Oakland Raiders Sweep San Diego Chargers

Oakland Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain, right, puts a hit on San Diego Chargers running back Darren Sproles in the first half during their NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010, in San Diego. Sproles stayed down on the field after the hit, before being attended to by team trainers. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy) ( Denis Poroy )



If you'd listened to Jim Nantz and Dan Fouts call the game on television you'd have thought the Raiders didn't deserve to be on the same field as the San Diego Chargers. Such was the privilege of the opposing team having a former Chargers quarterback fill-in for Phil Simms in the broadcast booth. So what else is knew when it comes to things going against the Oakland Raiders?

Thanks to the dominating play of the Oakland Raiders in all phases of the game, we fans of the Silver & Black got to witness a rarity in broadcasting while watching our team bounce back from a two game losing streak. The broadcasting team of Nantz and Fouts seemed so unprepared for a Raiders day of domination that their programming sounded flat and detached from the reality taking place on the field. It was a good example of what you see on the field and what you hear from the booth not being in sync. Maybe the Raiders haven't given broadcasters much to talk about the past few years, but aren't announcers supposed to bring an unbiased professionalism and honest reportage of action taking place on the field?

Right up to the end of the fourth quarter the broadcasters sounded their hopes for a San Diego victory with discussions of Chargers past western division dominance and QB Phillip River's comeback wins this season. They talked about Rivers and TE Antonio Gates like they were the Tom Brady and Wes Welker duo of the west. It didn't matter that the Raiders limited the Chargers #2 ranked offense to two field-goals in the first half and one touchdown in the second half. It was as if they'd bet on a sure thing and now had to be gracious in losing the wager. How shocking could a Raiders win be when the the first match-up between the two teams this season was won by the Raiders? Come-On-Man!

Meanwhile, the Raiders played Raider Football executing and making plays. QB Jason Campbell gets a game ball for his leadership and Houdini act on that flawless bootleg fake and run for a touchdown. Running Backs Darren McFadden & Michael Bush carried the offense and punished the Chargers with an in-your-face ground game. The offensive and defensive lines won their battles up front sparking the domination their backfields would enjoy. Defense was back to their run stuffing ways limiting the Chargers to 21 total rushing yards. 21 TOTAL RUSHING YARDS folks and the broadcasters barely whispered a peep about it during the game.

The concussing legal hit that Raiders linebacker Mike Mitchell laid on Chargers running back Darren Sproles was the type of hit linebackers live for and fans want to see. The broadcasters played it down and the network limited their replay of it to three at the most. What the heck is going on in the No Fun League these days?

Great Job by Raiders coaches! Head Coach Tom Cable, Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson and Defensive Coordinator John Marshall all had their stamp on this game. The Raiders came prepared for for this game with the coaches trusting the players and the players trusting the coaches. The coaches called the plays that put the team in position to win a game many assumed they couldn't. The players simply executed to perfection the coached game plan. Football 101.

Its so rewarding to prove those who say you can't do something wrong. The Oakland Raiders not only won the two game intra-division series against the Chargers for the first time since 2001, they also ended the San Dogs December streak of 18 wins dating back to 2005. I know this because the freakin broadcasters kept reminding us viewers of the dominating Decembers that the Chargers are known for. Oh well, merry frickin xmas from the Raiders, Jim Nantz and Dan Fouts.

Final Score
Raiders 28
Chargers 13

Programmable Grenade Launcher ---------------- At A War Near U!

Its a news item I hesitate to post simply because it doesn't promote "Peace on Earth." Its purpose is to introduce just the opposite, havoc and destruction.

The Pentagon's newly-sanctioned weapon of fast destruction will supposedly change the way battles are fought. The XM25 is a grenade launching rifle that utilizes programmable technology with its fire-power to engage targets hidden behind barriers. Its the XM25's 25mm shell that carries the brains in the form of an embedded microchip. Here's one description of how the technology works:

The revolutionary advance involves an array of sights, sensors and lasers that reads the distance to the target, assesses elements such as air pressure, temperature, and ballistics and then sends that data to the microchip embedded in the XM25 shell before it is launched

The army suggests that the XM25 will slash civilian deaths and damage with its pinpoint, low-risk accuracy. The army also is saying that "this system is turning soldiers with average shooting skills into those with phenomenal shooting skills."

It is such statements like these from the army that makes me shudder. We all know what happens when destructive technology gets into the wrong hands. We also know that today's proprietary technology sooner or later is released to the highest bidder(s). Bottom line, this technology will most likely one day be used against our own troops. And worse, its possible through a black-market cartel they can be released on the streets of a city near you. Remember what the army said, that the weapon only requires average shooting skills.

So although many battle tacticians of war will see this weapon as an edge over enemy forces, I personally see it as taking another bite out of humanity by introducing faster and easier ways to kill. Let's face it, if I'm a bad guy I want one of these sucka's and I'll plop down the dollars (for the price of a 2011 Buick Regal) to make sure I'm the first bully on the block with one.

Remember that old NRA slogan of "guns don't kill people, people kill people?" Well it looks as if that saying is about to be flipped on its head. The guns are getting smarter and the people are relying more on technology to do their thinking and less on the good ole noodle upstairs.

The makers of this combination of lethal hardware and software are Heckler & Koch along with L3 Communications.

Who are these two manufacturers and what regulations, if any, restricts them from selling to the enemy? Here's one article I was able to pull up on a quick web search:

The prime contractor for the development of the XM-25 CDTE is Alliant Techsystems, with major supporting contributions from L-3 Communications/Brashear (target acquisition/ fire control); Heckler & Koch Defense Gmbh (airburst weapons); and Alliant Techsystems (ammunition).

