A Monday Nite Embarassment

I'm sure coach Lane Kiffin is investigating where the Denver Broncos purchased Whoop Ass from. There's simply no other way to explain the 41-14 thumping they put on the Raiders the other night.
Maybe I should buy a T-shirt that reads "I Was There When The Broncos M-Barassed The Raiders."

We Raider fans can only pray that our teams' performance was a fluke, a first game falter, a freak accident.

Whatever it was that cursed us on Monday Nite, I hope it got its fill and has moved on to some other professional team. Maybe it flew south to spoil the Dodgers playoff dreams.

There's plenty of web comments and analysis floating around about the game. Much blame with few if any excuses. Many fans blame Al Davis for the state of the team and one suggested we make Al walk the plank, Arrgh-Arrgh.

I say Its done, Its over, let's move on. Its too early in the season to totally give up on our team. One blow-out does not a season make. However, should the problems that plagued us throughout Monday's game become habitual, I say we Mutiny, and To Hell with staying aboard a doomed vessel. But we'll cross that bridge if and should the time come.

Next Up: Kansas City Chiefs

Quote from Ray Aspuria/Times Standard

No Raider looked more foolish than Oakland cornerback DeAngelo Hall.

The $70-million corner was torched repeatedly by Denver rookie wide receiver Eddie Royal. The match-up was so one-sided it appeared Royal was the crafty veteran taking the rookie DB Hall to school.

NFL FOOTBALL SEASON

I Can Taste The Touchdowns!

Oakland Raiders Hall of Fame Guard Passes

Raider Legend Gene Upshaw has passed away at 63 years of age. Our Raider prayers are with his family and friends. Upshaw, #63, was and always will be a Raider, an Oakland Raider.

World's Fastest Man

USAIN BOLT

Sounds like a new Nike line of sneakers doesn't it? But its his name, and he just swept the Olympic Mens Track competition.

Usain Bolt of Jamaica has run faster than any human being who's been timed running. Ever. So we should expect to see him soon racing a cheetah in a commercial, or something like that.

I wonder what a track star does after the Olympics. I also wonder if Usain has ever caught a football pass. I'm sure Al Davis is drooling just thinking about having the fastest man in the world as a Raider. I am. We already have one of the strongest arms in JaMarcus Russell. Wow, what a dream I just had. Bolt Deep!

So come on over and visit the Black Hole when you're through in Beijing Usain. We'll sign you to the silver and black and make you a huge Star! And all we'll ask of you is that you run like a cheetah and catch the damn ball. The world can be yours. Just stay away from Las Vegas.

Track Stars and the NFL
Renaldo_Nehemiah

It only lasted three years. Nehemiah was fast, but he had trouble catching the ball. (Catching a speeding football is harder than it looks.) Also, his body had difficulty adjusting to getting walloped by cornerbacks and safeties.

Plus, as football coaches were learning, there's a difference between "track speed" and "football speed." The former is running in a straight line, and though sprints are very short, there's a strategy for the beginning, middle and end of the race. In football, however, the focus is on proper route-running and breakaway speed -- the ability to quickly accelerate now. Nehemiah didn't have it. His replacement, a man drafted in the spring of 1985 from a small college in Mississippi who wasn't particularly fast on the track, did have "football speed." His name was Jerry Rice, and most think he's the greatest wide receiver ever.

Trouble of the World - Mahalia Jackson

In Memory of A Friend: Whitney Henderson
Miss You Whit. Rest Well!

Rabid Vampire Bats

See the map above? See that red circle with a birdlike shadow inside? (it was red in the newspaper) Well that ain't no prayer dove and its definitely not the Gotham City batman beam. You should know that the color red in symbols usually means a warning. So if your as smart as a fifth-grader you should be able to put the characteristics of this symbol together to come of with its meaning; Warning Bats.

That's right, bats with sharp, long incisor teeth that prowl the South American countryside in search of fresh blood. Sounds like a cheesy horror novel or movie, but this is real. Its happening in the continent just south of these United States and could just be a matter of time before they venture north for fresh pickings. Wait, didn't the killer bees take the same route? Another story.

Thanks to the weekly newspaper column, Earthweek: A diary of the planet by Steve Newman, you can read about such natural phenomena as Vampire bat deaths. The scary part isn't the view of these flying mammals swooping down and sinking their incisors into unsuspecting sleeping victims. Oh no, the scary part is when the victim experiences the symptoms of rabies (fever, paralysis and extreme fear of water) and their convulsing bodies become rigid just before death.

Dozens of tribespeople in Venezuela's Orinoco River delta have died over the past year and sixteen of them, mostly children, have been afflicted over the past month by rabid vampire bat bites. Rabies is curable if treated in time but in some of these small villages, who knew that waking up with puncture wounds on the body could mean a one-way ticket to "The Upper Room."

I really need to thank Earthweek for their almost biblical revelations of life on this planet in the 21st century. Personally, I don't think Moses could've come up with such catastrophic earthly occurrences as these. For instance, I've never heard of "Bovine terror," have you? The thought of 150 ornery cows invading villages in search of food just isn't in my bank of reality. But its happening in a small village in southern Spain as I speak. Talk about mad cow disease, this hungry marauding pack of cows are foraging what they want, when they want it and wherever they find it. The villagers seem helpless in driving the beasts away. Gee, sounds like the Oakland Raiders defense of glory days past.

