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EW64's daily news 5 1

[EWSoccer64]

A couple of items for today's fans.   For those who have not heard, Michael Bradley has transferred to Aston Villa, who are struggling in the English Premier League, from his club in Germany, where he used to be a fixture in the central midfield.   Apparently the new coach has different ideas on how the team should be run, tactically, than the old coach.  Which is fine and proper, but it leaves Bradley on the bench instead of an everyday starter.  Hence the move.  

By now, we have all heard about the 50,000,000 Pound (close to 80 million USD) transfer of Fernando Torres from Liverpool to Chelsea. Here is the list of the top ten (money wise) transfers in history.   Interesting to see that #2 was a bust, #3 may end up being a bust, and it is too soon to tell about the latest two, of which one begat the other.   No surprise to see that the EVIL EMPIRE, Real Madrid is the buyer in 4 of the top 6 transfers....   How many fans out there are surprised that Sir Alex and Manchester United are not a buyer in the top 10?

1. Cristiano Ronaldo
(Man Utd to Real Madrid, 2009, £80 million)

2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
(Inter Milan to Barcelona, 2009, £56.5 million)

3. Kaka
(AC Milan to Real Madrid, 2009, £56 million)

4. Fernando Torres
(Liverpool to Chelsea, 2011, £50 million)

5. Zinedine Zidane
(Juventus to Real Madrid, 2001, £46.5 million)

6. Luis Figo
(Barcelona to Real Madrid, 2000, £37 million)

7. Hernan Crespo
(Parma to Lazio, 2000, £35.5 million)

8. Andy Carroll
(Newcastle to Liverpool, 2011, £35 million)

9. David Villa
(Valencia to Barcelona, 2010, £34 million)

10. Gianluigi Buffon
(Parma to Juventus, 2001, £32.6 million)


Also, homer that I am at heart when it comes to goalies, I have never much appreciated Brad "I'm a Limey" Friedel or Tony "Near Post" Meola.  Kasey Keller always - in my mind - deserved every start for the Nats that those two ever got.  But Friedel has done well in both US National team and club jerseys, and yesterday he became the oldest player to ever start in a game for Aston Villa.   (The club that Michael Bradley just joined.)

A last item of news - two employees of a Namibian (That is South West Africa to those of you who live in Carnation) Uranium Mine smuggled out, over time, over a half ton of "yellowcake" uranium.   Yellowcake is not totally refined uranium.  They have been caught, but no word on where the uranium ended up............

[EWSoccer64]

Today's News -
Man City tied some low level team in the English Premier League, so their title hopes are realistically finished.  They have played one more game and are 11 points behind Manchester United. 

In the Spanish Cup, called the King's Cup, powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid are slated to meet after they dispatched their opposition today.   They still have one league match to play against each other as well.   Real Madrid has lost the four previous meetings.........

Hope Solo has rejoined the US Women's National Team after being out with shoulder surgery.  Widely thought to be the best goalkeeper in the world, her rejoining the squad will undoubtedly help strengthen it.  The women have lost - gasp - two matches while she was out.

In local youth soccer circles, the guessing game has started over who is going to run against the incumbant WSYSA President, Doug Andreason.  Like him or hate him, President Dougie has brought a presence to the position that it has not had in a long time.  And the state soccer landscape has changed considerably under his tenure.  The impact of the withdrawal of his original budget proposal shows cracks in his political armor.   Will his opponents unite behind a single candidate?

In other news - Donald Rumsfeld, the man that everyone hated at one time or another (and true lefties still do) is coming out with his memoirs.    Expect to see more Republicans than Democrats losing sleep over this one.  Democrats already know what Rumsfeld thought about them, he was not shy about saying it.   His fellow Republicans, on the other hand, can expect some very pointed words this time around.......

[Squash]

EW...why not post this stuff in the Pro soccer section.....it's interesting and fitting to that section too. I may move it for you. Maybe maybe

[EWSoccer64]

Squash, I was thinking of trying out a regular little column of news tidbits - mainly soccer, but other stuff as well.   So I thought that I would put it here, so in case any conversation started and wandered, it would not be miscategorized.

I actually thought I had it in the "pub" section.   
Once in a while I will even include jokes, but that really is BigB's territory.

[Squash]

Well let's go with the pro-section or even the general soccer section maybe? I think the general soccer section would be fine and I can sticky it. I like that bigb does the jokes...i never comment but I often read them.  

Oh and no worries if they wonder off-topic in this thread. I'm sure you will touch on soccer from time to time

[EWSoccer64]

Hey Squash, you moved it just as I posting tomorrow's post, and it disappearred.   It was a cracker, too.   I had Robbie Findley's injury, comments about the Sounders, some jokes about the French surrendering, and so on.

[Squash]

A couple of items for today's fans.   For those who have not heard, Michael Bradley has transferred to Aston Villa, who are struggling in the English Premier League, from his club in Germany, where he used to be a fixture in the central midfield.   Apparently the new coach has different ideas on how the team should be run, tactically, than the old coach.  Which is fine and proper, but it leaves Bradley on the bench instead of an everyday starter.  Hence the move.  

