Job Creation Scam
Today I read a very enlightening article by Jon Carroll of the San Francisco Chronicle (Inside the Job Creation Scam). It touches on the marriage of corporations to government while shedding light on unemployment and the recession/depression.
How can laws enforce "Social responsibility" on corporations when said laws are blamed for stifling the life blood of business; profit? We are therefore forced to live in a country that is governed by the interests of big business.
I don't think that's what the founding father's of this once great nation had in mind, nor did President Abraham Lincoln when he said that "government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from this earth."
Lincoln's Gettysburg Address quote was spoken at the end of this country's first and only civil war, a rebellion that threatened self-government.
NBA Begins Battle Christmas Sunday
Seems fitting that Oakland's Oracle ARENA will host a competitive basketball game between the L.A. Clippers and Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day.
Arenas and Coliseums during the time of Christ featured a more bizarre form of entertainment, pitting armed Gladiators against other gladiators, animals and condemned criminals while also matching humble christians against hungry lions. Just goes to show that humanity has evolved to become more civilized.
Out of respect for that civil badge of accomplishment the NFL has moved the bloody and barbaric clashes of Titans, Raiders, Vikings, Lions, Panthers and the rest of the viciously played football events to Saturday, Christmas Eve.
Merry Freakin Christmas, argh! argh!
Raiders Can't Finish Off Lions In Oakland
As I write this, friends are texting Raiders condolences to me. One Raiders fan I overhead saying that Warren Sapp must've been right; the Raiders aren't good enough for the playoffs. Another one said he'd rather watch a blow-out instead of being teased and tortured through a game like this.
Simply put, the Oakland Raiders broke fans hearts today by squandering a 27-14 lead with under three minutes left in the game. They did it in typical 2011 Raiders fashion, giving up big pass plays and touchdowns on defense while going mostly conservative to hold a lead on offense. The hardest part is that they almost pulled it off. Almost!
Raiders QB Carson Palmer missed a clutch throw that could've sealed it, but the pass to the open receiver came up about a yard overthrown. Palmer also took a sack on a critical series that could've found the Raiders running out the clock.
After playing their hearts out all game, the Raiders found themselves just three yards away from a first down to all but end the game. Instead, the Detroit Lions got the ball back with no timeouts left and bing, bang, boom; Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (9 rec 214 yds 2 tds) is celebrating with the tying touchdown catch. The kick was good for the one point lead.
The final insulting injury was a Sebastian Janikowski 65 yard field goal attempt in the final seconds that had the house rocking with faithful belief. It was truly a Mighty Casey at the bat moment:
Tired of Tim Tebow?
Come'on Man
Well if you haven't heard all the media hype over Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow lately, then you must've been stranded on an island without a signal.
Tebow has become the biggest thing since motorized carriages. Dare say some are crediting his on-field exploits to "divine intervention." Tebow is a devout Christian who wears his faith on his jersey sleeves. Others in sports have done it, but none with such a miraculous record against overwhelming odds and criticism.
To think that his current six game winning streak began in Oaktown against my beloved Raiders almost makes me wonder if the almighty is in on the legendary league conspiracy against the silver and black. I was there to see Tebow bring his team back in Oakland this season with his legs and sheer will to win. I saw him run a 40+ yard tackle breaking touchdown against the Raiders in 2010, his first start. It's enough to bring tears of joy or jealousy to a fans eyes.
Whatever analysts attribute to Tim Tebow's NFL success, the word immaculate might not be far off the mark. Love'em or hate'em, he's got a genuine humbleness that's as cuddly as christmas. My Raiders need help to get to the playoffs and Tebow stands in our way to a division championship.
If the Denver Broncos beat Tom Brady and the Patriots this weekend, Raiders division crown aspirations will be shattered, Tebow will be crowned a deity in football, or at least in the Rocky Mountains of Denver and Tebowmania will overwhelm the sports world and Christendom.
For what it's worth just remember, the messiah began his journey in Oakland. Lord, we didn't commit any personal fouls or blasphemy against your divine messiah while visiting our house, if you find it in your all-loving heart to bless us with a playoff seed we'll praise the off-field words and ways of the one you've sent. Amen!
