http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,316322,00.html

With all the crap in this world going on, its not to surprising when this stuff happens anymore.

This post isn't gonna be long, but my question is, was this avoidable? I was watching an interview where this guy that knew him said he was weird because he requested a Linkin Park song at a function they were at. The guy also said he knew at that point something was very wrong with the would-be-shooter.

This is laughable, and obviously his Christian friend didn't put much merit into at the time. I mean if he did, would he have not done what Christians are supposed to do and go and talk to the guy, see whats up, maybe even lend a helping hand?

This guy is blaming Christians for what happened. Is that entirely out in left field? Is it harsh to say he might be right? I mean who was lending him a helping hand? Who was trying to get into his life and be a real friend for him and get him out of the shit he was living with? Who was showing God's love for this gentleman? Doesn't seem like anyone. Instead they give him the boot from his school and left him for dead.

What I'm not saying is that this isn't a terrible thing. No, its an awful situation. What I am saying though is, it was avoidable. This should be an eye-opener to these sort of situations. I'm not saying everyone that looks a little different is going to shoot up schools and churches. But if these people that were labeled "weird" were given more time in the day, we might be able to avoid this from happening, and even developing a relationship that lasts a lifetime. Most importantly, you get to show God's love in your life and get to share it with others.

Part 3: Church

I will begin by saying this post could have looked a lot different, and I mean a lot. At one point my next post was going to be a scathing and demeaning view on the church, seen through my eyes. Fortunately some will say I have seen the light. Myself? I would like to think that I didn’t waste my last hour or so commenting on how shitty I am. Wondering how I came to this conclusion? Well, I am the church, so commenting on how shitty churches are, would just be an insult to myself. So I backed off, talked to a couple people and did some of my own thinking and came up with a better solution.

There is no doubt that I have problems with church, I’m sure they are well known to some, and not so well known to others, but the fact is I do, and I think it could be done in a different way.

“It is inevitable that enthusiastic members of the churches of Christ will begin to speak with members of other religious institutions, and invariably, the characteristics of what makes one church differ from the other must be discussed. Our religious friends will agree that there is one God, and that Jesus is the Head of the Body, the church, but there is a disconnect that occurs between us regarding what those things mean. While we insist vehemently that the churches of Christ (the sound ones) have the faith and practice right and everyone else has it wrong, this seems too much to swallow to our friends.” – unknown

I found this in me readings lately and it kind of put some things into perspective. The thing for me is I’m outspoken, sometimes when I should be and sometimes when I shouldn’t be. The statement is an honest assessment of how it is in churches. To me this quote seems to show the relative feeling that I have about church, I sometimes have a problem with people opposing my views.

If I am to be the church, then in a sense I do get to do things my own way. If I am to bring the kingdom of God to people on this earth however, I also have to do it God’s way. Someone asked me what the kingdom of God is this week. To me the kingdom of God is God living in me, and you and many church people. We take the kingdom of God wherever we go, because we reflect it. We reflect Jesus, or are supposed to, in every facet of life, the kingdom of God shines through our actions and our responses.

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." - Luke 4:18-19

The church then, defined as an assembly of believers, is us, and we are the church. We have the responsibility to go out and do great things for God. And those great things start with the smallest of gestures that make an astounding difference too many different people. We have the responsibility to not only show the kingdom of God, but to bring it to the forefront of our lives, and into the dark world around us.

God is more domestic than monastic. It means, too, that in coming to know God, the dinner table is more important than the theology classroom, the practice of grateful hospitality is more important than the practice of right dogma, and meeting with others to pray as a community can give us something that long hours in private meditation (or, indeed, long years spent absent from church life) cannot. Such a concept also blurs all simple distinctions between “religious” and “purely secular” experience. - Ron Rolheiser

This quote intrigued me; it speaks of how I view church as being. I think most of what church should be, is done outside of Sunday from 11 – 1. Church incorporates hours, days and weeks. Church isn’t something that just happens Sunday, but something that keeps on going when the music stops. When real life starts, church shines, or at least it should. We bring the church wherever we go, something I have learned time and time again. Church is something we cannot get away from, it’s something we reflect, and greater more, we reflect God’s Kingdom and himself. While this might be a scary concept to digest, it is unavoidable; it is what we are called to do. It isn’t easy and I’m still not there, but I’ve made a commitment, and I find strength in what that commitment entailed.

“The community of Christians springs solely from the Biblical and Reformation message of the justification of man through grace alone…Not what a man is in himself as a Christian, his spirituality and piety, constitutes the basis of our community. What determines our brotherhood is what that man is by reason of Christ. Our community with one another consists solely in what Christ has done to both of us.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “Life Together”)

Church, the way I want it to be, is more then just what I want, but what God wants. I want church to be a place where people are free to express themselves, a place where authority is used but never abused. One day I would love to see a “church” with people who question and ponder, a thinker’s paradise, if you will; A place to seek out truth, and share life together. I would like to see where church could really go. I want church to be was Jesus envisioned.

"Jesus...envisaged that, scattered around Palestine, there would be small groups of people loyal to himself, who would get together to encourage one another, and would act as members of a family, sharing some sort of common life and, in particular, exercising mutual forgiveness. It was because this way of life was what it was, while reflecting the theology it did, that Jesus' whole movement was thoroughly, and dangerously, 'political'. And...the main characteristic of the cells that Jesus called into being was of course loyalty to Jesus himself." -N.T. Wright

Life Part 2: God and People

After much debate, I will be keeping up the last post that I wrote. To be honest, the post was some brutal honesty that I had to get out, like the title suggests, that is life. And this is what I am writing about. Transparency is huge, and for this I had to be transparent enough to convey the message I was trying to get across. No need to explain more,
I’m always available to chat if you want to know anything further.

Life Part 2 deals with God, and other people. Enjoy.

So I know this family (I won’t put in names, I try to stay away from that now) that are just incredible. I met them through a kid I lead at our youth group. As all relationships, I’m sure it started off slow, and I’m sure they didn’t know what to think of me. I had a lot of opinions, I was 19 and I was entrusted to look after their son. I think that’s a scary proposition for any parent, but who knows, I haven’t a kid in the twinkle of my eye yet. Anyways, over time this relationship grew into what I now view as a great friendship, not only with the youth kid, but his parents, and his other siblings.

There was always something about these people that drew me in, at the time I couldn’t place a finger on it, but it was great. Over time I have figured it out more and more. These people were REAL. So transparent, so lax, it was a great place to be, and still is. As time went on, I got to know them more, and it was apparent that they were more then just the regular people you would meet. They had opinions, they shocked me by their intelligence on issues I only though I cared about. They could hold a conversation, and could even teach me things I was unaware of. These people had something that a lot of people lack, Honesty, transparency and they were just Real. They also had everything I was looking for at the time in people of the church. Conversations that would last for sometimes an hour or two just about life are some of the best experiences I have had.

It’s been almost a couple years now, and things I’ve been through a lot. Support has never been far away however, even when I was in the thick of it at youth and was going through all that, I was supported. It would have been easy for them to just say no to me and their son hanging out and what not, but they seemed to see something I even couldn’t. I have never felt looked down on, or sensed ridicule. For this I am indebted and extremely thankful.

Before I get too carried away, the point I’m trying to make is, some people see through all the crap, and make a decision. Even though I’ve messed up, and will probably do so again, they still loved, supported and were real with me.

God puts people into our lives for whatever reason. I would have never dreamed of meeting such people, but God does that. Its almost as if I was given an outlet, someone who I could also be just as transparent and not be ridiculed or looked down upon (which I know can be hard, I mean come on, its me for goodness sake) But the trust that they have put in me is amazing. God has crazy ways of doing things. I’m just glad to know he was thinking good things when he chose these people. I’m ecstatic about being able to do life with them, I have learned so much, and I hope to continue to grow this friendship and learn more and more.

More people should be this way however, these people reek of what church is supposed to be about, and that’s a compliment. Church to me is about communication, connection, being real, being raw and supporting and loving in a way that resembles Jesus. When you can find church and God in others in a real way, there is no better feeling.

Next time, my views on what church should look like.

NSFW Videos

Adrian Peterson Porn


Tom Brady Porn


And my favorite Porn, Shaun Rogers


You've Been Warned!

Hello People!

STOP SPYING ON ME! kthxbye

Great Magazine!

The Wittenburg Door


Check out the archives and stuff, great articles, it's so good.

Garbage!

Al Gore does not deserve to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. What a joke, thats how stupid that award has now become. We now award it to useless people. Hurray!!

Untitled

I need to blog about something other then sports again. I feel dry, boring and otherwise irrelevant. For good measure too, I haven't written a post on something meaty in a long time. This is also for good measure as I have needed time to review and collect myself and my thoughts.