By now, we have all heard about the 50,000,000 Pound (close to 80 million USD) transfer of Fernando Torres from Liverpool to Chelsea. Here is the list of the top ten (money wise) transfers in history.   Interesting to see that #2 was a bust, #3 may end up being a bust, and it is too soon to tell about the latest two, of which one begat the other.   No surprise to see that the EVIL EMPIRE, Real Madrid is the buyer in 4 of the top 6 transfers....   How many fans out there are surprised that Sir Alex and Manchester United are not a buyer in the top 10?

1. Cristiano Ronaldo
(Man Utd to Real Madrid, 2009, £80 million)

2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
(Inter Milan to Barcelona, 2009, £56.5 million)

3. Kaka
(AC Milan to Real Madrid, 2009, £56 million)

4. Fernando Torres
(Liverpool to Chelsea, 2011, £50 million)

5. Zinedine Zidane
(Juventus to Real Madrid, 2001, £46.5 million)

6. Luis Figo
(Barcelona to Real Madrid, 2000, £37 million)

7. Hernan Crespo
(Parma to Lazio, 2000, £35.5 million)

8. Andy Carroll
(Newcastle to Liverpool, 2011, £35 million)

9. David Villa
(Valencia to Barcelona, 2010, £34 million)

10. Gianluigi Buffon
(Parma to Juventus, 2001, £32.6 million)


Also, homer that I am at heart when it comes to goalies, I have never much appreciated Brad "I'm a Limey" Friedel or Tony "Near Post" Meola.  Kasey Keller always - in my mind - deserved every start for the Nats that those two ever got.  But Friedel has done well in both US National team and club jerseys, and yesterday he became the oldest player to ever start in a game for Aston Villa.   (The club that Michael Bradley just joined.)

A last item of news - two employees of a Namibian (That is South West Africa to those of you who live in Carnation) Uranium Mine smuggled out, over time, over a half ton of "yellowcake" uranium.   Yellowcake is not totally refined uranium.  They have been caught, but no word on where the uranium ended up............

Looking at the list and the money I think they are all sort of busts..... besides maybe Villa who seems to be worth it. I thought he was stellar in the World Cup as well. It's amazing to think these are just transfer fees as well. I think in many ways 1,2,3 are busts....but that's me

[Squash]

Hey Squash, you moved it just as I posting tomorrow's post, and it disappearred.   It was a cracker, too.   I had Robbie Findley's injury, comments about the Sounders, some jokes about the French surrendering, and so on.

Sorry my timing was bad.......I had no idea you were posting!!!!!  :'(

[EWSoccer64]

Take 3 -

News from the national team front -
Gooch, who was Americas top defender before being injured over a year ago, has completed his transfer to FC Twente, the hottest team int eh Dutch first Division, and played the full game in their last match.   That is good news for every fan of American soccer.   Gooch was getting no playing time at the club that had bought him shortly before his injury, MIlan.   He was able to get into a fight with Ibrahimovic, one of the most expensive players in the world, while he was practicing though.   But that is not a reflection on Gooch, Ibra is known for that sort of thing.   Zlatan Ibra Ibrahimovitc's attitude is one of the things that led to his departure from the best team in the world, Barcelona.  And Ibra getting into a fight with Gooch shows that Ibra is not that smart, Gooch looks like Mr T with height..........

Another note of interest on the National team scene.   Charlie Davies, the USA starlet du jure who managed to break curfew before a USA match and get involved in a "single car accident" at 3AM, is looking for a year long loan from his French club to DC United.  Right now, he is on trial with United and will go through "a full battery of medical tests" before DC United agrees to take him on.

From the MLS, feared speedy forward Robbie Findley has been trying his luck over in England.  Failing to find interest from any club in the Premier League (First Division), he signed with a club in the Championship (Second Division.)  As an aside, the third division in England is called the First Division.  (Although some Englishmen just simply call it "racp" instead).     Findley hurt himself in training, before playing in a single match.  He is out for a projected 6-12 weeks.

Sounders -
Anyone taken a look at MLS merchandise on ebay lately?   When I was looking at it before the end of the year, it seemed that Sounders jerseys went for at least twice as much as the rest of the MLS jerseys.  Even a Beckham LA Galaxy shirt was one third of what a Montero one was running.

Poor Seahwaks.   2/3s of the way through the NFL season, Seahawks jerseys were moving so slowly that they were giving one away for free when a person bought a Sounders shirt.  I guess the Sounders Crest needed something for packing during shipment, so it would not get dusty or dirty.......

The Sounders have lots of new faces in camp.   Most of the starting 11 is already decided upon, but the competition for roster spots is severe.  And the midfield is unsettled, so we may see some surprises there.   Check out SounderFan's columns to stay up to date with the Sounders!

The troubles and violence in the Middle East are scaring alot of people.  Heard a rumor that the Prime Minister of Belgium had to talk the French out of surrendering.   No one has attacked them yet, so there is no one to surrender too!

Want to buy a million rifles cheap?   French Army surplus, never fired and only dropped once!

In Washington State youth soccer, there is some debate over how much TPCJSA's taking control (and all the lovely moola) away from Greg Ion had to do with his departure.
Time will tell.  Of course, there are other private trounaments out there, with the money going not to the club or association but through the hands of a coach or DoC instead.   One is coming up soon.........

Newsflash on the Political Front - Both the Left Wingers and the Right Wingers agree on something.   Barrack Obama is the reincarnation of Jimmy Carter.   Of course, the two sides mean diametrically opposed things by that, but isn't it nice that they can agree on something!

