Hue Love's You Baby!

Job Creation Scam

Today I read a very enlightening article by Jon Carroll of the San Francisco Chronicle (Inside the Job Creation Scam). It touches on the marriage of corporations to government while shedding light on unemployment and the recession/depression.

How can laws enforce "Social responsibility" on corporations when said laws are blamed for stifling the life blood of business; profit? We are therefore forced to live in a country that is governed by the interests of big business.

I don't think that's what the founding father's of this once great nation had in mind, nor did President Abraham Lincoln when he said that "government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from this earth."

Lincoln's Gettysburg Address quote was spoken at the end of this country's first and only civil war, a rebellion that threatened self-government.

Lechler - Janikowski - Seymour = Pro Bowl

4th And Goal

Final Score (week 15)

Raiders 16

Chiefs 13

Thanks Santa!

NBA Begins Battle Christmas Sunday

Seems fitting that Oakland's Oracle ARENA will host a competitive basketball game between the L.A. Clippers and Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day.

Arenas and Coliseums during the time of Christ featured a more bizarre form of entertainment, pitting armed Gladiators against other gladiators, animals and condemned criminals while also matching humble christians against hungry lions. Just goes to show that humanity has evolved to become more civilized.

Out of respect for that civil badge of accomplishment the NFL has moved the bloody and barbaric clashes of Titans, Raiders, Vikings, Lions, Panthers and the rest of the viciously played football events to Saturday, Christmas Eve.

Merry Freakin Christmas, argh! argh!

Raiders Can't Finish Off Lions In Oakland

As I write this, friends are texting Raiders condolences to me. One Raiders fan I overhead saying that Warren Sapp must've been right; the Raiders aren't good enough for the playoffs. Another one said he'd rather watch a blow-out instead of being teased and tortured through a game like this.

Simply put, the Oakland Raiders broke fans hearts today by squandering a 27-14 lead with under three minutes left in the game. They did it in typical 2011 Raiders fashion, giving up big pass plays and touchdowns on defense while going mostly conservative to hold a lead on offense. The hardest part is that they almost pulled it off. Almost!

Raiders QB Carson Palmer missed a clutch throw that could've sealed it, but the pass to the open receiver came up about a yard overthrown. Palmer also took a sack on a critical series that could've found the Raiders running out the clock.

After playing their hearts out all game, the Raiders found themselves just three yards away from a first down to all but end the game. Instead, the Detroit Lions got the ball back with no timeouts left and bing, bang, boom; Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (9 rec 214 yds 2 tds) is celebrating with the tying touchdown catch. The kick was good for the one point lead.

The final insulting injury was a Sebastian Janikowski 65 yard field goal attempt in the final seconds that had the house rocking with faithful belief. It was truly a Mighty Casey at the bat moment:

Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;

The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,

And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;

But there is no joy in Mudville — mighty Casey has struck out.

The field goal attempt was blocked by Suh!

Final Score

Lions 28

Raiders 27

Tired of Tim Tebow?

Fetus Tebowing

Come'on Man

Well if you haven't heard all the media hype over Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow lately, then you must've been stranded on an island without a signal.

Tebow has become the biggest thing since motorized carriages. Dare say some are crediting his on-field exploits to "divine intervention." Tebow is a devout Christian who wears his faith on his jersey sleeves. Others in sports have done it, but none with such a miraculous record against overwhelming odds and criticism.

To think that his current six game winning streak began in Oaktown against my beloved Raiders almost makes me wonder if the almighty is in on the legendary league conspiracy against the silver and black. I was there to see Tebow bring his team back in Oakland this season with his legs and sheer will to win. I saw him run a 40+ yard tackle breaking touchdown against the Raiders in 2010, his first start. It's enough to bring tears of joy or jealousy to a fans eyes.

Whatever analysts attribute to Tim Tebow's NFL success, the word immaculate might not be far off the mark. Love'em or hate'em, he's got a genuine humbleness that's as cuddly as christmas. My Raiders need help to get to the playoffs and Tebow stands in our way to a division championship.

If the Denver Broncos beat Tom Brady and the Patriots this weekend, Raiders division crown aspirations will be shattered, Tebow will be crowned a deity in football, or at least in the Rocky Mountains of Denver and Tebowmania will overwhelm the sports world and Christendom.

