Warriors Take Game 4

Steph Curry returned, Shaun Livingston was ejected and the Golden State Warriors prevailed in Portland over a motivated Trail Blazers team trying to tie the series up. Instead, the Warriors take a 3-1 series lead heading into game 5 in Oakland on Wednesday.

The game was a tale of two halves and an over-time period. The Trail Blazers came out scorching in the first quarter and it took at least three quarters for the Warriors to douse the fires and get a handle on the game.  

Then came the 4th quarter, crunch time with the two teams slugging it out to a 111-111 tied that sent the game to over-time; Steph Curry Time.

'Curry returned from a sprained right knee to score an NBA-record 17 points in overtime, finishing with 40 as the Warriors rallied to take a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals with a 132-125 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.'
ESPN

And there you have it. The Golden State Warriors with MVP Steph Curry are a basketball force that just overwhelms some of the best teams' good intentions. They're now one game away from returning to the Western Conference Championship.  

Curry Returns!

Warriors

STARTERS	MIN	FG	3PT	FT	OREB	DREB	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PF	+/-	PTS
D. GreenPF	44	5-9	2-3	9-10	1	8	9	5	4	7	2	5	+8	21
H. BarnesSF	29	4-10	1-4	1-2	2	3	5	0	0	0	1	2	-2	10
A. BogutC	26	0-1	0-0	3-6	2	7	9	1	2	2	2	6	-1	3
S. LivingstonPG	12	2-5	0-0	0-0	0	3	3	1	1	0	2	2	-17	4
K. ThompsonSG	42	7-18	5-10	4-4	1	3	4	2	2	0	1	3	+8	23
BENCH	MIN	FG	3PT	FT	OREB	DREB	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PF	+/-	PTS
A. IguodalaSF	38	2-5	1-2	2-3	2	1	3	1	1	0	2	2	+19	7
F. EzeliC	9	3-4	0-0	0-0	1	2	3	0	0	1	0	1	+5	6
M. SpeightsC	9	3-4	3-3	2-2	0	3	3	2	1	0	0	2	-2	11
S. CurryPG	37	16-32	5-16	3-3	1	8	9	8	0	0	4	2	+21	40
I. ClarkSG	10	1-3	0-0	1-1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	-2	3
L. BarbosaSG	9	1-4	0-2	2-2	0	1	1	2	1	0	0	1	-2	4
A. VarejaoPF	DNP-COACH'S DECISION
B. RushSF	DNP-COACH'S DECISION
TEAM		44-95	17-40	27-33	10	39	49	22	13	10	14	27		132
		46.3%	42.5%	81.8%

The Dead Calypso

Strange that those lewd lava lips, once so alluring and mocking,

Wear such an innocent smile, chaste as a maiden's in sleep !

Nay, but they wither and change, livid they seem unto blueness,

Shrunk in their soft silken skin, as when the tropical sun

Drinking the life of the grape, leaves it abandoned and shriveled,

Gibbeted on its own vine, swinging like felon forgot.

Louis Alexander Robertson

Raiders Draft 5'8 Wrecking Ball RB

Deandre Washington, just what the Raiders needed in their running backs arsenal. A productive competitor out of Texas Tech, Deandre gives the Raiders that tough fire plug out of the backfield who is also capable of catching passes. 

A good switch up from the bigger Latavius Murray. Quick, durable and decisive, Washington is one of those smaller running backs who plays big. He reminds me of Warrick Dunn, Darren Sproles, Maurice-Jones Drew, just to name a few small backs that made big impacts in the NFL.

Dare I say he shares the same body frame and size of the great one, Barry Sanders, who also wore #21 and was fearless as a running back. 

The Raiders did an excellent job on defensive drafting, although I was skeptical about the knee injury of number one draft pick, Safety Karl Joseph. 

Job well done Reggie and crew.  We got defense, we already had offense and now we got mo defense and mo offense. Just Win Baby!

STRENGTHS

 Exceptional turnover in his feet. Gets up to top gear quickly and plays there. Gamer who lacks no confidence. Short but muscular with well-­built calves and a toughness that belies his size. Is unafraid of the work required as an interior runner. Works to keep his pads square and runs with desired balance. Can push through an arm tackle and is willing in pass protection. Dangerous run after catch ability in screen game and from the slot. Reliable and productive.

Steph Curry Knee Injury

It was an ugly slip that was both shocking and painful to watch as the Warriors leader went down, holding his knee in agony. Replays made the incident look even more painful, as if you could hear tearing tendons pulling away from bone. 

