Thursday, April 14, 2011

San Francisco City Clinic: 100 Years of Stamping Out STDs

This year, the euphemistically named San Francisco City Clinic celebrates 100 years of diagnosing and treating sexually transmitted diseases. That's 10 decades of inspecting orifices and creating cutting-edge new media, from all the way back when old media was shockingly new. And City Clinic did it all while making sexual health sound fun and, well…sexy.
In honor of the anniversary, the San Francisco Department of Public Health circulated this historical document, with the headline "Our Nation's Health Endangered by Poisonous Infection." Reading it, the shocking thing is not how much things have changed, but how much they haven't.
You might not believe that sexting and new media have anything in common with the way the world worked 100 years ago, back before the days of either antibiotics or birth control. But get a load of this quote from Dr. Julius Rosenstirn, chairman of the advisory committee, in the 1913 pamphlet wherein he passionately defended the work of the clinic, then called The Municipal Clinic: "The taboo that educators have put on the theme of sexual relations, on a thorough instruction in the origin of human life and its procreation, has resulted in the profoundest ignorance among the laity of these most vital matters."
He added, "Do these same good people really believe they can safeguard the fiercely dominant sex call of awakening youth with mild and vague precepts?"
So what was it that threatened the very existence of the fledgling clinic back in those days? What forced Rosenstirn to come to its defense? Was it simply talking about sex?
Noooo. It was more, much more than that. The thing that got the clinic in deep, deep trouble was a program to teach women how to diagnose themselves. And not just how to diagnose, but also how to act on that information, an approach that would resonate today with e-patients all across America.
Read more...

Was Barry Bonds Verdict For Being Uppity Black Man?

Frankly, the Barry Bonds Trial and Bonds Verdict held little interest for this blogger because, given the jury makeup, and the fact the trail was in San Francisco, anything could happen. Plus, AdTech was the order of the day, and Reality Rocks and WonderCon before that.  The Bonds issue, for anyone who wants to think the best of America, is just plain depressing.

But, it's fair to say Barry Bonds got his reality rocked yesterday and by a big-mouthed jury, where some said told Channel Five (KPIX) news they were Giants fans, and one 19-year old blonde jurist agreed with the Channel Five reporter that she thought Bonds was arrogant, even though he didn't even take the stand.

I was disappointed she said that, but not surprised.

Here we go again.

It looked, to me, like, once again, Bonds was being tried and convicted for being what some in America still hate: an uppity black man. The idea is that a black guy should not present himself as better or smarter than anyone, just stronger and faster.

Barry Bonds wants you to think he's better, smarter, stronger, and faster, and over the years, the mainstream media has crucified him for it. Now, it looks like the jury was contaminated with the same idea - except one woman of color.

That woman, again on Channel Five, was saying she was sure Bonds was not guilty of obstruction of justice. Again, that she was of color should send alarm bells going off. But remember, some major media sports writers have wanted to see Bonds 'get his' for some time.

Of course, that too has changed, which is why I can say "some" and not "all" or even point to one group of white male writers - America's changed.

But all of this casts an ugly light on the judicial system. For jurists to come out and allow themselves to be recorder saying that they thought Bonds was arrogant, and they were Giants fans, means he didn't get a fair trial at all.

Bonds should file an appeal and indeed, the judge should order the case retried based on those comments. It begs the question of what was said during jury deliberations. If the judge looks back and finds that racism played a role, a new trial can be ordered at once.

Barry Bonds Not Found Guilty Of Lying

Lost in all of this is the fact that Barry Bonds was not found guilty for lying.  That's what the whole deal was about.

As Dashiell Bennet points out in Business Insider, you can't find a person to have obstructed justice if you're saying they didn't lie. Giving answers that may be "evasive" is not lying, and the very idea that an answer is "evasive" is left to personal judgement, whereas lying is more concrete.

The bottom line is the Government failed, the jury was biased and arguably racist, and the Bonds verdict should be tossed.

Let's see if the judge agrees with the rising volume of voices saying this, and tosses the case.

Stay tuned.

AdTech 2011 - On The Apple iPad: Dave Gill Of Nielsen



One mention of the name "Nielsen," and you're bound to think about TV ratings, but as I learned at AdTech 2011, Nielsen's much more. Zennie62 talked on video with David Gill, the Vice President of Mobile Media for Nielsen.

As Gill says, it's no longer about ratings, but about multiple screens, "Nielsen historically has been known for the television ratings business and currency business. But we actually have two different parts of business, what people watch and what people buy. It's a big consumer part about looking at exposure to different parts of advertising across different kinds of platforms. And increasingly, I think advertisers want to know not just your typical brand lift metrics, but sales lift metrics - did it actually move the needle for people at retail."

On the iPad: Where Are We Today?

The Apple iPad was hyped as the tech that would change all media when it was first announced. But now that it's out, many media app producers suffer from dramatic declines in readership, even as sales for the iPad, and now the iPad 2, are through the roof. Where are we now with the iPad? "Literally speaking we're a year-and-a-half down the road, Gill said. "It is changing print media. We're looking at, pretty closely, cross-media consumption - watching television, and at the same time they are going to use another device to check Facebook or to shop or research purchases."

Gill reports that what VISA CMO Lucio said at Tuesday's AdTech Keynote holds: people buy via recommendations online, more and more. The iPad, coupled with TV, actually helps fuel that kind of purchase process. Nielsen is tracking that activity and Gill explain that the iPad reflects a "significant game-changer" in this area. He thinks the iPad is complementary to a number of media activities, like movies.

Niesen Products

At AdTech, Gill and his staff are talking about their audience measurement services for potential clients. Banking clients want to know about customer acquisition. Health Care is attractive because tablets present what Nielsen thinks is a big market.

For more information, just go to Nielsen.com.

