I WANT TO MAKE A CONFESSION!

Oh well, the Oakland Raiders (4-11) are winding up their miserable 2012 season with a meaningless game in San Diego against the just as lowly Chargers (6-9).  Of course I'll watch, if for no other reason than to say goodbye to the miseries of Sundays past.

I began this silver and black season with such high hopes, as always, only to be let down and disappointed yet again.  Its been some time since my Raiders played a meaningful role in the NFL post-season picture. 

I don't know, maybe we need some truly divine intervention from the heavens above.  If only we could get a glimpse at the soul of Al Davis and how he's handling this season's disappointment. 

I wonder, just how is the late great Al Davis handling the Oakland Raiders losing season?

CONFESSION

Job Security in 2012-13

Here's a very telling story about job security, or lack therof , here in these United States of America today.  With the passing of "Right to Work" laws union contracts are about as binding as the thin papers their written on. 

Right to Work might not do away unions, but it sure puts a huge divide between union members fighting for wages and benefits versus the members who just want a paycheck.  If the saying "Divide and Conquer" could ever be applied to a passed law's intent, Right to Work is rubber-stamped with a divide and conquer quest.

Momentive Performance Materials in Waterford,NY, is a company that has put the right to work law into practice by breaking a three year contract with the workers' union and slashing pay by 40%.  Ever been to any of those upstate New York towns in the dead of winter and compare the haves and the have-nots?  A job is what seperates the two and companies like MPM know what it means to working men with families; survival.

This story by Kat Aaron drives home the issue.  Should we be glad just to have a job or do companies owe loyal workers fair treatment in a struggling economy?

WATERFORD, N.Y. -- Momentive Performance Materials sprawls near the banks of the Hudson River, just outside Albany, N.Y., its silver silos and windowless sheds nestled in the low, rolling hills. Men who work there see deer on the road as they drive their pickups to work.
Inside the plant, the tranquility vanishes. It’s not just that the workers are handling toxic, explosive chemicals. That’s par for the course in silicone manufacturing. Many Momentive employees have been at the company for decades, back when it was part of General Electric. They accept the risks in exchange for a steady, sizable paycheck.

The problem is that the paycheck is neither as steady nor sizable as it used to be. read more.....

Have A "Gargantuan" Holiday!

My plan for the holidays is to get full, kickback and watch one of my favorite old-time monster movies, War of the Gargantuas.  

As a kid I was captured by the human emotions of the two beasts. They were the result of genetic experiments done in a laboratory.

Other than showcasing a decent good vs evil story, War of the Gargantuas features great visuals and a chilling original soundtrack. I can't wait to see the classic Tokyo cafe singer doing her best not to be eaten alive while singing the song "The words get stuck in my throat."

Lastly, this movie has one of the best monster fight scenes of all time. It ranks right up there with Godzilla vs King Kong and Godzilla vs Ghidorah the three-headed monster. All are monster-movie classics. Epic!

Happy Holidays Sports and Monster Fans

Enjoy the Season

End Of The World

DON'T WORRY!

Eyes & Hearts On Connecticut

Our Prayers Go Out To Newtown, CT.

Cold Day in Hell

Why is it the devil appears to be freezing here in this pic?  Well, it ain't often that a sports franchise that's known for being cursed and losing early in a season turns it around and starts getting a little respect.

The last time I used this pic in a post was when the Arizona Cardinals went to the Super Bowl.  We're not talking basketball championship yet, but the autumn winds have a way of blowing our perceptions and expectations clear out of arenas and coliseums.

The Golden State Warriors are surprising the basketball world with their winning ways early in the NBA season.  They've won on the road as well as at home and are doing it with young, no-name players.  With the promise of a long awaited big man (Andrew Bogut) shattered due to injuries, guys are making the most of their chances and stepping up their game.

Who knew that head coach Mark Jackson, in his second season with the Warriors, could get these bay area bottom-feeders to play defense and change a losing culture into one that promises to be a playoff contender.

It's still very early in the season, but with the L.A. Lakers (9-13)struggling to get wins, the Golden State Warriors (14-6) might just be in position to wear a West Coast Crown.  Of the four California NBA Teams, only the L.A. Clippers have a better record at 14-4.  Sure, its only December and hell hasn't frozen over yet, but I hear the devil is wearing thermals.  Thanks for that one Tom Tolbert of KNBR.

