MLK50, Adam Silver & The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore

This coming (April 4th) of 2018 will mark the 50th Anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His legacy and impact to man-kind has been felt since that fatal day in 1968. The NBA has done a tremendous job honoring and celebrating him with its annual MLK Day celebration.

The City of Baltimore was home to an NBA franchise from the original Baltimore Bullets 1944-1954 when the franchise folded on November 27, 1954. The NBA came back to the city with the Baltimore Bullets from 1963-1973. The franchise then became the Capital Bullets during the 1973-74 season & then became the Washington Bullets from 1974-1997. The team changed its name to the Washington Wizards in 1997.

In 1972 Isaiah 'Ike' Dixon the State Delegate from Baltimore presented legislation to change Harbor City Boulevard to the current Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. MLK Jr. Blvd is major road that connects and also divide the west-side of downtown to the west-side of city residents.

During the Spring of 2012 Baltimore-area businessman Derrick E. Vaughan wanted to honor the corner of MLK Jr. Blvd & Pratt Street with a ceremonial street sign. He saw that corner as an entrance to something special and called it The Wine'tastic Mile of Baltimore. On December 12, 2012 (12-12-12) at 12:00PM the ceremonial sign was unveiled for The Wine'tastic Mile . He was the owner of restaurant and wine bar that was 1/2 block away from MLK Jr. Blvd.

After meeting with members of various agencies associated with the city at City Hall (Mayor's Office) he decided to change the honorary name from The Wine'tastic Mile to The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore. The Charm'tastic Mile was more befitting since Baltimore was known as "Charm City" a nickname that was chosen in 1975 by then Mayor William Donald Schaefer.

On April 25, 2015 the City of Baltimore experienced a day of unrest that resulted in rioting and looting that cast a dark and bad image to the city. National reporters, publications & TV stations came to broadcast the violence and protesting that had erupted.

One year later on April 25, 2016 The Charm'tastic Mile was officially introduced to the city. April 25th was also the same date that the famous Domino Sugars (4-25-1951) neon sign was unveiled.

April 25th is also the birthday of the 5th NBA Commissioner Adam Silver who was born April 25, 1962. Mr. Silver has been NBA Commissioner since February 2014. He has been with NBA since 1992. He is very respected and highly regarded as one of the best Commissioners of the 4 major sport leagues.

Mr. Ike Dixon the man that introduced the legislature to change Harbor City Blvd. to MLK Jr. Blvd. passed away on April 26, 2013. He will always be remembered for his contributions to the city and the state. His passing one-day later on the calendar year to the introduction of The Charm'tastic Mile is a link that will live forever.

MLK Jr. Blvd & Pratt Street is the entrance to The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore but it also represents a "Dream" that was inspired by the "I Have A Dream" that we all can be united by spirit, love & humanity.

Ali/Frazier Day 3-8-2018 "Fight of the Century"

When it came to memorable sporting events of the 20th century there were great Super Bowls, World Series, NBA & Stanley Cup Finals. Those events featured great teams and players. One event that stands as one of the best sporting events of the century was a boxing match between two men on the evening of March 8, 1971 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

To honor the moment and legacy of both Ali & Frazier there needs to be a Proclamation "Day of Recognition" to be held on March 8, 2018 simultaneously in the cities of  Louisville, Kentucky (home of Ali), Philadelphia, PA (home of Frazier) and New York City (place of the historic fight). The 3 cities also honors the 3 great fights that make up the Ali/Frazier Trilogy.

The fight on March 8th was billed as the "Fight of the Century" between Muhammad Ali & Joe Frazier for the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship of the World. Both fighters were undefeated Ali 31-0 with 25 KO's and Frazier 26-0 with 23 KO's. A combined 57-0 with 48 knock outs.

Ali was back in the ring 5 months after being out of boxing for 3 years & 7 months. He was stripped of his title in 1967 after refusing induction into the U.S. Army. This would be his 3rd fight back after successful wins over Jerry Quarry and Oscar Bonavena.