During this period much change has occurred, both mentally and spiritually. Physically I have probably just gotten fatter, so we will leave that out. Mentally and spiritually, I believe, I have grown. Since my ordeal some months ago, I have been in a state of process, a state of revival and renewal. It has been quite interesting. I was engaging in some dialogue with a guy last week. He said it was crazy how someone my age could have found his own identity. This got me thinking, what is my identity. I didn't truly believe what he said was correct. But after much thinking I figured he was right, as I found out he was through my thoughts.

Since poop hit the fan way back when, I have had a crazy time trying to figure out my place. I have taken much advice from a couple people that I look up to greatly. These people have helped my understand and identify myself in life, and in God.

In life, I'm 21, my life is pretty simple apart from the fact I'm engaged and own a house. Other then that, simple. In God, it's a different story. For a while I had become, more or less, derailed from God's wild ride. It wasn't that I didn't believe, not at all, but I was tired of living without question, without thought, without learning. Frankly, I still am, and will always be. But the problem was my questioning was ill-advised. It lacked the 3 T's, tact, taste, and timing, all to some degree (Thank you Mrs Plett) To much thought went into how to argue, how to go against the norm, how to stir the pot and create chaos. Too little thought went into trying to understand ones side, ones experiences. I much rather say my point, and then defend it with all I had, anything that I could put together, believing it or not. I won't lie, arguing for the sake of just that can be pretty fun, but it gets you nowhere.

I think God starting working in me at this point. I started to try and think about others. I developed a sense of wanting to help others out, rather then put them down. I can attribute these things to 1. a book I was reading and 2. talking to people. God shows himself through others, he speaks through others, I have known this for years, but rarely did I see. But this time it was clear as day.

Things to live by: Stay positive. Help out regularly. Be a servant to others. Not bad I would say, coming from a 21 year old. These things sound so cliche, so phony. But it works. Being a natural skeptic, I found being positive helps stupendously. Helping out, and more specifically, being a servant to others also pays dividends.

Serving others will allow yourself to be served. A sense of joy comes from serving others. And serving others is what God asks us to do. Being Jesus to other people is best served....ok no puns, but being Jesus is service, it's being selfless instead of selfish.(Another word that has much significance)

My newfound identity of myself and myself in God I hear is rare at my age. It's nothing to gloat about, I've been through a lot to get to where I am. It hasn't been easy, and I'm sure the hardest parts are still on the horizon. But my understanding of what God wants me to be, a Man of God, a Man after His own heart, is a testament to how a bad period can be truly beneficial.

I've never liked getting my ass handed to me, but sometimes it's more necessary then anything else possible.

This Week's Musings

-- LOL @ Stephane Dion, It sucks when even the French dont have confidence in you.

-- Why do people get so upset over rappers and what they do? A lot of rappers tend to give their "hood" friends jobs and help them get out of the life of selling drugs and killing people. And though some mess up still, the majority actually doing something good, and make a good, legit life for themselves.

-- Dispatching is a fun job, running 25 peoples lives daily is a good time!

-- Fantasy baseball was good to me, now Fantasy Football is following suit.

-- Britney Spears career is over. You want to know why? A. K-Fed is now cool.

-- Did i mention how much i owned in Fantasy Football? Ahh yes i did, well stroking the ego more never hurt anyone.

-- Liverpool have a good chance of having a good year, i refuse to say they will win the title yet though.

-- O.J. Did it

-- Free Vick

Fantasy Hockey Roster Update

A deal of epic proportions......Well, maybe not, but regardless, it went down.

Trade:

Peter Schaffer and Michel Ouellet (The Vick Rape Stands) - my team

FOR

Steve Brenier (young talent) and Wojtek Wolski (Almost as good as Statsny, and bigger)

All in all i liked the trade from the get go. I had Wolski in my sites in the draft only to have him snatched away two 3 picks before mine. Brenier is decent, and with 82 games played, should get 20 goals and 30 assists. Wolski is up and coming in Colorado, he's slightly overshadowed by Statsny. But thats a good position to be in. Im expecting 30 goals and 45 assists. A solid left winger.

Fantasy Hockey Draft Results

Last nights draft was held at TreHernes House. It was a good time, met some new people ate some good food. Draft was long and after a long weekend of baseball i was tired but excited. Here's the breakdown of my pickings:

Centres:

Eric Stall: Stud, love the guy, young still, has good point potential and some talent around him.

Derek Roy: Will be a bit more of a feature in Buffalo, got him in a high round, has good potential.


Nikolas Backstrom: Rookie, Stud, Washington, Ovechkin, Semin. Whats not to like about this guy?

Michael Lombardi: Took him in the 21st round i believe. Solid and safe pick if my top 3 get injured, decent UTL spot.

Tuommo Ruutu: Took him in the 22nd round like his potential.

Right Wings:

Marian Hossa: My first selection in the Draft. Had him pegged at 7, took him at 11, a good day.

Jason Pominville: Buffalo, good pick i think, i like him.

Chris Neil: Did some one say PIM's?

Michelle Oullet: Could be decent, a nice backup and young to boot.

Left Wings:

Rick Nash: Still super young, still really good. I like him.

Jason Blake: A lot of upside, can he live up to the Hype? I hope so...

Ryan Malone: Could be apart of the Crosby, Malkin Line, if so, hes a stud.

Peter Schaffer: Was alright in Ottawa, i like him in Boston, will get more scoring chances.

Defensemen:

Dan Boyle: STUD, second in defensemen Goals, powerplay leader

Kimmo Timmonen: Getting old, but still a solid pick for now.

Paul Mara: Like him, scores and gets PIM's too

Jordan Leopold: Late pick up, has some upside

Cam Barker: Waiting for this one to explode. Winnipeg Kid!!!!

Christian Ehrhoff: Like him in San Jose, can score.

Goalies:

J.S. Giguere: PUMPED, the next big thing in the league, right behind Luongo for long term in my books.

Vesa Toskala: Will start in Toronto, will win 40 Games in Toronto, what more can i ask for?

Manny Legace: 30 game winner, decent backup for me.

Johan Holmqvist: Could start sooner or later, could be decent.

Thats the draft in a nutshell. I like my team, though ill see how well i will fair, i have youth to carry me a long time.

Prospects to note: Angelo Esposito - SUPER PUMPED, i love this kid in Pittsburgh.
Dustin Boyd - Like the guy, could be solid in Calgary.
Milan Lucic - My prospect sleeper, i like his potential

Thanks again to Brad for a wonderful time!

Questionable Lyrics

"Blinded by the light
Wrapped up like a deuce
Another runner in the night"

This could allude to many things, but as i pondered on it today, i came up with explosive diarrhea and a migraine. Thoughts?

A week of musings

-- Steven Gerrard, arguably the best midfielder in the world, should be rested with his broken toe. England loves to risk all their players. Gerrard is rated so high that England wants him in, even if he has to get a injection for the pain. If hes the best player, let him rest, its only Israel. What gives?

-- Beckham is coming back to England, its only a matter of time. And at that point the MLS will shut down proceedings and concede to Billeck, the all wise one, and bow before him in amazement of his predictions that the MLS would implode because of the CRAP is puts out on to peoples televisions.

-- Mike from the NFL Network is a Nub. Not only does he looked like a washed up actor, he just plain sucks at announcing.

-- Tiki Barber is also a nub for not reaming out Manning at half time. If he has a set as big as his smile, he might have been able to pull that off.

-- That other dude on there who talked about the worst person in the NFL fails at life. He named himself as the worst person for some comment about Vick. I like Vick, not matter what hes done, hes a great football player.

-- Is Dog Fighting really that bad, or are we all just a little hungry? (points to snicker machine)

-- John Madden is an idiot.

-- Guns don't kill people, but they sure help.

-- Too many good video games are coming out this month.

-- Fantasy hockey has taken over my life. I'm starting to like my position in the draft. Picks 11 and 14. I can still get two players good enough to compete with Crosby and Richards/Sedin/some other not-so-elite player. I Love the NHL.

It has begun...Can't say I saw this coming....

Beckham back to England

Don't call it the Summit Series

Though I was not born, nor did I fully understand the bitterness and hate, I still knew exactly what was going on. Canada and Russia, bitter hockey rivals, in the thick of the Cold War. Political tensions so tight that a linoleum knife could deal a killer blow. An intense hatred that could only be explained in later years as comparable to Nickleback. The 1972 Summit series was the arguably the greatest hockey tournament ever, and I mean EVER.

In 1972, the Cold War was reaching its greatest heights. It turned into two countries playing for two different types or lifestyles, two different types of governments. Canada represented the USA's struggle for democracy, and its alliance against the Soviets in the Cold War. The Soviets on the other hand were fighting for communism. The Soviets had a point to prove, its strange how hockey was the tipping point.

Nevertheless this was the first tournament were NHL players took part. In that time, in the Olympics, NHL players did not participate. The Soviets had much Olympic experience because they played in Russia and did not have to abide by the rules of the NHL. Amateurs by definition, but far from it in on the ice. Canada had it all to do.

