20 Years ago...

(Screen Cap from KABC-7's coverage of the start of the Riots.

Courtesy World News.com)

It seems like a lifetime ago, when the City of Los Angeles erupted into three days of riots after four LAPD officers were acquitted in the beating of Rodney King. Three days as the anger and long-simmering rage of many people in the city who felt they were ignored and discriminated against by everyone who didn't look like them.

I remember it well, I was enrolled at Cal State LA at the time, while working a TA post at Griffith Jr. High. I was at my other job on campus when my boss said that the school administration was closing the campus and the school was to be evacuated. I was still a few years away from becoming part of the school's newspaper staff so rather than stick around and reporting on it, I got in my car and headed back to Montebello. the Next day, I remember the sky the most, there was a prominent curl of black smoke rising out of the west, where South Central was burning to the ground.

Even though it was going on, East LA seemed to be a world away from the violence occurring on the other side of the LA River. But it wasn't out of the mind of the kids on the playground at the school. I remember one boy, his name escapes me at the moment, he seemed to be all smiles over the rioting. He was of the opinion that the riots were "his chance to get free things" and not have to think about the consequences.

I turned to him and said, "So your idea is to burn everything down, right?" He smiled back and said, "Yeah, let it burn."

I looked at him in the eye and asked a simple question, "Okay, then what?"

He looked at me like i was an RCA Phonograph and he was the dog, "What do you mean?"

"You've burned down everything in the neighborhood, then what happens? You want to get food from teh makret, but you can't, you burned it down.. You want to get something at the local McDonald's, but guess what? It's gone you burned it down. and don't even think about taking your parents' car, because the rioters overturned it and set fire to it. So Now what?"

He got a look of terror on his face, the first realization of the consequences the actions he endorsed had on him, "Why are they doing this?"

I put an arm around him, "I couldn't tell you, my friend."

I grew up hearing the stories about the Chicano Moratorium riots in East LA, my grandmother, who passed in 1997, was prominent is organizing community councils in the 60's but at the time of the riots was just starting her battle with brain cancer, which she would lose five years later. I remember her saying, "Every time this happens, the ones who let their rage out this way have nothing else to show for it, then complain they have nothing for themselves." She was right in that observation, and in some places, those scars remain open and unhealed.

It would be easy to say we've evolved since that time, but have we really? When we have people on TV and the radio bringing out the worst in humanity, using every name in the book to demonize people they disagree with while also calling for the very programs that would end up sparking a worse riot.

Have we really learned these lessons or will there be another, harsher lesson still to come?

Testing My new Toy

So the other day, a number of office supply chains announced that they were offering the BlackBerry PlayBook for some Major Discounts. Like up to $400 off their regulsr price. Not one to pass up a bargain and seeing as how I had been saving up for one, I grabbed myself a 16 gig PlayBook.<br /><br />So, this test post is bekng written on it. Jopefully, as i learn all of the tricks with it, you'll be seeinng more things including video files from my work.<br /><br />It's a new ballgame, folks. Welcome to the Big Show, (apologies to DP and KO) wait and see what I can do<br />

The Christmas Geese, 2011 Edition

I wrote this poem in December of 2007 on the spur of the moment, and decided that this will be an annual event for me. I send this out to everyone of my readers(all three of you), as well as my family who are scattered across this country.

Christmas In Montebello, or A Visit from the Christmas Geese

'Twas the day before Christmas,

And all through the town,

People were shopping and running around.

Last-minute gifts were purchased with haste,

Not wanting a moment to go to waste.

And around our little home, Mom was finishing up,

Wrapping the presents and gifts and stuff.

Dad was busy, getting many things done,

Prepping for their El Paso trip, still yet to come.

And Tommy, My brother, stopped in for a bit,

Taking a break from his work because he saw fit.

And Myself, what did I do, you say?

I waited for sundown to come this way.

For still to be finished were the lights 'round the big tree,

Putting the final touches for all to drive by and see.

The full moon, how it glowed brightly on the river below,

shimmering as the Canadian geese honked and glided along, oh so slow.

The cars slowed down as they drove through the night,

Looking in awe as I made things right.

And Out on the lawn I gave out a shout,

"Mom, Dad, Tommy, You gotta come out!"

My family came running, thinking something's gone wrong,

But what they found was Me dancing and singing a song.

They watched as I danced and placed the last of the lights,

My breath easily seen on this cold winter's night.

"What's wrong?" said Dad "You give us a fright."

