När idrottsmän drar sig tillbaka så ska idrottsälskarna bedyra dem sin kärlek – ungefär som om det var en begravning.  Det är en märkligt sentimental inställning. Och falsk.

Låt oss ta exemplet Pelé.

Han är avgudad, varje kungsord citerars i sportpressen. Han är också en hemsk människa. Han har förnekat och hånat alla de barn som han förlorat faderskapsmål emot. Minst ett av dem har begått självmord, flera dras med psykiska problem och förföljs för att de ”besvärar” den store Pelé.

Han blev idrottsminister och sålde ut brasiliansk fotboll till maffian. Han representerar korruption, makt och förskingring. Plus att han alltid tippar VM åt helvete fel. ☺

Pelé är en av de mest osympatiska människor jag känner till. Speciellt som jag vet hur många aningslösa, godtrogna, sanningsblinda eller oändligt förlåtande människor som bara tror gott om honom. Och detta endast för att han för 40-50 år sedan var en makalös fotbollsspelare som nu säger vänliga saker och ser snäll ut i media.

Pelé ska högaktas –det är bara så. Men hur kan man skilja människan från idrottsprestationen, eller människan från idrottsmannen?

Hur kan man välja bort människan? Eller hur kan man välja bort en del av människans idrottskarriär och säga; ”men det där gjorde han i alla fall bra”?  Är det inte endast ännu en av dessa gamla, förljugna idéer om idrottens fostran? De som säger att idrott bara är idrott och varken hör ihop med politik,  pengar  eller samhället i övrigt?

I veckan meddelade Allen Iverson, 34, att han slutar spela basket. Han var en fantastisk skytt, en ännu större talang men han vann aldrig någon ring – och en mästerskapsring är i USA det ultimata beviset på framgång. Iverson hade haft många år kvar på toppen – om han velat anpassa sig. Till kroppen och till coachernas krav.

Iverson som spelare karakteriseras av förutom skottet och spelförståelsen av kaxighet, egoism och oförmåga att leda andra. När han kom fram kallades han den nye Jordan och ”The Answer” men lagspelare var aldrig ett ord han lärde sig. Han misshandlade sin gåva – även utanför plan där han jämt och ständigt råkade i bråk och umgicks med personer han inte borde umgås med.

Med tanke på vilken oerhört genomslagskraft han hade, vad han hade kunnat göra för att hjälpa Philadelfias svarta proletariat ¬– med tanke på det så har han hittills svikit sin gåva grovt.

The Answer ansågs förra säsongen fortfarande som svaret på några lags titelambitioner. Men både i Nuggets och Pistons omklädningsrum lämnade han i uppror. Han förstörde lagmoral vart han än vände sig.

Så den här säsongen hamnade han i Memphis Grizzlys. Där fick han liksom alla andra nya spelare börja på bänken. Det accepterade inte AI. Han stack, efter tre matcher och lägger nu av eftersom han inte får starta. Vilka signaler ger det till unga spelare som beundrar honom, vilket arv lämnar han efter sig?

Det är inte kroppen, han har haft relativt få skador. Det lär inte vara längtan efter att ge något tillbaka till sin community eller till sporten som får honom att stoppa.

Han tjänade kanske en miljard kronor i lön under karriären.  Lika mycket i reklam och även efter att alla fått sitt så har han säkert gjort en halv miljard svenska kronor netto. AI slutar nu för att han har tillräckligt med pengar och skiter i allt annat.

En av mina närmaste basketvänner försvara honom med att ”han sålde en väldig massa tröjor”.  Ja, det är också ett sätt att mäta en människas livsgärning!

Allen Iverson var en väldigt duktig basketskytt. Jag kan respektera honom för att han väljer ett annat liv än basketspelarens men jag förstår absolut inte varför han ska hedras.

Each guest at the banquet will receive a gift of seeds to sow in their garden — courtesy of two fabulous organisations: the Hunter Organic Growers Society (HOGS) and Gloucester Seed Savers. Complementing the work of Gloucester Seed Savers is The Gloucester Project, an initiative of a group of people, many food producers, who have a vision to secure the community’s economic future while also positioning Gloucester as a significant example of climate change adaptation. One of their first projects is the Tucker Garden Patch — a practical demonstration garden aimed, among other things, at encouraging and supporting local growers and enhancing people’s skills towards self-sufficiency. For more information, visit the website: www.tuckergardenpatch.com

The banquet team is very grateful to the following people and organisations who’ve donated money, time or expertise to our cause: the Friends of the Monastery for allowing us to use Stroud Monastery as the venue; Brian Russell of Stroud Pharmacy and Councillor Karen Hutchinson for financial support; Stroud Community Website for advertising the event; Stroud Road Hall Committee for lending us their cutlery and crockery; the students of Stroud Road Public School for making fans to keep our guests cool; the queen of Fabulon, Maureen Massey for ironing all our tablecloths; and Stroud Playgroup treasurer Leonie Edwards for making sure that ticket sales ran smoothly.

“the state she did govern was right across the street from russia”!

Some Americans keep reinforcing the notion or stereotype of stupidity, get an education people! Geez! and lay off the Fox propaganda. Misinformation is Not information.

“It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt.” -Mark Twain

Who supports Sarah Palin?  And Why ?

What better way to find out than to visit folk queuing to meet her at a book signing

Check out this video below on Sarah Palin’s supporters during her book signing session.

I will be really afraid if she actually will become….a governmental…figure…of some sort.

I’m glad she decided to step down as whatever she was before (the governor of Alaska?)…and decided to well “write” a book, which in my opinion, doesn’t seem like she wrote the book at all, but her inputs were definitely there. She just didn’t write it, IMHO.

Any ways, her supporters are hilariously….dumb. Or at least the ones that showed up in the video above supporting her. I’m sure she has smart, sophisticated, brainiacs supporting her in some way. Probably hidden. In a basement. Somewhere.

Meredith and Dale Edwards have recently opened Passionate Foods in Gloucester, stocking healthy food, organic choices and other quality things to eat, and will be supplying all the pantry items for the banquet. The business is the result of their tree change to an environment offering a slower paced, healthier lifestyle, and they hope that over time the people of Gloucester and surrounds will make Passionate Foods their ‘home of good food’!

