Pride Cometh Before A Fall

On Friday, the top U.S. soccer radio show and podcast, World Soccer Daily, shockingly announced that its broadcast that day would be its last. As a regular listener (and occasional emailer) to the show over the last several years, I was severely disappointed at the news.

The Show

For those of you who haven't listened to the show, it was clearly the best show of its kind in the U.S. and in many parts of the world. The show would broadcast for 2 hours everyday about the sport, offering news, opinions, taking calls, and in general, educating people in this country about the sport. The show had world-class guests and talked almost on a daily basis to leading members of the global media, international star players, first team managers from European teams, and even referees. The show was one of the most downloaded sports podcasts on iTunes. In short, this was no amateur show. It was the authority in this country and largely responsible for growing the game in the U.S. after 7-odd years on the air.

The Controversy

About five months ago, the founder and host, Steven Cohen, made some very controversial and in some cases, incorrect statements about the Hillsborough Disaster on or around the time of its 20th anniversary. For those of you who don't know, the Hillsborough Disaster happened in 1989 and resulted in 96 people being crushed to death (from compressive asphyxia)...all Liverpool fans. However, although he half-heartedly recanted his incorrect statements, as a life-long Chelsea fan (and despiser of Liverpool) he still maintained the simple point that "he feels that anytime - not just at Hillsborough - when people are crushed to death by their fellow man, those who were part of the crowd must accept some measure of responsibility" (taken from Matt's summary of his stance on his blog). Matt has crafted a wonderful post on this topic, and I'd suggest you read his blog if you'd like even more information on this controversy. Even though an investigation (The Taylor Report) into this tragedy concluded that "failure of Police control" was the primary cause, I completely agree with Steven's simple point or opinion. In fact, I don't see how any reasonable person could disagree with that statement - it's common sense and fairly obvious.

The Death Spiral

"It's not what you say, it's how you say it". In my opinion, the show would still be on the air if not for what happened next. Instead of sincerely apologizing for his factual misstatements and dropping the issue, Steven, the host, continued to add fuel to the fire. He was insensitive, he went on rants, he published emails and disparaged those who disagreed with him on the air...so much so that I stopped listening for a few weeks when it all happened. However, Steven isn't the only one to blame. More often then not it was in response to angry calls or emails to the show from people that were wound too tightly. At first, it was in response to his original comments but it quickly got out of control to a point where people were arguing about the previous argument and not really about the point at hand. My point is, both sides continued the debate until it escalated into a dangerous, irrelevant, "pissing contest" involving the FBI (threats to people's safety) and many people boycotting the show. There were a few groups that went after the show's sponsors, but in the end the show stopped airing due to Steven's concerns for his and his family's safety.

The Conclusion

Although I'm not really going to offer up my opinion on who I think was right and who was wrong (because both sides were both right and wrong at the same time), I'll offer up my one observation. This weekend I had a lot of time to think about this issue while painting my fence and ultimately I concluded it was a classic example of the following:

- Sometimes it's better to do the right thing rather then to be right

As many people have experienced, I feel that both sides in this argument were blinded by their desire to be right at the expense of doing the right thing. Neither side took the high road. If, at any point, either side would have chosen to do the right thing in the way they handled this situation, it would never have gotten this far. In addition, there were many cases where people on both sides of the debate thought they were doing they right thing but lost sight of the bigger, more important picture. As a result, one side was victorious but everyone (both sides, the listeners, the sport, the sport in this country) ended up losing. How neither side could see that coming can only be attributed to one factor: pride.

While searching for Proverbs 16:18 at the start of this post, I stumbled across a blog called "Sheri's Thoughts On God". In June of this year she made a post about a sermon given on the topic of pride. Quite frankly, the story she tells is eerily similar to this one. Her pastor "reminded us that much of the world is in conflict, and for one single reason: pride. Peace, he said, requires humility. But pride demands justice - or what we individually decide is justice." I couldn't help but be reminded of Jesus' silence from the time he was captured in the garden to his crucifixion.

It's funny...in the end what struck me is not who was right or wrong, who won, or whether or not the show is still on the air. What I'll take away from the situation is a profound lesson learned by observing other people's (thankfully) mistakes. Or, to put it more simply, a reminder of the old saying "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18).

Tottenham Top Table (Updated)

Update: Tottenham beat West Ham on Sunday and still remain at the top of the table! I updated the image below to reflect the new standings.

