For sometime at the opening of the summer transfer window, Manchester United flirted with the idea of acquiring the services of Thiago Alcantara- the highly rated Spanish U21 International Captain and then Barcelona FC midfielder. The desire to sign the midfielder grow from a state of flirtation to one of earnest intent after his impressive showing at the 2013 edition of the UEFA U21 Championship, where his performances earned him the award for being player of the tournament. Thiago was destined to be a Manchester United player, or, at least so I thought. Up stepped newly crowned Champions League winners Bayern Munich at the speed of a Moscow Locomotive, to usurped Man Utd's overtures for the player, eventually completing a move worth £22million.
At face value, it might seem that Thiago gravitated towards the Bavarian club based on the mutual affinity shared between himself and their newly appointted manager Josep 'Pep' Guardiola who had given him his first team debut at Barca. But, what does this signify forn Man Utd?
Is the sale of Thiago to Bayern from under the nose of Manchester United setting the precedent for transfer dealings at the Manchester Club under new manager David Moyes? In my estimation if Sir Alex Ferguson (SAF) had still been the manager there was no way he would have allowed him to move to another club if he wanted he as badly as the reports suggested. Man Utd under SAF were notorious for getting the players they wanted.
David Moyes, until now, had not had a job at the pinnacle of football -thus, the aura of respect which surrounds him is lackluster in comparison to SAF. This does not in anyway mean that Moyes is not a good manager, for in my opinion he is very good ( to SAF too) but at the summit of global football management being a winner with a proven track record is what counts. Though Manchester United in and of themselves are perennial contenders for all trophies for which they compete, players look at the pedigree of the coach and not always that of the club. Granted some might do the converse.
Only time will tell if this is a tell tale sign of things to come, but ,one thing is for certain if I was a Manchester United fan, i'd be worried. Maybe I'm over analyzing the situation but perhaps not.
Can Moyes command the same level of respect as SAF did? Yes he can, but not immediately, it will take time for him to build is own aura like Fergie did himself but will it be to the detriment of the Manchester United's dealings in the transfer market during the interim?
Sunday, 28 July 2013
Sunday, 17 February 2013
Faith vs Work in Jamaica
Somewhere in the The Holy Bible in The Book of St. James, there is a sentiment which relates faith and work. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not yet perceived with the senses while Work is the application of physical effort to a purpose.
Jamaica, is a highly religious (highly segregated denomination) Christian country: or so most of us would like to think. The country is noted for its many churches and has been ranked as the country with the most churches per square mile.
This strong christian belief and faith transcend all levels within the social fabric of the country and is even nationalized by the country's government with an annual prayer breakfast in January of each year. This "prayer breakfast" was started in 1980 and has been going for the past 33 years. As the name suggests, it is where our leaders petition the help of the Almighty in the guidance and governance of the country. At least that's what I thought, until I read an article posted on the Jamaica Information Service Website titled... Prayer Breakfast Remains Relevant. (Which in itself is a different matter)
During this time (33years) the country has spiraled and pivoted to new lows in the occurrences of violent crime and other abominable activities such as and due to pervasive corruption. This begs me to ask the questions;
1. How big is our faith?
2. Does prayer really work?
3. Should we really look for help from "above"?
Let me unambiguously state, this is in no way, shape or form a tirade at any deity, religious group or belief system. I am simply questioning the evidence lucidly. You can never argue over belief as one will believe what they want to, hey, who am I to argue with one who says the reflection of the sea makes the sky blue: even though it is wrong.
I will not give my answers to the questions I have posed, however, I will say;
Abrasively, I think the prayer breakfast should be cancelled, (that's just me), if it's a fundraising and or social event, regard it as such and refrain from deluding the people of otherwise. It should also be cancelled because let's face it, from time immemorial we as a nation have been praying and it's just not working for crime (it seem fi work fi hurricane though). Some will say that those who have been praying have little faith and that is the reason for the in-effective of the prayers. In my opinion it is a whimsical farce, we should instead start to do the work required and stop deluding ourselves.
To me faith is fanciful belief which makes a virtue of illogical thinking and also keeps us in a fantasy. Instead of wearing its faith as an emblem, I propose to the government to start doing the work it takes to combat crime. When we come to the understanding and appreciation that praying alone will not stop the spiral and start putting in the work we might see better results. But all the same "wah gone bad a mawnin' caan come good a evenin'". As with many other things surrounding human life, I guess we will never know.
