Song of the Day: (Wish I Could) Hideaway by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Dirty Bird

This is My Sobering Outlook

Last night, I dreamed that my grandmother died in my arms. The one that is alive. Tonight was sort of like it right?...you know...except for the fact that I will only ever have one grandmother. There is always another season.

Sobering.

Obama on the Oil Spill

I'm glad that Obama is taking a hard stance on this. I hope they continue to make progress in protecting the environment, though I believe the extent of the damage has been blown out of proportion.

Cooper and Kids

Anderson Cooper interviewed some kids:

(CNN) - A white child looks at a picture of a black child and says she's bad because she's black. A black child says a white child is ugly because he's white. A white child says a black child is dumb because she has dark skin.

Kids can tell more about America than others because they're so much more honest.

Facebook Safety

Song of the Day: Don't Stop Believin' by Journey

This one is for Wally and all other Bruins fans.

The Party Problem

Yesterday, I was talking about why I like David Cameron. He saw that his party was losing popularity and appeal, and that changes were necessary to reform his party. In order to do this, he chose to have the party adapt policies or stances that would attract new segments of the British population. The idea to change the parties stances seems to have gone over the heads of party leaders in the United States. Republicans and Democrats are hellbent on creating a partisan society. It's all about allegiances to the party and not about making the right decisions on getting things done. This stems widely from the fact that both parties have taken opposite stances on pretty much everything, and the only thing they have ended up agreeing on is their love for America. The problem is this partisanship makes it so they can't help America.

I wanted to focus on the Republican Party because I think they could be the more likable party if they decided to make some reforms. This is because I hate a lot of the social initiatives like healthcare, welfare, and other government institutions that the Democrats have created. I believe decisions should be made on what's right. I believe whatever helps America should be what is done. I also think that America has gone soft. It's not that we have too many people, but rather we've just become a fat cat nation. I'm not just talking about weight, we have become too complacent in our status as the leading nation in the world, so now we're struggling to get the wheels moving again. We need to become more competitive as a nation. I attribute a lot of this to the fact that we've gone against basic biological principles, namely Darwin's survival of the fittest. The strong should survive and the weak should die out. If you're saving the weak, it's not the strong that are paying the price, it's everyone. I could go on and on, but the main point is that the Republican Party's policies go more along these lines than the Democrats.

My main problem with the Republican Party is their leadership. Their leadership is more focused on creating partisanship through fear mongering than they are trying to do what's right. The policies are what dictate a party's appeal, and the policies of the Republican Party are archaic. To alienate certain demographics is just asinine. Their stance against many civil rights movements as well as religious and moral overtures in shaping these policies more than turns me off to policies they have right like the economy and taxes. Morals do have their place in politics, but religion should not be used to shape it. We should not be using religion to form opinions on abortion. We should not use religion to create prejudices against people. That's not the American way. They have no way in politics. They may shape your personal decisions on certain issues, but they have no place on the national stage. They need to ease off on imbuing religion into politics. They need to make wholesale changes to reach wider demographics not to get more people to vote for them but also to better America.

If the Republican truly care about America like the Tories care about Britain, they will be willing to compromise some of their policies because of their love for their country. They should be wanting to better America because as great as America is, there are things that need to be fixed. I find it hard to believe that the Republicans truly love America if they are so willing to divide it. The welfare of the nation should always be the number one priority. It always amazes me how individuals consider their own beliefs before those that will improve welfare of the nation. It's about time someone started to put more belief in America, the American People, and the American Idea.

Cameron's Coup

This is a great article on Cameron. Cameron is becoming my favorite politician because while he is from a party of several British ideals, he has looked to modernize the party to have become more inclusive in representing a wider scope of people. When there was a hung parliament, Cameron didn't sit back and wait for another election. He acted and brought together two parties of different ideologies. He plans to work together to better Britain. This is an important development in party politics. I hate partisanship and party politics, and I'm already amazed at what Cameron is doing. He has only been in office a few days.

Meet Elena Kagen

Cameron's Coalition Cabinet Congregation

I like this guy already. I wonder if he played the Eton Wall Game.

Terrested

Shit, I live in the town next to Watertown.

Graphic: Thai Leader After Shooting

Arizona Boycotts Begin

A little city in Southern California is boycotting Arizona as well.

Song of the Day: Love, Reign O'er Me by The Who

Only love can make it rain.

Gusher

They Like Their Hockey

Montreal fans rioted after the Habs' Game 7 victory:

MONTREAL -- Police regained control of the downtown core early Thursday after firing tear gas at hundreds of bottle-tossing youths who looted businesses following the Montreal Canadiens' Game 7 victory in Pittsburgh.

