A Plea

This is the email sent out to West Ham season ticket holders who have not purchased tickets to see the Hammers take on my beloved Arsenal.



Arsenal have taken the maximum allocation of 5,200. It sucks for West Ham, but that's how this season has gone. Furthermore, the game is on ITV and with the economy the way it is, football fans aren't going to just shell out the money for tickets. It's unfortunate because at the very least, they will get to see tremendous football from Arsene Wenger's Red Army.

Who Knew?

That darts could be so exciting.

Over the last couple days, I've been watching the PDC World Darts Championship. If you have never watched Darts, it's not quite what you'd expect it to be. The competitors walk-on to the stage like prize fighters, the MC could give Bruce Buffer a run for his money, and the crowd. Don't get me started on the crowd. They make college football fans look like kindergardeners. The crowd is unbelievable and the people appear to be having to so much fun. When you think about it, you have to wonder because it's darts. It's something you might see at your local sports pub or whatever. It's not a party inducing sport. However, I've never seen such joy in an audience.

I've been learning a little bit about the competitors and "Barney," the Dutchmen Raymond van Barneveld, has caught my eye in particular. He's had two 9-dart finishes in the tournament already and look posed to make another deep run in the tournament:

"To hit a nine-darter was wonderful and the crowd really showed their appreciation," said Van Barneveld, who finished with double 12.

These guys are rockstars.

Why send more troops to Afghanistan?

Because all the ones in Afghanistan already are dying...

Worst year in Afghanistan ever.

Rush Limbaugh Hospitalized...

...in Hawaii.

I wish I was in Hawaii. I wouldn't mind being hospitalized. Here's the status of his condition:

The station, citing unnamed sources, said paramedics treated Mr. Limbaugh and took him to The Queen's Medical Center in serious condition.

He is, of course, the last crusader of the Republican Party.

MEGSON OUT!

Gary Megson has been fired from Bolton per Sky Sports News.

Happy Tiger Woods Day!

Happy Tiger Woods Day everyone!

There's Stupid...

...Then there's Mike Leach



From ESPN:

A source close to the family of Adam James told Schad that the player was treated inappropriately while injured, including being confined to a room for a long period of time because he could not practice. Leach's attorney, Ted Liggett, said Tuesday that keeping the receiver inside during practice was better for the player than letting him remain outside.

You're a football coach. You're supposed to take care of your athletes, your students. You're supposed to be a role model, a parent away from home. This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard a coach do.

Homage

With the end of the decade coming up, there's all this "best of the decade" talk going on. Here's some homage to truly the best of the decade:

History was made over a stretch of 49 games unbeaten. The run began at the back end of the 2002-03 season after a home defeat by Leeds United handed the championship to Manchester United. Arsenal reconvened at Highbury on May 7, tanking Southamton 6-1.

Wenger's Invincibles, like the Magyar Golden Team of 50 years ago and Brazil of 1970, set a standard against which the best will for ever be judged. Team of the decade? Better than that; a team for all time.

Just a couple quotes from the Telegraph column.

Robin Hood International Trailer

Looks like it might be an okay movie. It's got Russell Crowe with Ridley Scott directing. Check it out:

Aaron Lennon

Since I'm up and footy is being played, naturally I'm watching football. Even if it's Tottenham, I'm watching. The game is not even 20 minutes in, and I have to admit that Aaron Lennon is one of the best players in England right now. There are certainly players playing better football in England right now like Fàbregas, Drogba, Tevez, and Rooney. However, Lennon should be considered among these players.

His role in creating for Modric's goal was pivotal. I think the problem with Tottenham is that they don't have any other threats. I'm watching Modric, who is supposed to be their creative force and I see even him looking for Lennon. It seems like defenses will be able to key in on Lennon, preventing him from getting the ball and trying to contain him. I say "trying" because with his pace and skill, that he can create space and attacking opportunities out of nothing. He is turning into something special.

He is definitely securing a position in South Africa with his performances.