Canada was comprised of top names, Esposito, Both Mahovlich's, Bobby Clarke, Gilbert Perreault, and Yvan Cournoyer. Serge Savard and Guy Lapointe commanded the Canada's rearguard and Tony Esposito and Ken Dryden managed between the pipes. A lengendary lineup.

The tournament ensued. Marred by referee corruption, cheap shots, and even holding out on playing, The Summit series was intense. Fierce hatred started from game 1. Players and fans alike, loathing one another.

The games were so tight, so close. The games meant so much, Canada on the edge of its seat watching, waiting. Moments that will live in history were etched from that cold landscape. Bobby Clarke's infamous Slash, Parise's swing at the referee, and Sinden throwing a chair across the ice. And perhaps the most memorable, Paul Henderson's goal. A relative no one-turned Canadian Hero and legend overnight.

I've watched the Summit Series, and even though I couldn't understand a lot of it, I found myself hating the Russians, and on the edge of my seat roaring Canada on. An incredible feeling.

Fast-forward 35 years. 2007, the new Summit Series, the 8 game extravaganza that is the Super Series. This time played by two world junior teams. This time no one cares. And the worst part is they tried to play it up like it had some meaning. Well I'm going to break your bubble, IT DOESN'T.

There is no politically charged reasons, there are no big name NHLers, there isn't the same type of Rivalry. No matter how much Paul Macguire and his other retarded commentator want to compare it, it just doesn't. Has Canada forgot? Have they lost the feeling that once was the Summit Series? It doesn't compare in the slightest. It is so far from 1972. Even wearing those jerseys doesn't help.

People need to get a grip here. The Super Series is so lopsided its stupid. Yes I'm glad Canada is whipping some Russian Ass. But I am not happy about the comparisons. For me it doesn't do the legends of hockey justice. To me it is unfair.

We need to call this tournament for what it is. It's a lousy attempt to re-create something that is so legendary, that it is utterly impossible to do. Yet imbeciles truly believe they can recapture that magic. HAHA. Right....

I prefer to think of '72 like it is meant to be. I terrific memory, a sense of Canadian Pride, and recollection of one of the biggest moments in hockey history. I prefer to look at the Super Series at a awful attempt to relive something that is unattainable in todays culture.

Pure Gold!

please help the south africans US americans!!! the iraq such as!!!!!!! we need help the south african asian and the iraq!!!

Pure Gold i say, Pure Gold!

I can hear the Roflcopter in the distance... (Oh yeah Bradley)

Fantasy Football Draft Results

Well the AWFFL Fantasy Football Draft was yesterday. I went into it with much scrutiny from the likes of one, Bradley Hunt. Berated for a trade that involved me picking up two picks for Brandon Jacobs and Roy Williams, I was in the spotlight. Little did he know of my plan....(thank God it worked out).

With my spirits high I walked into the draft with knowledge of a trade that didn't make much sense to anyone. The trade was so lopsided in my favor it was a wonder if it was just whispers, because if it were anything more, it would vanish. Well, to my surprise, and intense skepticism, I made a move for the deal. The Faulkens, who's real name will be withheld, (I wouldn't wish on him the kind of scrutiny he would get, Cubs Style) took notice of my offer, and pondered. Futile attempts were made from the Pick Whores the Crunch. But it wasn't enough. After minutes of calmness, the words came to the mouth of the Faulkens, who were on the clock at this point, "do you want to do it?" . I replied, "yes", and we commenced the transaction. Brilliant.

The deal was this. My 3rd and 6th picks, for his 1st pick, the 1st overall in the draft, and the guarantee at superstar rookie prospect Adrian Peterson. Also included in this deal was the rookie sensation Marques Colston.

Lets look at the facts. I would have never got anything that good for those picks. Even Calvin Johnson is no match for Colston's talents. Adrian Peterson is better then Brandon Jacobs in my opinion. He may not start in the first few games, but he will be the feature back in a run-happy offense by the 5th or 6th week. Needless to say, I raped that trade hard. It was brilliant.

My next picks weren't for a while, 42 and 43 awaited and I was retired to my chair with a cold brew in my hand. Sitting beside Brad proved humorous, and educational. I respect Brad's opinions on football, as i have been away for a few years from the NFL and needed a little help catching up with the draft trash.

Pewp hit the fan early, 4th pick early. The Terriers must have had their tails between their legs for this one, but nonetheless proceeded to trade away Brian Westbrook, top 5 RB when not injured, for Rookie Brandon Jackson. WOW WEE!! Silence and jeers lit up the patio. Food was spit, Beer was sprayed everywhere...well ok, it wasn't that bad. The trade was lopsided, and even when I found out Owens and Santana Moss were also switched, it still didn't make much sense.

The fun didn't stop there either, Picks 6 and 7 brought more raised eyebrows then two blonde's in a electronics shop. For the 6th pick, the already distraught Faulken's chose the Buffalo Bills Defense, a dicey move, considering the talent left on the board at that early stage. The 7th pick was even more interesting as he took the spoiled brat Brady Quinn. Dicey and bold as well, to say the least.

The Crunch then took over, and had too many picks, it was ridiculous. They seemed to be in cahoots with their brother, the Dream team. Trading up and up and up higher, which made no sense, but made me happy because I could get what I wanted.

Since I was unprepared for the draft, I decided I would go check out some stuff while I was waiting for the my picks to come. I figured out bye weeks and such, and left a little present on Duane's chair.

I came back and it was almost my turn to pick. When the time came i picked up my backup QB to relieve me during his bye week. I chose Superbowl flop Rex Grossman. I like this pick though, he has a great match up during that week, and he will learn from his mistakes. With the 43rd I took LenDale White, dicey, but there wasn't much left and he will be splitting carries, and will be a viable replacement during bye weeks.

The party then took a turn for the worst, the Terminators had gotten into the cooler a few too many times. He proceeded to dance and drop a can of an unknown beverage. This was to be expected as before the cooler was cracked, he proceeded to take of his shirt, saying, and I quote, "I'm bringing sexy back." He Failed.

My next picks were 73 and 76. I took the Cardinals D, which were ranked middle of the pack in most Magazines. For my 76 picked i just missed out on D.J. Hackett, but was happy to settle with Bronco's starlet, Brandon Marshall.

I proceeded at this point to pick up scrap picks that moved myself up because people were tapped out. (had not more available spots on their roster) I gained the rights to the 87 and 97 and 100 and 107 picks and picked up Jerry Porter, a good WR and Randy Moss-less, Marcedes Lewis, a decent TE to cover for Ben Watson, and two kickers, Jeff Reed and Lawrence Tynes. Both decent enough, it's kickers, they are spit in the bucket.

My final roster looks like this. And I'm quite happy for a first year team in a keeper league.

Starters

Slot

QB Matt Hasselbeck SEA
RB Adrian Peterson MIN
RB/WR Ladell Betts WAS
WR Marques Colston NO
TE Ben Watson NE
D/ST Minnesota MIN
K Jeff Reed PIT

BENCH

Bench LenDale White RB Ten
Bench Rex Grossman QB Chi
Bench Jerry Porter WR Oak
Bench Cardinals D/ST Ari
Bench Brandon Marshall WR Den
Bench Lawrence Tynes K NYG
Bench Marcedes Lewis TE Jac


All in all it was a great draft, lots of fun. Thanks to Duane and Odette for letting it all happen. Can't wait 'till next years.

Goal of the Week!

It had to be, Stevie G!

Gerrard, Gerrard!!!!

(since youtube is now gay, i couldnt get the embeded video. Copyrights are stupid)

EPL Week 1 Review

What a week! The start of the new Premier League campaign started off with a bang on saturday at lunch hour. New boys Sunderland, led by Manchester United legend Roy Keane, pulled out a late victory over Top 4 hopefuls Tottenham. Brilliant.

Liverpool beat Aston Villa to get off on the right foot. A late penalty from Villa that leveled the game, was dismantled by a Steven Gerrard cracker from a 25 yard free kick. Next up Chelsea, who scraped a victory together against other new boys Birmingham City. Arsenal also produced a victory, thanks to late penalty from Van Persie.

Shock of the week was the fixture of Manchester United and Reading. The game was clinical by United, great possession and chances aplenty BUT they couldn't find the back of the net. So much for all the money they spent on Nani, and Tevez, after all the whining they did to get him, rod the pine. Love IT!!!!!!!!!

Here's the rest of the results from the weekend:

Manchester United 0 Reading 0
Chelsea 3 Birmingham City 2
Arsenal 2 Fulham 1
Aston Villa 1 Liverpool 2
Middlesbrough 1 Blackburn Rovers 2
Bolton Wanderers 1 Newcastle United 3
Everton 2 Wigan Athletic 1
Derby County 2 Portsmouth 2
West Ham United 0 Manchester City 2
Sunderland 1 Tottenham Hotspur 0

EPL 07/08 Preview and Predicitons

The EPL season is set to begin on Saturday morning at lunch time. Sunderland and Tottenham open up what is surely going to be one of the better seasons in recent memory. First off, a lot of the teams in the EPL have strengthen. Manchester United and Liverpool has shown the most about of ambition going into the current season, spending large amounts of cash to mount a new title challenge. Chelsea have been relatively quiet, no big names like Shevchenko or Ballack this summer, but they still splashed some cash on a Frenchie and a Brazilian. Arsenal lost arguably the best player in recent years in the Premier League in Henry. Filling his shoes (or at least trying to) is Da Silva, who is of decent talent.