Here's another from a forum that links the two companies to a U.S. Congresswoman. This is really further than I wanted to delve bigbrother; honest:

~~~ And what is even more unethical, is the fact that Sanchez sits on the Homeland Security Committee, and as “LatinoPoliticoBlog” goes on to state:

“Since 2005, according the lobbying profile database at OpenSecrets.org, Einwechter has represented Heckler and Koch. Heckler and Koch manufactures firearms that are used by the Department of Homeland Security, again a government entity over which Congresswoman Sanchez has critical oversight. Beginning in 2008, according to the same lobbying profile database, Einwechter has also represented L1 Identity Solutions, which provides face, palm, and iris recognition products used by the Department of Homeland Security. L1 Identity Solutions also provides products to help implement the Real ID Act. The CEO of L1 Identity Solutions is Robert La Penta, who co-founded L3 Communications, a company that makes surveillance and reconnaissance equipment for the Department of Defense and Departments of Homeland Security. L3 Communications was the third top contributor to Loretta Sanchez’s campaign committee in the last election cycle.” Please find the full article herehttp://latinopoliticsblog.com/2009/06/02/the-making-of-the-%E2%80%9Cloretta-sanchez-scandal%E2%80%9D/ ~~~

ITS GOOD TO BE THE CHAMP!

Feeling the Holiday season creep in with the cold weather this past week, I bought my umpteenth SF Giants world series apparel today. The bargain purchase from a street vendor at civic center's Farmer's Market brought the whole World Series experience right back to me as if I were awakening to decide what Giants gear to wear to the Victory Day Parade. You Giants fans remember that tingling feeling I'm sure.

ITS GOOD TO BE THE CHAMP!

Living in a Baseball Championship City makes for a very satisfying off season. As a Champion, you get to hear other teams and fans admire and congratulate your teams' accomplishment. Your local sports radio stations replay the wonderful moments of the championship season for you morning, noon and night. Everywhere in the city people are wearing team championship gear and quick to bask in the memories of the championship run with you; its like, where were you when Edgar Renteria hit that three-run homer in game 5? Sexy women in Giants gear actually return your pervertive smile with glee. You feel as if the world is yours and nothing can put a damper on your off season mood.

Yeah.......ITS GOOD TO BE THE CHAMP!

Earlier this week Giants shortstop Juan Uribe inked a contract with the rival L.A. Dodgers. Today the Giants signed former A's shortstop Miguel Tejada, a bit long in the tooth at 37, but a very good replacement for Uuuuribe. Its true, everyone wants a piece of a champion and as scary as the prosepect is of losing that special team chemistry, we Giants fans face the future bold and unafraid. Why? Because we're Champions.

Hell Yeah.................ITS GOOD TO BE THE CHAMP!

A Champion doesn't let the pressure of defending its championship intimidate him. Nor does a champion worry much about replacing parts that are deemed unproductive or overpriced. A champion wins its championship, basks in the glory and celebration of its championship then begins the business of retooling itself to be better. And because everyone likes a champion, as some parts are lost to free agency some valuable parts can be gained by it. A champion attracts other champions.

As the San Francisco Bay Area begins a cold record-breaking winter season, Giants fans across the region will stay warm in the glow of experiencing what it means to be a World Series Champion. The 2010 Xmas season started early in the bay. My newly purchased orange Giants gear fits like a glove; a World Series Glove.

Hell F@cking Yeah........ITS GOOD TO BE THE CHAMP!

A Cold Day In Hell

I've heard that Hell is a place of disappointment and frustration. I've also heard that its the anticipation of Heaven that makes Hell so.......hellish.

Think about it, you follow your spiritual leader's orders by drinking the poisoned Kool-Aid only to hear the demonic words "leaving paradise" as you take your last breath.

Or you find yourself swimming stranded in shark-infested waters and come upon a raft, only to have your emergency knife, secure in your utility belt, open and puncture a hole in the raft as you climb into it. And this after causing a bloody cut on your hand to dribble blood into the SHARK infested waters.

Hell is being put in a challenging situation and finding the path to success or safety either blocked, just out of reach or made more distant by your actions. Its making a choice to follow a path that initially looks promising but may eventually lead to your demise.

In a nutshell, Hell is sitting in a windy and cold football coliseum watching your team lose in the most torturous of ways. Your team executes some exciting plays and have you on the verge of crowning them heavenly winners, then they let their opponent dominate and humiliate them without putting up much of a fight. You're left cold, disappointed and wondering why you chose to follow this team in the first place. Why continue drinking the poison if you know it won't get you into paradise?

Today was a cold day in Oaktown as the Miami Dolphins came to town and showed us how a playoff caliber team competes and wins on the road. Yes, the Oakland Raiders were allowed to drink the kool-aid and discover the raft early in the game, only to find their hopes for reaching paradise punctured by a Dolphin's fin when the final gun sounded.

Hell is being allowed to hope when you're destined to face failure. Its facing cold after anticipating heat, its agonizing over defeat after expecting a win. Hell is being an Oakland Raiders fan......

Final Score
Dolphins 33
Raiders 17

KNBR's Torture After Turkey Day

Giants Series Clinching Games

Oct. 3rd - Padres 0 Giants 3

Oct. 11th - Giants 3 Braves 2

Oct. 23rd - Giants 3 Phillies 2

Nov. 1 - Giants 3 Rangers 1

San Francisco Bay Area radio station KNBR broadcast a day of tribute to the San Fransco Giants run to the World Series Championship today. They did this by airing the Giants four series clinching games that ended with a game 5 victory over the AL Champion Texas Rangers.

Aired in four chapters, I just happened to catch chapter 3 which was game 6 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies in its entirety. It was as filling as the Turkey dinner I had yesterday.

Hearing Kruk, Kuip and John Miller call that torturous Pennant winning game made for a truly filling Thanksgiving Holiday buffet. I'll never get tired of re-living the Giants Championship season with all its trimmings. I listened and cheered as if I didn't know what the outcome would be. I suppose this is how fans of championship teams spend their offseason. Who Knew?