So if you find yourself surfing the web for some revelatory information about this big world of ours, look no further than Earthweek: A diary of the planet. Its information like this found at Earthweek that make my problems here in the United States seem puny.

Raiders Look Sharp in Loss

Maybe its too soon after the game for me to be writing about it. The Raiders fumbled away a sure win and it brings back that empty gut feeling of past seasons. However, I shouldn't be so tough on myself and my team. They showed they can be physical and dominate away from home. Our running backs were making titans defenders pay when tackling them. We dominated the time of possession and had some young guys step up.

Actually, if it weren't for the two fumbles the game would've been mostly all Raiders. Our defense was good and our passing game gave hints of success. That JaMarcus pass to Zack Miller for the first touchdown was a threaded bullet that oozed pass defenders by a hair. JaMarcus is the Real Deal.

Special team penalties were up this week. This problem should be correctable. Our defense stopped the Titans most of the night. RELIABLE is the word I felt best described our starting defense. A good word in sports.

The pain from the loss is still kicking at my gut, so I must continue to remind myself of the overall good play of the Raiders tonight. It is still exhibition season and they've proven that they can go on the road and compete with dominating efficiency. That'll bring back a swagger to the team. Can't wait for the Arizona Cardinal game next week at the Coliseum.

The Oakland Raiders will be competitive this season. Its an improved team with a strong will to win.

Raiders 16
Titans 17

Why I Can't Watch Gymnastics

This story is NOT for the weak hearted. Actually, its not for the mild hearted either. While attempting to lift 248kilograms, using a lifting technique called the "Snatch,"Hungarian Olympian Janos Baranyai suffered a dislocated elbow, and that's putting it mildly.

Injuries occur in sports competition and athletes know it. But they can never prepare for the agony and pain of such injuries. The agony of defeat is probably as painful as physical injury to the body. Then again, one look at the dislocated elbow of Janos makes that old theory sound like hogwash. Warning, some of the pics at this link are horrific, but not bloody. Click Here

I once heard Oakland Raiders wide-receiver Tim Brown describe a medical procedure involving a torn leg ligament. After informing the radio listeners of how the inner thigh ligament tore away from the femur bone, he described how the surgeon cut down to the bone then stapled the ligament back onto the bone before closing the incision with more staples. Doctor Brown then calmly assessed that the stapled ligament would take blank amount of weeks to adhere back to the bone sufficiently.

I mention this snippet from "Mornings with Doctor Tim Brown" because It was one of the few times I recall wincing at someone's description of an injury and the surgical procedure to fix it.

We've all seen horrific injuries in sports; Joe Theisman's leg break, A boxer's swollen eyelid, a basketball player's knee cap turned sideways after a collision. But seeing this Gymnast's elbow popping out and witnessing the expression of agony on his face might just top all others. The fact that it happened on a world-wide stage makes it a memorable moment in sports. I personally can't watch young girls vaulting, uneven bars or rings. I feel every miss of theres too painfully. I think the last one I watched was Nadia Comaneci, 1976. She nailed them all.

My heart and prayers go out to Janos Baranyai. May his competitive psyche mend along with his physical rehabilitation so that he may compete in future Olympic games.

In the meantime, may the 2008 Summer Olympics resume safely and may the Americans Win it All!

Raider Nation Celebration 2008

Arrived-Purchased-Ate-Drank-Applauded-Yelled-Enjoyed!

The Raiders Organization definitely has mastered the Fan Appreciation Day activities. It was a bright, warm day for Oakland Raiders fans to come out and relish in the glory of being a part of the Raider Nation.

The best part is watching the kids faces light up with joy as they take in all the Raiders festivities available to them. It may be the one time in a kid's young life that he or she will find themselves in total agreement with their parents. The Raider Nation crosses generational, ethnic and social lines with a creed of malice toward none and equality and acceptance for all.

To see a father with a proud smile while raising his JaMarcus Russell jersey wearing little girl (eyepatch donned over one eye) onto his shoulder is a sight to behold. Yes, the Raiders Kids bring out that childish glee in all of us Raiders fans. Many adult fans have been passed the torch by their parent(s) and therefore its a no-brainer to indoctrinate their kids into the Raider Nation. I swear I saw yesterday a newborn infant with a Children's Hospital I.D. bracelet still around its tiny wrist. The infant was wearing a Raiders bib and already had that chucky scowl, I swear!

If America wants to end the divide that separates its citizens they should consider taking a page from the fans of the Oakland Raiders.

One Nation, One Goal and All Inclusive








I'm Proud to be a member of the Raider Nation!

Raiders Run Over Red&Gold 49ERS

Oakland Raiders
248 yds Rushing
2 Fumble Recoveries
2 Interceptions
1-53yd Punt Return For TD

49ers
2 FG's

Final Score
Raiders 18
49ers 6

The San Francisco Chronicle called the game "Sloppy Play" and commented that both teams should keep this opening preseason skirmish in proper perspective. Obviously, the SF media is in denial about the domination of the Oakland Raiders over their pampered media darling 49ers. But that's okay, we of the Silver and Black world didn't expect the crowning of the Battle of the Bay Champion Oakland Raiders to get print copy in San Francisco, its too soon and much too painful for them. Our crowning was actually done on the field last night in front of a hungry bay area football fan base of Raiders fans peppered with some brave 49er souls wearing their Red and Gold. Or as I heard it said after the game, Gold and Pink!

