Eagles' speed will be a test for 49ers defense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Michael Vick & Co. can break open a game quickly, and the 49ers know it. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Forty-Niners-Will-Be-Tested-by-Eagles-Speed-130853358.html

Raiders (and Patriots) will make their points Sunday

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: New England has the No. 1 offense in the NFL. It also has the worst defense, meaning Sunday's matchup could be a shootout. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-versus-Patriots-Offense-130858558.html

Jeopardy for Sept. 30 on ESPN.com

Well, that's a corny way to honor an athlete. My Jeopardy for ESPN.com's Page 2: http://espn.go.com/espn/page2/index?id=7038149

49ers looking for answers on offensive line

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco ranks 30th in rushing and has given up 11 sacks in three games, which means a shakeup may be in order on the offensive line this week. Adam Snyder may be taking over from Chilo Rachal at right guard against the Eagles. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Concerned-About-Offensive-Line-130786548.html

Raiders' Black Hole is rocking once again

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After a string of losing, frustrating seasons, the Raiders are rolling again and their fans are rocking out at the O.co Coliseum, meaning good things for the home team and bad vibes for the visitors. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Home-is-Hostile-Again-for-Visitors-130782598.html

He's always the perfect host

Gordon Berry has been a personal assistant to some of the biggest names in Hollywood and politics, and grew up in Los Angeles around celebrities. But he's always loved luxury hotels and the atmosphere around them. Today, Berry is a concierge in Coronado, helping people to have a perfect vacation. His story for the On the Job in Coronado series: http://coronado.patch.com/articles/first-actors-and-politicians-now-everyone#c

This insurance agent came in for the cold

Ronn Hall has been an insurance agent for nearly 25 years in San Diego's East County. But he laughs when he explains why he picked the profession. It wasn't so much for the commissions as the air conditioning. His profile for the On the Job in Santee series: http://santee.patch.com/articles/on-the-job-a-cool-transition-for-ronn-hall#photo-7779769

Boss shows his value in debut with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tight end Kevin Boss makes key catches and blocks in first game for Oakland, filling some big shoes left by Zach Miller. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Boss-Makes-Impact-in-Raiders-Debut-130637648.html

Kendall Hunter waiting for chance with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie running back Kendall Hunter, who scored 49ers' only TD in win over Bengals, was an All-America selection at Oklahoma State who showed quickness and speed. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Hunter-is-Ready-if-49ers-Need-Him-130641063.html

McFadden's star is rising on the national scene

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Darren McFadden's big day against the Jets, and his strong start to the 2011 season, is earning him mention among the NFL's best running backs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McFadden-Running-Into-National-Spotlight-130572463.html

49ers tight end Davis is re-discovered

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Vernon Davis, a Pro Bowl tight end who had been largely a forgotten offensive weapon in the first two games of the season, has a big day to help the 49ers beat the Bengals. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Davis-Once-Again-Becomes-a-Playmaker-130568688.html

Raiders' playmakers make big plays vs. Jets

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Darren McFadden, Denarius Moore, Jason Campbell & Co. continue to make big plays in Raiders 34-24 win over the Jets to improve to 2-1 this season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Talent-Starting-to-Take-Over-Games-130537578.html

49ers sitting pretty on an ugly day

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco commits costly penalties, gives up five sacks and can't run the ball, yet comes up big when it counts as Alex Smith leads a long TD drive in the fourth quarter and the Niners beat Cincinnati 13-8. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/For-49ers-Ugly-Game-Turns-Out-Pretty-Good-130532958.html

Prepping for college: Financial Aid

Part 4 of the Union-Tribune special section on preparing for college: My story on the FAFSA and applications for financial aid. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/sep/21/fafsa-and-more/

Prepping for college: the SAT & ACT

Part 3 of the Union-Tribune special section on preparing for college: My story on strategies for the SAT and ACT tests: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/sep/21/preparing-sat-and-act/

Prepping for college: the application process

Part 2 of the Union-Tribune special section on preparing for college. My story on the application process: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/sep/21/smart-application-strategies/

Prepping for college: Grades & Classes

Part 1 of a Union-Tribune special section on preparing for college. My story on strategies for classes and grades: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/sep/21/real-work-classes-counselors-grades/

Jeopardy for Sept. 23 on ESPN.com's Page 2

He's the No. 2 running back in college football and wears  No. 13. Who is he? My Jeopardy for ESPN.com's Page 2 on Sept. 23. http://espn.go.com/espn/page2/index?id=7008787

Raiders know Jets will try to run over them

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland doesn't expect anything fancy from the New York Jets Sunday. The Jets will simply try to run the ball "down our throats." http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hope-to-Stuff-Jets-Run-Game-130431993.html