So Walter Smith is back to being the worst manager in the world again after some of his strongest critics being somewhat quiet of late.

What’s changed? Is it a case of the voice shouting the loudest is often the only one that’s heard? When we have been playing well of late, no one seems to have been quite as vociferous in their support and praise of the manager. Is this because it is the minimum that we are Rangers supporters have came to expect?

Before I start this discourse on the current state of tenure of Walter Smith, I feel like I should make one thing clear. Last night against Stuttgart was not acceptable. Our European distraction this season has not been acceptable. The managers decisions were not up to scratch for me, however more importantly, the performance of the majority of the players was beyond reproach. We have crashed from Europe with nothing but a whimper – a team that has as much potency and commands as much respect in Europe as Herman van Rompuy.

But can all the blame simply be laid at the door of Walter Smith, Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowell?

Sadly, this time there is a very strong argument that Walter Smith has simply gotten it wrong in Europe this year. The defeats at home this season have been nothing short of embarrassing. An embarrassment we’ve not felt since some of the European forays Smith made towards the end of his first term at the helm of Rangers.

I wrote an blog yesterday saying that second guessing Walter Smith in Europe was as frivolous as trying to spell out words by poking a chopstick into a tin of alphabet spaghetti – something that was proven yet again as Smith deployed a very left-field formation (with Miller on “supporting wide” as I had predicted).

News of the tactical shape was leaked to the papers an hour or so prior to kick off with many dismissing it as tabloid rumour. However the rumours were true, Walter was going to shoehorn his squad into what sounded a very attacking 3-4-3 formation. On seeing it on the park though, it clearly wasn’t that.

In practice it was more like five at the back; quite possibly the most defensively that Walter has asked his troops to play since he came back to the club. Yes, much like the debate that 4-3-3/4-5-1 are actually the same thing – one is the shape when attacking, one when defending – the same is true for 3-4-3 and 5-3-2. Similar to the 4-3-3, the shape changed based on game-circumstance, where the wingers dropped into midfield, the two wide players from the four man midfield ended up dropping back into full back positions.

This drew pressure and allowed territory and space to Stuttgart too deep in our own half.

Our three man defence of Wilson, Weir and McCulloch was not up to the task of playing together in that formation. Despite the experience of Weir, he couldn’t help McCulloch through the ordeal and it seemed that Wilson was the most mature head at the back in many occasions. It was the kind of formation that Basile Boli would have revelled in.

We didn’t really challenge Stuttgart at all.

In all fairness they cruised it and had it not been for the inspired form of Allan McGregor we could have faced a much heftier deficit. McGregor, Wilson and Davis being the only players to come out from the debacle with pass marks. Boyd didn’t have as bad a game as many will have you believe. Yes, he missed that chance, but his all round game up front pretty much as a lone Ranger was passable. He didn’t set the heather on fire but he was not the worst player on the park. He would deserve to play against the Spaniards in the final game based on his performance in my opinion.

But I am talking about the players here. Not the manager. Who is to ‘blame’ for the European misadventure? Walter? The players?

If everything is considered with a sensible head then it’s a combination of both. Walter may have judged his tactics wrong last night, but the players didn’t show the fight and desire to win for Rangers that we have the right to demand from our players. We are not European no-marks like Gonnoreah Urziceni. Not one player pulled themselves and the players around him up over the precipice.

As much as the players all seem to be singing from the same hymn sheet within the squad, there is not the level of commitment that is required to play well and win in Europe. Maybe the players in our squad are simply not good enough to compete and perform at that level? However that is a path that leads back to the manager. It was him that signed them and it’s him and his assistants that train them to mould them into the players that they are now.

So I suppose for me there is no direct blame for our European failure, it is a collective failing and everyone associated with the club has recognised that.

Players and management have been quoted last night and today saying that it wasn’t good enough. It wasn’t, they recognise that and we recognise that. But for me, the doom and gloom merchants need to get a grip of reality. We may have slipped out of Europe, but two of the sides in our group are filled with magnificent players – some of the best of in the world, especially in the case of Sevilla. We are leading the league and are still on course for the other two domestic cups.

Look at it this way. The money in Europe is from the Champions League; we’ve played in the Champions League, we will receive the money. We are all disappointed to not be in the Champions League after the New Year but let’s face it, our squad is not good enough to be there. Apart from the last sixteen, the best we could have hoped for was a Europa Cup campaign which could have stretched our squad to it’s limits.

The league this year is our bread and butter. Simply, we have to win the league this year. Failure is not an option for the future of Rangers (without intervention from a new buyer). We must ensure Champions League football next season for our debt to be better managed. I know I sound like a bit of a drama queen here, but I genuinely believe that it is that important and I think that belief can be backed up when the figures from the latest financial reports are considered. It’s not the case that the club will cease to exist immediately or vanish like Gretna, but everything that we have came to expect and love could potentially begin to be stripped away.

Put quite plainly, if failure to reach the last sixteen of the Champions League or gain entry to the Europa cup means that our players are galvanised and we can go on to win the league then I’d very happily take that. Not every year, but this year I’d take it. Walter Smith knows that he won’t be the manager of Rangers for the next five years, he knows his time at the helm is coming to an end. Without a new owner there will be no fresh exciting young manager to come in. Who else would offer to work on without a contract as Walter has? He is what a lot of what Rangers should always be – proud, loyal, honest and a Trojan of a worker for the interests of the club. People should remember that before castigating him.

There wasn’t a bad word said in his name when he broke the news that the bank were severely influencing the club. He was lauded for protecting the clubs interests and for making the fans aware of a situation that we needed to know about. So let’s maybe cut him some slack.

Last night was a complete shambles, but we always need to look to the positives in life. This season is by no means over yet. We still have some of the most important months in Rangers history ahead of us. What the club, players and management need right now is us to be behind them in what they are doing. I may not like some of the decisions made by management and some of the performances and attitudes of the players, but I will continue to lend them my unwavering support – this season more importantly than most we need to be a collective unit, fighting for the same cause for the best of the institution that means more than anything to us all.

We might have whimpered out of the battle for Europe but the much more important and telling war is yet to be won.

As the holiday season rolls around, we sit back and think about all of the things we are grateful (and thankful!) for, all of the things that have happened over the past year, and all of the amazing things that are going to happen in the year to come. 