THe recent madness in spending on transfers in Europe has impacted an American.  There were rumors of offers for between $20 million and $30 million for New Jersey born Guiseppe Rossi.  He is a young high scoring forward playing in the top division in Spain.   Unfortunately for the USA, he chose to play internationally for his father's native land, Italy.     One has to wonder if after the Italians disasterous campaign in South Africa last summer he has any regrets.....

[EWSoccer64]

AN interesting day in soccer in Europe, weekend rather.
Manchester United's unbeaten run in ENgland comes to an end courtesy of cellar club Wolves, 1-2.
Of course, the 80 million dollar signing of Chelsea goes scoreless as Chelsea loses to the team that sold him, 0-1 Liverpool.  Liverpudians everywhere are celebrating.   It is interesting that news accounts cannot agree if Torres was sold for 50 million pounds or 54.something million pounds.   Anyway you slice it, it is a heck of alot of money.   In Europe, Players and agents usually split about ten percent of the signing fee.   Plus Torres got a pay raise.  Some accounts say he is being paid $300,000 a week.   Yes, a WEEK. 
In Spain, Barcelona (Messi hatrick) and Real Madrid both won.   Interestingly, they meet twice in early April, four days apart.  First comes the finals of the King's Cup and then comes the last league meeting of the year between the two, in Madrid.   Should be interesting for coaches to watch the tactical adjustments of the two teams - or at least of Real Madrid - in those games.

Sounders news -  Five Weeks until opening day!   Can you believe it?   Sounders still need to figure out their central midfield.   Also need to decide if they want to - and can afford to - keep Noonan.

National team news -  With Jermaine Jones having transferred from his club in Germany to the Premier League, Edu up in Scotland, Michael Bradley just transferred into the Premier League, and Stuart Holden playing regularly this season in the Premier League, there is a chance that the USA's starting midfielders might all be eating kidney pie.    It really has been a while since we have had such quality of depth as we do right now.   If only we could find a striker instead of having to relie on hybirds like Dempsey and Donovan to score all our goals.

SuperBowl - The half time show was glitchy, so I stopped watching it.   The commercials were disappointing compared to other years.    Oh, the game was entertaining.

Washington State Youth Soccer - Eyes are turning to see the outcome of the powerplay in Kitsap.  If it works out for WestSound and the Kitsap YSA Board, then expect to see other associations in similar straights try similar approaches. 

International News -  The Wikileaks guy, who makes a living posting otherpeople's secrets online, has had some of the confidential reports of the Swediah police on his two sexual assault charges, leaked and posted on line.  Apparently Julian Assaunge does not appreciate this.........

Related news - According to posted leaked US State Department cables by wikileaks, the US government has given the Russian government secret information on the British nuclear missiles, even after the British refused to authorise the Obama Administration to do so.    So much for the "special relationship".....
   This apparently is NOT any form of retaliation for the British selling the convicted Pan Am 103 bomber back to Libya in exchange for oil and other commercial deals.

[EWSoccer64]

In International soccer news, today and tomorrow are international dates, where clubs release players for national team duty.  Of course, the USA Men's game in Egypt was cancelled.   So far, Sweden beat Cyprus 2-0 and Romania are 2-2 with Ukraine.

In MLS news -  The league is hoping to have a final schedule out on Thursday.  No promises, though.   Yes, that is for this year, with the season opener already announced in Seattle on March 15th.

David Beckham is staying with Tottenham for training for an additional two weeks.  Despite injuries to the England squad facing Denmark this week, he was not called up by English coach Capello.   Perhaps he is hoping for more injuries to England so that he, and perhaps his son, will be called up?   (His son is all of single digits in age, that was a joke about England going through a rash of injuries and Becks drive to get additional caps)

American Conor Doyle, a striker playing in England but also a member of the US U-20 team, has accepted a call up from the Irish U-21 team.   Doyle has yet to play for any country in a full national team game, and while being born in the USA has an Irish father, making him dual eligible at this point.

In Spain, Jose Mourinho, the coach of Real Madrid, has compared his team's 5-0 loss to Barcelona to his team of last year's loss to Barcelona 2-0 in the early stages of the Champions league.  He claims that it will be the basis of preparing to defeat Barcelona, like his Inter team last year, in later matches.  Real Madrid meet Barcelona twice in early April.

In Hollywood, Michael Moore is suing his partners involved in teh release of Fahrenheit 9/11, claiming that they defrauded him of $20 million in profits.   I guess that capitlaism doesn't suck as much as it used to, eh Michael?

Far left news and opinion online service, Huffington Post, has been aquired bby AOL for $318 million.  AOL shares are down sharply on the news.

And in the weekly "Dog Bites Man" story, we get this, from where else but California!
>>>DELANO (AP) — A California man attending a cockfight has died after being stabbed in the leg by a bird that had a knife attached to its own limb.

The Kern County coroner says 35-year-old Jose Luis Ochoa was declared dead at a hospital about two hours after he suffered the injury in neighboring Tulare County on Jan. 30.

An autopsy concluded Ochoa died of an accidental “sharp force injury” to his right calf.

