Dallas Cowboys: Playoff dilemma: How Romo needs to handle Eli and Co.

Romo needs to be clutch with the claw!!!

THE "TEBOW FACTOR": DO YOU BELIEVE? (LOL)

In my opinion (IMO), there is no "divine intervention" going on here.
*** + IT IS WHAT IT IS!!! + ***

Opposing players are basically getting psyched out...most sport's people (players, fans, pundits) are shamefully (in the closet) superstitious and are getting outplayed and overshadowed by Tim's method of play...which is that he remains cool, calm and relaxed.
G-d has better things to do (I hope) than to ensure that Timmy and Co. win football games. Even Tebow himself has agreed to that. Again, IMO, Tim is a good football player (QB?) who has a lot to prove to the sport's world but instead of over thinking things and blundering all that he touches just to make a point, he just struts onto the football field and shows what he can do.
If anything Tim is mentally tough with high self-esteem and his team-mates are feeding into that and now the players on the teams they face week-in and week-out are starting to fear something which is simply "NOT!" true or a factor.

SKIP BAYLESS RANT: IRATE OVER OU's LOSS TO TECH: WANTS COACH STOOPS FIRED, DISSES ON TECH!

SATURDAY, 10-22-11
TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS "PROUD CONTRIBUTION"
END OU's 39-GAME-AT-HOME WIN STREAK: OU NATION IS IRATE!
DEAR BOOMER SOONER, I SAY TO YOU...
"GET OVER IT!"
(BTW Dear Skip, Troy Aikman is NOT gay!)

TIM TEBOW'S DILEMMA: THE DOUBTERS AND THE HATERS!

BOSTON RED SOX: THE 2011 GREAT COLLAPSE! Now known as "THE COLOSSUS OF COLLAPSE"!

THE NFL: WHEN COACHES GO ROGUE: HARBAUGH VS. SCHWARTZ!

BIG XII NEWS: TCU officially accepts invite to become 10th member in 2012!

AGGIES STILL SHOUTING "BLOODY MARY"!: Alleging that Texas Tech fans vandalized their bus! No police report ever filed!

Apparently the alleged "bus-incident" took place prior to the Texas Tech v/Texas A&M football game (09-08-11). No report was ever filed...no pictures have been produced thus far. How weird!!! In the times of Facebook and Twitter, why would allegations be made without proof especially in the form of pictures. Who does that! Had it been the other way, I would have taken plenty of pix and posted them on every social network possible - and made sure that the police filed a report.
Tech officials did not condone such an incident and assured Aggie officials that this is not indicative of who Tech is as a group. For all anyone knows it was a random incident of non-Tech fans trying to stir up trouble. All I know is that I am tired of Aggies always referring to Tech fans as "classless clowns". They are as entitled and snotty as the UT fans they have longed to get away from for years and years. Yeah, Aggies, like going to your campus has ever been a walk in the park for Tech fans or several other Big XII fans or fans of other programs. You and your town-criers have never made public the awful incidents which visitors to your campus have had to endure through-out the years. Shame on you guys for that!
You (Ags) cannot and should not blame an entire college for bad things that a handful of dead-beats do. It's like blaming A&M for the awful and threatening way their cadets treat visitors when we are at their campus or at Kyle Field. This person clearly remembers attending a Tech v/A&M football game in College Station when an Aggie cadet began shouting at my group as he ran at us because we stepped on their grass - then he brought out a weapon. It may have not been loaded, but it was still a threatening and very vitriolic moment as Aggie cadets and other spectators looked on and some chided us (Tech fans). It was my second and final visit to that campus to-date! Threaten me once, shame on you. Threaten me twice...not gonna happen!!!
The following cartoon I drew is not to point a finger at anyone or any university, it is a spoof, a parody of how stupid an incident can become when people start blaming others for things they cannot prove and for blaming the masses for the actions of one or of a few.

THE COLLEGIATE RIVALRIES: So tired of the one in Dallas, the "RED" one - that is!

The continuing shortfalls of the Big XII: Looks to lose Mizzou as well but extends invite to TCU!

Like we didn't see this one coming since the BIG XII debacle began 2 years ago!

Brett Favre: Not impressed with Aaron Rodgers!

SANCHEZ AND ROMO "THING(S) IN COMMON": TURNOVERS...and...!

ROMO: Back to the "cluck" farm! More bad decisions cost Cowboys another win!

Baylor's QB, Robert Griffin III a.k.a. RG-3: The new C3-PO?!!

(Reuters) -
According to data released on Wednesday, Sept. 9th, 2011, via Forbes, the Dallas Cowboys will end 2011 as the NFL's most valuable team for a fifth consecutive year.

The Cowboys lead the way with an overall value of $1.85 billion, two percent higher than in 2011.
The average NFL team is now worth $1.04 billion.

