Happy 4th Birthday, LOB!

Four years ago, I was lying in bed recovering from an appendectomy when I came up with the, no doubt painkiller induced, idea of starting a blog that would attempt to connect old friends from Lakenheath through the magic of the 2006 World Cup.

Many thanks to all of you who have made that narcotic dream a reality. It's been a thrilling ride for me. We're heading into another World Cup summer, which should be epic. Long live the LOB!

Europa League Semi Finals Live!

Anybody still interested in the Europa League. If so, tonight's the night with both English clubs - Fulham and Pool - still in with a shout to reach the final. When was the last time that two British teams reached the Europa League/UEFA Cup/Fairs Cup? Answers provided as we go on this evening....

Champions League Semi Final Live!

The second legs of the CL semi finals kick off this afternoon with Bayern taking a slim lead into Lyon. Join me for the usual LOB banter this afternoon from 2:45 pm onward.

England: The Prognosis

Wayne Rooney today verbalized what I've been thinking for some time - that is, that the starting XI might be fully fit by the time that the titanic clash with the US on June 12 rolls around. Here's what it looks like to me:

1. Green (Fit but a bit rubbish)
2. Johnson (Fit)
3. Ferdinand (Fit)
4. Terry (Fit but in poor form)
5. Cole, A. (Just back to fitness)
6. Barry (Fit)
7. Lennon (2-3 weeks out)
8. Lamps (Fit and scoring!)
9. Gerrard (Fit)
10. Rooney (2-3 weeks out)
11. Crouch (Fit)

I'd be really curious to see your starting XI's and how you think the side is shaping up.

Sunday in the Prem

I'm back today after my whirlwind Saturday to laze about and enjoy some matches this morning. Fortunately, we've got some games with real import. If you didn't get enough action yesterday, join me for all the usual LOB fun today.

A Vital Day in TWO Divisions

So, a very big day ahead of us.
Can Manchester United take their rightful place on the top of the Premier League?
Will anyone be relegated?
Will Leeds take a big step to the Championship?
Join me

UWS

UK Election Debate Live!

I'm foregoing the tedious Europa League matches this afternoon in favor of watching the second UK general election debate between current PM Gordon Brown (Labour), David Cameron (Tory) and Nick Clegg (Lib-Dem). Clegg cleaned up in the first debate by posing as "not one of these berks," leading to a wave of "Cleggmania" this week. Tonight's debate is focusing on international affairs. Join in if you'd like to comment on the UK general election campaign.

Champions League Semi Final Live!

Join me this afternoon as the current Champions League holders and presumed favorites take on Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan side. There are also several league matches to keep an eye on. See you at 2:45 pm EST.

SNL Does Iceland

SNL opened up its show this weekend with this dead-on satirical take on the Icelandic volcano eruption. Enjoy!

Up Early for the Arse?

Who are we losing sleep over this morning? Why, it's Arsene Wenger's merry men, still looking to pip United and Chelski to the post. And Wigan, still looking survive for one more dreary season in the top flight. Care to join me?

The Manchester Derby

Manchester City host Manchester United at the City of Manchester Stadium in an early morning kickoff . This is not a typical Manchester derby as there is more than pride and bragging rights at stake. This is a must win game for both teams as United attempt to keep their slim title hopes alive while Citeh fend off a challenge from Spurs in the battle for that coveted fourth place,the final Champions League Spot! United won the corresponding fixture at Old Trafford 4-3 with a dramatic late winner from Michael Owen, a former Citeh player. Just to add to the rivalry, Sir Alex Ferguson let Carlos Tevez sign for Citeh last summer. Tevez is currently Citeh's leading scorer in the EPL. He could be a thorn in United's side.Was Ferguson wrong to let Tevez go the blue half of Manchester?United could sure use Tevez in their attack as Wayne Ronney is injured and Dimitar Berbatov is currently out of form. Only time will tell. There is another important match as well as Tottenham Hotspur host Chelsea at White Hart Lane in the late match. Another match featuring a Champions League hopeful hosting a title challenger. A United victory and a Chelsea defeat will narrow Chelsea's lead to one point. However, a Chelsea vitory and a United defeat will increase Chelsea's lead to seven points with only three games remaining. Come join us for some fascinating EPL matches.

Ashavin is Marty McFly

Something made me laugh in the last 24 hours.

Premiership Wednesday

It's another big day in the Premier League, crowned by the North London derby between Arsenal and Spurs. Join me for the usual LOB chatter.

If it's Tuesday, it must be mid-week footie time!

Another day, another set of key matches throughout the English game, with Chelski hosting Bolton in the Premiership and a full schedule of L1 matches, including Leeds United's trip to Carlisle. We're hoping to turn around that disappointing YPT result from February and take one more step toward automatic promotion. Join me if you're around this afternoon.

