I love Ireland, I think they got shafted but their request for a 33rd team was so ridiculous it got me thinking.
How about FIFA allow a 33rd team of players who will miss the World cup in 2010. Guys that if it was up to FIFA would be in over almost anyone on Algeria, North Korea, New Zealand, Slovakia, Chile and South Africa
So here it is the World Cup's 33rd Team.
The 25 Man Roster of Players You won't see in 2010.
RULES:
1. There may be no more than 1 player from any country represented per position. Ex. Shay Given and Robbie Keane can be on the team, but Arshavin and Pavlyuchenko can't (unless we get creative and make Arshavin a winger)
2. There must be at least one player from each of the six associations (UEFA, CONCACAF, COMNEBOL, AFC, OFC, AFRICA)
3. The team must have a fair breakdown of players on it's 22 man roster. Ex. No team would carry 2 GKS, 5 Defenders, 5, Mids, and 13 Strikers
Goalkeepers 3--
Petr Cech (Czech Republic, Chelsea) - Cech isn't as good as he once was, but there is no doubt he is the best goalkeeper not going to South Africa. In 2008, he was voted the #4 keeper in the World behind Casillas, Buffon and van der Sar.
Shay Given (Ireland, Man City) - The argument that Given should be there anyway and the fact that we already have young inexperienced goalkeeper in Navas is why I put him on the squad over Igor Akinfeev (Russia, CSKA Moscow)
Keylor Navas (Costa Rica, Saprissa) - Navas is only 22 and already considered the third best keeper in CONCACAF. I know what your thinking, it's CONCACAF who cares? Considering he's behind Tim Howard and Guillermo Ochoa, that's not a bad spot to be. Akinfeev is better, but UEFA has enough on this team.
Defenders 8 --
Yuri Zhirkov (Russia, Chelsea) - Zhirkov is a left-back and the only defender to be named to the EURO 2008- All Tournament team that won't be playing in South Africa.
Sami Hyppia (Finland, Bayer Leverkusen) - The former Liverpool centre-back, will probably never see a World Cup. He plays for Finland and he's 36. But with 103 caps, and over 500 club matches he a good veteran fit with the next guy.
Jonny Evans (Northern Ireland, Manchester United) - Currently on loan to Sunderland, Evans is a 6'2, center back and only two months older than me. He might be a World cup away from really contributing to this team, but I'm pretty sure Northern Ireland isn't seeing the WC in 2014 either.
Gareth Bale (Wales, Tottenham Hotspur) - You can never have enough good left-backs. Bale can even move up to a wing position. Him and Zhirkov would make it tough for a coach to choose who starts
John O'Shea (Ireland, Manchester United) - O'Shea is one of three Irishmen on the team, his abillity to move up into a defensive mid role is important, but he's likely start at CB along with Hyppia.
Christian Fuchs (Austria, VfL Bochum) - Fuchs is extremely versatile he can play in back, he can play central mid, and he can play winger. It certainly doesn't hurt him that he plays for Bochum either.
Ivan Cordoba (Columbia, Internazionale) - This guy has played 280 games for Inter Milan, pretty hard to leave him off the team. Yeah he's 33, but as of this moment the team doesn't have a right-back. At 5'8, Cordoba isn't a typical back, but his leaping ability is fairly well noted.
Darjo Srna (Croatia, Shakhtar Donetsk) - Srna is the captain of both his national team and his club team. However he takes much different roles. At Skakhtar he's the starting right-back. With Croatia he's a starting mifielder.
Midfielder 7 --
Yossi Benayoun (Israel, Liverpool) - Benayoun still might have a shot at playing in a World Cup, as Israel just keeps getting closer and closer to a big tourney. It seems like he's been around for a long time, but he's only 29. The most dynamic player in Israel, he scores pretty much everywhere he goes.
Kim Kallstrom (Sweden, Lyon) - It's rumored that he once knocked out teammate Adreas Isakkson on a free kick in training. Kallstrom is a natural born playmaker and can be put in any midfield role. Use him on the left-wing here and watch him create chances for Ibrahimovic and Berbatov.
Tomas Rosicky (Czech Republic, Arsenal) - The problem with Rosicky is that he plays the same position as Benayoun, is the same age and has really battled injury woes. The guy deserves the spot on this team, but might not be a starter.
Christian Noboa (Ecuador, Rubin Kazan) - Another attacking mid, but Noboa can play the wings as well. Easily the best midfielder in Ecuador, at 24 he's a name to watch.
Andrei Arshavin (Russia, Arsenal) - Is it cheating to call him a midfielder only so that Pavlyuchenko can get on the team? No, because Pavlyuchenko doesn't make the team. Arshavin plays mid on my team, because in a 4-5-1 my wing-mid should be a striker.
Luka Modric (Croatia, Tottenham Hotspur) - Since Srna plays defense for his club, it gives us a chance to put Modric into the team.
Hamit Altintop - (Turkey, Bayern Munich) - Altintop can fall into a defensive mid role, and that's the only reason I include him. I think there are better players out there.
Striker 7 --
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden, Barcelona) - Arguments that Ibra is the most in form player in the world right now might be true when it comes to club.
Osea Vakatalesau (Fiji, Ba FC) - The required Oceania choice might not be that bad. It's hard to know much about a player like him. All I know is that he played for the best club in Fiji and is on loan to a team in New Zealand. I can also tell you he has scored 36 goals in 23 international appearance. Granted the competition is not top class, but it's still and impressive run.
Dimitar Berbatov (Bulgaria, Manchester United) - honestly I don't care for him all that much, but he certainly belongs here.
Kenwyne Jones (T&T, Sunderland) - Trying to get some CONCACAF love here. Just goes to show that the teams that made the Cup are the teams that probably should have. (The same goes for Asia) With Costly, Palacios and Suazo at Honduras, and everyone else from USA or Mexico. It's just not a good conference.
Robbie Keane (Ireland, Tottenham Hotspur) - How can you leave the greatest scorer in Ireland history, and arguably the best in Tottenham history off this team? It can't be done.
Yasser Al-Qahtani (Saudi Arabia, Al Hilal) - Asia's only representative, Al-Qahtani is probably good enough to play for Championship English club. But the money in Saudi Arabia is better, he was a Saudi Premier League record transfer of 8.1 USD in 2005
Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo, Manchester City) - I almost forgot Adebayor, and now I'm worried I forgot about a lot of African players. There are some very good African players, that we have no idea who they play for, we just no they are African, out there, and that's why I hate not being in the same Pot as them.