English Premier League soccer champions Manchester United, however, retain the title as the world's most valuable sports team, according to a Forbes report earlier this year. The Red Devils, who have an estimated 333 million fans around the world, topped the list with a worth of $1.86 billion, just ahead of the Dallas Cowboys.

The 10 most valuable NFL teams for 2011:
1. Dallas Cowboys, $1.850 billion
2. Washington Redskins, $1.555 billion
3. New England Patriots, $1.400 billion
4. New York Giants, $1.300 billion
5. New York Jets, $1,223 billion
6. Houston Texans, $1,202 billion
7. Philadelphia Eagles, $1,164 billion
8. Chicago Bears, $1,093 billion
9. Green Bay Packers, $1,089 billion
10. Baltimore Ravens, $1,088 billion

TONY ROMO: Goes from "cluck" to "clutch"!

TONY ROMO: Goes from "cluck" to "clutch"!
Finally a clutch player???

Could this be the Tony Romo that I and many others have long been waiting to show up!?! Tony sucks up his injuries tonight and helps lead the 'Boys to victory despite the poor play from Dallas players on offense, defense and special teams. Finally Romo takes his team by the hand and starts acting like a real leader and demands better performance from his team-mates! Every player who screwed up received a strongly worded lecture from the Dallas QB/Leader tonight...especially Costa (C) and the receivers who dropped numerous passes or ran incorrect routes. This new attitude by Romo could be what will ignite the team to a better season this year; the best scenario that took place was in seeing Romo mature into a leader (he played cheerleader as well when players did well). This was a fun and exciting game to watch as Dallas beats Washington by a score of 18-16 via kicker Dan Bailey's leg; yes, the Cowboys won with nothing but field goals on this eve...maybe not the prettiest win, but nonetheless a check in the "W" column which is what will count after the 16-game season comes to a head.

WTG Cowboys!

{ Note/Warning to Cowboy haters: as a long-time Dallas Cowboy fanatic, I reserve the right to poke (pardon the pun) fun at my 'Boys. All others be cautioned not to try this without retaliation from me and/or other Cowboy fans in the family or my other Dallas Cowboy circle(s). J.K. - or- not! }

Michael Vick's complaints about refs: IMO, I'm not buying it!

DeAngelo Hall is hungry for "ribs": Tony Roma's? Nope, Tony Romo's!

"Football 101" (unwritten rule) basically dictates that players

go after opposing player's injuries.
I clearly understand that and have long seen it done.
However, IMO, I believe it shows a lack of sportsmanship
somehow when a player is as vocal & blatant about doing such a thing as
Hall said this past week about going after Romo.
Leave the planned antics understood, private and to yourself.
I just hope Romo is really ready to play if he starts on Monday night...
not just ready for any possible antics, but to avoid further injury(s).
Just saying...

An NHL Legend retires: Mke Modano officially retires as a Dallas Star!

.

For certain...we will miss you, Mike!
Thanks for helping our Stars win the Stanley Cup (1999).
Happy retirement.
We look forward to your nom into the NHL Hall of Fame
when your turn comes up.

MAYWEATHER V/PACQUIAO: If they decided to fight now! IMO!

ESPiN NEWS: Get rid of Craig James already!!!

The continuing shortfalls of the Big XII: PAC 12 changes their mind! Aggies still hell bent on SEC w/Mizzou maybe in tow!

Through today's progress, the PAC 12 decided on Tuesday, 9-21-11, it prefers to stay with just 12 teams. The SEC is still welcoming to A&M and now rumors have it that Missouri U may also be SEC bound.
OU (Prez Boren) announced also on Tuesday that they (OU) are reconsidering staying in the Big XII to try and keep it in tact. However, OU wants some conditions met:

1) The removal of Big XII Commissioner Dan Bebee
(which I totally agree with and have long wanted myself)
Mainly due to Dan's lack of fighting to keep
Nebraska and Texas A&M in the Big XII.
Most Big XII school presidents feel the same way as Boren
regarding Beebe's lack of concern towards both schools and want his removal.
Dan ignored the frustrations and concerns of both universities.
2) Restrictions on Texas' Longhorn Network;
that UT capitulate on network and not show high school
content/including highlights and no second conference game.
(the following is an excerpt from NewsOK read more, click on title):

