48 Seconds of Brazilian Bi@tch

Congratulations Champ!

Brazilian native, Amanda Nunes, defended her bantamweight title against challenger and former champion Ronda Rousey in knockout fashion. With an attacking style that left little room or time for Rousey to counter or defend, Nunes showed the UFC world what a courageous champion female fighter looks like; and it wasn't Covergirl pretty.

If ever a fighting fan was relieved to see a referee stop a fight quick, this was the bout. Nunes came out throwing haymakers and jabs that found their mark with precision, like heat seeking missiles. For some reason Rousey was standing up straight and not trying to bob or weave to avoid the punishing punches coming at her non-stop. 

What was only 48 brutal seconds seemed like 5 minutes as you watched Rousey take the blows. After multiple Nunes missiles had landed bullseye, taking their toll on the face and function of Rousey, it was apparent what the outcome of this fight would be. It was only a matter of time. 

Time; kind of reminds me of that Shawshank Redemption quote that Morgan Freeman's character delivered so wisely in the prison movie: "Geology is the study of pressure and time. That's all it takes really.......pressure........and time......That, and a big goddamn poster!"

I'm not much of a UFC fan, but I have to admit it was one of the most electrifying 48 seconds of sports action this year. And what a way to finish out the year that was 2016. Ronda Rousey has been great for putting the spotlight on UFC female fighters; Amanda Nunes guarantees more attention and more fans in 2017 tuning in to watch these gladiators go toe-to-toe.

Yes indeed, "pressure and time." Daddy's little girl has grown up to become a kicking, boxing bi@tch of a woman. And guys just love it!

Raiders Costly Win

It was a beautiful day for football at the Oakland Coliseum. The autumn winds were blowing a cold, crisp breeze through the stadium to remind us fans of the playoff atmosphere we're about to be a part of. The silver and black were dominating their opponent, the Indianapolis Colts, while showing off some backup strengths on offense in WR Andre Holmes and RB DeAndre Washington. The Defense produced two interceptions in the third quarter while Washington ran for two 22 yard touchdowns. The shifty fast, undersized running back breaking through holes brought back shades of former Raider RB Charlie Garner. 

Then MVP candidate QB Derek Carr goes down with a leg injury and the stadium goes from Christmas Cheers to Silent Prayers. We now know the injury is a broken fibula bone in Carr's leg that could be season ending. I just heard Raider Central analyst Bill Romanowski say he saw former Raider great Charles Woodson come back from the same injury in three weeks, an injury that usually takes six to eight weeks to recover from.

In the meantime, up steps backup quarterback Matt McGloin. I've always liked McGloin, a fiesty and confident backup who is definitely prepared to step in and be great. I remember McGloin once, after stepping in and winning a game in 2013, saying that "this is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." I'm banking on McGloin taking this opportunity to show not just the Raiders, but other NFL organizations that he is capable of being a starting NFL quarterback. McGloin has never played in an NFL playoff game, for that matter neither has Derek Carr.

Just Do It Matt!
To the sound of "Nuttin But Stringz"



As a fan who witnessed being at the coliseum and seeing Carr go down, I can only say that I'm not gonna let the Grinch steal my Christmas Joy. Carr, my Christian brother, knows his God is a loving God and the ultimate healer, and will have him back on the field in no time.

The Oakland Raiders are 12-3 with a chance to clinch the AFC West division title today with a Chiefs loss, and a chance to clinch the AFC #1 playoff seed with a win against the Broncos next week paired with a Patriots loss.  However the cards may fall, the Raiders have won the most regular season games since 2000, with one game remaining. The Silver and Black are definitely back and the NFL is a more exciting product to watch because of it.

Win,  Lose or Tie 

Final Score
Colts 25
Raiders 33

Raider Nation Battle Hymn History

The theme song most closely associated with the Oakland Raiders is “The Autumn Wind.” While an unofficial anthem, it is considered the team’s battle hymn, and it can be heard over the loudspeakers at home games.

The song known as “The Autumn Wind” was first a poem written by former NFL Films president Steve Sabol. The song, narrated in a spoken-word fashion by John Facenda, first came to be associated with the Oakland Raiders in 1974. While it was not expressly written for the Raiders, the song has been synonymous with the football team throughout the years. The song can be found on the official NFL Films LP, “The Power & The Glory.”

Golden State Warriors Bop Brooklyn

I love the hip, confident looking fashion that comes with anything labeled Brooklyn. Its like having an "I'm Tough, Don't 'F' With Me" sticker plastered on your chest.

Well, the Golden State Warriors went into Brooklyn last night and let the Nets strut around on the basketball court in the first half of the game as if they were tough and could hang with the mighty Warriors. Then came the third quarter and the Nets got punched in the mouth repeatedly by a basketball Bully. 

The Warriors ripped off 31 points to the Nets 19 in the third quarter, while stripping the fake tough guy sticker off Brooklyn's chest, revealing a cowering clark kent with no cape in sight.


