There are certain assumptions that go hand-in-hand with the start of every season. This year the biggest assumption around was that the Big Four of the Premier League were certain to be challenged more strongly than ever before.

Everton and Aston Villa, who meet tomorrow at Goodison Park, have been snapping at the heels of the Champion’s League spots for a number of years. Manchester City, with a squad so vastly improved in the summer, are also expected to maintain their early season form and provide a stiff challenge for fourth or above.

In the case of Everton, however, those pre-season assumptions may already need to be revised. This is not to say that their current position in the table reflects in any way the quality they have. Simply that, after a poor start (not helped by Lescott’s dramatic departure and the subsequent necessity to sign players late in the transfer window), they now have a potentially season-defining game against Villa.

After nine games last season, Everton sat in 14th place, the same as this season. They subsequently went on a rich run of form, ultimately pipping Villa to 5th spot. Villa were in 5th this time last year (one place higher than now) and never dropped below that until the last couple of fixtures.

None of this was all that surprising – Everton’s team last year, in particular with the discovery of just how good Marouane Fellaini would prove to be, were clearly destined for greater things. Meanwhile Villa’s 1st-team was excellent but their squad lacked some depth.

The difference this year is that Villa’s squad looks deeper, with at least the same or more quality overall in the first-eleven. Everton meanwhile continue to suffer from almost cyclical injuries and it is difficult to see them raising their game to the same extent they did last year.

Despite losing their talismanic centre-half, Martin Laursen, to early retirement due to a knee injury in the summer, Villa’s defence looks more solid than ever. Richard Dunne, forced out of his former club Manchester City in favour of multi-million purchases, looks like he may have been a very canny purchase. He’s scored a couple of crucial goals for them recently, and his partner in crime James Collins, signed from West Ham in the summer, looks to be one to watch in the area having also scored already. Carlos Cuellar also continues to look good.

Meanwhile the rise and rise of James Milner is staggering. Literally able to fill any outfield position (though no doubt centres back and forward wouldn’t be his first choices), his movement and delivery of the ball are most noticeably improved. Villa now have the ability to field genuine pace and power across their attacking line, and the ease with which Milner goes either to the by-line or cuts inside leaves fullbacks worried from kick-off.

Louis Saha’s fitness will be crucial for Everton this season. He looks as sharp so far this season as he ever has in the past. Had he not suffered so horribly with injuries whilst at Fulham and Manchester United he could truly have been a great striker. Mikel Arteta’s long-term injury is a sore loss for Everton, and they will likewise miss their captain Phil Neville who provides much-needed industry in midfield.

Jack Rodwell, Neville’s de facto successor at the heart of Everton’s formation, seems handy enough and is certainly brimming with potential. The major question that may perhaps be asked is whether he lacks either the inital acceleration or the overall pace required for the speed at which most Premier League games are played now. Against Bolton last week he looked a yard or two off the pace a couple of times, including one instance when he could have broken through past the defence but was caught easily by the covering defender.

Tomorrow’s game is a big one for both teams. Neither wants to be shunted outside the list of challengers to the Big Four. Villa are looking better at the moment but in their past four league games have only one victory (albeit over Chelsea!).

In order to win, Everton must move the ball quickly but avoid getting caught with too many men upfield. Villa are conceding a lot of freekicks at the moment, so if Everton keep things simple they should get plenty of opportunities from set pieces (where the likes of Tim Cahill, Fellaini and Saha can come to the fore). If Everton keep their play short and controlled we can expect multiple yellow cards for Martin O’Neill’s men too, which could allow Everton players to dominate some individual battles.

But it may be too much to ask. Villa’s attack is excellent, as is their ability to draw teams onto them and take advantage of their pace in the counterattack. Even if Everton can win tomorrow, I’ll be expecting Villa to finish above them come the end of the season.

Jake’s prediction: Everton 2-1 Aston Villa

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Feels like I should have mentioned the fact that a number of other teams this season have proven themselves capable of challenging the big teams in individual games (see Sunderland drawing with Manchester United and beating Liverpool, and Wigan beating Villa and Chelsea while taking a draw from Manchester City). But it is hard to see anyone outside Everton, Villa and City pushing any of the Big Four.

With the exception of their excellent opening day victory over Liverpool, Spurs are looking increasingly hopeless. They were thumped by United and Chelsea in successive matches, then after an all-too-easy 5-0 over Burnley they have struggled, drawing with Bolton, scraping a win over Pompey and losing at home to Stoke. This weekend could signal the end for them, as their usual early-mid season slump looks likely to kick off in earnest tomorrow at the Emirates.

Niin joo, huomenta muillekin kuin Testoksen väelle. Kiitsa pojjaat eilisestä. Tuli parannettua maailmaa huolella, mutta on se edelleen ihan paska. Ei oo nääs löytynyt Nikoa vieläkään, ainakaan virallisesti. Huono merkki kuitenkin, et FB-etsinnät on laimentunut ja ainaki yks omaisist pistänyt Feissarinkin kii kokonaan. Toivotaan et tää yks idiootti, josta eilen kirjoitin, tajuis tehdä sen kans.

Ei auta mikään. Tällaista sattuu välillä, ja vahinko ei tuu kello kaulassa. Tuntuu vaan ni pahalta, et meitsin kokoinen raavas äijä vois liukastua ja rojauttaa päänsä halki ja kuolla kadulle. Tai tipahtaa pusikossa kusella käydessään Mustaanlahteen ensimmäisten pakkasöiden liukkailla. Tai joutua väkivallan kohteeksi, ryöstetyksi tai/ja henkirikoksen uhriksi. Tai et joku venäläinen/virolainen jengi tappais sut pöllis sult elimet myytäväks. Totakin mahdollisuutta oli pohdittu Aamulehden kommissa. Tai et joku hullut jengi ensin raiskais sut ja sit tappais, ettei jäis todisteita. Ei tommoisia skenaarioita tuu ajatelleeks ollenkaan, mut vissiin pitää.

Sitä aina kuvittele, et iso vahva ja perusfiksu mies pärjää vaikks yksin keskellä Algeriaa mut ei se sit vissiin ihan niin ole. Täytyy selkeesti omaaki asennetta tarkastaa. Pääasia, että Niko-Mikael Niemen elämänkaari ei ainakaan jäis auki, vaan juttu saataisiin selvitettyä. Edelleen lähetän omast puolestani sympatiaa ja empatiaa perheelle, ystäville ja muille miekkosesta välittäville!

Meikän murheet on huomattavasti pienemmät: Tänään eka aamu ilman kuumetta. Jeah. Sen kunniaks aattelin vedellä eiliset grillikyljen loput, paketin kananmunaa, pekonisuikaileihin käärittyjä sieniä (siis tavis, ei mitään halluja aiheuttavia!), litran mustaa kahvia sekä yrittää tehdä viiniä noist mutsin lähettämist ruusunmarjoista. Mitähän helvettiä siitäkin tulee… Jontella oli joku ohje printattuna.

Tääkin päivä/ilta menee sit himassa. Ei ole mitään intoa lähteä bilettään nyt ku on suht tiiviisti seurannut tota edellistä katoamisjuttua. No, tekee ihan hyvää olla välillä kotona. Ja en tod. halua kuumetta takas. Kesti nääs viikon. Ja viikko ilman salia ja pelejä on kuin vuosi ilman pimpulaa > ei mun juttu.

Koittakaahan kärvistellä syksyn jaloissa tyypit! Moroo…

Ps. Smilla: Kiitos helvetin kannustavasta kommentista! Testoksessa vallitsee erittäin hyvät vibat ny.

Tuttu kuulutteli Facebookissa kadonnutta tamperelaista nuorta miestä Niko-Mikael Niemeä. Laitetaan kuulutus siis eteenpäin ja autellaan asiassa.

23-vuotias nuori mies hävisi viime lauantaina ja hänet nähtiin viimeksi manselaisen Saha-ravintolan luona. Jos tiedät jotain tai olet tehnyt havaintoja Niko-Mikaelista, katso linkistä poliisin yhteystiedot ja ilmoita! Hyi saatana sentään, että ihmiset vaan voi kadota… Karmee juttu.

Pienetkin vihjeet, jotka vaikuttaa merkityksettömiltä, voi olla tärkeitä, joten reippaasti luuri käteen, jos niinkseen tulee! Linkin jutusta löytyy myös tarkempi kuvaus mm. Nikon katoamispäivän asusteista.

http://www.aamulehti.fi/uutiset/kotimaa/mihin-niko-lahti-ravintola-sahasta/158615

http://www.iltasanomat.fi/uutiset/kotimaa/uutinen.asp?id=1740971

Nikon kuva löytyy Google-haulla nimellä FB:stä. Lisäksi bongasin sen tuolta Aamulehden keskusteluiden kommenteista:

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs262.snc1/8928_154988066169_633901169_2614004_6939108_n.jpg

Ristipissarit kiittää ja toivottaa voimia Nikon läheisille! Toivomme parasta.