The impression has been that Texas, via Beebe, has run roughshod over the Big 12. The source said Beebe made the decision that appeasing Texas was the Big 12's best hope for stability. “He made the wrong decision,” the source said. Instead, that led to instability, with the departure of Nebraska and now A&M.
The source said Big 12 presidents view Beebe as a commissioner serving only one school, Texas. They lay Nebraska's departure in June 2010 at the feet of Beebe.
“When a commissioner has a tin ear to what's happening in Nebraska and doesn't get himself up there…” the source said.
Ironically, the source said, Texas supported another candidate for commissioner four years ago, when Beebe was hired, while OU supported Beebe.
The source also said Beebe left items off the conference agenda that could have helped corral The Longhorn Network, such as a conference game being televised.
“The best commissioner's a consensus builder,” the source said. “We need a consensus-builder commissioner.
“You take the Big Ten, SEC, the Pac-12, their conference office runs circles around our conference in capability, not to mention bias. This commissioner totally cost us Texas A&M.”
The source said that OU could even push for revenue-sharing of individual networks. Texas is reaping more than $12 million a year from its ESPN contract with the Longhorn Network.
“What if we share a small percentage?” the source asked. “That's a real strong show of support. Where's anybody going to go in any other conference that doesn't want all your network? Wouldn't it be a nice show of good faith?
“It would be making sure the conference was even-handed and stable.
“It's true there's some things in favor of the Pac-12. Plain stability. We don't want to have to do this every year. What do we do? What do we do?”

The continuing shortfalls of the Big XII: Look out Pac 12 and SEC!

NOTHING ELSE LEFT TO BE SAID...

UT's new offensive system: Meet their new QB!

The continuing shortfalls of the Big XII: Bevo's "very own" Network: Big XII Commish keeps kissing "bevo butt"!

The continuing shortfalls of the Big XII: Aggies ready to go east: 'horns still a "thorn" for Big XII!

The continuing shortfalls of the Big XII: Baylor "holds A&M hostage"!

"We're (A&M) being held hostage!"..."and Baylor is the 'ringleader'!"
That is what a source close to TEXAS A&M said
during a BIG XII conference call today.

Latest: Wednesday, September 07, 2011:

As the SEC "officially and unanimously consents" to allow TEXAS A&M to join their conference today as the 13th member of the storied conference, BAYLOR threatens A&M with possible "legal action"! That threat goes forward if they (A&M) continue with plans to move eastward and "if" Oklahoma decides to abandon ship as well.

Update: Thursday, September 08, 2011:

In this latest of Big XII Conference "team shifting" news, thus far UT and TEXAS TECH have agreed to waive their rights and allow TEXAS A&M to move to the SEC without seeking legal action. OU is still not saying what their intentions are as far as seeking another conference as well which could be the PAC 12; they will make their decision public within two weeks.
If the Longhorns decide to follow suit and go to the PAC 12, they would have to give up their new 'Longhorn Network'. The PAC 12 currently gives equal power and money to each of their universities (big or small). If a super-conference were to form into a PAC 16, UT would be equal to everyone else; all teams would have the same revenue cut and voting power. The UT hay-day of being the "big fish in a small pond" would be over and they would just be another fish in the water. That is the way a conference should be for all to have a shot at being successful! TEXAS TECH and OK ST are rumored to go westward to the PAC 12, as well if OU decides to make the move to that legendary conference.

Texas Tech Game: Sept. 03, 2011: Alex, Dora & Sara.

FANTASTIC GAME!

