Chelsea & Sir Alex v Rafa aka Keegan

Chelsea can still win the title, but if you look at their performance against the mighty Manchester United then they will have to improve dramatically.

The worrying thing for everyone at Chelsea is that they just fell apart under the pressure. When they went behind to Vidic's header, their heads went down. It was a very un-Chelsea-like performance in my opinion.

Over the years, the one thing you could say about Chelsea was that they'd be mentally strong. If they went behind they would grind and they'd never know when they were beaten.
But on Sunday, the team spirit, which has been such a feature for Chelsea, just wasn't there and that would be a worry for manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Where does Scolari go from here? Who does he pick in the team? He has got major problems all over the pitch.
The 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford is only one result and Chelsea have some influential players due to return from injury like Essien for instance who has been a major driving force in recent years, but the way they've been playing for the last six to eight weeks is a major concern and, in terms of the title race, they're definitely third favourites to win it in my eyes.

Chelsea need to vary their tactics because against United they played exactly the same way from start to finish, no invention, no drive, no passion and if i was a Chelsea fan i would be disappointed with that.
If you're playing in a game like that you've got to test the opposition by playing it to the front men early - play it short, long, wide.

Chelsea just kept playing six or seven passes in the middle of the park which allowed my boys Manchester Untied to get behind the ball, break Chelsea down quickly and hit them on the break. Chelsea were unable to counteract that and deal with top performers like Giggs, Park, Ronaldo and Rooney.
Scolari's men had some nice possession in the first 30 minutes but they never threatened and, again, that would be another major worry especially given the enormous talent of Didier Drogba.

A vast majority of these players won back-to-back titles with Jose Mourinho and they're still good enough, but Scolari needs someone like Arjen Robben, someone who has that extra pace and ability. The big worry for me would be Chelsea's lack of steel - mentally - in certain areas.

When Chelsea played with Robben on the left, he wasn't always everybody's favourite but he could go past people, get the ball to the bye line and make defenders turn.

Salomon Kalou and Florent Malouda have been hit and miss and it looks like Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka can't play together. Chelsea have also missed Michael Essien's drive, while Deco started the season brightly but has been non-existent lately.

Manchester United have that great blend of youth and experience and they gave a great performance.
Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville showed incredible hunger and desire for players who have won everything. Giggsy, at the age of 35, gave an awesome performance.
Gary Neville had a shocker against Arsenal and it looked, to me, like he might not play again but it just shows that he is amazing professional and needed games to get back into the swing of things.

Everyone keeps going on about United's centre-backs, and rightly so, but for Neville to put in a performance like he did in a big, high-pressure match was remarkable. It was a lesson to any footballer about what can be achieved.

United have some hard games this week against Wigan and Bolton (away). They've got a massive schedule coming up so we'll wait and see what happens, but they've certainly hit a run of form and that display against Chelsea will give the players a lot of confidence to go on a lift #19 on May 24th.

The title race is certainly between Manchester United and Liverpool and it could go either way - the big tests are yet to come.
Liverpool, even though they had a bad performance against Stoke, have done remarkably well, are still strong and have a great chance of winning it.

I thought what manager Rafael Benitez said about United boss Sir Alex Ferguson in his press conference was true to a certain extent, but he talks about facts like they are clear happenings in the con finds of the Premier League, in my opinion he has no proof to justify a good portion of his Kevin Keegan like rants during that 4 minute press conference. Is he folding under the enormous pressure of being top of the league?

However, as a player you don't want that extra pressure and the pressure is now on Liverpool because of what happened at the weekend, if you going to run your mouth in the Premier League you must back it up and Liverpool failed to do that and that is no 4 points dropped against Stoke.

Benitez would probably have been better off saying 'Alex Ferguson doesn't say anything about teams who finish fourth or fifth so he must think we're his biggest challengers' and let it go, let the players do the talking on the pitch, instead he put more pressure on his team when they enter the most crucial stage of the season. Sir Alex must of been licking his lips at the sight on Rafa's rant.

Ferguson said what he did to get a reaction and he got a reaction. If Liverpool had beaten Stoke and Manchester United had drawn against Chelsea everything would now have been forgotten, but as history tells us it doesn't happen that way.

Manchester United were fantastic on Sunday, the defended their 18 yard box very well to keep Van Der Sar very quiet indeed. They looked refreshed its almost as if they were waiting until January kicked in because of that old saying "United don't turn it on until January" well.......... signed, sealed and delivered United sent out a statement of intent to Liverpool "your in for a fight".

