I’m really getting worried that Spurs may go down this year…or, if not, it’s going to be a real nail-biter and it’s going to go down to the wire. If you take the average number of points that it took to avoid relegation over the past 7 seasons, the magic number has been 37.
After 21 of 38 games, Spurs have 20 points. If you project our current points per game through the end of the season, that means we'll end up with 36 points. Also, if you look at our remaining games we have some very difficult opponents at the end of the season. Our last 10 matches we will play Villa, Chelsea, United, Everton, and end with Liverpool. Additionally, Newcastle (our bogey team) and some difficult away games round out that list.
If the results go the same way as they did in the first half of the season against our remaining teams, we’ll end up with 18 more points for a total of 38. If I project what I think will happen in our remaining 17 games, I come up with 38 points too.
What does this all mean? We’re officially in a relegation fight and we really have no margin for error. Unless we perform better then expected (or as the past has proven), we could very easily get relegated. It’s time to push the panic button.
14 January 2009
13 January 2009
Thank You
Dear Dad and Mom Johnson:
1) Thank You
2) Thank You
3) Thank You
4) Thank You
5) Thank You
6) Thank You
7) Thank You
8) Thank You
9) Thank You
10) Thank You
You'll have to use a secret decoder ring to decipher this message. :)
12 January 2009
Happy Anniversary
Happy 32nd Anniversary Dad and Mom (a few days late)! It will always be remembered as the anniversary when you passed a guy with a pet llama. Careful - they spit!
11 January 2009
Does WHL Serve Coca-Cola?
"Less than a classic"...are the words the commentator used to describe the match between Wigan and Tottenham this morning. I love it when the English make their point indirectly. "Well, I wouldn't say it was the BEST game I've ever seen!"
Here's the problem with Spurs (and I why debated even wasting my time watching this game). They played for over an hour and a half against Wigan and couldn't even muster ONE legitimate shot on goal despite the return of Defoe. Sure, the official stats show there were 2 shots on goal, but I'm pretty sure the goalie could have sat in a lawn chair the whole game. They weren't shots. Spurs can't score. Gone are the days when it was end to end action. Now, the entire game stalls at midfield. Of course, in typical Tottenham and relegation form fashion, they held the opposition to nothing until the very last minute of the game. 90th minute, corner kick, header, goal, bottom 3 of the table. This is not the team nor organization that it was advertised to be.
The announcer ended the game with his own classic: "At the start of the season Spurs were supposed to be challenging for a top 4 spot and the Champions League. Right now, they're on track for a top 4 spot in the Champion...ship.
Here's the problem with Spurs (and I why debated even wasting my time watching this game). They played for over an hour and a half against Wigan and couldn't even muster ONE legitimate shot on goal despite the return of Defoe. Sure, the official stats show there were 2 shots on goal, but I'm pretty sure the goalie could have sat in a lawn chair the whole game. They weren't shots. Spurs can't score. Gone are the days when it was end to end action. Now, the entire game stalls at midfield. Of course, in typical Tottenham and relegation form fashion, they held the opposition to nothing until the very last minute of the game. 90th minute, corner kick, header, goal, bottom 3 of the table. This is not the team nor organization that it was advertised to be.
The announcer ended the game with his own classic: "At the start of the season Spurs were supposed to be challenging for a top 4 spot and the Champions League. Right now, they're on track for a top 4 spot in the Champion...ship.
10 January 2009
09 January 2009
iToonage
I spent last night sampling/downloading music while Stacey was at Bible study. That’s right…although I had the BCS National Championship game on the television I probably spent 2-3 hours solely “surfing” iTunes. iTunes (ok, digital music) is pretty amazing when you think about the entire process/package and how it all works. Alas, I disgress.
Remember back in the day when you heard someone say they like all kinds of music? At first, I thought this was just a teenager-like way of being non-committal and trying to please everyone. Well, maybe I’m still in high school on the music front. After I finished downloading the next round of songs I’ll be listening to over the next few months I realized that my music tastes vary greatly.
I’ve heard that revealing what’s playing on your iPod is supposed to be very personal (i.e. it probably makes people feel vulnerable). It’s probably true…but I’m probably more willing to be embarrassed for the sake of self-realization. I’m not sure what these songs say about me (other than I like variety), so I tried to group them and figured we could decide for ourselves.