The Warriors, who's own tough guy, Draymond Green, was out of the line-up due to a new baby Green delivered to his fiancee, turned up the defense and caused the Brooklyn Nets to stumble and bumble their way through a 117-101 beatdown. The Nets shouldn't feel bad, the mighty Warriors have a way of sometimes toying with the opposition before applying the death grip. 

Warriors Zaza Pachulia and David West both had big nights in the absence of Draymond. The team is now 26-4, sporting the best record in the NBA as they play a back-to-back tonight in Detroit. The big test comes Sunday, Christmas Day, against Lebron and the Cavaliers in Cleveland. Its the game all basketball fans have been waiting for; a Finals rematch. But this game brings a new challenge for Cleveland to contend with. No, not Daddy Green passing out 'its a boy' cigars, although he will be there.

No, for this rematch the Warriors will unwrap and present Lebron and the Cavs with a Christmas gift of explosive proportions. In the infamous words of Scarface Tony Montana:

"Say Hello to me little friend,"#35 Kevin Durant!

San Francisco Gives Uber Self-Driving Cars The Boot

Human minds and lawmakers using common sense prevailed over an Uber company that thought itself above the safety and well-being of the city of San Francisco.

Thanks to the city's Department of Motor Vehicles, a place I wish I could send a robot to in my stead, Uber had their driverless vehicle registrations revoked yesterday due to failure to have them issued (identified) as test vehicles. Serves Uber and whatever decision making arrogant bastard right. Their complete disregard for public safety in hopes of promoting a product that "THEY" feel will be revolutionary in the field of transportation is appalling. 

I don't know if Uber tried to pull the sheet over the public's eyes for financial gain, technology research or just because they "Feel" they can get away with anything, but I'm sure relieved to see that safety in San Francisco prevailed over profits, publicity and company conceit.

To have a company totally ignore city laws that were put in place to protect its citizens is evidence that profit is the leading theme in their mission statement above all else. 

I applaud the actions of San Francisco to "Halt" the unscrupulous efforts of Uber to inject self-driving vehicles onto the streets.  Let Uber pay some other city in need of dollars and willing to risk the safety of their citizens. I'm not completely sold on the driving safety of human Uber drivers, much less the safety of driver-less computerized Uber vehicles.

We can't tell technology companies how to run their businesses but we can "Regulate" their products to ensure they're safe for our environment and those living in it. Citizen fatalities should not fall under the heading of technology collateral damage. I'm all for innovative creativity, but without responsible planning and leadership, the mixing of test ground with public living areas can be a recipe for disaster.

Come'on Uber, you're better than that. Aren't You??????

Wanna see something really scary? Type "Uber Crash" into your web browser and click images.


13 Terrible Uber Crashes

Just Won Baby!

The 2016 Oakland Raiders have clinched a seed in the NFL Playoffs with a 19-16 win over the San Diego Chargers. As has become the norm this season, the Raiders came back in the fourth quarter and defense iced the game in the final minutes with quarterback harassment and an interception. 

It wasn't pretty, but the silver and black needed a "win to be in" and they got it.

Meanwhile those Kansas City Chiefs, who keep trying to ruin the Raiders AFC West title parade, lost to the Tennessee Titans 19-17, vaulting the Raiders back into first place in the division. 

The (11-3) Raiders control their own playoff destiny by winning their final two games against the Colts and Broncos.  We don't care how they get it done, only that they get it done. There's a #2 playoff seed with a bye just waiting for the Raiders to secure it. Santa knows what that #2 seed means to us Raiders fans.  

Thanks Santa

Just Win Baby - Happy Holidays!

Raiders "Win And We're In" Sunday

I haven't had a moment like this leading up to a Raiders football game since 2003. With a win over the San Diego Chargers this weekend the Raiders of OAKLAND will clinch an NFL Playoff berth. 

It's been a long time coming and I sit here the Friday before the game pinching myself. I know its not the Big Show, but for the (10-3) Raiders and their fans its as huge as the Golden State Warriors going to their Big Show in 2015. It's been so long, that we really just don't know how to act. 

I kinda feel bad for the city of San Diego and Chargers fans because if the Raiders clinch this Sunday in Diego, the city won't be able to keep the many Raiders fans going to the game from celebrating like they'd just seen Trump get knocked the freak out by Rhonda Rousey! They're gonna party in Oakland South like it's 2003.

Raider Nation won't apologize for their overzealous emotions. The road back to the playoffs has been filled with every imaginable bump and pothole a team and their fans could travel over. Now here we are, one on-ramp away from leaving the backroads and reaching the turnpike of professional football. Up ahead are the San Diego Chargers wanting to keep us from passing through the toll booth. All the Raiders need to do come Sunday is pay the toll with a win and their on the thruway that leads to the Super Bowl.

Playoffs Baby!  Just kick some powder blue butt and keep the pedal to the frickin' metal. What a season 2016 has been. Win Sunday and a new era in Raiders football begins. Big Al will be watching.

Just Win Baby!

