Golden State Warriors Playoff Bound!

The Golden State Warriors are a professional basketball team playing out of Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. First established in Philadelphia, PA. in 1946, then moving to San Francisco, CA. in 1962 until finally settling in Oakland where they won their only NBA championship on the west coast in 1975.

Last night the Warriors clinched their first playoff appearance in six years, their second in nineteen (dammmmn.)  To basketball fans outside the bay area its no big deal, just a quiet congratulations.  But to those of us living here who've tuned in, turned off and tuned in again to see if maybe this could be the season; THIS IS THE SEASON. 

These Warriors might not be elite in the likes of the Heat or Thunder, but they've earned an elite title here in the bay by bringing back playoff basketball.  Made up of a group of unknown all-stars, the Warriors are a team that can get hot and make playoff life miserable for some annointed franchise, ahem.  They're a young team that's growing into greatness and the playoff stage might just be the place we'll see them mature.

Under second year coach Mark Jackson, MJ of Knick's lore, they've learned how to play defense and finish on offense.  The Warriors no longer need put up 130 pts to slay their opponent. That has been their moniker for as long as I can remember.  But with defensive minded coach Jackson, the Warriors

can defensively stop an opponent's offensive aggression while plying their own brand of offensive attack, and believe me, they've got loads of weapons in their arsenal.

Its no longer a bunch of "We Believe" hopefuls stumbling into a surprising Warriors playoff push, but a seasoned band of bay area brothers and sisters singing and bopping to the beat of "We Belong".  Its a mardi gras moment for sports in the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Area, and the Warriors of Oakland are stompin their way to the the grand stage of professional basketball.

The Golden State Warriors are coming to the 2013 NBA Playoffs.  And if you're a fan of a team they'll be matched against, I give you this little bit of bay area advice; the longer the time between earthquakes the stronger the expectant tremor. Feels like earthquake weather to me folks.

Warriors, Come Out And PlayYay! 

March Madness Is HERE!

Its here and its Hot!  March Madness has busted down the doors of spring and awakened us fans to the zany world of college basektball once again.  Already the tears of heartbreak are rolling down one's cheeks while the victor is crying joyfully as he's mobbed by grateful teammates and loyal fans who made the trip.

Its the Madness of March, and for those who are spending every moment checking in on NCAA scores and highlights I say seize the day and enjoy.  If you're a betting man and plunked down some bread on a longshot, goooood Luuuuuck!

As for me, I'm gonna take a step back this season and watch from afar.  With so much going on in many of our lives these days, March Madness can either be a distracting blessing or a time consuming curse.  I'll try catching up around the days of the elite-eight.  Until then my fanatical friends, may your basketball feast this march be fun and filling.  Eat hardy!

Broncos Sign Mighty Mouse

That's right Raider Nation.  Get ready for that little monster that makes even the good NFL defenses look dazed and confused.  Wide Receiver Wes Welker has bolted from the New England Patriots and signed on for a two year tour with the Denver Broncos. 

Normally, I wouldn't blink an eye at this type of off season move, but now that the Broncos have proven their 2012 signing of Quarterback Peyton "Clark Kent" Manning was a gift from the football heavens, I shudder to think what it means to give superman a sidekick the likes of Welker.

As much as I dislike the New England Patriots, I've always given Welker due credit for his toughness and durability.  He's saved both bilichek and bradys' hides many of times dating back to 2007 when he joined the pats.  Now he's joining another football team we Raiders Fans dispise; a team that won our division last season and is giving football analysts reason to believe they have a shot at the whole damn caboodle come this season.  And that was before Mighty Mouse signed on.

Yeah, Raider Nation, things aren't always as bad as they seem. Life as a silver and black fan has to start showing some sparkle and promise down the road somewhere.  With the release of Michael Huff and Darius Heyward-Bey this week, maybe we'll see some super heroes sign on and give us that golden edge.  Maybe we'll acquire a few faces that'll make general manager Reggie McKenzie look like a wizard. 

Time is our friend, and time will tell us the truth come September 2013.  But do keep this in mind, Manning and Welker are spending Time together, exchanging super power pills and game-planning for this coming season's opponents. With two games scheduled against the Oakland Raiders, you can bet that some silver and black will drip into their conversation.  We'd better be ready, because they'll be. They're not your Tim Tebowing broncos no more.

