Three African-American men have managed a team in the World Series. Ron Washington, the most recent of the three (including Cito Gaston and Dusty Baker), is leading the Texas Rangers through the big show, and for everyone’s viewing pleasure, he’s taking a few familiar spirits with him: the spirits of imperfection, honesty and hard, diligent work.

From the first moment that the Insight News primary target market saw, or sees, Ron Washington on their HD television screens, they may have to do a double-take to make sure that Washington is not their long lost relative. If Washington doesn’t look like everyone’s favorite “Uncle Ron” while he stands there in the dugout flipping sunflower seeds off of his lips, then collard greens ain’t good. You can feel a genuine feeling jumping off of the screen when watching Washington, and his players confirm that observation in what they have to say about him.

Watch out now. The Timberwolves seem to have a new groove. Whether you agree with that possibility or not, the Wolves have several new players, and that’s a fact. Pre-season observation of this adjusted pack of Wolves seems to show a team with some improved lift on the court – or maybe it could be that Wolves’ GM David Kahn, who rarely seems to smile himself, is lining up a set of the most genuine smiles that the NBA has to offer. I smell a “Minnesota Nice” promotional campaign coming. Considering the price of tickets to Wolves games these days, it just might work.

Impact Minnesota with Vigilant Promotions will be hosting the And1 Ballin For Peace Basketball Tournament on Saturday, October 23rd at North High School, doors open at 10:00 am. Tryouts for Team ImpactMN will take place the day before on Friday, October 22nd at North High School at 12 pm. Tamara Moore, 6 year WNBA Star will be the honorary coach for Team ImpactMN. MTV will be filming the game for an upcoming series . North High School students get in free. Hosting the tournament is part of Impact Minnesota’s GOTV 2010 efforts.

PRESS CONFERENCE WITH AND1 ALL-STAR POSTER BOY
FRIDAY OCTOBER 22 @ IMPACT HQ 1501 WEST BROADWAY AVENUE Minneapolis MN
Poster Boy is from Atlanta Georgia and has been on the Streetball scene since the age of 15. He graduated in 2006 at Oak Hill Academy - Mouth Of Virginia. He was the 2006 McDonalds All-American and made his name at Rucker Park as one of the best ball handelers and one of the most entertaining streetball players in the world. He also was featured in the “NBA Streets” video game.

New 10-Game Flex Pack buyers will be recognized on an electronic billboard located on Block E in downtown Minneapolis

The Minnesota Timberwolves last week announced the next phase in the team's innovative fan development program. All fans who take advantage of the team's unique 10-game Flex Pack ticket offer will be able to "see their name in lights" on a new electronic billboard in downtown Minneapolis.

"Our fans are the centerpiece of everything we do, and this is our way of welcoming new fans to the pack and giving them an experience they won't find anywhere else," said Timberwolves President Chris Wright. "Just as our team continues to develop on the court, we're working to make our Fan Development Program one of the most aggressive in sports, and we'll continue pushing the envelope to find new and innovative ways to meet our fans' needs."

On a stormy Monday Night Football game, Brett Favre threw the 500th touchdown of his relentless career in the NFL. Joe Montana threw 273 touchdowns in his NFL career; Warren Moon 291; John Elway 300; Minnesota Viking, Fran Tarkenton 342; and Dan Marino 420.

Now that is certainly enough said right there, but unfortunately there was probably not enough said nationally about this Usain Bolt-like feat from Favre. There is always a storm of media following Favre for this reason or that, and in the Vikings recent Monday night game versus the vaunted NY Jets, that storm of media minutia swallowed a moment that should have been paused for honoring Favre’s accomplishment.

The boys from Nellie Stone School are getting ready to do it again.

Last year they were the state middle school champs and finished second in the country in the unrated (translate rookie) division of the United States Chess Federation national tournament . Two of the boys, Cheng Xiong and Ismael Mendez-Perez, finished fifth and sixth respectively in the country.

Everything was new to them last year. They had never played in a major tournament. Then math teacher Leif Neilsen brought together a combination of resources from throughout the twin cities and built a team. The YMCA, through their Beacons Program, provided transportation and a second coach. Minneapolis Chess, an area nonprofit, provided additional training and funding. The Castle Chess Club in Northeast Minneapolis provided one-on-one mentoring.