Special Olympics New Jersey started off our holiday season last Friday with our Annual Awards Dinner, honoring all of the individuals and corporations who inspire greatness in all of us.

 We awarded a lifetime achievement award, two hall of fame inductees, a  family of the year, two outstanding coaches and volunteers of the year (on both the area and chapter levels). 

Four athletes were named “Outstanding Athlete”, in their seasonal sports.  Later on, three “Spirit Awards, an induction to the Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame, the Bessie Perlman Achievement Award, and the S. Michael Higgins Scholarship Award were all given out (names listed below.)

We are very grateful for each of these people and groups, because without them our organization would not be the same.   We would like to take this time to thank everyone who volunteers and coaches for, as well as donates to, Special Olympics New Jersey.  We would also like to thank all of the athletes for their participation in all of our events. 

Wishing everyone a happy, safe, and healthy holiday! Thank you for all you do!

SONJ 2009 Annual Award Winners

 Hall of Fame

Lindsay Fulop of Lavalette

Della Porter of Hamilton

Lifetime Achievement Award

Alex MacDonald of Harrison

Law Enforcement Torch Run Wall of Recognition Induction

William Zika of Hillsdale

Bessie Perlman Achievement 

Susan Borrelli of Flemington

S. Michael Higgins Special Olympics Scholarship

Christopher Gaimari of Hammonton

Outstanding Athlete in Fall Sports

Yoav Nessim of Milltown

 Outstanding Athlete in Winter Sports

Hughes of Hillsborough

Outstanding Athlete in Spring Sports

Frank Williams of Lincroft

Outstanding Athlete in Summer Sports

Brian Cannavina of Morris Plains

Outstanding Local Training Program

Carteret Specials of Carteret

Volunteer of the Year – Chapter Level

Ellen Bombolis of Sunset Beach, NC

Volunteer of the Year – Area Level

John Fletcher of Plainsboro

Outstanding Volunteer Group

NJ Natural Gas

Outstanding Coach – Chapter Level

Cherie Daddis of Bloomfield

Outstanding Coach – Area Level 

Lauren Kisiel of Ocean City

Family of the Year

The Licata Family of East Brunswick

Sprit Awards

Angela Rotella and Joe Panico of Flemington

Faith Cust of Flemington

Cranbury Country Club

We are thankful for our volunteers and supporters who make our work possible, but we thought you would like to hear some thanks straight from those who benefit from your support:

“I have a whole new respect for the Red Cross.”  -Quentin, Gahanna resident whose home was destroyed by fire.

“I can’t tell you what the help means to me.”  - Darryl, Columbus man whose home went up in an early morning blaze.

“The Red Cross never gave up. I felt like they did everything they could and I was pleased with their effort.” - Mindy, Worthington mother who turned to the Red Cross to get an emergency message to her son serving away from home in the armed forces.

“Thank you is just not enough…there really aren’t words to express my appreciation for what you do for the families of our service men and women!”  -Kim, Columbus mother who used Red Cross emergency communications to get in touch with her son serving in the navy.

To the world the American Red Cross is the helping hand during times of disaster. We are simply the vessel with which people are given the opportunity to perform extraordinary acts. Thank you for your support. Happy Thanksgiving!

Getting mail in Afghanistan – is a Biggie! but it can take a long time to get it, and internet access can be sporadic. Starting on 1 December – The Army is launching “Hooah Mail” A friend of mine sent this:

Beginning 1 December 2009 the Army will launch “HooahMail” as a pilot program for fast, easy, secure, letter-style correspondence to OEF deployed Soldiers. Based on a proven system used by the Marine Corps since 2003, HooahMail brings another method to keep in touch with military members in Afghanistan. From Stateside, HooahMail offers a computer based process which will generate a printed, sealed, letter-style document for direct delivery to forward operating bases throughout the OEF area of operations. This one-way system will allow secure download capabilities at selected OEF remote sites. These letters will then be printed on special equipment which will print, fold, seal and address the envelope for free delivery to OEF Soldiers. HooahMail will be distributed just like regular mail through unit mail-rooms. At sites which don’t get daily postal mail service, HooahMail will offer a free, convenient way to communicate. This method could reduce delivery time in some cases from 14+ days to remote locations to same/next day service, with an average 4 days to all other locations in Afghanistan. HooahMail will augment traditional postal letter mail service.

Funded by Department of the Army, and supported by the current postal command structure, HooahMail offers a new and exciting way to strengthen communications to our OEF Soldiers. For more information about HooahMail visit their website at www.hooahmail.us.<<

]]> http://100milebanquet.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/behind-the-scenes/ Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:55:59 +0000 100milebanquet http://100milebanquet.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/behind-the-scenes/

It wouldn’t be possible to put on a banquet like this without the support of numerous people and businesses behind the scenes. Biodegradable rubbish bags for kitchen refuse have been donated by BioPak (www.biopak.com.au); linen for the tables has been provided by Dianne Ellis, President of the Clarence Town Bowling, Sport & Recreation Club; and raffle winners will take home their prizes in bags made from recycled banners used by the City of Sydney for their New Year’s Eve campaign last year and kindly donated to us by Planet Ark!

]]> http://100milebanquet.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/wining-and-dining/ Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:46:09 +0000 100milebanquet http://100milebanquet.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/wining-and-dining/

Guests at the banquet will have the opportunity to win some fabulous food and wine experiences at the banquet. Gift vouchers have been donated by Riverwood Downs (www.riverwooddowns.com.au); Steve & Jo’s Bistro at William IV Restaurant, Clarence Town Bowling, Sport & Recreation Club; and Settler’s Arms Restaurant & Bar in Dungog. For those people who would prefer to eat in, Barrington Beef (www.barringtonbeef.com) has donated two packs of their tender beef for the raffle. And to accompany all that food, Alderley Creek Wines have donated a case of their 2006 Chambourcin!

