WC 2010: Recap + Pre-game

Game 1, RSA v. Mexico.  A well deserved draw from RSA.  I had bet that Mexico would win, and on another day, they would have.  They DOMINATED the first half.  RSA came out looking shell shocked and just terrified.  They were unpolished, sloppy, and just bad.  El Tri had a few shots on target, and Guillermo Franco should have capitalized on his two free headers.  But The Bafana Bafana built momentum towards the end of the first half, and there must have been quite a lecture from their manager, because they came out with an intensity and passion that was invisible during the first 45.  Tshabalala (arguably the coolest name in the tournament) finished brilliantly at the end of a counter attack from Mexico’s lost possesion.  A beautiful strike across goal that went upper 90.  A beautiful opening goal for the beautiful game.

One thing that I noted about soccer during a tweet of mine (twitter.com/denniscdowd (I recently un-locked my tweets so you don’t have to follow me to read them)) was that I loved how there are no time-outs in soccer.  Momentum must be built by playing, rather than by stopping play (as in basketball).  While it’s a useful tool, I love how the play determines how involved the crowd (made up of 94,000 vuvuzela blowing maniacs) will be in the game.

Mexico ended up equalizing when RSA’s defense shit the bed and collapsed.  The hosts could have put away Mexico for good, but tired legs took over Mphela and he was unable to finish.  A deserving draw, it was a game of two halves, and The Bafana Bafana started the WC off with a great performance.  Fuck you Mexico, for making me lose my bet.  I hated you before, but now I despise you forever.

Moving on, the next game of the day is France v. Uruguay.  I hate French people as a whole, but really like some of their players, except for Henry, being that he handled (The Hand of Gaul) the French into the WC Finals, much to the chagrin and disbelief of my beloved Irish.  France is loaded with talent, but lack the heart and passion.  They had an awful run through the qualifiers, and really do not in any way deserve to be a part of this tournament.  They hate their coach, and he really is just quite useless.  He’s already stepped down from the position immediately following France’s exit from the Cup.  Uruguay has lots of talent up front in Diego Forlan, who has played for the likes of Man U, Villareal, and Atletico Madrid.  While France overpowers in marquee names and overall talent, I think they’re lack of passion and heart will ultimately lead to their downfall.  I expected Mexico to take this group, but with their draw today agains the hosts, it’s France’s group to lose.

My prediction: France 1, Uruguay 1.

Don’t forget to check my twitter (twiter.com/denniscdowd) for in game thoughts.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

World Cup 2010: RSA v. Mexico Pre-game thoughts

I’ve decided I’m going to blog/tweet my brains out during this years World Cup.  I’m going to write about the bigger picture (South Africa and the impact of the WC on the African continent) at a later time.

For now, here are my thoughts on the opening match between the Republic of South Africa and Mexico.

It’s a shame that Nelson Mandela isn’t able to make the opening/pre-game ceremony.  I’ve read that the South African people believe that a certain aura surrounds their icon.  Some believe that magical results can happen when he is present (see the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the movie Invictus was based on that).

Sepp Blatter reminds me of Hitler without the stache, he’s hysterical.

I’ve bet on Mexico to win, I hope they do, just for my own sake, but I’m very happy and excited for the nation of South Africa and the Bafana Bafana (the name of the RSA’s team, translated to The Boys, The Boys).

RSA have a good chance, not only do they have a phenomenal home field advantage (aided by 50,000 deafening vuvuzelas).  Attacking midfielder Steven Pineaar has the experience from playing in the EPL for Everton.

I’m inclined to take Mexico due to their experience combined with athleticism and young talent.  Giovani dos Santos will be paired up front with experienced Guillermo Franco to test the inexperienced Bafana Bafana keeper Khune.  Barcelona’s Rafa Marquez has the talent and experience to lead El Tri to victory over the host country.  Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium is at a similar altitude to Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium, and El Tri are used to playing in front of loud and raucous crowds.  I think the pressure of playing in front of their home fans will be more of a detriment to the host team.

