The American Sports Blog

Simply Follow The Money Honey …………….

tophatal — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 18:54:14 +0000

Simply Follow The Money Honey

Just as in the silly season with the PGA Tour where they have their non-sensical and end of season tournaments that’s merely another way for the Tour players to pad their already burgeoning bank accounts the same thing applies to MLB (baseball) as prospective restricted and free agents look to cement their bank accounts also. However whereas golf has a wealth of corporate sponsors eager to have their names associated with the sport although the game’s biggest draw _ Tiger Woods has fallen from grace somewhat ,the sport as such still resonates with the fans whenever he’s on the golf course wielding his clubs and not wielding it in the direction of some buxom nubile young female.

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Picture gallery for your perusal

Baseball for its part and its hierarchy would have us believe that the game is and has always been in a healthy financial state. Well if the comings and goings of the game’s front office executives are anything to go by then the false bravado of Allan ‘Bud’ Selig and his office are merely a means to an end that’s been filled with false claims. Consider the plight of the AL East champions the Tampa Bay Rays and the very fact that the organization led by principal partner Stuart Sternberg and GM Andrew Friedman will now have to gut the team merely in order to remain competitive this upcoming season. It has already stated that many of its high paid players on this past season’s roster won’t be offered new contracts unless it’s within the team’s best interest and financial capabilities. Furthermore Sternberg and the organization are in the midst of an acrimonious fight with the city of St Petersburg ,Florida and whether or not they will remain a tenant of Tropicana Field or simply move elsewhere within or outside the state of Florida. The lease for the team doesn’t run out until 2025 but at the same time they’re seeking to have a new facility built that will be fan friendly and said to not at the taxpayers’ expense as the monies for such a venue would be simply raised through the state’s bed tax that essentially is derived of revenue charged to tourists from out of state and internationally who make use of the hotel lodgings. Much of that is true but the caveat here also is that many municipalities also look to issue bonds or increase certain taxes as a way and means of meeting any perspective shortfalls that come into being.

In the current economic climate where within the state of Florida unemployment is at an extremely high rate and comparable to the national average if not already exceeding that figure of 9.6 % nationally . It would be seen as political suicide in some circles if any county or municipality would be looking to seek to take such a course of action , especially given the fact that statewide and city wide many governments are now cutting their budgets and laying off employees. Now in the midst of this all , teams that are or on the cusp of hemorrhaging red ink as to their bottom lines are being asked to do whatever they can to try and retain their star players at whatever the prevailing cost might be . In the case of the Tampa Bay Rays and Carl Crawford their talented All Star , that would amount to offering the player a multi year contract paying in excess of $15 million a year . Something of which a team whose payroll of the 2010 season was slightly above $71 million that would put the Rays in the bottom third in the pay-scale of the thirty major league teams. Clearly where tightening of the team’s pockets to offer Crawford anything in excess of that figure ($15 million) would put a severe dent in their expenditure given their current financial position.

What I’ve failed to understand is the continued reticence of the league hierarchy and that of the owners to rein the escalating salaries within the game . OK so the MLBPA (Major League Baseball Players’ Association) doesn’t feel it necessary to have a hard salary cap within the game and nor does it appear that Commissioner Bud Selig is willing to address this matter head on and it would seem clear that they’re prepared for the status quo to remain the same. However his rather asinine notion that the league mandated tax revenue sharing scheme aids abets those teams whose revenues aren’t as great as the big market teams to my determination is somewhat ridiculous ! Simply look at how teams such as the Pittsburgh Pirates , Florida Marlins, Kansas City Royals have merely finagled their way into surreptitiously enlivening the riches of their executives without ever really spending that money to strengthen their rosters ? Much to the amazement of a number of fans we’ve come to learn that in the case of the Marlins and Pirates they’ve not been thoroughly forthcoming as to their profitability and how they’ve actually been spending the monies that they’ve been the recipients of via the league’s tax sharing revenue scheme. Food for thought and at the same time another one of the reasons why MLB as an organization ought to be more transparent in their business operations. There are those who may well feel that it’s not in the fans or public’s interest as to how a baseball franchise conducts its business but I’d preface this by saying that any private enterprise that’s in receipt of taxpayers monies are and should be open to close public scrutiny. Simply put, when franchises such as the New York Mets and New York Yankees have been in receipt of taxpayers funds in order to build their resplendent stadiums such Citi Field and Yankees Stadium then I do believe that there’s a reason to raise some suspicion as to the direction that the game of baseball is heading in.

At the forefront of the postseason negotiations for the free agents on the market is the impending contract negotiations between Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees. Both sides it would appear to be at an impasse and it has been rumored that the player seeks a five year contract extension in excess of $100 million (average of $20 million per year). The Yankees led by principal managing partner Hal Steinbrenner and GM Brian Cashman have countered with a three year $45 million offer to the five time winning World Series championship player. Considering that Jeter has been the face of the organization since his career began with the New York Yankees. Throughout that time he has been the vocal and systematic leader of the team . Leading by example, his teammates have followed erstwhile in his every footstep , albeit that Alexander Rodriguez seems to be something of anathema to that very thought . The New York Yankees with their vast financial resources are able to parlay their success by being able to buy whatever they want whenever they want. And in doing so even when there’s been a costly failure as in such instances with Hideki Irabu , Carl Pavano and Randy Johnson . Simply put, while the Yankees roar on to even further success and financial profitability the minnows of the baseball world are left in their wake and rear view mirror. Makes one kind of wonder how the likes of the Pittsburgh Pirates , Marlins and Oakland Athletics can even try to contend and compete against the might of Yankees as a financial and competitive behemoth.

