some silly contraption. Whenever I am having a bad day, I just go to her for a hug and my day turns around instantly. She is also the most devoted Pirates fan that I have ever met. She knows the players better than I do, which is amazing. If the Pirates owe anyone a winning season, it is her for sticking by them everyday!

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Here are my favorite players growing up. Their play and dedication to their sport influenced me to become the avid fan I am and to the way I play sports, which is to say, to the death!:

Mario Lemieux. Lemieux was my favorite player growing up in any sport. He was able to show me that you can overcome any obstacle in life if you really want it bad enough. Plagued with a bad back and later diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma, Lemieux still led the Pittsburgh Penguins to two Stanley Cup victories in 1991 and 1992.

A three time MVP of both the NHL and the NHL All-Star game, Lemieux is the only player in NHL history to score five goals five different ways in one game. He scored at even strength, short handed, on a power play, on a penalty shot, and an empty net goal to seal the deal in 1988 against the New Jersey Devils. Lemieux finished his career with 690 goals and 1033 assists for 1723 points in only 915 games. If he would have remained healthy throughout his career, he likely would have broken all of Wayne Gretzky's records. LeMagnifigue is truly the greatest hockey player of all time!

1st game, 1st shift, 1st shot..."Heeeeee shoots and scores!!"

Mario Lemieux Tribute Video

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Sidney Crosby: Usually, one is lucky to have the greatest player to ever play the game of hockey as his favorite player. Mario Lemieux was someone I never could imagine watching hockey without. The NHL seemed empty without #66 on the ice. The void has been filled though, by a kid named Sidney Crosby. Of all the athletes that represent Pittsburgh, Sid is the one I'd choose to be the face of this great city. He is one of the most fiercely competitive players that you will ever meet, and he is already the best player in hockey at the age of 19. The future shines as brightly as the sun for Super Sid and I can't wait to watch him lift Lord Stanley over his head many times in the future!!

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The 1980 USA Men's Olympic Hockey Team

Do you believe in miracles? It was the greatest upset in sports history, unlikely to ever be repeated. For a bunch of college kids to come together and beat the vaunted hockey machine known as the USSR was as likely as Gary Coleman kicking Mike Tyson's ass in a street fight. However, it did prove that nothing is impossible and if you work hard enough and dedicate yourself to overcoming any obstacle, you will be rewarded. Herb Brooks, you were a great coach, thank you for being a part of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the hockey world will miss you!

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Jack Lambert: When I started playing football at a young age, Lambert was the player I wanted to become. I wanted to rip the heart out of every quarterback I encountered and I enjoyed intimidating people. Jack Lambert was one of the most feared linebackers in NFL history. People can talk about Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher all they want, but Lambert is still one of the most fearsome LB's to ever play the game.

A Jack Lambert Highlight Reel

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Carnell Lake. Carnell Lake's father was an incredible athlete from my hometown of Midland. His Uncle Rich also happened to be one of my Dad's good friends. One day when I was little and home sick from school, a young black man came into my house and started talking to me about my future and to go for my dreams. We talked for a good long while about many things.

Later that week I was in the doctors office reading a Sports Illustrated, and to my surprise, the same guy who was in my house was featured in the magazine. He was Carnell Lake, an All-American Linebacker from UCLA!! Later that year he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a SS, and went on to become one of the best Steelers to ever play in the secondary. He was also the first Steeler I interviewed as sports editor of RMC's student newspaper, The Minuteman. Carnell is one of the classiest people you would ever meet.

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Andy Van Slyke: My favorite baseball player growing up, #18 was one of the best defensive center fielders in the game while playing for the Pirates. Van Slyke was an ESPN Webgem almost nightly, with his incredible range, diving catches, and superb arm. Van Slyke finished his career as a 3-time All-Star and a 5-time Gold Glove winner.

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Roberto Clemente: Even though he was before my time, Clemente had qualities about him that everyone should aspire to have. Clemente died on December 31, 1972, in a plane crash destined for eathquake victims in Nicaragua. Clemente was tired of hearing reports of aid shipments being stolen or hi-jacked, and felt his personal appearence would be enough for the guerrilas to allow the supplies to reach it's intended victims. How many athletes today do you know that would do that?

A 12 time Gold Glove winner, Clemente had the strongest arm maybe in MLB history, often toying with runners by lobbing the ball into the infield underhanded, daring them to run. He finshed his career with 3000 hits, good for a lifetime .317 average and won two World Series titles with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1960 and 1971.

Roberto Clemente Video

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Willie Stargell

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Charles Barkley: After Dr. J retired, Sir Charles was my favorite basketball player growing up. He may have been 6'6, but he played like he was 7'1 with his tenacious style of play and ferocious rebounding. He started his career with the 76ers before being traded to the Phoenix Suns, then finishing up his career with the Houston Rockets.

