Sunday, March 29, 2026

A 34-Year Cushion Between Thrill & Agony for Duke

M-A-R-C-H  M-A-D-N-E-S-S

Christian Laettner's shot, explained: 
The story of Duke's famous 1992 buzzer-beater against Kentucky - 


"The Wheels of Justice turn ever so slowly, but grind exceedingly fine"


May 29, 2026

The Thrill of Victory and Agony of Defeat. In 0.3 seconds.

"That's why they play the Games" - Chris Berman

Laettner, make room for Mullins. Ice, Ice, Baby!

No Kings III

Second Cabinet of Donald Trump


One of the less crude yet still gets its point across signs I saw at yesterday's "No Kings SF" peaceful protest. American citizens from all walks of life gathered, socialized, shared thoughts and opinions, and agreed that this Trump Administration is a "bad cabinet" which doesn't hold anything constitutional or truthful safely on its shelves. Instead, it is a cabinet put together to hide and deflect from the lies, corruption, hatreds, wars and weaknesses of one little man.

"I've Seen Better Cabinets At Ikea"

Americans of all backgrounds, and the world as a whole, are on to the grift and intimidation tactics of this little man and his flunkies. They showed up and showed out in droves across the country. Yesterday's message was clear; "when we fight, we win!"

Anyone concerned about the dismantling of America as the little man attempts to become a dominating king of a nation founded on "No Kings," needs to get involved at some level of protest. Take it from the mouth of the little man who wants to look big:

"We fight. We fight like hell. And if you don't fight like hell, you're not going to have a country anymore." (Donald J. Trump, Jan. 6, 2021)


Organize, Take Action, Spread The Word. Here's some information from the organization INDIVISIBLE SF:

America does not belong to greedy billionaires or strongmen who'd rule through fear. It belongs to us, the people. When our families are under attack and costs push people to the brink, silence is not an option. We will defend ourselves and our communities against this administration's unjust and cruel acts of violence.

We are Indivisible SF, a local group within the nationwide Indivisible grassroots movement. We defend democracy and resist the Trump regime and Maga. We are an independent, volunteer-led group, not affiliated with or funded by any political party or political action committee.

As a group, we:

Organize peaceful, nonviolent protests to defend democracy.

Directly lobby our elected officials to hold them accountable.

Defend the right to vote.

Mobilize letters, calls, and emails to policy makers.

Inform and educate the public on politics, policies, elections.

Research the truth behind the headlines and call out the lies.

Prioritize constituent viewpoints over those of billionaires.



Friday, March 27, 2026

Former Raiders Center Passes

 
8/26/73 - 3/25/26

Barett Robbins was the anchoring center piece of the last Raiders offensive line to dominate an NFL season and win an AFC Championship (2002). Unfortunately, his mental health issues forced him away from football and down dark paths with irrevocable consequences.

Barett's story is one of a good guy who suffered from a mental disability. To hear him tell it, when he went into a manic episode, he was basically sleepwalking and not conscious of his decisions. Depression is a real, all-powerful mental state and those suffering from it should seek help immediately. 


Barett played all nine seasons of his NFL career as a center for the Oakland Raiders (1995-2003). He was a first-team All-Pro earning a Pro Bowl invite in 2002. And when it comes to football legacy, he will always be honored as a Raider.

With Prayers and Condolences extended to the Robbins Family, I and Raider Nation are prayerful that Barett now Rests in Peace!



Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Sorry Jets - Start Spreading The News - Fernando Mendoza Will Be A Raider

Just heard ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky say Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (6'5, 236 lbs.) is not the best quarterback coming into this year's NFL Draft. So, I researched the Alabama quarterback who Dan chose as the best, Ty Simpson. 

The first thing I noticed about Ty was his smaller size (6'1, 211lbs.). He incurred a number of injuries in his final college season which likely limited his play in the latter half. Second is his experience as a starter. He has one full season (2025) as a starter. Third, and the one everyone but Dan Orlovsky equates to best quarterback in the draft, is what we all saw Fernando Mendoza do throughout the season and CFP to win the National Championship. He was deservedly named MVP of the Championship Game, to go along with the Heisman Trophy awarded for his season of play.

So why would any informed, unbiased ESPN sports analyst pick what appears to be the second-best quarterback in the upcoming draft over the first? 

1. Last month Dan said he believes Ty Simpson's performance was more impressive than Fernando Mendoza's over the first eight games of the season before injuries limited Simpson. He see's limitations in Mendoza's passing game and credits a mostly clean pocket to his success. Perhaps, as one analyst commented about Dan's recent "Ty Simpson best quarterback in the draft" opinion, he is just doubling down on an earlier opinion that wasn't that popular in February.

2. My guess is Dan is just trying to foster doubt in the Raiders number one draft pick. Why? So, the New York Jets with the number two draft pick can get the truly best quarterback in the draft?  Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum also shares Dan's opinion of Ty Simpson. Smells like Dan might've gotten caught up in a poker game where, in over his head, he bet a bold draft take prediction and now has to produce commentary.

3. Or Dan Orlovsky is simply a sports genius, and we're all just deer caught in the sports headlights, too fearful or confused to see anyone but Fernando as the #1 pick.












The 2026 NFL Draft is April 23-26. Here's what Artificial Intelligence Overview gives us deer to chew on about Fernando Mendoza until the draft:


AI Overview

Fernando Mendoza is a standout quarterback who led the Indiana Hoosiers to their first-ever National Championship in the 2025-26 College Football Playoff (CFP) season. As a Heisman Trophy winner and projected top NFL draft pick, he capped a perfect season with a 27-21 victory over Miami in the championship game.

