Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Dr. David Clayton, after discovering he was less healthy than he believed, has decided to help others while also helping himself

Dr. David Clayton was a workout warrior, but when he discovered his cholesterol and blood pressure were terrible, he decided to do something about it. After changing his diet and exercise routines, he began to help patients get healthier, too ... leading him on a new career path. His story for the Active San Diego series in the Union-Tribune Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/sep/29/active-san-diego-doctor/

It appears 49ers blew it with signing of CB Wright

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Shareece Wright hasn't played a single snap and appears destined to be jettisoned by 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Wrights-Situation-With-49ers-is-All-Wrong-329937381.html

Aldon Smith starting to make an impact for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former 49er pass rusher Aldon Smith hasn't had a sack yet for the Raiders, but against the Browns he produced great pressure and aided his teammates. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Aldon-Smith-Starting-to-Make-a-Difference-for-Raiders-329933021.html

Monday, September 28, 2015

Is Raiders defense starting to come together?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland's offense has grown, but what about the defense? Against the Browns, it appeared to take some big steps forward, too. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Defense-is-Starting-to-Gain-Momentum-329791901.html

In loss to Cards, Kaepernick looked like his old (bad) self

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The hopes for Colin Kaepernick in 2015 were that he would remake himself into a more efficient and effective QB. Based on what happened in Arizona Sunday, that may be a pipe dream. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Offseason-Hopes-for-Kaepernick-Crumbled-vs-Cardinals-329786801.html

Young stars carry Raiders past the Browns

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr, Amari Cooper, Latavius Murray and Khalil Mack spark Raiders to a 27-27 victory over the Browns. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Young-Playmakers-Carry-Raiders-Past-Browns-329703511.html

Niners suffer a disaster in the desert

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers get wiped out by the Cardinals in Arizona, as Colin Kaepernick throws four picks, including two that are returned for TDs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Picked-Off-and-Pounded-in-the-Desert-329711831.html

Friday, September 25, 2015

Expect Mangini to come up with new schemes vs. Cardinals

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers need to get to the quarterback this Sunday in Arizona, so Cards passer Carson Palmer believes he'll see all kinds of creative blitzes from SF. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Pass-Rush-May-be-Crucial-in-Matchup-with-Cardinals-329537141.html

Raiders' running game has a chance to get rolling vs. Browns

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Latavius Murray has just 26 carries in two games, but that may change against Cleveland's soft run defense Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-May-Finally-Get-Running-Game-in-Gear-329528521.html

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Secondary is a primary concern for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can the 49ers secondary -- riddled by the Steelers -- get its act together before facing Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald in Week 3? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Secondary-Issue-is-a-Primary-Concern-For-49ers-328663601.html

Woodson inspires teammates by playing with injured shoulder

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: A week after dislocating his shoulder, safety Charles Woodson -- his shoulder in a harness -- played the entire game against the Ravens. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Once-Again-Raiders-Woodson-Leads-by-Example-328659231.html

Monday, September 21, 2015

Poor pass blocking handcuffs 49ers' aerial attack

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Steelers pass rushers pressured Colin Kaepernick all game long, never allowing him to get a rhythm until late in a one-sided game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Passing-Game-Plagued-by-Poor-Protection-328511921.html

Carr's performance serves notice that he's The Man in Oakland

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr hasn't thrown deep or thrown for big numbers in just over a year-plus as Raiders QB. That changed in leading the Raiders to a comeback win over the Ravens. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carrs-Big-Game-Proves-Hes-the-Quarterback-Raiders-Have-Been-Seeking-328507511.html

Carr fights back from costly mistake to lead Raiders over Ravens

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr leads an 80-yard drive to beat the Ravens in Oakland, just minutes after throwing what looked like a game-losing interception. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carr-Shakes-Off-Mistake-to-Lead-Raiders-to-Comeback-Victory-328441511.html

Steelers pound the 49ers in Pittsburgh

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ben Roethlisberger cuts apart the 49ers' pass defense in lopsided victory over San Francisco. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Pummeled-in-Pittsburgh-328430691.html

Friday, September 18, 2015

En garde! In the world of endurance sports, modern pentathletes -- who fence, swim, ride, shoot and run over a mammoth day of competition -- are the forgotten ones

