Povertybarn

All You Need Are Mere Seconds

Congrats to the Kansas Jayhawks and Coach Bill Self! You can watch  Mario "Miracle" Chalmers.

Let's Go Jayhawks!

Our Father, who art in Lawrence,
Hallowed be thy Game.
Thy tourney come,
Thy championship will be done,
In San Antonio as it is in Allen Field House.
Give us this day our deserved victories.
And forgive us our turnovers,
As we forgive Roy who double-crossed against us.
And lead us not into defeat,
But deliver us from East Coast bias,
For Kansas is the basketball kingdom,
And the tradition,
And the glory,
For ever and ever.
Amen.
 

Mad for March

If you know me, then you know how much I love March Madness. I take a lot of time to fill out my bracket every year. You should also know that I have won many an office pool. This year, Davidson is my Cinderella story team and I have them making it to the Elite Eight.

My pick to win it all? Kansas Jayhawks!

Boycott Beijing

Please join me in boycotting the Beijing Olympics. I also plan on protesting China's treatment of Darfur when the Olympic torch comes to San Francisco on April 9. Please join in, if you can.

Ya Think?

There might be steroid and other illegal substances being used in the SF Giants locker room. Really? I, for one, am shocked.

Barroid Proves His Nickname

As the five of you who read this blog know, I do not like Barry Bonds although I am a life long Giants fan. Why is he lying and ruining his career and legacy? What he is teaching his children?

Classic.

Got Flaxseed Oil?

Barry Bonds aka Barroid has been indicted today by a Federal Grand Jury on perjury and obstruction of justice charges.

He says he didn't.
Most people say that he did.

This isn't the point now. It is the issue of his lying that is in question with this decision.

The grand jury has had almost a year to bring about an indictment. Today, they handed down the decision. Is there new evidence? Nobody is saying.

Greg Anderson, Bonds' Trainer, was subsequently released from prison today. He has not, nor will he cooperate.

What do you think? Can he get a job, now? I am no fan of Barroid.

1 Barry Down, 1 Barry To Go!

Oh! Happy Day! Barry Bonds will NOT be back in San Francisco next season. The other one is Barry Zito who is costing us about 2 million dollars per loss.
 

My New Fave Giant

Bengie Molina (From SFGate)
The new catcher on the block this year has been great behind the plate, a superb clutch hitter all season and thanks to his latest outburst, he's now one of my favorite Giants of all time.

After a road trip in which the team again turned into "Dead Players Walking," Molina went nuts, calling out the guys who go their own way, telling them to get the hell off the team if they don't want to win, saying he doesn't want to come back if the laggers are still here and adding a little spice to this weekend's Dodger series.

I bet the next few locker room gatherings will be very quiet. For now, because of Molina's outburst, I don't hate this team more than any other Giants team of the last 30 years.

Good on ya, Bengie. Like many fans, he sees a team that has the emotional fire of a boiled turnip, a sad group that is aging right before our eyes and is difficult to watch when the bats go quiet.

So now my all-time Giants list goes: McCovey, Mays, Marichal, Fuentes, Ivie and . . . Molina!

That said, if the Giants get swept by the Dodgers this weekend, I'll go right back to making this team No. 1 on my list.

Oh Damn

Apparently, yesterday was Barroid Bonds day in San Francisco. There was a celebration. I forgot to go, er blew it off. Wait -- I missed free food. Damn it!

Celebration Ale

Right after Barry Bonds hit the 756 tonight, it was crazy. A lot of people left and even more seemed to forget that there was a game down on the field. There were tee shirts with I was there and lots of crap for sale.

I did buy a beer to celebrate the fact that this circus is over. Great, now we can concentrate on our losing season.

RIP Bill Walsh

I just can't believe this sad news. Our Genius of San Francisco is gone. Thanks for the decade of victories in the 1980's. Thanks for giving us Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, Dwight Clark, and Eric Wright just to name a few.

I will always remember The Catch and you.

Okay, this is to upsetting to write more, so please see SFGate.

I'm Just Saying

Barry Bonds is an asshole.

BUT, he is our asshole.

This means that I can hate on him, but you non-Giants fans should just have another glass of shut the hell up, already. He hit two homers today in Chicago. The chase of Hammerin' Hank is on!