]]> http://heraldictimes.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/composition-of-the-coat-of-arms-part-4/ Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:32:02 +0000 heraldictimes http://heraldictimes.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/composition-of-the-coat-of-arms-part-4/

The next item in the composition of the Coat of Arms is the lambrequin or mantling at the sides of the shield. This is the flowing drapery arrangement which can be seen in most drawings of Coats of Arms, issuing from the helmet and flowing around the whols arms. The origin of the mantling is again, like many things in Heraldry, very practical. In the burning heat of the Middle East when the Crusades were fought the helmet became very hot and tiring and the mantling began like the old covering for the back of the neck. It was extended to cover a large part of the armor and it was found to be useful not only in protecting from the heat but in catching the sword points of opponents. The colors of the mantling are in general the primary color and primary metal of the shield.

Supporters are perhaps among the most familiar heraldic objects. Supporters are the figures on either side of the coat of arms which hold the shield and appear to support it. They are usually human or animal figures, both real and imaginary, supporters are rarely inanimate abjects. It is thought that they originated from the desire of artists and engravers to show the shield actually upheld by something, and to fill in the spaces surrounding the drawing of the coat of arms. In Britain the use of supporters is strictly controlled under the laws of arms and their use is confined to peers, Knights of the Garter, Knights of the Thistle, Knights of St. Patrick, Knights Grand Cross, Knights Grand Commander and certain Knights of the British Empire. In Scotland the use of supporters is much more widespread, not only peers but also private gentleman of ancient lineage amy often be entitled to supporters on the grounds of ancient usage.

]]> http://maxtiotar.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/foppa-%e2%80%93-fran-staplatsperspektivet/ Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:43:42 +0000 maxtiotar http://maxtiotar.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/foppa-%e2%80%93-fran-staplatsperspektivet/

De är hesa, hörs nästan inte alls i Lindab Arena men de är där – de trogna fansen på bortaläktaren som följer Frälsaren Peter Forsbergs återuppståndelse.

”Modo Hockey, Modo Hockey, Modo Hockey”

Lite hes och rödbrusig med en svag doft av alkohol i andedräkten står Lasse Olsson, 54, från Svalöv och skriker i ett hörn av Lindab Arena i Ängelholm.

Lasse är inbiten modoit, sedan över 40 år. Han är också, vid sidan om, skolvaktmästare och brandman. Nu är han här för att med egna ögon uppleva frälsaren Peter Forsberg, 36, leverera ännu ett mirakel på is.

-Det är en underbar stämning här, säger Lasse på sin grova skånska och tittar sig lycksaligt omkring.

Det står 21 även på hans rygg. Liksom på de flesta andra bortafans ryggar vilka för en gångs skull fyller den lilla bortaläktaren.

I första perioden är det spel mot ett mål. Modo vinner skotten 13-3 och bakom varje chans återfinns ”Foppas”  handleder.

Röglespelarna gör sitt bäst för att få honom ur balans.  Det är små klubbslag och pååkningar, de ”crosscheckar light”  eller tacklar in honom i sargen så fort en halvchans dyker upp. Även vid byten.

Nr 21 verkar glida omkring utan att bry sig om sådana futiliteter men klacken buar varje gång.

-Peter är som en guru. Han har gett hela klubben självförtroendet tillbaka, skriker Lasse i mitt öra.

Han blev modoit när han i mitten av 60-talet såg TV-Pucken.

–Ångermanland var fantastiskt bra. Och det var bara modospelare i laget.

I andra perioden kommer Rögle ut som ett nytt lag och tar ledningen i powerplay. Med Foppa på isen.

”Modo Hockey, Modo Hockey, Modo Hockey”, försöker de 70 tappra men det är inga riktigt riviga vokaler i ”Modo” nu.

Rögle fortsätter pressa, magin är bruten. Tvivlet sprider sig både på isen och på läktaren – det börjar återigen se ut som oktoberosäkra Modo.

Gästerna har första halvan av tredje. Sedan tar Rögle över och mitt i pressen bestämmer sig vit 21 för att avsluta själv istället för att passa.

Liggande i luften slår han in kvitteringspucken och i förlängningen passar han fram till 2-1.

”Vi älskar Foppa, vi älskar Foppa!”

-Han är världens bäste forward genom tiderna. Och när Näslund är med om några veckor kommer han betyda lika mycket som Foppa. TV-Pucklaget återförenas, ropar Lasse i en sorts ångermanländsk extas.

För säkerhets skull har han redan gjort en sluttabell.

–Vi blir femma och sedan kan allt hända i slutspelet, förklarar Lasse!

Själv konstaterar nummer 21 helt kort att det var en tuff match, att han spelade nästan hela sista kvarten och att fansen betyder mycket.

-Jättekul, de var många ikväll. Och det är likadant i Ö-vik. Man märker att hela stan är mer positiv nu när Modo vinner och spelar bra.

–Nu är det bra stämning hemma i Ö-vik igen, sa Foppa, log och gick och duschade.

(Publicerad i DN 22/11)

]]> http://maxtiotar.wordpress.com/2009/11/22/domarna-fotbollsindustrins-foraktade-gastarbetare/ Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:14:41 +0000 maxtiotar http://maxtiotar.wordpress.com/2009/11/22/domarna-fotbollsindustrins-foraktade-gastarbetare/

Domarsituationen inom världsfotbollen är en riktig soppa. Dessutom ganska sur. Och kall. Och tyvärr helt utan näring.

Jag har planerat en liten serie med de fem värsta idiotreglerna, tillämpningarna. Tills den är klar ska jag utveckla varför det inte är synd om fotbollsdomare. Varken i CL eller i allsvenskan.

Huvudproblemet är att domarna inte får respekt.

Det finns flera förklaringar.

De tvingas administrera föråldrade regler och har inte adekvata hjälpmedel till sitt förfogande.

Inte heller kan de bemöta alla befängda anklagelser och beskyllningar –  för FIFA är det är uppenbarligen comme-il-faut att korsfästa domare.

Nyligen gick Alex Ferguson för femtisjätte gången över alla gränser. Han fick ett litet ynkligt straff. Och gjorde en patetisk avbön.

Ifall han varit manager i basketens NBA hade han fått böta misnt en miljon och stängts av. Mourhinos beskyllningar mot Frisk, och de konsekvenser det fick, hade förmodligen slutat i domstol och Mourhino hade hamnat utblottat bakom galler.

När hela Chelsea försökte skipa egen rättvisa efter att ha förlorat mot Barça i CL-semin blev bestraffningen en liten klapp på kinden.

