Brad

Bird is the word!

Unless a real miracle happens, they are going to be in real trouble: no points out of 12.

When you ask most people "what is two plus two," the answer will be four. With Goodspeak (a misnomer of a name, no offense) the answer might be five, six, seven, but never four

Mike, Sorry I missed your birthday but sounds like you're doing well, which is great to hear.

Disagree. If the Mets really wanted to do the right thing they would have tried to void his contract BEFORE they found out about the season ending injury. The fact that they tried to void his contract AFTER finding out about the injury just seems really lame, imho. I mean if he hadn't hurt himself he would still be wearing a Mets' uniform. WTF? Finally some good press for a Phillies fan. Disagree? Disagree on what? I was only clarifying what had been said and opining on the Mets chances of voiding, which are not too good. I don't think you can void an agreement based on what he did criminally. However they probably thought it was worth it based on his hurting himself and therefore depriving them of his services. Moreover, since they wanted to suspend him more than they could, this is probably a way of sending that message. I disagree that the Mets are not blameworthy. Like Dan said every MLB contract has a "morals" clause and if the Mets wanted to send a message they could have, nay, SHOULD HAVE, at the very least put him on a restricted list like the Cubs did with Zambrano. The fact that they are trying to void his contract only after they found out about his season ending injury just makes them look like a bunch of a-holes. YMMV. And just so that you don't think I'm picking on the Mets... back in 2006 then Phillie Brett Myers assaulted his wife before a game in Boston. The Phillies should have cut bait with him then and there, imho, but they did nothing. No suspension, no suggestion to go seek counseling, nada. Most, if not all teams, will take the path of least resistance until they get some heat. After all, when you're dealing with a key player, you want to protect your investment. I'm not sure what they're trying to prove with their actions since there is no chance of winning although they likely will not have to pay him for the remainder of the season. I guess it's all PR.

Looks like Blackpool came down to earth, very roughly too! West Ham looks to be in a littke bit of trouble already.

Disagree. If the Mets really wanted to do the right thing they would have tried to void his contract BEFORE they found out about the season ending injury. The fact that they tried to void his contract AFTER finding out about the injury just seems really lame, imho. I mean if he hadn't hurt himself he would still be wearing a Mets' uniform. WTF? Finally some good press for a Phillies fan. Disagree? Disagree on what? I was only clarifying what had been said and opining on the Mets chances of voiding, which are not too good. I don't think you can void an agreement based on what he did criminally. However they probably thought it was worth it based on his hurting himself and therefore depriving them of his services. Moreover, since they wanted to suspend him more than they could, this is probably a way of sending that message.

Philly Q is right; they wanted to suspend him more but the Union wouldn't allow it so don't blame the Mets here. The Mets won't win this. It will also lessen his trade value because everyone knows they don't want him back. Also the manager and G M will be looking for new jobs I'm sure.

When I'm on the subway or a noisy train and I hear people listening to their MP3s, you know that they've had to turn up the volume to hear the music. Tinnitis could become an epidemic. It's not a fun thing to suffer from.

I hope that that Clemens saves the adjoining cell for Barroid.

It was a confluence of things: the Giants came from 13 back (one of the greatest comebacks ever), the moment (the ninth inning in a three game playoff series), the man and the call. Let's not forget the rivalry: when Jackie was traded to the Giants after the 1956 season, he decided he'd raher retire than put on a Giants uniform. Brooklyn was devastated by the loss. You still can't bring it up to old time Brooklynites. It was a classic season for the Giants (Mays' first season and he was in the on deck circle) that wasn't tarnished by losing to the team the Giants and Dodgers could agree on that they hated: the Yankees.

West Brom got a heck of a welcome back from Chelsea. The relegation watch looks to be on already.

At the age of 26? That sounds crazy. Either he really wants to return home or he's looking for a better payday.

We got back a couple of weeks ago and you should be ok but it was freakin' hot: 98 every day and humid in Shanghai. Beijing was the same but no humidity, still hot though. One thing you may need to get used to is the smoking. People smoke incessantly. When I'd walk into the Hotel lobby, I'd be overpowered. It's pretty bad. However, the Government is prohibiting smoking in doors next year. We'll have to see if that's enforced. If you go down to the Bund in Shanghai, watch out for the pickpockets: they're everywhere. There were long lines at the Expo but in the fall it may be less crowded. Interesting place. If you're going to Beijing, I'd recommend a tour guide for the Forbidden City. Makes things a little easier. I can probably recommend a few restaurants but food was good all over. Subways are great, much better than here. In Beijing they announced the stops in both Mandarin and English, same in Shanghai. Street signs are also in both languages. Have a great time. It's a heck of an experience.

Buen hecho y bienvenidos!

Not a great performance by the Champions today.

Or maybe Crouch is a dickhead who has gotten to big for his boots. Let the bitching begin... Martin O'Neill 'allowed wages to spiral out of control at Aston Villa' Seriously, I think this is very bad for both O'Neill and very bad for Villa, O'Neill will find it difficult to get a big club to take him on after this and Villa will find it hard to get a really good manager as obviously his first job will be to trim the squad and then keep them in the top 10 at least. Not good. I heard that Bob Bradley, the U.S. coach, might be a candidate for the Villa job. Heard about that this morning. They could be suspended.

Not amazing enough apparently

So how do bassists get to gigs then if they can't fly. I would think driving would be prohibitive in terms of time and cost.

From what I just read, Villa weren't going to have the money to move to the next level. However, if even so, resigning the week before the season starts (unless there's some other reason such as family problems) isn't the way to go; not too nice leaving the club in the lurch. There must be a good reason for him to do it. Just doesn't make too much sense.

Just heard from MG via email - he is suffering from a repetitive strain injury in his right arm and is limiting his computer use. Sorry to hear that, but I'm glad it's nothing more serious. Sorry to hear about that MG and hope you recover and are back soon. You could always become ambidextrous!

Great song, Sunny, not sure what he else did; the first thing I think when I hear his name is that song. He made a mark so what more can you ask. RIP.

I guess I need to re-listen to the SteepleChases as they didn't grab me the way it did for others. Nature Boy is ok, not great, but a pleasurable listen.

Sorry I'm late to the party Lon. Hope it was a good one!

I obviously missed that one way back when. I will try to listen tonight. Thanks Ghost.