As per usual, the Giants lost. I still love them, though.

Observations of the MidSummer Classic

Here are a few thoughts about the 2007 All Stars Game:

1. Willie Mays is a true legend and received the welcome of a king pf baseball.
2. When the players were introduced, they walked down a red carpet. It should have been orange.
3. The Commish Bud Selig was not introduced. This was the best decision of the entire week.
4. Barry Bonds got a standing ovation, but not all of us love him. I have mentioned this before.
5. Albert Pujols is irked that he played left bench. I don't blame him.
6. MLB had covered Bonds' home run record on the outfield wall for Future's Game and the Home Run Derby, but they uncovered it for the All Stars Game.

Bostonist has some Red Sox Recap of the game.

Splash Down... In The Grass?

  2007 All Star Game Sunday - Splash Down... In The Grass? 
  Originally uploaded by DiLow333

This is a photo of the field. I haven't uploaded any of my pictures, yet. At the Home run Derby last night, we had to settle for splash down hits in the logo on the lawn instead of McCovey Cove.

Vlad Guerrero was awesome in fact, it reminded me that he was almost a Giant. Sigh.

Let's hope that I get to see some balls  scream into the Bay tonight at the All Stars Game.

SF Giants Winter Moves

I can't help myself -- need a little baseball chatter.

JT Snow announces his retirement and front office gig. Welcome back, JT!

Rich Aurilia to return -- woo hoo!

Barroid to re-sign 'cause nobody else wants him

16 million for Molina -- I don't get it, but whatever

Schmidt is now dead to me!

US is Ghana!

The US Men's World Cup team has been eliminated by Ghana. The score was 2 - 1.

GHA : USA, 22 June 2006, Nuremberg, Germany
ESSIEN Michael (GHA), ONYEWU Oguchi (USA)
Copyright: AFP / afp.com

Czech Mated

US: 0

Czech Republic: 3

Oy! This is going to be a very long World Cup.

One of the headlines that I saw this morning said," We waited four years for this?"

Of course, the Czechs are rated 2nd or 3rd in the World.

715*

Is it history or not? That is the question on oh so many lips.

Gary Gillette says it is history.

Others say that an asteric is necessary.

It is hard to say, but I think that history will not look kindly on Barroid. At least, the games won't be as crowded now.

The Babe, Beer and Barroid

Barroid is greeted by a sign while playing against the Philadelphia Phillies in the fourth inning of their baseball game Friday night, in Philadelphia.

( AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy)

Barroid Injected into Probe

Because Barroid is not a nice guy and a liar, he is being scrutinized. I used to be able to say, at least is an amazing athlete. But, is he really? We will never really know.

Barroid's doctor was subpoenaed to discuss his multiple surgeries and ultimately his 2003 testimony. Rumor has it that his doctor is cooperative and afraid for his own practice, so he will sing like a bird.

Here's the deal. Barroid should just come clean -- figuratively and literally -- and a lot of this would go away, but no -- he won't. He will go to his grave swearing that he never took steroids. 

Giants Win

Today was the San Francisco Giants home opener against the Atlanta Braves. They won. I am in shock. Pedro Feliz stepped up big time today. Barroid did nothing -- got walked. One of the best parts of the day? Besides not being at work! Having dinner at the House of Prime Rib.

B is for Barroid, BALCO

C is for cheater

D is for dumb ideas

E is for ejected from the field

F is fanabuse

G is for Giant mistake

H is for hit the pavement, Barroid

I is for I want my ticket money back!!!!!!

J is for just own up to it

K is for kiss may ass, cheater

Advice to Barroid from Letterman

Top Ten Ways Barry Bonds Can Improve His Image

10. Lucky fan gets to inject him in the ass

9. Develop an exit strategy for Iraq

8. Start an erotic blog

7. Change name to Barry the Cable Guy

6. Open retail chain: Big & Tall & 'Roidy

5. Star in one of them "We Have 15 Kids" movies with Bonnie Hunt

4. For every homer he hits, donate 500 bucks to the good people at Balco

3. Auction autographed syringes on eBay

2. Switch from steroids to hookers to become like lovable Babe Ruth

1. For the love of God, give some of them 'roids to the Knicks!

Shamelessly stolen from Letterman.

