Saturday, August 23, 2008

USA Wins Gold in Men's Basketball

If you don't have Digital Cable, then you are going to have to wait to see an EPIC of a basketball game. USA beats Spain in a thriller 118-107 to take home the gold in the games of the 29th Olympiad. Three things you should know from tonight's game:

1) The USA's 2-point shooting down the stretch was a big key. Guys like Kobe, Wade, and Deron Williams all have experience on their own NBA teams to make big shots in key moments. So imagine when they are all on the same team hitting those same shots? That's what we saw throughout, especially with Wade in the 1st Half and the 4th Quarter, and Bryant in the 2nd half.

2) Let's give Spain a lot of credit for the way they played. After losing by 37 to the US in pool play, they came out spirited, with a chip on their shoulder, and with no fear. Timely defense, three point shots, and amazing dunks and runners kept this team in the game. In the end, however, USA was too quick and tough.

3) The FIBA officials who worked this game were horrendous. There was a shot of NBA Commissioner David Stern in the stands and I'm sure he was thinking "and they thought our officials were bad! These guys stink! And they aren't even fixing the game!" That was the only part of the game that was embarassing.

As I said earlier, this was an instant classic. This game had me jumping out of my seat, making a ton of noise, and watching every single second. Congratulations to the Redeem Team!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

RIP Gene Upshaw 1945-2008



The NFL World lost one of its ambassadors today, as Gene Upshaw died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 63. I wanna touch on cancer issue first before I get to his NFL career.

Imagine being a family member of Upshaw's, finding out four days ago that your loved one was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and then all of a sudden, he is no longer with you. I can't imagine that, and I've been so fortunate that I have never been put in either side of that situation. Many others have not been so fortunate.

Just a few days ago, a friend of mine lost her mother to Pancreatic Cancer. Unlike Upshaw's bout, this bout lasted for a long time. I don't exactly know how long, but it was a sad situation for far too long. She was one of the nicest people you would ever meet in your life. And I'm not just saying that because of her passing, but I firmly believed it. We may not have spoken a lot, but everytime we did, she was a joy to be around. She had a great smile and a wonderful personality. Her kids definitely were raised by a wonderful person, and it shows. She will be missed.

Back to Upshaw. I think many people may know of his career. 15 years, all with the Oakland Raiders, to go along with 3 Super Bowl appearances in 3 different decades. He was one of the best Offensive Lineman the game has seen, a hall of famer on and off the field. Raiders owner Al Davis said that the community lost a "great man."

Let's just put that in perspective. Yes, we lost a great football player and a leader of the players organization. But, we also lost a husband, a father, and a great guy. Gene will be missed.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Where China has crossed the line...

Came across this story in the Honolulu Advertiser today....

Two elderly Chinese women who applied to hold a protest during the Olympics were ordered to spend a year in a labor camp, a relative said Wednesday.


Ok, while that sounds a bit tame, here's where it starts to bother me...

Li said no cause was given for the order to imprison his 79-year-old mother, Wu Dianyuan, and her neighbor Wang Xiuying, 77.

"Wang Xiuying is almost blind and disabled. What sort of re-education through labor can she serve?" Li said in a telephone interview.


Here's what we know for a fact: China's "setup" of protest zones has been a bunch of BS. 77 protest applications sent in, and NONE allowed. China's promised open media journalism...that's not happening either...

The four unfurled a Tibetan flag and shouted "Free Tibet" south of the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium, the New York-based Students for a Free Tibet said. It put the number of police at 50; a spokeswoman for the Beijing Public Security Bureau declined comment.

"The fact that there were so many undercover police following them it just made them go with the action urgently," said Kate Woznow, the group's campaigns director.

Two Associated Press photographers were roughed up by plainclothes security officers, forced into cars and taken to a nearby building where they were questioned before being released. Memory cards from their cameras were confiscated.


I have a major problem with broken promises and unfair treatment. I understand that different countries have different ideals philosophies, but these are basic things that are being messed with.