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What a difference a year makes. After two games Spurs are at the top of the table. On opening day we beat Liverpool 2-1, and on Wednesday, we beat Hull City 5-1 (on a Jermaine Defoe hat trick).

This is Tottenham’s best start to a season since 1965. If we beat our cross-town rivals West Ham on Sunday, it will be the best start to a league campaign since we last won the league in 1960-61 (we also won the FA Cup that year). A few weeks ago Spurs beat West Ham in a preseason game (and historically have done well against them). Additionally, next weekend Tottenham face newly promoted Birmingham. So, Spurs fans are cautiously optimistic that we can continue our good start.

As any football fan knows, this season is a long one. Every year there are teams that sprint out of the starting gate only to drop like a rock as the season progresses. However, this year Tottenham have the advantages of not playing in any European matches in addition to a deep bench. We should be rested for most games this season.

Inevitably, Tottenham will start to lose points here and there and drop a few spots down the table. We look to have a strong squad this season but we are definitely not one of the best teams. For now, even though it’s early, we’re going to enjoy this little bit of success while it lasts.

Legal Trouble

This email went out at work today in connection with the news that the NCAA has revoked all wins associated with Memphis' Final Four run in the 2008 NCAA tournament. The university and I plan on appealing the ruling. I'll keep you posted. Otherwise, no comment.

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It has come to our attention that the winner, Aaron Sudduth, unethically achieved a victory.

Aaron’s suspected involvement in allowing another student to take Derrick Rose’s ACT test for him, allowed the Memphis Tigers to reach the Final Game of the 2008 NCAA Championships earning Aaron an illegitimate 31 points. After stripping these 31 points from Aaron, the official winner of the 2008 NCAA FOF Finance Basketball Title is Kevin Angell.

It is with great sadness that we come before you with this announcement but we felt in light of the egregious actions taken by Aaron, that the record must be set straight. Aaron’s role as NCAA Office Pool Commissioner is under review and details to his future involvement will be revealed as decisions are made.

Aaron has chosen at this time to issue no statement and we request that you honor his right to privacy concerning this issue.

Colorado Chainsaw Massacre

"That your tree friend out there in the wood chipper?" - Fargo

Premier League 09/10

The beauty of watching football (i.e. soccer) is that it’s essentially a year-round sport. The summer is typically filled with international tournaments and clubs on promotional world tours. This weekend the 9 month long English Premier League season starts again…and it starts with a bang for any Spurs supporter. In no less then 8 days, Spurs play their first 3 games (Sunday, Wednesday, Sunday) of the season.

The general opinion from what I can tell is that the league title should be contested by Chelsea and United once again. Chelsea seem to be getting most of the nods, mainly due to the fact that their team remains relatively unchanged since last year compared to the changes at United, Liverpool, and Arsenal. I could see it going either way between Chelsea or United with Liverpool maybe in the mix early on in the season.

For Tottenham fans, the stability that our manager Harry Redknapp has brought to our club is a welcomed relief. Not much has changed for us except that we sold a few players we expected to sell this summer and brought a few more in. Compared to the wholesale changes we’ve experienced the last few years, this was a relatively quiet summer. The most notable transfers have been the sale of Bent (striker) and the signings of Crouch (striker) and Bassong (CB). We signed Bassong from Newcastle to help plug our holes in the defense, since our 3 best CBs either have a chronic injury problem or are current out injured.

All things considered, I think many fans are cautiously optimistic this season. As Matt mentioned, the gap in class this year may be very large. Top to bottom, there are many mediocre to poor clubs this year. The real battle might be at the bottom of the table again. So, there may be many points for the taking. Additionally, we’ve had stability and kept our core of players from last year together. If you take the points per game that we earned over the 30 games last season under Harry Redknapp and apply it to a full 38 game season, over the past 5 years that’s been good for 4th and 5th place at the end of the season. I’m not predicting that’s where Spurs will finish next spring – I’m using that as a way to support the opinion that we shouldn’t be battling relegation at all this year. If I had to pick right now my guess is we’ll probably finish in 7th place plus or minus one. Most Spurs fans are also predicting a stable, mid-table finish with maybe a good run in one of the cups. Boring is beautiful this year…or, at the very least, highly acceptable.

