PRAYER REQUEST

I went searching the web for a prayer site that takes prayer requests with no conditions attached. After doing a 30 minute search I realized that such a site just doesn't exist.


Every Prayer site wants a verifiable email address and other personal information. Maybe I'm just naive to the workings of internet faith, but I didn't feel like being sold an item later for a prayer today. I get enough spam already and I felt the sites were just gathering user information under the guise of faithful prayer.

So instead I decided to just post my prayer here on my blog. Who knows, maybe a faithful servant of God is a sports fan who randomly reads blogger news and events. This prayer request is for a relative, may she receive God's blessings!

I'm submitting this prayer request for a relative who's suffering from many illnesses, one being loss of hope. I believe that God will guide her through, but I fear she's lost her way and is following her own will. In following her own will it seems her life is becoming more diseased instead of healed. The effects of her illness has her believing that her will is God's will. I kindly request a prayer that helps her discern the path of God from all others and that she find the guiding light that leads one out of darkness and restores a broken soul.

Home Run King Barry Bonds - 756

Tonight Barry Bonds became the lone Home Run King in surpassing Hank Aaron's record with his 756th Career Home Run.

AND I WAS THERE; VIEW BOX SECTION 310 - ROW 7 - SEAT 5

A truly historic moment to be a part of in Baseball. The lightening bug-like camera flashes, the crowd noise, the fireworks, the orange and gold streamers, Hank Aaron's congratulatory comments on the big HD Jumbotron and Barry thanking baseball, family and the fans. His final thanks being that to his dad (Bobby Bonds) brought out emotions that it seemed Barry had been holding back all this time. It was only fitting that the game was halted a good seven minutes, which actually seemed like an hour. I just realized that Willie Mays was there. The Giants are planning a full pre-game celebration for Bonds in the near future.

Barry Bonds tonight was as stunned by his accomplishment as everyone watching. As they say with NFL Hall of Fame Induction speeches, you can try preparing for the emotional overload but once the moment is upon you there's no holding back the flood of emotions. Barry was flooded with emotions. Maybe thats why at the top of the 6th inning he went out to his left field position followed by a camera crew and surprisingly left the field to an ovation moments later. Young Speedster Rajai Davis replaced Bonds in left field as Roberts came in to play center field.

The emotions probably trickled over into the stands where San Franbcisco Giants fans were hugging, high-fiving and actually crying with joy. I believe only a World Series Win could bring on as much emotion and comraderie that was flowing through AT&T Park tonight.

So what if a Mets fan from Queens, NY came out of the pile bloodied and bruised with ownership of the HR treasure. We Giants fans were way to busy taking in the true treasure that was the Historic Crowning of A New Home Run King, Our Home Run King, #25 Barry Bonds.

Congratulations Barry for climbing a mountain and reaching its peak. A Truly Historic Achievement.

And as Hank Aaron said, "the achievement of this record, will inspire others to chase their own dreams."

Giants vs Nationals Game Ticket $26
Ghiradelli Ice Cream Sunday $8.50
Souvenir Beer Cup $8.00
Bootleg Bonds 756 T-Shirt $10.00
Home Run 756 Live Experience

PRICELESS!

Kung Fu Sunday

After watching the A's lose to the Anaheim/L.A. Angels, I made it home from the Coliseum to watch a Kung Fu Classic Movie; "The 36th Chamber of Shaolin."

Made in 1978 by Shaw Brothers and considered by many to be the best Martial Arts movie ever made, I kicked back and enjoyed every morsel of it. Its not so much a fighting movie as it is a training and philosophy movie on martial arts. If your a person with even the slightest interest in martial arts, then you'll be mesmerized by this timeless classic.

I'd seen it once many years ago and somehow found myself enjoying it more this time. The story, the acting and the martial arts were all top quality and the cinematography puts you right there inside the Shaolin Temple. You are actually transported back to when you might have been a child watching martial arts films and chopping everything in sight. I know that I replayed a few scenes while mimiciking the hung gar style kung fu moves myself.

I even watched the feature commentary with The RZA of Wu-Tang Clan who was influenced at a young age by the movie back in 1981, when he saw it for the first time in New York City.