2011 NFL Draft | Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald: No QB, But Newton Is Best One

This blogger has said the Arizona Cardinals don't need a quarterback, so taking one with the fifth pick at the 2011 NFL Draft isn't smart when the Cards have four young signal callers.

Now, Arizona Cardinals Wide Receiver Larry Fitzgerald enters the conversation, saying that the team should not draft a quarterback, a veteran one would be better, and that Auburn QB and Heisman Trophy Winner Cam Newton is "the best player in all of college football."

Yep. Better than Missouri Quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who's only ranked higher than Newton because of Gabbert's agent: Tom Condon. (Even NFL Network Analyst and former Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Trent Green got into the act last night, saying that Gabbert was better because former quarterbacks coach and NFL coordinator Terry Shea was working with him. Well, Trent, why not just say it's because of his agent, Condon, who set the whole thing up. Trent didn't say Warren Moon was working with Newton, but he is. Think about it.)

At any rate, Larry Fitzgerald told Fox Sports Arizona's Jack Magruder...

I would doubt that we would draft a quarterback that high. I would doubt it. But, who am I? I'm just a player. Management hasn't told me if they are going to go in any direction. (My choice is) "Anybody that's going to help us win. That's really how I feel."

On Newton:


"If he didn't have to go through his little situation in college with his dad and all that, I think it would be a totally different ball game. I think a lot of his personal issues overshadowed his ability. We saw him on the field for 13 games this year, and he was hands down the best player in all of college football. When you are a player that talented at that level on that stage in the SEC, doing it every single week, it's going to be hard to deny what he is going to be able to do in the NFL. I think he will be a good pro...I think he'll do just fine. You look at guys like Donovan McNabb. He did a phenomenal job of adjusting. Even Michael Vick. He was a running quarterback in college and he has become a really good drop-back pocket passer with the ability to run, which even presents more challenges for a team to deal with."
On Gabbert:

"I saw a lot of him. I saw some tape on him. I really like Blaine. He's a talented player. He makes all the throws. He's got good mobility in the pocket, and he seems like a real cerebral guy. I think he is going to be a good fit wherever he lands."

Stay tuned.



Google Cuts Google Trends Again. Hot Topics Gone

Google, the giant Internet search company with the paranoid PR people, has paired down Google Trends, once again. Indeed, since 2004, Google had a trends analysis system called Google Zeitgeist, but at that point was slow to update it until bloggers screamed about the issue; Google started multi-times daily updates in mid-year 2007.

On May 22nd, 2007, Google rolled out "Hot Trends" which was to enable...



"users to see a list of the current top 100 fastest-rising Google search queries in the U.S. Users can also select specific dates to see what the top-rising searches were at a given point in time."


Over time, Google Trends grew to become a popular tool for bloggers to use to determine what topics were hot: a necessary tool in a new media environment driven by web traffic and revenue from ads placed on website, and affiliate marketing programs. Google Trends helped make it possible for bloggers to make money from their efforts, just by focusing on the popular trends of the day.

But, in September of 2009, Google shrank Google Trends from 100 words to 40, and some bloggers pointed to spam websites as the reason for the decision.

Then, the next year, 2010, Google reduced the list from 40 keywords to 20 keywords, and split the results between "news" and "blogs" or those results from the all-but-hidden Google Blog Search.

Now, Google's removed the "Hot Topics" section from Google News, and says it's been meshed in with Google Hot Searches in the Google Trends system.

But one look reveals that's not true. Google "Hot Topics" would give you the real-time updates, with the Twitter tweets of the moment, and even rank the most popular tweets, which is how the top presented became "hot."

That's gone. Google didn't move it to "Hot Searches," the real time search reporting system is just gone. Period.  And Google Blog Search, while comprehensive when you find it, is hard to locate if you don't know about it.

Google Blog Search is something one has to know exists to find it. In fact, my complaint about how Google News operates and how Google presents Google News is that Google places it at the top page of a search result, but doesn't do that for Google Blog Search.

That was a central focus of my complaint to the FTC about Google News last year, and just after what I called The Google Saturday Night Massacre of blogs off Google News . Google has consistently and openly worked to help "traditional media" gain revenue, but this has come at the expense of blogs and bloggers.

For example, do a search for "Zennie62" On Google. Do you see a list for "Blogs" on the first page?  No. You see a list for  "Web, Images, Videos, Maps, News, Shopping, Gmail, more." Blogs, are way down past the "more," and you have to think to click on "more" then scroll down a long list to see it.

It's almost a metaphor for how Google thinks about blogs and bloggers: as a group to be hidden and diminished in favor of traditional news, not next to news. This is done, even as more and more people get their news from blogs.

Bloggers are not the reason for the Google Trends malware problems of 2007-2008, website builders are. And bloggers have been the source for many news stories that Old Media players have then, er, forgot to credit them for.  Yet, Google protects Old Media, which should be forced to adopt, not saved from evolving.

At the rate Google Trends, and other trend services from the large search engines, are going, bloggers will not have a resource to determine who's searching for what.   That will eventually spell death for Google, because it opens a market that both Twitter and Facebook and smaller search companies like Blekko, can exploit.

Google's own "trend" of giving less and less data that bloggers and readers can use, also makes the public blind to the real search actions.  That should be against the law.  Google and all other search engines should be legally required to tell us, on a moment-by-moment basis, what's being searched for.  It's important to know because such information is the real key to what's happening in our society.  Moreover, it's not "fixed" news, and takes power away from news editors, some who want to dictate what you should read, and by extension, what you should think.

That's not democratic at all.  And in an industrial society being increasingly democratized by digital media, Google's search reporting moves over the last five years add up to a step in the opposite direction.  

Flip Video Camera - Use It Tell To Off Cisco

Yesterday, while this blogger was working the floors of AdTech, word got around that Cisco, which bought Pure Digital's Flip Video Camera brand just less than two years ago, announced it was going to stop making Flip Video Camera products, leaving over two million users out in the cold.