The three outstanding performances as a team were the Running Game, Defense and Special Teams. How is that for a three-headed monster. Speaking of which, it was the running game that electrified the Raiders fans and gives promise to a much improved team. Seems we have the blocking schemes to open up running lanes for all five of our featured backs. Johnnie Lee Higgins punt return for a touchdown highlighted the solid special teams play. With kicker Janokowski out, the fill in free agent Aaron Elling did a heck of a job kicking. Shane Lechler is still doing his Ray Guy impersonation and looks to be ready for the season.

I will try to keep in perspective this game as being an opening exhibition game, but I can't deny to myself what my eyes witnessed last night at McAfee Coliseum; the Oakland Raiders football organization fielded a disciplined team with a game plan that dominated their cross bay rival San Francisco 49ers.

Battle Of The Bay 08

__Champion__

Oakland Raiders

Undisputed!

Summer of #4

For those of us old enough to remember the movie "Summer of '42" the Brett Favre/Green Bay Packers fiasco isn't much off the mark.

In the movie a 15-year old boy (Hermie) falls in love for the first time. His love interest is a 22-year old housewife who's soldier husband is off fighting in WWII. So you have a lonely woman and a horny young boy on an island with a summer full of time and dreams. There's also the tearjerker theme song that pulls at your heartstrings and begs you to shed a tear for Hermie.

Well in this summer of '08 love story the soldier (Brett Favre) has come home to find his wife (Greenbay Packers) has moved on with life and is committed to the young man (Aaron Rodgers) a quarterback who's been courting the older woman and given the green light.

In the movie, "Summer of '42," the husband, after a short visit home, is killed in the war and the young boy learns about love and loss of love all in one summer. When the summer is over the girl leaves and the boy is left to ponder what he had, how it was lost and will he ever have it again, Love.

Today our story has a bit of a twist. The focus isn't on the young man who finally gets his chance to love, but on the old war worn soldier who's return was met with contempt. As with all good soldiers, duty and honor are what makes him a respectful man. When that respect is no longer felt, its time to move on to your next battleground. As the soldier walks off into the sunset you can hear the theme song playing in the background.


For the old soldier Brett Favre, that battleground will be in the Meadowlands where he'll wear the green and white of the New York Jets. Many are asking if Brett will ever get over the dishonor the Green Bay Packers have shown him this summer. Ask any man who's had his true love taken away from him, I don't think you ever get over it. As with the young man Hermie in "Summer of '42", only time will heal that wound.

But this summer's biggest NFL story has something that the hit movie never had, a sequel in the form of a football season. We football fans now have some drama to watch for this season. The emergence or downfall of a young Aaron Rodgers as he tries to fill the shoes of a legendary quarterback, and the emergence or downfall of a legendary quarterback as he tries soldiering his new team to respectability.

Whatever the outcome for these two quarterbacks come end of season, we fans have sure been given a "Summer of 08" that'll stay in our memories for tears.......I mean years to come.

correction: the movie "Summer of '42" did have a sequel, "Class of '44." It wasn't as good as the first one. It never is.

Horrific News Quote of the Day!

"They returned to the back of the bus to find that the person who was stabbing the person in the neck had now sawed off the head of (the victim)."

(CTV correspondent Murray Oliver in Winnipeg)

Please, someone pinch me and tell me the year is 2008A.D. and armed Barbarians are not gathering at the gates of civilization.

And I was just asking myself who in their right mind still travels Greyhound bus? Answer: Alfredo Garcia

Newly Signed Linebacker Ed Hartwell

Just by his commitment to the Raiders alone, I'll say he's a keeper. Ed Hartwell comes to the Raiders after two seasons in Atlanta. Drafted in 2001 by the Baltimore Ravens, he had five years to learn from MLB Ray Lewis, one of today's best.

I don't know much else about Ed, but this following quote by him is what forced me to post him on my blog today. Any player, fan or casual observer of football who says the things Ed says about the Oakland Raiders is welcome on any blog of mine.

In Ed Hartwell's own words; "Becoming an Oakland Raider means more to me than just getting back on the field. It's a chance to play for the best franchise in football history. It has the best fans that any sport has to offer, a great cast of talented players & coaches, a legend as an owner, one of the best (attack style) defensive coordinators in the league in Rex Ryan, and most of all I get to be reunited with the best coach I have EVER played for Coach Don Martindale. I vow to do everything in my power to bring another Superbowl to Al Davis and the Raider Nation."

Honorable Mention: WR Marcel Reece

Clip 1

Clip 2

Oakland's McAfee Coliseum - Judgment Nite

Girls Gone WnbaWILD!

Unfortunately, the WNBA women's basketball league is getting huge press coverage today. Its unfortunate because the news has nothing to do with their skills as basketball players, but instead focuses on a bench emptying brawl between the Los Angeles Sparks and Detroit Shock.

Shocks and Sparks were seen and felt at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Detroit, in the form of punches, shoves, body slams and all out pandemonium. Actually, it didn't go down quite like that but it sure sounds good in a story doesn't it?

The truth is one player, an all-American rookie, got tangled up with the opposing team on one play. Then on the following play that same all-American player got tangled up again and in the infamous words of Peter Finch of the movie "Network," decided;

"I'm As Mad As Hell And I'm Not Gonna Take This Anymore."