Fraud on Barroid

I have been mulling this over for several days. It seems that in light of the new Barroid revelations, I think that we am owed something.

After all, Barroid, the San Francisco Giants and Major League Baseball have all profited from my thousands up thousands of dollars that I have given them over the years. I gave that money good faith because I was led to believe that I was seeing something spectacular and authentic. So, why can't I sue the three of these liars for fraud?  We, the fans, have been defrauded of our time, money and energy.

Anyone interested in starting a class-action lawsuit?

(Read the SanFran Sports man, Baseball Musings and World Chumps)

Barroid

As if he isn't disliked enough, Barroid aka Barry Bonds is suing the Chronicle reporters who wrote a book that talks about his use of steroids. The lawsuit does not address the claims -- oh so telling -- but addresses other issues which are best explained this way:

Instead, he said, he plans to use California's Unfair Competition Law, Business and Professions Code section 17200, to prevent authors Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams and their publishers from profiting from the book.

OK, you can't make any money of off Barroid or his misdeeds. Interesting twist and a little pathetic. As you know, I am not a fan of Barroid - look here and here.

Tourney Fever

I love March Madness! It is my favorite sporting event of the year. So, I have entered my office pool and so far, I am kicking ass much to the dismay of the men in my office.

I am in first and third place as of today. Of course, with more upsets this coming weekend, I could be the big loser.

Who saw Bradley, George Mason and Witchita State coming? Very few.

At least with this first weekend out the of the way, I might be way more productive than I was last week. Come on Duke and Villanova!

Kirby Puckett RIP

Baseball has lost one if it's truly great players. Kirby Puckett's life was cut short by a stroke this past Sunday. He had an amazing career that was cut short when he was diagnosed with glaucoma in 1996.

Kirby was known for his roly poly physique and being an all-around good guy.

"He was a tremendous ambassador for the team. I think Dave Winfield said the right thing: He was the only player in the history of baseball everybody loved," said Guillen.

Barry Nice

Well, we can all stop holding our breath now. Barry Bonds has decided to show up to Giants Spring Training. Hey, he is only two days late and has only missed one team workout.

But, that’s okay because he is Barry. He might take BP today and he might not. My suggestion: work on your fielding, you over-aged, ball-dropping Left fielder.

There has been much fodder over his potential retirement at the end of the season. Gosh, I sure hope so. Will he have enough class to step down without breaking Aaron’s record? Not to mention, then the SF Giants could get some players under 30.

What's in Your Eye?

No, I am huge soccer fan and enjoy a good match and cheering on my team, but this a little far.

But, it might serve as a great conversation starter. Maybe I should buy some online for this Friday night?

German optician Stephanie Berndt wears a soccer ball contact lens in Munich February 6, 2006. A set of 'Magic Lens' contact lenses with images of one soccer ball and a German flag cost 45 euros (54 U.S. Dollars). REUTERS/Michaela Rehle

Feeling 'Hawkish

So, there is much hype and talk about the Super Bowl. Although, there is less so in San Francisco. How could we, our Niners suck these days.

We do have a connection to the game. We have Coach Mike Holmgren. He is a native San Fransican and coached at my high school. He already has one ring.

Which leads me to shout out, "Let's go Seahawks!"

A Giants Goodbye

Thanks for the memories JT Snow. Thanks for nine years of service to us San Franciscans. You will be missed by many of us.

You deserve a chance to come back and be thanked properly by the fans and I hope that Brian Sabean takes his head out of his ass long enough to let it happen. Oy.

Read the thoughts of Ray Ratto, so I don't have to plagiarize them. Also, on another Giant's note please join my friends over at May's Field in the protest of changing our park name again to something like AT&T Field. Ugh. Double Oy.

Sad News Today

Actor Pat Morita passed away at the age of 73. He died at his home in Las Vegas with his wife by his side. Arnold and Mr. Miyagi you will be missed. You were robbed in 1984 when you didn't get the Oscar.