 

Raiderlegend Goes To Church

Awake and unable to sleep last night, I turned on the radio to listen to late night sports talk radio. While adjusting the station I was interrupted by my girlfriend, awakened and wondering what the heck I was doing so loud that late at night.  I eased her back to sleep and returned my attention back to the radio, earbuds in place. Instead of hearing the latest sports trending stories of the day, like Tom Brady and the Pats winning their umpteenth home game on Monday Night football, I was met with the touching and teaching voice of a Christian minister relating the biblical story of Jonah.

With my fingers still in position to turn the dial back toward 95.7FM the game, I paused and listened. 

About an hour later I found myself spiritually uplifted and reminded once again of the love of an Almighty Deity. The minister, Pastor Bryan Loritts, had captured my spirit with his unpretentious, unassuming, scholarly delivery of a lesson in faith. Who knew the story of a man, the sea and a big ole fish could teach life lessons to live by. The sermon, which I posted above, is titled "When God Loves You Enough to Interrupt you." 

It's a talk about how those stormy and challenging times in our lives, as in Jonah's crisis, can easily be interpreted as the Almighty intentionally interrupting our lives in order to redirect us toward something greater and more purposeful. Think "Thy Will Be Done." The power of a clear message from a faith-filled messenger shouldn't be missed. One should incur a penalty for ignoring or turning away from such a message; a message that can save souls, as well as lives. I say lives because one's mental and physical health are also ministered to when receiving spiritual lessons.

Listening made me pause and evaluate my current purpose in life and my relationship with the Almighty. No, I'm not selling my Raiders season tickets and repenting for being a fan of one of the most reviled sports teams on the planet. Lord forgive the haters for they know what they do. But I am recommitting to practicing and living more Christian-like. 

We can all do better in our spiritual faith. Maybe if we practice being a brother to our brothers and sisters more, the divisive fears and prejudices that have taken hold of so many of us today will simply turn to dust and get blown out to sea.

Pastor Loritts interestingly brings the Bible and it's stories of faith, wisdom and love to today's audience with style and meaning. And yes, it's personal! I hope to visit Abundant Life Christian Fellowship, a non-denominational evangelistic church in Mountain View, California, immediately following this Raiders Super Bowl season.

Win, Lose or Tie,
I'm a Believer til I Die

ALCF Sermons (mp3, video, pdf)

Train To Busan - Horrific!

No, No, No, Don't Open That...........

Simply the best adrenaline rush I've gotten from watching a horror movie in some time. A cardio-visual horror feast.

Run, Chase, Fight, Infection, Transformation, Run

You need know nothing more about this one. The chases will take your breath away and have you clutching for a nearby weapon to fend off unexpected attacks. The way this movie is shot makes you feel as if the attacking zombies will come pouring into your living room at any given moment. Definitely an edge-of-your-seat thriller. 

Korean director Yeon Sangho knocked this one out of the ballpark. Excellent film!

Raiders Can't Get It Done In Kansas City

Playing what had to be the worse game of his NFL career, Raiders QB Derek Carr  might not have been all to blame on an incomplete pass to a wide open Amari Cooper. Had the pass been caught, Coop had a clear path to the end zone and  the score would've been 21-19 with a point after or two-point conversion to follow. With little more than nine minutes left in the game, it could've been a game changer. 

The pass was an ugly throw and catch attempt that all onlookers wrote off as just another bad Derek Carr throw on the night.  But what IF?  Yes, what if the ball had clipped one of the Skycam wires above the field altering it's trajectory? The reaction of Coop awkwardly trying to adjust to the path of the ball sure gives credence to something happening while the ball was in the air.

But we Raiders fans make no excuses for a loss. We gotta play better to get where we wanna go. With the loss the Raiders are tie with the Chiefs for first place in the AFC West division, however, the Chiefs hold the tie breaker. 

With three games left in the regular season anything can happen. The fact that Derek Carr played his worse game and the Raiders were still in it at the end gives me confidence that the silver & black are still serious contenders for a championship. 

The defense did a good job shutting down the Chiefs in the second half. The running game showed some bite with Latavius Murray going over 100 yards. Special teams bit us in the butt with a botched field goal attempt and allowing a punt return for a touchdown. This game was proof that its gonna take greatness in all phases of the game in order for the Raiders to win it all.

You're close to being great Raiders; real close!

Final Score
Raiders 13
Chiefs 21


Yahoo News: Did errant pass hit NBC's Skycam wire? 

Oakland Fire

Prayers go out to the victims, families and community affected by the Ghost Ship warehouse fire in Oakland, CA..

time and prayer bring healing comfort to an injured soul

{weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning} 

Psalm 30:6

Klay "cookie jar" Thompson Steals 60pts

Yes he did! The Warriors forward, known for getting in a shooting zone, put on a show in Oakland last night. With screaming Oracle Arena fans and teammates losing their minds on the bench, Klay made shots in just about every way possible. He had 40pts in the first half.