There will undoubtedly come a time when the game of baseball will have to look at its financial stability . Continually we’re made aware that it’s a multi billion dollar sports enterprise that has the fans yearning for the game with an aggregate 250 million fans attending games each season. Somehow that doesn’t seem to resonate when in excess of 70% of the teams within baseball can barely eke out a profit without some assistance from the league hierarchy. Does that really seem like a sport that is in a healthy financial state to you ? I’m wondering when Selig and his minions might come around to explaining that to the fans rather than berating state and municipal officials when they’re unwilling to build vast edifices for a number of ballclubs around the league. Is anyone of the belief that the residents of New York City were totally compliant and willing to pay for the stadiums built for both the New York Mets and Yankees ? Mayor Michael Bloomberg may well have felt that both venues would bring about an economic boost to the his city and that it’d be to the benefit of the residents there. Then someone please explain to how it is that many of the residents there are hardly able to afford the expense of attending those games even with a downturn in the economy ? I heard the excuses that much of that was down to the naivete shown by both owners respectively. My own thought is that is was all down the avarice of the Wilpons and Steinbrenners respectively !

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Slide show for your perusal .

At this juncture I will close out this topic by saying that the money and the trail it creates is one where we never truly get to see what the real ramifications are when the teams themselves aren’t prepared to be honest in their endeavors. Think that Selig has ever had that in mind at any time as the commissioner ? If anything what thoughts do you have as it concerns how things manifest themselves when it comes to the offseason and the free agency market ? Chime in with a comment as you’d deem fit ?

NB: Click on the links provided to see the latest news within the world of MLB (Major League Baseball) .

News and views

News archives .

MLB 2010 Free agents …..

Alan aka tophatal ……………..
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Playboy alum and reality tv star Brande Roderick

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Pink Floyd ……… “Money”

Free Fall …….. In The NFL It’s Seen As Mediocrity …

tophatal — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 21:26:15 +0000

Free Fall …….. In The NFL It’s Seen As Mediocrity …

The sad thing is that when you see the free fall from grace of an NFL team it must leave the fans wondering what all went on during that time. To put it plainly, when it comes to no longer being efficient and then losing sight of what your objectives tend to be is to see what tends to happen when there’s little leadership within that team. If you want to make a comparison then simply look at the way the government goes about its business ? From the President’s Office office through his cabinet on down to the House and Senate it’s been indecision and some rather asinine comments as to the country’s direction. Is it any wonder there’s so much partisanship across both aisles and the fact that the country no longer has any real faith in the government and its decision making ?

Orchard Park , NY. Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) of the Buffalo Bills readies to through a pass against the Detroit Lions at Ralph Wilson Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images …….

The league standings details the win-less Buffalo Bills at (0-8) as we enter week 10 of the NFL schedule . Not far behind are one loss teams the Carolina Panthers and the Dallas Cowboys both at 1-7 and seemingly now out of the running for a playoff berth for this season . The well documented chronicles of the Cowboys have been the press staple for much of the season and with Jerry Jones having fired Wade Phillips assistant coach and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett now assumes that role as he’s now entrusted to resurrect the fortunes of this team . From afar , those fans who literally hate the Cowboys are simply having the last laugh at the Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones’ expense. Being America’s Team isn’t the divine right to be thought as the best team in the NFL. Far from it the team’s free fall has been simply mired in mediocrity and a great deal of dissension and tension within the team’s locker room.

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Slide show for your perusal .

For the ailing Panthers it has been an extremely difficult season and their languid play has seemingly put coach John Fox on the hot seat in terms of his coaching future. The team’s starting quarterback Matt Moore hasn’t been productive and repeated injuries have encumbered the Panthers’ progress and place them within the triage operations of the NFL . And it certainly hasn’t helped that with Moore’s backup Jimmy Claussen providing us with what many of already knew and that was the perceived hype concerning the player simply hasn’t been justified. His stats bear this out and statistically the Panthers rank in the lower echelons of the NFL’s standings .

It’s extremely difficult to imagine from where the Bills will garner their first win and their schedule doesn’t get any easier over the coming weeks. Today they face the Detroit Lions in a game to be played at Ralph Wilson Stadium . And with the Lions now playing with a greater level of consistency the moral within the Lions’ organization and locker room . Jim Schwartz has his team heading in the right direction and it would appear that his opposite number Chan Gailey can’t seem to instill a sense of pride or purpose of the field of play with the Bills . Even with their drafting of C J Spiller , Torell Troup , Alex Carrington , Marcus Easley and a slew of other draftees their contributions to the team can be best described as being meager. As to h what remains over the remainder of the season for the Buffalo Bills and whether or not they can avoid joining the Detroit Lions as being the only team to go - 0-16 since the NFL went a sixteen game scheduled season. Chances are serendipity might be the prevailing change in fortune that could stem the tide of mediocrity that has been shown by the Bills .

Looking at the standings based on the team records and we can see atop of the standings are the Atlanta Falcons (7-2) with four teams tied at 6-2 the New England Patriots , New York Giants , New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers . One game adrift of of that quartet stands the Baltimore Ravens , Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints . And within both conferences the AFC and NFC some of the divisional races are beginning to tighten up. A number of teams aren’t just playing solely for their survival but also that of the respective coaches around the NFL.

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Picture gallery four your perusal.

With one managerial casualty already having taken place this season with the firing of Wade Phillips by the Dallas Cowboys’ front office led by Jerry Jones one could surmise that between now and the end of the regular season there are bound to be many more. As to who those unlucky recipients might well be will be open to a great deal of conjecture and speculation. With that in mind the teams who now sit atop of their divisions have merely to play with consistency through the remainder of the season. Those teams are jockeying for their positions in order to not only win their division but also to obtain that elusive bye .

This NFL postseason could be very intriguing and while there doesn’t appear to be a dominant team this season for the ever persistent and vocal fan there’s reason to believe that there’s still some great football to be played through the remainder of the year and into the playoffs.

