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August 23rd
 

World Cup 2010 Recap

The most popular sporting event in the world is nearing a close so I figured it was time to give it some time on the site. I am sure you have seen the recent World Cup craze taking over your office killing productivity from 9:30-11:30 and then again from 2:30-4:30. If you think that is bad it is nothing compared to Brazil whose country nearly shuts down during the World Cup causing the country to lose millions on game days.

South Africa the Host Nation

All the talk has been about Africa finally getting to host a world cup. After the stampede problem just before the beginning of the Cup things have gone off without many noticeable glitches. Unfortunately for the continent, however, only one team made it out of the group stage leaving a few of the countries most notable names (Drogba and Eto) on the sidelines. At the same time that makes Ghana's progress to the quarterfinals that much more impressive as their superstar Essien has been out since injuring himself during training for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Poor Referees

Another talking point during this Cup has been the quality of officiating. The first scandal dropped when the US' game winning goal was wiped away without any explanation from the ref. Soon after Kaka was thrown out of a game versus the Ivory Coast for a phantom foul call. Then in the knock out stage England lost a goal against Germany that completely changed the tide of the game. All of these calls should not be happening during the biggest sporting event in the world. Things have gotten so bad FIFA is now talking about installing instant replay.

Play on the Field

The United States was finally put out of their misery by Ghana after their tendency to start slow finally cost them a game. Some will question the coach's lineup decisions, but at this level if a person is on the team they should be able to step up to the occasion.

Across the board goals have been few and far between. Due to this the sport is unlikely to gain any sustainable momentum in the US. However, for the games excitement a lack of goals creates a tense environment where any goal can be the game winner.

As for the teams remaining it is much to be expected. Brazil has walked into the quarter finals toying with their competition. Spain outlasted Portugal in a blockbuster 2 vs 3 matchup. Overall the field has shaken out as expected with 5 of the remaining 8 teams being ranked in the top 10 of the world.

Final Prediction

Brazill vs. Argentina

Where In the World is ... Lebron James?

GOOD MORNING GOOD MORNING. Today is the day that people have been talking about for 2 years. It is July 1st 2010. The date hardly matters, but what can occur starting today does. Today is the first day of free agency or as it is called this year the first day of the Lebron sweepstakes. Over the next few weeks he will most likely be wined and dined by every NBA team that has any prayer of signing him. Not since MJ made his move to Washington have I heard such buzz about what one person can do for a city.

But where will Lebron end up? As I am moving to Chicago you can imagine my excitement when I found out that the Bulls were a front runner only to find out the next day that according to another source that Miami Heat were the new number 1. Then I wake up this morning and New York is leading the race because Lebron was seen checking out Bill Joel's old apartment. Who knows what tomorrow will show, possibly the New Jersey and Dallas billionaires will be battling it out to see who can spend the most money on impressing King James. And what if, I know it sounds crazy Lebron decides to stay in Cleveland, talk about the most anticlimactic ending ever.

Now I will throw in my 2 cents projection about where I believe Lebron will end up, but even as a betting man I wouldn't put any money on this. And if you were wondering how one could put money on this sweepstakes, the answer my friends, season tickets! Right now season tickets for all teams bidding for Lebron are at a reasonable price, BUT on the day of the signing or just before the signing the ticket prices will go through the roof and your resale of the tickets would provide a nice kickback.

Projection Percentages:

Chicago 35% New York 25% New Jersey 25% Cleveland 10% Miami 5%.

Photo of the Day: Baby's Beer Bottle

This photo taken from a Phillies game Sunday, captures a unidentified baby no more than 4 years old drinking from a plastic beer bottle. Phillies fans are gaining quite a rep this season making this the 3rd time that their unconventional fan base has made national news. "Phillies fans are an illustrious bunch. In the past year, they have vomite, prostituted and been tasered. Now it appears that childhood drinking can be added to the list," said the Huffington Post blog. They sure do know how to raise them in Philly.

Clash of the Titans: 2010 NBA Finals

This NBA finals marks the 12th time in which these two basketball giants have met on the hardwood during the finals. Of those 12 meetings the boys from Bean Town have won 9 of those championship crowns. Most notably were the rumbles in the 80s between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson that arguably ended up saving the NBA. Today's "legends in the making' wear shorts that are thankfully a bit longer but have match ups that are just as riveting. If your a betting man, this one may be just too close to call as both teams have grown since their last 2008 match up. Here are our predictions for how this renewed rivalry will play out.

Adrienne- Lakers.

John- Yes, Kobe is Kobe, and Pau is lightyears better than he was in 2008. However, Garnett seems to be at or near 100%, Perkins and Davis have matured substantially, and Rondo is now a premier point guard and master of the steal. The Celtics have a defensive edge over the Lakers which should provide an overall advantage; Boston has allowed 10 fewer points per game in the postseason. Potential X-factors: Fish, 'Sheed (should I actually want him shooting 3's? I'm so confused), and Artest (offensively). Artest has been playing good defensive ball, so it will be up to Allen on the perimeter, Garnett inside, and Rondo on the fast break to make up for what could be limited productivity from Pierce. Celtics in an EPIC 7-game series, a show only the Lakers and Celtics can offer. Is anyone selling tickets for game 6 in the Garden? Or game 7 next to Mr. Nicholson? Boston.

