Somoan Raider Delivers

Come the regular season, we're not playing for respect; f@ck respect, we're playing for a championship.  Anything less would be unRaider-like.  The Raiders have added more seasoned impact players this off-season than I've seen added since the Gruden days. I think its the beginning of a beautiful relationship between players and coaches. As Somoan Raider so poetically stated in putting this video together, Let's Get It Started.  Good Job my Pacific Island brotha! Great Job!

ESPN wants to rank us a bottom dweller in the league, I say thank you for not only proving the conspiracy still lives after Big Al, but also a big thanks for giving Raiders fans and players some gristle to chew on leading up to the start of the season.  

The Silver and Black are finally emerging from a deep, dark place.  Once they taste the blood of a beaten opponent I don't see this mix of veterans and young'uns letting up until the full mission is accomplished.    Its our time, its our turf, and I pity the fool who thinks they'll be able to come up in here and play us like a bottom dweller.  

Let'em believe the ESPN hype if they want. With the toughest schedule of any team this season, many analysts don't expect us to win a game. But this Raiders team is way too hungry to let others expectations define their commitment to excellence. Its only July, and already I feel the Raiders getting started on being great.  If you're an opponent on our schedule this coming season, you should start preparing for that date.  The Raiders will be playing a style of football bordering on a felony.  They'll be taking what they want and committing assault with weapons of mass destruction.  I'd hate to be the one to say I told you so, but I told you so. They're coming.

Freakin World Cup Soccer

Now I know why us Americans have a hard time watching soccer.  Its not that there's not enough scoring, its just that we look at the game and wonder why a guy with the ball keeps kicking it to the opposing team.  We sit back on our couch thinking our fat butt could've rundown the soccer ball and made a play better than the professional on the field.  And while we're thinking all this it never enters our mind that the players are battling exhaustion and total fatigue.

I watched the World Cup Championship game today between Germany and Argentina.  I ran through all the Americana emotions and wonders which had me screaming 'Come'on Man' from my lazy boy style recliner.  I was sure that I, back in my prime, could've scored at least one goal for the under producing offense of Argentina.  Germany just seemed so much more in control of the ball and the game, and yet after 90 minutes of regulation the game was tied 0-0.

Throughout the game, as I rooted for the underdog Argentina, I screamed and kicked in frustration on almost every miscue the Argentinians seemed to make.  And honestly, I'm no strategist of soccer, but there seemed opportune times that just a little less matriculating and more aggressive storming of the opposing net might've resulted in an Argentina score. I mean, how many times can you let the German team take the ball away and play keep away for God knows how long.  I now realize that I didn't have a clue to just how good the German team is. 

In hindsight I Gotta give the Germans credit for sticking to their game plan. I suppose they played the game the way its meant to be played; as a fearless team unafraid to attack and confident in their defense. I still question some of Germany's flopping and foul calls, but it didn't take away from the game. Germany was the better team and deserving of a hard fought victory.

I believe myself and many other American sports fans have taken much away from this year's World Cup competition.  We as a nation have improved in world soccer competition, but still have a lot of catching up to do.  

I did ask a foreigner what makes non-Americans so fanatic about the game of soccer and the World Cup.  He said without hesitation that its so much more than just a game. He said its something you're born into and live for; a metaphor for life to many.  The chance to compete and/or cheer for your country in a game played the world over by thousands, millions since childhood, is the ultimate sporting experience.  Finally, the foreigner made it clear that America needs time to become passionate about soccer in the way we are passionate about football. Its not something you can turn on and off every four years nor only play hard when the cameras are tuned in.  Until Soccer seeps into the blood of Americans with that need to be great at it, to live and breathe it everyday, only then can an American team find themselves earning the respect of those who've already put so much blood, sweat and tears into the game.  On that I can totally concur.  Today's game had it all. 

Congratulations Germany on your 2014 World Cup Championship

Shot Heard Round The World - Giants Baseball

With the Giants needing a resurrection of sorts these days, I thought it appropriate to remind myself exactly why I continue to watch and suffer through the highs and lows of another torturous baseball season. Its the unforgettable Moments.

Moments like 1951's Bobby Thomson "shot heard around the world," that reminds old Giants fans and new alike, that baseball is a game of little seasonal moments that when sprinkled with a bit of magic can lead to big, breathtaking moments linking peoples, places and sporting lives from one generation to the next.  

Its these moments that are passed generation to generation like a family heirloom given to a young bride, departing soldier or in this case a precocious, inquisitive child.  Just one moment in sports can become an everlasting jewel that one rubs on and shines until it sparkles brightly for those lost in the darkness wondering what joys there are in life.

There are two things that make moments like these so  precious and memorable;  The thrill of experiencing such a dreamlike event and the joy of sharing it with others for the rest of your natural life.  In this scene, you see grandfather and grandchild sharing the joy and thrill of baseball.  One discovering his young voice through the magic of baseball and the other seeing and hearing his voice come out ever so passionately through his grandson's lips as the little guy recites a Giants Moment taught him by grandpa.  

Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, from the movie "Parental Guidance," I give you actor Joshua Rush receiving and giving the gift that is one of the Greatest Unforgettable Moments in Giants Baseball History.