Britney – Bebo Norman (Christian pop with a message, 102.7 material)
Whatever You’re Doing – Sanctus Real (Christian, but the cool kind)
Love is Here – Over and Underneath (Christian alternative)
By Your Side – Over and Underneath (Christian alternative)
Forever – Chris Brown (r&b dance mix)
Shake It – Metro Station (alternative dance mix, with a hint of 80s)
Everything – Michael Buble (adult pop vocal, 106.3 and VH1 material)
Love Story – Taylor Swift (teen country-pop crossover love song)
White Horse – Taylor Swift (country ballad)
Fall For You – Secondhand Serenade (alternative)
You Found Me – The Fray (alternative/pop)
Gives You Hell – All American Rejects (alternative)
Right, it’s much clearer now…I guess I like alternative music with some soul and an edge and that has a touch of teenie-bopper sappiness with a funky dance beat and Christian lyrics. Oh snap!!! All hail DC Talk!!! I’m going to cry now.
Remember back in the day when you heard someone say they like all kinds of music? At first, I thought this was just a teenager-like way of being non-committal and trying to please everyone. Well, maybe I’m still in high school on the music front. After I finished downloading the next round of songs I’ll be listening to over the next few months I realized that my music tastes vary greatly.
I’ve heard that revealing what’s playing on your iPod is supposed to be very personal (i.e. it probably makes people feel vulnerable). It’s probably true…but I’m probably more willing to be embarrassed for the sake of self-realization. I’m not sure what these songs say about me (other than I like variety), so I tried to group them and figured we could decide for ourselves.
Britney – Bebo Norman (Christian pop with a message, 102.7 material)
Whatever You’re Doing – Sanctus Real (Christian, but the cool kind)
Love is Here – Over and Underneath (Christian alternative)
By Your Side – Over and Underneath (Christian alternative)
Forever – Chris Brown (r&b dance mix)
Shake It – Metro Station (alternative dance mix, with a hint of 80s)
Everything – Michael Buble (adult pop vocal, 106.3 and VH1 material)
Love Story – Taylor Swift (teen country-pop crossover love song)
White Horse – Taylor Swift (country ballad)
Fall For You – Secondhand Serenade (alternative)
You Found Me – The Fray (alternative/pop)
Gives You Hell – All American Rejects (alternative)
Right, it’s much clearer now…I guess I like alternative music with some soul and an edge and that has a touch of teenie-bopper sappiness with a funky dance beat and Christian lyrics. Oh snap!!! All hail DC Talk!!! I’m going to cry now.
06 January 2009
FA, Carling, and Defoe
With all my Villa posting lately, I wanted to assure the one reader who may care (but probably not) that I haven't forgotten about Spurs.
On Friday Spurs beat Wigan 3-1 in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup. It was a slow start, but in the second half Spurs put it together and banged three past the opposition. The celebration was cut short though when we drew Manchester United in the next round.
Today we hosted the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Championship-side Burnley. Of course, I mis-read what day the game was being played (I thought it was tomorrow) and saw the final score at work today. I frickin' hate that...it's one of my pet peeves, finding out the score of a game I wanted to watch when I got home. After 45 minutes of a very entertaining game, we were halfway to Burnley down 0-1 on an away goal. However, our fortunes turned quickly, and in the span of 20 minutes we put 4 past the lower division side. We've basically all but ensured we'll be heading back to Wembley Stadium to defend our current Carling Cup title. It should be a cracking game. Unfortunately, the final is probably also going to be against Manchester United...which at face value seems like a loss. However, that's what we thought last year when facing Chelsea. That's the beauty of a one-off game - despite the fact that United are the current World, European, and English champions, Spurs could still beat them in this one game.
Additionally, it was announced that Jermain Defoe is coming back to Tottenham to join his old manager and old team. Old is relative, considering Redknapp was his manager at Portsmouth less than 3 months ago and he was a Spurs player about a year ago. Personally, I'm very glad he's back. Not only do I think he'll be a great addition, but he previously left Tottenham out of necessity and not because he wanted wanted to stop playing for the club. He's loved by the fans and I'm glad he'll finally get the chance to be our number 1 choice at forward.
Considering Spurs will be facing Matt's Ukraining club in February in the UEFA Cup, and Villa in the next round if they both win...and that they'll be fighting a relegation battle as well as playing in the Carling Cup final, the first 5 months of 2009 are going to be very entertaining.
On Friday Spurs beat Wigan 3-1 in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup. It was a slow start, but in the second half Spurs put it together and banged three past the opposition. The celebration was cut short though when we drew Manchester United in the next round.
