Paybacks a *!#@%

By Martin Garabedian

Forgive and forget is that classic cliché that gets thrown around from time to time to help people get over bad blood situations. But in the case of Terrell Owens forgiving and forgetting is the last on his mind whenever he plays his former team.

On Sunday, Nov. 23 the San Francisco 49ers (3-7) traveled to Dallas to face the Cowboys (6-4) in what turned out to be another dose of payback for his former team as the 49ers came up empty handed on numerous red zone attempts in a 22-35 loss.

In a post-game press conference (http://www.truveo.com/49ers-postgame-press-conference/id/2377767811) Coach Mike Singletary touched on their inability to punch it in to the end zone on two red zone attempts.

The 49ers through the offensive play calling of coordinator Mike Martz decided to pass the ball four times while running the ball only two times during those red zone trips. Eventually leading them to getting six points instead of 14 in the loss.

Instead of throwing the ball down while on the four-yard line the 49ers need to give the ball to their running back that holds an average of 4.5 yards a carry. Do the math give it to the man three times and with that average you got a good chance of getting him into pay dirt with a half a yard to spare.

In total running back Frank Gore only got the ball 14 times throughout whole game, relying on the arm of Shawn Hill. In Hill’s defense he did record a decent game as he threw for 303 yards and two touchdowns on 21 of 33 passes. But those missed opportunities early in the first quarter might have been the motivation Dallas needed.

For Dallas wide receiver Owens playing against the 49ers was all the motivation he needed. T.O. finished the game with seven receptions for 213 yards and a touchdown. His touchdown came when quarterback Tony Romo threw up a 75-yard bomb in the second quarter. Owens managed to slip behind safety Michael Lewis and cornerback Nate Clements for the score.

In Owens’ last meeting in 2005 against the 49ers he torched them to the tune of 143-yards and two touchdowns. That brings his running total in two games against the 49ers to 356 yards and three touchdowns. You think he is still bitter towards his falling out or what?

Both teams did a good job at containing the run but that doesn’t mean just give up, especially in the red zone. Most teams are built around establishing the run and for an inexperienced quarterback like Hill it is essential to his success in getting his team a victory. 

That’s why Martz is a horrible fit for a rebuilding 49ers franchise. His gun slinging offense is better suited for Bret Favre than a former third stringer Hill and until the 49ers realize that they will continually compete for a high draft pick.

+

= love forever.

Alana Gaspari
11/24/08
MSCM 1
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Well good news all you single people, Amy Winehouse’s beehive is back on the market.

The current news of the world is reporting that Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder Civil’s marriage is over.

I’m actually saddened to hear this news because I thought Winehouse and Fielder-Civil were a lovely couple. Now who is going to be the mess in the media, making youtube videos to show viewers how to smoke crack. Winehouse will be all alone now since Fielder-Civil has recently started rehab.

What a sad story. It takes two to tango.

According to Perezhilton.com, a popular celebrity blogging spot, Winehouse has apparently accepted the fact that ex hubby is head over heels for a Swedish model named Sophie. She was the girl that was blowing kisses and mouthing “I love you” to Blake during one of his court appearances.

I’m rooting for Amy though because she has made it very clear that she wants no mention of Sophie anywhere in her beautiful presence.

I doubt that is going to happen so I’m getting ready for some serious cat fights because we all know Amy loves to smack bitches around.

Also, from perezhilton.com, a ‘friend’ has revealed that sex was the glue holding the relationship together.

Pretty face’s exact words were, “It’s over. There’s no way back for us now. It was never going to last. We were only together for the sex.”

Jail took their only bond away and the poor things marriage fizzled out.

Sounds like a healthy relationship to me.

I personally think Winehouse should be hog tied and airlifted to the nearest rehab facility. That girl is a mess and it’s the eighth wonder of the world how she is still living.

Maybe now that Winehouse is single, Marcus can move in. They would make a lovely couple. They can both use their bad attitudes to help each other out. Then maybe Marcus can go around taking clocks off the wall. Apparently, time is not important in Marcus’ world.

Kevin Wilcox
11/24/08

What is it about religion that gets people so worked up? As my favorite T.V character Gregory House has said,” How did I persuade you? It wasn’t my logical argument because if people listened to logical arguments then there would be no religion,” After news that future President Barack Obama has been skipping church on Sundays for a morning workout over at his local gym has made some Christians in this country extremely angry, including blogger Slilmis who commented on the news story on AOL News saying,” Having a close relationship with God has everything to do about making decisions for this country. Seeking God’s wisdom is a good thing because I would doubt that Obama knows what decisions to make on his own. I am just concerned about what God he worships,” (1).

It is people like this that I have no problem with. Using personal religious judgement is fine and for many it is a way of life. On the other hand it can be a negative habit as well. If you are always stopping to think, “What would Jesus do” and not actually making decisions in a timely manor it can have negative side effects.

Other readers had more “abrasive” comments on Obama’s religious situation including Rolermom5 who said,” It is very important that Obama attends church. I believe he is a Muslim and not a Christian at all. You can’t be Christian and believe in gay rights and abortion,” (1).

Now I am registered to vote as Declined to State and usually my views lean towards Republicans except for social issues such as gay rights but I have no problems with Obama and I believe that he should be given the chance to become a great president. Even though he is a Democrat I will defend to the death his right to worship any God in which he believes. And whether or not he decides that he needs to go to a specific building to be spiritual is up to him and only him.