No other way to describe it this was an outright awesome day - an awesome evening!!! It started off slightly overcast as we made our 2 hr. drive north bound towards the "Hub City". The anticipation increased as we neared our destination known to Tech fans everywhere simply as - "The Jones" (a.k.a. "The Hole"). We found parking first as the entire Tech campus was crowded with fans making their way to the stadium. Every available parking lot was getting full and some already overflowing with tail-gaters. No doubt many of them spent the night or arrived early in the a.m. This game was slated for a 6 PM kick-off but you would think otherwise as the place was so crowded so early; but that is typical for a Texas Tech game. People arrive early and for certain they stay late. We always try to get to Lubbock early for the best parking and to find the best place with the best "eats". We were a bit melancholy since we were unable to have more family members/friends join us so we (3) decided to eat at Mesquites Bar-B-Que; a small lil' dive that we last ate at when we were accompanied by more family members for a Tech v/Baylor game (11-19-98). The grub was ok, but this post is not meant to be a critique of the food; the ambiance was nice/the service slow, but that is all I will add. We made our (foot) trek to "The Jones" and the excitement once again grew. The stadium looked nice and the newer additions to the east-side along with the new HD jumbo tron took our breath away. The place was so nice - though smaller than other division I football venues - this one is cozy and it is OURS and we do PROTECT IT!
The game started off slow and remained as such until half-time. I am not sure if our Red Raiders were just bored - LOL- though I would hate to be narcissistic and a bad sport (pardon the pun) and propose such a thing and dare risk making Texas St players/fans upset. It was what it was. Our Red Raiders did not start playing as we are accustomed to them doing so until the second half. The second half is when their (Red Raiders) spread offense truly showed itself and when their "air raid" came alive and our guys in scarlet and black started "putting a hurt" to the Bobcats. We did have the misfortune of having several Texas St fans around us. I only say it that way because they were vocally belligerent upon arrival and I said as such to a couple of them sitting behind us. As big as the stadium is and as many fans as it holds, we were seated in an area with too many of them; not something I would usually complain about except these 'cat fans were very obnoxious to the point of being disrespectful. Clearly they were not familiar with Red Raider football or Texas Tech tradition. Boy, were they in for a surprise after our respective teams returned from half-time as Tech is more of a second half team and "Raider-Power" would grow louder and prouder. The typical west Texas weather helped rid us Tech fans of the antagonistic 'cat fans who were clad in maroon and gold. As the ominous-looking clouds rolled in from the north with shades of black and brown, as they were filled with dirt, the fans who traveled from San Marcos ran for shelter. Die-hard Tech fans remained, but we were paying attention to the weather band which did not denote this as an emergency or cause for clearing the stadium. Those of us who remained were better off seated for better security because the area below was at ground level and it was just going to allow the dirty wind to tunnel and make things worse; the entire ground area below the stadium is one huge, open, and long concrete hallway which contains several food and merchandise vendors and rest facilities from the south to the north end; as I said - one big tunnel.
The weather not just rid us of negative fans, but it made for a nice breeze the entire time. It remained overcast until the sun gave up trying to rear its ugly face, and the moon finally took over but just by a bit as the clouds remained mostly prominent through-out the evening skyline. We had tiny droplets of rain every so often but only enough to make those annoying mud spots on our vehicles but still welcome enough as they added to the cool temps.
Our Red Raiders came out victorious (50-10) on this awesome football eve. Their (Red Raiders) play complimented the nice weather and it was all reminiscent of better times (before the Coach Leach / Tx Tech Admin fiasco) and how nice autumn nights usually give way to football and allow for a nice time to be had by all. We stayed until the school songs were performed and all the glorious pomp and circumstance ended. The two university bands courted one another at the north end where the visitors sit. No animosity spewed. Each band was mindful of the other and it capped off our night.
We had a light snack before we made our way back home. The drive was nice. I took over for Sara in Tahoka and found some nice music to keep us entertained. I was thankful for the good time we had and though we did miss having more loved ones join us, we remained aware how lucky we were at having had this chance to see this game in person. We all remain positive that the opportunity for another game will happen in on us and we will return to see another game in person with more family/friends with us and the weather will be as cooperative and gentle as it was on this beautiful, breezy night.

The continuing shortfalls of the Big XII: As BIG XII membership dwindles, UT continues to get their way.

I am upset but not at all shocked nor impressed over UT's latest shenanigans ...finally succeeding with their bout to get their own network. A move which will be the demise of the Big XII if it continues to cave into their (UT's) childish demands. The Aggies for certain appear to be going to the SEC before too long. As with the SWC of years past, when the Razorbacks and the others jumped ship, it was the undoing of the conference led by something or the other that the UT "tea-sippers" selfishly demanded and somehow unfairly received which led the conference to disband. Similar to reasons why Nebraska and maybe even the reason Colorado also left the Big XII last year. Sadly this time around it appears that it will be Texas A&M that calls it quits with the Big XII as they go to find another more suitable home for themselves within the SEC. Who can blame them!
The tight-knit group which for years/decades consisted of Baylor, Texas, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech since the good ole SWC days and the inception of the Big XII will soon be a memory. A&M is tired of playing second fiddle always to the good ole boy network which is UT. The traditions of each of these two universities may be quite impressive but the glory and histories not always as such. Each one cast out of the darkness often led by greed and the need for notoriety and fame regardless of how it came about or which other institutions they had to side-step or step over. More of the negative actions coming from our foes to the south in the middle of Austin ("austin"taceous-town). And who can blame them if they have the money and the power to do as they please except that this is no longer the days of old. UT is no longer a powerhouse, the days of the powerhouse seems to be dwindling as more and more sports programs are being investigated and found guilty of one thing or another. The Big XII should be more mindful to appease all remaining members and to disperse both money and power equally. Most importantly of all each respective university needs to stop allowing the likes of UT the power it has attained through-out the years by being more forceful with the conference big-wigs and the B-o-R and refusing to succumb to ideas or transactions which will benefit one school more than the other or all others.
Tradition may be rich in Austin-town for now, but as the adage goes..."every dog has its day" appears to be right around the corner if the 'Horns continue to be dismissive. The other schools UT continues to dis will have their day and one of these just may be able to play whistle-blower to the many negative (and unlawful) things we all know UT has dirtied their hands with through-out the years. Also another endearing adage for UT to remember..."the head you walk over on your way to the top may be attached to the ass you have to kiss on the way down".

Welcome back football: It is about time.

