New Podcasts

Learning Italian Phrases

I found a "Speak Italian" podcast sifting through several the other day because it was raining and I really didn't have anything to do. I figured why the hell not and so now I can say basic things. Someday, I hope to learn Italian along with Spanish and French. No doubt, I can understand and speak a little of Spanish. I know I have to finish that up becaues it will help me in my career. But for some reason, speaking Spanish doesn't interest me.

Wine for Newbies

I also found this other podcast called "Wine for Newbies." If you know me, I'm very interested in European culture and I loved the movie Sideways. So now, I want to learn about wine, French and Italian. I also bought a tv reality series on iTunes called "Corkscrewed" with the producers from American Idol. The premise of the show is that they're two guys who buy a vineyard in Paso Robles, California and know nothing about grapes. This is the first season and it will be interesting to learn about different grapes and wines.

Becks Coming To America

David Beckham joins LA Galaxy from Real Madrid

Well, now the wait is over and all the suspense of where Beckham was going to go has ended. In a $250 Million deal, Beckham will play alongside Landon "Landycakes" Donovan in LA and live with Posh on the beach next to TomKat (Cruise and Holmes). The media have picked up the Beckham deal pretty well. Not only the sports media, but the celebrity media as well. Hollywood now has a new power couple.

Personally, I think this is great for football in America. Kids will now look up at Beckham and maybe even idolize him and then believe they can be like him . . . "like Mike." Hopefully, this will happen and football in the US can grow. Also, hopefully football can emerge as the fourth sport in the US, replacing hockey. Now that hockey has moved to a lesser-watched channel, OLN, football will be given a chance to possibly emerge as that 4th sport after american football, baseball, and basketball. This would be great.

So now that Beckham has arrived, maybe Ronaldo/Luis Figo can follow in his footsteps in the next two years. Also, Edgar Davids has been talked about moving to FC Dallas, which is great because he's a crazy-looking guy with the dreads and tinted glasses and all and being a beast of a tackler despite him being 5 foot tall.

Overall, I think Beckham has kicked the door open for other aging european superstars and maybe even young Central/South American talent to join MLS. Realistically, I think MLS at its best could be a league like Holland's. Kind of like a feeder league with youngsters where major european leagues like England, Spain, and Italy can shop for young talent. I will never have a passion for MLS like I do the English Premiership, but it would be nice to see MLS be considered a 2nd tier league and Americans getting interested into the world's greatest sport.

A Little Help in the Bullpen

This Year's Additions

This will be brief. The Red Sox have added a few arms to the pen and got rid of Keith Foulke. Finally. Nothing too special and that would "WOW" any Red Sox fan, but hey . . . it's something. Left-Hander JC Romero, Brendan Donnelly, and starter-come-reliever Joel Pineiro. I think Pineiro will be better than people expect in the bullpen. With Timlin being the trusty veteran and the build-up of youth like Delcarmen and Hansen, the supporting relievers should be better this year with the exception of the absence of Papelbon.

Bowl Games

I claim myself as a sports-lover who doesn't dislike any sport. It might seem that to some people that some sports are just boring. I refuse to take that stance. If only people could give all sports a chance, they could possibly see how exciting a sport is. I never would have thought that I would have been interested in Cycling until my former roommate was a cyclist on the school team and introduced me into the world of Cycling. I love it now, except for all the doping stuff, which has really turned me off to the sport, but that's another story.

So why bring this topic up?

Throughout December and January, numerous college football bowl games are played. At first, it was fine, but then it got on my damn nerves. To be honest, I never was fond of american football. I sort of support the Dallas Cowboys, but I don't feel the pain when they lose like I do when the Spurs or Tottenham lose. Perhaps, it's because this country loves it so much. I'm not sure. However, I did see a great game. Boise State vs. Oklahoma. I was rooting for Boise State because they were the underdogs even though they had a perfect record. Also, one of my managers at work goes for Oklahoma, so it would have been nice to see Boise State win. A GREAT GAME! Two incredible plays: the hook and ladder to end regulation and the statue of liberty to win it in overtime. Then, the running back who was the star of the game, goes over to his girlfriend, who happens to be the head cheerleader, and proposes to her. WOW! What did this game not have?!