This blogger's response was to use the Flip Video Ultra to tell Cisco off:



Cisco's actions confirmed that the company has no passion for its brand. Regular readers of this space at Zennie62 know that Flip Video Camera products are have been the preferred brand, used to make about 60 percent of the 1,377 videos on the YouTube channel Zennie62.

So, what to do? Keep using it! Keep the brand alive and lobby for some other player to come along and save it. Cisco cut Flip at the wrong time.

About 11 days ago, I took a flight from Georgia to San Francisco for a special press meeting where we were to be given the first versions of the new WiFi-enabled Flip Video Cameras. Now, finally, Flippers could upload videos directly to, to name one place, YouTube.

But, as soon as I stepped off the plane, I checked my email and discovered that the meeting was suddenly cancelled. The PR reps didn't know what was going on, really. But, no meeting.

Now, I get it.

Folks, someone at Cisco has a WiFi-ready Flip. It's out there. It's not a concept. it's real.

Cisco Marketing?

Cisco could have done better by Flip. Instead of just using celebrities, the company could have activated it's brand ambassadors, like me. Cisco could have held contests where, if you bought or owned a Flip Video camera, you could make a one-minute video explaining why you're the best sports fan in the World, and the winner have their choice of a trip to the Super Bowl, The Masters, or the NCAA Final Four, or the NBA Finals.

They never did anything like that.

As I said in the video, #$%%^ Cisco. Save Flip!

Note: Arianna Huffington AdTech Speech Video is up at Zennie62 at Youtube.com.

2011 NFL DRAFT QB RANKINGS

Note: I disagree with the QB rankings, but the post is welcome - Zennie.

(This is Part Three of the "Pro Draft report" presented by Football Reporters.

2011 NFL DRAFT QB RANKINGS

BY ANTHONY S. CARILLO-Contributing Writer/Reporter
Football Reporters Online

1. Blaine Gabbert-Missouri 6’ 4’’ 236 lbs 4.62 40 Junior
Gabbert is the most polished and NFL ready quarterback in this years draft class. He has great size as well as great speed, and can make every throw that a NFL quarterbacks needs to make. One knock on Gabbert is that in the Missouri offense there were only a few reads for him to make, and if you watch the game tape there are some points where his primary and secondary receiver are covered and he decides to run, but the third option is wide open on the weak side of the field. Coming from a shotgun spread offense does throw up some concerns, but during the combine and pro day process he has shown that he has the footwork and poise to be able to run a NFL style offense.
His numbers did drop from his sophomore season to his junior campaign, but that is no need for concern. He is in almost the exact same position as Sam Bradford was in just a year ago, and we all can agree that Sam Bradford transitioned to the NFL pretty smoothly. Gabbert should be the first quarterback taken in this draft, and where ever he goes he will be battling for the starting job. Look for Gabbert to get scooped up within the top 5 picks, either to Carolina or Buffalo, and even if neither of those teams take him, he should not drop that far because 9 of the top 12 teams can make a case for needing a quarterback.

2. Jake Locker-Washington 6’2’’ 231 lbs 4.59 40 Senior
If this was last years draft, Locker would be at the top of everyone’s draft boards, but he decided to stay for his senior year, and that didn’t help him at all. He has played in an NFL style offense for the past 2 years, and has shown that he can be a great quarterback, but he has also shown at times that he can be a less than average quarterback. He has great athleticism, speed, arm strength and vision. He can throw on the run as well as drop back and stay in the pocket, and when he decides to tuck the ball in and run, he is just like a running back and knows exactly how to run the ball. One downside to Locker is that when he did play against some good teams, like Nebraska for example, he showed some signs that most NFL teams did not like, when he only completed 4 completions out of 20 attempts and showed a lot of inconsistency during the game.
Locker will most likely get picked up by a team with a veteran quarterback, letting him come in and learn the whole offense and watch a veteran play and let him get ready so he is not rushed into the starting quarterback position. When he does finally become a starting quarterback in the NFL, he has the tools to be a very effective quarterback, if he can stay consistent.

3. Ryan Mallet-Arkansas 6’6’’ 238 lbs 5.37 40 Junior
Mallet is a big quarterback, the tallest quarterback in this draft. He has a rocket for an arm, and has no problem making any and every throw in the NFL. He is the absolute definition of a gun slinger, throwing every pass and sometimes trying to hard to fit the ball between 2 or sometimes 3 receivers. He is not a very mobile quarterback, but when he stands in the pocket he can use his size to be able to see the whole field with ease since he is taller than almost every guard and center in the NFL now. In the pocket he doesn’t just stand there and not move, he can escape the rush and still keep his eyes downfield, but being as big as Mallet is does cause concern for him being able to set his feet and make an accurate throw.
Mallet is someone who is a first round pick if a team decides to take a quarterback, but he needs to learn how to be a good leader, because during the interview process there were signs on immaturity but under the right guidance he will mature quickly.

4. Cameron Newton-Auburn 6’5’’ 244 lbs 4.6 40 Junior
Newton is the player in this draft with the biggest upside, but also he carries the biggest risk as well. He has a strong arm and great pocket presence, as well as being able to throw the ball very well on the run. He can escape the rush in the pocket and is very hard to take down just like big Ben Rothelisberger. There are a few concerns for NFL teams to look for. Newton played in a total shotgun offense, and he really did not make a lot of NFL throws and really didn’t run any plays that are the typical NFL type play. Also, he has only played one full season in college as a quarterback, so the maturity is also a big issue. He has proven he can deal with off field issues this past season, which is a plus because he knows how to deal with all of the media. The things that he will need to show teams in the days leading up to the draft is his mechanics and his footwork, because in a shotgun offense you don’t need to really drop back as effectively as being under center.
Newton will be a top ten pick, but I put him at the 4th ranked quarterback because there are big risks that come with drafting him. If he is able to prove that he can run an NFL type offense and stay consistent with his throws and stay poised, he will be a very effective player in the league, but be warned everybody, be ready to see the second coming of Jamarcus Russell as well.