Today we hosted the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Championship-side Burnley. Of course, I mis-read what day the game was being played (I thought it was tomorrow) and saw the final score at work today. I frickin' hate that...it's one of my pet peeves, finding out the score of a game I wanted to watch when I got home. After 45 minutes of a very entertaining game, we were halfway to Burnley down 0-1 on an away goal. However, our fortunes turned quickly, and in the span of 20 minutes we put 4 past the lower division side. We've basically all but ensured we'll be heading back to Wembley Stadium to defend our current Carling Cup title. It should be a cracking game. Unfortunately, the final is probably also going to be against Manchester United...which at face value seems like a loss. However, that's what we thought last year when facing Chelsea. That's the beauty of a one-off game - despite the fact that United are the current World, European, and English champions, Spurs could still beat them in this one game.
Additionally, it was announced that Jermain Defoe is coming back to Tottenham to join his old manager and old team. Old is relative, considering Redknapp was his manager at Portsmouth less than 3 months ago and he was a Spurs player about a year ago. Personally, I'm very glad he's back. Not only do I think he'll be a great addition, but he previously left Tottenham out of necessity and not because he wanted wanted to stop playing for the club. He's loved by the fans and I'm glad he'll finally get the chance to be our number 1 choice at forward.
Considering Spurs will be facing Matt's Ukraining club in February in the UEFA Cup, and Villa in the next round if they both win...and that they'll be fighting a relegation battle as well as playing in the Carling Cup final, the first 5 months of 2009 are going to be very entertaining.
05 January 2009
Newest Member of the Family
A week ago we "borrowed" him from my parents. He passed his trial period with flying colors and now has earned the right to sleep at the side of my bed (on the floor) and meet me at the door when I come home.
Background
For those of you who aren't aware, he was originally my grandma's (on my Dad's side) dog. I believe my parents got him for my grandma shortly before she had to move into assisted living a few years ago. My grandma had originally named him "Prince", but my parents changed his name to "Quincy" when he came to live with them. Naturally, I called him "the dog formerly known as Prince". Now that he's living with us though, I'm trying to come up with a name (or nickname) that I can call him besides "Quincy". Any ideas?
About the Breed
The name Sheltie is actually short for Shetland Sheepdog (a herder). The Shetland Islands are a Scottish archipelago off the northeast coast of Scotland. According to wikipedia, "the Shetland Sheepdog is an outstanding companion dog and is intensely loyal. It is lively, intelligent, trainable, and willing to please and obey. Shelties are loving, loyal, and affectionate with their family, but are naturally aloof with strangers. The herding instinct is strong in many Shelties. They love to chase and herd things, including squirrels, ducks, and children. Shelties love to run in wide-open areas. Shelties are very good with children. Shelties also are very smart, making them highly trainable. According to Dr. Stanley Coren, an expert on animal intelligence, the Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dogs, ranking 6th out of 132 breeds tested. His research found that an average Sheltie could understand a new command in less than 5 repetitions and would obey a command the first time it was given 95% of the time or better."
The Family
Stacey is getting used to him, but I think it's safe to say that Julia loves having him around. She calls him "da-da", and likes to point at him and walk or crawl across the room just to pet him. A few days ago we told her to "give Quincy lovies", and she lowered her head so that it was resting on his head (her way of giving him a hug). This morning she let out a squeal when her outstretched arm and finger met up with Quincy's wet nose.
Kitty doesn't seem to mind him at all. If anything, I think she has come around us more since he's been at our house (instead of diving under the bed). They frequently sit or walk close to each other...however, I doubt they'll ever be BFFs.
My Take
Basically, I think he's the perfect dog for us. I've wanted a dog for awhile now since I grew up with them. With a 1-year old though, training and house-breaking a new puppy wasn't feasible. In the past I've thought that he would be a great dog to borrow and take on a hike, etc. However, I never really saw much of him when I visited my parents because a certain Yorkshire Terrier kept him walking on eggshells, especially when food or Julia were the center of attention. Basically, the terrier would ambush Quincy simply for getting too close. The fault completely lies on the Yorkshire side...but the English and the Scots never did quite get along, so it's not surprising.
He's submissive, so he's great with Julia and will listen to my commands. He's small enough to be a great house dog yet large enough that I can eventually take him to the park or jogging/hiking this summer. His personality is great, and he loves attention yet isn't "all up in my grill" when I don't want him to be (he'll come and go when told). So far he won't bark unless there is someone or something outside, making him a good home security system.