Oakland's Andre Ward Unifies Titles In Win
The gold medalist boxer from Oakland, Californ-I-A is champion of Showtime's Super Six World Boxing Classic, a tournament of elimination that consisted of six middleweight boxers competing over a 2 1/2 year span.
So it comes down to this; Andre Ward vs England's Carl Froch. Froch was outboxed by Ward last night at the Atlantic City tournament final. Froch looked slow yet determined to somehow catch Ward with a power punch. Ward dominated the fight with quick jabs, combinations and footwork that eventually frustrated Froch and left him looking to his corner for answers; no answers were given as Ward tagged his opponent from head to ribs at will.
In winning the fight with a unanimous decision, Andre Ward unified two super middleweight titles, WBC and the WBA which he retained. Ward confesses that he has room for improvement, but as all eyes in the boxing world saw last night, this young man has arrived.
Congratulations To Oaktown's Own Boxing Champion
Andre Ward
Quote For Today
All Our Dignity Lies In Thought;
Let Us All Strive, Then, To Think Well - Blaise Pascal
principle of morality
Suh Sacks Mike Valenti and Terry Foster
Ndamukong Suh, a Nebraska football standout turned defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions, poses for a picture in a headlock with Bobbie Hill, of Comstock, during an autograph stop at the Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha on July 22, 2010.
Mike Valenti and Terry Foster are radio announcers for 97.5 the ticket in Detroit, flagship for Lions football. The announcers weekly interview with Lions DT Ndamukong Suh went south when the interviewers got stuck on trying to expose Suh's personal issues.
The questioning seemed like a trick play to get Suh to reveal all, but Suh out-maneuvered the interviewers by staying calm, collected and courteous while the interviewer(s) unraveled in frustration and ended in what sounded like a hissy fit. They simply didn't get what they wanted out of Suh and stubbornly missed out on letting Suh give fans what he was willing to.
Long after Suh decided to amicably end the interview the interviewer(s) continued to try justifying their position on how they conducted themselves, claiming they did not try to overly pry when it was obvious that's exactly what the interviewer(s) did and exactly why Suh ended it. Whatever happened to professionalism in broadcasting? Was Sarah Palin right about media only being interested in the "gotcha" moment?
Mike Valenti believes he was asking the tough questions because that's what the fans want to know. Well Mike, it was plain to everyone but you that you asked either the wrong question, as Suh tried to tell you, or posed it the wrong way. It's not always what you say but how you say it.
It took a more level headed Terry Foster to calm Valenti down and ask him to "let people critique what just happened." On that note the call-in number was given and the station went to break.
And that my friends is a perfect example of the new age broadcasting style. No tact, no integrity and very little respect for guests on their shows. Anyone and any subject is fair game to blast away at until the interviewee either says something that shocks and bumps ratings or takes the high road and does as Ndamukong Suh does and gentlemanly walks away.
Suh is not as off his rocker as the media is making him out to be. He might have difficulty saying what he truly feels and saying what folks wanna hear, but after interviews like this one I understand why. When does "No Mean No" in broadcasting? I hate to say it but here it is bluntly and uncensored; Suh just escaped a radio rape with his balls unmolested. Suh gets my vote for Real Man of the week.
Now if only my Raiders can do on the field what Mike and Terry couldn't off the field; rattle Suh and get him to make mistakes come this Sunday.
Romo Still A Raider
This video clip showing former Oakland Raiders linebacker Bill Romanowski giving his take on how best to right the Raiders ship is all Romo.
Romo has always been "in your face" reactionary when it comes to doing things his way. I've enjoyed watching Romo as a sportscaster simply because he always appears on the verge of going completely nuts. Well folks, he didn't go nuts, he went Romo.
As far as Romo is concerned the Raiders need to get tough and go hunt down the meat instead of buying over the counter at SAFEway. If need be Romo will lead the expedition, he's In.
If Hue Jackson was watching I hope he considers bringing Romo into the locker room for the final three games. The Raiders still have a chance to reach the playoffs, but as Romo so brilliantly demonstrated, they need to stop waiting in the checkout line to pay for their bacon and go out locked and loaded to hunt game.
Bill Romanowski might just be suiting up for the Raiders sometime soon. Attaboy Romo!
Poetry In Motion
He Jumps, He Catches and He Runs like few others playing the game today. His name you've heard before, but the phenomenal plays he continues to make reminds us fans of just how "Sick" this receiver's skills are.
The Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald made a jump, catch and running score today that showcased exactly what seperates the good players from the great ones.
I truly believe he brings out the beautiful art of catching a pass like few others. Today we saw the grace of Jerry Rice and Lance Alworth in the person of Fitzgerald. His numbers (7 rec, 149 yds, 1 td) minus one touchdown matched those he had in a week 10 win over the Philadelphia Eagles where he was voted Offensive Player of the Week.
Today however the play that'll probably go down in Cardinals lore as "The Catch" was something magical. Fitzgerald gliding down the middle of the field is thrown the ball. Two 49er defenders are closing in on him. Fitz out jumps one defender, snatches the football out of the air, begins an 180 degree turn in the air, lands and continues running for a touchdown without breaking much stride.
I really can't remember what happened to the second defender. Maybe like the rest of us, he fell over his dropped jaw in awe of another Larry Fitzgerald gem of a play. Upon further review, the video clip really doesn't do the play much justice. Fitz made the play look so......."effortless."
What else could I tune into to take my mind off the stomping of the Raiders in Green Bay? Yes, it got even "Uglier" than last week.
Baylor Bears Quartback Takes Home An "Ed"
Baylor Bears quarterback Robert Griffin III (RG3) won the annual award for most outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity.
The award, better known as the Heisman Trophy, was designed in 1935 by sculptor Frank Eliscu. Many, myself included, believe it to be the best looking trophy in any sport, college or professional. A friend and former high school classmate of the sculptor, Ed Smith, posed for the trophy with the now legendary straight-arm (stiff arm).
For us football fans, the Heisman symbolizes what Michelangelo's Statue of David does for renaissance sculpture; a masterpiece.
The player awarded the Heisman has the red carpet laid out for him once he leaves college to pursue a professional football career. Some become good pro players, few become great and for many their star never shines as bright as the day they accept the bronze cast sculpture modeled after a man from NYU who was taken in the first NFL draft by the Washington Redskins.
Questions Surround Model Competition
So why am I posting on a sports blog about this beautiful Top Model competitor? And she's not even wearing her bathing suit? I'm still asking myself that exact question.
America's Next Top Model finalist Angelea Preston was on the brink of being crowned a champion when after commercial, the show aired an unexpected announcement. The judgment on Angelea was cold, calculated and swift as it was announced, without her being present, that the contestant had been disqualified from the competition.
As the judge Nigel put it: “It turns out that after shooting was wrapped, our production team and the network learned information from Angelea that disqualifies her from the competition.”
The winner would be Lisa D'Amato, who it appears has all the personality one needs to be a top model. Lisa said that her confidence comes from a very vulnerable place inside of her. I thought that comment better than the average Miss Universe canned response to pageant questions.
I'm sure Lisa will do America's Next Top Model proud. But as with top athletes who are punished for off the field actions, enquiring internet minds are twittered-out trying to learn just what the heck Angelea did to cause her disqualification at the last moment. Nobody seems to know for sure.
There are many rumors going around; from Angelea leaking information about the final three contestants on her facebook to talk of her possibly being pregnant. Yeah, it's a jungle out there on the internet and all TV celebrities are fair game. Sometimes though you have to "Just Say No" to facebook and twitter and keep a wounded soul like Angelea in your prayers.
Eventually we'll get pieces of what actually transpired, if we even care that much to know.
Eventually we'll get pieces of what actually transpired, if we even care that much to know.
In the meantime we congratulate Ms. D'Amato for wearing the crown of a champion top model.
Tiger Sightings (CLEMSON)
Golf legend Tiger Woods won the Chevron World Challenge, his first tournament win in two years.
Another Tiger is back, C-L-E-M-S-O-N, and will be playing in the Orange Bowl!
The #1 LSU Tigers face a rematch in the BCS Championship Bowl game on Jan 9. Roll Tide!
Get Ready to be Tebow-ed for the Holidays!
Golden State Warriors play L.A. Clippers Xmas Eve. Come'On Santa!
Congratulations Wisconsin Badgers
Raiders Looking Lifeless In Miami
This is how I expect the Oakland Raiders will look on the sidelines next week when they visit the frozen tundra to take on the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers. Frozen Zombies! What else can you expect when the Raiders were outplayed in all phases this week in sunny Miami.