The anticipation to battle the Broncos just went up a notch.  Bring'em!

B-Hop Showing Flashes of Joe Louis?

He's a 48 year old Boxer who I believe is improving with age.  My boy, new IBF Middleweight Champion Bernard Hopkins, is giving cable channel boxing clinics on a grand scale.  He took the belt from 31 year-old Tavoris Cloud this weekend in commanding style. In Brooklyn!

Hopkins looked as if he just couldn't be hurt by Cloud, while delivering some hurtful punches that opened three cuts over the opponent's eyes.  Cloud mistakenly protested to the referree that Hopkins elbow caused one of the cuts.  Replay don't lie, it was a B-Hop punch that clouded Cloud's judgment of what actually transpired.  The fight ended with Hopkins calling out Oakland native Andre Ward, even before the decision was announced. Ward was sitting at ringside as a guest announcer, I think. 

On a night when B-Hop would become the oldest man in history to win a major world boxing title, it looked as if he's just peaking and has a lot more fight in him.  Maybe the best is yet to come from Hopkins, who knew.  This weekend he wasn't dirty or controversial as many fans know him to be. Instead, he was clever, calculating and consistent as he landed  punches on the face of Cloud from every imagineable angle while slipping and sliding like a snake. Most who saw it are still wondering how the heck Hopkins did what he did.  And the more unbelievable thing about it is he seemed to do it with class!

For me, seasoned announcer Jim Lampley gave the best highlight quote of the night when he repeated word for word the boxing instructions B-Hop's expressive trainer, Naazim Richardson, gave him in a late round of the fight.

 "I need that short Joe Louis then wipe his nose with the hook. Tip your hat, pop the chain, short Joe Louis, then wipe his nose with the hook. It's that simple."

Congratulations Champ!

How Hopkins Dismantled Cloud

Tomaso Albinoni's Raiders Tribute

Boy do I miss my Raiders and NFL football.  Seems everything in today's activities brought memories of Raiders Football to mind, both the good and the bad.  

My ache for football sent me searching for Raiders gameday footage, leading me to a video recording of Raiders versus Jets 2012 in Oaktown.  What a game! It was the Mark Sanchez black  eye game. 

No, better than that; it was the Darren McFadden show that saw a silver & black come from behind victory, and of course I was there.  

The Raiders overcame a number of mistakes on that sunny Sunday in the Bay. D-Mac slicing and dicing his way to the endzone and wide receiver Denarius Moore looking just as impressive sluicing through the Jets secondary for a diving backstroke style touchdown.

2011 was a year of promise for the Oakland Raiders. It was then that coach Hugh Jackson had the team at the brink of breaking into the playoffs for the first time in nine years. Then injuries mounted up and you know the rest of the story.

After watching that great Raiders highlight game from 2011, I was immediately reminded of the disappointing 2012 season (4-12).  It is the true price one must pay to be a real sports fan, loyal to one team per sport.  The agony of defeat seems all too familiar for many of us. But then there's those thrilling days of victory that lift us up high and make every agonizing loss a forgotten moment in a cave of darkness.  Winning, and/or memories of winning cures the pain and allows us to start over dreaming of a return to greatness., if only for a day.  Thank my lucky stars for the victory day, because you really don't wanna hear what a losing day looks,sounds and feels like, do you?

A losing day in football feels like a bad medical condition that can only get worse. Its being found guilty of having a defect in your team and the hope is that your coach can correct it before the next game.  Often I've felt watching a Raiders game of late compares somewhat, though not nearly as life threatening, with the feelings  a condemned man walking to the gas chamber, electric chair or lethal injection table must feel; where all efforts for a reprieve have been exhausted yet as you take those last steps there's slim hope for a stay, very slim.  Which brings me to the late great baroque composer Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni (8 June 1671 – 17 January 1751) of  Italy.  

Albinoni frequently used his basses for harmony. In Albinoni's famous "Adagio in G Minor" for strings, violin and organ, which I was coincidently subjected to while moping through thoughts of the Raiders losing 2012 season, the constant, agonizing pluck of a bass string marches the listener toward the emotional drama that must play out in the end.  It is a musical piece that only one who has been through trials, appeals and pleadings, with little effect on the outcome, could ever know.  Albinoni with his violin strings and organ keys knew so well the pain of a Raiders fan.