For what it's worth just remember, the messiah began his journey in Oakland. Lord, we didn't commit any personal fouls or blasphemy against your divine messiah while visiting our house, if you find it in your all-loving heart to bless us with a playoff seed we'll praise the off-field words and ways of the one you've sent. Amen!

Oakland's Andre Ward Unifies Titles In Win

The gold medalist boxer from Oakland, Californ-I-A is champion of Showtime's Super Six World Boxing Classic, a tournament of elimination that consisted of six middleweight boxers competing over a 2 1/2 year span.

So it comes down to this; Andre Ward vs England's Carl Froch. Froch was outboxed by Ward last night at the Atlantic City tournament final. Froch looked slow yet determined to somehow catch Ward with a power punch. Ward dominated the fight with quick jabs, combinations and footwork that eventually frustrated Froch and left him looking to his corner for answers; no answers were given as Ward tagged his opponent from head to ribs at will.

In winning the fight with a unanimous decision, Andre Ward unified two super middleweight titles, WBC and the WBA which he retained. Ward confesses that he has room for improvement, but as all eyes in the boxing world saw last night, this young man has arrived.

Congratulations To Oaktown's Own Boxing Champion

Andre Ward

Quote For Today

All Our Dignity Lies In Thought;

Let Us All Strive, Then, To Think Well - Blaise Pascal

principle of morality

Suh Sacks Mike Valenti and Terry Foster

Ndamukong Suh, a Nebraska football standout turned defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions, poses for a picture in a headlock with Bobbie Hill, of Comstock, during an autograph stop at the Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha on July 22, 2010.

Mike Valenti and Terry Foster are radio announcers for 97.5 the ticket in Detroit, flagship for Lions football. The announcers weekly interview with Lions DT Ndamukong Suh went south when the interviewers got stuck on trying to expose Suh's personal issues.

The questioning seemed like a trick play to get Suh to reveal all, but Suh out-maneuvered the interviewers by staying calm, collected and courteous while the interviewer(s) unraveled in frustration and ended in what sounded like a hissy fit. They simply didn't get what they wanted out of Suh and stubbornly missed out on letting Suh give fans what he was willing to.

Long after Suh decided to amicably end the interview the interviewer(s) continued to try justifying their position on how they conducted themselves, claiming they did not try to overly pry when it was obvious that's exactly what the interviewer(s) did and exactly why Suh ended it. Whatever happened to professionalism in broadcasting? Was Sarah Palin right about media only being interested in the "gotcha" moment?

Mike Valenti believes he was asking the tough questions because that's what the fans want to know. Well Mike, it was plain to everyone but you that you asked either the wrong question, as Suh tried to tell you, or posed it the wrong way. It's not always what you say but how you say it.

It took a more level headed Terry Foster to calm Valenti down and ask him to "let people critique what just happened." On that note the call-in number was given and the station went to break.

And that my friends is a perfect example of the new age broadcasting style. No tact, no integrity and very little respect for guests on their shows. Anyone and any subject is fair game to blast away at until the interviewee either says something that shocks and bumps ratings or takes the high road and does as Ndamukong Suh does and gentlemanly walks away.

Suh is not as off his rocker as the media is making him out to be. He might have difficulty saying what he truly feels and saying what folks wanna hear, but after interviews like this one I understand why. When does "No Mean No" in broadcasting? I hate to say it but here it is bluntly and uncensored; Suh just escaped a radio rape with his balls unmolested. Suh gets my vote for Real Man of the week.

Now if only my Raiders can do on the field what Mike and Terry couldn't off the field; rattle Suh and get him to make mistakes come this Sunday.

Romo Still A Raider

This video clip showing former Oakland Raiders linebacker Bill Romanowski giving his take on how best to right the Raiders ship is all Romo.

Romo has always been "in your face" reactionary when it comes to doing things his way. I've enjoyed watching Romo as a sportscaster simply because he always appears on the verge of going completely nuts. Well folks, he didn't go nuts, he went Romo.

As far as Romo is concerned the Raiders need to get tough and go hunt down the meat instead of buying over the counter at SAFEway. If need be Romo will lead the expedition, he's In.

If Hue Jackson was watching I hope he considers bringing Romo into the locker room for the final three games. The Raiders still have a chance to reach the playoffs, but as Romo so brilliantly demonstrated, they need to stop waiting in the checkout line to pay for their bacon and go out locked and loaded to hunt game.