Today they festered in the Florida sun like Zombies in a tanning booth. The leadership looked befuddled by the Dolphins attack. There were no game plan adjustments nor did the Raiders seem to care that they were getting their guts torn out and their carcasses stomped on all over the field.
If the Raiders don't fix what is broken quick they might find themselves looking up at Tim Bebow and the Denver Broncos in the division standings. So get that detached, hollow look off your faces soldiers, or expect Mr. Ndamukong Suh, voted the dirtiest player in the NFL, to finish in Detroit what the Dolphins started today; stomping you into the turf.
Final Score
Miguel Cotto Captures NYC
Cotto vs Margarito II
Madison Square Garden
21,239 Screaming Nuyoricans
"Cotto's Revenge"
Miguel Cotto got a pestering gorilla off his back by stopping Antonio Margarito after the 9th round to retain his WBA (Super) light middleweight title. It was one of the better title fights of late with all the tension and drama that a boxing fan desires.
Cotto came in with a Manny Pacquaio style using quickness, combinations and punches thrown at angles that gave Margarito problems. Margarito stalked Cotto throughout the fight, but it was like watching a clumsy giant lumbering forward trying to catch a mighty mouse. He appeared slow and bothered.
It would be a closing of Margarito's right eye, the same one crushed by Pacquaio, that would cause alarmed doctors to stop the fight at the end of the 9th round. By then Cotto had won no less than seven rounds and still looked strong and focused. Margarito appeared to pick up his pace in round nine but was definitely taking some head snapping blows from both hands of Cotto. His eye would need 12 stitches afterward.
Of course the after fight interviews said as much about the fight as the compubox numbers. Margarito denied being whupped and felt he could have continued. Cotto showed love to all his Puerto Rican brethren in attendance before giving this account of what he was feeling for Margarito as he'd stared at his beaten victim after the fight:
Congratulations Miguel Cotto on your Middleweight Championship Title Defense!
98.7FM THE GAME discusses McLAIN
This newest SF Bay area sports radio show is getting my attention. Hosts Brandon Tierney and Eric "niner" Davis are a welcome dose of FM sports talk to the bay. Their fresh, upbeat and no-nonsense show, "The Drive," airs mon-fri, 2pm-6pm on 98.7FM The Game. They're unafraid to speak their minds and share their opinions; I like that.
You know how we sports fans can get tired of hearing that same vanilla radio flavor with maybe a few sprinkles on top. Sometimes you want a sundae swirl or something with caramel and nuts on it, "In Stereo."
That's where 98.7FM "The Drive" comes in. The two hosts play off each other with great timing and respect. It would be an insult to compare them to Siskel & Ebert or Kornheiser & Wilbon. You can side with either when it comes to their differing views on issues.
The part that puts this station a tad above the rest, besides the FM Bass Stereo, is their Raiders Friday hour(s), dedicated to the Silver & Black, with "UNBIASED" analysis of the Oakland Raiders.
Both Brandon and Eric come off as pro-Raider on the show, something almost unheard of in bay area sports talk. After talking about the Raiders they switch over to the Niners and report with the same passion and honesty bestowed on the Silver and Black. That's exactly what the Bay Area needs, honest and informative sports reportage without the station affiliations (flagship) and personal loyalties getting in the way. Just Report Baby!
I say check out 98.7FM The Drive and see for yourself. Keepin it Current for the Bay!
Dog Shoots Man With 12-Gauge; Honest!
"It sure ain't Christian," Dean Harville said. "It ain't nothing but the old devil working."
As for the Dog story, let's just say that rover did more than roll over when his owner's 12-gauge shotgun was left within paws reach,locked, loaded and .............unmanned.
For all the things hunters ask of and reward their dogs for, has it ever occurred to elmer fudd that just once the Dog would like to stand in his master's boots, pull the trigger and give the order to go fetch a clean kill?
Problem with this story is that the dog now standing in master's shoes has been trained by former vice-president Dick Cheney's School of Hunting, and we know what the second-in-command's idea of safety first and a clean kill were.
Shoot anything foreign that moves within your perimeter, collateral damage is unavoidable.
The moral to this story is never turn your back on a hunting dog with aspirations of being a master, he'll treat you like a dog and shoot you down at the first given opportunity.
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