Joe Frazier was the recognized heavyweight champ with big wins over Buster Mathis, Oscar Bonavena, Jerry Quarry & Jimmy Ellis. He wanted to show Ali more than the public that he was indeed deserving of the title and needed to beat Ali to prove it.

Frazier would win the fight by a 15-round unanimous decision on all 3 score cards (2 cards 9-6 for Frazier, 1card 11-4 Frazier). He would knock Ali down late in the 15th. Ali would show his championship spirit and heart and be back on his feet by the count of 4. Both men gave it their all as fans from all over the world were thrilled to a spectacular night of boxing and championship excellence by both fighters. This was the start one of the "Greatest" trilogies in sports.

Joe Frazier would start his career at 29-0 before losing to George Foreman on January 22, 1973 in Kingston, Jamaica. Ali would  later defeat Foreman on October 30, 1974 in a fight that was titled the "Rumble in the Jungle" in Kinshasa, Zaire Africa. Muhammad Ali would become only the second fighter at the time (Floyd Patterson) to regain the heavyweight title.

Ali & Frazier would fight 2 more times on January 28, 1974 (Ali wins on 12 round unanimous decision). Their 3rd fight the physically demanding fight titled the "Thrilla in Manila" held in Quezon City, Philippines on October 1, 1975. Ali would stop Frazier after the 14th round. They would fight for  a combined 41-rounds of ferocious action that remain iconic moments in sports history.

To end their careers Joe Frazier would fight his last fight on December 3, 1981 a 10-round draw to Jumbo Cummings and Muhammad Ali would fight his last fight 8-days later on December 11, 1981 a 10- round unanimous decision loss to Trevor Berbick. Ali & Frazier created magic on 3/8/1971 and they both left the ring for the last time 8-days apart in December 1981.

Ali/Frazier Day- March 8, 2018- Louisville, KY- Philadelphia-NYC

Statue for Ali vs Frazier 50th Anniversary of "The Fight" at MSG (1971-2021)

September 7, 2017- For sports historians the date of March 8, 1971 is remembered as a clash of 2 undefeated heavyweight champions. One being the hard-working, bring your lunch pail, I have a job to do in Joe Frazier. The other a charismatic leader for a new young-generation that had different views than their elders and the establishment in Muhammad Ali.

The build up to their mega fight matchup in the ring became known as "The Fight of the Century" or just simply "The Fight". It  would be held at the World's Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden in New York City. In the modern world this was the first time that a boxing contest became a national event.

Ali was returning to the ring from a 3-year, 7-month and 2-day exile with 2 tune up fights one with Jerry Quarry who was a rugged and tough contender, and Oscar Bonavena another tough contender from Argentina. Ali would stop Quarry after 3 rounds on 10-26-70 from a bad cut over his right eye. He would then go on and defeat Bonavena 6 weeks later on 12-7-70 to set up "The Fight" with Joe Frazier.

To honor this historic event and contributions that Ali & Frazier left to boxing and to Madison Square Garden there needs to be statue placed outside of the arena. Both Ali & Frazier have passed on but their legacy and trilogy have remained in the souls and minds of sports fans and historians.

The perfect occasion to unveil a statute of "The Fight" would be to honor the 50th Anniversary of the event on March 8, 2021. That's 3 1/2 years away almost the amount of time that Ali was gone from the ring.

Ali & Frazier have a combined 16-2 record at MSG only losing to each other once. Frazier in 10 fights was 9-1. Ali in 8 fights was 7-1. Joe fought for the first time at MSG on 3-4-66. It was his 6th professional fight against Dick Wipperman. Frazier won by 5th round TKO. When Frazier met Ali finally met it was his 8th pro fight at MSG. The date of the fight was March 8th.

Ali fought at MSG for the first time on 2-10-62 vs. Sonny Banks. It was his 11th pro fight. Ali won by a 4th round TKO. Banks floored Muhammad then known as Cassius Clay in the first round. It would be the first time that he tasted the canvas in his pro career.

