49ers' roster squeeze could leave Hawkins out

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Lavelle Hawkins did everything he could in trying to make the 49ers roster this preseason, but it may not be enough. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Hawkins-May-Get-Caught-in-49ers-Numbers-Game-221803591.html

Raiders' McFadden a mystery going into regular season

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: How good will Darren McFadden be in 2013? Based on preseason inaction, it's hard to know. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Lack-of-Activity-in-Preseason-Makes-McFadden-a-Mystery-Man-221799231.html

Daniels shines again, looks like 49ers' No. 3 QB

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Long-shot seventh-round pick B.J. Daniels looks as if he's vaulted himself into a spot on the roster going into 49ers' regular season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Daniels-Looks-Like-49ers-No-3-QB-221751061.html

Pryor, Watson likely earn starting roles in final exhibition

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Quarterback Terrelle Pryor and offensive tackle Menelik Watson show enough in final exhibition vs. Seattle to warrant starting gigs in Week 1. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Pryor-Watson-Probably-do-Enough-221748051.html

It's been quite a ride for Jonathan Copsey: from rodeo cowboy to U.S. Marine to four-time national champion Paralympic cyclist

Jonathan Copsey wanted nothing to do with cycling. He didn't want to wear spandex and pedal around. He was an ultra runner. But when the Marine was finally coaxed onto a bike, he loved it. Now Copsey -- injured in an auto accident while in the Marine Corps -- has won four national championships and has his eyes on competing in the 2016 Paralaympics in Rio de Janeiro. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2013/August/29/Jonathan-Copsey-Cycling-aint-no-rodeo

Baldwin's nice debut is exciting for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jonathan Baldwin has a nice debut for 49ers in exhibition vs. Vikings, giving the team reason to believe he can be a big help to the receiving corps. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Baldwins-Debut-Gives-49ers-Reason-for-Optimism-221489101.html

Raiders will give rookie Watson a 'baptism by fire'

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders will start Menelik Watson at left tackle in the final exhibition game, and play him for most of the game, to give him a long look before the season starts. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Will-Give-Watson-Baptism-by-Fire-221483211.html

Raiders' punting duel may be decided by ability to hold

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Chris Kluwe's experience as a holder on place kicks may turn out to be the deciding factor in his duel with Marquette King for the Raiders' punting job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Punting-Duel-May-Come-Down-to-Holding-Ability-221323481.html

At 38, five-time world champion paratriathlete Matt Perkins is still training as hard as ever, focused on a sixth world title and perhaps a trip to sport's Paralympic debut in 2016

Matt Perkins has been a wrestler and Paralympic-class skier, but has had his greatest success since become a paratriathlete. The determined Perkins -- who lost his left leg as a boy -- is known for his killer workouts and attention to detail. "He'll swim until he throws up," says one training partner. Now, at age 38, he's trying to stay a few steps ahead of the sport's growing number of younger, terrific athletes. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/9601673/endurance-sports-paratriathlete-matt-perkins-chasing-another-world-title

49ers' trade of Haralson opens door for Lemonier

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie Corey Lemonier from Auburn has been terrific in the preseason and now appears destined for plenty of playing time with the trade of veteran linebacker Parys Haralson. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/With-Haralson-Gone-Door-is-Open-for-49ers-Lemonier-221329841.html

In post-injury debut, 49ers' Hunter shows he's just fine

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Kendall Hunter shows his typical explosiveness in first game after surgery to repair torn Achilles' tendon. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hunter-Shows-Hes-Back-to-Speed-221172031.html

Ford's return hastens Cribbs' exit from Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Returner Josh Cribbs is waived by Raiders after Jacoby Ford shows he's ready for the season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Ford-Appears-Back-in-Form-221168551.html

Rookie Patton flashes potential in his 49ers debut

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Fourth-round pick Quinton Patton, sidelined by a finger injury early in camp, plays in first exhibition game and has four catches and a TD in win over Vikings. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/It-Appears-49ers-Have-Found-a-Receiver-221113131.html

With Flynn faltering, Pryor looks like Raiders' No. 1 QB

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Terrelle Pryor's strong arm and speed light a fire under Raiders offense after Matt Flynn looks terrible in exhibition vs. Bears, making Pryor look like team's best option. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Suddenly-Pryor-Looks-Like-a-No-1-220909591.html

When dogs get dirty (or horribly filthy), mobile groomers race to the rescue, with the result some cleaner pets and humorous stories

Pet owners like mobile grooming services for their convenience. It's also handy to call them in emergencies, like when your dog rolls in something horrible or gets covered in something sticky just before your party's supposed to start. My story on the emergencies mobile groomers have encountered, for U-T San Diego's pets page: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/aug/22/dirty-dogs-mobile-grooming-service-pets/

It's time for WRs to produce or face 49ers roster cuts

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: So many receivers, so few spots. It's a numbers crunch as 49ers need to make decisions on wide receiver corps. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Sundays-Game-is-Big-For-49ers-Receivers-220676241.html