So in the end, maybe I should look at these bowl games as an invitation to watch some incredible, entertaining fun.

Tottenham Hotspur Monthly Review

DECEMBER

In the Premiership, out of a possible 21 points, Spurs grabbed 12 points with wins over Middlesbrough, Charlton, Man City, and Aston Villa and losses to Arsenal, Newcastle, and Liverpool. A tough game to start the month off with an away clinic at the new Emirates Stadium, but Spurs bounced back with two wins, especially the 5-1 win against Charlton. Spurs' first away win also came in the month of December at Man City. To conclude the month, Spurs took a loss up at the Tyne, a win against Villa at home, and a 1-0 loss to Liverpool. Overall, I wish we could have got a point against Liverpool, maybe even win that game. Shame.

In the UEFA Cup, Spurs defeated Dinamo Bucuresti to top the group and move on to play a fourth-placed group team in the next round of the UEFA Cup. In the next round, Spurs will face Feyenoord, and should they move onto the next round, SC Braga or Parma will be waiting for them.

In the Carling Cup, it took overtime to beat Southend, but the job was done. We know now that Spurs will face either Liverpool or Arsenal in the next round.

As for the team and the upcoming transfer window, Spurs have shown a need for left-sided help. I understand Steed Malbranque would play left-midfield, but I think someone else could better fit that role. Apparently Benoit Assou-Ekotto wasn't getting the job done at left back and that is why Young-Pyo Lee had to step in. Two dream transfers would be Matty Taylor from Pompey as the left winger and Gareth Bale from Southampton as the left back. We also could use a backup for Dawson and King. I love Davenport, but someone else is needed when Gardner leaves. Another dream transfer would be Curtis Davies from West Brom. However, two signings have been made already, keeper Ben Alnwick from Sunderland and left-sided midfielder Adel Taarabt from Lens. Taarabt is a loan, but I'm not sure if this is for long-term or short-term. I haven't seen the kid play, but looks strong and is youthful. Alnwick was a nice pick-up for the long term. A future England #1. Realistically, if Spurs do anything in the transfer market, it will probably be to pick up a backup centre back.

As for the player of the month, this midfielder has emerged as the new Carrick but better. Love this kid. Loved that we signed him for years to come.

Player of the Month: Tom Huddlestone

DVD Review: Clerks II

I saw this movie for the first time when I rented it and I must say that a movie hasn't made me laugh like that in years except for the Borat movie. I've now seen it twice and must say that the first time I watched, it was amazing. Fucking Hilarious. A movie is always better the first time you see it than when you watch it for the second time simply because you have no idea what's gonna happen. I must say that there was some crazy shit in there and didn't think it was going to be that funny. I highly underrated this movie. I have only seen parts of the first one, but now I'll look into watching the first one. Funny from beginning to end. Rosario Dawson is fucking hott in this movie and very good supporting cast.

Rating: 9.0

Christmas Break 06-07

Where Have I Been?

After my finals after the second week of December, all I did was work.....hmmmm.......yea. Might sound a little boring, but hey at least I'm getting paid decently. I even got overtime too. I also went Christmas shopping for my family, for the first time I was able to buy everyone in my family something with my own money. It felt good. I didn't ask for much for Christmas, more like I didn't ask anyone to get me anything, but I did get a few things because my family wasn't gonna get me anything. Honestly, nothing worth noting except some new bed sheets and comforters. I bought myself a PS3, which was too damn expensive, but at least I don't have to worry about getting it anymore and with my salary, it's not that bad. I mean, I save. I don't spend my money every weekend or something. Other than Christmas, New Year's was kinda the same. Very Uneventful, but with the family. Went to a couple parties with my friends at work, and I'm still waiting for my cousin and her friends to take me out to the Lion and the Rose so we can chill and watch some football. This past week I caught a cold, which was a setback in my New Year's resolution in losing weight. If I could sum up this Christmas Break with one word, it would probably be "overtime," simply because I've been working almost 50 hours a week. A little more than a week and Spring Semester starts at UTSA. I guess I'm ready for school to start up again. I just know I'm gonna be burned out, but if that's what it takes.

