Sports Conundrum

Well, all the teams I picked are knocked out of the SuperBowl. At least its a Harbaugh SuperBowl I guess. Not bad for a first. As much as I respect Ray Lewis, odds are against him. Still, odds were against them for the most part of the postseason and they managed to win, first against Broncos and then against Patriots.

Another problem is in soccer. Everton sucked. Of so many easy chances against Southampton, who is actually pretty tough for a team that lost 8 out of their first 10, Everton could not score. To be truthful, Everton sucked like most of the top 7. Why the top 7 sucked? Peter Reid mentioned that Everton should have been 10 more points and sit third. I slightly agree but the other teams ALSO did not take off despite Everton not getting that extra 10 points. So, is Everton the only team that sucked? Not really. But the only team in more trouble than Everton is Arsenal and that is not good for a team trying to go to the Champions League.

One other thing. Norwich is in relegation form. BUT, that's only because they are playing against all the top teams. I still stand by my claim that they are not relegation material because of this calculation, ONLY if they do not carry this form against the BOTTOM 5 teams. As for Southampton, I think they are also NOT relegation candidate, even when they were losing 8 out of their first 10. OK, I was kinda sure after they beat Villa. I'm sorry to hear they fired Adkins who did VERY well. That said, I would like to see Luke Shaw in Everton. That will provide cover or replacement for Baines, pushing the team forward.

Man, I don't believe I'm going to pound the table for this. WE NEED ANOTHER STRIKER. WE NEED TO PLAY ANICHEBE MORE. Maybe playing Anichebe as the out and out striker can help and benching Jelavic for the time being. I like Jelavic but he needs some time on the bench to work through his slump.

Pre Christmas Sports Update!

Well, I had ideas of other things to write, put them off and now I pretty much didn't want to write about them. Things like the political nonsense surrounding Sandy Hook shootings rather than helping the victims. Or how conveniently Singapore media tried to sweep their dirty tricks under the rug by publicizing Sandy Hook. Or how someone blocking me on Facebook for saying the logical and sensible thing about gun control. Or how that same someone tried to portray themselves as open minded yet steering debate in one direction and ended up blocking me because I pointed out the logic flaw of them living in a controlled environment like Singapore. Open minded people do not need to block anyone with a logical mind.

All this going into the craze that began from Sandy Hook when 28 innocents are killed by 1 deranged young adult because they are made vulnerable to crime in a perceived gun free zone. Instead, people started judging and talking about depriving others of their right to choose their way of life. And these same people always saying they allow people to make their choice through democracy but did not say that they want to dictate laws that override other people's choices. What's the word to describe these people?

Anyway, I digressed. I have no opinion whether everyone should have the right to own arms. I believe in the right to live and the right to make choices without influence. I believe in solutions, not hypothetical scenarios that will not be followed by some people. Yep, that explains my stand. One question I have is, given the circumstance, wouldn't banning guns take away the means of the victims' family to purchase a defense for their loved ones now?

So, back to the sports update. Everton finally caught a break, beat West Ham because of Cole's red card and broke their resistance. But the question remains, why are we conceding so many goals? Wigan is next and I hope we get a clean sheet against them. That is important because Chelsea is next. Yes, the Chelsea that cannot beat strong teams like Juventus or Corinthians but run over weak teams like Aston Villa and Leeds United. We need to show them our tough side. Yep, the same way I stated my stand above. Hopefully a good run starts now and all transfer rumors of players (or manager) leaving get quashed by the first week of January.

And yes, Moyes, my shopping list does not include a GK. I want a Central Defender and a Central Midfielder. Luxury buys can include Wingers and a Striker.

Next was the disappointing loss by the Texans. Well, I'm rooting for them because of their young history. And they are cool with all their charitable efforts and humble demeanor. But I have to say it does not look like they can sustain their drive to win the big prize. And of all things they hindered AP from breaking the rushing yards record. But it's alright, cause it is just a game. AP will continue his stellar career and break other records in due time.