Fridge

No house of mine should have a box of cilantro in front of the ketchup.

What's Goin On?

I'd like to introduce a new class of post that I'll make from time to time. It's called "What's Goin On?" Basically, I'll look at events that are happening through out the world. May be I'll comment about them, may be I'll let them stand on their own. The key thing is to share them with the world. Here we go:

This is a story I've commented on this week, but it's turning out to be a bigger issue of security. This past week, on Christmas Day, a man was apprehended after trying to light a bomb on an airplane after it landed at Detroit Metro Airport. It appears that the man failed, but several facts have arisen after the incident. It has been reported that his father had reported him to the US Government. Here's some back ground on the suspect:

This New York Times Article reveals something else:

Instead, officials said Sunday, they marked the file of the son, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, for a full investigation should he ever reapply for a visa. And when they passed the information on to Washington, Mr. Abdulmutallab’s name was added to 550,000 others with some alleged terrorist connections — but not to the no-fly list. That meant no flags were raised when he used cash to buy a ticket to the United States and boarded a plane, checking no bags.

It will be interesting to see what develops as a result of this incident. We've already seen TSA have a security breach that revealed secrets including racial profiling when it comes to checking people. Will this go one step further? Some people say that security checks are doing their jobs. However, it is clear with incidents like this that they aren't. Not only are they checking people who are completely innocent (like myself), they are not checking people like Abdulmutallab, who have bad intentions. I think an easy solution would be to scan passports to make sure that people are not on any terrorist watch lists.

Things aren't any better in Iran where protests continue to sprout up since their election in June, 2009. The latest protests have turned violent, showing an increasingly dissident group of support against the government of Ahmadinejad. I'm a fan of seeing visually what is going on, so here's a video from Al Jazeera:


While we're in the Middle East, it's the one year of the bombings in Gaza. Here's a video of children recounting their stories. I couldn't imagine being in a situation like this. Imagine being that young and having that sort of chaos escalating around you, your home, your life. I remember watching a live feed of Gaza last year and it was a constant stream of bombs and machine gun fire.

Just chilling, haunting stuff.

Speaking of anniversaries, Monday is the two year anniversary of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. We still have no answers about her murder nor do we have stability in the Pakistani government. There is a lot of work to do.


If there's any question that China will take over the world, China has unveiled the fastest train in the world:


In science and technology, the focal point of news seems to be on Apple's new tablet. Apple is one of the most successful companies with their incredible computing machines, music devices, and of course, their phones. Now they are introducing a tablet and the industry is going rampant with curiosity. What impact will the introduction of the tablet have on the market? I look forward to seeing it because quite frankly I'm not sold on the Tablet idea. I need to learn more about its usefulness.

That's all for "What's Goin On?"

Check this goal out

Fabregas free kick:


Just awesome.

DTW

Despite my complexion, I haven't really had trouble at airports. However, the last two times I've been at DTW, I've been stopped for security checks. Having seen bits and pieces of the leaked TSA report, I've been irritated by this. I'm just trying to get to my flight. It's not just the fact that they're taking me aside, but the fact that they have the most incompetent people running the security check. I don't care that there have been two security related issues in the days after I flew to Boston from DTW, I don't think I should be racially profiled. I'm a US citizen, and I love this country. I hate that I'm being judged by the color of my skin rather than as me the person. It's wrong.

Been a little bit

So I've been using this new application on Facebook called "Galacticos Football." Basically, you have to advance through the league ranks up to the top division. With wins you gain reputation, and noteworthy players desire to come to your club. I was talking about how my team really can't improve much in terms of individual player ranks, but how I would adjust my team to have the players I would want. Naturally, I tried to think of different countries and spread out my players. I ended up with the following:

GK: Casillas, Given
D: Alves, Terry, Piqué, Clichy, Maicon, Vidic
M: Cesc, Kaka, Senna, Essien, Xavi, Iniesta
F: Agüero, Arshavin, Messi, Rooney
Manager: Guardiola

There's a definite Spanish/Brazilian bias and a definite Barca bias to my team. When I was thinking about the different countries, I started to think about what players to watch out for at the World Cup. So I'm going to go Group to Group, Team by Team, discussing players that could make an impact for their countries. I don't really know players on certain teams, so I will list the team, but not have players.