The culprit was a wet spot on the floor, no fault of the Rockets. It's the second injury for Stephen Curry in this first round of these playoffs, and this one could be devastating. 

Tied with the Rockets in Houston just before the half when the injury occurred, the Warriors, minus Curry, came out in the second half and grounded the Rockets.

The Warriors three point shots found their marks in the second half as they sank a franchise record 21 of 40 and won the game 121-94. The Warriors take a 3-1 series lead. With the early prognosis on Curry's knee being a sprain, the team will have to finish off the Rockets minus their star; no problem.

The potential problem though will be winning a championship without Curry or a limited Curry should the injury linger.  An MRI is scheduled for today and I can honestly say that the entire Bay Area basketball world is on edge, holding their breath, waiting for the news.

Can the Golden State Warriors repeat as Champions without Stephen Curry? Let's just say that the odds are definitely not in their favor without him.

San Jose Takes A Bite Outta L.A.

These are not your same San Jose Sharks who couldn't seal the deal. These are the 2016 version of a predator who no longer lurks around playoff waters letting prey skate out of their grasp.

The San Jose Sharks have chomped down on the Los Angeles Kings playoff swim with a first round 4-1 series win. They await the winner of the Ducks vs Predators match-up in which the Ducks lead the series 3-2.  

Sure would be awfully nice to take down two Los Angeles teams in one postseason. Go Get'em Sharks! 

What Was The Glass-Steagall Act?

Thursday, June 15, 1933

IN the news today political commentator, professor and author Robert Reich has endorsed Bernie Sanders for U.S. President.  Despite Reich being good friends with Hillary and former president Bill Clinton, he backed Sanders over Clinton for democratic presidential nominee.

Why? is the question we should be asking ourselves. The answers can be found in this SF Chronicle article: Despite Clinton ties, Reich backs Sanders for economic stance.

One thing I took from the article is Reich's belief that Bernie Sanders has the "passion and authenticity to take on Wall Street and the elites that control the system." The other is Bernie's willingness to re-instate the Glass Steagall Act, a 1933 law requiring commercial banks to separate their banking and investment activities to avoid "conflicts of interests that lead to speculative trading and unprofitable loans." The law was initially instated to ensure confidence in a depressed banking system and safeguard against some of the causes of the 1929 stock market crash.

The bill was sponsored by senator Carter Glass (federal reserve co-founder) and House Rep. Henry Steagall (former treasury secretary). These were obviously men who had experience in the monetary policy and economics.

The Steagall Act was partially repealed and replaced by the Graham Leach Bliley Act, which allowed consolidation of commercial banks, investment banks, insurance companies and securities firms, while failing to regulate large investment holding companies.  President Bill Clinton signed the legislation into law in 1999, paving the way for unregulated banking practices.

CNN reported last October that Hillary Clinton dismisses idea of re-instating Glass-Steagall Act in favor of her own Wall Street plan.

The more you watch and read political news, the more obvious it is that money and favors is everything in politics. Follow it and you just might end up discovering the truths behind WHY? Can it be the American people are no longer a good investment and only profitable as consumers?

What if, just maybe, Bernie Sanders has what it takes to bring a good, working government back to the United States; government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth. It's sure an idea citizens don't wanna sleep on in 2016.

Pecora Commission Investigations 1932-1934

Clinton vs Sanders: How their wall street plans stack up

Pacauiao Bradley A Decent Fight

Yeah, the twelve round unanimous decision that Manny Pacquiao won over Timothy Bradley was deserving.  The now older Filipino warrior showed in this his last fight, the skills that have made his career legendary and exciting to watch. His speed, quickness and power just wore Bradley down and made it into almost a Pacquiao boxing clinic.

I give Timothy Bradley credit for trying to make it a fight early. He has mastered the counter punching skill and has enough power and quickness to go up against most.  But boxing is as much mental as it is physical, and mental experience allowed Pacquiao to bide his time and patiently wait for the opportunity to catch Bradley solid.

Though there was what I believe a Bradley slip in the 6th round that was called a knockdown due to his gloves touching the canvas, I believe the true opportunity presented itself in the 7th round. Manny connected with a left that sent Bradley backwards to the canvas and into a somersault roll.  

After that knockdown Bradley was forced to initiate the action. He had some good exchanges, but with the knockdowns, conditioning and quickness of Pacquiao, Bradley seemed to finally concede this third battle of theirs to Pacman.

Good fight, not great. Scoring might've been a bit questionable but a unanimous decision was fair.

If Manny Pacquiao does not fight another professional round, Manny, thanks for the boxing memories. To a fine champion who gave his heart and soul for his fans, family and Filipino heritage.  We salute you!