Honorable Mention
Igor Akinfeev (Russia, CSKA Moscow) - Akinfeev is going to be really really good, he's easily the best Goalkeeper in the World under 23 [and that's coming from a guy who really really like Joe Hart from Birmingham City]
John Arne Riise (Norway, Roma) - Riise is easily my favorite defender to score an own goal that sent a team through in Champions League. Riise is a strong defender and while that own goal may have cost him his job at Anfield, he fits in well at Roma.
Roman Pavlyuchenko (Russia, Tottenham Hotspur) - Very tough to leave him off the list, but I can't feel that bad for the Russians, unlike Ireland, they shot themselves in the foot during the playoff.
Mido (Egypt, Middlesbrough) - On loan to El Zamalek where he started his career. Mido was once a top player but has since fallen off a bit.
Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine) - just not what he used to be anymore, but still good enough to score goals in the World Cup.
Eduardo (Croatia, Arsenal) - he's good but if he picked the right team he wouldn't need to be on this list.
Damien Duff (Ireland, Fulham) - I just really like him so I'd bring him as a reserve.
Darren Fletcher (Scotland, Manchester United) - I thought fletcher was much older than 25, maybe I need to rethink that.
Seydou Keita (Mali, Barcelona) - midfielder finding his role well with Barcelona, gets the nod over Mahamadou Diarra (Real Madrid) and Mohamad Sossoko (Juventus) both Malian midfield mates.
Antonio Valencia (Ecuador, Manchester United) - still young but not quite ready to be in a group of players like those above
Marc Janko (Austria, FC Red Bull Salzburg) - same as Valencia, except he's a 6'6 striker.
Edin Dzeko (Bosnia, VfL Wolfsburg) - the 23 year old Christiano look alike is going to be a name that you get familiar with in a couple years
Mohamed Zidan (Egypt, Borussia Dortmund) - the simple fact he plays for BvB puts him behind Berbatov.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Professional Cricket League
As you can see by the invisible second and third editions of the EPL kits preview/review, I'ven't been writing much. But I finally found something to write about... cricket.
The USA Cricket Association (USACA, which is a great name in and of itself) announced earlier today that "it hopes 'top-class international cricket' will finally take root in America by launching the first professional competition, the USA Premier League." It's hard to believe that the crowd noise decibels at any event could ever match the name of the event. Seriously how many cricket players can you name? I can name 3, Jack Hobbs, Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar and a 4th guy and that's only because they were the 4 multiple choice answers for the 10,000,000 rupee question.
Investors have come up with numerous half-baked and/or poorly marketed sports ideas. For example pretty much every failed women's league of the past 10 years, the XFL comes to mind as half-baked, World TeamTennis the third time (only because I don't know if it was successful the first time) being another one. Oh you didn't know World TeamTennis came back?
The idea of a professional cricket league in the states is nearly as ridiculous as the idea that a professional curling league would be successful and here's why.
Look at nearly popular sports in the US... football, basketball, baseball and even the less popular ones like soccer and lacrosse. They can all be somehow adapted to a pick-up style game, in which full teams are not necessary and full field size is not necessary. Even hockey can be played with roller blades, a kick ball and a broom. Cricket doesn't work like that. It's played on a gigantic pitch... sorry boundary (this the proper term), and if you have never seen a game, basically it's baseball that is played in every direction. Where is a kid going to find 21 friends and a big enough place to play a game that none of the other 21 kids have ever seen in their lives?
New sports have to have a way to catch on with a young active generation (I say this knowing that the generation is not that active, but the ones who do go outside and play are the ones that are targeted by new sports). It's the reason more kids don't take up golf or tennis, they see it as standing around. Another reason it won't catch on with youth is... the awkward pitching motion. It's bad enough that Little Leaguers blow out their arms trying to throw curveballs. What's going to happen when they start trying this.
GOOD LUCK!
The scoring is confusing. Think running bases, with fielders everywhere. The one good thing Cricket might do is teach kids how to hit the cut-off man. Here's an example of a scorecard.
Rules. There are so many rules in baseball that the average fan doesn't know, imagine taking all those average fans and multiplying the rules by two. You might have cricket.
As you know I am a huge soccer fan and sadly I know that soccer will always be behind football, baseball and basketball... even if the US does finally win a World Cup. But soccer certainly has it's niche. People who love soccer watch soccer. Do I think the MLS is a great league, absolutely not. Do I watch it? Yes, because I love to watch the game. Do I ever think I will watch a cricket match or test or whatever it's called? NO, absolutely not.
USACA seems to think they have a marketable sport that people will latch onto, saying "it wants to unlock the sport's potential in a 'massive market' and use the revenues from the new league to help spread cricket across the U.S. and form a competitive international team." My question to them, cricket has been played since the 16th century, and international matches have been played since 1844, very similar to when Baseball first started. The Ashes which is likely the sports biggest event after the World Cup began in 1882. If it hasn't even become a niche sport in 150 years, what makes them think a professional league is going to suddenly gain attention.
Before USACA goes through with this, they should really check their history. The XFL could not compete with the NFL, the ABA could not compete with the NBA and these are sports that are the same already American known games. Anyone would thinks that cricket could be successful in the States has apparently never watched a baseball game.
The USA Cricket Association (USACA, which is a great name in and of itself) announced earlier today that "it hopes 'top-class international cricket' will finally take root in America by launching the first professional competition, the USA Premier League." It's hard to believe that the crowd noise decibels at any event could ever match the name of the event. Seriously how many cricket players can you name? I can name 3, Jack Hobbs, Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar and a 4th guy and that's only because they were the 4 multiple choice answers for the 10,000,000 rupee question.
Investors have come up with numerous half-baked and/or poorly marketed sports ideas. For example pretty much every failed women's league of the past 10 years, the XFL comes to mind as half-baked, World TeamTennis the third time (only because I don't know if it was successful the first time) being another one. Oh you didn't know World TeamTennis came back?
The idea of a professional cricket league in the states is nearly as ridiculous as the idea that a professional curling league would be successful and here's why.