Update Dec. 12th: Warriors Stun Heat

2012-13 Roster
Num	Player	Pos	Ht	Wt	DOB	Prior to NBA/Country	Yrs
40	Harrison Barnes	F	6-8	210	05/30/1992	North Carolina/USA	R
20	Kent Bazemore	G	6-5	201	07/01/1989	Old Dominion/USA	R
15	Andris Biedrins	C	7-0	242	04/02/1986	BK Skonto/Latvia	8
12	Andrew Bogut	C	7-0	260	11/28/1984	Utah/Australia	7
30	Stephen Curry	G	6-3	185	03/14/1988	Davidson/USA	3
31	Festus Ezeli	C	6-11	255	10/21/1989	Vanderbilt/Nigeria	R
23	Draymond Green	F	6-7	230	03/04/1990	Michigan State/USA	R
2	Jarrett Jack	G	6-3	197	10/28/1983	Georgia Tech/USA	7
44	Richard Jefferson	F	6-7	230	06/21/1980	Arizona/USA	11
22	Charles Jenkins	G	6-3	215	02/28/1989	Hofstra/USA	1
7	Carl Landry	F	6-9	248	09/19/1983	Purdue/USA	5
10	David Lee	F-C	6-9	240	04/29/1983	Florida/USA	7
4	Brandon Rush	F-G	6-6	210	07/07/1985	Kansas/USA	4
11	Klay Thompson	G	6-7	205	02/08/1990	Washington State/USA	1
3	Jeremy Tyler	F-C	6-10	260	06/21/1991	Tokyo Apache/USA

Pacman Never Saw Marquez Knockout Punch!

There are rare moments in sports where time truly stands still.  Fans everywhere can recall exactly where they were and how they responded to the win, lose or draw of that moment.

Last night, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao was knocked out cold by Juan Manuel Marquez with a second or so left in the sixth round. It was a moment that paralyzed every fan watching. Even Marquez seemed stunned immediately afterwards. It was a moment of screaming silence.

Pacman never saw the short right punch coming as it buckled him to the canvas face first, motionless for much of two minutes.  He never saw it, the punch that would stun the faithful Filipino fans and send Latinos into a frenzied celebration.

By the time Manny knew who he was and where he was, Marquez, busted up nose and all,  had celebrated on the ropes in triumph and toweled off before visiting the Pacman on the stool in his corner to make sure all was well. It was.

My personal view on the fight is that Pacman was the aggressor and Marquez the counter puncher.  Pacman, after being knocked down and then getting a knockdown of Marquez, had become more aggressive and was controlling the fight in a frenzied pace.  It looked in the sixth round as if Pacman could've ended it and was going all out to do so in the final seconds.  There is where the smarts and training of Juan Manuel Marquez took over to win the fight.  Marquez knew the aggressive mode Manny was in and cunningly waited and baited until just at the right moment. Boom!!!!!!!! Down Goes Manny!

 

Congratulations to Juan Manuel Marquez

Pacquiao Marquez IV Was Epic

There Will Be A 5ive

What's in a Name? Pomp, Style, Elegance: Garçon

Pierre Garçon

(English pronunciation: /piˈɛər ɡɑrˈsoʊn/)

Its all in the pronunciation for this Washington Redskins wide receiver who hails from my neck of the woods in upstate New York.  He learned from one of the best in Indianapolis colts receiver and future HOF'er Marvin Harrison.  In this his fifth season, the 2008 sixth rd draft pick is matching the sound of his exotic french-haitian name with exotic stats and eye-catching highlight reel plays on the field.

We here in these united states of north america might not welcome much anything that carries a taint of french (french fries are Not french), but in our sports world we've taken a liken to announcing a player's name that not only sounds of the arrogant richness of french cuisine, but gives the speaker an air of elegance and pomp when saying it.

Where else but in the NFL, with its many flavors from various lands, can a dish so french sound and taste so delicious.

Garçon

 Judgement is in; Garcon Is a #1 wide receiver

Hello Heisman

 

Here we are again, ready to pick the most outstanding player of NCAA Football 2012.  The field of candidates consist of three gutsy quarterbacks, one of which has earned the catchy moniker of Johnny Football, one mauling linebacker and a Biletnikoff Award Finalist from USC. Lov'em or Hate'em, the USC Trojans consistently develop Heisman caliber players.

Last year at this time I gave honor to the man who lent his image to the sculpture that is the Heisman Trophy, Mr. Ed Smith. Today I'd like to share a little background on the first Heisman winner, who won the 1935 Downtown Athletic Club trophy that would be renamed the Heisman a year later.

His name was Jay Berwanger. Born in Iowa, played college football at the University of Chicago where he was known as a "one man football team."  The bruising running back would leave a scar under the left eye of Michigan center Gerald Ford, who'd go on to become the 38th President of the United States.  The President was known for bragging about receiving the scar while making a tough tackle on Berwanger. 