Another sad note, famous Northern Irish footballer George Best died from liver disease. He needed a second liver transplant , but ran out of time. He was a noted player in Northern Ireland, Manchester United and even in my town -- the San Jose Earthquakes.

Oh, yea Nick and Jessica broke up. BFD.

TO Might be OUT for Season

Well, it is nice to know that I can go on vacation and some things don't change. Yes, it is true. Here is a fine example.

Terrell Owens made some seriously damaging comments about QB Donovan McNabb and the coaching staff of his current team, the Philadelphia Eagles. TO is no stranger to stirring up trouble, we San Franciscans know this very well.

However, it took a man from Philly to step up and say enough is enough. There is a meeting today to see if the relationship can be salvaged and to discuss money (shocking, eh). It is unfortunate that a man with such talent cannot seem to harness his energies toward the game. However, a team has to be able to play together and not be distracted by shenanigans off of the field.

World Series Watch

Let's Go White Sox! Seriously, my team isn't in there and won't be again for some time. And don't even get me started as to why I have not posted about football. Ugh. My 49ers got skinned and then some. It is hard to watch every Sunday, but I support my team even when they completely suck.

Power of the Plea Bargain for BALCO Boys

The Federal Judge sums up this case all too well -- a lot of lying and cheating. It is sad to think that the Federal Government mucked this up so badly that such light sentences had to be bargained.

Victor Conte, President of BALCO will serve four months and four months of house arrest. BFD!

Greg Anderson, Trainer of Barry Bonds and others will serve 3 and 3. Holy incarceration, Batman!

James Valente only gets probation. Seriously?

The slime factor has just increased and with Dumb Dumb's desire to be Baseball Commissioner, I am sure that the rest of this will just be swept under the rug. Disgusting! Also on Daily Pepper.

Confession Time

Every few days, I sneak off to have lunch by myself at this random liquor store that makes kick ass roast turkey and roast beef sandwiches. Why?

They have the Fox Soccer Channel to which I am becoming readily addicted. I can't enough of the 2006 World Cup qualifiers. As a child, I played soccer and still love it to this day.

You can check the standings of your favorites here. The only thing that would make it better is a pint of Guinness.

A Giants Disappointment

What a lackluster season. The San Francisco Giants have come in third in their division. Not that this Giants fan is too surprised at all. You can start the season by fielding the oldest team in major league baseball history and expect to be a contender.

Barry Bonds, he will play. No he won't. Okay, a few games. Who cares.

Okay, let's sign Randy Winn to a real contract. Goodbye JT Snow, doubt that you will be back and/or that the Giants organization will give us a chance to thank you for your nine years of service to us.

There's always next year.

It's Snowing in San Francisco

Okay, not really. This picture is worth a 1000 words. This also explains  to how I spent my lunch hour today. It was sweet.

You should definitely check out the other pics that accompany the article. It was a spectacular site standing at the top of the hill on Fillmore Street as I did with one of my fave co-workers this afternoon.

Did I mention that it was just about 80 degrees at noon when this event started? Now, this is just another example of why it rocks to live in San Francisco.

I am certain that there will be highlights galore tonight. It was sponsored by Icer for Jonny Moseley.

The Bonds Roller Coaster Continues

Well, isn't this special. Super star Barry Bonds know says he may be able to play starting this September. Gee, thanks for gracing us with your presence. Maybe. Does this mean that he is finally detoxed himself of steroids?

It is too bad that his surly disposition along with his disdain for the fans puts a dark mark on his amazing athletic ability.

He reminds me of another former Bay Area sports star, TO. Another wonderful athlete, but with a lacking personality. You should read what Scott over at Poetic Leanings has to say about TO.

49ers Actually Won . . . In PreSeason

The San Francisco 49ers actually won this past Saturday. Did I really just write that? Is this a dream? Okay, it was only pre-season and the Raiders. Hmm, usually when the Niners do well in exhibition then they tend to suck during the regular season.

It looks as though Tim Rattay is seeking a little job security. he sure played well this past Saturday night. See the details in the San Francisco Chronicle. A life long fan can dream, right?

If I played Basketball

This is how silly I would look. Self mockery is good.

Seriously, this is the real caption.