I highly endorse a viewing of this movie to anyone interested in the outer training and inner discipline of a true martial artist and/or the Hung Gar kung fu style.

A beautiful peace of work by Shaw Brothers and director Liu Chia-Liang. You'll find it listed on almost any top ten martial arts film list. As for one of my favorites, check out this youtube fight scene between Jet Li and Billy Chow in Fist of Legend (a remake of Chinese Connection). Classic!

Dante Culpepper A Raider?

News of Dante Culpepper signing a one-year deal with the Raiders leaves me feeling funny. Funny because we probably could've used him, or someone like him, when Randy Moss was around. Oh well, we'll take Dante and hope that he's healthy enough to move around in the pocket a bit. His size does give us someone in the pocket who can actually stand up in the pocket. Dante is known for brushing off would-be tacklers like swatting away flies. He's a big quarterback and we can use that size. Welcome to the Oakland Raiders Dante!

Barry Slams No. 754 in wild Friday Night Win!

In a night where expectations were higher than high for Barry Bonds, the SF Giants slugger crushed Home Run No. 754 over the 404ft. placard near center field bleachers. It was only the first inning in what would turn out to be a wild home run derby of a night. Durham, Feliz and Molina would all receive ovations for their out-of-the-park hits, but it was definitely Bonds home run, the first of four for the San Francisco Giants, that sent us fans at AT&T park into a wild history being made mode. The Giants would go on to beat the Florida Marlins 12-10 in a game that featured six home runs on twenty-nine hits.

Funny how as a fan experiencing what would be history in the making, you tend to stop everything for a brief moment just to take in the moment and record it on your memory bank. The sounds of the cheering crowd mixed in with the public address announcer's confirming call, the flashing jumbotron HD screen showing HR754 before playing a clip of Michael Jordan congratulating Barry Bonds, the touch of the fans who though complete strangers seconds before are now giving you high-fives and gleeful smiles, the smell of the evening fog mixed in with hot dog farts and early game cha cha bowls, a kid (girl of course) sitting in front of me takes the time to look up from her reading of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book to cheer Barry around the bases. Priceless!

It truly was a night of historic baseball game images that I'll savor for some time. Sure, home runs 755 and 756 will be climatic in their representation of baseball glory, but witnessing No. 754 is like getting to the front of the line after a long wait and knowing that You Are NEXT. How often in life are we on the brink of achievement and want to just savor the accomplishment of arrival? The long journey will come to an end when Barry hits 755, but last night's 754 allowed us all to arrive with him at that monumental precipice called HR King of The Hill. As we peeked over the edge of that hill we saw the greatness that has been Barry Bonds all these years as well as the greatness of the game of baseball. We viewed those who came before him, Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron & Willie Mays, as well as those who are coming after. Viewing the game of baseball was one heck of a sight to see at AT&T Park in San Francisco last night.

I'll probably sneak down to the game tonight to hopefully see Barry hit HR No. 755. But the memory of watching No.754 will remain for me the moment of achievement. Barry will tie baseball's career HR record with his NEXT one, and he'll break the record with the one after, but as of last night he's on deck and the fat lady is humming.

A Giant Loss

Last night everything was setup for a heroic SF Giants Victory Classic. They'd erased a 4-0 deficit in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings against the Atlanta Braves. The atmosphere of AT&T Park was bustling with Barry Ball excitement. Bonds is on 753 and only needs two to tie and three to surpass Hank Aaron on the career home run list. Commissioner Bud Selig was at the game surprisingly. He'd said earlier in the season that he probably wouldn't make it for Barry's shot to be heard around the world.

Pitcher Tim Hudson (Former A's) had kept the Giants hitting into groundouts and double plays throughout the first six and two-third innings or so, while Matt Morris pitched well for the Giants despite four scores by the Braves.

Forget trying to recap the game though, let me get to the exciting finish. With more than half the house leaving or gone in the bottom of the ninth, the Giants rallied. After watching the game outside the park in the knothole, I spied the back entrance gate wide open, probably in anticipation of a no run ninth for the Giants and another loss.