The vandalism occurred after most of the tens of thousands of jubilant hockey fans left the area.

Looters wrapped their faces in garments -- in some cases the ones they'd stolen -- and dashed into a liquor store. With their identities concealed, they leaped through the smashed front window and emerged moments later with their arms full.

Not the least bit surprising. There was riot police out when I was in Montreal last week.

Another Great World Cup Commercial

I hate Scouse water.

Song of the Day: LDN by Lily Allen

In honor of Fulham:

As Promised

World Cup Squads...

Argentina:

Argentina squad: Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Diego Pozo (Colon)
Defenders: Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan), Gabriel Heinze (Olympique Marseille), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Juan Manuel Insaurralde (Newell's Old Boys), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes), Ariel Garce (Colon)
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Sebastian Blanco (Lanus), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Jesus Datolo (Olympiacos), Jose Sosa (Estudiantes), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Liverpool), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina), Juan Mercier (Argentinos Juniors), Angel Di Maria (Benfica), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle), Javier Pastore (Palermo)
Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli).

Obviously, the first questions that come to mind is why Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso, two players critical to Inter's treble quest, were left off. I know that Maradona doesn't have the best relationship with Zanetti, but it is important to have the best team possible. Those are two great players.

Additionally, look at those forwards. Usually teams will carry 4 forwards. Who do you leave out? Messi is a certainty, but you probably can't leave out Tevez or Higuaín. Milito has had a great season as well. Does Maradona leave out his son-in-law, Agüero?

Brazil:

Brazil squad: Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (AS Roma), Gomes (Tottenham Hotspur)
Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Michel Bastos (Olympique Lyon), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (AS Roma), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan)
Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Fiorentina), Ramires (Benfica), Elano (Galatasaray), Kaka (Real Madrid), Julio Baptista (Roma), Kleberson (Flamengo), Josue (VfL Wolfsburg).
Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Villarreal), Grafite (VfL Wolfsburg).

I'm not disappointed that Dunga omitted Ronaldinho, but I am disappointed that he did not include Pato. I think Dunga is being smart about having a very no nonsense squad. This is essentially the Brazil squad we saw in the Confederatons Cup. It's strong defensively and very efficient. They will certainly be a factor in the tournament.

France:

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Olympique Lyon), Steve Mandanda(Olympique Marseille), Cedric Carrasso (Girondins Bordeaux), Mickael Landreau (Lille)
Defenders: Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), William Gallas (Arsenal), Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Rod Fanni (Stade Rennes), Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla), Adil Rami (Lille), Marc Planus (Girondins Bordeaux), Gael Clichy(Arsenal), Anthony Reveillere (Olympique Lyon)
Midfielders: Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), Alou Diarra(Girondins Bordeaux), Jeremy Toulalan (Olympique Lyon), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Yoann Gourcuff (Girondins Bordeaux), Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Yann M'Vila (Stade Rennes)
Forwards: Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Sidney Govou (Olympique Lyon), Djibril Cisse (Panathinaikos), Hatem Ben Arfa (Olympique Marseille), Mathieu Valbuena (Olympique Marseille), Jimmy Briand (Stade Rennes)

Not much to say about the 2006 runners up. Obviously, Zidane retired after that Cup, and the team just hasn't been as good since. Henry is not nearly the factor he was in 2006 and I suspect his inclusion is primarily for leadership purposes.

I don't think we will see many surprises when it comes to the defense. There only concern is whether William Gallas can recover in time. It will be interesting to see what midfielders and forwards will be included. I really would love to see Abou Diaby get in, but he hasn't played much, while Gourcuff, Malouda, and Toulalan are certain to make it and perhaps the Diarras as well (no relation). I don't know what forwards will be included, but I expect Henry to lead the team. Anelka is almost a certainty with his terrific season for English champions Chelsea and Franck Ribery should have a place sealed up as well. Of the rest, Gignac is probably the obvious choice, but he hasn't had the best season.

England:

England's 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup finals:
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), David James (Portsmouth), Robert Green (West Ham).
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Michael Dawson (Tottenham), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Ledley King (Tottenham), John Terry (Chelsea), Matthew Upson (West Ham), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa).
Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham), Adam Johnson (Manchester City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), James Milner (Aston Villa), Scott Parker (West Ham), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City).
Forwards: Darren Bent (Sunderland), Peter Crouch (Tottenham), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United).

I don't think there are any surprises in the squad. People will question the omission of players like Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor. However, as Capello said, he wants players who will make the team as a whole better. That is what he is looking for. I think England will have a good squad, but they have a lot of injury woes heading into the World Cup. Rooney has to be healthy.

