Bay Area Football

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Just how interested are Bay Area football fans in watching the NFL playoffs, since neither the San Francisco 49ers or the Oakland Raiders have taken part since the 2002-2003 season?

 

Despite what's become a frustrating, seven-year itch for the fans,  and  for two teams who've combined for eight Super Bowl titles....this weekend's games had some interesting national story lines.

 

Today, the Phoenix Cardinals scored an overtime defensive touchdown  to beat the Green Bay Packers 51-45, in the highest scoring offensive show in playoff history.

 

They move on to play the suprising Saints in New Orleans, while yesterdays victorious Dallas Cowboys round-out the National Conference line-up by battling the Vikings in Minneapolis next week.

 

In the American Conference, the Baltimore Ravins shocked the New England Patriots today 33-14, and will visit the heavily favored Indianapolis Colts.  Meanwhile, the New York Jets fly west to San Diego to play the Chargers....the closest to a hometeam that we have. 

 

So, what's happened to our local teams?  The 49ers glory days began precisely 28-years ago today, when Dwight Clark made "The Catch" against Dallas on January 10th, 1982. Five Super Bowl rings followed, however, the last one happened 15-years ago! 

 

Meanwhile, the Raiders won their first Super Bowl 33-years ago yesterday on January 9th, 1977....and on January 22nd will mark exactly 26-years since they won their third and final world championship at Super Bowl 18.

 

Although they did reach the big game 7-years ago, the Raiders lost badly in Super Bowl 37, and haven't come close  to recovering since..

 

The 49ers are probably closer to re-entering the playoffs under 2nd-year headcoach Mike Singletary, who improved the team by winning eight times....while the Raiders finished with an NFL leading 7th-strait season with 11 or more losses.

 

If  Oakland does what's expected,  and fires their 2nd-year headcoach Tom Cable, it would make nine  different  Raider headcoaches to lose their jobs over the past 20-years!

 

For the Raiders to really improve, Owner Al Davis needs to retain Tom Cable and fire himself, at least by way of hiring on a general manager who can cut loose of Quarterback JaMarcus Russell, and continue to develop the Raiders talented young players....as Al takes a back seat!

 

The 49ers just need to continue improving with quarterback Alex Smith, Pro Bowlers Vernon Davis and Patrick Willis....who,  like Nnamdi Asomugha of the Raiders, have become genuine team leaders.

 

A handful more players like these on both teams, would no doubt restore NFL playoff games to the Bay Area, and probably spice up interest for everyone....not only the hardcore fans. 

Thanks, and enjoy next weeks games. PeteCam4

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2010 Census controversy

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The U.S. Census Bureau on Friday announced it would explore eliminating the term "Negro" from future surveys, responding to an emotional outcry and passionate debate which questions why our government still asks Americans if they identify with a term that many consider outdated, obsolete and racist.

 

"My first reaction was that we take two steps forward to take one step back," said Rick Callender, former president of the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP.  "African-Americans in this country have not referred to themselves as Negro since the 1950's."

 

Question 9 on the census, referring to a person's race, lists one of the options: "Black, African Am., or Negro."  The controversy started early this week as the Census Bureau started its road tour in New York.

 

"I wouldn't say it offends me, but it makes me feel uncomfortable," said Austin Jackson, a 16-year old Fremont student serving as president of the NAACP Youth Council in Alameda County.  "It's unfortunate they would use such a clearly outdated term."

 

Sonny Le, a regional spokesman for the Census Bureau, said the term "Negro" has been on the survey for at least 100 years, and that the form is thoroughly analyzed and reviewed by different offices and advisory groups before being finalized.

 

Le also aid the decision to keep the term on the form was due to some older African-Americans who still identify themselves by it.  In fact, the 2000 census included more than 50,000 people who wrote down explicitly that they identified themselves as "Negro" in a section offered to provide additional information.

 

"At the same time, I think it's a good time for everybody to have this conversation now," said Le.  "The census is an evolving process that's supposed to reflect our country.  If enough prople don't want the term used, we should revisit whether or not it belongs."

 

Callender questions the argument about older African-Americans still identifying themselves as "Negro" saying, "I'd like to know just who those African-American's are."  He says his late grandmother in her 80's, never used the term, nor does his mother in her 60's.

 

Today the Census Bureau stated that it will gather research from the 2010 census to analyze the effects of removing the term "Negro" on future surveys, and on the 2020 census.

 

David Glover, Executive Director of Oakland Citizens Committee for Urban Renewal expects the term will turn-off many African-Americans, and may thwart their attempts to improve participation in the once-a-decade count.  Glover adds that he will tell as many as he can to "go ahead and be counted, because that's the most important thing."

 

Meanwhile, young Jackson concluded that, "this is a good discussion to have, but honestly....there are more important things going on in the world right now."

 

Being Caucasion, this writer can in no way properly relate to this controversy,  except to say that....my memories of the outdated term come from old movies, books, newsreels and an intense, personal study of perhaps the greatest league of American baseball players in history--who had to wait until 1947 to properly display their GLOBAL dominance!

 

The "Term" may have been ok then, but this is now!  The U.S. Census Bureau should adjust accordingly, and exclude it.