“Bobby Thomson ... up there swinging' ... He's had two out of three, a single and a double, and Billy Cox is playing him right on the third-base line ... One out, last of the ninth ... Branca pitches ... Bobby Thomson takes a strike called on the inside corner ... Bobby hitting at .292 ... He's had a single and a double and he drove in the Giants' first run with a long fly to center ... Brooklyn leads it 4-2 ... Hartung down the line at third not taking any chances ... Lockman with not too big of a lead at second, but he'll be runnin' like the wind if Thomson hits one ... Branca throws ... [sound of bat meeting ball]

There's a long drive ... it's gonna be, I believe ... THE GIANTS WIN THE PENNANT!! THE GIANTS WIN THE PENNANT! THE GIANTS WIN THE PENNANT! THE GIANTS WIN THE PENNANT! Bobby Thomson hits into the lower deck of the left-field stands! The Giants win the pennant and they're goin' crazy, they're goin' crazy! [crowd noise]

I don't believe it! I don't believe it! I do not believe it! Bobby Thomson hit a line drive into the lower deck of the left-field stands and this blame place is goin' crazy! The Giants! Horace Stoneham has got a winner! The Giants won it by a score of 5 to 4, and they're pickin' Bobby Thomson up, and carryin' him off the field!”

Running of the Bulls 2014

For the past few years I've always posted something about Pamplona, Spain's annual Running of the Bulls event. First I was fascinated by the exciting risk that a man would take to come butt to face with a full grown bull.  After awhile I found myself thinking maybe it was something I'd like to try.  

Then the other year I saw a father running with his young, scared out his wits adolescent son, desperately trying to avoid the onrush of a mad, charging bull.  Don't know if the son lived to tell about it without attending long term therapy sessions.

Last year I'd changed my tune and was rooting for the Bulls.  I figure any fool that would put not only his God-given life in jeopardy, but also that of his child should easily earn a "Darwin Award" and be booted from the island; by sharp bulls horns if necessary.

The heart-stopping run and subsequent parties were originally organised in honor of San Fermin, patron saint of Navarra, although the religious aspect has now faded

I'm truly becoming an old prude when it comes to grown men doing stupid things, just so they can brag about it to friends and anybody willing to listen.  It seems more and more that wealthy, white collar businessmen are taking the plunge against the bulls of Pamplona. I suppose they see it as a badge of courage and adventure.  Maybe a return to the gallant hunter leaving the sanctuary of the cave to challenge his wits against wild animals. 

That is until they find a bulls horn gorged balls deep into their backside, as they lay splayed facedown, spread eagle, eating Spanish dirt; crying and praying for the bull to stop!  And yet and still, feelings of self-importance forces them to pull out their camera phone to capture the moment.

Maybe the animal rights advocates are to be joined in their battle against this event.  Though its the male Homo sapiens usually on the abused end, the beautifully gallant bulls should not be forced to lower their pedigree for a day by chasing fools through what always looks like dead end streets. Why not just feed the fools to the lions?  Now that's something I'll travel abroad and pay to see.

4 games, 2 teams, 1 Bay - Giants vs A's

Well Bay Area, here we are set to enter baseball's all-star break with two of the top teams in major league baseball.  Before the Giants were hit by the injury bug, this four game series looked to be epic.  Now, especially with the A's recent power pitching acquisitions (one an all-star), I see a huge green and gold advantage as tonight kicks off game 1 in Oakland.

We Giants fans are easily reminded of the 1989 bay bridge world series that saw the A's sweep the Giants after the Loma Prieta quake took a bite out of candlestick park.  Though it seems like earthquake weather of late, the only thing looking shaky is Giants pitching and hitting.  They struggled to beat a San Diego Padres team that's ten games below .500.  

The last month has seen the #1 power ranked Giants come crashing back to earth and the question in everybody's mind is have they righted the ship.  Brandon Belt returns and Pablo Sandoval is now out with an elbow bone bruise. Honestly, I think without lead-off hitter Angel Pagan in the lineup, the Giants are dead in the water with a breached hull.  The A's represent a baseball typhoon coming straight toward the Giants full force, ready to batter the weakened Giants vessel for four successive nights. They just swept through the Toronto Blue Jays, leaving them clinging to a second place AL East life raft.

Can the Giants withstand this anticipated summer storm, fighting it off to avoid further sinking?  Can they weather what will be a sure test of their patchwork lineup?  The all-star game coastline is in sight, but for the Giants to make it to shore safely they'll need to batten down the hatches with all men on deck, playing like there's no tomorrow.  Because the Oakland A's now carry MLB's #1 Power Ranking, have seven players voted to the AL All-Star team, and are salivating to lay claim to the crown of Bay Area's best baseball team of 2014. 

The A's are my third favorite team, behind the Giants and Mets.  But I'm not ready to cash in on my Giants just yet.  They're still a bunch of scrappy, never-say-die ball players who can easily turn non-believers into just-you-watch pennant predictors.  Somehow, someway, manager Bruce Bochy will figure out a way to weather the storm and come out of it intact.