San Antonio Spurs Monthly Review

DECEMBER

The Spurs went 12-3 in the month of December. Exactly what I predicted. If you don't believe me, check the post for the month of November. DAMN, I'M GOOD! They had an awesome December with two less losses than November with a crucial win against Conference competitors Utah Jazz. This month the Spurs saw the return of Manu Ginobili, which helped tremendously for the team's chemistry. However, some of the Spurs have faded into the background, including last month's players of the month Brent Barry and Fabricio Oberto.

Player of the Month: Manu Ginobili

Prediction for Spurs' record for January: 11-5

Movie Review: Apocalypto

I thought this movie was great and it lived up to its hype. Going into the movie, I thought it would center more around the Mayan culture in Kukulkan, however it focused more on the main character, Jaguar Paw, trying to get back to his family and escape. I must say that the lead actor, Rudy Youngblood, was phenomenal. He definitely reminded me of Ronaldinho and he had that favorable look about him. Also, I thought the casting was pretty good because it just seemed that everyone fit their parts well. Applause for the actors for acting the hell out of their parts. Although the film had some anachronisms, it still was pretty good. This film makes me want to learn about Mexican history and past cultures given my heritage.

Rating: 7.7

Bitte, Juergen

Warum haben sie uns verlassen?

Juergen Klinsmann has deserted US Soccer. Actually, he wasn't even here to begin with. Everyone thought he was going to lead the US to the next World Cup. That would have been great. According to my sources, world soccer daily, Juergen just wanted a little bit too much control for Sunil Gulati and a little bit too much money. Unfortunately, Sunil and Juergen were unable to agree. Message to Sunil: Way to go, DICK! Message to Juergen: BITTE. I understand Sunil's reaction, but if you want a world-class coach, you do what you have to do. Now, Bob Bradley steps in as intereim head coach. Looks like Jose Pekerman is next on the list. IMO, some might say he did well with Argentina, but to me he fucked it up when he didn't play Messi and Tevez.

Much Adu About Nothing

Freddy Adu moves to Real Salt Lake in trade

I could really care less about this topic, but I think it's somewhat important to soccer in America. So if you haven't heard, Freddy Adu got traded to Real Salt Lake, probably the shittiest team in MLS with a shitty coach and maybe a handful of supporters. There he will be "the star" and will play attacking midfield and start every game, which of course what he wants and what he almost never got in Washington DC. Washington is probably glad to get rid of him because of his pathetic cries for playing time and the role he had on the team. This is what I think about the move. If Adu was the player we all hoped he would be, he would have been spectacular already. Fuck this shit about being 12 years old, this kid is no kid. He's practically 30 for all we know. He's not even that good of a player. Man Utd. gave him a workout just to confirm their assumptions and sent him back. Supposedly, Adu now has a taste of what English football is about. IMO, he should go to a place like Holland or another country with a decent league, perhaps not top-flight. By the next world cup, Adu should be in the first team . . . gosh I don't know if I can care that long. Hopefully he progresses for US Soccer despite my uninterest in him.

Lamar Hunt Dies

I didn't know too much about Lamar Hunt except for that he was one of the founders of the American Football League and Major League Soccer. He help give birth to Major League Soccer which somewhat affects my life. I mean, I do watch soccer, although not MLS. However, somehow I think that I should show my gratitude by paying my respect. Thank you Lamar Hunt. Rest In Peace.