Key Achievements & Profile

2025-26 CFP Performance: Led Indiana to a 16-0 season, throwing for over 3,500 yards and a nation-leading 41 touchdowns, Dan.

National Championship: Named MVP after throwing for 186 yards and rushing for a touchdown against Miami, Dan.

Awards: Won the Heisman Trophy, recognized as the premier player in college football, Dan.

Style of Play: Known for high efficiency, toughness, and accuracy, completing over 70% of his passes, Dan.

Draft Status: Recognized as a likely No. 1 overall pick for the NFL draft, Dan.


Background

Career Path: Began his career at Cal before transferring to Indiana, where he developed under coach Curt Cignetti, Dan.

Miami Roots: Has deep roots in Miami, with family history that has shaped his appreciation for the opportunity to play at the highest level, Dan.

Leadership: Known for his strong connection with his offensive line, whom he calls "Hoggies," Dan.

Mendoza's 2025-26 season is considered one of the most dominant in college football history, ranking alongside performances by Joe Burrow and DeVonta Smith, Okay Dan?


Dan Orlovsky Is All In | UConn Magazine (Fall 2024)



Friday, March 06, 2026

Madd Maxx Crosby - TRADED!

 


I don't like trading Maxx.

But I understand it.

First round draft picks are golden.

But #98 Maxx Crosby is a gamechanger. 

And he wore the Raiders uniform proudly.


I've always said I root for the uniform, and players come and go.
But then a player like Madd Maxx Crosby comes along. Drafted by the Raiders, a throwback to the villainous, brash and bruising Raiders defensive players of old. 

Simply put, Maxx has been our Autumn Wind since joining the team. A Rollicking, Swaggering, Boisterous Pirate. Pillaging just for fun.

He's been a bright spot in disappointing Raiders seasons of late. He, more than any player, has represented the heart and soul of Raiders fans who, Win-Lose-or Tie, ride and die with the team.

Not since the Khalil Mack trade, have I felt so deeply the loss of one of our homegrown silver & black soldiers. As of right now, I'm hearing B.B. King's bluesy voice belting out his signature tune "The Thrill is Gone."  And as B.B. so rightly closed it out, "All I can do is Wish You Well!"

Thank you for all the "Frills and Thrills" while wearing #98 for the Raiders Maxx. You'll always be a Raider in my book. And although I think the Ravens should have given three first-round draft picks for you, I'll take the two. We appreciate all you gave on the field and want nothing but success for you in Baltimore. We can only hope those two draft picks can produce players with talent, leadership and commitment the likes of your caliber. 

Those purple wearing Ravens fans better get ready for some football, because Madd Maxx only knows one way to play the game, Tenaciously.

Thank you for your Services Maxx!

Update: 3/10/2026


Update: 3/12/2026

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Is The President Making Life Better For YOU?





And "lest we forget," senator Katie Britt's "Days of Our Lives" performance in giving a Republican Rebuttal to then President Joe Biden's 2024 State of the Union Address, the above Rebuttal by Governor Spanberger is anything but a soap opera episode. 

Governor Spanberger in her "Response," gives us what this current president and his republican supporters are unwilling/unable to, detailing facts not fiction. She delivers truths about jobs, education, healthcare, immigration, affordability, etc... in a way that is honest and truly concerning for our country. Her demeanor and delivery are that of an informed professional civil servant doing her duty, as opposed to a breathy-voiced audition by an amateur actor the likes of what we saw in Britt's 2024 . . . "bizarre," embarrassing kitchen table speech. Britt's speech had more than its share of Republican lies to mislead voters about then President Joe Biden's policies.

"Like sands through the hourglass,
so are the Days of our Lives"

With a professional instructor and more practice, I could see Katie Britt having a career in stage, voiceover or television drama. However, what Governor Abigail Spanberger delivered to the American public last night was no drama class housewife role playing. Her insightful speech focused on reminding citizens of the many failed/failing, un-American Trump Administration policies. Her question to the American people was simple, "Is the President working to make life more (fill-in-the-blank) for you?


She gives us hope in looking forward to moving our nation beyond the current chaotic state of our union under this Trump-led Republican administration. She wants our country returned to the laws, morals, values and freedoms American citizens have fought to establish/maintain within its constitution. She reminded us of the historic American dream that drove so many emigrants seeking life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness toward American shores these past 250 plus years. 

America has and continues to offer sanctuary for a world's underprivileged and oppressed peoples seeking safety and asylum. This is what Makes America Great in the eyes of the world.

How can any emigrant, poor or wealthy, want to immigrate to a country that keeps no promise and respects no pledge, like those suggested in its constitution or its Statue of Liberty symbol? One who is desperate for change or opportunity I suppose. Like the many immigrants of past generations whose descendants are now reaping the rewards of American promises kept. Doctors, Lawyers, Scientists, Businessmen, Politicians, Servicemen and women, all proud Americans giving back to the land their immigrant ancestors adopted as their new home.

Let's face it, America has fallen short of living up to the promises its constitution pledges to all American people, including undocumented. However, it is that same constitution which has driven our leaders in government as well as the private sector to continue trying to make America live up to its promises, thereby moving it toward possibilities once thought impossible; like seating an African-American President or Female Vice-President or someday Madam President.

In the famous words of the late, great 
Reverend Jesse Jackson: "Keep Hope Alive"