Mexico 3 – RSA 1

I thought about doing a halftime summary, but I think that I’ll wait until the game is over.

Podcast

Ok little warriors, time for something new and sexciting.  CJ and I have decided to plunge into the massive abyss that is podcasting.  Check out his blog entry for more information on this particular podcast — The CJ EP

He also has a link where you can stream the podcast from on that entry.  You can also go on to Facebook and stream it from there.  (See? Another reason why I cannot escape the grasp of Zuckerberg…dammit!!!)

In other news, I’m listening to Death Cab For Cutie on this dreary morning, and couldn’t be more excited.  They might be in my top 3 of favorite bands.  Shit they are good.  I’m making a Death Cab mix for someone and it’s going to be hard to figure out what songs to take off.  It’s like murdering one of my children, or even worse, letting my children watch The View.

I know I’ve talked about DC4C before, but I think I may do an entry about them soon.

In the meantime – enjoy….

Fuck Facebook

I hate Facebook.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s awesome, and I love it for what it used to be, but I’ve had enough.  Zuckerburg’s ego keeps growing and him and his cronies are now trying to take over the entire internet.  In case you’re unaware, on various sites around the internet will have “Like” buttons on the site, that if you click, will show up on your Facebook.  Sounds neat right?  Wrong.  Facebook now has no problem selling your information to advertisers.  It’s perfect way for marketers to target their audience.  And now they’ve turned all your ‘interests’ into ‘likes’ so your profile is linked to everything.  It’s bullshit.  And I’m fed up.  I also read this article, Top 10 Reasons to Quit Facebook, and couldn’t agree more.

The fucked up part is that it’s almost impossible to get through life without a Facebook now.  I mean shit, I have to monitor Facebook for part of my job.  So basically, I’m done with Facebook.  I’m done updating it and making it nice and shit.  I’ve made my profile as bare boned as possible, so that Zuckerberg and his band of cronies can’t sell as much of my information as possible.

I did however, still leave my pictures up, since, I think so many of them are hysterical.  I’ll probably still post ridiculous shit on my friends’ walls, as well, because there’s no denying how funny it is.

This rant is pointless.  It’s also somewhat hypocritical.  Whatever . Fuck it.  But if someone is looking to learn more ‘about me,’ read this shitty and awful blog or check my twitter (twitter.com/denniscdowd) rather than look at my Facebook.  Good day.

Back-back-backitup

sorry folks, I’m back in action.  get ready to tear out your eyeballs and wish that you were one of the nazis in Raiders of the Lost Ark who stupidly witnessed the opening of the Ark of the Covenant, so, I apologize in advance.

But before I get back to talking about nazis (weird transition eh?) I did have to explain a little bit of the reason why I’m back here.  I received an incredibly awesome compliment last week from a really awesome person.  I really thought that absolutely nobody read this, and was shocked to find that not only did this particular person read it, but she really enjoyed it.  I’ve watched a lot of football, and analysts love to say “it’s the hit you don’t see that hurts the most.”  Well, I guess you can say the opposite as well. It’s the kind words, compliments, positivity, (insert awesome thing here), that you don’t expect that mean the most.  It’s exciting and refreshing to think that something that my brain creates can be viewed in a positive light.  It gives me a reason to keep writing like this (and, in turn, making people pound their keyboard out of rage).

I think we should all take this lovely lady’s cue.  She could have just read this and said nothing and we’d go on our merry way and who knows.  Whether you agree with me or not, I think it takes a lot of courage to go out on a limb and say the truth, and that baffles me.  How crazy is that?  That it’s so much easier to just say nothing at all.  Ugh.  Apathy is brutal.  Denny’s moral recommendation of the night: Cut through the BS.  Tell the truth.  Follow what feels right, and what is right, not what’s easy.  While I’m not a huge fan of this song due to it’s unbelievably gross repetitiveness, at the end of the day, J. May speaks the truth.  Say what you need to say.

Back to nazis..