And The Rest is Herstory!

Al's Place For A Mean Steak and Beer

"A delicious steak that reminds you why man
decided to domesticate those dang cows in the first place"
customer's review

I was recently told of a place north of Stockton,Ca. that serves a mean grilled steak. Says they've been serving them since the 1930's. I hesitate to visit because today its supposedly a biker bar in GMC truck country. Need I remind you that I'm a six foot brotha from New York with good grammar who many country folk perceive as an uppity yankee. Of course some of these same folk are still angry they lost the war. The "Civil War" that is.

But what lengths would you go to get your choppers around a mean grilled steak? Especially here in cholesterol conscience California where eating rare cooked meats is like abusing a pet or something. Heck, I'll probably pay a visit to Al's Place just to be able to talk about it in front of those self-righteous salad eating city dwellers I always seem to dine around.

Al's Place, better known as Al the Wop's, is a bar and grill in Locke, California, (added to the historical registry in 1970) near Walnut Grove, Ca. The town was once populated by mostly Chinese and all businesses in town were Chinese. Not suprising since Chinese actually built the town back in 1915. But that was before 1931, before Al Adami bought Lee Bing's Chinese Restaurant on main street making it the only non-Chinese establishment in town.

I can only assume that Al himself was a good ole Italian tough guy with possibly a shady past and the cajones to open up shop where no wasp had ever been before. Coming from New York I know Italians, many good folks who honor family and community. So when I see the term "Wop" as part of a restaurant name I know that it must've been an Italian who posted it. Like with many cultures, you can call each other a term, but just don't let an outsider call you by it. I suppose Al must've figgah'd it be good for business.

Well, Al was right, he's outlasted many a business in town I'm sure. Were he still alive he'd be welcoming customers as he must've done from day one. Wait, is Al still around? I'll get back to you on that.

I only hope my cajones can match up in size with Al's though, because as much as I feel brave enough to tred into unknown territory, there's this distinct cautious flutter I get when I find myself around trucks with gun racks, hunting dogs, Confederate flags, gun show signs and signs with "Zeke For Sheeriff "on poles. Any chance there's some wise guy Italian running the joint these days? He I understand, "It's just business."

So, how far are you willing to go for a great juicy steak? Goto reviews on Al The Wop's to convince yourself its worth the travel and potential risk.

Negro League Baseball Sportscaster Passes

Honestly, I've never heard of the man. Never even thought there was anyone announcing negro league baseball games over the radio. Guess I should've asked my dad or uncles about it. They remember the negro league games and those associated with it. Supposedly, one of my great uncles played for a Jersey team.

In either case, its never too late to honor a man who had what all of us sports fanatics have in our blood; a passionate love for the game, whatever that game may be. Sherman L. Maxwell, announced negro league baseball games over the radio beginning in 1929. He wasn't paid any money for doing what he did. He kept box scores of games he witnessed and intervied players after games.

When he visited the National Basebal Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. in 2001, he told the Star Ledger then that "I never had a nicer day in my whole life - and I'm 93, so that's saying something." Hats off to Major League Baseball for recognizing the negro leagues and bringing back wonderful memories of negro baseball to a centenarian.

If only someone from ESPN, like a Bob Costas, had interviewed this man and picked his brain about the legends of negro baseball. Though the Newark Eagles out of Jersey whom he followed were no negro league powerhouse, I'm sure they played some of the best and Mr. Maxwell was most likely there, calling the game. Imagine, someone who can tell you about Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige, manager Rube Foster and the list goes on. I hope to find out more about this pioneer of sports and fellow fan of the game.

Sherman Maxwell
1907-2007
"He Announced For The Love Of The Game"

Dave Wilson's Key Raiders List 2008

Came across some insightful Raiders team and player analysis for 2008 that deserves checking out. Dave Wilson's article "Across The Pond" points out the key players that'll help make or break this season for the Raiders.

JaMarcus Russell – QB
Kwame Harris – OT
Darren McFadden – RB
Javon Walker – WR
Tommy Kelly – DT
Gibril Wilson – S

Dave points out some promising aspects of this year's team ability. He also gives you a bit of a chill when highlighting the holes of our defensive line. Gotta give it to Dave, he's a passionate yet realistic Raiders fan unafraid to admit what could be weaknesses in the team, and that's what makes his Raiders Report so interesting. Honesty!

If you wanna begin the football season by saying, as every die hard Oakland Raiders fan pledges to friends, family and opposing fans each season, "This Is Our Year," then you should take a peek at Dave's assessment of the team and its key players for 2008.

"THIS IS OUR YEAR"

Note: You can mail your Get Well Soon cards for former Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter to the Jaguars facility in Jacksonville. After signing a $30 million dollar six year deal the the Jags, Porter underwent surgery this week for a hamstring tear and will miss the pre-season. At least now he has a doctor's note to explain why he can't perform.

First Ammendment Wrongs

In response to the Satirical Cartoon of Barack and Michelle Obama on this week’s New Yorker Magazine cover:

The magazine gives its reasons for why they put such a derogative image of a potential American President on their cover:

“Satirizes the use of scare tactics and misinformation in the Presidential election to derail Barack Obama’s campaign.”

