Ravens Week 5 - Such Great Heights

San Francisco, CA -- 10/7/07. The Postal Service croon in their Garden State sensation, "Everything looks perfect from far away." After 48 hours in the Golden State, I'd like them to reconsider. Things are even better up close. I'll prove it to you. On Sunday morning I woke up with John Clayton. Scary, I know. And not just because we've never shared a drink, let alone a conversation, but because Clayton's morning report on ESPN can make or break a beautiful day before you even get out of bed. The Hall-of-Fame football writer offers up-to-the-minute insights and injury updates from around the league and as I eased my way into consciousness, I was startled by the news that Derrick Mason could miss the day's game. I shot up and asked Lauryn if she had heard anything? I can only assume all Ravens employees receive a text message from Brian Billick whenever a player's status is in question. (I don't know what Billick's Verizon Plan is like, but he should really consider using Twitter instead). Lauryn's phone sat silent, but I needed more intel. Not only was I concerned about the Ravens' chances against the 49ers without their #1 wide receiver, but I had Mason starting on my fantasy roster against our league's defending champion. Could we call Ravens GM, Ozzie Newsome, or even Derrick himself? We did have a phone list but opted to keep our jobs instead and as we headed down to the lobby, there had been nothing new from ESPN or Mr. Clayton. Where were his sources now? Maybe they'll call me next time because as we prepared to leave for Monster Park I spotted Mason mingling with a few folks, giving his trademark smile (can you trademark a smile?) and practically playing hopscotch on his jaunt to the bus. This just in from Millbrae (our hotel was far away, more on that coming up) Derrick Mason is a go. Now San Francisco is routinely regarded as one of the most inviting cities to visit in the country. However, our lodging in the Bay expanded the definition of the Area all the way to the airport. The hotel did feature room service and even a list of emergency tips in case of an earthquake, but San Francisco looks the same from Maryland as it does from Millbrae so Lauryn and I decided it was worth the trip into Frisco for the day. After walking over the freeway to the closest train station, we were on our way. Of course we didn't know which way we were on. Our planning stopped at dinner reservations so we just followed the crowd and departed the train at the station with the most activity ? Powell St. Powell St. is the starting point for the world famous cable cars that still serve the city, however, the line to board the bus with no wheels went on for multiple blocks. It appeared that if we were going to see anything today, we would have to start walking. I grew up outside of New York and walked most of Manhattan in a day, how big could The City be. To find out how big the city really is and how much action can actually happen during a 9-7 game, visit www.coffeeonthe50.com