5. Christian Ponder-Florida State 6’2’’ 229 lbs 4.65 40 Senior
Ponder is my sleeper in this draft class to really shine and become the best quarterback out of all of the quarterbacks. He played at Florida State under hall of fame coach Bobby Bowden, and even when Jimbo Fisher took over the head coaching job, Ponder really showed his leadership and the team really did not have one of those down years as they change coaches. He has great field vision, and even better pocket presence. He can get the ball out in a hurry, and also knows when to tuck the ball in and run with his great running ability. He arm is not as strong as Mallet or Gabbert, but he is very accurate and consistent. He played in an offense that he needed to drop back as well as be in the shotgun, and he has shown that his footwork is very good.
Ponder could sneak into the first round but most likely will be a second or third round pick, but under the right guidance and coaching staff this quarterback can really blossom into a Pro Bowl caliber quarterback.

6. Andy Dalton-TCU 6’2’’ 215 lbs 4.87 40 Senior
Andy Dalton took a “mid-major” college and really threw them into the spotlight in college football over the past few years. He has a good arm, and he can make people miss in the pocket as well as throw the ball well on the run. He is very consistent and a very accurate quarterback. The only concerns is that in the Mountain West Conference, he played against some teams that some people think are easy teams to play against compared to the SEC or Big 12 teams. If he can show that he is not a quarterback that just feasted on lower level defenses he can be a late round pick and possibly flourish as a quarterback in the NFL, but regardless he will be a very effective backup for many years in the NFL.

7. Colin Kapernick-Nevada 6’4’’ 233 lbs 4.53 40 Senior
Kapernick is a very raw quarterback, but also shows a lot of upside. He has a good arm, but his mobility will be the thing that gets him drafted. He has a very lean frame, and will need to put on some weight if he wants to survive a full season in the NFL with all the hits that come with playing quarterback. He played in the pistol offense, so there is major concern about him transitioning and running an NFL offense. If the quarterback position does not work out for Kapernick, moving positions to wide receiver is a very big possibility for this prospect. He has the size and speed to be able to be an effective WR in the NFL, but if he gets the right coaching he may be able to develop into a NFL quarterback. Look for him to get drafted in the later rounds, and be a project for whatever team drafts him.

8. Pat Devlin-Delaware 6’3’’ 225 lbs 4.86 40 Senior
Devlin comes from Delaware; the same school that Joe Flacco came out of just a few years ago. Devlin is not as NFL ready as Flacco was coming out of college, but Devlin is a very good prospect for a late round draft pick. He has a good arm and he has good size for a NFL quarterback, but his consistency is questionable and is something that he is going to need to work on. If a team is willing to take a chance in the later rounds to draft Devlin, they will most likely need to take a few years to mold him into an NFL ready quarterback, but some team will over draft this quarterback because of the success that Flacco has had in the NFL through his short career so far.

9. Nathan Enderle-Idaho 6’4’’ 240 lbs 5.15 40 Senior
Enderle is one of the smartest quarterbacks in this year’s draft class. He played at least 9 games all 4 years of his career at Idaho, and has shown that he is a great leader and very passionate about the game of football. He has a very strong arm, and has great pocket presence, and even if he does get pushed out of the pocket he is able to still make an accurate throw downfield. One concern about this quarterback is his slow release as well as his consistency and sometimes his accuracy as well. He will most likely get drafted between the 6th and 7th round, as some team will possibly take a draft pick to draft this project quarterback.

10. Ricky Stanzi-Iowa 6’4’’ 223 lbs 4.93 40 Senior
Ricky Stanzi can be one of the steals in this year’s draft. He has great size for an NFL quarterback at 6 foot 4, and he is a lot a decent mobile quarterback as well. He has played in a pro style offense his whole career at Iowa, so the transition to the NFL will be a lot easier for Stanzi than for other quarterbacks. Excellent pocket presence; he is able to scan the field and find his third and sometimes fourth options in the passing game. His footwork is something that needs a lot of work. He tends to throw the ball flat-footed and off balance. He also tends to take a lot of sacks during his career, so his timing and getting the ball off is another issue. Stanzi will be drafted somewhere in the mid rounds, and he will most likely be in the NFL for a long time as a backup and possibly a starter.

11. Tyrod Taylor-Virginia Tech 6’0’’ 217 lbs 4.51 40 Senior
The best dual threat quarterback we have seen since Michael Vick came out of Virginia Tech. Has great running ability and great mobility outside of the pocket. Very strong arm, and very accurate in the short range passing attack, and does not lose any accuracy while rolling out left or right. He can throw, run, and also catch the football. Has very quick feet and is a very agile athlete, and can break tackles without breaking a stride. Will be very hard to tackle one on one in the open field in the NFL. He still needs some work on the touch passes down the field, because he tends to try to rifle the ball in instead of airing it out and leading receivers into open spaces. Could also be a very effective wide receiver in the NFL if playing quarterback does not work out, or could even be a very effective wildcat quarterback.

12. Greg McElroy-Alabama 6’1’’ 212 lbs 4.97 40
A natural born winner, at one point in his career he had not lost a football game since the 8th grade. A very smart quarterback, he has Rich Gannon like accuracy with the short range passes, but not a real strong arm to be able to really stretch the field. A great leader, look for McElroy to get picked up around the 4th round, but if teams take quarterbacks early and often, McElroy could sneak up to the 2nd round.

