Allen "Al" Davis (July 4, 1929 – October 8, 2011)

I've been a Raider fan for my entire life- 33 years. I've always seen Coach Davis as a true Godfater. I say Godfather for exactly as the word is meant- behaving as a father for those he was not even related to. Many people don't know the things Coach Davis has done to help others both on and off the field. He was the only owner to bend over backwards for his players. I've never encountered an owner, in any profession, that always acted in the best interest of his employees. This was especially important after his players retired- the time when they're most vulnerable. He even helped out with medical treatment for non-Raider employees.

He was also the pioneer in minority hiring- years before the NFL mandated the 'Rooney' rule. He recruited the first black quarterback at USC, Willie Wood. He also hired the first Latino coach in the NFL, Tom Flores (who was also a QB for the Raiders) and the first Black coach in the NFL, Art Shell. Coach Davis also hired the first woman in the front office of an NFL team, Amy Trask, who is still there doing a great job.

Coach Davis was also unafraid of youth. He was never afraid to take a chance and give young people their first opportunity to coach an NFL team. The names include the great John Madden, Art Shell, and John Gruden.

Outside of the immortal George Halas, no other person has had more influence on the game of football than Coach Davis. Just look at the names of football greats who were either coached, managed or influenced by Coach Davis: John Otto; Jack Tatum; Art Shell; Willie Brown; Michael Lombardi; John Madden; Bruce Allen; Marcus Allen; John Matuszak; Ray Guy; Ken Stabler; Bo Jackson; Cliff Branch; Jerry Jones; George Atkinson; Tim Brown; Lance Alworth; Darryle Lamonica; Lyle Alzado; Lester Hayes; Jim Plunkett; Mike Haynes; Howie Long; Ted Hendricks; Dokie Williams; Todd Christensen; Gene Upshaw; and Fred Biletnikoff.

Sure, Coach Davis was not perfect- but then again, who the heck is!? He did far more good than he has done harm. Maybe its me, but I honestly see him as the actual eye-patched Raider on the logo. He lived in true Raider style. This lifestyle is represented by his three famous quotes:

"Pride and Poise; Commitment to Excellence; and Just Win Baby!" - A. Davis

May he rest is Raider glory.

Timmy Time?

First of all, Denver Bronco quarterback Tim Tebow is a great guy. He's a good Christian who does a lot for the community- especially for the young and disabled. I'd love to have him as a teammate. Simultaneously, he is far, far from being an NFL, starting quarterback. Its definitely not his time.

On one hand, most quarterbacks are not ready to start in their rookie year anyway. Often, they're not even ready to start in year two. Many quarterbacks had to sit and study for awhile before adapting to the schemes, and especially the speed, of the NFL's turbo-charged defenses. Some quarterbacks like John Elway, Troy Aikman, Brett Favre, and more recently, Phillip Rivers and Matt Schaub struggled, or were even reserves to start their careers. Who's to think Tebow should be thrusted into a starting NFL position simply on the strength of his college performance?

When you look at his career with the Florida Gators, he rarely, if ever, threw more than 15 or 20 times a game. Far from a Sam Bradford. The Gators always had a balanced attack with a solid running game and stand-outs at every position to help Tim win games. Of course, that's not to say he may not eventually develop into a solid, if not good or even great NFL quarterback. I just cannot say he's anywhere near that right now. Especially when compared to the Denver Bronco's current starting QB Kyle Orton.

Orton has been more than servicable since his time with the Chicago Bears. I can easily put him in the top 15 in the NFL at this point. Many teams would be vastly improved with him at the helm (the Dolphins, 49ers, and Jets for example- yes the JETS!). Denver is surely included in that group.

Its difficult to articulate Tebow's short-comings with the written word but it basically has to do with accuracy. Unfortunately, Tim lacks in this department- which happens to be the most critical requirement of an NFL QB. His arm motion is amazingly wide, and drags through the throwing zone. Sure, Vince Young and Phillip Rivers also had unique motions, but they made up for it with quickness and they were much more compact.

In Tim's favor are his toughness and durability which easily translate into leadership. I just don't think that's enough to take Orton's job. On the otherhand, it may be pleanty to serve as a back-up QB or even a fullback or tight-end.

Again, Tebow is a fantastic teammate and is great for the community, but its simply not his time to become a starting NFL QB. Without some major changes, I'm not sure his time will ever come.

Boehner's Ties to Lobbyists Enabling Corporate Tax Evasion?

Boehner's Ties to Lobbyists Enabling Corporate Tax Evasion?

I'm always careful about hearing both sides of every issue, but this article from the Dailykos (see above link) really convinced me about Representative John A. Boehner's true agenda. It definitely reinforced my suspicion of him and his party's true purpose (too feed the American Oligarchy).

Its funny how the Boehner keeps walking out on President Obama, even amidst this apparent, pending dooms-day. You'd think he'd do whatever it takes to get a deal done. In reality, he's intentionally dragging his feet in order to link President Obama to the mess he actually inherited from G.W. Bush and his 'War on Terror'. Actually, its still part of George H.W. Bush and his NAFTA agenda which was actually initiated by former President Clinton. Its in the best interest of multi-national corporations (which is who Boehner was selected to represent) for the US Dollar to continue its down-ward slide. That's why some call this issue an 'artifical crisis'. I agree with that- not to say the crisis does not exist- but to point out the fact it doesn't need to exist.