Sheriff’s spokesman Ray Pruitt says it’s unclear if a delay in seeking medical attention contributed to Ochoa’s death. Tulare officials are investigating, and no arrests were made at the cockfight.

Cockfighting is a sport, illegal in the United States, in which specially bred roosters are put into a ring and encouraged to fight until one is incapacitated or killed.

[easternwashington]

where is the news on big meeting in tricities??........ase, three rivers doc, gary white, todd lincoln..........

[Squash]

where is the news on big meeting in tricities??........ase, three rivers doc, gary white, todd lincoln..........

I can think of some funny headlines, and if you have some news feel free to share. My guess is EW64 figures the news is hardly big besides the egos involved. 

[EWSoccer64]

where is the news on big meeting in tricities??........ase, three rivers doc, gary white, todd lincoln..........

The Las Vegas oddsmakers are handicapping that one and have threatened my kneecaps if I comment on it.........

[EWSoccer64]

I am away at a training seminar, so this column is a bit sporadic -  BUT I FOUND A MAGNIFICENT USED and ANTIQUE BOOK STORE IN DOWNTOWN AUBURN!

Washington Soccer News -   Two of WPS's finest are involved in a knock-down, drag out, no holds barred but ever so polite battle royal in electioneering.   Futsal and EWDOC are battling it out to become the next President of the Spokane Valley Junior Soccer Association.   Futsal, as all long time readers of WPS know, is a rulemeister par excellence and is locally known in his area as a man with principles who nevertheless tries to get people to get along and work for the common good.   EWDOC, for all the disagreements that I have had with publicly around here, is someone who has earned everyone in D-6's respect for the hard and EFFECTIVE work he has done in D-6.   Yes, he has been the public water carrier for the WSYSA, but he views that as being part of his position, his role. 
   The good thing for "the valley" is that they have two good, smart people running for the position of President who both put kids first.   So either way, the kids will come out winners.
   No concrete word, just rumors and hints of rumors, as to what the FIRST FAMILY of valley soccer is going to do about one of these guys taking over as Association President.......

In World Cup news, French Icon ZZ denied that he supported the Qatar bid to host the world cup because of the millions of euros that they paid him.

Sounders Soccer - See SOunderFan's column for the latest on the just released Sounders schedule!

International Soccer   - England eaked out a 2-1 victory over Denmark yesterday, and the pundits are raving all the more about that young, up and coming Danish midfielder.   Expect a big money move to Italy, Spain or England for Mr. Christian this summer.
Spain barely beat a still lackluster Columbia, Brazil lost again, Argentina (and Messi) beat Ronaldo's Portugal 2-1.   If you have a chance, take a look at Ronaldo's goal and see for yourself if he was offside.....The Dutch were a treat in winning 3-1, with Snjeider coming back from injury to score a cracker.  Afaley, the new kid on the Barcelona bench, also scored for the Dutch.
Germany and Italy tied, with American Guiseppe Rossi scoring for the Italians.  Our friends to the North (that is Canada, for you folks in Carnation) lost to Greece, 1-0.    Of interest primarily to the majority of RCL A team coaches, the Welsh lost by 3 to somebody.   

In Spain, the Managers of both Real Madrid and Barcelona are starting the gamesmanship - ten weeks before the Double El Clasico starts!   After Barca's latest 3-0 victory, Pep Guardiola said of his team "If they play like that, they can't beat Real Madrid".   If Barcelona and Real Madrid both advance in the Champions League, they may be drawn against each other in the next round.  That would mean that they play each other 4 times in 15 days!   Absolutely unprecedented.  Once for the Copa de Rey finals, ( which Madrid has not won in more than 2 decades!), once in La Liga (which Madrid absolutely must win to have any chance to overtake Barcelona for the La Liga title), and twice in the Champions League.    Let's hope that any Champions League match between the two waits until Wembley in the finals, later in the year.     After 4 Barcelona-Real Madrid matches in 2 weeks, the rest of the year would be anti-climatic, to say the least......


Womens Soccer News - Abby Wambaugh has returned to the US WNT from injury for the Algrave Cup.  Let's hope that the girls can do better than recent results!

International News of the Day - Wall Street sources say that China has accelerated its sales of US bonds, right now trying to get rid of Sallie Mae and Fannie and Freddie Mac bonds.  Portugal is being hit by increasing doubts about its solvency, with its bonds being hit sharply today.    Computer Sector giant Cisco was hit hard after missing earnings, down about 10% according to one report.   The situation in Egypt continues on, with a London newspaper reporting that the Saudi's strongarmed the US President to go soft on Mubarak, to let him exit with dignity. 
A rumored mass demonstration in Syria never came off.  Hezbollah continues its preparations to take over Lebanon.

Domestically - A Republican Congressman has resigned after e-mailing a shirtless photo of himself to someone he met on the Craigslist singles section.   Virginia Senator Webb has announced that he will not run for re-election in 2012.  He was a leading Democratic critic of President Obama's Obamacare.   More Senatorial announcements of retirement are expected.   Lieberman, the modern "Scoop Jackson" of the Senate, has already announced that he will not be running again.  Another resignation is that of one of the Governors of the Federal Reserve Bank of the USA.  There had been one such Governor (there are about a dozen of them) that had been quietly at odds with Fed Chief Bernacke for more than a year.  And Jon Kyl, R-Arizona, has become the second Republican senator to announce that he will not run again.