As usual, I have a few teams I like though they might not be dangerous. Teams like Texans and Vikings and Washington. I'm optimistic for Packers, though this is a clear Superbowl contender. If I am to pick based on strength, I would say Packers vs. Broncos. Possible spoilers are Seahawks and Patriots. I think Giants can take a year off after their Superbowl win last year.

Frankly, although I would love to be right, I don't care if I guessed wrongly because I am happy with my picks for the past few year's Superbowl champions (the only one I didn't pick was Steelers and only because I didn't pick anyone!). I will sleep easy on a bad pick. Next week's focus will be on rooting for AP breaking the rushing record and Aldon Smith to break the sack record.

My Jump into Broke Rage!

Some time since I posted, but since then, I had to deal with negative inertia, as Ramos put it, about Patriots predictable "shock" loss to Giants. And then watch Everton getting caught up by Liverpool. And then watching Detroit go on a losing streak. Not too bad actually, since most of them got somewhere, like Champions League?

Anyway, I bought my first stock. In fact 20. In fact a slight miscalculation as I keyed in a higher value than I wanted to bid. And its for Pfizer! Well, I am not too worried, but its price dropped way below my bid price...boo hoo! Then again, based on the numbers I'm seeing, its not that bad. Just not too healthy. Sigh. Next stop, Microsoft. I'll definitely appreciate if Bill give me a hand or two!

Oh, tonnes of my colleagues are going to Singapore. SINGAPORE! Why?! I want to go on that business trip! Boo hoo!

Breaking the duck

Everton finally won after a few games of not scoring. The thing is that Everton has also not lost in the EPL yet in 2008. It's interesting to sit in the last Champions League spot but continued success is always better than a one-off season. But anyways, with Capello around, I'm sure people will start to take notice of the quality of the team. It is not formed by big money buys, but it is still Champions League quality. I should have kept a picture of the post I made correctly predicting Everton's entry to Champions League years ago. Not such a good thing though if you knew what happened the year after. I'm sure they made it out well now, so it's going to just be trying to get in rather than worrying about strength in depth.

I'm pretty bored by NFL though. I sort of realised that free-agency is the same as the transfer market in Europe, but the season ended and yet the free-agency thing is still nowhere near. Anyway, that is what I suppose is the bummer part. With clubs in Europe restricted by only the windows, they can still sign pre-contracts if free agency is guaranteed. Looks like I'm going to be bored for a while.

I was measuring the sports calender and it seems I'm in a lull period between June and August after NBA ends and before European football starts, minus the fact that there will be the European Championships. So for this year, probably Mid July to Mid August, assuming I do not pick up watching baseball. Not too bad this time round. Anyway, I do hope the transfer season start soon for NFL. It's always nice to be able to look forward to the next game if not the next team title.

Biggest win/loss of the year!

Win/Defeat comes big in 2 ways, the score or the moment. This weekend, it was the moment that mattered. 2 minutes from 19-0, sitting among a group of mean-spirited Patriots haters and three particularly eager Giants fans, Giants made the game I was waiting for, well, in some sense. I also happen to find out that 30 minutes is too much to ask of someone sometimes, too, especially in a cold night.

In a sense, I was disappointed, I wanted the Patriots to lose in a more spectacular fashion, like 36-35 or something like that. Instead, it was a shootout in 4th quarter, which is OK, except the first 3 quarters was bad offensively. Game highlights probably agree with my version of the story, even Ryan, who I'll definitely congratulate for his team's win.

Anyway, I was left to get a lift from another friend after my intended lift refused to head home early so I can have a good night sleep. Just great, huh? Not to mention the unnecessary and unsporting taunts. I sure know that EPL is worried by that type of fans too. Anyway, good win for the Giants. So 2 Manning wins in 2 years, which is great for them.