I know, I know, the NFL has returned and the games have been back on the networks for two weeks now. Trust me I know as I have been glued to the set every chance I get to watch a game and watching highlight reels on various sport's channels. I even renegotiated the contract with our cable provider for a sports package that consists of way too many sports channels. I have even resorted to watching football games from years past. I cannot get enough of it. The reason I refer to the return of football as I did in the title of this post is because college football is the actual sport that this fanatic has been awaiting since the BCS Championship game took place this past January (2011). A game that included a nice turn of events as Auburn and Oregon took the limelight; two smaller, lesser known schools finally overshadowed the usual big schools that too often are the ones vying for the championship. Who can forget that game as the Tigers edged out the Ducks 22-19.

I am so excited as we near opening day ( 09-03-11), per se; the first day when most college football games make their way back to our teles. Once again the journey begins within the BCS-eligible teams for a shot at the National Championship. Though I am not thoroughly impressed with the current AP poll which plays hosts to many of the usual contenders and pretenders, I am just glad that my team, my college, my alma mater (Texas Tech) is not yet a part of it so that it may remain under the radar and perhaps play spoiler later as the season progresses.
The Texas Tech (Sept. 3rd) tickets we purchased online have arrived today via Fed Ex and I am taken over with anticipation for the day to arrive. I do not even care that Tech is playing host to the smaller Texas State U (San Marcos). For obvious BCS-related reasons in years past it would have bothered me to no avail for Tech to play such a small school but since our Red Raiders seem to remain stuck in a transition since the unnecessary firing of "our Captain" coach Mike Leach, and the nemesis head coach known as Tommy "Tele-Tubby" Tuberville remains to lack the excitement to lead them to a Big XII conference title, I will take whatever game we can attend in person with great vigor. Thankful for the great deal on the tix we bought because last year the opportunity never came about for us to do so. I will remain steadfast as a fan and be satisfied just to be there (Jones Stadium) in person but with high hopes and slight demands that Tech come out victorious, of course.
However this I continue to promise myself as I remain a proud member of "Team Leach", I will not give Tuberville a break this season like I did not do so last year: his 'inaugural year'. Because despite his having taken over our awesome football program and all, Tuberville let down the team, the school and its respective fans and alumni because of his stubborn, ignorant will to not allow the Red Raider ("air raid") program to play the kind of football Tech is accustomed to playing and the season was not as successful as it should have been; last season was instead a slow train wreck ready to take place. Tuberville inherited a solid team and should have had more victories. This year the bar has been raised and I expect our Red Raiders to be better than last year in all aspects, similar or better than under the Leach years, and for them to wreak havoc within the Big XII and all of their non-conference games. To once again awaken the likes of the 'Horns, the Sooners, the Aggies and to serve as a reminder that Tech has not gone anywhere; the Red Raiders are still around and even though some schools still refuse to consider Texas Tech as their rivals, Tech still scares the heck out of them (both team and fans) and makes them nervous each time our teams meet on the green turf for 60 minutes of pure rough and tough college ball. Blood in and blood out...

Wreck 'EM!!!

LLWS: Congrats to the kids from CA! Well done, guys, well done!

CA wins the LLWS for the 7th time in LL history; they beat the most venerable, perhaps even the most memorable and competitive team that is Japan by a score of 2-1 today.

The young men from (Huntington Beach) California beat the young men from (Hamamatsu City) Japan via a walk off run by 12 year-old first baseman Nick Pratto who singled in the winning run with two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth.
This win marks the World Series title return to the United States in the tournament which is in its 65th year of existence overall. A U.S. team has now won six out of the last seven World Series, with Japan's title last year being the exception. Both California and Japan own 7 overall LLWS titles; the most wins still belongs to Chinese Taipei with 17, though. Very impressive.
In a time when professional sports, and let's not overlook the collegiate spectrum either, seems to be even more lacking in the ethics and honesty department along comes the Little League World Series to refresh our hearts, our minds and our world. It (LLWS) rekindles our innocent love affair with the wide world of sports that they (sports) can still be regarded as a fun pastime. A nice reminder that not all sports and participants have gone sour; that sports still plays host to more honest participants than not. That more honest players and teams still abound. That more of them have managed to keep their honor and ethics intact by never having allowed themselves to go rogue by partaking in wayward monetary deals. That more players and teams have avoided the ugly world of cheating whether it does involve money, sex scandals or drugs or all the above. Indeed the Little League World Series is a nice refreshing experience full of excitement and stories of hope, glory, success and dreams come true. Some stories sad, some funny, but mostly the event is just a reminder that the world can come together to watch a bunch of young men play a sport that they love regardless of the outcome these young men are just so eager to be there and so happy. They danced and sung and kept the world entertained before, during and after the games. The world of professional (and college) sports should sit up and take notice or be reminded of what sports-involvement should really consist of:
1) Team work: teams should play together and have each others back despite being up or down. Individuals need to remember that what he/she does as a part of a team has an impact on all of his/her team-mates, the team and the entire organization. One bad decision reflects poorly on everyone associated with him.
2) Gratitude: players should be elated and humbled at the chance of doing something that few get to do in their lifetime. Playing sports at a professional (or collegiate) level is a privilege not an entitlement. The opportunity can be taken away as quickly as one earned it. The opportunity of being a part of the world of sports should never be taken for granted or allowed to be clouded or super-ceded by greed and scandal. Gratitude for being a part of it should be an unwritten rule which each team and player should carry inside of themselves embedded in their hearts and minds 24/7.
Good luck to all the participants and teams of this years Little League World Series. Thanks for reigniting our belief in sports and the innocence we all too often lose when a few bad apples try to rot the entire barrel. I won't soon forget this series and the light you all cast which was shiny and bright and so invigorating. Kudos to you all for the fun and laughter you provided and for keeping the fans on the edge of our seats, and for the entertainment you all provided during your battles both on and off the field. Indeed thanks for all the fond memories and for the reminder that sports are still good, but mostly for the reminder that people are still good.