In Washington State rumors are becoming louder that the state budget problems are worse than what is publicly known....

[Squash]

I am away at a training seminar, so this column is a bit sporadic -  BUT I FOUND A MAGNIFICENT USED and ANTIQUE BOOK STORE IN DOWNTOWN AUBURN!

Washington Soccer News -   Two of WPS's finest are involved in a knock-down, drag out, no holds barred but ever so polite battle royal in electioneering.   Futsal and EWDOC are battling it out to become the next President of the Spokane Valley Junior Soccer Association.   Futsal, as all long time readers of WPS know, is a rulemeister par excellence and is locally known in his area as a man with principles who nevertheless tries to get people to get along and work for the common good.   EWDOC, for all the disagreements that I have had with publicly around here, is someone who has earned everyone in D-6's respect for the hard and EFFECTIVE work he has done in D-6.   Yes, he has been the public water carrier for the WSYSA, but he views that as being part of his position, his role. 
   The good thing for "the valley" is that they have two good, smart people running for the position of President who both put kids first.   So either way, the kids will come out winners.
   No concrete word, just rumors and hints of rumors, as to what the FIRST FAMILY of valley soccer is going to do about one of these guys taking over as Association President.......

In World Cup news, French Icon ZZ denied that he supported the Qatar bid to host the world cup because of the millions of euros that they paid him.

Sounders Soccer - See SOunderFan's column for the latest on the just released Sounders schedule!

International Soccer   - England eaked out a 2-1 victory over Denmark yesterday, and the pundits are raving all the more about that young, up and coming Danish midfielder.   Expect a big money move to Italy, Spain or England for Mr. Christian this summer.
Spain barely beat a still lackluster Columbia, Brazil lost again, Argentina (and Messi) beat Ronaldo's Portugal 2-1.   If you have a chance, take a look at Ronaldo's goal and see for yourself if he was offside.....The Dutch were a treat in winning 3-1, with Snjeider coming back from injury to score a cracker.  Afaley, the new kid on the Barcelona bench, also scored for the Dutch.
Germany and Italy tied, with American Guiseppe Rossi scoring for the Italians.  Our friends to the North (that is Canada, for you folks in Carnation) lost to Greece, 1-0.    Of interest primarily to the majority of RCL A team coaches, the Welsh lost by 3 to somebody.   

In Spain, the Managers of both Real Madrid and Barcelona are starting the gamesmanship - ten weeks before the Double El Clasico starts!   After Barca's latest 3-0 victory, Pep Guardiola said of his team "If they play like that, they can't beat Real Madrid".   If Barcelona and Real Madrid both advance in the Champions League, they may be drawn against each other in the next round.  That would mean that they play each other 4 times in 15 days!   Absolutely unprecedented.  Once for the Copa de Rey finals, ( which Madrid has not won in more than 2 decades!), once in La Liga (which Madrid absolutely must win to have any chance to overtake Barcelona for the La Liga title), and twice in the Champions League.    Let's hope that any Champions League match between the two waits until Wembley in the finals, later in the year.     After 4 Barcelona-Real Madrid matches in 2 weeks, the rest of the year would be anti-climatic, to say the least......


Womens Soccer News - Abby Wambaugh has returned to the US WNT from injury for the Algrave Cup.  Let's hope that the girls can do better than recent results!

International News of the Day - Wall Street sources say that China has accelerated its sales of US bonds, right now trying to get rid of Sallie Mae and Fannie and Freddie Mac bonds.  Portugal is being hit by increasing doubts about its solvency, with its bonds being hit sharply today.    Computer Sector giant Cisco was hit hard after missing earnings, down about 10% according to one report.   The situation in Egypt continues on, with a London newspaper reporting that the Saudi's strongarmed the US President to go soft on Mubarak, to let him exit with dignity. 
A rumored mass demonstration in Syria never came off.  Hezbollah continues its preparations to take over Lebanon.

Domestically - A Republican Congressman has resigned after e-mailing a shirtless photo of himself to someone he met on the Craigslist singles section.   Virginia Senator Webb has announced that he will not run for re-election in 2012.  He was a leading Democratic critic of President Obama's Obamacare.   More Senatorial announcements of retirement are expected.   Lieberman, the modern "Scoop Jackson" of the Senate, has already announced that he will not be running again.  Another resignation is that of one of the Governors of the Federal Reserve Bank of the USA.  There had been one such Governor (there are about a dozen of them) that had been quietly at odds with Fed Chief Bernacke for more than a year.  And Jon Kyl, R-Arizona, has become the second Republican senator to announce that he will not run again.

In Washington State rumors are becoming louder that the state budget problems are worse than what is publicly known....

EW, I don't know how many read your report but I can honestly say I love the reports and the information in them!!!

[Brat Jr]

EW, You are in my backyard and didn't say anything?? ?? ?? ??

[Mossback]

I am in full agreement with Squash. This is entertaining E.W.   Keep it coming!

[Oneblindmouse]

EW, love the info!  I looked at the Ronaldo goal, and that is about as close as it gets.

[Futsal]

Nice post EW64

[hulabaloo]

Yes nice reading.  Thaniks.

[EWSoccer64]

A full weekend of soccer, both locally and internationally.