Group A:
South Africa
Mexico: Young Arsenal striker Carlos Vela could make an impact. He has very good finishing skill.
Uruguary: Obviously, Diego Forlan is the big name player, but Luis Suarez is the player to keep an eye on. He's been attracting attention from some of the biggest clubs in the world.
France: France has a star-studded side, but a player I think that could emerge as a star is Andre Pierre Gignac of Toulouse. Additionally, Hugo Lloris could garner accolades in his first major competition as first choice keeper if France has success.

Group B:
Argentina: Argentina has a star studded attack with the likes of Tevez, Agüero, Messi, and Higuaín all competing to earn a place. Messi will get the headlines as the Ballon d'Or winner. However, Higuaín has been fantastic for Real, and Tevez has been the heart beat for Manchester City.
Nigeria
Korea Republic
Greece

Group C:
England: England has some big names in Lampard, Terry, Gerrard, and Beckham, but this is Wayne Rooney's team. Their success depends on his performances.
US: Charlie Davies if he can come back
Algeria
Slovenia

Group D:
Germany: A lot of names to pick from. Ballack, Podolski, Schweinsteiger, and Klose.
Australia:
Serbia: Vidic, enough said.
Ghana: Michael Essien really made a name for himself last World Cup and will be asked to turn in similar performances this World Cup.

Group E:
Netherlands: If Robin van Persie is healthy, he will be the focal point of the attack, but Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben are other stand outs.
Denmark: Nicklas Bendtner will have the opportunity to prove that Arsene Wenger's beliefs are well founded.
Japan:
Cameroon: Samuel Eto'o is the biggest name. Alexandre Song could make a name for himself if he is included as a starter. He has been sensational for Arsenal this season.

Groupe F:
Italy: If Balotelli is included, he could make an impact. Otherwise the Italians will be a dull, defensive side to watch.
Paraguay:
New Zealand:
Slovakia

Group G:
Brazil: Brazil has so many stars. Kaka and Robinho should support the forwards of Luis Fabiano. Dani Alves and Maicon should be streaking down the sidelines to send crosses into the box.
Korea DPR:
Coit d'Ivoire: Didier Drogba is in fantastic form.
Portugal: The whole world will watch Cristiano Ronaldo again. 2006 was his coming out party. What will he do for an encore?

Group H:
Spain: Aruagably the most talented team in the competition. Fabregas, Torres, Villa, Xavi, Iniesta should all have opportunities to shine, but the key for their squad will be Marcos Senna.
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile

Possible World Cup Cities for England

Sunderland-Stadium of Light
Milton Keynes-Stadium:mk
London-Wembley Stadium, Emirates Stadium, Olympic Stadium, New White Hart Lane
Manchester: City of Manchester Stadium, Old Trafford
Liverpool: Anfield or New Anfield
Birmingham: Villa Park
Nottingham: New Nottingham Forrest Stadium
Leeds: Elland Road
Sheffield: Hillsborough Stadium
Newcastle: St. James' Park
Bristol: New Ashton Vale Stadium
Plymouth: Home Park

Rejects: Hull, Leicester, Derby

Show Tiger Your Support!

Join me in supporting Tiger Woods and get your Tiger Woods hat today! Support the world's greatest golfer through this troubled time. Everybody is trying to bring him down, and it's up to his fans to lift him up. He may have had his digressions, but everyone makes mistakes. We may not agree with his actions, but we have made mistakes too.

I've made mistakes, but I had the support of the people around me. I really appreciated it. I'm sure Tiger feels the same way.

I started a Facebook Event to support Tiger. Please join!

