Tired but Funky

Wow...readers are coming out! Thanks V and Jas for the comments. The video below is dedicated to you two.

If I felt South Carolinish a couple of weeks ago, I feel like this today:

Well, not entirely. I stayed up last night until 2 in the morning playing FIFA 07. I created myself and put me as a striker for Arsenal. I made myself around the same height and build as my real world greatness. But...I made myself 21 and souped up my attributes. My victory dance is The Robot followed by the Running Man. Being 5'4" no matter how good you are doesn't give you much of an advantage when you're running against 6-footers with 4-foot legs. I couldn't win a match until 2.

Now I'm at my old job finishing notes. I'll be here for another month. I'm that behind.

This weekend was full of celebration and drinking. Friday was my going away/marriage license party. Lots of free drinks and good people. Saturday was the last Victory match. We lost, but went out with alcohol, semi-pitch invasions, flares and smokebombs. I got two jerseys from Chucky Kim! They smell like death but their mine! Sunday was the Raiders home opener. More drinking and yelling. After the game I felt so ill that I had a quarter of a head of iceburg lettuce for dinner.

I've been heavily relying on the services of Twitter. So all of you loyal followers...all 4 of you...you can keep up to date with me there. I will try to post more interesting entries soon. I only really have time for updates.

Drew Carey - Footy Ambassador on Letterman

Drew Carey was on Letterman (last night?) talking about being the new host of the Price is Right. The topics of sports comes up and he goes into this 4-minute brilliant monologue on why soccer is his sport. Explains it in a way that the American audience could digest. True footy fan through and through. On Beckham..."I'm gay for him." Awesome!


(via Throughball.com)
LJILJILJU

4.2 at 4:42 and April 2008

Like the rest of the Bay Area blogosphere, I am posting about the crazy earthquake that happened this morning. The epicenter was about 3 miles from where I live. I think I slept through the first second of it. The second 4.2 wave definitely shook me awake. Things fell off shelves. La grasp my arm. A second later it ended and I fell right back asleep. I guess I'm becoming a true Californian.

In other Earthquake news, the San Jose Earthquakes are definitely coming back in 2008! I already got my season ticket reserved! I'm so excited about the MLS coming back to the Bay Area. I'm a bit worried with what the fate of the California Victory will be. People have told me that traveling to SJ from SF or Oakland gets old pretty quickly. And that there's a certain pride of the Victory being SF's team. The Vics will have to do some amazing things to prevent turnover from ruining the club. Right now, the crowd averages a little under 1000. Who knows what that will become when a club that knows how to handle its business and its fans comes back into town.

Why America should fall in love with football (soccer)

I rarely post whole articles on this blog. And for that matter, I've never posted a whole article about football. Mostly, though, because many of you could care less about it. But this is a great one that I came across from an Orlando Sentinel soccer blog called "The other football." With big names coming into the MLS, I really do feel that America is slowly coming around to being a part of the world's game. And the momentum is building from the US's Gold Cup win, and the US U-20 team getting to the quarterfinals of the U-20 World cup. Enjoy

Why America should fall in love with football (soccer)

Posted by Brant Parsons on Jul 12, 2007 7:30:00 AM

Have you been to an NBA game recently? Judging by the empty seats I've seen at the few Orlando Magic games I've attended, I'm guessing your answer is no.

But if you had, you would have been treated to constant artificial noise in the form of sound effects and music. Every single touch of the ball, every single possession has something played loud enough to drown out all possible normal thought.

The only time the crowd noise rises above a murmur is when free (and worthless) t-shirts are being tossed into the greedy hands of the crowd or when a meter is put on the scoreboard to measure "crowd noise." A blind person could go to an NBA game and know when those two things were going on because that's the only time the crowd wakes up.

Why am I telling you all of this? Because Major League Soccer sent out an edict to all of their clubs this season to eliminate artificial noise and music and to limit their use of PA announcements.

So at a Major League Soccer match you won't have some overweight blowhard telling the crowd to "Get up and Cheer for their team!"