ADAGIO In G MINOR

Tai Chi Move - Snake Creeps Down

This Tai Chi move emphasizes flexibility and elusiveness. It reflects that mythical battle between the snake and crane.  It is a slithering movement aimed at getting to the crane's legs and underside while avoiding its beak.

"The Bamboo that Bends is Stronger than the Oak that Resists"

NFL BIg Show A Thriller

While the majority of Raiders fans are celebrating this post superbowl monday with glee, I feel the pain of our bay area brethren who couldn't close out the biggest show on turf.  It was approximately ten years ago that I got the shock of my sporting life when Gruden and the Bucs ruined the Raiders return to the big show. 

Yesterday's Forty-Niner loss had to be heartbreaking to their fans, simply because they were on the verge of a historic, unbelievable comeback and looked as if they could've and should've pulled it off.

So close Niners, So Close!

The team and their fans will spend the off season analyzing what went wrong and where the blame lies; they'll revisit referee calls/non-calls, offensive play-calling, defensive secondary breakdowns, special teams breakdowns, clock/timeout management and  turnovers. 

The pain will really set in when they realize that on the Sunday that was Feb. 3, 2013, they ran into a Baltimore Ravens team who knew how to start and finish a fight.

Yeah, while watching the Ravens begin their Superbowl celebration with purple confetti falling from the heavens, I wanted to shed a few crocodile tears for my brokenhearted Niner friends who were bent over in pain and disbelief. 

But at work this morning I couldn't help but stick it to the Raider-Haters of seasons past.  I made sure every snivelling 49er fan saw my Raider Nation loving butt open the sports page of the San Francisco Chronicle to reveal this telling picture and caption:

The San Francisco 49ers Fall Short, Lose Super Bowl XLVII to the Baltimore Ravens 34-31

Congratulations Ray Lewis and the Baltimore Ravens on getting the job Done!

note: Baltimore Ravens are only NFL team with no losses in multiple superbowl appearances (2-0)

Golden State Warriors Bring Down Thunder

Just when I think the Golden State Warriors have turned back into their dusty, soot faced, cinderfella servant selves, the squad sparkles with wins over the NBA's noblest.

Coming off another home win over the L.A. Clippers, the Warriors played tenacious defense in their matchup against the cream of the league in Oklahoma City.  Kevin Durant and the Thunder didn't seem to know what hit them when this upstart bunch of ballers took aim and never backed down.

Curry

Lee

Thompson

Jack

Landry

 

The Warriors are making us bay area basketball fans proud with their All-Star worthy players coming through in big games. Maybe the Niners are onto something; Nobody's Got it Better Than Us right now.

Our Golden State Warriors have their eyes set on crashing the NBA postseason party come spring.   With performances like tonight's and monday's, they should have no problem earning a place at the playoff table fit for basketball kings.  Look out Lebron, the Warriors are coming out to Play!

Final
Thunder 99
Warriors 104

Can You Dig It?

Championship Sunday Leaves Two Brothers Standing

Its San Francisco vs Baltimore in Superbowl XLVII

Sorry Tommy Boy.
Maybe Next Year.
Maybe!

BAL  28

NE     13

Raiders New O-Coordinator

I suppose I have no choice in giving new offensive coordinator Greg Olsen a chance to prove he can improve the Raiders offense. The one thing that bothers me about Greggy Boy is his non-winning resume:

2005 Lions, 2006-07 Rams, 2008-11 Buccaneers and 2012 Jaguars were not your NFL powerhouse programs. 

If the term, "what have you done lately" were applied to Greg Olsen, a hush would fill the room.  But Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie isn't looking backwards, he's got his vision focused squarely on the future of the franchise.  So come'on Reggie, give us something to cheer about this off-season besides an unproven guy Jacksonville and a special teams assistant from Philly.

Come'on Man!

Atta Boy Lance!

Hey Sports Media, Guess What?

You've Been Had! You've Been Took! Hoodwinked! Bamboozled! Led Astray! Run Amuk!