Mom just looked and laughed as I continued my flight.

Tommy looked down, embarrassed to see,

How graceful a quarter-ton Hippo like me could be. (I kid, I'm not THAT big)

When, from the spreading grounds, there came an incredible sound,

As gaggles of geese made landings all around.

We listened and watched as they crossed through the moon,

Their wings, opened wide, their calls all in tune.

Below them, their cousins answered their call,

As they glided onto the water, to come together one and all.

We stood there, all quiet, on the bank above,

Watching as Nature played a Winter song of love.

But, before long, it was time to go inside,

After all, none of us really had a winter-proof hide.

So we gathered round a burning Yule Log,

And listened as the Geese scared off the fog.

And so, let Me say, as I crawl under the sheets.

"Merry Christmas to all, but beware of cold feet."

Merry Christmas everyone, from Me and the family.

Please enjoy A Currier & Ives Christmas

LIVE at PAC-12 Media Day

So the Boss, Joe Torosian and I are here at the Conga Room at L.A. Live, where we're attending the PAC-12 Men's Basketball Media Day.

Right now, PAC-12 Commissioner Larry Scott is talking about the upcoming TV contracts with the new PAC-12 Networks and ESPN. We'll have quotes and images later on in the day.

The Following are quotes from PAC-12 COmmissioner Larry Scott -

"Coach Wooden will continue to be a guiding light for this conference"

"The remarkable leaders of this conference have allowed the PAC-12 to capture 442 National Championships across ALL Sports."

"We have a rich heritage in this conference, and we have a bright future ahead of us, we will be paving the way for college sports on TV."

"We expect the same kind of dynamic performances we've had in the past."

UPDATE 1: ARIZONA STATE

Herb Sendek and Trent Lockett

UPDATE 2: OREGON STATE

Craig Robinson and Jared Cunningham

Joe Burton is expected to be the "secret weapon" for the Beavers

Never going to stop playing 1-3-1 against Washington as long as one player is still there

Fortunate to have a group of alumni and players have a presence in our program. Not a surprise that they have been disenfranchised, but have had a tremendous amount of support from A.C. Green, Sean Payton, etc. Had 20 past players attend kick off dinner.

UPDATE 3: STANFORD

Johnny Dawkins and Josh Owens

Trip to Spain was memorable for both staff and players, allowed them to integrate new freshmen players into the team

UPDATE 4: OREGON

Dana Altman and Garret Sim

Jabari Brown (freshman) will fit in nicely with the team strategy

Players have made big steps, Devoe Joseph will be eligible after first six games

Garrett's expectations for the team as a senior: Goals much higher than last year. This year people expecting things from us, we have the talent to compete with. Want to leave ORegon on a good note in the right direction.

UPDATE 5: WASHINGTON STATE

Ken Bone and Marcus Capers

Michael Ladd

UPDATE 6: UTAH

Larry Krystkowiak and David Foster

UPDATE 7: COLORADO

Tad Boyle and Austin Dufault

UPDATE 8: CALIFORNIA

Mike Montgomery and Jorge Gutierrez

UPDATE 9: USC

Kevin O'Neal and Maurice Jones

UPDATE 10: WASHINGTON

Lorenzo Romar and Darnell Gant

UPDATE 11: UCLA

Ben Howland and Lazeric Jones

UPDATE 12: ARIZONA

Sean Miller and Kyle Fogg

Merry Christmas from the Geese, 2010 Edition

I wrote this poem in December of 2007 on the spur of the moment, and decided that this will be an annual event for me. I send this out to everyone of my readers(all three of you), as well as my family who are scattered across this country.

Christmas In Montebello, or A Visit from the Christmas Geese

'Twas the day before Christmas,

And all through the town,

People were shopping and running around.

Last-minute gifts were purchased with haste,

Not wanting a moment to go to waste.

And around our little home, Mom was finishing up,

Wrapping the presents and gifts and stuff.

Dad was busy, getting many things done,

Prepping for their El Paso trip, still yet to come.

And Tommy, My brother, stopped in for a bit,

Taking a break from his work because he saw fit.

And Myself, what did I do, you say?

I waited for sundown to come this way.

For still to be finished were the lights 'round the big tree,

Putting the final touches for all to drive by and see.

The full moon, how it glowed brightly on the river below,

shimmering as the Canadian geese honked and glided along, oh so slow.

The cars slowed down as they drove through the night,

Looking in awe as I made things right.

And Out on the lawn I gave out a shout,

"Mom, Dad, Tommy, You gotta come out!"