Lets hope that come May 24th, Sir Alex is lifting his 11th league title.

as we all know, the BCS is BS

Started the first season of Monk. My question, what is the difference between this show and the Mentalist?

Both are “consultants” to law enforcement; both operate outside the system with unusual methods; both have a keen eye for observation and putting seemingly unrelated pieces together; both lost their wives in tragic incidents.

I didn’t race to get to get through the season. I only watched 4 or 5 episodes and I don’t think I can commit to Monk going forwards. If he is reinstated to the force, who cares? There is no way he should have a gun, so that aspect of the story is a non-issue. At least with the Mentalist, he is trying to capture a criminal and get justice and closure.

You take these shows and House and the new show Liar coming out and it’s like we’ve got some sort of Sherlock Holmes obsession. Is it because we all want to be genius, observant misanthropes or do we just like mysteries that can be contained within 44 minutes? Some realistic, some not.



Moving on to Burn After Reading. I think I went into the film with the wrong level of expectation. I didn’t really like it at all. Brad Pitt was hilarious and Malkovich throwing F bombs all over the place was funny, and who can forget the contraption in the basement, but I heard the final piece of dialogue, what did we learn?, and was like exactly. I was expecting some sort of story but it was just a random 90 minutes with several characters interacting then dying. I think I need to watch it again knowing what will happen, which is nothing. I’m sure I’m overthinking this.



Went to Art’s bar for the BCS National Championship game, which, when you think about it, is the most ludicrous name for the game. It’s not a championship game in any real sense. It is a game between the top teams in a series of polls and algorithms. I won’t go into a rant about the need for playoff in the FBS division (another stupid name), but will just say that I was shocked that actual defense was played by both sides. I totally expected and wanted a 38-35 game and got a defensive stalemate for 3 quarters. Oklahoma really should have put more points on the board and paid the price for not doing so. A good game, not great, and how much better would it have been if the winner of this game got Utah or USC?



Finally, I started subscribing to the Dan Patrick podcast. Since the Tony Kornheiser show is not coming back, I had to find an alternative sports/pop culture show. What a great show and I highly recommend it. I don’t know when I’m going to find time to listen to it, but I will work on it.



Ta Ta.

Potpourri of Artists

I attended the Tennessee Christian Teen Convention this weekend, and as usual they brought in a variety of talented folks to provide entertainment. The following are a few of which I took notice that you are welcome to check out on you own.

First up was illusionist Jared Hall. He did quite a few cool illusions and tricks. He incorporated more comedy than most of the more popular illusionists which made his illusions take longer than necessary. But they were good nonetheless. Here is a video of one illusion that I saw in which he levitated a table. And here is a video of him getting out of a straight jacket in less than a minute. Not bad, if you’re into that.

Next up is comedian Jeff Allen. He is an old guy and used a lot of older reference that I found hilarious, but which probably fell on deaf, teenage years. He has a style similar to Brian Regan and self deprecating mannerisms which make for a very entertaining show. Here is a quick bit from his repertoire.

Joe Castillo is an artist whose medium is sand on a light board. He tells unbelievable stories just by moving sand around a table. It is incredible. Here is video of “The Passion.

Finally, the big musical group was Family Force 5 who are reminiscent of Korn with their droning guitars highlighted with electronic beats. They were okay, but I don’t think I am going to pile the family in the minivan and follow them on tour across the country. You can listen to some songs on their myspace page.

It is always tough to get acts that will appeal to the most people in attendance. But, I think the planning committee did pretty well. If you see any of these guys in your neighborhood, check them out.

Interesting!!!!!!

So i know i was supposed to blog on Wednesday, but given the 3 mile long paper trail on my desk following the holidays i thought I'd wait until Friday to unleash my interesting blog which i hope all the soccer fans out there enjoy.

As my mind wandered whilst making the journey across Michigan last week, i asked myself a question that i have been itching to find the answer for some time now "who are the Top 10 greatest English Premiership Players ever?"

As you can imagine it was quite a long ride home and the thing that was eating away at me was, there are too many good players to name a Top 10.

So i began to filter through the players from the last 16 years of the greatest league in the world today.