Out of the top 4 we see Tottenham, who will be striving to oust massive rivals Arsenal form the top 4 this year. Picking up Darren Bent, and keeping Dimitar Berbatov have showed ambition to oust their north London counterparts. Liverpool blue boys Everton have shown willing to improve on their sixth place effort by buying Leighton Baines from Wigan.

Newcastle will have a new look this year beginning with their new manager. Sam Allardyce joins the Magpies after his tenure at Bolton ended last season. Big Sam will be looking to improve on Newcastle's mediocre performance last year. With a healthy Michael Owen, and new signings like Joey Barton and Mark Viduka, Newcastle will be looking to secure European football once more.

As for the newly promoted teams, the most likely to succeed is Sunderland. Relegated at the end of the 05/06 season, they are back, and with a new outlook. Roy Keane, Manchester United's former Captain, has turned Sunderland into a powerhouse in the Championship, and will be looking for a great year in the Premier league. Birmingham City also went down in the same year, but like Sunderland, are back for more. Steve Bruce's side will be looking to hold onto a place in next years league. Derby will have the toughest challenge, and I don't seem them staying up.

Now for the Predictions: Du Du Duh

1. Chelsea - Strong side, good players.
2. Liverpool - Will surprise this year, could even win the league
3. Manchester United - I don't see Ronaldo being the same as last year
4. Arsenal - Will be good without Henry
5. Tottenham - Just not a top 4 team, yet...
6. Newcastle - Good team, good fans, good manager
7. Everton - Good signings, good teams as a whole
8. Portsmouth - Great manager, decent players
9. Aston Villa - Good Manager, ambition
10. Manchester City - Sven, Sven, Sven, nuff said
11. Reading - No Sidwell
12. Blackburn - MEH
13. Fulham - Not enough gas in the tank
14. Bolton - A New Sam, but still going to be a hard season.
15. Sunderland - Roy Keane, but needs time to adapt
16. West Ham - TRASH
17. Birmingham City - Steve Bruce will keep them up
18. Middlesborough - No more Viduka, not sure about Yakubu either
19. Wigan - ROFL
20. Derby - Just not good enough, good Championship team

Chelsea, if healthy, I predict as Champions in May. Liverpool will be a close second. They have shown great ambition this summer. I wouldn't be surprised if Liverpool win it actually. If they beat Chelsea in week 2, anything could happen. It's hard not having Man U at 2, let alone 1, but they are going to have team problems. Way to many midfielder's, starting to have to many Ego's, turning into the Chelsea of last year. They couldn't entirely be winners in May. But I can't see Ronaldo being that good this year. If he is, then expect a strong chance.

This year is going to be special I think, and the title chase is going to being a thing of beauty. Liverpool have it all to gain, Chelsea and Man U have it all to lose. Many pundits are plotting a Liverpool Championship. I will wait till May to see what happens, but its a big possibility.

Cheers everyone, and enjoy the season. Good Luck to your teams.

New iMac = Poop

- AHHH, Now i can make my photo Album 24" WIDE, AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Apple has released their new line of popular-to-people-who-want-to-be-cool-but-actually-aren't computers.

YAY!

This time, they have done nothing to improve the actually computer. And besides making it look good, which it does, it has failed to actually make a computer that educated people would use. Basically its a big camera and a photo album in one package, too bad you pay through the teeth for it. Though, i guess to make users, they think 2 in 1 is a good deal.

The new iMacs are starting 1,199 for the base model (POOP), not worth getting in any stretch of the imagination. The "beefed" up version (just a bigger piece of POOP, but still POOP regardless) costs 2,299, both American prices.

The computer itself is less then stellar. For 2,299, you can build a top of the line PC. But if you like Apple, you can settle for something that is middle of the pack, at best. Processing power got bumped up in the new models. The 20-inch model will be available with Intel Core 2 Duo chips up to 2.4-GHz, while the 24-inch iMac will have the option of a Core 2 Extreme 2.8-GHz at the highest end. Graphics are also bumped up thanks to the inclusion of ATI's newest generation of graphics cards. The 20-inch iMac will include a Radeon HD 2400 XT (ZOMG HD!!!! MUST BE GOOD) (128-MB GDDR3 memory), and the 24-inch model will rock a Radeon HD 2600 Pro (WHA!!!2600 is better then 2400, MUST BE GOOD) (256-MB GDDR3 memory) - IGN

Problem. For a computer that boasts itself on the smoothest and best graphics around, what are they thinking? This is nowhere close. How are they going to make complicated photo albums? 128 MB GPU's are a thing of the past, and 256 ones are joining that group. Where is a dual video card option? Where is a better processor? Even the RAM is less then what most PC's come with these days.

Why do Apple charge so much for something you can build for a grand. Do you pay an extra $1,300 for the name? Or the cool looks?

This is pathetic. Like most Apple computers, this will be eaten up. Just because it looks cool, people will give limbs to have one. If PC users are nerds, Apple users must be retarded. At least a nerd can pick out a rip off. You can say what you want, but you get nothing for the price you pay. Apple users will contest that their computer don't crash, or that their photo albums are so nice. Well I have had my comp for 4 years, and not once has it crashed. The problem i think is Apple users cant handle simplistic operations, so they have to revert to Apples childish controls. Fisher Price anyone?

Like all Mac's though, you get something that is overpriced, and underwhelming. When will they make a computer that is half decent, for a good price? That's the million dollar question.

Fantasy Football (Soccer For you Yanks)

This isn't the most popular fantasy sport, but nonetheless, it is my favorite for sure.

So I've decided to rank out the top players for every spot going into this season, which starts this weekend.

Defenders:


1. John Terry: Top man, strong, great decision maker, strong in the challenge. Has great fantasy value, not only because of his solid rear guard, but because he also scores goals. He will be out for the first month or so, so act accordingly.

2. Jamie Carragher: Some will disagree here, but as far as points go, hes actually rated higher then Terry. Again has the convenience of a great back line and a great keeper. What keeps him from top spot is his lack of goals.

3. Joleon Lescott: Finished top last year on a middle of the table team. Great defensive prowess. A quality pick up. Only problem is he plays for Everton.

4. Nicky Shorley: A Reading product, he was a top sleeper last year, and he didn't disappoint. Readings breakthrough season made this guy into a class defender. Solid, dependable pick.

5. Steven Finnan: Great Defender, aggressive, and is apart of a Liverpool rear guard which is prone to runs of clean sheet games.

Defender Sleepers:

Daniel Agger: Great player, scores goals, again, part of Liverpool's defense
Ricardo Carvalho: Should be in the top 5, but i cant do it. Too Risky for me
Rio Ferdinand: If he can not score on himself, hes also a top 5 canidate
Richard Dunne: Fluke? Not sure, otherwise hes a great choice

Midfielders:

1. Christiano Ronaldo: Even though hes playing a strikers role most of the time, you have to stick with him. He's this years LT of soccer.

2. Steven Gerrard: Had a less then stellar season last year. Otherwise hes my number one choice. He's dependable, and unlike Ronaldo, doesn't dive and get yellow cards as much.

3. Cesc Fabregas: Ahead of Fat Frank because he is the new maestro at Arsenal. Without Henry this year, he will be leading the attack and will be full of assists and goals.

4. "Fat" Frank Lampard: Im not sure about him, but every year he doesnt disappoint. Will score goals, will get assists. Solid Pick.

5. Michael Essien: If he stays healthy, he will be good. Kind of like Lampard, just not as many goals.

Sleeper Midfielders:

Mikael Arteta: Good player, not up in the top 5 yet, but good pick regardless.
Garry Speed: Older, yet still a good player, likes to put the ball in the net. Nuff said.
Gamst Mort Pedersen: Good good player, needs to do a little more in a not so good team, but a solid pick here.

Forwards:

1. Didier Drgoba: Scores a lot of Goals, wins games. Your first pick

2. Wayne Rooney: Not a great season last year, but still your next best. He will do much better this year.

3. Dimitar Berbatov: Came out of nowhere last year, and had a brilliant season. Expect nothing less from him this season, he will only get better.

4. Robin Van Persie: Without Henry this year, he has to shine. Good skill and pace, and great shooter. Expect a lot out of him.

5. Dirk Kuyt: This is a risk, with a good reward. A decent player who knows where to be.

Sleeper Forwards:

Fernando Torres: Tremendous pace, skill, shooting ability. This player would be in the top 5 if this wasn't his first year.
Michael Owen: If he stays healthy, hes a brilliant choice. Will feature prominent in the Newcastle front.
Nicolas Anelka: Time will tell, he has flashes of brilliance every now and then
Robbie Keane: Solid pick, scores a lot of goals, plays opposite of Berbatov.