Some citizens even responded to the original news story with comments and beliefs similar to my own including the simply named George who said,” I actually understand his retinence about attending [Church]. I do believe he is sincere and the fact that he is the president elect just creates many problems with anything he plans. His religion has nothing to do with his ability to lead this country. I had some very big reservations concerning him, but so far I like what he has done,” (1).

I want to say thank you to all those who commented on the story as it is my belief that it is a marvelous country we live in where any one of us can voice our opinions and debate each other passionately and openly. We should all be proud of the fact that we live in a country like that and should be able to put aside our personal beliefs and help defend this great land from any who wish her harm.

Sources: 1). http://yedda.com/questions/Presidency_religion_Barack_Obama_9511715816511/

Dear Billy Beane and Lew Wolff, This is What I want for Christmas

Dear Billy Beane and Lew Wolff,

This is my Christmas list. Please make all of my baseball-related wishes come true. Thank you.

With Christmas and the holidays approaching, it is high time that my Santa(s) make my holiday dreams come true, so here they are. Get on it Santa Beane and Santa Wolff.

Don't trade Bobby Crosby.

Sure, the 28-year-old shortstop is injury prone, but at his best health, he is a force to be reckoned with. Reports, including those on oaklandathletics.com, have been surfacing that his time with Oakland is running down. I can't help but feel like the Oakland team will once again be all new faces next season.

The former Rookie of the Year led his team in doubles, 39 last season. Don't trade him. Keep him around for a while Santa Beane. I would be much obliged.

Plus, I invested in a Crosby jersey last season and I’m not ready to throw it in the back of my closet with my Nick Swisher jersey.



Add another big bat to the lineup.

Please sign another power hitter, we all know Matt Holliday will be gone by August if the A's aren't contending to your liking. We know that you will probably trade him away for seven more up and comers. There was talk about bringing Jason Giambi back, but who knows if you are willing to pay for him.

Maybe, just maybe you should stop sending your good players to other teams, as the Yankees plot to add them to their roster the following season.

Cough, Cough, Nick Swisher.



Don't move to Fremont.

You have been talking about this move to Fremont for years. Now there is talk that it might not even become reality. Stay in Oakland! Fremont A's—it just sounds ridiculous and makes me want to cry, a little. Plus I would have to burn everything in my room that says Oakland.

Sorry, I won’t “hella heart” Oakland anymore.



Don't try to shorten the postseason.

Lew, you have proposed a shorter postseason—why? It is already bad enough that I have to live November through March without baseball, please don't make it longer. I need baseball in my life. Otherwise my heart will be broken for more than five months out of the year.

Do you really want to break a young girls heart, especially around Christmas time?

I hope not.



Be as good as your farm system.

You have a winning farm system and your Sacramento Rivercats were Pacific Coast Champions. You would think that your team would reflect that—well, it doesn't.

Please make your team good again—and no I’m not talking about just for a quarter of the season. Thank you.



Keep the vets and rookies who proved themselves on the field.

Here is the perfect defense:



First Base

Daric Barton

(http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080206&content_id=2366246&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak)

Although he didn't live up to his godly-rookie hype, he has the potential to be a stud and he was able to hold it down at first base pretty impressively. Give him a chance to develop into that stud that everyone made him out to be. Also, keep him away from pools.



Second Base

Mark Ellis

(http://llnw.image.cbslocal.com/0/2008/05/08/320x240/mark_ellis_81018781.jpg)

Of course. Elly is the man at second base, worthy of a Gold Glove. He was out with injury for the end of the season, but at his healthiest there is no better second baseman out there.



Third Base

Rotate between Eric Chavez and Jack Hannahan

(http://mlb.mlb.com/images/2006/11/02/2ZkFbK7L.jpg)


(http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/images/2007/08/20/U4hGrhpV.jpg)

Hanny held down the "hot corner" most of the season while his veteran counter part was on the DL. Chavvy deserves his spot back, but Hanny earned himself some playing time. Not to mention, Hanny made some Gold Glove worth catches—propel yourself into the dugout lately?



Shortstop

Bobby Crosby

(http://www.sfgate.com/blogs/images/sfgate/athletics/2006/05/05/crosby.jpg)

DON'T TRADE HIM! End of story.



Catcher

Kurt Suzuki

(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44043000/jpg/_44043667_baseball_416.jpg)

Need I say more? Suzuki is the man behind the plate, he will do whatever it takes to block that ball.



Center Field

Ryan Sweeney

(http://msn.foxsports.com/fe/img/MLB/Headshots/140x170/7858.jpg)

He will easily be one of the team leaders this upcoming season. He will contribute both defensively and offensively, not to mention he is a complete stud and has proved he can thrive in any location in the outfield.



Right Field

Travis Buck

(http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/03VP0zy9qab7K/340x.jpg)

After missing most of the season, in September T-Buck came back with a vengeance to prove he wants a spot on that starting roster. He deserves it and as long as he stays healthy, he and right field should be seeing a lot of each other.



Left Field

Matt Holliday

(http://whataboutmets.mlblogs.com/Matt%20Holliday.jpg)

Obviously, did you have any doubts about that one?



Thank you Billy and Lew for reading my wish list. I would be a very good girl if you make my Christmas wishes come true. Merry Christmas.

Oh, and I wouldn't mind a date with your center fielder, that would be nice too.

I've been good this year,

Cassie

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