Things will get interesting from here on. Well, good athletes get on with losses, so we'll see if the Patriots can bounce back. In sports, you win some, you lose some. In some ways, I think there will be some reinforcements coming in for them.

Anyway, this week is particularly bad because of the Everton disallowed goal that set us back by one week. Else, I'll head to get some rest. And finally support a team that has lost and going through a rough patch since I watched them.

Finally a Brady vs Manning in the Superbowl!

I thought it might never happen. Anyway, its not Peyton, so perhaps a bit disappointing for some. Still, going into the game, I had wanted the game that would be pretty historic. Either Patriots go 19 games with a SuperBowl or the biggest win for the Giants by winning with a young team and a fairytale away run. Anyway, its going to be exciting! At least from my point of view! Come to think of it, I nearly lost my foot for Ice Bowl 2. Its only 16 degrees Farenheit or -9 degrees Celcius with some more room to go lower for the night. Freaking......

Good footballing start to the year

Everton won! Finally. We won only like 3 times out of the past 6 new year's game. Anyway, its like half the games won and half lost. Not too bad anyway. Without Arteta and Cahill, I guess this is a good result. It is going to be the testing time, so if performance stays this way, top 4 should be reachable. It's not expected but a target.

Anyway, NFL regular season ended, so mass axing has started. Miami, Baltimore and others. I think if season changes is always like that in other sports, I think there will be a more systemic way to adjust the team to the season. Well, it is a bit tricky for football. There is no relegation, so the only loss to be bottom is poor revenue returns...but they could go bust. So I think for a long season like football or basketball, the best times is one month before the transfer windows starts. Maybe that is a good suggestion!

After the Superbowl, it is all football!

Everything is good except for just one

Today, all my favorite or favored teams played. All except one won. In fact, it is my favorite that lost! Everton lost to my favored champions team Arsenal. I always like Concept Wenger, but today isn't the type of days I liked. The worst part is we probably will miss Arteta through suspension. Well, there you have his flair and flare!

So Arsenal won, and they were in luck. Man U got stunned so they lose top spot. Well, the other teams are not that close. Chelsea is about 2 games, which is about a month of competition behind. Liverpool, nah. They will need at least 2-3 months of work to catch the top 2. It probably is shorter with a good turn of results, but I'm not assuming a twist of fate like 3 losses in a row.

Basketball was fine. Detroit trailed a while before winning at the Pacers. That's the best double win over the Pacers. Not to mention that the Pistons now have a good advantage over them in the division. Celtics will pose a threat though. Or the other way round, since Celtics are incredible at the moment.

Lastly, Patriots. They won. Perfect season and set a new best offense record. Brady got 2 more touchdown passes, new record. Moss and 2 more touchdown receptions, and another new record. It is a good end to their season. Let's hope they fulfill their potential and win the Superbowl. I think it is unfair to say that they need to win the Superbowl to better the 1972 Dolphins, but I can understand the counter example. So I think Patriots should win it to prove it without a shadow of doubt that they deserve it. The mere fact that the Brady contract restructure to get Moss scenario has already won me over.

Well, it will be a boring Sunday, since there are no more games that I'll be particularly interested in. Not even in football...

Pistons beat Pacers

Yep, the good news today. I was totally drained from work and beating the biggest city rivals (I'm thinking like football derby games) by a good margin is definitely good. I think Pistons is keeping a good distance from the Celtics. To be frank, I think New England is having a good year in general. Red Sox won the MLB. Patriots doing unbelieveably well along with the coups of the seasons. Celtics got the coups of the seasons as well, and doing remarkably well. I really mean seasons. I wanted to write history, but there might be better. Of course, there is still some way to go for Patriots and Celtics, but I never wish good teams to lose. But heck, Pistons beat Celtics at Boston, so that's even better. I do really feel that KG would add a lot to Pistons, but well, game lost on that trade.

Patriots is having too much hype...

