I just looked over to the right..

I just looked over to the right of my page, on the section for advertisements, and there was an advertisement for swimming lessons. I know I swam a mile, but shit, I think the website was trying to tell me something. I need swimming lessons!

And the winner is...

Well, well. How about that. Pretty excited that the ol' Barrack Obama is the President of the United States of America. I am also pretty excited about the voter turn out. Obama's campaign was based on the idea of Change, and Change is really what this country needs. Let's all hope that Obama has the steel to lead this great nation that we are.

If you listened to his campaign winning speech, Obama does well to call out to those who didn't necessarily vote for him. I really feel like he realizes the tremendous task that he is now burdened with as the President. We are in need of a turn around from the last eight years. I must say, Mr. Arizona was honorable in defeat.

There was champions league though, if you guys werent so focused on the measly election... right? I am not serious, but for real, there was some champions league football over the week. Chelsea lost to Roma, which was way cool. I report the updates of Italian soccer, and Roma specifically to my Roman Entertainment course here at ASU. Liverpool got away with quite a soft penalty in the fourth minute of added time in the second half of their champions league match against Athletico Madrid.

Pay attention people, America is in need of change! Support Barrack Obama, especially now that he is our President for at least the next four years! Barrack supports Footy, so the United States should support footy as well!

All hail the all powerful Footy!

the great hallows'eve!

yup yup, its the day before halloween, and I'M LOVIN IT MATE! by the way, let me clarify this, as my teacher got this confused, "mate" is not necessarily australian, its english first! most australians are decendants from UK criminals, so SORT YOURSELF OUT, MATE! and now, with that out of the way... its the day before the old halloween, like the greatest holiday ever.

my old friend jack is coming down from the verde valley to spend the night or two at the spot. he knows that if he was going to have any kind of good time on halloween, he needed to come down to the old phoenix area.

i dont really have a costume yet, but if i really want to dress up, i can bust out an old karate gi(suit), or bust out my robin hood costume... yea, i got skills like that. anyways...

if you havent been following the footie recently, youre crazy mate. the premiership is absolutely amazing! its the coolest reality television show/challenge ever. and i must say, tottenham will be saved yet mate! big ol 'arry (harry) rednapp is going to steer out ship to the promise land... or maybe just the middle of the table. we drew against our north london rivals, arsenal, 4-4. sweet, and things are looking up!

Rangers are only 3 points behind celtic in the SPL, but with a game in hand. so not to worried, its still wicked early. RANGERS FOR THE TITLE! i love footie...
oh and lakers are 2-0!!!!!
word son.

The Birthday...

Ah yes, its the day. I woke up this morning at 6:30 and ran my Siberian Husky and did my Mexican class homework. Business as usual for the most part. I cooked the Babe and I breakfast as she was getting ready to go to work. We had bacon, ham, eggs and cheese breakfast burritos with the rear sliding glass door wide open. It was extremely gorgeous out this morning, but I didn't get a chance to water my plants this morning, and I need to soon.

I got to my first class late, but like I expected, it wasn't a problem because the teacher is never on time and is extremely slow with passing around the attendance sheet. Now I am just sitting at the Computing Commons on the campus, watching next years Freshman class take a walk-through the campus' facilities.

It's always strange not being home, with my parents and little brothers and sisters, sharing my birthday with an ice cream cake from baskin robbins. Sometimes we would go to Kobe's Japanese Steakhouse, where they cook the food in front of you like live entertainment. Sometimes we would go to Capri's Italian restaurant, where I would make excuses to go to the restroom so I could waste time between ordering and eating. I'd stop off in front of the window and talk to John, and when I saw my family table's food, I retrurned to enjoy it.

I really miss my family back home. But its weird to come to the realization that I'm no longer a little kid and my little brother and sisters are not so little any more. Another day in my quarter life crisis. and I'm fucking loving it. Thanks for the life you all gave me family. love you guys.

okie smokie...

so i had to write a poem with three blanks in the space for words... so here a little poem, inspired by a short story i wrote entitled... crazy i know, follow follow. anyways, lots of ways you can take this poem, and thats why i like it...

Follow Follow

The deep dark stench of warm keg stout beer, along with
burning Backwood’s cigars from the Quickie on Paisley, fills
the lungs with every half breath. Singing and shouting with the mates
at The Grapes Bar: We will follow Rangers!

