Founded in 1961, San Diego men of the Bread and Bottle Society continue to cook up a good time

In 1961, several San Diego professional men banded together to start a cooking and dinner club. At the time, they simply wanted to learn to cook and push the envelope past meat-and-potatoes dining. In 2015, the club -- the Bread and Bottle Society -- is still going strong and includes a pair of original members, now in their 80s. My story for the U-T San Diego Food section: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/mar/31/mens-club-dedicated-diners/?#article-copy

McDonald's lack of production a concern for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The lack of production by Vance McDonald means the 49ers are still in the market for another tight end. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Questions-About-McDonald-Force-49ers-to-Seek-Tight-End-Help-298159631.html

Super Bowl hero Smith adds to Raiders linebacking corps

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Seahawk Malcolm Smith was a spark for the Seattle defense and now comes to Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Ex-Seahawks-Linebacker-Smith-Sharpens-Raiders-Defense-298151871.html

Nicole Dobransky's focus on fitness climbed to a new level after trying the 90-day P90X workout program

Nicole Dobransky has been an athlete most of her life and thought she was fit. But once she tried the P90X program, she realized both her workouts and diet weren't as effective as they should be. Now she's eating better, has dropped weight and her running times have improved. My profile of her for U-T San Diego's "Active San Diego" series in the Health section: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/mar/31/analysts-exercise-not-routine/

Ex-Giant Hakeem Nicks hopes to revive career with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Giants standout Hakeem Nicks is visiting the 49ers, hoping to sign and get a fresh start. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Nicks-Hoping-to-Revive-Career-With-49ers-298009161.html

U.S. women's hockey team will be tested right away, in opener vs. Canada, at World Championships in Sweden

Coach Ken Klee admits he was a bit surprised to learn his U.S. team would have to face Canada in their opener at the Women's World Championships in Sweden, but now is used to the idea. So are his players, who've followed this script before. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2015/March/27/US-Womens-Ice-Hockey-Team-Wont-Have-To-Wait-To-Face-Canada-At-Worlds

Bush should add some electricity to 49ers attack

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Though he just turned 30, Reggie Bush hasn't lost a step and should be an exciting addition to San Francisco's offense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Bush-Should-Add-Excitement-to-49ers-Offense-297788981.html

Quantity, quality of Raiders' free agent class impressing analysts

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Though Oakland didn't sign any of the biggest-name free agents, NFL observers believe the team got much better via free agency. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Despite-Missing-on-Stars-Raiders-Improved-in-Free-Agency-297785041.html

Minnesota Duluth's Zoe Hickel is ready and eager to play any role for U.S. at World Hockey Championships

Zoe Hickel is getting her chance to show she belongs on the U.S. women's national team after a terrific career at the University of Minnesota Duluth. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.usawomenshockey.com/news_article/show/495483

Red-zone woes can be solved by Chryst and Kaepernick

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners have been predictable and inefficient in the red zone, but a new offensive coordinator and fine-tuned QB could change that in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Chryst-and-Kaepernick-are-Keys-to-Better-Red-Zone-Offense-297662501.html

Raiders should favor Cooper over White

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Amari Cooper or Kevin White with the No. 4 pick in the draft? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Cooper-a-Safer-Pick-for-Raiders-Than-White-297657511.html

Bemidji State hockey standout Stephanie Anderson shocked, excited to make U.S. national team for World Championships

Stephanie Anderson says she felt as if she'd fallen off the radar of USA Hockey for a few years, so she was shocked when she was selected for the U.S. team that plays in the 2015 World Championships in Sweden this month. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.usawomenshockey.com/news_article/show/495480

Niners throw Shareece Wright into the mix at cornerback

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Chargers cornerback Shareece Wright, signed as a free agent, could start for 49ers in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hope-Wright-Can-be-a-Playmaker-297524431.html

Niners have eyes on some veteran inside linebackers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With a need at inside linebacker now, the 49ers have been linked to a couple of NFL veteran free agents. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-May-be-Seeking-Veteran-Help-at-Inside-LInebacker-297394241.html

Raiders owner Mark Davis still has money to spend

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area websites: The Raiders have spent a lot in free agency already, but owner Mark Davis says he's far from being done. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Still-Have-Money-to-Spend-297390901.html

Perhaps Ahmad Brooks could move to inside linebacker for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Patrick Willis and Chris Borland gone, perhaps Ahmad Brooks would be a good fit to move to inside linebacker. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Might-Brooks-Be-a-Candidate-to-Play-Inside-Linebacker-297254671.html

Middle linebacker Lofton likely to stabilize Raiders defense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Veteran Curtis Lofton has been a tackling machine for every team he's been on, from Oklahoma to the Falcons and Saints in the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Middle-Linebacker-Lofton-Should-Stabilize-Raiders-Defense-297249341.html

