PomPomBoo

D Flo signs with the Bills, Cro staying put for now

Drayton Florence has decided to sign with the Buffalo Bills. According to Bolts GM AJ Smith, Florence was not guaranteed a starting position and therefore made his decision to go with the Bills on a 2 year deal worth about $6.6 million. 

It looks like Antonio Cromartie will be a Charger in 2009. Despite the worst season of his young career, Cro's athleticisim and potential cannot be overlooked. It's his attitude and motivation that may be in question. Maybe the rumor to trade him upon the signing of Florence was a possible wake up call or a threat to get his mind together. Cro needs to rebound and figure out what kind of player he wants to be. Which Cro will show up in 2009? Hopefully, for Bolts fans, it's the All Pro version that wreaked havoc in the secondary in 2007.

Antonio Cromartie on the trading block?

Antonio Cromartie had a rough 2008. The Cro played no where close to the 10 interception, All-Pro cornerback that he displayed in 2007. He was picked apart and torched on numerous occasions, performing like former sub par corners from Chargers past. And now as the Bolts entertain the idea of bringing back Drayton Florence, there is a hot rumor that Cromartie maybe on the trading block.

Why not? Cro played like crap last year due to a fractured hip. But talking about a new contract, breaking the interception record, and conversing with his mentor Deion Sanders, didn't help him one bit. Cro is a talented corner but had too many mental breakdowns. Maybe AJ Smith just had enough and targeted Cro as one of the players with "their careers on the line".

For just this once I don't blame Jay Cutler

Jay Cutler of the Denver Broncos is a gunslinger both on and off the field. He is not afraid to throw lasers between two defenders or how he really feels about San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers. You can always assure that Cutler will always have his guns a blazin'.

So as the Denver Broncos entertained the possibility of acquiring Matt Cassel from the New England Patriots, the Pro Bowl QB was in disbelief.

"I’m upset. I mean I’m really shocked at this point. I could see why they want Cassel. I don’t know if they think I can’t run the system or I don’t have the skills for it. I just don’t get it."

The hiring of Josh McDaniels was a good hire but to actually consider getting Matt Cassel was ridiculous. Cutler is a talented QB and I don't blame him for his organization possibility turning its back on him. Believe me, Matt Cassel had a good year and may have a better grasp of the McDaniels system but he is no Jay Cutler.

NFL Free Agency- Clubs didn't hesitate to wheel and deal on Day #1

It didn't take very long for many clubs to dive into NFL free agency 2009. Here's a quick summary of the big signings:

Washington Redskins

• Albert Haynesworth(DT)- 7 years, $100 million
• DeAngelo Hall (CB)- 6 years, $54 million ($22 million guaranteed)

New York Jets

• Bart Scott (LB)- 6 years, $48 million

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Acquired Kellen Winslow Jr. (TE) in trade from the Cleveland Browns for a 2nd and 5th round picks in the 2010 NFL Draft

New England Patriots

• Fred Taylor (RB)- 2 years, $5 million
• Chris Baker (TE)- Terms undisclosed
• Traded Mike Vrabel (LB) to the Kansas City for an undisclosed draft pick

Denver Broncos

• Correll Buckhalter (RB)- 4 years, Terms undisclosed
• JJ Arrington (RB)- 4 years, Terms undisclosed
• Lonie Paxton (LS)- 5 years, $5.3 million

Tennessee Titans

• Kerry Collins (QB)- 2 years, $15 million

Baltimore Ravens

• Dominique Foxworth (CB)- 4 years, $28 million

Minnesota Vikings

• Acquired Sage Rosenfels (QB) from the Houston Texans for a 4th round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft and signed him to 2 year extension, worth $9 million

New Orleans Saints

• Re-sign Jonathan Vilma (LB)- 5 years, Terms undisclosed

No news is good news? Smith is mum about LT

AJ Smith stepped up to the podium at his annual State of the Chargers Press Conference yesterday and said...absolutely nothing about LT. The anticipation of Bolts fans, like myself, is gut wrenching. Will LT stay or not? That is the ultimate question.

