The Thrill Is Gone

It was 17 Wonderful Weeks ago that I fell in love with this NFL season. 17 weeks of heartthrob, heartache and heartbreak all wrapped into one glorious affair. As the saying goes,

"Its better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."



My Raiders may have lost more than they won this season, but I still enjoyed every passionate pucker of professional football they presented to me this year. Now comes the time of mourning. The week following the end of the regular season where you're team is out of the playoffs and gone til next season. Some of the coaching and player personnel may never return. You're left feeling abandoned, lonely, unfulfilled and wondering what if only this or that could have happened to make it last longer. You already try to fill-in the time slots that were spent thinking of the next game and opponent. You miss seeing your team play on Sundays as much as seeing your gurl in a silver & black thong after 17 weeks of Jenny Craig.

Let's face it, B.B. King couldn't have said it any better; The Thrill is Gone, And Now that its Over, All I can do is Wish You Well!

The thrill is gone
The thrill is gone away
The thrill is gone baby
The thrill is gone away
You know you done me wrong baby
And you'll be sorry someday

The thrill is gone
It's gone away from me
The thrill is gone baby
The thrill is gone away from me
Although I'll still live on
But so lonely I'll be

The thrill is gone
It's gone away for good
Oh, the thrill is gone baby
Baby its gone away for good
Someday I know I'll be over it all baby
Just like I know a man should

You know I'm free, free now baby
I'm free from your spell
I'm free, free now
I'm free from your spell
And now that it's over
All I can do is wish you well

Its 12:30am on a Saturday and I've just finished watching a Discovery Networks piece about a photograph entitled "The Falling Man."

The photo was taken during the hours of the World Trade Center disaster on 9/11/01.

Driving the 1hr 45min documentary was one man's search for the identity of the man in the photograph.

As the searcher begins his journey into this sacred and painful photograph you begin to discover along with him the many reasons why America had such a difficult time with this one photograph.

As stated in the Documentary, the media did not want to put focus on the victims, some 200 of which had jumped or fell out of windows to their death, but instead hyped the heroism of the rescue efforts.

The photograph was run in one paper "The Morning Call" the following day on September 12th, but hasn't been printed in any paper or magazine since. After running the photo the paper received a monumentally angry response from a stunned American public. Though the media considered it to be one of those rare pictures that reflects life-altering events that can change the way we view our future, its impact was simply too much for a grief stricken nation and the photo was pulled from publication.

The documentary touches on many of our thoughts and feelings about the photograph. It was very gratifying to see the researcher discover something as important, if not more important, than the identity of the person in the photograph, but I'm not gonna spill the beans here. You'll have to check it out for yourself.

What I enjoyed about this documentary is discovering the influence a single photograph can have on an individual just by viewing it. Watching your own thoughts try to grasp the feelings of "The Falling Man" just seconds earlier as he grapples with the decision to jump instead of burn up in the north tower. The calm reserved manner of his body language and its alignment to the building as depicted in the photo. More thoughts of "What Would You Do?" if in the same circumstances with the same exact decisions confronting you.

The Circumstances. Something pretty much none of us alive today can even fathom. And yet in the photograph, "The Falling Man" appears to me to be at peace with his decision and is leaving the outcome, body and soul, in his God's hands.

It may anger you, it may frighten you, it may make you cry. The one thing this documentary won't do is have you saying "Thank God It Wasn't Me." Because in the end "The Falling Man" photograph makes it personal. In the end it is you and me we're watching fall from the 106th floor to our death. The only difference being that we're left alive wondering what it was like, while "The Falling Man" died knowing what it was like.

Peace Be With You "The Falling Man"

Call It A GirlyMan Song If You Want - But I Like It

FOREVER

BY STRATOVARIUS

The Language of God's Love

Lewis Warren Jr. performs his own arrangement of the classic worship song "Sing Hallelujah to the LORD"!

Just Beyond The Horizon

After beating up on the Denver Broncos the previous week, The Raiders came crashing back to earth in their Lambeau Field loss. Are the Packers as good as they look or was the frozen tundra's December deep-freeze just too paralyzing for the visitors from Oakland, California?

Whatever the cause of our ugly 38-7 loss in Green Bay, I'm still optimistic about the future of Raiders Football. Remember, we're not a full season removed from the Art Shell coaching debacle that did more damage to our teams' confidence and conviction than anything else. Lane Kiffin has kept this 2007 team believing throughout his debut coaching season. And I'll be the first to say that we're a better team.

I'm close to believing once again that in OUR HOUSE on any given Sunday we can play with the best and come out victors. I'm giving the Raiders a little more time to put all the right pieces together and field a team committed to excellence once again. It won't be long.

I see a bright glow twinkling just beyond the horizon. No need to jump ship now mates? We've made it through the worst part of the journey. Ahead lies victory! Arise! Arise and count your blessings you didn't abandon ship like some fair-weather scurvy of a fan. We're Raider Fans one and all, and we bloody well know the grit it takes to survive the monstrous sea of pro football. So Rise! Wear your colors of Silver and Black proudly. For we shall return to the days of glory.

Golden State Warriors 2007-08

STILL BELIEVING!

Win Brings Rumors

What the hell is going on here? The Raiders finally win a division game on the road against the Chefs and rumors start flying that coach Lane Kiffin is considering a college head coaching job at Arkansas?











Not True. Its all a conspiracy I tell you. Raider Haters just trying to take away from our glorious accomplishment this past Sunday. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and sounds like a duck, its a damn duck.

We've been down for a while and when the powers that be see us climbing up a bit they create something in hopes of sabotaging our progress. Whoever started the rumor, whether it was ESPN, Razorbacks Personnel or former Chefs coach Marty Schottenheimer himself (the bum), I won't let it take away from a much needed and hard earned win.

Yes Chefs, we beat you in your house in front of your fans with no controversial calls. And I must say, even though its only our third win of the season, it sure tastes good. Yep, tastes just like Chicken! Just Ask Justin "Huggy Bear" Fargas. As far as we know, J Huggy is still chewing up yards of KC BBQ.



Final Score
Raiders 20
Chefs 17

Raiders Can't Muster Up Any Offense, Lose Again

Great weather in the bay for a football game this past Sunday. The coliseum being sold out with Chicago Bears fans representing their team well. It was a wonderful day for football and the first Raiders offensive play looked as if the team had inserted a new type of game plan that would produce new results. NOT!