Sir Charles Highlight Video

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Dr J: Julius Erving was Michael Jordan before Michael Jordan. He was a human highlight reel with his incredible dunks and shots. Dr J was who I started watching at a young age. He and Barkley are the only thing about Philadelphia I admire. His last game was in the playoffs vs Milwaukee and watching him walk off the court for the final time was the first time I ever cried because of sports.

Dr J Highlight Reel

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FAMOUS SERBIANS AND SERBIAN EVENTS IN WORLD HISTORY:

Serbia: 2002 World Basketball Champions

My Serbian NBA players gallery:

Peja Stojakovic

Darko Milicic

Nenad Krstic

Mile Ilic

Vlad Radmanovic

Vlade Divac

Marko Jaric

Aleksandar Pavlovic

Zarko Cabarkapa

Bostjan Nachbar

Sasha Vujacic

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'Pistol' Pete Maravich

Pete Maravich, a native of Aliquippa, was considered the greatest college basketball player of all time, averaged 44.2 points per game, WITHOUT the benefit of the 3-point line in his 4 year career at LSU. Maravich went on to average 24.2 points a game, good for 15th all-time, playing for the Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Jazz, and Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics.

Pistol Pete was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987 and named one of the 50 greatest basketball players of all time. Maravich died way too young of a heart attack playing a pick-up basketball game at the age of 40.

Pistol Pete Ultimate Highlights!!

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Serbs have stormed the Tennis world! Novak Djokovic, Jelena Jankovic, and Ana Ivanovic are currently all ranked in the Top 10 Tennis Players worldwide!

Novak Djokovic

Jelena Jankovic

Ana Ivanovic

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The brave and valiant Serbs who fought in The Battle of Kosovo, 1389.

For those who do not understand what Kosovo means to the Serbian people, here is why that land is so sacred to the Serbs and why it will never be taken from Serbian hands.

The following is taken from kosovo.net:

Saint Lazar the Great Martyr of Kosovo

Prince Lazar was born in 1329 in Prilepac to the aristocrat family Hrebeljanovic. His father Pribac was a Logotet-secretary doing very confidential work for King Dusan the Powerful in the royal palace. Young Lazar was raised in the palace, and was respected by the King who entrusted him with the rule of two parts of his kingdom: Srem and Macva. Lazar married Milica the daughter of an important aristocrat named Vratko also known as Yug Bogdan - a very wise and honorable man from the Nemanjic family. Lazar had three sons: Stevan, Vuk and Lazar and five daughters: Jelena, Mara, Despa, Vukosava and Mileva.

King Dusan the Powerful died unexpectantly in 1355 at the age of 48. This led to a weakening of Serbia's central government. Many dukes used this opportunity to secede from the Kingdom with the land that had been entrusted to them. The young son of Dusan Uros took over the throne and soon was killed. Vukasin Mrnjacevic proclaimed himself the King of Serbia. At this time, Turks were advancing toward the Kingdom of Serbia. In a battle on the river Marica in 1371, Vukasin was killed leaving behind him a weakened, poor and torn Serbia. Serbia was in desperate need of a gifted statesman, rich in virtue and deserving of God's Grace: a man similar to St.Sava and his father St. Stefan Nemanja who had founded the Serbian state. The Church recognized just such a man in Prince Lazar. His talent for leadership, wisdom and experience lifted him above those who would seize the throne by force and sought their own glory and importance.Prince Lazar, first sought to consolidate and strengthen the Kingdom. As was the custom of that day and age, he married his daughters to the rebellious Serbian aristocrats. This enlarged and stabilized Serbia. Having thus secured the loyalty of dissident aristocrats, Prince Lazar turned to those countries which bordered his own, seeking to deepen Serbia's relationship with them.

At this time, the Serbian Orthodox Church was in a dispute with the Patriarch of Constantinople. King Dusan the Powerful wanted Serbia to have an independent Church. He single-handedly sought to elevate the Serbian archbishop to the level of a patriarch. The Patriarch of Constantinople utterly rejected this act and broke relations with the Church in Serbia. This was a very serious problem and one which King Lazar managed to solve by reconciling the Serbian Church and that of Constantinople. It was a result of this reconciliation that gave the Serbian Church its first canonical Patriarch.The expansion of that Ottoman state, and increasingly frequent Turkish raids into his land, warned Prince Lazar that the time for a decisive battle was drawing near. Lengthy preparation on both sides preceded this confrontation. The fact that the armies were led by the Turkish ruler Murad 1 and by King Lazar of Serbia illustrates the importance of this battle. It was decided that the site of the battle would be a field in Kosovo (Kosovo Polje).