Anyone who says they play or watch for the love of the game hasn't participated in a World Series championship as a fan or player. The baseball season doesn't end for a champion, it just simmers and gets more flavorful to the palate like a good stew. You can put it in the refrigerator, take it out and heat it up a week later and it tastes better than the first spoonful. Like allowing the tenderizing seasoning overnight of meat, giving it time to sink in for better flavor. The Giants World Series win is the most tender and tasteful meat I've had the pleasure of putting on my barbecue since the Raiders won the 2002 AFC Championship.

Its my first championship and I'll never be the same as a fan because of it. I think all Giants fans feel the same way, we've been reborn and life is so full of ......optimism.

Don't talk to me about trades, free-agency or arbitration right now, I'm way too caught up in the afterglow of winning a World Series. I can't wait to see what Xmas Day 2010 brings to us Giants fans. Heck, I'd take a replay of the Giants Victory Day Parade over the Rose Bowl parade on television come New Years Day.

Let's Go Giants!

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

Thanksgiving Day Replay of 2007 eating competition appropriately titled the "MLE Chowdown." I'm still a loyal fan of Takeru Kobayashi's. He's the reason I began reporting on eating competitions in the first place. Who else but the eating Tsunami would challenge a live bear to a hot dog eating competition?

Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Day Stuffing!

Full Competition SpikeTV SPIKE.com

Antonio Margarito Post-Fight PIC

Margarito picture and article from Ariel Payopay blog, obviously a pro-Pacquiao blog

See what happens when you make fun of Freddie Roach’s parkinson’s disease on television? You end up with your face having a fractured orbital bone.

Pacquiao killed Margarcheato even with his 4.5 inch height, 6inch reach, 17lbs, and illegal Hydroxycut. Pacquiao even had the sportsmanship to chill out the last 2 rounds because he felt pity for his opponent. And the Pac haters are still coming up with excuses today. I told you guys not to worry about anything.

read on at Ariel Payopay.....

Raiders Ejected In Blitzburgh (I-W-U)

What does I-W-U stand for? "IT WAS UGLY!"

The Oakland Raiders visited the Pittsburgh Steelers in hopes of repeating their upset victory of last season. They not only lost but couldn't come close to their performance of 2009 at Heinz Field.

The Steelers defense kept the Raiders from doing what they do best, running the ball. Through penalties the Steelers kept giving the Raiders chances to take over the game, but the Raiders offense could only manufacture 3 points.

The Raiders defense initially showed up to play, keeping the Steelers off the board early. But you can't expect your defense to carry you on the road in a hostile environment against a championship caliber team. Ask D-fensive tackle Richard Seymour. Seymour, a main cog in the Raiders defense, was ejected from the game just before halftime. The cause; smushing a hand through the facemask of Steelers QB Ben Rothlisberger's after the play. After throwing a touchdown, Big Ben made some kind of remark that didn't sit well with Seymour. It Was Ugly.

My analysis is that the Raiders were outcoached early and often. While the Steelers pulled out a few trick plays and such to slow down and soften the Oakland defense, the Raiders added nothing to their offensive scheme; no screens, no reverses, no nothing. Oh, maybe I missed one wildcat formation that was forgettable.

QB Bruce Gradkowski should have replaced Jason Campbell earlier as Campbell was rattled and reverted back to his statue-like pocket presence. The team simply had nobody to rally around. Coaches weren't coaching, leaders weren't leading and the opposition was given enough time to reload, take aim and fire at will. It Was Ugly.

Leadership: The ability to keep your head about you when everyone else is losing theirs.

"IF" by Rudyard KiplingFinal Score

Raiders 3
Steelers 35

Tribal Sayings & Wisdom

"A Dog Has Never Called a Man and Then Beaten Him"

old Kru Tribe saying

I came across this saying in an African Treasury book of stories selected by Langston Hughes.

The Kru was a tribe from the interior of the country known as Liberia on the west coast of Africa. It's that old ancient wisdom that continues to make us think about and question man's ways.

NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR IS A GIANT - BUSTER POSEY

San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey was voted rookie of the year in the National League. Amazing that a rookie could help lead his team to a World Series Championship. Ashkon was right; Hands-down Rook-ee of the Yeeeaaaar. Congratulations Rook!

Guess Who's Leading The AFC West Now?

AFC West Team....... W L T Pct Div

Oakland Raiders.......5 4 0 .556 3-0
Kansas City Chiefs.....5 4 0 .556 1-4
San Diego Chargers....4 5 0 .444 1-4
Denver Broncos........3 6 0 .333 1-3


Its official, with the Broncos putting a stomping on the Chiefs today, the Oakland Raiders at (5-4) are tie for the division lead. Oakland has the better division record and a win over the Chiefs which in my book makes the Raiders division leaders.

On a weekend that saw the Raiders rest, the AFC West is as open as the NFC West. Its anybody's division and the one who fights hardest down the stretch will earn it.

This bye-week saw the Raiders getting healthy with possible returns of key players. I heard on the blog wire that wide receiver Chaz Schilens was seen running drills and making cuts in practice. If we can add a Schilens or Murphy to Jacoby Ford in the receiving corps, imagine how the running game will benefit from that.

We're going into Pittsburgh next weekend to take on the Steelers who will probably still be pissed over losing to the Patriots tonight. So put on your colors Raider Nation and begin acting like a winner. We're the AFC West Division leading Oakland Raiders and we'll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Win, Lose or Tie
Raider Til I Die

A Boxing David Pummels Goliath

Who else but boxing great Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao could move up in weight to take on a man who outweighs him by 15 pounds and give one of the most dominating performances of his boxing career? Goliath didn't have a chance.

Manny defeated Antonio Margarito to win the junior middleweight championship, his 8th. Margarito is a strong, determined mexican fighter who looked as if he couldn't believe the speed and skill of Pacman had rendered his boxing skills useless. After 12 bruising rounds and a gaping red cut under his right eye Margarito knew he was a beaten man. But give the Goliath credit, he never gave up the fight even when at times it appeared he should have.

The large Mexican fanbase at giant-sized Texas Stadium were shocked into silence at the chopping down of their Goliath. Filipinos in attendance had 12 rounds of karaoke practice in singing the praises of their native son Pacman. In the Philippines I'm sure that Frank Sinatra's "My Way" was probably unbanned in karaoke bars for a night, such was the celebratory mood of Pacquiao's countrymen.

As for Manny, he vowed after the fight to continue helping people through his political position and stated convincingly that he still wants to fight. When asked about Floyd Mayweather, Manny was as diplomatic as any congressman when he said he's not afraid to fight anyone.