The New York Liberty's Becky Hammon, in front, guards the Connecticut Sun's 7-foot-two-inch center Margo Dydek, of Poland, during the second half of their WNBA game at Madison Square Garden in New York Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Bonds is Outta Here

I wish that I were shocked. Barry Bonds has said that he will not be back for this season. Why? Did the Palmiero news scare him? Is he not done detoxing from steroids? Why not just trade him and get him off the payroll, so we can get a pitching staff, a third baseman and some other much needed staff. Honestly, he should just go be a designated hitter in the American League. Check out the San Francisco Chronicle.

"I don't think you're going to see me out there this year," Bonds said in an interview with MLB.com, baseball's official Web site. "That's the reality of the situation. I'm improving. I'm happy with the progress. I'm working out hard on the exercise bike and the elliptical machine, but I'm just not there yet. The last thing I want is to get back on the field and be out again a week later.

Palmeiro Suspended for 10

All over the papers today is the fact that Rafael Palmeiro the first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles has been suspended for ten games for using steroids. Only ten games? The New York Times has the facts.

In his Congressional testimony in March, Palmeiro was resolute in his assertion that he was clean. "I have never used steroids. Period," he said. "I don't know how to say it any more clearly than that. Never."

In a telephone conference call today, Palmeiro acknowledged a distinction, saying he never intentionally took steroids and could not explain how the drugs got into his body. He also apologized and said he would accept his punishment.

So, does he think that we are all that lame? Was he confusing them with his Viagra? What is he really going to lose, like 150k? Omigod, how will he live?

Now, if only Barry Bonds would just fess up!

Road Trip

The Scoreboard
Originally uploaded by povertybarn.

So, this past weekend i went to Sacramento. I caught a River Cat's game. It was 105 degrees at 6 pm -- eek. Yes, I missed my San Francisco fog.

You can see some other things that I have done recently by looking at my flickr account.

BALCO CEO to do Hard Time

Victor Conte the CEO of BALCO of the steroid scandal has reached a plea bargain that will have him serving four months of hard times. The full details are in the San Francisco Chronicle.

One can't help, but think that this is just the card to fall from the house of cards that are the elite athlete customers of BALCO. What will happen to Marion Jone, Jason Giambi and Barry Bonds? There are many others that have been implicated as well.

What have we as a society done to ourselves and our athletes that they need to go to these lengths to cheat? I am as big a sports fan as the next guy, but this is getting ridiculous.

PS. The Giants have start of the second half of the season with a win over the Dodgers. Woo Hoo!

Steelers Fan in Great Armchair in the Sky

Now, this guy is a real sportsfan. Let's offer a moment of silence and raise a pint to him.

PITTSBURGH - James Henry Smith was a zealous Pittsburgh Steelers fan in life, and even death could not keep him from his favorite spot: in a recliner, in front of a TV showing his beloved team in action.

Smith, 55, of Pittsburgh, died of prostate cancer Thursday. Because his death wasn't unexpected, his family was able to plan for an unusual viewing Tuesday night.

The Samuel E. Coston Funeral Home erected a small stage in a viewing room, and arranged furniture on it much as it was in Smith's home on game day Sundays.

Smith's body was on the recliner, his feet crossed and a remote in his hand. He wore black and gold silk pajamas, slippers and a robe. A pack of cigarettes and a beer were at his side, while a high-definition TV played a continuous loop of Steelers highlights.

"I couldn't stop crying after looking at the Steeler blanket in his lap," said his sister, MaryAnn Nails, 58. "He loved football and nobody did (anything) until the game went off. It was just like he was at home."

Longtime friend Mary Jones called the viewing "a celebration."

"I saw it and I couldn't even cry," she said. "People will see him the way he was."

Smith's burial plans were more traditional — he'll be laid to rest in a casket.

Hmm, this is giving me some ideas. I was origninally thinking that somebody should drag me out to the pub for one last pint of Guinness, but . . .

A's are for Agony

Yes, that is correct the Oakland Atheletics have swept the San Francisco Giants. You can read about today's 16 - 0 beating in the San Francisco Chronicle.

I can't remember the last time that the Giants were swept by the A's. Sad. Very sad.

