Yup, David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy arrived in Manila as part of their Asia-Pacific Tour. You could also consider it as the farewell tour for the English midfielder, considering he already has offers from Paris Saint-Germain and others to return to Europe.
You can check out here for some details. Also here.
Football in the Philippines has come a long way after a year. From being nowhere in sight to now being in the spotlight. Hope this continues.
Here forth are the links to make your morning after the jump. Free your Christmas Day sked. The rest will follow on Tuesday. (c/o SLAM Online & ProBasketball Talk)
Meanwhile, you can commence your chase. (c/o HoopsWorld)
Another Cavs legend heads towards the comfy confines of the state of Florida. (c/o Orlando Sentinel)
Oklahoma State tried its best, but that loss at Ames really hurt, especially under the circumstances surrounding the university on that day. (c/o The Oklahoma Daily & USA Today)
Welcome to the latest edition of The Victory Formation
The baseball trade deadline came and went. Football signings are afoot. Things are in sync. Except for the baller in me. There is still no basketball in the foreseeable future in the United States. It's disappointing, but I still need my normal updates on basketball. By this time, there should be discussion on the Association, like some summer league action.
I was also a little disappointed because our football team exited out of the 2014 World Cup. Sure, we played a tough opponent, but we had our chances and we muffed those. Nothing else to it. We'll be better at it and Moscow beckons for us.
On the other hand, my alma mater is 5-0. And that is a very awesome feeling.
Futbol really gaining a foothold in the United States. (c/o Washington Times)
New York Red Bulls with a trophy to take home. (c/o Tribal Football) But there was supposed to be a plan to allow Thierry Henry to play for Arsenal for 5 minutes. (c/o Vital Football)
The ticking time bomb (c/o Crunch Sports) that is Mario Balotelli. (c/o The Guardian) Yup, that guy did this recently:
There were some trades... More discussion on The Boxscore later. (c/o Weekly Hit Ground Ball)
Where do you go now, Terrelle? (c/o Mocking the Draft)
Plax to the Green Side of New York. (c/o The National)
Now why would you walk out on a team? (c/o NFL Spin Zone)
To part, these guys were just here this past weekend.
Welcome to today's edition of The Victory Formation.
Happy Easter, everyone. The significance of the holiday for Christians all across the world signifies one's faith.
"If you have faith, you have hope. And if you have hope, you have life."
I love that quote. And more impressively, that quote came from Sixers head coach Doug Collins.
Easter means the end of Lent. It means the end of my sort of penance. Mine has been to not to order burgers and fries for the entire span. Yup, 39 days of no burgers. (I did have a one day cheat by having this). Now I can finally have my taste of Baconators, Big Macs, Double Downs, Champs, etc.
Lots of great action over the past two days in the Association. It would be a total shame if both the owners and the players decided to chuck it all away with a stupid lockout, I tell you.
So what went on in the NBA Playoffs? Here is my take on the scene. The Celtics easily dispatched the Knicks via a sweep (c/o Newark Star-Ledger). Quite simply, no Billups? Gimpy Amar'e? No chance. That buys time for the C's with Shaq (Boston Herald), whom they'll need in the next round. As for the Knicks, all about whether Donnie (c/o Sporting News) stays and to a lesser extent, D'Antoni.
The Sixers denied Miami the privilege of sweeping them (c/o Miami Herald). Heat can be great when they have their 2 1/2 Men on full blast, but sometimes, just 5 five field goals from your seven other players might not cut it on some days.
Just like the Sixers, the Indiana Pacers also denied Chicago a chance at a sweep (c/o Indianapolis Star). Derrick Rose (c/o Chicago Now) will be just fine, so never fear. In other notes, Jeff Foster has been upgraded (c/o Chicago Daily Herald).
The shocker has been how Atlanta has continued their in-season form against the Magic. They're one game away from advancing (c/o Atlanta Journal-Constitution). Yup, they won their latest without Zaza Pachulia (c/o SB Nation) and withstood the charge from Gilbert Arenas (c/o Magic Playoff Beard). With Rick Adelman just wandering around, the pressure is on for Stan Van Gundy.