The Raiders scored two field goals and the Bears didn't do any better throughout most of the game. But then comes that dreaded 4th quarter. The quarter where Raiders opponents seem to always exploit a weakness in the silver and black lining. This week it was a deep pass from..........Rex Grossman to wide receiver Berrian that scored the go ahead touchdown.

For the defense to knock starting Bears QB Brian Griese out of the game only to have Gross Grossman burn us for a winning touchdown in the 4th quarter was just too unBearable.

The Raiders lose the game and most likely some fan loyalty. But as for me, you know the saying:

Win, Lose or Tie, Raider til I die!

Why Not Russell Now?

Here's a link for all Raiders Fans who think JaMarcus Russell needs to start Now.

Building A Russell Friendly System

In this article NFL writer Jerry McDonald points out just why the Raiders should not throw JaMarcus Russell into the mix anytime soon.

I admit, after watching Josh McCown and Dante Culpepper throw crucial interceptions in games, I was on the "Start JaMarcus Now" band wagon. Even bought a JaMarcus #2 T-shirt on my way out of the Coliseum after the Kansas City loss to encourage coach Kiffin to start him.

But after letting my anger and frustration subside I've come to see the rebuilding light. Bottom line, we cannot afford to ruin our franchise player by throwing him to the wolves early. As stated in the article, the Raiders should have a sound offensive system in place with players that fit well in that system before adding to it a rookie quarterback with such potential. And that especially applies to an offensive line that can protect the pocket.

So I'll be patient as the Raiders hobble through this season. I'll be patient as long as the coaching staff keeps the team competitive. And the one thing the Raiders have been this season that they were not last season is competitive.

I'm Still In!

Adrian Peterson, Gale Sayers 2007?

If you haven't seen the NFL Replay of Minnesota RB Adrian Peterson romping under, over and through the San Diego Chargers defense, then you may be missing a part of history. Actually, he made history in the game by running for 296 yards, an NFL single game record.

I caught a glimpse of him the other week against Chicago and immediately knew there was something special about him. He's one of those few backs who runs with power, finesse and blazing speed. He sees the holes as they're about to open and is through them by the time the defense even knows there was a hole.

If you watch his footwork you'll be as mesmerized as the d-backs who go left on him when they should've gone right or stayed put. He has a way of skipping by defenders while theiy're trying to adjust to his change of speed and direction.

They say he's had injury problems in college and that he may not be able to handle the pounding of the NFL. Well if you ask me its the NFL that may not be able to handle Adrian Peterson. He's so fast and agile that defenders never really seem to get a clean shot on him. Add to that his power running and he's just one versatile monster of a weapon that you don't wanna face come Sunday.

I've always thought of Gale Sayers as one of the most exciting and eye-popping runners ever to play in the NFL. The first runner who they said must've had eyes in the back of his head. But injuries forced him out of the game way too soon. Sure Barry Sanders had that Sayers knack for knowing when a defender was blindly approaching and readjusting his run, but Barry had a lot of negative yards while juking defenders out of their shoes. O.J. Simpson was another who had the moves and was fun to watch, but I can't remember O.J. running over defenders or straight through them, he either ran around or past them after juking his way down field. He also had some pretty good line blocking.

Funny that Ladanian Tomlinson, a proven great in today's game, was on the San Diego sideline to witness Peterson's record running day. I'm still in awe after watching the replay of the game. Peterson didn't just have a few nice runs, he had many sensational romps. If what I saw was real, then we may be witnessing a running back who comes on the scene once in a blue moon. And many of these blue mooners don't stay around long due to injuries. So when you next hear that the Minnesota Vikings and Adrian Peterson are being televised in your local network area, take the time to get a glimpse of him. Then pick your jaw up off the floor and have someone pinch you. It wasn't just a dream.

A fan's answer to the question of who is the better running back, L. Tomlinson or A Peterson:

With the injury history it's hard to say
posted at 11/5/2007 11:39 AM EST

SeanW
First post: 10/22/2007Last post: 11/5/2007Total posts: 20
If Adrian Peterson stays healthy then I would say without a doubt yes. LT is a great back, however I think Peterson has a power to him we haven't seen in a very long time. However his health is key, we all know how his running style wears on running backs. He might not have the longevity of an Emmitt Smith, but it doesn't make him any less spectacular. I watched that entire game yesterday and had to constantly pick my jaw up off the floor. Even on the relatively short runs.

So Long Mike WIlliams/Welcome Tim Dwight

The Oakland Raiders made some wide receiver changes this week. In the aftermath of Sunday's loss to the Titans the Raiders released WR Mike Williams. Williams, a pickup from the Detroit Lions this season, dropped a crucial pass on the Raiders final offensive play of the game. Williams admits he screwed up by trying to run before completely catching the ball. Coach Lane Kiffin, a believer in resurrecting Williams playing potential, finally gave up on him and handed Williams his walking papers. He'd accrued enough drops, fumbles and unspectacular plays to play himself out of Oakland. So Long Mike, We Hardly Knew Yah!

The Oakland Raiders then went out and signed veteran wide receiver/return man Tim Dwight. Dwight is a small framed receiver with speed and toughness. He's been in at least one superbowl and has contributed to all teams he's played for; ATL/S.D./N.E./NYJ. Though he's had injury problems in the past, when healthy he's one of those guys who knows how to get open, catch the ball and run in the open field to pay dirt. I only wish we'd gotten him in his younger day. He had speed. They say he can still turn on the burners, but with the problems our O-Line is having we need someone so fast that he outruns the defensive pass rush. The Tim Dwight of old was that man. We'll see what he's got left come Sunday.

TD Commenting on his barbed wire tattoo:

"It kind of reflects my attitude towards
football – hard worker, tough, rugged,
durable."

Welcome to the Silver & Black TD.
TD RETURN HIGHLIGHTS

ARE U STILL IN?

The Raiders aren't only trying the head coach's patience, us fans are pounding our fists wondering when will the team learn to finish. This weekend it was the lackluster Tennessee Titans who the Oakland Raiders "Let off the Hook."

The Raiders yet again had a chance to win it in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. And yet again we just shit all over ourselves in the red zone and couldn't get it done with the game on the line.

What needs fixing in order to keep us from self-destructing in close games? That is the million dollar question.