I hate it when the team I wanted to watch is "over" hyped...cause they might lose when they start getting airy fairy. But here's one video about Brady I found that is nice. I thought number 10 should be number 2 or somewhere near, but they definitely got number 1 right. Here's Brady's Top 10 so far this season...hopefully he'll have lots more...the more the media makes of such new the more it sounds like an eulogy...touch wood...

X'mas thoughts...

Well, I have been researching ways to increase my income. Well, not exactly fighting for a pay rise although I do expect it more or less. I'm talking about passive incomes. Like investing, finding internet resources and others. I do notice that I am a lot later than most internet inhabitants in terms of finding such income streams, but like a lot that I have seen, most aren't realistic ways of creating income. Anyway, I have started a few projects which I hope will be successful, like the below...

• Write a book
• Create an informational website
• Get good real estate
• Have a good investment stream

I must admit that most of the ideas I have are not very applicable. Like story, I'm thinking of a fantasy story. Website? Not enough information and traffic. Real estate wise, money is an issue, even if I consider borrowing from my aunt. Then again, I do think I need to try at least. If not, I'll be letting my 2005-2006 really go to waste. It's in the dumps already, its just how rotten I perceive the experience to be. I made a lot of friends, but simply, my dreams effectively got dashed there for no reason.

OK, one last thing. I'm going to write just one more post about Brady before the last Patriots regular season game. I happen to see his interview on 60 minutes, after wasting 40 minutes on 2 other rather irrelevant sections. One is about a pastor making money...which is explained by helping others...well, there is a limit, just don't break the greed limit. One is about genetics linking families...yeah, but with a long history of migration, anything can happen. To be frank, I always believe happiness is the most important, not the knowledge that it is out there.

So back to Mr Brady. He sounds down to earth, decent and definitely overhyped in terms of his personal life. There are tonnes of other people out there doing worse stuff, so just let him do his work on the field. So he said, "There got to be more out there. If not, that will be too easy." Yeah, some people are lucky and get what they want for trying. I didn't. But then again, I felt happy that there is one adventurous guy like that. The limelight he fought for and gained. Anyway, he is the type of guy I believe I will support as a fan or friend, although I am neither actually. But he does get my attention with what he does in the game, and seriously, I really hope the fairy tale tune ends with another ring. Good teams should be rewarded for their hard work. Unfortunately, Colts won't meet them in the Superbowl. They will probably meet, but in the conference finals. What a downer. The final before the final. Anyway, that's done, and next year, maybe I'll watch Tony Romo more. I knew the guy is good, except in New Jersey, I tend to get more guys hating Cowboys than not. Like my roommate.

Party Poppers

Well, to begin with, I don't really have much to do during this time of the year in USA. I'm single, not anywhere near single women, and among other things, I need to do my chores. Of course, I did get to do something on my own. I actually did some "tang yuan". They are of course manufactured. I can't possibly make them on short notice anyway. I lack one ingredient so it was not perfect. Pandan leaves. Where can I find them here?

Anyway, the build up after my little festive dinner is bad. The next day, Everton lost. To a 90 minute penalty. You remember the tale about Man U always getting that penalty that they needed? Well, this is it! It can be said to be a silly foul, but it could have been a free kick, whatever, so anyway, its a penalty. Well, at least they didn't say it was a Ronaldo dive. That would have been worse, plus the fact I don't remember opponents getting penalties at Old Trafford. Anyway, I would have been happy with a draw. Next is Arsenal. Well, things could be worse...
** Bolton, not Arsenal...Well, easier game than expected

The next would be to watch New England miss their targets by that little bit. I was hoping the fairy tale to start materializing, like Brady breaking the passing marks, Moss breaking that receiver marks. All needed one more with one more game. Not that bad but think of it, although I would think it would be the icing on the cake if that had happened. Anyway, I was always going to try to watch the last match though. I'm sure Ryan, a Giants fan, would not mind me going to the game now. He probably wants the entire Giants first team rested!