It's sad to me how a country operates when it's own citizens, who are sheltered from hearing a lot of the negative already, are applying for protests. It's too bad that these issues will continue to be talked about during what has been a historic Olympic Games

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Jam-Packed Show Today on ESPN Radio

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnn.

That's kinda how I feel right now, after a 4 am wake up call to get to the studio at 5 am. Normally, on any day, this is an achievable feat, as I have done morning FM Radio and Morning College Radio before, so it was a normal thing when I would fill in for someone and wake up comsistantly at the same time to get in to work at 5.

But, this time, it was a little different. Like many of you, I've been suffering from "Olympic Hangover." You know, when you watch too much Olympic coverage, especially when a lot of it is late at night? I don't know how many days I have strutted into work after my designated start time at 6 am since the games of the 29th Olympiad started. Hope my bosses don't read this.

Today, however, was easy to wake up. I was so excited to come into work at 5 am, for three different reasons:

1) Ted Leonsis. You may know him as the AOL guy, or the former owner of the NHL's New York Islanders. Now, he is the majority owner of the Washington Wizards, Capitals, and Mystics. He's also produced two films, and the one we talked about is called Kicking It.

Anyway, his call-in interview was at 5:30 am. That's right. 11:30 am his time in Washington D.C. Such a cool guy, though. He'll be on today's show at 10:25 am or so.

2) Mike Riley. Mike was a former head coach in the professional football ranks with the San Diego Chargers in the NFL and in the CFL as well. Anyway, he is currently the coach at Oregon State. He's an awesome guy to talk football with, and he told me that I can call him anytime if I need anything. I'm not gonna do that, but maybe we'll have him on again before the Oregon State / Hawaii football game.

His call-in interview? 6 am. That's 9 am there in Corvalis.

3) June Jones. Of course, everyone knows him as the old ball coach at Hawaii, but he's traded in the green for Mustang Blue and Red (and Red is one of my favorite colors). June called in right after practice, and I asked him where has the best food (Dallas or Hawaii?), as well as questions about his transition and his team.

His call-in interview? 6:35 am. That's 11:35 am Central Time in Dallas.

Oh, and I can't forget Kau's football coach Jonathan Roddy joining us at 11:10 am today.

_____________________________________________________

On another note, I guess I gotta find another way to make our finalist for the Bud Light Ultimate Party Cruise. How does "Name That College" sound? We're gonna do that tomorrow on the program.

Monday, August 18, 2008

BIIF Pre-season Football

If you log on to ESPNHawaii.com, you will be able to see the complete list of games for the BIIF Football season. Whether it is pre-season or regular-season, you won't be left in the dark when it comes to following your favorite team.

We've just added a second pre-season game to our schedule for this Friday night. Our friends at ESPN550 will be simulcasting a pre-season matchup between Kamehameha-Hawaii and Baldwin. I'll host BIIF Football Countdown at 6:30 pm, and we will have the game call from Fred Guzman and Barry Hele at 7 pm.

Talk about a hectic pre-season schedule for Kamehameha-Hawaii, they start off with the #8 team in the state in Kapolei, losing 43-0, and then they follow it up with the team that was ranked #7 in the last Star-Bulletin poll (and I'm sure they will be higher this week, I voted them in at #5).

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Kapolei 43, Kamehameha-Hawaii 0

The #8 Ranked Kapolei Hurricanes didn't disappoint the Star-Bulletin voters in their win over 3-Time Defending Division II BIIF Champion Kamehameha-Hawaii.

Stay right here, because coming up I will have a link to the archived, condensed version of the broadcast, as I called it, on ESPN Radio Saturday night. That link should be up soon.

UPDATE: Click Here for ESPN Radio's Archived Games!

Thursday, August 14, 2008

BREAKING NEWS: June Jones on "The Josh Pacheco Show" Tuesday 8/19



Just got word from the SMU Athletic Department that we have the OK to interview former UH Head Football Coach June Jones on Tuesday morning during "The Josh Pacheco Show" on ESPN Radio.