Anywhere, Everywhere, we will follow on mate.
Donald swears to me from his barstool on my left.
Dundee, Hamilton, the Pope and Vatican!
His breath reeks of celebratory sectarian alcoholism.

My runny yellow eggs began to mesh into the wet black beans,
Soggy mushrooms, and grayish black pudding. I use two rubber pieces
of bacon and one plastic link of sausage as make-shift utensils.
The bagpipes, like the consumption of liquor, have been ongoing
since the doors opened at 6am GMT.

swings his arm around for a resounding chorus rendition.
Celtic know all about their troubles.
We will ‘til the day is done.
The blind hatred in his dizzy drunk stare is deathly strange.
For there’s not a team like the Glasgow Rangers.
No not one, and there never shall be one.

Champions League and FIFA 09!

Word up every one. I just miss you all so much, and I really haven't been spending much time with you guys, but I have a very good excuse. I am trying to finish school already. Geez! Gimme a break! But for reals, I am trying to finish up the old escuela out here in Tempe, AZ. Don't get me wrong, it's nice out her and all, but there is nothing like waking up in California.

So I am coming back! Maybe not exactly to the desert, but I am moving to the coast where I belong already. We are hoping to settle some where in Huntington Beach, California, which wold be a daily blessing for me if that came true. I am for sure going to work for World Soccer Daily, so pick up the Sirius Satellite radio or start downloading the podcast from the itunes. It is incredibly interesting and fun, honestly. Who doesn't like to listen to gentleman with English accents argue back and forth about their sport. Its amazing.

Speaking of football. Champions Leaugue is this week and I'm telling you all to watch it because it is the top level of competition in Europe, which really means the top level of competition in the world as most of the world's best players, play in Europe. So this Tuesday and Wedneday check out ESPN 2 during the day to keep up with the excitement. Big names will be playing. Manchester United will play Celtic. Liverpool are playing Athletico Madrid (where el nino came from). Barcelona, Marseille, FC Porto, Arsenal, Chelsea, Roman, Fenerbahce, all will play mid week during a group stage round of play or Champions League.

And finally, before I make my mad dash back to class. FIFA 09 is out and it kicks ass. I will be taking challengers as they come, and I will dominate each of them, sending then crying back to their mothers. Word/

Ah! I'm Alive, I swear!

Ok everyone, lets not fret. I'm still here and still kicking, and kicking strong I'd say. I am just so super busy, and in case you weren't in the know about the haps, I'm about three months away from moving back to california! Yea Boy!

So things have been a little stressful. I am going to walk in December... SWEET! I have spent so much time out here the past five years that I am really glad to just accomplish the goal. Yea, again, I know it took forever. It just took some time for me to figure out my nitch in this collegiate world. I mean who could tell me in high school that I was going to be a writer.


So I am trying to finish up school, all while trying to force through a proposal for an internship in Redondo Beach, which would be one of the last credits needed for my actual deploma. That is a task in it's own. My school is kinda lame in the way in makes you do all this excess tedious work, when things could really be made a lot easier in this day and age. Like paperwork! Who fills this stuff out and transport it from place to place by hand. Why are we killing trees for this senseless waste. Paper should be save only for books in my opinion.

I'm begining to ramble, but its been so long, that I've really lost touch with where I'm going, where I've been, and where am I at now, which is one of the reason I writing. My mom used to have a copied cartoon on her office wall that had the phrase "I'm so far behind, I think I'm First!" Thats about what I have been feeling. I'd like to be far ahead, but certain task and problems jump in the way. Like moving endless sheets of paper between my english, history and interdisciplinary studies advisors(when the last one should really be the one will the solution, but no!).

I am being critiqued today by some published poet and my workshop. I wrote this "peculiar fetish" poem about my pen fetish... and it has spawned into my idea of a volume of poems about my pen addiction, so there are a couple of my pen poems up for discussion, and im a littel nervous. its really lighthearted word play with my weapons of choice, the writing utensil. I just hope this published poet can dig the idea. We shall see.

