Wednesday 20 October 2010

Son of Gun

Incase you didnt believe me....






TO

How Times Have Changed


Wow, its been 6 months since my last post. I started working full time while still in full time university education and as you can imagine that left little time for thought provoking blog posts.

Well times have changed, and thus blog has served its original purpose perfectly. Reading old posts and seeing how my life and personality have changed is an extremely positive experience.

In the last 6 months I have:
  • Found an amazing woman
  • Got a 2:1 degree in Economics
  • Gained a graduate scheme placement with one of the largest companies in the world
  • Been to the most amazing town - Huron, Ohio
  • Seen the Atlanta Falcons play, live, in Cleveland, Ohio

"Self-reflection is vital to a nourished life". Apparently. According to a plastic mechanical physic at a Dave and Busters in Cleveland, Ohio. I have just been there on vacation with my girlfriend to visit some family friends. In 10 days I witnessed everything I want from life and fell in love with the entirety of the town. From firing a shotgun to watching ESPN all day, this is what I want. That's a powerful luxury and a great motivator.

Regarding self-reflection and motivation, if we look back to my last self absorbed post (all of them....I know) on goal setting; it makes terrific reading.


  • Get a place on a Graduate Scheme - CHECK
  • 5 Goals at the end of the season for D&C Athletic - ALMOST CHECK
  • Rent my first home - CHECK
  • Visit a city I have never been before - CHECK
  • See the Atlanta Falcons play - CHECK
Granted, the last two I owe to my girlfriend and her unbelievably gracious contacts in Huron, Ohio but I'd call that a successful 6 months. Maybe I should be aiming higher?!

So, for the next 6 months:
  • Get back to Huron, OH
  • Make some sort of progress at work IE. promotion
  • Have a second published article
  • Start writing a book
  • Become financially stable
Lets see how it goes this time, but I hope to be back in writing fashion from now on. Depends how the new job treats me!

TO

Wednesday 7 April 2010

Joining Techorati...

requires this code: 99DGRR8S6Y8J

TO

Wednesday 31 March 2010

Challenging Yourself.....Again

As some of you may know, I like to check in at seminal (always loved the way the word means important but also 'containing semen') moments in my life.

About every 3 months I've checked my goals and see if I'm anyway near them or if i'm realising them.

August 2009

January 2010

My short term goals for 2010 were:

  • Get a place on a Graduate Scheme
  • 5 Goals at the end of the season for D&C Athletic
  • Rent my first home
  • Visit a city I have never been before
  • See the Atlanta Falcons play
I'm in the process of getting on a Grad scheme at my current work, but thats not in the bag yet. I've got 3 of the 5 goals I need. I'm looking into moving out, and I better start saving for a trip to Atlanta in september for the new NFL season to cover the last two!

Here's one more I want to add to the 2010 list:
  • Get my CBT Motorbike license and possibly a bike

"And if you come up from under that water and there's fresh air, just breathe baby, God's got a blessin' to spare. I know the process is so much stress but it's the progress that feels the best. I came from the projects straight to success and you're next, just try, they can't steal your pride, it's inside. Then find it and keep on grindin' 'cause in every dark cloud theres a silver linin'; I know."

Dwayne Carter




TO

Tuesday 23 March 2010

Interview with Pirk Ja-Song


While riding the bus the home from University yesterday, I happened to bump into the goalscoring 'hero' from yesterdays not-so-local Premiership derby between Irish London United and Calmdownpool FC. He was kind enough to give an exclusive interview to TO's Headspace.

After an anonymous schoolboy scored for Calmdownpool, the game looked to be heading for the shock of the afternoon.

However, United's training with Olympic hopeful Tom Daley has clearly paid of and when Zaragoza saw his chance he went for his best efforts to wow the judges. Straight 10's from Howard Webb and a penalty as a reward. Shrek did his best to help his fellow scousers (irony completely wasted on the geographically retarded Cockneys anti-scouser chants).

This left it up to our South Korean hero, Pirk Ja-Song, to head home the winner at New Trafford (!) and the newspapers applauded.





TO: Hi, thanks for doing this interview! Do you often ride the bus?!

P J-S: Hey, it is cool. I get bus all time, me not like spend money flash cars.
TO: Ahh, thats refreshing to see. How do you feel after scoring the winner yesterday? How was the feeling in the changing rooms?

P J-S:
There is no feeling in the dressing room, we are married and like women. This is not Chelsea.
TO: Oh sorry...you don't often start for Irish London, do you feel you've done enough to warrant a starting position?
P J-S:
I am under no allusion. I am here to play well enough to not be hated by fans and start enough games to sell lots of shirts in Korea. I feel I manage this well, however, my people would still rather watch rivals Bulton for Lui Ching-Yung...this make me sad.