I walked right in uncontested, found a great viewing spot in the bleachers and watched the Giants bats and pitching come to life. The Giants were the Giants of yesteryear in those four extra innings. They did everything with the exception of scoring a run. Even Barry, looking like the young Pirate that he was years ago, came up with a sliding catch that most thought he couldn't get to.

Give credit to Randy Messenger for stepping in and pitching like a true closer. He kept the Braves hitless and gave the Giants plenty of opportunities to win the game. Not to blame the umpire for the loss, but there were some odd calls in those extra innings. Unfortunately, it wasn't Sanchez's night as he gave up the winning runs. I still can't understand why Bochy left him in after seeing he didn't have his good stuff. By the time Vinny Chulk came in to relieve in the 13th, the Braves damage was done.

The Giants did rally one more time in the bottom of the 13th. but in the end, with the crowd still on their feet, with children asleep in their parent's arms, the clock struck twelve and the Giant Lewis was called out looking at a Tyler Yates fast ball with the bases loaded. Who the heck is this Tyler Yates anyway? He's a Beast of a pitcher.

Hats off the the Atlanta Braves for winning a competitive game 7-5. With two more games left in this four game series, the Giants best shot at winning one may have been last nights close one. The Braves seem to have everything the Giants didn't last night. But we've still got the one thing that no team in MLB has, that's Barry Bonds. And though Bonds didn't deliver last night, the anticipation and excitement of watching him come up to the plate is priceless. It's Historic!

President For A Day...........Or More

News out of Washington D.C. today makes life just a bit uneasy and precarious for us citizens of these here United States. Why? Well, Former Vice-President Dick Cheney is acting President as I write this blog. Sure George Bush Jr. hasn't lived up to his daddy's standard as President, but at least he's "stayed the course" of bringing democracy to the Middle East.

With President Dick Cheney in charge, that course could take a few unexpected turns within the time it takes to have a colonoscopy. That's the procedure GW is having that has him invoking Section 3 of the 25th Amendment to voluntarily transfer his powers and duties to the Vice President.

This might be the one time in the history of George Bush Jr's reign that all Americans of all political parties, should come together and pray for this land of milk and honey. Because if you think this country's foreign and domestic policies have soured over the years, you ain't seen nothing yet.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush on Saturday transferred his presidential power temporarily to Vice President Dick Cheney just before undergoing a routine colonoscopy.

President Bush temporarily transferred power to Vice President Dick Cheney Saturday, the White House says.

The procedure has already begun and is expected to take about 2½ hours, the White House said.

"This morning at 7:16 a.m., letters from President Bush were faxed to the Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate," the White House said in a statement.

"These letters informed them of his decision to invoke Section 3 of the 25th Amendment to voluntarily transfer his powers and duties to the Vice President. This transmission transfers his duties, therefore the Vice President is now serving as Acting President."

The White House said the transfer will end when the president sends a second message to the congressional leaders, telling them he is resuming his powers.

White House spokesman Tony Snow said Friday that the procedure, during which a doctor looks for any signs of cancer, was to be carried out at Camp David, Maryland, and the president would be placed under anesthesia.

Bush's last colonoscopy was in June 2002, and no abnormalities were found, Snow said.

The president's doctor had recommended a repeat procedure in about five years.

Run Forrest Run!

Us Father's do the darndest things when it comes to leading our sons toward manhood. But what Luis Miguel Gomez did was unthinkable. He led his 10-year-old son into the streets of Pamplona, Spain, during the annual running of the Bulls celebration. Does that constitute losing his part-time parental visitation rights? A judge thought so after his ex-wife found out and notified the family courts. Seems Luis will now be at the mercy of the ex-wife when it comes to seeing his son anytime in the near future. But for a father and son who've already been separated enough through the legal custody system, this incident will surely bond them together forever. They'll both have a story to pass on to family and friends for years to come. What a price for a lifelong story though. Thank God the kid's okay. Sure he'll have a few nightmares of being trampled by a bruising bull, but such is the price of hanging out with the dad who just wants to spend quality time with his son and help steer him toward manhood. Hey Luis, next time just take him to a restaurant that serves bulls balls, that'll be one for the ages, and a whole lot safer.