I went home last weekend, to visit my family. They are amazing, and beautiful, and so is their home. I would never call my home anything but a home. A house is something you can live in, spend time in, maybe even decorate, but a house has stories, history, and meaning behind every piece of tile, wood, and concrete used, as well as the blood, sweat, tears, arguments, hugs and kisses. All of these make for such a foundation as to establish my home's meaning to me and my family. I moved once before I moved to arizona, and it was only rooms. I'm glad I lived in the same home my entire life, and I am glad I can alway fall back and rely on the strength of my house to refuel me, replenish my soul, and recharge the battery inside me to keep doing what I am doing, and that is living the dream that my family gave me, in the home on 620 South Camino Real.

La Jolla Rough Water Swim

Its true, its true! I did it. I swam an entire mile, in the open ocean, and I smashed the time that I was trying to beat. Last weekend, the babe and I made the trip out to La Jolla to swim in the 78th annual La Jolla Rough Water Swim. Good times.

I ended up finishing in 36mins and 30 secs, which is way better than where I had hoped to finish. I was just trying to be under 50 mins, so I felt really happy with my swim. It was ridiculously hard in my opinion, and a tremendous workout. Brytni finished in 31 mins flat! I think I just edge out Brytni's Dad, but I don't believe he made too much of an effort as when he came out of the water, he looked as calm, cool, and collect as before he had stepped in. The guy is incredibly in shape.

The course was broken up into three lengths. The first leg was an 800 yard swim out of the cove, against the current. The second length, after the first buoy, is 460 yards, and tended to be covering rolling waves on their way to the coast. I swallowed lots of salt water here. The last length, back into the cove is 500 yards and I felt like I got really lucky here, because many swimmers had trouble with sets of waves that wouldn't allow them to make it in. Many people had issues with rubber legs, I didn't. There is a good reason for this. I hardly kick my legs when I swim, and I lack technique with my swimming. I did need to sit down after I crossed the finish line, but that was because I was winded. My legs were there, my lungs were not.

Anyways, I really want to thank Brytni's family, and my family who all made it out to watch and support the three swimmers. Whether the professionals noticed or not, I sure did, and I know that it was your eyes that made me want to finish so bad. I am glad I did. Looking forwards to next year, and the one after that especially (80th annual). Till then, keep swimming.

another poem...

alright guys, i'll probably post my weekly assignments for ENG 411. It is an advanced creative writing workshop. this poem was supposed to include three body parts... however the poet interprets... i thought i was clever with the three body stanzas... anyways, here it is...

Bodies in the Desert

It was more a swivel
than a bobble-head.

Strolling down sun-splashed
Palm Walk, artificially-bronzed-
breasts, bounce around
in the poor boy’s polarized
reflective sun glasses.

He slips by, under
the radar. Sweating.
Swamp assed.
Making his way
to the next class.

Old Firm- Round One!

And the first round goes to the Light Blues! Rangers go to the East End, and trump on their Cross town rivals 4-2. Kenny Miller, who has made the cross, and come back to the Ibrox side of Glasgow, dealt with some flak, and managed to put in two against his old club.

The Gers went to Parkhead and put the hoops to the sword on their own turf. Rangers haven't won this big at Celtic in over 15 years! We drew first blood in the match with a strike from Daniel Cousin in the 37th minute, but hoops replied within two minutes by the ex -man. city man, Samaras.

After the break, it was all Light Blues. First a goal from Kenny Miller, then a beauty of a goal from another new acquisition for this season, Pedro Mendes, who added the third. Kenny Miller stamped his mark on the Old Firm stage, making sure the back pages of the English Evening News have something to talk about. Nakumura scored a conciliation goal in injury time, but Celtic didn't seem to threaten at all in the second half. What a way to start the SPL season. Sure, the European dreams are dashed, but three wins out of four games, and Rangers are atop the tables with a nice cushion in front of their Old Firm rivals.

As for the rest of Europe, to be quick...

Tottenham managed to stay a float, just barely, by snatching a point from the dream team that shares their town. Chelsea and Tottenham drew over the weekend, 1-1. This match was big for Spurs, and their supporters. Going to Stamford Bridge, Spurs needed to come away with anything! A point will do for now, but Spurs need this match to gain some traction and start their season rolling. They recently moved to sign Roman Pavlyuchenko from Spartak Moscow, pretty much squashing rumors of signing another Russian hotshot, Andrei Arshavin.

Sunderland take a step back as they get trounced by Manchester City, 3-0. Keane had his team looking sharp the first couple of EPL match fixtures, but they seemed to look lost against a Man. City squad who continues to have Owner issues, with an owner who is technically a fugitive from the country of Thai Land. City played with out Petrov and other bigger names on their squad, but Brazilian, Jo, showed some promising play on the pitch.