Bill Romanowski might just be suiting up for the Raiders sometime soon. Attaboy Romo!

Hue Had A Bad Day

Final Score

Raiders 16

Packers 46

Poetry In Motion

He Jumps, He Catches and He Runs like few others playing the game today. His name you've heard before, but the phenomenal plays he continues to make reminds us fans of just how "Sick" this receiver's skills are.

The Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald made a jump, catch and running score today that showcased exactly what seperates the good players from the great ones.

I truly believe he brings out the beautiful art of catching a pass like few others. Today we saw the grace of Jerry Rice and Lance Alworth in the person of Fitzgerald. His numbers (7 rec, 149 yds, 1 td) minus one touchdown matched those he had in a week 10 win over the Philadelphia Eagles where he was voted Offensive Player of the Week.

Today however the play that'll probably go down in Cardinals lore as "The Catch" was something magical. Fitzgerald gliding down the middle of the field is thrown the ball. Two 49er defenders are closing in on him. Fitz out jumps one defender, snatches the football out of the air, begins an 180 degree turn in the air, lands and continues running for a touchdown without breaking much stride.

I really can't remember what happened to the second defender. Maybe like the rest of us, he fell over his dropped jaw in awe of another Larry Fitzgerald gem of a play. Upon further review, the video clip really doesn't do the play much justice. Fitz made the play look so......."effortless."

What else could I tune into to take my mind off the stomping of the Raiders in Green Bay? Yes, it got even "Uglier" than last week.

Baylor Bears Quartback Takes Home An "Ed"

Baylor Bears quarterback Robert Griffin III (RG3) won the annual award for most outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity.

The award, better known as the Heisman Trophy, was designed in 1935 by sculptor Frank Eliscu. Many, myself included, believe it to be the best looking trophy in any sport, college or professional. A friend and former high school classmate of the sculptor, Ed Smith, posed for the trophy with the now legendary straight-arm (stiff arm).

For us football fans, the Heisman symbolizes what Michelangelo's Statue of David does for renaissance sculpture; a masterpiece.

The player awarded the Heisman has the red carpet laid out for him once he leaves college to pursue a professional football career. Some become good pro players, few become great and for many their star never shines as bright as the day they accept the bronze cast sculpture modeled after a man from NYU who was taken in the first NFL draft by the Washington Redskins.

Congratulations RG3!

Questions Surround Model Competition

So why am I posting on a sports blog about this beautiful Top Model competitor? And she's not even wearing her bathing suit? I'm still asking myself that exact question.

America's Next Top Model finalist Angelea Preston was on the brink of being crowned a champion when after commercial, the show aired an unexpected announcement. The judgment on Angelea was cold, calculated and swift as it was announced, without her being present, that the contestant had been disqualified from the competition.

As the judge Nigel put it: “It turns out that after shooting was wrapped, our production team and the network learned information from Angelea that disqualifies her from the competition.”

The winner would be Lisa D'Amato, who it appears has all the personality one needs to be a top model. Lisa said that her confidence comes from a very vulnerable place inside of her. I thought that comment better than the average Miss Universe canned response to pageant questions.

I'm sure Lisa will do America's Next Top Model proud. But as with top athletes who are punished for off the field actions, enquiring internet minds are twittered-out trying to learn just what the heck Angelea did to cause her disqualification at the last moment. Nobody seems to know for sure.

There are many rumors going around; from Angelea leaking information about the final three contestants on her facebook to talk of her possibly being pregnant. Yeah, it's a jungle out there on the internet and all TV celebrities are fair game. Sometimes though you have to "Just Say No" to facebook and twitter and keep a wounded soul like Angelea in your prayers.

Eventually we'll get pieces of what actually transpired, if we even care that much to know.

In the meantime we congratulate Ms. D'Amato for wearing the crown of a champion top model.

2022 Angela Preston’s Story

Tiger Sightings (CLEMSON)

Golf legend Tiger Woods won the Chevron World Challenge, his first tournament win in two years.

Another Tiger is back, C-L-E-M-S-O-N, and will be playing in the Orange Bowl!

The #1 LSU Tigers face a rematch in the BCS Championship Bowl game on Jan 9. Roll Tide!

