Recent Comments by zippinglou

In Praise of 'Soccer'

List of countries by beer consumption per capita Rank Country Consumption (L/yr) 1 Czech Republic 156.9 2 Republic of Ireland 131.1 3 Germany 115.8 4 Australia 109.9 5 Austria 108.3 6 United Kingdom 99.0 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_beer_consumption_per_capita

posted by zippinglou at 12:40 AM on June 18, 2007

In Praise of 'Soccer'

Baseball Champs = Japan / Cuba Basketball Champs = Argentina / Spain Two of the most traditional American sports have now foreign Champs! Itīs great to see the bar being raised for all!

posted by zippinglou at 01:50 PM on June 16, 2007

Man beats world hot dog eating record

An"American" sport with an American champion.All is right in the world. posted by sickleguy at 7:38 AM CDT on June 4 Hot Dogs are as "American" as Pizza, for that matter! "The city of Vienna traces the lineage of the hot dog to the wienerwurst or Viennese sausage, the city of Frankfurt to the frankfurter wurst, which it claims was invented in the 1480s; the hot dog has also been attributed to Johann Georghehner, a 17th century butcher from the Bavarian city of Coburg who is said to have invented the "dachshund" or "little-dog" sausage and brought it to Frankfurt.[1]" [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_dog

posted by zippinglou at 07:43 PM on June 04, 2007

Bloody mess: Schilling's sock called into question

"Who is going to pay for a DNA test?"posted by The Crafty Sousepaw What kind of idiot would bring up some crap like this on Curt. posted by TelamarketersBeware If Curt Shilling has nothing to hide and wants to prove Thorne wrong, he has the money to pay for the DNA test and all the right to sue the guy for defaming him.

posted by zippinglou at 09:53 PM on April 26, 2007

Bloody mess: Schilling's sock called into question

Transcript from the game: "Jim Palmer: He's 40 years old. He asked the Red Sox to pick up an option for next year. And Theo Epstein said we're not in the business of picking up options for 41-year old pitchers, but if you pitch well, we'd love to have you back. Gary Thorne: 0-2 delivery in the dirt. Palmer: Of course, he announced it on his blog. Thorne: Oh yeah. Well nothing's done by Curt Schilling unless it's on his blog. Palmer: Well, there's a great line here. It says "No mere sports reporter could hope to be as authoritative on the subject as Schilling himself. For the avid fan, reading Schilling on Schilling may offer the sort of enlightment an art historian might expect if a diary were to suddenly be discovered in which Rembrandt set down self-critical evaluations of every brush stroke shortly after removing his smock and cleaning his brushes." That was an editorial in the Globe ... Thorne: And there was no puncutation in that by the way. Palmer: No, no. Thorne: Bako's got a 1-2 count here. Palmer (laughs): Well, 2 strikes, 2 outs, I had to get it in there in a hurry. Thorne: It's good. Palmer: But the Globe's just talking, I mean that's Curt. Thorne: Well, the press hates him in Boston -- Palmer: Yeah. Thorne: -- because he doesn't cooperate. 1-2 delivery and that one's taken in the dirt. The great story we were talking about the other night was that famous red stocking that he wore when they finally won, the blood on his stocking. Nah. It was painted. Doug Mirabelli confessed up to it after. It was all for PR. Two ball, two strike count. Palmer: Yeah, that was the 2004 World Series. Thorne: Yeah. Palmer: That second appearance. Thorne: 2 and 2, 2 down. Orioles struggling here just trying to get somebody on and get something going against him. He wanted that call, didn't get it, did a little jump step, 3-2 count." ---------------------- Thorne also said about Schilling of how "the press hates him up in Boston" because he does not cooperate with them and talks to the fans directly via his blog. Jim Palmer, Thorneīs partner has mentioned earlier in the interview that it had been Nolan Ryan who who gave Curt the "straight talk" that got his career back on track when in fact it had been Roger Clemens. So why the lies? --------------------- These two seem have a conspiracy vs. Curt Schilling! I would do a DNA test on the sock, and if it is in fact blood, with that proof Iīd sue Thorn for slander.

posted by zippinglou at 10:24 AM on April 26, 2007

The New Color Line in American Baseball is Green

Wow! This explains the rise in Latin American ball players! j/k.

posted by zippinglou at 12:36 AM on April 23, 2007

Leo Messi does a Maradona.