Because Chelsea and Tottenham drew on Sunday, and Liverpool drew against Aston Villa, 0-0, the top of the tables remain the same. Liverpool and Chelsea are tied a top with 7 points each. Man. City, West Ham, Arsenal, and Middlesbrough are tied for third with 6 points. All in all, the EPL looks exciting so far, with only 3 games into the season.

Jose Mourihno's new Inter Milan side drew against Cassano and Sampadoria this weekend, 1-1. With many more opportunities on both sides that were not put away, the score line doesn't give justice to the excitement of the actual game. Mourihno's new Italian job will prove to be a little more difficult that expected.

Sorry I haven't been able to post as often as I would like to, but two History courses, and three English courses, have me reading over ten different novels and 4 different books written by two of my professors, so not necessarily interesting reads. Either way, I am slightly overwhelmed, and trying to prioritize my duties. Seeing as how I am trying to be moving back to Cal by December, I need to sacrifice some fun for now, to enjoy myself later.

Three Weeks In!

Lovely, to put it simply. Second weekend into the Premiership, and already, the drama begins to stir. Again, my Spurs go down to Sunderland this weekend, and Chelsea sneaks by with a beautifully taken free kick from Deco, and Wigan went down. I adore the English (Barcalay’s) Premier League, but my thoughts will always go straight the Scotland first.
We are three weeks deep into the Scottish Premier League, and my Light Blues were trying to maintain their 100% start to the season. In all honesty, we still should be 100% in the tables, but an injury time goal from DeMarcus Beasley was disallowed, and the ‘Gers take a point from their meeting with Aberdeen over the weekend. For all those who say the Old Firm get all the calls, here is the evidence against your case. We drew first blood against Aberdeen, with a set piece header from David Weir, but they replied back with a tying goal. Again, the American, who has been looking in top form for club, and country, put the ball in the back of the net in injury time, but linesman, Baxter raised the flag.
So Rangers start the season with two wins and a draw. Celtic won over the weekend, and this season, the Light Blues will need to keep a close eye on the happenings of the cross town rivals, hoops. With no more Europe for the rest of the season, Rangers must finish top of the tables, and for sure above hoops, or suffer a major blow to their finances and hopes for competing further in Champions League Dreams.
Maurice Edu obtained his work permit and Walter Smith is looking to start the American along with his national teammate DMB, for the next weekends Old Firm match. This could be a much needed six point separation from our rivals, real quick!

Only an hour wait, but hear my voice on WSD!

Amazing. Love to call in to the World Soccer Daily Sirius Satellite Radio Show, it is just ridiculously hard to find the time to sit and wait on hold to talk on the show live. But when I can, I try to put my two pence into the WSD radio show, be it live and on the phone, or just a daily email. Of course my emails are not always used, but I would say they either respond to me on the show, or they do afterwards, and always seem to appreciate my angle on any given topic.

There is just so much to talk about in the world of football, but most of the time, it tends to be the same stories that make headlines. My goal is to try and find a different angle to view headlining news or, even better, find a story that may seem insignificant, and explain it's importance. That is one thing that I am really trying to do with my internship. Many Americans fail to find significance in following the sport, but there is regularly vital matters that carry tremendous weight in football, that often has global influence and roots. Take for example, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. This is a perfect opportunity for a country who is slightly behind in the times, and full of crime and corruption, to make a statement and start a new beginning. They can step out of the shadows of a third world image, and step into being a recognized government by the rest of the world. It is also an opportunity for the world to come to the aid of this country and help it grow into the present standards of living. Many politicians and football pundits, as well as those in the higher offices of FIFA and other governing bodies of football around the world, have begun to see an opportunity for South Africa and the world to put political pressure on neighboring Zimbabwe and their radical leader Robert Mugawbe.

I digress. I really only began writing this post to tell all friends and family that you could hear my voice on the WSD radio show today. About an hour and fifteen minutes into the show, they go to Rafael in Tempe. I conversed with the boys about Tottenham Hotspurs and how I think that they looked incredibly small for a Premiership side, and were dominated by a much more taller and physical Middlesbrough side. Boro seem to win every header and set piece and should have won 3-1, but one goal was disallowed, for no aparent reason. Dos Santos looked and played well, Madric looked a little lost. the midfield was lost in the tall red forest that were the Boro midfield players. And next week, Spurs play Sunderland in a meeting of a team with many former Tottenham players, all physical and larger then the current roster. Good times.