Marcel Reece to have new role and perhaps more impact

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Marcel Reece, a Pro Bowl fullback, will likely be used in an H-back role in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/As-H-back-Reece-May-be-Impact-Player-for-Musgrave-296952671.html

Return of Bowman now crucial for 49ers in 2015

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Now more than ever, the 49ers need NaVorro Bowman to be the linebacker he was before his injury. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Return-of-Bowman-a-Key-Piece-to-49ers-Season-296953651.html

York's recent comments further rile 49ers fan base

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: This week, 49ers CEO Jed York made a comment about former head coach Jim Harbaugh that angered many fans. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Yorks-Recent-Comments-Anger-Many-49ers-Fans-296887901.html

Tough-blocking tight end Lee Smith should help Raiders

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Lee Smith isn't flashy, and he isn't a prolific receiver. But as a blocker, the new Oakland tight end is among the best. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Lunch-Pail-Smith-Should-Add-Muscle-to-Raiders-296882881.html

Is 49ers' offseason the worst by any team ... ever?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The coach was ousted, key players have left or retired, another has been arrested, the new coach is inexperienced and there could be a couple of more bad-news bombs in the next few weeks for the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Offseason-Just-Keeps-Getting-Worse-296738201.html

Can Trent Richardson help Raiders? It seems unlikely

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders have signed free-agent running back Trent Richardson, who was the No. 3 overall pick of the NFL draft just three seasons ago. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Theres-Little-Reason-to-Believe-in-Richardson-296732541.html

Remembering Patty Kazmaier: The late Princeton star was a tiger on the ice and a "gentle soul" with an adventurous spirit away from the game

Each year, the Patty Kazmaier Award is given to the best player in women's college hockey. But Kazmaier, who died in 1990, was far more than just a rugged defenseman for Princeton. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/492091?referrer_id=1093254

Dietitian for U.S. Paralympic athletes focuses on her own health, too

Liz Broad always has been interested in diet and nutrition, and has worked for the Australian Olympic Committee, several pro teams and now the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic movement as a nutritionist. Broad also keeps an active lifestyle to stay healthy. My story about her for U-T San Diego's Active San Diego series: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/mar/17/paralympians-dietitian-nutrition-health/

Boland retirement puts extra weight on Baalke's 2015 draft

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can 49ers GM Trent Baalke pull some rabbits out of his hat to make up for all the losses on the roster? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Losses-of-Borland-Willis-Put-Spotlight-on-Baalke-296581801.html

Helu a nice pickup for Raiders backfield

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Third-down back Roy Helu should provide a nice addition to Oakland's new offense under Bill Musgrave. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Helu-Could-Have-Big-Impact-on-Raiders-Offense-296576771.html

Former Bills starting tackle and guard Pears signed by 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Erik Pears, a starter for the Bills at right tackle and right guard the past four seasons, is now a 49er. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Addition-of-Pears-May-Give-49ers-More-Depth-on-Offensive-Line-296444401.html

Is Ponder an upgrade over McGloin as Raiders' No. 2 Quarterback?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Christian Ponder has been signed, presumably as the No. 2 QB to back up Derek Carr. Is he an upgrade over Matt McGloin? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Bring-in-Ponder-to-Back-Up-Carr-296440891.html

Cortney Jordan has been to two Paralaympics and won eight medals, but the soon-to-be teacher is swimming toward a third Games before she heads to the classroom

Cortney Jordan knows 2015 is a key year for her to gain some momentum toward making the 2016 Paralympic swimming team. The eight-time Paralympic medalist is balancing training, working and grad school, but loves every challenge of her hectic life. My story about Jordan for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2015/March/13/For-Cortney-Jordan-Can-Am-Champs-Are-First-Step-To-Rio

What will 49ers do at cornerback after Culliver and Cox departures?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox, both starters in 2014, will be gone in 2015, so what's the 49ers' plan at cornerback? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Appear-Thin-at-Cornerback-With-Departure-of-Culliver-Cox-296213391.html

Greg Hardy has baggage, but Raiders may sign him anyway

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Greg Hardy has off-the-field issues and is facing a possible suspension for domestic violence, but the Raiders are talking to one of the NFL's best defensive ends about playing in Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Have-Had-Talks-With-Greg-Hardy-296209671.html

At nearly 40, Meb Keflezighi is content to be living again full time in San Diego, but he's not yet content with his career achievements. There are still a few challenges to conquer.