Joe Frazier MSG Record: (9-1)

W-Dick Wipperman 3-4-66 (1st fight at MSG, 6th professional)
W-Oscar Bonavena 9-21-66 (only fighter other than Ali to go the distance with Frazier at MSG)
W-George Chuvalo 7-19-67
W-Buster Mathis 3-4-68 (New York State Heavyweight Championship)
W-Manuel Ramos 6-24-68
W-Jerry Quarry 6-23-69
W-Jimmy Ellis 2-16-70 (WBA & WBC Undisputed Heavyweight Championship)
W-Muhammad Ali 3-8-71 (Fight of the Century)
L-Muhammad Ali 1-28-74 (Ali vs Frazier 11)
W-Jerry Quarry 6-17-74 (Frazier vs Quarry 11)

Muhammad Ali MSG Record: (7-1)

W-Sonny Banks 2-10-62 (1st fight at MSG, 11th professional)
W-Doug Jones 3-13-63 (went the 10 round distance
W-Zora Folley 3-22-67 (last fight as Champion before being stripped of title)
W-Oscar Bonavena 12-7-70 (went to the 15th round TKO)
L-Joe Frazier 3-8-71 (Fight of the Century)
W-Floyd Patterson 9-20-72
W-Joe Frazier 1-28-74 (went the 12 round distance)
W-Earnie Shavers 9-29-77 (went the distance 15 rounds. Only his second fight as Champion at MSG)

Ali & Frazier went the distance at MSG a combined 8-times (Ali-5, Frazier-3). Both of their fights together at MSG went the distance 27 rounds. Ali & Frazier fought a combined 160 rounds at MSG (Ali-85 rounds - 8 fights, Frazier-75 rounds - 10 fights).

Joe Frazier fought 212 rounds in his career. With 75 rounds at MSG he fought 35.4% of all his professional rounds in the ring at MSG. Frazier's average length per fight at MSG was 7.5 rounds.

Muhammad Ali fought an incredible 548 rounds in his career. With 85 rounds at MSG he fought 15.5% of his total professional rounds in the ring at MSG. Ali's average length per fight at MSG was 10.62 rounds.

35.4 + 15.5 = 50.9,  2021 will be the 50th Anniversary of The Fight of the Century.

Joe Frazier fought a total of 80 rounds in New York. He lost by TKO in the 5th round to George Foreman on 6-15-76 at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island. Muhammad Ali fought a total of 100 rounds in New York. He won a 15 round decision over Ken Norton at Yankee Stadium on 9-28-76.

Frazier lost his last fight to Floyd "Jumbo" Cummings on 12-3-81. Ali lost his last fight to Trevor Berbick on 12-11-81. Their last fights were 8-days a part. The Fight of the Century was on March 8th.

More than just numbers and stats prove that there needs to be a statue of Ali & Frazier outside of MSG. This may shock yah, daze yah, and it might even amaze yay, but there will be a statue outside of Madison Square Garden of "The Greatest" & Smokin' Joe Frazier.

The 45th President of the United States Donald J. Trump was 23-years old back in 1971 and was there to see The Fight of the Century".

The White House to The Charm'tastic Mile

There are famous streets in America from Wall Street (New York) & Broadway (New York), Rodeo Drive (Beverly Hills), Bourbon Street (New Orleans), Michigan Avenue/The Magnificent Mile (Chicago), The Vegas Strip (Las Vegas), Lombard Street (San Francisco) & the most famous of them all Pennsylvania Avenue (Washington D.C.).

The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue home of the most powerful person in the world. The City of Baltimore is the closest major city to The White House and Pennsylvania Avenue. Baltimore has the famous Inner Harbor, but now they are also going to have one of the most famous streets here in America and also around the globe.