Raiders players, coming off a big 29 point comeback win yesterday over the Buffalo Bills, were in the building to witness the magic of Klay's quick release jumper.

The fact that Klay acheived the 60p point feat in just 29 minutes makes it that much more impressive. Warriors coach Steve Kerr smartly pulled Klay, still hot, out of the game at the end of the third quarter to a deafening standing ovation.

The Warriors starters and reserves all played an inspired basketball game against an Indiana Pacers team that did well not to just throw in the towel and Uber their way to Oakland International Airport to avoid post-game questions and any recognition as the team who let Klay take sixty cookies from their cookie jar.

The cookie jar reference for those who don't know, is how Klay once described his bent wrist position when releasing a jump shot. The wrist is  bent like that of a child reaching up and over the edge of a cookie jar; the reward being a delicious cookie of course. Daddy Mychal taught'em that.

Well Klay, on another historic night in the bay, you provided all the sugar our basketball sweet tooth craves. A trip to the dentist is in order for all.

Congrats to #11 of the Golden State Warriors for an entertaining evening.

Final Score
Pacers 106
Warriors 142

Raiders 6th 2016 Comeback Win

You gotta wonder just how far this Oakland Raiders team can go. They keep showing us their ability to adapt and explode on opponents. This weekend's victim was the Buffalo Bills. 

The Bills came to Oakland and unleashed RB LeSean 'Shady" McCoy. Shady has moves comparable to the great Barry Sanders. The Bills short passing game combined with the running of Shady was killing the Raiders. More concerning was the Raiders defense looking like they couldn't stop a Buffalo Bills drive.

The Silver & Black found themselves down 24-9 midway through the third quarter.  Then the worm turned as the Raiders would score 29 unanswered points and the defense buckled down. Their resurgence showed Buffalo and the rest of the NFL what can happen when you think you've stopped the Silver & Black attack; they adapt and come back stronger.

Derek Carr and Khalil Mack just about mimicked their week 12 performances in the win over the Carolina Panthers. When the plays just had to be made, every Raider player found a way.  Kicker Marquette King was a punting fool, booming kicks high and deep. So he got an unsportsman-like conduct penalty, #7 is a kicking freak.

Sebastian Janikowski kept us close in the first half with three field goals. The coaching staff found the answers and the Raiders are sporting an eye-popping 10-2 record as they head to Kansas City for a Thursday Night showdown. The Raiders currently hold the AFC playoff #1 seed. Just Win Baby!

Final Score
Bills 24
Raiders 38

QB Derek Carr's Rescue Return

It was the Best of times, it was the Worst of times in Oakland as the Raiders temporarily lost quarterback Derek Carr, then allowed the Carolina Panthers to score 18 unanswered points to take the lead 25-24. The injury was a freak pinky finger dislocation that would result in a fumbled turnover and Carr running off the field to be attended to.

Up to this point the game was all Raiders as they'd built a 24-7 lead and were cruising toward a ninth victory. But when Carr went out the Panthers sniffed blood in the water and began scoring and scoring and scoring. Raiders backup quarterback Matt McGloin was in for a three and out series before Carr returned to the field with a glove on the injured pinky hand.  It took him a bit to get in the gloved groove as the Panthers and Cam Newton were chocking up points. 

Then in the fourth quarter with the Raiders trailing 32-24, Carr began connecting with receivers as he led the Raiders to a touchdown, a two-point conversion and a Janikowski field goal. It was as if the gloved one was being anointed an mvp caliber quarterback right before the eyes of the Coliseum home crowd. The way Carr uplifted the team and restored the confidence that had earlier led to a dominant performance was something else. Even the defense felt the infusion of energy and came storming back to put Cam down in the Panthers final drive, securing the victory.

Raider Nation has seen just about everything from their team this season. The ways the Raiders have won these nine games borders on miraculous and/or immaculate. Today's game added a new twist to the ways the Raiders are winning; toughing out injuries and leading the team back from the edge of defeat.  Raider Nation saw it, the NFL saw it and fans across the nation saw it.  QB Derek Carr is in the conversation of best quarterbacks in the league.

And lest we forget, the amazing Khalil Mack added some mvp points to his resume today with a freak  interception for a touchdown and a game sealing sack on Cam Newton. 


Mack is worthy of all the talk his play has generated.

The Oakland Raiders are 9-2!

Final Score
Panthers 32
Raiders 35

Raiders Comeback Win In Mexico City

He Growls as he Storms the Country

A Villain Big and Bold

And the Trees all Shake and Quiver and Quake

As he Robs them of their Gold

The 2016 AFC West Oakland Raiders are now 8-2 after winning a game where they were outplayed by the Houston Texans for three quarters. As we football fans all know though, it's a four quarter game and how you finish is what defines a winning team. 

Both teams were sucking wind in the high altitude Mexican city. Both teams had to adjust to a sloppy, slippery field. Both teams were desperate for a win that would extend their leads in their divisions. The Raiders fought, battled and accomplished what they set out to do, just win baby.