TO: Thats a shame, maybe it's the Glazers fault, like everything else?
P J-S:
Yes, I think you are correct. They come and buy players, win trophies and reach two champions league finals but they are the devil.



(All names in this article are fiction, the interview didnt happen and all likenesses and people are coincidental and fictional)
TO

Friday 5 March 2010

Success!

Here at Wikio, we have been named as the 12,442nd Top Blog!

Woo hoo!

TO

Wednesday 10 February 2010

Are City's Fan Favourites Costing the Team?


We all love a player who puts a lot of effort in. Tevez and Bellamy have been putting other players to shame, tracking players everywhere and playing their hearts out. Tonight, against Bolton, SWP and Adam Johnson did the same. But is this costing City dearly?

Much has been made of City's formation and from the 909 phone in's i've listened too, I dont think the fans are getting where Manicini is coming from. He is Italian, and such enjoys nothing more than a defensive 2-0 victory. He loves to play 4-3-3 with 3 defensive midfielders holding strong, and letting the front 3 (a lead man, with one winger and one flexible winger/deep striker) counter attack for goals.

This has worked well, especially early on, with Bellamy, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Petrov able to break quickly and supply Tevez. Ultimately, though I feel the fan favourite style of Bellamy and Tevez is costing Mancini (more his formation) his (its) reputation

City often find themselves winning the ball back, sometimes through one of the aforementioned workhorses, and then only having one or two men forward on the break and therefore outnumbered and lacking any bite. This was evident more than ever, in the Carling Cup 2nd leg versus United.

The solution? Either tell the supporting players they can stay forward, dont track back and be ready to receive the ball and break. Or, exchange one of the defensive midfielders for a link up man in the ilk of Stephen Ireland. Unfortuantely, I think its going to be the first one we see Mancini go for.

Peopl don't like change, but I see fans favourites SWP and Ireland heading for the door because they just don't suit Mancini's style.


TO

Friday 5 February 2010

When The Pot Replaced The Kettle As England Captain

Over the past month, the British public has been subjected to none stop conjecture over the future of John George Terry and the England football team captaincy. Well, fortunately for those debating his capacity for the job and moral conviction, a decision has been made. After arriving back in England after knee surgery recuperation, Fabio Capello pulled the trigger on Terry’s captaincy.

It’s important to state the details of Terry’s proposed indiscretions with a teammate’s wife are still purely allegations at this point. However, many feel that Terry’s attempts to place an injunction on the media is proof enough to warrant his dismissal from his England captain duties. This goes against the very foundation of our legal system, innocent until proven guilty. It is clear that this is no legal case, but that only furthers the counter argument to taking action against Terry. He hasn’t actually done anything illegal; morally dubious, but legal nonetheless.

This highlights the major issue in British society’s outrage to this whole affair; their expectations. Just like celebrities, the British public enjoy building up hero sportspeople, just to knock them down again. However, sportspeople aren’t programmed to enjoy publicity, both good and bad. Professional footballers should not be the moral compass that guide our nation’s youth, or we are heading for disaster. I love football as much as anyone, but it’s clear from headline after headline that there’s no one member of the England team less morally bankrupt than Terry or any other star player.

So who does Capello chose as a replacement? Rio Ferdinand. The same Rio Ferdinand that was banned for 8 months for failing to take a mandatory drugs test (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3333091.stm) and has also been banned from driving four times in 8 years, with a judge stating “"He is a role model and should be a positive role model for young people in society and this does not give out the right message." (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2360175/Ferdinand-handed-driving-ban.html). This isn’t meant to demonstrate anything about Rio Ferdinand but to show the hypocrisy of replacing the pot with the kettle. Britain shouldn’t expect young, overpaid athletes with beautiful women throwing themselves at them to be a shining light of morality for the youth today. It should be the parents, siblings and teachers who show the adults of tomorrow how to behave.

TO

Why I Support The Atlanta Falcons


Recently, I entered a "why do you support the Falcons?" competition over at my favourite Falcons website, The Falcoholic , and won!


Being from the UK, its not an easy feat becoming tangled up in the web of hope and despair that is, the life of an Atlanta Falcons fan. My first exposure to the sport through a friend (Skins fan) who I often played Madden with. Being a teenage kid at the time, anything that made me different and helped forge my identity was welcomed (remember its the UK, I was 1 of 2 people I knew who liked the sport). The thirst for more drove me to actually play for a local youth team and I started cruising the web for something other than porn, and found other fans to converse with - like you guys!