Berwanger's other first was to be the first player selected in the first NFL Draft ever held in 1936.  Selected by the Philadelphia Eagles, his negotiating rights traded to George Halas and the Chicago Bears, Berwanger chose not to sign and went on to compete for a spot on the 1936 U.S. Olympic team in the decathalon.  He wouldn't make the Olympics, nor would he go back to accept the offer from the Papa Bear. 

Jay would marry, enter world war II and become a  U.S. Navy flight instructor, attaining the rank of lieutenant commander. After the war he established a company producing plastic and rubber parts for the automotive industry.  Jay Berwanger became a financial success and returned to his alma mater as one of its biggest supporters.

Today I'd like to honor and thank Jay Berwanger as a pioneer of the game we've all grown to love and cheer for come Sunday. To the original J Football of college sports, "We Salute You."

Peyton Manning Joins This Legendary Battle

The night of the week might have changed, but the heated hatred and traditional vengeance these two teams feel towards one another continues to flourish. There was a time young fans, when horse collars, late hits on quarterbacks and concussed opponents were rewards of a dominating defense. 

Tonight's game is likely to be a throwback to those times of old, when players played and referrees were there to stop play while a broken body was carted off the field. The Raiders and Broncos know that in this Thursday Night NFL matchup, ghosts of seasons long past come back to terrorize and tease, haunt and harrass the football world with ole'skool bullying.  Nothing soft, nothing censored.

Tonight's game comes with a warning; "viewer disecration is advised." So put away the kids, kiss the sweety goodnight and plop your oversized keister into that favorite sports seating device. The Raiders & Broncos clash tonight, and there will be blood.

The 48 Laws of Power

My review of this very POWERFUL book:

5.0 out of 5 stars POWER-FULL, December 6, 2012

By

W. Powell - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

 

This review is from: The 48 Laws of Power (Paperback)

Its simply a great book to have if you enjoy seeing power in action. "The 48 Laws of Power" by robert green shares hidden secrets about the ways and means of wielding power in order to obtain control and respect. After reading a few stories you realize just how pretentious persons in power can be. One learns that gaining power isn't so hard, but retaining it is what drives some men to dastardly destruction of place, peoples and self.

The trick to reading this book is not to get caught up in the character of historical figures, but instead observe the methods they employ to gain or lose power. I must say that I felt a little dirty, cold and cruel when reading about power. Power might scorch and/or inspire those it is held over, but the bearer of power must remain to himself a stoic, unmoved and unemotional victim of that he possesses; always watching, always calculating and never indulging completely in the fruits of his conquests. Power corrupts a soul.

A very readable book with legendary lessons from stories that span the history of civilization.

Law 19

Know who you're dealing with, do not offend the wrong person

There are many different kinds of people in the world and you can never assume that everyone will react to your strategies in the same way.  Deceive or outmaneuver some people and they will spend the rest of their lives seeking revenge.  They are wolves in lambs' clothing.  Choose your victims and opponents carefully, then - never offend or deceive the wrong person.

The Arrogant and Proud Man.
- although he may initially disguise it, this man's touchy pride makes him very dangerous.  Any perceived slight will lead to a vengeance of overwhelming violence.  You may say to yourself, "But I only said such-and-such at a party, where everyone was drunk..." It does not matter.  There is no sanity behind his overreaction so do not waste time trying to figure him out.  If at any point in your dealings with a person you sense an oversensitive and overactive pride, flee.  Whatever you are hoping for from him isn't worth it.

The Hopelessly Insecure Man.
- this man is related to the proud and arrogant type, but is less violent and harder to spot.  His ego is fragile, his sense of self insecure, and if he feels himself deceived or attacked, the hurt will simmer.  He will attack you in bites that will take forever to get big enough for you to notice.  If you find you have deceived or harmed such a man, disappear for a long time.  Do not stay around him or he will nibble you to death.

Mr. Suspicion.
- another variant on the breeds above, this is a future Joe Stalin.  He sees what he wants to see - usually the worst - in other people and imagines that everyone is after him.  Mr. Suspicion is in fact the least dangerous of the three: Genuinely unbalanced, he is easy to deceive, just as Stalin himself was constantly deceived.  Play on his suspicious nature to get him to turn against other people.  But if you do become the target of his suspicion's, watch out.

The Serpent with a Long Memory
- if hurt or deceived, this man will show no anger on the surface; he will calculate and wait.  Then, when he is in a position to turn the tables, he will exact a revenge marked by a cold-blooded shrewdness.  Recognize this man by his calculation and cunning in the different areas of his life.  He is usually cold and unaffectionate.  Be doubly careful of this snake, and if you have somehow injured him, either crush him completely or get him out of your sight.