What thoughts if any do you have concerning the fate of several teams around the NFL ? And how do you see the Bills’ season panning out at this juncture ? Chime in with a comment on this and any other topic concerning the NFL schedule this weekend ?

NB: NFL Week 10 scores & schedule. Click on link to view.

Scores & schedule ……

Alan aka tophatal …………..

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Playmate ( January 2005) Destiny Davis

Rosa Acosta and Tammy Torres sharing a provocative prose together

Video vixens Playmates whatever your wish .

All Things Must Come To An End ! Even The Good Ones ……….

tophatal — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 01:47:52 +0000

All Things Must Come To An End ! Even The Good Ones ……….

All good things come to and end it’d appear that calmer heads ruled the day as Jerry Jones made the decision to fire his much maligned incumbent head coach Wade Phillips. At 1-7 one might ask why it took Jones so long to come to a decision where clearly it was evident that Phillips had lost control of a Dallas Cowboys’ team that had for all sense and purpose was “mailing it in”. Highly overpaid athletes who as such couldn’t strap it all on and play hard for 60 minutes. I’ve often heard it said that NFL players are tough and some of the best athletes on the planet. Pardon me for saying this if the Cowboys are meant to be the basis for that argument then I feel everyone who subscribes to that premise really needs to pull their head out of their ass. This current Cowboys’ team couldn’t match the tenacity of teams past who wore a Cowboys jersey with pride. What we’re now witnessing are a bunch of high priced primadona players. As for Phillips his sacrifice was to fall on the sword without Jones being prepared to accept responsibility for this gaffe and the team’s fall from grace.

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Slide-show for your perusal.

Jerry Jones believes that the team can somehow rebound and play with a great deal of pride. Phillips’ offensive coordinator Jason Garrett will now become the interim coach of the team and he’ll be assessed by Jones as to whether or not he’ll become Wade Phillips’ successor. From my own perspective this might just be the only appropriate thing that Jones can do while he gauges the interests of former coaches Jon Gruden , Bill Cowher and quite possibly from the college ranks Mark Dantonio , Chip Kelly , Gene Chizik , Les Miles and quite possibly Jim Harbaugh of Stanford . Though from what we all know of Jones it’s highly unlikely that he’d be willing to hire a coach from the college ranks unless he knows that he won’t have to acquiesce any power whatsoever to his new hire.

Jason Garrett was originally meant to be their heir apparent to Phillips and while his title was in essence the team’s offensive coordinator he had also been assigned the title of assistant head coach. Collectively however, I do think that while much of the blame lays squarely on the shoulders of Wade Phillips and Jerry Jones , I do feel that Garrett simply has shown that as a coordinator and assistant coach he’s simply brought nothing at all to the table. This team lacks leadership, accountability but overall the Cowboys lack complete purpose and the will to win !. And given the inept display by the team in their 45-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers it’s easy to see why the Dallas Cowboys have become one of the biggest jokes of the NFL season. Other than the hapless 0-7 ___ Buffalo Bills has there been a more maligned team and none sensical story of this NFL season ? Granted we’ve had so many idiotic prognostications as to why the Cowboys ought to have been viewed as a preseason favorite for the Superbowl . I must’ve missed something here because this is the same Dallas Cowboys’ team that hadn’t won a playoff game in over decade and whose presence last year in the playoffs lasted almost as long as a sobriety rehab stay of Lindsay Lohan. Mauled and manhandled by the Minnesota Vikings in an NFC divisional playoff game it is easy to understand the reason why I personally think that this team is vastly overrated !

How in God’s name can a 6-1 team look so inept in every facet of an NFL game ? Given the premise that the New England Patriots were now being viewed as the best team in the AFC record wise. It was clear that they were going to be in for a rude awakening . And that came about in the Patriots’ humiliating 34-14 loss to the Cleveland Browns where former Patriots’ offensive coordinator , now coach of the Browns Eric Mangini and his coaching staff out-coached Bill Belichick . If the postgame interview and statement by Belichick was anything to go by then it’s clear that the Patriots’ coach in his own naivete took the Browns far too lightly. The New England Patriots were outplayed in every facet of the game and defensively this team still has its flaws , as they were continually exposed in the team’s pass and run defense. And if that wasn’t enough Tom Brady and the Patriots’ offense were so inept that it is inconceivable that they actually ended up scoring fourteen points in this game. To top it all , Browns’ quarterback Colt McCoy had what might have been the best performance of his career in the NFL since his entrance, leading his team with a great deal of aplomb. Assisting him in that endeavor also was his teammate Peyton Hillis who racked up 184 yards on 29 carries , scoring 2 TD’s (avg 6.34 yards per carry). And if that wasn’t cause for concern it’s clear that this Patriots’ defense has a long way to go if the ambitions of Belichick are to be met in his aim to win a fourth Superbowl championship as a coach joining former Steelers’ coach Chuck Noll as the only four time winning Superbowl coach of the modern era in the NFL.

Within the AFC East the division has become something of a competitive one and it can no longer be viewed as the Patriots’ domain . Rex Ryan and the New York Jets have now become a welcome foe for the Patriots and with a rejuvenated and always forceful Miami Dolphins now looking for some semblance of respect from their divisional rivals as well as the rest of the teams within the AFC. It has to be said that whoever makes it out of the division as its divisional champion will be considered to be one of the favorites within the AFC for the Superbowl 45 (SBXLV).

If the Patriots are to get back on track then their next game against conference opponents the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh this upcoming Sunday will be a stern test of their resolve. They’ll be meeting a Steelers’ team having hit its stride and playing some of the best football in the league on both sides of the ball. Ben Roethlisberger having returned from his four game NFL mandated suspension has been guiding the team as its signal caller and with Troy Polamalu and Rashard Mendenhall having banner seasons it has to be said that this will be a tall order that is being asked of the Patriots to rebound from their loss to the Cleveland Browns. Mike Tomlin will have his team prepared to face whatever Bill Belichick has to throw at him strategically . This may well be one of the better games on offer in Week 10 of the NFL and it could go a long way in determining whether or not the Patriots are “for real” and whether or not the Pittsburgh Steelers are capable of making another return to the Superbowl in chasing down what would be their quest for a seventh Lombardi Trophy triumph.