The A's & Giants; Just-You-Watch!

Between The Bars

Who knew that a sappy family movie could lay down some nice strings and vocals.  The movie, "Stuck In Love."  The song, "Between The Bars" by Elliott Smith.  It seems to be a song about alcoholism and its addictive control over an individual, beckoning him/her to:

"drink up with me now and forget all about

the pressure of days, do what I say"

In other words, come have another drink and I'll make you forget all your worries. The movie starring Greg Kinnear actually wasn't half bad, but if you ask me its this song that stole the show. And though alcoholism was not the main focus of the movie, it does make its ugly presence known by co-starring in a small role.

Guess I'm in one of those sappy moods waiting for football season to start.  That's real, good'ol rough and tough American football folks, not the one where a kick in the shins and elbow to the midsection is considered unsportsmanlike. Let's face it, World Cup futbol needs pads and pain tolerance. If you ain't cheating then you ain't trying.  Cause come this season the Raiders will be the ones with the nasty, bullying defense and explosive offense. And they're gonna kick, club and clobber their way toward NFL respectability. Can't Wait!

A Stallone Classic - Rocky II

After watching Rocky II tonight, I'm appreciating all the little things about the film that make it so memorable and timeless.  Sylvester Stallone gives us a hero who stays true to his roots and continues to inspire us to overcome obstacles, both inward and outward, and achieve success in life.

In the movie you have one of the best character actors ever in Burgess Meredith, giving an Academy Award nominee performance as a trainer.  There's the actor who played Rocky's brother-in-law Paulie, with his scruffy sight and gruff sound.  But again, it was the littler things that made us all cheer for this Rocky sequel.

The emotional piano soundtrack seething into the almost torturous scenes always at the right time and with just the right touch. The Piano becomes a soothing character in the movie, that's how strong its presence is.  It accompanies scenes of love and affection, then later gives way to the harsher, triumphant brass horns rendition of "Gonna Fly Now" by Bill Conti. 

The greasy underworld character hints to the darker side of the city of brotherly love while Rock's meat packing co-workers and  neighborhood street lifers season the movie with that tough yet together Philly flavor. The movie has a pace that keeps any viewer on edge anticipating the clashing climax with the brash boxing champion Apollo Creed, played superbly by Carl Weathers, a former Oakland Raider.  

While this is a boxing movie with a comeback theme, at the heart of it lies a love story pulling at the heart strings and making us choke up just a bit every time we watch it.  Rocky's love and new bride Adrienne is the little cog that shifts the gears of this movie.  Adrienne, played by Talia Shire, is the driving force behind why and when Rocky decides to fight against the recommendation of doctors.  She also helps define the man's humanity, because without Adrienne, Rocky would come across as just another pug amateur boxer, more brawn than brain, driven by a childish hunger and fiendish need to overcome his handicaps and achieve greatness in the ring; all for selfish reasons.

Rocky is a man made from the ol' skool blue collar mold of supporting his wife and family by the sweat of his brow.  His pride and determination to do just that is what makes Rocky II a film that carries huge cultural meaning for all underdogs regardless of race, color or ethnicity.  It shares that thing about us men that women sometimes fail or forget to realize; being a man means there are times in life where you must step up to the threatening challenges that life brings and defend your place and that of your God, Family & Country. 

"If you don't stand for something you'll fall for anything"

Tim Lincecum Smokes Padres

Congratulations Timmy On A Smoking Performance

Now I'm not suggesting that Timmy had smoked some sticky icky before going out to the mound yesterday and throwing a one walk no-hitter but 'The Freak' sure looked like his old safe, except for the caterpillar mustache, with every pitch in his arsenal hitting its target and mowing down hitters one-two-three.

Tim Lincecum was Major League Baseball's man of the day with an incredible winning performance that reminded fans and opponents alike, that 'The Freak' can still get his freak on in any given game.  The San Francisco Giants were in need of such a reminder after a harsh last few weeks that saw their double digit NL West lead dwindle down to just three.  

The final out would be fielded by newly called up second baseman Joe Panik, the kid from my neck of the woods in upstate New York. John Jay Joe didn't have a hit yesterday but his glove contributed to sealing the deal on a historic no-hitter.  What rook wouldn't wish for a chance to be a part of a smoking Timmy No-No?  Say it is so Joe, you just experienced a no hitting celebration in your fifth game as a major leaguer.  Wow!


Final Score
Padres 0 0 0
Giants 4 11 0

A Parenthesis In Eternity by Joel S. Goldsmith

Incredible book about mysticism and spiritual development.  For those of us that have found ourselves trekking along a spiritual journey, the lessons found in this book serve as a torch lighting up the pathway. The lessons serve as a "steppingstone or bridge to a deeper awareness" of truth.

"To Seek, To find, and to experience this inner glow, this inner communication with God, and then realize that each time that it is repeated it becomes a deeper, richer experience, and a more fruitful one, so that there can never be an end, or a sense of dullness, monotony, or boredom in it - therein lies the real adventure of the spiritual life."