The Plain, Unassuming, and Often Unintelligent Man.
- ah, your ears prick up when you find such a tempting victim. But this man is a lot harder to deceive than you imagine.  Falling for a ruse often takes intelligence and imagination - a sense of the possible rewards.  The blunt man will not take the bait because he does not recognize it.  He is that unaware.  The danger with this man is not that he will harm you or seek revenge, but merely that he will waste your time, energy, resources, and even your sanity in trying to deceive him.  Have a test ready for a mark - a joke, a story.  If his reaction is utterly literal, this is the type you are dealing with.  Continue at your own risk.

Whatever Happened To Biafra?

My introduction to World Affairs as a child of the 60's was the Vietnam War and the establishment of a little republic in Africa named Biafra.

To this day I hear the name Biafra and visions of Black Power, Revolution and Struggle are awakened.  We are the accumulations of our pasts, and though we might live in a society modernized with all the new global technologies, medical breakthroughs and abundance of foods, I will never forget my thoughts of the Igbo peoples and their struggle for independence from Nigeria.

Power to Biafra, your struggle is our struggle!

Biafra, officially the Republic of Biafra, was a secessionist state in south-eastern Nigeria that existed from 30 May 1967 to 15 January 1970, taking its name from the Bight of Biafra (the Atlantic bay to its south).^[1] The inhabitants were mostly the Igbo people who led the secession due to economic, ethnic, cultural and religious tensions among the various peoples of Nigeria. The creation of the new country was among the causes of the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Nigerian-Biafran War.
Land of the Rising Sun was chosen for Biafra's national anthem, and the state was formally recognised by Gabon, Haiti, Côte d'Ivoire, Tanzania and Zambia. Other nations which did not give official recognition but which did provide support and assistance to Biafra included Israel, France, Portugal, Rhodesia, South Africa and the Vatican City.^[2] Biafra also received aid from non-state actors, including Joint Church Aid, Holy Ghost Fathers of Ireland, Caritas International, MarkPress and U.S. Catholic Relief Services.^[2]
After two-and-a-half years of war, during which a million civilians had died in fighting and from famine, Biafran forces agreed to a ceasefire with the Nigerian Federal Military Government (FMG), and Biafra was reintegrated into Nigeria.^[3]

Championship Bound Bama Beats Georgia Bulldogs

Today saw the number one and two ranked ncaa football teams play the  SEC Championship game; and what a game it was.  Ranks as one of the best college football games of the season, with the winner awarded the division crown as well as a birth in the BCS Championship bowl against #1 Notre Dame.  The stakes simply couldn't have been any higher.

The #2 Alabama Crimson Tide won this come from behind game with grit and determination.  By my calculations, #3 Georgia Bulldogs should've actually won it.  They played a great game overall, but at key moments the team either didn't execute nor take advantage of opportunities.  Eventually Georgia gave up the big play and the momentum went rolling the Tide's way. I also believe Georgia was outcoached. Bama made the necessary adjustments to come back and win, Georgia didn't.

Let's face it, Bama just has a way of snatching the momentum, crashing through an opponent's defenses, ripping the remaining vital organs out and watching the corpse give a last dying death rattle before giving up the ghost. Like a deadly virus, they know how to finish.

My advice to the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame; Play Dead!

Final Score

Alabama 32

UGA 28

 

Roll Tide!

Warriors Golden State of Mind

Here's a link to a great article about the Golden State Warriors and their committment to helping San Quentin inmates in their quest for redemption; Hoop Dreams Behind Walls of San Q

The Golden State Warriors are actually showing signs of playoff caliber basketball early this season.  They're doing it without injury prone big man Andrew Bogut and a host of young players steppin it up.  Rookie Harrison Barnes has been very impressive.  It's still early in the season, but I like what I see in Warriors basketball. Seriously!

GSW Klay Thompson at media day 2012

Here's another reason to write playoffs and Warriors in one sentence. Lakers early season struggles.

SF Turkey Bowl Notes

Giants Thanksgiving Replays We'll give thanks to the World Series Champion Giants by replaying their 3 series-clinching wins on Thanksgiving Day! 9am: NLDS Game 5 @ Cincinnati 1pm: NLCS Game 7 vs. St. Louis 5pm: World Series Game 4 @ Detroit

It really is a happy Thanksgivings Day.  Accompanied by the radio re-broadcast of San Francisco Giants game 7 playoff wins, the day just galloped by in amazing fashion.  The first game, which ended with the Giants 6-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, found me watching the annual San Francisco Turkey Bowl at Kezar Stadium. Last year's champion and this season's #2 seed Mission Bears (7-3) would go up against the #1 seed Lincoln Mustangs (10-1). 