Ps. Bloggarit – Tämä on haaste: Linkatkaa etsintäkuulutus eteenpäin. Näytetään, miten Suomessa osataan auttaa hätään joutunutta lähimmäistä ja saadaan sana kadonneesta liikkumaan mahdollisimman laajalle!

Edit:

Tässä tuoreinta medialinkkiä Aamulehdestä, la 17.10,09.

Edit:

Etsinnät lopetetaan toistaiseksi. Viikko tehtiin töitä ja tässä lopputulema.

AL 18.10.09.

Edit 19.10.09: AL:

Satakunnankadun ja Mustanlahdenkadun risteys

Niko Niemi on nyt ollut kateissa 1,5 viikkoa. Etsinnät Mustastalahdesta sekä Ratinan puolesta ei ole tuottanut tulosta. Viimeinen havainto miehestä on edelleen Satakunnankadun ja Mustanlahdenkadun kulmasta Hämeenpuiston/Amurin seutuvilta. Mutta mihin ihmeeseen 185-senttinen mies katoaa kuin tuhka tuuleen?

Uusimpia uutisia löytyy mm. täältä: http://www.aamulehti.fi/uutiset/kotimaa/tukiasemat-kertovat-nikon-kannykka-sammui-keskustassa/159050

AL: 22.10.2009: Tässä jälleen tuoreimpia uutisia Nikosta. Nyt pohditaan hajuntunnistuskoirien käyttämistä.

Sateellikuva risteyksestä

Gameweek 8 and some interesting fixtures this weekend. A big four clash, plenty of tired teams who were involved in midweek European competition and some good opportunities for the cellar dwellers to pick up some victories. There were 37 goals last weekend and some high scores fantasy wise. Here’s to more of the same.

Gameweek 7 Top Gun (aka Tom Cruise Approves):

Maverick approves. Sort of.

It was a battle of the strikers this time round as three players fought to win the award but ultimately if you score four goals there’s a 95% chance you’ll be top scorer for the week. Keane’s quadruple against Burnley coupled with three bonus points made for a grand score of 21 and with it the Top Gun award.

In a way this feels quite a low score for so many goals but I guess that will always be the case for strikers. Looking back at Arshavin’s four goal haul against Liverpool last season, it also brought him 21 points. It would have been 25 in his new midfielder classification.

As I was saying, two other strikers ran Keane close this week. Torres scored the easiest hat-trick of his career against Hull and also got three bonus for 17 while on Sunday Darren Bent saved many a fantasy team’s weekend by grabbing 18 points via three assists, a goal and three bonus against Wolves. I don’t think anyone was expecting that good a haul from him!

Elsewhere John O’Shea got the classic defender’s combination of winning goal, clean sheet and three bonus for 15, while Tevez, Jones, Petrov and Babel all got 12+. A mention too for Thomas Vermaelen who was the first Top Gun winner to get more than two points the following week. He kept a clean sheet for six.

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Three Captain choices:

A big four matchup between Chelsea and Liverpool on Sunday means we should probably avoid Torres, Lampard, Gerrard et al. After both teams unimpressed during midweek Champions League and with Chelsea also on the back of a league defeat at Wigan, there may well be an avoid defeat at all costs strategy. A low scoring encounter is certainly on the cards meaning we have to look elsewhere.

1. Rooney/Man Utd – The hairy, screaming one faces Sunderland at Old Trafford this weekend and is a good shout to score I’d say. Sunderland have been very average at the back despite the arrival of Michael Turner and have the sixth worse defensive record with 11 goals conceded so far. It’s their attack which has got them up to 8th. Rooney has six goals in his first seven league games and is now centrepoint of United’s attacking play. Do you really see John Mensah stopping him? Nope me neither.

2. Arshavin or Van Persie/Arsenal - The Gunners have won both home games so far and Blackburn have lost both away games. For all Sam Allardyce’s success against Arsenal over the years, I genuinely don’t see his side getting anything on Sunday. Van Persie has been Arsenal’s best attacker this season without actually getting that many goals but he did score against Fulham last weekend and Olympiacos in midweek. Arshavin too has quietly got himself three goals recently so perhaps is finally hitting some of the form of last season. I’ll be going to this match so am hoping for a few Arsenal goals.

3. Saha/Everton - The oft-injured striker has had a great start to 2009/10 and has scored five in five (he missed Fulham). Stoke are terrible away from home - for some reason they just can’t replicate the form they show at the Britannia and I expect an Everton victory here. Always back a striker when in form. Baines, Cahill or Fellaini are also good shouts in this game.

Gets a Captain's tick

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Three Potential Transfers In:

1. Fabregas/Arsenal – Yes he’s a very expensive transfer in, but my thinking is to replace Gerrard or Lampard with him. Arsenal’s next five are Blackburn, Birmingham, West Ham (A), Spurs and Wolves (A) all of which are winnable, most of which are easy. Lampard (see transfer out) hasn’t been scoring at all (goals wise not points wise), while Gerrard has to play deep for the duration of Mascherano’s absence. Fabregas has scored or assisted in his last three and should continue his good form. Just a thought.

2. Reid/Sunderland – Steve Bruce commented the other day about how Andy Reid has been Sunderland’s best player for the past month. Who am I to argue. The man who used to be really fat but is now just big-boned has three straight assists, plus a goal and three bonus in the last few weeks. He’s a bargain too at £5.3m.

3. Benayoun/Liverpool – Ok, so my attempted reverse jinx clearly failed last week as Benayoun got himself two assists for eight points. I will now attempt the opposite and start recommending him and hope he suddenly stops producing for Sportboy P’s side. I’m still not entirely sure he has the consistency over the course of a season but he is a good player capable of big games (see the 24 points against Burnley) and Rafa has at least realised that he’s a better option than Ryan Babel.

Might be worth a pick

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Three to avoid:

1. Lampard/Chelsea - As I mentioned above, I’m not convinced Lampard is a player to have right now. Let’s look at what he’s done this season. He only has one goal (a penalty) but he does have four assists which is second after Giggs. His eight bonus leads midfielders but five strikers have more than that and he lies eighth overall with 42 points.

Watching a fair amount of Chelsea this season, he doesn’t seem to be getting into as many scoring positions as last year and I mentioned in Monday’s Six Pointer that part of this may be Chelsea playing two strikers again. I’m not saying get rid of him and don’t replace him, I’m just saying that don’t think you can’t just because he’s Frank Lampard.

In his defence his overall score is good and perhaps I’m being hasty but I think in terms of value if nothing else, there are currently better players out there. Just remember Ronaldo last season where people were hamstrung by the fear of not having him when you’d actually have been better off investing in someone a fraction cheaper and spending the rest elsewhere. Looking at the transfers out, it appears 24,000 people think so, the most for a midfielder this week. One to monitor.

2. Defoe/Spurs – Another player who you might think I’m crazy for suggesting to get rid of but it might be a good time. He’s just broken his hand, his value has gone up to £9m and as the Football Guy and I were discussing, Defoe has always been a very streaky player. Six goals in six games or something similar but then nothing for ages. You realise he hasn’t scored for two weeks right? Maybe it’s already begun. Cash in.

3. Sunderland players - Man Utd and Liverpool up next.

Are you taking the mick?

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T.

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ASCONは共同事業体でHIV関連医薬品工場の建設を5億1千2百万バーツで受注。

JAS – JASMINE INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
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サハグループ関連
サハグループの2009年収益は昨年度並みの14億から15億バーツで、当初の予想通り赤字。

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ブンエノクよりの返済3億2千8百万バーツを受ける。シンガポールの口座に入金済み。

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-2009年度の信用貸付は3%の成長。当初計画では3-5%程度であった。また、不良債権比率はほぼ5%程度の見込み。

SENA – SENADEVELOPMENT PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
コンドミニアム「The Nichラチャダーフアィクワン」の売り出しは今月中に開始。あと4プロジェクトを本年後半に売り出し開始。　（Info Quest 9月23日配信）

Orice verdict e vremelnic dar cateva impresii pot fi impartasite. In fond, s-a scurs deja o treime din turul Premier League 2009-2010.

