Lakenheath Old Boys

Sunday FA Cup Fourth Round Action

2012-01-29T08:21:00.003-05:00

Come join us for some more FA Cup Fourth Round Action as we start with a Northeast Derby as Sunderland host Middlesbrough. This is followed by a rematch of the December 21st meeting between Arsenal and Aston Villa at the EM.There is a League 2 match as Burton Albion hosts Oxford United and a Scottish League Cup Semi between Falkirk and Celtic if you would prefer to watch those matches.

FA Cup 4th Round Live!

2012-01-28T00:25:00.002-05:00

It's FA Cup 4th Round weekend, chaps. We start early with the spicy encounter between QPR and Chelski where the handshakes between JT and Anton should be interesting. That's followed in quick order by the highlight of the weekend - United's equally spicy encounter with Liverpool. It's game on then, lads, and I'll be looking forward to the pleasure of your company from 7am EST onward.

Footie Riddler of the Week

2012-01-26T15:36:00.002-05:00

We're nearly through the first month of 2012, so it's high time to trot out one of our favorite features here at the LOB - the Footie Riddler of the Week:

"Which player won a European club league title in the past six seasons?"

(Full points if you can name the clubs and the years)

Good luck, chaps!

USA @ Panama friendly

2012-01-25T20:30:00.001-05:00

Anyone aboard for this?

Carling Cup Semi Finals!

2012-01-25T14:34:00.000-05:00

It's Carling Cup Semi Final week, chaps. Evil Cardiff booked their passage yesterday with a penalty win. Today it's the big boys - Roberto v. King Kenny at Anfield. I'm setting up to follow the first half before I have to shoot off to my class at 4pm. Join me if you're around and about this afternoon.

Meet Mr. Rogers

2012-01-23T08:31:00.003-05:00

LUFC fans will be saying hello to their new American import Robbie Rogers, who joins the club this week on loan from Columbus Crew. Fans who are interested in finding out whether Robbie will prove to be the missing link for us up front or merely the latest SoCal version of Darren Huckerby need look no further than the players own blog:

http://therobbierogers.com/

Go straight to the journal where you'll get Robbie's recent travel diary and ruminations on the movie "Drive."

The Tale of Two Cities

2012-01-22T08:08:00.002-05:00

The Tale of Two Cities Part I
London 3 Manchester 13

The Tale of Two Cities Part II
JOIN ME

UWS

usa vs. venezuela

2012-01-21T21:35:00.001-05:00

Eric lent me his laptop so I'm here watching the match on Galavision

Catching up with the Weekend Footer

2012-01-21T07:18:00.002-05:00

By tomorrow morning, I'll be well ensconced back in Blue Devil HQ for the big matches of the weekend. But for now I'll be holed up in the Radisson Belize City catching as much of the morning's festivities as I can before the shuttle comes to pick up the group. Join me if you're watching this morning.

Orlando bound

2012-01-20T05:31:00.002-05:00

Hello lads. I will probably not be available to chat this weekend as I take a mini vacation to Orlando. I will not be at Disney , Universal Studios , or any other tourist hangouts.I will be at my nephew's Bar Mitzvah and it is a chance to see the family.I will be leaving later this morning and will be back in Harlingen early Sunday afternoon.I will miss chatting on LOB , but will definitely be back after this weekend.I decided to post this picture rather than that corporate giant known as Disney.

The Future of US Soccer....oh dear....

2012-01-17T19:15:00.004-05:00

Forest loanee and US international Robbie Findley filed this entry in the "Miss of the Season" competition in the Forest's dismal 4-0 loss to Leicester in the 3rd Round FA Cup replay this evening. Just clock the look on fellow striker Malon Harewood's face after the miss! Would Shadow have scored this one, UWS? Enjoy!

Vermin Supreme for President

2012-01-15T20:08:00.003-05:00

As UWS and WHR are still living in the dark ages of email correspondence but still come up with the goods from time to time, I'm forced to post the news of a Presidential candidate in the tradition of Kevin Phillips Bong and Mrs. Elsie Ziiiiiiiiip! Yes, it's Vermin Supreme, who's got to get at least a few nods for headgear alone. He's pictured here next to Johnno's daughter Maggie and friend Shane.

More info here: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10778515

Saturday League Football is Back!!

2012-01-14T09:11:00.002-05:00

Can Manchester United and Spurs equal Citeh on points with home wins against lowly sides?
Can Liverpool get a home win? Can Leeds carry on from their Burnley comeback?
Join me

UWS

JC to TT, "Dude, you're on your own."

2012-01-13T08:18:00.000-05:00

Fallon nails it again.

Balotelli News Update

2012-01-12T18:57:00.002-05:00

Don't ever change Balo!

Click! for the link

Happy 48th Birthday Bob!!

2012-01-10T21:32:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday to our illustrious Blog Leader. He's probably going to have a lovely birthday sitting by a pool soaking up the rays!
Happy Birthday mate... sorry your brother was a meeanie and couldn't give you a win on Monday... here's to promotion!! MoT!

Again Happy Birthday

UWS

Let's Have Another One, Lads!

2012-01-09T08:11:00.002-05:00

Another FA Cup 3rd Round match; another old rival, eh? Someone at the FA must have a healthy sense of humor. I'll likely be out at Ebenezer Methodist School for most of the proceedings this afternoon, but I thought I'd start the thread with the hope that the Mighty Whites can pull out another famous win against the Gunners. MOT!

The Manchester Derby in the Third Round of the FA Cup

2012-01-08T00:55:00.003-05:00

The Manc Derby is in the Third Round of the FA Cup and far too early as far as I am concerned. They should have met in the final. The match falls on me mum's birthday and I hope she brings United luck. Make sure to have a strong pot of coffee ready as this match kicks off at 8 AM. As soon as this match ends, there is Chelsea vs Pompey in a repeat of the 2010 FA Cup final. Play up Pompey! The Hammers face a tricky trip to Hillsborough to face Sheffield Wednesday while Sunderland play at Peterborough in another potentially tricky tie. Come join us as there are some great FA Cup ties on hand. Will United avenge their Fa Cup semi final defeat?

I STILL LOVE THE FA CUP

2012-01-07T09:55:00.004-05:00

I have always loved the FA Cup and especially the Third Round but I can't stand how the big clubs treat this tournament. The managers don't play the big names so the fans don't show up.... I will always show up

Join me

UWS

Belize Bound!

2012-01-06T21:29:00.006-05:00

I'll be flying out to Belize later tonight/early tomorrow morning for my annual pilgrimage, so I'll be regrettably a bit spotty with my coverage on the LOB. I'm going to try to tag onto some of the FA Cup threads this weekend and will try to be around for the epic encounter at the Emirates on Monday - no doubt for a second half when we're already 4-0 down, but no matter. Have fun, lads, and look forward to returning to regular service in a couple of weeks.

The Long Road to Wembley Begins....

