05 May 2009
not dead, just away for a while
I realize its been way, wayyyy too long since my last post, yet the drought will continue until around June 8. After that, when I am bound to have much more time on my hands, there will be a return to form for the ol' blog.
31 March 2009
mtp minute
AmeriCorps conference and hyphy DC United weekend kept me from an earlier post.
MTP Minute for 29 March:
- Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner: Well, I have to say that after his appearance I am slightly more confident in the plan he put forth to save the banking system. While he is clearly not the best communicator (in stark contrast to his boss), he is knowledgeable and apparently competent. I am thinking though, that people might not have the highest confidence in his abilities due to his rather technical way of speaking and his general Frenchman-like appearance. My suggestion to Secretary Geithner? Get a serious-looking haircut and drop the nasal-sounding voice. That way, when you are speaking like a braniac, the American people won't reflexively think you some sort of wimpy, effete European.
- Senator John McCain: I actually liked to hear what Sen. McCain had to say on MTP. He didn't sound bitter or crazed like he did back before the election, but rather like the moderate, thoughtful senator he was before he ran for president. I would like to see him assume more of a leadership role in the Republican party until they can pick some wacko conservative to replace him ahead of the 2010 election cycle, as maybe then he could get enough of them to stop being professional haters and instead resume their duties of responsible cooperation with the Democratic majority.
David Gregory Match Rating: 8.5 - I really liked his thorough walktrough of the Secretary's bank plan, being sure to point out its potential rewards and its risks. The on-screen graphics really did it for me.
MTP Minute for 29 March:
- Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner: Well, I have to say that after his appearance I am slightly more confident in the plan he put forth to save the banking system. While he is clearly not the best communicator (in stark contrast to his boss), he is knowledgeable and apparently competent. I am thinking though, that people might not have the highest confidence in his abilities due to his rather technical way of speaking and his general Frenchman-like appearance. My suggestion to Secretary Geithner? Get a serious-looking haircut and drop the nasal-sounding voice. That way, when you are speaking like a braniac, the American people won't reflexively think you some sort of wimpy, effete European.
- Senator John McCain: I actually liked to hear what Sen. McCain had to say on MTP. He didn't sound bitter or crazed like he did back before the election, but rather like the moderate, thoughtful senator he was before he ran for president. I would like to see him assume more of a leadership role in the Republican party until they can pick some wacko conservative to replace him ahead of the 2010 election cycle, as maybe then he could get enough of them to stop being professional haters and instead resume their duties of responsible cooperation with the Democratic majority.
David Gregory Match Rating: 8.5 - I really liked his thorough walktrough of the Secretary's bank plan, being sure to point out its potential rewards and its risks. The on-screen graphics really did it for me.
25 March 2009
new spain kits
Speaking of threestripes...
Spain unveiled their new home kits recently, shown below:
I am really not sure how I feel about it... I mean the stripe seems kind of cool, but it ends awkwardly at the bottom of the shirt. I think keeping the shirt that proved lucky enough for Euro 2008 would have been a good idea, but then again this is soccer and kits must be refreshed to make the bacon.
Also of note is the Cats vibe that the adidas promoters created for the event:
Prrrrr.
Spain unveiled their new home kits recently, shown below:
I am really not sure how I feel about it... I mean the stripe seems kind of cool, but it ends awkwardly at the bottom of the shirt. I think keeping the shirt that proved lucky enough for Euro 2008 would have been a good idea, but then again this is soccer and kits must be refreshed to make the bacon.
Also of note is the Cats vibe that the adidas promoters created for the event:
Prrrrr.
23 March 2009
monday mtp minute
Saturdays of hard drinking never lend themselves to a prompt Sunday MTP report... that won't change anytime soon.
Monday MTP Minute:
- Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ed Rendell and Mayor Michael Bloomberg. I will never get tired of hearing Ahnold say "California"... what a great governor! Anyway, the Govs and the Mayor were on to showcase their support for increased investment in infrastructure across the nation. While the investment is clearly needed, is this the time to be making such huge outlays on so many projects? I say yes. I agree with the Governors and the Mayor on this one. The government needs to make this investment now while the public is in the mood to accept such spending. In all honestly, though, if government hadn't been so shortsighted when we had record SURPLUSES, this wouln't have been such an issue right now, when we have pretty much NO money. Yeah, so much for those fantastic Bush tax cuts.
