First Thought

The fact that a substance like THC is illegal even though it has known curative and preventative properties in regards to cancer, while substances like tobacco and alcohol, which are known to aid in cancer growth, are legal is concerning to me. Whether these laws are racially or economically motivated, they are clearly not socially motivated. The US government is supposed to be elected by us and controlled by us, yet we've let them control us. They are supposed to make laws that we accept and are meant only for the improvement of society. Instead they make laws that increase their power and control us, the people who voted them in. It's so real I'm actually going to write out... shake my head.

PTSD

Life is too short. Especially when you learn that your brain may be a ticking time bomb of crazy. With that, Ive decided to get what *sane thoughts I have left onto paper... or computer screen I guess. Ive uttered similar sentiments before and I cant promise this time will be different. Like others I feel I have some things to share pertinent to most in our society and the world abroad. I also have my own personal interests that I want to force on others. It doesn't hurt to pick up what I'm throwing at you, just feel free to put it down if you don't like it. I'll take no offense. I don't remember who said it but to paraphrase them: Just because someone has an opposing opinion, it doesn't mean they are persecuting you.


*Nobody has ever accused me of being sane, I'm making an assumption here.

The Importance of Playing Defense: Ireland v Croatia

     On a day where solid defense (the calling card of Ireland under Giovanni Trapattoni) would have won the day, it was the mental lapses of the back four that cost The Boys in Green an important opening day result. A sloppy clearance and a bad bounce were the difference in this surprisingly open fixture.

     To say that Ireland deserved a point would be misleading. Croatia is a more talented side and it showed through in the second half as they put together a few moments of brilliance that stretched the game out of reach. A nice build up with some nifty passing by Croatia in the early moments of the second half led to an unlucky bounce as a Mario Mandzukic's header caromed off the post and Irish goalkeeper Shay Given's face, and buried itself into the back of the net. That play ended a run of about 20 minutes where Croatia took control of the game.

     The match started poorly for the raucous supporters of Ireland as the team conceded a goal in just the third minute of play. Croatia dominated the ball to start the game and eventually a bad deflection off a blocked cross led to the first of two Mandzukic headers that ended up in the back of the net. Croatia maintained possession off an early corner and Darijo Srna worked his way down to the touchline and put in a cross that deflected off the back of defender Stephen Ward and right to the waiting Mandzukic. It seemed as if Shay Given was slow to react and he may have had his vision hampered by congestion in the box.

    Ireland was clearly stung from conceding early but gradually imposed themselves on the game. From about the fifth minute on, the game opened up and started moving end to end. Ireland is known for sitting back and waiting for the counter but they got out an chased the game to some success. They had a clear advantage down the wings for most of the first half with Vedran Corluka being victimized on the right side of the Croatian defense. In the 19th minute Corluka brought down Irish striker Kevin Doyle outside the right corner of the Croatian penalty area. A beautifully weighted ball by winger Aiden McGeady found the head of Irish defender Sean St. Ledger as he ducked in behind the last of the Croatian defenders. News from the commentators darkened the day as it was announced that Ireland has only once scored more than one goal in a game in a major finals.

     After the first 30 minutes Croatia settled into their game and started to threaten again. In the 33rd minute Croatian playmaker Luka Modric drilled a shot from about 20 yards out that ended up going straight at the goalkeeper. Striker Nikica Jelavic and midfielder Ivan Perisic had a nice one/two that Perisic volleyed just wide of the goal in the 36th minute. Just before halftime Ireland conceded a second goal. Modric switched from his right to his left foot at the top of the Irish box and fired a left footed shot that pin-balled its way through the Irish defense. The ball fell at the feet of Ireland's Stephen Ward and he side footed his attempted clearance leaving the ball clean at the feet of Jelavic who has proven since January that he will not miss from close range. Apparently 41 of Jelavic's last 44 goals have been scored with one touch. Now that is a striker.

     Throughout the second half Ireland pressured the Croatian defense as they tried to force their way back into the game. Croatia defended calmly and competently and goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa was only forced to make one tough save. As an Irish fan I'd be remiss to not mention the clear penalty kick call in the 62nd minute against Croatia that was turned down by the referee.

Croatia Man of the Match - Mario Mandzukic - He was johnny on the spot today.

Ireland Man of the Match - Keith Andrews - The lone bright spot throughout the match.

PandasNeedATrophy

It's been quite some time since I've put my timeless thoughts on the internets for all to cherish. There have been many reasons for the time away but the main issue was boredom. This blog had no direction. From a plea for a calming of our foreign policy to a solitary defense of Albert Haynesworth, I was writing what was at the front of my mind when I plopped myself into my chair. It led to some brief forays into the intriguing and some extended stays in the dull. Thus is life. Nah, let me stop. The reason I'm dusting off the 'ol blog is because of the happenings in soccer over in Europe. With the insanity that was provided this season across the continent, of course I would be remiss to not throw my two cents in. I am a massive Manchester United sta... fan. There, it's been said. I'll do my best to remain unbiased in articles not directly involving the Red Devils, USA, or Ireland. On with the show gents.

Sweet, Sweet Sixteen Predictions

The fact that I spent my free time watching rounds 2 and 3 meant I was not able to continue with my predictions. Now that the field is narrowed down I shall re-start blessing the masses with predictions as slick as J-Will's passes.

As usual *winner's in BOLD*

EAST REGION:

1 Ohio State v. 4 Kentucky -- Ohio State came out in the third round and got knocked in the mouth by George Mason and their 11-2 run to start the game. They responded by kicking George Mason in the nuts. Kentucky has a young team and a shallow bench. Potential for disaster: High.

11 Marquette v. 2 North Carolina -- UNC beat out a seriously underrated Washington squad but there were mental errors. Marquette overcame a very talented, very well coached, and very familiar Syracuse team. This should be a close game but I still think the Big East is close to as good as advertised so Marquette should have the grit to pull this one out.

WEST REGION:

1 Duke v. 5 Arizona -- Arizona combined determination and poor refereeing (both ways mind you) to beat out flat footed Texas. Duke narrowly avoided disaster against Michigan. I don't see Duke playing poorly in back to back games under Coach K.

3 UConn v. 2 San Diego State -- San Diego State is not the type of team to blow people out. They grind it out and play ridiculous defense. It could spell danger for them if Kemba Walker gets hot at the wrong time, but I think they can harass him to the point where his legs are tired late in the second half. After all he has been carrying UConn since the beginning of the Big East Tourney.

SOUTHWEST REGION:

1 Kansas v. 12 Richmond -- Any other year this would be an ideal upset pick. But Kansas is playing like they want it this year and when Illinois pushed them and made it 56-51, Kansas responded with a 10-0 run and the final score ended up being 73-59. It just seems like their year with all the upsets in the region.

11 VCU v. 10 Florida State -- I'd like to give myself credit for pointing out in my first round predictions that VCU was out to prove people wrong. I'd also like to pat myself on the back for not heeding my own advice and picking Georgetown to beat them in my brackets. I'm not really sure about this game, but I just can't get behind "Florida State is an Elite Eight caliber team"

SOUTHEAST REGION:

8 Butler v. 4 Wisconsin -- I have Wisconsin in the Final Four so that explains this pick. Butler seems to have EVERYTHING fall their way this year so if you are putting money up, it may be wise to pick with them. Their coach is underrated.

3 BYU v. 2 Florida -- This game really hinges on Jimmer Fredette. If he continues to play out of his mind then they can win every game. If not, then no. Just imagine if BYU didn't suspend the Davies kid.