Look at nearly popular sports in the US... football, basketball, baseball and even the less popular ones like soccer and lacrosse. They can all be somehow adapted to a pick-up style game, in which full teams are not necessary and full field size is not necessary. Even hockey can be played with roller blades, a kick ball and a broom. Cricket doesn't work like that. It's played on a gigantic pitch... sorry boundary (this the proper term), and if you have never seen a game, basically it's baseball that is played in every direction. Where is a kid going to find 21 friends and a big enough place to play a game that none of the other 21 kids have ever seen in their lives?
New sports have to have a way to catch on with a young active generation (I say this knowing that the generation is not that active, but the ones who do go outside and play are the ones that are targeted by new sports). It's the reason more kids don't take up golf or tennis, they see it as standing around. Another reason it won't catch on with youth is... the awkward pitching motion. It's bad enough that Little Leaguers blow out their arms trying to throw curveballs. What's going to happen when they start trying this.
GOOD LUCK!
The scoring is confusing. Think running bases, with fielders everywhere. The one good thing Cricket might do is teach kids how to hit the cut-off man. Here's an example of a scorecard.
Australia - 1st InningsI imagine that would make a bit of sense if I had a clue what some of the intricate rules meant. But I don't which leads to the next problem...
M. Taylor c. Richardson b. Snell 12
M. Slater LBW. Donald 57
D. Boon b. de Villiers 68
M. Waugh not out 184
A. Border c. Rhodes b. Donald 0
S. Waugh c. Snell b. de Villiers 34
I. Healy c. Snell b. de Villiers 6
S. Warne run out 35
M. Hughes st. Richardson b. Cronje 10
C. McDermott b. de Villiers 41
G. McGrath LBW. de Villiers 9
Extras 16
Total 141 overs 10 for 472
Rules. There are so many rules in baseball that the average fan doesn't know, imagine taking all those average fans and multiplying the rules by two. You might have cricket.
As you know I am a huge soccer fan and sadly I know that soccer will always be behind football, baseball and basketball... even if the US does finally win a World Cup. But soccer certainly has it's niche. People who love soccer watch soccer. Do I think the MLS is a great league, absolutely not. Do I watch it? Yes, because I love to watch the game. Do I ever think I will watch a cricket match or test or whatever it's called? NO, absolutely not.
USACA seems to think they have a marketable sport that people will latch onto, saying "it wants to unlock the sport's potential in a 'massive market' and use the revenues from the new league to help spread cricket across the U.S. and form a competitive international team." My question to them, cricket has been played since the 16th century, and international matches have been played since 1844, very similar to when Baseball first started. The Ashes which is likely the sports biggest event after the World Cup began in 1882. If it hasn't even become a niche sport in 150 years, what makes them think a professional league is going to suddenly gain attention.
Before USACA goes through with this, they should really check their history. The XFL could not compete with the NFL, the ABA could not compete with the NBA and these are sports that are the same already American known games. Anyone would thinks that cricket could be successful in the States has apparently never watched a baseball game.
Friday, June 26, 2009
New EPL Kits Part 1
I'm due for another blog entry and it just so happens to be a jersey segment. I haven't checked Uniwatchblog, in order to see if they've already done it, so if they have well too bad.
Thankfully Newcastle have dropped out of the Premiership and we won't have to see this hideous away kit. I always though yellow and white stripes would look kind of cool, but yellow and creme never crossed my mind.
So we will go in alphabetical order...
If you are familiar with the Arsenal crest you know that it contains two shades of red, gold, white and navy. So they went with this as their away kit. I've never been much for the Gunners away kits 08/09 and 07/08. But the 09/10 kit is not terrible much better than some of the rumored designs.
Aston Villa are choosing not to go with brown and orange, despite their massive success under owner Randy Lerner, they will stick with claret and sky blue (not to be confused with West Ham who also wear claret and sky blue ... here's why.) Villa also sticks with Nike and came up with this. Interestingly enough, the back story is that the team has produced many great players for the England National Team, and they wanted to honour that. I find it funny that the jerseys look eerily similar to a different National Team kit (Villa is owned by an American and both keepers are US Internationals, in fact the only country with more than one player representation on the squad is the US.
Perennial, stay-uppers Birmingham City... put out this lousy effort as their away kit. Did Umbro even try? I wore this kit as a U-11 for Eastside Kickers, just replace the sponsor with three yellow stripes and a white stripe.
I've always kind of had a crush on the Blackburn half and half kits of old, in which one side of the jersey would be blue with the other being white. It was always different, then they had last years Away Kit, which I find classy. This year's away kit is less than intriguing, but it serves it's purpose.
Bolton, YIKES just a tad bit to much going on there. I feel like if I look at the bottom part long enough, a bear might pop out in 3D, I don't understand the point in having weird patterns on the part that should be covered by your shorts, but when untucked it's even worse. And BTW that patch is a POCKET! Just in case you forgot to leave your keys in the locker room. This is a Reebok Kit, but Reebok is no longer the lead sponsor, maybe they are trying to take vengeance here.
Burnley are making their first appearance into the EPL, and they wear... claret and sky blue. Simple seeing as how there is a good chance they are going to be right back in Championship after 38 games or so.
And my boys Chelsea are taking some knocks for this weird sublimated sports bra home kit
I'm actually a bit disappointed in these kits, because I hadn't heard the Abramovich was putting a team in Le Tour de France until I saw these. As much as I am not feeling the home kit, take a loot at the away kit and 3rd kit. They both have the weird bra thing going on, which is supposed to be clima-cool, but the stripes make it a bit less obvious. What sucks is that the Big Clubs change their jerseys every single year, my Yellow kit. Not just kits, but colors, after a few years of yellow they have gone away from it.
Thankfully Newcastle have dropped out of the Premiership and we won't have to see this hideous away kit. I always though yellow and white stripes would look kind of cool, but yellow and creme never crossed my mind.
So we will go in alphabetical order...
If you are familiar with the Arsenal crest you know that it contains two shades of red, gold, white and navy. So they went with this as their away kit. I've never been much for the Gunners away kits 08/09 and 07/08. But the 09/10 kit is not terrible much better than some of the rumored designs.