This is what American pro sports have had to resort to just to keep the interest of their fickle fan base.

Here's another. You're watching yet another boring game in the National Football League forced upon you by the TV networks. A team scores, then there is a two minute plus commercial break. They kick off. Another commercial break. Then a play or two and a time out. Another commercial break.

In ten minutes time, there probably has been about ten seconds of action. And this is the country's most popular sport?!?

In a regulation soccer match, there is one break, halftime. There are no timeouts, no chances for coaches to extend the final ten seconds to a half hour. It is constant movement, constant gameplay.

There are no loud beer commercials, no inappropriate ads for sexual inadequacy and you always know how long a match is going to last - less than two hours.

Tomorrow in Los Angeles, the U.S. mainstream world is going to be introduced to the biggest soccer star to come to America since Pele in the 1970s when David Beckham is announced as a new member of the Galaxy in Major League Soccer.

The press conference alone will get more coverage than the MLS Cup last season. Curious eyes will look upon the beautiful game for the first time ever, and I think it's about time that America fell in love with this game and what better time than now.

This isn't about Major League Soccer, it's not about the World Cup or any other competition the U.S. men's national team is in. This is about the world's most popular game finally taking hold in America.

And why shouldn't it?

There are no TV timeouts in soccer, there isn't 35 seconds between plays, or 12 seconds between pitches. The noise made at matches is real and from the fans that support the club, not some preprogrammed sound effect blasted through over-amplified speakers. But most importantly, the action of the field is superb.

Soccer has a free flowing nature, always moving, always changing. It can be an elegant ballet or a gritty, physical jazz number. Its athletes are some of the fittest in the world, possessing skills that have taken lifetimes to master and it shows during the course of a match. It is a game that can go minutes at a pedestrian pace only to light up like a firecracker with a simple touch of the ball.

There will be those that complain about the lack of scoring in soccer and my guess is they have never watched a match, for while there might be only a few goals, there are plenty of game-changing moments. There are the times that the heart stops as a ball goes wide or when one's spirit drops as a game-winner ricochets off the post.

Because of these near misses, when a goal is scored, it is truly a masterful moment.

Can you really describe the moment when your club scores a match-winning goal. Or when you finally equalize against your hated rival after countless attempts fell just short. I can't, at least not with any words. It's a feeling that you can only share with someone that has felt it before, that has watched 89 minutes in misery only to have one kick give them a week of euphoria.

In my years of following sports, I've yet to find a moment that can lift or break me quicker or more powerfully than a goal scored.

But unlike basketball, or football - the scoring is just one aspect of the game that brings me back week after week, night after night. It's the intricate pass through the midfield, the determined header from a stout defender and the brilliant cross that lands perfectly on a teammate's boot from 40 yards out.

It's this entire ninety minute experience that enraptures my soul and fuels my obsession. From opening kickoff to the final whistle it's the most complete sporting experience out there and it's time America took off their blinders and let it in.

Because once they do, they'll find out why the world loves football. And they'll notice one other distinct thing, the noise made by the fans is of their own as footy fans don't need a noise meter, or free t-shirts or annoying fat PA announcers to make them stand up and cheer because it's already in their blood and it's the game that turns them on.

And if David Beckham opens this door for them, and let's them into this wonderful world, then Becks signing with Los Angeles is the greatest sporting moment this country could have and every single person that he touches with this gift, will agree with me.

Good luck Becks. America is ready.

I'm sorry for being part of the hype...

The Campaign is over

The Hyphy FC Champions League has ended. *sigh* We went down with guns blazing, though. We beat Inter to get a Golden Ticket to get into the group stage. We beat Werder Bremen in the first knockout round 3-3 (agg), on away goals, by the skin of our teeth.

In the quarterfinals, we met AC Milan. They housed us at home 3-2. The final match I rallied back to tie up the aggregate at 4-4, but their 3 away goals beat our 2. Fuck! I know, it's only a video game. But now I have to earn another 40 points for another Golden Ticket, so I can compete in it again. 40 points in "World Class" mode will take forever. Even if I go winless from now on, it'll take 14 match wins!!!