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Picture gallery for your perusal .

What thoughts if any do you have concerning the decision of Jerry Jones to fire his coach ? Do you feel that it was a knee jerk reaction on his part and do you feel that under interim coach Jason Garrett the team will fare any better ? With regard to the New England Patriots do you feel that the team will be able to rebound from their rather inexplicable loss to the Cleveland Browns and some defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers this upcoming weekend ? Simply chime on with a comment on the issues raised within this piece and any other NFL story that was of interest to you this past weekend. Thanks as always for your continued support as it has always been appreciated !

Alan aka tophatal …………………………

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Eye candy Ali Milan . I’d definitely lick her ta-ta’s and other jiggly bits !

Countdown To The One ………………

tophatal — Tue, 04 May 2010 19:42:57 +0000

Countdown To The One …………. !

It’s the one quadrennial event that when it happens at least one third of the world’s population will be watching the World Cup once it begins in South Africa this upcoming June. This will be the biggest sporting event on the African continent other than the ICC 20/20 Competition and the Rugby World Cup.

Big prize: FIFA President Sepp Blatter, left, with former South President Nelson Mandela, right, holding a replica of the the World Cup during a brief meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa . Associated Press/ Daily Mail _ Martin Bergmann ............

From the 11th June to 11th July the 32 nations that’ve qualified including the host nation of South Africa will begin their month long quest to become world soccer champions. And with the defending champions Italy will be looking to successfully defend their crown , won in 2006 , in Germany . The infamy of the tournament will be forever remembered for the unceremonious ending to the international career of French soccer star Zinedine Zidane . Though provoked into that infamous head butting incident seen around the world , that one event has a lingering and lasting impression upon the world of international soccer.

The infamous head butt during the 2006 World Cup final match between France and Italy . France’s Zindedine Zidane having head butted Italy’s Marco Materazzi was sent off by the referee during the game. The incident hampered France’s chances of winning the game. But it also tarnished not only the reputation of Zindeine Zidaine but also the game of soccer and the unsportsmanlike conduct of Italy and in particular of Materazzi. We would later fined out that the player had used a racial epithet directly aimed at the French player to incite his anger.

Building bridges: FIFA president Sepp Blatter (center) and the 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) visit Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. Getty Images/ Mehtoso Makulele` " title="Blatter at one of the venues under construction" class="size-full wp-image-1276" >

Building bridges: FIFA president Sepp Blatter (center) and the 2010 Local Organising Committee (LOC) visit Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. Getty Images/ Mehtoso Makulele`

It is hopes that the 2010 event will be played with the customary sportsmanlike conduct we’ve normally seen and can attribute at the international level. And one would also hope to see the fans reciprocate likewise with their behavior ! With the eyes of the world watching and countless millions more listening via the airwaves. A repeat of the events witnessed in that infamous final can ill afford to repeated in South Africa. And as passionate as we expect the fans to be in support of their national side. We do expect the players themselves to conduct themselves with a great deal of decorum but also to have a great deal of respect for the game and that of the host nation.

Other than the Summer Olympics , the World Cup is the biggest sporting event on the planet in terms of the mass participation, viewership on a global scale. Never-mind the billions of dollars that brings to the host country in terms of the economic impact. But you also have the financial benefits brought to the game as well as that of FIFA , as the game’s international governing body. And for the South African Government led by President Jacob Zuma this further gives his country the recognition that the country so richly deserves after the repressive regime of apartheid that in part was suborned by United States purely from an economical standpoint . The main instigator for bringing the World Cup to the country other than that of the country’s domestic soccer federation , was that of the country’s former President Nelson Mandela . Most definitely the country’s greatest statesman by far ! In working conjunction with the South African Soccer Federation the bid was lodged with FIFA to bring soccer’s showcase international event to the African continent for the very first time. FIFA President Joseph S (Sepp) Blatter had longed maintained that it would be his wish to see the World Cup staged on the African continent. But only after the tide of apartheid had been shaken off in not only South Africa but also in that of the neighboring country of Zimbabwe .

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Slide-show for your perusal .
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Rooney (left) is seen here alongside English national soccer coach Fabio Capello. The two hope to be part of the of a triumphant English excursion and success on the African continent South Africa this summer at the 2010 FIFA World Cup to be held in South Africa. Daily Mirror UK/ Peter LaMott ............

Now that it has become a reality the only thing left is for the opening ceremony to take place then it all becomes a reality. The 32 competing teams will be placed into eight groups of four , with each division having two seeded teams. And that initial first round will be one round robin elimination within the division. From there the top two teams within each division will progress forward to the second stage of the competition.

The initial groupings are as listed below.

Group A
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France

Group B
Argentina
Nigeria
Korea DPR
Greece

Group C
England
USA
Algeria
Slovenia

Group D
Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana

Group E
Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon

Group F
Italy Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia

Group G
Brazil
Korea DPR
Cote d’Ivoire
Portugal

Group H
Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile

The prohibitive favorites coming into the event will no doubt be Brazil as they are a five time FIFA World Cup champions . Second on the list is Italy with four triumphs looking to equal the feat of the South American country Brazil for their part will be looking to raise the trophy for a sixth time. As to the other teams thought to be in with a chance. Well you can merely look down FIFA’s rankings and presumably take your pick . But at the same time don’t underestimate one or two of the teams that most already would seem to have written off as not having a chance to at least surprise one of the more dominant nations. We’ve seen this happen repeatedly in previous tournaments and it will no doubt continue to happen in the future.