Jamaica, is a highly religious (highly segregated denomination) Christian country: or so most of us would like to think. The country is noted for its many churches and has been ranked as the country with the most churches per square mile.
This strong christian belief and faith transcend all levels within the social fabric of the country and is even nationalized by the country's government with an annual prayer breakfast in January of each year. This "prayer breakfast" was started in 1980 and has been going for the past 33 years. As the name suggests, it is where our leaders petition the help of the Almighty in the guidance and governance of the country. At least that's what I thought, until I read an article posted on the Jamaica Information Service Website titled... Prayer Breakfast Remains Relevant. (Which in itself is a different matter)
During this time (33years) the country has spiraled and pivoted to new lows in the occurrences of violent crime and other abominable activities such as and due to pervasive corruption. This begs me to ask the questions;
1. How big is our faith?
2. Does prayer really work?
3. Should we really look for help from "above"?
Let me unambiguously state, this is in no way, shape or form a tirade at any deity, religious group or belief system. I am simply questioning the evidence lucidly. You can never argue over belief as one will believe what they want to, hey, who am I to argue with one who says the reflection of the sea makes the sky blue: even though it is wrong.
I will not give my answers to the questions I have posed, however, I will say;
Abrasively, I think the prayer breakfast should be cancelled, (that's just me), if it's a fundraising and or social event, regard it as such and refrain from deluding the people of otherwise. It should also be cancelled because let's face it, from time immemorial we as a nation have been praying and it's just not working for crime (it seem fi work fi hurricane though). Some will say that those who have been praying have little faith and that is the reason for the in-effective of the prayers. In my opinion it is a whimsical farce, we should instead start to do the work required and stop deluding ourselves.
To me faith is fanciful belief which makes a virtue of illogical thinking and also keeps us in a fantasy. Instead of wearing its faith as an emblem, I propose to the government to start doing the work it takes to combat crime. When we come to the understanding and appreciation that praying alone will not stop the spiral and start putting in the work we might see better results. But all the same "wah gone bad a mawnin' caan come good a evenin'". As with many other things surrounding human life, I guess we will never know.
.
Thursday, 13 December 2012
Suspend the Witch Hunt out for Arsene Wenger
The position of Arsene Wenger as manager of Arsenal Football has been increasingly under scrutiny. As an Arsenal fan, I fail to see how anything good would and or can come from Wenger departing the Emirates.
Simply "WENGER IS GOOD FOR ARSENAL." These thoughts are not just made with reference to nostalgic thoughts to former years when we were not only the pride of London but the scourge of so many teams the world over. Who could forget that amazing night in the San Siro against Inter ( 5-1 to the Arsenal).
It is argued that Wenger is more concerned with the economics of football rather than the winning of trophies. This to me is the strongest point that can be made, however this is porous at best, there is a very important distinction that should be made i.e. ' ARSENE WENGER IS NOT ARSENAL FOOTBALL CLUB'. He was not the man who decided to build a new stadium (The Emirates,capacity: approx. 60,000) and depose the quaint Highbury (capacity. approx. 38,000) and turn it into expensive housing blocks. This move was made by the club's board which chose to upgrade to a larger capacity stadium to capitalize financially on the euphoria (brought about by Wenger's footballing philosophy) surrounding the club at that instant.
This decision inadvertently, put the club into debt. The move only worked to limit the resources with which Wenger had work and pushed the club to implement measures of austerity. It developed a player wage fee structure (based on there financial plan for developing Emirates) they would follow precisely. This in-particular started the exodus of the best players from Arsenal's set up year after year until we have arrived at our current position.The cuts also limited the amount of money he could or can spend on transfers.Many say the exodus and the frugal transfer dealings are Wenger's fault, open your eyes to what is going on. He is only a small part in a big machine (Usmanov, Kroenke, Gazidis+others).
I must admit Wenger is not at all blameless for the clubs current disposition, but the magnitude of the tirade levied at him is disproportional and not commensurate with his role. People tend to think that he (Wenger) sits by and takes any and everything the board of directors throw at him, of this I am not certain. But being the benevolent and respectful man he is, we will never know as he is not one who airs his dirty laundry in public.