Dog Gone Wild!

According to the AKC, the perfect boxer's appearance should be:

..a medium-sized, square-built dog of good substance with short back, strong limbs, and short, tight-fitting coat. His well-developed muscles are clean, hard, and appear smooth under taut skin. His movements denote energy. The gait is firm yet elastic, the stride free and ground-covering, the carriage proud. Developed to serve as guard, working, and companion dog, he combines strength and agility with elegance and style. His expression is alert and his temperament steadfast and tractable.

Sooooooo, why was I and my partner unexpectedly attacked by this so-called "great family dog?"

Lucky for me, I froze like a mummy as the Boxer came charging from twenty-five feet or so away. I nor his owner had any warning of his instantaneous and unprovoked agression. Even after the attack the owner and those present that know the Boxer couldn't explain why he decided to bolt towards me full speed, come to a halt at my feet, then bolt the opposite direction and chomp down on my partner's ankle like it was a tasty snack. I can still hear those infamous yet all familiar words; "I don't know what got into him, he's never done that before."

Prior to my searching the web for Boxer Breed innuendo, my running theory was that some type of scent triggered a bad reaction in the dog, possibly a scent from another dog or a cat on me or my partner. We ruled out the other theory of my darker skin color triggering the reaction, since he came to an abrupt halt at my feet, sniffed my ankle area, then ran back the way he came to lunge at and bite down on my partner's ankle. Color was only considered after realizing that I was the only person of color in the building.

We all found it odd that the Boxer's initial charge took him right past his eventual victim, my partner. Think about it, why would an attacking dog pass up a nearer chunkier target (sorry partner), charge at a darker thinner plate of meat (that be me), stop just as he's ready to take a hearty taste, sniff around then go back for the chunky light meat and take a bite? If it were a human I'd understand. Greed. But this is a Boxer, an intelligent and proud companion of a dog. And no I do not suffer from athlete's feet or any smelly foot condition.

Upon researching this Brachycephalic breed of canine I found out something that the owner's must be ignorant of; Boxer's are very territorial guard dogs. It's strongly advised that a Boxer's owner "INTRODUCE" him to any person(s) entering their territory. Guess my partner and I we're just lambs being led to the slaughter. The Boxer didn't know we were there to work on the phone system, he probably figured it was a test of his guard dog skillz. He definitely passed the test.

It didn't help that a smaller chihuhuahua was cheerleading on the sidelines while the Boxer was tearing into his prey. After the attack an old German Shepherd strolled out of an office as if to see what the commotion was that woke him up from his late afternoon nap. I don't think he had the strength to even bark. Looked like Rin Tin Tin had come out of retirement only to find that he didn't have it in him anymore.

I did comment, after seeing my partner was okay, that Dog owner's are always giving that infamous line; "He's never done that before." I told them all that's why I became a damn cat lover. You'll never see a cat charge out from under a desk, bearing down on you with dark beedy eyes looking to rip you to shreds with his large incisors. Even if a cat did loose it like that, so what, he's a damn cat, grab his tail and sling him out the third floor window for chrissakes.

So with the end of yet another day of learning about life, I leave you with these canine rules of wisdom. Anytime you enter a room where there's a dog that you've never met, immediately turn to the owner and ask if you can be introduced to "The Boxer." And if the owner says wait a second while I go get the muzzle and leash, don't stand there like you've never heard of Cujo, find the nearest exit and immediately leave the premises.

Who's On First?

I loved this Bud Abbott and Lou Costello routine before I even loved Baseball.

Click to see: Who's On First?

Will Kobayashi Compete This Year?

News Flash!

Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi, the Nathan's Famous Hot dog Eating Champion, may be a no show at this year's July 4th, Coney Island competition organized by the International Federation Of Competitive Eating.

Yes IFOCE fans and competitors, the "Human Tsunami" claims to have over-trained, causing a temporary arthritic condition in his jaw. The reigning champion says that he can't even open wide enough to get a pinky between his lips.