Isn’t “Satire” supposed to be funny? Their reasons are neither funny nor reasonable to many Americans, especially those who see this Presidential Candidate as a hope for change in future American politics and racial attitudes. Insensitive and poorly thought out journalism like this is what continues to undermine the American people’s fight for justice and equality for all its citizens.

For a respected magazine like the New Yorker to cross the line toward inappropriateness at such a crucial time in American economics and politics gives fuel to the rumor that there is a contrived and coordinated effort from within to bring America to its knees, by any means necessary.

If, after the September 11^th attack, the New Yorker printed the same cover with the likes of Pres. Bush and Vice-Pres. Cheney replacing Michelle and Barack, adding maybe a hanging painting of the smoldering WTC with oil drums rising from the ashes to go along with the Osama Bin Laden portrait, would the editor and all involved still defend such a picture? Would they ignore the sensitivities of families who suffered the loss of a loved one, all in the name of Satire? Would some Americans find it truthful or even funny? This “attack” on Barack and Michelle Obama is an “Attack on America” and what it is supposed to stand for.

My final question or maybe I should put it more in a statement than a question. Had the New Yorker consulted an African-American or any minority for that matter, about the offensiveness of this image, I’m sure they would’ve been told of its unpleasant inflammatory inference. Are we as a nation also still treating all Muslims and people of middle-eastern descent as terrorists?

Is it possible that someone will take responsibility and apologize for this juvenile decision so that we as a country can move on with a more refined Presidential race that’ll deal with the pressing issues we face as a nation? Perhaps!

I fear to think that someone paid a lot of money in hopes of damaging the “Barack For President” campaign. Yes, magazines sell to the highest bidders also. Or is it possible the owners of the New Yorker are just spreading their political wings and saying “to hell with the American public’s feelings.” In times of change, it’s always those with the most to lose, whether real or imagined, who perform such immoral and malicious acts.

Oakland Raiders Three-Headed-Monster Attack!

Remember Ghidorah aka Monster Zero? He was one nasty SOB, ripping through military defenses and causing havoc amongst the monster kingdom. In one movie it took a ferocious Godzilla, a teradactyl flying Rodan and Mothra the killer Moth ( remember it's 60's television) to bring down Ghidorah, and still he went down swinging.

In 2008, Ghidorah is what they're calling the Oakland Raiders projected trio of running backs. Each brings a little something different to the battle and all can cause havoc on an opponent.

Listen --->

There's a great article about this group of Raiders backs (The Three Headed Monster Of The Oakland Raiders) that convinces me we Raider Fans are in for a treat this season. We may not be so high on the receiving corps yet, but this Ghidorah of a backfield is looking like the answer to an offense that needs to attack defenses in multiple ways.

If we had to name this explosive backfield something that symbolizes mass terror and annihilation, I can think of nothing better than Ghidorah the three headed monster. With a weapon like Ghidorah, all we need is a decent offensive line and some creative play calling to subdue opponents this season.

GHIDORAH IS COMING! AND ANYONE THINKING OF STOPPING HIM BEST BRING GODZILLA, KING KONG AND THE WHOLE DAMN MONSTER KINGDOM COME NFL SUNDAY.

The Brother Who Was Passed Over

Fredo Corleone: I’m your older brother, Mike, and I was stepped over!
Michael: That’s the way Pop wanted it.
Fredo: It ain’t the way I wanted it! I can handle things! I’m smart! Not like everybody says… like dumb… I’m smart and I want respect!

Every Family Has One. A Brother, Uncle or Cousin who feels he should've played a bigger role in the family business. He knows he's "Smaht" (smart). He just wants the love and respect of the family. Betrayal becomes his method of choice.

Here's a slideshow tribute to the character who first brought this family phenomenon to the world's attention. This is for Fredo Corleone, son of a Godfather, brother to a murderer. His own.

Do You Fill-up Using A Credit Card? Watch Out!

Call it false advertising, hidden fees or just plain old cheating. First we're told to be on the look out for suspicious terrorist activities, then the sub-prime mortgage debacle has us weary of home loans, why even the salmonella infected tomatoes didn't give me as sickly a feeling as the gas price hikes this summer.

And Now, on top of paying some of the highest gas prices this country has ever known, we're being warned to watch for hidden fuel costs when using our credit cards at the pump. Geez Louise!

I'm ready to purchase my own big rig fuel tanker, drive over to Tijuana, Mexico where gas is still a respectful $2.54 a gallon, and load up for the summer. What're they gonna do, arrest me for not buying American? Deport me for not spending $4.54 per gallon at Shell?

When does it all end I ask you? When will the auto and energy companies come up with an alternative to expensive fossil fuel or find ways to lower the cost? When will they decide they've gouged our pockets dry?

Answer: When us North American consumers begin flocking to Mexico for jobs, housing and reasonable gas rates at Flaco's Fuel and Fajita. Yo Quiero Flaco.

Barry Zito Pitches Giants Past Dodgers

Yes-in-deed, Barry Zito, the million dollar baby bust, pitched one helluva game in the SF Giants win over the L.A. Dodgers yesterday. After giving up back to back doubles to begin the game, Zito (4-12) hunkered down and began pitching his best game of the season at the Giants home park, possibly at any park.

For those Dodgers fans at the game who always seem to come to the Giants ballpark and treat it like Dodger Stadium North, by the bottom of the seventh they were quiet as church mice nibbling at crumbs. All that Dodger blue waiting for the Giants bullpen to blow it like the night before were left "scurrying" for the exit ramps long before Frank Sinatra's "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" began blaring out of the ballpark PA system.