13. Scott Tolzien-Wisconsin 6’2’’ 212 lbs 4.93 40 Senior
Tolzien has played in an NFL style offense his whole career at Wisconsin, and is a great game-manager. He is a very smart player, getting Academic All-Big Ten honors his senior year, as well as winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award. Has great field vision, and rarely makes a mistake on his reads. He does not really feel the pressure in the pocket as well as coaches would hope, and that results in him taking a lot of sacks and unnecessary hits.

14. Jerrod Johnson-Texas A&M 6’4’’ 243 lbs 4.70 40 Junior
A very big quarterback who has a great arm and even better running ability. Has great mobility and is very hard to take down alone. Is able to create space and accurately throw the ball downfield to receivers. Very inconsistent at times and decision making could be a lot better than it is right now. Played in a shotgun heavy offense in college so will need to work on his footwork and drop back ability.

15. Ben Chappell-Indiana 6’3’’ 239 lbs 4.82 40 Senior
A very strong armed quarterback, but sometimes takes unnecessary risks. Can fit a football into any window to get the ball to the receiver, but sometimes forces the ball into traffic. His mechanics in his throwing motion is a concern due to his long release, but when given time to throw the ball he can be deadly accurate.

16. T.J. Yates-North Carolina 6’3’’ 219 lbs 5.10 40 Senior
A very football smart player who can figure out a defense before the defense figures itself out. Can put the ball exactly where it needs to be to complete the pass, but also when things do not go well he has been known to have a bit of a temper. Possibly another Ryan Leaf type attitude player.

17. Mike Hartline-Kentucky 6’6’’ 210 lbs 4.78 40 Senior
Very slender frame but also a very tall quarterback, so he can see the whole field with ease. Has a decent arm and can manage the game without making that many mistakes.

18. Josh Portis-California(PA) 6’2’’ 211 lbs 4.62 40 Senior
A jack of all trades type of quarterback. Big strong and fast player who has a decent arm. Can also play WR if QB does not work out for him.

19. Taylor Potts-Texas Tech 6’3’’ 220 lbs 4.95 40 Senior
Potts comes from a pass happy offense at Texas Tech, so transition to a drop offense may be a challenge for him. Has a good arm and decent pocket presence.

20. Kevin Riley-California 6’2’’ 224 lbs 4.90 40 Senior
Riley played a lot of games during his career at Cal, but has problems with accuracy and consistently.

21. Jeff Van Camp-Florida Atlantic 6’5’’ 222 lbs 4.92 40 Senior
A good game manager with a decent arm, but lacks leadership.

22. Adam Froman-Lousiville 6’3’’ 220 lbs 4.52 40 Senior

23. Chris Dieker-Southern Illinois

24. Mitch Mustain-USC 6’3’’ 200 lbs 4.80 40 Senior

25. Trevor Vittatoe-Texas El Paso 6’2’’ 220 lbs 4.72 40 Senior

26. Austen Arnaud-Iowa State 6’2’’ 226 lbs 4.60 40 Senior

27. Michael Herrick-Northern Arizona 6’0’’ 209 lbs 5.00 40 Senior

28. Carson Coffman-Kansas State 6’2’’ 205 lbs 4.95 40 Senior

29. Drew Hubel-Portland State 6’4’’ 205 lbs 5.00 40 Senior

30. Josh Nesbitt-Georgia Tech 6’0’’ 217 lbs 4.68 40 Senior

31. Ryan Colburn-Fresno State 6’2’’ 220 4.75 40 Senior

32. Ross Jenkins-Louisiana Tech 6’2’’ 212 4.75 40 Senior

33. Justin Roper-Montana 6’6’’ 220 lbs 4.80 40 Senior

34. Eric Watt-Trine 6’3’’ 200 lbs 4.75 40 Senior

35. Eric Czerniewski-Central Missouri State 5’1’’ 190 lbs 4.90 40 Senior

36. Josh Boudreaus-Arkansas-Pine Bluff 6’3’’ 234 lbs 4.64 40 Senior

37. Ricky Dobbs-Navy 6’0’’ 203 lbs 4.50 40 Senior

38. Zac Lee-Nebraska 6’1’’ 215 lbs 4.80 40 Senior

39. Keiffer Garton-Penn 6’2’’ 200 lbs 4.80 40 Senior

40. Cameron Higgins-Weber State 6’1’’ 211 lbs 4.85 40 Senior

Picking Second is SOMETIMES A GOOD THING at the NFL Draft

(this is Part two of the "Pro Draft Report" presented by Football Reporters and reposted with permission)

AFC EAST
BUFFALO BILLS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Thurman Thomas RB 1988 Oklahoma State
IN CONSIDERATION: Darryl Talley LB 1983 West Virginia
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Gene Bradley QB 1980 Arkansas State

MIAMI DOLPHINS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Dwight Stevenson C 1980 Alabama
IN CONSIDERATION: Sam Madison DB 1997 Louisville
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Eddie Blake DT 1992 Auburn

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Andre Tippett LB 1982 Iowa
IN CONSIDERATION: Lawyer Milloy DB 1996 Washington
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Darryl Wilson WR 1983 Tennessee

NEW YORK JETS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Justin Miller DB 2005 Clemson
IN CONSIDERATION: Jim Sweeney C 1984 Pittsburgh
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Ralph Clayton WR 1980 Michigan
This division had the most 2nd round Hall of Famers (Stevenson, Tippett and Thomas) in the NFL. The Dolphins second choice, Sam Madison over the likes of WR Mark Duper may scratch a few heads. Former Jet Justin Miller dazzled as a kick returner in 2006 making the Pro Bowl but as of this writing is no longer an active player.