I know a lot of you have things you wanna know about June Jones and his past and his current gig in Dallas as coach of SMU, so I'm asking you to send me your questions for the interview. I'll be taking your questions until 3 pm on Monday, August 18th. I can't guarantee that every one of your questions will be asked, but I will do my best to make sure they get on.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Olympic Update

Someone liked my Olympic idea in my last blog (didn't realize I poured out my thoughts and ideals, but okay), so I figured I would continue with blogging about the olympics.

- What's with the handball craze? I don't get it! I tried watching women's handball last night, and was left wishing I had had all that time back. Maybe its because they don't really explain the rules, but I'm not a big fan. I'd rather see golf become an Olympic sport. After all, we do have the WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS.

- Speaking of sports we would like to see in the Olympics, could we find a way to keep Softball on the agenda for the games? I watched most of the USA's drubbing of Venezuela, which ended in a 5th inning TKO. Just because the other countries aren't as good in softball as the USA doesn't mean we should just get rid of the sport.

- Meanwhile, while everyone is talking about the BIG names in Tennis (Federer, Venus and Serena, Nadal), my favorite match to watch so far was between China's Zheng Jie and Spain's Nuria Llagostera. Yeah, that's right. Two no-names. But, in three hours, we saw broken serves, missed opportunities, blown leads, and high intensity. I saw so much heart, hustle, and fight that I was hoping that this match would never end. Spain won this one in 3 sets, but this was definitely the match of the day in my book.

- Germany's Men's Basketball: Disappointing. Nuff said.

___________________________________________________________

Join me tomorrow as we talk to Idaho's Football Head Coach Robb Akey on the program. What's their Hawaii connection (besides being a WAC rival with the Warriors)? And what are the expectations for the team? Find out tomorrow.

And don't forget the poll at the top of the page. With Saturday's broadcast of the preseason special between Kapolei and Kamehameha-Hawaii, we want to know who you think will win? Answer the poll and we will mention the results on Saturday's broadcast!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

What We Are Paying Attention To

Hey guys....working on a Sunday today, as we are training one of our newcomers who will be a valuable asset to our entire group of radio stations. He probably won't be the next sports talk host (he probably doesn't wanna be), but he could be the "next big thing" in radio here so good luck to him.

Working on getting an update on our Hilo Junior Little League baseball team, who played their opening round match in the Junior League World Series in Taylor, Michigan. I know a lot of people have been trying to listen to the ballgame via the internet here, but if you have only Windows Media Player, it freezes before it even gets to the game. I tried it at home and even here at the office, to no luck. Fortunately, one of our computers here at the workstation has Real Player, and the stream worked that way, although the quality of the announcers volumes were very poor. And I have an ear for that kind of stuff, and my ear was ready to fall off.

UPDATE: Tough loss today for the Hilo boys, as they lost to Alvin, TX by the score of 7-5. Their next matchup comes against a team from Mechanicsville (no joke) at 5 am on Monday morning.

Meanwhile, I'm currently watching the Waipahu Little League at the West Regional Final against Nevada. They put up a 3-Run first inning against Nevada and are leading going into the second.


I know, that went completely off the subject, but once I get an update, I will let everyone know on-air and on-line. I'll be calling Coach Wong in just a few.

_________________________________________________________

Monday Night Football is back, as Cincinnati goes to the historic Lambeau Field to play Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. How will the Green Bay fans react when Rodgers exits the tunnel onto the field as the Packers starting quarterback? Should be interesting.

_________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, Colt Brennan got to play in a Washington 3-point win over the Buffalo Bills. Brennan's final line was 4-8 for 37 yards. Oh, and to all of those "Vote Colt as the Starter!" fans, settle down. Jason Campbell is having an outstanding training camp, and even if he wasn't, Colt wouldn't be the first guy in line for the job. Not being a hater or anything, but telling it like it is. Look at the depth charts.

________________________________________________________

And, finally, as I write this entry, China is tied with the United States in the medal count for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. China has six gold medals, to our two, but we aren't one hit wonders with other athletes taking silver and bronze awards.