Germany:

Germany's provisional 27-man World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers: Hans-Jorg Butt (Bayern Munich), Manuel Neuer (Schalke 04), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen)
Defenders: Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Heiko Westermann (Schalke 04), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Jerome Boateng (Hamburg), Andreas Beck (Hoffenheim), Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin), Serdar Tasci (Stuttgart), Marcell Jansen (Hamburg), Holger Badstuber (Bayern Munich), Dennis Aogo (Hamburg).
Midfielders: Michael Ballack (Chelsea/ENG), Sami Khedira (Stuggart), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburg), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Christian Trasch (Stuttgart), Mesut Ozil (Werder Bremen), Toni Kroos (Bayer Leverkusen).
Forwards: Lukas Podolski (Cologne), Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich), Stefan Kiessling (Bayer Leverkusen), Cacau (Stuttgart), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich).

Not many surprises from the German squad. Surprised that Podolski made the squad despite the fact that he hasn't had a good season. He seems to work well with Klose and Schweinsteiger, so that is probably why. It will be interesting to see how that goalkeeping situation works out because I am not a fan of Jorg-Butt.

Spain:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), David De Gea (Atletico de Madrid), Diego Lopez (Villareal), Jose Manuel 'Pepe' Reina (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
Defenders: Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Osasuna), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid).
Midfielders: Xabier Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Javier Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), Marcos Senna (Villarreal), David Silva (Valencia), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona).
Forwards: Santiago Cazorla (Villarreal), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Daniel Guiza (Fenerbache), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia).

This is essentially the same squad that has dominated international football for the past couple years. There are some injury concerns, particularly with striker Fernando Torres, and star midfielders Fabregas, Xavi, and Iniesta. If healthy, Spain is the team to beat.

Netherlands:

Squad: Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax), Sander Boschker (FC Twente), Michel Vorm (FC Utrecht); Vurnon Anita (Ajax), Khalid Boulahrouz (Stuttgart), Edson Braafheid (Celtic), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), John Heitinga (Everton), Joris Mathijsen (HSV), Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax), Andre Ooijer (PSV); Otman Bakkal (PSV), Mark van Bommel (Bayern Munich), Wout Brama (FC Twente), Orlando Engelaar (PSV), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), David Mendes da Silva (AZ), Stijn Schaars (AZ), Wesley Sneijder (Inter), Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid), Demy de Zeeuw (Ajax), Ibrahim Afellay (PSV); Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool), Jeremain Lens (AZ), Eljero Elia (HSV), Ryan Babel (Liverpool), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (AC Milan), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich).

The Netherlands have plenty of firepower despite not including a talismanic striker like Van Nistelrooy. Robben and Sneijder have been in fantastic form all season and Robin van Persie has been great since returning to season. There Netherlands probably play the most exciting brand of football in the world and should impress in South Africa as well.

USA:

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolves)
Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Jonathan Spector (West Ham)
Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro), Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), Jose Torres (Pachuca)
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Edson Buddle (Los Angeles Galaxy), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Puebla), Eddie Johnson (Aris Thessaloniki).

I am very disappointed that Charlie Davies was not included in the squad, but I have to give credit to Bradley for not being sentimental or risky about including the Sochaux striker. The US has a very industrious squad that will probably be led by Donovan and Clint Dempsey. They will need to outwork their opponents if they want to advance.

David Cameron Heads the Coalition

This is going to be all videos:




All from different news sources.

There is a God

John Terry may be out of the World Cup after suffering a broken foot:

John Terry has been taken to hospital after suffering a bad blow to his right foot that could rule the defender out of England's squad for the World Cup.

Fabio Capello already has injury doubts over a number of players, including Gareth Barry, and Terry can now add himself to the list after a possible metatarsal injury that he suffered in a Chelsea training session at Cobham.

Terry is easily one of my least favorite players in the world. He is a key player in England's defense and with questions already with Rio Ferdinand's health could make for trouble for Fabio Capello's side. Let's also remember who they play in the first game.

I'll have more World Cup coverage since most teams released their preliminary squads yesterday.

UPDATE: Terry does not have a broken foot and will try to play this weekend.

Menino is an Idiot!

I have hated Boston's mayor for such a long time. Boston is a hotbed of education. It is the quintessential college town. Then you have guys like this representing the city, and that just doesn't fly. He sounds like an idiot and then he says stuff like this that confirms it. I don't know how year after year he is elected to the mayorship, but it's a shame. I despise the guy.