- Roundtable of Tom Brokaw and Erin Burnett: Nothing terribly insightful here, so no characters wasted on it.
David Gregory Match Rating: 7.0 - Question for Schwarzenegger regarding Special Olympics was old before it was asked, could have really done without it.
Monday MTP Minute:
- Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ed Rendell and Mayor Michael Bloomberg. I will never get tired of hearing Ahnold say "California"... what a great governor! Anyway, the Govs and the Mayor were on to showcase their support for increased investment in infrastructure across the nation. While the investment is clearly needed, is this the time to be making such huge outlays on so many projects? I say yes. I agree with the Governors and the Mayor on this one. The government needs to make this investment now while the public is in the mood to accept such spending. In all honestly, though, if government hadn't been so shortsighted when we had record SURPLUSES, this wouln't have been such an issue right now, when we have pretty much NO money. Yeah, so much for those fantastic Bush tax cuts.
- Roundtable of Tom Brokaw and Erin Burnett: Nothing terribly insightful here, so no characters wasted on it.
David Gregory Match Rating: 7.0 - Question for Schwarzenegger regarding Special Olympics was old before it was asked, could have really done without it.
18 March 2009
umm... wednesday mtp minute
Yeah, yeah, its Wednesday, but somehow the business of Sunday is still at hand.
Without further ado, the mtp minute:
- Dr. Christina Romer: I think that the Obama Administration needed to pick a more deft politician to explain their economic position, if nothing else someone more pleasant to look at. At most times, it seemed like Romer knew what she was talking about regarding the economy - she is a DOCTOR of the DOLLARS after all. David Gregory managed to get the better of her at times, though, especially when he called out the president on remarking that the fundamentals of the economy are strong. Just in case you don't remember, Senator McCain was lambasted for the same comment made back in September, albeit that comment was unfortunately (for McCain) made on the day that Lehman Brothers collapsed. Dr. Romer really didn't have the best political answer to this question when Mr. Gregory prodded her, and for that I wish the Obama team had someone more deft at the rhetorical arts up at the plate for them.
- Roundtable of David Frum, Katty Kay, Steve Liesman, and Tavis Smiley: Jesus Christ, what the hell was Tavis Smiley talking about? Every time he tried to lead the conversation, he ended up bringing about an off-topic tangent that really had more to do with a political agenda (why poor people aren't being helped in the economic stimulus plans, which is not true) and less to do with the discussion at hand (the fact that CNBC was asleep at the wheel regarding the financial crisis). Was he on drugs or something? Terrible.
David Gregory Match Rating: 8.5, for deftly eschewing the nonsensical comments of Smiley and zapping Romer on the spot.
Without further ado, the mtp minute:
- Dr. Christina Romer: I think that the Obama Administration needed to pick a more deft politician to explain their economic position, if nothing else someone more pleasant to look at. At most times, it seemed like Romer knew what she was talking about regarding the economy - she is a DOCTOR of the DOLLARS after all. David Gregory managed to get the better of her at times, though, especially when he called out the president on remarking that the fundamentals of the economy are strong. Just in case you don't remember, Senator McCain was lambasted for the same comment made back in September, albeit that comment was unfortunately (for McCain) made on the day that Lehman Brothers collapsed. Dr. Romer really didn't have the best political answer to this question when Mr. Gregory prodded her, and for that I wish the Obama team had someone more deft at the rhetorical arts up at the plate for them.
- Roundtable of David Frum, Katty Kay, Steve Liesman, and Tavis Smiley: Jesus Christ, what the hell was Tavis Smiley talking about? Every time he tried to lead the conversation, he ended up bringing about an off-topic tangent that really had more to do with a political agenda (why poor people aren't being helped in the economic stimulus plans, which is not true) and less to do with the discussion at hand (the fact that CNBC was asleep at the wheel regarding the financial crisis). Was he on drugs or something? Terrible.
David Gregory Match Rating: 8.5, for deftly eschewing the nonsensical comments of Smiley and zapping Romer on the spot.