The maddening JR Smith. He first hints he may not sign with the Nuggets (c/o Scoop Du Jour). Then, he almost single-handedly got them back in Game 3 (c/o The Oklahoman). Still, the Thunder are up 3-0 and are looking towards advancing. Brandon Roy may be far from his all-star days due to his knees, but he can still get it done for the Trail Blazers (c/o Portland Tribune). Mavs paranoia reigns again.
Lakers got Jack'd up (c/o New Orleans Times Picayune). Chris Paul has the same number of triple-doubles as a Hornet with Baron Davis. Kobe sprained his ankle, spawning lots of buzz against low-cut sneakers (c/o OC Register).
Speaking of Gasols, the one who's playing better is the one in Memphis, as they have a 2-1 lead over the top-ranked San Antonio Spurs (c/o Today). Nope, there will be some Dice action later (c/o Project Spurs).
Here forth are the other links:
Yes, my beloved Bolton Wanderers beat the Kroenke Gunners (c/o The Guardian).
Real Madrid get a replica after they dropped it. (c/o Inside World Soccer) Meanwhile, they (c/o Scottish Daily Record) and Barcelona (c/o Tribal Football) did fine in their warm-up for their huge Champions' League donnybrook this week.
Shakira and her boyfriend are getting it on whilst the game is going on. (c/o Dirty Tackle)
Can you imagine if there was promotion-relegation in the four major American professional sports? (c/o MLS Talk)
Eric Cantona has a plan for the New York Cosmos. I think it is inevitable that if LA has two teams in MLS, NY should have two of their own as well. (c/o ESPN)
The past two days have some weird special significance that are very interesting and weird.
First, July 31 not only serves as the end of the month, but also serves a special day for all Jesuits and its institutions. That day is St. Ignatius Day. Saint Ignatius of Loyola was after all, the founder of the Society of Jesus. He died on that day in 1556. Known for the Spiritual Exercises, he is also the patron saint of the Basque region and spritual retreats.
In the midst of the collegiate season, we normally win those games. And we did last Saturday against National University.
Yesterday, August 1, is a special day for all Simpsons fans. Specifically, yesterday was the day Lisa Simpson was to be married. Yup, Lisa Simpson was to be married to Hugh St. John Alastair Parkfield. That occurred during Season 6.
Interesting tidbits from the wedding include:
- The networks have merged into ABCNNBCBS; FOX is now a hardcore sex channel
- Brits can brag about saving America's ass in WWIII.
- The Rolling Stones have embarked on their "Steel Wheelchair" tour (and are lauded for their "tireless efforts to preserve historic buildings").
And this is the invitation:
Hereforth are the links:
So, the Yankees got Berkman, Wood & Kearns, but lost to the Rays, who only added Chad Qualls. But these additions are for the long haul, with October in mind. Veterans hungry for a ring of their own.
The Dodgers added arms in Ted Lilly (and Ryan Theriot) and Octavio Dotel, but they sorely needed bats, who were MIA in their loss to the Giants, who also needed bats but only secured Javier Lopez and Ramon Ramirez.
Cardinals trying to chase the Reds for both division and wildcard, acquire Jake Westbrook. They sent Ryan Ludwick to the Padres, which sorely needed bats at pitcher-friendly Petco and already made an immediate impact against the Marlins.
First of all, I had the pleasure of attending my first Auto Show yesterday, I am amazed with all the vehicles that were there. But there was this one that caught my eye.
Pardon as it is not much, you can say it is partially mailed-in.
Welcome to a special edition of TMA, since I switched days with Sparty for this week only.
You are probably wondering why I switched. It is because I will be unavailable to post stuff as I will be vacationing in Singapore. After the work I have had the past few days (one of my officemates is ill and I am forced to handle some of his responsibilities), I deserve a break.
Anyhow, this will be brief since all I can think of is that frigging merlion. Time to share the link love.
The uncapped year has arrived. Means that the lockout looms closer than ever. Here is what the ESPN's resident football nerd's FYI on the uncapped year.
Revis Island has a new partner. Expect a lot of balls thrown there.
End of an era in Carolina. That would be a good thing as it ends a running punchline lasting the whole season.
Today is Monday. It is technically a holiday here, but only for students. The working class hero (like me) will be plugging away at the office. Well, today back in 1986, there was a bloodless revolution that toppled a dictator four days later. I was only four years old then, so not much memories.