Raiders' Kluwe-King punting duel still close

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With two exhibition games remaining, it's uncertain who wins the Raiders punting job, Chris Kluwe or Marquette King. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Punting-Duel-Still-Undecided-220668721.html

Oddsmakers make Kaepernick a favorite for NFL's MVP

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After just 10 NFL starts, can Colin Kaepernick be an MVP candidate in 2013? Las Vegas thinks so. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kaepernick-Among-Preseason-MVP-Favorites-220518541.html

Old? Slow? Over the hill? Charles Woodson says no way

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders defensive coordinator Jason Tarver says safety Charles Woodson is an 'amazing athlete' and football player at age 36. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Say-Woodson-Still-Has-Game-220512911.html

So far, Dorsey is exceeding 49ers' expectations

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey is getting raves from 49ers coaches. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Dorsey-Proving-to-be-Good-Fit-With-49ers-220361611.html

Raiders' Barron has bad start to stint as left tackle

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Alex Barron, starting his first game in place of Jared Veldheer at left tackle, is shaky; plus, his former GM says the only thing Barron likes about football is his paycheck. Ouch. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/For-Raiders-Barron-May-Not-Be-Answer-at-Left-Tackle-220354281.html

Asomugha takes a step up in 49ers' game vs. Chiefs

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha has a fine performance in exhibition vs. Chiefs, elevating his chances to make the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Asomugha-Elevates-Chances-Against-Chiefs-220210121.html

David Bass shows what he can do for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie defensive end David Bass gets a sack and forces a fumble in Raiders' exhibition loss to Saints. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Bass-is-Coming-On-in-a-Rush-220204641.html

Gore shows he isn't over the hill yet in 49ers win

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: When running backs hit 30, they generally start their slide downhill. But in 49ers' win over the Chiefs, Frank Gore showed he hasn't lost a step. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Gore-Shows-He-Still-Has-It-in-49ers-Victory-220012391.html

Raiders get sacked in New Orleans

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland quarterbacks are sacked seven times in an exhibition loss to the Saints. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Get-Sacked-in-New-Orleans-220010471.html

Kassim Osgood's presence already felt on 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kassim Osgood already is making plays on special teams and as a receiver. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Osgood-is-Already-Making-Big-Plays--219781821.html

Veldheer injury puts focus on Raiders offensive line

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Injury to starting left tackle Jared Veldheer could spell big trouble if backups don't raise their games. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Others-Need-to-Step-Up-With-Veldheer-Going-Out-219775671.html

49ers expected less but are getting Moore

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners thought they were getting a special-teams guy when they signed Marlon Moore, but he's also been one of the best receivers in camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Moore-Has-Been-a-Pleasant-Surprise-for-49ers-219576741.html

Rashad Jennings likely to earn McFadden's backup job

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Rashad Jennings has the inside track to become team's No. 2 running back in 2013. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Jennings-Has-Big-Opportunity-With-Raiders-219570591.html

San Diego nurseryman found there's plenty of green in those tiny, aromatic micro greens used by chefs at the nation's high-end restaurants

David Sasuga and his family run Fresh Origins, a farm in North San Diego County that produces micro greens. The tiny plants and herbs are used by chefs in high-end restaurants across the nation, and Sasuga's operation is the largest in the U.S. for the little plants. He never had any idea that some day he'd have a big operation because of some very small things. My story for U-T San Diego's Food section: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/aug/13/micro-greens-farm-fresh-origins/

McDonald off to great start as 49ers' second tight end

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Vance McDonald is trying to fill Delanie Walker's big shoes (and big role) with the 49ers as a versatile tight end. So far, so good this summer. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McDonald-Developing-Nicely-as-49ers-No-2-Tight-End-219417851.html

Raiders rookie WR Brice Butler working to impress

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Brice Butler had a great debut in his first exhibition game, but the former USC and San Diego State receiver isn't going to rest on what he's done; he knows he has to keep working to make the roster as a long shot. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Butler-Not-Resting-on-Flashy-Debut-219410871.html

Paralympic swimmer Ian Silverman ready and eager for his second performance on world stage

When Ian Silverman went to the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, it was his first international swim meet. Yet as a teenager, he won a gold medal in the 400-meter free competing against older, more experienced athletes. Now heading into the IPC World Championships in Montreal, Silverman would like to not only defend his 400 championship but come home with some medals from other events, too. My story on Silverman for TeamUSA.org, the U.S. Olympic Committee website. http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2013/August/12/Ian-Silverman-Ready-for-Round-2-on-World-Stage

After surgery, rehab, Kendall Hunter is active with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kendall Hunter returns to practice after tearing his Achilles' tendon last November, a development that could greatly aid the Niners' offense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Hunters-Return-Could-Give-49ers-a-Three-Headed-Approach-219268721.html

Rookie Sio Moore coming on in a rush for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie linebacker Sio Moore has expectations of Raiders fans skyrocketing after his pro debut, in which he sacked Cowboys QB Tony Romo and looked very good. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Rookie-Moore-Comes-on-in-a-Rush--219263471.html