The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore or "The Mile" the soon-to-be iconic 1.3 mile corridor of downtown "Charm City". The White House to The Charm'tastic Mile is 1-hour 8 minutes (42 miles) away via Baltimore-Washington Parkway and MD-295 N., 1-hour 10 minutes away (47 miles) away via I-95 N. (courtesy of Google maps).

The Charm'tastic Mile was inspired by The Magnificent Mile in Chicago the iconic 13 blocks of Michigan Avenue. It was introduced to Baltimore on April 25, 2016. The Mile shares the same introduction date (April 25, 1951) to the city as the Domino Sugars neon sign.

The Charm'tastic Mile will become the closest of the famous streets of a major city to The White House and that will help elevate the profile of Charm City the nickname the city was given back in 1975 by then Mayor William Donald Schaefer. 42-years later The Charm'tastic Mile is 42 miles away from The White House.

The "Big 3" of the Charm'tastic Mile

The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore or simply "The Mile" is the honorary name for the 1.3 mile corridor that runs through the main stretch of downtown Charm City. The Charm'tastic Mile was inspired by The Magnificent Mile (Chicago) the famous 13 blocks of Michigan Avenue that is known around the world.

When the term "Big 3" is used most people often think of new Ice Cube 3-on-3 league or NBA basketball. During the 1980's it was the Boston Celtics "Big 3" of Hall of Fame players Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish. The Los Angeles Lakers had their version of the "Big 3" with (HOF Players) Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar & James Worthy.

In the 1990's the Chicago Bulls featured Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen & Dennis Rodman as their "Big 3". In recent years the Miami Heat had their version with superstar LeBron James, Dwyane Wade & Chris Bosh. For more that a decade the San Antonio Spurs rolled with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker & Manu Ginobili.

The Golden State Warriors the current 2017 NBA Champions have a solid "Big 3" with Steph Curry, Kevin Durant & Draymond Green.

The "Big 3" of The Charm'tastic Mile are the three major sections of the 1.3 mile stretch Downtown West/Convention Center, Inner Harbor & Harbor East. All 3 are connected to make one of the next "Great Avenues" of America.

The backdrop of the Downtown West/Convention Center  area is Oriole Park, M & T Bank Stadium & the University of Maryland (Downtown). The Inner Harbor is made up of the 2 iconic pavilions, the Gallery Mall, Science Center, World Trade Center & the National Aquarium. There are numerous restaurants and eateries with fashion stores that make up the Inner Harbor and Harborplace.

Harbor East is the anchor of The Charm'tastic Mile with its chic & stylish stores, upscale hotels, restaurants & hi-rise apartments/condos. It's the crown jewel of downtown and truly gives "The Mile" the image of Michigan Avenue.

The Charm'tastic Mile is seeking to have an honorary street sign placed in each of the 3 areas that make up "The Mile".

National Cap & Gown Restaurant Week 2017 (May 12-21)

The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore wanted to honor the high school & college graduates who celebrate their academic achievements with family & friends. Their day of celebration continues at a favorite or popular restaurant.

National Cap & Gown Restaurant Week will be an Annual 2-weekend 10-day celebration of the graduate who wears their "Cap & Gown" and walks across the stage with pride and excitement. That pride and excitement is also enjoyed by family members who have also made sacrifices to see that student receive their prestigious honor.

After the graduation ceremony many of the students have lunch or dinner reservations at a restaurant. C&G Restaurant Week gives dining establishments around the country an opportunity to create and market popular dishes, 2 & 3 course lunch and dinner special menus, and daily events catered to the graduates and their families.

National Cap & Gown Restaurant Week also helps to promote the "American Dream" that is shared by many of the graduates who come from all regions of the country and around the world. It's a celebration of the "Melting Pot" that America was based upon and continues to be.

The Charm'tastic Mile will be seeking Proclamations from Mayors around the country to proclaim May 12-21, 2017 as National Cap & Gown Restaurant Week.

The (1.3) of Cal Ripken Way & The Charm'tastic Mile

Cal Ripken Jr. the iconic star of the Baltimore Orioles who played from 1981-2001 was the face of the franchise for more than 20 years. Ripken was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007.