At this point Manny is on top of the boxing world. If anyone out there wasn't convinced that Manny is the greatest boxer in this era, seeing him perform his David conquering Goliath act last night should erase their doubts.

Honestly, I had visions of Bruce Lee when watching Manny pounce around the ring last night. His speed, his grace and his intensity all warped me back to a time in the early 1970's where I sat mesmerized by a small muscled asian hero as he pounced around the Coliseum of Rome like a cat and kicked the shit out of American martial artist Chuck Norris. How ironic that today actor Norris is known for his current role as a Texas Ranger. Well young'ins, there was a time when the world was stunned by the dominance of a small asian fighter; that time is upon us once again.

Manny Pacquaio is our 2010 version of Little Dragon whipping tail.

Re-Living The SF Giants Amazing Championship Run

Its just as fulfilling looking back on the San Francisco Giants playoff run without the torture dangling around your neck. I don't know about other Giants fans, but for me the the more I think about what our team accomplished and how they accomplished it, the more I just simply can't believe it.

I know the theme song was Ashkon/Journey's "Don't Stop Believe'in," but Come'On Man, who had the Giants beating the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers before coming home to hoist their first San Francisco World Series trophy to the Bay Area heavens?

October
1st........Padres 6 Giants 4
2nd.......Padres 4 Giants 2
3rd........Padres 0 Giants 3 (Giants 1 win clinches division title)

7th........Braves 0 Giants 1 (NLDS/Giants 3-1)
8th........Braves 5 Giants 4
10th......Giants 3 Braves 2
11th.......Giants 3 Braves 2

16th......Giants 4 Phillies 3 (NLCS/Giants 4-2)
17th......Giants 1 Phillies 6
19th......Phillies 0 Giants 3
20th.....Phillies 5 Giants 6
21st......Phillies 4 Giants 2
23rd.....Giants 3 Phillies 2

27th.....Rangers 7 Giants 11 (World Series/ Giants 4-1)
28th.....Rangers 0 Giants 9
30th.....Giants 2 Rangers 4
31st......Giants 4 Rangers 0

November
1st........Giants 3 Rangers 1

When Baseball Is More Than A Field Of Dreams

Folks I introduce to you Josiah Viera. His story is one that trancends not only our love of sports, but our understanding and appreciation for what it means to be a living human being.

If I ever have the pleasure to meet Josiah, whether it be in this world or the next, I'd like him to know that the strength, courage and love of life he exhibited while on this earth has struck a spiritual chord in me that I thought only God could pluck.

Its a chord not of sympathy or pity, but one that vibrates with the beautiful essence of life itself. Its that sound inside of us that startles us to tears when it shakes us awake and reminds us that regardless of our current situation, we are and always will be in this wonderful kingdom of an almighty _ _ _..

Thank you Josiah for rekindling for us that message from our Lord so eloquently. We are blessed because you shared your love for this world and the game of baseball.



ESPN: Josiah Viera

Update: Former Geisinger miracle child has died. (Dec. 2018)

Book About Red Sox Curse from 1918 by Dan Shaughnessy

Just finished a great book about the curse laid on the Boston Red Sox in 1918 when they traded one of the greatest players that ever lived. There's a story of a San Francisco Giants curse that was lifted recently which allowed them to win this year's World Series Championship.

Curse The Fan Who Rejects A Good Baseball Story, November 10, 2010

This review is from: The Curse of the Bambino (Paperback)

The book "The Curse of The Bambino" is a great read full of colorful stories about baseball and the men who promoted and played the game. Sure I come to the book after the Boston Red Sox have won two modern day World Series, but good stories cannot be erased by events that occur after the fact. In fact, I'd say the story of the Bambino Curse was put in a time-capsule the moment the Sox finally won it all in 2004. And who doesn't like opening up a time-capsule and peering into a time and place that once was? Based on many reviews of this book I'd say there is one group unwilling or unable to look back; Red Sox fans.

I think what author Dan Shaughnessy did with the Sox curse is give a reader the full unbiased story from beginning to end. As a baseball fan you'll enjoy reading not only about Babe Ruth and owner Harry Frazee, but the many many ball players and incidents that mysteriously kept the curse going for over 90 years. I do feel for those Red Sox fans who lived and died during the era of the curse, never seeing their beloved Sox win it all. I believe this book is a tribute to those fans as well as fans of all sports who know the heartbreak of being close to winning it all only to have it snatched away in the blink of a interception, a three pointer, a goal, a putt or a sure out ground ball mysteriously rolling between two Buckner legs. Sorry Sox fans, it couldn't be avoided.

Dan writes like few other sports writers reporting on baseball. He mixes the old with the new, the facts with the myths and the heroics with the heart breaks. He's a reporter who isn't afraid to give his take on why the unexpected in sports can so easily become the expected. He gives us also a glimpse into the ever growing history of baseball, even throwing in the Jackie Robinson story. I never knew that Robinson's first tryout in the majors was with the Boston Red Sox, did you?

I really enjoyed reading my 2000 Penguin Edition of "The Curse of The Bambino," which features a picture of Bill Buckner's blunder on the cover. I refused to put it down at a time when my San Francisco Giants were exorcising demons of their own on the way to a Giants World Series Championship, their first in San Francisco ever. It was a season full of torture as well as triumph and it had a sort of unexplainable redemptive spiritual essence to it. Call it a reverse of a curse if you will, it was amazing. Mesmerizing right through to the victory parade down San Francisco's Market Street.

If you love the game of baseball, you'll appreciate the incredible stories that come with it. The Curse of The Bambino is one of those incredible stories that must be chewed on like tobacco in order to savor the juices, even if those juices are known to be hazardous to your health.

Great Job Dan!
9-4-1-8

Raiders Make Division Statement

The stage couldn't have been set better for a rivals game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders. Both teams are tasting chunks of success after suffering years of surviving on scraps from the banquet tables of Denver and San Diego.

The Chiefs have taken the reign of AFC West team-to-beat since week 1 this season. The Raiders, with a stout defense and a resurgent running game, are competing at a level few thought them capable of this year. The two teams mirror each other in many ways, however, its the Chiefs that seem to be the media's cinderella darlings coming into Sunday's game in Oaktown.

The Raiders were coming off two commanding wins and finally sold out their first game in eons. Leading in division wins (2) coming into the game, the Raiders could make a strong case for team-to-beat to beat in the division should they pull out a win.