It's a somewhat strange sport to Americans. Why is there a sport in which athletes have to fence, swim a sprint, jump a horse over 15 barriers, and run 3,200 meters while stopping four times to shoot at targets? It's the modern pentathlon, and its athletes are among the most conditioned anywhere. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/13682606/endurance-sports-modern-pentathlon-deep-roots-grueling-events-fight-survival

Will the real Colin Kaepernick please stand up?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Colin Kaepernick looked strong in opening win vs. Vikings. If he looks good against the Steelers, can it be determined that he's a changed quarterback?http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/New-Look-Niners-Face-Dangerous-Steelers-328201901.html

Carr bounces back from injury, will start vs. Ravens in Game 2

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr had a rough start to the 2015 season and gets a second chance at a fresh beginning vs. Baltimore. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carr-Raiders-Hoping-to-Bounce-Back-vs-Ravens-328194971.html

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Niners go all in with three-tight end sets in opener

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In the season-opening victory over Minnesota, the 49ers showed a new look with heavy use of three-tight end sets throughout the game. Will that continue this Sunday vs. Steelers? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Offense-Has-a-Tighter-Look-328041731.html

Can Raiders get Murray rolling vs. Ravens?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Big things were expected from Latavius Murray in 2015, yet he was just an afterthought in the Oakland offense in Game 1. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hope-to-Get-Murray-on-Track-vs-Ravens-328036411.html

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Country boy Joey Brinson has his sword pointed at Rio

Growing up in Mississippi, Joey Brinson played footbal and loved barbecue. Fencing was just some obscure sport in the Olympics. But since taking up fencing almost nine years ago after losing the use of his legs in a traffic accident, Brinson is climbing his way up the sport's ladder toward the next Paralympics at Rio de Janeiro. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2015/September/16/Country-Boy-Joey-Brinson-Is-Fencing-His-Way-To-Rio

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Nicole Dodson, excited to finally live in a surfing paradise, gets on her board almost every day to fuel her passion for living an active, healthy life

Nicole Dodson is active all the time and has been since she was small. Now the 38-year-old surfer is carving her own path, every day, to a lifestyle that fits her desires. My story on her for the Active San Diego series in the Union-Tribune Health section. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/sep/15/dodson-surfer-rides-waves/

49ers defense has transformed into a shifting, blitzing unit

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco's defense has changed personality under Eric Mangini, showing in a blitz-heavy opening game what 49ers might expect to see this season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Defense-Looks-Like-a-Different-Beast-327710971.html

Raiders must replace starting safeties after one game

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Starting safeties Charles Woodson and Nate Allen suffer injuries in Game 1 of the 2015 season for the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Safety-Net-Already-Has-Two-Big-Holes--327703921.html

Hyde is brilliant in 49ers' season-opening victory

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Second-year running back Carlos Hyde runs for 168 yards and two TDs in a 20-3 victory over the Vikings to open 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carlos-Hyde-Leads-49ers-to-Opening-Victory-327622001.html

Monday, September 14, 2015

Raiders' defense comes loose against Begals' tight end

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders defense will have to figure out what went wrong -- and fix it -- in guarding Cincinnati's Tyler Eifert in 33-13 season-opening loss Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Defense-Will-Need-to-Clamp-Down-on-Tight-Ends-327413971.html

Raiders' optimism is smashed in lopsided season-opening defeat

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: A 33-13 loss to the Bengals in Game 1 of the regular season is embarrassing, baffling for Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Take-a-Beating-in-Season-Opener-327228021.html

Friday, September 11, 2015

Vikings will provide test for 49ers' CBs and offensive line

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers open the 2015 season Monday night against Minnesota, and the Vikings pass rushers and deep-threat receivers will be an immediate test for two shaky groups. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Cornerbacks-Offensive-Line-Will-be-Tested-in-Opener-326670811.html

Raiders eager to begin new era under Jack Del Rio

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can the Raiders reverse more than a decade without a winning record? The season begins Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Eager-to-Begin-New-Era-Under-Del-Rio-326682091.html

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

After shaky preseason, Kaepernick is surrounded by skeptics

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Colin Kaepernick was supposed to be a new and improved QB ... but skeptics didn't see it in preseason games. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Can-Kaepernick-Rebound-Based-on-His-Summer-Performance-Many-are-Skeptical-325704421.html