Bank fees may rise after Federal Reserve decision - ABC-7.com WZVN News for Fort Myers, Cape Coral & Naples, Florida

Bank fees may rise after Federal Reserve decision - ABC-7.com WZVN News for Fort Myers, Cape Coral & Naples, Florida

This decision by the Federal Reserve could actually help small businesses. I actually agree with it. This supposed increase in bank fees is not the Feds fault- if it even happens at all. It would purely be the bank's decision to recoup even MORE profit.

A New Cool

Its amazing to think back when intelligence was actually a sought-after trait in HipHop and society as a whole.


I was reading up on fellow HipHop head Wise Intelligent and his outstanding new book 'The Manufacturing of a Dumbed Down Rapper'.

I started thinking deeper about the subject. He's 100% accurate by the way!

I'm now old enough to remember when Public Enemy was literally the #1 HipHop group in America circa 1990/91. MTV AND BET actually played and promoted their videos. When compared to current scene of 2011, that time, which us HipHop heads refer to as the 'Golden Era', now seems like eons ago.

Of course, I have nothing against new music. There is an increasing number of quality emcees out there, who are intelligent, creative and cool (our culture's apparent obsession). These artist include, but are not limited to, Jay Electronica, Mikah 9 and Project Blowed

, Megabusive, Planet Asia, Blu, Tech N9ne, and the Shapeshifters.

I love all these cats- some of them have been out trying to break through for nearly 20 years! What I do oppose is ignorance and the current 'dumbing down' of society- both in terms of art and 'real' life that is blocking their shine. These emcees are highly talented and should be getting a lot more exposure in mainstream music fourms.

With enough of us 30-somethings reaching positions of influence, there's a chance the art can initiate its own renaissance. For one, I heard Common (Sense) is working again with producer No I.D.. Mike Rappaport's new 'Tribe' documentary is priming the waters for a long-long-long over-due Native Tongues collaboration. DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince are working together again. Even Digable Planets is active maintaining their own version of coolness of the tour circut.

I'm really looking forward to the second half of 2011 now because things seem to be looking up. Like Kris Parker said, "Things come around 'cause they really never left."

Stay Fresh Will.

I'm just thinking about Will Smith and his 'I am NOT a Scientologist- really!' position. Apparently he recently refused the film "Django Unchained" seemingly due to his unoffical relationship with the group.

Not that there's anything wrong with Scientology, or any other religion of peace in my humble opinion. The way I look at it, as long as you don't preach ill will against yourself or others, you're fine with me. Having said all that, I just think Will is a weird dude. Not in a bad way of course :)

As an AVID, life-long HipHopper, I've followed Will's career since the beginning. I've heard the old, old block party mix-tapes and seen all the interviews, videos and movies. Something just seemed to change with Will after Quincy (Jones) got him out to LA for the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air". One one hand, anyone would change once they become a millionaire, but it seems deeper than that with Will.

Once he took the part in "Six Degrees of Separation" I really started to notice him acting a lil' funny. I'm not necessarily trying to link him to that character either. Its just when you look at his choices in movie roles, there seems to be a theme of weirdness. Its as if he's trying to make some point (religious and/or scientific) without actually coming out and admitting exactly what.

I'll close by saying Will Smith is one of, if not the, most talented men in Hollywood today. He has this raging will (pun intended) to constantly 'perfect' himself. As he admitted in the past, this is due to his being cheated on by his first love (sounds familiar!). This explains why he reads and works out relentlessly (sounds familiar!). I just hope the rumors of his reunion with DJ Jazzy Jeff are true! We need that New, Brand New Funk!

Go Garvey Go!

I dare predict this being the only time in my life I actually support the words and actions of Steve Garvey- but when it comes to a choice between he and Dodgers 'owner' Frank McCourt- its no contest.

I just learned the Los Angeles Dodgers fired Steve Garvey due to his public bashing of ownership. The Dodgers are my team for life, for better or for worse, but I'm standing with Steve all day on this one. Mr. Garvey has been the only former Dodger to take a strong stance against current 'owner' Frank McCourt after he drove the team straight into the ground like a Kerri Walsh spike! (Shouts to San Jo!)

For those who may have forgotten, McCourt needed loans on top of loans to obtain and 'maintain' the team, even before his ugly, high-profile divorce proceeding. He's been cutting payroll across the board. I even blame him for that savage fan attack because HE was the one who decided to cut security just to save more money! Aside from that, he has not acquired even adequate players to help the teams lone star Matt Kemp. He even paid his son close to a million dollars per year to watch the parking lot! Now, Frank is holding on for dear life in a sad attempt to save face. He defiantly tries to keep the Dodgers rather than man-up and admit his failure. Hopefully, its too late and MLB, under Bud Selig, will force him to sell. (Wow! I'm actually supporting Selig and Garvey?!)




I could go on, but my point of emphasis today is to support Mr. Steve Garvey (still can't believe I'm saying this). Whether or not he succeeds in buying the team or not, he'll always be a true-blue Dodger!