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/

Stats indicate Kaepernick may flourish in coming season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Even with a suspect cast of pass catchers, Colin Kaepernick's deep-throw numbers were among the best in the NFL in 2013. With better receivers now, his success rate could improve significantly. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Deep-Passing-Game-Could-Flourish-269393921.html

Prediction: Raiders could go 12-4 ... or 4-12

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders camp is full of optimistic reports these days, many of them seemingly justified. But it's hard to predict a complete turnaround ... yet. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Its-Still-Hard-to-Totally-Buy-Into-Optimism-About-Raiders-269390361.html

Once-fractured U.S. skeleton team morphed into cohesive, caring group between Vancouver and Sochi Olympics

When the five Olympic skeleton athletes voted for their Athlete's Choice Award recently, the result was a five-way tie -- a reflection of the way the group came together over the past year. My story for TeamUSA.org. http://www.teamusa.org/news/2014/july/30/us-olympic-skeleton-team-the-anatomy-of-a-team

It's early, but Culliver appears fit and ready for big role

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Chris Culliver missed all of 2013, but 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio likes what he sees of the cornerback so far in camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Cullivers-Travels-Could-Take-Him-to-Starting-Role-269217341.html

"Ninja Assassin" will be on Raiders' side this season

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive lineman Antonio Smith and his alter ego, The Ninja Assassin, will suit for the Raiders in 2014. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Antonio-Smith-Adds-Character-to-2014-Raiders-269215961.html

Can 49ers' Looney fill gap left by Boone?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Joe Looney is getting the opportunity to play at right guard with Alex Boone holding out. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/With-Boone-Out-Looney-is-Stepping-Up-269053331.html

Sheets: Raiders are his "last shot" at the NFL

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Purdue and CFL star Kory Sheets, 29, knows this training camp may be his last chance to make at NFL team. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/So-Far-Raiders-Sheets-Showing-He-Can-Play-269048461.html

49ers may have a hidden Jewel

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Injuries to Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James mean that Jewel Hampton, who spent all of 2013 on the practice squad, will get a chance this summer for 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hampton-Suddenly-in-Running-Back-Mix-268896071.html

Raiders' McFadden could go Hog wild again

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders contemplating some read-option plays with Darren McFadden at QB. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-McFadden-Could-be-a-Wild-Card-in-2014-268890291.html

Hayden's injury opens door for Carrie and Chekwa

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Now that Oakland has announced cornerback D.J. Hayden will likely miss all of training camp, the way is clear for veteran Chimdi Chekwa and rookie T.J. Carrie to earn a larger role. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Door-Opens-for-Chekwa-Carrie-With-Hayden-Out-Again-268600612.html

Is 2014 a make-or-break year for 49ers?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Niners training camp opened with typical enthusiasm, but is the window of opportunity closing for this team? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Future-May-be-Now-for-Harbaughs-49ers-268606512.html

Legend of Justin Smith just gets bigger

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: How tough is Justin Smith? Well, tougher than anyone knew in 2013. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Smith-is-Fully-Armed-for-2014-268462292.html

Atkinson may provide returns on Raiders investment

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: George Atkinson III is getting his chance to fulfill dream of wearing the silver and black, just as his father did. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hope-to-Get-Returns-From-Atkinson-Signing-268458772.html

One of triathlon's pioneers, Russ Jones, continues to push himself to victories almost four decades after his first race

Russ Jones is one of triathlon's pioneers, having won the second tri ever held, on San Diego's Mission Bay in 1975. Almost 40 years later, Jones continues to roll on. He's one of just four athletes to ever complete 500 or more triathlons and has done more than 1,000 triathlons, duathlons and road races. My story on Jones for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/11246652/endurance-sports-triathlete-russ-jones-going-strong-nearly-40-years

Champion triathlete Lesley Paterson is a 'pit bull' with a love of training, San Diego and ... cinnamon rolls

Lesley Paterson has a wonderful Scottish accent, two triathlon world championships and a wicked sense of humor. My Q&A with her for San Diego Magazine's August 2014 issue:http://www.sandiegomagazine.com/San-Diego-Magazine/August-2014/Meet-the-Pit-Bull/

Aldon Smith has been a force; will he continue to be?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Aldon Smith begins his fourth 49ers training camp this week hoping to begin a new chapter in his NFL career. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hoping-Aldon-Smith-Can-Get-Back-on-Track-268287182.html

Will Ian Williams rebound in time for 2014 season?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ian Williams is determined to fight back from his devastating injury in 2013, but going into training camp he's been designated for the physically unable to perform list. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Williams-Eager-to-Return-and-Contribute-268122182.html

Raiders' owner Davis eager for training camp

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders owner Mark Davis called this offseason "phenomenal" for roster moves, but he wants to see results on the field. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Davis-Eager-to-Watch-His-Raiders-268116172.html

Janikowski working to be on target in 2014

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Sebastian Janikowski has put in extra work with his holder and long snapper this offseason to ensure a better 2014 with Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Sebastian-Janikowski-Hopes-to-be-On-Target-in-2014-267948341.html