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