Yeah, cyclist Lance Armstrong played the sports world like a 50 cent harmonica, gaining fame, profit and privilege along the way.  I say "Right On!" to Lance Armstrong.  He simply did what many media molded celebrities have done since moving pictures were made to speak; he lied.

Now they wanna know why he did it, why he lied.  If you haven't seen the Oprah interview then you should.  Lance can't seem to really say why he did it and if he's smart he'll keep his trap shut. For as soon as he does the game and fame will truly be over. 

Instead, he should continue to juke, stiff-arm and arrogantly sidestep the reasons why he lied. Because it appears Lance is still winning the game. And so are Oprah and all the networks talking up the story.  Remember, there's no such thing as bad publicity.

So go on Lance. Let'em take their shots at you as you promote your book, sell your screenplay and soak up the limelight for what might be one final hooray!   Right now the media needs you like fish need water.  They'd suffocate if denied the juicy, realities of your lies and deceptions.  At least you did some good with your celebrity-ism. Don't hate the playa hate the game; isn't that what they say?

Has anyone ever wondered why Dr. Frankenstein was finally so angered by his monstrous specimen going bad?  Huh?  Well here's my take.  It wasn't that his creation turned out to be a murdering monster that embarassed the good Doctor and got away with the girl. It was that Dr. Frankenstein would lose all his credibility after talking up his creation in the circles of science. "Losing Face" is what drove Dr. 'F' mad, and its also what I believe is driving the national media in their cleanup campaign with Lance Armstrong.  Folks are more embarassed than pissed!

As for Lance, like the monster Frankenstein himself feeling no guilt or remorse, he'll go down in flames and be written and talked about for a short while. Eventually, that backstabbing media will see to it that he and his book burn to cinders and the ashes scattered to the farthest corners of the earth. 

 

Divisional Playoff Fireworks

Lewis and Manning Final Episode

Down Goes Denver!

Yes my fellow Raider fans, the Peyton Manning led 2012 Denver Broncos went down in the playoffs in the worse way; at home - in double overtime - on a Manning interception that setup the Baltimore Ravens winning field goal.  It was a pass that never should've been thrown in an overtime that never should've happened.

With 31 seconds left in regulation and the Broncos leading by seven, Ravens QB Joe Flacco heaved a 70 yard pass to sideline streaking receiver Jacoby Jones who'd somehow gotten behind Denver's stumbling, bumbling defense.  It is a play that'll go down as the beginning of the end for two great legendary players; Peyton Manning and Ray Lewis.

While Peyton will most likely return next season to chase down a second super bowl championship, Ravens future HOF linebacker Ray Lewis has announced he'll end his 17 year career at the end of this season.  Lewis will continue his trek toward a possible second super bowl championship next week when the Ravens play the winner of today's Texans vs Patriots game. 

Final Score
Ravens 38
Denver 35


Later in the day the Oakland Raiders cross-bay rival find themselves one game away from the "Big Show" after unproven playoff quarterback Colin Kaepernick has busted up the record books in leading the 49ers to a crushing win over the national media darling Green Bay Packers and their golden boy QB Aaron Rodgers. 

I'll admit, I was drawn into the media hype projecting Rodgers picking apart the 49er defense.  This morning that same national media has to be wondering how the heck they missed the Kaepernick equation of this matchup.  Its not as if they'd never heard of him or seen him perform his magic on national television. Maybe that monday night magic is a performance they erased from their media memories since it happened against their other national darling QB, Tom Brady. 

Niner fans better get up off that 'Alex Smith should start in the playoffs' talk and recognize the gift horse that just ran 181 yards like a gazelle, scoring two touchdowns and throwing for two more in his first playoff appearance. Kaep broke NFL records dating back to the Cleveland Browns 1950's quarterback Otto Graham.

 
Graham played in 10 straight title games and had four AAFC and three NFL championships. In the final game of his career, Graham ran for two touchdowns and threw for two more in a 38-14 championship victory over the Los Angeles Rams in 1955.  Sounds kinda Kaepernick like doesn't it? Graham is in the Hall of Fame.

I'm sure no Niner fan can recall their great Joe Montana ever putting on a one man performance like Kid Kaepernick. The Niners will face the winner of today's Seattle Seahawks vs Atlanta Falcon's game for the chance to go to the super bowl.