I fail to believe that one man could be so sadistic to his own self, as with each passing week he veers closer to insanity brought on by a combination the lack luster performances of the team and the apparent lack of desire exhibited by the players (minus Wilshere and Rosicky). Clearly demonstrated by is quizzical and sometimes blank stares and water bottle throwing incidents.
Wenger is a true football connoisseur who deserves to be and should be appreciated, lets face it, not many better football managers exist. In my estimation only Jose Mourinho and Alex Ferguson are better ( eat your hearts out Pep Guardiola fans) and even then that is questionable.
Give the man a break, he's feeding a multitude with crumbs. Lay off him, if you really want to vent, I suggest you direct your attention elsewhere, at the board (the real transgressors).
Simply "WENGER IS GOOD FOR ARSENAL." These thoughts are not just made with reference to nostalgic thoughts to former years when we were not only the pride of London but the scourge of so many teams the world over. Who could forget that amazing night in the San Siro against Inter ( 5-1 to the Arsenal).
It is argued that Wenger is more concerned with the economics of football rather than the winning of trophies. This to me is the strongest point that can be made, however this is porous at best, there is a very important distinction that should be made i.e. ' ARSENE WENGER IS NOT ARSENAL FOOTBALL CLUB'. He was not the man who decided to build a new stadium (The Emirates,capacity: approx. 60,000) and depose the quaint Highbury (capacity. approx. 38,000) and turn it into expensive housing blocks. This move was made by the club's board which chose to upgrade to a larger capacity stadium to capitalize financially on the euphoria (brought about by Wenger's footballing philosophy) surrounding the club at that instant.
This decision inadvertently, put the club into debt. The move only worked to limit the resources with which Wenger had work and pushed the club to implement measures of austerity. It developed a player wage fee structure (based on there financial plan for developing Emirates) they would follow precisely. This in-particular started the exodus of the best players from Arsenal's set up year after year until we have arrived at our current position.The cuts also limited the amount of money he could or can spend on transfers.Many say the exodus and the frugal transfer dealings are Wenger's fault, open your eyes to what is going on. He is only a small part in a big machine (Usmanov, Kroenke, Gazidis+others).
I must admit Wenger is not at all blameless for the clubs current disposition, but the magnitude of the tirade levied at him is disproportional and not commensurate with his role. People tend to think that he (Wenger) sits by and takes any and everything the board of directors throw at him, of this I am not certain. But being the benevolent and respectful man he is, we will never know as he is not one who airs his dirty laundry in public.
I fail to believe that one man could be so sadistic to his own self, as with each passing week he veers closer to insanity brought on by a combination the lack luster performances of the team and the apparent lack of desire exhibited by the players (minus Wilshere and Rosicky). Clearly demonstrated by is quizzical and sometimes blank stares and water bottle throwing incidents.
Wenger is a true football connoisseur who deserves to be and should be appreciated, lets face it, not many better football managers exist. In my estimation only Jose Mourinho and Alex Ferguson are better ( eat your hearts out Pep Guardiola fans) and even then that is questionable.
Give the man a break, he's feeding a multitude with crumbs. Lay off him, if you really want to vent, I suggest you direct your attention elsewhere, at the board (the real transgressors).
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Consistently Top Quality Music
I know that from the caption some of you might think I'm referring to none other than the self proclaimed and professed "world boss", however I am not. I apologize for the disappointment. This post is about a group of four (4) musicians from Britain who call themselves collectively 'Coldplay'. They have delighted millions around the world with their melodious sounds and inspiring music.
The key, I feel, to their success, has been the fact that they just simply know how to assemble music. Arranging an ensemble is a key part of being a professional musician which many musicians in my opinion neglect. Their instruments accompany the unique voice of lead singer, pianist and husband of Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow ( the only member I don't have to google to remember his name) Chris Martin.
To date the band has released five (5) studio albums, starting with "Parachutes" in 2000, "A Rush of Blood to the Head" in 2002, "X&Y" in 2005, "Viva La Vida" in 2008 and most recently "Mylo Xyloto" in 2011. All these albums have gone platinum in the major markets of the world including the UK, US, Canada and Australia. I have listened to all five and I must say that all are top quality (epic even).
Making at a list of hits from Coldplay would mean me just writing all the tracks down from every album as slighted on each album cover.However, I have taken upon myself (in my infinite musical wisdom) the arduous task of picking my personal top 10 favourites to share with you. I will not comment on any of my selection, I will however provide links to all songs for you to make your own minds up. Enjoy!