I've already enjoyed learning/seeing some of his personality quirks...like how he snorts/sneezes repetitively in excitement when I ask him if he wants to go outside. Alluding to the breed's intelligence, the funniest moment so far has been him learning to get into his cage when we're leaving the house. After only a time or two, he's learned. This weekend I took a small doggie treat and had him follow me into the basement. I told him to "kennel" while holding the treat in my hand and he practically bent the backside of the cage because he went flying into it with a NHL caliber body-slam caused by "treat euphoria". What a spaz.
Background
For those of you who aren't aware, he was originally my grandma's (on my Dad's side) dog. I believe my parents got him for my grandma shortly before she had to move into assisted living a few years ago. My grandma had originally named him "Prince", but my parents changed his name to "Quincy" when he came to live with them. Naturally, I called him "the dog formerly known as Prince". Now that he's living with us though, I'm trying to come up with a name (or nickname) that I can call him besides "Quincy". Any ideas?
About the Breed
The name Sheltie is actually short for Shetland Sheepdog (a herder). The Shetland Islands are a Scottish archipelago off the northeast coast of Scotland. According to wikipedia, "the Shetland Sheepdog is an outstanding companion dog and is intensely loyal. It is lively, intelligent, trainable, and willing to please and obey. Shelties are loving, loyal, and affectionate with their family, but are naturally aloof with strangers. The herding instinct is strong in many Shelties. They love to chase and herd things, including squirrels, ducks, and children. Shelties love to run in wide-open areas. Shelties are very good with children. Shelties also are very smart, making them highly trainable. According to Dr. Stanley Coren, an expert on animal intelligence, the Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dogs, ranking 6th out of 132 breeds tested. His research found that an average Sheltie could understand a new command in less than 5 repetitions and would obey a command the first time it was given 95% of the time or better."
The Family
Stacey is getting used to him, but I think it's safe to say that Julia loves having him around. She calls him "da-da", and likes to point at him and walk or crawl across the room just to pet him. A few days ago we told her to "give Quincy lovies", and she lowered her head so that it was resting on his head (her way of giving him a hug). This morning she let out a squeal when her outstretched arm and finger met up with Quincy's wet nose.
Kitty doesn't seem to mind him at all. If anything, I think she has come around us more since he's been at our house (instead of diving under the bed). They frequently sit or walk close to each other...however, I doubt they'll ever be BFFs.
My Take
Basically, I think he's the perfect dog for us. I've wanted a dog for awhile now since I grew up with them. With a 1-year old though, training and house-breaking a new puppy wasn't feasible. In the past I've thought that he would be a great dog to borrow and take on a hike, etc. However, I never really saw much of him when I visited my parents because a certain Yorkshire Terrier kept him walking on eggshells, especially when food or Julia were the center of attention. Basically, the terrier would ambush Quincy simply for getting too close. The fault completely lies on the Yorkshire side...but the English and the Scots never did quite get along, so it's not surprising.
He's submissive, so he's great with Julia and will listen to my commands. He's small enough to be a great house dog yet large enough that I can eventually take him to the park or jogging/hiking this summer. His personality is great, and he loves attention yet isn't "all up in my grill" when I don't want him to be (he'll come and go when told). So far he won't bark unless there is someone or something outside, making him a good home security system.
I've already enjoyed learning/seeing some of his personality quirks...like how he snorts/sneezes repetitively in excitement when I ask him if he wants to go outside. Alluding to the breed's intelligence, the funniest moment so far has been him learning to get into his cage when we're leaving the house. After only a time or two, he's learned. This weekend I took a small doggie treat and had him follow me into the basement. I told him to "kennel" while holding the treat in my hand and he practically bent the backside of the cage because he went flying into it with a NHL caliber body-slam caused by "treat euphoria". What a spaz.
04 January 2009
Eat Fresh
I strolled over to our neighborhood Subway this weekend for some five-dollar foot long action. I went inside and halfway through my sandwich order I realized that the guy making my sandwich was named "Jared".
I know, it took every ounce of strength in my body not to laugh...or to make some smart-arse comment like, "can I get extra pickles, JARED?"
I know, it took every ounce of strength in my body not to laugh...or to make some smart-arse comment like, "can I get extra pickles, JARED?"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)