2012-01-06T14:25:00.002-05:00

The 2012 FA Cup starts in earnest today as the 3rd Round kicks off and the big boys of the Championship and Premiership jump into the fray. It all begins this afternoon as Liverpool host Oldham Athletic in less that sparkling form and without the services of bad boy Luis Suarez. If you're around, give us a shout on the LOB, eh?

If It's Wednesday...it Must be Premiership Footie!

2012-01-04T13:44:00.002-05:00

I'll be around this afternoon enjoying the Premiership clashes on slate. I hope the resident Mancs will enjoy this image of their favorite Transylvania vampire netting against the Magpies last season. They would do with a couple of these today, eh? Join me for all the action, then.

The GOP Clown Car Rally Finally Reaches Iowa

2012-01-03T18:36:00.003-05:00

My political brain says that tonight's Iowa Caucuses are a meaningless affair. Yet something - maybe my J-school background, maybe my commitment to civic education - about primary season is an itch that I feel compelled to scratch. If you're feeling the same way this evening, or just want to have a good laugh at the GOP's expense, drop by for a cocktail or two.

Midweek Footie Fest!

2012-01-03T14:25:00.002-05:00

We continue our New Year's week slate of matches this week with three in the Premiership and another in the Championship. It's all highlighted by the clash between table toppers Manchester City v. 6th place Liverpool. Join me from 2:45pm onward for all the usual LOB blather.

Kicking off 2012

2012-01-02T08:08:00.002-05:00

We're swinging into 2012 on the LOB with a full slate of tasty footie morsels this morning. We start bright and early with the Championship clash between Palace and Leicester and finish the day at the Emirates with Arsenal v. Fulham. Join me to toast the New Year properly.

The New Year's Resolution Thread

2012-01-01T20:53:00.002-05:00

Now that we've all recovered from our hangovers, it's time to take stock of the things that we've managed to get done over the past year and project into the future. I'll go first, with my top three:

1. On the professional side, I resolved last year to write every day, hoping to get a book proposal done before the end of the summer. I accomplished the first part but because I took on three new on-going research projects, I didn't get the second half done. By the end of Summer 2011 - no excuses.

2. On the personal side, many of you know that I've recently started dating a colleague at work here. It's of course very new and seemingly fraught with risk, but it's also been really fun, easy-going and comfortable so far. I'm hoping to keep it that way.

3. Finally, as you all know, the situation with our parents' health and living situation has hit a crisis point, so Gooner and I have resolved to fly over sometimes this spring (probably around President's Day) to sort that out. Thanks for all your messages of support this year around our mom's cancer treatment and long recovery.

So, what about the rest of you lot - what projects, big and small, will you be working on?

What do you want for your 70th Birthday?

2011-12-31T07:27:00.002-05:00

THE TOP... WHAT TOP?..... THE VERY TOP!!!
Sir Alex on his throne!

There are some other games on too!

JOIN ME BOYS

UWS

The Opening Act

2011-12-30T14:12:00.003-05:00

Can you Adam and Eve it? We have Friday night EPL action as the opening match of the New Years Day weekend is Liverpool vs Newcastle United. The main news is that fee scoring Demba Ba starts for Newcastle while not so free scoring Andy Carroll starts against his former club. We even have action from the lower divisions. The main act is tomorrow and if you don't know what that is then you may not be a true EPL fan. Come join us for some Friday night footie.

Straight Outta Croydon....

2011-12-30T09:48:00.003-05:00

Here's my early tip for Music Sensation of 2012. Meet 17 year-old Archy Marshall (aka "Zoo Kid;" aka "King Krule;" aka "djjdsports"). Looks a wee bit like Tintin, broad South London accent, sounds a bit pissed at times, but has apparently been creating this fantastic body of vaguely dubstep work with a heavily reverbed guitar and a sampler out of the bedroom of his mum's flat on some awful council estate that you can see in the backdrop to this debut video. If no one else has claimed it, let me dub this stuff "Strumstep." He's just dropped his first EP as "King Krule;" watch for a major full-length release in 2012. Enjoy!

Footie Moments of 2011

2011-12-29T10:04:00.006-05:00

In this space last year, I was hoping for mere survival for my beloved Leeds United. Well, we did survive (and, indeed, just barely missed out on the playoffs) and will likely survive again this season with 15 points to get in the second half of the season. But the bloom is off the rose at this point and our season is over for all intents and purposes; I'd argue the same for all but a handful of sides at top and bottom of the various divisions. So, what keeps us tuning in? Here are my highlights from 2011:

Team of the Season - Barcelona: Sorry, ManYoo fans, but the Catalan club's demolition of your lot in the Champions League Final at Wembley was a master class of tiki taka , especially David Villa's sublime third goal.

Player of the Year - Lionel Messi: He hasn't yet proven himself as one of the greats at international level (still the pinnacle of football IMHO), but there several moments this past season when the unstoppable Barca schemer had me leaping off the couch and applauding his exploits like a crazy person.

Match of the Year - Newcastle 4 Arsenal 4 (February 5, 2011): Gooner won't want to relive this one but this 4-4 thriller showed us again why the world loves the English Premier League. Arsenal were famous 0-4 at half time and cruising. By the time Cheik Tiote hit the improbable volleyed equalizer, we were all losing our minds.

Goals of the Season: Germany's three training pitch style goals against a stunned Holland team in a November 15th friendly set down a marker for next year's European Championships in Poland/Ukraine. If you missed them, watch and marvel here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPigFubRlm8. Oh - and that recent Robin van Persie volleyed goal was a bit tasty too, wasn't it?

Villains of the Season: Sepp Blatter and the FIFA suits win again, following up their attempts to ruin the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with more rotten ideas borne of corruption. Blatter's recent statement that players suffering racist abuse should just shake hands and get on with it was especially shameful and should have led to his dismissal.

Comedy Moment of the Year: The Gooner has reminded me that I would be remiss if I were to forget the many, many moments of comic relief provided by Citeh's mercurial striker Mario Balotelli during this last year, including this masterpiece during Citeh's summer friendly against the Galaxy. Relive the classic Balo backheel effort here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsN6svBWYg0

Hopes for the New Year: Once again, it's survival for LUFC with the outside hope of a playoff shot; however, promotion to the Premiership would be a mistake. I would shudder to think of the likes of RVP, Aguerro and Rooney running at the likes of Andy O'Brien and Tom Lees. My brain says England stumble through the group stage and go out to either Spain or Italy in the Euros but I hope I'm wrong and that we can compete with the big boys. That's it - very modest hopes.

What about the rest of you lot - what kept you glued to the Beautiful Game in 2011?

India does have talent

2011-12-27T10:46:00.002-05:00

You have to see this. Everything's fine until about the 49th second. And then, it's crazy time.