Perhaps the biggest controversy of the off-season was the introduction of our new kit. I won’t beat around the bush – it’s ugly. It was so well received by the fans that a petition was started (and gathered thousands of signatures) to have the club redo it. Most of the complaints are about the yellow and the yellow stripes. I haven’t heard or seen a message board post or podcast where any fan has said they are going to purchase a kit this year. I’m sure that after half a season or so it will grow on me…especially if we start winning.

So on Sunday we open up the league season at home against Liverpool. They may have some injury issues of their own and if we can continue our home form from last season this may be a decent game. I don’t expect to win, but I can envision a draw or at least a competitive match. Anything can happen in the first game of the season. We could be rusty and get overrun, or conversely, surprise Liverpool. I’d much rather play the top 4 clubs early on in the season for that reason and to get them out of the way early. Come On You Spurs!

Tinkle Tinkle Little Jules

I just thought I should let you know that at 20 months old, Julia has made her first tinkle in the toilet. For months now she's known about "stinkies", but only in the last few weeks has she wanted to sit on the big girl toilet. Even a few months ago she would pull at her diaper when it was wet and say "stinkies" or when she heard the toilet flush would yell "BYE BYE STINKIES!"

The point is, she's a smart cookie. This is just one example of many why we think she's at least above average when it comes to her intellectual development. On a related note, her noggin has the same shape and size as Daddy's, so that's probably why she's so advanced. Kidding.

Perhaps the funniest part about the first few times on the toilet is that she actually strains and grunts while trying to go. Even today before the first official tinkle, she was grunting and clenching but could only squeeze out a few farts. Eventually, she went tinkle and was rewarded with two sheets of toilet paper and a lot of praise for her efforts. Oh, and each time she sits on the potty she insists on being completely buck-necked. Whatever works.

Kudos to Mommy for helping train her with Daddy's "toilet paper reward" suggestion (she used to just sit there for an hour and wipe for fun). It's been a true team effort. Up next, a gold medal at the Olympics (again, kidding for all you overly sensitive, non-accomplishment types).

p.s. I got a picture of her buck-necked on the big girl toilet but obviously won't post it. I will save it as blackmail for when she's older though.

An Old Friend

Becca returned the bassinet she had been using this afternoon. From what I gather, Julia pretty much played with, in, or on the bassinet from the time it was dropped off until I got home. Shortly after I arrived home from work, she insisted on eating her mac and cheese while sitting inside it. Talk about cheese.

'Shroom Heaven

You know it's been an unseasonably wet year in Colorado when you find this growing in the lawn at work. Excuse me, I ordered the large 'shroom.

I'm pretty sure it's an edible common meadow mushroom, but I'm not willing to find out.

(insert drug and/or smurf joke here)

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

I feel like Tom Sawyer - except that I had to paint (i.e. whitewash) the fence myself. None of my little pals came around so I wasn't able to convince them that it was something that they just had to try.

One of the last things involved with landscaping the front of the house was painting the fence. Driving around town we noticed that stain is easily washed off by the rain and sprinklers and ends up looking terrible. Most people were surprised that we decided to paint the fence instead of staining it mainly because they thought it would require a lot of maintenance. Maybe they know something I don't, but I just can't see how that will happen. We used the exact same color and kind of paint as the house trim and it's still going strong after 5 years. Anything that lasts 5 years or more isn't considered high maintenance in my opinion. The difference between a fence and a deck is that the fence is almost entirely vertical, meaning water won't pool and sit on it. So, it should last longer. At any rate it's a risk worth taking since we think paint looks much better.

I did the front gate and the side entirely with a brush. It probably took me near 8 hours over the course of a few days. I wanted to use a brush though on the front since it was close to the house and there was detailed work (hinges, handle, etc). I'm going to do the rest of the fence (both sides) in the coming weeks, but I'll have to use a sprayer if I want to finish before Christmas.

I also took a few extra pictures of the house since it's essentially done now. It will be fun to look back at them in a few years.

First Swim Lesson

Julia and her BFF Jacqueline had their first swim lesson at the Y on Saturday. Julia did fine considering this was her first time in the pool. She lasted about 20 minutes and then got bored and wanted to play near the edge on her own. After class was over I jumped in the pool with her and we played for a few minutes. She enjoyed it, but overall I think she was fairly indifferent. We'll see next week if she gets more into it - the class meets every Saturday in August.