Warriors Madness

After beating the Spurs in San Antonio yesterday, 92-86, the Golden State Warriors have proven themselves unstoppable and driven toward another title. They've put to bed the questioners, doubters and haters. Now one more win will put them above any teams' regular season win total who came before them. That game is two days away in Oakland against the Memphis Grizzlies. 

Can't Wait!

My Country, Tis of Thee

Sports Monday - Villanova Champions

I suppose it took me some time to bounce back from a sloppy 109-106 Warriors loss at home against the Boston Celtics Friday night.  They did follow it up on Saturday with a 136-111 blowout win over the Portland Trailblazers, but that losing aftertaste from Friday lingered through Sunday.

The Warriors are still in reach of the most wins record in a season. They've come this far, so they might as well get the 73 wins out of the way.

Meanwhile, the Oakland Raiders have re-signed suspended OLB Aldon Smith to a two year deal. He can't suit up until sometime in November, but when he does look out NFL. 

The Raiders also reportedly have free agent safety Reggie Nelson visiting Oaktown for a look-see. With free safety Charles Woodson now retired, the former Cincinnati Bengal would fill a huge hole on defense. GM Reggie McKenzie is definitely trying to get Coach Jack Del Rio the defensive pieces to dominate not only the AFC West, but the whole dang National Football LEAGUE. Just Win Baby! Just Win.

Giants baseball returned today and the boys in orange and black did not disappoint. They opened the season in cold, snowy Milwaukee and put up twelve runs in a 12-3 rout of the Brewers. Mad Bum had to leave the game early with flu-like symptoms, but it didn't stop the Giants.

They recorded the first opening day game with back-to-back-to-back (3) home runs since 1997. The Giants had a total of four home runs in the game.   New Giants outfielder Denard Span started it off with a three run home run, and the rest is History!

I'm trying to stay with the NCAA mens championship game while typing this blog. The announcers have chased me away with their North Carolina Tar Heels bias. Villanova Wildcats have forced Carolina to play a slower game and are currently up five points. 

It's almost sickening to listen to the announcers cheer with every Carolina execution and go flat with every Villanova score.  Come on WILD Cats, show these overpaid crying cheerleaders what college basketball champions are made of. Remember 1985......

Current Score
Villanova 60
North Carolina 55


Wildcats pulloff winning three point shot at buzzer to spoil an incredible Tar Heels comeback and silence North Carolina fans, players, coaches, Michael Jordan and TBS announcers. A post-game sports reporter covering the UNC Dean Dome, where Tar Heels fans had gathered in the thousands to watch the game, said the place went as silent as a morgue when the winning shot dropped. And we all know why;  The virus that is March Madness leaves losing teams and their fans in a comatose state. As for the winners, there's no words to describe their jubilation of surviving it. March Madness!

Congratulations Nova! Last Man Standing

Final Score
Villanova 77
North Carolina 74 

Warriors Win #68 In Overtime

The Golden State Warriors are on the brink of history as the NBA regular season comes to a close.  After somehow, someway getting to overtime to defeat the Utah Jazz tonight 103-96, the Warriors have a franchise best win-loss record of 68-7.

68-7

That's seven losses with none occurring at home. Also, no back-to-back losses; no two game losing streaks. It's an incredible feat that might never be duplicated in the NBA.  The Warriors are still chasing the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls 72-10 season, a league best.  There's seven games left with two of those games against the 63-12 San Antonio Spurs. 

The playoffs are right around the corner. The Warriors would and should probably rest players, but when your chasing greatness its all hands on deck.  The team is somehow finding different ways to beat teams that are bringing their best. The sooner Andre Igoudala get's back from an ankle injury the better. Meantime, every able body is contributing to give the defending champions a much deserved place in the NBA history books.

Just keep chopping wood and carrying water boys, The fruits of your labor will fall from the tree when ripe.

Awesome Tribute To Raiders #89 - Rookie Season

WR Amari Cooper (Curry-In-Cleats)

and the beat is dope!

Raiders Ink Penn and 6'4 Andre Holmes

RAIDERS  are now the only team with all 5 offensive linemen owning grades of 79.0 or higher—no other team has 3.

There you go Raiders.  That's how you get it done and keep the good chemistry flowing.  Veteran players Donald Penn and Andre Holmes were both re-signed to the team this week.  Penn plays a huge role on an offensive line that now has depth and experience. Here's what offensive line coach Mike Tice had to say about the organization's commitment to improving the O-line:

“People understand that the most important person on the field is the quarterback,” Tice said, “and you have to take care of him. (General managerReggie McKenzie) has done a great job of giving us the tools we need to do that, at a very high level.”