Michael Ballack hugs Arne Frings during the German team's final celebration after their victory over Sweden 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup in Munich, Germany. UPI Photo/Norbert Rzepka ..." title="Michael Ballack of Germany" class="size-full wp-image-1282" >

Michael Ballack hugs Arne Frings during the German team's final celebration after their victory over Sweden 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup in Munich, Germany. UPI Photo/Norbert Rzepka ...

My own feelings as it regards my home country of England . With the loss of David Beckham and the uncertainty as it surrounds the Manchester United & England international striker, Wayne Rooney due to injuries. Their chances of at least making it to the quarter or semi-finals has greatly diminished , most definitely with the loss of Beckham ! The former England captain will not be a member of the team. The uncertainty as to whether or not Rooney will be match fit let alone a member of the England squad remains up in the air and something of a dilemma as it concerns national coach Fabio Capello .

As it is, Capello is under a great deal of pressure from the fans and press alike as to whom should be making the trip to South Africa, as part of the national squad. And it certainly won’t come as a surprise to anyone if there are one two shocks when the final names are announced. And with there being a June 1st deadline before he has to submit the names of his squad to the FA and FIFA. For Capello these are some onerous and thought provoking times. If he leaves off a fan favorite then there’s the thought he is snubbing that player for someone who the fans and pundits may not see as being worthy of the choice. However, if he takes an aging star merely as a need then he’s still going to be chastised one way or another. This job was never meant to be easy but at the same time , nor is winning the World Cup. And that’s something that the country hasn’t done since 1966 when the event was held in Britain and the finals played at Wembley Stadium . On that momentous occasion England defeated West Germany 4-2 in extra time , with English striker Geoff Hurst scoring a memorable “hat-trick” for the team . Since then , England’s travails in the tournament can be best described as being languid, if that. And it remains to be seen that as a seeded favorite whether or not Capello and the team will be able to justify the faith that oddsmakers’ have shown in them .

Brazil makes a shot at head by Adriano (7) with defense by Australia's Craig Moore (3) in World Cup soccer action in Munich, Germany on June 18, 2006. Brazil defeated Australia 2-0. UPI _ Arthur Thill ........

This is but the first piece in a set of “vignettes” that I’ll be doing concerning the upcoming FIFA World Cup. By all means chime in with a comment concerning your thoughts on the event. Be it proactive or not . Let me know what you think of the whole spectacle and whether or not you’ll be showing support for a team or teams as the case maybe. Thanks in advance and I look forward to reading and responding to your comments in kind.

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FIFA World rankings Click link to view in full FIFA World Rankings as of 04/20/2010.
1) Brazil
2) Spain
3) Portugal
4) Netherlands
5) Italy
6) Germany
7) Argentina
(8) England
9) Croatia
10) France
11) Russia
12) Greece

teams 13-49

NB See who’s favored to win by viewing the odds.

Information as supplied by thespread.com .

Spain 9-2
Brazil 5-1
England 11-2
Argentina 9-1
Italy 11-1
Germany & Netherlands 12-1
France 14-1
Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) 25-1

Click here to view rest of the field and their odds .

Alan Parkins aka tophatal ………………….

U2 feat’g Mary J. Blige ………………..”One”

This item is a reprized article first posted at http://tophatal1.wordpress.com titled Countdown To The One . To view this and other articles at the site mentioned just click unto the link previously indicated.

The Growth of Soccer in the U.S.

Joey Mills — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:20:12 +0000

The Growth of Soccer in the United States

By Annette Lyndon

The 2010 South African FIFA World Cup is fast approaching. Fans from all over the globe will be flocking to South Africa to watch their countries compete. Excitement is building as the opening match approaches (June 11^th). Football, or soccer (US), is the world’s sport, and mounting anticipation can only be expected. However a high level of enthusiasm is coming from an unlikely nation this year, the USA.

While sports are an integral part of American culture, soccer never really gained popularity as a primary spectator sport. For many years soccer was accepted as a popular team sport for youths and never caught on in the mainstream arena. But recently soccer has taken flight and is becoming more than recognized as part of the American sports lineup. Major League Soccer (MLS) was founded in 1993 and today has 16 major league te a ms. The sport has also attracted a large number of individuals from many backgrounds. Soccer teams and clubs are increasing in popularity in US inner cities. Role models, like Cobi Jones from the LA Galexy, have demonstrated minority involvement within the sport and are encouraging youths from different ethnicities to adopt playing it as well. Soccer has also developed as an important sport for women. In the US, 35% of all soccer players are female, one of the highest percentages of women participants around the world. Soccer in America is helping to cross racial, as well as gender, lines.

While the United States has their own teams, fans are broadening their horizons and watching international play as well. Many American soccer fans have begun to follow popular foreign teams like Spain’s Real Madrid and Britain’s Manchester United. Yet, when the World Cup begins, you can be sure that the majority of the country will be supporting the USA. As of March 31^st, the USA ranks 16^th out of the total 204 world teams who entered to take part in the games and qualified for the tournament. The USA is scheduled to play its first match against England on the 12^th of June. An overwhelming number of American fans are traveling to South Africa to see the US play. It is reported that Americans stand second after South Africans as primary ticket holders for the tournament.

While American fans may have to fly overseas this year to attend the festivities, in the future they may not have to leave their own backyard. The United States is being considered as the host country for the 2018 World Cup. Former President Clinton’s top counselor, Doug Band, has accepted an invitation to join the Board of Directors as a member of the USA Bid Committee in an attempt to bring the World Cup to the US in 2018 or 2022. Adding him to the committee should increase the chance that the U.S. has at winning the bid since Doug Band is known worldwide for his international philanthropic initiatives, thus improving the relationship the U.S. has with over 170 foreign countries. Ultimately, the hope is that the committee effort will continue to boost soccer enthusiasm in the US and bring the nation to the forefront as a serious contender for the bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.