If you want extra motivation to beat the Chinese, look no further than the guys who play the national anthem during the medal ceremony. When Michael Phelps won his first (of many) gold medal, the national anthem started right in the middle, repeated sections, and then abruptly cut off before it got to the end. Oh yeah, President George W. Bush was there in attendance as well. Whoops! Time to kick some butt, USA!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Another reason why Brett Favre to New York could be a good fit

Thanks to our production guru, he took time out of his busy schedule to remind me of a lesser known acting job by Brett Favre. It's from the movie "Reggie's Prayer" featuring, you guessed it, Reggie White.



(Thanks to joblo.com)

___________________________________________________

By the way, Jane McManus, Jets beat writer for "The Journal News" joins me on the show today as she has had a late night / morning covering the trade.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Brett Favre to the New York J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets!

After all, could you really see Brett Favre wearing this?


(Photo Credit: Tampa Tribune)



I didn't think so.

Foxsports.com first reported that Brett Favre and the Packers agreed to a trade with the New York Jets in exchange for a fourth-round pick next year, which could be upgraded to a second-round pick depending on Brett's performance.

Finally, we have the culmination of a soap opera that has gone on for WAY too long. Too many feelings hurt, trusts broken, and relationships damaged. From GM Ted Thompson to President/CEO Mark Murphy and Head Coach Mike McCarthy, the power players in Green Bay botched this situation and made it the drama it was.

But, lets not forget that blame can be shared on Brett's strong shoulders as well. His pre-madonna attitude made it difficult on the organization, and made this ordeal a burden on the fans and players.

Reaction coming up tomorrow on "The Josh Pacheco Show" on ESPN Radio.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Colt Brennan Live Blog at AFC - NFC Hall of Fame Game



Well, today marks the return of professional football...it's been six months of rumors, Brett Favre, and well, Brett Favre, until now.

Colt Brennan is expected to start the second half for the Washington Redskins, and according to head coach Jim Zorn, his performance and game situation will determine how long he plays.

The game is airing live on NBC Sports. I'll be with you for the live Colt Brennan blog when he checks in!

______________________________________________

3:52 pm: Well, Colt has his work cut out for him. The Colts (I mean, Indy) lead the 'Skins 16-9 and after seeing Jason Campbell and Todd Collins, its time to start the competition for the 3rd string QB position.

3:56 pm: Brennan makes his debut in something unfamiliar to Warrior fans....under center. Screen pass for 6 yards, followed by a hand-off which lost a yard.

3:58 pm: Beautiful pass from Brennan to Billy McMullen up the left post. Still has a littl of that side arm motion, but puts the ball right on the numbers for a long gain of 34 yards and a first down. Had to take a timeout after that. Wonder if that was mis-communication on his part, or his teamates?

4:01 pm: First down completion to USC TE Fred Davis for 8 yards. Simple play. Davis was in the flat right side with alot of room. Good start as he is 3-3 for 48 yards. They get the first down on the next play with a 5 yard rush.

4:02 pm: I like the way the Redskins are running the football. 5 yard gain up the gut. But, on second down, Brennan couldn't find anywhere to go, held the football and stayed in the pocket too long and got sacked for a loss of a yard.

4:03 pm: Brennan capps a perfect drive with a nice touchdown in the right corner of the end zone to WR Maurice Mann. He got great protection from his blind side, and was able to fling one in from 20 yards out to pick up his first NFL Touchdown!

COLTS 16, REDSKINS 16: 5:51 left in 3rd Quarter

4:13 pm: Colt's getting ready to start his second series from the 12 yard-line. He was 4-4 for 68 yards and a TD on the first drive. He's been getting some great help from the running game, as they picked up a seven-yard rush on first down, and a one-yard rush on second down, followed by a 5-yard holding penalty against the Colts to give them a first down.

4:15 pm: Brennan's first incompletion was not a good one. He instinctively held off on throwing the football immediately on the three-step drop, but then forced a pass up the sideline where he had a lot of space to run. He followed that up with a play-action pass right up the seam with a rocket thru two defenders for 26 yards.

4:17 pm: After a one-yard loss, Brennan set up a screen pass for nine yards to RB Rock Cartwright, and now on third and short, he throws a bad pass on a slant behind the receiver Billy McMullen who was wide open. Doesn't matter, however, as the Colts were lined up in the neutral zone and gives the 'Skins a first down.