Pg.17  The lessons that we learn in the interior world become the basis of our conduct in the outer world.  The spiritual grace we learn within becomes our life without.  Without the impetus of this spiritual grace, the life as lived on the outer plane is an animal life.  It has its periods of good and its periods of bad, its periods of health and its periods of disease.  It never knows the peace that passes understanding; it never knows the life that God gave us, the life that is God.  This life is discerned only through inner grace.  Through this power of discernment we glimpse the Spirit of God and then behold It in others; we witness that Spirit living in what we call human form, and just as the Spirit of God lived as the human form of Jesus, so It lives as individual you and me when we are animated by it.

Pg.75  Life cannot be seen with the physical eyes.  Life itself is invisible: we see only the forms which Life assumes.  Life pushes Itself into expression as beautiful flowers and leaves, but we know that in time they all drop away.  The Life does not - just the leaf or the flower does.  The Life goes on forever and ever, always appearing as new forms.  

Pg. 71  The captain of a ship has to go through storms, but as he abides by the principles of seamanship, he will sail out through the storm.  No storm can last forever.  So with us.  There are storms in this human life - some of our own - but often we take on the storms of our families or of our students who are unable to find their peace.  Every teacher must accept the burdens of his students and patients.  He cannot avoid it.  He has to sit up nights sometimes; he may have to go weeks always taking on the burdens of those whom he is trying to lift across the wilderness, but that also makes life interesting, because there, too, proves for himself and for others that the way out is to know God aright.

A Lesson To Sam

United States World Cup Soccer

As I try getting excited about World Cup Futbol I had to ask myself, who the heck should I follow?  It took me five seconds to answer that question as I caught myself getting all nostalgic about the land of the free, home of the brave U.S. team.

Today I caught the last fifteen minutes of the Ghana vs U.S. game on the radio on my drive home.  Granted, the announcer was hyped enough to make any non-soccer fan pay attention, but I did more than just listen; I reacted with every kick & call on the field. Defense, offense, penalties, scoring, the game had it all in those fifteen minutes.  I was banging the car steering wheel, yelling with joy for the U.S. team one moment and cursing them the next. I probably should've pulled the car over, but I was in a frenzied fan zone.  I caught myself taken over by a world cup soccer match, completely. It Was Orgasmic!

So now I know what all the foreign fuss about this international fotbol event means; its a chance to get downright fanatical and freaky about your team and country.  The game itself is a sprint that leaves both players and fans breathless.  All the talk of Soccer needing more scoring to make it more exciting is hogwash.  Part of the beauty of the sport is the rarity of accomplishing a score. For one measly goal, many a men have put blood, sweat and tears into the game.  I must say its appears to be the truest professional sport that reflects grown men becoming as children when playing. 

As for the United States underdogs, a team who's coach didn't feel they had what it takes to win the cup, they showed stamina and resilience in beating Ghana with some amazing play.  Coach might of just placed a chip on their shoulders that the team is enjoying chipping away at.

U.S.A    
   U.S.A
      U.S.A

Final Score
Ghana 1
United States 2

Our Legend Ruby Dee Passes

An actress with so much grace and rambunctious spirit.  She took the name ruby and made it Ruby. I still feel the presence of my mother when watching any movie with Ruby Cast in it.  She'd take a small role and make the character stand up and be counted as significant.  Her acting skills were as far reaching as her love for people and causes.  She and her Ozzie were the prince and princess of a african-american era full of struggle and change.

Ruby Dee was one of those shining black pearls that african-americans will always be proud to call one of their own precious gems.  

Thanks Ruby for helping us see the beauty of our blackness and love ourselves so.

1922-2014

Miami Heat Wilt Under Spurs Pressure, AGAIN

The overused sports saying "Are You Kidding Me" was just sanctioned as the motto for this season's NBA Finals.  The San Antonio Spurs are blowing out the two-time defending champion Miami Heat in the Sunshine State for the second Finals game straight (game 4). And for the second time straight 22 year old Kawhi Leonard is out hustling everyone on the court, including the king of the hard court Lebron James.

Watching Leonard stop, pop and drop a three pointer in the face of the Great One is simply astonishing. For anyone watching, with mouth wide open in shock, your not only witnessing history in player performance, your seeing one of the greatest coaching clinics ever in a championship series.

Coach Gregg Popovich has placed his chess pieces so strategically and effectively on the court that any counter move by the opponent is powerless.  Damn, Leonard just took over Heat guard Dwayne Wade's dribble like a magician.  Are You Kidding Me?

The Miami Heat look beaten spiritually.  I don't see them bouncing back from this game.  They're down by 22 with 4:37 left in the game.  And the Spurs are still playing like thy're down 10.


Anybody watch any of the World Cup competion today?  

Never Doubt The Boxing Pride of Puerto Rico

Miguel Cotto made Puerto Rican boxing fans proud last night by snatching the WBC Middleweight championship belt out of the defeated gloves of the favored champion Sergio Martinez.  Martinez, "The Spaniard" as I like to call him, was put down by Cotto three times in the first round, then one more time with a left hook for good measure in the ninth.  The Spaniard did not return for the tenth.

Congratulations Miguel Cotto on your fourth weight class world title, a first in Puerto Rico's great boxing legacy.