Goalkeepers:

1. Pepe Reina
2. David James
3. Petr Cech
4. Edwin van der Sar
5. Doug Friedel

Sports Musings

A few things that have been on my mind in the world of sports this week...


Fernando Alonso is a dink, Just because a young, and more talented driver in Lewis Hamilton is better then you, and McLaren has taken to Him instead of you, doesn't mean you should get all pissy and block him in the pit lane. Now you fell back to 4th in the race and Hamilton took the checkered flag. So you lost points, lost position and now lost a good teammate because of your retardedness....smooth...

Barry Bonds, what can I say, congrats for tying the record set by Hank Aaron. Good for you, we all know you had help, and that Aaron didn't, but thats okay. It must suck, however, that everywhere you go, people boo the Scheisse out of you. You will probably break the record, soon too, but the fact remains most people couldn't care less. The fact of the matter remains you needed your good friend 'roids to help you out. Regardless of whether it is legal or illegal, it will still sour your so-called record.

The Tour De Dope should take a look at itself. You have, in the last 3 years, had one guy rumored probable to have taken performance enhancing drugs, who won. One positive tester and winner of the '06 Tour, and now this years leader until the second last day go out because he failed to make a test. Not to mention all the others that tested positive this year.

And finally HAHA to all the "supposed" Toronto FC fans this weekend. Poor morsels, cry some more. "I want my Money back", "We got screwed". WHAAAA!!!!!!! And how so, because you didn't get to see Beckham play??!?!? Oh this is just peachy. Nothing makes me happier then seeing the MLS's fan base based on...yup, you called it, one player. What did i say all the long? OH but Scott, the MLS is a good league... But Scott, Beckham just adds to the success of the MLS... ROFL. Beckham just pissed a lot of fans off. These so-called MLS fans blew a fuse when they couldn't see Beckham and had to actually watch the MLS game instead. I can't blame them either, I mean when you pay for a nice steak, you don't want a manure sandwich instead right? The MLS seriously needs to look at their league. The soccer is lackluster and the only things bringing it popularity is a player who is too good for the league. Beckham is bigger then the MLS, that doesn't say a lot about the league.

The Worst Songs Ever Recorded....

The next list in the series is devoted to the crappiest songs you've ever heard, or maybe you haven't because they are so ridiculous. These songs lack anything that has to do with what makes a song good. Good lyrics, good music, and a decent signing voice eludes all of these people.

DISCLAIMER: It is well-known and well recognized that any song by 1. Nickleback 2. Fergie and 3. Black eyed peas, Sucks. They always will, they always have, and while one or two of these songs may end up on the list, we all agree that they are the worst of the worst. Also Country is the worst music ever recorded. Not Johnny Cash country, but Randy Travis, Tim McGraw country. The kind of country that makes you want to find a firm wooden railing and a strong rope. We can also agree that EMO sucks as well, nothing is worse then a dude screaming into a mic talking about how he needs to hurt himself because his girlfriend broke up with him when he was 12, My Chemical Romance style.

Now for the list...

1. Honky Tonk Badonkadonk - Trace Adkins.
2. My heart will go on - Celine Dion
3. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da - The Beatles
4. The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You - Bryan Adams
5. Follow Me - Uncle Kracker
6. She Bangs - Ricky Martin
7. Shiny Happy People - REM
8. Barbie Girl - Aqua
9. Your Body is a Wonderland - John Mayer
10. Superman - Five for Fighting
11. Sunglasses At Night - Corey Hart
12. Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American) - Toby Keith
13. I’ll Be There For You - The Rembrandts
14. Invisible - Clay Aiken
15. Ebony and Ivory - Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder
16. Ice Ice Baby - Vanilla Ice
17. Rollin - Limp Bizkit
18. Everybody Have Fun Tonight - Wang Chung
19. Achy Breaky Heart - Billy Ray Cyrus
20. My Humps - Black Eyed Peas
21. Are You Gonna Go My Way - Lenny Kravitz
22. Popozao - Kevin Federline
23. We Built this city - Starship
24. Who Let The Dogs Out? - Baha Men
25. Dirrty - Christina Agulera

The New Boys

Liverpool's signings this year have been nothing but a success in pre-season matches so far. The goals are pouring in and it looks to end the goal drought we seem to experience every year that keeps us out of title contention. But this year something feels different.

Lets look at the signings of the summer.

First and formost we sealed deals for the cornerstones of the club. Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso, Steve Finnan and Pepe Reina have all signed extensions to their contracts. The financial strength of the new owners has allowed for these contracts to be done.

The biggest signing of the summer has been Fernando Torres, for Liverpool, and in Europe in general. This kid has it all, strength on the ball and on the marker, great pace, and great anticipation. He can make great runs and is a clinical finisher. A great addition that promises more goals over the year.

The next signing on the list would be Ryan Babel, the Dutch Under 21 international that shined throughout Hollands Under-21 conquest earlier this summer. This kid is a prodigy, a product of Ajax he has great pace and is another great finisher.

The sleeper signing of the summer has to be Andriy Voronin. A great pickup by Benitez. Strong, physically imposing, this Ukrainian has a hunger for the goal, and is a great finisher both on his feet and in the air. Has already made his mark this pre-season scoring a few goals. Also he cost nothing to buy, as it was a free transfer. Great move by Liverpool.

The "iffy" signing this year goes to Israeli international Yossi Benayoun. The former West Ham man is a good midfielder, but where he exactly fits in an already start studded midfield I do not know. He has great vision and is decent on the ball, I'm sure Benitez has some sort of plan for him, we will just have to wait and see.

As for potential targets to come, Gabriel Heinze's name has come up. A great defender that would bolster the Liverpool rearguard. The Argentinean International would improve an already solid back four and would offer a great offensive presence.

This year seems to be a little different, the addition of high class names and the retention of the core of the team has illustrated the American owners will to win and will to succeed against the likes of Manchester United. We are very close and I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't have the title next spring. If not this year, then next.

Michael Vick....

What is up with people today? Michael Vick has been accused of having dog fights, amongst other things.

Now I have no problem with charging the guy under suspicion, thats completely normal when there are allegations against him. My problem is the fact that they are branding him guilty already. Why?? Has he gone to trial? Has he been proven guilty?

What the Heck?

This guy is innocent until proven guilty, just like any other suspected criminal. I don't care if he is a star or whatever, the guy still needs to have a fair trial. It seems to me this is turning into a race issue. I was watching Nancy Grace (switching through channels, something caught my eye) and it was pathetic. First off, let me say that Nancy Grace is the biggest piece of Garbage on the TV since Barney. She is a terrible reporter, a terrible talker and doesn't even have a clue about anything when it comes to sports or even the law half the time. Most of the time shes talking about herself and how she was once some really good lawyer. Right. Shes obnoxious, rude, and has no time for any of her guests if they questions her. She's been known to bash cops and other lawyers and what not. She even asked one lawyer is this Vick case was another OJ Simpson. WOW! This women is out of control.

Regardless, she would say he was innocent till proven guilty, and then next, say that he was guilty. And went on too comment on videos of dogfighting has how bad it is. FOR GOODNESS SAKE YOU DUMB BROAD!!!! Of course the videos are disgusting, but for the love of Sweet Jesus, SHUT UP! Stop making Vick out to be some monster when he hasn't even been convicted of anything. I don't care what anyone says, until this man is proven guilty, without a shadow of a doubt then ill change my mind. For now hes innocent, and should be playing football.

Oh, and for the record, i have a FIRM boycott on Nancy Grace and her show. Nancy Grace = The Scum of the Earth.

The Greatest Songs Ever Written

This is part one of a series about music, and the highs and lows, the best and the worst. These lists are compiled by myself and reflect what i like and think are the best and worst.

Today's topic is best mainstream songs from the last 50 years (in no particular order)

1. Like A Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan
2. Under My Thumb - The Rolling Stones
3. Gimmie Shelter - The Rolling Stones
4. All along the Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix
5. The sound of Silence - Simon and Garfunkel
6. Folsom Prison Blues - Johnny Cash (Hello, I'm Johnny Cash)
7. Eleanor Rigby - The Beatles
8. Subterranean Homesick Blues - Bob Dylan
9. Old Man (live at Massey Hall 1971) - Neil Young
10. The Weight - The Band
11. Paranoid - Black Sabbath
12. Paranoid Android - Radiohead
13. Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin
14. Comfortable Numb - Pink Floyd
15. Fake Plastic Trees - Radiohead
16. Loser Baby - Beck
17. Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve
18. Jessica - The Allman Brothers
19. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana
20. Fuck the Police - N.W.A.
21. Piano Man - Billy Joel
22. Baba O'Riley - The Who
23. I Wanna Be Your Dog - Stooges
24. Spirit of Radio - Rush
25. Wonderwall - Oasis

Next Time: The worst Songs ever recorded. I'll Give you a hint on one. Fergie... Until next time...