4:19 pm: Final play of the third quarter is a Brennan rollout to the right finding Maurice Mann for seven yards. Brennan is 7-8 in the third quarter as we are still tied at 16.

INDIANAPOLIS 16, WASHINGTON 16: END OF THIRD QUARTER

4:21 pm: Start of the Fourth Quarter, and Brennan runs a delayed handoff to Rock Cartwright for no gain. Great stat by the NBC guys, two total incompletions by all Washington QB's, meanwhile Cartwright gets close to a first down on third and short. One of the OL guys are injured for Washington as we will see if they give them the first or not. I think he got it.

4:25 pm: Back from the injury timeout as Brennan fires a quick pass over the middle for 7 yards to continue his outstanding play. Cartwright jukes and jives for two yards on second down.

4:26 pm: Adam Schefter of NBC is talking to Fred Dean. He had my favorite HOF speech on Saturday. He was funnier than Conan O' Brien! Third down and one and Brennan gives to Cartwright for a first down as they get close to the eleven yard line.

4:27 pm: Marcus Mason gets a chance to run the football for five yards on first down. Outside of the time out that Brennan called early in his first drive, he has run the offense extremely well, as Mason gets another run for a yard.

4:28 pm: Third and four, and Brennan does a little Brett Favre-like improv, rolling to his right and finding Mason inside the one, and Mason backed his way into the end zone! 5 Yard TD Pass and Brennan gets some props from his teamates on the sidelines as with the extra point, the Redskins will lead by a TD!

REDSKINS 23, COLTS 16: 10:22 left in 4th Quarter

4:37 pm: Brennan's stats thru his first two drives: 9-10, 123 yards, 2 TD's, and a 157.5 QB rating. Oh, I HATE these Viagra commercials they are playing.

4:39 pm: Looks like Brennan's day is done. Derek Devine is the guy competing with Brennan for the #3 spot on the Depth Chart. Honestly, based on Brennan's performance, Devine's got a lot of work to do, but he's been lucky with a solid running game that has gotten them by on the first three plays.

Unless Brennan gets back in, which I doubt, this live blog is complete for the night. We will talk a lot about Brennan's performance on Monday's edition of "The Josh Pacheco Show" on ESPN Radio. Thanks for logging on!

Saturday, August 2, 2008

HIBT / State Canoe Racing

I am blogging tonight from the Ilima Hotel in the heart of Waikiki! Consider this a "mental health vacation." haha...this is my excuse for not being in the office. See, I would normally be in the office today if not for just getting on a flight and getting away.

Actually, take that back, I was in the office today...printing out my itinerary. So much for that.

________________________________________________________


Great day for our Big Island canoe paddling teams at Keehi Lagoon here in Oahu. Our "Rocket" Rod Pacheco tells me via phone that Kai O Pua and Puna Canoe Club had outstanding performances. In the end, one of Maui's finest took the title. I can't find the results anywhere online, but I hope to find them soon and update on Sunday. Either way, Rocket Rod will join me on Monday morning to recap the races.

__________________________________________________________

Special thanks to Laura Aquino of Current Events for e-mailing me the results of the Hawaii International Billfish Tournament...and without further ado:

TEAM STANDINGS:

1. Laguna Niguel Boating Club, Team 2 (California) - 3,323 points
2. Hilton Grand Vacations Fishing Club (Japan) - 2,600
3. Team Malaka (California) - 1,887

CAPTAIN STANDINGS:

1. Neal Isaccs (Anxious) - 2,000 points
2. Allan Ayano (Lady Dee) - 1,700
3. Bill Benbow (online) - 1,667

_____________________________________________________

Among the topics we will be covering this week: New Kamehameha Head Football Coach, New starting QB for UH Manoa?, and training camp opening for Big Island football teams.

Oh, and tomorrow during the NFL Hall Of Fame Game between the Colts and Redskins, we will live-blog Colt Brennan's snaps and appearances in the game. I wonder if John Madden will gush over him?