Great goal, and the Messi goal was MUCH more impressive than the Maradona. posted by sfts2 at 7:37 AM CDT on April 21 Maradonaīs goal came in a World Cup and against its archrival England... The quality of the English defenders is far superior than those from the Getafe. So I donīt get how you view Messiīs goal as "MUCH" more impressive. Impressive it was, but not more than Diegoīs.

posted by zippinglou at 01:05 AM on April 22, 2007

Referee Suspended Indefinitely

("ucla512" says:) If Duncan can't be a man and get in Crawfords face after the so called challenge then don't do anything. Maybe put groves on them and have at it for 2 rounds of 3 minutes each to settle it. Once a crybaby always a crybaby...Grow up Duncan and do your own fighting for a change... ("ucla512" says:) No matter how you look at it Crawford is the one at fault if Duncan didn't do anything. ... I refuse to take either side here because there has been to many things going on with the NBA Rules and Refs over the last several years. Itīs a good thing you refused to take sides. But what a way to show it, for Peteīs sake! Make up your mind!

posted by zippinglou at 07:26 PM on April 17, 2007

Myark Cubyan Slyams Dwyane Wyade

Did you take any English classes at either the University of Pittsburgh of Indiana University? posted by wfrazerjr at 2:26 PM CST on February 10 You bash Cuban for grammatical mistakes while you make one of your own. Be it a typo or not, it leaves you looking foolish!

posted by zippinglou at 04:49 PM on February 10, 2007

Federer Beats Gonzalez, Wins Aussie Open

I think both sports would be improved if you were allowed to tackle your opponent. posted by JJ at 10:58 AM CST on January 29 Wish granted: http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=74c5245c9a

posted by zippinglou at 05:13 AM on January 30, 2007

Federer Beats Gonzalez, Wins Aussie Open

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IRPLqH4zo0

posted by zippinglou at 05:06 AM on January 30, 2007

Federer Beats Gonzalez, Wins Aussie Open

I'd love to see him win the French Open That tournament has the Spaniards name written all over it, "NADAL"! Well, at least Gonzalez didn’t get the spanking Roger’s other opponents got! Tiger Woods, being the best ever in Golf, has no opponents to rival his #1 spot, but even he loses a tournament every now and then. Federer is just amazing, what heīs doing is just unbelievable, and the comparison is just to put it into some sort of comprehensible perspective, if thatīs possible!

posted by zippinglou at 10:49 AM on January 28, 2007

After getting spanked by Federer, Roddick lights up the post-game news conference

But the only thing that can help Roddick save face is if the red-hot Gonzalez goes down in straight sets as well. I donīt think thereīs anything that can save the face of this: “I got broken. Then I got broken three more times. Then I got broken two more times in the third set. Then it was over 26 minutes later."

posted by zippinglou at 07:53 AM on January 26, 2007

Davids to bank it like Beckham?

Considering the far weaker defenses he will encounter in America, Beckham should perform very well.

posted by zippinglou at 05:09 AM on January 12, 2007

Zito Breaks the Bank.

Thereīs word Zito WILL NOT SIGN, until SF guarantees him a subscription to ESPN the Magazine! :o

posted by zippinglou at 11:08 AM on December 29, 2006

English flags banned at the Emirates.

"Fans upset of some of the other flags!" --- bunch of woosies! Whatīs next... avoid other teams national anthems from playing during international competitions? I hope FIFA takes cards into this matter and sets it straight!

posted by zippinglou at 01:23 PM on December 18, 2006

Detroit Tigers Reach World You-Can't-Be-Serious

Great turn around season for Ordoņez. After facing career threatening ending ailments, the Venezuelan turned it around. Made it to the ALL Stars, and was key in Detroit reaching the World Series. ---Sounds like Come Back Player of the year to me.... More than Thome!

posted by zippinglou at 10:53 AM on October 15, 2006

T.O. Reportedly Attempted Suicide

Damn, this thread is bringing the numbnutsomniscient mind-readers out of the woodwork, isn't it? posted by lil_brown_bat at 7:19 AM CDT on September 28 Is that an introspection?