With the fight taking place in New York's madison square garden, we all know who'll preside over today's Puerto Rican Day Parade festivities as king;  move over Carlito, New York is doing things Cotto's Way today.

Streakin' San Francisco Giants

Baseball God's Shining Down On San Francisco Giants

So this is what it feels like to have the best team with the best record (36-19) in major league baseball.  Blissful!

My San Francisco Giants have won four games straight, winning eight of their last ten.  They're playing winning baseball and dare I say they look like a powerhouse team?  They can shutout a team just as easily as beating them in extra innings.  They've got some big bats, shutdown pitchers and gold glove infielders.  Manager Bruce Bochy is pulling the right strings at the right time, getting the most out of every roster spot.

Injuries to major parts has not stopped this team from performing with precision and purpose. They play hard yet relaxed with a skill that seems just a step above the rest.  At first I thought, "geesh, the Giants are having a lucky year, getting all the breaks."  But then I realized luck was a very small part of their early season success.  The boys in orange and black are simply playing their butts off, hungry for another taste of this decade's even years championship pie (2010, 2012). 

The Giants and their fans these days are just groovin' on a baseball afternoon, feelin no pain. Just continue to win series boys, that's been my motto from the start, win series.  Its an odd feeling, to be able to look a loss squarely in the mug and shrug it off without a second thought. 

Mike Morse
That my friends is what having a dominant team does to a fan.  The Giants have replaced torture baseball with tape measure home runs and eye-popping double plays. And they're making it look like just another fun day at the amusement park.  


In the infamous words of Ferris Buehler,

"Ferris: Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

I don't plan to miss any of this wonderful SF Giants baseball season. It feels too too good rooting for a juggernaut as it mows down opponents.  Every fan should know this feeling at least once. May the baseball God's continue to smile down on us.  

Brandon Crawford

Final Score
Giants 9
Cardinals 4

2014 Scripps Spelling Bee Tie

They say its only happened four times in the 89 year history of the contest, the last being 52 years ago.  Ladies and Gentlemen we have a "Tie" in this years annual Scripps Spelling Bee championship.  I think its a perfect ending to what I'm told was a 'riveting final-round duel.'

Congratulations go out to 1st place co-champions Ansun Sujoe and Sriram Hathwar.  Its not often that representatives from Texas and New York find themselves sharing anything in common.  Ansun and Sriram are proving that regardless of our differences, a victory shared can bond competitors as much if not more than individual domination.  Isn't there a verse somewhere in the Christian Bible that says "and the children shall lead?"  Well Done children, well done!

Ansun (left) and Sriram (right) will each take home a trophy

 "feulletion," the features section of a European newspaper or magazine.
Championship Finalists

The Great Dr. Maya Angelou Passes

This incredible woman who embraced life and fought not just a good fight, but an honorable one, will always be loved, respected and held up high so that others can see what she taught us.

Dr. Maya Angelou passed away the other day and I immediately asked myself what it was that I'd learned from her.  Right away thoughts of how my views about women, especially those in my family, were changed by reading the great doctor's verses.  For a young man like myself, so wrapped up in a young man's life, I'd never fully given thought and consideration to the goodness that women had brought to me throughout my life.  Of course I loved my mother, sisters and aunts, but it was as much out of obligation as it was out of respect.  

After seeing and/or reading the honorable Dr. Angelou's "I Know Why The Cage Bird Sings" I began questioning the struggle and courage it took to live as a strong woman, or just as a weak woman trying to survive in a man's world.  It was an eye-opening education for me, and one that continues til this day.  

As soon as I begin to think I know the pains of a woman I stop, drop and pray forgiveness for my arrogant thoughts.  Its taken me years to overcome some of my deepest thoughts of women as the weaker sex, even though I was raised in a family full of strong women.   I suppose its just a man's way to label women as we do, that is until we find our lives hanging by a thread with at least one special, loving woman by our side, holding our hand, keeping watch over us with love and prayer.  It is then that many of us men are awakened to what love truly is.   It is when another type of caged bird is freed and begins to sing.

Its never too late to love deeply or learn how. There are special beings put on this earth with talents that enlighten us to the God given beauty that is this life we are living.  There is a season given for these special beings to shine their teaching beam on us so that we may walk a path of divine purpose.  Dr. Maya Angelou was one of those beams, sharing her literary talent and more, so that the season of her world blossomed under the rays of her words.  

"I Sing Because I'm Happy, I Sing Because I'm Free"

Spend Memorial Day With A Conga Master

As a young boy I'd play my older brother and sister's R&B records while banging on the tops of two bar stools in our living room.  I was funky.  Having an ear for music allowed me to adapt to percussion instruments with ease, however it wasn't until years later that I was introduced to Latin Salsa rhythms and began attempting to mimic the faster sounds.  

I'm still learning, which is what I'd like to have put on my tombstone.  Music is the medium that brings people of all backgrounds together.  I witnessed it yesterday at the SF Carnival Festival, a collage of peoples from all parts of the globe, eating, laughing, dancing and enjoying the gift of life.  Life is incredible, and music reflects the happiness our souls fill up with from loving life.