Get Ready to be Tebow-ed for the Holidays!

Golden State Warriors play L.A. Clippers Xmas Eve. Come'On Santa!

Congratulations Wisconsin Badgers

Jan. 2, 2012

I post this congratulations for a friend who is a Badger through and through. Enjoy the Day of Roses Brother. Yes, the Badgers earned every bit of their bowl bid with Saturday's exciting 42-39 win over the Michigan State Spartans in the Big Ten Championship game.

Raiders Looking Lifeless In Miami

This is how I expect the Oakland Raiders will look on the sidelines next week when they visit the frozen tundra to take on the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers. Frozen Zombies! What else can you expect when the Raiders were outplayed in all phases this week in sunny Miami.

Today they festered in the Florida sun like Zombies in a tanning booth. The leadership looked befuddled by the Dolphins attack. There were no game plan adjustments nor did the Raiders seem to care that they were getting their guts torn out and their carcasses stomped on all over the field.

If the Raiders don't fix what is broken quick they might find themselves looking up at Tim Bebow and the Denver Broncos in the division standings. So get that detached, hollow look off your faces soldiers, or expect Mr. Ndamukong Suh, voted the dirtiest player in the NFL, to finish in Detroit what the Dolphins started today; stomping you into the turf.

Final Score

U-G-L-Y

Miguel Cotto Captures NYC

Cotto vs Margarito II

Madison Square Garden

21,239 Screaming Nuyoricans

"Cotto's Revenge"

Miguel Cotto got a pestering gorilla off his back by stopping Antonio Margarito after the 9th round to retain his WBA (Super) light middleweight title. It was one of the better title fights of late with all the tension and drama that a boxing fan desires.

Cotto came in with a Manny Pacquaio style using quickness, combinations and punches thrown at angles that gave Margarito problems. Margarito stalked Cotto throughout the fight, but it was like watching a clumsy giant lumbering forward trying to catch a mighty mouse. He appeared slow and bothered.

It would be a closing of Margarito's right eye, the same one crushed by Pacquaio, that would cause alarmed doctors to stop the fight at the end of the 9th round. By then Cotto had won no less than seven rounds and still looked strong and focused. Margarito appeared to pick up his pace in round nine but was definitely taking some head snapping blows from both hands of Cotto. His eye would need 12 stitches afterward.

Antonio Margarito Defeated

Of course the after fight interviews said as much about the fight as the compubox numbers. Margarito denied being whupped and felt he could have continued. Cotto showed love to all his Puerto Rican brethren in attendance before giving this account of what he was feeling for Margarito as he'd stared at his beaten victim after the fight:

"Just to look at him and taste my victory on him," Cotto said. "He means nothing to me. I'm here with all my crowd and all my people. He means nothing to me."

Congratulations Miguel Cotto on your Middleweight Championship Title Defense!

95.7FM THE GAME discusses McLAIN

Rich Gannon Discussess Rolando McClain Incident

This newest SF Bay area sports radio show is getting my attention. Hosts Brandon Tierney and Eric "niner" Davis are a welcome dose of FM sports talk to the bay. Their fresh, upbeat and no-nonsense show, "The Drive," airs mon-fri, 2pm-6pm on 95.7FM The Game. They're unafraid to speak their minds and share their opinions; I like that.

You know how we sports fans can get tired of hearing that same vanilla radio flavor with maybe a few sprinkles on top. Sometimes you want a sundae swirl or something with caramel and nuts on it, "In Stereo."

That's where 95.7FM "The Drive" comes in. The two hosts play off each other with great timing and respect. It would be an insult to compare them to Siskel & Ebert or Kornheiser & Wilbon. You can side with either when it comes to their differing views on issues.

The part that puts this station a tad above the rest, besides the FM Bass Stereo, is their Raiders Friday hour(s), dedicated to the Silver & Black, with "UNBIASED" analysis of the Oakland Raiders.

Both Brandon and Eric come off as pro-Raider on the show, something almost unheard of in bay area sports talk. After talking about the Raiders they switch over to the Niners and report with the same passion and honesty bestowed on the Silver and Black. That's exactly what the Bay Area needs, honest and informative sports reportage without the station affiliations (flagship) and personal loyalties getting in the way. Just Report Baby!

I say check out 95.7FM The Drive and see for yourself. Keepin it Current for the Bay!