In my opinion the 2 sets of Top 10 players below are the greatest players to grace the Premier League. See if you agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Top 10 Greatest Players (OLD SCHOOL)

1. Eric Cantona (The King in my eyes) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvSjpgIgCnU
2. Alan Shearer (260 goals scored what a gifted finisher, pure brilliance in front of goal)
3. Dennis Bergkamp (sheer brilliance every time he touched the ball) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jirzCkR-jSY
4. Thiery Henry (174 goals scored Dynamic forward, great 1 on 1 finisher & a pure technical genius)
5. Paul Scholes (arguably the best attacking midfielder of his generation) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQXrMbArqSs
6. Paul Gascoigne (If he hadn't lost his way after his serious injury he would be my #1)
7. Peter Schmeichel (was their anyone better) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvZf5Zp-27Y
8. Roy Keane (the hardest central midfielder of all time, a true captain)
9. Robbie Fowler (161 goals scored & the most naturally gifted striker in history) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcv11hWfzMI
10. Ryan Giggs - (10 league titles is enough to get anyone on this list)

Many will argue that Eric Cantona is not deserving enough of top spot, but i feel that Cantona was the real deal, he retired too early much to every ones disappointment, but he was The King. He changed more games with pieces of brilliance that i was so privileged to see first hand, he danced around the pitch with such elegance that at times you had to pinch yourself to make sure it was real.

Top 10 Greatest Players (Modern Day)

1. Steven Gerrard (Captain fantastic, Liverpool rely on their skipper and he delivers consistently) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOetwV1zISw
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (42 goals last season, European footballer of the year. World Player of year??) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GJetwg_nGs
3. Frank Lampard (He is Mr Chelsea for me not John Terry, he is the driving force behind the blues)
4. Fernando Torres (Class apart, one of the best forwards in the world) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9L91Gd0mXY
5. Wayne Rooney (He can be England's white knight if he scores more goals, technically brilliant) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuXXuVqehDk
6. Rio Ferdinand (Worlds best defender, don't argue he is. Calm on the ball and reads the game so well)
7. Didier Drogba (Jose's special one and he is, fantastic forward with such presence)
8. Cesc Fabregas (classy little play maker, can he be Mr Arsenal)
9. Jermain Defoe (I like Jermaine Defoe, he is quick has an eye for goal and reminds of Micheal Owen)
10. Joe Cole (Gazza like ball skills, has pace and an eye for goal)

20 talented players, it was tough to name them and i am sure i have missed some great players, but in my mind and my love for the game these 20 players will be remembered for so many good things.

Take a peak at the video clips, truly amazing.

Until next time........................... C'mon United 3-0 v The Blues Sunday

holiday follow up

So I spent the holidays in Alabama with the fam. Good times. Had decent success with the online poker. Didn’t really watch that much football. Not enough compelling match-ups in college or pro. Weather was pretty nice down there and a nice touch was that it started to snow the moment we got back to Michigan. Why do we live here again?



Watched The Dark Knight again. It really is a great movie, not just a great comic movie. I now appreciate the contribution of the Two-Face character. Will they continue the renegade Batman storyline? My guess is that the next movie will be about his redemption and how Gotham comes to accept the caped crusader. Who will be the foil though?



Erin got me a 6 month subscription to NetFlix. I had movies waiting for me when we got back and I’ve already loaded up my queue. Right now I’m focusing on soccer and movies that are hard to get a hold of (independent, foreign, etc.). Any suggestions out there?



Finally I finished the second season of 30 Rock. Absolutely one of my favorite shows of all time. Each show is 22 minutes of comedic ecstasy. The interplay of the characters is hilarious and the guest appearances are the perfect accessory. Greenzo!! How great was that? And James Carville giving Cajun style advice to any and all?



This week I’ll be watching the first season of Monk and Burn After Reading. Maybe even the BCS Championship game. Not too much soccer on TV this weekend, but a huge clash between Manchester United and Chelsea that should influence the destination of the Premier League trophy.



Ta Ta.

Guitar Greats

I have this friend, and we have gotten into a few discussions about guitarists - specifically, who is the best guitarist ever. Now he is a moron because he thinks Eddie Van Halen is the best guitarist ever – which is INSANE! I tell him that he is so limited in his understanding of music. But he stands firm.

The problem with this discussion is the same problem with trying to pick the best song or group ever. Besides being extremely subjective, one also has to deal with different genres. Even with guitarists, they play different styles and in different ways. How do you compare great Metal guitarists with Blues players? How do you compare Classic Rock with Hair Band Rock? It seems an impossible task. So, determining who is the “best” ends up comparing apples to oranges rather than comparing Fugis to Granny Smiths. But, it must be done or else we have little to talk about. I propose using criteria such as technique and difficulty of skills in addition to producing music that is pleasing to the ear. Again, it remains subjective, but at least puts us at the same table.