"All I can tell you is everything is ongoing. I've got nothing more to add at this time. But I will add this: We would love to have him. We hope he returns."

Ongoing? To me it's sounds like an offer has been made and left for LT and his agent Tom Condon to decide. Yesterday was supposed to be the day we found out. I guess the wait will take a little longer. I would hate to see LT leave. He brought football back to San Diego and erased the memory of the Ryan Leaf debacle. LT will go into the Hall of Fame as a Charger but his career may not finish as a lightning bolt.

To be continued...

AWG Productions: The Clone Wars- Episode 1

Here is Austin's debut on You Tube. Lego Star Wars: The Clone Wars- Episode 1. My nephew is very creative. Awesome job! Can't wait for more! 

Rough day at Torrey Pines South

Last Friday I played Torrey Pines South, home of the Buick Invitational and the 2008 US Open. It was the first time I played Torrey South in a couple years and it was rough.

Despite a birdie on the Par 4, 432 yard, Hole #1, the course quickly became physically and mentally frustrating as I practically found the sand trap on every hole.

Almost every shot, either off the tee or fairway, kept finding the sand trap. Now I came in playing solid golf but by the time it was all over, my scorecard ballooned and I finished with a whopping 95!

But that's Torrey Pines South! It plays so fricken long even from the white tees! It can physically and mentally drain you off your game. But you know, I can't wait to play it again and again.

Enjoy the rest of the pics!

(View from the tee on Par 3, 149 yard, Hole #3)

Beyonce "Single Ladies" Contest for $2500

Here we go again. The infectious and contagious Beyonce "Single Ladies" video just will not go away. Now there is a contest for the best copycat version of the video which is supposed to be played during her "I Am..." 2009 World Tour. For official contest rules, click here.

Shane Mercado's version is pretty good but this one by Cubbyradio takes the cake. Good luck!

Sean Penn: Spicoli wins Oscar gold

Sean Penn is without a doubt one of the best actors and one of the most hard working political activists today. Here's a quick look at Penn's best role ever. 

Slumdog Millionaire rules the Oscars

I had never heard of Slumdog Millionaire until a couple months ago when it was beginning to create such an Oscar buzz. And as the Oscars approached, all we heard of was this movie.

Taking 8 Oscars, including Best Picture, out of 10 nominations is outstanding. I am very interested in seeing this movie to see for myself its Oscar worthiness. For those who have seen it, let me know what you guys thought of it.

Lefty almost blows another one but wins at Riviera

Phil Mickelson's win at the Northern Trust Open could not have come at a better time. Mickelson had been struggling at this point of the PGA tour and had not played up to par at the TPC at Scottsdale, Torrey Pines, and Pebble Beach. An uncharacteristic west coast slump that baffled Phil and many PGA Tour officianados. And though he almost gave away the tournament, Phil did just enough to win his 35th PGA Tour victory.

"I’m pleased to be sitting here as the champion. And it was not easy. I had a five-shot lead and I let it slide. The good thing was that I was able to fight hard. Even though I didn’t have my best stuff, I was able to fight through it."

Next up, the World Accenture Matchplay Championships and the return of Tiger Woods. It should be interesting to see if Phil can take this win and use it as a springboard in matchplay. We shall see.

Did AJ Smith spill the beans about LT's status?

Check out this statement by Chargers' General Manager AJ Smith and see for yourself if there is a hidden meaning. When asked about the crop of running backs in this year's draft, Smith said,

"I like them. There's a lot of them. There are a bunch of guys who can help us. We don't need a Hall of Fame running back. You need a guy who can help you win championships. You don't go out and draft a Hall of Fame running back. They become Hall of Fame running backs on their own merit. You go out and draft championship-level running backs. In the early stages, from what I see, there are championship-level running backs out there."

If taken out of context, you can see how this quote can spell trouble for LT. With Darren Sproles franchised tag, Smith's interest in drafting a championship-level running back, and a possibly significant reduction in LT's salary, LT's status as a Charger looks dim. Let's see what happens in the next week. San Diego's Hall of Fame running back may be leaving town.