However, I was yet to pick a team. It wasn't until September, 10 2006 when I watched my now beloved, Atlanta Falcons, beat the Carolina Panthers 20-6 at the Bank of America Stadium, North Carolina. That game I fell in love with the team asVick wowed me, Dunn gained 132 yards rushing and Abraham dominated their O-Line. From that day, I was a UK Falc. Knowing myself as a 16/17 year old kid at the time, I knew full well that it could have just been a phase.

But, 4 years down the line i'm more committed than ever. Having seen 6 NFL teams play live at the International Series in London, i'm saving for that all important first trip to the Dome! I don't think some American fans understand how difficult it can be following the Falcons from here. The TV coverage has improved vastly, however, its dominated by the Cowboys, Patriots and now the Saints. I have to cruise the internet (I do this a lot...) for links to streams and watch on a tiny netbook until the link ultimately breaks and the search is on again. For Monday Night Football, this means watching from 1am to 4am GMT and getting up for work 4 hours later.Then, starved of coverage, I find myself reading any online content I can find to get my fix of Falcon news. This doesn't even factor in the hundreds of dollars i've spent on shipping merchandise over to the UK so that I can show my support.

Why do I do this I hear you ask. Why? Just like love, you dont have a choice. You may not like it/them, but you know you love it/them. The early disappointments only served to endear me to the team. Just like when you first fall in love, that snoring is so beautiful. Going through the Petrino era felt like a baptism of fire that left me forged close to the heart. I felt more desperate for the Falcons to break a virtually meaningless back to back streak more than I want my own British teams to win anything. American football does this to a person. 16 games a year instead of 7,000,000 like Baseball (sorry Dave). Every one matters, therefore as a fan, you feel like your opinion and voice matters.

Why do I support Atlanta Falcons? Because i'm in Love. I'm in love with a girl thats unreliable, unrelenting, bad for my health and causes me nothing but stress and heartache. But would I change her for any other girl in the league? Hell no. I'm in love with the Atlanta Falcons. And shes cheating on me with all of you but I don't care...as long as I can watch you.

Tuesday 2 February 2010

"Atlanta Falcons Season Preview"-Review

At the start of the year, I wrote a review for a sports website on the season just passed and my predictions for my beloved Falcons in that season. (http://forum.nfluk.com/blog.php?b=965)

Here, I will analyse where I was correct (and where I wasnt) while briefly analysing our up and down year.

Team Depths
I said - OL & RB
It was - RB

I was partly right here. The depth at running back (ie. Jason Snelling) really came to the fore when both Turner and Norwood couldn't stay healthy. Snelling racked up 613 yards this season (previous best of 62) and 4.3 yards per carry. He showed to be of Turner's ilk and he deserves at least a little recognition.

This also might be the season that Norwood leaves to get more of a starting role elsewhere, something he too deserves.

The OL was also affected by the plague which seemed to sweep its way through Flowery Branch this season. They allowed a couple more sacks this season (2009-19, 2008-17) but it appeared giving Matt Ryan less time was more of a problem.

Team Weakness
I said - LB, S
It was - CB

This maybe an area of contention but despite the promising end to the season, the CB's really struggled against the pass. This late development looked like more of a result of poor QB play, but they do deserve some due credit. However, having 5 different starters throughout the year and having one of the worst pass defenses takes its toll. They were exposed by a lack of pass rush at times and couldnt pick up the slack.

I think the LB's stepped up and did enough to get by, especially against the run. And the S's played well above expectation and it should be interesting to see how William Moore sees himself trying to break into the partnership between Coleman and De Coud.

Key Addition
I said - Gonzalez & Peterson
It was - Gonzalez & Peterson

Gonzalez & Peterson provided leadership on both sides of the ball for a relatively young Falcons side. Peterson's strengths were mostly in the intangible side, calling defensive audibles and helping younger players develop.

Gonzalez clearly has this side but his production was also vital, colelcting 867 yards and 6 touchdowns right when they were needed. He was catching balls in double (even triple) coverage all season long. True definition of an offensive weapon, not let down by his blocking.

Key Loss
I said - Milloy, Boley & Foxworth
It was - Brooking

Most fans were sad to see Brooking go but after giving away the play that let the Cardinals knock us out the playoffs, many felt it was time for him to move on. This, in my opinion, was a mistake. He seems rejuvinated in Dallas and we could have done with some solid LB play this year. However, this selection speaks more of the lack of other options, than Brookings success.