2nd weekend into the season...

Wow. So there is so much to say and report on, I have no clue where to begin. But had to say a couple things. One is this, Maurice Edu, American national, was signed for a $5 million dollars, not pounds, from the MLS, to Rangers. The deal was made through the MLS, not Toronto like most leagues would have business run. Although, I must say this, I am proud to see so many Americans take to abroad to play. It really will only expand the skill and soccer culture in this nation, and will help to build a strong base for our future national team.

Here is a little ironic fun fact though about Mr. Edu and what he is getting himself into. Maurice is from sunny, southern California, Fontana to be exact. He has been playing most of the summer in the States in fair to hot weather. He has just signed for Rangers and will be moving to Glasgow, Scotland. The Scottish Premiere League plays its season through the winter. Snow flurries are not unusual to a game in the middle of January in Scotland. Sunny and bright, to cold and dreary. Hope he is ready. I would be!

Follow, Follow, We will follow Rangers!

Rangers start off the season with two straight wins

Well Kenny, I know it is hard. Getting our hopes dashed so quickly with European dreams coming to an abrupt end. But at least we are still perfect in the SPL. We handled Hearts well, and our new signing all look to be fitting in nicely. Kyle Lafferty scores a goal, and then, the man who I wear on my back this season (bought his Jersey, yes, I buy a Rangers jersey every season... a small show of support if you ask me), Kris Boyd gets the second to down Hearts in the end 2-0.

I love to watch Kris Boyd, and love his attitude. He seems to be extremely competitive and deadly serious about the game. Much like myself with Adult Amateur Leagues out here in Arizona. But I have a love for the sport that runs deep and I care about football. I like when she is played beautifully, with passion and intensity. I love the epic battles that take place and appreciate the comraderie and respect for the player you mark all game. It is a blessing football is back in season... summer was a tad long this year.

Here is hoping the 'Gers win the SPL. Here's to a great new season ahead full of amazing football to feast upon, and here's hoping you guys sign me to your team come the January transfer window...

Rafael in Tempe

I'm not even a Hammers fan

Wow! And thank God for the EPL! I cant believe this, but I'm being thrilled by a West Ham game! Dean Ashton looks in shape and fit!? His first goal was beautiful, and his second was scappy, but all before we had telve mins. Balls are hitting crossbars, the goals are being sprayed with shots on target and the tackles are going in good and hard.

I'll say it! I'd rather watch a Wigan v. West Ham anyday over MLS! The pace, creativity, intelligence, and thrill I get from watching the EPL is better than any drug. Only know do I really grasp how long summer really was.

Here's to the new season! cheers and see and look forward to the discussion come Monday. ole ole ole ole Deano, Deano!

Raf in Tempe

pedro mendes signing

I should point out first, that I will be now posting all the emails I send into the World Soccer Daily Sirius Satellite Radio Show (WSD). This is just so I can keep track of what I send to them and, if needs be, they could too! I am trying to get an internship with them, down in Redondo Beach, CA. Plus, its a way for you out there to read and keep up with lots of soccer news that I find important.

Hey boys,

It is just me Rafael, out here in Tempe. We are in the middle of our monsoon season, which makes the desert humid and hot, with cloud coverage, lots of lightning, and hardly any rain… depressing really. And how about that Nastia Luekin, smoking hot, even the runner up, Shaun. (sp.?), the small one, has an astounding body, just at miniature side. But I digress.

What I am really writing for is about Rangers. Well, the ‘Gers and our pal’s, Chuck Culpepper’s favorite, Pedro Mendes. According to the Rangers home website, we acquired Mendes for $3million pounds. I think the Portuguese midfielder will help out a great deal. He may be getting on, but Rangers always have trouble with injuries and the SPL isn’t the known for its friendly style of play. I really hope he opens up the midfield some and maybe even brings a more attacking style of football to the Ibrox.

I was wondering if you thought the light blues were going to continue to improve their roster? I believe they sold Carlos Cuellar for $13 million pounds, so we should have some funds to throw at some quality players soon. Hopefully we still have enough time?

Thanks,
Rafael in Tempe

Ps… Kenny, are the Ibrox and Murray Park synonymous?