In the meantime the Raiders find themselves 2-5 at the bottom of the AFC Western Division, and looking like that's exactly where they belong, in a cellar.

I'm still waiting for someone to pinch me and tell me its all just a bad dream this season. Please, somebody, anybody, wake me up and tell me I'm not lined up in front of a firing squad facing imminent execution. Please!

Final Score
Titans 13
Raiders 9

Raiders Offense M .I. A.

Ten Points! Ten Points of total offense. We lose the game against Kansas City 12-10. Scary how much we resembled last season's Raiders who went 4-12. Scary how the offense looked so lost and unable to produce positive yardage. And the Defense, with more of a pass rush this game thanks to Derrick Burgess having a good game, just couldn't make the plays when they had to. They did give the offense a last ditch opportunity to win the game. But Culpepper and the passing game aren't there yet, the final interception to snuff the Raiders last drive with less than a minute to go was inevitable. A beautiful Autumn football weather day in the Bay ended in defeat. Fans are probably just hoping to see Jarmarcus Russell play by season's end.

I was able to get a sweet Raiders T-shirt to add to the collection. #2 on the back with a picture of Jarmarcus on the front underneath the name RUSSELL. The Future is Ours. One guy today compared Russell's QB skills to John Elway. Not a bad future.

Raider4Life

What A ReMix

A well made YouTube video deserving of awards for creativity. Also combines two movie favorites of mine, gotta post it.

The SandLot

Return of "The Curse"

Return of "The Curse"

Well Boston, after watching the Red Sox lose to Cleveland the other night I'd say the Bambino Curse has returned. Your beloved Sox have reverted back to it's curse playing ways, boggling foul balls, hit balls hitting base runners, pitcher's gloves tipping away routine infield double plays. Need I go on?

Since your 2004 World Series win life really has been like a bowl of chocolates for you hasn't it? Felt good fielding a team without a dark cloud over its head these past seasons since hasn't it. Well, all good things must come to an end. In your jubilation of winning it all, you seemed to forget something. This ain't no Harry Potter Movie, this is Baseball.

In Baseball, Curses Are ......F-O-R-E-V-E-R......F-O-R-E-V-E-R......F-O-R-E-V-E-R!

Enjoy the off season Red Sox. Go Tribe!

B.R.A.D.Y.

Yes, its one of the best song parodies I've ever heard. But while most hear it and can laugh with nostalgia, I, a Raiders fan, painfully remember how it all started. "The Snow Bowl."

Bottom line, we made Brady. We had him in the pocket, in the snow, in the playoffs when C.Wood caused what was and always will be A Fumble. And in the infamous words of Dennis Green "And we let him off the hook." Actually, it was the league officials who decided to make Tom Brady a legend that night.

After the record performance by Patriots QB Tom Brady in week 6, I'm finally letting go of a bit of that labor pain that we birthed six years ago in the 2001 divisional playoffs. In recognition of the love and respect Brady has earned throughout the sports world, I give you this tribute to him. As others are saying, he just may be the Montana of this era.

Raiders Can't Get It Done In San Diego

A sack, a batted-down pass, an interception. The Raiders offense couldn't get out of the way of itself when it mattered yesterday and it was costly. The defense gave up 28 points but was able to put one on the board themselves with an interception returned for a TD by LB Howard.

The Raiders simply weren't ready for the Chargers. There were times when things looked promising but those times were very few and far in between. I'm a bit disappointed in Dante and the Defense. Dante didn't have much time in the pocket and when he did there was nobody open. Two bad decisions by Dante before the end of the first half cost us points. At the San Diego one yard line with the clock around twenty-seconds, Dante goes back to pass and gets sacked. Lucy we had a time-out left. On the next play from about the eight yard line with maybe twelve seconds left Dante goes back to pass with decent protection, but waits that milisecond over and gets the ball knocked out of his hands for a fumble, Chargers recover, end of the first half.

Ladanian Tomlinson did his thing running for close to 200 yards. Like I said, our defense is one big disappointment this season. Guess last season spoiled us a bit on defense. Our young coach Lane Kiffin may have shown his inexperience in going up against a better team. The penalties and mistakes were too costly to win on the road against a better team. Maybe that's just it, we came across a team much better than us and just fell apart. But I don't wanna believe that the Chargers are that much better. They didn't shut us out and had we capitalized on the opportunities we had and limited our mistakes there could've been a different outcome to this game. But as it was there were just too many obstacles in our way to pull out a victory, most of all ourselves.

I give the Chargers the credit they deserve, they're healthy and looking like the team many picked to represent the AFC in the Superbowl. They have weapons everywhere on offense and their defense puts the pressure on like ours did last season. They say that the Chargers weakness is their pass defense. I didn't see much of a weakness in it. Somebody better warn the Pats and Cowboys, the Chargers are back.

As for the Raiders, we had a bad game. A tough lesson. At least Marty Schottenmeier was't on the Charger sideline to rub it in.

Final Score
Chargers 28
Rauders 14

Will Cinderella Go To World Series?

Major League Baseball has had Cinderella teams win in the playoffs and make it to the world series I'm sure. But I doubt that there's ever been a Cinderella as Hot as the Colorado Rockies. They've won 19 of their last 20 games and they're doing it the hard way, extra innings and game saving catches.

With last night's 11-inning win over the Arizona Diamondbacks in NLCS play, the Rockies are two games away from the ball. Who would've thought back in April that the Rockies, who haven't played in post-season baseball in 15-years and have never been to a World Series, would be two clicks from putting on a glass slipper? Most of baseball predicted a NL West cellar finish for them. But as the saying goes, you can't keep a good girl down. She's up and ready to show the sports world her sequined gown.

U GO ROCKIES!

The Article That Got Away

Been to your nearest Costco Discount store lately? Well, if you haven’t maybe its time you should. Why? Because there may be a new section of interest just waiting for your discount dollars. You’ll find it right near the automotive tire section. Right next togood ole BF Goodrich and the Michelin Man, that bubbly bundle of joy. But don’t expect to find anything you can put to use while still alive, oh no. This section only services the dead, or soon to be dead.

UNIVERSAL CASKETS

For as low as $799, and yes, they have a payment plan if you’re a little short or the credit card is maxed out.