News of the Day

It's been snowing pretty hard in the Midwest. I was worried about the amount of snow, but it looks like we'll be alright. I got class tomorrow, so I hope the pathways are cleared.

People continue to pile on Tiger Woods. Apparently, he has had relationships with 11 women who are not his wife (at least that have come out thus far). His sponsors are trying to keep their distance now. It's ridiculous how people continue to pile on to Tiger.

India got some nuclear reactors from Russia. Hopefully, they can make bombs better than my housemate "Dud" Kreter.

Lastly, I bought tickets to Kid Cudi today at the Michigan Theater. I had the chance to buy 6 tickets, but I didn't want to charge $240 to my credit card. I could have bought the tickets and resold them for big money. I'm not kicking myself because I actually have tickets. Unlike some people I know.

Football Saturdays

Tailgating prior on Football Saturdays is one of the fine traditions that the University has. I couldn't imagine the University without it. The day I walk down Hill and State street and see empty front lawns, I will shed a tear. Tailgating is something that we students earned during the week. Michigan is such a great school because of its academic rigor. We students work hard, so that we can play hard.

Anyway, you're probably wondering why I bring up tailgating on Football Saturday. Well, in today's Michigan Daily, there was an article about a program other Big Ten schools are implementing to curb drinking before games. The University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin have introduced programs which will breathalyze students who have been previously ejected from a game. The idea is to allow students a chance to attend games, but in such a way that their behavior is fit. Drinking affects the way people act whether with their coordination or their attitude. By implementing such a rule, these two universities are hoping to reduce drinking prior to games and this type of crude behavior.

It does not appear that the University of Michigan has a plan like that at its Big Ten counterparts. Additionally, if they do implement a plan, they would like to implement one specific to the University. I don't know what kind of action they would take, but I don't think that they should specifically attack Football Saturday. There are thousands of students and alumni who tailgate prior to football games. There are only so many arrests per week. The actions and irresponsibility of a few people should not ruin the party for everyone else.

I do hope that the University does implement a plan though. As I was walking to the Ohio State game, it was the first time I was embarrassed to be a Michigan student. I love this school as much as anyone if not more, but seeing the behavior of students who were severely intoxicated whether it be their coordination, comprehension, or their behavior really was a negative experience for me. I tried to put myself in the position of an outsider. Would I be impressed by students of such a great university if I saw them in that state? Absolutely not.

Fun is an intricate part of the University experience, but there's a line that needs to be maintained. The University's image is important too, and to me, people stumbling out of parties, having trouble staying awake, or getting into fights for all the world to see is not a positive depiction of our school. I understand that drinking is all about having a good time or getting pumped up for the game, but you don't disappear to some fantasy world on Football Saturdays. There is a certain decorum that needs to be maintained.

Where are your money bags, Phil Kessel?

It's easy to score
when you don't have a soul
and money means more
than a championship ring!

Charles Woodson: Great Player, Great Person

Charles Woodson donated $2 million to the new University of Michigan Mott Children's Hospital and Women's Hospital. He's experiencing a rejuvenation in his career and now he's trying to help rejuvenate our future. Giving to his alma mater's medical facilities, he's coming back strong.

24 Season 8 Trailer

The trailer is out for the new season of 24. Booyah.

World's Strictest Parents

My housemates and I started watching this show. Basically, it's these spoiled kids who are causing way too much trouble for their parents getting sent to a house for a week where they have strict parents. The strict parents essentially bitch slap the kids back into line, and it's quite exquisite to watch. You'll see kids with an absolutely carefree, don't give a shit attitude completely lose touch with what they were. If I was friends with someone on the show, I would probably make fun of them like crazy. Some of the guys just lose any testicular fortitude they had. I am legally obligated not to comment on the girls.

Sarah Palin Book Signing

So my friend Harika sent me the link to this Sarah Palin Book Signing. I was not the least bit surprised when I found out that the book signing took place in Columbus, Ohio. It's another one of those typical videos which makes conservatives look ignorant. In actuality, most people are ignorant. It's quite entertaining though, so enjoy.