Dog Shoots Man With 12-Gauge; Honest!

Dog Shoots Owner In Buttocks

Oh well, it was a close call but the Dog won out over the Devil for today's post. The devil story is an old familiar one where banning of interracial activities is at play in a Kentucky church.

"It sure ain't Christian," Dean Harville said. "It ain't nothing but the old devil working."

As for the Dog story, let's just say that rover did more than roll over when his owner's 12-gauge shotgun was left within paws reach,locked, loaded and .............unmanned.

For all the things hunters ask of and reward their dogs for, has it ever occurred to elmer fudd that just once the Dog would like to stand in his master's boots, pull the trigger and give the order to go fetch a clean kill?

Problem with this story is that the dog now standing in master's shoes has been trained by former vice-president Dick Cheney's School of Hunting, and we know what the second-in-command's idea of safety first and a clean kill were.

Shoot anything foreign that moves within your perimeter, collateral damage is unavoidable.

The moral to this story is never turn your back on a hunting dog with aspirations of being a master, he'll treat you like a dog and shoot you down at the first given opportunity.

Big Chet Gone Too Soon

Former Raiders pro bowl lineman Chester Mcglockton has passed away at the age of 42.

Always A Raider Chet, Always A Raider!

Philly Fan Frustration

Hey Nnamdi, Tell Me How Last Tastes

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid adjusts his glasses during the second half of an NFL football game with the New England Patriots on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, in Philadelphia. The Patriots won 38-20. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)

Actually my heart goes out to former Raiders pro bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. Nnamdi left our beloved Raiders for what looked like greener pastures in Philadelphia. Now the so called "Dream Team" Eagles have spiraled so far down that assistant coaches are arguing on the sideline, players are playing not to get hurt and Philly fans are chanting for the head of head coach Andy Reid.

Nnamdi, suffering from a hyperextended left knee, played sparingly yesterday in their (38-20) loss to the New England Patriots, but I'm sure the chants of "Fire Andy! Fire Andy!" echoing throughout the stadium brought back nightmares of the Jarmarcus Russell boos that shook the Oakland Coliseum to it's core a few seasons back.

The Eagles, thought to be a Super Bowl contender by just about every football analyst, are a disappointing (4-7), tied for last place in the NFC East. It just goes to show that the team predictions you see on paper at the start of the season, are good for nothing more than wiping butts after a hearty Thanksgiving meal come late November.

Hey Eagles, Tell Me How Last Tastes!

A Win Is A Win

Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski watches his 42-yard field goal against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011. Janikowski had six field goals as the Raiders won 25-20. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

Almost every team this time of the season is pretty banged up. It was apparent today with the Raiders running game sputtering and the Chicago Bears passing game limited much of the day. The game would be dominated mostly by defense and special teams.

Raiders pro bowl kicker Sebastian Janikowski broke his own record by kicking six field goals in a game. six-time pro bowl punter Shane Lechler was consistent in pinning the Bears back near their own endzone. Lechler also had a phenomenal punt that traveled eighty yards in the air, going over return man Devin Hester's head and bouncing into the endzone. The biggest Chicago threat, Hester, was contained.

The Oakland Raiders are 7-4, have won their last three games and still lead the AFC West by a game. Today, the Raiders were the better team. They limited the penalties to less than a handful and QB Carson Palmer looked the part of an all-pro quarterback.

I question some of coach Hue Jackson's decisions on plays and strategy, like calling a time out which allowed Bears coach Lovie Smith the challenge and win a reversal on a catch by Darrius Heyward-Bey ruled complete. Yeah, there were a few negatives I saw with the Raiders today, but the positives outweigh them by a landslide.

RB Marcel Reese (unstoppable as a receiver) M. Bush honorable mention

Kickers Lechler & Janikowski (this game was riding on their legs)

LB Kamerion Wimbley (game changing interception return)

WR Chaz Schilens & Louis Murphy (clicking with Carson) DHB honorable mention

A Bend but don't Break Defense

Us Raider Fans are going to ride this winning high like a Warrior going into battle atop his War Horse, aware of our weaknesses yet trusting in our ability to reach our objective by any means necessary. Strength and Honor comrades, Strength and Honor!