Hade UEFA velat förändra något hade man naturligtvis straffat de inblandade hårt, riktigt hårt. Nu kommer samma sak bara att upprepas om och om igen. Precis som i fallet med svensk fotbolls favoritåterfallsförbrytare: stockholmslagen och deras publikkontroll.

Om man menar allvar måste man visa det i konkreta handlingar – inte bara snacka och skylla på andra.

Men inte ens FIFA och UEFA respekterar domarna. De behandlar domarna som springpojkar. Följden blir  naturligtvis att alla andra betraktar domarna som förbundens handgångna män, säsongsarbetare och losers i fotbollsindustrins perefiri –  de som tillhör en främmande kultur, har ont om både hår och Ferraris och ska göra det skitiga jobbet.

Att domare har tystnadsplikt och i princip inte kan kommentera nånting förstärker misstron. Det gynnar ingen – utom förbunden på nationell och internationell nivå och de regelhaverister som alltid gnäller på domarna och dessutom aldrig bestraffas för det.

Det borde ju finnas en yrkesheder – som det nu är råder ens farlig symbios mellan domareuropa och UEFA vs spelare, klubbar och supportrar. Europeiska domare kommer aldrig få den respekt de är värda så länge de sitter i UEFAs knä!

Och domarna själva? De gör ingenting utom att möjligtvis hoppa ner från knäet och gömma sig under förbundens kjolar.

Fotbollsdomare borde starta med att bilda en fri, självständig fackförening,  bli en part, bli något man kan känna respekt för. Det är en liten men bra början.

]]> http://comsulea.wordpress.com/2009/11/21/poleaxed-poland-looking-for-redemption/ Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:24:25 +0000 soulofarunner http://comsulea.wordpress.com/2009/11/21/poleaxed-poland-looking-for-redemption/

One qualifying campaign just finished, another one early picked its seeded teams the very next morning. Just a few days ago… 

History was written on wednesday evening, when Salpigidis’ goal for Greece, in Ukraine, left the hosts at home during next summer’s World Cup, which means that for the first time both home nations for an European Championship final tournament won’t have any official games to play for more than two and a half years. That’s a lot of waiting…

Inside Oporowska ground, in the city of Wroclaw, which started building its new stadium for EURO 2012, the local club Slask displays the symbolic ball of next European Championship tournament

Poland and Ukraine are co-hosting UEFA 2012 EURO yet both of them missed on representing Europe in South Africa. While Shevchenko and company were denied by Samaras’ through pass and Salpigidis cool finish, after an encouraging 0-0 in Athens, Poland experienced a shocking autumn, ended in tears and with Leo Beenhakker sent packing.

None of them have the opportunity to play in South Africa, where many other Europeans will know by then who will they face in the group stage preliminaries to get to Poland and Ukraine. The draw will take place on the 7th of February, in Warszawa, and then we can only make predictions, who will reach the 8 cities hosting the 2012 event. Where will Capello’s men play? In Ukraine’s Lvov, Kharkow, Kiew or Donetk, or across the border, in EU’s Poland?

Poland is an amazingly rich country in history and magnificent buildings, as famous Rynek square, in central Wroclaw, compared by locals with the cream of central piazzas of Europe. And truly so!

When Belgium and Holland co-hosted the European Championship in 2000, a premiere in terms of joint bids, both came after a World Cup presence in ‘98, in France, where they draw blank in the group stage. In 2008, when a second joint organising was accepted by UEFA, although Austria lined up after a free summer during the 2006 World Cup, Switzerland at least marched without defeat and goal conceded through its group in Germany.

So Poland and Ukraine can be perceived as lucky wild-card opportunists which otherwise would have find it very difficult to qualify for EURO. They can pick up the phone and ask England how it coped in the long wait for staging EURO 1996, after a US World Cup ‘94 campaign on the sidelines.

If Wroclaw was capable of hosting at roughly the same time both the volleyball and basketball EURO Championships, as depicted on this advertising board, than surely it can put a jolly good show for 2012...

The pressure of picking at the right time, in those crucial summer weeks, after more than 30 months of friendlies, just adds to the bigger expectations building up on the shoulders of the hosts nations. And with tradition against the organisers, Poland and Ukraine can’t think of a better outcome than to replenish their coffers after years of investing in infrastructure. It’s a long time since France managed to win the European Championship on home soil, in 1984, the only happy host after Spain’s and Italy’s triumphs in the 60es.

England and Holland found it harder in ‘96 and 2000, going out on penalty shootouts in the semifinal, Portugal lost to Greece not only in the group stage but also in the final, in 2004, and Switzerland finished last in its group while Austria with only one point, last time round. What more to expect then from two countries who comiserate each other for missing the chance to have at least 3 official games until 2012?

I found Poland shellshocked after a 3-0 defeat in Maribor, in early September, which indicated that its presence both at the World Cup, in 2006, and last year, in Austria, won’t be followed by one on African soil. That humiliation in Slovenia was taken very hard, the sixth biggest nation in European Union feeling that it should have fared much better against a 2 million alpine state renowned especially for its skiers.

Slask - Legia was the name of the game at a time when Poland was shocked by Beenhakker's men humiliation in Slovenia: 3-0.

Beenhakker was castigated and 90 minutes of pain in Maribor wiped out in many Polish eyes his excellent track record both in club football and international football, including the fine qualifying campaign taking the red and whites to another alpine nation, Austria. It was the very first presence for The White Eagles at EURO finals, campaign which helped the Poles climbing on its highest position in FIFA ranking, a lofty 16th. 

The defeat in Maribor came after another dissapointing result, a 1-1 home draw, in Chorzow, against Northern Ireland, at the beggining of autumn. But october was even worse, Poland losing 2-0 in Prague, with their eternal rivals, Czech Republic, and then again in Chorzow, 0-1 with Slovakia, which progressed to Africa due to that result. A second minute own goal on the shoulders of Gancarczyk. Could have been worse than that?

Another rivalry is among the south-western counties of Lesser Poland, boosting champion Wisla Krakow, and Lower Silesia, with WSK Slask Wroclaw

Scrutinizing the table, some might say that Poland scored more goals even then Slovenia, which ended at the World Cup. Prolific indeed but let’s not been fooled by the 12 punches administred to San Marino. The other only seven might tell the real story. More shockingly, the Poles ended with only 11 points from 10 games, a bitter pill after a previous campaign in which Beenhakker’s men outmuscled Ronaldo’s Portugal on top of group one, by one point: 28 in total out of 14 games.