posted by zippinglou at 07:48 AM on September 28, 2006

T.O. Reportedly Attempted Suicide

Some fans catalog AROD as a weak (of mind) person, for having admitted to attend therapy. In TO's case, we can see how troubling a top athlete's life can be. They live under constant scrutiny, and are paid to perform at the highest level at ALL TIMES, but they are humans, and as such they all bare burdens, deep in their souls that dictate some forms of behavior which aren't easily understood to the public. Anxiety, depression, addiction, etc are just some of the tip of the iceberg issues mostly perceived.

posted by zippinglou at 11:50 AM on September 27, 2006

Ouch!

yikes! How many times do you think this has happened before? Another reason why Americans don't like soccer, you might lose your nuts. 30 Million Americans LOVE the game... so what r u talking about?

posted by zippinglou at 08:07 AM on September 26, 2006

With 45/40, Alfonso Soriano is in elite company, but can he do it again?

He missed the 40/40 club last year by one HR.... Now he got it... and he should be able to repeat any time in the near future... If I were to put money down, it would be on that he will do it again before his career ends.

posted by zippinglou at 07:39 PM on September 19, 2006

Are the dog days of August taking their toll?

I don't think it's hitters adapting to battters as much as these young pitchers learning to actually pitch and not just throw. If you look at the cases from the past/present Prior and Woods, from the Cubs, these guys were over worked, yes, but they also didn't help their cause by going all out on every single pitch of every single hitter of the game. Their case seems very similar to me as that of Francisco Liriano.... Great stuff, but need to learn to administer it. I remember hearing Maddux say, he would manage his pitches according to the hitter and the situation... He would focus on pitching his best against the 3,4,5 guys in the lineup, and the rest he would focus on spotting the plate in an area where the hitter would actually make contact..get the ball in play in order to make a quick out. He didn't bother on trying to strike out every battter for he knew that would work against him in the course of a whole season... so those hittters that he knew weren't necesserally "power" hitters, he would attack with pitches over the plate in order to force them to hit into outs, as opposed to overworking everyone which would hurt his arm in the long run.

posted by zippinglou at 02:04 PM on August 13, 2006

Cheaters

Maradona's "Hand of God" to overcome England in the World Cup. The "Black" Sox of 1919. Tonya Harding having Nancy Kerrigan beat up to take her place in the Olympics. And maybe one of the most bizarre episodes of Sports Cheating....the one performed by Stella Walsh, actually being a "male"...in part :)

posted by zippinglou at 03:38 AM on August 10, 2006

Why We Hate A-Rod

I don't hate Alex, I think he's awesome. I admire his athletisism, and hope he breaks out of his funk....despite being a Red Sox fan. Now with Abreu in the lineup... they look pretty impressive.... have gotten a hold of 1st place and look solid... All i can say is, Veritek... we miss you deeply!

posted by zippinglou at 07:31 PM on August 09, 2006

Jeter: Hot Dog

Jeter is the Gayest player in Baseball he sucks Balls 9388, you need counseling!

posted by zippinglou at 10:40 PM on August 03, 2006

Red Sox 3B Lowell on Fidel Castro: "I hope he does die."

People like Roberto Goizueta, who came to the US after Castro took power, invested tons of money into fighting the Castro Regimen. Too bad he didn't live long enough to see the day of Castro's death; but let me tell you one thing, now with Hugo Chavez supporting the Cuban leadership, there will not be a change in Cuba even if Castro dies unless Cuba is literally invaded..... While at it, invade Venezuela as well!

posted by zippinglou at 01:34 PM on August 03, 2006

Can you compare apples to oranges?

The fact that people are even talking about Big Papi in these terms, speaks about how good a player he is. HOFmer or not, you could place his bronce statue with that big swing of his, in front of Fenway, and not many fans would mind.

posted by zippinglou at 01:49 AM on August 03, 2006

Did Roger Clemens deserve a trade back to the Red Sox?