Incep prin a reaminti un paragraf din editorialul “Fotbalul, pe locurile 14-15″, pe care-l semnam in Fotbal Vest in luna iulie, pe cand prim-divizionarele abia isi incepusera pregatirile precompetitionale, si in care le aminteam pe Portsmouth, Bolton Wanderers si Hull City drept ocupante ale locurilor retrogradante, 18, 19 si 20, la finele actualei editii, in mai 2010: “Culmea ironiei e ca si la anul focurile retrogradarii ii vor perpeli probabil tot pe antrenorii englezi iar de-ar fi sa ma dau bookmaker pentru o zi, le-as trece pe Portsmouth, Bolton si Hull pe lista neagra, prima fie ea si preluata de un bogatas arab, dupa modelul de la Man. City, cu tot cu petrodolarii sai dar fara a fi fost pus la “testul de prestanta” in ceea ce priveste standardele Premier League. Adica Hart, Megson si Brown, asta daca luna mai ii va regasi in posturi. Dar nu incercati si Dumneavoastra acasa, sa aruncati bani pe aceasta speculatie cu cele trei, caci s-ar putea sa va arda. Am presupus si eu, asa…”

Visiniu-albastrul lui Burnley a fluturat triumfator in mai, pe Wembley. Momentan, datele problemei nu s-au schimbat, nou-promovata luand in piept elita si batand deja trei cluburi la zero, acasa, pe Turf Moor. Iar la ultima ocazie, gratie unui varf adus de la o recenta participanta in Cupa UEFA, dar acum doar amarata cu zero puncte in coada. "Pompey"...

Dar nu la cele trei ma voi referi, ci la nou-promovata Burnley Football Club, principala candidata a bookmakers la retrogradare, conform cotelor dinaintea inceperii stagiunii. Caci Burnley a infirmat sambata proverbul cu ulciorul care nu merge de trei ori la apa, invingand din nou acasa, in primul joc al rundei a sasea, televizat pe Sky Sports, 3-1 cu Sunderland.

Turf Moor, datorita capacitatii sale restranse, a inregistrat cea mai mica asistenta a etapei din elita, doar 20.196 spectatori, insa… ce mai spectatori. Vorba unui suporter al visiniu-albastrilor, fanii au cantat si scandat la nesfarsit, o ora si jumatate plus prelungiri si la lovituri de departajare, in editia trecuta, cand viitoarea nou-promovata a descins pe Stamford Bridge, a remizat cu Chelsea, si finalmente a eliminat-o din Cupa Ligii, in urma suturilor de pe punctul cu var. A fost o campanie a competitiei K.O. in care Burnley nu doar a facut 1-1 acasa la Chelsea, dar le-a invins la Turf Moor si pe Fulham, Arsenal si Tottenham, fiind eliminata abia de ultima, in prelungirile mansei a doua a semifinalei, datorita golurilor in plus marcate in deplasare. Pazea, vine Burnley!

Fanii sunt acum si mai entuziasti, si mai calzi, ridicandu-se, aidoma echipei, la nivelul elitist al Premier League si percepand insemnatatea momentului. Incredibil dar adevarat, dupa 6 etape, doar Chelsea lui Ancelotti, lidera fara punct risipit, are o linie de clasament superioara lui Burnley in meciurile de pe teren propriu.

Burnley avea sa debuteze in Premier League cu un dus rece la Stoke, promovata de anul trecut, esec care o punea deja sub lupa scepticilor. Dar trupa lui Owen Coyle a strans imediat randurile, inregistrand doua succese de moral, pe teren propriu, in decurs de o saptamana de la debutul campionatului. A fost mai intai acel neverosimil 1-0 cu Manchester United, cand campioana a ratat inclusiv un penalty in jocul de la mijloc de saptamana, iar apoi un alt 1-0, tot in dauna unei ”europene”, Everton Liverpool, si ea “inghetata” la punctul alb de danezul din poarta nou-promovatei, Jensen. Saha l-a copiat pe Rooney iar Burnley a strans 6 puncte din doua meciuri creditate cu… “2″.

Sambata, Burnley s-a impus in acel gen de confruntare tipic pentru echipele amenintate de retrogradare. Un meci de… 6 puncte. Sunderland e in aceeasi luntre si, doar invingand formatii mai mult sau mai putin de calibrul ei, Burnley isi poate consolida postura in elita. Restul, gen victorii contra campioanei en-titre, sunt bonusuri mai mult decat binevenite, excelente pentru moral, insa nu neaparat jocuri deseori amintite drept fiind de 6 puncte.

Remarcabil e si faptul ca Owen Coyle n-a facut nu stiu ce achizitii, in mare aceeasi jucatori ce au urcat treapta in elita, via – Wembley, purtand falnic stindardul clubului din Lancashire si in Premier League. Tot Wade Elliott, marcatorul unicului gol din finala play-off, 1-0 contra lui Sheffield United, s-a aflat la originea primului gol de sambata, smulgand un penalty, si tot scotianul Alexander, veteranul capitan, si-a reconfirmat precizia de la 11 metri.

Abia dupa pauza, cand era introdus in minutul 57, un nou recrut a pus si el umarul la redistantarea lui Burnley. David Nugent, abia reintors in Lancashire, dar nu la Preston, unde isi facea un nume cu care debuta cu gol in nationala Angliei, ci la micuta Burnley, si-a redescoperit pofta de gol pierduta la Portsmouth, reusind o dubla de efect, cu capul si cu stangul, din pirueta, dinafara careului: 3-1. Lui Nugent li se adauga fundasii Mears, sosit de la Derby County, via – Marseille, unde a fost imprumutat, si africanul Bikey, un munte de om ce n-a inghitit ratarea revenirii in elita, cu Reading.

Coyle a adaugat ici-colea, prin partile esentiale, dar colectivul unit ce a surprins Albionul, promovand la mustata, continua sa minuneze, pastrand procentajul maxim la Turf Moor. O fi arena cea mai mica din elita, dar vocea suporterilor se face auzita. Iar idolii raspund pe masura, cu 1-0 si 3-1.

In contrast, un club care era egalat in prelungiri de AC Milan, in 27 noiembrie 2008, intr-un joc din grupele Cupei UEFA, n-a acumulat inca nici un punct in Premier League si a incasat o medie de doua goluri pe meci in primele 6 etape. Portsmouth, caci despre “Pompey” este vorba, s-a despartit si de sus-amintitul Nugent, care nici nu figura in acel 2-2 de la Fratton Park, ce a fost… 2-0 pana in minutul 84. Atunci au iesit la rampa Ronaldinho si Inzaghi.

Altii insa, dintre care cei mai remarcabili ar fi Johnson, ajuns la Liverpool, Distin, la concitadina Everton, Crouch, dupa Redknapp, la Spurs, ori Davis, inhatat de Bolton, au parasit Titanicul din portul Portsmouth, la fel ca veteranul Sol Campbell, neutilizat in acel joc de referinta cu milanezii, dar care, transferandu-se tocmai in liga a patra, la Notts County, trupa avandu-l drept director pe Eriksson, a dat masura completa a necesitatii sariturii de pe punte. Tony Adams, la carma contra rosso-nerilor, si-a frant si el de-atunci gatul, iar Paul Hart, inlocuitorul, a tesut cu chiu cu vai plasa mentinerii in elita insa nu mai are solutii si pe 2009-2010.

Portsmouth s-a anuntat a fi drept o victima previzibila, iar startul ei confirma temerile, nu datorita numelui lipsit de sonoritate de pe banca tehnica, Paul Hart, nume ce a atras in intersezon recruti pe masura, jucatori de nivelul doi, cu care doar poti sfarsi sub elita, ci mai ales datorita instabilitatii de la conducerea clubului, destabilizat de interminabilele discutii din cursul verii legate de preluarea gruparii de catre un consortiu arab. Pestele de la cap se impute si incertitudinea de la Fratton Park se rasfrange evident asupra rezultatelor din teren. Cele doua coordonate sunt inseparabile, orice delimitari ar vrea unii sa faca…

Portsmouth e macar la… zero, insa vecina – rivala de pe coasta sudica, Southampton, sta chiar mai rau. Pornind cu un handicap de zece puncte, din nou pe motive legate de imputirea pestelui de la cap, “Sfintii” abia au inregistrat primul succes stagional, 2-0 acasa cu Yeovil Town, in fata a peste 19.000 suporteri, pe St. Mary’s, oaspetii declarandu-se insa dezgustati de acordarea celor doua penaltyuri din care noul recrut Rickie Lambert a asigurat primele puncte alb-rosilor.

Macar Portsmouth e inca in Premier League, cu amintirea unui joc cu milanezii, in Cupa UEFA, acum nici zece luni. Insa Southampton, adversara Stelei in Cupa UEFA, in toamna lui 2003, e lanterna rosie a ligii a treia, si desi handicapul e surmontabil, “Sfintii” fiind la -2 si deci la opt puncte in urma unei clasate pe o pozitie salvatoare, si anume tocmai Yeovil, exemplele nefericite din editia trecuta pot pune sub semnul intrebarii capacitatea clubului de a raspunde adversitatii. Luton s-a scufundat, torpilata de cataroiul din start, -30 puncte. Altele s-au salvat…

Dar sa se fi inclinat oare Anglia aidoma Titanicului, cu coasta sudica luand apa? Nu de alta dar si “verzii” de la Plymouth Argyle, fara succes in 8 etape, proptesc ierarhia ligii a doua…

Unii se scufunda, nou-promovata Burnley exulta. Si nu pare a fi doar un foc de paie. Cata vreme “visiniii” vor invinge si tine la distanta adversare directe, “ambarcatiuni usoare”, gen Birmingham City, si ea o nou-promovata, viitoare oaspete pe Turf Moor, trupa lui Coyle va putea spera la supravietuire. In fond, calculele spun ca si 39 de puncte pot fi suficiente, iar Burnley a strans deja noua.