There should be no excuse for a poor running game this season, even with injuries. The O-line can get the job done for both rushing and passing to be successful.  Maybe we'll even see shifty running back George Atkinson, Jr. make a case for more playing time if the line opens holes like I believe they will. It all begins up front, and from what I see up front for the Raiders, this is the season to truly believe. The O-line makes the Oakland Raiders offense a "Potential Juggernaut," not my words but those of Raiders.com senior editor Jerry Knaak. And trust me, Jerry's been around football for a while.

As for the six foot four wide receiver Andre Holmes, who I've cheered for the past two seasons.  Holmes was given a one year deal to return as one of the tallest targets for Raiders quarterback Derrick Carr.  He might not be the most explosive, but he knows how to use his height and body positioning to beat defensive backs to the ball.  Not scared to go up high for a ball, he'll usually get that much needed first down in a final drive with the game on the line. The game might continue changing, but you still can't teach height. 

And the bonus with Holmsey is he knows how to get into the endzone.  Yes, #18 Andre Holmes is gonna be a big offensive piece that opponents will have to contend with once again.  Welcome Back Holmsey my boy, welcome back!

2014 Repost - Virginia Cavaliers #1

No Brackets For Me To Fill Out.  Just proclaiming the Virginia Cavaliers as my team to survive the tournament. As a #1 seed they're favored to possibly win it all; a feat the Cavaliers have yet to accomplish. 

They do have two NIT championships (1980, 1992) but Hunger for an NCAA trophy.

My loyalty has less to do with dominant basketball skills than with personal family region. For the birthplace of my parent's, parents.

Good Luck And May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favor!

Empire of Illusion - Chris Hedges

We now live in two Americas. One—now the minority—functions in a print-based, literate world that can cope with complexity and can separate illusion from truth. The other—the majority—is retreating from a reality-based world into one of false certainty and magic. To this majority—which crosses social class lines, though the poor are overwhelmingly affected—presidential debate and political rhetoric is pitched at a sixth-grade reading level. In this “other America,” serious film and theater, as well as newspapers and books, are being pushed to the margins of society.

Above is the Amazon introduction to a book by Pulitzer-Prize winning American journalist and author Chris Hedges.  His 2009 book, Empire of Illusion, is a warning and wake-up call to Americans. Here seven years after it's publication we see more clearly much of what Mr. Hedges revealed about our government, society and cultural beliefs. It's a book that I hope to share more about once I've delved more into it.  But I urge all American citizens out there, especially the younger generation, to pull up any interview online with Chris Hedges talking about either this book or some of the other issues he's tackled in books.  The man has a way of pulling back the mask of economics, politics, racism, etc... and exposing what lies beneath the surface; and what's hidden underneath is not always pretty.

Hedges has spent nearly 20 years as a foreign correspondent in war torn areas around the globe. He's seen firsthand the devastation of war. You can't help but listen and like what drives this man to stand up and shout out against the wrongs of governments, corporations and war. He's educating the masses as best he can to the dire future facing our country and perhaps civilization as a whole. His strong family/community values are unalterable and his principles seem tested and true. 

Truths about ourselves almost always taste bittersweet when coming from an outside critic. But with all the "illusions" that we as a country have adopted as our way of life, better we welcome the view from a man who's spent many years outside of our country learning about peoples and cultures we've been deceived to believe are evil, than continue drinking the kool-aide of a cracked and crooked, corporate controlled media.

Have we become a society in denial about who we as a country truly are? Is our capitalistic empire crumbling beneath our feet and we're too busy watching the latest "America's Got Talent" or "America's Top Model" episode to care? Pick up a book, listen to a podcast, stream a video or if fortunate to be in the right place at the right time attend a lecture where Chris Hedges is sharing views on where we as a nation have been, where we currently are and warnings to where we might end up if we continue on this empirical path of illusion. Let's end the spectacle and let literacy triumph.



Article on effects of Digital Distractions: Why can't we read anymore?. by Hugh McGuire

March Madness - It's Not Always Just About Basketball

The NCAA basketball tournament begins this coming week. College kids, both athletes and fans, should be getting into the madness that is march college basketball.  But it seems there's another sport that has caught the attention of college campus life across these United States.

Politics and the race to the white house 2016 has all the competition, intrigue and mud slinging to attract the reality tv generation and some.  The political arena this season is full of terrible actors and actresses trying to win the role of our country's next Commander-in-Chief. Can't we just fire them all and bring back the British rulers. 