 

 

Thanks,  PeteCam4

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THE SEA LION

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THE SEA LION

Last Friday night a poor Sea Lion, was entangled around the neck and snout with fishing line on pier 39 in San Francisco. Every since the Loma Prieta earthquake Sea Lions have been floating on a platform at pier 39. San Francisco was planning Sea Loin anniversary celebration, but with Oscar plight that’s what I’m calling him the celebration was postponed. Oscar The Sea Loin is so scared he swam away from pier 39 in San Francisco sometime late Friday night early Saturday morning. Oscar The Sea Lion swam 100 miles all the way to Moss Landing in Monterey County. On Thursday rescuers attempted to catch Oscar The Sea Lion, but he was to quick and managed to avoid capture. I’m wondering why they didn’t tranquilize Oscar the Sea Lion if it doesn’t hurt him, so they can capture him and get him some help. Well Oscar The Sea Lion is swimming some where out in the sea, so if you spot Oscar The Sea Lion call the Marine Mammal Center (831) 633-6298. Oscar I’m praying for your safe rescue.

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local-beat/Injured-Sea-Lion-Evades-Rescue-Again-81016712.html

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BERKELEY HIGH TO CUT SCIENCE LAB

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BERKELEY HIGH TO CUT SCIENCE LAB

With all of the budget cuts that have been going on for years, our schools are suffering the worse. Berkeley High is considering chopping there science lab, which is held before and after school, I say good, Students are required to go school outside of the school day. I think this is so unfair, what if they have to work or take care of other responsibilities and can’t get there, they fail! When I was in school science lab was a place you went to get extra help not mandatory. Berkeley High is not alone in the challenges, of these hard economic times, schools all over this country are going through financial difficulties in one way or another.
Now students have to pay if they want to play sports in school this means you can‘t be a three sports athlete its to expensive, parents can‘t afford t. A lot of schools have cut Physical Education and the Arts as well. This is definitely not good, students need Physical Education, because
this is probably the only physical activity they get. The arts is a way some students express and feel good about themselves through the arts.Berkeley High your not a lone in your financial challenges.
http://www.kcbs.com/Science-Labs-on-Chopping-Block-at-Berkeley-High/6042805


LM

HAPPY NEW YEAR

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

As 2009 comes to a close, let us all sit back a reflect on the past year and see what be can do to improve up on 2010. Make those New Years resolutions that are reachable. Give thanks to who ever you believe in, no matter how small the gift is. No matter what you’re going through, try to
help someone who is a little less fortunate then you. Streetwise Special Delivery Inc. would like to wish you all a Happy New Year, we'll be here for your delivery needs.


LM

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Airline Security

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As we enter into a new decade, America and every other world target of Al-Qaida can't possibly be too careful when guarding against another major terrorist attack.

Look no further than what almost happened in Detroit on Christmas Day with that attempted terror bombing of  Northwest Airlines flight 253, who's safe landing was more a holiday miracle than the result of optimum, or, even adequate security.

Emerging details tell  just how close this miracle came to being our worst massacre since 911.  Nigerian student Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, who has known terrorist ties, sneaks quietly into Amsterdam on Christmas Eve.  He buys one cash ticket to Detroit, checking no luggage and carrying no passport! 

He does, however, possess 80 grams of PETN explosive, a detonator and a vile of combustible liquid hidden in his underwear.  Upon approach to Detroit airport Mutallab, who somehow failed to set off several red flags before boarding, does try to set off a bomb. But, instead of exploding it only catches fire momentarily, while he is captured by passengers....and the plane lands safely.  Merry Christmas and a vigilant, fore-warned New Year!

Perhaps this failed attempt was a blessing in disguise.  President Obama has now ordered a full review of airport security measures.  The Transportation Security Administration is also speeding up the installation of new, full-body scanners that can detect plastic and other substances hidden on a person's body. 

This 30-second scan amounts to a revealing, virtual reality strip-search, which some groups including The American Civil Liberties Union call overly invasive.

Closer to home at San Francisco International Airport, arriving passengers are glad for increased security measures, even though travel time has been increased.  "Whatever needs to be done, needs to be done," said Dublin resident Konark Uppal who arrived Monday from Dubai, India.

SFO has also beefed up the numbers of San Francisco Police officers on site, and added more bag searches and pat-downs to the screening process.  Domestic and international passengers are also being asked to stow personal items, turn off electronic equipment and remain seated during certain portions of the flight including the final hour....when pillows and blankets may also be taken away.

Other changes such as having no access to carry-on luggage during the last hour, and additional passport checks and finger printing at arrival customs, may be inconvenient...but necessary.  One passenger from Vallejo, who wished to remain anonymous, said that the added security slowed things down but didn't cause serious problems.  "It isn't difficult, but it is different," the passenger said.

This point should be well taken, because to fully guard against terrorism takes being different, and it takes making changes....no matter how difficult!  We can't count on a lucky landing next time.  That next bomb... won't be a dud!

Happy Holidays and have a safe New Year!

PeteCam4

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

Streetwise Special Delivery Inc. staff would like to wish our regular customers and our future customers  a safe and Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We all look forward to serving you in 2010, what ever your needs may be. Same Day, Route and Medical deliveries or our Gift Items Services.

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