Tiger Woods- 2005 Masters, Hole #16: The Chip

Tiger Woods is scheduled to return to the PGA Tour real soon so until then I will be posting some of his greatest shots. This one from the 2005 Masters has to be one of the greatest shots in the history of golf. Still unbelievable to watch.

Awesome Austin continues to amaze at NBA All Star Weekend

My nephew Austin and his family returned from their trip to Phoenix, Arizona, from the NBA All Star Weekend thanks to the NBA and the Make a Wish Foundation.

Austin played his saxophone in front of 18,000 people at the US Airways Center during Saturday's NBA All Star festivities.  He received many compliments and even signed an autograph for 2007 American Idol winner Jordin Sparks. His performance was actually supposed to be on television but unfortunately was not shown.

Despite the occasional setbacks and precautions, Austin continues to get better. He is the bravest and most humble kid you'll ever meet. I am so proud to be his uncle. Love ya Austin!

(Photo taken with Steve Nash, Feb 2008)

Classic: Shaq's intro at the All Star Game with the Jabbawockeez

Before sharing MVP honors with Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal had the best introduction to the Phoenix fans of all time. The Big Jabbawockee!

Anchorman: Glass case of emotion

Man punted Baxter! One of my favorite scenes from Anchorman.

Top 10 reasons why many people still freakishly worship Steve Perry

It's amazing how passionate people feel about Arnel Pineda and Steve Perry. I'm a fan of both so it's all good. Here is a quick top 10 list for Steve Perry fans:

Top 10 reasons why many people still freakishly worship Steve Perry

1. Simple: 'The Voice'
2. Journey in the 1980's is too memorable to forget
3. Perry's soulful sound influences others like Josh Groban and Rob Thomas 
4. Journey without Perry is Van Halen without David Lee Roth
5. The dude is just legendary...enough said
6. Augeri, Soto, and Pineda just don't match up
7. The classic Separate Ways music video
8. The long, flowing black hair
9. Oh Sherrie and Foolish Heart
10. We Are the World solo

Blessing and Curse: Arnel Pineda's tale of two consequences

Arnel Pineda created a controversy last year when he told Rolling Stone Magazine that being the lead singer of Journey is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing and curse? What did he mean? Thinking about it now, he does make a good point.

No surprise: A-Rod is A-fraud, admits roid use

Alex Rodriguez or A-Rod has confessed that he used performance enhancing drugs as a Texas Ranger from 2001-2003. Major League Baseball's once glorified and highest paid player has shamefully admitted that he cheated.

“Back then it was a different culture. It was very loose. I was young. I was stupid. I was naive, and I wanted to prove to everyone that, you know, I was worth, you know—and being one of the greatest players of all time.”

Different culture? We're talking 6 years ago nimrod? You know what it's called. It's called $252 million reasons to take steroids to blow up your numbers to make more dough. Why did it take 6 years for you to come clean when all you have been doing is denying using it. Remember this interview by Katie Couric or did you happen to misremember at the time? How can I tell you lied? Look at your blinking, mouth quivering, and shoulder movements. Something tells me you looked very uncomfortable.

Hello world it's Chuck Woods!

Congratulations Tiger and Elin on your new cub! Charlie Axel Woods. So how far can a Chuck Woods chuck if a Chuck Woods can chuck a 3 wood? We'll shall see!

Matt Bush: Another San Diego athlete that let us down

"AGILE, ATHLETIC FRAME. MEDIUM BUILD. LEAN MUSCLE TONE, STRONG FOREARMS & WRISTS. SIMILAR TO NOMAR GARCIAPARRA. STRAIGHT AWAY STANCE. SHORT, QUICK COMPACT STROKE. WILL LAY OUT FOR BALL IN THE HOLE. AGGRESSIVE FASTBALL HITTER. CONSISTENT HARD CONTACT. GOOD TRIGGER. SOFT, SURE HANDS WITH PLUS INSTINCTS. FEET WORK WELL, QUICK ON THE DOUBLE PLAY. RUNS THE BASES WELL."