More Festive Footie Action

2011-12-27T09:19:00.002-05:00

I've just about lost track of the days at this point. Yesterday felt like a Saturday; goodness knows what day it is today. But one thing I do know is that there is a small slate of Premiership matches on tap today, starting with Arsenal v. Wolves at 10am EST. Join me for the Christmas hangover football.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-12-26T07:44:00.003-05:00

Jingle bells, Arsenal smell, ManYoo ran away - oh, what fun it is to beat Derby on Boxing Day, eh? Ah yes, that joke never gets old and neither does settling in for a day of the footer after a bellyload of holiday larding the day before. So, get yourself a cuppa and join me this morning.

The Queen's Christmas Message

2011-12-25T08:44:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas to all in the LOB family!

Movies of 2011

2011-12-23T10:55:00.002-05:00

Time to take stock of this year’s movies. This was the year that the Netflix bosses’ greed nearly brought down the franchise. Despite this, I stayed loyal – while dropping back to a 1-disc-in-the-mail contract – as the service remains invaluable in bringing off-beat indie, foreign and documentary films to western New York. I kept up my regular correspondence with the managers of the local cinemas in the hope that my solo hectoring might encourage them toward more edgy programming. Finally, let me recommend the “Doug Love Movies” podcast, hosted by comedian Doug Benson and featuring a panel of fellow movie-loving comics discussing the latest releases and playing the legendary Leonard Maltin game.

Here were the ones that I enjoyed most in the dark this year:

1. Win Win – Tom McCarthy’s latest miracle of a movie starred Paul Giamatti as a small town lawyer and Amy Ryan as his wife who take in a young waif who revolutionizes Giamatti’s high school wrestling team. It dealt honestly and with humor with the issues that face most American families today.

2. In a Better World –This Danish drama Oscar winner posed the question that underscores a lot of the problems in this world – how to combat violence both in one’s life and on the larger stage. Two fathers with two very different answers try to steer their sons in the right direction with varying degrees of success. It’s a fascinating two hours.

3. Beginners – In Mike Mills’ autobiographic effort, Ewan McGregor stands in as Mills as he suffers the loss of his mother and then faces up to his father (Christopher Plummer) coming out of the closet after fifty years of seemingly happy marriage. There’s just enough humor – largely centered a subtitled Jack Russell Terrier – to leaven the heavy stuff.

4. The Trip – It’s a deceptively simple premise: two brilliant British comic actors – Steve Coogan and Rob Bryden – tour some of the most beautiful spots in the north of England, all the while eating at some of the best restaurants in Britain and practicing their Michael Caine impressions. Hilarious from beginning. Get the DVD for over an hour of extra footage!

5. The Descendants – It’s been far too long since Alexander Payne’s last movie – Sideways. In this George Clooney vehicle based in Hawaii, he doesn’t disappoint. The setting and soundtrack are beautiful and Clooney has never put in a more nuanced and honest performance.

6. Miral – Julian Schnabel’s new film about the Palestianian/Israeli conflict caused a real ruckus in NYC when it first came out and no wonder! It is an unflinching look at Israel’s human rights record and the struggle of Palestinian women against occupation since 1947.

7. Meek’s Cutoff – Michelle Williams plays the lead in a group of some of the most ill-equipped pioneers on the Oregon Trail in the mid 19th century. The bleak cinematography and ominous score tip the viewer off to their inevitable fates. Stunning.

8. Winter in Wartime – Occupied Holland is the backdrop for this compelling WWII drama featuring a young boy who takes up the role of secreting away a downed British flyer behind enemy lines. The film asks viewers to question whether they would have risked life and limb to do the right thing in extremely fraught circumstances.

9. Incendies – This French drama features two young kids who are challenged by their mother’s will to travel back to their Lebanese ancestral homeland to uncover the secrets of their family. What they find is both tragic and explosive.

10. The Greatest Movie Ever Sold – Morgan Spurlock’s latest documentary rests on a fascinating question – can he get corporations to fund a movie that’s critical of the manipulative practice of product placement.

Notable Others:

• Bobby Fischer Against the World
• Cedar Rapids
• The Conspirator
• Circumstance
• Everything Must Go
• The Future
• The Help
• Hot Coffee
• Jane Eyre
• Life in a Day
• The Lincoln Lawyer
• Moneyball
• Of Gods and Men
• Page Eight
• The Perfect Host
• When We Leave
• Young Adult

Disappointments:

• The Ides of March – A political drama directed and starring George Clooney, alongside bevy of Hollywood talent (Gosling, Hoffman, Giamatti, Tomei). So, why is this such a boring unappealing effort?

• Midnight in Paris – Woody Allen stuffs more clichés about “The City of Lights” into one movie than one would think possible. I won't spoil the main hook to the movie just in case some of you want to suffer through this one.

• Red State – For month’s there was festival buzz about Kevin Smith’s new thriller about a gun-toting cult. It starts promisingly but spins wildly out of control in the final reel.

• Tree of Life – Terence Malick’s new film is quite baffling at first. It’s opening half hour is almost National Geographic in its presentation of cosmic images. In the end, Malick’s exploration of his Christian faith is an artier version of Mel Gibson’s epics.

Ones That Haven't Made it to Fredonia Yet:

• The Artist
• The Iron Lady
• Melancholia
• Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Premiership Plus Predictions Game - Holiday Update

2011-12-22T16:55:00.003-05:00

It's the holiday period - the traditional half way point of the English domestic footie season. While Citeh are sitting pretty on top the Premiership, they must be shaking their heads and looking over their shoulders at United, who are a mere two points behind despite somewhat spotty form this fall. At the bottom, Blackburn (with 10 points) must be all but relegated at this point - only once in Premiership history has the bottom club at Christmas survived the drop. Bolton also look in perilous territory. That leaves the pick of Wigan, Wolves and possibly QPR and Sunderland. Here are the current standings:

1. West Ham Rising – 21 points
2. Gooner71 – 18 pts
3. Someone Said – 16 pts
4. Thomas – 13 pts
5. AZ Kicker – 12 pts
- Blue Devil – 12 pts
- Matthew – 12 pts
- United We Stand – 12 pts
9. Yellows – 11 pts
10. Simon Burke – 10 pts
11. Man Utd Rules – 9 pts

I Get to Chat on Jacquelyn's Birthday

2011-12-21T12:46:00.002-05:00

There are seven EPL matches today, three that kick off at 2:45 and four that kick off at 3:00. My eye will be at Craven Cottage as Fulham host Manchester United. The match is on FSC as United play in West London for the second time in four days. I will be available after I had stated doubt about that yesterday. Join us as the midweek holiday period fixtures continue as it is my daughter's eleventh birthday.

The Sack Race Heats Up!

2011-12-20T14:25:00.002-05:00

It's crunch time at the bottom of the Premiership as Steve Keane's Blackburn host Owen Coyle's in the mother of all relegation dogfights. Join me from 3pm EST to see who will will the tea-time sack race.