10. Trouble
9. Lost
8. Fix You
4. Yellow
3. Viva la Vida
2. Clocks
I know I said 10 but Paradise deserves a mention in the mix. Consider it a brawta!
Feel free to comment.
Feel free to comment.
P.S. The other members of the band are;
Jonny Buckland- Lead guitarist
Guy Berryman- Bass player
William Champion- Drummer
THANK YOU GOOGLE!!!
Thursday, 22 December 2011
As the truncated NBA 2011-2012 season seeks to commence on Christmas day, A look at the teams are necessary. For my first blog post, I look a the Western conference teams the Mavs, Thunder, Clippers, Lakers and Spurs.
Beginning with the NBA Champions of last season, the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs have lost a player I consider to be one of the best defensive big men in the league in Tyson Chandler. However they have added notably to their roster the services of the experienced SG/SF Vince Carter and PG Delonte West. They have also acquired 12 year veteran Lamar Odom from the Lakers. Dirk Nowitzki, both Jason's Terry and Kidd remain. With an ageing roster it remains to be seen how the undoubtedly talented old timers will match up with some of the younger more energetic teams in the West; particularly the Clippers and the Thunder especially considering the aforementioned loss of Chandler who arguable was the source of much of the Mavs passion in their championship run last year.
Equipped with arguably the most talented scorer in the NBA in Kevin Durant and the talented but often times schizophrenic Russell Westbrook. The Thunder seek to replicate their efforts of last season and again reach the Western Conference Finals. This is not all they can hope for, as if Westbrook comes to the realization that the teams is not his to carry and improve his much maligned close range finishing they could do even better. My hope for a Westbrook epiphany is steeped in sentiment and to some a bit far fetched but hope springs eternal. Like the Mavs their roster has not changed that much and with good role players, especially the ever improving Serge Ibaka or as the Thunder fans say "Iblocka", Kendrick Perkins, Thabo Sefelosha, Nick Collison and James Harden they look set for another good season. Youth is an asset particularly in the compressed schedule.
Many fans this season are expecting something big from the Clippers in the wake of their acquisition of CP-3. I however do not share this optimism, firstly letting Chris Kaman go was a big blunder especially without getting an immediate replacement, mark you, they did get one of the leagues best point guards. The Paul trade I think was in an effort to aid the development of Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordon into consistent offensive contributors much like Paul did with David West at New Orleans. They have acquired a jewel in Caron Butler, but having sit out most of the Mavs title winning season it can mean one of two things; a hungry ball player with much to prove or a man not capable of scaling the heights he has in the recent past. The Clippers also look a bit guard heavy, with Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups, Mo Williams, Eric Bledsoe, rookies Travis Leslie and Courtney Fortson. Considering the economic repercussions of the Paul trade, the fact that Billups just arrived I think that Mo Williams should be used as a make weight in a trade for a big man. One thing is for sure I look forward to the many alley-oops from Paul to Griffin.
The new man at the helm of the Lakers; Mike Brown, has big boots to fill (literally) I do not foresee any problems for Brown as he had NBA coaching experience in Cleveland during the King James years. The Lakers made it clear that they wanted both Chris Paul and Dwight Howard, the Paul trade almost went through, and the offering of Odom as part exchange was what led him to leave. The trade rumours beg to question what are the aims of the Lakers for the upcoming season? Are they now looking pass Kobe Bryant as he enters the twilight of an exceptional career or are they looking for another Shaq in Howard. Whatever the answers are, one thing for sure whoever plays in the yellow of LA will not put them to shame. They always seem to do well, having acquired Troy Murphy and sharp shooter Jason Kapono, and retaining Metta World Peace (formerly Ron Artest) and Pau Gasol the team still looks strong. Really their is not much to say of this Lakers team. The roster might change before too soon, as they still seek Howard but let us see how things play out.
Similar to the Lakers there is not much the say about the San Antonio Spurs, there roster never jumps of the page but have good players to surround and aged nucleus which has Tim Duncan, Richard Jefferson, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. Duncan was rested for much of pre-season this tells the story of a team with over the hill stars, which are still good ball players but past their prime. The compressed season should take its toll on the old legs and have added effect also on the relative inexperience outside the nucleus player.
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