10 March 2009
what an embarrassment
Well, some postgame thoughts from the Real Madrid - Liverpool clash:
1. So much for the "Greatest Team of the XX Century." Yes, they certainly played like a team that peaked 9 or so years ago. Jesus fucking Christ, this was a terrible performance from my beloved Blancos. More nuanced analysis of the shitty play to come.
2. Iker Casillas is arguably the greatest keeper on the planet today. Saying that after a keeper is scored on 4 times in a game may seem surprising, but in reality without him Madrid would have been down 7 or so goals. He played out of his skin for the whole game, even when the result was far out of hand (just look at the Torres attempt just before he came off).
3. Juande Ramos is not the coach of the future for Madrid. This team has looked like absolute crap in two straight big games and I place the blame squarely on the coach. He simply has not gotten them up and ready for the big game. Yes, he has turned their form around in La Liga, but this team, with all of its talent and skill, should win those games on autopilot (or at least with a modicum of decent coaching). I will say it right here that I hope Real can win all of the games they can against La Liga competition beore tehy have to face off with Barcelona towards the end of the season, because they are sure to lose that game. In the best case scenario for Madrid, Liverpool fail to win the Champions League (I would bet on them) and the Premier League (I would not bet on them) and Rafa gets the sack. The new regime of Florentino Perez (I pray) would be smart enough to nab him up immediately.
3a. Rafa Benitez is one of the best Champions League managers of recent times. If Madrid were to get him, they could do to lose out on La Liga for a couple of years while their play in the Champions League would surely improve.
4. Is the Spanish game falling off compared to the English one? The English-speaking commentators on ESPN sure seemed to think so and I would be hard pressed to disagree. Madrid looked as if they were utterly baffled by the quick, physical play of Liverpool. While Madrid's game might suit them well in Spain, it looked absolutely awful against stiff English competition. Then again, with better coaching and preparation, Madrid might have had a better day of it.
5. Heinze needs to be shipped off to MLS immediately... what the fuck is this guy doing on my team? Although the handball in the penalty area was obviously a blown call, he was still not very inspiring or convincing in the back.
Well, that's all I can bear to speak on right now. I have to wash this disgusting feeling off of my person. Blegh.
1. So much for the "Greatest Team of the XX Century." Yes, they certainly played like a team that peaked 9 or so years ago. Jesus fucking Christ, this was a terrible performance from my beloved Blancos. More nuanced analysis of the shitty play to come.
2. Iker Casillas is arguably the greatest keeper on the planet today. Saying that after a keeper is scored on 4 times in a game may seem surprising, but in reality without him Madrid would have been down 7 or so goals. He played out of his skin for the whole game, even when the result was far out of hand (just look at the Torres attempt just before he came off).
3. Juande Ramos is not the coach of the future for Madrid. This team has looked like absolute crap in two straight big games and I place the blame squarely on the coach. He simply has not gotten them up and ready for the big game. Yes, he has turned their form around in La Liga, but this team, with all of its talent and skill, should win those games on autopilot (or at least with a modicum of decent coaching). I will say it right here that I hope Real can win all of the games they can against La Liga competition beore tehy have to face off with Barcelona towards the end of the season, because they are sure to lose that game. In the best case scenario for Madrid, Liverpool fail to win the Champions League (I would bet on them) and the Premier League (I would not bet on them) and Rafa gets the sack. The new regime of Florentino Perez (I pray) would be smart enough to nab him up immediately.
3a. Rafa Benitez is one of the best Champions League managers of recent times. If Madrid were to get him, they could do to lose out on La Liga for a couple of years while their play in the Champions League would surely improve.
4. Is the Spanish game falling off compared to the English one? The English-speaking commentators on ESPN sure seemed to think so and I would be hard pressed to disagree. Madrid looked as if they were utterly baffled by the quick, physical play of Liverpool. While Madrid's game might suit them well in Spain, it looked absolutely awful against stiff English competition. Then again, with better coaching and preparation, Madrid might have had a better day of it.
5. Heinze needs to be shipped off to MLS immediately... what the fuck is this guy doing on my team? Although the handball in the penalty area was obviously a blown call, he was still not very inspiring or convincing in the back.