Meanwhile, there's March Madness to contend with on the basketball court. I'm guilty of not paying much attention to college basketball this season. When you have the hottest basketball team with the hottest player on the planet in the Golden State Warriors and Steph Curry, who needs NCAA basketball. 

The Warriors are a record setting 58-6 as they try to close out the regular season with the best record ever in league history. I do hope to sprinkle in some college hoops this month, but we Warriors fans have waited so long for a winner that we are just beside ourselves when it comes to our NBA champion basketball team. 

Who knew that watching championship pro basketball can make a sports fan one dimensional. Nothing in sports today compares with watching the Golden State Warriors play their style of basketball. Definitely not an annual college tournament. 

But the presidential race, with its cartoon caricatures and controversial moments, is garnering attention from sports fans and regular civilians alike. And it should. For as important as electing the next leader of our nation should be, the contestants make it a painful and shameful competition to watch.

I'll take watching the 89th Scripps National Spelling Bee competition set to run from May 22-27, over viewing anymore political hate mongering.
  

So bring on college March Madness.  Let's indulge ourselves in seeing a cindefella or two break the heart of a powerhouse team. And bring on the presidential primaries. Let's see a few more political campaign riots spice up the 'breaking news' reports that have become anything but breaking or news these days.  

In the SF-Oakland bay area, our eyes are on the prize of our glorious NBA team breaking records and winning another championship.  We may be the only fans of anything these days who are not mad, but united and glad to have our dog in the race. It doesn't bite, piss on or piss off anybody. All our dog does is win baby!

W-A-R-R-I-O-R-S.......W-A-R-R-I-O-R-S.......W-A-R-R-I-O-R-S.......

NFL Football Returns To Los Angeles

With the start of today's NFL free agency market there was a sighting of nostalgic proportions.  An NFL team has Los Angeles preceding it's name across the wires. Not since 1995 has there been a professional football team calling the City of Angels its home. And not since Christmas Eve 1994 has there been an NFL game played there, "The Day the NFL Died in L.A.." The cherry on top is the team now calling it home has a long, rich history with Los Angeles. 

The St. Louis Rams are no longer. Beginning this season the Rams belong to Los Angeles once again and will be playing their games in the city they called home from 1946-1994. The franchise was originally founded in Cleveland in 1936 and who knew that they were named after the Bronx, N.Y., Fordham Rams.

I grew up in New York and remember watching the coach Chuck Knox led L.A. Rams go up against the Jets, Giants and Bills.  They were a good team with some very good, unforgettable players like Jack Youngblood, Merlin Olsen and Jackie Slater to name a few.  The L.A. Rams had one particular running back who I remember as always doing damage. I hardly ever hear his name brought up these days, but back in those ground control frozen tundra days he was the Rams winning edge over most opponents.

He wore #30 and his name was Lawrence McCutcheon.

From 1972-1979 he ran fast and hard in helping the Rams win the NFC West division title seven straight years. The San Francisco 49ers were abysmal during much of that era and the Rams owned the division while Atlanta and New Orleans struggled as most expansion teams do for years.

I don't know all McCutcheon's stats, but he rushed well over 1,000 yards for five straight seasons, all of which he made the Pro Bowl. He wasn't big but had a way of making tacklers miss and punishing them if they took a wrong angle on him.

McCutcheon was also a threat as a receiver and punt returner. He played with some memorable Rams quarterbacks:  Jack Hadl, Pat Haden, Joe Namath and James Harris, the first black player to start a professional football game at quarterback. 

The 1970's had some great, bruising running backs who could run with power and finesse. McCutcheon was a product of that style of play and could be mentioned right up there with the best of those times.

Earl Campbell, Franco Harris, Marv Hubbard, Walter Payton, O.J. Simpson just to name a few.  You'll find his name on most "best of" 1970's running backs lists. I found one list on a site named Shareranks.com, that lists McCutcheon at #5 out of twenty. 

It's no surprise that the Raiders, "team of the decades," have two running backs listed; the late great Marv Hubbard and the great Mark van Eeghen. Raiders RB/KR Clarence Davis, given more carries at running back and barring knee injuries, could've easily made the list. Davis is a Raider Legend!



Lawrence McCutcheon joined the Rams front office after retirement and has been a part of the Rams family for 38 years.  He'll be returning to Los Angeles with the team to begin a new chapter in the long, rich history of the Rams franchise.  

Welcome Home Lawrence McCutcheon and 
The Los Angeles Rams, Welcome Home!