So you think you got room in your garage for storing the best deal you’ll find while alive? The beauty of having your own casket is you can lie down and try it on for size beforehand, you can match it with your wardrobe, saves your family the added stress of haggling over cost to bury you, you can always lease it out as a loaner to low income friends or family for funeral viewing purposes only; get my drift $$$$$?

Again, the only problem I see is having the space to store your stainless steel “body box.” Also, I’m sure Costco has an upgrade plan should newer models become available or you come into some unexpected cash. Either way it’s a win win situation. You get to die in peace knowing that you’ll be buried in as classy a casket as the poor sucker whose funeral you attended just months ago, but at half the cost.

So what are you waiting for? Get off your overstuffed keister and wobble down to Costco before it’s too late and the undertaker is “stiffing” your bereaved family with a overpriced “body box” you could have gotten at Costco for less. Why pay more?

Costco Selling Caskets

Angel Cafe

Angel Café

Someone should review this place. From a den of thieves’ cavernous dive to a tenderloin beacon of hope, the Angel Café has brought life to a neighborhood corner business that once resembled a tomb. There is definitely a before and after story there at the café. The Blossoming of a Neighborhood.

I went there for coffee before the new owner took over and it was like you’d entered a private social club where you are the only outsider who dared to pass through their door. It was a cross between a bookie joint, a crack house and a morgue. Nothing seemed to move inside those walls, nothing alive anyways. That feeling of depressed loneliness pervaded the dark cold hovel that imitated a coffee shop with the nerve to offer food.

Enter new owner with a bright and cheery attitude. I suppose he noticed that cold feeling also and set out to do something about it. He’s re-made the place to fit his personality and character with a bright warm renovation and a menu of deserts that beckon dieters to take the day off and indulge.

The outdoor décor is just as warm and sparkling as the interior though the street scene can still be a bit ……..well, tenderloin-ish-ish. Previously thigh-high plant holders, which doubled as receptacles for all sorts of tobacco and refuse, bracketed the lazy tables and chairs out front. These have been replaced with sturdy stainless steel table and chair arrangements along with a storefront umbrella hangover for protection from in-climate weather and pesky pigeons, who it seems have all but disappeared since the renovation. Kind of gives the block a touch of North Beach Trattoria sidewalk café essence.

The blue and white colors permeate the setting to make it a fresh welcome to the once brick with black trim outer façade. One look at the establishment across the street will give any newcomer a peek into the dungeon-like setting that this corner once shared. The other establishment has yet to get the hint and come to Jesus, their loss.

As for the Angel Café, with the 38 Geary bus-stop nearby, passersby get a full view of what lies within and find it hard not to enter and indulge. And here’s the real beauty of it all, it’s a family run business. The owner is the son and the proud father helps with customer service and café cleanliness duties. It’s obvious the father is happy for his son’s success. If the title “A clean well lit place” hadn’t already been taken then this café could have easily donned the motto. Mother and wife can sometimes be spotted inside providing service as well.

I enjoy a cup a day at the Angel Café while sitting outside meeting all sorts of San Franciscans and tourists. And every now and then I take the day off from my diet to indulge in a special desert, my favorite being a slice of Monterosa. Are you ready for this description? Here it is:

A creamy mix of mascarpone and ricotta cheese divided by a delicate layer of sponge cake, topped with wild strawberries and red currants.

Simply Divine!

Tired of Living in a Fake World?

X-Faketor

I read an article today that made me stop and wonder just what the heck is real these days. The article was about the show X-Factor which I know nothing about. A judge on the show, Louis Walsh, admitted that the show uses Fake houses as the judges homes. In other words, they don't own or live in the houses shown on television, they only use them to help promote episodes of the show.

Now we shouldn't actually be stunned by this bit of reality tv trickery. I've been saying it all along that reality tv is the furthest thing from reality on this planet. But what caught my attention in Mr. Walsh's admission was the show spokesperson's reasoning/justification behind its use of Fake houses as Real homes.

A spokesperson for ITV said: "The contestants are invited to a house. We call them the judges' houses, not the judges' homes."

In other words its a matter of semantics. We say "home" they say "house." Viewers are expected to know the difference. The show couldn't have left out the fact that the judges rented the homes as part of the show's promotion now could it? I mean, a show that goes by the name X-Factor where part of the title is Fact? Kinda makes you wonder just what the "X" stands for doesn't it.

We live in an age where we label something ours just because we can legally use it for our own purposes. You can rent an office by the hour and during that hour put picturesof your family on the rented desk, place your business name plate on the rented door, even have a rented private secretary screening clients as they arrive. But when that hour is up, that same rental office along with the secretary and anything else that you didn't bring in with you revert back to their original owner. You for all intents and purposes are considered a Trespasser on private property.

Another example of Fake being real is cosmetic surgery or enhancers. Women with breast implants will swear to their maker that the protruding lumps underneath their autumn sweater is God's gift to her and not a sugar daddy's. Men will use steroids and swear that hard work and hours in the gym produced their bulging biceps.

In Los Angeles, where you are judged by your area code and address more than anything else, you can purchase an address for all your correspondence. I'm told it can make the difference between getting a job or a date.

So just what is real and how are we to know when real is fake? Well, here's a little test you can do to determine such fakery.

If there's still a monetary balance due on an item, then it ain't yourn. If you can't give it away freely then it ain't yourn. If you stop ingesting, injecting or rubbing it on and the enhancing results vanish, then it never was yourn. If a policeman, a banker, a ex-spouse or a child can take it away from you, then it ain't yourn. If a toronado, hurricane, earthquake or other form of natural disaster can claim it and you have no way of replacing it, it wasn't yourn. If you find yourself laid up in a hopsital or lord forbid die, and collectors snatch it up in the blink of an eye, it wasn't yourn.

So basically, the only thing we have that we can call ours is the naked body that squirted out from our mother's legs on our day of birth. everything else is just borrowed for a bit. Go ahead, you can cry now!

No, not Vince Evans, but Close Enough

Vinny Testaverde, a 1986 Heisman Trophy winner and 1987 NFL No. 1 draft pick, has signed on with the Carolina Panthers and is likely to start this Sunday. Vinny will soon be 44 years old but with the experience he brings he gives the Panthers a proven leader at quarterback. Though he's never been known for his scrambling ability he still has the arm for accurate passes to receivers. But in today's blitzing game of defense can Vinny hold up? That is the question.