ROFLCOPTER ROLLOUT!!!!!!!!

Today's Pondering...

Scott is glad that anonymous posters cannot post on his blog anymore because they are, for the most part, useless. Scott is also glad that he doesn't have to read the senseless BS that is posted by the anonymous posters. Scott is pondering why people think they can just do what they want and say what they will behind the curtains of the internet.

People should learn to grow up, maybe grow a set. Maturity does not lie in anonymity.

Autobots, Rollout!

A recent comment...

A recent comment made to me about the MLS stating that someone loved soccer so much that they even watched the MLS.

Ok, I see that point. Yes, if you love soccer so much then I could see watching the MLS. BUT......I think the thing is that I LOVE soccer so much that I cant stand watching a professional league that is full of mediocre players. Players who cannot pass to save their tails, can't shoot worth shat, and can't even make a decent play without some sort of fluke bounce.

Out of all the players in the MLS, theres about a handful that are actually decent. David Beckham is one, Juan Pablo Angel is another, and then theirs the likes of Freddy Adu who is quite the prospect for European Clubs, namely Manchester United, who have been watching this kid like a hawk. But what else does this league offer that the many European ones don't. What does the MLS give to the football world that every other league doesn't already? The answer is nothing. It gives a whole lot of NOTHING.

Exciting Football X
Good players X
Decent Coverage X

So what else does the MLS have left then? The league has been labeled a league of wash-ups, has-beens, and players who just aren't good enough to play anywhere else but in their own country on a bad team.

I don't have a personal problem with the MLS, contrary to popular belief, i think its a good way to get Americans attuned to the game. The problem is they are doing it all wrong. Brash statements such as "We are better then the Premier League" and "We could hold our own against the best in England" are simply stupid comments coming from dumb American soccer players who, ironically, only played in the US for their careers. Lack of experience here hurts them.

Lets take a look at the Copa America. The USA lost all three of its games, one to Argentina, Columbia, and Paraguay. Yeah they were missing their "star" player Landon Donovan, PFFFF, what a over-hyped piece of American Media. The guy sucks, no one wants him. The player they could have used was Brian McBride. A quality player who is actually good at the game.

Case and Point, I'm a massive fan, I love the game, so much so that it hurts to see bad soccer being called good. I like the idea of the MLS, but don't make it out to be the best league, or even a top 10 league. I don't like the league because of how it has been marketed and how it doesn't live up to any of the hype. Figures though, Americans trying to look the best at everything they do, too bad they fall short this time, very short.

A Ridiculous Car...

This car is quite the machine, the ultra-car version of the popular GTI model, it develops 650 bhp and 530 foot pounds from a 6.0 liter, twin-turbo charged W12. This means a north to 60 arrives in 3.7 seconds; supercar territory. Straight line performances looks promising, and with a mid-engine, rear-wheel setup, handling could be promising as well.

The body of the car has been widened, 6 feet in total, to fit massive 295 width tires with 19 in alloys, Lamborghini tires are in the same region here, to give some prospective. It's W12 motor producing 650 bhp is a 450 bhp increase from the standard GTI's 2.0 4 cylinder that produces 200 bhp. Quite the increase on such a small car.

The downfall that this car has to be its six-speed Automatic transmission via paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. This takes a way from the sport experience that this car has to offer. This isn't the Ferrari automatic paddle shifting technology which is God-like in it's shift times. This is a German made car, not an Italian thoroughbred. This is disappointing but at the price this car will be, probably in the 6 figure area, you have other options.

While this car will be a one-off, it will be interesting to see how it takes to the public. It just doesn't look and feel like a supercar, it doesn't make you giddy like pictures of Lamborghini's do, and it doesn't scare the living hell out of you just looking at it.


Specs:
- VW claims a top speed of 202 mph
- 6.0l W12 12-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine mounted in the rear.
- 650hp and 553 lb-ft. of torque
- with the flared fenders the car sits over 6 feet wide and only 4.6 feet tall
- 19" wheels with 295 rear rubber and 235 front rubber
- the fenders are flared 3.15" at the rear

Brilliant!

Fox Sports

Sky Sports

What a great signing, finally we will have a striker that can finish. All i can say is it is about time!

Sad Day for Arsenal Fans

Henry to Barca

It was probably inevitable, with the departure of David Dein, Henry was left shocked. Henry has given 8 years of great service to the Gunners. Much of clubs success can be attributed to his goal scoring prowess.

A sad day that he's leaving English Football. A good day for Liverpool though as speculation will heat up even more now about the possibility of Samuel Eto'o joining the club. And with the signing of Fernando Torres imminent, we could have the best looking striking partnership in the Premier league withing a couple of weeks. *Fingers Crossed*

WTF General Motors? LOL

GM is Retarded

This is the reason General Motors keeps on having Billions of dollars worth of debt. Offering test drives of better cars, hahahhaa, yeah thats a good marketing ploy. Walk into a Local GM dealership, ask to test drive a GM vehicle, instead test drive a Toyota, ask the GM dealer where the nearest Toyota dealership is, walk out of GM dealership. LOL, What idiots.

Just another reason why GM is the scum of the earth when it comes to building and selling cars!

On Par with the Premier League?

I don't think so, I dont think Alexi watches his own football, its pathetic. It is like watching a blindfolded man try to catch chickens. The MLS has no appeal to it, it doesn't boast the best players in the world, and therefore doesn't equate the best football.

I think he said it right, and should have ended with this statement "In England, our league is considered second class..." Instead he went on to ramble about how if he took a helicopter with MLS players over to England they would win, hahaha. The helicopter wouldn't make it across the Atlantic, what a retard.

The British press loved this one,

"The game was not without moments of quality ... (but) some of the defending from both sides was the type of stuff you watch through your fingers," according to The Mirror.

"It was the football equivalent of a demolition derby.

He can't seriously think this, he can't be that dumb. To even think that that league is better then second division English teams is a stretch. The MLS has no good players, nothing that stands out, besides Beckham, but hes doing it for future goals, not for the football. The MLS is rubbish when it comes to quality of football, its rubbish when it comes to the quality of players, and rubbish when it comes to quality in general.

Let's face it, if this league was so good, why isn't Thierry Henry, or Christiano Ronaldo or ANYONE worth mentioning moving to the MLS at the peak of their careers? The only things the MLS is good for, like it's cousin from the 70's, is money for players at the end of their careers.

I think it is enevitable...

Beckham to Stay?

This would definetly kill any momentum the MLS thought they had coming. With 1 win seperating Beckham and his first Primera League title since joing Real Madrid, and his subsequent re-call to the England nation squad, there has been many rumors about his potential u-turn.

This move would only benefit himself, there is no reason to go over to the US because he isn't a wash up like the rest of the MLS players. With his renewed England career, and with the potential of another 2 or 3 quality years, i think that American may never seem him. Prayers sometimes get answered!

To clear something up....

This is in regards to the people who only read one half of the story.

Recently a Uefa member went out of his way to label Liverpool's fans as the worst in Europe. <-----This is where most people stopped reading and that led to people thinking dumb things because people only read what they want to hear sometimes.

The fact of the matter is Michel Platini has denounced these claims. Who is Michel Platini you ask, only the Chief of Uefa, the big Cheese, and probably one of the best Midfielders ever to play the game to boot.

"What is most surprising about the latest comments from Mr Gaillard is that on the eve of the final, he quite rightly commented that Liverpool supporters 'have a tradition of good behaviour'.

Comments from a BBC Report

"Let's not forget that these same supporters who Mr Gaillard is claiming are now the worst in Europe were praised by Uefa President Michel Platini after our semi-final victory against Chelsea only last month.

"They were commended for their behaviour in Istanbul in 2005 and actually honoured by Uefa at a gala dinner in Monte Carlo in 2001 as joint Supporters of the Years with Alves after the Uefa Cup final."

So who is telling the truth here. Uefa seems to be playing the blame game when it is acutally their fault for allocating only 17000 tickers for Liverpool in a 60000 seat stadium. Uefa knew that Liverpool supporters were upset that they had been cheated out of seeing their team play. At the gate for the game, Uefa workers were letting in people who didnt even have tickets and supporters with legitmate tickets were turned away. So who dropped the ball. If you paid upwards of 1000 Pounds, almost $2500 Canadian for a ticket and you couldnt get in, you would be mad. This is not even mentioning travel costs to Athens.

So when people say well Liverpool must have the worst fans because of a massive mistake by Uefa, and totally ignoring the embarrasing actions of Manchester United Fans in Lens and Rome, doesn't make sense. And it just goes to show people will only read what they want to hear, then they stop and get all their facts mixed up and they looked ridiculous when trying to argue their flawed point.