Note: RIP Mack Herron, the littlest big man in 1970's running backs
(July 24, 1948 - December 6, 2015)

Raiders Getting Early Jump On Free Agency

The NFL Free Agency market opens tomorrow afternoon.  The Oakland Raiders are reported to have reached an agreement to sign former Seattle Seahawk linebacker Bruce Irvin, a top five free agent.  Second in cap space, the Raiders are expected to make a splash in free agency and the draft.  Irvin gives the team a hefty splash of defensive versatility as he rejoins former Seahawks coach Ken Norton. Defense wins championships!

I'd also heard rumor of a top offensive guard/tackle free agent signing by the Raiders. Kelechi Osemele, a five year veteran from the Baltimore Ravens is reported to have agreed in principle to a deal with the Oakland Raiders. This signing is huge for the Raiders O-line. Kelechi O is listed as top-top free agent.  

GM Reggie McKenzie has improved each year with making good off-season acquisitions. Finally, Reggie has the cap space and money to get elite soldiers. Also, the Raiders are sparkling with potential to be a great team. Good players wanna be a part of great teams. The missing parts that'll make the Raiders engine roar are out there. Go Get'em Reggie!

With the Golden State Warriors wearing championship rings around Oaktown, the Raiders are just itching to become the next big sports story in the bay. We could see some football championship rings being worn around Oaktown in the very near future. Can't Wait!

Northern Kalifornia has waited way too long for the return of a Raiders winner.  The Wait is over son, say hello to Kali:

Buggery On The High Seas

Just a Cheech & Chong Memory that sprung up out of nowhere. Guess It came to mind after I checked in on a good friend who now lives on a boat. The bay area has been experiencing rain storms with heavy winds.

As for the fate of seaman Kelly after the whipping of his sissy snitching accuser, one can only wonder. 

Audio Link to “Buggery on the High Seas”




Lyrics

Bugatti Unveils Chiron

There will only be 500 Bugatti Chirons produced.  It's not much faster than the Bugatti Veyron and its $2.6 million dollar price tag puts it almost $1 million dollars above the 2015 Veyron base price. 

Boxer Floyd Mayweather dropped down a whopping $3.5 million dollars on a 2015 Veyron super sport just last October. Guess he couldn't wait for 2016 Chiron orders to begin. I'm sure he'll get a good trade-in price for a Chiron if he chooses to upgrade.

So for those ultra-rich street car aficionados who must have the fastest and most furious car available in the world, don't sleep on the Bugatti Chiron, named after Louis Chiron . 

Mr. Chiron was a winning race car driver who's career spanned about 30 years through the 1920's, 30's and 50's. He was from Monaco with dual French citizenship. He loved speed and would've loved strapping down inside the luxurious Chiron to drive this baby, even in his senior years. Mr. Chiron continued racing until his 60th birthday.

"Before a race he used to walk round his car, stroke it, talk to it as if to a horse and then sit smilingly at the wheel."

As for this beautiful 1500 horse powered machine, if you love fast cars, you'll love dreaming about driving this beauty at its top speed of 261 miles per hour. Keep dreaming!

The Fastest Car in the World Chico. The World!

Ri·dic·u·lous Scores 46 pts, Strikes Down Thunder In OT

Here's what the basketball world is trying to put their head around tonight.  The Golden State Warriors, finishing the final game of a seven game road trip, forced the Kevin Durant led Oklahoma City Thunder into overtime.  How they got it to overtime is mind-boggling. How they won it in overtime is as unbelievable as their 53-5 league leading record. It took guts, composure, tenacity and a long-range shooting guard I call Ri-dic-u-lous. 

I think it was last seasons' Finals MVP Iggy (Andre Iguodala) who pressured Kevin Durant into a bad half-court pass that Klay Thompson tipped, Draymond Green barely saved from going out of bounds and passed back to Klay for the steal.  With less than ten seconds left Klay pushes it up court, passes to Iggy who takes the shot, misses, but is fouled with 0.7 seconds left on the clock.  Iggy is a 61% free throw shooter. He needs both baskets to tie the game and give the Warriors a chance for over-time. No Problemo! Iggy sinks them both, then gives the "Jordan Shrug" on his way back to the bench. Durant misses an inbounds turn and shoot and we go to overtime.

With the Warriors down again in overtime, the man I like to call Ri-dic-u-lous led the way to victory. Game tied at 118-118 and again with less than ten seconds left on the game clock, Steph Curry gets the ball past mid-court and takes the shot from what must've been midway between half-court and the three point line; nothing but net and the Warriors begin celebrating. The game clock is showing 0.6 seconds remaining. Ri-dic-u-lous!