To many fans of this borderline sport, Kobayashi is a legend. He's the one who put eating competitions on the sports map. Fans anticipate his annual July 4th, Coney Island visits with the giddiness of children waiting for Kris Kringle on December 24th. Imagine Santa being sidelined for the Xmas holidays with a sore back and having the Easter Bunny fill in for him. That's what it'll be like come fourth of july should Kobayashi not appear and some last year runner up walk away with the belt.

Speaking of runner-ups, one of Kobayashi's past victims, Joey "Jaws" Chestnut of San Jose, Calif., isn't happy at all about the champs purported condition. Jaws recently broke the champs 53 3/4 hot dog eating record of last year by downing 59½ dogs in a Nathan's Famous regional qualifier. And as the saying goes, "To Be The Champ, You Have To Beat The Champ." So Jaws isn't buying the case of the arthritic jaw and is continuing to train as if Kobayashi will show to defend his belt.

In the meantime, yes Virginia, there is still a Santa Claus, but the man from Japan wearing the big belt and yellow headband ain't him. That's Kobayashi, the "Human Tsunami."

Shocking News! Former Giants Closer Rod Beck Dead At 38.

I'm just in shock. While looking up info on the sfgiants.com website I came across this headline:

Former All-Star Beck dead at 38

Longtime MLB closer found in his home on Saturday

My heart goes out to his family. Til this day I couldn't understand taking Robb Nen over Beck. Watching Beck come in to close was like watching a biker tell the bartender to watch his drink while he goes and kicks some ass!

Thanks for the times Beck aka "The Shooter"

Quote from Rick Thurman, Beck's Agent:

"Rod became a fixture in the San Francisco community where he spent most of his career," Thurman said on Sunday. "Shooter was a hard-nosed, blue-collar kind of guy who wore his heart on his sleeve, and that is what made him so endearing to baseball fans everywhere."

Yankees Over-Rated! Giants Take Two

The New York Yankees came to town on Friday and won a night game against the SF Giants convincingly, 3 to 7. Through some tough negotiating and luck I secured tickets to the Saturday and Sunday games buying into the hype of the series being an inter-league classic.

The Weather was tropical-like, the park was sold-out and the Giants were ready to end their eight game losing streak, screw the Damn Yankees!

The Giants went on to take the Saturday game in extra innings, ending a throwback classic with a 6-5 win. The inter-league series threw at us every throwback stat and moment dating from the 1962 World Series between the two teams.

Saturday's game was throwback cap day with the park giving away throwback NY Giants caps to the first 20,000. Today's Sunday game featured introductions of old-timers from both teams who played in that 1962 series.

The Giants went on to win the game 7-2 with Noah Lowry earning a much deserved win. A half inning of seeing future Hall-Of-Famer Roger Clemens was definitely worth the price of admission. Too bad for the Yankees Rocket at 45 years old is nowhere near the beast he was earlier in his career. But I just couldn't find it in my heart to join in booing the hardened old warrior. I was just in awe to be watching Roger Clemens pitch to Barry Bonds, even if he did pitch around him and gave up a walk.

The Giants are either the best bottom of the division team in the league or the Yankees are heavily over-rated of late. Either way, I got to clap and laugh this weekend away as my SF Giants sent the Yankees and their spoiled fans home with two straight losses.

Go Giants!

National Spelling Bee Champion

Labron James scoring 48 pts to help the cavaliers win a NBA Playoff game in double-OT, not bad.

Chicago Cubs teamate brawl in dugout sends one to the hospital, shameful news.

Serena Williams the sole American survivor still alive in the singles French Open, patriotic power.

SF Giants win 13-0 laugher over Phillies a day after releasing Balking Closer Armando Benitez, celebratory.

13 year old from California wins National Spelling Bee with ease by spelling the word "Seffefine," genius.