Aston Villa are choosing not to go with brown and orange, despite their massive success under owner Randy Lerner, they will stick with claret and sky blue (not to be confused with West Ham who also wear claret and sky blue ... here's why.) Villa also sticks with Nike and came up with this. Interestingly enough, the back story is that the team has produced many great players for the England National Team, and they wanted to honour that. I find it funny that the jerseys look eerily similar to a different National Team kit (Villa is owned by an American and both keepers are US Internationals, in fact the only country with more than one player representation on the squad is the US.
Perennial, stay-uppers Birmingham City... put out this lousy effort as their away kit. Did Umbro even try? I wore this kit as a U-11 for Eastside Kickers, just replace the sponsor with three yellow stripes and a white stripe.
I've always kind of had a crush on the Blackburn half and half kits of old, in which one side of the jersey would be blue with the other being white. It was always different, then they had last years Away Kit, which I find classy. This year's away kit is less than intriguing, but it serves it's purpose.
Bolton, YIKES just a tad bit to much going on there. I feel like if I look at the bottom part long enough, a bear might pop out in 3D, I don't understand the point in having weird patterns on the part that should be covered by your shorts, but when untucked it's even worse. And BTW that patch is a POCKET! Just in case you forgot to leave your keys in the locker room. This is a Reebok Kit, but Reebok is no longer the lead sponsor, maybe they are trying to take vengeance here.
Burnley are making their first appearance into the EPL, and they wear... claret and sky blue. Simple seeing as how there is a good chance they are going to be right back in Championship after 38 games or so.
And my boys Chelsea are taking some knocks for this weird sublimated sports bra home kit
I'm actually a bit disappointed in these kits, because I hadn't heard the Abramovich was putting a team in Le Tour de France until I saw these. As much as I am not feeling the home kit, take a loot at the away kit and 3rd kit. They both have the weird bra thing going on, which is supposed to be clima-cool, but the stripes make it a bit less obvious. What sucks is that the Big Clubs change their jerseys every single year, my Yellow kit. Not just kits, but colors, after a few years of yellow they have gone away from it.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Wedge has to go.
Are the Indians a bad team this year? Or are they a good team with a manager who is unable to motivate them?
Obviously the bullpen issues can not be blamed on anyone but the pitchers in those situations, but there is no reason that the pen should be this bad.
In Friday's Plain Dealer, there is an article that says Wedge call out bullpen for... being lousy or something like that. This is after blowing a 7-0 lead to lose 8-7. Wedge was also ejected in this game, but one has to believe he still has say in the pitching decisions. There is no excuse for not going to a closer in a game that you should win. Instead they bring in a guy who hasn't pitched in three months, as the Guinness guys would say BRILLIANT!
However I'm not putting last night's loss entirely on the bullpen. The Indians are 2-2 in their last 4 games, and the two that they have lost, they have lost by one run. However, in both of those games an outfielder's inability to hit a cut-off man cost the team two unearned runs.
Ben Francisco's throw was way off line four days ago, which allowed both runners to move up and both of the runners scored on a single.
Shin Soo Choo throwing from Right-Field to third base to try and get Evan Longoria out bounced over DeRosa/Peralta's head and allowed Longoria to score and whoever hit it to move up to second. That guy also scored.
So the bullpen may be sucking but there is a lack of fundamentals on this team and that needs to be blamed on Eric Wedge. I've never been a big Wedge fan and I think it's time to move on.
Obviously the bullpen issues can not be blamed on anyone but the pitchers in those situations, but there is no reason that the pen should be this bad.
In Friday's Plain Dealer, there is an article that says Wedge call out bullpen for... being lousy or something like that. This is after blowing a 7-0 lead to lose 8-7. Wedge was also ejected in this game, but one has to believe he still has say in the pitching decisions. There is no excuse for not going to a closer in a game that you should win. Instead they bring in a guy who hasn't pitched in three months, as the Guinness guys would say BRILLIANT!
However I'm not putting last night's loss entirely on the bullpen. The Indians are 2-2 in their last 4 games, and the two that they have lost, they have lost by one run. However, in both of those games an outfielder's inability to hit a cut-off man cost the team two unearned runs.
Ben Francisco's throw was way off line four days ago, which allowed both runners to move up and both of the runners scored on a single.
Shin Soo Choo throwing from Right-Field to third base to try and get Evan Longoria out bounced over DeRosa/Peralta's head and allowed Longoria to score and whoever hit it to move up to second. That guy also scored.
So the bullpen may be sucking but there is a lack of fundamentals on this team and that needs to be blamed on Eric Wedge. I've never been a big Wedge fan and I think it's time to move on.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Cain Park 2009
Cain Park has released it's 2009 schedule for what I believe to be the first time in The Plain Dealer Friday magazine. Being a supporter of the Arts in the Heights (not by money, but by title) let's talk about it a little bit.
The following are shows that must be paid for. So Rootstock and Terrence Simien "fingers crossed" do not appear on the schedule.
The season kicks off on Wednesday, June 13 in the Evans Ampitheater with Anne Cochran. Cochran is best known for her hit single "Someone is Missing at Christmas" and for touring with Jim Brickman. Just what Cleveland needs a Christmas singer in June!
INTEREST: ZERO
The day before (Tuedsay, June 12th) in the Alma Theater is Harry Bacharach, a dead politician from Atlantic City. I'm assuming this is not that Harry Bacharach but with the attendance at some of the shows last season, maybe a dead guy would draw as well. A little more research shows me that Bacharach is a Cleveland based blues/jazz piano guy. A quick sample of one of his songs isn't to bad
INTEREST: FOUR
Another Alma Concert Series show on 6/16 is Gershwin '29. I would expect this to be some type of Gershwin Tribute. Though I'm not big on Gershwin, this show will probably do well.
INTEREST: THREE
JUNE 18TH sees the third show of the Alma Concert Series... September Songs, and again I have no idea what this is. Maybe a cover badn playing hits like Earth, Wind and Fire's "September" or The Temptations "September in the Rain"
INTEREST: N/A DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS
Finally we are back to the Evan's for Kelly Bell Band. They are not related to "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" hottie Kristen of the same last name. In fact Kelly Bell is a pretty cool looking blue playing black guy with dreads (he even has his own bobble-heads). I'm not much of a blues fan, but these guys look like they might be fun.
INTEREST: SIX
Playrights Weekend is the 19-21.