Don't look at the box score if you wanna know the heart of this Raiders win. Like Oakland native Andre Ward, who overcame a bad start to win a unanimous championship boxing decision this weekend over Sergey Kovalev, they say he won it in the final round. The Raiders seemed on the ropes most of the game, but scored fourteen points in the final quarter to get the win.

It wasn't pretty, quarterback Derek Carr and his receivers weren't getting it done.  Roberts and Crabtree had a number of uncharacteristic drops. Had to be the high altitude combined with coming off a bye week. The running game, the pride of their last victory against the Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos, was non-existent. To make up for the running game they threw passes to the running backs and that was key to this win. Defense bent all night and looked tragically broken at times. 

But that fourth quarter was Raiders Time; the moment of truth for a champion. And the Silver & Black delivered. Raiders fullback Jamize Olawale's 75 yard touchdown catch to tie the game in the fourth quarter should've been accompanied by the conga beating chant from Ali;  
The Champ is Here!
The Champ is Here!
The Champ is Here!
The Champ is Here! 




On the Raiders next possession Amari Cooper's 35 yard touchdown, with fellow receiver Seth Roberts throwing a key block that freed up Coop, let you know the boys in black weren't going to be denied; altitude be damned. 

The team overall had blown a bunch of opportunities and some might say they got a few breaks thanks to the referees; I say it's about darn time! Thank goodness for the teams' never quit attitude. Without it the fourth quarter might of been a Houston Texans rout. Instead coach Jack Del Rio, gamble boat Jack, was grinning like a Cheshire cat at the sound of the gun ending the game as the Oakland Raiders booted the Texans back to Houston with a loss tagged onto their sombreros.

Congratulations Oakland Raiders and Andre Ward
Pride & Poise

Final Score
Texans 20
Raiders 27

Raiders Mexico City Tribute

John Carlos to light Raiders Torch in Mexico City game

Firstly, I gotta salute Raiders owner Mark Davis for not only returning Olympic Medalist and human rights icon John Carlos to the city where he made history, but also how and why he's doing it. Mark is simply honoring a place and time that is in much need of remembrance. 

At 13 years old during that historic fist-raised moment in 1968, Mark remembers well the significance of what John Carlos and Tommie Smith had done. In a great article by Raiders.com staff writer Paul Guiterrez, it talks about how Al Davis and his AFL power house Oakland Raiders team of that era were paving the way for racial diversity and equality in football.   Al's son Mark, today's team owner, is keeping the family and organization legacy going with his decision to invite John Carlos to the game. And his commitment to the players was evident in how he conveyed his support of John Carlos and his decision. Mark definitely manned up on this decision. Go get'em bro.


Given the current controversial issue over athletes protesting the national anthem, it almost seems fitting to have John Carlos, one of the men who began it all with his infamous boycott of the national anthem at the 1968 summer Olympics, lighting the torch for Al Davis and the Raiders organization at Monday Night's NFL game in Mexico City. It takes a courageous owner and organization to honor a man and event that were once considered by many to be dishonorable; the Colin Kaepernick of 1968 will stand, most likely, with fist raised at the next Raiders game. You won't wanna miss it, much less the game.
I'm proud to be a fan of an organization that has stood and continues to stand for equality, civil and human rights.

The (7-2) Oakland Raiders are designated the home team and will host the (6-3) Houston Texans this Monday in Mexico; wall or no wall.

Win, Lose or Tie  

Embarrassed Liberty Mourns

November 8, 2016

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free"

America Awaits Change

It's Monday. Just Won Baby!

Final Score

Broncos 20

Raiders 30

Senator Pacquiao Returns to Office In Victory

Manny Pacquiao came out of retirement last night to out box WBO welter-weight champion Jessie Vargas. The Philippine Senator ended the night in triumph, walking away with the WBO championship belt. 

Manny was just about flawless in his comeback. His punches were quick and powerful while his stamina was as enduring as ever. Vargas, ten years Manny's junior at 27, came into the fight like most champions, unafraid and confident in his abilities.  By the end of the second round, after being knocked down by a lightening quick Pacquiao straight left, Vargas' body language exhibited signs of a tight, guarded, cautious boxer who'd underestimated the speed and agility of his opponent. 

That mask of cockiness Jessie displayed before the fight was all but melted away. Great veteran competitors can do that to young opponents.

Vargas wouldn't go down again in the fight but would sustain damage to the face from Manny's punches. Vargas actually might've won a few rounds on points after the knockdown round, but it was Manny's great footwork and relentless bobbing attack that stole the show and title. 

I think ringside announcer and boxer Timothy Bradley said it best about the energy and endurance of Pacquiao. In answer to whether Pacquiao's senatorial duties and other civic activities outside the ring are dulling his skills inside the ring, Bradley said when he saw Manny a few days before their fight, Manny looked tired and weak. But when Manny got into the ring to fight him he seemed  puffed up, energized and excited to get the fight started. Bradley then said that's why they call him Pacman.

Congratulations and Welcome Back Senator Pacquiao!