I'm still getting over the loss. Give me a minute...

Hyphy FC 5-2 Inter (or: I skinned my knee playing video games)

It was a crazy match this morning before work. I had to sign a new physio doctor because the contract of my previous one ran out, and I couldn't get a new contract card. The match opened up with a Park Ji-Sung header, that gave us a 1-0 lead. Gilardino scored quickly after. By halftime Park scored another. 3-0 into the second half, I was pretty psyched.

Morale got low with two successive Inter goals. Another goal to Gilardino. Then in the last 5 minutes Park scored his hat-trick and I jumped from the couch in excitement skinning my knee on the wicker coffee table.

7 points away from the Golden Ticket. And I got an achievement unlocked - 4 goals in a Professional match. Go Dork! Go Dork! Go Dork! *running man*

RBNY v. DCU update
La won the first leg of our MLS bet with a 4-2 DCU victory. Those 2 away goals can help pull the Red Bulls out of the hole. I did the dishes that day. *sigh* Next match 22 July. Oh shit! There's another one after that?!? I'll have to talk to La about that. We might have to renegotiate the bet.

Hyphy FC update

I haven't reported how my own squad, Hyphy FC is doing (on Champions League on the 360). We've made it to Level 5 and I now have access to purchasing gold packs. The team is beginning to gain some chemistry. With the acquisition of Stephen Gerrard, Park Ji Sung and Alberto Gilardino, Hyphy FC is becoming a force to be reckoned with. Although, we lost the last match to AC Milan 3-1, the previous wins against Arsenal (1-0) and Inter (2-0) definitely is giving us hope.

I've changed from a 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2 during the match against Milan. That could have been our downfall. The two previous wins inflated my ego and I thought we could attack a bit more. The competition has been getting rougher, it almost feels like an MLS game. I've had 3 guys injured in the last two matches. Arsenal and AC Milan were fouling like crazy; Senderos even got red carded for taking out people. Next match will be with Man U. Gotta rest up for that one.

Status Update (or: Sports Day, the Vics Win)

Yesterday I took a day off from work. I've had a cold for the last 4 days. So to cure my illness I went to the A's game vs. Red Sox. It was a mostly boring game, other than Schilling almost having a no hitter until the bottom of the 9th.

We finally got our first win!!! And to the defending champions! I'm so glad that at I was at this match. I was feeling very ill (I have a cold) but it was well worth it.

I'll leave the commentating to those who could give it justice. But from my observations, this is the first time the boys looked competent on the pitch. They had possession more consistently and on our 1/3 of the pitch. They seem to be working the flanks a lot better and attempting switches more often. The back field is finally gelling and they are getting more creative in the front. Most of the attempts were for naught, but it's refreshing to see that they now have the courage to try to make some good plays.

I feel somewhat better today. I think I'm kicking this cold.

Status Update:

* Twitter status: Alvin... celebrating the Vics first win 3 minutes ago
* On repeat: Cover songs: Crazy by Ray LaMontagne, Creep by Damien Rice and Nothing Compares 2 U by Stereophonics
* Reading: The West with the Night by Beryl Markham
* Current Obsession: California Victory's first win
* Last unnecessary purchase: Kubb set and an Oakland A's cap

More Cowbell!

I unleashed the cowbell on Saturday when the Vics hosted the Whitecaps. I never realized how much power that thing holds! The chants were sporadic and a few came up spontaneously sans cowbell. But the supporters really came through when I started beating on it. I was a bit tentative about using it this first time. I didn't want to be annoying. But without taking the lead, the group was too quiet. This coming Saturday, I will have had all the nerves shaken off and will try to fill the air with noise as much as I can.

Sadly, the Vics lost 3-1. I was pretty tipsy throughout the whole thing. After the match, got more beverages at the pub. I talked to a few of the players and might have been a little harsh. But I snapped out of it and told them that we were out there for them and will always be cheering for our team.