AFC NORTH
BALTIMORE RAVENS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Ray Rice RB 2008 Rutgers
IN CONSIDERATION: Jamie Sharper LB 1997 Virginia
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Dan Cody DE 2005 Oklahoma

CINCINNATI BENGALS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Chad Ochocinco WR 2001 Oregon State
IN CONSIDERATION: Boomer Esiason QB 1984 Maryland
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Kenny Irons RB 2007 Auburn

CLEVELAND BROWNS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Michael Dean Perry DT 1988 Clemson
IN CONSIDERATION: Webster Slaughter WR 1986 San Diego State
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Cleveland Crosby DE 1980 Arizona

PITTSBURGH STEELERS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Dermontti Dawson C 1988 Kentucky
IN CONSIDERATION: Chad Brown LB 1993 Colorado
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: John Meyer T 1982 Arizona State

Surprisingly the mouth that roars (Ochocinco) must be considered the best 2nd rounder by the Bengals by virtue of his pro bowl appearances over another popular former Bengal Boomer Esiason. Although over shadowed by his older brother (The Fridge William Perry) the Browns Michael Dean Perry was a very good DT and a multiple pro bowl choice at his position.

AFC SOUTH
HOUSTON TEXANS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: DeMeco Ryans LB 2006 Alabama
IN CONSIDERATION: Chester Pitts T 2002 San Diego State
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Ben Tate RB 2010 Alabama

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Ray Donaldson C 1980 Georgia
IN CONSIDERATION: Bob Sanders DB 2004 Iowa
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Tim Foley T 1981 Notre Dame

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Maurice Jones-Drew RB 2006 UCLA
IN CONSIDERATION: Tony Brackens DE 1996 Texas
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Cordell Taylor DB 1998 Hampton

TENNESSEE TITANS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Michael Roos T 2005 Eastern Washington
IN CONSIDERATION: Samari Rolle DB 1998 Florida State
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Quinton Jones DB 1988 Pittsburgh

As NFL fans know both Houston and Jacksonville have not been in the league for 30 years but both have done well with their 2nd round picks. Maurice Jones-Drew is the best offensive weapon for the Jags and one of the top RB in the NFL. Former Indy Bob Sanders is one of the best at his position when healthy but he’s now a Charger. Injuries in 2010 limited the play of the Texans Ryans who is a Pro Bowler at his linebacker slot.

AFC WEST
DENVER BRONCOS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Rulon Jones DE 1980 Utah State
IN CONSIDERATION: Clinton Portis RB 2002 Miami
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Paul Toriessi DE 2001 Marshall

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Joe Delaney RB 1981 Northeast State
IN CONSIDERATION: Christian Okoye RB 1987 Azusa Pacific
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Mike Elkins QB 1989 Wake Forrest

OAKLAND RAIDERS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Howie Long 1981 Villanova
IN CONSIDERATION: Sean Jones DE 1984 Northeastern
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Leon Bender DT 1998 Washington State

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Drew Brees QB 2001 Purdue
IN CONSIDERATION: Natrone Means RB 1993 North Carolina
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Lou Brock DB 1987 USC

Actually San Diego made a nice comeback after the Ryan Leaf fiasco because in 2001 before the 2nd round choice of Drew Brees they picked LaDainian Tomlinson with their 1st pick. Two future HOF picks at that. Fox television Howie Long is of course a Pro Football Hall of Famer. At the beginning of this article I stated anyone who makes the ultimate sacrifice will ALWAYS be considered a great choice. Such was the case of the Chiefs’ Joe Delaney who on June 29th 1983 gave his life trying to save others. Posthumously awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by Ronald Reagan, Joe Delaney had a lifetime of helping others. Anyone who knew him personally would attest to this fact. On the day when his life ended he saw three children in the water in danger and although he did not swim very well he did not hesitate to attempt to make a difference. Nearly thirty years have passed and his simple act of bravery still touches my heart. And I hope it will touch yours as well.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Governing by Extortion: The GOP Doctrine


Governing by Extortion is apparently the GOP Doctrine for the 112th Congress. They seem hell bent on governing by a reverse “Robin Hood” type principle of Robbing from the Poor and giving more to the Rich.

Embarrassing. That’s one word to apply to the fiasco in Washington, D.C., last week. Another word would be deplorable, but whatever name you give it, it is Extortion plain and simple and it is disgusting.

So why are the Republican “Fat Cats” able to get away with tactics that for any other citizen would be considered illegal? Well, the fact is that Congress is exempt from mere legalities. Look after all at bribery - in Congress it is called lobbying and thus legal. Another reason Congress is so boldly confident that they can get away with such unreasonable behavior detrimental to America is Obama’s long history of “Bending Over” to such outrageous tactics in the past.

By abandoning their humanity, Capitol Hill is poised to relegate all the once middle class and doom all the poor and elderly in America to such a substandard way of life - revolution may be the only way good, decent, patriotic, fed up and motivated US citizens can save us all from a Washington D. C. plutocracy determined to destroy our country.

No matter how the wealth controlled media and government may attempt to persuade you otherwise, it IS the PEOPLE who in the end have the power to change what is happening in Washington NOW - NOT in 2012. We cannot wait for the voting process. Egypt did not wait. Tunisia and a half dozen other countries this year have shown more backbone than American’s have displayed in many decades. I guess it is all about how much someone is willing to endure and for how long they will accept being kicked around by their rich and powerful abusers.

The only thing worse than our president caving in to the extortionist tactics of the GOP seems to be the millions of Americans who appear satisfied with losing everything and not bothering to fight back at all.

At this rate, Obama’s Legacy will NOT be HCR - it WILL BE Killing Off POOR, Old & Unemployed and that of the 112th Congress will be one of legal extortion, inhumanity and unbridled plutocracy.

If you like what I write please donate so I can keep on fighting for the 99ers! Thank You!]



Google Alert! Arianna Huffington, At AdTech, Believes In Blogs

If you think Huffington Post Founder Arianna Huffington's turning away from blogs and bloggers, think again.