The Raider Nation packed the Coliseum and the Oakland Raiders delivered. It wasn't always pretty and the Chiefs didn't just role over, but the Raiders exhibited a winning determination that teams of years past hardly ever showed.

Missing key starters on offense (Z.Miller) and defense (N.Asoumogha), the Raiders pulled together and inspired each other to greatness on a day that smelled of doom early. They overcame a 10-0 half-time deficit, a day of bad officiating that awakened conspiracy theory talk, injuries and penalties (15-140 yards). Upon all this they came back to tie the game in the last seconds of regulation, then win it in overtime after forcing the Chiefs to go three and out after getting the ball first.

Yes, it was a day that will go down as a Classic Raiders Win, and to have it locally televised means the SF Bay Area witnessed the Raider Nation's transformation from scrap beggar to banquet table host. It defnitely was an electric win that us fans are still savoring this monday morning. I hadn't seen the fans so hyped after a game since..........playoff days.

The Oakland Raiders head into their bye-week with a 5-4 record and leave the Chiefs (5-3) hovering at the corner of the banquet table trying to keep their guest pass valid. The Raiders currently own the only inner-division winning record at 3-0 while the Chiefs awake this morning with a 1-1 record and the Broncos (0-1) and Chargers (0-2) are groveling under the banquet table fighting for scraps.

Final Score - OT
Chiefs 20
Raiders 23











Game Ball To Raiders Rookie Jacoby Ford:
148 receiving yards
158 return yards(see espn)

note: I've already purchased SF Giants World Series gear, but leaving the Raiders game I couldn't pass up buying a classy Giants t-shirt with a sea of hands lifting the World Series trophy along with a caption below that read: "AFTER 56 YEARS THE TORTURE IS OVER"

Maybe just maybe, lightening will strike twice in bay area sports this year. From the look of all the Giants fans at the Coliseum wearing hints of orange and black with SF caps, anything is possible . Wow!

SF Giants Victory Parade: AWESOME!

What A Difference A World Series Makes

Today I awake to the unbelievable; the San Francisco Giants are World Series Champions. Giants fans who are not just bandwagon fans understand the feelings I'm experiencing this morning. They, like myself, awoke this morning and scrambled to read a newspaper headline just to be sure it all wasn't some freak dream. It wasn't.

I attended the last game of last season with glove and ball, feeling sadness afterward that the season had come to an end without my Giants going to the playoffs. And to put salt in the wound, the Dodgers had made the post-season. I blogged about my love of baseball and my Giants team. It was a "wait'll next year" moment for me. Now here it is the next year and my team are World Series Champions? Someone please, pinch me again and tell me I'm not dreaming.

October 2, 2009
Baseball Season Closed

So here I am, writing to keep from moping around, tossing my ball into my leather baseball glove over and over like a child who's playmate had to leave much too early. The baseball season is officially over at my home ballpark and sure there's the playoffs and a world series approaching, but without my Giants in it life just seems to carry a bitter taste about now.

WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS

Giants greet world series mvp Edgar Renteria at home plate after his 3-run smash homer

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

2010

TORTURE

NEVER FELT SOooo G-O-O-D

UNBELIEVABLE!

SF Victory Parade set for Winner's Wednesday

Oakland Raiders Shutdown Seattle Seahawks

DEFENSE!

Apologies to Raiders Fans but my baseball team is 1 win away from clinching the World "Freakin" Series. Sure I went out to the coliseum and watched my beloved Raiders cook the sea birds this afternoon. I watched Darren McFadden rush for over 100 yards, Darius Heyward-Bey catch for 105 yards, the defense sack the quarterback 8 times and allow only 47 yards rushing. The Raiders offense put up over 500 yards for the second straight week. No Raiders team has ever accomplished this feat. Ever!

I saw backup quarterback Jason Campbell pass for 310 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. He impressed me with how he bounced back from a flat first half of play.

I also saw a new Raiders weapon in fullback Marcel Reece. Though listed at fullback, Reece runs like a halfback, catches like a receiver and looks like a punt or kick returner when in space. He simply exploited the Seahawks defense in so many different ways. Reece should be added to the Raiders gameplans moving forward.

The one bad highlight of the day was seeing pro bowl cornerback Nmandi Asomougha go down with an ankle or foot injury. He was down for quite a while but managed to get up and off the field with assistance from two Raiders staff. Reports are the x-rays were negative and it appears to be a bad sprain. They say sprains are more painful than breaks when they first occur, which might explain the painful look of Nmandi's when tenderly hopping to the sideline.

Great Game Raiders, two wins in a row. We're 4-4 at the halfway point of the season with division leading Kansas City (5-2) coming into our house next week. Its Time!

Final Score
Seahawks 3
Raiders 33

Bumgarner shuts out Rangers - Giants 1 Away

Giants Lead Series 3 games to 1

(as radio host Damon Bruce once said: enough with the screaming, show me the baby)

21-year old Madison Bumgarner pitched eight innings of three hit ball for a pivotal Giants win in game 4 of the World Series. Bumgarner kept the Rangers hitters off balance and ineffective most of the night with groundouts, flyouts and strikeouts. The kid is a machine with smarts.

Freddie Sanchez, with a snagging snowcone catch in the 2nd inning, led the impressive defensive plays of the Giants infield. And when Aubrey Huff put the Giants ahead 2-0 with a blasting home run to right, Bumgarner went into cruise-control and hushed the Texas Rangers, their fans, team President Nolan Ryan and the two former U.S. Presidents (GW & GWjr) in a Giants style of baseball domination:

Pitching.Pitching.Pitching.Defense.Defense.Defense.Pitching.Pitching.Pitching.OuttaHere!

And on this night of young'ins, Giants rookie catcher Buster Posey sent a pitch 404+ feet over the centerfield wall in the 8th to solidify the dominating night. Buster, like Bumgarner and many of the young Giants players, has shown a maturity in his playing that has the so-called experts checking the baseball history stats. Its truly a wonderful time to be a Giants fan. Don't stop believing!

The San Francisco Giants are one game away from claiming their first World Series Title in 52 years of play in the Bay. I almost hate to see this magical season end, even if it is in triumph. Tim Lincecum is on the mound for tomorrow's game 5. The city will have a big jumbo screen set up at Civic Center for free viewing of the game. AT&T Park should've opened their gates for fans to watch the game there, but I'm sure they're insurance wouldn't cover damage from a fan celebration.