Donavon's Choke and Michigan's Unemployment

Landon Donavon is supposed to lead the US National Team next year in the World Cup. However, he was unable to lead LA Galaxy to triumph in the MLS Cup. He had a great opportunity as he took the fourth penalty which would have put LA on top after their keeper had made a tremendous effort to keep them in it. However, he shanked the kick, pushing it over the net.

He's not the first captain to miss a pivotal kick, but it got me thinking about what we should expect for next year's World Cup. With Charlie Davies out and Oguchi Onyewu looking like he has a 50-50 chance of being available, how will the US do? I can't really say. It depends on the group. We saw that them overcome a heavily favorited Spanish side in the Confederations Cup, but we also saw them blow a 2-0 lead. Can the US outwork their way through the group stage and into the knockout round? Who will step up for them now that Davies is out? I don't know if this one play can make us question Donavon's leadership and reliability, but he's going to have to perform on the pitch. He will be the most talented US player on the squad no matter what.

***

In other news, I found out today that Michigan's unemployment rate has increased above 15 percent. I always love reading about unemployment numbers. It fascinates me that a place that was once such a catalyst for American industry is struggling so much with the economy. I wonder how Michigan can stop the bleeding of jobs. I think we're already seeing the effect of the poor economy as I'm seeing more people pleading for change and more robberies around campus. I'd like to see how the unemployment rate breaks down as well. Ann Arbor seems alright.

I also found it interesting that Massachusetts, my home state, decreased its unemployment rate. What is Massachusetts doing right that other states are failing at? It wouldn't hurt to find out. States like Massachusetts can provide a model for the others to right their economies. Until then states like Michigan might struggle with nearly 1 in 6 persons in the job market jobless.

What is Twilight?

So New Moon set records for US and Worldwide 5-day opening weekend.

I have no idea what this movie is about, but I heard a lot of girls are into them because of the books. I didn't know there were books either. And here I was, thinking that it was the new beer from Blue Moon Brewing Company.

At least people are reading...right?

Letter from the AD and Dean

U-M students:

We are sure you are as excited as we are about Saturday's football
game against the Ohio State University.  We are counting on our
student section within Michigan Stadium to add to our home-field
advantage.  Your support, enthusiasm - and NOISE - will help give
the Wolverines an edge.

At the same time, we anticipate that you will join other fans and
residents in welcoming our opponents to Ann Arbor by being
gracious hosts to our visitors.  While Michigan students are known for
good sportsmanship, that reputation has occasionally been tarnished
by some students using offensive behavior and language toward
opposing fans, and throwing objects at people and onto the field.  This
behavior is not consistent with Michigan pride, our tradition or our
reputation.

Games with intense rivalries can sometimes heighten fan concerns about
safety.  As always, the safety of our team, students, fans and visitors will
be our first priority.  To ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable
experience, law enforcement agencies will respond swiftly to any
dangerous or illegal behavior within Michigan Stadium and surrounding
areas.  Laws regarding drunken driving, underage drinking, and other
safety concerns will be strictly enforced.  If you will be hosting a
gathering, here are recommendations from Student Legal Services to
help minimize risks and maximize fun:

Be considerate of neighbors.
Monitor how much people are drinking.
Control the noise level.
Be respectful of the police.
Leave your drinks behind when you leave a party.
Use bathrooms, not bushes.
Use trash containers, not the ground.
Make sure those under 21 are not drinking.

Things not to do:
Do not walk in the streets with open alcohol.
Do not allow drunk people to drive.
Do not play music, etc. loudly between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

While at Saturday's game, to report a crime, disorderly conduct or
suspicious behavior to the University Police, call 734/763-1131 or send
a text message to 377911.  As always, in an emergency, call 911.