So what went wrong in the space of just two years? Has the complacency of reaching Austria caught up with the squad? Nowadays, Poland is back on 56th position, almost as bad as its worst ever, some eleven years ago.

The second stand, displaying the huge tram, symbol of the city and Slask, saved the spectacle. Some fans, some lungs and a platable beer Piast!

And a glimpse of reality I encountered while watching from the stands a first division game in Polish league. At that time, three days after being poleaxed in Slovenia, Poland was still debating on to be or not to be with Dutchman Beenhakker at the helm. Oppinions were split but one thing was certain. Polish football was going in the wrong direction, exactly at a time of regeneration and build-up for a probably once in a lifetime event. The European caravan coming to town, precisely to Gdansk, the Baltic port, Warszawa, the capital city, Poznan, the multicultural location boosting the renowned local club Lech, with a record 14 national titles to its name, as Gornik Zabrze, and Wroclaw, the Lower Silesian regional capital.

Sorry to say though that the teams seemed confused by the wednesday result in WC qualifiers...

It was there, on Oporowska stadium, in the south west of Wroclaw, where hosts WKS Slask played Legia, the vicechampions from Warszawa, in the sixth round of Zdobywca Pucharu Ekstraklasy 2009-2010. Floodlights, very tight security measures, rock music blearing loud in anticipation of the saturday evening game, an empty improvised terrace stand behind a goal, due to an absolute absence of visiting fans and a whole second stand dancing to one tune. For Slask. Due to the nicely priced tickets, no more than 20 zloty for the aficionados, some 30 more for the better places. Still, as much as around 10 euros.

Functional, reliable, clean, cheap and not at all crowded, Tram 4 out of the some dozens crossing Wroclaw, takes you fast to Oporowska, while sightseeing imposing buildings on large boulevards

The atmosphere was promising, the media was in full batallion, including the 3 games per weekend broadcaster Canal Cyfra+, local dignitaries were taking there seats either in the covered first stand or in a concrete and glass building serving as dressing rooms as well, placed in one corner of the ground, and everything was gearing up to an evening of redemption. Of better football.

Hope seemed in the air. A huge electronic screen was projecting a multimedia production including a virtual tour of the to be build 40,000 arena on the outskirts of town, a bit further west, close to the airport. A sign of the times to come. Project Wroclaw 2012. The place looked sleek, the typical modern stadium with a certain design and distinguishing green chairs, the defining colour for Slask. A world away from this local stadium, a 8,300 seater with not so perfect transport links, anchored in a suburbia suffocated with block of flats but saved by a green and pleasant community local garden.

Advertising is the heartbeat of trading. For all the glitz of the huge board on the stadium's building facade, Seb Mila couldn't turn things around when coming on as a sub

Some years to build and hope, to pray and wait. Some years then to get to the next level. But what about the football? Will poleaxed Poland move forward, keeping pace with the construction of a whole infrastructure project? One answer was offered in the next 90 minutes.

It was a dreadful affair, a sedated game, without rythm, spark and fluency. Not even Sebastian Mila, coming on late into the game after an injury kept him on the sidelines, could help the state of affairs. Mila was, after all, a Polish international from the same squad lowering its standards while losing in the group stage.

Oporowska is a charming enough little ground but Wroclaw and Slask will clearly grow in stature when moving in the new EURO ground. The green will be preserved...

0-0 was at least a fair result. A perfect description of a top half of the table sour affair in the Polish league. You couldn’t ask for more from a forward player for host Slask, who decided very late in the game to roll and play dead in the penalty area, just after realised that he might get booked for clumsily bursting second in a challenge to the outcoming Legia goalie. The seconds weren’t apparently that precious for the forward. It was 0-0, in a true reflection of the game. Slask didn’t look at ease with its display, showing why has just one national title to its name, in the 70es, while Legia, managed by another former international, Jan Urban, looked a lesser team than the two times champion in this decade.

The soul of the evening party was that second stand sea of green, red and white, a big army of followers, dancing and chanting in one voice, a great chorus and coreography, displaying a huge banner with a bigger than natural size tram, Wroclaw’s symbol among many other fine ones. The tram was in the club’s and city’s colours but took Slask nowhere.

The locals are warm, lovely hosts, but just remember to pronounce its name Wroclaw and not Breslau, as German tourists identify the former Prussian and Habsburg fortress town

The banner run on top of the stand, from one end to another, in a fine procession, a ritual to cherish. Slask fans saved the evening, Slask fans promised that at least in terms of game excitement EURO 2012 is on good hands, now firmly building a fine arena which will be populated by enthusiasts like them.

It’s an absolutely new ball game, from the not so far ago dark days of bloody hooliganism and knife edged battles. Many were banned for years or even life from attending games and nobody else gets inside the grounds without ID identification and anything harmful in the pockets. That’s the new stance, that’s the policy, that’s the step forward. An Project 2012 can’t wait for its visitors. It will be a summer of football party but will Poland oblige?

Trouble is that Beenhakker was unceremoniously dispatched in october and former international Smuda was brought in, but will he revive the days when Poland was playing World Cup semifinals? The answer will be supplied with an ironic smile and with a reminder that his campaign got to a stuttering start, in Warszawa, against another sufferer finishing fifth in its group, Romania: 0-1. The friendly of the bulldozed ones. Poland 3-0 in Slovenia, Romania 5-0 in Serbia. Four days later was better, 1-0 against Canada but then, who’s Canada, will ask the pessimists.

Satisfaction guaranteed... The carnival atmosphere, with quality time, food and local drinks, was emphasised during the EURO Voleyball, when the games were screened live in the main square, from various Polish locations

May be Polish football needs indeed these free of official games years, to find again its feet, after a decade of terrible struggles against corruption, seeing the national football federation, PZPN, up to its throat in unsavoury cases involving many arrests. The tempest seems to have passed, the stands were cleaned of so called supporters, some simply knife carriers, and by Christmas time PZPN can only hope for better, at its 90th anniversary.  