Final Score

Bears 20

Raiders 25

SF Mission High School Wins Turkey Bowl

Mission Bears Tasting Turkey Bowl Victory

I couldn't be at Kezar Stadium this Thanksgiving for the 88th San Francisco AAA Championship game, where the (9-3) Mission Bears defeated the (9-3) defending champion Washington Eagles 12-7. The game was historic in that Mission High School hadn't been represented in the annual football title game since 1977 and hadn't won it since 1954. Washington on the other hand has it's share of modern day appearances and championship titles.

The last two Thanksgivings placed me out of town eating meals cooked by a five-star chef. Ever seen hot juices dribble down the slopes of a Prime Rib Roast as it's being sliced? Or Chicken Marsala smothered in a mouth watering mushroom gravy? It's christmas to any appetite I tell you.

With all the good foods topped off with delicious desserts, I still found time to check the results of the Turkey Bowl game online, and boy was I surprised that the Mission Bears pulled off the upset. A team that had to cancel their season two years ago because there weren't enough academically eligible players now sits atop the city sports landscape as a champion. That takes not only great coaching but commitment and mentorship. Coach Joe Albano and his staff deserve championship praise for turning around the Mission program.

The timely play that vaulted the Bears to the league pinnacle was a double reverse that ended with Bears Antoine Porter kneeling in the endzone with 5:48 left in the game. It was what sounds like a fascinating play that finally rewarded the Bears stellar defense, which had caused four Eagles turnovers on the day (two interceptions and two fumbles). Washington's offense did not score in the game.

Boy what I wouldn't have given to witness that play live at Kezar, celebrating with Bears fans. But then again, I've got memories of attacking that prime rib like it was a goal line. I saw where I had to get to and nothing would stop me from crossing the table to reach my juicy reward. Touchdown!

Maybe next year I'll make it out to Kezar for the 2012 Turkey Bowl game, especially if Mission High begins making up for lost time and finds itself in back-to-back championship games. And maybe they'll also replace the bear paw on their helmets with a Bear Slash for beware. Whatever their fate, the Mission High football program plans for the future will have to be put on hold. For Today, head coach Joe Albano and the proud players he helped believe in themselves both on the field and off, are San Francisco Academic Athletic Association champions. Well done coach!

Congratulations Mission Bears of 2011

Final Score

Mission 12

Washington 7

Antoine Porter giving thanks after scoring the game-winner in the fourth.

Are You Sure You Wanna Live Forever?

101 year old Mongolian woman

(from "The"Face of Age Project")

At some point in your life you wished it, thought about it, and you may have dreamed that it actually happened to you. Well, after seeing what people who live past 100 years (Centenarians) have in common, you may not wanna live a day past 65.

Some, like the artist photographing the "Faces of The Aged", might find beauty and wisdom in the craggily, dry lines of a very old face. But most of us, and yes that means 99.9% of you reading this post, wouldn't want to see ourselves in the mirror looking like that at any age. After all, we are such a conceited society aren't we?

And if you've lived a "Picture of Dorian Gray" type lifestyle, you can bet your brittle bones that every ugly and unkind deed you've performed in life will appear on your centenarian face. Yes my friend, justice does have a face, and it can be painful to behold.

I've always found old people fascinating with their stories of past times and life struggles, but never have I wanted to be in their shoes, suffering body aches, blindness, incontinence and a host of bodily failures that comes with aging. So does that make me a coward and those old fogies in nursing homes gripping to the last sliver of life with all their might, courageous warriors? Perhaps!

Then again, maybe it's the price we pay to someday live on this earth in peace, having at least one heartfelt soul kindly looking after our needs, and the only threat to our human person being death by good ole natural causes.

So, still think you might wanna live forever? Well do yah Punk?

Got Tight Ends?

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady took a beating before finally getting on track with his receivers and putting the Kansas Chiefs to bed on Monday Night Football. As much as I dislike the Pats (snowbowl 2002) I had to cheer them on to beat Raiders division rival Chiefs.

I hate to say it but Dammit! the Pats win in so many ways. Other than the little "mighty mouse" of a receiver Wes Welker, there are no star wide receivers on their roster. So what do Belichick and Brady stir into the cauldron? Two rumbling tight ends with great hands, decent speed, field vision and bodies that are like duracell batteries; made to last.