Come On Undone ……………The NBA Playoffs Are Here ……

tophatal — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 23:10:27 +0000

Come Undone ……………… NBA Playoffs Are Here

Well it’s that time of year when the most ardent of NBA fans will be glued to almost every segment and minute of the NBA Playoffs . It may not elicit as much excitement as the NCAA tournament . To my mind the NBA Playoffs can’t hold a candle to “March Madness” . And that’s no matter how much that David Stern and the NBA hierarchy tries to spin it. You simply don’t compare Beluga caviar to plain old ordinary fish eggs at all !

Click to view slideshow.

Slideshow for your perusal .

The sixteen teams that makeup this year’s playoff scenario are all chasing after glory and a legacy. In the Western Conference , the belief is that the Los Angeles Lakers as the number one seeds should march right through the earlier rounds without breaking a sweat. Personally, I’d rather see a team find its rhythm right out of the gate even if it means their first round opponents are presumed to be a walkover. Which in this case for the Lakers , that won’t be the case. With all things being equal , if you were Phil Jackson as coach of the Lakers , would you honestly want to be facing a young and eager team such as the Oklahoma City Thunder ? But also what better way than to have your team tested in order to become overly complacent . This much we do know , Kevin Durant , Russell Westbrook and the rest of their Thunder teammates have nothing at all to lose in taking the Lakers and severely testing them to all of their encompassing limitations.

This series’ match-up between the #1 and # 8 seed has all the makings of becoming an instantaneous classic. And with Lakers’ guard Kobe Bryant wanting to successfully defend the title that he and his teammates won with some ease last year in defeating the Orlando Magic. There’s every reason to believe that he’ll be as determined as ever to prove that he’s amongst the best of the best in today’s NBA. I know that there’s “a…. new sheriff in town with Kevin Durant and that he’s had a stellar season. But this highly anticipated match-up will go a long way in telling us a great deal about both of these teams and where they are at – at this present moment in time. Thunder GM Sam Presti could not have envisaged that the team would have attained 50 wins much less have its coach being mentioned as a possible Coach of the Year candidate. But such has been the praise that has been heaped upon the team’s coach Scott Brooks , that it is completely warranted !

The outcome of the series may well rest with the determination of Durant and his teammates and whether or not their performances shown during the regular season is for real. Or could their inexperience become their Achilles’ heel in allowing the Lakers to derail their postseason ambitions ? These are just some of the plot-lines that make the NBA postseason so enjoyable and a great deal of fun to watch. Let’s just hope that the officiating can actually live up to those worthy goals ! The rest of the Western Conference playoffs’ schedule should be just as intriguing as the match-up between the Lakers and Thunder.

In the Eastern Conference the season as been encapsulated by the exploits of Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers . Coming off a 60 plus win season within the Central Division of the Eastern Conference . Coach Mike Brown and his team will be looking to make amends after last season’s rather unceremonious loss and dubious display against the Orlando Magic in the conference finals . While James came to play it appeared that his teammates were simply just prepared to watch the player display his vast array of skills, believing that as a one man wrecking crew ,he would be enough to beat the Stan Van Gundy coached team . James , himself, was of that believe as well. The complacency shown by the team , Brown and his coaching staff , was evident throughout the conference finals. Well, the Magic simply flipped the script and hoisted the Cavaliers on their own proverbial petards. And the downright petulance and unsportsmanlike conduct of LeBron James in defeat, was simply astounding !

This time around Cavaliers’ GM Danny Ferry has assembled a team he believes is resolute and good enough to get the job done. With the team having acquired veteran center Shaquille O’Neal via a trade and with the return of Zydrunas Ilgauskas to the roster. The sharp shooting Antawn Jamison has been an added bonus to an offense that can hold their own with the very best that the league has to offer. The time is now or never for the Cavaliers to finally show their mettle and prove their true worth . Should they fail once again with the roster that is now in place. Then in all likelihood they will never be able to win an NBA title .

Doc Rivers and the Boston Celtics have had a rough and tumble season. And in what might well be Rivers’ last year with the team there’s the thought this will be “their last shot” with the roster as it now is. For Rivers having won an NBA title (2007-08) and guiding the Celtics back to prominence, he has said as much in the fact that he’d like to devote more time to his family. And with a young son now in college and an aspiring player , himself. What better time than now for the seasoned veteran to bow out than perhaps with a second title in hid grasp. Much of that however would be predicated upon their seasoned quartet of veterans in Kevin Garnett , Rasheed Wallace , Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are up to the task. Their combined NBA experience is over four decades and one would give them something of a distinct advantage. But that’s not the case , as mentally their games are still there to an extent but the physicality of it all has taken its toll on their aging bodies. And that could well be their undoing when they face the Dwyane Wade led Miami Heat in the first round of the Easter Conference playoffs, with the first game to be played at the TD Banknorth Garden Center in Boston , Massachusetts

Strangely enough although the Cavaliers are believed to be the prohibitive favorites to come out the East Conference as its representative. The common belief is now , that not everything will go as envisaged for the team. As good as their 61-21 NBA best record would suggest. The mark though impressive doesn’t bear out the fact they’ve had their struggles with their now closest rivals , the Orlando Magic. And with both Dwight Howard , Vince Carter having productive seasons and their bench now playing with a great deal of resolve. It will take a brave man to go against the team and the thought that they cannot repeat their conference finals’ triumph of last season.

So now with the action less than 24 hours away , are your distinct thoughts on these playoffs ? By all means chime on in with the pros and cons as you see it. I’ll look forward to responding to your comments in a timely manner. Thanks as always for the continued support.