This was MLB.com's description of Matt Bush in the 2004 MLB draft. Similar to Nomar Garciaparra? Aggressive fastball hitter? Wow! Kevin Towers must have found a gem to pass on Justin Verlander and Stephen Drew. Right? We all know the answer.

Matt Bush was given $3 million to play baseball and become a homegrown star but the talent displayed at Mission Bay High School could not overshadow the reckless mind and attitude he possesses. His recent altercation at Granite Hills High School is just one of a series of criminal debacles that Bush has been a part of since becoming a Padre. But now it's all over.

Bush is an athlete that chose his own path of destruction. He, like former San Diego Chargers quarterback Ryan Leaf, thought that they were bigger than the game and did not respect it. And though fans wanted them so badly to succeed, they let them down. The Bush era is over and hopefully with Jeff Moorad taking the reigns of his new ball club, characters like Bush will never don a Padre uniform or become a part of San Diego sports history ever again.

Etta James is ready to go gangsta on Beyonce

Etta James is upset. Why? Probably because Beyonce has somewhat stolen the 71 year old's thunder. Not only is Beyonce playing the role of Etta James in her latest flick Cadillac Records, but when she performed James' classic song, 'At Last' for the Obamas at the Presidential Inaugural Ball last month, let's just say she wasn't too happy about it.

"The great Beyonce. I can't stand Beyonce! She has no business up there, singing up there on a big ol' President day, singing my song that I've been singing forever."

That's right Etta. Say how you feel, but there's no need to be hatin'. No matter who sings your song, it is your version that will last forever. When people close their eyes and think about the song, who's voice are they hearing? Yours! And that is something Beyonce can never top.

Cable is Al's guy...for now

The 31-24 win in Week 17 at the Tampa Bay Buccanners may have saved Tom Cable's job as head coach of the Oakland Raiders. Maybe it was beating Chuckie that got Al Davis all fired up or the two wins to finish the season. But whatever it was, Cable has earned the right to stay as head coach despite a 4-8 record after Lane Kiffin's "he said, he said" firing.

Face it, who is willing to coach this team now? Who is willing to stand up to the wrath of Al Davis? Davis would be better off relinquishing control and ownership of the Raiders to new blood who can lead this organization in a new direction. I can't knock his desire and passion to win but this is not fantasy football. You can't run your organization like it was in the 70's or 80's. Sometimes it's time to let go and that is what Davis needs to do...for Tom Cable, the fans, and especially his beloved Raiders.

Wells Fargo: Bad timing leads to no Wynn junket situation

Hey Wells Fargo, you have just received a $25 billion dollar bailout, what are you going to do next? We WERE going to Las Vegas!

Trying to follow in AIG's footsteps, Wells Fargo had booked 12 nights, at the Wynn and Encore Las Vegas beginning February 6th. Now lavish junkets to award corporate leaders and dependable employees are considered a "tradition" but the timing of the junket could not be any worse.

According to the Associated Press, Wells Fargo was going to announce this week that they had lost more than $2.3 billion from October-December of 2008. I guess you can say $22.7 billion was worth the chance to go to Vegas! Though Wells Fargo denies that any part of the bailout money was to be used for the trip, it looked rather shady to book this lavish 12 night trip at two of the hottest hotels and casinos in Las Vegas (who doesn't have Steve Wynn's grill permanently fixated in their domes after watching his commercials).

I guess it's time for Wells Fargo to re-circle the wagons again for another day. 

Bale's tirade is an instant hollywood classic (Warning: Multiple f-bombs)

Christian Bale is great actor that is a serious perfectionist who devotes himself into his characters. But that strive for perfection makes him a fricken lunatic! Here is the classic 3:49 of him berating and f-bombing the Director of Photography on the set of Terminator Salvation a couple months ago. Hey Batman...get some anger management help!