Well, that's all I can bear to speak on right now. I have to wash this disgusting feeling off of my person. Blegh.
cl preview edition, 2nd leg
Its the second week of March, we have all turned off the heat (except for Jesse, perhaps?) and are ready to tune in to the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16. Last time around, I think I was decent with my predicting. Now I know there is a big difference between a 1-1 draw and a 2-2 draw when the away goals rule is in effect, but still there is only so much clarity I can get from my crystal ball - unlike Mike's new TV, which when coupled with Ashaad's HDMI cable provides stunning clarity... we should expect nothing less from Champions League sponsor Sony!
Second Leg:
10 March
1) Juventus - Chelsea
"Fantastic Donkey" Didier Drogba picked himself off the ground and scored a early game matchwinner at home in the first leg to provide the Pensioners a slim lead going into this tie. I see Juve playing Chelsea tough again, even gaining an early goal, just to see the effort go to rot with a daggerific Chelsea goal in the later stages of the game.
Juventus 1 - Chelsea 1 (Chelsea advance on aggregate 2-1)
2) Panathinaikos - Villarreal
The return leg of the Gyro Express versus the Yellow Submarine just reminds us all that somehow, one of these lackluster clubs is going through to the next round while either Manchester United or Inter will not. Ain't that a b? Anyway, I see the home cooking sinking the Yellow Submarine after giving up that costly goal at home in Spain.
Panathinaikos 1 - 0 Villarreal (Panathinaikos advance on aggregate 2-1)
3) Liverpool - Real Madrid
Oh boy... how quickly can the tables turn on your squad of choice. Heading into the first leg, Madrid were coming off a solid 2-0 victory against baby Barca squad RCD Espanyol while Liverpool were coming off of a backbreaking, nay, season-dooming draw to Man City. While Liverpool aren't exactly resurgent, Madrid seem like they have completely forgotten how to play the game. Coming off of a lucky draw to cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid, Real don't seem like they are in a mood to advance. Expect attacking play to earn them a goal, but it won't be enough to see them through when the Kop urges on their squad to an advancing goal. Rafa to celebrate at local pastry shop after the game.
Liverpool 1 - 1 Real Madrid (Liverpool advance on aggregate 2-1)
4) Bayern Munich - Sporting Lisbon
Why should I bother? When you let the Germans have a romp in your backyard like they did two weeks ago, what chance do you have to advance, Sporting? None is the answer. I see you saving some modicum of face by scoring a goal, but that might be it. My initial hopes for Landycakes getting some CL time may have to wait for some future matchup with an even bigger lead going into the second leg, should that ever occur.
Bayern 3 - 1 Sporting (Bayern advance on aggregate 8-1)
11 March
1) Man U - Inter
I'm not going to lie, Man U didn't do themselves many favors by not scoring away in the first leg. Not that these team seems very stoppable right now, I just think it leaves too much room for a Special One coup through a shocking goal or goals. Van Der Saar needs to make sure he has his head on straight going into this tie, for Inter are no Newcastle and could certainly punish any foolish mistakes the Dutchman could make. Maybe its the puppet admirer in me, but I think Jose will pull out all the stops to zap his gum chewing rival.
Man U 1 - 1 Inter (Inter advance on away goals 1-1)
2) Roma - Arsenal
I think the Voyeur should feel safe in his team advancing through to the next round. They've got their home goal in the bank and will be looking to score another for insurance, which I am sure they will be able to do. Roma will not go down without a fight, though, and I see them pulling one back to great futility late in the game.
Roma 1 - 1 Arsenal (Arsenal advance on aggregate 2-1)
3) Barcelona - Lyon
Well-a, this second leg is going to be a lot spicier than my earlier prediction would have let on. Barca was 'avin a bit of a laffa for the past couple of weeks, but they seemed to have had a return to form after their clash with Athletic Bilbao baggins this weekend. Lyon suffered a recent domestic defeat, but I think they will be inspired by the possibility that this tie presents. In the end, though, the stage and players for Barca will be too much and I see them advancing through (especially when Barca realizes that goals only count when they go into the net, not hit the woodwork).