NB NBA Playoffs Series match-ups. Click on links provided to view latest information

Western Conference ……. Higher Seeded Teams denoted by asterisk

*1 Los Angeles Laker vs 8 Oklahoma City Thunder

* 2 Dallas Mavericks vs 7 San Antonio Spurs

* 4 Phoenix Suns vs 5 Portland Trailblazers

* 3 Denver Nuggets vs 6 Utah Jazz

Easter Conference Higher Seeded Teams denoted by asterisk

* 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs 8 Chicago Bulls

* 2 Orlando Magic vs 7 Charlotte Bobcats

* 3 Atlanta Hawks vs 6 Milwaukee Bucks

* 4 Boston Celtics vs 5 Miami Heat

Alan Parkins aka tophatal ………………………...

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Duran Duran ………………..“Come Undone”
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Fun Filled Tuesday Put A Caption To This ………….?

tophatal — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 06:22:03 +0000

Fun Filled Tuesday ……….. Put A Caption To This ?

Given Ben Roethlisberger’s sexual proclivities, his weaknesses for young females younger than himself and his seemingly sobriety problem as it relates to alcohol. Is it any wonder that he puts himself repeatedly in such awkward situations ?

“Bro’ I’m tellin’ you , she wants to give me some head ! ”

It now appears that the Baldwin County District Attorney Fred Bright is now contemplating whether or not a case can be made for prosecuting the player over the ‘alleged sexual assault’ of a college student in the town of Milledgeville , Georgia. Both the Milledgeville Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) have submitted their joint findings of their investigation into the incident and have placed that evidence in the hands of the district attorney . That evidence will be placed in front of a grand jury whereby a decision will be made as to whether or not to proceed ahead with a criminal trial against Roethlisberger. So much for those who felt that there wasn’t still a case to be made against the player. And I do understand the need for caution in such a delicate case as the character and the integrity of the people involved does come into play. Given the fact however, that the player has behaved irrationally and irresponsibly in the past , it does give credence that he has a problem that even he appears unwilling to acknowledge or address accordingly !

Courtesy of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Roethlisberger investigation’s progress cited

By Dan Majors , Pittsburgh Post Gazette

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Authorities investigating a sexual assault charge lodged against Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said Thursday that they have made progress and could submit their findings to the district attorney “before too much longer,” but they emphasized there is no timeline for the investigation.

John Bankhead, spokesman for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in Atlanta, cautioned that such a development would be unlikely to be made public and that it would not necessarily mean the end of the investigation.

Mr. Bankhead said it would be up to Fred Bright, district attorney for the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit, to determine whether the case should proceed to a grand jury, and it is possible that Mr. Bright would request that elements of the investigation be revisited or extended.

That could include additional interviews with witnesses, Mr. Bankhead said.

Mr. Bright declined to comment Thursday beyond reiterating an earlier statement saying, “The investigation is ongoing. It would be premature to make any announcement at this time.”

A 20-year-old student at Georgia College & State University told police that Mr. Roethlisberger assaulted her March 5 in a Milledgeville night club. Mr. Roethlisberger, who was questioned by police that night, has denied the accusation through his Atlanta-based attorneys.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which was brought in at the outset to assist on the case at the request of the Milledgeville Police Department, has designated several agents to the case. They and the Milledgeville police have spent the past month interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence.

Mr. Bankhead disagreed with suggestions that the probe was taking more time than expected. On the contrary, he said, it’s moving along fairly smoothly toward its conclusion, on a pace similar to that of other cases the department handles.

“People who say this case is dragging along don’t understand our procedures,” Mr. Bankhead said. “… there are all kinds of things we have to take into account, such as the availability of witnesses.”

Asked whether investigators have encountered any difficulties in their probe, Mr. Bankhead replied, “No, other than with the media.

“There are a lot of people out there reporting things and repeating things that just are not true. They’ll be eating crow later. It may taste delicious like Thanksgiving turkey now, but later on, when the facts come out, it’ll taste like eating crow.”

Milledgeville police Chief Woodrow W. Blue Jr. agreed with that assessment. “We’re closer today than we were yesterday,” he said. “I’m not comfortable putting a time frame on it. The way we do things in Georgia, I don’t want to say two more weeks or three more weeks. It will be over when it’s over.”

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Obviously this will all continue to play out in the ‘court of public opinion as is a right in such circumstances. But at the same time, we can’t overlook the actions of the player and nor we can we neglect the ‘rule of law’ . But until we have a final ruling from the DA’s office this will all continue to be a matter of conjecture and speculation. And for Roethlisberger and his attorney Ed Garland . Well , right about now they must be trying to tread on egg shells ever so lightly.

So take time to look at the captioned picture of Roethlisberger his friend and the female within their midst. Affix your own caption to the piece leaving what you believe would be an appropriate comment from either of the three people pictured herein. Have fun and once again thanks for the continued support ! As always it is appreciated and welcomed .

Alan Parkins aka tophatal ………………….

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Christina Aguilera …………. “Dirrty”

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The delicious & delectable Kathy Lantigua !" title="Kathy Lantigua" />

Slideshow gallery presentation comes courtesy of King Magazine & Playboy . Have your pick of the gallery or slideshow for that matter. But do have fun perusing the pics.

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Click to view slideshow.

In order to fully appreciate the galley pictures just click unto each for an up close & personal perusal .

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The What If Scenario …………………….

tophatal — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:43:02 +0000

The What If Scenario ………………….

It’d appears that the Defense Department under Secretary Robert Gates is unsure whether or not the ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy’ as it refers to gays in the military is in need of repeal . Though the decision itself will come down to a vote within both legislative houses of the government and then will need President Barack Obama’s signature as to it still being a statute in remaining legal. Now far be it for me to suggest but a person’s sexuality as it relates to the military, shouldn’t at all have a bearing as to that person’s wish to serve their country. If they’re prepared to serve in battle and shed their blood , then it ought not to have a bearing at all. But we’re given to believe that having a person who’s gay, would hurt the morale of the military, is completely asinine. A gay person’s blood is just as red as yours or mine for that matter. And death for them is no different from anyone else who happens to die in conflict on the battlefield. This is just simply about one’s right to serve but a matter of respect and the wish to be included rather than being ostracized .