I'll take the sounds of a swooning Frankie over booming fireworks on any fourth of July weekend game against the fodgers.

Barry Zito got the win, Brian Wilson got the save and the SF Giants gave us fans a rare San Francisco treat for the Holiday weekend, a home win over the stinking fodgers. Ray Charles couldn't have sang it better:

"America, America, God shed his grace on thee, and crowned thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea." Go Giants!

Final Score
Giants 5
Dodgers 2

Nathan's Hotdog Eating Champ Retains Belt

Joey "Jaws" Chestnut, last year's Hot Dog Eating Champion defends his title in a sudden death playoff match.

Of course the competitor who forced joey to stuff down a total of 64 Nathan's hot dogs was former champion Kobayashi, the 128 pound eating machine from Japan. It's been two years since Takeru Kobayashi last held the belt and it looks like he'll have to wait one more to have another go at it. But he'll be back, you can bet on that. The fans want him and I myself am still looking for a Kobayashi T-shirt to sport. He's the main reason 35,000 fans showed up to watch the Coney Island competition.

• Shoshichi Kobayashi (mathematician)
• Takao Kobayashi (astronomer)
• Takeru Kobayashi (competitive eater)
• Tetsuko Kobayashi (actress)
• Toru Kobayashi (astronomer)
• Toshiyuki Kobayashi (mathematician)
• Yasuo Kobayashi (aikido teacher)

In the meantime, 2008 Champion Joey Chestnut is enjoying his two year run and from the looks of it, has finally earned the respect of the once invincible Kobayashi. As they say in sports, in order to be the champ you have to beat the champ, and no challenger was able to beat Joey "The Champ" Chestnut this 4th of July.

So Joey, you've just won the 2008 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, what will you eat while at Disneyland?

Congratulations Joey "Jaws" Chestnut of San Jose, Ca., you've proven that you deserve to be crowned Hot Dog Eating Champion 2008. Now if only you could hold the belt up correctly. Video clips available on YouTube.

Warriors Lose A Leader

Looks like BD (Baron Davis), Golden State Warriors Point Guard, will be leaving the team to sign with the L.A. Clippers. Thanks for the highlight reel BD. Man's gotta do what a man's gotta due. BD is going back to the land he was raised in. No hard feelings about his departure. Can only wish him the best with the Clips. Though we're already looking at replacing him with Elton Brand of the Clips, I still feel that sinking feeling of losing more than I'll ever gain.

Baron Davis, "Former" point guard of the Golden State Warriors.

JUST BECAUSE WE'RE MEN!

JBLP

Our Boxer Of The Future

When I first saw this clip I just couldn't believe it. After playing it about three times I still just don't believe it. I saw Manny Pacquiao win his fourth title-weight belt this weekend with fast hands being the difference. If fast is what it takes to win championship belts these days, then 6-year old Golden Child Bam Bam, aka Pretty Boy, is destined to make Future Boxing History.

Anyone who tries to use the written word to describe the talents of this Gen-Z Boxer will easily run out of adjectives. He's simply what P.T. Barnum would call, "The Greatest Show On Earth."



Any Takers?

Fresno State Wonderdogs Win College World Series

The Fresno State Bulldogs of the WAC defeat the Georgia Bulldogs to earn the 2008 NCAA Baseball Championship. Instead of underdogs they've labeled themselves "Wonderdogs" and proudly showcased the moniker on t-shirts and signs at the stadium.










They not only earned the title of Champions, but did so in historic fashion by surviving six elimination games as a No. 4 regional seed (the first N0. 4 seed to reach the CWS since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1999).

Congratulations Fresno State Wonderdogs on winning your first NCAA CWS and adding to the ever growing archives of sports lore.

Link to a great article by John Meadus of how Fresno State won it all and why it ranks high on the sports historic upset meter: Fresno State Glass Slipper Fits

Santa Jet Skiing To A Chimney Near You!

Yes folks, Santa may be jet skiing instead of sledding to your chimneys this season. That is if the Xmas season were this summer. It's being reported that for the first time in our civilized history the North Pole will have no summertime ice over it's waters. Now I'm no weather channel analyst or global warming expert, but it doesn't take a PhD to figure out that no ice on the Arctic Sea spells trouble somewhere, somehow for some people.

It may not be this year, and it may not be an immediate catastrophic event, but believe me when I say life on this old earth won't be what it used to be when that inevitable change occurs.

I'll let you in on a little secret I learned from a wise old archaeologist years ago. Global changes in the earth's natural environment will not destroy the earth, but it can and will destroy the inhabitants living on earth.

Remember the dinosaurs, prehistoric creatures who roamed and ruled this planet some billions of years ago? they succumbed to the changes almost over night. There's proof that the change in some prehistoric environments happened without warning. Either immediate drought or immediate ice age, change was inevitable. Ever see those prehistoric willy mammoth's found in ice while still eating a meal? They weren't that slow were they? And what about Mars? Was it once a green and blue paradise that somehow lost it's luster?

So maybe it's time we start taking Al Gore and his message of global warming very seriously and begin pressuring our government to do something before this thing gets out of hand. If it means going back to horse and buggy I'm game. At $4.55 for a gallon of gas these days I'm ready to purchase a rickshaw and hire a footman to pull me around town. Whatever it takes to stop global warming and these petroleum producing companies from getting any richer. Maybe I'll purchase a few reindeer from Santa at markdown since he'll have no use for them in the near future.