Prince Lazar knew that his chances against the Turkish aggressor were small and on the eve of the Battle of Kosovo he gathered his upper aristocracy and asked if they should fight for the Holy cross and Golden Freedom or surrender to their adversaries and live as slaves of the Muslims. They had to chose between the Heavenly Kingdom and earthly one. In the true spirit of Christianity they preferred to place their hope in Christ and Eternal Life. The Prince and all of this warriors took Holy communion and went into battle on Saint Vitus Day, Tuesday June 15th 1389.In the beginning of the battle Serbian warriors were able to advance. Milos Obilic, the most famous hero of this Kosovo Battle, killed the Turkish King Murad. Despite this unexpected development, the Turkish army re-grouped and over ran the Serbs. They captured Prince Lazar alive, but beheaded him shortly thereafter.

Today his earthly remains are amazingly preserved intact and kept in the monastery Ravanica which was founded by him, along with many others churches and monasteries. The faithful gather from all Serbia just as they have through centuries to venerate his Holy relics and to get comfort and healing and to inspire them in the hope and belief that better days will come.

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General Draza Mihailovic.

Serbian General who in WWII saved countless American fighter pilots who were shot down by German guns. His Chetniks stood tall to the Nazi's and the Ustashe to maintain Serbian freedom and pride. He was also given the Legion of Merit medal, the highest medal of honor by the United States by a non-citizen for his heroics.

The Legion of Merit in the degree of Chief Commander was bestowed upon the late General Dragoljub Draza Mihailovich of Yugoslavia by President Harry S. Truman in 1948, two years after General Mihailovich was executed by the Yugoslav communists. It was awarded to General Mihailovich posthumously in acknowledgment of and appreciation for:“organizing and leading important resistance forces against the enemy which occupied Yugoslavia, from December 1941 to December 1944. Through the undaunted efforts of his troops, many United States airmen were rescued and returned safely to friendly control. General Mihailovich and his forces, although lacking adequate supplies, and fighting under extreme hardships, contributed materially to the Allied cause, and were instrumental in obtaining a final Allied victory."

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Nikola Tesla.

If you thought Thomas Edison was the father of electric, guess again. Serbian born Nikola Tesla has been credited as having 3 out the 10 greatest inventions in modern history. Ever needed an MRI? Thank Tesla. Using a remote? Thank Tesla. Listening to the radio? Tesla again...and yes, that means Marconi stole Tesla's idea to send the first radio waves across the English Channel. It was Tesla who invented AC (Alternate Current) and it was he who was responsible for the first hydroelectric plant that was built in Niagra Falls. Many of Tesla's ideas are what lead to computers and robotics. It was an urban legend as well, that he also invented a 'death ray' laser that could be shot from space to destroy anything that was specifically targeted. When he died, the United States government, or should I say, J. Edgar Hoover, cleaned out his apartment...who knows what weapons or electrical marvels the US has been developing since they stole all of Tesla's work!

For the entire story on maybe the most brilliant mind this earth has ever known, go to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Tesla

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Dusan Popov

As you may have noticed, I love James Bond films. But, have you ever wondered where 007 creator Ian Flemming got his inspiration to create James Bond? Back in WWII, Flemming was a military intellegence officer who became friends with Dusan Popov...and who was Dusan Popov? Read on:

Ian Fleming worked in British naval intelligence during World War II and was detailed to trail the charismatic spy, who was eventually recruited to work as a double agent for the British. Popov was a young, wealthy Serbian businessman, who managed to continue a playboy existence while carrying out perilous wartime missions for the United Kingdom.

Signed up as a spy by anti-Hitler Abwehr agents early in the war, Popov, according to their plan, immediately offered his services to the United Kingdom. He was accepted as a double agent (codenamed Tricycle) and came to live in London. His international business activities provided cover for visits to neutral Portugal, which was linked to the United Kingdom by a weekly civil air service for most of the war. There Popov fed enough MI5-approved information to the Germans to keep them happy, and was well paid for his services. The assignments they gave him were of great value to the British in assessing enemy plans and thinking.

**In 1941 Popov was dispatched to the United States by the Abwehr, apparently to gather information, but secretly to transmit to the Americans the fact that the Japanese were planning to attack Pearl Harbor.[citation needed] He made contact with the FBI and explained what he had been asked to do. For whatever reason, the FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover took no action. Hoover disliked him and, according to author William ("Mole") Wood, found out that Popov had taken a woman from New York to Florida and threatened to have him arrested under the Mann Act if he did not leave the country immediately.**

In 1944 Popov became a key part of the Operation Fortitude deception campaign. However his usefulness was compromised when his German intelligence handler (who was also a double agent and knew of Popov's control by the British) was arrested. Fearing that he was betrayed, Popov was no longer given critical information to pass along. However after time passed and no indication of any distrust of Popov was discernable he was brought back into use.