Rob Gronkowski, a 2010 second round draft pick, is the new prototype for tight ends. We've seen tight ends built like him before, but I can't remember an offensive philosphy being built around one. Gronkowski is a beast of a weapon that powers the Patriots offense like pistons do an engine.

I really hate this, giving credit to a coach, a quarterback and a team that the Raiders helped propel into the limelight almost a decade ago. Actually it was referee Walt Coleman and the review booth, but who's keeping score? What the Patriots did to the Kansas City Chiefs last night was proof that durable blue collar parts and a superior game plan can make a good NFL team an elite contender for a championship.

As for Brady, he's 34 years old and hasn't been as "untouchable" since the New York G-Men put a hurting on him in Super Bowl XLII. Heck, the Chiefs were teeing off on him using a three man rush at one point last night.

I wish no ill will to Brady, but with all the quarterback injuries this season, he just may be one hit away from.....retirement. With an undrafted free agent from 2009 (Brian Hoyer) and a rookie (Ryan Mallett) as Brady's backups, we might be watching the end of a so-called dynastic run.

Who knows, coach Belichick might have plans to to run the 6'6, 266 pound big fella, Gronkowski, out of a wildcat position. After all, he hails from the University of Arizona, better known as the Arizona Wildcats.

Final Score

Chiefs 3

Patriots 34

Rihanna Talks, Ellen Flirts

Okay sports fans, just to set the record straight, I do not sit around waiting for the Ellen Degeneres Show to come on before every Monday Night Football game. Just so happens I was flipping through the channels killing time before the game when I came across a sexy Rihanna talking about being single. Rihanna Single?

So what do sexy single stars do? They go on talk shows looking hot and talk about why they're single and what it's like. While waiting for Rihanna to stand up.......Let me try again. While waiting for Rihanna to open up to Ellen about types of men she prefers, I got a bit of a surprise.

You can watch the clip below but let me at least get this out. I am convinced that Ellen Degeneres is, for all intents and purposes, a man. Why? Because only a seasoned gentleman can be in the presence of a sexy woman talking about her "kitty cat" and come back with a sly one-liner like the one that Ellen Delivers:

Next Up For The Raiders

Yes, a Cutler-less (7-3) Chicago Bears team is coming to the Coliseum to take on the (6-4) Oakland Raiders. Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who was a former Raiders rival with the Denver Broncos, broke his thumb yesterday in a win over San Diego.

Cutler, accused by Da Bears fans last season of cowardice in the line of duty, hurt himself in a courageous play where he saved an interception from being returned for a touchdown. Of course it was Jay who threw the interception, so in a Bears fans world Da Bum had it coming to him.

We Raiders fans know what it's like to lose a quarterback. Fortunately for us we replaced an injured Jason Campbell with a resurgent Carson Palmer. With each game you can see Palmer getting more and more comfortable with his offensive line and receivers. Though the Bears come to Oaktown without starter Jay Cutler, Da Bear defense, led by pro bowler Brian Urlacher, will be in "mission critical" mode, and that don't bode well for the Raiders offense.

This coming Sunday will be a true test for the AFC West division leading Raiders. Can they run the ball against a stubborn run defense ranked #10? Can the young offensive line continue their stellar play against a suspect pass defense? Can receivers exploit the weak Chicago secondary? I say the Raiders can win this game, and win it convincingly. Monsters of the Midway Dis Bears defense is not. Simply don't kick anything into the arms of phenomenal return man Devin Hester and the game is ours.

One thing Bears fans won't be able to do after a Raiders win is blame the man with the target on his back, Jay Cutler. Cutler is out!

Oakland Raiders Bend

#33 Tyvon Branch

Today on the road, the Oakland Raiders scored 27 points in three quarters to the Minnesota Vikings 7. QB Carson Palmer and RB Michael Bush led the way for Oakland. Then came the fourth quarter and a scary injury to wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey.

The Vikings would score two touchdowns in the quarter and force the Raiders defense to step it up a notch. After three quarters of offensive consistency the Raiders offense had gone a bit flat. Maybe the Heyward-Bey injury played a part in it, maybe not.

DID U KNOW: The Raiders have not scored in the final quarter since a Janikowski field goal with 10 minutes to play at Houston…on Oct. 9…five games ago.