With a Giants win tomorrow, time will stand still in the San Francisco Bay Area. Don't get caught frozen out of the historic moment. Watch the Damn Game!

The Magic Number Is 1

Happy Halloween!

Raiders go Trick or Treating, pillaging just for fun!

RB Darren McFadden - AFC Player Of The Week

Darren McFadden Outrunning Bronco Defender

The well lubricated engine that powered the Oakland Raiders 59-14 win over the Denver Broncos was named AFC Player of the Week for his effort. Running Back Darren McFadden is now definitely on the radar of opposing teams as well as Fantasy Football analysts.

Againt the Broncos D-Mac had 165 yards rushing, 31 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns. He showcased both power, speed and smarts while running around and through Bronco defenders.

The former Arkansas Razorback is now healthy and has stepped up his game to tier 1 player level. We Raiders fans knew he was capable, now the NFL knows. Its time to shine Raider Nation, time to shine.

Congratulations D-Mac on your Committment to Excellence!

SF Giants Put Up 9 Runs On (s)Lugging Rangers

Game 2 of the 2010 World Series matchup between the San Francisco Giants and the Texas Rangers went to the Giants 9-0.


The team along with its manager and staff are simply in a zone. Those athletes who know about being in "the zone" know that its more than physical and as close to perfection as the malaligned universe will allow human effort to reach. I call it Harmony, Championship Harmony!

Not quite the twilight zone. Orange Man is Giants fan Kevin Boutin returning to his seat at AT&T Park. Photo: Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle

Giants pitcher Matt Cain handled the Rangers lineup like a a teen texting on an iphone. Watching Cain deliver 102 pitches in seven innings so effortlessly, you almost forgot about the slugging threat the Rangers reportedly pose to their opponents. Cain gave up four hits and no runs as the Giants played some all-star defense behind him. The pitcher also had a base hit he smacked up the middle.

Yes folks, tonight the Giants pitching was masterful, the hitters patient and the opponent silenced. There was a moment when I swore I saw an angel on the outfield wall. In the top of the 5th with the game scoreless, Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler leads off with a smash hit to left center on an 0-2 count. The ball sailed high and deep into the night as if it had a date with destiny. Its destiny turned out to be the top of the center field wall which it doinked then mysteriously pounced back into the glove of center fielder Andres Torres. Kinsler was limited to a double and Matt Cain would force three of the next four hitters to ground out or pop out to end the inning. I've never seen a ball with so much home run potential bounce back toward the outfield with such........conviction.

Edgar Renteria was Boss Batter tonight as he smashed a home run over the left field wall to give the Giants a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 5th inning. It seemed that would be all Cain would need to win it for the Giants, but Texas became generous in the 8th as the Giants scored seven runs with two outs, many on walks with bases loaded. You almost felt sorry for the Rangers pitchers. But Nah, it was a Rangers pitcher who treated our hitters like Rodney Dangerfield, "No Respect."

For the Giants the game became a laugher, for Texas their hopes of winning the series went on red alert!

So the Giants are headed to Arlington, Texas tomorrow where they have three games to either awaken a sleeping giant or put a fork in him and take off with his horse, cowboy hat and boots so he won't try following you home for supper.

The Giants Magic Number Is 2

Cain Is Abel

Today the SF Giants have starter Matt Cain on the World Series mound for game 2. Cain has been a Giants workhorse going deep into the latter innings of games. I've personally chosen him as our best pitcher down the stretch of this unbelievable season. Cain is more than Able to shutdown the Texas Rangers hitters and put the Giants up 2-0 in the series.

Over the weekend there was another underdog named Cain who overpowered his favored opponent with a barrage of hits. The proud Mexican-American slugger is now the new UFC Heavyweight Champion after defeating the so-called undefeatable Brock Lesnar. It was quick and painful to watch former champion Lesnar get chopped down and stumble toward defeat. But this is UFC where on any give day the act of submission could be yours.

As for the new Champion, his name is Cain Velasquez and here's a clip of his post-fight appearance on the George Lopez show:

SF Giants 11 Runs In World Series Game 1

The Cliff Lee Killer - Freddie Sanchez

The San Francisco Giants made yet another shutdown pitcher look human. The talk was all about Texas Rangers unhittable pitcher Cliff Lee, who carried an 0.75 ERA coming into game 1 of the World Series. By the time 84-year old Tony Bennett came out in the middle of the seventh to sing God Bless America, Lee had been benched and the Rangers were trailing the hot hitting Giants 8-4.

Cliff Lee quote after the loss:

"You've got to give credit to their hitters. It wasn't like I walked the bases loaded. They swung their way on base."

Even with a four run lead that began as a six run burst in the 5th, the Giants found a way to torture us fans just a bit. First they teased us by batting in three more runs to extend the lead to 11-4. Then in the top of the ninth the Rangers bats came to life against Giants pitchers Ramon Ramirez and Jeremy Affeldt. Closer Brian "Fear The Beard" Wilson would come in to end any comeback threat as the Giants celebrate winning game 1 in convincing style, 11-7.

The Boss of the night was Freddie Sanchez who had four hits in five at bats. Three of those hits were doubles for a World Series record. Sanchez wore #12 in Pittsburgh and now wears #21 here in San Francisco. The connection? Roberto Clemente. Go Freddie!

The Magic Number is 3

Still Pinching Myself - The World Series?

Imagine you've been granted a ticket to game 1 of the World Series. Imagine your hometeam San Francisco Giants are hosting that World Series game. Thanks to your fairy godfather you've been provided with clothing to match your teams' colors, eyepopping orange transportation and an elegance that'll make you the life of the party.

Nobody expects a rogue like you to be attending a royal gathering such as this, the World Series. But you know you're more than worthy of being a part of this grand event.

The word is out, someone has leaked the news that a sparkling orange coach delivered an eccentrically strange guest just minutes ago outside on Willie Mays plaza. Inside, all eyes, including the gem-like pair belonging to the prettiest and richest woman in attendance, are on the stairway leading into the grand place. The woman, like a shining trophy, awaits the one destined to win her heart.

Your entry cuts into the crowd's silence like a knife through butter, meltingly smooth and precise. Here is how you enter Game 1 of the World Series; an unexpected guest who's thrilled to be going to the championship to claim your long awaited prize.