Liverpool's fans are the Loudest in the word (actually hold a world record for this) and are the most supoorting fans as well. It's not lie when Samuel Eto'o adores the Liverpool Fans, Thierry Henry has spoken praises before, even Ronaldinho. It's clear Uefa is wrong, and now they have thier tails between their legs trying to rectify the situation. Expect apolgies within the next couple of weeks.

Answer Me This...

Read This:

Article from Macleans Magazine, May 14th Issue.

Al Gore's tenuous grasp on the 'truth'

Gore blasted the Tories' green plan, but it includes almost every remedy that he calls for

FROM THE EDITORS | May 14, 2007 |

Of all the memorable scenes in Al Gore's documentary An Inconvenient Truth, it's hard to forget his forecast on rising oceans.

The collapse of the Greenland ice sheet at the hands of global warming will increase worldwide sea levels by nearly seven metres, Gore states. He sketches out the impact this will have: India and Bangladesh will be inundated. Forty million people will be displaced around Shanghai. Florida will all but disappear. Most cruel of all, however, is the effect on New York City. His graphics then show a blue tide of water slowly swallowing up city streets. "This is what would happen to Manhattan. They [scientists] can measure this precisely." In a whisper he adds: "The area where the World Trade Center Memorial is to be located would be underwater." It is perhaps the most powerful moment in the movie. Yet, like the bulk of Gore's message, it is also heavily exaggerated and of questionable practical value.

Those scientists in which Gore puts so much faith do discuss the possibility of a failure of Greenland's ice. In fact, the February 2007 report of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change mentions the possibility of a seven-metre rise in the oceans. But that report also says global warming would have to continue "for millennia" for this to occur. Gore's Manhattan/Atlantis scenario is thus a potential risk sometime after 4007. It's not exactly a clear and present danger.

We bring this up not because global warming or environmentalism are things to be ignored -- they are important issues to be sure -- but to point out Gore's frequent distance from the useful truth. His comment last week in Toronto that the Conservative government's environmental plan is a "complete and total fraud ... designed to mislead the Canadian people" is as exaggerated and misplaced as his movie scaremongering. It is never a fraud to be honest. However painful it may be for single-minded idealists like Gore to admit, it is an absolute impossibility for Canada to meet its 2012 Kyoto targets without triggering economic collapse.

The plan released by Environment Minister John Baird last month includes almost all the remedies Gore himself calls for. Ottawa has already introduced tax breaks for public transit. Now we have rebates for fuel-efficient cars with new standards on the way. There will be carbon sequestering, a new technology fund and a ban on incandescent bulbs. Baird's plan is also notable for its focus on reducing air pollution, which arguably has a bigger negative impact on Canadians today than global warming ever will. Taken as a whole, the plan represents an effective compromise between economic sanity and environmental necessity.

Gore's fascinating reinvention of himself from earnest but boring politician to environmental crusader is a notable achievement. If he has made himself rich in the process, we applaud that as well. But during this transformation, Gore appears to have forgotten the art of realistic policy-making, and he has ceased to tell his audience the whole truth.

When will we ever do enough for the tree huggers? No matter what we do, will ever be enough for Al Gore. What Gives? When will these people ever be happy.

EPL SEASON REVIEW

So instead of writing the whole review out, i have decided to get the official video for the season review, its an hour long, but a good view.

Oh ya, Yakuba sucked it up this year!

Enjoy!



EPL Season Review

P.S. You may have to download the Divx plug-in, but don't worry, its safe! The link is also posted if you don't want to watch it on here, its a bigger video size in the link but a bit blurry.

A Sad 24 Hours

Well, Liverpool lost yesterday 2-1 to AC Milan in the CL Final. In a game dominated by Liverpool, it showed that you can be the better team and still lose. All credit to AC Milan however, they played well and took their 2 opportunities well. I'm not as upset as I would usually be though. If you look back, we beat Barcelona, we beat Chelsea, we made quite a bit of coin too on this to spend as well.

Rafa Benitez has been given 100 million pounds to overhaul Liverpool to make them a contender for the title next year. Champions League will be a target, but the Premiership will be the main focus. Names like Eto'o, David Villa and Michael Owen have been circulating again. Meanwhile, Rafa has started to get rid of some of the not so good players on the team. Zenden has been given the green light to leave and Mark Gonzalez has also completed a deal to Spain. With more to come it looks like exciting times for Liverpool. Steven Gerrard is among 4 others that are signing new contracts, his in particular will make him the highest paid player in the Premier league.(and people say hes not good)

In the words of Stevie G, we gotta take this loss on the chin and move on. There are many positives to take out of last night. The fact we could dominate a team like AC Milan, the fact that we can beat any team in Europe that is put in our way. The team is strong, we just need to improve in the domestic league. All in good time!

My Resolve

My resolve is as follows, after having a good chat with a good friend today I realized my way of responding to things is a little out of hand. I took comments as face value and then screwed up, and for this I apologize to that person, and too others who had too endure me.

As far as my posting and purpose is concerned: I post with the purpose to create conversation, to engage and interact with people, to build a community that can talk about issues that they may not agree with, but yet discuss and share with others their own values and beliefs. This blogs purpose is too sometimes stir the pot and create a little controversy and have some fun in a way that can also be educational.

My aim for this blog is to find people that want to discuss deeper matters of questioning, or interpreting, and of analyzing, and also to talk about sports and humor and other things of that nature. My blog won't be gear towards everyone and I understand this, and I hope the people it isn't gear towards understand their place in this.

I will state this now, I will not stop posting on things I think about, things I want to discuss and things that I want to maybe rant about or get off my chest. I understand I am in a position of leadership. As a leader I need to be as real as possible with people. Moderating my posts does a disservice to myself and to others as a leader as it looks like I'm fake. For me to be a leader, is for me to be real, honest, in some cases brutal, and in all cases loving. If I cannot be real in leadership then I will have to step down from that position, and that wouldn't be a problem for me because I feel I would be doing what is right, and being honest with people is important too me.

I cannot be putting a disclaimer on my posts every time. I can't make a choose your own adventure every time either. It's of a read at your own risk. As you get to know me, if you last that long, you will realize that it isn't a risk at all, but educational and challenging experience. I fully understand that kids, teens, young and old adults may read this. I truly believe that society has stopped asking questions because they are afraid of confrontation, afraid to challenge what the think, see, and believe. I'm doing my part to bring that back, even if it is only a little. If you don't question, how do you grow and learn?

For people who do not know me, I am a Christian, even if it looks like I am not. I like to challenge myself, and further my learning in God by questioning and talking with others. I became a Christian after a lot of thought, a lot of calculating, a lot of a lot of things to get to where I am. I still enjoy questions, I believe working through things strengthens my faith, makes it fun and exciting.

I understand that I do and say some dumb things, but don't we all. I take full responsibility for my blunders, I have no problem with that. I realize that I screw up and I just have to learn and move on. Some of my comments get out of hand, and this I'm working on, my posts can get out of hand, but sometimes thats how I feel. I maybe angry or upset, it may be at someone, or God. That's life, it's normal to be that way.

So again I would like to apologize to any that I offended with my comments during this. I was wrong with the way I handled it. The posts will go on, but the way I interact with people will improve so I can accomplish what I want out of this blog.

Thank You!

Athens 2007: The Repeat

This pictures symbolizes the last time Liverpool met AC Milan in the Champions League, and what a match it was. Going 3-0 down after the first half, the Reds fought back courtesy of Brilliance by Steven Gerrard, which saw him score the first of three but set up the third goal thanks to a penalty called on him from a foul by Gennaro Gattuso. Liverpool went on to win in Penalty Kicks and that Final is known as the best European Cup Final ever.

On May 23rd, two days before Liverpool's triumph 2 years ago, Liverpool and AC Milan will put it all on the line once more. Liverpool's road to the final included taking first place in their group, and beating defending champions Barcelona and PSV and their fellow Premier League team Chelsea. AC Milan took first place in their group followed up by a narrow win against Celtic and Bayern Munich, and trounced Manchester United in the second leg 3-0 to win 5-3 on aggregate.

This Final will have much hype, Milan will be looking to exact revenge for the memories they still have of Istanbul. Liverpool will be looking to win in a more convincing fashion and not leave it very late. On May 23rd, will it be We Won It Six Times? The Manchester fans couldn't bear that one. COME ON YOU REDS!!!!!!

Not just another car!

In the June issue of Motor Trend, they did a handling test between many cars, one of those cars was mine. For a car that's "supposed" to be mediocre in the handling department, it performed quite well against some stiff competition. For a car that seats five and is by far the most luxurious in the group, I'd say it performed quite well. Here's MT's list of the top ten handling cars and their scores:

1. Porsche 911 GT3 - 37.8
2. Porsche Cayman S - 35.9
3. Lotus Exiges S - 35
4. Mitsubishi EVO IX MR - 32.1
5. Mini Cooper S JCW GP - 28.6
6. BMW 335 i - 27.9
7. Honda S2000 - 27
8. MazdaSpeed 3 - 26.0
9. Corvette Z06 - 23.5
10. Honda Civic Si - 21.0

Not too shabby for a car that people knock because it's a Honda, the only reason people do this is because they are jealous that their American made garbage is worse. Just another reason why I love my car.