Hell, I and every fan not wearing OKC gear was celebrating .  It was one of the most exciting, clutch shots in a big game this season and Ri-dic-u-lous nailed it like just another day at the office. With the game being a nationally televised Saturday night NBA showcase, everybody was watching and saw the greatness of Steph Curry that over and over only one word can justifiably describe; Ri-dic-u-lous.

The game likely solidified Curry's greatness in the eyes of many fans still stuck in the past. He'd come back from an ugly looking ankle injury earlier in the game, a showing of leadership and toughness. The guy is already legendary, tying or breaking more league and team records in this game. Kids and grown men on basketball courts around the world no longer wanna be like Mike, Kobe or Lebron. They wanna be.........Ri-dic-u-lous!

The Warriors had no business winning this game. They turned the ball over, they missed shots, they were out-rebounded 32-62, they put themselves in a big hole from the start. And yet and still they found a way to put away an elite team who's superstars (Westbrook (26pts) & Durant (37pts) were on fire. 

One stat I heard that shows just how amazing a feat this win was, even for a team like the Warriors, was how they led for only 29 seconds of the game. Practically an entire game plus overtime playing catch-up, unheard of for this seasons' Warriors. That's a 'never retreat, never surrender' attitude that champions are made of. It's a no worries, no panic while under pressure mentality that can bring out your best. The Golden State Warriors, with last year's regular season MVP knocking down 12 of 16 three pointers, were at their best when all looked lost. And this incredible win clinched them an early playoff berth.

46 pts

Ri-dic-u-lous!

Final Score
Warriors 121
Thunder 118

Warriors Just Can't Lose (51-5)

I swear I'd written off the Warriors in last night's game against the Miami Heat. Early in the game the Heat had everything clicking while the Golden State Warriors struggled.

I believe it was the first time this season, besides in the blowout losses, that I saw a team keep the lead away from the Warriors for the majority of the game. The Heat looked champion caliber last night. But there were some things the Warriors did that keeps them in all games when things are tight; they kept their composure, played solid defense and trusted in their superstars to make clutch plays. 

Steph and Klay. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson put the lid on a hot, three game winning streak Miami team that hadn't lost since the NBA all-star break. The Splash Brothers provided all the offense needed down the stretch for the Warriors to win the game 118-112.

Klay made a clutch defensive play by reading the offense on an inbounds and anticipating the right place to position himself for a deflection and steal.  It might've been the play to seal the game in the final seconds.

Our Champion Golden State Warriors are finding ways to win games when they're out of synch and playing hot teams on the road.  The Atlanta Hawks gave the Warriors a run in the previous night's game that the Warriors won 102-92. Every team is gunning for the champions, bringing their "A" game when facing the Warriors.  Especially in the East where they believe physical basketball wins championships. Doesn't matter the opponent's record, when the Warriors are in their town its a playoff atmosphere with a packed audience, there to see the team that is breaking league records and changing the culture of professional basketball.

Tonight they'll play the Orlando Magic, a team with a losing record at 25-30. Don't expect the Magic to treat this game like a visit from Disney World characters. When the World Champions come to play in your town it's not about fun and games, it's about showing the basketball world that your team has heart and is not intimidated by going up against the best.  

It wouldn't hurt the Orlando team to have some of that Disney World magic dust sprinkling down on them from Tinkerbell's wand come the fourth quarter. Because the Golden State Warriors are defying all odds of losing during crunch time, when the game is on the line.  

A Crime That Hits Home For Uber

Another mass shooting, more shocked and grieving families. All because yet again, someone with a gun lost all sense of what is right and did the wrong thing.

What caught my attention in this all too familiar occurrence was this description:

The suspected killer, a 45-year-old Uber driver named Jason Brian Dalton, was in custody Sunday but had not been charged, police said.

I understand that suspected killers have to eat too, but to think what triggered this guy to go off might possibly have been the pressure of being an Uber driver is a serious concern. I'd like to think that 99.9% of Uber drivers are well balanced and adjusted individuals just trying to get by making some extra dough on the side.  What's scary is accounting for that 0.1% who are walking (driving) time bombs set to go off at any time. 

Uber is known to not have the best set of screening protocols for hiring drivers. I expect to someday read a story that includes Uber in the heading along side terrorist threat or something of that nature, but that's just me. Not much that's reported in today's media surprises me. Why is it that life just seemed much safer when industries had government regulators breathing down their necks. 

