Carlos Hyde looks like big-time talent for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers' rookie running back Carlos Hyde impressed everyone in his first exhibition game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hyde-Already-Looks-Like-a-Major-Contributor-in-2104-270908861.html

McGloin shines in opener, but knows he's Raiders' Plan C

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Matt McGloin has been relegated to No. 3 on the Oakland depth chart, but as his performance vs. the Vikings in the exhibition opener showed, he's still going to give it his best shot. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McGloin-Taking-Advantage-of-Opportunities-270904351.html

It's a birthday tradition: Every year since he was 12, Dave McGillivray has run as many miles as his years; now, he's up to 60.

When Dave McGillivray turned 12, he ran 12 miles almost accidentally to celebrate his birthday. Now, 48 years later, he just ran 60 to celebrate his 60th. Now the race director for the Boston Marathon, McGillivray isn't sure how long he can keep it up, but he shows no signs of stopping. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/11339792/endurance-sports-boston-marathon-race-director-dave-mcgillivray-keeping-birthday-runs-alive-age-60

Hey, 49ers: You need Alex Boone

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: One thing is certain after 49ers' first exhibition game: Joe Looney is no Alex Boone. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Its-Obvious-the-49ers-Need-Boone-270761971.html

McFadden's debut provides reason for optimism

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Darren McFadden carried the ball just once in exhibition opener, but it was for 23 yards. And his running back mates also shined, meaning the team's faith in its running game in 2014 may be well-placed. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/In-Brief-Appearance-Raiders-McFadden-Looks-Good-270758001.html

Moore one of few bright spots in Raiders opener

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Denarius Moore shows he intends to fight for roster spot in opening exhibition game loss to Vikings. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Open-Flat-But-Moore-Shows-Some-Spark-270560681.html

Dial shows he can be a beast at nose tackle

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Quinton Dial had 10 tackles and two forced fumbles in his first game audition to win the starting nose tackle job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Appear-Dialed-in-at-Nose-Tackle-270473571.html

Gabbert's debut is an ugly one vs. Ravens

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers hoped to upgrade at backup QB with Blaine Gabbert, but he looked anything but good in horrible outing vs. Baltimore. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-2014-Preason-Niners-Gabbert-Have-Ugly-Debut-270423801.html

Mack ready for debut on NFL stage

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Khalil Mack, who's wowed everybody in training camp, makes his NFL game debut Friday night vs. the Vikings. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Mack-Ready-for-his-Opening-Act-270326691.html

49ers' Ward makes his pro debut Thursday

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Niners' rookie safety-cornerback Jimmie Ward, who's had a terrific camp, makes his pro game debut Thursday vs. the Ravens. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Jimmie-Ward-Will-Make-Professional-Debut-Thursday-270170951.html

Will Denarius Moore ever show consistency?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wide receiver Denarius Moore has sometimes been spectacular for the Raiders, but he may be on his way out in Oakland if he can't demonstrate consistency. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hoping-for-More-of-Moore-270166861.html

Bethea taking leadership role in 49ers secondary

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After eight seasons in Indianapolis, quiet and steady safety Antoine Bethea is taking a leadership role in the Niners' secondary. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Veteran-Bethea-Helping-49ers-Secondary-Come-Together-269998451.html

Raiders' Barnes not ready to relinquish job

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Veteran lineman Khalif Barnes was thought to be on his way out as a starter in Oakland, but after two weeks of training camp he's holding off all comers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Barnes-Has-Something-to-Say-269992201.html

Paralympic swimmer Ian Silverman ready to take on new challenges at USC

Paralympic swimming medalist Ian Silverman will become one of the few to swim in a Div. I NCAA program, beginning this fall at USC. He's eager for the new challenge. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/us-paralympics/features/2014/august/04/ian-silvermans-journey-west-starts-with-pan-pacs

Will early injury bug spoil 49ers' season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Glenn Dorsey and Kendall Hunter already are lost for the season, NaVorro Bowman is out and other injuries are mounting for the 49ers. Can they weather the storm? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Are-Limping-Toward-Exhibition-Opener-269838371.html

Carr's accuracy, development wowing Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders have tinkered with Derek Carr's footwork, and now see an even better and more accurate passer than the one the drafted in May. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/So-Far-Carrs-Getting-Passing-Grades-269832461.html

Two-day hike into depths of the Grand Canyon reveals beauty that 99 percent of visitors never see

For decades, I'd thought about hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Finally, with birthday No. 60 approaching in 2015, I thought it was now or never. The 18.5-mile trek was even better than I'd imagined. Over two days, my buddy Chris and I trekked trails alongside breath-taking drop-offs and vistas, saw running creeks and wildlife, ruins of ancient villages and were challenged by near-vertical ascents and descents. The story of a wonderful two days for U-T San Diego's Travel section: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/aug/01/grand-canyon-hike-arizona-foot-trails/

Lloyd could prove to be quite a catch

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Only the 49ers were interested in signing Brandon Lloyd this offseason. Other teams may regret showing no interest. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/After-a-Year-Off-49ers-Lloyd-Looks-Solid-269545131.html

Ausberry may finally get his shot with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Finally, the time may be right for tight end David Ausberry. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/A-Healthy-Ausberry-is-Finally-Getting-His-Chance-269543141.html

New book examines the long, dark years in the City of Light during World War II

"When Paris Went Dark" examines the day-to-day life of a changed Paris from 1940-44 under German occupation. My review for U-T San Diego: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/aug/03/tp-occupation-of-paris-seen-with-clear-eyes/