I arrived just before the half as the Mustangs had setup another score after a long catch and run.  This was my second game this season, both in support of the Bears.  Arriving on the Bears side of the field I found myself surrounded by wandering and wounded Mission fans looking as if the sun-drenched side of the field had dried up all hope of a Bears championship repeat.

The Mustangs, with red cloaked screaming fans,hardly recognizable on the opposing shady side of the stadium, had dominated the first half with a 14-0 lead. They looked bigger, stronger and faster than my Bears, but you never could rule out the heart of a champion.

I'd see two touchdowns, one per half, called back on the Bears due to their playmaking quarterback crossing the line of scrimmage before making the touchdown throw. Those two penalties, at crucial points in the game, cost the Bears big time. 

The swarming Mustang defense, appearing to overpower the Bears offensive line in the first half, were held in check in the second half long enough for the Bears to come back and take a 21-14 lead. But a repeat of the first half's long pass play to setup a score gave the Mustangs a golden opportunity late in the game. 

Gotta give those Lincoln Mustangs credit, when opportunity presented itself, they grabbed it by the horns. The Mustangs would smash over the goal line to score on 3rd down and short, then would steamroll the Bears defensive front for a two-point conversion for the final points of the game.

As for the Bears, give them credit for playing like a champion. They overcame their own weaknesses to stand up and make those who came out to see them play very proud to be Bear fans.  But for a penalty called or not-called, they could easily have been bragging about repeating as champions.  Sure they lost, but they lost with the spirit of a champion fighting to the last tick on the clock. They never surrendered.

Congratulations Lincoln Mustangs!

Final Score
Mission Bears 21
Lincoln Mustangs 22

Note: Half-time saw a midfield tribute to former Polytech H.S. football players of old.  I sat with some of the oldsters, listening to stories of great plays and players from the 1950's-60's era.  One of the gray-haired  soldiers said he played in 1962, while another was on the 63 championship team.  One of the guys pointed out former 49ers coach George Seifert talking to a gentleman and watching the game not far from us. Seifert is a San Francisco native from the football era of these proud men.  Yep, it was a special day. 

I also saw an old friend and my former barber who coached Galileo H.S. football.  Check out his Minor League Football team, the Golden State Giants.

Stanford Cardinals Shoot Down #2 Ducks

EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 17: Quarterback Kevin Hogan #8 of the Stanford Cardinal passes the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on November 17, 2012 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

Wow, #13 Stanford Football Cardinals have beat the undefeated #2 Oregon Ducks in Eugene. The high powered Ducks offense looked as if they'd met their match in Pac12 rival Stanford.  Not only did the Cardinal defense limit the Ducks to 14pts in regulation, they forced a missed field goal in overtime before making a field goal of their own to finish the game. 

I partly blame the Oregon coaching staff; they simply didn't make the necessary adjustments to crank up that fearsome offense.  With #1 Kansas State getting blown out by Baylor, it looks as if Notre Dame might be wearing the number one crown this week. 

Congratulations to the Stanford Cardinals in sticking with a great defensive gameplan and making the offensive plays when it mattered most.

Final Score
Stanford 17
Oregon 14

MVPosey 2012

San Francisco Giants All-Star catcher Buster Posey is named National League MVP.  And there my fellow Giants fans is the cherry on top of the World Series win. It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.

The 2010 World Champion/Rookie of the Year might've had three straight years of top league awards had it not been for an opponent's dirty slide at home plate that shelved him for the 2011 season.  But that's all in the past, Buster's future is shining brighter than ever.

Congratulations #28

League Lockout Looking Long

NHL Lockout 2012 is no laughing matter.  Hockey fans have fallen victim to that tailor suited monster called greed. The dispute is over the owners' desire to reduce the following:

Players' guaranteed share of 57% of hockey related revenues (HRR)
Introduction of term limits on contracts
Elimination of salary arbitration
Changes to free agency rules

So there it is, good ol' greed in all its fancy clothing putting a halt to a fun time for all.  There was a time when professional athletes played for the love of the game and admiration of the fans.  Those times have been replaced with owner and player desires for bigger slices of the profit. 

To date, 326 games have been canceled from the scheduled start of the season through the end of November. The season is currently scheduled to begin on December 1, 2012. Currently Scheduled that is, not currently ready to begin. We''re midway through November and the way I read the scoreboard the suits aren't backing down from the jerseys and both are in the penalty box. Come'on NHL, the Puck Stops Here! You tell'em dashing Don.