Ho Ho Ho!

Shaq Rap and Imus Insult all in one Day

I refuse to write about the latest Shaquille O'neal diss on Kobe. I also have no comment on the most recent Don Imus racial slur. But many reporters, bloggers and interviewers have something to say about it.

Tell Me How My Blog Taste!

Very Funny Scene From 1991 Movie "Life Stinks"

I remember the movie "Life Stinks" as being funny, but I didn't remember it being so funny I'd get a belly ache from laughing so hard. Such was the case last night while watching this Mel Brooks comedy. 

I found myself rewinding scenes and laughing even harder the second time through. If only today's comedies could match this bygone era of slapstick. Though it's not a typical Mel Brooks comedy in the likes of Young Frankenstein or Blazing Saddles, it gives the funny bone a good work out and leaves you gasping for more. 

The scene I've posted is the one that just tickled me to death. At 3:07 of the clip, a crazed homeless man mimics the irate speaker at the podium believing himself to actually be delivering the threat which is really directed at him. Earlier in the movie this same crazed homeless man (played by Rudy De Luca) believes he's millionaire tycoon J. Paul Getty who just so happens to find himself down and out like our main character, played by Mel Brooks. 

Living in a city where homelessness is rampant, I found this movie to be as relevant today as when it was made back in the Reagan-era 90's. I suppose the movie is a serious comedy that shows us the funny and sad side of rich and poor. Maybe not for everyone, but definitely for those who can laugh on cloudy days.

SWITCH PITCHER VS SWITCH HITTER?

Yes, it happened last night in a minor league game between the Staten Island Yankees and the Brooklyn Cyclones. Only in New York I tell yah!

I'd just had a discussion recently about what if? What if a switch pitcher faced a switch hitter? Which player would determine whether it would be a lefty matchup or righty matchup? What do the MLB rules say?

Well it was obvious in last night's game that nobody was quite clear on the rules of such a matchup, least of all the umps. Every baseball fan is now giving their interpretations of the "Correct" rule on thousands of blogs. Anyone want to comment on the rule hear feel free.

Link to SI Article

The pitcher's name is Pat Venditte, recently acquired by the Staten Island Yankees. For the last three seasons he's pitched for the Creighton Bluejays in Omaha, Ne. He sports a specially made glove that's wearable on either hand, go figure.



The video clip of the switch matchup between pitcher and hitter resembles a classic comic routine straight from Abbott and Costello. Check it Out!

Video Clip

Boston Celtics are NBA Champions!

Paul Pierce Finals MVP

The probable has now become the printable as the Boston Celtics finish off the L.A. Lakers 131-92 to earn their first Championship in 22 years.

The Celtics made game 6 look like a scrimmage against a sixth seed NIT team. They out coached, out defended and out hustled the Lakers to leave no doubt in anyone's mind that they are deservedly the 2008 NBA Champions.

Afterwards, with mad man emotions leaking all over the Boston Garden parquet court, you could see just how much this Championship meant to the Boston players, coaches, personel and fans. They're probably still hugging and crying at the Garden as I type this. Go ahead and cry Boston, you've won.

Again, I'm not a Celtics fan. And I pretty much wish the worse for Boston teams as a whole. But for this Celtics team I happily cheered them on to victory against Kobe and the Lakers. Let's see how Jim Rome twists this loss into a positive for L.A., that cesspool of human producing earth waste.

If Boston can keep this team together a bit longer, they could find themselves hoisting up another Championship trophy in the near future. Imagine that, Big Baby Davis crying while cradling the 2010 NBA championship trophy. The Big Baby, gotta love it!

Congratulations Boston Celtics on reaching the NBA Mountaintop.

Raiders Breaking News! Breaking!

Raiders newly acquired wide receiver Javon Walker is found unconcious a block from the Las Vegas strip after being robbed and severely beaten.

Sounds bad I know. More questions than answers. Prayers go out to Javon for a full and speedy recovery. While the media has been guessing the worse, I'll just say that the young man is very lucky to be alive. Javon should be counting his blessings.

Here's a link to what is known about his injuries so far: Thoughts from the Dark Side

Tiger Wins US Open Playoff Match

It came down to sudden death in the playoffs. An underdog threatening to upset a proven champion, denying the champ another trophy. An underdog who was in awe of the champ's play and felt honored to be on the same playing field. An underdog who had fun with the media and genuinely just loves the game.

The game is golf and the underdog is Rocco Mediate. He came in to this 108th US Open ranked 158th and found himself in a playoff against the greatest golfer on the planet, Tiger Woods.

Tiger was coming off knee surgery and confessed to this being one of his toughest wins. In the end, the Champ prevailed and the underdog was glorified in placing an honary second to a legend.

Rocco and Tiger. It wasn't quite ROCKY VS APOLLO, but for a few hours over two days of play, their every swing sure held America in utter awe and suspense.

What a way for Tiger to bring in his 1st Father's Day.
Congratulations Champ!

Celtics Stun Lakers with 24 Point Comeback

Never thought I'd pity an L.A. team, but tonight was an evening for many firsts. Leading by as many as 24 points on their own court, the Los Angeles Lakers somehow laid an egg in losing their momentum and then the game to the "never-say-die" Boston Celtics 97-91.