This is my drunk ass trying to start a wave in the crowd. The guy behind me is whaling on the cowbell to rile them up. I was surprised how unresponsive the crowd was and how out of shape I really am. We'll see how they react next week.

Status Update (or: My 2 new obsessions)

Hey Folks,

Things have been crazy lately on both the football and personal level. So all my writing, both here and journal, have been suffering. I went down to L.A. for a friend's graduation, but also got to see a Galaxy match. It was amazing to see 22K people to watch a football match! I really hope that the Quakes come back.

In local football, Victory aren't doing so well. Even so, I've caught the Victory fever. And I bought the only prescription to cure it...a cowbell. I went to the first match on Cinco de Mayo against the Mexican team, Necaxa. It was fun to meet other fans that I met on the discussion boards. Our group even made the SF Chronicle. I'm the fool in the back with the scarf La knitted for me.

I missed the home opener (I was at the Galaxy match) but I will try to make as many of the home matches that I can fit without La getting mad at me.
I'm still very active on the BigSoccer discussion boards. I seem to be checking and replying for most of the day. The supporters' group hasn't yet gone "official" with it's name, but it seems to be "1906." I don't like it, but whatever the name is I will still support the boys for the whole 90. This weekend they play the Vancouver Whitecaps (last years champion). If you're down to go, let me know. We need all the support we can get.

Another strange update is that I started playing Gears of War. I'm behind about 6 months. One day one of my clients starts talking about Counterstrike. He tried to convince me to get on it so I can play with him. The same night, I find out some friends in NY have it. They are gung-ho first person shooter fans (I, more of a sports video game player), and talked me into getting it. I have to admit, it is enjoyable. I might put down a deposit for the upcoming and highly anticipated Halo 3. Even now, after a few rounds of GoW, I take comfort and wind down by playing a few matches on UEFA Champions League.

Finally, my status update:
* Twitter status: Alvin... typing notes in the dark (undefined)
* On repeat: Here Come The Victory
* Reading: The Price of Privilege by Madeline Levine
* Current Obsession: California Victory
* Last unnecessary purchase: A Cowbell and Gears of War

Victory Fever

4
The number of times per minute I refresh a discussion board page.
I've been very active on the BigSoccer forums for the California Victory, bordering on obsessive. The first home match, a friendly with the Mexican club, Necaxa, is this Saturday, Cinco de Mayo!

On the boards, we've been discussing potential names for our supporters' group. I've been brainstorming like a madman. A lot of my suggestions are being incorporated. I think my suggestion for the name of our area of the stadium is sticking: The Praetorium. Just enough intellectual esotericism to keep people on their toes. I'll be totally psyched if that name gets finalized.

It's so much fun being a part of the birth of a supporters' group. All the power and potential of creation in the hands of those who are most enthusiastic. It'll be a little weird meeting these people that I've been chatting with on the boards. Brings me back to my days of IRC. Ah...those were the days.

FCD 0-1 RBNY Boo Yah!

Not to rub it in anymore than I need to, but the Red Bulls are still unbeaten and still haven't conceded a single goal yet (an MLS record). 10 points and #1, thank you.

DCU had a bye week, but will be playing Columbus on Saturday. They better win, because this RBNY/DCU rivalry is getting a bit boring *yawn* I sort of want them to win, so that La doesn't get so downtrodden and hopeless. But, I really do want that jersey.

Second place, Fire, will be playing Dynamo. Dynamo is pretty pissed that Red Bulls beat them, so I'm sure that they'll be coming out with guns blazing. It's going to be a fun weekend.

In other football news...
I just received the season tickets to Victory. It's so sweet to hold a whole season's worth in one fist. I'm so psyched!

Place your bets!

There is quite a rivalry brewing within my household. Red Bull New York versus D.C. United. La is from the DC area and I from NY. The teams hate each other. Historically speaking, DC has dominated the MLS and the Red Bulls.

This year is different.

Already in week 2, Red Bulls are #2 in the east (only because the Revs played one more game than RBs) and DC, a very sad and pathetic #6...out of 7. RBs 1 win and 1 draw. DC *whispers* 2 losses. But then again, it's only the first two matches.