Myself, I look forward to seeing Vinny become the George Blanda of the new era. And remember Vince Evans played with the Raiders until the team was finally able to ditch him on their return from L.A.. He just wouldn't go away.

Vinny is still a competitor and that's what keeps guys like him going, that and a few Geritol tablets. Do that still sell Geritol? The NFL really ought to consider approving steroids for Vinny, if just for this season. If some blitzing linebacker gets through the Panther O-Line and smashes poor Vinny into turf turd then what, will the league say he knew the risk he was taking? I say give the ole man something on the level of Viagra to help him stay prone and powerful in the pocket come Sunday. Without some sort of boost Vinny's comeback could end up being his farewell.

The good news for Vinny is that they Play the Arizona Cardinals before a bye week. But then the Panthers return to play the Indianapolis Colts the following week. I hear the Colts defense still hits hard. Guess it won't be long before Viagra Vinny finds out. Hang in there Vinny, us old-timers are in your corner. And should the pocket protection breakdown you can always stiff arm the pass rushers with your rigid third arm. Just wear gloves..

Columbus Day Sports

On a day that celebrates the discovery of America by a man, Christopher Columbus, who'd known agony and triumph, the sports world demonstrated yet again its own versions of the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

The Thrill!

The Cleveland Indians of MLB finished off the proud New York Yankees in game 4 of the ALDS playoff. In doing so they may also have ended Yankees manager Joe Torre's 12-year reign. Cleveland had gone 0-6 against the Yankees during the season only to come back strong in the playoffs and win the five game series 3-1. Cleveland goes on to play the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS. Go Tribe!

Final Score
Cleveland 6
New York 4


The Agony!

The Buffalo Bills of the NFL did everything right with the exception of winning the game in a Monday Night Football classic against the Dallas Cowboys. The Bills made all the plays that usually lead to a win, all the plays but one. With about twenty seconds left and leading by two points they failed to cover an on-sides kick by Dallas. Dallas recovered, got off two plays, then kicked a 53-yard field goal only to have a shanahan-like timeout called by Buffalo. The re-kick was good however and Dallas snuck away with an unexpected win. If Buffalo can bounce back from this upsetting loss, I'll eat my hat.

Final Score
Dallas 25
Buffalo 24

U S C Ranked No.10 Thanks To Stanford

Oh how I love the smell of upset in the morning. Especially when it involves a team, any team, from that putrid pot of puke called Los Angeles.

USC, university of southern california, O.J.'s alum, entered the game against Stanford as 40+ point favorites with a number 1 ranking in the country. Stanford entered with a losing history against USC that all thought would be extended.

2002: USC 49-17

2003: at USC 44-21

2004: USC 31-28

2005: at USC 51-21

2006: USC 42-0

But something unusual and simply unbelievable happened in Trojanland on saturday afternoon. The Stanford Cardinal Football team, entering the game with a pac 10 record of 1-3 this season, beat the USC Trojans and added to this season's year of phenominal upsets. Ever since Applachian State upset Michigan in the first week of NCAA Football, every week following has featured at least one top 10 team going down to the hands of a lesser opponent.

So why not Stanford, and who better than powerhouse Pac 10 rival USC? Enjoy this moment in football lore Stanford Cardinals. Even if it does bump your cross-bay rival (Cal Bears) team up to N0.2 in the college football rankings. Enjoy it! It may be the one highlight of a miserable and hopeless season for Cardinal Football, but I'll bet every player on that team will be hailed as champions upon their return to the Stanford Campus and possibly by the entire bay area.

Congratulations Stanford Cardinal Football Team
You may not have the record of a Champion, but definitely the Heart of one.

2007: Stanford 24-23

Defense! Defnese! Defense!

The NFL has awarded Oakland Raiders Linebacker Kirk Morrison with AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September. Morrison would probably say it was team effort that won the award, but his three interceptions and team leading tackles might say otherwise.

Morrison has definitely come into his own as a defensive leader. He's the new linebacker of the NFL who can hit, cover and change offensive game plans.

The Oakland Raiders Defense of last season was a run stopping force with its weakness being in the secondary. Hello 2007, sure our secondary has given up some big plays but they're also making big plays, and Morrison is a huge part of it. With the offense eating up the clock with its running game, our Defense finds itself fresh and hungry come the second half.

Congratulations Kirk Morrison and the Oakland Raiders Defensive Unit. You've been recognized as a force to be reckoned with in this NFL season.

Autumn Winds

As we Raider fans bask in the glory of our return atop the AFC Western Division, the Autumn Winds continue to bring pleasant surprises. The outstanding performance of QB Daunte Culpepper in Sunday's 35-17 win over the Miami Dolphins has earned him the AFC Offensive Player of the Week Award.

I don't believe he was voted the award just for his three rushing and two passing touchdowns. I believe it was his leadership abilities that shown so brightly in Sundays win which earned him the award. As I've stated before, Daunte has a presence on the field that exudes Command and Leadership. He's battle-tested and has much to prove to himself and the NFL. On Sunday Daunte passionately expressed just how rehabilitated his surgically repaired knee is by celebrating after touchdowns and pointing to his knee and giving the "Okay" sign.

Its been a long tough trek Raider fans, since our "Road to the Superbowl" season that ended in such disappointment. But for those of us who've stayed true to our team and committed to our colors, awards like Daunte's show that the light at the end of the tunnel is upon us. We've weathered the storms of darkness, we've survived as NFL castaways lost at sea, light and land have been spotted and we're ready to do what Raiders do. Raid! Pillage! and Plunder!

the Autumn Winds are once again favoring Oakland Football.

Yes my Raider friends and opposing enemies, "The Autumn Wind is A Raider," and the pillaging has just begun.


Daunte Culpepper
Oakland Raiders Quarterback
Top AFC Offensive Player of Week 4

Daunte's Inferno!

So the Oakland Raiders travel down to Hell (South Florida) and stomp out the fires awaiting them. Then they lay siege to the Miami Dolphins by scorching them for 299 yards rushing and five touchdowns to come away with a 35-17 victory.

Though the game was an overall team victory, QB Daunte Culpepper was the fearless leader as the team followed his every command. Daunte led by making on-field decisions that only a battlefield General with experience could make. He passed for two touchdowns, ran for three and was as pumped up as anyone who'd escaped from hell once and now returns with a vengeance to shut the place down.