Internationally  -
  In Brasil, Ronaldo is set to announce his retirement from soccer tomorrow at age 34.  I do believe that he is either Brasil's all time WC scoring leader or the all time WC scoring leader, period.  (That is for the "finals", what the rest of us consider the World Cup, the big monthlong tournament in the summer every four years, not the qualifiers).
           The headlines are led in the UK by England's favorite homegrown coach Harry Redknapp (OK, some Englishmen do not care for him, but he is still a frontrunner to replace Capello as England National Team Coach) is going to trial for tax evasion.  It will interesting to see if rumors of illicit payments were recieved as part of player transfers, as has been alleged about other coaches.
  While some in the English press were assuming (and printing) that Qatar (as in the in the national corporation of the Royal Family) was going to buy Manchester United for more than $2 billion, the latest news is that Qatar has said that the price is too high.  The one point six billion English pound price still represents a come down from the owners, who initially were asking for two billion pounds.
   Out of the boardroom and on the field, Manchester United defeated Manchester City 2-1 on Rooneys acrobatic goal in the second half.  He called it his greatest goal ever.  Arsenal remain four points back of Manchester united, while City are so far behind, they may rival Chelsea in falling out of Champions League contention for next year....

   In Spain, Real Madrid won despite having their goalkeeper sent off in the opening two minutes.   And Barcelona tied, 1-1, so Real Madrid have closed the gap between the two teams to 5 points.   More interesting than the title race is the way that Sporting Gijon played against Barcelona.   Gijon was very well organized and the team was prepared.  Barcelona was a bit casual, and was not as sharp as normal.  Some might think they were looking ahead to Wednesday's clash with Arsenal.  For the coaches and tactics buffs out there, Gijon showed that the old technique of "Parking the Bus and Playing for a quick counter" still works.  At least on occassion.    Yes, Gijon is sitting down at the bottom of the standings in La Liga, but they were focused, prepared and disciplined.  +1 for the Little Guys in this round!

Americans In Europe - Well, they continue to play, and to contribute, and their clubs seem to have lost alot this weekend.  We'll expect some better news next week!

boys state cup results and titles -  Whatcom wins one, Timbers win one in the Challenge Cup, 3Rivers wins one in the Championship Cup.   One quarter of the finalists in both the Championship and Challnege Cups came from Eastern Washington.   3Rivers won U-18s in the Championship Cup.   So 3 of the 8 total titles decided went to teams outside of the Pierce-King County Axis.   While there are some who see the scarcity of titles for Crossfire this time out as a reason to believe in the imminent fall of the Mega-Club, it should be recognized that the Academy teams have siphoned off the majority of their A list talent in the boys in these age groups.  Underestimate Xfire at your own risk!

Sounders - Less than five weeks to the start of the season.   Who is going to be our starting midfield?   SounderFan had better come up with the scoop soon, or some of us are going to have coronaries!

Other news -
NEWS THAT YOU CAN USE -
The Deep Freeze that hit the US South and Northern Mexico has severely damaged many produce crops.  Expect shortages and the doubling of prices.  Or even greater price increases.  One early report states that the entire asparagus crop was destroyed.  Personally, I saw that Green Bell Peppers were 1/3 more expensive than the Red and Yellow peppers at the local Winco today.  Must be that the red and yellow (which are less purchased) came from an older supply.    Some varieties of tomatoes may become unavailable for a while.    The situation in the produce market is expected to abate in six weeks to two months.

Locally - Boeing unvieled its new 747-8 this weekend.  It will be a direct competitor with giant airbus plane.  And being a year late, it already competing with airbus in that category, too.

Internationally -  More information has become available about the Stuxnet computer virus that attacked Iran's nuclear enrichment for weapons program.   Apparently there were five seperated attacks, and the attack virus was updated between attacks.   The sophisticated virus was able to speed up the centrifuges used for enriching uranium and hiding the information that they were speeding up from the controllers.  The virus also kept track of its own operations.   Suspicion is that it entered the Iranian computer systems via a USB drive.   (This will likely mean another round of "spies" being executed in Tehran).

In Italy, the Prime Minister (a billionaire soccer club owner) is under pressure to resign.  Protestors - mainly women - are calling for him to resign after revelations of his perchant for young, teenage girlfriends (he was lavish with his gifts of cash) continued to make headlines there.   Apparently, most of the Italian men are more jealous or quietly admiring than outraged.......He faces potential legal charges of employing prostitutes.


Soccer quote of the day -""I'm a romantic. I like the fact that talent, technical ability, is valued above physical condition now. I'm glad that's the priority; if it wasn't, there wouldn't be the same spectacle. Football is played to win but our satisfaction is double."  Xavi Hernandez, FC Barcelona and Spanish National Team.

[Quiller]

I love these reports, hopefully you can keep them coming.  Thanks

[EWSoccer64]

  A short one today, folks -

Americans Overseas -  Clint Dempsey, who plays for Fulham of the English Premier League, played the entire match against Chelsea yesterday.   The score was tied 0-0, and the referee awarded a PK in extra time.  Dempsey steps up to take it, a chance to win the game and be the hero.  The goalie saves the less than spectacular shot and the game ends scoreless.   That about sums up Americans Week Abroad.........