Urmatoarele luni doar vor confirma (sau infirma) speculatiile rezultate din primele confruntari. Dar Burnley pare a avea vant bun. Si poate ca proximul derby local, la vecina de pe Ewood Park, Blackburn Rovers, va aduce clubului fondator al The Football League, participant la acea memorabila prima editie de campionat din 1888, si primele puncte externe. Ce ziceti, Alexander si Nugent? Se poate…

Inspired by the happy coincidence of my friend Ms Melba’s recent gift of her incredibly good homemade labneh – that creamy, unbelievably smooth yoghurt cheese – and Miss J’s birthday gift of the gorgeous Saha: A chef’s Journey through Lebanon & Syria by Greg & Lucy Malouf, I decided on the weekend to have a stab at making some labneh myself.

Oh, and the third inspiration was driving past a humungous and ghastly Spotlight outlet, whereupon I could dive in and grab myself a thousand metres of muslin (I later sent some of that Ms Melba’s way, and she said that while she longed to drape it about her person for running through damp fields towards Pemberley,  she  promised to use it for cheese-related purposes).

Anyway, after tasting Melba’s labneh and gobbling it all in a week, I asked for her recipe, and then compared it with Greg Malouf’s in Saha which, by the way, is the most beautiful book. (I have just lent it to the Empress, who – prepare to bite out your own veins with envy – is planning a culinary trip through various Middle Eastern countries including Syria. Argh. We can only hope she comes back with some fine recipes to share, but I may find it difficult to speak to her for a while…)

Anyhoo.

Labneh, it turns out, is so easy peasy to make that I am never again buying that gorgeously silky Yarra Valley Dairy Persian Fetta in the black tin, because my labneh (while texturally probably quite different and probably-not-even-remotely-comparable-because-it-isn’t-feta), turns out to be just as delicious. And costs very little. The amazing thing about this stuff is the texture – so silky and creamy, but with excellent body and, depending on your marinade, a lovely soft and herby tang.

Greg Malouf’s recipe is here, and it’s the one I used, except I followed Melba’s lead and formed it into the little balls rather than just spreading over a plate topped with oil as he’s done. Anyway it’s hardly a recipe at all really – take a kilo of natural yoghurt, hang it for 48-72 hours, and then do as you wish with it. Melba hangs hers for anything from three hours to overnight, and it’s beautifully light. I did as GM says though, and hung it for 48 hours. The longer you hang it, the firmer it gets, and lots of whey comes out of it. Here’s what I did.

1. Take a good half-metre of clean muslin and line a colander with it over a bowl. A fine cotton tea towel would probably do just as well, but perhaps take longer.

2. Mix up a kilo of full-cream natural Greek-style yoghurt with a good teaspoon of salt and pour it into the muslin.

3. Tie up the  corners of the muslin any old how, and find a way to hang it. Easiest for us was get a large deep saucepan, tie the muslin bag to a long wooden spoon and rest the spoon over the top of the pot. Do tie it tight and hang as high as possible, as it does hang lower over the hours and ours eventually touched the bottom of the pot, necessitating re-tying half-way through. No big deal though and gave us a chance to drain the whey out halfway through.

4. Bung it in the fridge for anything from three hours to 72 hours. We did 48 and it resulted in easy-to-form, nice firm labneh.

5. Remove and form into balls, keeping your hands moistened with olive oil – stops the labneh sticking to your hands and the balls to each other.

6. Lay the balls in a jar or container, cover with oil and add some dried chilli flakes, dried thyme, fresh rosemary and a clove of garlic. Any dried herbs or spices you fancy would do, I reckon.

Use it spread on biccies as a dip; on toast or a sandwich instead of butter; plonk a ball in your spicy veg soup (that’s where almost all of M’s batch went – thicker and more delicious than a yoghurt dollop); toss on to steamed green vegetables, or just use anywhere you would sling a blob of yoghurt, I reckon.

This amount made three full medium-sized deli takeaway containers’ worth. The oil is obviously the costly bit of this, but given that one would never chuck away such lovely herby olive oil, instead keeping it for pasta sauces, salad dressings or whatever, I reckon this recipe is a contender for the frugal food post as well as just being a beautiful thing. And great to take to a friend’s when you’re turning up for dinner – they will be tres impressed with your domestic goddessness as well as gobbling it up in a flash like I did.

]]> http://merseysidetroopers.wordpress.com/2009/08/27/sigma-olomoc-vs-everton-match-preview/ Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:04:45 +0000 Merseyside Troopers http://merseysidetroopers.wordpress.com/2009/08/27/sigma-olomoc-vs-everton-match-preview/

Goal.com- The Toffees can put their domestic worries aside as they head to the Czech Republic with a healthy four goal lead.

It’s been a fraught couple of weeks at Goodison Park and, after finally agreeing to sell Joleon Lescott, Everton will undoubtedly be glad to get back to footballing matters.

Two Premier League defeats mean David Moyes’ side are currently propping up the table, and the distraction of a Europa League tie may prove a welcome tonic.

Of course, the Toffees are in a formidable position going into the second leg of their play-off with Sigma Olomouc.

A 4-0 win at Goodison Park, courtesy of goals by Louis Saha and Jack Rodwell, means they are odds on to reach the next round.

Despite the huge advantage, however, Moyes will counsel caution from his men, who may be lacking in confidence following defeat to newly-promoted Burnley at the weekend.

Sigma also proved in the first leg that they do have the players to trouble the Toffees, and had a couple of early penalty shouts gone in their favour, it could have been a very different result indeed.

Tim Howard brought down Jakub Petr early on but escaped conceding a spot kick and the goalkeeper was also called into action shortly afterwards, saving a fierce shot from Michael Ordos.

All of this should serve as a warning to the Merseysiders that, despite their huge lead, this is not a tie that should be taken for granted.

FORM GUIDE

Last Five Results

Everton

Aug 23: Burnley 1-0 Everton
Aug 20: Everton 4-0 Sigma Olomouc
Aug 15: Everton 1-6 Arsenal
Aug 7: Everton 2-1 Malaga
Aug 4: Blackpool 2-1 Everton

Sigma Olomouc

Aug 23: FK Pibram 2-1 Sigma
Aug 20: Everton 4-0 Sigma
Aug 16 Sigma 1-1 Bohemians
Aug 9 Slovacko 2-0 Sigma
Aug 6 Sigma 3-0 Aberdeen

TEAM NEWS

Sigma Olomouc

Possible Starting XI: Drobisz, Dreksa, Kascak, Onofrej, Ordos, Rossi, Otepka, Hubnik, Skerle, Horava, Petr

Everton

New signing Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is ineligible but Yakubu is a welcome inclusion in the squad after a scoring return for the reserves earlier this week.

Possible Starting XI: Howard, Hibbert, Yobo, Neville, Baines, Osman, Rodwell, Pienaar, Cahill, Fellaini, Saha

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sigma Olomouc

Striker Jakub Petr was a little unlucky not to win a penalty at Goodison after being felled by Tim Howard and he will be hoping to cause the Everton stopper problems again.

Everton

Louis Saha netted twice in the first leg and after missing a crucial penalty against Burnley last time out will be keen to make amends.

The Frenchmen will also be aware that Yakubu is nearing fitness, which could prove added motivation, if any were needed.

PREDICTION

An emphatic first leg win should be enough to see the Toffees through, although any lapses in concentration will surely be punished by the Czechs.

Having lost both opening league fixtures, a response is required and a professional performance should see them through.

Sigma Olomouc 1-1 Everton

Saha wishes the ground would open up and swallow him as he drags his penalty shot wide in the Barclays Premier League match at Turf Moor, Burnley.

WCOOP 2009 Starts 3rd September get 100% free up to $600 ; $40m Prizepool Guaranteed

SakhaTyla sitesindeki online sözlükte henüz aradığım herhangi bir kelimeyi bulabilmiş değilim ve koleksiyonda fazla kitap yok ama sitenin böyle harikulade olmasını sağlayan şey de tam olarak bu sadelik:  Sade tasarım ve sade içerik.

Sitede Pekarskiy’nin sözlüğü ve Haritonov’un samouçitel Yakutçası taranmış olarak bulunuyor. Anasayfada Yakutça, İngilizce ve Rusça dil seçeneği bulunduğunu da ekleyelim. Ayrıca sitede Yatkutça klavye indirip Yakutça karakterleri yazmak için de bir uygulama bulunuyor.