Gunners Wins, Man U Wins, Pats Wins and Ryan Loses

Today is supposedly a good day in terms of results for me. Arsenal win against Mourinho-less Chelsea. Fantastic, especially that Gallas scored and they kept a clean sheet. Arsenal is playing fantastic football and it is always nice to see them rewarded for their trouble. Hopefully they can get more British players just in case a rule comes along to save the ailing English team.

Man U win. I don't really care about them that much. I have a lot of Man U fan friends, so its good for them, but Liverpool...that is where the good news is. I'm sure Rafa will keep his job but now Everton are level on points with them. With about 10% or less of their investment and performing an equal of them even for half the season, it is a good thing for me. I still kind of felt edgy though, with a relatively tread thing line of creativity. Yakubu is scoring, but the source is always Arteta. He should really be in the Spain team by now. What a bad coach they have...

As for American Football, Pats win by a mere 10 points. That is quite discouraging, especially that Brady did not have a single TD pass today. Well, off days happen and he probably could make the cut in the last 2 games for the record. Of course, no one expects him to make that record to begin with. I think I like the down-to-earth style they have. They expect to lose some games and forgets all the hype around them to find the win, now, that is hard to beat for any team.

The sour time of the day was when I realized the score of the Pats game. Ryan, my roommate, had taken a bet with one of our colleagues for the Pats game. All is well with the hype. Not the snow. Nor the wind. Nor the fact that the Pats are favorites with a huge predicted margin and they only won by 10 points. Thats not a lot in a NFL game. That is like 2-1 in a football match since each touch down is 6+1 points. So he lost, but he still gets some joy from it. Local rivalry probably. Now, since I'm waiting for a fairy tale to finish with a similar fairytale ending, Tom Brady needs 5 TD passes to break a record, and they need to win another 5 games to be undefeated. A lot of stats, but hey, just play something sensible and beautiful. That's good for any game.

Invincibility, the most popular theme

This week is an interesting week. 3 undefeated teams play, 2 lost. The third is an NFL team so it has a different set of dynamics to it. Liverpool lost, which is good news to me since I support the team at Goodison, moving to Kirby. They are not hyped as much, but it would have been interesting to see an undefeated team NOT win the title. Another now-defeated team is Arsenal, but like I said to my MU friends, losing now is worse than losing later for their opponents. Now, they are seeing the side effects of their young team and injuries, so struggling is inevitable. It would have been nice if they could hold on a bit more, but Fabregas has many more years to achieve the improbable again.

The only undefeated team left also brought a pretty interesting proposition. Best offence in NFL, the Patriots really showed they had the stomach for things. They scored more than 30 points even against the best defence. To make things worse is the fact they nearly tripled the amount of points the Steelers allowed on average before the game. But like always, I prefer to ignore the hype. I just hope to watch good games. Even if it is one sided, teams should do their job and entertain with good (American) football, so like I said to my colleague, "I bought Pats' fan items, but I'm not a Pats' fan. But I do hope to see the Pats complete a fairy tale. They play a game I understand." Besides, he will only need to worry about the the general consensus that the undefeated 72 Dolphins played easier schedules. Then again, I won't be surprised is the Pats lose anyway, unbeatable does not exist. If it does happen for more than one season, the sport needs some reflection. To be truthful, if Ravens performed more systematically, I probably would have watched them more. I tend to like teams who base their team on hard work, consistency, and a stomach to beat opponents when the going gets tough. It's fine to lose sometimes, but a never-say-die attitude attracts me more.

The last thing for this post is "WHERE CAN I FIND A VIDEO FOR THE YAKUBU GOALS?" A left, a right and a head. The rarity of the combination really implores me to find out more about the goals. I think he's good, but I'll always be saying that we paid too much for him. Everton is not a spending club, in terms of millions that is, and I hope it will never be. Now, we just need to have more cover for midfield. I wouldn't want to see another goal drought when Cahill and Arteta goes missing again.