Milloy was not missed at all, Boley was injured early on and Foxworth was one of the most beat CB's in the league.

2009 Prediction
I said - 9-7
It was - 9-7

I got stick for my low prediction, but the 3rd toughest schedule took its toll. Its great to finally get rid of that curse, oh and being right!

Rising Star
I said - Harry Douglas
It was - Thomas DeCoud

Can't blame me for this one, Douglas was injured before the regular season and didn't play a down.

DeCoud really stepped up and played hard. I championed Moore to start ahead of him in the preseason, but DeCoud has really made life difficult for Mike Smith in this coming offseason. (2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 interceptions)

Fallen Angel
I said - Jamaal Anderson
It was - Jamaal Anderson

27 tackles and 0.5 sacks this season is not good enough for an 8th overall pick, even though he plays as a rotational DT as well as DE. He still hasnt had an average year statwise and only his run defense play is keeping his name on the roster.

TO

Incase you want to make a night of the Superbowl more, 'interesting'...

This game is doing the rounds on the internet. While it means no offense its probably better people look at the game as light hearted realistic view of the Saints as opposed to insulting them.

(Incase you dont know, 1 drink = 2 fingers depth of a pint of beer)

I bring you, The New Orleans Saints Superbowl Drinking Game!

Star-divide

The New Orleans Saints Superbowl Drinking Game

1. Every time they mention hurricane Katrina = 1 drink

2. If they show pictures of the City of New Orleans right after Katrina = 1 drink

3. Every time they say how much the Saints mean to the City of New Orleans = 1 drink
4. Every time the words "tragedy", "flood", or "devastation" are used = 1 drink

5. Every time they talk about how good Reggie Bush was in college = 1 drink

6. If they show Kim Kardashian in the stands = 1 drink

7. Every time they show a picture of Reggie Bush with a bat or say "bringing the wood" = drink for 5 seconds

8.. Every time Reggie Bush gets negative yardage trying to run around in the backfield a bunch and outrun the defense = 1 drink and turn to the person next to you and say "I told you Vince Young should have won the Heisman"

9. Every time Reggie Bush gets up and flexes his arms in that pose he likes to do = 1 drink

10. If they mention Tim Tebow for any reason = drink remainder
11. Every time they say that "it’s destiny for the Saints to win" = 1 drink

12. If they show footage of Katrina survivors at the Superdome = take a shot of cheap liquor

13. If they call Saints fans the most passionate fans in football = 1 drink

14. If they say that the Saints, Saints fans, or the City of New Orleans "deserve" a Superbowl victory = 1 drink
15. Every time they say how good of a story the Saints are = 1 drink
16. If Jeremy Shockey pretends to be hurt after dropping a pass = 2 drinks
17. If they mention the Saints beating the Falcons in 2006 in the first game after Katrina in the Superdome = drink remainder and remember that we are still a better football team with better fans.

18. Every time they compare hurricane Katrina to the Haiti earthquake = drink remainder
19. Every time they mention Drew Brees as the Mardi Gras king = 1 drink

20.. Every time they show Archie Manning = 1 drink and mention how bad he sucked. If they show old footage of him on the Saints = 2 drinks. If they mention how tough of a decision it was for him as for whom to cheer for = 5 drinks

21. Every time they show a saints fan yelling "Who dat!" Or a sign/shirt saying the same = 1 drink

22. If they show Chris Paul at the game = 1 drink and mention to someone how much better he is than Marvin Williams.

23. If they show former Mayor Ray Nagin = 2 drinks and then punch someone in the face




Other Rules not involving the Saints:
1. Every time they show Eli Manning in the press box = 1 drink
2. Every time Pierre Garcon is mentioned with Haiti = 1 drink
3. If Brett Favre is mentioned for any reason = 1 drink

Star-divide

Good luck surviving the game!

Friday 29 January 2010

Why I Dont Want The New Orleans Saints To Win The Superbowl

The NFL. The Superbowl. The big game is fast approaching and the two titans of the regular season have beaten all those placed before them in the playoffs. On the 7th of February it will be Indiannapolis Colts vs New Orleans Saints. In recent years its been relatively easy picking an underdog team to support as a neutral. However, this one is different. New Orleans are the division rival of my beloved Atlanta Falcons. Very easy decision I hear you say? Well no actually. The Saints are actually a very likeable team. Their fans are one of the loudest and most accomodating, their colours are sharp and stylish and their style of play entertaining. Not to mention, the way the city dealt with Hurricane Katrina is admirable and heart warming. Real dilemma you see.