A Win For The Ages

Liverpool FC beat Chelsea FC last night for the 3 straight year in a major cup semi-final. In 2005 Liverpool beat them in the Champions league semi's, in 2006 we beat them in the FA Cup semi's and this year we beat them again in the Champions League Semi's. Some will say it was luck, I beg to differ, lets look at the stats from last nights game.

Liverpool Team Statistics Chelsea
1 Goals 0
1 1st Half Goals 0
5 Shots on Target 3
7 Shots off Target 6
4 Blocked Shots 3
5 Corners 6
31 Fouls 21
3 Offsides 5
2 Yellow Cards 1
0 Red Cards 0
69.2 Passing Success 76.2
43 Tackles 20
74.4 Tackles Success 85
46.2 Possession 53.8
55 Territorial Advantage 45

PENALTY SHOOT-OUT
Zenden scored 1-0
Robben missed 1-0
Alonso scored 2-0
Lampard scored 2-1
Gerrard scored 3-1
Geremi missed 3-1
Kuyt scored 4-1

I wouldn't say at all that Chelsea was the better team, we dominated possesion for most of the game, chances were at a premium for Chelsea and they failed to capitalize on the little ones they got. Pepe Reina shined in the penalty shootout, saving not one, but two of three Chelsea spot kicks. Some say this is a lottery, but when your keeper keeps two of three out, and saves three in last years FA Cup Final, one must realize he has a skill. For Villareal in the Spanish league, Reina saved 6 out of 7 spot kicks taken against him in the 04/05 season. He's a great keeper from when it comes to kicks from 12 yards.

Jose Moan-inho couldn't help try to pad his ever shrinking ego during interviews. He talked about how Chelsea deserved to win even though they couldn't score a goal, and scored only one in the shootout. The whining and moaning made little noise for Liverpool players. Steven Gerrard said "He makes us laugh".

The fact of the matter is that on May 23rd Liverpool will be playing for it's sixth European Cup in Athens; Chelsea, on the other hand, will be wondering what happened to their chances of winning their first. Mourinho let his ego and his mouth get the better of him, and he got put in his place along with all those arrogant Chelsea players he manages. The best part about all of this is that no one cares that Chelsea is out, even their own fans. Most of them were sleeping all game, I guess the roar of the Anfield crowd was to much for them.

Here's highlights of the game:



Nothing is more sweeter!

Great Article on the Money in Football.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1614965-1,00.html

Leeds United

Oh Leeds United, where have you gone, it seemed only 6 years ago the world was singing your song.

Oh Leeds United, where did you go, you used to have Fowler, Viduka, and Woodgate not that many ages ago.

Oh Leeds United, where are you know, relegated to League One, for now.


Yes it was only 6 years ago when Leeds United were a European power house, Champions League Semi-Finalists, doing well in the league, and living the good life with promising youngsters Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell and Johnathan Woodgate anchoring a team which saw the likes of God (Fowler) play for them. Since then they have been relegated to the Championship, where last year they could have been back in the top flight, if it wasn't for their blunder in their playoff tie against Preston. This year now they have been relegated once again to League One, the first time, in their 88 year history. Fans invaded the pitch in frustration as their beloved Leeds United drew their game at Eland Road at the weekend.

With talks of an administration taking over, and their relegation to League One, will we ever see Leeds United in the Premiership again?

YNWA on American Idol

Just to solidify the popularity of Liverpool's Song, it was sung last night on American Idol. I'm not particularly fond of the the way it was sung, but the fact that Gerry Marsden's infamous song was sung for 30 Million+ people was great.

Champions League Semi-Finals

The stage has been set for an Epic battle between 2 English teams and another English team and those pesky Italians. Chelsea, coming off there last minute victory over a luckless Valencia side, will play 2005 Champions Liverpool FC, coming off a convincing 4-0 aggregate victory over a reduced PSV side that never really looked great in the tie. This will be the rematch from the 2005 Semi-Finals where Luis Garcia scored in the 4th minute of the second leg to send Liverpool to the Final they eventually won. This will be the marquee match of the tournament. My prediction is Liverpool win 3-2 on aggregate. Liverpool, contrary to popular belief by people who don't even follow football, have had Chelsea's number in big matches for the past 3 years. While i am not counting Chelsea out, one has to realize that they are fighting on 2 other fronts, including the FA and the league. Something will have to give for a side that has to comeback in the league and faces a sterner opposition in the FA cup. Advantage Liverpool in this one.

The second Semi-Final will see Manchester United, who won 7-1 on Tuesday night, face 2005 Finalists AC Milan. This match-up will be fantastic, though not as mouth watering as the other Semi-Final match. AC Milan won 2-0 and 4-2 on aggregate on Wednesday to advance to this stage will United lost the first leg 2-1 only to win 7-1 in the second. While this display on dominance will look frightening to some, it really isn't. winning 1-0 or 7-1 makes no difference, in football it is very rare to get these types of wins. Milan are a much better side then Roma as well, though their league form wouldn't show this, but you have to remember that Milan started with -7 points at the start of the year. I'm going to give Milan the edge here, based on previous Champions league performances and that fact that like Chelsea, Manchester United are fighting on two other fronts. They are losing their grasp on the league, and for United, the league is more important then winning the Champions League. The FA cup is also very important for them too and they will be in tough against an inspired Watford team. My prediction is 4-2 for Milan on aggregate.

It seems that fate and history will be on the side of Milan and Liverpool, and this would set up a great rematch between the 2005 final opponents. If it gets that far I predict another win for Liverpool, their form is peaking at the right moment and they are putting together clutch performances when they need them. Could it be 6 Times next month? I can only hope...

Hilarious Office Game!

Hide And Go Poop - Click here for more blooper videos

Goal of the Week!

This one has to go to the best defender in England, i can see why Steve Maclaren puts him in before Jamie Carragher, it makes sense.

I don't get why hes mad at something here, its his own fault, it looks like hes mad at Van der sar, but what did he do? Good ol' Manchester United, folding during clutch time.



LOL

EPL Weekend Review

Another good week of Football, Manchester United got beat by Portsmouth of all people to give Chelsea a hope of catching up, now only 3 points behind with a game still to be played between the two. Manchester benefited yet again from their defenders, and Rio Ferdinand made a great claim on why he should never be dropped from the England side ;)

Liverpool won yet again, Reading put up a great battle but we came out the winner courtesy of a Dirk Kuyt Header.

Scores:



Mon - 09 Apr 07

Watford 4 2 Portsm'h


Sat - 07 Apr 07

Arsenal 0 1 West Ham
Blackb'n 1 2 A Villa
Chelsea 1 0 Tot'ham
M'brough 4 1 Watford
Portsm'h 2 1 Man Utd
Reading 1 2 Liv'pool
Sheff U 1 2 N'castle
Wigan 1 3 Bolton

Standings:

Team Pld Pts
Man Utd 32 78
Chelsea 32 75
Liverpool 32 60
Arsenal 31 55
Bolton 32 53
Everton 32 50
Tottenham 32 48
Portsmouth 33 46
Reading 32 44
Newcastle 32 40
Blackburn 32 40
M'brough 32 39
Aston Villa 32 38
Man City 31 37
Fulham 32 35
Wigan 32 33
Charlton 32 31
Sheff Utd 32 31
West Ham 32 29
Watford 33 23

Top Scorers:

Didier Drogba Chelsea 18
Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United 16
Benni McCarthy Blackburn Rovers 13
Wayne Rooney Manchester United 12
Yakubu Aiyegbeni Middlesbrough 12
Robin Van Persie Arsenal 11
Frank Lampard Chelsea 11
Andrew Johnson Everton 11
Obafemi Martins Newcastle United 11
Thierry Henry Arsenal 10

Who Said Ronaldo Couldn't Play Anymore?

Well if your in this school of thinking, watch the first goal here, one of the better goals i've seen in some time. The free kick following his goal scored by Empoli is something to watch too, a great set piece.

A Good Week!

Well we beat Arsenal on saturday handly, with three goals by Crouchinho, here they are:

1st


2nd


3rd


And the week got better yesterday with the 3-nil win over PSV away, which virtually put us (Liverpool) into the Semi-Finals of the Champions league. Highlights here:


And then the week just got even better because at half time of the Manchester United Roma game its 1-nil for Roma, and in the Chelsea game versus Valencia its 1-nil for Valencia and they have the vital away goal. Also Paul Scholes was sent off and will miss the next leg. Wow, and now the Manchester fans are back to their usual retarded selves throwing stuff at the Roma fans. The Roma "Ultras" are not people you want to be messing with. Manchester United fans are pictured throwing seats, why do these pricks even go to games, Wow. More fines headed United's way. Haha, sore losers.