Today is the start up of the knock out stages of the Champions League.     The headline match have overachieving Tottenham Hotspurs of England playing AC Milan.  Tottenham is the decided underdog.    Another interesting match today is in the second tier Europa League, where Manchester City - which has been outspending even Chelsea in England on players - goes to Greece to play Aris.   Aris had a couple of American forwards last year, one of the Eddie's and the Fredy.  Both were shipped out.   The match was evenly played, with few shots on goal by either team.  Ended up as a 0-0 scoreline.

Tomorrow's marque match is between the "Barcelona of England", Arsenal, and the real Barcelona.   Last year saw a 2-2 tie in one match, as Barca let a 2 goal lead slip away late and a 4-0 Barca win.  That was the match that Messi scored all four goals.   After the debacle of this weekend, Barcelona is unlikely to be smug and overconfident.  Watch the interplay between the Barcelona players and Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, a Barcelona product.  he wants to go back, they want him back, but Coach Arsene Wenger of Arsenal desperately does not want him to leave.

Soccer news inside the USA - David beckham's libel lawsuit against INTouch was defeated in court here in the US.  He has already won the same case in Germany.  His lawyer said that they will appeal.   It is over the magazine's article stating that he had a long running engagement/affair witha  prostitiute.

News on other fronts -   Speaking of Prostititution use among the rich and famous... Italian billionaire, soccer club owner, and Prime Minister has been officially indicted on charges of employeeing teenage prostitutes.    Italian women are outraged, but polls show his popularity among Italian male voters is going up.

The wave of Islamic Unrest continues to spread - In Iran, demonstrators were tear gassed and beaten by the regime's brutal police and special militias.  Some of the Iranian members of Parliment in the ruling, Ayatollah backed party are calling for the hanging of execution leaders.
In Bahrain, a small but key US ally in the Persian Gulf, demonstrations ahve taken on a religious tinge, with the Shiites demonstrating against the Sunni minority government.  In Yemen, government forces continue to battle demonstrators.    And from Libya, President for Life Quaddafy has issued more alert orders to his police and secret police forces.  He has also called on others to rise up elsewhere, particularly  for the Palestinians to rise up against Israel.  In Syria, a 19 year old female blogger was arrested and sentenced to five years in prison.

Interesting snippet from our friends down in Oregon -  Apparently their mandatory sentence law has not ahd the impact that was expected.  It's major impact seems to make criminals more willing to plead down to lesser offences to escape the criteria for mandatory sentences.  Prosecutors love it because it spares them the time and vagaries of going to trial.  It has also helped their conviction rates.

A sign of the Approaching Apocalypse --   Rosanee Barr, one time comedienne and infamous crotchgrabber, has a deal for a new "reality  tv show" called "Nut Farm".  Among other offenses, Rosanne is guilty of inflicting Tom Arnold upon America....

[Midfield General]

Today is the start up of the knock out stages of the Champions League.     The headline match have overachieving Tottenham Hotspurs of England playing AC Milan.  Tottenham is the decided underdog.    Another interesting match today is in the second tier Europa League, where Manchester City - which has been outspending even Chelsea in England on players - goes to Greece to play Aris.   Aris had a couple of American forwards last year, one of the Eddie's and the Fredy.  Both were shipped out.   The match was evenly played, with few shots on goal by either team.  Ended up as a 0-0 scoreline.

Can't call Spurs overachievers anymore. Couple of years back - yes. But now - 4th in premiership last year, currently 4th again and if they win their game in hand would be 3rd above Man C and Chelsea. Won their CL group finishing above the current European and World Club Champions. And all this with major players injured for long periods this season showing they have a deep squad. If you watched the game today you'll have seen that they were the better side for long periods and deserved the win.

[EWSoccer64]

Today is the start up of the knock out stages of the Champions League.     The headline match have overachieving Tottenham Hotspurs of England playing AC Milan.  Tottenham is the decided underdog.    Another interesting match today is in the second tier Europa League, where Manchester City - which has been outspending even Chelsea in England on players - goes to Greece to play Aris.   Aris had a couple of American forwards last year, one of the Eddie's and the Fredy.  Both were shipped out.   The match was evenly played, with few shots on goal by either team.  Ended up as a 0-0 scoreline.

Can't call Spurs overachievers anymore. Couple of years back - yes. But now - 4th in premiership last year, currently 4th again and if they win their game in hand would be 3rd above Man C and Chelsea. Won their CL group finishing above the current European and World Club Champions. And all this with major players injured for long periods this season showing they have a deep squad. If you watched the game today you'll have seen that they were the better side for long periods and deserved the win.

Well, I think that we can definitely agree that ManCity and Chelsea are both underachievers this year.    And Hotspur actually fielded 4 starters today that came from Britain.   What English team does that?     And they have an English coach!  What respectable English team has an English coach???
Seriously, winning their group in the CL - hadn't the #2 team already clinched passage before the final gameday?  No matter, I still think of them as overachievers at this stage.  If they finish fourth this year, then I will figure them to be in the top five next year.  Fiar enough?

[Firedog]

Spurs have certainly elevated their play this year but, would not consider them underdogs to Milan going into this tie even w/Bale unavailable for today's first leg.  Milan's midfield has been decimated by injury w/Seedorf only just back and Ambrosini and Pirlo still out.  Thiago Silva has been asked to fill the holding midfield role of late instead of his normal role in central defense.  Spur's were better today without their best player.  Milan is in trouble effectively 2 goals down and Gattuso out.