Speaking of Mondays, this particular day of the week is always a struggle for me. Since I work under the Eastern timezone, which is 13 hours (or 12 in certain circumstances), it equates to being at work late at night until the early morning. So if I had a great weekend, I need to compensate and readjust my clock back to where it was. Serious sluggishness ensues. But no worries. I love my job and what i do, so there.
Here are the links, after the jump.
Redemption for Salt Lake City? Mission still unfinished, though. Oh. 30 years ago, today....
NBC = FAIL. Agreed? Good thing I managed to watched it sort of (TV was on while I dozed off).
And so, these are the deals that beat the deadline buzzer.
1. Dallas gets Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and Deshawn Stevenson from Washington for Josh Howard, Drew Gooden, James Singleton and Quinton Ross
2. Portland gets Marcus Camby from the LA Clippers for Travis Outlaw and Steve Blake
3. New York gets Brian Cardinal from Minnesota for Darko Milicic
4. Cleveland gets Antawn Jamison and Sebastian Telfair from the LA Clippers and Washington. LA Clippers get Drew Gooden from Washington. Washington gets Zydrunas Ilgauskas, draft rights to Emir Preldzic and a 2010 1st rounder from Cleveland, as well as Al Thornton from the LA Clippers.
5. Chicago gets Hakim Warrick and Joe Alexander from Milwaukee for John Salmons, 2011 and 2012 second round picks and option to switch 2010 1st round picks (with top-10 protection for Chicago)
6. Charlotte gets Theo Ratliff from San Antonio for a future second round pick.
7. Charlotte gets Tyrus Thomas from Chicago for Acie Law, Flip Murray and a future first round pick.
8. Milwaukee gets Royal Ivey, Primoz Brezec and a 2010 second round pick from Philadelphia for Jodie Meeks and Francisco Elson.
9. Memphis gets Ronnie Brewer from Utah for a future 1st round pick.
10. Sacramento gets Dominic McGuire from Washington for a future second round pick.
11. Boston gets Nate Robinson and Marcus Landry from New York for J.R. Giddens, Eddie House, Bill Walker and a future conditional second round pick.
12. New York gets Tracy McGrady and Sergio Rodriguez from Houston and Sacramento. Sacramento gets Larry Hughes, Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey from New York and Houston. Houston gets Kevin Martin, Jared Jeffries, Jordan Hill, Hilton Armstrong, the right exchange 2011 1st round picks and a protected 2012 first round pick from New York and Sacramento.
And let's take a look at each team who partook of the trades.
Dallas nets Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and Deshawn Stevenson. Caron represents an upgrade in scoring talent from the enigma that is Josh Howard. He would be a nice 3rd wheel to Dirk and the Jet. Haywood finally becomes the low post presence Damp was inconsistently trying to be. Stevenson will be a defensive specialist ala Trenton Hassell / Greg Buckner. We'll see if this move makes Cuban's crew worthy challengers to the Lake Show.
Washington nets Josh Howard, Quinton Ross, James Singleton, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Al Thornton, draft picks and draft rights. You can blame Agent Zero for the quick implosion of the Wizards, which will be completed by the time Gilbert is jettisoned out. Foye and Howard represent some good talent now. Javale McGee and Andray Blatche will be your low post "threats" and if they do not get John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins would be an interesting alternative.
Portland nets Marcus Camby. Had to be done because you are asking too much from Juwan Howard to play 30++ as your starting big. This hopefully also frees up minutes for Jerryd Bayless with Andre Miller now starting. In addition, also frees up minutes to be divvied up between Nicolas Batum, Rudy Fernandez and Martell Webster once Brandon Roy is healthy again.
LA Clippers nets Steve Blake, Travis Outlaw and Drew Gooden. They officially are now in play for the 2010 sweepstakes. Only 4 Clippers are not free agents (Blake Griffin, Eric Gordon, Baron Davis and DeAndre Jordan). Outlaw serves as an upgrade over Thornton and will be a key component once he is healthy again. Jordan now steps in to play major minutes now with Marcus out of the way. The potential is there to be harnessed. GM Dunleavy has an idea on how to play this offseason.
New York nets Brian Cardinal, Eddie House, J.R. Giddens, Bill Walker, Tracy McGrady, Sergio Rodriguez and a draft pick. I shudder at the thought of the Knicks not getting anything out of this year's crop of free agents.