Where in the world was that record cover shot?

Ever wondered? Ever knew? There's a project to map the location of record cover photos. If you know where a photo was taken you can contribute. If you ever wondered where, the answer might be here. It's fun in any case.

the link is here

Sunday in the Prem

There are plenty of interesting matches around in the Premiership today, starting with Wolves with a chance to achieve near safety. Then it's United at Ewood Park looking to go top again. And we finish the day with Pompey trying to balance their relegation yesterday with a trip to Wembley. Join me for all the usual LOB coverage.

Every Game Counts Now!

As we're rapidly approaching the business end of a long footie season with a little over a month to play, every game counts from here on in. Only two fixtures in the Premiership today but they're both key to the relegation battle. I'll have my eye on the promotion race in L1 and of course we have an FA Cup semi final between Chelski and Villa to round off the day. Join me for all the fun!

What Song Was #1 on your Birth Date?

I've just come across the coolest app on Facebook that shows you which single was #1 on the US or UK charts on your birthdate. Mine for January 11, 1964 was Bobby Vinton's immortal "There I've Said it Again." To check yours out, just plug in "What Song Was #1 on your Birth Date?" into the search engine and you're away. And post your results here. Have fun!

England's Last Stand?

After this week's exits by the big two English clubs in the Champions League, it's up to Liverpool and Fulham to fly the Union Jack in the Europa League tonight. Intriguingly, both side go into tonight with 2-1 scorelines. Liverpool have to overturn a 2-1 deficit at Anfield, with the precious away goal on board. Fulham, on the other hand travel to Wolfsburg with a 2-1 lead from Craven Cottage. Join me this afternoon from 2:45 EST for all the action.

Why We Love Chris Kamara!

I think we all need a chuckle after this week's Champions League results, and this is a good 'un - a classic moment from last weekend's Soccer Saturday during which Jeff Stelling catches Chris Kamara napping at Fratton Park. Enjoy!

Quarter Finals Day 2

Big News... Wayne Rooney STARTS!!
Is it desperation on United's part or is he fit?

Join me fellas

UWS

Champions League Quarter Finals Live!

Arsenal go to the Camp Nou today looking to pull out one of the biggest results in the club's history. It's 2-2 after the first leg. Here's hoping that the Gunners can do over the Catalan side and advance to the semis. Up the Arse!

NYC Subway Train Rick Rolled!

I am mighty amused by this clip of a University of Oregon a capella group "On the Rocks" treating a group of typically beaten down NYC subway passengers to their version of the Rick Astley 80's classic "Never Gonna Give You Up." Note that one participant is wearing an MUFC t-shirt. A future project for your choral group, Bivalve Betsy?

Enjoy!

Leeds Visit Yeovil Town!

After Saturday's travesty, I honestly have no idea what to expect from today's match. Will Leeds continue the slump? Or turn it around? We still have a decent chance of promotion but Grayson's men have to stop the rot beginning this morning if they're going to do it. Join me if you're up and around this morning.

Rude Boys (and Girls) Unite!

It's time to dust off those porkpie hats and skinny ties, ladies and gents because the original ska warriors - The Specials - are riding back into the Ghost Towns across the U.S. this summer. This is no "Special AKA" or "Special Beat" conglomeration - it's the real deal, with Terry Hall back alongside Jerry Dammers. Sure, they're all a bit grayer and thicker round the waist, but then aren't we all? Get ready for some top skanking!

Read more by cutting and pasting the following link from today's NYTimes:


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/04/arts/music/04specials.html?scp=2&sq=The%20Specials&st=cse

A Bit of Footie with mint sauce on the side...

We've got some fascinating matches on offer for this Easter Sunday, including Birmingham v. Liverpool coming right up in a moment or two. That's followed by Everton v. West Ham at 11 am on FSC. Join me if you're around this morning.

The Match of The Season

Manchester United entertain Chelsea at Old Trafford in a high stakes match where the winner controls their destiny to the EPL championship. Manchester United currently lead Chelsea by one point, but Chelsea's goal difference is two better than Manchester United's goal difference. A United win would leave them four points ahead of Chelsea with five games remaining as they attempt to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive top flight English championship. A Chelsea win would leave them two points clear. Will Manchester United be able to cope without Wayne Rooney who was injured in the midweek Champion's League defeat to Bayern Munich? All will be revealed in this fascinating early morning match.
There is an important match in League One as Leeds United entertain Swindon Town. The winner will occupy the second automatic promotion spot with seven matches remaining after today's fixtures. Several results benefited both teams yesterday.
Come join us for the early morning footie. How can you afford not to with so much at stake?