I don't feel bad for Clemens, he's making a ton of money this year.... not like he needed it, but it doesn't hurt!

posted by zippinglou at 11:09 AM on August 01, 2006

Biggest deal in town -- Ortiz again saves day for Sox

Yes, Ortiz is a great clutch hitter. I hope when history talks about David Ortiz, it doesn't forget to also mention the fact that he was well protected in the line-up by another great player: Manny Ramirez. I believe Ortiz would not have had the chances to get all of those clutch hits if it wasn't for Manny backing him up. I'm just glad these two are together, and I hope it stays that way for a few more years.

posted by zippinglou at 11:05 AM on August 01, 2006

A Rod's sloppy defense hurting Yankees

Told the entire public during spring training that he is in therapy. His wife is a shrink. The guys got issues.

Sounds like he might be a fag, too! Therapy! In this day and age. Where are the leeches?
posted by yerfatma at 1:52 PM CDT on July 24


You just sounded so much like Ozzy Guillen.... Are you sure you're not him?

posted by zippinglou at 11:17 PM on July 24, 2006

A Rod's sloppy defense hurting Yankees

I don't see how else he could be commiting so many errors and striking out, unless there was intent behind it. I just don't see him doing so out of an emotional breakdown from the booing, he is just fedup with everything! So yes, it is an insult to his character... but he well knows that can be the easiest way for him to be out of NY! Yes, I don't think he wants to be there any more.

posted by zippinglou at 01:42 AM on July 24, 2006

A Rod's sloppy defense hurting Yankees

Many may argue that for the money Alex is getting paid, the fans have the right to boo him when he doesn't contribute. I disagree! New York Yankee fans have been booing ARod forever, even when he played up to his MVP potential last season. I believe this is more about Alex reaching the point were he doesn't know what else to do to please the fans in order to earn their respect, all he's lacking is the World Series, but the way they are going about it is not very motivational! I remember they did the same to Jackson before he came and hit 3 homeruns in the World Series to earn his spot in history... New York fans have a tradition of being that way, one more reason why I hate them! The treatment Alex has gotten is just not right! Yankee Fans don't deserve to have a player like Alex Rodriguez, and the team should seriously consider trading him.... I personally hope Arod keeps screwing up until they have to trade him.... and although he may not admit it publicly, some of the things he's doing may well be "intentional".... I hope it's not long until he says "I want out", goes to Boston, and helps bring 5 consecutive World Series to Beantown!

posted by zippinglou at 11:10 PM on July 23, 2006

Her Pride Was Really Hurt

G.O.L.F. Gentlemans Only Ladies Forbidden? Why not let the great women athlete compete with the guys.... Good competition makes you a better player, so lettem showcase their skills versus guys, hopefully in the shortrun, we will see them winning men's tourneys too.... I'd personally like to see Anika try it more often.

posted by zippinglou at 02:19 AM on July 16, 2006

All-Star Shakeups

...the other's that made it were picked by the Fans, not Ozzie...

posted by zippinglou at 07:18 PM on July 07, 2006

Minor-league skipper gets major-league gift

Yes! Arod has had a very open heart and wallet when it comes to helping others, and so have many other great ball-players that have followed the Roberto Clemente way or spirit....

posted by zippinglou at 07:14 PM on July 07, 2006

All-Star Shakeups

At least he didn't take 1/2 his team like Ozzie did.

He picked 3 great pitchers from his Team. Contreras and Jenks are at the top of the league....so STOP being so blinded by your subjectivity!

It's time to turn the page on the Ozzie bashing book....it's so boring!

The man earned his right to choose whoever he wants, remember he's using his picks, not the fans! As he said,"You want to pick, manage and win the WS." -- On this one, I have to be with Ozzie for sticking with his players. It's not like they are undeserving, heck they're part of the best team in baseball right now. Mark Buehrle, Contreras and Jenks deserve their manager's recognition.

posted by zippinglou at 06:58 PM on July 07, 2006

Soccer as nihilism

Frank Cannon and Richard Lessner, consultants with Capital City Partners, have spent most of the World Cup watching ESPN re-runs of the world's strongest man contest.
This about sums it up with regards to these critics! lol - lmao

posted by zippinglou at 06:29 PM on July 06, 2006

Rugby player declared brain dead after being beaten and kicked in the head during game.

"Maybe his death has a purpose," said Loots sen. "Maybe it will help to clean up the game he lived for."

posted by zippinglou at 09:36 AM on June 27, 2006

Do you believe in Miracles?