Bengals' Dalton Gang poses problems for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Niners secondary has been suspect and was picked apart by Dallas last week. Does that mean it's in for another long day vs. Bengals rookie Andy Dalton and a corps of good receivers? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Bengals-Dalton-Gang-Poses-Problem-for-49ers-130422808.html

Holes in offensive line may hurt 49ers' Smith

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Three days after Alex Smith was sacked six times by the Cowboys, it was announced he has a concussion. That's not encouraging news for a team that had trouble protecting him in the exhibition season, too. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Can-49ers-Line-Protect-Alex-Smith-130357943.html

Is Raiders QB Campbell on the rise?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jason Campbell, who almost engineered a comeback vs. the Bills in 38-35 loss, appears to be a much-improved quarterback. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Campbell-Appears-Much-Improved-130354018.html

49ers DBs aren't getting a passing grade

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco's secondary has given up big chunks of yards in its first two games, meaning some changes may be in store, now that two injured former starters are healthy again. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Secondary-May-Be-Reshuffled-130203173.html

Denarius Moore earns more playing time

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie wide receiver Denarius Moore was spectacular against Buffalo Sunday, which opened coach Hue Jackson's eyes. The Raiders coach says Moore will be on the field much more, starting Sunday vs. the Jets. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Likely-to-Show-Off-More-of-Moore-130199963.html

Ex-Army sergeant, corporate rep now happier in landscape business

John Lock got tired of sitting behind a desk, traveling and working in the corporate world. So, the former Army sergeant decided to return to what he likes best, and opened up a landscape business in Santee. He has a few more aches and pains these days, but he's also smiling much more. My profile of Lock for the "On the Job in Santee" series: http://santee.patch.com/articles/on-the-job-hes-planted-a-business-and-watched-it-grow#c

Harbaugh's decision questioned in loss to Dallas

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Coach Jim Harbaugh's decision to pass up a first down deep in Dallas territory and keep a field goal on the scoreboard came under question by critics after the 49ers lost in overtime, 27-24. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Harbaughs-130124133.html

Raiders working to plug leaky defense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland's defensive collapse in the second half against Buffalo leaves players and coaches concerned. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Can-Raiders-Fix-Leaks-in-Defense-130119203.html

49ers let one get away vs. Dallas in OT

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco built leads of 14-0 and 24-14, but mistakes and Tony Romo's heroics resulted in the Cowboys' 27-24 victory in overtime. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Lose-Lead-Then-Lose-in-Overtime-130091278.html

Raiders washed away by Bills' surge

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland lets a 21-3 halftime lead evaporate as Buffalo's skilled offense (with some help from Raiders' mistakes and penalties) scores five TDs in five possessions to win 38-35 in upstate New York: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Swept-Away-in-Buffalo-130086673.html

The Changing American Dream: Engineer takes a leap of faith

In 2007, Aaron Steele left his job to start his own business, a structural engineering firm in La Mesa. He also found out he was going to become a father, just as he and his wife were ready to remodel their small home, too -- all as the U.S. economy was about to tank. How he's coped, for a new Patch series on "The Changing American Dream." http://lamesa.patch.com/articles/la-mesa-engineer-restructuring-his-life-around-new-realities#c

Jeopardy for Sept. 16 on ESPN.com's Page 2

What the heck is the name of that stadium in Oakland, anyway? My Jeopardy for ESPN.com's Page 2 for Sept. 16th: http://espn.go.com/espn/page2/index?id=6976745

Bills wary of Raiders' potent pass rush

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Buffalo QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, who led Bills' rout of the Chiefs in Week 1, sees a much more dangerous opponent in Oakland, with its deep, talented group of pass rushers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Can-Raiders-Bring-the-Heat-Against-Bills-129948468.html

A showdown with America's Team

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After topping the Seahawks in Week 1, the Niners now host Dallas, a team with a much more potent offense and athletic defense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Face-Formidable-Cowboys-Offense-129947918.html

Gore, 49ers believe running game will improve

Daily 49ers blog post for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco didn't move the ball well on the ground vs. Seattle in Week 1, yet Frank Gore and his teammates believe the Niners have what it takes to improve. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-In-a-Rush-to-Get-Better-129888428.html

Raiders' Heyward-Bey showing signs he's (finally) caught on

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey has been known more for his drops than his catches in his first two seasons with Oakland. But a strong training camp and opening-game performance vs. Denver may signal that they speedster has finally become an NFL pass catcher. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Has-Heyward-Bey-Finally-Caught-On-129884468.html

These people put their love of food into words (and their blogs)