The notorious Bronx Bombers: Making history - with gand slam hat trick!

Way to go, Bronx Bombers!!!

Le Tour de France 2011: Stage 20: Individual Time Trials decides Tour "victor"!

*** HOW IT ALL HAPPENED TODAY***

Congratulations to Cadel Evans. His incredible ITT ride this morning proved he was ready to win a Tour. By the end of said Stage, he has indeed won Le Tour de France 2011! This marks the first time an Australian wins Le Tour de France. Evans is part of Team BMC which I happen to favor as it includes my all-time favorite rider, George Hincapie (the best domestique).
Cadel rode today's 24+ mile sprint like a mad-man; he began being down by a mere 57" (57 mins) to Andy Schleck. By the time Andy, who was 1st in GC after yesterday's Stage 19 finish, completed today's ITT ride as the last rider, Cadel had already turned in a ride of 55"41' (55 mins 41 secs); Andy who is not known to be a good time trialist found himself losing the maillot jaune (which he only donned for one day/one Stage) and overall GC. Cadel placed 2nd as Tony Martin ultimately won today's ITT Stage, but he had enough of an overall time gap to guarantee himself the overall GC win/Tour winner.

*** HOW YESTERDAY'S STAGE 19 LED UP TO TODAY'S DECIDING FACTOR ***

Evans kept up with the peloton as needed in yesterday's Stage 19 ride. In fact he rode relaxed and attacked as needed but he cautiously kept his strength with no need to ride like Andy did. Cadel who was in the peloton for most of the Stage eventually caught up with the leaders (part of the attack group led by Andy); France's own Pierre Rolland eventually won that Stage (19); the first Stage victory this Tour for a Frenchman as they crossed the finish line.

*** WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN ***

Andy Schleck was a favorite to win GC and this year's Tour and maillot jaune. I wanted him to win this Tour since last year's le Tour. Many cycling fans remembered his adversity, per se, during last year's le Tour - Stage 15. As a quick reminder of what occurred, Andy had mechanical issues (chain) and instead of slowing down as most riders would do as part of this gentleman's sport, one Alberto Contador decided to continue riding and in fact attacked and sped up. In the end of le Tour 2010 Contador found himself winning overall GC and the much-coveted maillot jaune (yellow jersey). Uncanny was that he won it by the same time gap which he gained over Andy during the Stage 15 mishap.

*** A GENTLEMAN'S SPORT ***

As I wrote that this is a gentleman's sport, tomorrow's Stage 21 (final day) ride into Paris with several passes around Champs-Élysées is mostly a celebratory ride. A pomp-and-circumstance ride. The Tour champion is always known by this day, the final day so it is an easy ride in which all the riders partake in to celebrate their own respective accomplishments, but also to acknowledge the overall winner. No attacks are made on this day. All the riders accept the fact that the ITT Stage denotes the true victor of the Tour so no one tries any nonsensical tactics on this glorious last day. No cads to be had on the final day.