Bochy Says Duck, Casilla Hears Rabbit

Listening to KNBR hosts Tom Tolbert and Ray Ratto discuss Santiago Casilla's ill-advised swing, hit and run brought tears of laughter to my eyes.  It reminded me of that infamous Bugs Bunny/Daffy Duck dialogue with Daffy getting the short end of the exchange, as usual.

For those who missed the injury causing play: Giants pitcher Casilla was up to bat and had been supposedly told by manager Bruce Bochy, the two-time world series champion manager Bruce Bochy, not to swing the bat.  Well, somewhere along the way between the dugout and the batters box, Casilla got it into his head to swing the bat. Twice!  And by golly if he didn't make contact with the ball. The excited pitcher, possibly egged on by his fellow ball players in the dugout, took off sprinting toward first base as if he had rabbit speed and agility. He didn't.

Arriving at the plate reality sunk in; his duck feet waddled over the bag pitching him into an awkward tumble that was hilarious to watch.  It appeared that even the pitcher got a laugh out of his flop until the smile turned into a grimace as he rolled over in pain.  

It was a very hard-earned lesson for the pitcher to learn as he was helped off the field with a strained hamstring, unable to waddle without assistance.  When a proven leader like Bochy, with quick Rabbit wit tells you its Duck season, don't try to match wits with him.  The Duck got the short end of the exchange yet again; he was called out!

Santiago Casilla Out Four Weeks

Final
Giants 5  Rockies 1

Forget Godzilla 2014, This is what Scares Me

Project Spade 2013

Today's Law Enforcement roundup of people caught sharing child pornography online turned up persons who've earned some trusting titles as adults.  Its as if what we thought we knew about child porn has been completely turned upon its head.  

The Jerry Sandusky story was shocking, but it netted just one monster.  Today's bust of 71 potential monsters caught in the net is numbing in its revelation.  Not only are many of the 71 monsters educated, but they're professionals who've earned the trust and respect of colleagues in their fields as well as the respect of their communities.  They're people who prior to this bust, we'd of thought of as good guys and gals.

"Many of the defendants are in fact educated and successful in their professional and private lives," Hayes told reporters. "We can no longer assume that the only people who would stoop to prey on children are unemployed drifters."


What do a policeman, boy scout leader and rabbi have in common?  Trust me when I say the punchline ain't pretty.  Is the internet awakening a monster living in the depths of normal human consciousness or has the monster always been awake and active, only to add the internet as a new tool in its child predatory practices?  It really is a horrific and scary monster to look at, but we must look it straight in the face and learn everything we can about it in order to stop it's terror.  Little lives are at stake. How many can only be estimated in the billions since the internet reaches every civilized community on earth.

Today's bust reminds us of that all valuable lesson of not judging a book by its cover.  There are good books with raggedy covers and bad books with pristine covers.  Until the cover is lifted and you get a glimpse of what's inside, you can't begin to know all the book is about.  It's about time we began uncovering and disarming the monsters.  

There's plenty of work to be done.  It includes reevaluating our own perceptions of sexuality and what we accept to be marketed to us as acceptable stimulation.  When it comes to our children, we adults are who they look to for protection and guidance. If we are doing or allowing things to occur that threaten that protection, how must the children feel about their so-called guides and protectors?  

Is Abortion A Poor Choice?

"It is a poverty to decide that a child must die

 so that you may live as you wish"

I saw this quote by Mother Teresa on the back of an anti-abortionist t-shirt yesterday.  I’ve been thinking about it ever since.  First thought was did Mother Teresa actually say it?  Then I thought it odd that she used the word "poverty" as opposed to "sin" or "crime." 

I realize from this wording swap that Mother Teresa was a very smart, politically minded woman.  In using the word "poverty" she keeps the heat off herself and forces the reader to reflect on their decision to choose abortion.  It’s as if she’s saying you might legally have the right to choose, but abortion is a poor decision.

The second half of the quote points the finger straight at the pro abortion believers by making abortion wrong for any reason. What type of human being would kill a child in order that they may continue or begin living as they wish? That "wish" is sure made to sound like a selfish, uncaring, un-responsible life. Again, Mother Teresa uses an interesting word; "wish." Why not the words "as you please?" 

Is it that to live as you wish is all encompassing and applies to any and every choice one would ever make? The lines "to live as you choose and/or please" are synonymous with decisive action(s) you make, whereas "live as you wish" is a hope and not an action.

To please -  is to make pleasurable and comfortable

To wish  - a wish is a hope for better or worse, more or less

To choose – is to make a choice between two or more (right or wrong, good or bad, rich or poor)

From Pie-Derman to Careless Whisper

The Oakland A's player who's known for performing the classic pie-in-the-face stunt on teammates during after game interviews has now come up with a smashing classic of another type.

Outfielder Josh Reddick has changed his walk up music to the classic 1980's hit song "Careless Whisper," and the fans love it.  If you haven't heard it you'd think, why the heck would a ball player use That girly tune to step into the batter's box with.  But I tell you, once you hear it and see it you'll be the one changing your tune.  The smooth, trumpeting sound adds something................mystical and meditative to the game, and to Reddick's batting average.  