Uber let's drivers carry guns

Uber bans drivers & riders from carrying guns 

Uber driver shoots passenger days after Uber bans guns

As a global community we should remind ourselves that random acts of kindness far outweigh the random acts of violence in the world.  We must not perceive these violent acts as the norms of life today. Unfortunately, media journalism is a for profit business that thrives on sensationalizing acts like this. It becomes just another form of entertainment for news consumers.

We must see the forest from the trees and acknowledge that sometimes bad things happen in a good world and not the other way around.  Or else how could we ever teach our children to have faith, hope and love for all that is in this big beautiful world they'll inherit when we're gone.

Again, my prayers go out to the families of the victims of this crime. The calming news from this tragedy is that the Uber Driver, I'm sorry, the suspect, has been apprehended and is in police custody.

And remember, Uber doesn't kill people, people kill people. Just a reminder from your friendly neighborhood NRA supporter out there.

Kalamazoo Shootings: 6 Dead, 2 Wounded After 'Random' Shootings in Michigan

Abuelita, Still A Valentine

Sometimes Valentine's Day finds you visiting with those who've touched you in your past.  I had a wonderful visit with my Abuelita and her daughter.

Blessings Grandma & Alva

Von Miller Leads Broncos To Victory

DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!

Von Miller causes two Cam Newton fumbles that lead to Broncos touchdowns. After the first fumble Cam and the Panthers offense would have one good drive the entire game ending in their only touchdown.

But back to that first Von Miller strip sack, it was HUGE!  It put the Broncos up 10-0 and sent a message to players, coaches and fans that the #1 Defense has taken over the game.

The Panthers could do little against the #1 Defense. A few big plays you can count on one hand and some Cam first down runs all seemed to occur on that one touchdown drive at the end of the first/ beginning of the second quarter.

Peyton Manning and the Broncos offense didn't fare much better against the Carolina defense.  Manning was sacked 5 times for 37 yards. He also fumbled twice, losing one, and threw an interception.  The difference was that Carolina only capitalized on one turnover with a field goal whereas the Broncos turned their recoveries into two touchdowns.

Panthers coaching staff had no backup plan to handle the Broncos pass rush. Cam was missing short passes and receivers were dropping some.  Their running game was bottled up most of the night and Cam seemed unwilling or unable to run after doing it successfully on the one touchdown drive.  

If ever a team got into the head of its opponent this Broncos team is that team. We watching the game might question why the Panthers didn't do this or that, but for the Panthers players out there going up against Von Miller and that punishing defense no explanation other than 'we got beat' will suffice.  

Sure Peyton Manning got another Super Bowl ring, likely his last game, but this championship belongs to the Denver Defense with SB50 MVP Von Miller leading the way. 

For us who love hard hitting and relentless pursuit in football, this game was one heck of a show. For those who wanted to see anything else, I hope the half-time show was as good for you as it was for me. Beyonce' in fishnets and stylish boot-pumps does it every time.

So let this football game be a lesson to all fantasy fans once again, Defense Wins Championships. Well, make that defense and a sexy half-time treat, u-go-gurl!

Final Score

Panthers 10
Broncos 24

Broncos Have A Shot

We've seen it before in Super Bowls, high powered offenses matched against number one defenses. More times than not, the number one defense wins the game.  We Raiders fans know all to well how shocking and painful it is to watch a high powered offense get annihilated in a Super Bowl.  

Super Bowl Fifty has the hot Carolina Panthers offense going up against a number one defense in the Denver Broncos.  I'd say a good 90% of people think Carolina will win the game.  As of this morning they're favored by 5.5 points.  

But us who have been around football for awhile know better than to rule out a good defense.  The Broncos can win this thing and give QB Peyton Manning a beautiful parting retirement gift.  But they'll have to find a way to stop the hottest offense in football who's only lost one game all season.

I'd like to see Cam Newton put on a good show and win a super bowl.  But I also like rooting for an underdog, and coming into this game the Broncos are the underdog.  

The Panthers will win this game if they don't beat themselves with penalties and turnovers or an Injury to Cam.  Who's Cam's backup anyways, Jake Delhomme?

The Broncos, fighting for one of the best field generals in Peyton, can win this game with ball control (running game/first downs) and getting to Cam like they got to Tom Brady in the AFC Championship game. I also believe that the coaching favors the more experienced Broncos' Gary Kubiak.

I want to sit back and watch a good competitive game of football.  If I had to pick a final score I'd go Broncos 20 Panthers 16.  Again, that Defense Wins Championship motto is no cliche. Don't believe it just look at last year's Patriots snatching victory from the jaws of the Seattle Seahawks with an end zone interception to end the game.

It's Super Bowl Sunday right here in the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Area, time to grind.

San Francisco Bowl Ready