You can start the weekend by attending any number of exciting events.
U-Mix kicks off the weekend on Friday from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. in the
Michigan Union.  Come check it out: -Performance by ComCoat 10
followed by a showing of "The Final Destination: Rest in Pieces" at 11 p.m.
in Anderson, performed by NBH Unplugged at 11 p.m. in Pendleton,
ThinkFast put on by Phi Mu in the Ballroom, Karaoke all night in the UClub
with a Nacho-Bar coming out at midnight.  For more information, see the
U-Mix website at http://www.umich.edu/~umix/.  For a schedule of other
U-M events, see http://events.umich.edu/

Go Blue!

Bill Martin, Athletic Director
Laura Blake Jones, Dean of Students

I always find these funny.

Forget Belmont, Party at Willard

So this Thursday is Belmont, a bar night for AKPsis. Normally, this is a great opportunity to go out and have a good time at a bar with fellow brothers. However, my house is having a party on Thursday night paid for by the Snowboarding Club, so I'm not going to miss it. In fact, I had paid money to go, decided not to go and got my money back instead. I loved Belmont the first couple times I went, but it's really lost its luster on me. Anyway, parties at Willard are always a good time. AND it's OSU weekend.

Go Blue!

Tuesday November 17th

I started this blog to post random things I see and random thoughts I have through out the day. I encounter so many things that I find interesting and that I want other people to see. However, as much as I want people to see these things, I don't want to clog up people's Facebook feeds with my posts. So this is the new one-stop destination for all things Shep. This is Shep's Universe.

So as some of you might know, I've gone more than two weeks without a phone. To be honest, it's been kind of nice. A mini-vacation, you might want to call it. However, I'm so disconnected from the world. I don't know how many people have smart phones which send emails straight to your phone, but having gone without one, I've missed a lot. I'm used to having emails at my disposal as soon as they're sent. I haven't had that liberty these last couple weeks, and I've missed out on events and announcements as a result. It's been unfortunate.

Anyway, I was finally able to go to Verizon on Friday to get my new phone. They didn't have a replacement phone in stock, so they shipped one to me. She said it would be here Monday. Not that I was awake for most of Monday, but the phone didn't come. I went to my noon class and came home, still no phone. I updated my Facebook status:

Dear Verizon, where is my phone? You said it would be here Monday, it's Tuesday and still absent from my life. I haven't had a phone in two weeks, and I would like to reconnect with the world. I've been so lost without my phone, my housemates sent out a search party, my parents filed a missing persons report, I fired a SOS flare. Dear Verizon, please get me my phone asap.

Soon after I made that status update, the door bell rings. Indubitably, it's the FEDEX guy with my phone. It was incredible. I was in the middle of cooking so I couldn't do anything. Additionally, I needed to get a synch cable in order to save my contacts, more on that later. I was elated that I got my new phone, but I haven't been feeling well. I took a nap instead of immediately trying to activate my new phone.

So I IMed my housemate to see if he had a synch cable that I could use. I don't have mine in Michigan. He said he had one, but he wasn't going to be back until 7, so I had to wait. No biggie, I'm a patient guy. I didn't get to try to activate my new phone until after a student organization meeting. Anyway, I first had to download blackberry desktop. No biggie, but when I went to try and synch up my phone, I realized that the cable didn't fit. Apparently, the Tour and the Storm have different synch cables. The Verizon lady said that I shouldn't have problems if there are other Verizon users in my house. Well, I have a problem.

Then I went to set up my Verizon account. Account name, email, no more problems, until they decided to text my "temporary password" to my phone. Hey Verizon, I'm making an account so that I can activate my new phone. My old phone is broken. How the fuck am I supposed to get a text message on my old phone if it's broken? Why can't you email me my temporary password like normal people?

Basically, I can't activate my phone. I have to go to the Verizon store to activate my phone, and I'm exceedingly angry right now. I'm eating Reese's Miniatures and M&Ms in the Stacks, trying to make myself feel better. I'm steaming harder than Mike Matusow though.