It can't be denied that DC is a scoring machine. 99% of all the bloggers and MLS gurus have predicted them to finish #1 in the eastern division. Red bulls, 4th or 5th. But that's okay.

For all of you to witness, and to officially declare the conditions of the bet, I present the following:

Bet #1 (2 parts)
1) Red Bulls will finish the season either 1 spot under DC, or beat them.
2) Red Bulls will finish with more goals (including a handicap of 6 goals [1/2 the difference of the goals DC had over RBs last year])

If part 1 is won then........

UPDATE:
I didn't get to finish this post before the RBs match started. La is just finishing the last of the dishes from the bet she just lost, as the RB won YET AGAIN. They are back to number one! Still undefeated for 3 weeks!!!

As I was saying, if only Part 1 is won, then the loser has to buy the winner a piece of gear of the winning club. If both Part 1 and 2 are won, then the loser has to either buy the winner a jersey of the winning team (if I win) or buy club gear and a night out on the town (if La wins).

Bet #2
Whoever wins an aggregate score of the two matches that RBs and DCU have this season...
Ya know, we didn't decide the prize yet. That derby will be a lot more exciting! I have to admit, I'm a little scared of the match-up. We'll cross that bridge...

In other football news, both La and I bought season tickets for California Victory! I'm so excited. Got such a deal on them. I can't wait.

Victory! kind of...

I was in a state of panic when I heard the news that the deal that the San Jose Earthquakes will play in Spartan Stadium for next season did not go through. Big Lew has said that he has "other options" but really what can they be?

I'm really jonesin' to watch live footy. While I'm down in LA for a friend's graduation in May, I'm gonna hit up Galaxy match. The USMNT v. China is coming up in June. I totally forgot that the California Victory is having their inaugural season as an expansion team for the USL! They're going to be playing in SF, just a hop skip and car ride for me. As for every expansion team out there, there's not much expectation that they will be good this year. But professional football in the Bay Area is good enough for me. It's unfortunate that their first home match will be the same day that I'll be watching Galaxy. But their next home match is a Friendly with Necaxa on...

*wait for it*

Cinco de Mayo!

Who's with me?!? I've been up on the message boards of Victory fans. It's been fun to witness the birth of a fan club. They've been discussing what their name should be, organizing chants, finding meeting places and deciding where they want to be in the stadium. I can't wait for the season to start!

Rushed update

I'm sorry that I haven't posted in awhile (how many people are actually reading this. hands? hands?). I've been feeling ill and called in yesterday, as well as today. Since I haven't written in awhile, I feel as if I need to report what's been going on. Let me purge, bulleted:

• 31st Birthday was great. Hike in Big Basin, followed by unexpectedly large after party.
• CONCACAF Champions Cup sucked ass. Both U.S. Teams lost. Dynamo game was awesome!
• MLS Kickoff was cool. Good to see DC lose (sorry La)
• Arsenal doing horrible. Last draw should have been a win. La got me a Fabregas jersey. Very nice.
• Bought UEFA video game. Awesome new trading card feature. I've created my first club, Hyphy FC. Still below average but getting better with age.

Although I'm ill and should be resting, there are two UEFA quarterfinal matches on today, at the same time: ManU v. Roma and Valencia v. Chelsea. I'll be flipping back and forth. Oh happy day off!

My latest status update:
* Twitter status: Alvin... is trying to fix adium message history. (undefined)
* On repeat: The Luckiest by Ben Folds
* Reading: Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle
* Current Obsession: LibraryThing.com and UEFA Champions League (watching the real thing and also the video game)
* Last unnecessary purchase: UEFA Champions League 2006-2007 video game.

MLS Kickoff

I'll be the first to admit that I am a baby footie fan. Ever since I caught the fever, though, during the last World Cup I've been devouring football like a crazed madman. The EPL, UEFA Champions League, and CONCACAF Champions League has had me enthralled in front of the TV. In two days, the MLS 2007 season begins. I'm glad that I got on board the soccer train during this time period, because it is looking like the MLS is getting things right this season. My fingers are crossed that the U.S. will finally join the rest of the world's love with the sport.