I just watched Valkyrie (I’m up wayy too late right now, I’m going to be hurting in the morning).  But it was pretty good.  The verdict: 6/10.  Here’s why I think it’s so low…I watched it while cleaning through my basement, collecting recycling and folding laundry (exciting life right!).  It’s hard to write a movie you already know the ending to.  SPOILER ALERT!!! HITLER DOESN’T DIE FROM THE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT!!!  If you didn’t know that, start watching the History channel (I’ll talk more about this when I catch up on America: The Story of Us (SO FUCKING PUMPED ABOUT THIS (I LOVE the History Channel))).   Anyway…what I was trying to say was that the movie just wasn’t as intense as it could have been, had I seen it in the movie theatre.  But, I thought it was decently good.  Could have definitely been done better, especially with how many incredible actors there were in the movie.  Oh well, better luck next time Tom Cruise.

It’s way past my bedtime.  I need sleep.  Dream sweetly little warriors.

PS. Thanks VL  :D

Jersey Shore Finale Live Blog

10:03 – Vinny’s impression of the Israelis is unfuckingbelievable.  Emptying a clip and packing a new one??!!  Awesome.  Pauly D?! Why did you go back with the stalker?? Upsetting.

10:05 – wrong Ronnie, you ARE a degenerate. anybody who puts that much effort into Sammi sweetheart is fucking retarded.

10:06 – 16 & pregnant is a fucked up show.  At least the dude in the West Virginia hat can count that twins = two babies.  Yay for math!!

10:10 – wrong again Ron. While youre a hero, youre a degenhero.  his sparkly shirt sort of looks like the light up shoes my mom wouldn’t let me get in elementary school.  or lite brite.  or a stripper’s asshole.

10:12 – it was the first night sammi sweetheart slept alone….im assuming since she was 12.  inappropriate? yep.

10:13 – Yay for Math! part 2.  Thank you Situation. “please bring along your two friends for a total of three”

10:18 – The situation is wearing black shoes and above-ankle white socks. fashion faux-pa my friend

10:21 – “why would you make me like you for no reason if you dont want to hang out with me?”  the noises that come out of snooki’s face make me want to vomit up my stomache

10:24 – Snooki gets shit on worse than a toilet at taco bell.

10:29 – Vinny’s shot is pure.  Pauly D is a philospher. the situation is rain man. only he can barely count

10:31 – Sammi just used the word ‘like’ six times in one sentence. maybe seven.

10:32 – I haven’t seen Jwowwww in too long.  I’m assuming she’s fucking every Gorilla she saw on the boardwalk and is ripping their heads off.  reign of terror 18th century france style.

10:36 – contrary to popular beliefe (<<wow i can’t spell) - the situation can read.

10:40 – i just finished vomiting after witnessing the hot tub face licking session.  also if LMFAO is nominated for a grammy, then i’m done with music.  and if you’re using taco bell to diet, you need to reevaluate your life.

10:45 – are they just reading these quotes out of a high school yearbook?  wait no, they all have DS. or MS. or both?

10:54 – pretty sure the situation said ‘undestribable’ not a word. can’t read.

10:56 – when JWoww dies and her body starts decaying, im pretty sure her boobs will not. they will be around forever.

10:58 – snookies got a boogie in her nosie. grossie.

11:00 – I really hope there is a season two.

Top 25 Christmas Songs: #1

Oh Holy Night

Just as in “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” it’s impossible for me to pick who does the best version of this song.  But it’s without a doubt MY favorite Christmas song ever.  It’s epic.  It’s beautiful.  When the chorus comes in–”fall on your knees, oh hear the angel voices” I am just moved.  I love the song, and it’s about the most important part of the season, the birth of Jesus.  I say that as I type this after sleeping in past mass.  I suck.  Either way, here are some good renditions that I could find on YouTube.

Top 25 Christmas Songs: #2

“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”

This song is so good that it doesn’t matter who is playing it.  Sometimes some versions mess up the lyrics a little bit, and while that irks me, I’ll credit artistic creativity/interpretation.  I really do love Coldplay’s version, as well as the versions by Copeland (Aaron Marsh), James Taylor, and Frank Sinatra.  But for a song that is this good, it’s impossible to pick one that is clear cut above the others.