My family came running, thinking something's gone wrong,

But what they found was Me dancing and singing a song.

They watched as I danced and placed the last of the lights,

My breath easily seen on this cold winter's night.

"What's wrong?" said Dad "You give us a fright."

Mom just looked and laughed as I continued my flight.

Tommy looked down, embarrassed to see,

How graceful a quarter-ton Hippo like me could be. (I kid, I'm not THAT big)

When, from the spreading grounds, there came an incredible sound,

As gaggles of geese made landings all around.

We listened and watched as they crossed through the moon,

Their wings, opened wide, their calls all in tune.

Below them, their cousins answered their call,

As they glided onto the water, to come together one and all.

We stood there, all quiet, on the bank above,

Watching as Nature played a Winter song of love.

But, before long, it was time to go inside,

After all, none of us really had a winter-proof hide.

So we gathered round a burning Yule Log,

And listened as the Geese scared off the fog.

And so, let Me say, as I crawl under the sheets.

"Merry Christmas to all, but beware of cold feet."

Merry Christmas everyone, from Me and the family.

Please enjoy A Currier & Ives Christmas

Big Tony's Touts, Southeast Division, Playoffs Edition, Semifinals

Wow, what a week for quarterfinals. I had almost no mistakes, save for my unwavering love of my Alma Mater, who finally fell to Carson. This week, we’re at the Semi-Finals which means even less games to go. So once again, the City Section divisions and the Southeast are going to be combined once more. A reminder, the City’s Division II Finals will be held on Friday December 10, 2010 at East LA College’s Weingardt Stadium at 7p.m., while the Division I Finals will be held at the Coliseum on Saturday December 11, at 1 p.m.

Nothing left to say but, let’s take the cheese…

CITY FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

All Semi-Finals, Friday, 7 p.m.

Division I

#5 Taft (9-3) at #1 Carson (10-2)

MATCHUP: This is a battle between two top quarterbacks, Taft’s Michael Bercovici and Carson’s Justin Alo. Bercovici has the upper hand, stat-wise, currently averaging 294.5 passing yards per game, compared to Alo’s 168.3 yards per game. The Colts had their hands full against a Garfield squad who nearly knocked off the top seed before a couple of mistakes cost the Bulldogs the opportunity to advance, but the Toreadors dispatched the Dorsey Dons without much of a sweat. The winner of this game will have the best chance at knocking off Crenshaw.

Prediction: Carson 38, Taft 35 (OT)

Division II

#9 Fairfax (8-3-1) vs. #4 Arleta (11-1) at Monroe (tentative)

MATCHUP: The Lions are looking to reach the Finals and play for their third championship in school history. The Mustangs want another shot at a title, like two years ago. Senior running back Matt Bowen is less than 60 yards from breaking 2,000 yards for Fairfax, while the arm of Javy Lopez is keeping Arleta alive, much to the consternation of the multitude of baseball scouts who fear his pitching arm is in jeopardy. The winner is going to be the early favorite to win next Friday at East LA College.

Prediction: Fairfax 38, Arleta 34

CIF Southern Section, Southeast Division Semifinals (VII)

#1 West Covina (11-1) vs. Mayfair (8-4) at Bellflower, Friday

MATCHUP: So far, the Bulldogs haven’t been challenged much in the tournament. That’s about to change. The Monsoons have been relying on Jason Logologo for a lot of their ground work. He was the reason the Indians are sitting home tonight instead of playing West Covina. But don’t think that the Monsoons are going to be a pushover. Back before the playoffs started, my colleague, Eric Sondheimer, predicted that the Monsoons could be the dark horse that can bring down the monsters of the Hacienda.

Prediction: Mayfair 41, West Covina 38 (OT)

#2 La Serna (11-1) at Bonita (11-1), Saturday, 7 p.m.

MATCHUP: All right, I’m finally convinced of La Serna’s “Destiny” to reach the finals, but they have two more hurdles to overcome. First, they have to put to rest the “Smudge Pot Mojo” that has sustained the Bearcats all year. I know people are tired of hearing me say this, so don’t worry, a Bonita loss and the talk goes away. However, Coach Eric Podley isn’t ready to give up a shot at a title. This is the big one, Elizabeth.