Leipätyö on haitannut remontointia, ja yhä useammin unelmoin uranvaihdosta. Iltaisin ehtii tehdä jotain pientä mutta viikonloppuisin työ etenee jo reipasta vauhtia. Ekovilla-vaihe on ohi ja tänään hain ihan tavallista paneelia Byggmaxin valikoimasta jolla peitän poistetun oven. Sain sahattua valmiiksi tuon metrin seinän verran, ja jopa maalattua oksalakalla ja ekan kerroksen. Yläpohjaan johtavan luukun eristäminen on myös työn alla.

Ja nyt kovapornoa.

Ostin tänään sahan, enkä millaisen tahansa vaan ergonomisen, James Bond-tyylisen värkin. Bahco on vuoden alussa tuonut markkinoille todella mahtavan tuotteen jossa on irrotettava Ergo-kädensija ja Superior-vaihtoterät. Siinä ei sinänsä ole mitään uranuurtavaa, vaan kädensijan muotoilu! Sitä saa kolmena eri kokona ja istu todella hyvin käteen. Painoa siinä on juuri sen verran ettei sahanterä hypi sormille ja sahanterät on päällystetty appelsiinikuorimaisella piinnotteella. Terä ei jää kiinni vaan luistaa kuin siinä olisi teflonpinta. Terä (minkä minä ostin) on tuplariviä ja leikkaa todella siististi mutta teroittaminen taitaa olla ongelmallista. Hinta on, suhteutettuna puun hintaan, maltillinen kun kädensijan saa vajaalla parillakympillä ja terien hinnat liikkuvat kahden ja kolmenkympin välillä. Jos haluat hemmotella itseäsi-hanki Bahco-saha!! 

Mitsu puskuttaa lämpöä huomaamatta ja kotitalousvähennys on tehty netin kautta. Pari viikkoa sitten mahatauti vei, ja viime viikoloppuna flunssa veti kuumeen 40 asteeseen mutta eiköhän onni käänny-tänään musta kissa juoksi eteeni eikä ehtinyt sylkäistä. Kissaparka jäi autoni alle…

Да, всички знаем, най-лошата загуба на Гудисън от началото на Премиършип, но това не трябва да ни кара да мислим, че ще изпаднем.
Започваме сезона както винаги сме го започвали – лошо. Това, че сме започнали със загуба със 6 гола, не го прави толкова по-лошо. Според мен първото полувреме, буквално, ние играхме – те вкарваха. Това не е толкова лошо. Да не забравяме, че 2004/2005 година пак паднахме от Арсенал първия мач, но със 1:4, не 1:6. На кое място завършихме – 4.

Бих поставил съдийството под някакъв въпрос, защото Бендтнер като видеше защитник и падаше. За два такива фала ни вкараха 2 гола. При първия гол… не съм фен на Денилсон, но този гол беше много добър, почти неспасяем (макар, че ако Хауърд беше мръднал малко по-встрани щеше да спаси). При следващите два гола просто Йобо и Лескът не можеха да бъдат забелязани. Много лоша защита, и във тези моменти, и цял мач, като цяло.

Второто полувреме не можах да гледам заради ангажимент, но не вярвам, че сме играли по-добре. Кейхил го е нямало цял мач, Жо за цялото първо полувреме пипна топката 3 пъти, като при 2 от тях подаде грешно, след като дойде при него.  Първото полувреме може би не падна духа само на Фелаини и Пиенаар, който пък май не беше напълно възстановен, сякаш не игра на пълни обороти. Под всякаква критика са Хибърт и Озмън (освен двойката централни защитници), които също липсваха цял мач. Личи си какви играчи ни трябват – десен защитник/уинг бек и десен халф. Чакаме Сър Мойс да се раздвижи малко на пазара, но ще видим. Според неговите думи до 2 дни вече трябва да имаме покупка. ( както се казва в рекламата на Хайнекен … and now, we wait. )

Все пак, краен резултат 

Евертън 1 : 6 Арсенал

Саха (90) /// Денилсон (25), Вермаелен (36), Галас (40), Фабрегас (47, 68),  Едуардо (87)

Следващ мач – Евертън : Сигма

Снимки :

Хауърд не стига удара на Денилсон за 0:1 :

Томас Вермаелен елиминира Озмън :

Играчите на Евертън аплодират починалият наскоро Сър Боби Робсън :

Източник : Официалната странница на Евертън

]]> http://teguhmohanis.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/arsenal-jaring-6-gol-tewaskan-everton-6-1/ Sun, 16 Aug 2009 07:56:20 +0000 mohanis http://teguhmohanis.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/arsenal-jaring-6-gol-tewaskan-everton-6-1/

LONDON: Arsenal mencatat perlawanan sulung Liga Perdana Inggeris paling menceriakan apabila menang besar 6-1 ke atas Everton, awal pagi tadi.

Arsenal yang bermain di Goodison Park, cemerlang untuk menumpaskan Everton yang seakan terumbang-ambing pada musim baru ini.

Pemain tengah Arsenal, Denilson membuka tirai jaringan diikuti pemain pertahanan Thomas Vermaelen dan William Gallas untuk menjadikan kedudukan 3-0 pada separuh pertama.

Kemudian giliran kapten Arsenal, Cesc Fabregas untuk menjaringkan dua gol sebelum Eduardo memperoleh gol keenam.

Enam minit sebelum perlawanan tamat, Louis Saha tampil emberi gol sagu hati kepada tuan rumah.

]]> http://thesportboys.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/season-previews-0910-everton/ Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:00:13 +0000 Sportboy T http://thesportboys.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/season-previews-0910-everton/

Last Season: 5^th plus an FA Cup final.

Say hello to your new teammates: Jo (we meet again), Shkodran Mustafi, Anton Peterlin.

Close the door on your way out: Andy van der Meyde, Lars Jacobson, Nuno Valente.

Predicted star: Three midfielders who are all different in nature, but all equally important. Arteta, Fellaini and Cahill form the hub of the Everton team so it’s a concern the former two might not be ready for the start of the season. It’s hard to look beyond those three really though Pienaar and Rodwell are becoming more and more important. Jagielka is obviously a big player once he returns.

Needs a big year: If Yakubu can stay fit, he’s good for 12-15 goals. It would be handy after Everton’s striking issues last season. The same would apply to Louis Saha.

Big talent.

One to watch: Jack Rodwell impressed last season and is comfortable in both midfield and (to a lesser extent) defence. He should make further strides this season.

What they want to happen: Everyone to stay fit, Europa League qualification, some outside investment to come.

Nightmare scenario: Injuries cripple their season, the Kirkby stadium project gets rejected.

Plan A: An organised back four plays behind a midfield five who support one lone striker. Arteta and Pienaar provide creativity from the wings while Fellaini and Cahill make late runs to support whichever striker happens to be fit at the time.

Plan B, just in case: Play Fellaini or Cahill up front on their own and hope they snatch a goal.

Predicted finish: 6^th

Why? David Moyes has slowly but surely built Everton into one of the toughest teams to beat in the Premier League while leading them to 6^th, 5^th and 5^th in the last three years as well as an FA Cup final. All this on a miniscule budget. Not much has changed this off-season. The overtures of Man City towards Joleon Lescott appear to have been rebuffed and no other major players have left. New signings have been thin on the ground though Jo has come in for another loan spell. The result should mean it’s as you were for Everton with the great midfield of Cahill, Arteta and Fellaini ensuring another top six finish.

Key.

The injury to Phil Jagielka is a big blow but the Toffees are well organised enough to cover for his absence. Another defender would be useful though as more injuries in that department would be costly. Oh and the sooner a right back is signed to replace the useless Hibbert the better. For now Everton’s relatively gentle start to the season and the returning injured players should ensure another good campaign for Moyes’ men.

.

T.

]]> http://merseysidetroopers.wordpress.com/2009/08/08/everton-vs-malaga-highlights/ Sat, 08 Aug 2009 21:23:00 +0000 Merseyside Troopers http://merseysidetroopers.wordpress.com/2009/08/08/everton-vs-malaga-highlights/

These are the highlights from the match last night, which Everton won 2-1. This was the best quality video I could find, although it’s not in english. Piennar was fantastic in the first half, which our boys dominated, and deservedly took a 2-0 lead into the half. As regards to their goal I’m not even the least bit unhappy about, in fact, I feel lucky that I got to see such a strike. A free kick like that deserves to find the back of the net every time, and was one of the best strikes of a football I have ever seen. Enjoys he highlights! See my previous post for more info about the match.