Bronco Meat For Sale: 59 Cents A Pound

DENVER - OCTOBER 24: Tight end Zach Miller of the Oakland Raiders strides into the endzone in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 24, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

How the hell do you match witnessing your baseball team advance to the World Series? Well, since the Super Bowl is months away I'll settle for a blowout of the division rival Broncos by the Oakland Raiders, in Denver.

The Oakland Raiders, coming off a 17-9 loss to the 49ers, annihalated the Broncos yesterday. They put up 59 points, the most ever by a Raiders team. RB Darren McFadden ran for 165 yards on 16 carries, QB Jason Campbell connected on 12 of 20 passes for 204 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. The offensive line blocked, the defense defended and the Silver & Black had the most dominating performance over any opponent since Rich Gannon was steering the ship to its last Super Bowl.

If you're familiar with the Game Review section of the San Francisco Chronicle, a peak at it will reveal something you've probably never seen. The little man who's usually sleeping or barely sitting up in his chair on Raiders reviews is out of his chair clapping with a his tongue hanging out his mouth in exhileration. That in all four phases of the game review: Offense - Defense - Special Teams - Coaching. Congratulations Raiders! And thanks SF Chronicle for putting aside your biases and giving a great win its rightful due.

The score was 24-0 at the end of the first quarter. 38-7 at the half. 59-14 at the end of the third quarter. And the Raiders rested as the Broncos laid down in the 4th. Coach Tom Cable has the Raiders team ready for this game. The 59 points executed to perfection will be a measuring bar for the Raiders the rest of the season. I know is was a lowly Broncos team but until this win the Raiders were in the same pool of teams as the Broncos, maybe lower.

Now the Silver & Black are second in the division and carry a 2-0 record in it; the best within the division. We are positioned to climb out of the football cellar and make some noise this season. We're 3-4 with nine games left to play. A lot can happen in the span of nine weeks.

Coming into the Oakland Coliseum this weekend will be the NFC West division leader Seattle Seahawks, a decent team but beatable. We beat'em in the preseason easily. With this Sunday being Halloween, a Raiders Holiday, I expect our team and fans to come out and "Frighten" the opponents in ways the've never been.

Raider Nation & the Oakland Raiders Are Back! BOOOOoooooooo!

BASEBALL: Pregnancy - Labor - Birth

The San Francisco Chronicle's "Fan Forum" wants to hear from Giants fans their thoughts about the season. I have only one description, not personally experienced, but I believe its beauty and torture matchup well with the Giants 2010 season.

Pregnancy - Labor Pains - Birth

Whenever I, a grown man of advancing years, watch footage of a woman giving birth I cringe, uncontrollably buckle my knees, then cover my ears as I pray for the baby to come soon and end the poor mothers suffering. I've heard women describe the experience as "painfully beautiful," knowing that they're the vessel through which the Almighty has chosen to populate his garden.

While a mother might feel spiritual sensations immediately following the act of giving birth, I can only imagine the many tortures she must've felt during the process. I mean, how does a man keep from passing out when the doctor explains that the pain and delay of birth were caused by the feisty infant's death grip on the mother's pelvic bone? Come On Man!

To many a man alive birth is true torture. To the sweating, laboring mother giving birth, it can be one of the most memorable moments in her life that produces a most beautiful gift; a gift she carried in her body for nine months from that early spring conception. She courageously suffered through the morning sickness, the back pain and the emotional swings while all the while persons were telling her how beautiful and glowing her face appeared. At times during the pregnancy she thought herself the ugly duckling, at other times Cinderella impatient to attend the ball. When she finally got to look at and hold her newborn she cried with joy, knowing that the pain and suffering was well worth the gift of delivering a child and being crowned with the accomplished title of motherhood.

Hence we have the 2010 San Francisco Giants baseball team, pregnant with promise in the spring of 2010. Sports doctors gave them little hope of surviving a full term pregnancy and delivering successfully in October. The team was simply too weak as early tests showed possible defective antibodies. A health plan was devised which fed the team some new nourishing supplements via free agent and fresh farm team additions. It was a unique assembly of used and new experimental parts that made up the team’s treatment plan. It took time for the treatment to take effect and still they continued bidding for a prized slugging discovery before the abortive deadline date of early summer. The deadline would come and go without any slugging additions; the team would have to carry their load with a slightly challenged lineup of slugging power.

Threatened by complications caused by rival teams, lacking in slugger proteins, the team, still pregnant with promise, rallied in its final trimester stage. This latter stage of the pregnancy saw the teams’ little promise survive threats of post season elimination as the team battled and barely pulled through the final home stretch series of challenges. The teams’ dominating immune system pitched around and through opponents to make up for its compromised slugger protein counts, avoiding pregnancy setbacks and possible miscarriage.

Thanks again to the teams’ immune system of clutch pitching; the one game playoff setback was in fact avoided the last day of the season.

The teams’ water broke on October 7th as specialists from Atlanta and then Philadelphia flew in with suggestions of terminating the pregnancy. The team and family of fans never gave up hope as local doctors Kuiper and Krukow prescribed Ashkon pills to those losing faith during heartbreaking playoff losses. The pills had a collective uplifting effect as emotionally charged chants of “don’t stop believing” were heard echoing throughout the homes of many a San Francisco Giants fan. It was a harrowing and torturous two and a half weeks pacing outside the delivery room.

Yesterday, October 23rd at 8:30pm Pacific Standard Time, following two series of small setbacks thanks in part to those quack visiting doctors, a Giants Pennant was born. It came screaming into this world in a delivery room silent with disbelief. Specialists who'd suggested prematurely aborting the birth right up to the final labored pitch were stunned into total disbelief as the Giants Pennant wiggled its healthy toes, fingers and pee wee bat.