Check out any news headline from today and you'll read about 13 year old Evan M. O'Dorney of Danville, Ca. winning the national spelling bee contest. I heard one radio announcer running down the list of interests and accomplishments of this young man:

He loves music (practices piano) and has already composed an opera
He's enjoys math more than spelling, its more of a challenge
To him, spelling is just memorizing, an easy task
He's soon to be enrolled in a calculus class at UC Berkeley
He's holds a black belt in judo or karate. Silly me, its Tae Kwan Do
He's fluent in Latin and dabbles in French and Spanish. (Dabbles)
I think I heard he's already tutoring or counseling other students, probably the teacher

At a very young age he could solve a rubik's cube .............while holding it behind his back

Did I say Genius?

Congratulations Evan for winning the 2007 National Spelling Bee and for making a small forcepts device used for clamping off blood vessels the topic of discussion today. Sorry, that's forceps. Some of us have trouble just remembering to use spellcheck.

AND STAY OUT!

Its been a long time since I've had the pleasure of kicking an undiserable guest out of my home. So long that I've forgotten the pleasure it brings once the door slams shut on the heels of the unwanted nuisance.

Today we Giants fans are basking in that pleasureable afterglow of watching the door slam on the heels of our former closer Armando Benitez, an undesirable guest on our ballclub. The SF Giants have finally given Armando the boot after allowing him a stay in our home, a stay that almost all feel was overextended and disruptive to our team.

What made Armando's stay so unwelcome in the home that Barry built are the little things. Things like leaving the toilet seat up, the cap off the toothpaste, drinking out of the carton of milk and putting it back in the refridgerator, blowing saves. Then giving that all familiar Armando smirk when caught and shrugging it off like it wasn't his fault. If only he'd once said "I'm Sorry, I'll try harder next time."

Maybe its rude to celebrate the eviction of a tenant or guest, but when said tenant/guest has menacingly caused you pain and grief through his lack of effort to perform the duties he was contracted to do, as the saying goes, "Its Time For A Change (a speedy oil change at that).

The Giants have shipped Armando off to the Marlins of Florida; a place known for humidity, swamps, drugs, spring break Parties, alligators, hurricanes and Jeb Bush. In other words, they've given him a one-way ticket to Hell and Satan was more than happy to have'em.

MLB Insider sources have quoted Satan as saying he wanted to bring the troubled closer back to Hell because "Armando makes godfearing souls say and do the damndest of things."

So as we celebrate what seems an answer to our Giants prayers (May Armando burn in Hell) let us ask God to forgive us our evil thoughts of the former closer, lest we end up in Hell ourselves one day; forced to wear a silly hat with a wriggling fish on the front while watching our pitiful team closer balk in the tying run, then give up the game winning home run, again. We sit in our flaming seats of fate watching this eternal game over and over. And as Armando comes in to close yet another game, it occurs to us what banal act of ours has banished us to such a hellish place. We remember Armando as he was back in our home, the undesireable guest who infuriated us so that we cursed him to hell. We awake from this nightmare in a drenching sweat, reciting a mantra that'll stick with us for the rest of our earth walking lives.

"Hell is for people who can't say "I'm Sorry."

Guess I'll be seeing you in Hell someday Armando. May your bones incinerate into ashes before my arrival though you balking bastard.

Food that'll make you wanna Smack Yo Momma! Twice!

I ain't from Texas or Louisiana. My life has been spent pretty much on the East coast in my younger dayz and on the West coast as an adult, United States that is.

I still love my New York Pizza and Italian food, and I enjoy the variety of Asian foods in California.

I have no desire to live anywhere in between these two wonderful states at this time. And if you asked me about places like Louisiana or Texas I'd have to give some ignorant stereotypical reply; Cowboys Hats & Boots, Bayou, Oil, Hurricanes, Steer and Barbecue come to mind. Out of these southern items I'd have to say that I have very little love for all with the exception of one. Barbecue!

As a Raiders fan, season ticket holder and tailgater I've tasted some barbecue that'll make ya wanna go cattle wrestling. I've been introduced to fried turkey, giant sea oysters and roasted pig meat all prepared right in the parking lot of the coliseum. Loved them all. But the Texas barbecue and Louisiana gumbo always make my Sunday at the coliseum special.