*** BIDDING FAREWELL ONCE AGAIN AS THE TOUR CONCLUDES TOMORROW, SUNDAY, JULY 24th, 2011 ***

So as saddened as I am that le Tour 2011 will end tomorrow, I am glad at the results and so privileged to have been able to watch each Stage. The ups and downs, the crashes which often slowed down several riders (Contador started out the victim of this during the first couple of Stages); the awful way so many riders, good riders in fact, had to drop out due to serious crashes. The awful, non-spirited, apathetic way that fans and media cars got in the way which also led to bad crashes and Tour-ending injuries...all this drama and sometimes hoopla reminded me why I love this sport as much as I do. I know I am in a group of very few Americans who love or follow this sport, but it has taken me a long time to feel as I do about it. Mainly it just took time for me to learn the logistics surrounding the Tour; how riders often ride for Stage wins, jersey wins, Team victories, and not everyone is out to win overall GC. Most riders know that their chances at winning a Tour are very little so their involvement is either as a domestique or for other reasons. Each rider as I stated has his own private agenda for taking part. The same goes for the fans of this sport and of this Tour, we have our own agenda. My agenda has brought me a long way and I am finally able to explain the logistics of the sport; if anyone cared to know about it - that is. But as I stand among the few fanatics of bicycling and Tours in this country, I remain true to it because it is a beautiful sport. It takes great strength, much endurance, careful planning, logistical preparation, skill, cadence, volition, patience and numbers...all of which I love and of which I am fascinated. It captivates me and I long for the day when I am able to view a Stage or more in person. I love the sport, I love this particular Tour, and I love the country of France...so all combined, I would be in heaven to be there in person. I keep on believing it will all come to fruition for me one day; the icing on the cake would be for Sara and I to share it all together and for us both and our respective families to be in good health and happy when the day arrives as I know it will. B-E-L-I-E-V-E!

WOMENS WORLD CUP 2011: Heart breaking loss: Fate beats Hope!

If you had asked me if I believed in fate leading up to yesterday's FIFA Women's championship game or if I was a sport's fan with superstitions of any sort, I would have just laughed and my answer would have been:..."no, are you kidding me!?!" But something was stirred up inside of me this time around during this year's World Cup. Yesterday's loss of our Womens National Team [USA] to Japan certainly made me more of a believer in fate than not. It was just so weird or perhaps even uncanny how Team USA had so many things goes against them in their loss. As a fanatic and long-time follower of this team, I refuse to accept that Team USA missed so many chances at getting goals especially at the beginning of this game because they did not play well or appeared scared. They were missing their shots like the goal post (mainly the cross bar) was playing against our Team USA and was to be Team Japan's 12th man, per se, on this day!!!

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Maybe it is my age as I am getting up there in years and am seeing things in different ways that I am more open to believe in the power of fate. Maybe I am more apt to believe that fate does exist as I see more and more how life gives and takes and my cynicism towards fate has changed. All I know is that there has to be an explanation for those ups and downs in life and though I still strongly believe in the "laws of probability" more than anything else and allow my spirituality to guide me more so than any religion, I am still open to believing in other things such as fate. It is weird to describe or to fathom what occurred in yesterday's FIFA W.C. game so I won't try to justify my feelings. Like I said in this morning's FB status update: 'It is what it is!'
As for superstitious I did find myself also becoming a bit superstitious during this World Cup as well. That was truly a mind-boggling experience for yours truly. I wondered where the hell that came from because I am usually not superstitious at all - not by any means especially not where sports is concerned. I did not want to ruin things for my precious team as if my actions could hinder their play or stir up trouble with the Karma G-ds; utterly ridiculous I know, but again, it is what it is! I did not post an update at all until this a.m. My reason for not posting post-game was based more on my heart break than anything else. This national Team [USA] was too good to lose like it did; it was being referred to as the best team the U.S. has ever sent to any World Cup tourney - for sure the most fit. Team USA was not supposed to lose - not this year, not like this and certainly not to Japan; a team whose victories against the U.S. had long eluded them. Again, it was what it was and Japan came out on top in the end with pk's being Team USA's nemesis instead of their friend like they were during that other W.C. game versus Team Brazil.
Fate was to beat our "Hope" on this day as well. That has double meaning because as Team USA struggled in vain to score goals that should have crossed the opponents goal line but instead strayed right or left - or were spit back with a loud thump by the goal post, fate ousted hope and even our own goalie, Hope Solo, seemed to have struggled. Perhaps Hope should have received more defensive help from her team-mates inside the box, but that was also another area in which our team struggled and thus left Hope...well, 'solo'. Goals which Team USA usually makes went awry all day, and it seems fate was saying to our players: "not so fast, ladies"! It was weird. Especially playing against us seemed to be the cross bar; it seemed especially angry at our Wambach and it was to deny her her usual ability to score several times on this day. Yep, the post, as funny or stupid as it sounds, was the 12th man to Team Japan today. Fate had decided that Japan was to come out the victor from today's championship game. I guess it was trying to make up for all the disasters it had spewed on Japan in the form of earth quakes, tsunamies, and nuclear spillage(s). Who knows.
All I know is that I do congratulate Team Japan for their victory. For the way they kept coming back with their much-needed equalizers when they most needed them to ensure they did not lose. As things wound down and it came down to pk's, it was just not to be Team USA's year to win the World Cup. Our players seemed nervous and their usual swagger was missing as one-by-one Team USA took their turn at the pk's only to miss the first three. Team Japan was not poised that much better, but they had something on their minds and it showed in their eyes that they were ready to win this game. One could read it all right, but the only thing that was not readily available to fans of the U.S. and certainly not to our Hope Solo was in being able to read where their pk's would be kicked. Solo was beaten in that area. She blocked one of their pk's, almost got another one which she managed to touch, but could just not hold onto before it crossed the line. Our players [U.S.] just looked scared more than nervous. The minute Boxx missed her goal, it seemed the life of Team USA was knocked out and the rest of our players did not want to be in that position (pk's) except for Wambach who never wavered and walked up to the net with just enough confidence to get her pk, but apparently not enough to incite the remaining U.S. players to get the ones they needed for sudden death.
Team Japan won this game out-right and deserves to finally have a World Cup championship. Kudos to Team Japan for a good game!!! For the way they played a good, sound and respectful game and for showing the world how real Champions react (hope Team Brazil watched and will learn a thing or two in that area). Kudos to Japan in how they carried themselves thru victory without the need for conceitedness, and for not allowing cocky or egotistical to define the way they celebrated their win. Especially congrats to Team Japan for not allowing anything negative to impede the way they would be viewed to the world which was watching them in record numbers. They showed up with class and won with class and went home with class. AWESOME!!!