Minnesota nets Darko Milicic. After watching Lebron vs Melo on the front end of the TNT doubleheader, I remembered the All-Star game in Jerryworld and I remembered my tweet: 5 of the top 6 picks of the 2003 draft class were in it. Darko, welcome to the frozen tundra / barren wasteland.
Cleveland nets Antawn Jamison and Sebastian Telfair. I wonder what was Danny Ferry discussing / teaching Antawn and Bassy while watching Lebron pull out a 40+, 10+, 10+ game. Last time someone pulled out a 40-15-15 was Pistol Pete in 1974. Welcome to the all-or-nothing show feat. the Lebrons.
Chicago nets Hakim Warrick, Joe Alexander, Acie Law, Flip Murray and draft picks. Bulls are stuck in the middle of a middling group of teams that are in the playoff race while retaining cap flexibility. Hakim and Tyrus are kind of the same talent. They still might not be finished as they still have to figure things out with Hinrich.
Milwaukee nets John Salmons, Royal Ivey, Primoz Brezec and draft picks. They might finally have someone who can replace Michael Redd's numbers and minutes. Like the Bulls, they also might not be finished.
Charlotte nets Theo Ratliff and Tyrus Thomas. Larry Brown is going for the stretch run to get the 'Cats a playoff berth. Ratliff plays the right way and they can be patient with Tyrus given the depth of their bigs. Priority now will be getting DJ Augustine to "play the right way" and getting a little more guard help with Felton.
San Antonio nets a draft pick. Well, this move is for cap reasons and cap reasons only.
Philadelphia nets Francisco Elson, Jodie Meeks and draft picks. Considering the circumstances, they merely tweaked their mediocre lineup. They got talent, but they really need to figure out what to f'n do to Elton Brand. They need him to produce the way he did with the Clippers and not this pedestrian guy they are overpaying. One thing for sure, Sammy Dalembert is playing inspired ball right now (although I gotta admit, he's still overpaid).
Memphis nets Ronnie Brewer. Finally, a productive piece they can use for their bench. No team is as reliant on their best five than the Grizz (Conley, Mayo, Gay, Randolph, Gasol).
Utah nets a draft pick. See my comment on the Spurs. Besides, they love Wes Matthews, Ronnie Price and Sundiata right now. Oh, and they are definitely rooting for Knick failures. Imagine if John Wall goes to Utah. Or Evan Turner.
Sacramento nets Dominic Mcguire, Larry Hughes, Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey. Relatively surprised with them dealing K-Mart, but they apparently deem him as expendable with Tyreke. I think Carl Landry will be in way over his head with this deal, but the Kings need low post offensive threats and he is one of those. I still hope the Bear Jew gets more minutes now.
Houston nets Kevin Martin, Jordan Hill, Hilton Armstrong, Jared Jeffries and draft picks. Rick Adelman coached K-Mart in Sacramento. He knows what he will be getting from him. He will be great with them right now. Even better once Yao returns next season. Daryl Morey may have definitely has outsmarted two of the smart genius GMs in the NBA (Petrie / Walsh). They added size and another Battier-like player in Jeffries to boot. Now H-Town has three defensive options (Shane, Trevor and Jared) to sick on the likes of Kobe, Melo, Roy, Dirk, etc.
Boston nets Nate Robinson and Marcus Landry. Big D has said he is pretty disappointed that this is the only move they made. But considering what Jesus Shuttlesworth pull off against the Lake Show, maybe the right thing was not trading Walter Ray. Still, this team needs a shock in the system.
Congratulations, New Orleans! You did it. You have finally won it. The 9th team to win it in its first try. After all you have been through, you deserve it.
I actually missed out on the first half and halftime show. And as you all know, the Philippines does not get to see the Super Bowl commercials. Thank God for the gift of Youtube! for me to catch up. Blame it on a good time last night. I enjoyed it, maybe too much. While you guys get the CBS treatment, we here get the world feed feat. Bob Papa and Joe Theismann.
However, the 2nd half was great. Seeing two teams go at it mano-a-mano, capping off with the Tracy Porter pick 6.
Welcome to the first TMA of February. In days, it will be Single Awareness Day all over again for all unattached people everywhere.