Music of 2011

2011-12-18T23:44:00.003-05:00

After a promising record of going out in 2010, I "only" got out to see Iron & Wine, John Doe & Jill Sobule, Ron Sexsmith, Marshall Crenshaw, The Bottle Rockets, Bethany & The Guitar, and Olivia Mancini this year. The evening at the 9:30 club for the Iron & Wine show was magic, equaled only by finally getting to see Ron Sexsmith at Jammin' Java. I'm glad I waited because he toured with full band to support his recent "Long Player..." record and a better band you would be hard pressed to see. Ditto for Marshall Crenshaw who was backed up by the Bottle Rockets for his 30th anniversary of making records. I'm also very lucky that I live right down the street from Fire Flies restaurant in Alexandria who have made their space available for shows by promising newcomers like Bethany & The Guitar, and longtime DC musician Olivia Mancini. Olivia it should be noted is a jukebox of music. Her mastery of so many songs is amazing. Still I want to see more shows next year if I can.

I still buy records, and 2011 was a good year for them including Beirut's "Rip Tide," St.Vincent's "Strange Mercy," Paul Simon's "So Beautiful or So What," Kate Bush's "50 Words for Snow," Ron Sexsmith's "Long Player, Late Bloomer," Vinicius Cantuaria & Bill Frisell's "Lagrimas Mexicanas" and the Black Key's "El Camino." I also found out about "Kickstarter" this year and had fun contributing to funding music projects like records by Casseopia and Josh Hayden and movie projects like Joel Stone's upcoming Brasilian 70'-fuzz bio.

2011 was a pretty rich year in songs too. As usual, it helps having a brother who is totally plugged in to new sounds, and to my friends involved in the International Mixtape Project (IMP). Also a big change was to finally have the opportunity to try Spotify after hearing about the streaming service for so long. Cheers to Sven for that.

Beirut put out a great record, The Rip TIde, and my favorite song amongst many is Santa Fe because of the propulsive beat and the horns.

Ron Sexsmith also put out a tremendous record this year, "Long Player, Slow Learner" and the song, "Get In Line" shows of his clever lyrics and gift for melody.

"Drover" by Bill Callahan is just the kind of intense and slow building emotional burner that I look for. It stopped me in my tracks the first time I heard it and still has that effect.

Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter's "Come To Mary" has a similar intensity that I loved too.

St. Vincent put out a great record the year, "Strange Mercy" and "Year of the Tiger" was my favorite track of many.

One of the reasons that I enjoyed the movie "Win-Win" so much this year was the National's collaboration with Sharon Van Etten on "Think You Can Wait" that played through the final credits of the film.

"Animal" by The Kopecky Family Band has a warm and seductive female vocal that I found myself queuing up on my iPod pretty often this year.

Fitz and the Tantrums unashamedly cop Darryl Hall's blue eyed soul shtick but I just kept returning to their recent record and this "Moneygrabber" track.

Bon Iver released a great record this year and "Calgary" caught my attention. But when DJ Cillo took it and remixed it as a dance single with beats, it became sublime and one of my picks for song of the year.

I liked the snaky leaned-into bass line on Fujiya & Miyagi's "Sixteen Shades of Black And Blue."

"Sister" is from the Black Key's outstanding record "El Camino." There's not a misstep on the record, but I heard that AC/DC boogie in "Sister" and was hooked.

The drums on Grouplove's "Colours" create an irresistible stomp that made me fall in love with this song.

Phantogram have sneaked up on me again this year with a very cool record of dark and emotional electronica. The single "Don't Move" is my favorite.

I loved Thunderball's chilly "Enter The Brahmin" for the same reasons.

Crystal Stilts put out this compelling "Shake The Shackles" song that sounds like they're playing underwater and luring you to their depth.

British Sea Power has been on my radar ever since their debut record, but this track "Living Is Easy" from "Valhalla Dancehall" is one of their best.

Clangy rain of guitar noise, Check! Stomping drum track, Check! Sinuous female vocal sung in harmony with the guitar lead, Check! Maritime's "Parahernalia" is a lovely little pop song.

Detroyer's "Chinatown" is another chill pop song that's a pleasure have playing while you're driving in the dark.

I wondered where ex Orange Juice front-man Edwyn Collins had gone off to, and was disturbed to hear of his stroke and relieved to hear that after a two year recovery he's back with a really good new record and this song "Do It Again" is my favorite.

And finally, I got pointed towards the Feelies direction years ago when R.E.M. cited them as a bad they listened to and respected. They reformed this past year to put out their first record in 10 years and "Should Be Gone" is a delight and it's my hope they've got plenty more in the tank.

Any of you heard anything this year that took hold of your lapels and gave you a sound shake? I'd love to hear about it.

Subbuteopia

2011-12-18T16:03:00.005-05:00

Good news of the imminent release of a documentary about Subbuteo. A new film is pretty much ready for launch and you can read more about it at www.subbuteopia.com

London vs Manchester... twice

2011-12-18T06:57:00.003-05:00

So, we start the day with a belated birthday gift for MUR... a United win at Loftus Road. That is followed by the second London side taking on a Mancs squad.
Join me.... it's too dam early!!

UWS

Happy Birthday, MUR!

2011-12-18T01:20:00.003-05:00

Belated birthday wishes to Man Utd Rules, our most hirsute member of the LOB collective. I hope you had a marvelous birthday!

A Festive Round of the Footer

2011-12-17T02:01:00.002-05:00

It's another crucial round of matches this weekend in Blighty, with most of the action on Sunday. But we start with several fascinating morsels this morning. I'm putting in my customary end of semester all-nighter with the grading and I'll join you with a stiff cuppa around about 9am. No early matches today, so get a bit of extra kip, won't you?

The Draw for The Knockout Rounds

2011-12-15T23:32:00.002-05:00

The draw for the knockout rounds of the Champions League and Europa League is bright and early tomorrow morning so come join us as the draw for the rounds of sixteen and the quarters for the CL is at 6 AM Eastern and the draw for the rounds of 32 and sixteen for the Europa League is at 7 AM Eastern. Arsenal and Chelsea will be seeded as they won their groups , so they will be hoping for a kind draw against a group runner up. All eyes will be on the Europa League as the two Manc clubs enter the competition due to their third place group finishes. The twelve group winners plus the four best third place teams in the CL are seeded. Since the two Manc clubs were the two best third place teams , they will be seeded.They will be drawn against a group runner up or one of the four worst third place CL teams . Stoke City will be in the draw too, but cannot be paired against one of the Manc teams since they are from the some confederation. I am hoping that Man Yoo gets Plzen, but they should beat anybody in this competition unless they find a way to screw it up. Come join us with a strong cup or two of coffee.

Paul Shaffer Does Cher

2011-12-15T13:16:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite holiday rituals is Paul Shaffer's impersonation of Cher doing "O Holy Night" from the Sonny & Cher Christmas Special. Enjoy!