Big Cool Cats Music Festival on June 20th... Who's on the bill?
-70 Lewis, "a young alternative/progressive pop band featuring soulful vocals similar to Freddy Mercury on top of the pop sensibilities of Ben Folds." Sounds like fun!
-Cats on Holiday w/ the Mifune horn section. I played soccer with the guys from Mifune and they are a cool group. Mifune will play later. Here is there take on Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash .
-Mo Mojo a zydeco band
-Magpies indie/folk revivalists, Cleveland Scene "best Americana band"
-Mifune, afro-electronique they've got a really cool sound
-Ital, "old school reggae"
The show concludes with a jam session on the colonnade. It's a unknown Cleveland band festival, so it will be interesting. 70 Lewis looks real cool.
INTEREST: EIGHT
Long Road: Unbound in the Alma series It's the Budin group doing another benefit concert that people will flock to see. Not me, If i want to hear a cover band sing folk songs, I'll turn on Gone Country! on GMC.
INTEREST: THREE
"Happily Ever After" on 6/24 is a kids theater show, that will not star Hilary Duff despite it being dubbed a Cinderella tale.
INTEREST: TWO, unless Duff is there NINE
June 25 see Eric Bibb, who is not a member of the Bee Gees, maybe he is like Jon Bovi from SNL. Doubt it though, he is actually a blues guitar player. Because there are enough of those playing at Cain Park.
INTEREST: THREE
Groundworks Dancetheater... not reviewing
The first gig that people will have actually heard of comes on the 27th of June. She may be 69 but she's a Grammy Winner and that's Judy Collins. I'd rather see Joan Baez or Joni Mitchell but hey you can have every 60 something folk singing activist. Folk singing activists are so good because they are double negatives... folk singing and activist.
INTEREST: SIX, someday I can say I went to a Judy Collins concert, none of the music was relevant to 2009 when we had a Black President, and could have had a woman president.
The last concert in June is in the Alma and it's Cleveland guitarist Brian Henke. Henke puts on a good show, but I don't understand why people pay to see him when you can see him for free and the Metroparks.
INTEREST: FIVE
Livingston Taylor, who is the New York Jets of his family's musical talent, will be back for the upteenth year in a row. Just once could we get James to come along? maybe? just ocne it's all I ask.
INTEREST: THREE
That same night which is July 2nd is Juliette Regnier in concert. She's a singer that does not interest me.
INTEREST: ZERO
Arts Festival is the next weekend in between and a quick look at the schedule allows me to uncross my fingers, Yes I've been typing this with crossed fingers the whole time of course.
Brings us to July 17th for the band Eclectica, one would think that Eclectica would be a band of all sort of varieties, like having a band called Miscellaneous or Variety. Rather they are a jam band Supergroup bringing together the likes of Tracy Silverman on electric violin, Roy "Futureman" Wooten of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones on drums and Steve Forrest on bass. Here they are without Forrest, but with Wooten and Silverman and a high school orchestra
INTEREST: EIGHT
How about pairing up two of the greatest folk legends ever when Arlo Guthrie and Richie Havens take the stage on the same night. I don't know if it will be together or not, but should be a great show. That's on July 18th.
INTEREST: SEVEN
Of course 5 days later you can hear another folk legend, at least in terms of satirical music in John McCutcheon. McCutcheon will play a Kidzart show the day before.
INTEREST: SIX
As an usher we were told either Big Bad Voodoo Daddy or Squirrel Nut Zippers would be there, obviously you can't have two contemporary swing groups in the same summer. So obviously go with the lesser known one because odds are they are cheaper. So on July 25th you can come watch the Squirrel Nut Zippers. These guys haven't released a single since 1998, but there music has appeared in a bunch of films (mostly starring Brendan Fraser) like "Blast from the Past" and "Monkeybone" since 2001
INTEREST: SIX
Pointe of Departure takes stage on July 31st they are not Human but Dancer.
Pippin begins that night and runs through 8/23. Due to nobody watching "old musical theater," by old I mean, not Wicked, Avenue Q, and stuff that my generation thinks is good musical theater anymore the Park is going with one "show." Honestly I know nothing about.
Tartan Terroes come to town oon August 1st, and likely the Scots will be out of World Cup Qualifying by then. These guys look like tons of fun, what Celtic group isn't. There most popular song is Scotland Depraved. Got to love a group that says, "be aware we wrote this song after non-alcholic drinks... American Beer"
INTEREST: TEN
Verb Ballets more dancing. When is Soulja Boy gonna come to the Evans.
Over the Rhine on August 8th, not sure how to describe them. Here is what the website says "post-nuclear, pseudo-alternative folk-tinged art pop." Heres the classic Hallelujah, yes the song from Shrek which sounds much different than the song "The World Can Wait"
INTEREST: SEVEN
Soul and Heart Festival on the 14th, is Budin's group that already played earlier in the season Long Road, along with his brother Noah. Prayer Warriors (pop-gospel) and Kristine Jackson (contemporary blues, which I think means Aimee Mann?)
INTEREST: FIVE, If not to hear what the Prayer Warriors have to offer.
The next day brings in Canadian crooner Matt Dusk, those Canadians always working for less money than Michael Buble or Robin Thicke. Hmph, still he has a good voice and I think with the right promos the girls will go crazy for this one.
INTEREST: SIX
On the 16th a band you may have heard of called The Beach Boys take over and I'm guessing we won't be able to use our vouchers. Do I need to say anything about The Beach Boys?
INTEREST: TEN
Dancing Wheels more dancing
Everyones favorite 3 hit wonder? Maybe two hit wonder, but I can name three of their songs. Possibly the most under-appreciated band of the 90s. Gin Blossoms & Tonic Tour become the penultimate concert this summer on 8/21. Tonic Tour is a group I don't knwo anything about, possible an a capella group based on a wiki search, but I'm not sure.
INTEREST: ELEVEN!
Fan favorite Pavlo finishes the year up on August 22nd. I haven't seen him yet, but the Mediterranean "master showman" is supposed to be brilliant. Maybe this is the year.