Young players shine in Raiders' summer opener

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Sio Moore and Brice Butler share the spotlight on a night when other young players also perform well in Oakland's 19-17 win over Dalllas in exhibition game opener. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Young-Players-Stand-out-in-Raiders-Victory-219083481.html

In pro debut, 49ers' Reid is a big hit(ter)

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie safety Eric Reid has six tackles -- including two crushing hits -- in his NFL debut for 49ers in exhibition loss to Broncos. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Reid-is-a-Hit-in-49ers-Debut-218993071.html

Niners lose ragged exhibition opener, dodge injury scare

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners lose their exhibition opener to Denver, 10-6, in a sloppy, turnover-filled game. More importantly, they survive a scare with backup QB Colt McCoy. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Lose-Ragged-Opener-but-Dodge-Major-Injuries-218942731.html

Lamarr Houston is Raiders' underrated defensive standout

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive end Lamarr Houston may be the anchor of team's defensive line in 2013 and the key to its pass rush. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hoping-Houston-can-Lead-Pass-Rush-218844881.html

The marathon at Crater Lake ranks as one of the most scenic in the world. It can take your breath away with its beauty ... and altitude.

Nobody goes to run the Crater Lake marathon in Oregon to set a personal best or challenge a record. The run around the crater of the ancient volcano is at high altitude, the grades are often steep and the temperatures sometimes soar into the 90s in August, when the race is run. But going into its 38th year, the marathon and rim runs continue to be popular for the scenic beauty of the course and the challenge it presents. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/9532583/endurance-sports-crater-lake-marathon-unique-scenic-course-draw-runners

So far, receiver Austin Collie is looking good for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners signed receiver Austin Collie out of need, but it could turn out to be a very rewarding move for the team. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Addition-of-Collie-Could-Pay-Big-Dividends-for-49ers-218690771.html

Tackle Alex Barron getting another chance with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Offensive tackle http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/After-Absence-from-NFL-Raiders-Barron-is-Hungry-218684391.html

Alex Barron hasn't played an NFL game since 2010, but he's performing well in Raiders training camp.

Former alpine skier John Teller has flourished in new sport of skicross and ranks as best U.S. hope for a medal in Sochi

John Teller, who grew up skiing on Mammoth Mountain in California, tried for years to make the U.S. alpine ski team. After eventually giving up and going to work fulltime as an auto mechanic, a friend introduced him to skicross ... and Teller was hooked on it. Now, Teller is the best skicross racer in the U.S. and a strong medal contender at the Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014. My story on Teller for TeamUSA.org, the U.S. Olympic website: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2013/January/01/Go-For-The-Gold-Home/Go-For-The-Gold-John-Teller

Niners' Reid is ready for his first trial vs. Peyton Manning

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: First-round pick Eric Reid has wowed his coaches and teammates in training camp, but fellow safety Donte Whitner believes it's important for Reid to learn some hard lessons in exhibition games. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Reid-Approaching-a-Challenging-Test-218523131.html

Wilson taking a step back in Raiders camp

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Quarterback Tyler Wilson, who looked so good in the spring, seems to be having a rough time in training camp so far. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Wilson-Experiencing-Growing-Pains-218516711.html

Jenkins returns, puts himself back in receiver hunt

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After a disappointing start to training camp, A.J. Jenkins has returned from some time off to shine in practice and put himself back at the head of the class fighting for a starting spot. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Suddenly-Jenkins-is-Back-in-Wide-Receiver-Picture-218372991.html

Raiders' defensive coordinator excited by what he sees

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive coordinator Jason Tarver believes this mishmash of free-agent veteran pickups, rookies and holdovers has a chemistry that could lead to surprisingly good performances in 2013. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Believe-Defense-Will-Improve-in-2013-218369101.html

New book on Charles Manson by Jeff Guinn, "Manson: The Life and Times of Charles Manson," provides a much more complete look at the killer's life and ways

How did Charles Manson get his "family" to follow him? How did he evolve from a puny kid in West Virginia to perhaps the most infamous U.S. murderer of the past 50 years? Jeff Guinn's new book, "Manson: The Life and Times of Charles Manson," is a detailed, well-reported look at Manson's history that includes interviews with family members who never have spoken on the record before about Manson's early years. My book review for U-T San Diego: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/aug/04/tp-the-making-of-a-monster/

Cardiff's Dog Days of Summer Festival is back

Nearly 10,000 people (and dogs) are expected to fill the downtown streets of Cardiff next weekend for the annual Dog Days of Summer Festival, where unusual sights are the norm. My story for U-T San Diego's pets page:  http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/aug/02/Cardiff-dog-days-festival/

Jack-of-all-trades Daniels having a good camp with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Seventh-round draft choice B.J. Daniels is earning praise in training camp for his ability to play multiple positions. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Daniels-Utility-is-Evident-in-49ers-Training-Camp-218104231.html