]]> http://merseysidetroopers.wordpress.com/2009/08/07/everton-defeat-malaga-2-1-lescott-feels-the-love-from-evertonians/ Sat, 08 Aug 2009 03:25:24 +0000 Merseyside Troopers http://merseysidetroopers.wordpress.com/2009/08/07/everton-defeat-malaga-2-1-lescott-feels-the-love-from-evertonians/

A promising conclusion to the pre-season

Goal.com- Manchester City’s persistent courting of Everton defender Joleon Lescott has been one of the summer’s longest-running transfer sagas.

The England player is still an Evertonian, though – and the Toffees’ fans made sure he knows they want him to remain at Goodison Park this season when they cheered his every touch as Everton beat Malaga in a pre-season friendly at Goodison Park on Friday night.

Although Lescott has reportedly told manager David Moyes that he’d like to leave for City, the fans clearly decided to appeal to his sense of loyalty rather than give him a hard time by subjecting him to jeers.

Lescott’s name received the loudest applause when it was announced before the game, and most Everton supporters were keen to let him know they want him to stay at their club.

Everton say they have not yet received a third bid from City after the wealthy Eastlands outfit had two earlier offers rejected.

After some disappointing pre-season games which prompted Moyes to criticise his players’ attitude, Everton were much more impressive against Malaga, taking the lead after 14 minutes when Louis Saha converted from eight yards out when goalkeeper Gustavo Munua flapped at a Leighton Baines cross under pressure from Tim Cahill. Four minutes later, Leon Osman scored from a Steven Pienaar pass.

They were pegged back by a stunning 30-yard free-kick goal from Jose Juan Luque three minutes into the second half, but Marouane Fellaini nearly added a third when his spectacular shot hit the post.

Lescott played the full 90 minutes and was reminded of the crowd’s feelings when the Gwladys Street end sung his name at the end of the game.

I hope all those cynics who believed that Lescott would suffer the wrath of the Goodison faithful paid attention to tonight’s match. While this was only a pre-season match, it is nights like this that make me so proud to be a blue. Any mild dissension within the crowd was easily drowned out by the vast majority of the fans who showed how important Lescott is to the club. Roars filled the grounds upon his every touch of the ball, which was capped by the Gwladys Street fans singing his name at the end of the match. Evertonians proudly displayed their defiance of the Middle Eastlands club who have been attempting to capture the England international. When asked about the supporters reaction, Moyes replied, “The crowd gave Joleon Lescott a good reaction because they understand that what we are doing is right. We’ve been very consistent on this and said Joleon would not be sold.” I’ve been applauding the resolve of Moyes over recent weeks, his determination to hold to his key players will allow the club to progress and achieve its goal of capturing silverware.

In regards to the match, the boys responded well to Moyes’s challenge after the Blackpool fixture, as he was frustrated over their lack of focus and effort. Steven Piennar was the offensive catalyst in the earlier going, where the offensive pressure lead to an earlier Saha goal after 14 minutes. Saha, like Jo, has been spectacular in the pre-season, drawing multiple accolades from Moyes.  Osman added a second goal only four minutes later. A fantastic free kick from 30 yards a mere 3 minutes after the break from Malaga’s Jose Juan Luque, was one of the few highlights for the Spanish side, who were mainly shut down by an efficient Everton defense. A further positive from the match was the play of Fellaini who showed that he is near full fitness, after a fear that an illness might hold him out of the start of the new campaign.

Stay tuned for an indepth season preview in the coming days…

]]> http://aguncel.wordpress.com/2009/07/08/volkan-sahada/ Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:21:49 +0000 aguncel http://aguncel.wordpress.com/2009/07/08/volkan-sahada/

Yeni sezon hazırlıklarını İstanbul’da sürdüren Fenerbahçe’de, önceki gece sözleşme yenileyen kaleci Volkan Demirel, antrenmana çıktı.

Sarı-lacivertli futbolcular, ilk antrenmanına çıkan Volkan ile salonda yapılan ısınma çalışmaları öncesi görüşerek, milli oyuncuya “Hoş geldin” dediler.

Volkan Demirel, daha sonra sezonun ilk idmanında, üst sahada kaleci antrenörü Holger Gehrke ile özel bir çalışma yaptı.

MEHMET TOPUZ YİNE KATILMADI

Samandıra Tesisleri’nde, teknik direktör Christoph Daum yönetiminde yapılan ve iki saat süren antrenman, kapalı salonda yapılan ısınma çalışması ile başladı.

Daha sonra sahaya inen futbolcular, alt sahada iki gruba ayrıldı. Bir grupta forvet ve orta saha oyuncuları antrenör Roland Koch yönetiminde çalışırken, diğer futbolcular ise Daum yönetiminde bir çalışma yaptı. Bu çalışmanın ardından futbolcular, tam sahada çift kale maç oynadı. Futbolcular, tesisin yanındaki ormanlık alanda kademeli koşu yaparak, antrenmanı tamamladı.

Sağ üst adalesinde ağrı bulunan Mehmet Topuz bugün de antrenmana katılmadı. İki gündür antrenmanlara çıkmayan Mehmet’in önemli bir sakatlığı olmadığı, kontrol amaçlı idmana çıkmadığı bildirildi.

Teknik direktör Daum’un, antrenmandan sonra futbolcularla bir toplantı yapacağı kaydedildi.

İDMANLAR TEKE DÜŞTÜ

Yeni sezon hazırlıklarını günde 3 idmanla sürdüren Fenerbahçe’de, teknik direktör Daum, antrenmanları teke düşürdü. Bugün tek idman yapan futbolcuların, yarın da akşam tek antrenmanla yeni sezon hazırlıklarına devam edeceği bildirildi.

]]> http://devil99.wordpress.com/2009/07/06/rahul-dravid-among-champions-trophy-probables/ Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:44:17 +0000 devilkarthik http://devil99.wordpress.com/2009/07/06/rahul-dravid-among-champions-trophy-probables/

Rahul Dravid finds himself back in the ODI reckoning after the former captain was on Monday named in India’s 30-member probables list for the Champions Trophy.

The All-India Senior Selection Committee, which met at the M A Chidambaram Stadium to pick the 30 probables for the elite top-eight tournament to be held in South Africa during September 2009, however decided to ignore the likes of Irfan Pathan and Robin Uthappa.

A veteran of 333 ODIs, Dravid has not featured in India’s ODI squad since playing his last one dayer against Australia in Nagpur in 2007.

Senior cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who had opted out of the just-concluded West Indies tour, returns to the side as do the injured duo of Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan.

Hard-hitting Delhi batsman Virat Kohli, Bengal stumper Wriddhiman Saha, Tamil Nadu’s R Ashiwin and Murali Vijay also found a place in the list of probables.

UP pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, lanky Rajasthan medium pacer Pankaj Singh and the Mumbai duo of Ajinkya Rahane and Dhawal Kulkarni also found mention in the list.

]]> http://pynttari.wordpress.com/2009/07/04/puun-syyt-ja-lukitsemisen-voima/ Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:39:25 +0000 ristoniemi http://pynttari.wordpress.com/2009/07/04/puun-syyt-ja-lukitsemisen-voima/

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Keskustelu puun kaatamisesta on saanut minut hakemaan puunhakkaajia koskevia ihmestauja.  Eräässä 1880 muistiin merkityssä tarinassa Kokkovaaran kestikievarin nuorin poika kertoo tarinan, jossa puunhakkaaja pelastaa  kolme kadonnutta prinsessaa maan alta. Sitä ennen nuori puunhakkaaja sai ihmevoimat varsin kiinnostavalla tavalla.  Tätä tarinaa voi oikeastaan miettiä puita pilkkoessa:

Kirves olalla kulkevaa puunhakkaajaa vastaan tuli outo “rautahampainen, rautakyntinen ukko”, pelottava tapaus. Silloin kaveri iski kirveellä vieressään olleen pöllin päähän niin lujaa, että kirves jäi jumiin,  sitten hän alkoi pyydellä rautakyntistä ukkoa apuun.

“Pane kyntesi rakoon ja repäise tuo puu halki, että saan kirveen irti!” .

Ukko pisti rautakyntensä pöllin halkeamaan ja poika nykäisi kirveensä irti.

Iske sinä nyt kirveelläsi niin, että saan kynteni irti, sanoi ukko.

Mutta poika antoikin rautakyntisen ukon jäädä satimeen.  Vasta sitten päästän sinut vapaaksi, kun sanot missä kolme kuninkaantytärtä ovat. No ukko sanoi oitis,  ne ovat maan alla syvissä kuopissa paholaisen vankeina. Mutta poika antoi vaan rautakynnen olla satimessa.

Sitten päästän sinut, kun kerrot kuinka saan heidät pelastettua. Ukko lupasi puunhakkaajalle pillin, johon puhaltaessa rautaukko itse tulisi apuun.

No puunhakkaaja hoiti homman tyylikkäästi, lähes loppuun asti.  Vaikka hän vapautti prinsessat, niin kuninkaan pelastuspartio otti ansion itselleen.  Puunhakkaaja sai ansaitsemansa vasta, kun osasi vaatia oikeutta kuninkaan palatsissa.