On May 30, 2008 Interstate 395 (I-395) was officially dedicated to Ripken and renamed Cal Ripken Way. The highway runs 1.33 miles from I-95 North to Howard Street.

I-95 North to Howard Street is a major road to the Camden Yards Sports Complex that is home to Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Orioles) and M&T Bank Stadium (Ravens).

The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore was officially introduced to the city on April 25, 2017. The Charm'tastic Mile runs from MLK Jr. Blvd. &Pratt Street to Harbor East. "The Mile" is 1.3 miles in length.  The two are almost the same in length and serve as major traffic corridors to the heart of downtown and the Inner Harbor.

The Charm'tastic Mile inspired by The Magnificent Mile (Chicago) also shares the same introduction date to Baltimore as the famous "Domino Sugars" neon sign (April 25, 1951). The Charm'tastic Mile is seeking to become one of the "Top 20" avenues, boulevards or streets in America.

#R1PK3NWAYTOTHEMILE

HistOriole 2017 Opening Day 25-Man Roster

 2017 Baltimore Orioles 25-Man Opening Day Roster "HistOriole Moment"

# PITCHERS  35 Brach, Brad R/R 6-6 215 04/12/86 Nashville, TN 4.063   53 Britton, Zach L/L 6-3 195 12/22/87 Weatherford, TX 4.158  37 Bundy, Dylan S/R 6-1 200 11/15/92 Owasso, OK 1.026  71 Drake, Oliver R/R 6-4 215 01/13/87 Gardner, MA 0.094     39 Gausman, Kevin L/R 6-3 190 01/06/91 Baton Rouge, LA 2.151  60 Givens, Mychal R/R 6-0 210 05/13/90 Tampa, FL 1.069  58 Hart, Donnie L/L 5-11 180 09/06/90 Fulsher, TX 0.080   31 Jiménez, Ubaldo R/R 6-5 210 01/22/84 La Romana, DR 9.087  38 Miley, Wade* L/L 6-2 195 11/13/86 Loranger, LA 5.044   52 Nuño, Vidal L/L 5-11 210 07/26/87 San Diego, CA 3.015   56 O’Day, Darren R/R 6-4 220 10/22/82 Colleyville, TX 8.103  30 Tillman, Chris* R/R 6-5 200 04/15/88 Sarasota, FL 5.113  63 Wilson, Tyler R/R 6-2 185 09/25/89 Charlottesville, VA 1.037

 # CATCHERS  29 Castillo, Welington R/R 5-10 220 04/24/87 Santo Domingo, DR 5.009  36 Joseph, Caleb R/R 6-3 180 06/18/86 Franklin, TN 2.145

 # INFIELDERS 19 Davis, Chris L/R 6-3 230 03/17/86 Dallas, TX 7.061  3 Flaherty, Ryan L/R 6-3 220 07/27/86 Portland, ME 5.000  2 Hardy, J.J. R/R 6-1 200 08/19/82 Tempe, AZ 11.164  13 Machado, Manny R/R 6-3 185 07/06/92 Hialeah, FL 4.056  6 Schoop, Jonathan R/R 6-1 195 10/16/91 Willemstad, Curacao 3.027

 # OUTFIELDERS 14 Gentry, Craig R/R 6-2 190 11/29/83 Colleyville, TX 5.103  10 Jones, Adam R/R 6-2 215 08/01/85 San Diego, CA 9.139  25 Kim, Hyun Soo L/R 6-2 210 01/12/88 Seoul, South Korea 1.000  67 Mancini, Trey R/R 6-4 215 03/18/92 Lake Wales, FL 0.015  23 Rickard, Joey R/L 6-1 185 05/21/91 El Dorado Hills, CA 1.000  54 Santander, Anthony* S/R 6-2 190 10/19/94 Agua Blana, Portuguesa, VZ 0.000  12 Smith, Seth L/L 6-3 210 09/30/82 Madison, MS 8.119  45 Trumbo, Mark R/R 6-4 225 01/16/86 Orange, CA 6.027

* Wade, Tillman & Santander on 10-day Disabled List

HistOriole Opening Day Moment (1.3) 4/3/17

Opening Day April 3, 2017 the Baltimore Orioles will be celebrating the start of its 25th Anniversary (1992-2017) season of playing ball at Oriole Park Camden Yards.