Taiwan Jones ready for a big role on Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Taiwan Jones is ready for his special assignment for Oakland in 2015 comeback. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Taiwan-Jones-Multipurpose-Impact-Player-325689681.html

49ers' Bowman looks ready for a big comeback

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: NaVorro Bowman's return is one of the team's biggest pluses entering 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Bowman-Looks-Ready-to-Lift-49ers-Defense-325395311.html

Cornerbacks, coaches and Carr under spotlight for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The five biggest questions facing the Raiders in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Cornerbacks-Among-Raiders-Biggest-Questions--325386771.html#comments

Friday, September 4, 2015

Actor Sean Astin is tackling his toughest role: to conquer the Ironman Triathlon World Championship race in Kona this October

Sean Astin has long portrayed inspirational characters in movies, such as in "Rudy" and "The Lord of the Rings." Now, however, he's taken on the toughest role of his life, to become an Ironman triathlete capable of conquering the World Championship race at Kona this October. My story on Astin for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/13581427/endurance-sports-sean-astin-embracing-new-role-triathlete-champions-charities

Ultra runner Traci Falbo has a hectic schedule as a pediatric therapist and mother, but she makes time to break records

Traci Falbo came to ultra running rather late in life, but she's come on fast, setting world records and showing an amazing capacity for endurance. My profile of Falbo for ESPNW's Weekend Warriors series about female athletes who juggle work and their athletic passions. http://espn.go.com/espnw/athletes-life/article/13573201/ultrarunner-traci-falbo-sets-records-just-one-jobs

Tight end Busta Anderson could be 49ers' roster casualty

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie tight end Busta Anderson had a nice TD catch vs. the Chargers in final exhibition game, but it may not be enough to earn him a roster spot for 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Busta-Anderson-May-Not-Make-Roster-324406141.html

Forecast: Raiders' CB situation to remain cloudy

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After four exhibition games, too many questions still hang over Oakland cornerback corps. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Cornerback-Situation-Remains-Unclear-324412781.html

In final act, Hayne locks up a roster spot with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Aussie Jarryd Hayne wows the NFL again in final 49ers exhibition game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Hayne----Who-Else----Steals-the-Show-for-49ers-324290601.html

Butler, Streater and Roberts stand out in Raiders final exhibition

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Three Oakland wide receivers make their case for being a big part of the offense in final preseason game of 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/In-Final-Exhibition-Loss-Some-Raiders-Receivers-State-Their-Cases-324291321.html

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Blind Paralympian Lex Gillette puts his trust in guide Wes Williams, and the two have made quite a team since 2007

Lex Gillette has won three Paralympic silver medals in the long jump and a World Championship gold -- plus has set the world record in his event -- since he and his guide, Wes Williams, teamed up in 2007. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2015/September/03/Lex-Gillette-Eager-To-Take-Fans-Inside-The-Life-Of-A-Blind-Long-Jumper

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Hayne deserves spot on team, despite Tomsula's caution

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula says Jarryd Hayne hasn't won a spot on the team yet. One question: Are you kidding? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Hayne-Deserves-Spot-on-49ers-Game-1-Roster-323901091.html

Receiver Seth Roberts getting closer to earning a job

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Long-shot receiver Seth Roberts leads the Raiders in receiving yards this summer and may have earned a spot on the roster. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Seth-Roberts-Making-Strong-Bid-to-Make-Raiders-323885631.html

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

At age 76, Donna Billmeyer continues to dance her way through life -- at a very fast pace

Donna Billmeyer teaches Zumba to seniors, goes for long walks and watches her diet. The result is a very active 76-year-old who travels and essentially does whatever she wants to do. My story on her for the Active San Diego series in the Union-Tribune Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/sep/01/golden-girl-teaches-zumba/

49ers are excited by Acker's play at cornerback

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Second-year cornerback Kenneth Acker is coming on strong this summer and may earn a starting role. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Kenneth-Acker-Making-Big-Strides-at-Cornerback-323679571.html

Injured Walford has yet to strut his stuff for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tight end Clive Walford has tremendous upside, the Raiders believe, but he's been mostly injured through training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Waiting-for-Walford-to-Make-an-Impact-323666191.html