Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Social Media - Fad or Next Industrial Revolution?

My cousin showed me this video and I think it's so cool. To see how the world has changed, and how technology has changed it is pretty cool. I'm only eighteen and technology has changed since I was younger. I can only imagine how much more things are going to change in ten years. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFZ0z5Fm-Ng

Starbucks


Recently I've been having a major obsession with Starbuck's Carmel Frap. I used to drink them like once in awhile a few years ago, but now I've been finding myself craving one everyday. I really wish I had a Starbucks in my basement, liek Richie Rich had a McDonald's. Oh well, maybe if I'm rich one day, that dream will come true!

Russian Spies

The FBI recently arrested 11 "Russian Spies" throughout the country. It hasen't been released whether they are or aren't actual spies, but everyone in curious. I wonder if it's some secret plan to get Alaska back, or some unfinished business from the Cold War.

Cristiano Ronaldo - World's Greatest or Greatest Dissapointment?


Coming into the FIFA World Cup 2010, every soccer fan expected Cristiano to be stellar, leading Portugal far into this year's tournament. But for Ronaldo, things didn't quite go the way he expected. We can all agree that he did have his eyes set on goal the entire tournament, but we can also agree that his eyes were set on a far target. At this year's World Cup, Ronaldo took over 20 shots with about 19 of them taken outside of the box. I don't know if it's only me, but I think he was just trying to show off.
We all know CR is one of the world's greatest players, but how can we ever know if he doesn't show up to play at the world's biggest sporting event? Ronaldo's only goal in the tournament was a clumsy goal, where the ball luckily wound up at his feet. I myself wanted to see Portugal go far after seeing my team(Italy) get knocked out in the group stages. I was hoping to see an impressive game from Ronaldo, in a match that would surely show his greatness.
Maybe 2014 will be different for him?

Twilight.

This morning was the official release of the movie Elicpse; the third book in the Twilight Saga. Unfortunately this means only one thing: Teenage girls drooling over vampires for the next few months. Yes, vampires... I'm not too sure why everyone is obsessing over vampire drama and vampire love. It doesn't make too much sense; I always thought if a vampire touched you, you would die or something, but apparently they can fall in love now without killing people? I don't know, but I hope all the hoopla about this dies down quickly.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

World Cup 2010 - Decline of the Referee

As many of us know, the FIFA World Cup is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world next to the Summer and Winter Olympics. For many of us, we would expect world class officials at a world class event; but this year has been anything but that.

In almost ever game this tournament, there has been a minor or major mistake by a referee. I understand referees are only human, and that all humans make mistakes. But, to make a major mistake in a world wide event like this is crucial and unacceptable. As a big soccer fan, I believe that every team should be given a fair called game. No matter what.

The Yellow and red card has been the referee's best friend this cup. With every team receiving at least one card in the tournament, it is obvious that these referees have something against the players. There has been over 190 yellow cards handed out and over 10 reds. Although I agree most of these were deserving of bookings, many others bookings were not necessary at all. Many players have missed matches due to the poor judgement of the referees.

Disallowed goals has been more of a common occurrence than a rarity. Yes, some of the goals should have been disallowed due to offsides positions, but other goals were not offsides and clearly passed the goal line. As a referee, disallowing a goal should be a definite decision, not one made just because they couldn't tell.

The England Germany game is the perfect example of poor officiating. As England went down 2-0, they stormed back in style to tie the game at 2-2(or so they thought.) When Frank Lampard sent a strike to the bottom of the crossbard, into the goal, the hearts of England players and fas rose. But, a split second later, they all hit rock bottom as referee Jorge Larrionda called the goal off.

This type of mistake should not happen from a referee in any soccer match, espcially not in a World Cup Knockout game. I believe that FIFA should bring Goal Line Technology into the next worldwide tournament. I know I speak for many soccer fans when I say that this is the only fair way to see if a goal should of should not be disallowed. So please FIFA, install Electronic Aid soon.