Rolling Stone's Top Tens

2011-12-14T23:17:00.004-05:00

As we're all considering our musical picks for 2011, the bodkins over at Rolling Stone have beaten us all to the punch with their "2011 in Review" ish, which goes all potty for Brit soul belter Adele, whose sophomore effort "21" lit up the pop charts this season. Here are their picks:

Top 10 Albums:

1. Adele - 21
2. Jay-Z and Kanye West - Watch the Throne
3. Paul Simon - So Beautiful or So What
4. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
5. Radiohead - King of Limbs
6. Lady Gaga - Born this Way
7. The Decemberists - The King is Dead
8. Wilco - The Whole Love
9. Wild Flag - Wild Flag
10. Robbie Robertson - How to Become Clairvoyant

Top 10 Singles:

1. Adele - "Rolling in Deep"
2. Jay-Z and Kanye West - "Ni**as in Paris"
3. Britney Spears - "Till the World Ends"
4. Foo Fighters - "These Days"
5. Paul Simon - "Rewrite"
6. Radiohead - "Lotus Flower"
7. Lady Gaga - "Edge of Glory"
8. Beyonce - "Countdown"
9. Lil Wayne featuring Cory Gunz - "Six Foot Seven Foot"
10. The Decemberists - "Don't Carry It All"

Your thoughts, gents?

Books of 2011

2011-12-13T10:13:00.004-05:00

It's that time again, kids - time to put the footer aside for a bit and put on our cultural criticism hats. Last year I was musing about my book consumption and wondering if I should get a Kindle - haven't done it yet. How about the rest of you? I'm still leaning heavily on the SUNY interlibrary loan system for my new reads. Here are my favorites from 2011:

1. David Sirota – Back to Our Future: I chose this gem to start off our summer LOB reading this year. Sirota makes a compelling case that 80s cultural artifacts played no small role in advancing Reaganite policies that still afflict us today. Here’s how good it is – it’s the model for my second book.
2. Karen Russell– Swamplandia : Although superficially about a strange but wondrous family who run the kind of small gator parks that dot the peninsula, this is more about the loss of old Florida and perhaps about the loss of traditional America as well. A book for the ages.
3. Simon Reynolds – Retromania: Reynolds - one of the most thoughtful music culture writer in Britain these days - tackles the recent penchant for nostalgia in musical culture.
4. Ann Patchett – State of Wonder: Patchett’s new novel is set deep in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil in Manaus, but it’s really an exposition on the state of academic work.
5. Sarah Vowell – Unfamiliar Fishes: Vowell points out in this lively and readable quirky history of the annexation of Hawaii that the late 1890s represented the United States’ first major foray into imperialism, a policy that now dogs us in the early 21st century.
6. Declan Hill – The Fix: Hill’s superbly researched book made me wonder about players such as Wayne Rooney and Fernando Torres who have alleged gambling habits and have had disastrous drop-offs in form. Every time something strange happens in a match, I think of Hill's book.
7. Albert Brooks – 2030: Brooks can usually be relied upon for some chuckles, but his novel about the near future portrays an America in the throes of crisis – earthquakes, health care morass, unemployment – and worse, with few ideas as to how to solve it.
8. Ellen Schrecker – Shrecker expands on some recent articles about the “New McCarthyism” in higher education to discuss the threats posed by attacks on academic freedom from within and without the academy.
9. Erik Larson – In the Garden of Beasts: Larson specializes in small narratives within larger historical events. In his latest, he traces the complicated path that the American ambassador to Berlin in the early 30s took in relation to the rise of Nazism.
10. Gary Younge – Who are We? Guardian columnist Gary Younge’s new book delves into the thorny issues of identity politics, including vignettes from the Sonia Sotomayor nomination, the Tiger Woods scandal and the Barack Obama “birther” nonsense.

Notable Others:
• Jonathan Kay – Among the Truthers
• Kevin Kumashiro – Troubling Education
• John Sayles - A Moment in the Sun
• Kathryn Stockett - The Help

Disappointments:
• Jonathan Franzen – Freedom: Franzen is so insistent on trying to write “The Great American Novel” here that he forgets the need to craft a compelling narrative with likeable characters.
• Tom Perotta – The Leftovers: Perrotta’s latest dystopian novel about suburbia misses the mark by focusing on the tired “Rapture” meme.

Premiership Plus Predictions Game - Week 15

2011-12-12T22:50:00.002-05:00

As we creep into the holiday period, things are starting to shake out in our PPP match-up. WHR is still clinging on to top spot, despite Citeh's fall from grace today. But spare a thought for poor old MUR, who must surely be favorite for the sack race now. You know what they say about being bottom at Christmas, mate, eh? Here are the current standings:

West Ham Rising – 22 points
Gooner71 – 18 pts
Someone Said – 17 pts
Blue Devil – 14 pts
Thomas – 14 pts
Matthew – 13 pts
AZ Kicker – 12 pts
Yellows – 12 pts
Simon Burke – 11 pts
United We Stand – 11 pts
Man Utd Rules – 8 pts

Chelski v. Citeh Live!

2011-12-12T14:41:00.001-05:00

Somehow I've carved out a quiet moment or two in the office this afternoon to follow what I hope will be a Premiership holiday cracker between two of the top sides in the country - Chelski and Citeh. It's all live from 2:45pm EST, so jump on board the LOB trolley and have a cuppa this afternoon with me.

Snowed in with the Footer

2011-12-10T07:44:00.003-05:00

We'd had our first proper snowstorm of the season in western New York, so what better than to stay in by the space heater and watch the good stuff. There's no early Premiership match but I'll be following the big Championship match between table toppers Soton against Blackpool. That's followed by the usual slate of Premiership and Championship 3pm GMT kickoffs including United trying to get back on track against woeful Wolves. Join me for all the usual LOB fun and games.

All Song Considered Round up 2011

2011-12-09T17:08:00.002-05:00

The nattering nabobs of All Songs Considered have an hour-plus wrap-up of the best music of 2011. In my estimation, it's the strongest year in about ten years, with strong efforts from Bon Iver, The Roots, PJ Harvey and Iron & Wine. As we're starting to compile our own Best of lists, have a listen to Bob and the gang this week. You can download the pod from iTunes and the usual sources.

Champions League Group Stage Wrap-Up

2011-12-08T17:15:00.002-05:00

Okay, it's been a day, so maybe we can comb through the ashes of the Champions League group stage now. We all know the big news - the Londoners into the knock-out stage; the Mancs dumped into the Europa but here's the full picture:

Group A - Bayern and Napoli into the knock-out stage; Citeh into the Europa; Villareal out.

Group B - Inter and CSKA into the knock-out stage; Trabs into the Europa; Lille out.

Group C - Benfica and Basel into the knock-out stage; United into Europa; Galati out.

Group D - Real and Lyon into the knock-out stage; Ajax into the Europa; Zagreb out.

Group E - Chelsea and Leverkusen into knockout; Valencia into Europa; Genk out.

Group F - Arsenal and Marseille into knockout; Olympiacos into Europa; Dortmund out.

Group G - Apoel and Zenit into the knockout; Porto into Europa; Shakhtar out.

Group H - Barca and Milan into knockout; Plzen into the Europa; Bate out.

What does it all mean for European footie? Your thoughts, gentlemen?