FIFA ROCKS!!!

Le Tour de France 2011: Stage 12 Stats: Off to the Pyrenees! Separating the true riders: Fakers v/takers!

Le Tour de France 2011: Stage 12 Stats: Cugnaux Luz-Ardiden 211 km (131 miles)!

Stage 12 - Cugnaux Luz-Ardiden 211 km (131 miles)

WOMENS WORLD CUP 2011: TEAM USA WINS! Keep on B-E-L-I-E-V-I-N-G!!!

INDEED...DON'T STOP BELIEVING!!!!

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TEAM USA 3 - TEAM FRANCE 1
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USA!!! USA!!! USA!!!

FIFA WOMENS 2011 WORLD CUP
HERE WE COME!
TEAM USA...Party like it's 1999!!!

WOMENS WORLD CUP 2011: TEAM USA V/ TEAM FRANCE! Just Stats!

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011 Semi Final match
France and USA
July 13, 2011
at Borussia-Park in Moenchengladbach, Germany

TEAM USA: First goal at 8:44 (9' or 9th minute) Cheney scores!

Lauren Cheney (USA) right footed shot from very close range to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Heather O'Reilly with a cross.

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TEAM USA 1 - TEAM FRANCE 0
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Halftime: TEAM USA 1- TEAM FRANCE 0
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TEAM FRANCE: First goal at 54:25 (55' or 55th minute) Bompastor scores!
France gets the equalizer. Despite two U.S. players in the box,
French player, Sonia Bompastor, still scores with a left footed shot from long range on the left to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Élise Bussaglia.
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TEAM USA 1 - TEAM FRANCE 1
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TEAM USA: Second goal at 78:45 (79' or 79th minute) Wambach scores!!!
Abby Wambach (USA) header from very close range to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Lauren Cheney with a cross following a corner.
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TEAM USA 2 - TEAM FRANCE 1
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TEAM USA: Third goal at 81:49 (82' or 82nd minute) Morgan scores!
Alex Morgan (USA) left footed shot from the left side of the box to the bottom right corner.

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TEAM USA 3 - TEAM FRANCE 1
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FINAL...TEAM USA wins and advances to the
FIFA WOMENS 2011 WORLD CUP!!!

Le Tour de France 2011: Stage 11:

Le Tour de France 2011: Stage 11 Stats: Blaye-les-Mines Lavaur 167.5 km (104 miles)!

Stage 11 - Blaye-les-Mines Lavaur 167.5 km (104 miles)
Stage Stats:

• The day's winner
• CAVENDISH M.THR
• Combative
• DELAGE M.FDJ
• Team
• TEAM EUROPCAR.EUC

Jersey holders:

* VOECKLER T.EUC
* CAVENDISH M. THR
* HOOGERLAND J.VCD
* GESINK R.RAB

OVERALL STANDING ON TIME (GC):

• 1.VOECKLER T.
  EUC
  45h 52' 39"
• 2.SANCHEZ L.
  RAB
  01' 49"
• 3.EVANS C.
  BMC
  02' 26"
• 4.SCHLECK F.
  LEO
  02' 29"
• 5.SCHLECK A.
  LEO
  02' 37"
• 6.MARTIN T.
  THR
  02' 38"
• 7.VELITS P.
  THR
  02' 38"
• 8.KLÖDEN A.
  RSH
  02' 43"
• 9.GILBERT P.
  OLO
  02' 55"
• 10.FUGLSANG J.
  LEO
  03' 08"