INTEREST: SEVEN
Also there are five $2 Tuesday concerts you might want to check out. For $2 even if they suck, you only payed TWO FRICKIN BUCKS
-6/16 Steve Jochum and Big Zipper - I guess he is pretty well known in Cleveland, a rock-guitarist
-6/30 Walkin' Cane and Megan Slankard. Walkin' Cane is a blue guy who sounds pretty good on all his instruments. Megan Slankard might be hot, but I need to see for myself. Listed as a rock singer/songwriter, upon first look I have a feeling she is going to be a Fiona Apple or Liz Phair type artist. I like her and she only 5 years older than me, lol.
-7/14 Skinny, innovative pop-funk, whatever that means. I think I'm an innovative blogger, if I wasn't I certainly wouldn't be charging $2 for you to read this.
-7/28 Jonathan Kingham, a songwriting contest winner, and by the looks of things it was a pretty big contest National Telluride Troubadour Songwriting Contest (ever heard of it?)
-8/11 Arrogant Worms. These guys are a can't miss comedy trio. Think The Wiggles grow up and meet They Might be Giants who then crash a Barenaked Ladies concert and you have what I would describe the Arrogant Worms as. Check our Carrot Juice is Murder and Rippy the Gator. You might like Rocks and Trees, a brilliant anthem for Canada.
The following are shows that must be paid for. So Rootstock and Terrence Simien "fingers crossed" do not appear on the schedule.
The season kicks off on Wednesday, June 13 in the Evans Ampitheater with Anne Cochran. Cochran is best known for her hit single "Someone is Missing at Christmas" and for touring with Jim Brickman. Just what Cleveland needs a Christmas singer in June!
INTEREST: ZERO
The day before (Tuedsay, June 12th) in the Alma Theater is Harry Bacharach, a dead politician from Atlantic City. I'm assuming this is not that Harry Bacharach but with the attendance at some of the shows last season, maybe a dead guy would draw as well. A little more research shows me that Bacharach is a Cleveland based blues/jazz piano guy. A quick sample of one of his songs isn't to bad
INTEREST: FOUR
Another Alma Concert Series show on 6/16 is Gershwin '29. I would expect this to be some type of Gershwin Tribute. Though I'm not big on Gershwin, this show will probably do well.
INTEREST: THREE
JUNE 18TH sees the third show of the Alma Concert Series... September Songs, and again I have no idea what this is. Maybe a cover badn playing hits like Earth, Wind and Fire's "September" or The Temptations "September in the Rain"
INTEREST: N/A DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS
Finally we are back to the Evan's for Kelly Bell Band. They are not related to "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" hottie Kristen of the same last name. In fact Kelly Bell is a pretty cool looking blue playing black guy with dreads (he even has his own bobble-heads). I'm not much of a blues fan, but these guys look like they might be fun.
INTEREST: SIX
Playrights Weekend is the 19-21.
Big Cool Cats Music Festival on June 20th... Who's on the bill?
-70 Lewis, "a young alternative/progressive pop band featuring soulful vocals similar to Freddy Mercury on top of the pop sensibilities of Ben Folds." Sounds like fun!
-Cats on Holiday w/ the Mifune horn section. I played soccer with the guys from Mifune and they are a cool group. Mifune will play later. Here is there take on Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash .
-Mo Mojo a zydeco band
-Magpies indie/folk revivalists, Cleveland Scene "best Americana band"
-Mifune, afro-electronique they've got a really cool sound
-Ital, "old school reggae"
The show concludes with a jam session on the colonnade. It's a unknown Cleveland band festival, so it will be interesting. 70 Lewis looks real cool.
INTEREST: EIGHT
Long Road: Unbound in the Alma series It's the Budin group doing another benefit concert that people will flock to see. Not me, If i want to hear a cover band sing folk songs, I'll turn on Gone Country! on GMC.
INTEREST: THREE
"Happily Ever After" on 6/24 is a kids theater show, that will not star Hilary Duff despite it being dubbed a Cinderella tale.
INTEREST: TWO, unless Duff is there NINE
June 25 see Eric Bibb, who is not a member of the Bee Gees, maybe he is like Jon Bovi from SNL. Doubt it though, he is actually a blues guitar player. Because there are enough of those playing at Cain Park.
INTEREST: THREE
Groundworks Dancetheater... not reviewing
The first gig that people will have actually heard of comes on the 27th of June. She may be 69 but she's a Grammy Winner and that's Judy Collins. I'd rather see Joan Baez or Joni Mitchell but hey you can have every 60 something folk singing activist. Folk singing activists are so good because they are double negatives... folk singing and activist.
INTEREST: SIX, someday I can say I went to a Judy Collins concert, none of the music was relevant to 2009 when we had a Black President, and could have had a woman president.
The last concert in June is in the Alma and it's Cleveland guitarist Brian Henke. Henke puts on a good show, but I don't understand why people pay to see him when you can see him for free and the Metroparks.
INTEREST: FIVE
Livingston Taylor, who is the New York Jets of his family's musical talent, will be back for the upteenth year in a row. Just once could we get James to come along? maybe? just ocne it's all I ask.
INTEREST: THREE
That same night which is July 2nd is Juliette Regnier in concert. She's a singer that does not interest me.
INTEREST: ZERO
Arts Festival is the next weekend in between and a quick look at the schedule allows me to uncross my fingers, Yes I've been typing this with crossed fingers the whole time of course.
Brings us to July 17th for the band Eclectica, one would think that Eclectica would be a band of all sort of varieties, like having a band called Miscellaneous or Variety. Rather they are a jam band Supergroup bringing together the likes of Tracy Silverman on electric violin, Roy "Futureman" Wooten of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones on drums and Steve Forrest on bass. Here they are without Forrest, but with Wooten and Silverman and a high school orchestra
INTEREST: EIGHT
How about pairing up two of the greatest folk legends ever when Arlo Guthrie and Richie Havens take the stage on the same night. I don't know if it will be together or not, but should be a great show. That's on July 18th.
INTEREST: SEVEN
Of course 5 days later you can hear another folk legend, at least in terms of satirical music in John McCutcheon. McCutcheon will play a Kidzart show the day before.
INTEREST: SIX
As an usher we were told either Big Bad Voodoo Daddy or Squirrel Nut Zippers would be there, obviously you can't have two contemporary swing groups in the same summer. So obviously go with the lesser known one because odds are they are cheaper. So on July 25th you can come watch the Squirrel Nut Zippers. These guys haven't released a single since 1998, but there music has appeared in a bunch of films (mostly starring Brendan Fraser) like "Blast from the Past" and "Monkeybone" since 2001
INTEREST: SIX
Pointe of Departure takes stage on July 31st they are not Human but Dancer.