Premiership Plus Predictions Game - Week 14

2011-12-06T08:37:00.003-05:00

Another wild and wooly Premiership weekend has passed us and it's time to quickly check in on the PPP standings before we hit today's momentous Champions League fixtures. Citeh and WHR are still sitting pretty on top, followed by RVP fan Gooner71. Here's where we stand right now:

1. West Ham Rising – 25 points
2. Gooner71 – 17 pts
3. Thomas – 14 pts
- AZ Kicker – 13 pts
- Matthew – 13 pts
6. United We Stand – 12 pts
7. Blue Devil – 11 pts
- Someone Said – 11 pts
- Yellows – 11 pts
10. Man Utd Rules – 9 pts
11. Simon Burke – 6 pts

Socrates, RIP

2011-12-05T11:16:00.005-05:00

Socrates, the imperious '82 Brasilian midfielder has passed away from complications arising from alcoholism. He was 57. Here's how I prefer to remember him, pre-hemlock.

The Gooner Reaches His Half Century!

2011-12-04T09:49:00.003-05:00

The Gooner doffs his cap today on the event of his half century. It's quite a milestone, with plenty of fours and sixes in the collection and many off drives to the boundary and slogs into the stands to come. Love you, brother. Have a great day!

THE FA CUP 3rd ROUND DRAW

2011-12-04T09:37:00.002-05:00

The draw for the 3rd Round is this morning. I always loved listening to this on Radio 2 Sports. Join me boys to see the games to look forward to for January. Two Prem games to follow too

It Starts With United and Ends With United

2011-12-03T07:12:00.003-05:00

The weekend starts bright and early as Leeds hosts Millwall in a match known for problems between the fans .Let's hoe their football does the talking . A tasty EPL match between Newcastle United and Chelsea kicks off fifteen mi utes later. The day ends with the late match at Villa Park as Villa hosts Man United. Come join us early as you brew a pot of your favorite brand of strong coffee!

Euro 2012 Draw

2011-12-02T11:19:00.002-05:00

So, today is the day we find out who plays who in the summer.
Ready for some draw info? Good. The 16 teams will been drawn into four groups of four teams each (Groups A to D). Poland have already been placed in Group A as A1, with co-hosts Ukraine in Group D as D1.The two remaining teams in Pot One - defending champions Spain and Netherlands - will then be drawn as either B1 or C1. With me so far?
Then the teams in Pot Three are picked out, which are Croatia, Greece, Portugal and Sweden. That leaves England to find out their fate last of all as Pot Two is decided. Fabio Capello's men are in amongst Germany, Italy and Russia in the last pot.
Hopefully, I will be able to follow between classes

UWS

Brucey Wins the Sack Race!

2011-12-01T01:03:00.003-05:00

Whoever had Steve Bruce as the first Premiership manager to be sacked in the their pools has won a packet this week. Yes - after a rotten run of form that has the Black Cats sliding toward the dropzone, the former ManYoo supremo has been shown the door at the Stadium of Light. Well - Sven's available?

Win One for Speedo, Lads!

2011-11-29T13:36:00.002-05:00

Simon Grayson has had one message this week for the Leeds boys - "win one for Speedo!" Unfortunately, I'll be teaching all afternoon, so I won't be around for the clash against Forest or any of the other mid-week footie, but I thought I'd post this thread for those of you lucky enough to enjoy the afternoon. Come on, you Whites!

Premiership Plus Predictions Game - Week 13

2011-11-28T21:07:00.003-05:00

It's nearly the half way point of the domestic season, with 13 matches played and a spate of matches to come over the holidays. Time to check in on the standings for our PPP game:

1. West Ham Rising – 21 points
2. Gooner71 – 17 pts
3. Blue Devil – 12 pts
- Someone Said – 12 pts
- Man Utd Rules – 12 pts
6. AZ Kicker – 10 pts
7. Thomas – 9 pts
- Matthew – 9 pts
9. Yellows – 8 pts
10. United We Stand – 7 pts
11. Simon Burke – 6 pts

A Great End to The Thanksgiving weekend

2011-11-27T08:22:00.002-05:00

We start with Swansea vs Aston Villa followed by the main act: Liversox vs Man Citeh where the Sox need to do their duty and beat Citeh. Come join us for the EPL action unless you are busy shopping , finding those once in a lifetime bargains!

The LOB Alternative to Holiday Shopping

2011-11-26T07:19:00.002-05:00

I'm up early again to follow what promises to be a fascinating Premiership day starting off at the Britannia with the relegation dogfight between Stoke and Blackburn. So, drop that holiday shopping list and join me for some good old fashioned footie banter.

The LOB Thanksgiving Turkey Award!

2011-11-23T23:04:00.004-05:00

I'm starting what I hope will be an annual feature here at the LOB - The LOB Thanksgiving Turkey Award. This year's turkey is former Blackburn and Wales clogger Robbie Savage who has been "gracing" the ballroom floors of "Strictly Come Dancing" this season. One thing's for sure - Robbie wouldn't get away with those twinkle toed moves if he were still playing in the Championship without the likes of Lee Cattermole giving him a kick of the arse. Enjoy!

Champions League Gameday 5!

2011-11-22T13:58:00.002-05:00

It's a cracking week in the Champions League, with the penultimate set of group matches. Up today - Citeh at Napoli and the FSC match with United hosting Benfica. Join me from 2:45 EST to follow the wild swings in fortunes.

Premiership Plus Predictions Game - Week 12

2011-11-21T21:21:00.004-05:00

It was another wild and wooly weekend in English footer and it's taken it's toll on our PPP standings. WHR is still benefiting from bet on Citeh and Gooner71 on his love for RVP. Meanwhile, Newcastle continue to put a spanner in the works as they doggedly hang on to their CL spot. Here's the latest:

1. West Ham Rising – 20 points
2. Gooner71 – 17 pts
3. Blue Devil – 13 pts
- Someone Said – 13 pts
5. Man Utd Rules – 12 pts
6. Thomas – 10 pts
7. AZ Kicker – 9 pts
8. Matthew – 8 pts
- Yellows – 8 pts
10. United We Stand – 7 pts
11. Simon Burke – 6 pts

Some Monday Night Footie

2011-11-21T13:47:00.006-05:00

Spurs host Villa in a Monday night EPL match that will affect the standings at the top of the table. Brad Freidel will be attempting to keep a clean sheet against the club he left last summer. Join us if you can.

MLS Cup Final 2011 Live!

2011-11-20T20:17:00.004-05:00

It's the capper on another successful MLS season and it may be David Beckham's swan-song in this country. The Home Depot Center venue must favor the Galaxy but Brian Ching's Dynamo side won't be push-overs. They've both been here before - join me on ESPN from 9pm onward for the festivities.

Back in Business!

2011-11-19T00:10:00.003-05:00

We're back in business, boys, with two early morning crackers - Arsenal at Carrow Road to meet scrappy Norwich and my beloved Leeds boys at Turf Moor to meet Burnley. So, brew yourself a strong pot of coffee and join me from 7:45 EST onward for the usual LOB Saturday morning shenanigans.