[metz123]

'arry made some brilliant selections for the squad today. After talking all week about playing attacking football, he fielded Sandro and Palacios in front of his defense to shut down the middle of the field. He selected Crouch up front over Defoe, because Milan's defense lacks height (and Crouchy worked his butt off this game). Fielding Pinear, VDV and Lennon as 3 midfielders provided good support for Crouch up front without exposing the team to counter attacks.

Nicely done Spurs....

[EWSoccer64]

I too thought that Tottenham's tactics were spot on for that match.  And I would not be surprised if the Milan team fielded twice the payroll of Hotspur, just as an aside.    But most people would consider this an upset.   Next year, maybe not.

It will be difficult for Milan to come back in London.  Not impossible, but if Tottenham stays in a smart, disciplined tactical formation, then I would favor Tottenham to advance.

[EWSoccer64]

We have to start out with the Barcelona - Arsenal game.   A good game to see.  If you are planning to watch a rerun and do not want the score, stop reading.   Arsenal probably deserved the result, they played at least even with Barcelona.  One thing that stood out was that Arsenal had a better sense of urgency on the attack.  Barcelna brought the ball into the attacking penalty and then brought it back out more times than they took a shot once the ball was in the area.   Interesting, and worthy of more thought.   Both teams had multiple opportunities for scoring that they did not convert on.   I thought the referee in the center did a good job.   One thing that puzzles me was the offside call on the Messi goal in the first half.  On the replay, it did not look like either Pedro or Messi were off side.   But with the score at the end 1-2 for Arsenal, Barcelona are still favored to advance.  Obviously, it will be tougher.  More on Barcelona in future postings.....

   The same cannot be said (that they are still favored to advance) for Milan after Tottenham's vicotry.  Gattuso is expected to (very properly) sanctioned and out of the match, too.   And AS Roma did not look all that good today, did they?  The 2-3 loss to Shaktar is perhaps flattering  to the Italians.

MLS - The Portland Timbers have gotten one time US wunderkid Sal Zizzo.  If he plays as well in the MLS as he was once hyped  (where is that kid from Crossfire who went MLS straight out of HS and then went to the Sounders (A-league) and then to the PDL?  I cannot even remember the name, now.), he will be a strong addition.  He once showed flair coming out of the midfield.    Heath Pierce has now joined Chivas USA, helping their defense.  So two teams in the Sounders' Western Conference have gotten stronger....
   DC United have Charlie Davies for next season.  Apparently they think he will return to form, or close to it.  It will be interesting to see the speedburner in the MLS.  And heaven knows that DC United needs all the help they can get.


Womens Soccer - the Sounders Women team now have their schedule out.  So all us fans can start making plans appropriately.   And also, those of us in Eastern Washington can check out the Black Widow's up in Spokane.

Washington Youth Soccer - The pot continues to boil.  Multiple sources have stated to me that Greg Ion is leaving (perhaps not all that willingly) WPFC, which has set out a chain of ripples.   It is known that Ion did not appreciate being stripped of the funds from his private showcase tournament and having those monies going to the club instead, from various sources.
   Apparently most associations - according to still other sources - have not signed the RCL agreement that was "required" of all the associations with rcl clubs.  A couple of associations that were pressured and arm twisted into signing it are now holding the state politicos in disdain for them succumbing to the pressure.  Hey,folks, don't blame others for your lack of a spine!   A great man once said "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

     Other News -

Former President Jimmy Carter, at a speech at the LBJ center, told listeners that the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt is not a threat.  Of course, Carter had the same opinion of Ayatollah Khomeini in Iran when Carter sanctioned the removal of the Shah.

Some news media are reporting on the increases in Egyptians and Tunisians fleeing their countries for Europe in recent days as an indictment of the "Arab People Power" revolutions.   What they are ignoring is that Tunisia and Egypt, and the rest of North Africa, have long been having a great number of their people flee to Europe for the same reasons that Mexicans and Central Americans and Haitians flee to America.  The uptick in illegal immigration does not - at this point - seem to be very large.

A group of well heeled Democrat Party Activists in LA are now targeting Congressman Issa (R) who is holding a series of hearings investigating some of the Obama administration's actions.  The group refuses to reveal its funding.  Issa today launched a series of questions to all congressmen demanding to know who got "sweetheart loans" from Contrywide and other big banks prior to the bank bailouts.

Not gonna talk about the budget issues today, either national or state.  I'll let BigB use all that material in his daily jokes.....

Washington State news -  Certain agencies of the state government are recieving policy directives orally.  Even in response to e-mail questions.  Personal touch? Making sure that questions are answered fully and full understanding is complete?  No, not really.  Union reps and the Attorney General are stating to state employees to take nots, write e-mails back to the state appointees who make policy and disseminate it, regurgitating the conversation and the directives.  Employees are afraid of the backlash.  And they are afraid of being put out on a limb and not being supported by the people who gave them verbal directives.

In lighter news -  A computer is playing against humans on "JEOPARDY", and barely held its own on the first day.  The two days since then have seen it really dominate.  I guess that we have to dumb down our game shows from now on.  Instead of "are you smarter than a fifth grader", perhaps we will be competing against pocket calculators in a third grad version of Pictionary?