The outfielder has been smacking the ball all over the yard since "Careless Whisper" became his lucky charm.  Today in an away game in Cleveland, Reddick hit two home runs for six RBI's.  And the music hasn't diminished his spider man senses that allows him to climb and stick to outfield walls and fences in order to steal a hit.  I don't think the Indians played Careless Whisper for him today, but it didn't matter; when you're hot your hot.  

In news across the country the name of the major leaguer in green and yellow, who bats to the tune of Careless Whisper is no secret. Josh Reddick has awakened those who might've thought baseball a bore, and he's climbing the charts on the media billboard.  Go Spidey!

Final Score
Athletics 11
Indians 1

OKC Flops, Clippers Choke, Devil Collects

It was one heck of a comeback for the Oklahoma City Thunder.  I was sure that the Los Angeles Clippers had game 5 in hand leading by at least seven points with under a minute left.  I actually need to confirm the clock and points, but believe me, the Clips are walking away from this game in Shock!

I question some of the calls and wonder if OKC got away with some things at home.  But the Clips had it and simply coughed up the game to the home team.  Even though they're from that superficial land of lies labeled L.A., and even though their billionaire owner has just committed what's being made to feel like the racist crime of the century, I feel for the Clippers.  They didn't deserve to have this game end in the manner it did.  Tonight the devil came to collect his dues and there was nothing Donald Sterling & Co. could do to avoid or postpone payment.

Even the final play with Chris Paul attempting a prayerful inside pass to Blake Griffin looked as if Lucifer himself poked it away with his pronged pitchfork. It was a pathetic end to a full collapse. 

My guess is they're injecting coach Doc Rivers with a strong sedative as I type this post, such was his wide-mouthed jawing and gestures of protest at the referees' game changing calls.  The worst call being the Chris Paul foul on Russell Westbrook's three point shot with under ten seconds left. I simply didn't see a foul.  Of course Westbrook made all three of the foul shots, putting the Thunder ahead for the final score. Yep, me thinks the doc needed a doc.  


Final Score
Clippers 104
Thunder 105

Raiders Draft OLB KHALIL MACK

The first round selection of University at Buffalo Outside Line Backer Khalil Mack could be the best draft pick the Raiders have had in years.  Of course I was hyped in 2010 when they picked inside line backer Rolando McClain in the 8 spot of the first round.  Surprisingly, Mack was available in the 5 spot and the Raiders pounced.

I was more impressed with the Rolando McClain college highlights, but then again, he rolled with the 2009 national champion Alabama Crimson Tide. But K Mac is a play maker, no question.  And he brings an engine that is always revved up in high gear.

The Raiders can definitely utilize Khalil's tenacious pursuit and pressure he puts on the offensive backfield.  He seems to have a very long arm reach with good wrapping up technique.   Once he wraps his prey they seldom escape.

He has all the potential to make an instant impact on defense.  With his on-field football intelligence and the host of veteran players around him, Khalil's professional learning curve could be complete by the first quarter of the season. Its all about how the defensive coordinator plans to use him in different sets.

Though one impact player does not make a contender, the 2014 Oakland Raiders are filling the voids and adding the pieces that will produce a stronger competitor than last season. 

 K MAC  

Mack may be the most complete defender in this draft, even ahead of Clowney. His ideal fit probably would have been in a 3-4, but the Raiders will show multiple looks on defense and will find ways to utilize Mack. Considering he is adept at rushing the passer, stuffing the run and dropping in coverage, working him into the mix should not be too difficult.

Note: With #1 picHouston Texans selected DE Jadeveon Clowney

Raiders Tailgate Experience - It Never Gets Old

I've been tailgating since the Raiders Return to Oakland in 1995, and this video 2011 clip here captures what I remember about the tailgate experience best. Unfortunately, the bands of the early days are no longer allowed, but everything else is here.

From the food, to the music to the diverse partying and love for one another. It's all here and I owe it to my man President L. Davis for keeping this archive alive on youtube.  Helluva job on this L., if you're the one who put it together.

Anyone who wants to know what true Raider Tailgating is all about, check out this clip, then make it out to the Oakland Coliseum on NFL Sunday to do it LIVE!

One Nation Baby!

The Fix Is In; Don't Tell The Horse

Wow, this weekend's sports calendar is overflowing with exciting challenges and competitions.  T'is the season to become a true couch potato with all the snacky finger foods at your side.  April showers (for those not in drought barren California) are over and the smell of May flowers are in the air.  Money May that is, as our pound-for-pound best boxing champion, Floyd Mayweather defends his title tonight against challenger Marcos Maidana.  

Boxing is the sport that invented the practice of 'fixing'.  Fixing simply comes with the territory of the sweet science.  They're saying nobody, not even the challenger's fans, think he has a shot at winning tonight.  I heard a sports analyst compare this fight to the Mike Tyson vs Buster Douglas classic upset; where the underdog challenger steps up to shock the world.  Was the fix in on that 1990 fight in Tokyo, Japan?  