Blatter's Latest Blather

2011-11-18T11:30:00.004-05:00

At the risk of adding further issues and confusion to the OWS movement, I added the name of FIFA President Sepp "50 Bad Ideas a Day" Blatter to the Occupy Fredonia "Big Board" of "Things You're Angry About" yesterday. Blatter's latest own goal? His statements this week that players who receive racist abuse should merely shake hands with their abusers and get on with the match. How much more of this rot does the Beautiful Game have to suffer until Blatter is forced to walk the plank? Your thoughts, gents?

Seeding for the Euros

2011-11-16T08:37:00.002-05:00

UEFA announced that England are in the second pot of the draw for the Euros next summer. So the nightmare Scenario is Spain, England, Portugal, and France.

All will be revealed on December 2nd.

Seedings for Euro 2012

Pot 1: Spain, Holland, Poland, Ukraine.

Pot 2: Germany, Italy, England, Russia.

Pot 3: Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Sweden.

Pot 4: Denmark, France, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland

MUR Participates in Movember

2011-11-15T19:00:00.004-05:00

As promised, I have posted my latest picture as I will not be shaving during the month of November as part of Prostate Cancer Awareness. I believe this is sufficient evidence to show that I currently have the hariest face on LOB. I guess all LOBers will have a good laugh at this hideous picture!

The Final Hurdle!

2011-11-15T12:26:00.002-05:00

The last four slots for Euro 2012 Poland/Ukraine will be confirmed this evening as the second legs of the playoffs kick off. Unfortunately, as usual on a Tuesday, I'll be teaching all afternoon, so I'll be merely in and out following the scores. But feel free to use this thread to update the LOB throng.

Minute 2:20

2011-11-12T18:09:00.002-05:00

I told UWS that some friends had sent me a link which I thought was the Irish commentary going mental over the Estonia result. No, it was this link of the Uruguayan commentary team going mental over the one man demolition of Chile by Suarez. Check it at minute 2:20

England vs. Spain

2011-11-12T10:10:00.003-05:00

It's a bloomin' friendly, innit? Let's be havin' ya around noon alright?

France vs. USA Friendly

2011-11-11T14:47:00.004-05:00

I closed the shop early to get home in time. Anyone game to join in?

Nigel Tufnel Day Quiz!

2011-11-11T00:03:00.001-05:00

1. What area of London are both Nigel and David St. Hubbins from?

2. What was the name of Nigel's first band?

3. What was the name of Nigel and David's first song?

4. What, according to Nigel, is the "saddest of all keys?"

5. What is the name of Nigel's farm?

6. What angers Nigel about the catering in North Carolina?

7. What is Nigel's astrological sign?

8. According to Nigel, "girls run away from" what in Spinal Tap's pants?

9. Why does David say about Nigel - "you're not as confused as he is!"

10. What song does Nigel quit the band during a gig at an Air Force base?

Best of luck!

Five Lessons for Klinsy's USA

2011-11-10T17:41:00.002-05:00

Ken Gude has a really interesting piece about the US national side after five matches of Jurgen Klinsmann's tenure, framed around these five lessons:

1. "Progress not Miracles"

2. "Bradley didn't miss any hidden gems in the player pool."

3. "Klinsmann has stabilized the defense."

4. "No Bornstein but still no real left back."

5. "Possession and tempo the basics of an emerging style."

You can read the full piece here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2011/nov/09/jurgen-klinsmann-usmnt-usa-france-slovenia

The bloomin' controversy

2011-11-09T11:21:00.006-05:00

Where do you come down on whether England should wear a poppy on their shirts at Wembley against Spain?

I think it's another episode where FIFA under Blatter has stepped in another turd and won't politely excuse itself to go wash up.

Does anyone really think that if Blatter's chum Adi introduced a new even more lightweight and cock-eyed flighted ball with poppies on the panels for the match, that Blatter wouldn't champion it? Or that if Budweiser ran up a range of bottles with poppies, those suds wouldn't flow freely at Wembley?

It was only a matter of time before nationalist elements would be aroused by the story and sure enough, the bigots from the despicable EDL weighed in

Today the news was first that the ref's been instructed by FIFA to abandon the match if England defies the ban on the display of the poppy. Then later in the day, we learned of a compromise involving the poppy on black armbands.

I think the supporters are free to wear poppies and should, en masse. And if someone can do up a huge poppy banner to unveil down one side of Wembley, so much the better. Anything to continue to showcase that FIFA is morally bankrupt and that Blatter is unfit to be its chairman.

RIP Jimmy Saville (1927-2011)

2011-11-08T13:01:00.002-05:00

I'm feeling just a wee bit older this afternoon as another cultural icon from my youth - Jimmy Saville - has died at the age of 84. I recently read a brilliant book about DJ culture and found that, far from the buffoon with the big cigar and fright wig on TOTP, Saville was a legendary pioneer who invented much of the early DJing equipment. RIP Jimmy. Who'll fix it now?

Premiership Plus Predictions Game - Week 11

2011-11-07T21:33:00.002-05:00

Not a lot of movement in the PPP stakes this weekend, but I thought we might need a check-in before the extra long international break coming up. Here are the current standings:

1. West Ham Rising – 26 points
2. Gooner71 – 18 pts
-. Someone Said – 18 pts
4. AZ Kicker – 15 pts
5. Thomas – 12 pts
6. Matthew – 11 pts
7. Blue Devil – 10 pts
- United We Stand – 10 pts
9. Simon Burke – 9 pts
- Yellows – 9 pts
11. Man Utd Rules – 2 pts

Fall back to Standard Time

2011-11-06T08:22:00.003-05:00

Come join us for some not so super matches where the highlight must be Svenless Leicester City vs Leeds as the whites reunite with some old friends in Kasper Schmeichel and Jermaine Beckford while Simon Grayson played for Leicester during their glory days.

Soccer on Central Standard Time

2011-11-05T08:06:00.002-04:00

Greetings from the Windy! I'm in Chicago for the History of Education Society meeting, but I'm hoping to be able to skip a couple of sessions this morning in order to follow the matches. First up, we've got high-flying Newcastle against Everton. Another win for the Magpies and who knows? That's followed by the usual 3pm GMT kickoffs. And at the end of the afternoon, we've got the fascinating encounter of QPR v. Citeh. Join me for the usual LOB action.

SAF Celebrates 25 Years in Charge

2011-11-04T20:46:00.003-04:00

Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates 25 years in charge of Manchester United. His achievements in his time at the club have been mind boggling to say the least. As far as I am concerned he is the greatest manager in British football history. Other managers have been mentioned because they proved themselves in multiple countries,dealt with difficult owners,and were considered innovators in terms of football tactics and style. Football is a results oriented business and "Fergie" inherited a team that was a about to be relegated and full of drunkards and molded them into one of the best teams in the world. SAF has done it year after year after year. As far as I am concerned he is the best.