Well I have come to the conclusion, I will be supporting the Colts.

For me it comes down to several things:
  • Underdogs - I love an underdog, and going into this as rookies I see the Saints as the underdog BUT people are starting to say the opposite and I truly think the Saints are becoming the favourites. The tide seems to be turning too early before the game and I think come game day, people will be thinking the fresh looking Saints will have the edge because...
  • 2007 Giants complex - its something I think happens when a team ends up garnering ALL the neutrals support for whatever reason. In 2007, everyone wanted to see the Patriots perfect season dream fail, apart from the Patriots themselves of course. In Superbowl 42 everyone who wasnt a Pat wanted the Giants to win and its happening again for the Saints. I dont like it and its feeding the underdog aspect mentioned above.
  • Manning v Brady - I want it to be about performance NOT rings. I want Manning to get his second and hopefully a third and make the debate about performance and genuine QB play, not carrying a team. Sure they are both amazing QB's, but he's won more rings is not a valid argument and I want it to be wiped away for good.
  • Saints Fans - not all of them. But some of them have gotten VERY smug, VERY quickly. Fans who were previously well mannered and good for a conversation now chant WHO DAT everywhere. To a degree, I understand the excitement of reaching your first Superbowl, but some fans were down right unclassy after their win against the Vikings. Not to mention i'll hear the 'we won a superbowl' taunt everyday until the Falcons do it (which could be a LONG time) which leads me to my final point....
  • Bandwagonners - this may seem weird but the Colts won in 06 and they already have a large fanship. Id be disappointed to see another team get flooded with the cr@ppy bandwagon fans that just insult other teams and add to the problems in the point above. We need real, passionate fans that know the lows as well as the highs!
Let me hear your thoughts and who you're supporting come game day.

TO

Thursday 28 January 2010

High School Musical

Insomnia strikes. Bluergh.

Anyway, something I've noticed of late.

Life, post 21 years of age, is like high school reversed. The people who spent their high school lives being adored by many and terrorising classmates, now find themselves (admittedly according to 'Facebook') desperately unhappy about something different everyday. That or pregnant.

Then, at the opposite side of the spectrum, you have the geeks of the playground. Due to years of subject to either bullying or social exclusion, these guys actually did some work at school and boy is it paying off! These guys are well on their way to the best graduate jobs, earning the top money and hell, even some of them have blossomed into a deadly combination of brains and beauty. That or they're funny. Everyone knows to be funny you have to be clever and odd looking.

Finally, you have the middle runners. These guys flirted with both sides of my spectrum, and which ever they spent most of their time will dictate their future.

Personally, I did pretty well out of it. I wish someone would have sat me down as said "TO, if you sacrifice ALL this, in the future, the power you will gain from being more intelligent than all of these people you know will make you very happy" I would have jumped even further in the geek sqaud.

Knowledge is power people.

TO

Sunday 24 January 2010

Challenging Yourself

With it being the start (a bit late I know) of the new year I wanted to bring your attention to a post from 23rd August 2009 (wow, time flies). I discussed goals and ambition, and as with every prediction; some has changed, some is scarily close to the truth and most is cringeworthy.

http://toheadspace.blogspot.com/2009/08/today-in-football-training-i-attempted.html

Of the short term targets I have already achieved one and well on course for the other three. I have, however, noted the time scale for the medium and long need to be extended greatly, its a marathon not a sprint. Trying to achieve everything too quickly is a sure fire way to achieve nothing, good things come to those who wait, apparently.

So here are my updated targets, just for 2010:

  • Get a place on a Graduate Scheme
  • 5 Goals at the end of the season for D&C Athletic
  • Rent my first home
  • Visit a city I have never been before
  • See the Atlanta Falcons play
As you can see they aren't unreasonable but still quite testing and will require me to work hard to attain. Thats what all goals should be. For me, 2010 is a consolidation year. A year for me to continue to develop and build who I am so I can achieve more in the future.

You have to build the foundation before the house.

TO

Sunday 17 January 2010

Look-a-Likes!

Saw a great shout today!

Some Guy



Ryan Reynolds


TO

Saturday 16 January 2010

Pocahontas or Avatar!?


Found this starling revelation on a pretty cool film site:

http://watchoutfilm.wordpress.com/2010/01/16/shock-horror-hollywood-steals-storyline/

Enjoy

TO

Monday 11 January 2010

Apologies..

Not for the first time i've been slack on posting. I've been busy in the new year with a few different projects and with my final year exams. Im still undecided as to continue with this blog or not but it will remain as a form of memory for those who have been a part of it and myself.

Cheers

TO