Prediction: La Serna 38, Bonita 31

Big Tony's Touts, Southeast Division, Playoffs Edition, Round 2

Okay Folks, since we’re in the Quarterfinals, I’m combining all of my picks, City and Southern Section, into one GIANT story. We had some big upsets in the City’s Division II, but for the most part, the Chalk held sway in Division I. Over in the Southeast, except for one game, the chalk held as well. Arcadia’s upset loss to Norwalk wasn’t equal to Butler almost beating Duke, but it was close, more like Richmond doing in that No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament a few years ago. So let’s stop the quibbling, and get to the Stone Cold Lead Pipe locks, thank you, Tony Bruno.

City Section Division I: Quarterfinals, Friday, 7 p.m.

#8 Garfield (7-4) at #1 Carson (9-2)

MATCHUP: Last week, both the Bulldogs and the Colts had no trouble taking out their first round opponents. Colt Coach Elijah Asante knows the Bulldogs from his days as coach of their Eastern League rivals, the Jordan Bulldogs. Justin Alo has been his main weapon behind center, averaging more than 168 yards per game. But the Bulldogs have held their own against tougher opponents all season, including holding Orange Lutheran and Bishop Amat to their lowest point totals all season. Don’t be surprised if the Gutty Little Bulldogs knock off the Top seed in the bracket.

Prediction: Garfield 44, Carson 42 (OT)

#5 Taft (8-3) vs. #4 Dorsey (10-1) at Rancho Cienega Park

MATCHUP: The Toreadors have been riding the arm of quarterback Michael Berkovici all season long and it has them back where they feel they belong, especially after knocking off West Adams so easily. The Dons used the humiliation of their regular season pummeling at the hands of Crenshaw to their advantage last week with their win over Gardena. The key for the Dons is shutting down Berkovici, while the Toreadors can take a page out of Crenshaw’s book and just pound away at the Dons’ defense.

Prediction: Dorsey 45, Taft 35

#6 San Pedro (8-3) at #3 Venice (7-4)

MATCHUP: Sometimes it’s hard to look like you’re NOT running up the score. The Gondoliers had that problem last week against the once-mighty Locke Saints, who they just destroyed without so much as a sweat. Now they face a Pirates team that was best described this way by my colleague Tony Ciniglio from the LA Daily Breeze said this past week, “… there’s ‘fast’ then there’s ‘San Pedro fast,’” Last week, two plays by Brent Speight and Kris Bass allowed the Priates to sail into the Canals for a showdown. All hands on deck, the fat lady is gonna be singing this week, but it’s anyone’s guess if she’ll be belting out “Nessun Dorma” or “Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life for Me.”

Prediction: Venice 49, San Pedro 24

#7 Narbonne (6-5) at #2 Crenshaw(9-2)

MATCHUP: Almost one year ago, these two teams met for the Division I championship at the Coliseum. The Cougars came away with a 34-14 victory that not only closed out a perfect season but also punched their ticket to the State Bowl Championship game against De La Salle. That didn’t end well but now the Cougars are looking to reclaim that bowl bid, but first they have to knock off their finals opponent first. There won’t be the same mistake laden first half that the Gauchos produced last week against the Jordan Bulldogs, sophomore quarterback Troy Williams will be looking to get off to a fast start. The Cougars can be beaten if they can be held to under 21 points, and the Gauchos did that in each of their wins this year.

Prediction: Narbonne 34, Crenshaw 21

Division II: Quarterfinals, Friday, 7 p.m.

#16 Hamilton (4-6) at #9 Fairfax (7-3-1)

MATCHUP: This is a game no one expected. The defending champion Yankees weren’t supposed to win, while the Lions never even make the playoffs to begin with. Two weeks ago, the Lions stamped their tickets to the playoffs with a 35-0 shutout over the Yankees. If this is the year of the Lions, they need to put the Yankees away and move on to the semi-finals. The Yankees need to play like they did last week when they knocked off the top seed int he division, Reseda.

Prediction: Fairfax 27, Hamilton 24

#12 Franklin (8-3) vs. #4 Arleta (10-1) at Monroe

MATCHUP: This was the week of upsets in Division II, with Franklin upsetting the fifth seed Jefferson, while Arleta barely avoided being upset as well by the Eastern League’s Roosevelt. Look for the Mustangs to once again rely on the strength of running back Dejon Coleman and quarterback Javy Lopez. However, the Panthers also have some explosiveness in their own quarterback, senior Michael Orozco. Don’t expect another upset this week, unless Arleta starts looking past Franklin to the Semis.