Aikamoinen kyborgi oli tuo rautakynsinen ja rautahampainen ukko, jonka puunhakkaaja kohtasi.  Jotenkin muistuttaa sahaa.

Onko kyseessä kirveen ja sahan taistelu? Täytyy tuntea tukkipuun nujertamisen kaksi tapaa,  jotta voi ymmärtää millaisten voimien  kohtaamisesta tuo puunhakkaaja saa ihmevoimansa:  kirveellä halkaiseminen ja sahalla katkaiseminen menetemät muodostavat metsätyössä kosmisen vasakohtaparin.

Puun omat jännitteet, se lukitsemisen voima, jonka kirvettä pölliin iskevä tuntee, on tässä sadussa valtakuntaakin mahtavampi voima.  Edes rautakynsi kyborgi,  joka kaikessa muussa on pitelemätön, jää heti sadun alussa puun jännitteiden lukitsemaksi. Siitä lähtien kirveellä iskevä saa aina halutessaan pyytää sahalta apua.

Onko tämän sadun sankari kirves, ja sen taistelu puun syiden kanssa?  On selvää, että nykymetsässä rautakynsi, rautahammas on valloillaan. Mutta onko jumin voimat lopullisesti nujerrettu, vai tekeekö  puun sisäisten jännitteiden vapauttaminen vielä paluuta, jossain uudessa ja vielä tuntemattomassa muodossa?

]]> http://palatepolice.wordpress.com/2009/06/20/saha/ Sat, 20 Jun 2009 23:43:37 +0000 Anne H. Putnam http://palatepolice.wordpress.com/2009/06/20/saha/

Saha, Arabic Fusion

1075 Sutter St (Inside the Carlton Hotel)

Lights at Saha

After a hard week for both of us, we were looking forward to some good girl time.  We headed to MiNi nails for a quick pedi and a chat, but unfortunately some other girls were monopolizing the small space, so we didn’t get many words in.  However, our toes looked pretty in pink (a little on the bright side) as we headed out, ravenous.

We looked into Saha last week and decided that satisfying our craving for Middle Eastern food was worth a slight increase from our usual budget.  We’d heard a lot of good things about Saha, so even though Anne usually abhors a hotel restaurant (a fact we learned a little too late anyway) we decided to give it a shot.

The hostess podium was empty when we arrived (our first indication that service might be less than attentive), but the restaurant was about 60% full, which raised our expectations for the food even further.  Once we were seated (within the next 5 minutes), we were served ice water, which we were delighted to discover was infused with cucumber, leaving us feeling refreshed and relaxed, as if we’d just spent the afternoon getting our pedis in a fancy spa.

Interior decòr

We took this opportunity to look around and soak up the ambience.  The décor is sort of classroom-meets-casbah, but we thought it worked (see the pics and decide for yourself).  It was certainly less dark and heavy than the usual Arabic-themed restaurant, and the people-watching was fantastic.  As a hotel restaurant, it attracts a lot of tourists, which makes for an interesting mélange of accents and gesticulations.

Service was friendly but slow– there were only two staff members for the entire restaurant, including the full bar– so we had to wait awhile for our foul (a thick sort of bean/lentil soup, pronounced ‘fool’) and hummus appetizers.  When the hummus arrived, we were excited to dig in, but were quickly disappointed by the overly fluffy, almost French-bread-tasting pita.  The hummus itself was drenched in olive oil, which gave it a luscious texture but a very olive-y flavor.  In fact, the olive was pretty much all we could taste, which was okay with us but might be a deterrent for those with olive aversions.  The foul was more interesting.  It had a similarly smooth, oily texture but much better flavors– spicy and warm with a strong taste of cardamom.  We chose to eat it with spoons as the pita did it no favors.

The foul, and the fluffy pita accompaniment

We were so full of foul that we didn’t mind too much when our main courses took a half hour to arrive, but it should be noted that Saha is not the place for a quick dinner.  Anne ordered the lamb tagine in a fit of nostalgia about her trip to morocco, and was pleasantly surprised to find the meat tender and the flavor perfectly balanced– tagines can get really sweet if there’s too much fruit in the stew.  The Palestinian couscous it was served with was also delightful, perfectly cooked and larger and firmer than what we expected.  That was a pleasant surprise.

The tagine– there's a ton of meat under the couscous

Tessa’s red curry was also delicious; the sauce was light, perfectly balancing sweet and spicy with a lemony touch.  But we were dismayed at the difference in portions.  Tessa’s curry, a vegetarian dish, was six dollars cheaper, but in our opinion that does not excuse the lack of substance to the dish.  There was one block of tofu, which was not particularly appetizing, one slab of squash, and two small mushrooms (it had been advertised on the menu as a ‘medley’).  There were also green beans, broccoli, and carrots, but they seemed like fillers rather than headliners.

The red curry– it looks like more than it is

We were too full for dessert, so we grabbed the bill: with one soda and a cup of tea it came to $62.42 without tip.  Definitely a splurge for us.

When it comes to value, Tessa doesn't foul around!

Overall, Saha was… good.  We probably won’t be back because we think we could find more interesting Middle Eastern food (for cheaper) elsewhere in the city, but if you have a timid palate it makes the cuisine very approachable.  The fusion aspect did lend unique flavors, but the difference in heft between the meat and vegetarian mains was unfortunate to say the least.  Maybe we’re being a little harsh– everyone around us seemed to be happy with his/her meal– but when we’re pinching pennies we expect the best from a splurge.

Until next dine,

Anne and Tessa

P.S.  If you do go, you may want to order the small plates sampler, which multiple tables around us seemed to really enjoy.
P.P.S.  Anne would like to note that she really loved the almonds in her tagine.
P.P.P.S.  How foul of puns can this post get?

]]> http://theythinkitsallover.wordpress.com/2009/06/05/visual-review-everton-home-shirt-0910-lcs/ Fri, 05 Jun 2009 04:51:06 +0000 A. Howard http://theythinkitsallover.wordpress.com/2009/06/05/visual-review-everton-home-shirt-0910-lcs/ http://mihaicomsulea.wordpress.com/2009/06/04/ziua-163-neutri-si-nu-prea-la-finala-cupei/ Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:24:57 +0000 soulofarunner http://mihaicomsulea.wordpress.com/2009/06/04/ziua-163-neutri-si-nu-prea-la-finala-cupei/

O capitala cu doua cluburi prim-divizionare, neimplicate insa in finala Cupei. O capitala care nici nu gazduieste macar ultimul act al competitiei. Ma refer la Scotia, finala Scottish F.A. Cup si orasul Edinburgh.

In lipsa de altceva, amatorii de fotbal din citadela-port dintre coline au chibitat in ultima sambata a lunii mai pentru Rangers, proaspata campioana din Glasgow, sau Falkirk, ”buturuga mica” fofilata in finala de pe Hampden Park. Rangers practic acasa, in Glasgow, pe Hampden, desi arena o are la Ibrox Park.

I-am intrebat pe cei cu care am intrat in vorba in Edinburgh daca lumea tine in finala in general cu Falkirk. Nici pe departe! Nu doar cand joaca acasa, pe Ibrox, dar chiar si la meciuri in deplasare, Rangers e sustinuta de grupuri de suporteri din Edinburgh, care fac deplasarea organizat, cu autocarele.

Si totusi, fani ai lui Falkirk s-au regasit intre suporterii din Edinburgh ai lui Celtic ori intre simpatizantii “calului negru”, “buturuga mica” avand sansa a doua. Exista iubitori de fotbal mereu plini de compasiune pentru echipa mai mica, mai ales intr-un duel inegal. “Suporterii lui Hearts sau Hibs vor inclina insa sa tina cu Falkirk”, mi-a spus un fan al “maroniilor”, Heart of Midlothian. Explicatia consta in rivalitatea mai mare a trupelor din Edinburgh cu Rangers decat cu Falkirk, plus in faptul ca oraselul Falkirk, situat pe o derivatie a drumului national ce leaga Edinburghul de Glasgow, e la circa 20 de minute de rulat din capitala.

In pubul Mathers, pe un ecran, antrenorii lui Falkirk si Gers, "Yogi" si Smith, sunt inca pe pace...

... iar pe celalalt ecran, deasupra intrarii, Chelsea si Everton aveau sa ofere cel mai rapid gol din istoria finalelor pe Wembley... Saha, surprins de BBC in prim-plan, avea sa intre in istorie, batand recordul lui Di Matteo, pe atunci la Chelsea...