The Comeback by Boston was the largest in finals history. The Celtics did it with pressure defense, clutch bench play, sharpshooter scoring, and their big three of Allen, Pierce and Garnett. I guess you could say Boston wanted it more. No Leprechaun luck this evening, credit coach Doc Rivers for making the right adjustments. The Celtics played like a championship team, period.

The stars came out in L.A. this evening only to be clouded over by a Boston Nor'easter. The L.A. fans, both famous and infamous, were totally stunned. They thought, as well as the rest of the basketball world outside of Boston, that they had the game in the bag and would be celebrating a laugher win. Instead of tying the series at two games apiece, the Lakers find themselves in a 3-1 hole where history tells us no finals team has ever returned from. E-V-E-R.

To be honest, after that Jordan-esque reverse layup Ray Allen planted on the Lakers kisser, a deep and dark hole is probably where the Lakers should hide out until game five come Sunday. I'm sure ESPN will be showing that play over and over again. I'm looking to post the clip myself.

I suppose all that's left is for the Lakers to play for pride on Sunday. After all, Kobe is the league MVP this season. Unfortunately for Los Angeles this season, Boston has the MVT (Most Valuable Team).

2008 NHL CHAMPION DETROIT RED WINGS

We must congratulate the Detroit Red Wings Hockey team for winning the Stanley Cup this season. They beat a formidable opponent in the Pittsburgh Penguins. I read today that the Red Wings have won FOUR championships in eleven years. I believe that qualifies them for dynasty status in the NHL.

Myself, I was hoping to see the Philadelphia Flyers get to the championship and win it all. I know nothing about the Flyers, but I bought an orange Flyers cap the other year to wear to Giants baseball games on "Orange Fridays" and I guess the hat has influenced my NHL fandom, sorry Sharks.

I've been traveling a bit lately and didn't get to see much championship Hockey play. But I did see a lot of Don Cherry the colorful hockey commentator for ESPN. Don gets my "Mack Daddy Award" for the year, check him out, flower and all:

Some of his outfits are a bit over the top, something that only a Dion Sanders could pull off in front of the cameras. But you gotta give it to Mack Daddy Don, he's one sharp sum beech. Who else could wear pinstripes and polka dots and not be taken for a clown?

It's a new NHL I tell you.

RB McFADDEN SIGNED!

Signed, sealed and ready to deliver. Raiders first round pick, RB Darren McFadden, is officially an Oakland Raider. Big Al, We the Raider Nation Salute You!

You're a part of the Nation now D-Mc. Now it's time to put in work.

NBA FINALS - GAME 1 GOES TO CELTICS

Just to set the record straight, I dislike all Boston/New England teams as well as those from Southern California. I could care less whether the Celtics or Lakers add another championship to their trophy case. After all it's just the nba, a league dominated by a few all-star individuals, not the NFL where a team of blue-collar players like the New York Giants can win it all.

It being the NBA though I must say that I've been mesmerized by the play of some individuals over the years. Yes, Jordan was the best. Magic, Bird and many before them were Greats. Today's finals bring us yet more individual greats. Of the greats in these finals, I'd like to see Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce finally earn their due. Kobe already has his, I believe K.G. and Pierce are hungrier and will come away with this year's championship.

Game 1 was a good watch. We'll see how it plays out.

Final Score Game 1
Celtics 98
Lakers 88

Tui is Back in Black?

Marques Tuiasosopo is back with the Oakland Raiders? Someone tell me I got it wrong. As much as I enjoyed the years of rooting for Tui to take over as quarterback, I now know better. It would most likely be a step backwards for the Raiders. I wonder if the playbook is even the same since Tui's last stint with the Raiders?

I suppose it's just Big Al giving Tui one more shot at making an NFL team before hanging up his cleats for good. A gesture of goodwill by the Raiders. But you never know. Jim Plunkett arrived with the Raiders at the right time and won two Super Bowls. Should JaMarcus Russell for some unexpected reason not be able to perform, Tui could be that suprise backup QB. But please God, give me a Tui on the sideline with a clipboard in hand while Jamarcus leads us to many victories this season. That is worth going to church and confessing my sins is it not Lord? ..........Lord?

Raiders News: 5/22/08 Oakland Raiders sign QB Marques Tuiasosopo.

Wah Wah Watkins

Wide Receiver Todd Watkins could be the surprise deep threat that the Raiders have been looking for. Who is Todd Watkins you may ask? Heck, I'm still trying to find information on him. But after reading the article "Don't Sleep On Todd Watkins" I'm pinching myself to see if what I read wasn't just a dream.

Bottom line, he's fast and can catch a football. If he makes the team we might see a JaMarcus to Watkins combination that will stretch the field for our bevy of running backs waiting to run roughshod over this season's opponents.

Oh, did I mention that Wah Wah Watkins will also give SeaBass some competition at field goal and point after kicks? He was just about flawless as a kicker in college at BYU.

I can smell the 2008 NFL season approaching. And the Raiders have all the ingredients for a winning dish.

Todd Watkins, an added spice to the Raiders offensive threat this coming season.

As for the Wah Wah bit, my bad. I was thinking of a funky guitar player from the 70's. Turns out his name was Wah Wah Watson. He Sho Wuz Funky!