"How Manny Pacquiao Beat Jessie Vargas Round By Round"

Fox News Apologizes For False Hillary Clinton Report

Won't we all be glad when this election is finally over. The indecency and lack of integrity of those we citizens of the United States once held in high esteem for their professionalism and intelligence has shattered our perceptions of democracy.

Those who we trust to inform us with truths can no longer be trusted. The price in dollars and favors for information, true or false, has created a journalism market that reports first, then asks questions about the authenticity and accuracy of what it reports later. This makes for a suspect news media and a failed attempt at journalism.

If I can say anything about anyone and then apologize for my inaccuracy or mistake without any repercussions I could be a wealthy news figure. I could make up new words that define what I did as not being dishonest and/or  disingenuous. Heck, my apology can be made to sound as if it was my highly investigative journalism skills that exposed the falsehood I myself inartfully reported.

Bottom line is once words are said about someone they can't be taken back. All journalists know this. All children are taught this. And still we see media apologies such as this latest to a U.S. Presidential candidate. Must we become as children again in order to rediscover the life lessons passed down to us?

I read recently that power and authority are two completely different things; "power implies that we can accomplish what we plan. Authority signifies only that we may order it to be accomplished." This quote I came across in a novel by Morris West titled The Clowns of God.

It's a story that deals with politics, power, faith and Armageddon. It was written in 1981, but could easily apply to today's world of politics and power. I'd like to think our future political climate can be one where going low is seen as an illness in character and disqualifies one from serving the people of this country. Maybe it should apply to journalism as well, because news affects lives.

With the 2016 Presidential election only days away, I'm trusting that where power and politics have failed us, Divine guidance will light a path for us to tred through our darkest hours. Here's another quote from the book.

"The language of politics is contrived for the concealment of truth."


note:

Fox News apologizes for False Baltimore shooting report

Fox News apologizes for False claims of Muslim-Only areas

Fox News apologizes for Fake Obama story

Fox Affiliate apologizes for Fake Kill-A-Cop protest chant

397 examples of Fox News malaise and counting

(6-2) Teams Battle For AFC West

Thought the Chicago Cubs had something to prove? They at least had one thing going for them nationally that the Raiders lack; Lovableness.  The Raiders are the Tony Montana of the NFL; the bad guy. Be it due to a former feisty owner in Al Davis, intimidating silver and black uniforms or their historic ruggedness of play on the field; the Raiders are the team that everyone loves to hate and many have feared. That is, everyone with the exception of the Raider Nation.

Raider Nation won't cower and hide from the bad guy label, we welcome it, we love it. It's what separates us and our team from the pack. We eat penalties and concussions for breakfast to nourish our will to win. And we can't wait to break bad on the Denver Broncos this weekend in our house. Go ahead, point and stare. We know you need teams and fans like us to make you feel good. But you're not good. So until Sunday night arrives, say goodnight to the bad guy!

"There's a bad guy comin' through! Better get outta his way!"

Tony Montana: What you lookin' at? You all a bunch of fuckin' assholes. You know why? You don't have the guts to be what you wanna be? You need people like me. You need people like me so you can point your fuckin' fingers and say, "That's the bad guy." So... what that make you? Good? You're not good. You just know how to hide, how to lie. Me, I don't have that problem. Me, I always tell the truth. Even when I lie. So say good night to the bad guy! Come on. The last time you gonna see a bad guy like this again, let me tell you. Come on. Make way for the bad guy. There's a bad guy comin' through! Better get outta his way!






Drawing by Chad Bovey

Warriors Silence Thunder In Oakland

The Oklahoma City Thunder awakened a giant last night in Oakland. The Golden State Warriors had their most lopsided win in a game that was more a statement to the undefeated Thunder and any others who thought the Warriors had lost too many parts in free agency to be dominant this season. 

New Warriors sensation #35 Kevin Durant was sensational with 39pts as he dismantled and dominated his former teammates. Klay Thompson awoke out of his early season slump going 4 of 8 on 3pt. shots and scoring a total of 18pts. Stephen Curry of course broke down the Thunder defense and got his both inside and outside the paint. Draymond Green, Andre Igoudala and new edition Zaza Pachulia raised the defensive effort and looked like the Warriors of today.  

Livingston, Clark and McGee were outstanding off the bench once again. Sure the Warriors will miss Moe Money Speights and others from past seasons, but this years' bench players are showing us that they can keep the winning momentum going in games by both defending and knocking down shots. Shaun Livingston might've of gotten better as that smooth, floating jump shot of his just seems to go down with consistency. And the youngster Ian Clark has definitely returned as a seasoned player with more trust and confidence in his game. Clark could be a difference maker down the road.

It's very early in the season. The Warriors are (4-1) as they take on the L.A. Lakers in Oakland tonight. The Lakers, led by former Warriors assistant coach Luke Walton, have a talented young group of players mixed in with veteran experience. It'll be fun to see how the Warriors attack Luke's team being that he knows everything about them with the exception of their new sensation K.D.. And that Kevin Durant exception is exactly why Luke probably didn't get much sleep last night. Good Luck Luke. Go Warriors!