Barca 2 - 1 Lyon (Barca advance on aggregate 3-2)
4) Porto - Atletico Madrid
While I thought the contest was going to be evenly matched last leg, I didn't see as many goals being scored as there were. After seeing Atletico take on my boys this weekend, they seem like they have got their footballing act together... minus the whole finishing thing. By rights, the result in the derbi madrileño should have favored Atletico by at least 3 goals, but they were lacking the cutting edge in a big way. I see them digging out of their away-goals hole to come out on top in this match:
Porto 1 - Atletico 2 (Atletico advance on aggregate 4-3)
Second Leg:
10 March
1) Juventus - Chelsea
"Fantastic Donkey" Didier Drogba picked himself off the ground and scored a early game matchwinner at home in the first leg to provide the Pensioners a slim lead going into this tie. I see Juve playing Chelsea tough again, even gaining an early goal, just to see the effort go to rot with a daggerific Chelsea goal in the later stages of the game.
Juventus 1 - Chelsea 1 (Chelsea advance on aggregate 2-1)
2) Panathinaikos - Villarreal
The return leg of the Gyro Express versus the Yellow Submarine just reminds us all that somehow, one of these lackluster clubs is going through to the next round while either Manchester United or Inter will not. Ain't that a b? Anyway, I see the home cooking sinking the Yellow Submarine after giving up that costly goal at home in Spain.
Panathinaikos 1 - 0 Villarreal (Panathinaikos advance on aggregate 2-1)
3) Liverpool - Real Madrid
Oh boy... how quickly can the tables turn on your squad of choice. Heading into the first leg, Madrid were coming off a solid 2-0 victory against baby Barca squad RCD Espanyol while Liverpool were coming off of a backbreaking, nay, season-dooming draw to Man City. While Liverpool aren't exactly resurgent, Madrid seem like they have completely forgotten how to play the game. Coming off of a lucky draw to cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid, Real don't seem like they are in a mood to advance. Expect attacking play to earn them a goal, but it won't be enough to see them through when the Kop urges on their squad to an advancing goal. Rafa to celebrate at local pastry shop after the game.
Liverpool 1 - 1 Real Madrid (Liverpool advance on aggregate 2-1)
4) Bayern Munich - Sporting Lisbon
Why should I bother? When you let the Germans have a romp in your backyard like they did two weeks ago, what chance do you have to advance, Sporting? None is the answer. I see you saving some modicum of face by scoring a goal, but that might be it. My initial hopes for Landycakes getting some CL time may have to wait for some future matchup with an even bigger lead going into the second leg, should that ever occur.
Bayern 3 - 1 Sporting (Bayern advance on aggregate 8-1)
11 March
1) Man U - Inter
I'm not going to lie, Man U didn't do themselves many favors by not scoring away in the first leg. Not that these team seems very stoppable right now, I just think it leaves too much room for a Special One coup through a shocking goal or goals. Van Der Saar needs to make sure he has his head on straight going into this tie, for Inter are no Newcastle and could certainly punish any foolish mistakes the Dutchman could make. Maybe its the puppet admirer in me, but I think Jose will pull out all the stops to zap his gum chewing rival.
Man U 1 - 1 Inter (Inter advance on away goals 1-1)
2) Roma - Arsenal
I think the Voyeur should feel safe in his team advancing through to the next round. They've got their home goal in the bank and will be looking to score another for insurance, which I am sure they will be able to do. Roma will not go down without a fight, though, and I see them pulling one back to great futility late in the game.
Roma 1 - 1 Arsenal (Arsenal advance on aggregate 2-1)
3) Barcelona - Lyon
Well-a, this second leg is going to be a lot spicier than my earlier prediction would have let on. Barca was 'avin a bit of a laffa for the past couple of weeks, but they seemed to have had a return to form after their clash with Athletic Bilbao baggins this weekend. Lyon suffered a recent domestic defeat, but I think they will be inspired by the possibility that this tie presents. In the end, though, the stage and players for Barca will be too much and I see them advancing through (especially when Barca realizes that goals only count when they go into the net, not hit the woodwork).
Barca 2 - 1 Lyon (Barca advance on aggregate 3-2)
4) Porto - Atletico Madrid
While I thought the contest was going to be evenly matched last leg, I didn't see as many goals being scored as there were. After seeing Atletico take on my boys this weekend, they seem like they have got their footballing act together... minus the whole finishing thing. By rights, the result in the derbi madrileño should have favored Atletico by at least 3 goals, but they were lacking the cutting edge in a big way. I see them digging out of their away-goals hole to come out on top in this match:
Porto 1 - Atletico 2 (Atletico advance on aggregate 4-3)
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