Daunte lit it up when it mattered most, in the red zone. This Raiders team is doing what good teams do, scoring touchdowns when in position instead of settling for field-goal attempts inside the twenty-yard line.

The new blocking schemes of line coach Tom Cable are paying dividends. Raiders running backs had huge holes to run through with Justin Fargas having a career day filling in for injured Lamont Jordan. Expect Dominic Rhodes to add to this fiery running game come week six after the bye. And welcome back wide-receiver Jerry Porter, we've missed your offensive scoring threat.

Special teams gave one away with a fumble by rookie Johnnie Lee Higgins but the Defense proved its mettle by intercepting two Trent Green passes, sacking him twice and pressuring the Dolphins quarterback constantly throughout the game.

The one plus for the Raiders that went unnoticed was the absence of drive-killing and pass-interference penalties. The Raiders only incurred two penalties for fifteen yards in the game. Yes, 2 for 15yds, another sign that the Raiders are committed to excellence once again.

Finally, the play calling may have seemed like an easy task to those of us watching at Ricky's Sports Bar in San Leandro, Ca, a great Raiders Headquarters/Sports Center to visit for any sports fan. But do give coach Lane Kiffin and his staff credit for sticking with what worked and fooling the devil out of the Miami Dolphins with creative plays when first downs and touchdowns were needed. Lest we forget last season's head decision maker:


"wish it into the cornfield son, just wish it into the cornfield"



Final Score
Raiders 35
Dolphins 17

GOT STEROIDS?

Okay, Okay. What do you get when you have a DHL clerk, a China contact, a Myspace page and Illegal Entrepreneurial tendencies?

Give Up?

Well, eventually you get time behind bars, that is if you get caught. Which is just what happened to some poor sucker in Tempe, Arizona?

I'm sure his intentions were good. He wanted to have his own business, work from home and be his own boss. He probably figured he'd found a market that would allow him the chance to fulfill all his wants and dreams. Actually, he'd probably had the business plan in his head since his high school days some twenty years ago. But what he didn't have back in those glorious wonder years was the one thing that would put wheels on the cart and make it go. He didn't have "Access." He didn't have the Internet.

Without the internet, he would never have been able to afford correspondence with a willing Chinese distributor. Without the internet he wouldn't have had the nerve or resources to research the illegal ingredients needed. Without the internet he wouldn't have had cheap and easy access to customers. Let's face it, without the internet he was a nobody, a nothing, a clerk in a desert delivery service, a bum.

But something happens to people who discover Myspace.com and realize they have the world at their fingertips. They easily can turn into the mad scientist and all those ideas that have floated through their minds over the years are brought to the surface. For instance, what red-blooded American male hasn't done a search on the name of that teenage heart throb, as if she'd remember you and come running to your side after all these years? Or how about sending away for that sexual aphrodisiac, "Spanish Fly?" Tijuana was so damn far away and dangerous back in the day.

With Myspace.com, or any web personals page, you can now be whoever you wanna be, say anything you wanna say, and do just about anything you wanna do. A scary thought when you really think about it. I've seen personal pages for Saddam Hussein, Pee-Wee Herman, Jeffrey Dahmer and even Elvis, and he's supposedly been dead since the 70's. Who Knew?

So getting back to our DHL clerk with Entrepreneurial tendencies, let me just say in his defense that I understand how enticing the internet can be when it comes to fulfilling lifetime dreams and desires. One click and you could become a somebody. You could be a contender. But in this country there are rules and guidelines that must be followed. And now that big brother is watching ever so closely our every move, your plan best be either legitimate or have political backing. Politically backed plans have the power to re-write law when things go bad.

Our DHL clerk was neither legitimate nor politically connected and after pleading guilty faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. Whether he's a victim of an overzealous entrepreneurial personality or an era where Internet Access brings illegal temptations right to your fingertips, he got caught, and that's one sin that society never forgets. Getting Caught. Caught distributing anabolic steroids and using Myspace to solicit customers, willing customers mind you. If only Balco had known.

Got Steroids?

Raiders Pull a Shanahan to Win Game

A beautiful day at the Oakland Coliseum as the Oakland Raiders block a field goal attempt on the last play of the game to defeat the Cleveland Browns 26-24. Last Sunday it was Broncos coach Mike Shanahan calling a last second time-out to make Janikowski do a do-over from 52 yards out. He didn't make it. And neither did the Cleveland kicker this week thanks to Tommy Kelly and the special teams stuffing the kick and giving the Raiders their first win of the season. The Raiders offense, with Dante Culpepper at the helm, had a 15-play, 80-yard, 9:06 drive in the third quarter that resulted in a Lamont Jordan 1-yd run for a touchdown.

Congratulations Lane Kiffin for your first win as a NFL coach. Welcome to the regular season Dante Culpepper, you've got the keys to the car so let's see you drive us to the promised land, Playoffs.

Scouts Buzz The Oakland Raiders special teams got their revenge this week against the Cleveland Browns. Although the Raiders gave up a long touchdown return to Cleveland's Josh Cribbs, they redeemed themselves at the end of the game when they blocked a Phil Dawson field goal. Dawson is not to blame in this case. The left guard and left tackle on the Cleveland field goal team were split and that's what caused the field goal block. Oakland special teams coach Brian Schneider called a triple middle block, which has three Oakland defenders pushing three down lineman on the right of the long snapper. It caused leakage against the Browns and allowed the Raiders to block the field goal and earn their first win of the season.
-- Marwan Maalouf, Scouts Inc


And Just for Laughs here's the Philadelphia Eagles Lucky 1930's Throwback Uniforms. Don't laugh, the Detroit Lions did and lost the game 56-21. Wonder how Donovan McNabb feels now as a black quarterback forced to wear canary yellow and powder blue gear. Yes, color matters in the NFL Donovan.

ARAB OWNERSHIP OF U.S. STOCK EXCHANGE?

First it was 22 U.S. ports that the Arab Emirates of Dubai wanted to purchase. Now it's the NASDAQ stock exchange, and in both cases the U.S. President didn't show any alarm whatsoever upon hearing about it .

My guess is either the President and those that pull his strings are in on it and have something to gain, or oil rich countries do have a free pass in western financial institutions and can pretty much do as they please.