My little brother and me

I have recently been writing a lot of letters to lots of different friends and family across the country. One of the people is my little brother Miguel, who is about 7 years younger than my self. I remember when this kid was born, and thinking, "Yes, this is the little brother I have been waiting for! We are going to play baseball, and Ninja, and (of course) play video games with!" it turned out he had to actually grow up a little bit first.

When I wrote to him first, I explained that I was writing to all those people who were important to me. I wanted to keep in touch with his life and what was going on with it. He was my family, my blood, and I saw so much of my self in him. As I grow older, I find it funny the realizations we come to. Just a couple years ago, before moving out to Arizona, I remember not really caring that I was leaving. I acted as if I wouldn't miss my family or friends and people I grew up with for 18 years. I hated my parents for everything they did, and resented them for no real good reason. I remember sitting in the shower after being spanked once, telling my self over and over, "I'll never be like my dad". Now I find myself so similar to my father it's scary. I mimic his ways and mannerisms without knowing it. I have started gardening and i take care of and grow lots of different plants. I know for a fact, that if my kid gets out of line, I'm going to give him a whipping! Just like my dad taught me. Which is exactly what he did when he spanked me, he was teaching me a good lesson really.

All this has been coming to me over my experience away from home. Now, I have a hard time calling it that, as I haven't lived there in years, and it isn't my nest anymore. I've made my move, and I've got to play it. But this great Epiphany shed light on another subject. I began to think about the influence I had on my younger siblings. I remember all the nights I snuck out to smoke pot with various girls, breaking other girls hearts, and making my very existence a constant worry for my two parents. I started to feel incredibly bad for all the harm I may have brought to my family, but then realized another thing. We only got better...

What I mean by that is, as my parents popped out the children, it was as if they progressively got better, like new and improved versions, a Gonzales 4.0. Each one of the kids was influenced by me in many ways. My drinking and smoking, kept my two youngest siblings from experimenting with them early on because they had the perfect example of what happened with me. So whether my influence was in a positive or negative manner, it was beneficial for my younger siblings to witness a first go round, crudely put.

With my brother, I see so much. I see what I could have been had I not smoked or drank so much, or not tried to seem so "bad" and keep that image. Miguel is incredibly smart, intelligent and talented. All characteristics I had, and still do, but used in different ways. My little brother excels in school and takes it serious, where I only skated through and didn't really care. Miguel seems to be quite to actor, singer, dancer,etc. I loved performing for a crowd and being on stage. Miguel has picked up sports, which makes me proud, because I loved to compete in sports and he is showing signs of competitiveness. I have a picture of my brother and girlfriend at an ASU football game where we made it down onto the field. I love that picture, it makes me feel close to my brother, and that night, we were. I only wish I could have been closer the past 6 years.

Miguel, I will always be your big brother, even though you passed me up height wise years ago. I am here for you to talk to, ask questions, and give whatever advice I could to you. To see you succeed as you have done so, so early in your life, makes me jealous and incredibly proud. I wish the absolute best for you life, and promise, you can count on me.

And yea, I think your girlfriend does look similar to mine, but Brytni doesn't like that idea... haha. Send me a pic of your gf, and I'll post it next to a pic of my gf, and we will let the world decide. hahahaha

last minute soccer news before the epl begins

so there is so much to say as the season draws near... first off, not a bad olympic tournament, my boy messi scores in the first game for argentina... and more importantly, FIFA made the decision to back the clubs who believe that they can hold a player from olympic participation... but most clubs who were threatning holding their players, relented and let many young stars play... thank goodness.

there are so man silly season transfer rumors whirling around out there, with the season coming within the next two weeks... my favorite team to watch, tottenham hotspurs, have been making big moves in the off season, and their face has changed drastically... and still, there is a slight possibility that we may get Arshavin, and KGB Killer, or just a russian nation. he lit up two games for russia in the Euros, and was only kept quite by a tournament best performance by marco senna from spain...giovanni dos santos, luca modric, darren bently, wow, what a great transfer seasons.

for my gers, and the spl has begun, but we recently let go of carlos ceullar for 7.8 million pounds. ouch and well, i guess nice? he was our player of the year last year and held down the back line and kept the gers in many a competitions... but we just dont have the need for such high profile players when we are only chasing the spl title. you are lucky aston villa for gaining a great defender. walter smith seemed surprised at the move, saying he was unaware?