Final Score

Thunder 96

Warriors 122

Hell Freezes Over, Cubs Win World Series

Chicago Cubs won game 7 of the World Series to clinch their first MLB Championship in over a century. The game was one that will go down in "Sports" history for its clutch moments and thrilling drama, which included an immaculately conceived rain delay at the start of the 10th inning with the Indians pumped and the game tie 6-6. 

The Cubs would return to the field after the delay and put up two runs against the Indians. The Indians scored a run in the bottom of the 10th but needed another run to tie; that tying run never materialized and the rest is history.

In my opinion the Cleveland Indians were done the moment the rain dampened the playing field and cooled off their charged momentum. It was a great World Series game 7, almost as great as the 2014 SF Giants game 7 with Madison Bumgarner taking the mound in Kansas City. Almost!

Congratulations Chicago Cubs on cheating the devil with a historic World Series win that'll rank right up there with some of the best baseball ever played. 

Raiders Penalty-Filled OT Victory; Torture!

Oakland Raiders wide receiver #10 Seth Roberts runs 41-yards past the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense for a touchdown during overtime in an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016, in Tampa, Fla. The Raiders won the game 30-24. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

As a Raiders fan it was one for the ages. A game where the Raiders accrued more penalty yards (200) than the opposing quarterback did passing yards (168 ). A game where Raiders QB Derek Carr threw 40 passes for 539 yds and 4 touchdowns. No Interceptions! A game where tried and true veteran kicker Sebastian Janikowski missed two field goals that could have possibly ended the game; unheard of. It was a game of mistakes by Raiders coaching staff as offensive plays came in late and on-field personnel indecision added to the penalty bug.

The Raiders defense did an admirable job stopping the run and halting Buccaneer drives when we absolutely needed a stop, but the penalties at crucial times was painfully laughable. Khalil Mack did have one of his best games of the season with two sacks. But for the penalties, the defensive unit is improving.

It was a game where most Raiders fans watching the game thought there was no way they'd pull out the victory. And yet here I am, writing about one of the most improbable, unbelievable, zaniest road victories I've ever seen the silver and black pull off. If I was a betting man I'd had put the farm on the Buccaneers by half-time. The Raiders seemed to be moving the ball as many yards backwards as forwards thanks to all their penalties. And forget the referee conspiracies theories, these were legitimate, bug-eyed, caught-in-the-act-of-committing type charges that stuck.

Lucky for the Raiders they have a spectacular leader in Derek Carr who's definitely one of the top quarterbacks in the league. That many pass completions with zero interceptions? Unheard of in this day and age.  Amari Cooper, other than one out of character dropped pass, was money. Michael Crabtree gave the Buccaneers fits. Mychal Rivera and Donald Penn, yes offensive tackle Donald Penn, caught touchdown passes.  

And then there's #10 Seth; my boy Seth. Seth Roberts, who they say in the eight games he's caught a touchdown pass the Raiders have never lost. Who with 1:36 left in overtime caught a pass over the middle from Carr, took the sandwiching hit by two defenders, maintained his balance the way we know only Seth can do and dashed to the end zone for a 41 yard game clinching touchdown. Yes, that Seth Roberts. Pure Money!

Seth's touchdown was truly the climactic moment in a game full of thrills and agonies for us Raiders fans. You could say that seeing Seth cross the goal line was as emotionally draining as it was jubilant. Who watching could do anything more than give a hoarse battle cry growl, throw up their hands in triumph and then collapse exhausted on the spot. 

There are days when you watch your team play football and then there are days your football team plays you. Today my team played me like a drum for four-plus quarters and I loved every torturous second of it.

Just Win Baby!

Final Score/OT

Raiders 30

Buccaneers 24

"The fire that burns brightest in the Raider organization is the will to win" Al Davis

Cleveland Indians Take Charge In Chicago

No----Cubs----No

With great pitching and greater hitting the Cleveland Indians silenced Chicago and their fans with a dominating 7-2 game 4 win. The Cubs needed this game to even up the series, but instead find themselves in a 3-1 World Series hole. 

It's been proven over and over again in these situations; great pitching beats great hitting. Indians ace starting pitcher Corey Kluber gave up five hits for only one run through six innings. Then pitchers Andrew Miller and Dan Otero allowed only two hits for one run to close out the Cubs and the game. 

Again, the national media appear to be favoring a team in a major broadcasting market, that is the Chicago Cubs. The announcers seemed at times almost as speechless and subdued as the Wrigley Field fans. When Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis hit a three-run home run in the seventh inning to squash all hope of a Cubs comeback, the ensuing silence was as spooky as a black cat crossing your path on Halloween; in Chicago.  

Today the Indians have a chance to sweep the Cubs in Chicago and earn their first World Series championship since 1948. If you ask me the curses of Goats, Black Cats and Bartman are alive and well in the Windy City. Go Tribe! Just put'em out of their misery.