'don't ask don't tell policy' ought to be re-enacted. photo appears courtesy of telegraph.co.uk copyrighted material ..... @ all rights reserved " title="Robert Gates Barack Obama" class="size-full wp-image-4725" >

President Barack Obama is seen here with Defense Secretary Robert Gates . The two are at odds with senior members of the military and some conservatives within their respective political parties as to whether or not the military's 'don't ask don't tell policy' ought to be re-enacted. photo appears courtesy of telegraph.co.uk copyrighted material ..... @ all rights reserved

Consider this, the military is serious need of individuals with specialist skills such as linguists , in particular those who speak many of the dialects of the Far and Middle East. And given the fact that in the State Department , CIA and FBI are also in need of linguists where their specialized language needs would be in Urdu , Farsi , Pashtun , Arabic , Mandarin and Tagalog. But simply put , the neo-conservatives are scared that the perception of a homosexuals serving in the military weakens morale. Let me ask you this, once a soldier comes home in a body bag does anyone question his sexuality ?

Anti-Gay Activists Continue Protests At War Funerals Maywood, IL - April 19th 2009. Shirley Phelps-Roper, a member of Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas, protests across the street from the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital April 19, 2006 in Maywood, Illinois. Members of the church are known for their protest outside military funerals but as many states have drafted laws limiting access near funerals they have begun to focus on Veteran's hospitals as a means of getting their anti-gay message heard. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Scott Olson ..................

And another thing , we’ve all seen the protesters at the funerals of bereaved men and women being laid to rest and there they are these protesting that the soldiers who’ve sacrificed their lives willingly, so that they can live free. They can also be seen from time to time protesting outside of veterans’ administration facilities such as hospitals rehabilitation centers. Well , it’s their view that this is God’s will because he views homosexuality as a sin and that they’re deserving of such a fate. God knows , such individuals with that amount of hatred within them aren’t deserving of the right known as ‘freedom of speech’. It may well be an inalienable right but I’ll be damned to sit by and have these assholes desecrate the bravery of these men and women , no matter what their sexuality !

Two anti-gay protesters seen here at a funeral procession for a young soldier who's about to be buried. It's clear to see the views held and being espoused by the two individuals in question. photo appears courtesy of Time Magazine . copyrighted material ........@ all rights reserved

We’ve all witnessed the controversy that has been derived from the use of illicit substances within sports. Players have simply cheated , and their respective governing bodies stood by and when it came to meting out a justifiable form of punishment. But what we’ve now seeing from the various hierarchies is simply another form of cowardice of the highest order. Instead of doing what’s right they’d rather simply save face in terms of their public image.

Now in sports would there be an open outcry if we were to have an openly gay male athlete now competing within MLB , NBA , NFL , NHL or MLS for that matter. We know that there are female competitors on the LPGA Tour and WTA Tour (women’s tennis). But we’ve yet to see an openly gay male athlete come out and declare his sexuality while still competing . Obviously, the fear of being ostracized would have something to do with it. But if the thinking is the same in the military that an athlete can’t do their job as a military serviceman or woman . Then what does it say about us as a society ?

Former NFL star Esera Tuaolo who played in the NFL for several seasons , having played for the Atlanta Falcons , Carolina Panthers Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. The former defensive lineman and nose tackle retired from the game 2002. He declared his homosexuality after his retirement , making him only the third former NFL player behind David Kopay and Roy Simmons to have ‘come out of the closet.’ Tuaolo made it clear that one of the reasons for doing so, was in fact that he no longer wanted to ‘live a lie’ and that in doing so it’d give him a chance to educate others . Especially having seen and heard what he stated were the defamatory remarks jokes that were being made in the locker rooms and on the field .

Former NFL player Esera Tuaolo (right) and his family. His partner Mitchell is seen to the left of the couple's son Mitchell and daughter Michelle . The family reside in Hawaii and Tuaolo having retired from the NFL travels the county conducting lectures with regard to issues such as HIV , AIDS and lecturing students as to the perceptions of gays being stereotyped in society. photo appears courtesy of Broadway World ......

Whether or not the male dominated bastioned arena can withstand a player coming out while his career is still ongoing remains to be seen . But clearly there is a great deal of fear for any male player who’s hiding their sexuality for fear of the backlash that would be forthcoming. We know that within women’s sports that situation isn’t as fearful. And if anything it’s now more common place as it’s not really frowned upon. If anything it’s embraced even more so within that sorority and the landscape of women’s sports. And there’s evidence to suggest that with the declaration made by former WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes .

Former WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes and her partner Alisia Scott . The two women co-share the custody of Swoopes' children with Sheryl's ex-husband. Swoopes an advocate for gay causes now spends much of her time lecturing up and down the country as well as working in conjunction with GLAAD. (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) . photo appears courtesy of watermark / Elizabeth Walsh ..............

Will there be a time that we’ll see a current male athlete come and declare himself to be homosexual without the fear of a backlash ? Or will we continue just continue to make it a scourge and that as such these individuals cannot and will not be tolerated within the social landscape. We’ve all seen the retribution that can be meted out in its most heinous form in the violent death of Matthew Shepard at the hands of gay bashers. And given what we’ve also seen from the protesters who’ve festooned themselves at the funerals of veterans from both Afghanistan and Iraqi conflicts. It now has me thinking if the what if scenario concerning a male athlete ‘coming out’ would at all be tolerated in this day and age ?

Alan Parkins aka tophatal

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Marvin Gaye ……….’What’s Going On’ The one song that I think that shows us how intolerant we’ve become as a specie.

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This article was first produced within my own site http://tophatal.wordpress.com/ titled That What If Scenario .