After cutting loose its umbilical cord the team held the strong baby bull up to the maternity room window for the baseball world to see the miracle pennant that almost wasn't. The proud team was last seen popping open champagne and passing out cigars to believers and disbelievers alike, singing the praises of nourishing acquisitions, local doctors and Ashkon pills.

The San Francisco Giants delivered and now wear the crown of National League Champions.

And on Sunday everyone rested!

W Powell
October 24, 2010

Facebook Shows It True Colors: $$$$$

So why would the social networking site Facebook offer an option that allows people to add their friends to a group without the friend having a say in it?

Imagine if your friend added you to a NAMBLA group which represents men who solicit relations with young boys. It actually happened to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg when a friend added him to the NAMBLA group as a way of bringing attention to his concerns of this Facebook feature.

When I left Facebook due to privacy concerns, no I wasn't a group member of NAMBLA, I was concerned over how Facebook utilizes all the personal data it monitors and collects. There didn't seem to be enough checks and balances in their network to make me feel secure. Now something like this exposes even more the "No Opt Out" way of doing business on Facebook's network.

I suggest if you use Facebook to ask yourself the age old question: If someone is giving me something that appears to be free, what is it really costing me to enjoy their so-called free gift? The answer to that question my friend might be something you'd rather not know.

Sfgate
Facebook's groups Help Center confirms that there's simply no way to prevent people from adding you to groups. And the critics say that rather than being added automatically, friends should be given the choice to opt into any groups.

San Francisco Giants WEAR National League Championship!

Yes! Yes! Yes!

The San Francisco Giants played their usual "Torture" baseball to win game 6 in Philadelpia and advance to the 2010 World Series.

The Phillies were the 2009 N.L. Champions and it took a Knockout Punch by Jose Uuuuribe to beat the former champion. The game was a classic duel that ranks right up their with the best. I'm too excited to go into the details. I encourage any and all baseball fans to catch the highlights and/or replay somewhere.

My San Francisco Giants have shut the mouths of ESPN announcers and east coast sports broadcasters by taking the NLCS 4 games to 2 against the Philadelphia Phillies. The San Francisco Bay Area is going stark-raving mad with celebration.

I leave you to join in the championship festivities.

Congratulations My San Francisco Giants on Winning the 2010 National League Championship.

Torture truly never felt so GOOD!

Giants Magic Number is 4

Texas Rangers Win ALCS, Await Giants!

That's right I said it, and I'll say it again. The Texas Rangers await the San Francisco Giants to begin the 2010 American League vs National League championship series.

After watching the dejected Yankees walking off the Rangers field and seeing all the Rangers fans deliriously celebrating their first ever American League Championship, I lost my cool.

I've been overly cautious when it comes to predicting my San Francisco Giants future fortunes. I've been infected with the baseball bug of superstition. I kept my trap shut through the final regular season series against the San Diego Padres. I attended two NLDS games against the Atlanta Braves and humbly refrained from uttering anything pertaining to the NLCS. I wouldn't even allow myself the pleasure of mentioning the "you know what" series when we went up 3-1 on the Phillies this week.

But tonight I courageously peeled the seal off that bottle of superstition and you know what they say about once the seal is broken; you can't stop the spirits from flowing freely.

The Giants are now up 3-2 in the N.L. series against the Phillies. They have tomorrow and Sunday to claim their N.L. crown in Philadelphia. It won't be as easy as it was for the Rangers who seemed to have the New York Yankees number. But I believe my team will get the job done. Any other team might be shaking in their cleats returning to the home of the defending National League championss for games 6 & 7, but not the Giants. They've thrived all season on taking the torturous path. To have it any other way just wouldn't be their style.


So I congratulate the Texas Rangers for getting to the........Big Sheeew. I look forward to this weekend's conclusion of the NLCS knowing that my Giants are the better team. So let the 2010 tour of torture continue its magical victory march to the Big Sheew.

Go Giants!

Bochy-Ball Has Giants On The Brink

Face of San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants are 1 Game away from going to...............the BIG Shewww. Last night's game against the Philadelphia Phillies was classic Bochy-Ball, where Giants manager Bruce Bochy played the right players at the right time. What makes Bochy so masterful in his way of managing is that he trusts his instincts and "stays the course" with his choices. It was a classic exhibition of Giants Torture 2010, and it was beautiful.

San Francisco AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG
Renteria, SS 4 0 0 0 1 1 1 .083
Wilson, B, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Sanchez, F, 2B 5 1 1 0 0 0 3 .235
Huff, A, 1B 5 2 3 1 0 1 1 .313
Posey, B, C 5 0 4 2 0 1 1 .313
Burrell, LF 2 1 0 0 2 0 2 .182
Romo, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Uribe, SS 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 .143
Ross, C, RF-LF 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 .417
Sandoval, P, 3B 4 0 1 2 0 0 4 .250
Rowand, CF 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 .200
Casilla, S, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
a-Ishikawa, PH 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 .500
Lopez, Ja, P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
Schierholtz, RF 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
Bumgarner, P 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 .000
Torres, CF 2 1 1 0 1 0 1 .167
Totals

Pablo "Panda" Sandoval, Andres Torres, Freddie Sanchez, Aaron Rowan, Cody Ross, Buster Posey, Aubrey Huff, Madison Bumgarner, Romo, Wilson and Juan Uuuuuuribe!

The Giants are truly a motley crew of players with all sorts of strengths and weaknesses. What Bochy seems to have done is harnessed the positive forces of each player into a single unit while separating and suppressing their weaker forces on the bench, rendering them harmless.

Today the Giants have an opportunity of a lifetime. With a win they will send the Phillies home for Halloween and set-off a hometown celebration that'll rival any sporting event the Bay Area has hosted since "The Catch" game between the 49ers and Cowboys 1982.

What makes this moment in Giants baseball so special and exciting is that it was so "Unexpected." Now, with a 3-1 series lead going into today's NLCS game 5, we Giants fans expect to see our team cross the threshhold of destiny and make the rest of the league believers. The San Francisco Giants are a great ballclub and yes, torturous, but so much fun to watch.

Go Giants

Final Score
Phillies 5
Giants 6

Giants Magic Number Is 5