United is said to be after a right winger??? umm cristiano ronaldo??? michael richards also was said to be linked with man. united. whatever, but tevez has been lighting it up in early preseason fixtures... love to see the argentines do well. across the town, in manchester city, the light blues are dealing with a fugitive owner from thailand. mark hughes is in for quite a drama filled season...

the premiere league table is really broken down into third parts, the top four, 5 thru 12, and those facing relegation... and this seasons relegation battle will promise to be an amazing fight. Speaking of top four, the reds, liverpool are linked to milan superstar kaka, and if that happens, united and chelsea better look over their shoulders... as of now, arsenal looking to finish fourth.

as for the usa in the olympics, we are just a draw away from advancing to the knockout round of the tournament. we play nigeria and if we lose and the dutch beat japan, we are out of the tournament, draw and a win gets us through, so the fate of our tournament is in our hands really. i hope we do well, even if we suck at soccer in the worlds eyes.

and the woes keep coming...

I have given myself one day. I tried to sit and come to terms with the situation. No matter how I look at it though, it was terrible disaster of a way to start the season for our beloved ‘Gers. My eyes well up as I write this, but something had to be said, and this is the best and only way for me to truly let it all out.

My Rangers are knocked out of Europe competition. It’s true. Sad but true, and it aches in heart like the loss of a loved one. Kaunas FC of Lithuania, defeated my boys in the second leg of their second round of Champions League play, 2-1. To put it simply, the boys just didn’t show up.

Rangers fielded an incredibly talented side, and even managed draw first blood in the first half. But after that, it seemed the light blues lost the plot, and fairly quickly after the restart, Kaunas FC even the score board by leveling the match at one all. The boy from Glasgow still had the advantage by having scored the away goal, but in the 85th minute, Kaunas FC dashed our European dreams with a late goal from a corner.

Last season, Rangers complained of fixture overload, having to extend their season drastically to fit in all their extra tournament fixtures. There will be none of that this go round as the light blues, one round away, were unable to secure a place in the UEFA Cup tournament by losing in the second round. Many in the office at the Ibrox will point to the fixture cram put on by the Scottish FA, as the reason they were unable to secure their SPL title, finishing second to their Old Firm rivals Celtic. By finishing second, Rangers were not granted a straight bid into the third round of the Champions League, and had to play through the first two qualifying rounds. Either way, the performance from the boys from Glasgow was poor, and that hurts to say from a true supporter.

The ramifications of this are tremendous. Because they are no longer in European competition, Rangers are missing out on millions of pounds in revenue from added fixtures and extra attendance to major tournament games. Because they are missing out on all this European cash, it is of the utmost importance that they secure the SPL title this year, or their funds for the following seasons will have plummeted to next to nothing after player wages, chairman salaries, and stadium up keep just to name a few. For this season, they will also suffer from the loss of extra fixture funds. Last season, they beefed up their roster in order to deal with all the added games. Now that they don’t have as many games, they still have to pay the players wages. Since they don’t have as many games, it will be time to seriously consider dropping some of our big name players, and save up for the next European campaign, assuming we finish in a position on the table that results in a European bid.

It really hurts to see all this have to happen to our squad, but it is part of the game and as a true supporter, you have to stick with the club through it’s ups and it’s downs. No matter how hard it gets and how painful it feels. Walter Smith has quite a lot to think about, and I sure hope he has some tricks left up his sleeve. He sure did a lot with a team that wasn’t created by him, last season. Here is hoping Celtic get knocked out as soon as possible.
Come on you ‘Gers!

Ronnie in the US tabloids

According to my girlfriend’s In Touch magazine, a certain Brittny Gastineau of one of those “entertainment channel shows”, Gastineau Girls, spent some quality time with a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Yea, it’s true. I guess they met randomly at the Beverly Hills Hotel on July 26. The story says he sent his friend to talk to the girl and get her number for him. From there, he called her up, set up plans to meet at Villa Lounge in LA. They were extremely cozy at the posh lounge, but when he got up to leave the table, and asked her to go back to his room with him, she said no.

It’s funny, I’m not exactly sure how long the kid has been in the states, but for a while now, he has been in my girls tabloids… she keeps getting my attention…”Babe, one of your soccer players is in the news again!” She thinks this is news… I said that the kids has made panties drop around the world!