The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore the new name for the 1.3 mile corridor that runs from MLK Jr. Blvd. & Pratt Street to Harbor East has coined the term "HistOriole" to honor the 25th Anniversary season. The first HistOriole moment of the year will be when the first pitch is thrown to start the 2017 campaign.

The Charm'tastic Mile is 1.3 miles in length and the (1.3) HistOriole moment will be when the first (1) pitch of the game that is scheduled at (3):07 PM is thrown. Oriole Park is the first major backdrop of The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore. "The Mile" as it is also referred to is seeking to become one of the "Top 20" avenues, boulevards or streets in America joining the iconic Magnificent Mile in Chicago.

Derrick E. Vaughan the Baltimore businessman that coined The Charm'tastic Mile lived at The Greenehouse apartments 519 W. Pratt Street from 1989-92. He saw Oriole Park being built during his time as a resident at The Greenehouse.

HistOriole Moment: Opening Day April 3, 2017 the first (1) pitch of the year at (3):07 PM.

Luxury Fashion Brands onThe Charm'tastic Mile

The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore the charming new name for the 1.3 mile corridor that runs from MLK Jr. Blvd & Pratt Street to Harbor East is well positioned to become one of the next "Great Avenues" in America.

"The Mile" is well represented with hotels & restaurants. There is a sports culture district with Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Orioles) and M&T Bank Stadium (Ravens). This is in the Downtown West section of "The Mile" where it begins.

As you venture down past the Convention Center there is a need to improve or upgrade the luxury brands of fashion to enhance the profile of shopping. If there was a Gucci, Versace', Louis Vuitton or Salvatore Ferragamo on "The Mile" it would increase and attract more high-end shoppers who like to see their garments and not buy them on-line because of the chic experience of visiting a fashion house store.

The Harbor East section of "The Mile" has some interesting shops and may in the future be home to a more well-known fashion brand(s). The Inner Harbor section of "The Mile" with its wide street would be more benefiting from a viewing and landscape point as more buildings become erect. A collection of specialty stores with the backdrop of the water would make The Charm'tastic Mile indeed one of the Top 20 streets in America.

When residents and tourists say I'm going shopping on "The Mile" it becomes a experience in shopping that extends to restaurants and upscale bars. It also expands to the night-life culture for the sophisticated and in-the-mix (millennials) consumer.

The Charm'tastic Mile Numerical Association to Local TV Networks ABC CBS & NBC

The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore the charming 1.3 mile corridor that runs from MLK Jr. Blvd. & Pratt Street to Harbor East has a great numerical (1.3 or 13) association with the 3 major TV affiliate networks for the city ABC-2  (WMAR-TV2), CBS (WJZ-TV13) & NBC (WBAL-TV11). The Charm'tastic Mile was inspired by The Magnificent Mile (Chicago) the iconic 13 blocks of Michigan Avenue.

CBS (WJZ-TV13) before cable TV was simply known as channel 13. The Charm'tastic Mile is 1.3 miles in length or the number 13.

NBC (WBAL-TV11) & ABC (WMAR-TV2) numerically combined (11+2) is the number 13 or the length of The Charm'tastic Mile (1.3).

The Charm'tastic Mile will be the first branded street corridor in America to connect its numerical length to the 3 major news affiliates to of its city. This will help improve and uplift the overall profile of the city and make the corridor a global entity that is known by name and image.

"Dining On The Mile" New Segment for FOX 45

The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore & FOX 45 have teamed up to create a "New" segment for its Sunday Morning News. The "Dining On The Mile" segment will feature a restaurant that is on or near The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore.