If the President didn't see this coming then our beefed up national security is really a joke. He had to know, regardless of what he says. Maybe I'm just overly sensitive about Arab countries buying into the U.S. since the 911 disaster. Thanks to the media and the war, many of us here in these united states are skeptical about Arab interests in this country. But while we, the little citizens of the land of the free are being fed fear, those with the money and power are doing better business than ever with friend and foe of this country.

All this is just more evidence of the arrogance that comes with globalization. Its not about the safety and well being of the people, its about profit and gains.

Get ready citizens of the U.S., the puppet masters are getting ready for their final act before the curtain closes on their show. When you can see the strings from above and the off-key movement of the mouth while words of no importance come out, the show is definitely coming to a close. That could mean good things or bad. Time will tell.

News On Dubai and Nasdaq

Ya Basta!

A book chose me today. The book titled "Always Running" by Luis J. Rodriguez is his memoir of growing up chicano in East L.A. back in the 70's. A book that immediately made me think of my daughter, who's had her share of gang violence and street life. So though the book will eventually end up in her hands as a gift, I hope to read it first to enjoy what seems to be a well written account of a young man who transforms his troubled life from a death wish to a cause for unity and change.

In visiting Rodriguez's web-blog I learn that he's used his writing talent to fight against all sorts of injustices. His latest blog "Chicano Moratorium Against the Vietnam War" is educational as well as inspiring for anyone with a sense of duty to humanity. He ephasizes the need for any and everybody to involve themselves in stopping unjust wars by means of their artistic talents and/or driven desire for justice.

I learned from his blog the spanish term "Ya Basta", which means "that's enough." Luis has been fighting to bring life and political awareness to his people and those who can relate to the southwestern mexican-american plight of overcoming poverty through unity. He writes in the voice of a revolutionary who will continue the struggle, forever.

I believe I read in the opening to his book "Always Running" that he wrote the book after seeing his son begin to go the route of gangs, stealing and drugs that he'd once traveled. What a father, to exposed his sins to the world so that his son, and hopefully other troubled youth out there, can hope for change and take steps toward making changes in their lives.

Right On Luis J. Rodriguez.

"Ya Basta"

Not Just Another Loss

The Oakland Raiders gallantly battled the Denver Broncos into overtime at the new mile high stadium in Denver. If ever I were prouder of my Raiders after a loss, this be the time.

The Raiders for the second week in a row bounced back from a two digit deficit (17-3) to take the lead in the fourth quarter. I too thought we'd won it on a 52-yard field-goal by Jano in overtime. But you know Mike Shanahan and the Broncos will pull out every trick in the book to make the Raiders earn a win in their house. After a mini-celebration on the Raiders sideline it was made known that Shanahan had called a timeout just before the snap; the successful field goal did not count.

After the timeout the Raiders attempted yet again a 52 yard field goal for the win in OT. Jano's kick hit near the top of the right upright and ricochet outward, No Good!

And there was the ballgame. With a tired Raiders defense the Broncos marched downfield on Jay Cutler passes and Jason Elam kicked the winning field goal to end the game 23-20.

The Oakland Raiders are competing and appear to be only a few inches away from their first win of the season. In the meantime, I'd like to congratulate the entire team for not giving up and playing a proud style of football that shows they're a team to be reckoned with this year. Though I was ready to see Daunte Culpepper start at QB, Josh McCown may have been the right decision for this game at loud, breath sucking mile high.

There will be no need for the Oakland Raiders to hang their heads after this loss. They showed that this team is in fact a new and better Oakland Raiders bunch. Hats off to the Raiders for fighting hard and giving us fans hope to live and fight another battle next week.

I'm Still In!

#1 Draft Pick Signed by Raiders; FINALLY!

September 12th, 10:07 a.m. PST:
JaMarcus Russell Officially Signs


How Can I not Be Excited About The Signing?

Got JaMarcus?

The Raiders do!

Exposed Defense and Inconsistent McCown Doom Raiders In Opener

The Oakland Raiders loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 1 is either a curse or a blessing. The Raiders showed they could bounce back from a 17-0 deficit and bad first-half play. They showed, in front of a sellout crowd, that they're a team, a team that fights for all four quarters. Unfortunately, they showed their vulnerability against the pass, their inability to pressure a quarterback and inconsistent offensive attack.

These were the Detroit Lions they were playing, not the Peyton Manning/Marvin Harrison Colts. It'll be interesting to hear what coach Kiffin has to say about the Raiders opening day performance. The fans definitely did their part in filling the Coliseum and bringing the 12th man noise. However, the Raiders were slow in getting into a rhythm on offense and never completely convinced us fans that they could stop any offensive threat. Sure their run-stopping was top notch, but again, we're talking the Lions, the Detroit Lions.

Those poisonous penalties reared their heads a bit but weren't a big factor in the game. Our offensive run blocking which looked so promising in the preseason was missing in action for a good part of the game. Ronald Curry seemed to be the only wide receiver that could make a play or run a decent route, either that or our quarterback was having trouble seeing the field.

Speaking of our quarterback in week 1, the chosen one (Josh McCown) just never looked like a leader on the field. Once the boos started pouring down on him from the stands he started making gutsier plays but that was probably due more to better second half pass protection than from leadership skills coming to fruition. Chants of Daunte! Daunte! Daunte! never brought about a change at QB but I'm sure the entire Oakland Raiders Organization is aware they've got a quarterback controversy on their hands. How long? is the question fans will be asking come next Sunday. How long before coach Kiffin replaces McCown with Daunte Culpepper and gives the team a proven leader at the helm. Until the change is made, McCown will have to take the fall for an offense that is lacking that something.

A Disappointing Loss
Raiders 21
Lions 36

BEAT L.A..........BEAT L.A............BEAT L.A.

If you weren't there tonight you missed a beauty. Bottom of the ninth, tie score 4-4, Daniel Ortmeier of the Giants hits a walk-off Solo Home Run to end the game. Big celebration at the plate, Quick shot of a dejected Lasorda on the big screen, Dodgers fans stunned while Giants fans cheer "Beat L.A." all the way out the gates of AT&T Park and into the streets. People on cell phones telling friends about what they'd just witnessed. It was the quietest I've ever seen so many Dodgers fans and the most celebratory I've seen Giants fans since Barry hit 756. On the bus ride home Giants fans were actually singing songs and being tauntingly friendly to Dodger fans. Someone actually mentioned Playoffs. It was the night that Orange outfoxed Blue. I believe it was the first win at home against the Dodgers this season.