Don Cherry - NHL Commentator

“If I’m betting, I’d say no [NHL season],”

 
^{NHL Lockout Update: More Games canceled}

Missing In Action

Oakland Raiders Football, missing in action yesterday, rates little on the grand scale of things in the real world. Today we celebrate Veterans Day to honor all armed service veterans.  It serves as a reminder of the men and women who leave family and friends to defend our country with honor. 

Though many return to their civilian lives unscathed, there are those who've been scarred for life and still others who lose their lives in their loyalty to defending our country.  We salute all these Veterans today, those retired from active service as well as the ones who died while in service of their country.

I give a special honor and salute to those brave veteran souls who's whereabouts while serving have never been substantiated.  Today I salute the veterans who did not make it back to this country's shores. 

The MIA/POW veterans continue to serve our country as the ultimate example of bravery and courage in battle.  The family and comrades who carry that small glimmer of hope for closure on their whereabouts might never know how their lives ended except for one small thread of truth; that their sacrifice so that others may live in a free democracy was not in vain.

To the Prisoners of War and soldiers Missing in Action

We Salute You!

College Football - AGGIES!

Are you watching this?  #1 Alabama against #15 Texas A&M in Tuscaloosa. Only one name defines this hard fought football game; Manziel!


And there it is LIVE! Johnny Manziel throws a 24 yard cross field touchdown pass right after completing 42 yarder to tough guy WR Ryan Swope.  If LSU made Alabama sway from pressure last weekend, The Aggies have the Crimson Tide drunk on the ropes.

Between Aggies QB Manziel and their no-huddle, no substitute offensive execution, the Crimson Tide defense has been made to look pedestrian at best.

Oh boy, here comes Alabama with a long catch and run into the endzone untouched. QB AJ McCarron shows the arm again in his 52 yard pass.

Texas A&M 29
Alabama 24

Oh boy, Alabama defense has awakened and has stopped Texas A&M.  With 4:37 remaining and the ball, Alabama can and does get a big pass play to set them up for the go ahead score. Now the Aggies appear drunk on the ropes. 

WOw! WoW! WOW

4th and Goal Alabama at the 2.  Interception by Texas A&M.  Beautiful! It's their third forced turnover. Defense!

We could be looking at a change in the rankings folks.  1:36 left in this College Football Classic. It really doesn't get any better than this.  And it ain't over until the fat lady sings. With 1:25 to go, the big girl's humming. Bamma jumps into the neutral zone before the punt.  Aggies granted first down on penalty. Fat lady is singing like a seasoned soprano.  Bryant-Denny Stadium (capacity 101,821) silenced. Manziel kneeldown secures victory.

Final Score
Manziel 29
Alabama 24

Incredible Game!

Atta-Girl Sam

Its not often that I fall for a youtube video that's gone viral.  But every now and then one comes along that blows my socks off. Yesterday's posting of a young girl playing in a youth football league left me sockless.

Her name is Sam Gordon, and the highlight reel shows this eight year old girl demonstrating to her Youth Football League team what commitment to excellence is all about. Sam outruns, out tackles and all around out hustles much of the competition on the field. She's a natural!

Sam plays offense, defense and special teams and judging from this 2012 highlight video, her dad is very proud of her every move on the field. 

Raider Nation salutes and congratulates Sam on having the heart of a top competitor and family who allow her to express it.

Sam Gordon Video

 

More about Super Sam: 

TheStir Cafemom article

Salt Lake Tribune article

44th President Prevails In Re-election

Election Day Gangnam Style

America Re-elects Barack Obama for President




Parody Videos!

Say No To GMO's?- Vote Today!

There are many political choices you'll make today when voting.  One that I'd like to think many Californians agree on is Proposition 37.

If approved, Prop 37 would mandate labels on “raw or processed food offered for sale to consumers if the food is made from plants or animals with genetic material changed in specified ways.” It would also prohibit any food with GM ingredients from being labeled as “natural.”

Mainstream scientists say there is little evidence that there are any harmful health effects associated with consuming GM crops. So why if its not harmful are the big food companies against gmo labeling?  I believe its because we here in this great consumer country don't wanna be reminded that "We Are What We Eat!" Educate yourself about genetically modified foods. What wasn't deemed harmful yesterday could be banned for causing serious illness tomorrow.

I don't believe in telling people how to vote, but I do believe being informed and seeking out truths helps one make a clear and conscience decision on election day. 