The Charm'tastic Mile is the new name for the 1.3 mile corridor that runs from MLK Jr. Blvd. & Pratt Street to Harbor East.

Baltimore has an excellent Zagat rating as a "Foodie City". The "Dining On The Mile" segments will help to enhance what is already a movement by the City and its business leaders to make Baltimore more of a metropolis. The Charm'tastic Mile is seeking to become one of the next "Great Avenues" in America.

The 1st segment will air on Sunday February 26, 2017 at 8:50AM on FOX 45 Morning News.

The Charm'tastic Mile Ceremonial Street Sign to Honor Mayor Schaefer

Thursday February 16, 2017- The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore the charming new name for the 1.3 mile corridor that runs from MLK Jr. Blvd. & Pratt Street to Harbor East has plans to honor the 1st of its three ceremonial street signs to the legacy of William Donald Schaefer the late Mayor, Governor & Comptroller for the State of Maryland.

With 50-years of public service to the State of Maryland and the City of Baltimore, Mr. Schaefer is without a doubt the most decorated politician in our States history.

In 1975 then Mayor Schaefer and a few top heads of Marketing and PR firms in the city decided to coin the nickname "Charm City" for Baltimore. He was re-elected for the first time as Mayor in 1975. 

Mr. Schaefer was Mayor of Baltimore from 1971-87 serving 4 terms. He was a member of the Baltimore City Council from 1955-71 before becoming Mayor. He was the mastermind for the creation of the Inner Harbor that opened on July 4, 1980. The Inner Harbor made Baltimore a hub for tourists and residents to dine, visit museums and for shopping.

Current City of Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh who was elected as the 50th Mayor this past November has a chance to honor his 50-years of service to the City & State with the ceremonial (The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore) street sign. "Without Mr. Schaefer there is no Charm City and thus no Charm'tastic Mile", says Derrick E. Vaughan.

The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore founder Derrick E. Vaughan is seeking to have the ceremonial Charm'tastic Mile street sign in honor of Mr. Schaefer unveiled on April 18, 2017 at the corner of Light & Pratt Street. April 18th marks the 6th Anniversary date of his passing. What a way to honor a true legend and icon to the City of Baltimore.

The "Choke-a-Dope" by Tom Brady SB51

The "Choke-a-Dope" Starring Tom Brady
Presented by Derrick "DV" Ali

Tom "The GOAT" Brady entered this epic match-up to cement his place as the greatest quarterback of "All-Time". Standing in his way was the young lion defense of the Atlanta Falcons. Tom says, "they are young, I am old, they are fast, they are bold, but I am wise, and to experienced, so they must fold".

The young lion defense comes out swinging with hard body shots to the proud 4-time world champ. He takes their punches but says to his corner-man (Bill Belichick), this is going to be a tough one, we have to get them into the later rounds. See if they have the stamina, the will in their mind. Because if they don't, I'm gonna put them on their behind.

The wise old champ lays against the ropes takes a few more hard punches and says to the young lion defense "Is that all you got". The young lions say, "OK champ we are going really turn it up now".
Tom "The GOAT" realizes that the young lions have built up a big lead, but they are getting a little tired and we are about to get in the last quarter of this fight. Now its my time to show you guys who and what I am. That I have the heart of a "LION" and I'm coming to take my title.

As the young lions began to retreat Tom "The GOAT" begins to sting them with jabs to his receivers that is seen by the Falcons owner who has a ring side seat (standing on the sideline). Tom sees that the young lions are getting spent, so now I'm getting off these ropes to see what they have left. I can see in their eyes that they are getting shook, now its time that I hit them with my game-changing check-hook.
The young lions are getting dazed as the crowd starts to cheer. Here come the champ, the champ, the champ is here. Ya'll thought that this fight was over. We've only just begun. I'm going to give you some Steve Smith. Here I come its time to "Ice up Son".