MLS is 3rd most attended spectator sport

2011-11-04T14:07:00.005-04:00

The MLS has been better attended than the NHL, and this season breezed by the NBA so that now, it's only behind MLB and the NFL in attendence.

Here's the link to the story

Champions League Gameday 4!

2011-11-02T14:56:00.003-04:00

You know you're in the doghouse with Fergie when you get a run out at Old Trafford against Galati in the Champions League group stages. I'll be following proceedings on FSC but my full attention will be on the Championship cracker at Elland Road between the Whites and Blackpool. We're an hour back today, with kick-off at 3:45pm EST, so I'm hoping to be joined by some of you as you finish your workdays.

Premiership Plus Predictions Game - Week 10

2011-11-01T22:01:00.002-04:00

Another week gone in the Premiership and the naggingly good Newcastle form is still putting a crimp in our predictions style. Gooners benefited this week, however, from the ripping form of their boy Robin van Persie. Here are the current standings:

1 West Ham Rising – 26 points
2. Gooner71 – 18 pts
3. AZ Kicker – 16 pts
- Someone Said – 16 pts
5. Matthew – 11 pts
6. Simon Burke – 10 pts
- Thomas – 10 pts
- United We Stand – 10 pts
9. Blue Devil – 7 pts
- Yellows – 7 pts
11. Man Utd Rules – 2 pts

A Champion is a Champion

2011-10-31T15:26:00.005-04:00

I still love him!

You are my Solskjaer
My Ollie Solskjaer
You make me happy
When skies are grey

You're never boring
You just keep scoring
Please don't take my Solskjaer away

Well done Ollie

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15515446.stm

The Bests and Worsts of Halloween Candy

2011-10-31T11:05:00.003-04:00

Happy Halloween, kids! One of my favorite podcasts - The Sporkful - recently challenged its listeners to pick their favorite and least favorite Halloween candy items, so I thought I'd take the time and space to do the same. Feel free to use both American and British favorites, as I have. Here is my list:

Best:
1. Maynards Wine Gums
2. Heath bars
3. Rowntrees Fruit Pastilles
4. Reese's peanut butter cups
5. Haribo gold packet gummi bears

Worsts:
1. Any candy corn variety
2. Any NECCO product (e.g., wafers, dots)
3. Nerds
4. Skittles
5. Any healthy non-candy item (e.g., apples, raisins)

I'll look forward to your choices here - have fun tonight!

Good v. Evil!

2011-10-30T08:29:00.003-04:00

It's an appropriate match for a Sunday morning. You don't need to hop along to your favorite house of worship today. The true morality tale is here and it's live. Evil Cardiff come into the sacred house that Revie built - Elland Road. Such a momentous fixture, it alone has moved the clocks back so we're only four hours behind Britain this morning - join me from 9:15am EST.

A really Early EPL Saturday

2011-10-29T06:55:00.002-04:00

Good morning . Time to wake up bright and early fro some early footie. We start with a 7 AM kickoff at Goodison Park as Man United attempt to put that disgraceful derby day defeat behind them. Arsenal vs Chelsea kicks off 45 minutes later on the deuce, so pick the match you want to watch. Just to add spice to this match, Roon returns to the scene of his early playing days.

Up Early for the Footie Again

2011-10-29T06:53:00.003-04:00

This early kick-off nonsense is really putting a crimp in my beauty sleep. United kick off at Goodison Park this morning at what seems like the middle of the night. At this rate, we'll be kicking off the day before yesterday. Cor! Anyway, I'm a bit grouchy but I'm hear with my coffee and bagel and will need some goals straight away to improve my mood.

Premiership Plus Predictions Game - Week 9

2011-10-27T22:52:00.003-04:00

Ding dong! It was quite a Premiership cycle this time around with plenty of goals and red cards. Before we head into another cracking weekend with some big games in store, here are the current standings:

1. West Ham Rising – 30 points
2. United We Stand – 18 pts
3. AZ Kicker – 16 pts
- Simon Burke – 16 pts
- Someone Said – 16 pts
6. Gooner71 – 15 pts
7. Matthew – 14 pts
8. Thomas – 12 pts
- Yellows – 12 pts
10. Blue Devil – 7 pts
11. Man Utd Rules – 5 pts

Midweek Footie Madness!

2011-10-26T14:33:00.001-04:00

Aye up, lads! The Whites finally have a chance to make up their game in hand tonight against Birmingham City. Oh - and there are some Carling Cup 4th Round matches as well. Ho hum. Join me if you're skiving this afternoon. Come on!

For fans of comedy sendings off

2011-10-25T08:09:00.001-04:00

Balo - Be Safe on Bonfire Night, Kids!

2011-10-24T22:48:00.002-04:00

You can't make this up, lads! Mad props to Someone Said for finding this. Yes, Super Mario - fresh from his bathroom antics - has been signed up as a spokesman for fireworks safety ahead of Guy Fawkes Bonfire Night next month. "Why always me?" Because you're so bloody entertaining, Mario.

More info here: http://deadspin.com/5852847/mario-balotelli-spokesman-for-firework-safety

MANCHESTER DERBY DAY...plus a few other matches!

2011-10-22T23:13:00.004-04:00

Hark Now Hear
United Sing
The City Run Away
And we will rule forever more
Because of DERBY DAY!!!

All together now... HARK NOW HEAR, UNITED SING, THE CITY RUN AWAY, AND WE WILL RULE FOREVER MORE BECAUSE OF DERBY DAY!

I guess we can also follow
Arsenal v Stoke...I was right Bob
Blackburn v Spurs
Fulham v Everton
QPR v Chelsea

Join me boys

UWS

Up Early for the Leeds Boys!

2011-10-22T00:18:00.004-04:00

We've an extra early start to proceedings this morning with the Mighty Whites traveling to wee Posh for a Championship firecracker. I'll have an extra pot of strong coffee on for this one, so join me around 7am for the kick-off. Come on, you Leeds boys!

A Video Gamer Tribute to Ivanhoe

2011-10-21T08:06:00.004-04:00

The Premiership Team of the Season...So Far?

2011-10-20T09:23:00.002-04:00

Football 365 today listed their "Team of the Season So Far," which is less an accurate representation of the football that we've experienced in the past two months than it is an interesting talking point for a Thursday with only (yawn) the Europa League group matches on tap. Here it is:

1. Goalkeeper - Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal)
2. Right Back - Chris Smalling (ManYoo)
3. Center Back - Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle)
4. Center Half - Vincent Kompany (Man Citeh)
5. Left Back - Jose Enrique (Liverpool)
6. Central Midfield - Ramires (Chelski)
7. Central Midfield - Cheick Tiote (Newcastle)
8. Playmaker - David Silva (Man Citeh)
9. Playmaker - Juan Mata (Chelski)
10. Striker - Wayne Rooney (ManYoo)
11. Striker - Sergio Aguero (Man Citeh)

Subs: Krul, Evans, Cabaye, Suarez, Young, Van Persie, Parker.

Your thoughts, gents?