Popov was a noted ladies' man - while in the US he lived an extravagant lifestyle and dated a well-known actress, Simone Simon. (It is even alleged his name "Tricycle" originated from his penchant for menages à trois. In truth, his earlier codename Scout was changed to Tricycle when he appointed two sub agents ("Balloon" and "Gelatine"), thus acting as the three wheels of a tricycle.) Popov was a worthy predecessor to the fictional spy James Bond. He stayed at the best hotels, ate at top restaurants, visited smart casinos, and was a bon vivant.

Popov died in 1981 aged 69, leaving behind a widow and three sons.

Dusko Popov published his memoirs "Spy, Counterspy" in 1974.

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Tiger

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I grew up in Midland, Pennsylvania, once known as the Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania. Midland is a superb hometown, filled with people of character, hard workers, and a great history in sports. Here is a little bit of Midland history:

Midland Leopards

Norm Van Lier. Member of the 1965 Midland High School State Championship team undefeated at 28-0.

Midland, which was known as the 'Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania' won State Basketball Championships in 1965, 1971, 1973, 1974, and 1976.

Midland boasts many amazing athletes and sports figures, including Norm Van Lier, Simmie Hill, George Green, Herb Lake (all in basketball), Nick Aloi, Ed Olkowski, Hank Kuzma (all in coaching), Joe Tonti (World's Strongest Upside-down Man), David Jakes (boxing), Art 'Tubby' Petrosky (baseball), Ivan Toncic, and Joe Yukica (both in football).

Tubby

However, Midland's most incredible athlete ever may be one of the all-time unknown secrets of Pennsylvania sports history. His name was Dave Alston. The following is taken from "mhsrodis.com":

Dave Sturgeon Alston '41: 1976 Inductee Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame. 2005 Inductee Midland Sports Hall of Fame.

He was the kind of athlete that comes around only once in a lifetime. He was the kind of person you'd want to have as a teammate, classmate, neighbor, a friend, and a brother. He was bigger than life, faster than a deer, talented beyond belief, and a credit to his family, his school, and his hometown.

Dave Alston was indeed unique. He quarterbacked Midland's Junior High team, but was so gifted that he was elevated to the varsity in his freshman year. While at Midland High School, he earned a record 12 varsity monograms: 4 each in football, basketball, and baseball between 1937 and 1941. He was All-County three straight years. He was the Valedictorian of his graduating class and was an accomplished singer and pianist. Dave dreamed of becoming a doctor, so he took his athletic talents to Penn State in exchange for an athletic scholarship.

Head Coach Bob Higgins called him, and I quote, "the greatest football prospect I ever coached and the first player I have seen who had all the qualities that made Jim Thorpe an all-time great".

Dave led the Penn State freshman football team to five straight wins in their first undefeated season in a quarter century. He scored eight of the team's 12 touchdowns and sportswriters across the country started taking notice. In the spring, Esquire magazine rated Dave among the "Top Ten Sophomores" in the nation. His work in the classroom at Penn State equaled his performance on the football field.

But Dave was having problems with constant sore throats and tonsillitis. He was going to come home to have his tonsils removed, but doctors in State College decided to have the operation performed locally. The procedure, done in Bellefonte, appeared at first to be successful. However, a few hours later, something went drastically wrong. A blood clot formed cutting off the air to his lungs, and Dave Alston was dead. The question remains; how could such as strong and strapping young man of 20, who walked into the hospital in such good health, have succumbed to a tonsillectomy? In the rarest of rarities, Midland's great star was gone.

Dave, son of Reverend Sandy J. Alston of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church here, was more than a wonderful athlete. Throughout his junior and senior high school course, for six years, he was on the honor roll. He was president and valedictorian of his senior class.

Tragically, Dave died following a tonsillectomy performed in August of 1941. Picking his 1942 All-American team, expert Francis Wallace called Dave, in a Saturday Evening Post article, (September 19, 1942), his "sophomore of the year in memoriam." Our town understood best when Mr. Wallace commented, "It does seem that Dave Sturgeon Alston was too good for this world."

Dave Alston became the first member of the Midland Sports Hall of Fame.

Dave Alston, #21. Midland High School Varsity Football 1940.

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...and last, but most certainly not least...

The United States Military

It goes without saying that the men and women of the United States Military are true heroes. May God protect you and bring you all home safe. Thank you for your service to this great country!

Last, but never least, to the memories of all those who served and gave their lives in WWI, WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Middle East...your sacrifices for your country will never be forgotten, and because of you, we live in the greatest country in the world. Hopefully one day we will find a way to live in peace instead of starting wars over the most petty of differences.

"But dad, he bites!"

"Bite him back, Russ"

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