When you taste barbecue or gumbo the way its supposed to taste, it is then that you wanna smack your momma for cohabitating with a non-texan or louisianan. Then you wanna go back and smack her again for not telling you there was such a thing as gumbo and Ho cake, or baby back ribs in beer sauce. Hell, if momma ever mentioned the words Ho and Cake in the same sentence you'd thought this good christian woman were just talking about feeding the homeless and/or drug addicted from the streets.

When I discovered barbecue and gumbo it was then that I realized how a food could be the way to a man's stomach. Because of the costly business space in the Bay Area many southern cooking establishments have left or closed their doors. There was a time when people drove down from miles away to goto a barbecue shack or soul food restaurant in the Bay Area. After reading about M&M's FISH&CHICKEN SHACK in Reno,NV, it seems times may be a changing and it is the Bay Area person who must drive miles away to experience the delight of some good southern cooked food.

Case and Point, I give you this fellow bloggers discovery of M&M's Fish & Chicken Shack up in Reno,NV. I share with you my fellow bloggers review because 1. the following is from her blog and 2. She's a native southerner from Texas who knows authentic southern style cooking.

The Following is from Melinda of Reno's Blah Blah Blog:

M&M's Fish & Chicken Shack
Today, I experienced a little slice of heaven in an otherwise regular and mundane day. I had lunch from M&M's Fish & Chicken Shack. Where have I been???I'm not sure where the owner Mr. Mitch Moore is from...but I'd swear he stepped off my Grandmama's back porch in Texas. M&M's is a discreet little hideaway nuzzled in the heart of Reno's industrial district. Who'd know one of the cities' most fantastic culinary wonders is hidden away as a sleeper joint located at 3080 Mill Street, just off Terminal Way. Living so far away from my native roots, it's very rare that I find home style food that I would consider anywhere CLOSE to Texas home style...even when the food is good. And, finding fried okra at any restaurant, much less GOOD fried okra is a near impossibility!This is truly DOWN HOME cookin'. They advertise southern cooking and soul food, specializing in fried fish, BBQ ribs, fried okra, gizzards, gumbo, greens, yams, black-eyed peas, red beans and rice, sweet potato pies, peach cobbler and MORE! I had a simple rib basket with potato salad, black-eyed peas, and fried okra. They drilled the fried okra right smack dab on the head for the way it always was back home. The ribs were meaty and tender, with a perfect sauce. My potato salad was just like it is "supposed" to be...I was at home back in the South rocking on the back porch with every bite. If you do not have the time to travel across town to Mill Street for your lunch...call (775)-348-0707 and order lunch and pick it up. It's worth the drive.I'LL BE BACK FOR SURE!!

Posted by Malinda777 at 2:03 PM 3 comments Links to this post
Labels: Recipes, Reno
Monday, May 7

"Go Raiders! " - Last Words of A Condemned Man

Though I do not condone the violent acts of a convicted killer, I empathize with the passion he carries for the Raiders as he speaks his final words before receiving three life ending injections.

"Go Raiders!"

I know the Raiders badboy image has appealed to many a violent offender, but I choose to believe that many outsiders and outcasts of society are attracted to the Raiders simply because the organization and its fans represent diversity, equality and acceptance regardless of background. Being part of the Raiders family expunges you of all your sins. At least that's the feeling amongst Raiders fans who share in proudly spouting the term "Go Raiders."

Heck, if the catholic church can instruct wrong doers after confessing their sins to say a few Hail Mary's then "Go forth and sin no more", then why not AL Davis? may peace and blessings be upon him.

It doesn't make your sins right or acceptable, but as a worshiper of the Oakland Raiders you are bathed in brotherhood and forgiven your trespassess, just as you should forgive those who trespass against you. And sin no more.

For us Raider Fans who may have walked on the wild side for a time, we are the last to judge sinners and the first to forgive.

The beauty of being a Raiders fan and spending a Sunday congregating with the Raider Nation is that what you did yesterday and what you'll do tomorrow don't count for or against you come gameday. What counts on Football Sunday is the Raider Passion you bring and the Raider Brotherhood you share amongst all others. Sure we may be a bit hostile toward those who come to our house wearing the devil's raimants (opponents jerseys/colors), but more times than not we accept them as misguided souls and ask the lord to forgive them, for they know not what they do.