In a speech at AdTech 2011 this morning, and in an announcement that's sure to raise the eyebrows of Google search kings like Matt Cutts, and send some at TechCrunch into shivers, the head of Huffington Post Media and AOL's main editor said that "we're going to expand our blog across all AOL platforms."

This blogger takes that to mean the tech news blog TechCrunch, and other media owned by AOL.

And from the perspective of content arbiters like Mr. Cutts, Ms. Huffington sounded a call of support for the news aggregator, and essentially said that AOL will be a content farm.

Take that, Google! Where Mr. Cutts has reportedly launched a war against so-called "content farms" like Gather, Demand Media, and what used to be called Associated Content - all, which hate being called content farms, by the way.

Moreover, Huffington's not turning away from bloggers, but says they're part of the foundation that created Huffington's Post's gantry for success. (I'm paraphrasing here.)

As this blog post is written, a video of Arianna Huffington's entire 43 minute speech and Q and A is being compressed and will be uploaded this afternoon, before 4 PM.

Stay tuned and follow Zennie62 on Twitter. for more from AdTech.

Google Follow-Up

Also, word was passed that someone at Google PR was not pleased with this blogger's post called "Google Hater: Ad Tech VISA CMO Antonio Lucio Slams Giant."

The fact is, I don't "hate" Google, and had VISA CMO Lucio not made the statements he did, there would have been no foundation for the blog post. Think about it. Is anyone going to slam Google, basically paint the company as arrogant, and then turn around and say "I don't hate them"? No. Of course not. What they'd do is offer qualifying statements starting with "Well, I don't like..."

For me, Google is not one company, but many units. Google Search at times takes on practices that are open to question. Google News needs to be reformed to better embrace blogs and blog content. YouTube, a unit that's for all practical purposes not touched by Google, is fantastic.


Google CEO Larry Page was right to take back his company. It was starting to go the way of Yahoo: too big and in some units, a bit too careless. But as a whole, well, you can't take Google as a whole. And while many do, they're mistaken.

Clearing AdTech Decks: Jeff Cole and Flip And Cisco...

At AdTech UCLA Professor and Digital Media expert Jeff Cole gave a great evening keynote, where he said (among other things) that the print version of The San Francisco Chronicle was not going to last long. Afterward, I asked Cole about that, and his comment that Facebook was going to start a decline of sorts in about five years. The result was a great 16 minute teach-in, captured on video, using a Flip Video Camera:



Oh, for those who know that Flip Video Cameras are used here, a note: I'm pretty freaking mad with Cisco:



Stay tuned.

Will the Chiefs Be on the NFL warpath in 2011?

Will the Chiefs Be on the NFL warpath in 2011?
By Mark Kern-Interning Contributor-Football Reporters Online


The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a season that very few people outside of the locker room saw coming. The chiefs went 10-6 and won the AFC West and made the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Even though the playoff game against the Ravens did not go as they had hoped, last year was definitely a success. However, the Chiefs know that they are going to have to work even harder to equal that success and there are many reasons to believe that they will.

Their offense started to really click at the end of the year and start putting up some very good numbers. Matt Cassel rebounded from a so-so year and had a break out season, as did his favorite receiving target Dwayne Bowe, who led the NFL in receiving touchdowns. , However, the man that makes this offense go is Jamal Charles. The running back lead the league with a near record breaking 6.39 yards per carry average. With rookies Dexter McCluster and Tony Moaeki exceeding expectations, the offense is definitely on the right path to a post season run. In this draft, offensively, look for the Chiefs to obtain some more offensive line help, and a wide receiver to compliment Dwayne Bowe and McCluster in the slot. Do not be surprised if they package a deal and move up to grab a player early on during day two.

On the defensive end, this team made strides all over the field. Tamba Hali became the force that he was a few years ago, amassing 15 sacks last year, trailing only Demarcus Ware of the Dallas Cowboys for the league lead. Linebacker Derrick Johnson started to show off the Pro Bowl Caliber talent that many experts had seen when he was drafted. And in the secondary, they found their leader as rookie Eric Berry was everything they wanted and more. He will man the secondary for years, and he is only going to get better. On the defensive side of the ball, look for them to draft a linebacker or a defensive tackle.

Overall, this team over-achieved last year. They were not expected to be very good and they surprised and came to play every week and competed hard. This draft is going to be another big step for them in their goal of becoming a super bowl contender. Three names to look for to be drafted by the Chiefs are UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers, Wisconsin offensive lineman Gabe Carimi, or Baylor defensive tackle Phil Taylor.

PICKING SECOND IS SOMETIMES A GOOD THING at the NFL Draft






Photos: Barber & Strahan were probably two of the "Greatest Ever"second round selections...Tiki Barber Photo by David Shankbone via Wikipedia-Strahan(shown "schooling" a Youngster) By Victor Pagan for Football Reporters)
(Eds. Note: this is the first installment of Football Reporters Online's "Pro Draft Report" for 2011, reposted here with permission. It will run every Day until the Draft on April 28th
PICKING SECOND IS SOMETIMES A GOOD THING
By Don Stokes Senior Writer Mid-West Football Reporters Online

I can truly relate to being second. I was born the second of two boys. I got the hand-me downs clothes and shoes from my one year older brother. So I can really understand to being number two. No with the upcoming 2011 NFL draft just weeks away every team is crossing their collective fingers that they make the best 1st round choice. As every football executive knows making the wrong 1st rounder can put your franchise in a serious tailspin which can take many years to recover.

Ask the San Diego Chargers who chose QB Ryan Leaf with their 1st round pick in 1998. Or the more recent 1st round flop JaMarcus Russell by the Oakland Raiders in 2007. While no team has been totally picture perfect with their 1st picks this piece is not about that. But what of the second round pick? For this is about the 2nd round choices that some NFL executives have made and for some have ultimately lost their good reputations (or jobs) over. I have taken the time and looked for 30 years of data to choose the best and the worst of each NFL teams 2nd round picks.