Read more: http://science.time.com/2012/11/06/prop-37-why-californias-ballot-initiative-on-gm-food-is-about-politics-more-than-science/#ixzz2BTMZxGpG

Saynotogmos.org

Raiders Football

Raiders 2012 Preview

If the term rebuilding means tearing out what's decayed and replacing it with new or refurbished materials, then I'm all for it. But what I'm seeing in the Oakland Raiders rebuilding phase are good materials being wasted with faulty installation and all around bad planning.

I'm convinced it ain't the players that have the newly coached Raiders looking up from a 3-5 record.  I believe its the installer of the game plan not fully understanding how the parts work together.  Let's face it, our leadership are still trying to figure out what works and what doesn't while better planners would've assessed the problem and addressed it more quickly.

We all remember how long it took the staff of former head coach Tom Cable to tear out the faulty pipe that was QB Jamarcus Russell. Well in 2012 the fault again lies with the coaches not making the proper adjustments in a timely manner.  It took'em at least six games into the season to realize the offensive zone blocking scheme didn't fit, was leaking and needed to be replaced.  Now it seems other parts are leaking and they're doing their best to patch up the holes, but the opponents are simply exploiting those weaknesses.

Rookie running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Doug Martin, ran through the supposedly powerful Raiders run-defense like it was a computer and he was a new virus infecting it.   Martin took over the Raiders and the game in the second half as he piled up 251 yards (franchise record) and four touchdowns.  Give the Raiders credit, they fought back through injuries and all to make it a three point game with a chance to tie or win it in the final minutes. 

But just like a poorly rebuilt structure, when the pressure is turned up that's when the foundation gets tested and there lies the danger of flaws in the design. The Raiders design could not hold up against Buccaneers pressure and simply crumbled after a last gasp attempt to seize the day.

This morning my faith in the Oakland Raiders is truly being tested.  I no longer have high expectations for this year's team.  I'm finding it harder and harder to attend games and watch them through to the end. Cracks are beginning to leak in my armour of hope and I'm getting all wet inside. But I'm a silver & black soldier and I've been through tougher Raider Nation times (see Jamarcus).

While there's still eight more games left in this season I wanna see the Oakland Raiders do whatever it takes to shore up their armour and come out fighting like every play is a means to their survival.  No more leaky pipes. If its broke or leaking, address it immediately. 

Win, Lose or Tie!!!

Final Score
Buccaneers 42
Raiders 32

College Football

While (1)Alabama and (5)LSU have amassed a total of only 3 points (LSU) in the first quarter, the (4)Oregon Ducks and (17)USC Trojans have lit up the Los Angeles Coliseum scoreboard as they end the first half 34-24 Ducks.

(4) Oregon 34

(8-0, 5-0 Pac-12)

(17) USC 24

(6-2, 4-2 Pac-12)

It seems Oregon has had chances to put away USC but the fast striking Trojan offense, west coast style, continues making big plays to keep them close.

As much as I wanna see former Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin and his Trojans drop in the AP Poll, I've enjoyed the offensive fireworks produced by both teams and look forward to a second half full of explosive offense.

Meanwhile Alabama's offense has their running game going and are on the march. Bama just missed connecting on a long pass that would've been a touchdown. The southern style defenses are dominating this game.

What a day of football.

(1) Alabama 0

(8-0, 5-0 SEC)

(5) LSU 3

(7-1, 3-1 SEC)

Finals

Crimson Tide vs Tigers

Ducks vs Trojans

How The West Won - World Series Domination

For my own personal baseball pleasure and anyone else who might wanna re-live the San Francisco Giants World Series SWEEP of the Detroit Tigers.  Looking back, you gotta say it was the best of times!

2012 World Series Highlights

Land of the GIANTS!

San Francisco, known for its lavish Halloween street celebrations, outdid itself this year with an October 31st celebration like no other. 

The San Francisco Giants paraded down market street to the cheers and applause of fans decked out in their best orange and black costume.  It was in celebration of their winning major league baseball's 2012 World Series.  They won it in the most unpredictable way; a four game SWEEP of the media tagged best pitcher, hitter and team in major league baseball, the American League champion Detroit Tigers.

The parade was a time for players and fans alike to finally let their hair down, forget expert analysis and predictions and bask in the glory of Total Victory.  Throughout the post-season the Giants and their fans have been given little if any credit from national media for their accomplishments. 

Yesterday's victory parade erased all that. Other clubs and their fans should learn from the Giants 2012 success. If you hang your hopes of championship success on what people think and say about your ballclub, you're doomed.  Trust in the unseen things that are almost never talked about in the media; trust in your teams' belief in themselves and their dedication to their fans. 