I need a date. I need love. I need eternal happiness and bliss. At least all of you have a lovelife. I don't. What should I do?
Maybe I should do the ff:
1. Shape up. 2. Save. 3. Be true to myself. 4. Act like I was already worked on by the Queer Eye folks.
Anything else? Maybe Trey's advise as seen in previous posts would be a great suggestion for all desperate single guys and ladies out there.
***
Oh, I was at my sister's debut the other day. She looked like an absolute pink princess. Looking back, I felt that I should be able to be more of a responsible bro and be more of service. Also realized that man, I look so dated at my pictures. I also thought about my dad, who wanted this to happen for her. Man, time has passed. Anyway, stop being mushy.
Time for Link love:
Grade III Sprain = Torn Ligaments. Will you play, Dwight Freeney?
The Maple Leafs made their move. Let's see if it pays off.
NHL can't get a break with scheduling. Stanley Cup rematch gets buried on Pro Bowl Sunday, Grammys, and Boston-LA. Penguins have not lost on shootouts.
And the Fed Express continues. He's ahead of Tiger now.
Coming soon on May Day. But he still takes potshots at my boy. He is just envious that the writers love my boy. Ok. You win your match. We win ours then we talk. Deal?
Futbol update: Man U chasing Chelsea. Plus, I wonder what African officials would do if they were shot at by militants like the Togolese endured.
Well, like I promised last time, here are my All-Star reserves...
Picking the reserves will be this simple: 7 players will be selected, with 5 position players (2 guards, 2 forwards and a center) and 2 wildcards. You can be creative with the position designates (but it has to be feasible).
Guards: Rajon Rondo and Joe Johnson. I really believe Rajon will be one who could pull off a quad-double. Joe Johnson has been Mr. Consistent for the Hawks.
Forwards: Gerald Wallace and Paul Pierce. Crash has earned his spot, with Charlotte in the inside track of the playoff chase. John approves of Paul Pierce getting in.
Center: Chris Bosh. If KG decides to rest instead of playing in Dallas, the Texan native is the odds-on favorite to replace him in the starting 5.
Wildcards: Josh Smith and Mo Williams. J-Smooth really improved and deserves a selection. Yes, Mo Will is going to be out, but he deserves selection as Lebron's #2. Then you can replace him with a big man (considering the team only has 2 center-eligibles).
Missin' the cut: Derrick Rose, Antawn Jamison, David Lee, Andrew Bogut, Ray Allen, Joakim Noah, Al Horford, Jamal Crawford, Stephen Jackson, Danny Granger
Guards: Chris Paul and Deron Williams. Finally, both guards Atlanta eschewed to get Marvin Williams are in the weekend spectacle simultaneously.
Forwards: Kevin Durant and Dirk Nowitzki. Easiest position to select, because these two are slam dunk selections. Dirk as a hometown choice, and because we cannot ignore the Durantula anymore.
Center: Zach Randolph. Who knew? A trade afterthought actually panning out for the Grizzlies. One game out of 4th place in the West. Yes, Memphis.
Wildcards: Brandon Roy and Pau Gasol. Two really great players with injury issues. Their team's record speaks for themselves (especially Portland, whose MVP is their training and medical staff)
Missin' the Cut: Chris Kaman, Chauncey Billups, Jason Kidd, Carlos Boozer, Monta Ellis, Tyreke Evans, LaMarcus Aldridge, Aaron Brooks, Carl Landry
Interesting to note that 15 of 16 playoff teams (if it started today, have at least one representative) Bulls have no representative in the ASG, based on my choices.
Now what are your choices, then? Have a hack at it.
***
Meanwhile, the league has given the length of the suspension to both Javaris and Gilbert. What's the next move? Thinking about the scenario now, Will the new ownership eat the worst contract in the NBA? Because who in their right mind will trade for Gilbert? If the buyout happens, this would be another piece of an interesting offseason to come. Your move, Ernie. For Javaris, he really needs a change of scenery. Would have liked his hometown team (Atlanta) to take a chance, but they are loaded in the backcourt (unless Joe Johnson leaves).
Welcome to the last Monday of January. Has it been that fast already that it is almost February? Yes, time flies fast when you want it to be.