Duck The Fodgers!
SF 5
LA 4
A great night for a Giants win.

Another Great Legend Is Gone, But Not Forgotten.

Luciano Pavarotti
1935-2007

It's Football Season. Be Careful! Lest We Forget.

Last Season Was A Complete Disaster For The Oakland Raiders. From The Owner To The Coaches To The Players, Not Everyone Was In On The Same Page Performing On The Same Professional Level.

Now They Know Better And Have Made Major Adjustments. Come This Sunday And The Following Sundays That Make Up The NFL 2007 Season, Who Are The Oakland Raiders Gonna Bring To Do Battle On The Gridiron?

EVVVERYONE!

Smoking A Health Risk? Humbug!

Every day a story straight from the headlines catches my attention. Be it a crime, a miracle or a politician caught with his hand in the cookie jar, stories light up my imagination.

That being said, the story that "lit up" my imaginative juices this morning is about a Centurian celebrating her 100th birthday. Nothing too miraculous about turning 100 these days, but add to this story the fact that our little whippersnapper has been puffing cigarettes since 1914, Now That's A Story!

Her name is Winnie Langley, and isn't she just a peach? Cigarette Smoking Haters, eat your heart out, Winnie's living proof that smoking helps you live a fuller, longer, stress reduced life. So put that in your "Green Pipes" and smoke it.

She's been through two world wars and all the shit between and afterwards, 1918 influenza epidemic (Spanish Flu), economic hardships, drought and ten years of Britain's version of George Bush; Tony Blair. In other words, she's one tough bitch. When Satin approached her in 1957 with a soul-selling contract she blew rings around his horns and told him what he could do with his flaming pitchfork.

Winnie says her secret is smoking in moderation (five cigarettes a day).

U GO GURL!

Its A Fan Thing!

Blood Red Lunar Eclipse Illuminates SF TransAmerica Building

Rumor has it that this same moon appeared over the Bay Area a few nights before the 1906 earthquake. Old-time Sailors always heeded the warning of a Blood Red Moon by seeking land.

Maybe we in the Bay Area should seek water for the next few days. Wasn't Vegas once a huge lake?

Chronicle photo by Frederic Larson

Little League World Series 2007

The slugger, hitting .769 entering Sunday's game, was 0-for-2 with a walk when he came up in the eighth.

He said a little prayer before settling himself in the batter's box.
"God, please give me the strength to get a hit and help my team out," Carriker said in recounting his prayer.

There was no doubt about his opposite-field shot off Kiuchi, which easily cleared the right-field fence 225 feet away from the plate.

And this is what makes Baseball so special. Its a game where both big and small kids prayers are answered.

Congratulations Little League World Series Champions of Warner Robins, Georgia.

Dalton Carriker's game-winning homer broke the hearts of Japan and powered the U.S. to its third straight LLWS championship.

Georgia 3
Tokoyo 2

Atlas Shrugged

Death Toll Hits 450 in Peru Earthquake

Just how devastating was the magnitude-8 earthquake that hit Peru?

Death Toll Has Hit 450

More Than 1,500 Injured

Dust-covered Dead Laid Out in City Streets

Damaged Hospitals and Morgues have Injured Lying on Cots in City Streets w/Dead

Huge Aftershocks, at Least 14 of Magnitude 5.0 or Higher

At Least 200 People Buried Alive in San Clemente Church in the Port of Pisco

The shaking lasted for an agonizing two minutes, burying at least 200 people, according to the town's mayor. On Thursday, only two stone columns rose from a giant pile of stone, bricks, wood and dust.

Rescuers pulled out bodies all day and lined them up on the plaza - at least 60 by late afternoon. Civil defense workers then arrived and zipped them into body bags. But relatives searching desperately for the missing opened the zippers, crying hysterically each time they recognized a familiar face.

Few in the traumatized crowds would talk with journalists. One man shouted at the bodies of his wife and two small daughters as they were pulled from the rubble: "Why did you go? Why?"

No Lights, No Water, No Communications, Most Houses Have Fallen

Prison Wall Toppled Allowing 600 Prisoners To Flee, Only 29 Recaptured So Far

Took Red Cross 7.5 hours to arrive in one city, three times the normal travel time, due to Damaged Roads

Scientists Define Quake as a Megathrust, the Largest Type of Quake on The Planet


If Nothing Else, Just Send A Prayer!

Original Story by JEANNETH VALDIVIESO

Why I Like YouTube

Considered by many to be the Most Beautiful Woman in The World, Aishwarya Rai's stunning beauty has mesmerized me from the moment I first laid eyes on her. She has that femininely angelic quality that lifts her beauty above sexual desire and onto a level of deity. Wow, that's deep. Me, a Red Blooded American Male deifying a beautiful woman who's not a Raiderette? Football season couldn't come soon enough.
The former Miss World has fantastic skin, long silky hair, and intoxicating eyes. Damn, Intoxicating.

Are You Kidding Me? Jake Brown Pulls A 720

Jake "SkyWalker X" Crashes The X-Games.

I can't do the man justice by writing about it. After all, he survived a 50ft fall onto a hardwood x-games roller ramp. This, after successfully pulling off a narly 720 skateboard jump. You just gotta see it to believe it. Watch the Video to the end for full commentary effect. The cameramen also deserve praise for catching every angle. Simply Thrilling!




Jake......U DA Man Bro!

Monday Night Football - 49ers vs Broncos

FEATURING THE SF GOLD TRIGGERS!





Final Score

Broncos 17
$49.ers 13

Preseason Win: Exhibition Game 1

The Oakland Raiders opened up the 2007 preseason with a 27-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals. As preseason goes, both teams were a bit rusty with dropped passes and missed tackles. But surprisingly the starting units didn't commit many if any penalties and only one turnover by Arizona.

The Raiders played with a passion, a smart passion. The obvious improvement from last year is the offensive line play. We now actually have a running game and are giving the quarterback time to do his thing. Also, the play calling, though vanilla for the preseason, fits the personnel on the field. The coaches are putting the right players in the right schemes to come up with productive plays.

There were more positives than negatives tonight for the Raiders. Its a new season and it looks promising. A great way to start the season, be it preseason or not.

Just Win Baby!
"Im In" (training camp theme)