There has been a lot of positive hype other than Beckham coming. SuperLiga will start in the Summer. DCU made it to the semis of the CONCACAF Champions cup (lost this week. Damn) Houston still has a chance to win a finals spot, tonight against Pachuca. Reyna & Mathis to the Redbulls. Blanco to Fire and Fred & Emilio to DCU (Fred just goes by "Fred," which cracks me up. Those crazy Brazilians). The EPL leagues are making professional associations with a few MLS teams, which hopefully will create a Big Brother/Little Brother relationship.

And that's what it is really. At least for now. We're the little, tag-a-long brother in the football world. I'm excited that there is even recognition of the potential of greatness. There was a NY Times article about what the MLS is doing right. It sounds hopeful:

But we don’t believe any one thing will make soccer or M.L.S. one of the dominant sports in this country in the short term. A lot of individual things are happening at a slow, steady pace. Over the next 5, 10, 20 years, we have no doubt that this will be a dominant league in this country. It is not a matter of if, but when.

This weekend will be filled with football love. MLS Fantasy Football also just started. My team will be full of random and arbitrary picks. But who cares? Anyone care to join me?

Status Update

Happy New Month, y'all! I don't have too much time right now other than to do a status update and some other random updates. I had an awesome birthday weekend! The Mexico v. Ecuador match was insane! (I just found out that I can attend the US v. China in June! Anyone down to go?) Get on LibraryThing; it's my newest obsession (more to come on that). And...I added new things on the sidebar of the blog, so check it out.

Status update:
* Twitter status: Alvin... is sniffling after a weekend of good times.
* On repeat: The Luckiest by Ben Folds
* Trying out: Bob Schneider
* Reading: Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle
* Current Obsession: LibraryThing.com
* Slang I last used in a session: That girl seems messy.
* Nice things said to me this past week: "When I hear David LaBruyere, I think of you" and "You're like an uncle to me."

1 out of 47,416

I'm going to be at the sold out Mexico v. Ecuador football match tonight! I can't think about anything else. I'm in the nosebleed section of the Oakland Coliseum, so I'm going to have to be twice as loud. I've got my Cruz Azul scarf on today to support Mexico. Tailgate starts at 3, but I have to be at work until 5. Damn.

So here's my dilemma: I want to support Mexico (sort of arbitrarily because they are our neighbors and I happen to watch Mexican football every now and then). Their colors are green, red and white (they'll probably wear their green home jersey). Ecuador's colors are blue, yellow and red (they'll probably wear their blue away jersey).

Now...the San Jose Earthquakes are hosting the event, even though they are no longer playing in the MLS. But rumors say that they have a good chance of returning to the Bay for the 2008 season. There is this campaign to wear Earthquake Blue to show support for the Quakes and to give a message that there is a plentiful fanbase in the area.

What should I do?

I am a WINNER!

I finally won an online soccer match on the Xbox 360!!! I am a golden god!

I haven't owned a gaming console since Nintendo 64, back in undergrad. I bought the 360 while I was acting out during the moving-in-with-the-girlfriend process, in October. So I'm a bit rusty.

I got FIFA 07 a little before Thanksgiving (the greatest game in the world), and then my future brother-in-law *shiver* got me an Xbox Live year membership for Christmas. Since then, I've been rocked by better opponents; destroyed by sedentary snot-nosed kids who live in Xbox world.

Tonight, all that has changed. And...2-0 on top of that! You should have seen the last minutes of the match. Eyes wide open, tearing so that I wouldn't miss a beat. Girlfriend comes in to say goodnight. HOLD ON! DON'T DO ANYTHING! At the final whistle, I was a little schoolboy jumping up and down in ecstasy and disbelief. I wanted to scream out loud, but it was already late...and it would only make me look and feel cooler. So I resorted to controlled heavy breathing and violent arm thrusts in the air. Winner!