The San Francisco Giants took two very important lessons from the Hunter Pence speech during the divisional series. They learned to put their trust in one another completely and "never-say-die" when facing post-season elimination.  These lessons are what carried the Giants to their World Series Championship.  For anyone who attributes Giants success to luck or a fluke, they're either unable to admit when they're wrong or just plain jealous.

The Giants played exceptional defense to backup extroadinary pitching. Manager Bruce Bochy would've made the late great chess master Bobby Fischer proud with his gameday manueverings. Without Boch, this doesn't happen a second time in three years and maybe not even the first time.

So look at us sports world, look at superstar-less San Francisco Giants in their diverse beauty and glory.  They've got a formula for winning and We Believe the key ingredient in that formula is commitment to each other.  I am very proud of my team and city.

Let's Go G-I-A-N-T-S!

 

Congratulations Giants!

Sports Illustrated World Series Predictions

Oakland Raiders Win In Kansas City

#20 Darren McFadden sprinting away from Chiefs defenders.

If ever there was a team of players waiting for their Coaches to catch on, that team is the 2012 Oakland Raiders. I was so frustrated in the play calling and execution during the Jaguars game in week 7, that I left the coliseum early. It had become too painful to watch the ineptness of good talent being wasted. Of course they won the game in overtime with a fumble recovery and Janowski kick, but I'm so damn tired of cheering for Janowski kicks all Sunday long.

This recent win in week 8 at Kansas City against the Chiefs saw the same through much of the game; defense doing a decent job while waiting for the running game to mesh and the receiving game to become more consistent. With the return of Denarius Moore from injury, our passing attack is beginning to look more dangerous. But even Moore, who had an early 38-yd romp after the catch, dropped a few that should've been caught.

Then just before halftime special teams recovered a muffed Chiefs punt and quarterback Carson Palmer found Moore in the back of the end zone for a 9-yd touchdown. Raiders 13, Chiefs 6.

The second half saw the no-huddle, a Darrius Heyward-Bey touchdown sprint and running back Darren McFadden breaking free and looking like his 2011 version self.

As stated earlier, I believe the players are waiting for the coaches to give them a gameplan with more meat to chew on.  Running McFadden straight into the line when everyone knows he's getting the ball just isn't working. Not with that O-Line.  Offensive Coordinator Greg Knapp is slowly realizing that. You don't have to abandon the running game, just the predictability of where your running and when.

Good news is that the Raiders are tied with the sinking Chargers for second in the division at 3-4, one game back of the Broncos.  The Raiders have not conceded the AFC West to Peyton Manning just yet.  And from the looks of it, the silver and black just might finish the first half of the season at .500 with plenty of football left to play.  Just Win Baby! Just Win.

Final Score
Raiders 26
Chiefs 16

Giants Win It All!

My San Francisco Giants are World Series Champions!

(Giants DH Ryan Theriot celebrates his game clinching run)

The Giants put on a National League baseball clinic against American League champion Detroit Tigers, sweeping them 4-0 in the 2012 World Series best of seven.  Giants pitching silenced the Tigers who had the annointed triple-crown holder Miguel Cabrera on their roster, as well as powerhouse hitting Prince Fielder. The old saying good pitching beats good hitting was truly being tested in this world series.  Guess what? The saying is true! 

 ( The Detroit News)

Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval, named WS MVP, smacked three home runs against the so-called best pitcher on the planet Justin Verlander in Game 1 to begin the sweep. Then Giants pitching and defense showed the Tigers and the sports world how to slay a baseball dragon;  douse him with water  to mute his big batting fire, then trample his tail with opportune hitting and running of bases.  Dragon down and no longer a threat.


Thanks to the fearless Giants manager and captain Bruce Bochy, the ship reached its destination and all on board are rejoicing with bubbly.

If you didn't see every game that showcased a different hero each night, then you really missed a once in a lifetime historic sports event.  You missed David slaying Goliath; Jack climbing the beanstalk and out-witting the Giant; The mighty casey swinging with redemption and Rocky being more man than Apollo Creed.

The San Francisco Giants are World Series Champions once again, and the Victory Parade begins this Wednesday at 11:00am.  Let's Do It Again!

Final
San Francisco 4
Detroit 3

World Series

Game	Matchup	Date	Time (ET)	TV	Tickets	Courtyard
Game 1	Detroit 3, San Francisco 8	Wed, Oct 24
Game 2	Detroit 0, San Francisco 2	Thu, Oct 25
Game 3	San Francisco 2, Detroit 0	Sat, Oct 27
Game 4	San Francisco 4, Detroit 3	Sun, Oct 28

Game	Matchup	Date	Time (ET)	TV	Tickets	Courtyard