Pippin begins that night and runs through 8/23. Due to nobody watching "old musical theater," by old I mean, not Wicked, Avenue Q, and stuff that my generation thinks is good musical theater anymore the Park is going with one "show." Honestly I know nothing about.
Tartan Terroes come to town oon August 1st, and likely the Scots will be out of World Cup Qualifying by then. These guys look like tons of fun, what Celtic group isn't. There most popular song is Scotland Depraved. Got to love a group that says, "be aware we wrote this song after non-alcholic drinks... American Beer"
INTEREST: TEN
Verb Ballets more dancing. When is Soulja Boy gonna come to the Evans.
Over the Rhine on August 8th, not sure how to describe them. Here is what the website says "post-nuclear, pseudo-alternative folk-tinged art pop." Heres the classic Hallelujah, yes the song from Shrek which sounds much different than the song "The World Can Wait"
INTEREST: SEVEN
Soul and Heart Festival on the 14th, is Budin's group that already played earlier in the season Long Road, along with his brother Noah. Prayer Warriors (pop-gospel) and Kristine Jackson (contemporary blues, which I think means Aimee Mann?)
INTEREST: FIVE, If not to hear what the Prayer Warriors have to offer.
The next day brings in Canadian crooner Matt Dusk, those Canadians always working for less money than Michael Buble or Robin Thicke. Hmph, still he has a good voice and I think with the right promos the girls will go crazy for this one.
INTEREST: SIX
On the 16th a band you may have heard of called The Beach Boys take over and I'm guessing we won't be able to use our vouchers. Do I need to say anything about The Beach Boys?
INTEREST: TEN
Dancing Wheels more dancing
Everyones favorite 3 hit wonder? Maybe two hit wonder, but I can name three of their songs. Possibly the most under-appreciated band of the 90s. Gin Blossoms & Tonic Tour become the penultimate concert this summer on 8/21. Tonic Tour is a group I don't knwo anything about, possible an a capella group based on a wiki search, but I'm not sure.
INTEREST: ELEVEN!
Fan favorite Pavlo finishes the year up on August 22nd. I haven't seen him yet, but the Mediterranean "master showman" is supposed to be brilliant. Maybe this is the year.
INTEREST: SEVEN
Also there are five $2 Tuesday concerts you might want to check out. For $2 even if they suck, you only payed TWO FRICKIN BUCKS
-6/16 Steve Jochum and Big Zipper - I guess he is pretty well known in Cleveland, a rock-guitarist
-6/30 Walkin' Cane and Megan Slankard. Walkin' Cane is a blue guy who sounds pretty good on all his instruments. Megan Slankard might be hot, but I need to see for myself. Listed as a rock singer/songwriter, upon first look I have a feeling she is going to be a Fiona Apple or Liz Phair type artist. I like her and she only 5 years older than me, lol.
-7/14 Skinny, innovative pop-funk, whatever that means. I think I'm an innovative blogger, if I wasn't I certainly wouldn't be charging $2 for you to read this.
-7/28 Jonathan Kingham, a songwriting contest winner, and by the looks of things it was a pretty big contest National Telluride Troubadour Songwriting Contest (ever heard of it?)
-8/11 Arrogant Worms. These guys are a can't miss comedy trio. Think The Wiggles grow up and meet They Might be Giants who then crash a Barenaked Ladies concert and you have what I would describe the Arrogant Worms as. Check our Carrot Juice is Murder and Rippy the Gator. You might like Rocks and Trees, a brilliant anthem for Canada.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
NFL Draft
It's been a while. I apologize. A wise man once said "never let facts get in the way of a good story," hence I have no facts for why it's been so long.
Apparently there is this thing coming up on Saturday called the NFL Draft, and for the next 36 hours or so, we will hear every rumor imaginable...
-New York Jets make three way trade for Sage Rosenfels and Rex Grossman. One will start on Rosh Hashanah the other will star on Yom Kippur.
-Brady Quinn still on the board.
-Detroit Lions draft a receiver with the #1 pick.
However what we here in Cleveland are looking for is a pick that is not botched. I'm looking to get rid of Braylon Edwards and Derek Anderson as well, but it seems that only the Browns think Edwards is still worth a a 1st and a 3rd round pick. Not to mention how bad D.A. looked last night for the Fusion... his trade value is falling more and more each day.
Here are what some NFL guys have the Browns doing and what I think
Scott Wright of www.draftcountdown.com -- Michael Crabtree WR, Texas Tech
STUPID. Unless they trade Edwards they don't need Crabtree, especially when it been proven that late round receivers can have impact. Crabtree is not going to win games for this team, look at Calvin Johnson in Detroit. He's a great receiver, but they went 0-16 last year.
Mel Kiper of www.overrateddraftniks.com -- I'm not paying to read his crap analysis so I'll have to wait until Saturday when I hear him babble constantly during the draft.
Todd McShay of ESPN --BJ Raji DT, Boston College
Sure why not, I understand he can possibly play linebacker as well and assuming Aaron Curry is gone, he might be the best defensive player available.
draftzoo.com -- Aaron Maybin DE, Penn State
Not bad, I think him Orakpo are going to have similar careers, so why not take the guy with less injury history
WalterFootball.com -- Brian Orakpo DE/OLB, Texas
see above
Those are a few mock draft. Here are some things I do not want to see happen.
-Browns trade Brady Quinn and/or pick Mark Sanchez... Sanchez is not going to be that good, I'm not ready to give up on Brady Quinn
-Any Ohio State player or any player from the state of Ohio going to Pittsburgh... I'm tired of that, Holmes, Roethlisberger and Harrison.
Things I want to see happen.
-Browns trade Edwards and use the pick they get for Beanie Wells or Knowshon Moreno in that order
-Browns draft Pat White out of WVU
-J'Nathan Bullock ends up with the Browns be it with the 7th rounder or a Undrafted FA
-Detroit to take Mark Sanchez and get him off the baord so the Browns don't take him.
-Randy Lerner brings on of the Brad's from Aston Villa to punt on Sundays.