Smuda will be challenged to find quality recruits in Ekstraklasy, by the look of Slask and Legia scratching football in a 0-0 bore, especially now, when the league is flooded with more or less cheap imports from countries as far as Brazil. Smuda might rely on the foreign legion, with ramifications in England and generally in Anglo-Saxon leagues.   

With three rounds to go before winter break, the six times winner in this decade, Wisla Krakow, current back to back title holder, is once again up there, planning may be already for a better UEFA Champions League second qualifying round, after the nightmare of losing straightaway to lowly Levadia Tallin in late summer. But this is a problem in itself, the vacuum of quality in the present, just praying for better in the future. Be it 2010 or 12.

The Polish eagle has its place on Slask's crest. A proud history.

Wisla has 31 points with a game in hand and one win worth in front of aforementioned visitors Legia and multiple champions Ruch Chorzow, after 14 rounds, the “silver” and “bronze” places being tickets in earnest for UEFA Europa League. Not that there can be expected lenghtier campaigns.

There are 16 teams in the league, playing two of the second stage of the season rounds later this december. Slask is languishing in seventh, two places behind Lech Poznan, representing another host city in 2012 and boosting in Robert Lewandowski the top goalscorer in the league, with 9 to his credit, but one place in front of Gdynia Gdansk, the port city club awaiting its regeneration in the build up to a summer tournament.   

Next in line, Bulgaria to visit Poland, on the 3rd of March. It’s a new beggining for Smuda and his men, on the road to 2012. We are talking here of a national side with a wonderful pedigree some 30 years ago, when the red and whites were finishing third at World Cup, with the bronze medals shining proud, both in Federal Germany ”74 and Spain ‘82, achievements never grabbed for example by England since its ‘66 win. It’s the side graced by formidable Lato, with his record of 100 caps, and record goalscorer Lubanski, with 48 into his acount. But is the national side of actual capitan, Michal Zewlakow, with 93 caps, which has the difficult task of emulating somehow those glory days…

Wroclaw Catholic Cathedral, another symbol of the city with 112 bridges connecting the 12 islands formed by river Odra

Finally, as a notice, here are the call-ups for the latest squad, which played in november a 0-1 against Romania and 1-0 versus Canada… Kuszczak (Man Utd), Szczesny (Brentford) – GK; Brozek (Wisla), Gancarzyk (Lech), Glik (Piast), Kokoszka (Empoli – IT), Kowalkzyk (Dinamo Moscow – RUS), Rzezniczak (Legia), Sadlok (Ruch), Zewlakow (Olimpiacos – GRE; cpt) – DF; Blaszczykowski (Dortmund - GER), Dudka (Auxerre – FR), Gancarczyk (Slask), Guerreiro (AEK – GR), Kosowski (Apoel – CPR), Majewski (Nott’m Forest), Obraniak (Lille – FR), Peszko (Lech) , Rybus (Legia) – MF; Jelen (Auxerre – FR), Lewandowski (Lech), Malecki (Wisla). Among other seasoned internationals on stand by are goalie Boruc (Celtic), defenders Glowacki and Wasilewski (Anderlecht), midfielders Mariusz Lewandowski (Shakhtar) and Smolarek, plus forward Brozek.

Who will bring back the smiles to a rejuvenated Polish football stand?

EURO 2012 seems so unbearably far for Poland and Wroclaw. But may be it's a blessing in disguise, a chance to regroup and reemerge. The country will be 100% hospitable. What about its national squad?

]]> http://100milebanquet.wordpress.com/2009/11/21/music-by-springtide/ Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:41:46 +0000 100milebanquet http://100milebanquet.wordpress.com/2009/11/21/music-by-springtide/

Guests will enjoy listening to Springtide, one of New South Wales’ most distinctive duos. Jackie Luke, who plays the Hammered Dulcimer, and Greg Wilson, on the Para-Celtic Harp, will be selecting music from their vast repertoire of styles to accompany the banquet. Although currently based in Sydney, the couple are renovating a house in Dungog and are delighted to have this opportunity to contribute to a local community event. For more information, visit: www.easy.com.au/dulce/

]]> http://100milebanquet.wordpress.com/2009/11/21/of-books-and-gardens/ Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:11:43 +0000 100milebanquet http://100milebanquet.wordpress.com/2009/11/21/of-books-and-gardens/

As part of the banquet, we will be raffling items generously donated by some of our many supporters. Among the items lucky guests can win are two bundles of books — featuring cookery, gardening and ‘green’ titles — one from Sunset Books and Music in Raymond Terrace (www.sunsetbooks.com.au) and one from Exisle Publishing, based in Wollombi (www.exislepublishing.com). Keepers Garden Nursery in Stroud has donated two plants to the raffle, while mosaic artist Paula Cole (www.peachtreemosaics.com) has donated one of her recent works — perfect for your outdoor entertaining area!

]]> http://aimhighblog.wordpress.com/2009/11/20/marin-launch/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:25:20 +0000 aimhigh1986 http://aimhighblog.wordpress.com/2009/11/20/marin-launch/

More than 70 members of the Marin County community gathered in November to learn about Aim High’s plan to expand the summer program to serve high-need youth in Marin.

Hosted by Patrick and Marney Tenney, the event formally introduced Aim High’s Campaign for Marin, which aims to raise $250,000 in gifts and multi-pledges by March 1st to support the launch of an Aim High site in Marin in 2010.

Vince Matthews, a former Aim High teacher and Mt. Tam High School administrator who now serves as State Administrator for Oakland Unified School District, spoke of the impact of programs like Aim High on troubled districts and low-performing students. “Without question,” Matthews said, “Aim High is doing what we would like to do throughout the entire system.”

Guests also heard powerful stories from Aim High graduate and UC Berkeley graduate student Rita Molestina, as well as Aim High parent Natalie Thomas, who attributes her daughters’ pursuit of a top-tier high school to Aim High’s spirit of community and opportunity.

To read their stories, get more information on Aim High’s plans for Marin, or make a gift or pledge, visit Aim High’s Campaign for Marin web page.