First let’s go over my criteria:
A) These 2nd round picks are a 30 year (1980 thru 2010) period. For some teams like Carolina, Jacksonville, Baltimore and Houston their NFL existence is a shorter time span.

B) The player MUST have contributed for that team in some manner which he was the choice (ex. In 1991 with their 2nd pick Atlanta chose QB Brett Favre, a future hall of famer but didn’t contribute much for the Falcons during his brief stay with them)

C) A Pro Football Hall of famer tops any all-pro choice (see my example later)

D) A pro bowler tops a player who had a solid career (ex. seasoned veteran).

E) Playing in the NFL is extremely difficult so if you managed to have played at least 20 NFL games during your career you are not considered the worst pick for that or any team.

F) Regardless of injury and you played NO games in your career but you were a 2nd round pick of that club you WILL be considered the best of the worst.

E) Finally, if you made the ultimate sacrifice you will be considered the best 2nd round choice of that team.
With that in mind some of these choices were very challenging. For some teams (Cowboys, Dolphins and Patriots) they had many players to pick from while others (Redskins, Chiefs and Jets) the pickings were slim at best. Some of my choices you may disagree with but here they are:

NFC EAST
DALLAS COWBOYS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Larry Allen G 1994 Somona State
IN CONSIDERATION: Steve Wisniewski G 1989 Penn State
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Shane Hannah 1995 G Michigan State

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Brian Dawkins DB 1996 Clemson
IN CONSIDERATION: Randall Cunningham QB 1985 UNLV
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Mike Bellamy WR 1990 Illinois

NEW YORK GIANTS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Michael Strahan DE 1993 Texas Southern
IN CONSIDERATION: Tiki Barber RB 1997 Virginia
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Joe Montgomery RB 1999 Ohio State

WASHINGTON REDSKINS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Chip Lohmiller PK 1988 Minnesota
IN CONSIDERATION: Tre’ Johnson G 1994 Temple
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Bob Slater DT 1984 Oklahoma

It’s interesting that the Redskins best 2nd round choice during the past 30 has been a place kicker. Lohmiller was the only 2nd rounder for Washington who developed into a Pro Bowl player. Although both had great careers choosing Michael Strahan (A SB win) over Tiki Barber wasn’t as difficult is it appears. Philadelphia with the 2nd round Brian Dawkins was a tough choice over Randall Cunningham.

NFC NORTH
CHICAGO BEARS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Mike Singletary LB 1981 Baylor
IN CONSIDERATION: Devin Hester DB 2006 Miami
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Dan Bazuin DE 2007 Central Michigan

DETROIT LIONS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Chris Spielmann 1987 LB Ohio State
IN CONSIDERATION: Jason Hanson K 1992 Washington State
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: John Ford WR 1989 Virginia

GREEN BAY PACKERS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Le Roy Butler DB 1990 Florida State
IN CONSIDERATION: Darren Sharper DB 1997 William and Mary
WORSE 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Mark D’ Onofrio 1992 LB Penn State

MINNESOTA VIKINGS 1980-2010
BEST 2nd ROUND PICK: Sidney Rice WR 2007 South Carolina
IN CONSIDERATION: EJ Henderson LB 2003 Maryland
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: James Manley DT 1996 Vanderbilt

Singletary was a no brainer over Devin Hester since one is a Pro Football Hall of Famer and one is not (yet). The choice of Le Roy Butler over Darren Sharper was a bit more difficult. It’s interesting that the Vikings two best 2nd rounders were drafted within the last 10 years.

NFC SOUTH
ATLANTA FALCONS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Alge Crumpler TE 2001 North Carolina
IN CONSIDERATION: Scott Case DB 1984 Oklahoma
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Nathan Davis DE 1997 Indiana

CAROLINA PANTHERS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Muhsin Mohammed WR 1996 Michigan State
IN CONSIDERATION: Kris Jenkins DT 2001 Maryland
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Eric Shelton RB 2005 Alabama

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Rickey Jackson LB 1981 Pittsburgh
IN CONSIDERATION: Roman Harper SS 2006 Alabama
WORST 2ND ROUND PICK: Reggie Freeman LB 1993 Florida State

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Mike Alstott RB 1996 Purdue
IN CONSIDERATION: James Wilder RB 1981 Missouri
WORST 2ND ROUND PICK Dexter Jackson WR 2006 Appalachian State

The Buccaneers running backs Mike Alstott and James Wilder both had outstanding careers for Tampa. Mohammed, who recently retired had a solid NFL. The Saints Ricky Jackson, of course is a Pro Football HOF so that was an easy choice.

NFC WEST
ARIZONA CARDINALS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Aeneas Williams DB 1991 Saginaw Valley State
IN CONSIDERATION: Tim McDonald DB 1987 USC
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Tony Jeffery RB 1988 TCU

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 1980-1994
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Roger Craig RB 1983 Nebraska
IN CONSIDERATION: Ricky Watters RB 1991 Notre Dame
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Israel Ifeanyi DE 1996 USC

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Kevin Mawae C 1994 LSU
IN CONSIDERATION: Lofa Tatupu LB 2005 USC
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Andre Hinds T 1980 Stanford

ST.LOUIS RAMS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Isaac Bruce WR 1994 Memphis
IN CONSIDERATION: Henry Elliard WR 1983 Fresno State
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Jesse James C 1995 Mississippi State

With St. Louis this was my toughest decision, Isaac Bruce vs. Henry Elliard. Both had great careers with the Rams as wide outs. But the nod went to Bruce (a Super Bowl title) who could be voted in the Hall before Henry Elliard. The 49ers RB’s Roger Craig against Ricky Watters wasn’t that tough. Both had solid careers but three Super Bowl rings (Craig) to one (Watters) was the deciding factor.