Happy Tiger Woods Day everyone!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
There's Stupid...
...Then there's Mike Leach
From ESPN:
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
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:
Just a couple quotes from the Telegraph column.
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.
Monday, December 28, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
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:
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?"
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?"
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.
Monday, December 21, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
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!
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.
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.
Monday, December 7, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
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!
when you don't have a soul
and money means more
than a championship ring!
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