This fight is getting real close. I can see that they are tired and a little tight. It's time to end this fight and send them home with a loss and end this historic night. I'm going in for the kill, its my determination, my skill & my will. You will fall, I see that the young lions are rolling down the slope. I'm not going to say you "Choked". I will leave that to the critics. I just gave you young lions a championship "Choke-a-Dope".

Derrick "DV" Ali

Baltimore a "Charmopolis City" on the Rise

The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore the new proposed name for the charming 1.3 mile corridor that runs from MLK Jr. Blvd & Pratt Street to Harbor East has created a new marketing concept to help promote the City of Baltimore as it aspires to be more of a Metropolis city on the rise.

Giving it its own distinctive name for Metropolis, Baltimore will be known as a "Charmopolis City". Charmopolis combines Charm with Metropolis. Baltimore was given the nickname Charm City back in 1975 by a collection of advertising executives and then Mayor William Donald Schaefer.

There is a massive amount of planing and construction to the downtown-area to make the city more of a cosmopolitan hub that has the makeup of a Boston, Chicago & Washington D.C.

The "Charmopolis City" marketing campaign will be launched during the Spring/Summer of 2017.

Silver Diamond Ale for "Camdenbration 25" Baseball Season

Camdenbration 25 will be the 25th Anniversary (1992-2017) of the opening baseball season for Oriole Park at Camden Yards. With beer being a major part of the baseball experience there needs to be a signature beer to honor and celebrate the magical number of 25.

Dunkadelic Sports Marketing along with The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore has created a name for that special beer. "Silver Diamond Ale" at the Yard. To most fans it will be simply known as the "25th Anniversary Beer".

Silver Diamond is a great name because it honors the Silver Anniversary (25) and the heart of any baseball stadium, and that is the baseball diamond where the game is played.

Dunkadelic Sports Marketing is currently seeking to have a local brewery make the brew in time for Opening Day.

The "Camdenbration 25" of Frank (20) & Brooks (5)

"Camdenbration 25" the 25th Anniversary (1992-2017) season-long celebration of Oriole Park at Camden Yards is less than 3 months away. This is more than a celebration of a baseball park its a reflection on the 60 plus years of "The Oriole Way".

Two of the most decorated Oriole players of all-time are Frank Robinson & Brooks Robinson. They helped create a standard of winning and excellence that is the measuring stick of today for the current players in the organization.

Frank Robinson still remains as the only player in Major League Baseball history to win the MVP in both the American & National League.  Brooks Robinson is still considered the greatest defensive 3rd baseman of all-time.

There retired numbers of Frank (20) and Brooks (5) grace the entrance of Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Adding there uniform numbers of 20+5=25 that magic number is being celebrated to honor 25 years of "The Oriole Way" at Camden Yards. 

"Camdenbration 25" Presented by The Charm'tastic Mile

The Charm'tastic Mile of Baltimore the charming new name for the 1.3 mile corridor that runs from MLK Jr. Blvd. & Pratt Street to Harbor East has created a trademarked name to honor the Baltimore Orioles 25th Anniversary (1992-2017) celebration of Oriole Park at Camden Yards during the 2017 season.

"Camdenbration 25" is the name. The name was created as a signature branding opportunity for the City of Baltimore, the Orioles & Major League Baseball.

"When Camden Yards opened in 1992 it was the first of the retro-modern designed baseball stadiums. It makes sense that its the first one to have it's own signature name to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of this amazing ballpark", says Derrick E. Vaughan the local Baltimore businessman that coined name "Camdenbration 25".

There will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make merchandised licensed apparel that bears the "Camdenbration 25" name. Cambdenbration 25 has a chance to be a multi-million dollar branding concept like "3-Peat" was to the Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA.

Under Armour the Baltimore-based apparel manufacturer who just signed a deal with MLB to make the on-field uniforms may see this a "silver opportunity" to cash in and help make "Camdenbration 25" a big moneymaker.