Finalele Cupei Scotiei si Cupei Angliei in 2009 au fost la concurenta, sambata de la ora locala 3. De pe Hampden si Wembley, in direct pe micile ecrane. Iar in pubul Mathers, din centrul Edinburghului, gazdele au facut treaba buna, permitand vizionarea in paralel a finalelor. In consecinta, s-au strans si partizani, stransi la o masa in jurul unui tip in tricoul lui Chelsea, cu Terry pe spate, o alta tabara, deconspirata inca in primul minut, la reusita lui Louis Saha, tinand pumnii celorlalti albastri, de la Everton.

In fine, la o alta masa, fani ai lui Hibs si Hearts, localnicele din Edinburgh, mai interesati de finala Rangers – Falkirk. Aveau ocazia sa mai glumeasca pe seama cluburilor lor, despre care am intrat in vorba. Intrebandu-i una alta, fanii “verzilor” de la Hibs au avut doua poante despre rivala locala, Hearts.

Prima tine de stadionul “maroniilor”, Tynecastle, sugernadu-mi-se sa-l vizitez cat mai grabnic, nu de alta dar “nu va mai fi multa vreme acolo. Va deveni supermarket Tesco”. Cum Hearts a fost foarte aproape in acest deceniu de a-si vinde stadionul, asta inainte ca lituanianul Romanov sa intre in carti, mi-am zis ca bancul are un sambure de adevar. Aveam sa aflu la fata locului, la Tynecastle, ca stadionul ar putea fi complet reconstruit, pe un amplasament rotit cu 90 de grade fata de actuala sa pozitionare. O scoala a fost deja reconstruita, peste drum, terenul vechiului locas de invatamant fiind achizitionat de Romanov, care doreste si demolarea randului de case din preajma, cu despagubirea locatarilor, pentru repozitionarea stadionului. Proiectul e la stadiul de aprobari pe la consiliul local. Dar despre Tynecastle voi reveni in amanuntime altadata.

Hibs, fondat in 1875, cu radacini in nord-estul orasului. Fanii ei fac misto de Hearts, infiintata in 1874, in sud-vest. Si viceversa...

A doua poanta ar fi despre inima de pe caldaram. Heart of Midlothian, inima omului locului, din zona Lothian, incluzand si capitala Edinburgh. Acest simbol, sub forma unor caramizi maronii in pavajul cu piatra cubica gri de pe Mila Regala, in dreptul catedralei St. Giles, tine de o legenda ce istoriseste ca pe acel loc erau adusi intru judecata raufacatorii ori dusmanii cetatii. Iar oamenii adunati la procesul public erau imbiati sa-si arate dispretul, sa arunce piatra. Mai exact, sa scuipe. In timp, gestul a fost interpretat ca fiind purtator de noroc. Iti poarta noroc daca scuipi in acel loc, in trecere prin dreptul ”inimii” de pe caldaram, pe Royal Mile. Versiunea fanilor lui Hibs e ca se scuipa a dispret la adresa rivalei Hearts… Doar o gluma inofensiva.

Heart of Midlothian, inima de pe caldaramul din preajma catedralei, pe artera pietonala Royal Mile, si totodata figurand drept stema a clubului Hearts...

Everton are 1-0 dar jocul sufera din cauza caldurii iar Rangers – Falkirk e “alb”, lancezit de soare. Prilej sa aud despre Falkirk. Care a strans fosti internationali, ca Steven Pressley, fost capitan al lui Hearts si al Scotiei, fundasul cu alura de Braveheart, sau ca Jackie McNamara, ani la rand pe dreapta la Celtic, cu care cucerea de trei ori Cupa Scotiei, plus Neil McCann, fostul atacant de buzunar al Rangersului. Un cimitir al elefantilor? Poate, dar cu un antrenor tanar.

John Hughes are 45 de ani si a jucat in doua perioade la Falkirk, altfel, ca fiu de docher din Leith, zona lui Hibs, trecand cu cele mai multe jocuri la activ si prin “verdele” celor de la Easter Road. De aici si explicatia primelor zvonuri dupa demisia lui Paatelainen de la carma lui Hibs, zguduind jumatatea “verde” in seara precedenta. Mai exact, in josul Milei Regale, pe panoul publicitar al publicatiei locale, era anuntat socul demisiei unuia, iar in susul strazii, spre castel, era deja lansata versiunea sosirii lui John Hughes, de la Falkirk. Asta in dimineata finalei! Buna campanie de presa…

Acesta e maiestuosul sediu al ziarului numarul unu al Scotiei, The Scotsman, situat la intrarea pe podul North Bridge dinspre Mila Regala, unde isi avea amplasate panourile cu demisia si zvonurile inlocuitorului in postul de manager la Hibs

Miniconcert stradal, "buskers", cum sunt numiti in Regat, si o ipoteza de ultima ora a acelorasi jurnalisti de la The Scotsman, cum ca locul lui Paatelainen ar putea fi luat de "Yogi"

Cine mai e oare si “Yogi”? Yogi e porecla unui John Hughes trecut si prin fotbalul englez, pe la Crystal Palace, si care a fost alipita celuilalt John Hughes, actual manager al finalistei Falkirk. Iar “falsul” John “Yogi” Hughes, sperand la trofeu pe banca de pe Hampden Park, a fost imediat creditat cu sanse de a prelua timona lui Hibs. Sangele apa nu se face… A jucat la “verzi” iar tatal sau a lucrat in port. Nu iese fum fara foc…

Dar poanta zilei, amintita printre randuri in acelasi The Scotsman, e ca pana si John Robertson ar fi in calcule pentru postul de la Easter Road. Ei bine, Robertson e nimeni altul decat recordmanul de goluri pentru rivala Hearts, cu 214 reusite adunate mai ales in anii ‘80, si al carui deliciu de a puncta de noua ori contra lui Hibs a devenit subiect de DVD, expus la loc de cinste, la intrarea in magazinul de prezentare al ‘maroniilor”, din centrul comercial al Edinburghului.

Noua goluri contra lui Hibs, un DVD cu Robertson in shopul lui Hearts, si un zvon despre fostul varf, cum ca ar prelua-o taman pe Hibs. Chiar asa?

Dar Hibs a mai instalat antrenori... surpriza. A fost cazul francezului Frank Sauzee, a carui sedere n-a fost insa una fericita, fapt ce nu-i impiedica pe fanii lui Hibs sa-si aduca aminte cu placere de trecerea "cocosului" prin Leith, dupa cum sugereaza tabloul-fotografie expus intr-un pub cu tenta "verde" din zona lui Hibernian

In asteptarea altor goluri, mai rasfoiesc stufosul supliment de sport al lui The Scotsman, editie speciala de sambata cu duplexul finalelor, si aflu ca “Yogi” se lansase in antrenorat la Falkirk, actuala sa echipa, dar ca partener la carma cu nimeni altul decat Owen Coyle, recent promovat in Premier League la timona micutei Burnley. Ce mica e lumea!

Si alte reportaje interesante, despre David Moyes, scotianul de la carma finalistei Everton, ori consideratii pe marginea esecului unui alt fiu al Glasgowului, Sir Alex Ferguson, in finala de la Roma. O dezbatere si despre furia suporterilor scotieni, The Tartan Army, la adresa federalilor, pentru larghetea acestora de a sprijini lansarea unei selectionate comune a Regatului Unit, in turneul de fotbal al Jocurilor Olimpice londoneze din 2012. Daca SFA se impusca singura in calcai, sprijinind echipa comuna in detrimentul unei viitoare pierderi a independentei forului de la Glasgow, cand va fi sa reprezinte Scotia in turneele sub egida FIFA ori UEFA? Temeri intemeiate ori nejustificate?

Mathers, cu o oferta variata de whisky si o ambianta discreta, nu aducea a pub de fotbal. Dar cele doua finale au schimbat ambianta. Si deznodamantul jocurilor avea sa se schimbe dupa pauza, in avantajul favoritelor...

Dupa ce Rangers a inscris decisiv, imediat dupa pauza, 1-0, prin Novo, iar Chelsea a intors rezultatul prin stangul lui Lampard, 2-1 contra lui Everton, pe-aici mi-a fost drumul, inapoi spre Leith. Mai erau putine minute si-mi spuneam ca soarta finalelor nu se va schimba. Cand doar mi-am varat capul intr-un alt pub, sa vad scorul final, 1-0 pentru Rangers, am sesizat si gestul descumpanit al unui fan din local. Nu purta culorile lui Falkirk dar sigur nu tinuse cu Rangers. Poate era suporter de-al lui Hibs… Iar dintr-un alt colt al stabilimentului izbea zambetul lui George Best. Un portret al fiului Belfastului, cu mentiunea “the greatest Northern Ireland player”. Da, Georgie se ridicase dintre catolicii Ulsterului iar faptul ca era tinut la loc de pret in respectivul pub spunea despre apartenenta la “verzi”. Fanii lui Hibs, cum mi se explicase deja, inclinasera sa tina cu Falkirk. Fara folos. Dar poate se aleg cu “Yogi” la Easter Road…

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