If it weren't for so many Niner fans hate'in on the Raiders of late, I might congratulate and wish my bay area brothers good luck next week against one of the dirty bird teams.  But too much Raider Hating has flowed under the bay bridge for this Raider fan to give red and gold well wishes. 

Nope, not today. But I do recognize and congratulate Colin "Kid" Kaepernick on an electrifying performance and wish hime all the success he deserves in the NFL. And if they don't show you love after this season Kid Kaep, know that there's a team just across the bay that'll show you love and loyalty, win - lose - or tie.

Raider Nation salutes you Kid! Great Game!

Final Score
Packers 31
Forty-Niners 45

note: Kaepernick has family ties in Wisconsin, Packer country.

N(ot) E(ven) C(Lose)

Alabama Crimson Tide have repeated as BCS Football Champions. Honestly, it was over after the second offensive play of the game by Bama.

1st Quarter Play by Play
Notre Dame at 15:00			ND	ALA
		Kyle Brindza kickoff for 64 yards returned by Christion Jones for 17 yards to the Alab 18.	0	0
Alabama at 14:45			ND	ALA
1st and 10 at ALA 18		Eddie Lacy rush for 1 yard to the Alab 19.	0	0
2nd and 9 at ALA 19		AJ McCarron pass complete to Kevin Norwood for 29 yards to the Alab 48 for a 1ST down.
1st and 10 at ALA 48		Eddie Lacy rush for 10 yards to the NDame 27, NOTRE DAME penalty 15 yard Face Mask on Dan Fox accepted for a 1ST down.
1st and 10 at ND 27		NOTRE DAME penalty 5 yard Offside on Louis Nix III accepted.
1st and 5 at ND 22		T.J. Yeldon rush for 2 yards to the NDame 20.
2nd and 3 at ND 20		Eddie Lacy rush for 20 yards for a TOUCHDOWN.	0	6
		Jeremy Shelley extra point GOOD.	0	7
		Cade Foster kickoff for 65 yards for a touchback.
DRIVE TOTALS: ALABAMA drive: 5 plays 82 yards, 02:57 ALABAMA TD

The Crimson Tide rolled over and dominated the Notre Dame Irish, leaving no doutbt as to who is king of the college football hill.  It was truly an elephant trampling a tick.

In their 42-14 drubbing of the little leprechauns, they secure a well deserved spot in NCAA football history.  They've won three of the last four championships and are 5th on the all-time title list with 19 dating back to 1869.

Congratulations Bama!

Roll Tide!

School	Championships
Princeton	28
Yale	27
Michigan	22
Notre Dame	22
Alabama	19
Oklahoma	17
USC	17
Ohio State	14
Harvard	12
Nebraska	11

nhl LOCKOUT over?

The Lost Season!

If I were a true blue NHL Hockey fan; I'd Stay Locked

Who Came Thru Against LSU?

CLEMSON!

It took a Tiger, to beat a Tiger.

I WANT TO MAKE A CONFESSION!

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

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

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

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

CONFESSION

Job Security in 2012-13

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have A "Gargantuan" Holiday!

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

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

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

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

Happy Holidays Sports and Monster Fans

Enjoy the Season

End Of The World

DON'T WORRY!

Eyes & Hearts On Connecticut

Our Prayers Go Out To Newtown, CT.

Cold Day in Hell

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

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

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

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

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

Update Dec. 12th: Warriors Stun Heat

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

Pacman Never Saw Marquez Knockout Punch!

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

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

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

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

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

 

Congratulations to Juan Manuel Marquez

Pacquiao Marquez IV Was Epic

There Will Be A 5ive

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

Pierre Garçon

(English pronunciation: /piˈɛər ɡɑrˈsoʊn/)

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

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

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

Garçon

 Judgement is in; Garcon Is a #1 wide receiver

Hello Heisman

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peyton Manning Joins This Legendary Battle

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

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

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

The 48 Laws of Power

My review of this very POWERFUL book:

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

By

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

 

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

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

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

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

Law 19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whatever Happened To Biafra?

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

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

Power to Biafra, your struggle is our struggle!

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

Championship Bound Bama Beats Georgia Bulldogs

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

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

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

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

Final Score

Alabama 32

UGA 28

 

Roll Tide!