Sport4Prophet- And so for the billionth time we have the Boston Celtics vs. the Los Angeles Lakers. As a former Sixers fan I am predisposed to hate both those teams but I will try and put that aside. This is a case that we often see in the NBA where the best two TEAMS will make it to the Finals and the Lakers and Celtics fit that bill. I think it really comes down to the matchups in this series: how Artest does about slowing down Paul Pierce, how Gasol does about the physicality of the Boston front line, how negatively Rondo and Bynum are affected by their injuries with their respective matchups, how good Bryant is able to chase Ray Allen off of screens without exhausting himself, and finally how much Garnett really has left in the tank. This could be an even better Finals than 2008 as both teams are now more comfortable with their rosters and most of the players have been upgraded. In the end I believe that whoever wins game 1 will most likely win the series as a. Phil Jackson never loses a series when winning game 1 (47-0) and b. I think that game 1 represents the Celtics best chance to win one on the road. Unfortunately, if I had to guess, I would pick the Lakers in 6 as the Celtics just seem a little too banged up and the Black Mamba seems too focused not to go for the kill. Ring number 5 for Kobayashi and the discussion for best Laker of all time begins. Lakers in 6.

Girmay- This will be a match for the ages. Aside from the two team's physical ability and talent for the game, you can tell they both are willing to die for it. What happens when your dream comes at the expense of another's? At the end of the day, the one who wants it more will win. I don't think anyone wants this more than Kobe. Look at this dude in interviews. In his opinion a Western Conference Championship means nothing. He is focused. He will get his 5th. One more until he equals the man whose shadow he's been playing in. Lakers in 6

Michelle- The anticipation behind this series is honestly enough for me. At the end of the day, I know that it is going to be a knock down drag out. Both of these teams have been tried and tested in the finals. And both have changed a bit since the 2008 when the Celtics came out on top. Gasol and Garnett down low should be a physical match Kobe will probably do some Kobe-esque things to keep us all on the edge of our seats. I also have my money on Perkins getting at least one technical before we get to game 4. At the end of the day I am hoping for the Celtics to pull through; in part because I’m a fan of the underdog and not too long ago we all (myself included) didn’t think the Celtics could make it this far. My brain tells me that I’m probably wrong, but let’s hope I’m not. Celtics in 7.

Marcus- Honestly, I don't really even have rational thoughts on this one. Even if rationally I thought the Celtics were going to win, I wouldn't be able to say that. But to try to get something rational out, I think that Rondo will give the Lakers a substantial amount of trouble, but that the series will likely come down to Kobe's ability to control the game and to give his team whatever they need. I think Pau Gasol is considerably stronger and more talented than he was the last time we saw this matchup. Lakers in 6

Realignment

The school year may be over, but that just means its closer to being football season. With all the talk about possible expansion of the Big Ten (which already has 11 teams) I thought it would be interesting to create my own football super conferences. I am sorry to announce for all those Big 12 folks out there I believe in order for this to occur your conference will have to collapse. Ahhh well.

Big 10
Will pick up Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh and West Virginia and Cincinnati
With these additions the Big 10 would definitely propel itself into a solid number 2 conference.
Games to look forward to in the new conference
Notre Dame vs Ohio State (Legendary)
Michigan vs West Virginia (Rich Rod Battle)
Michigan vs Nebraska (battle of legendary programs)
2010 Champion Ohio State

SEC
Same teams with the addition of the University of Texas, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, and Florida State and Miami.
aka the SEC just formed into the best conference ever to be in existence much like the Champions League in European soccer.
Games to look forward to in the new conference
Oklahoma vs Miami (Legendary)
Texas vs Florida (Amazing match up enough said)
Virginia Tech vs Alabama (New rivals albeit one-sided)
2010 Champion Alabama

ACC
To make up for the losses the ACC will pick up Rutgers, UCONN and Syracuse helping extend its reach further in the northeast.
Lets be real this league would not be that interesting.
2010 Champion Georgia Tech (Last season was not enough for them to gain access into the sec but if they keep it up maybe they could switch with under performing uga)

PAC 10
The Pac 10 would pick up Boise State, BYU, Texas Tech, Colorado, and Oklahoma State
Its funny that this set of schools would actually bring a load of credibility to this conference and make for a few more entertaining games.
USC vs Boise State (The new vs the old)
Oregon vs Oklahoma State (Gun slinging battle)
Stanford vs BYU (Can you imagine the stanford band on byu's campus. TRAIN WRECK!)
2010 Champion Boise State (tough decision but they would probably lose the fewest games)

National Championship
Alabama vs Texas
Two teams from the same conference! How would it happen? Alabama would beat Florida in the sec championship final which would allow 1 loss Texas to slide into the championship game AGAIN, because lets be real no one wants to see Ohio State in the championship game.

An Interesting Final 4

There will be one final, final four this coming weekend and the sport is Lacrosse. This Saturday in Baltimore UVA, Duke, Cornell, and Notre Dame meet to see who will take the crown. However, with all that is at stake on the field the game is the last thing people are talking about. The debate between UVA and Duke is more about their past scandals rather than who will win the third meeting this year between these teams.

Everyone is familiar with the Duke "rape" scandal that occurred 4 years ago. Drama swarmed the Duke campus as people were ready to throw the lacrosse team under the bus for their actions. Months later the world found out that the accuser was a crazy liar. Earlier this year she was arrested for attempted murder. Despite their names being cleared and a number of the former players moving on the Duke team still can not escape that label as being a group of rapist.

Just when it seemed like Duke would forever hold the crown as the most hated sports team ever tragedy struck the University of Virginia when a member of the men's lacrosse team decided to take the life of a member of the women's lacrosse team. Unlike in the Duke case and despite the loss both teams decided to continue with their seasons. Last weekend the women were knocked out in the quarterfinals by Northwestern.

With all of the attention on UVA's scandal Duke and its own past has been dug up from the grave. This match Saturday will really test who can bury the demons of their past and leave it all out on the field.

Game Notes
UVA is the number 1 overall seed and only lost one game this season, but the loss came to Duke
Duke is the number 5 overall seed and after a rough start to the season they have only lost one game and that was to UVA in the ACC tournament. Before that loss Duke had not loss to UVA in 5 years.