My Golden State Warriors will participate in one of three NBA game 7 playoff contests tonight. It has just about become standard practice that NBA playoff series go the full distance.  Why leave all that money sitting on the table when sports consumers and the television networks are screaming for more basketball?  You want a classic game 7, you got it, in High Definition.  Doesn't mean no strings are attached to the final outcome. Point shaving never hurt anybody, right?

Hockey tries to use the same formula as basketball.  Six of eight NHL round 1 playoff series went six or more games so far this season.  The networks love it.  Round two is in full swing today and my San Jose Sharks aren't in it, so my enthusiasm ain't what it was. As we learnt with boxing, anytime there's a fight there's opportunity for a fix.  And need I remind fans that Hockey is full of fighting.  As I write this the Boston Bruins are battling the Montreal Canadiens with no score in the first period.  Expect more game 7's on ice in May.

Baseball might just be the purest sport today when it comes to the fix.  Though it carries the old bruise from the Black Sox Scandal of 1919, baseball without a clock feels truly like a "For The Love of The Game" competition.  Today's performance enhancing drug scandals don't fall into the fixing category; PED's are really just competitors trying desperately to get the edge over an opponent, or over an injury. But that classic scene of the Chicago newspaper boy yelling "Say It Ain't So Joe" to White Sox star Shoeless Joe Jackson is embedded in our sports memory log. Joe deserves better.

Yeah, anybody playing any sport can be got at by the fixers.  But there's one athletic body stepping up to the starting line this weekend that can't get got.  He's built like a thoroughbred, needs no animal or superhuman logo to reflect his strong and fast attributes, and he doesn't do interviews or make guarantees. He's a mind of his own and in any given competition, though being urged on by trainer and rider, he can upset the field or lay down and take the day off.  Nobody tells him to take a dive; and unless someone tampers with him physically to render him scratched from the event, the odds of him coming out victorious lay in his hooves.  Yes, I'm talking about a racehorse.  

This weekend the 140th Kentucky Derby is scheduled to be run, and the contenders ain't talking to nobody.  There've been two scratches but nobody's crying foul.  My money is on who else but California Chrome.  Why?  Well, you gotta ask the horse.  

California Chrome Favored To Win Kentucky Derby

Raiders Feeling Draft Day

I mean really, what else is there to talk about when it comes to the 2014 NFL Draft?  We've seen, we've tested and we've talked about all the aspects and attributes of this year's draft prospects.  

We're 7 days away from putting our money where our hearts are. It comes down to who do we want and how badly do we want him/them. 

We're slotted to pick #5 in the first round and can trade up or down if need be.  We're in a good place feeling pretty positive about our chances of getting our man/men.  We can cruise on into draft day on a high so sweet that it'll make you feel like 1976, the year the Raiders won their first super bowl.  Do you feel me?  

What better way to bring in this draft day than with the 1976 album of the year and one of the best selling live album's to hit the United States. 

Frampton Comes Alive (Peter Frampton)

Do You Feel Like We Do Raiders Fans!

Bay Area Sports: Next Man Up

The SF/Oak/SJ Sports landscape is a sea of change. One minute its taking us high on the waves of a championship crest and the next its dropping us down into the depths of despair and loss.  Such is the ebb and flow of competitive sports, season after season.  

The seasonal waves of basketball and hockey have taken us to heights of promise of late.  But last night our teal, black and white Sharks were thrown against the coastal rocks of a playoff game 7 by the Los Angeles Kings.  The Sharks couldn't fair the storm that nobody on deck saw coming.  They were out-maneuvered and overpowered, scuttled to the depths of defeat with all hope of a first Stanley Cup championship smashed to smithereens.

Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors find themselves rowing for dear life as the storm wave that is the Los Angeles Clippers rolls into town tonight to engulf and drown out all hopes of bay area basketball reaching the next tier of championship competition.  

The two California teams have given us basketball fans much to cheer and gripe about throughout this series, but tonight's game 6 could see it all come crashing down for the Warriors as the Clips can douse all hope for the Dubs once promising season.  

Maybe the L.A. squad, a transplant from San Diego via Buffalo for you sports trivia buffs, was designed to weather the playoff storms better. After all, I'm told a clipper ship is a strong, durable craft designed to roll on the waves with grace.  The Warriors are fighting an up-wave battle tonight.  Good Luck and may the odds be ever in your favor!

And so, as seasons change, so change the hopes of our sporting hearts.  Baseball is here and our bay area vessels are atop their divisions, riding the early waves of triumph.  The San Francisco Giants are 17-11 and 1.5 games ahead in the NL West.  The Oakland Athletics are 18-10 and find themselves leading the AL West by 3 games.  Both are showing the rest of the competition that they aren't giving up the king-of-the-division seat without a fight.  

The baseball season is a long journey across violently shifting seas.  Its as much about keeping the vessel healthy and in ship-top shape as it is about enduring the rigors of a long and at times perilous voyage.  The goal is to safely reach the World Series championship shore. Could it be another long awaited Bay Bridge Series come October?  Again, the answer lies in the seas of change and the hands of fate.  

We wish the Warriors all the best in their game 6 survivor showdown tonight.  We look forward to a jolly good season from the A's and Giants.  Full Steam Ahead!