For some people, the love of food goes far beyond the joy of eating or cooking it. Some are compelled to immerse themselves in the world of food, to explore recipes, cuisines, origins, new ways or preparation and the people and restaurants they visit. To these folks, blogging about food is as natural as eating. But all food bloggers are not the same. A look at six of the hundreds (or thousands?) of food bloggers in San Diego County, in a Food Section story for the Union-Tribune. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/sep/13/will-blog-for-food/

Two decades in the bookstore

Barbara Chambers has been the manager at Bay Books in Coronado since even before it opened its doors to customers in October of 1991. Now, as the store gets ready to celebrate its 20th anniversary, Chambers says she still loves her job and the opportunity she has to spend each day in a wonderful environment helping readers select good books. Her profile for Coronado Patch: http://coronado.patch.com/articles/before-there-was-a-bay-books-she-was-in-charge#photo-7753395

Cobb vs. Cobb, Old vs. New and Pugilist vs. Packer

Randall Cobb, meet Randall Cobb. That's Randall Cobb, Packers' rookie kick returner and receiver, and Randall "Tex" Cobb, former kick boxer/boxer and actor. My comparison of the Two Cobbs for ESPN.com's Page 2. http://espn.go.com/espn/page2/index?id=6965158

She got a new leash on life

Nancy Lutz, who worked in retail for nearly 20 years, took a new career path a few years ago, deciding to do something around what she loves: animals. So, she opened up Santee Critter Sitting, and has enjoyed the experience ever since. Today, her business is growing and keeping her busy. http://santee.patch.com/articles/on-the-job-she-has-a-new-leash-on-life#photo-7667339

Janikowski still paying dividends 11 seasons later

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Sebastian Janikowski's 63-yard, NFL record-tying field goal Monday night proved the difference in a three-point opening-night win over Denver. It's just the latest example of the impact the Raiders' first-round pick of 2000 is still having on the team. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Janikowski-Gives-the-Raiders-a-Leg-Up-129723658.html

Harbaugh says his Niners getting no respect

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New head coach Jim Harbaugh says his team will have to earn attention by changing perceptions. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Harbaugh-49ers-Need-to-Win-to-Earn-Attention-129726218.html

'Bully' for the Raiders on opening night

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland tops Denver 23-20 on Monday Night Football as Hue Jackson's team rides a physical defensive front seven, a powerful running game and Sebastian Janikowski's record-tying 63-yard field goal. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Get-Their-Fill-in-Denver-129705403.html

Harbaugh gets conservative ... and gets a win

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In his first game as head coach of the 49ers, Jim Harbaugh -- known for his high-octane offensive teams at Stanford -- showed his conservative side in beating the Seahawks. Like most good coaches, Harbaugh knows when to play it safe and when to gamble. In his debut, safe was the way to go. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Harbaughs-Blue-Collar-is-Showing-129657028.html

49ers open with a bang, thanks to Ginn

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ted Ginn returns two kicks for TDs in San Francisco's 33-17 victory over Seattle to open the Jim Harbaugh era with the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Ginn-Gives-Niners-Something-Special-in-Win-129626773.html

The scoop: Raiders' vanilla defense is out

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Going into Monday night's season opener, Raiders defensive players and coaches say the vanilla defense used in the preseason will be replaced by a more dynamic flavor. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Defense-to-Serve-up-New-Flavor-129614308.html

Jeopardy for Sept. 9 on ESPN.com's Page 2

This little receiver had a big heart and now makes a big impact in the NFL. My Jeopardy for ESPN.com's Page 2: http://espn.go.com/espn/page2/index?id=6947597

The Chaz is back for Raiders, but for how long?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Often-injured Chaz Schilens is ready to play in the season opener Monday vs. the Broncos. He's productive when he's healthy, but for how long will he remain healthy? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Schilens-is-Back-But-for-How-Long-129531463.html

49ers thought safety first in secondary upgrade

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Donte Whitner, a hard-tackling strong safety from Buffalo, was recruited by the Niners as a key component of a more aggressive secondary. And, he'll be the QB of the defense. But are his coverage skills up to par? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Whitner-Gets-First-Test-Sunday-129528713.html

Can retooled Broncos stop Raiders' offense?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In 2010, the Oakland Raiders ran all over and through the Denver Broncos, who had perhaps the worst defense in the NFL. Now, with a new coach, players and system, the Broncos prepare to face an Oakland team on Monday Night Football that coach Hue Jackson wants to be "a bully" in 2011. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Excited-to-Face-Revamped-Broncos-129464573.html

49ers-Seahawks opener presents some mystery

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Seattle and San Francisco have both undergone large transformations since the 2010 season. When they meet Sunday, it will be a bit of mystery matchups for both teams. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Seahawks-Prep-for-Mystery-Matchup-129459183.html