No Answer

A.I. to be traded

As you probably already know, The Answer is going to be traded. When? Should be soon, maybe a week or two. Where? Golden State, Minnesota, Boston. Although those teams might not be the only ones. Something tells me that he'll get traded to the west because Philly doesn't want to trade him to another eastern team or another contender. And in the Eastern Conference, everyone is a contender because it's so wide open. Garnett has already sent his public invitation, but Golden State seems to be a nice fit for him. Golden State should trade Baron Davis and Troy Murphy and maybe someone else. Make Iverson your focal point. Richardson should be the Number Two on that team. Biedrins at Center. With a bunch of versatile 2 and 3 men along with Monta Ellis, Golden State shouldn't worry. All they would need is a solid Power Forward, but with the way Don Nelson's system works, they can easily fill that position with a small lineup.

Would you want A.I.?

As a Spurs fan, HELLLLLLLL NOOO.

As a fan of another team that doesn't have a solid Number One scorer, MAYBE. If your team doesn't have a solid "go-to" guy, make sure you don't trade too much for him. Remember, A.I. will probably cause trouble. Also, he has . . . what . . . maybe three good years left in him. And you're gonna trade your draft picks, young players, solid role players for him? I don't think so. Take Charlotte for example. No "go-to" guy, but they have a solid young point guard in Felton, a solid young center in Okafor, a great role player in Wallace that fills the stat sheet across the board, and an aggressive rookie in Morrison. I wouldn't trade any of these guys for Iverson and the likelihood of Iverson going to a team like this would force Charlotte to trade at least one of these guys. In the end, A.I. is not worth it. Not to me.

David Stern Gets It Right

A Comfortable Feeling

David Stern finally decided to switch the microfiber composite ball back to the leather ball. Beginning January 1, the ball will be re-introduced and the players will be happy despite the higher field goal percentages and better scoring. Although, turnovers were higher with the new ball. David Stern definitely got it right this time. He listened to the players. Call it griping or whatever you want. Although some if it was, especially the "serious injury" of paper cuts from the ball. Cough . . . Dirk Nowitzki . . . cough . . . pussy. I like how Stern handled this situation. He went on to say that he should have consulted the players and says he will consult the players in future decisions like this. Good Job Stern!

The Replacements

The Boston Red Sox have added Julio Lugo and JD Drew to their lineup replacing Alex Gonzalez and Trot Nixon respectively. Right now, this seems like a wash to me. Perhaps Boston will be a little better. These players always seemed mediocre to me and Theo may have overspent, but maybe the Sox need players like these. To me, these guys get the job done. So, I'm satisfied.

Sidenote: We still need another middle infielder.

2007 Lineup:

1) Coco Crisp / Kevin Youkilis
2) Julio Lugo
3) David Ortiz
4) Manny Ramirez
5) JD Drew
6) Jason Varitek
7) Mike Lowell
8) Kevin Youkilis / Coco Crisp
9) ?

Red Sox Land Daisuke Matsuzaka

Risky Business

Boston have finally landed the gyroball pitcher in excess of $100 Million dollars from the Seibu Lions in Japan. About $50 Mil to negotiate and another $50 Mil for his contract plus major incentives. As a Red Sox fan, I'm excited that we beat out the Evil Empire by outbidding them, but at the same time I have major expectations for this 26 year old and I'm kinda worried. If this guy gets close to 20 wins, I'll be satisfied. Although he has never thrown one major league pitch, this guy is not a one-pitch wonder, he has a very good array of pitches. He also adds depth and youth to the rotation, which is good considering a couple aging beauties.

2007 Pitching Rotation:

1) Curt Schilling
2) Daisuke Matsuzaka
3) Josh Beckett
4) Jonathan Papelbon
5) Tim Wakefield / Jon Lester

FINALS ARE FINALLY OVER!

Christmas: A Time to Get Smashed

I'm finally done with all my finals and now I have a little more free time to do whatever I want for the Christmas break. Although I'm still working through the break, I'll have some smashing good times at the pub come the end of the month. I'll probably be at The Lion & The Rose once or twice a week watching some footy and downing some pints. Also, a few other parties with friends and coworkers will be refreshing. Merry Christmas and hope to see you at the pub!