Raiders Win In Jacksonville; Stay In Florida For Tampa Game

Raiders Punter Marquette King's Knockout Run

The Oakland Raiders have earned their best season starting record (5-1) since 2002, the season the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rained on their Super Bowl party.  After whipping up on the Jacksonville Jaguars with little effort, the team decided to stay over in Florida for the upcoming game against guess who? the Buccaneers of course. 

The Bucs are playing decent football, but might find the high scoring Raiders offense just too much magic to deal with.  The Raiders staying over in Florida for this game is a smart move that comes at just the right time.  That ugly home loss against Kansas City should be a distant memory when the Raiders return for their Sunday Night game against division rival Denver in Oakland on Nov. 6th. I expect to see a more mature and cohesive silver and black squad when they return home; a better team.

I keep hearing the players and coaches saying they just wanna keep getting better each week. I see that as the team not reaching their full potential yet. That can be a good thing or not so good. Can this coaching staff bring out the best in these players? Can the players play the schemes they're being coached to play? Can the team play a full game of dominant football that leaves no doubt in our minds that they've gotten better?  I'd really like to see some consistency from them in all aspects of the game. The defense has clearly gotten better, but against tougher opponents I don't know if their good enough yet.

One Raiders fan pointed out to me this weekend that what's missing is a big, fat nose tackle to give the Raiders defensive line more push and power, which will also help free up Khalil Mack. He said it's not happening this year and the Raiders will have to just outscore opponents in order to win. Sounds about right based on what we've seen this season so far.  

But you gotta give this Oakland Raiders team credit for they're consistency in winning. They're 5-2 with a chance to come home 6-2 and possibly play for sole possession of first place in the division. They didn't get it done for first place against Kansas City in that last stinking home game. Let's see if they can put together a nice two-game winning streak that'll prove the "keep getting better" motto isn't just media fluff. 

After seeing what the Broncos did to the Houston Texans this past Monday Night, I'm convinced that the Raiders must get better before they go up against the Broncos. If not, it can be another divisional disappointment and possibly lead to doubts in the minds of our young players. Winning sacks all doubts; Just Win Baby! Just Win.

Final Score
Raiders 33
Jaguars 16

Cubs Trying To Breach Contract With The Devil

Don't Get It Twisted Chicago; I Said 2 Every Other Century!

Just Who Da Hell Do You Think You Are, Cleveland?

Indians In 1901 Signed Deal For 2 Championships Per Century

Cubs Baseball vs College Football

1945 World Series Baseball

How the heck do people not into sports get their weekend high? I hope it's legal. As for me, wow what a thrilling Saturday night of sports. 

The frick'in Chicago Cubs are in the World Series, after dominating Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers in a decisive game 6 that wasn't even close. It's only been 71 years since they went to the Big Shew! I know (2)Ohio State and Penn State are playing a competitive football game, but it's been the (16)Oklahoma vs Texas Tech. game that's had me locked in most of the evening. 

When I first tuned in and saw the Texas Tech. quarterback #5, eluding rushers and slinging the football for miraculous completions, I thought Golden State Warriors MVP point guard Stephen Curry had returned to college and suited up in pads, helmet and cleats. 

Who is this kid? As of the end of the third quarter he's approaching 600 yards passing. 600 frick'in yards! He and his good-hands receivers have kept the underdog Texas Tech squad in the game. Every time the Oklahoma Sooners score against the porous Texas Tech. defense, the #5 curry look-alike returns and just finds a way to match touchdown for touchdown. His last was an end around option he smartly kept and ran in for a 20 or so yard touchdown. The kid is definitely a gamer with lots of heart and a never-say-die attitude. 

Oklahoma just scored again to make it 55-45 Sooners with 9:00 minutes left in the game. Just got the word, Penn State BEAT Ohio State 24-21. That is a shocker! 

Congratulations Chicago Cubs on your historic National League Pennant win. Good luck against the American League champion Cleveland Indians. 

Passing Stats:  52 completions on 88 attempts for 734 yards, 5TD

Texas Tech. quarterback and baseball season pitcher, #5 Patrick Mahomes II, baby face assassin junior, has just thrown another long touchdown pass for the Red Raiders to make the score closer; 59-52. He now has 655 yards passing with 4 touchdowns. And get this; opposing quarterback #6 Baker Mayfield has passed for 524 yards with 7 touchdowns. Just so happens that Mayfield quarterbacked the Texas Tech. team in 2013 before transferring to Oklahoma for the following season. 

If you love offensive football, and who doesn't, this is the game of the day. There go the offensive sparks flying again. another Sooners big play touchdown. Damn there's nothing like football; nothing like it!

Lest we forget to acknowledge Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon with 251 rushing yards for 2 touchdowns and a highlight reel one-handed catch and run for a touchdown. There's those sparks again, touchdown Texas Tech., 66-59. College Football..........Crazy!

Final Score
Oklahoma 66
Texas Tech 59