I am happy with how things are going with regards to Haiti relief. Apparently, people have learned from the Katrina experience and decided to ensure help is on the way. I presume you all watched the telethon a few days ago. Efforts are still ongoing. The islands lost a few lives there, but help is on the way. It's not much, but we know the feeling, so we know what is needed.
Hoping we do NOT have another Rachel Nichols stalking moment with Favre.
Another new chapter to the Purple Fail. And that does not include the Prince ode to the Purple and Gold.
Meanwhile, Kwsn prevails over Patphish. Come to think of it, Kwsn will win in the Super Bowl whether Colts or Saints win. Will probably relish a Brees vs Painter match-up, no matter how unlikely that happens.
Happy Martin Luther King Day to you! Today is an important day on American soil. I am sure you have you moments, to which you can freely share here. Maybe Cycledan or Cabbage or Patphish can share first-person anecdotes, eh?
But seriously, I am sure the best way to honor him is to serve the human person. Serve those who need it more than you. I appreciate all the help you guys pitched in when my fellow countrymen were in need late last year. I am sure those affected value your assistance in any way possible.
Now, a country needs your help. Go out and make a difference. It will be hard to expect you going to Port-au-Prince, but there are other ways.
Pardon because it is done in the native tongue of my motherland, but it is a message that we, as a nation want to express and send to the Haitian nation.
I hope you had a blessed New Year weekend. It's back to normalcy. It's back to work. It's back to the dullness. Back to the lemming syndrome most of the world has to deal with. I myself will be at the office tonight (today for you guys)
1. Volunteer. There are good organizations out there that would benefit well from what you do best. You can even donate. The world would be a better place. Whether donating cash or spending time or even donating blood. 2. Exercise. Do I have to explain after eating a roasted pig, pizza, pasta and ham during the past two weeks? 3. Partake of Local Culture. Of course, there's more to learn about your own.
As such, since Fantasy Football season is now officially over for the regular season, are we going to have a Playoff pick 'em or challenge? I wish I could be competitive there.
Btw, NFL Films says these games were the best of the 2009 regular season: Pittsburgh - Minnesota (Favre's first loss this season), Indianapolis - New England (4th and 2), Detroit - Cleveland (Stafford game winner), New Orleans - Washington (Suisham miss), Green Bay - Pittsburgh (Mike Wallace and 60 minutes)
Fantasy Update:
S&F League: Sparty wins over JDS, 165-140. Favre and Long finishes 3rd, 175-145. I win my matchup, 165-133. M&F League: Patphish wins a close one over Sae, 185-181. Mikey whooped GITC, 157-97. I merely tied TONS at 161. Pick 'Em: Tila Tequila Ate My Balls wins by 2 over Futbol Pick.... Just happy to finish 8th, because someone forgot to put his picks in *ahem*Big D*ahem* Eliminator: I ended like the Indianapolis Colts, missing on my last two picks (Thanks, Tampa Bay and Cleveland). However, Rek was able to fish a tie with 15. He actually had the chance to end up with a higher score, but he would blame Brandon Marshall and Josh McDaniels. Bowl Mania: Let's put it this way: the highest Max score belongs to C. Hirsch with 381. Patphish is close with 377. Johnny has 375. Kwsn and Jen also have a higher Max Score than the current leader. Time to do the link love:
This Bill Polian's argument for what they did. Julian Edelman better get ready to catch a lot of balls.
You would think he would be signed by the Hoodie for next year.
We here gets lots of cases regarding firecrackers. Never knew it could happen on your side of coast.
A scathing criticism of the handling by the WWWL on the Texas Tech crisis. By the way, they should be rehiring McNeill ala the Bill Stewart route and consider what the Texas Tech administration are doing as window dressing.
GatorTrey must be loving this. Oh, and Pat White's ok. You can breathe now. I just want to commend the sportsmanship of the Steelers during that whole process. But you're losing an awesome corner.
Unfortunately, it was not because of a punch to the throat.
Why so serious, Gilbert? Oh, and his Twitter is a must-read the way the Starbury videostream was a must-see.
The punishment may be just, but the postseason ban might be too much and it is unfair to the student-athlete.
He brings in the money when he boxes, but he does not when he acts. You get the idea? (UPDATE: this contains updated numbers) Just for your reference: PhP 46.03 = $1.