"The Biggest Game of the Season?"

That's what Sir Alex Ferguson has called it. It's Arsenal and Manchester United. It's live from the Emirates. And it's live on FSC. How could you not be watching. Join me for the usual LOB coverage.

Marching On Together

The only team I want to win the FA Cup!
The only team I rooting for today!

Best of Luck Bob

UWS

RIP Howard Zinn (1922-2010)

I'm saddened by the news of a friend and mentor Howard Zinn at the age of 87. When I was a fresh-faced undergrad at Boston University, I took three classes with Howard, including a seminar in which a small group helped him with research on his second edition of "A People's History of the United States." Toward the end of that semester, he asked me what my plans were for graduate school. I told him that I wasn't planning on it as I considered myself an activist rather than an intellectual. He said - "Why not be both?" All these years later, I still hope that he's right. He'll be missed.

State of the Union Drinking Game

I have a feeling that I'm going to need a strong stomach and a few stiff drinks in order to get through tonight's State of the Union address. So, if you're game, here are the rules:

Take a drink if:

1. A media pundit mentions the word "reset" during the evening.
2. Barack Obama says "middle class."
3. Nancy Pelosi claps like a seal.
4. Barack Obama says "jobs."
5. Joe Biden talks to Nancy Pelosi while the President is speaking.
6. Barack Obama says, "I'm fighting for you."
7. Any Republican gives the President a standing ovation.
8. Barack Obama calls Wall Street types "fat cats."
9. A Haitian in the gallery is applauded.
10. Barack Obama says "spending freeze."

Drink up if:

1. Any Republican heckles the President while he's speaking.
2. Barack pulls out his new Apple iPad!

Cheers!

Another Big Day in the Prem

It's another big day in the Premier League with two absolute crackers on board - Arsenal hosting Villa and Chelski hosting a surging Birmingham City. I'll be in and out as usual but not suffering from depression as I was yesterday. I hope. Join me for all the usual shenanigans.

Midweek Footie Grab Bag

It's another day of mid-week footie madness in the UK today, with several fixtures in the Premier League, Championship and League 1 to keep our eyes on. I'll be popping in and out during breaks in my class today, so join in as you will.

Its Official: U.S. Ban on Haggis is Over!

Hoots, mon! It's enough to make me do a Highland Fling after a dram of single malt tonight. News coming out of the FDA today that U.S. authorities are "relaxing" the ban on the Scots staple haggis that was imposed 21 years ago amid the BSE panic. So, go on you offal fans, check in with your local butcher and get your fill of sheep's lung, liver, oatmeal mash and spices. Yum!

Up Early for the Arse?

Is it possible that you haven't had your fill of The Beautiful Game yet this weekend? Well, then join me for Stoke v. Arsenal live from the Britannia Stadium from 8:30 EST onward.

US vs. Honduras friendly

It's on at 9pm on FSC. Will it result in photo A or B? Cap' and I'll be here to find out

FA Cup 4rd Round Live!

We have a veritable three course meal of Cup footie on today. It all starts in a moment with Preston North End hosting Chelski on FSC, followed by the entree of a full slate of Cup fixtures including Accrington Stanley hosting Fulham on FSC at 10 am and then the big, fattening dessert of the mighty Leeds taking on Spurs at the Lane. Should be fun. Better with your company. Join me, lads!

A Plea to the LOB

I'm starting in on a new research project where I'm going to analyze representations of social studies teachers in movies of the 70s and 80s and I was hoping that you lot might help me out. Here are the movies on my list so far:
Last Picture Show (1971)
American Graffitti (1973)
Cooley High (1975)
Grease (1978)
Rock and Roll High School (1979)
Fame (1980)
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Teachers (1984)
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Stand and Deliver (1987)
The Principal (1987)
Heathers (1989)
Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)

Now, can you think of any other movie from 1970-1989 that features a social studies teacher? I don't care about the quality of the film or the genre - if anything, the worse the movie, the better. Cheers!

It's the Big One!

The Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Section Final 1st Leg, that is! It all starts at Elland Road with the Superwhites taking on Carlisle from 2:45 pm.

Oh, and there some other match with Manchester United and Manchester City or summit. Whatever....

Africa Cup of Nations Highlights

Guys, I'm continually disappointed that there's such sparse coverage of this tournament. Here however is a website with highlight clips. Check out the one of Cote d'Ivoire v Ghana to see one of the worst tackles ever from... Eboue!

Click < HERE for the list of video clips.

JB's Off the Market!

Hurrah! It's the best news I've had all week. I'm hoping that Jermaine Beckford's decision to stay at Leeds until the end of the season will spark a revival in our form and fortunes. He's got 20 goals so far this season. I'll take another 20, JB! Read more here:


CLICK HERE

The Big Thaw!

After last weekend's fixture list was decimated by the Big Chill in Britain, it's a blessing to have a full slate of the Beautiful Game today. It all starts in a moment with Liverpool visiting Stoke in a must-win match for Rafa and co. Join me, won't you?

Spot the Ball Competition #547

File this one under: "More reasons to dislike Cristiano Ronaldo." Here are some images from Skippy's new Armani campaign to disturb your afternoon. Enjoy!

Are Citeh the Best Team in England?

Craig Bellamy and Carlos Tevez are playing out of their skins, Gareth Barry and Nigel De Jong are keeping the midfield humming and even Micah Richards has found his form again. A month into Roberto Mancini's reign at Eastlands, we have to ask the question - are Manchester City the best team in England?

Happy Birthday Blue Devil Bob!

Make a wish!

THE BIG FREEZE

So, the weather in England is causing havoc in the sporting world! In upstate New York, we get this much snow when someone sneezes and life goes on. In England, the country comes to a standstill.
Today, in the Premiership only two games survive the weather. Arsenal vs Everton and Birmingham City vs Manchester United. Only three games survive in the Championship and in League 1 only two beats Jack Frost. Two big ones.... Leeds vs Wycombe and Norwich vs Exeter.

VSS going strong with Soccer Saturday
Join me

UWS

Paddy Back in the Prem

Manchester City have begun what will surely be a busy January window at Eastlands by bringing an old Premiership warhorse back - Patrick Vieira! With Gareth Barry and Nigel De Jong already in the squad, one wonders where Paddy will fit in. Any ideas?

Landycakes Shills for the Mexican Lottery!

Everton new boy Landon Donovan has found the time to make a surreal commercial for the Mexican state lottery. Enjoy!

June 12th!

It's time to start talking about plans for the World Cup and specifically about June 12th. That's the Saturday afternoon when England kicks off its World Cup campaign against the US. Kick-off time is 2:30 pm EST. Sounds like a perfect opportunity to gather the LOB for a reunion. Any suggestions?

An Old Rivalry Renewed....

It's the War of the Roses all over again, an ancient rivalry that hasn't been possible for most of the "Noughties," but with the dawning of the "Teenies" I'm hoping that the Uniteds will be meeting up for regular league matches in the not too distant future. For now, though, my mouth is watering at the prospect of the most fascinating tie in the 3rd Round of the Cup. And it's on from 8 am on FSC. Join me for all the usual LOB banter.

FA Cup 3rd Round Live!

It's my favorite footie day of the year, when the big boys join up with the minnows in the 3rd round of the greatest knock-out competition in world sport. I'm fresh off the plane and looking forward to a weekend of giant-killing action. Do join me, eh?

Happy New Year Everyone!

I still haven't figured out to put in videos. Enjoy the On the ball video

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2009/dec/17/reindeer-racing-santa-claus-youtube-christmas


Happy 2010 Boys!