To such ends, Rolling Stone put out their top 100 list of guitarists of which I have reproduced the top ten below:

1) Jimi Hendrix
2) Duane Allman
3) B.B. King
4) Eric Clapton
5) Robert Johnson
6) Chuck Berry
7) Stevie Ray Vaughan
8) Ry Cooder
9) Jimmy Page
10) Keith Richards

All these guys are great. No doubt about it. But some are before my time and some are WAY before my time. So, my top 3 would be the following (in no particular order) – Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton. The reason they are not in order is because they play different styles, but do so exceptionally well. Whenever their songs come on the radio or Pandora, I will listen. Other guitarist’s stuff is hit or miss for me depending what mood I am in. And as for Eddie Van Halen, well, would be lucky to make my top 50.


So, who is in your top 3 or 5 guitarists?
Do you agree with the Rolling Stone list or feel they have overlooked a monumental influence?

Back to Reality--More work, less board games

So it's back to reality tomorrow.  No more five day weekends...sigh.  Nice holidays for Megan and I.  There was the usual pre-Christmas stress of figuring out where we were going to be and when, but once we had our plan, things worked out quite nicely, spending one day with my Dad, one with my Mom, and one with the in-laws.  It was as restful as one could expect.  Lots of good food and lots of board games.

I love board games--we have a ton of them and are always looking for an excuse to haul them out.  Got a chance to play three new games over the holidays--Munchkin, Settlers of Kattan, and Gobblet.  

I was introduced to Munchkin a couple New Years parties back--it's played with a deck of cards, and is a little roleplay-y--so the basic idea is you draw a card to open a door, if it's a monster, you have to fight it.  If you kill it you get its treasure, such as armor (in picture) or other weapons, which make you stronger and you go up a level.  The first player to reach level 10 wins.  It's a little nerdy, granted, but the illustrations are all very funny and the gameplay is quick with a lot of negotiations between players when the monster is too big to take on by yourself.  

Settlers of Kattan was given to me as a gift, and we got a couple chances to play this while we were back home for Christmas.  Interesting game--lots of strategy--the basic idea here is you're on an island and you start with two settelments that have limited access to resources needed to build more roads and settlements, the object to essentially build 10 settlements.  You have to do a lot of trading with other players to gather the resources needed, which requires a lot of politicking.  There's really a lot of additional detail that I'm leaving out, but I'm hoping we can find a couple people locally to play with (as opposed to Margaret and Kenny who live in Detroit), because you can't play it two player. 

And then there was Gobblet--I thought it looked interesting so I bought it for my Dad last year for his birthday, but we only just now got the chace to play it.  It reminds me a little of Othello, in that it's really simple to learn how to play, but there's a ton of strategy that you pick up as you go along.  It's two player, and played on a 4x4 board.  Each player has 3 sets of 4 nesting pieces (check out the picture).  The goal is to create a row of 4 of your pieces, doesn't matter what size, though, of course, your opponent can always use one of the larger pieces to swallow (er...gobble) one of your smaller pieces.  You can un-gobble a piece too when you move your larger piece back off of it--but that could inadvertantly end up helping your opponent if you didn't remember that was there.  A little hard to do it justice in the description.  But, um, just bought it for $15 on Amazon, so this is sure to end up at the office.  Maybe Austin can better relate it.

So what are some of the best games you've played lately?  What are your top ten, for that matter?  Here's mine, excluding games played with a standard 52 card deck: 

.  Taboo-Better the better you know your teammates--my wife is wicked at this game, though we're never allowed to be on the same team--boo.

.  Perquackey-This is maybe the game I'm the best at--It's like boggle, without the structure, a little more fast-paced, think, and a bit more fun because of it.

.  Chess-I haven't played in a while, but have always enjoyed it.  Used to play it over email with my Dad...maybe time to get that going again?

.  Guesstures-Charades, but on the clock--always a riot.

.  Boggle-While I still think Perquackey is more fun, there's still a lot to be said about good ole fashioned Boggle.  Plus there's a pretty decent version of it on Yahoo games to play one player.

.  Scene-It-I'm a movie buff, so have always enjoyed Scene-It, though last I knew it was in despearate need of an update.  

.  Trivial Pursuit-We have a few different versions--I think my favorite currently is the Pop Culture edition which comes with a dvd for some of the clues.

.  Stratego-Played this some when I was a kid, but on my previous model of phone I had a version of this that was a lot of fun to play one player when you're killing time.

.  Scrabble-This is a fave for when we're up at the cottage, playing with my stepmom, sister, and sister-in-law.  Yep, I'm the only guy who plays it up there, but I'm still pretty good at it.

.  Risk-Haven't played this in a while, but always struck me as a fun way to pass an evening with a few friends.