US Men's Soccer Team Kicks It Up

Check out the great post over at CommonSenseDesk on how the US Men's soccer team is advanicing to the US World Cup. This is HUGE. the team is going to most likely make it without being the host country. They beat Panama to move onto the next round. Well done!

Giants Suck Royally

Tonight's game was so painful. The San Francisco Giants lost tonight 8 - 1 to the Kansas City Royals from the San Francisco Chronicle. It is important to note that Royals are currently the worst team in Major League Baseball. They are 20 games back.

While I am a lifelong Giants fan, but this is getting hard to take. Yikes, even though we traded Homerun Herges, we still have a long way to go. Calling all people who have a decent slider, change-up and fastball to come on down!

Closer is on the Way

The San Francisco Giants announced that they have made a trade with the Chicago Cubs to get a closer. It is about damn time, too. I can't take watching more loses for a while. LaTroy Hawkins is on his way and two Triple A players are on their way to Illinois says the Giant's website.

Okay, our bullpen is in total chaos, but can't we get rid of Matt "Homerun" Herges and Scott "Error" Eyre? We need pitching and maybe some players under30. PLEASE! How about some players who can run the bases?

This is a rough season so far. LET"S GO GIANTS!

Giants Lose Another Pitcher

Yes, it is true. the San Francisco Giants have another pitcher on the disabled list. Jason Schmdit is out for at least 15 days. They lost again today to the Pittsburgh Pirates. This is so depressing. Is this what it is like to be Cubs fan?

It is Going to be a Long Summmer

So, I have only witnesed two San Francisco Giants victories so far this season. I was beginning to think that I might be a jinx -- a proverbial Cousin Oliver if you will.

However, I came to the realization aftr attending last night's game and the game today. Yes, they lost both. It is NOT
me. It is them.

They play with the love the game, good coomunication and less than stellar pitiching. The pitching is horrific. They lost to the Nationals, bythe way. This is just wrong.

So, this will be a long, painful  summer. Or, let's hope that I am wrong. Can anyone out there pitch? If so, please call the Giants!

Let's Go GIANTS!

Can you feel it in the air today? There is an air of excitement in the City. Why?

Today is the San Francisco Giants Opening Day! Jason Schmidt is the starting pitcher. The Giant's probable line-up is listed on their site as well. They will be playing the HATED LA Ddogers in the opening series.

It is a beautiful day! Play bal! GO GIANTS! Ok, back to "working" until my appointment at say 12:30? wink wink.

Barry Bonds May Sit Out Season

Barry Bonds may have to sit out the season because if his knee surgeries here in the last few weeks. The San Francisco Giants have not made any statements to this affect as of yet. They know that it could impact ticket sales.

While discussing his injuries Barry took the opportunity to bash the media once again. Why can't he just be a good guy? he never ceases to disappoint with his poor attitude. Take a look at the story on ESPN.

Okay, so the evil side of me thinks that this is his way of taking time out to detox of all of those steroids? Any thoughts?

BTW, I love this blog, Mays Field!

SF Giants to Hire Baseball Outsider

The San Francisco Giants have teamed with Yahoo! to have their own online version of The Apprentice as reported on SFGate. One must enter by April 6th to have a fantasy baseball team, answer trivia questions and write a statement.

This is so cool! All of us baseball outsiders who know and love the game have the chance of a lifetime to get on the inside. The field will be narrowed to 12 comeptitors and last the length of the season.

You know that I am entering. Will they let a girl win?

March Madness Begins

I am so happy! My favorite sporting event of the year is about to begin. Suprisingly, it is not SF Giants Opening Day or the SF Niners first game of the season. It is the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

My favorite NCAA Tournament bracket to use is the one on ESPN.com. Does this make me an unusual girl? Some of my picks include Kansas, Illinois, and Saint Mary's.

Well, off to fill out my bracket! Who do you think will win the March to Arch?

SBC Park Should be Changed to Geritol Field

When the San Francisco giants take the field this Spring they will have the oldest starting outfield in the history of Major League Baseball. Barry Bonds is 40, Marquis Grissom is weeks from 38 and Moises Alou is 38.

The New Yorkers are a;ready noticing our weakness. Let's hope it turns into a positive? the article NYTimes really hit me this morning. Let's pray for a miracle