I’ll include a few videos from YouTube, maybe you can decide which one you like best.  But most importantly, have yourself a merry little Christmas.

Top 25 Christmas Songs: #3

“The Christmas Song” – Nat King Cole

The opening lines of this song are one of the famous of all time.  This is such a wonderful and classic song.  Nat is the man.  The imagery that this song has makes it impossible to not to conjure up thoughts of what is being sung about.  It’s heartwarming.

Although it’s been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas, to you.

And I know I’m cheating, but because this is called “The Christmas Song,” I figured I throw in some extra videos of other songs titled the same…namely by Dave Mathews Band and Owl City.

Top 25 Christmas Songs: #4

“Silent Night/Away in the Manger” – Relient K

Yes, I’m cheating again with putting two songs in one (I’ll do it again tomorrow as well, sue me, I’m the boss, I do what I want).

I love this medley because of the piano that runs through it, as well as Matt Thessien’s voice.  It’s just a beautiful song.  I’ve been listening to it before I’ve been going to sleep the last few nights.

Silent Night is one of my favorite Christmas songs, and as my brother can attest, I have like 50 versions of it.  Now that we are into the top 5, it’s hard to pick the best, so I may as well include some of the honorable mentions of the song.  Taylor Swift, Sarah McLaughlin, Sinatra, Low, Bright Eyes, etc.

Now that I’m back home, I can hook up the YouTube videos again.  If you listen to the entire song(s) you’ll hear the piano keep going, and that’s because it starts up at the beginning of the next song off this particular album called “I Celebrate the Day.”  While this won’t make the Top 25 Countdown, I’m going to include the video if you have a few minutes to listen. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent Night/Away In A Manger

I Celebrate The Day

Top 25 Christmas Songs: #5

“White Christmas” – Bing Crosby

Classic. Easy as that. No explanation needed. I started watching the movie the other night but it was too late for me, it’s def on my hitlist though.

This year is shaping up to be a white christmas, which couldn’t be more perfect. Makes the whole day that much better.

Happy Christmas everyone.

Top 25 Christmas songs: #6

“I’ll be home for Christmas” – frank Sinatra

This is one of my favorite christmas songs. It’s sad yet hopeful. It reminds me of all the people that can’t be with their loves ones, especially our troops serving overseas. That’s something important to think about..how fortunate we really ate to be able to spend this special time of year with our loved ones. Take the time to tell your friends and family how great it is to spend time with them this season. Take care and God bless.

Also, both bing Crosby and michael buble do excellent versions of this song.

Top 25 Christmas songs: #7

“All I Want for Christmas” – Mariah Carey

For obvious reasons, this song is fun, and it has already be one a modern classic. Mariah has pipes, and she flexes them here for the world to see.

Also here’s a road trip update. I decided to call our trip the ‘we’ll be home for christmas’ road trip. Today we drive from Albuquerque, NM go Springfield, MO. Another 12 hours. Yayy. GBA.

Top 25 Christmas Songs: #8

“Silver Bells” – Bing Crosby

If this isn’t a classic I don’t know what is. This song features Rosemary Clooney (George’s aunt I believe). This song reminds me of Christmas in NYC, which is one of the best things about the holiday season. I haven’t been able to get down there yet, but hopefully I can when I’m back from the road trip.

I can’t link to YouTube when I write this on my iPhone, so just search ‘silver bells bing’ and you’ll be able to listen. Much love.

Ps in case you’re interested, we’re leaving LA shortly and driving to Albuquerque. 12 hrs of driving?? Sign me up!!

Top 25 Christmas Songs: #9

“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” – Jackson 5

This original version of this song (from the old claymation TV special) was one of my favorite songs as a child.  But the first time I heard the Jackson 5 version, my mind was blown.  I’m not sure if they were the first to sing it like this, but shit, they may sing it the best.  Bruce Springsteen does another good version with the E Street Band, but little Michael Jackson just kills it.  Rest in peace MJ.