Meb Keflezighi, the first American to win the Boston Marathon in 31 years, will go back to Boston in April to defend his title. He'll turn 40 in May, but Keflezighi -- who's won at Boston, New York and has an Olympic silver medal and 23 national championships -- has a goal to make a fourth Olympic team in 2016. My story on Keflezighi for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/12469971/endurance-sports-meb-keflezighi-done-yet

Baalke counters rumors that Bowman won't play in 2015

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Earlier this week, some reports cited rumors that linebacker NaVorro Bowman might not play in 2015 because of his injury. But GM Trent Baalke says Bowman is right on track. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Baalke-Counters-Reports-That-Bowman-Wont-Play-296070111.html

Raiders going after young players in free agency

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Unlike in past years, when Oakland has signed players often past their prime, the Raiders are going after free agents still in their 20s. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Magic-Number-is-30-296067101.html

Torrey Smith brings a lot of pros (and some cons) to 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith may be the NFL's best deep-threat receiver, but he has some holes in his skill set. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Torrey-Smith-Finally-Gives-49ers-a-Deep-Threat-295922271.html

Big Dan Williams a nice pickup for Raiders defense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive tackle Dan Williams, signed as a free agent from Arizona, is one of the NFL's best against the run. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Addition-of-Dan-Williams-Would-Benefit-Raiders-Defense-295915961.html

Marie-Philip Poulin of Boston University ranks as one of world's best players

Marie-Philip Poulin already has won two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada. Now the creative and all-around Boston University star has the Terriers hoping for an NCAA title. My story on her for USA Hockey: http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/489011?referrer_id=1093254

For many of America's Olympic speedskating stars -- from Heiden to Jansen to Ohno -- inspiration for greatness came at age 14

When Dan Jansen saw what Eric Heiden did at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics, he became more inspired to achieve greatness. Jansen was 14 when he saw Heiden win five gold medals, and it turns out that other future stars also were 14 when they also were inspired by watching excellence on the ice. My story for U.S. Speedskating: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Speedskating/News/Featured-News/2015/March/09/To-become-an-Olympic-Speed-Skater-for-many-the-dream-begins-at-age-14

After striking out on Suh, Raiders can still score in free agency

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders can still spend their money wisely and to good effect with some key free-agent acquisitions. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Can-Still-Make-a-Big-Splash-in-Free-Agency-295758111.html

49ers franchise seems to be unraveling day-by-day since decision to force out head coach Jim Harbaugh after an 8-8 season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Frank Gore, Patrick Willis, Mike Iupati, Michael Crabtree, Dan Skuta and, perhaps, Justin Smith, Ahmad Brooks, Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox all have left -- or will be leaving -- the 49ers. Now, too, fullback Bruce Miller is in trouble. Are the 49ers in for a total collapse in the post-Jim Harbaugh era? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Talent-is-Fleeing-from-49ers-Ship-295764311.html

Raiders reach deal with free-agent center Hudson

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rodney Hudson, who was ranked as the NFL's No. 3 center by Pro Football Focus, has reached a five-year deal with the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Hudson-Appears-to-be-an-Upgrade-Over-Wisniewski-295612681.html

Willis' retirement news a surprising development for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Patrick Willis is only 30, and a perennial All-Pro pick. Yet it appears he will announce Tuesday that he's retiring. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Reports-Niners-Patrick-Willis-to-Retire-295617951.html

The 49ers have a logjam at inside linebacker

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman returning, the Niners have a wealth of strong, inside linebackers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Have-a-Logjam-at-Inside-Linebacker-295351921.html

Raiders' GM McKenzie deserves some applause

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders are in a great salary-cap position, thanks to the work of Reggie McKenzie. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Despite-Some-Whiffs-McKenzie-Deserves-Applause-295347091.html

New line coach Tice may be big plus for Raiders offense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Mike Tice, a longtime assistant in the NFL, will be expected to upgrade Oakland's weak offensive line. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Tice-Has-Key-Role-with-Raiders-in-2015-295190491.html

49ers sign veteran defensive lineman Dockett

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Longtime Cardinals 3-4 defensive end Darnell Dockett, 33, has signed with the 49ers and should be a starter in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Dockett-Gives-49ers-a-Quality-Starter-295182601.html

Tank may finally get rolling for 49ers in 2015

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornellius "Tank" Carradine showed over the final three games of 2014 that he might be ready to break out for the 49ers in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carradine-Could-Have-Breakthrough-2015-Season-for-49ers-295006851.html

Andre Johnson to Raiders? Probably not

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Despite what might seem a nice match, receiver Andre Johnson is probably not a good fit in Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Andre-Johnson-May-Not-be-Good-Fit-With-Raiders-295002861.html

Emily Pfalzer, often the smallest player on the ice, ranks as one of top-ranked Boston College's biggest contributors

Defenseman Emily Pfalzer is only 5-foot-2, but she grew up playing against boys and likes the "physicality" of hockey. Now she's an All-American at Boston College. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/485903?referrer_id=1093254