Prediction: Arleta 42, Franklin 21

#14 Panorama (6-5) at #6 Chatsworth (9-2)

MATCHUP: Panorama was the third big upset of the first round last week, shutting down the third seed in the bracket, the Eastern League’s runner-up, South East. The Pythons have a legitimate weapon in running back Malcom Thomas, who has averaged 156.4 yards per game so far. In fact, the only game he didn’t rush for at least 100 yards was the regular season finale loss to Reseda two weeks ago. The Chancellors, on the other hand, ended the greatest season in recent memory of the Hollywood Sheiks last week. Both teams share a loss to Reseda this season, however, the Chancellors lost by only a touchdown. Shutting Down Thomas will be the key for Chatsworth’s survival.

Prediction: Panorama 48, Chatsworth 28

#7 Palisades (6-5) at #2 Francis Poly (9-2)

MATCHUP: A couple of weeks ago, my colleague Eric Sondheimer told me how head coach Perry Jones was lobbying for the Dolphins to be given a higher seed, as high as third. Last week against Lincoln, his Dolphins showed why he had such faith in them, easily handling the Tigers. Meanwhile, Poly continued their winning streak by knocking off the overmatched Conquistadors in the first round. The Parrots also have a strong rusher in Kevin Ervin, who’s already run for over 1,800 yards so far. The Dolphins will have to keep both him and Edgar Alejandro, who’s also rushed for more than 1,000 yards, from breaking the game open if they want to move on, which they probably won’t, since Poly has one of the best home field advantages in the Valley.

Prediction: Poly 48, Palisades 31

CIF Southern Section Southeast Division (VII)

SECOND ROUND: Friday 7:30 p.m.

Santa Fe (7-4) at #1 West Covina (10-1)

MATCHUP: Never doubt that after 30 years, head coach Jack Mahlstede still has a few tricks up his sleeves. His grandson and future assistant coach, quarterback Christian Mahlstede, has put the Chiefs’ air game finally on an even keel, leading the Chiefs into the second round. The Bulldogs really haven’t been challenged by any team since they lost to Covina and barely beat Glendora by five points. This will be a challenge they might not be able to stand up to. Look for this to be a real dogfight and if Santa Fe manages the upset, look out, they just might reach the finals.

Prediction: Santa Fe 31, West Covina 24 (OT)

#4 Burbank Burroughs (7-4) vs. Mayfair (7-4) at Ron Yary Stadium (Bellflower High):

MATCHUP: Just when you thought that Burroughs can relax after a win over El Rancho, they now have to go on the road and take on the Monsters of the LKWD in Mayfair. There’s no need to re-hash Evan Hunko’s numbers, he’s the main reason why the Monsoons are into the second round, but overlooked in that is the rushing prowess of running back Jason Logologo. Logologo is only 87 yards short of 1,000 yards this season and could break the Indians defense. The big target for the Monsoon defense is stopping the Brothers Yanez- quarterback Lucas and his main target Tyler. If either of these offenses get shut down, that game is over.

Prediction: Mayfair 28, Burroughs 24

Bonita (10-1) at Muir (7-4)

MATCHUP: Bonita had to trouble beating up on a very weak Cal team that was very lucky to have reached the playoffs. Aside from getting their heads handed to them by West Covina, the Bearcats really took advantage of the “Smudge Pot Mojo” all season, rattling off seven wins before getting knocked off by the Bulldogs. Despite that, they continued to roll. Muir has been that team nobody really wants to face. The Mustangs, despite having lost four of their first five games this season, turned into trouble in the Southeast playoff race, knocking Burroughs to give Burbank a shot at the title, helped El Rancho reach the playoffs by knocking off Pasadena in the Turkey Tussle and last week, knocked out an error-prone La Mirada. Bearcats head coach Eric Podley would do well to not take the Mustangs lightly, it could be fatal.

Prediction: Muir 38, Bonita 35 (OT)

#2 La Serna (10-1) at Norwalk (7-4)

MATCHUP: Last week, La Serna had to deal with something they hadn’t faced all season, a seasoned rush defense. Where normally the Lancers were able to unleash their one-two rushing combination of Richard Alvarez and OJ “Juice” Medina, they had to rely on the foot of kicker Tavis Guerra to get them the win in overtime. This week, the Lancer defense will need to have an answer for Norwalk’s own two-man 1,000-plus yard rushing monsters in Elijhaa Penny and Billy Moore, while the Lancers will need quarterback Andrew Buenrostro to keep finding holes in the secondary like he did against Walnut. This is going to be a Lancer joust worthy of Medieval Times.

Prediction: La Serna 34, Norwalk 31