]]> http://aimhighblog.wordpress.com/2009/11/20/neighborhood-hero/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:16:10 +0000 aimhigh1986 http://aimhighblog.wordpress.com/2009/11/20/neighborhood-hero/

Scott Wu, President of the Aim High Board of Directors, was honored by Bank of America with a Neighborhood Builders Award, one of 5 such awards given this year in San Francisco.

The award included a $5,000 grant, which Scott chose to give to Aim High.

Scott has committed more than 10 years of service to Aim High, serving and leading the Board and guiding Aim High in its strategic growth from serving 350 students in San Francisco to serving more than 1,000 students in four Bay Area cities.

Scott also contributes time and effort to the United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, an organization that advocates for refugees, assists them in finding resources and resettlement, and educates the public about refugee issues.

“I am deeply honored, humbled, and surprised to be included among such incredible individuals,” Scott said.

]]> http://islamiquement.com/2009/11/20/les-egyptiens-et-les-algeriens-sont-des-freres-avant-tout/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:04:32 +0000 Abou Haroun http://islamiquement.com/2009/11/20/les-egyptiens-et-les-algeriens-sont-des-freres-avant-tout/ http://kane13.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/un-supporter-algerien-temoigne-de-sa-joie/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:37:07 +0000 kane13 http://kane13.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/un-supporter-algerien-temoigne-de-sa-joie/

Comment vont les supporters Algériens?

“Nous, les supporters, on est fier de notre équipe algérienne, on été heureux et fier. Ça fait depuis 24 ans, et là, on l’a cette cette qualification.”

Comment c’est passer la nuit?

“La nuit c’est passé très bien, nous somme tous sortie en ville et on a fait la faite.”

Quel est la sensation après le match?

“Un seul mot: SOULAGER!!!”

Comment vis-t’on une tel victoire?

“Heureux pour le peuple algérien.”

Comment sentez-vous la coupe du monde 2010?

“L’objectif est de sortir des poule.”

Des pronostique?

“Gagner et sentir la coupe même si l’Égypte nous envoyer des pierres on leurs à montrés qui on été. VIVA ALGÉRIE!!!”

Reportage de KANE

]]> http://adelife.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/football-la-victoire-de-lalgerie-fait-oublier-a-ses-supporteurs-leur-soif-de-vengeance/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:10:51 +0000 adelife http://adelife.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/football-la-victoire-de-lalgerie-fait-oublier-a-ses-supporteurs-leur-soif-de-vengeance/

Il lui attrape le visage et l’embrasse, encore et encore. Que peut faire ce jeune soldat soudanais face à l’hystérie de ce supporteur algérien ? Rien, si ce n’est sourire, remettre son casque trop grand pour lui et ranger sa mitraillette. Mercredi 18 novembre, l’Algérie s’est qualifiée pour le Mondial 2010 en battant l’Egypte (1-0), lors du match d’appui organisé à Omdurman, non loin de Khartoum, la capitale du Soudan.

“On était venu avec un esprit de vengeance”, reconnaît Walid Bougurra, un lycéen d’Alger de 17 ans. Les 10 000 supporteurs arrivés en avion depuis l’Algérie avaient tous en tête les mêmes images. Celles du bus “caillassé” de leur équipe arrivant au Caire – lors de la rencontre précédente perdue (2-0) samedi 14 novembre -, des visages ensanglantés de joueurs…

Quelques heures avant cet ultime match entre les Fennecs et les Pharaons, à deux pas du stade Merreikh, des supporteurs algériens se pavanaient encore devant les caméras, arborant fièrement couteaux, sabres et autres nunchakus. Des étendards égyptiens sont piétinés, brûlés…

Les tribunes débordent de jeunes, ensevelis sous les drapeaux verts. “One, two, three, viva l’Algérie” : un slogan qui résonne dans le ciel au point de couvrir les sifflets des Egyptiens un peu moins nombreux. Certains supporteurs algériens promettent de “trancher la gorge” à leurs “anciens frères” et leur font signe de se retrouver à la fin du match. Mais l’affrontement n’a pas eu lieu.

LE BALLET DES BRANCARDIERS

Plus de 15 000 soldats à l’allure d’adolescents jouant à la guerre ont été déployés de Khartoum à Omdurman. Trois rangées de militaires – bouclier en plexiglas, long bâton de défense à la main, masque sur la bouche – entourent la pelouse. Et puis ce message dans un mégaphone : “Hey les Algériens ! Si vous gagnez et que vous envahissez le terrain, vous serez éliminés. C’est un communiqué de la FIFA.” Des bouteilles en verre sont jetées sur les Egyptiens. “Non”, hurle une partie de la tribune “verte”.

Devant la pelouse, Walter Gagg, le représentant de la fédération internationale de football, semble perdu. “On n’a pas l’habitude d’organiser des matchs comme celui-ci”, dit-il. Satisfait de la sécurité ? “Toutes les conditions ne sont pas remplies”, avoue-t-il. Alors pourquoi maintenir le match ? “Parce qu’il est prévu !” Pourquoi ne pas avoir envisagé un huis clos ? “Ah non, je suis contre. Le football est une fête, assure M. Gagg. Ce que je crains, ce sont des débordements après la rencontre.”

A la 94e minute, l’Algérie explose ! Les larmes de joie font baisser les armes. “Il y a une justice, Dieu nous a vengés”, lâche-t-on. Supportrices comme supporteurs se tiennent la tête : “Vingt-quatre ans qu’on attendait cela !”, crient-ils dans tous les sens. On s’embrasse, on s’enlace à s’en briser le dos. Les Egyptiens sont évacués du stade en premier. Les Algériens sont confinés dans leur tribune. Impossible de franchir le cordon formé par les soldats soudanais. Pendant ce temps, c’est le ballet des brancardiers : ils évacuent des dizaines de jeunes évanouis, étouffés par la chaleur.

Une demi-heure après la fin du match, les supporteurs des Fennecs s’échappent enfin dans les rues sablonneuses. Un taxi et direction l’aéroport ou l’hôtel. D’Omdurman à Khartoum, sur des kilomètres, des milliers de Soudanais improvisent une haie d’honneur sur le bord de la route. A peine remis de leur rêve, les Algériens, qui n’avaient plus participé à un Mondial depuis 1986, en caressent un autre : rencontrer la France…
Mustapha Kessous, Envoyé spécial à Omdurman (Soudan)/ LE MONDE

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