Apparently there is this thing coming up on Saturday called the NFL Draft, and for the next 36 hours or so, we will hear every rumor imaginable...
-New York Jets make three way trade for Sage Rosenfels and Rex Grossman. One will start on Rosh Hashanah the other will star on Yom Kippur.
-Brady Quinn still on the board.
-Detroit Lions draft a receiver with the #1 pick.
However what we here in Cleveland are looking for is a pick that is not botched. I'm looking to get rid of Braylon Edwards and Derek Anderson as well, but it seems that only the Browns think Edwards is still worth a a 1st and a 3rd round pick. Not to mention how bad D.A. looked last night for the Fusion... his trade value is falling more and more each day.
Here are what some NFL guys have the Browns doing and what I think
Scott Wright of www.draftcountdown.com -- Michael Crabtree WR, Texas Tech
STUPID. Unless they trade Edwards they don't need Crabtree, especially when it been proven that late round receivers can have impact. Crabtree is not going to win games for this team, look at Calvin Johnson in Detroit. He's a great receiver, but they went 0-16 last year.
Mel Kiper of www.overrateddraftniks.com -- I'm not paying to read his crap analysis so I'll have to wait until Saturday when I hear him babble constantly during the draft.
Todd McShay of ESPN --BJ Raji DT, Boston College
Sure why not, I understand he can possibly play linebacker as well and assuming Aaron Curry is gone, he might be the best defensive player available.
draftzoo.com -- Aaron Maybin DE, Penn State
Not bad, I think him Orakpo are going to have similar careers, so why not take the guy with less injury history
WalterFootball.com -- Brian Orakpo DE/OLB, Texas
see above
Those are a few mock draft. Here are some things I do not want to see happen.
-Browns trade Brady Quinn and/or pick Mark Sanchez... Sanchez is not going to be that good, I'm not ready to give up on Brady Quinn
-Any Ohio State player or any player from the state of Ohio going to Pittsburgh... I'm tired of that, Holmes, Roethlisberger and Harrison.
Things I want to see happen.
-Browns trade Edwards and use the pick they get for Beanie Wells or Knowshon Moreno in that order
-Browns draft Pat White out of WVU
-J'Nathan Bullock ends up with the Browns be it with the 7th rounder or a Undrafted FA
-Detroit to take Mark Sanchez and get him off the baord so the Browns don't take him.
-Randy Lerner brings on of the Brad's from Aston Villa to punt on Sundays.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Missed Promotions (AL East Edition)
DJ Gallo of ESPN's Page 2 gave his Best and Worst MLB Promotions a week or so ago. (read here)
But what about the promotions that didn't quite make it on the schedule.
AL EAST
The one they did
Tampa Bay Rays
Check out the Post-Game concert lineup Ludacris, Pat Benatar, Smash Mouth, Daughtry, B-52s, Big & Rich, and The Beach Boys
The one they missed
Bindi the Jungle Girl and the Crocmen. Check out "Animal Life" & "Trouble in the Jungle"
If you don't get it, then you and I clearly don't have the same sense of humor.
The one they did
Boston Red Sox
NOTHING, they don't have promotions listed on the website.
The one they missed
ABSOLUTly nothing, if your not going to do any promotions at least get a sponsor to not do any promotions
The one they did
New York Yankees
Dunkin Donuts Gift Card Night
1st 18,000 fans 21 and older receiver gift cards of a non-descript demonination
The one they missed
After the game you can sell back your gift cards to Jonathan Albaledejo (6'5 260) and CC Sabathia (6'7 290)
The one they did
Toronto Blue Jays
Magnet Schedule Day, Magnet Schedule Day, Magnet Schedule Day
Yes they gave away magnet schedules all three games during Opening Week
The ones they missed
Toronto F.C. Magnet Schedule Day, they draw more and have a chance to compete in the East.
Teetotaler Day... oh wait
The one they did
Baltimore Orioles
Orioles Alumni Autograph Series "Every Monday and Thursday home game at Camden Yards, come meet some of your favorite former Orioles! Two to three former players will be signing autographs at the MASN Booth on Eutaw Street (near Gate A) from one and a half hours before the game until 30 minutes before the first pitch."
The one they missed
Sidney Ponson Autograph Series "Every Monday and Thursday home game at Camden Yards, come meet some of your favorite former Orioles! Two to three former players will be signing autographs at the MASN Booth on Eutaw Street (near Gate A) from one and a half hours before the game until 30 minutes before the first pitch."
But what about the promotions that didn't quite make it on the schedule.
AL EAST
The one they did
Tampa Bay Rays
Check out the Post-Game concert lineup Ludacris, Pat Benatar, Smash Mouth, Daughtry, B-52s, Big & Rich, and The Beach Boys
The one they missed
Bindi the Jungle Girl and the Crocmen. Check out "Animal Life" & "Trouble in the Jungle"
If you don't get it, then you and I clearly don't have the same sense of humor.
The one they did
Boston Red Sox
NOTHING, they don't have promotions listed on the website.
The one they missed
ABSOLUTly nothing, if your not going to do any promotions at least get a sponsor to not do any promotions
The one they did
New York Yankees
Dunkin Donuts Gift Card Night
1st 18,000 fans 21 and older receiver gift cards of a non-descript demonination
The one they missed
After the game you can sell back your gift cards to Jonathan Albaledejo (6'5 260) and CC Sabathia (6'7 290)
The one they did
Toronto Blue Jays
Magnet Schedule Day, Magnet Schedule Day, Magnet Schedule Day
Yes they gave away magnet schedules all three games during Opening Week
The ones they missed
Toronto F.C. Magnet Schedule Day, they draw more and have a chance to compete in the East.
Teetotaler Day... oh wait
The one they did
Baltimore Orioles
Orioles Alumni Autograph Series "Every Monday and Thursday home game at Camden Yards, come meet some of your favorite former Orioles! Two to three former players will be signing autographs at the MASN Booth on Eutaw Street (near Gate A) from one and a half hours before the game until 30 minutes before the first pitch."
The one they missed
Sidney Ponson Autograph Series "Every Monday and Thursday home game at Camden Yards, come meet some of your favorite former Orioles! Two to three former players will be signing autographs at the MASN Booth on Eutaw Street (near Gate A) from one and a half hours before the game until 30 minutes before the first pitch."
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