And so with the execution of convicted killer Robert C. Comer in Arizona, who when warden Carson McWilliams asked if he had any last words said, "Yes, Go Raiders," we the Raider Nation understand that there is yet hope for this misguided soul. Maybe not in this life but possibly in the hereafter is where he'll be forgiven for his sins and find peace. And hopefully the family of his victims will not judge his "Go Raiders" salute as unrepentent or cold, for it (Raider Fan Solidarity) might have been the only expression of love and acceptance this broken man has ever experienced in his heart.


Prayers go out to the victim Larry Pritchard and others that have suffered from the violent acts of Robert C. Comer.

DO BELIEVE!

Golden State Warriors' Baron Davis dunks over Utah Jazz's Andrei Kirilenko (47), of Russia, during the second half of an NBA Western Conference second-round basketball playoff game Friday, May 11, 2007, in Oakland, Calif. Golden State won 125-105. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Golden State Warriors Legendary Playoff Win!

When it comes to great sports stories we tend to use analogies and comparisons to define and rank incredible moments. It seems there's always a fitting past moment or fable to go along with the miraculous sporting event of the day.

Not Today. Not for this mornings' Golden State Warriors, who knocked off the top seeded Dallas Mavericks 4 games to 2 in their best of seven first round playoff series. No numer 8 seed has won a NBA seven game series, ever. And not only did the Warriors win, but they did it with a style all their own with plenty of drama for all the stars twinkling in expensive courtside seats.

Yes, The GOlden State Warriors are writing a storybook for all basketball fans to read. A first novel that has all the spice and intrigue of a bestseller with hints of past sports heroics.

For the Bay Area, last nights game is right up there with "The Catch" from 49ers lore. Like the '81' Niners, the Warriors haven't won much of anything for quite some time. Almost an entire generation of kids have grown up without ever seeing a winning professional basketball team in the Bay Area. Last night changed that.

Shades of the 70's New York Knicks star Willis Reed limping back onto the basketball court to help his team finish off a rival team and win a playoff series. Baron fits the bill.

How about the memory of Michael Jordan shrugging his shoulders after making yet another three point playoff game clinching shot as if he just can't understand the zone he's in either? Stephen Jackson was zoning.

All that and much more were on display at Oracle Arena in Oakland last night as the Warriors finished off the Dallas Mavericks 111-86. Oh, did you see the Matt Barnes SLAM DUNK? Over mvp Dirk Novitski?Beautiful!

Baron Davis
Stephen Jackson
Matt Barnes
Jason Richardson
Michael Pietrus
Andris Biedrins
Monta Ellis
Al Harrington
Josh Powell
Azubuike
Jasikevicius
Old Man Foyle
Nellie
Mully

Thank you all Golden State Warriors for bringing winning basketball back to the Bay Area. Thanks for giving us a LEGENDARY playoff series topping it off with a truly LEGENDARY night. We now have LEGENDARY hopes throughout the rest of the 2007 NBA Playoffs and seasons to come.

WARRIORS
COME OUT AND PLAY-YAY!

SF Giants Sweep L.A.

Duck The Fodgers!

The San Francisco Giants are the Hot team in the NL West. Eight straight road wins, including three against the Fodgers. Yeah, those stinking Fodgers who caught the Giants as the season began and made life difficult for all. Guess it was time to return the favor, and what better way to do it than a three game sweep against the division leading Fodgers in Los Angeles. Well, the Fodgers ain't leading much of anything as of tonight, because the Giants hold the NL West lead. Our lead may only be a few percentage points, but heck, we'll rejoice in it.

Even Armando Benitez, the one Giants player who consistently gets booed at home, is now playing like the closer we'd hoped for. And Armando can thank the Fodgers for giving him back his confidence and fastball. Do I forsee "Please Marry Me Armando" placards around AT&T Park when the Giants return? Anything is possible in this season of downs and ups.

There's plenty more games to be played, but as of tonight, my Giants are sitting pretty atop the NL West after dethroning the Fodgers in L.A., Life is Good! Especially when you find your team at the broom handle end of a three game SWEEP!