Read more: Raiders stave off Vikings in Minnesota 27-21

What did play a huge roll in getting the team back on track was the defense. They played aggressive all day while accumulating 12 penalties for 117 yards, many questionable, but penalties wouldn't derail this bunch. Their sack attack (5) was still going strong, even without DT Richard Seymour. They also forced four of the five Viking turnovers. Today, unlike previous seasons, they refused to break under pressure.

With Vikings running back Adrian Peterson sidelined in the second quarter from an ankle injury, Minnesota would ride the arm and legs of rookie quarterback Christian Ponder. Ponder did a decent Tim Tebow impersonation rushing 5 times for 71 yards, but the Raiders defense had seen that show before and would not allow an encore.

My "Play of the Game" with under two minutes left and Christian 'Tebow" driving his team toward a go ahead score:

4th and 8 at MIN 46 (Shotgun) C.Ponder pass incomplete

Raiders Tyvon Branch broke up a pass to Harvin on fourth down to preserve the victory.

The Oakland Raiders may not have played an all around complete game today, but they did what coach Hue Jackson has been asking them to do; THEY FINISHED!

Final Score

Raiders 27

Vikings 21

note: There was a Chaz Schilens sighting today. The wide receiver caught 1 pass for an 11 yard touchdown. Get well DHB!

Let's Have A Feast & Celebrate Together

Who knew during the NFL lockout that our San Francisco-Oakland bay area would field playoff potential teams, much less Super Bowl contenders.

In committing what many Raider Nation fans will call a crime against humanity, I cheered along with 49er fans as their team handed the (6-3) New York Giants their third loss of the season. I realized while watching the game with Niner friends of mine that the Bay Area is big enough for two champion-caliber teams to co-exist.

Raider Nation, we need to stop hating and start relating to our sports brothers around the bay. If nothing else, recognize that the Niners have more in common with us than any other team in the league; new head coach, old stadium, proud history, 9 year playoff drought, current division lead and best place on earth to live in northern California.

The bay area has two shots at bringing home a Super Bowl trophy this season. It's been 15 seasons since we've been able to lay claim to a NFL champion here. With the way both teams are winning this season it would be wise and self-fulfilling to applaud the success of each and be ready to welcome the Lombardi Trophy to northern Cali..

When the prodigal son returned home his brother was jealously hurt by their father's joyous welcome-home feast in honor of the returning son. I say to Raider & Niner fans what the father said to his older son: "My son, you are always with me and all that I have is yours." (Luke 15:11-32)

When the Lombardi Trophy returns to the Bay Area we should all celebrate it's return regardless the team who brings it home. We can rejoice in knowing that what's been lost to the area for 15 seasons, has been found.

Let brotherhood and fellowship reign supreme, at least for one Super season. wink, wink!

Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. "Your brother has come," he replied, "and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound." The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, "Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!" "My son," the father said, "you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." (Luke 15:11-32)

Nebraska Defeats JoePa-Less Penn 17-14

(19) Nebraska 17

(8-2, 4-2 Big Ten)

(12) Penn St 14

(8-2, 5-1 Big Ten)

#19 Nebraska took a 17-0 lead in the third quarter before allowing #12 Penn State to score in the quarter then close to three at 17-14 in the fourth. Penn had a chance but was stopped on 4th and 1 at their own 38 with 1:49 left in the game.

After a week of shock and awe at Penn over the Jerry Sandusky/Joe Paterno debacle, resuming football today seemed to be a welcome relief for some and an added curse for others. Folks are still angry with Penn State for the actions and non-actions of a few. The innocents at the University would like to move on from the issue, but there's too many people still wanting to know "How the Heck Joe Pa or any of those who'd heard about Sandusky ignore and overlook the abuse of children on their campus?" With nobody immediately coming forth with an honest answer, it paints an accusing picture of all those involved as guilty of conspiracy to ignore and cover-up the crime.

I understand the innocent community of Happy Valley, PA. wanting to leave this ugly controversy behind, but I agree with those who wanna hold the university accountable and get to the truth about who knew, when they knew and why they did nothing to stop a serial child abuser from repeating offenses on their watch.

It's sad to say but I think this case will get a lot uglier before the answers are pried out of Penn State. One commenter on Penn State playing the game against Nebraska today had this to say:

Dr van Nostrand III

Joe Pa should have been watching this on a TV hanging on a prison wall, while toweling off from a shower session of his own...more

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