Fernando Alonso won the pole for the 5th time.... F1 pwns Nascar !

posted by zippinglou at 04:29 PM on June 24, 2006

But Does He Pitch or Catch?

At the beginning of the season, I felt that the White Sox and Ozzie would implode soemtime during the season. What you are seeing is the beginning of the end of the White Sox run. Of course, this is just my lowly opinion! posted by daddisamm at 3:37 PM CDT on June 21 You got to be kidding! They just exploded beating one of the best teams in baseball by scoring 20 runs (last night) and half as many so far tonight.... Not only that, they are just a game and a half behind Detroit... and hold one of the best records in baseball....

posted by zippinglou at 09:08 PM on June 21, 2006

But Does He Pitch or Catch?

"I don't have anything against those people. In my country, you call someone something like that and it is not the same as it is in this country.'' You call anyone in Venezuela a "fag" that isn't, and it would easily escalate into an ugly brawl or gun-fight.... easily. In my country, that is one of the most hurtful things to call another straight-man, and Guillen knows it. So Guillen should not be using the second language excuse! He needs to change his act, and start behaving as a Manager and not a street-punk. I love the guy for what he has done for Venezuelan ball, but I hate the way he's behaving now that he has power. I think he may feel invincible.... and he needs a wake up call, soon! For his own sake.

posted by zippinglou at 01:28 PM on June 21, 2006

Germans Play Defense in Cologne

These aren't soccer fans causing the riots, the Neo Nazis have been planning to cause chaos, and they will look for any opportunity to do it.

posted by zippinglou at 11:16 AM on June 21, 2006

MLB puts a parental lock on your season and fav teams,

"local market for six teams"... wow, that sux!

posted by zippinglou at 09:23 PM on June 19, 2006

Brian McBride's 42nd Goal Lifts U.S. over Ghana, 110-109

Soccer? It's all part of a communist plot, first they'll get us to understand it then they get rid of the NFL! posted by rockyxgone at 3:02 PM CDT on June 19 lol You belong in comedy central. Hilarious!!!!

posted by zippinglou at 03:40 PM on June 19, 2006

Who Says a Tie is a Bad Thing?

but on tv a 1-1 tie is boooooriing. NOT! I was jumping out of my seat almost every couple of minutes each time any of the teams approached the other goal! The only time I did so while watching golf, was when Phil Mickelson's went for double bogey on the final hole..... Now that's Boooring!

posted by zippinglou at 07:16 PM on June 18, 2006

Who Says a Tie is a Bad Thing?

Soccer sucks&this just proves it!!! The World thinks otherwise, so you're an insignificant minority here! I just realize that even though I love Baseball with deep passion, the last game I watched was the Curt/Johan match-up. I've been mostly focused on soccer....It's been impossible to not follow this great soccer games on TV.... (By the way, RedSox won and Yanks lost yesterday) Ok back to soccer.... Thank goodness for Univision's coverage! Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal

posted by zippinglou at 11:30 AM on June 18, 2006

USA World Cup ratings

Common USA, make the miracle happen!!!!!

posted by zippinglou at 03:28 PM on June 17, 2006

USA World Cup ratings

I expect Team USA to be much better today, after Arena gave them a roasting this week. Guys, for the US to beat Italy in soccer, would be comparable to Italy beating the US in Baseball! -It's Not Going to Happen! ... and by the way Ghana is playing the Czechs... the US will most probably not win a game this World Cup! So much for a 5th World Rank!

posted by zippinglou at 11:11 AM on June 17, 2006

USA World Cup ratings

I wonder how much of that has to do with the rise in the Hispanic population in the US over the past four years? Yeah, all those babies most be viewing all these great games!

posted by zippinglou at 11:09 AM on June 17, 2006

Momma don't let your babies grow up to play...

Yeah!!! & what wingnut said! :)

posted by zippinglou at 12:36 PM on June 15, 2006

When Ozzie tells you to plunk, you plunk...or get plunked

If a team hits one of my MVPs, not once but twice, you need to protect! That's baseball, and that's the lesson Guillen taught the young kid. I's not old school baseball mentality, it's just baseball mentality.

posted by zippinglou at 10:22 AM on June 15, 2006

When Ozzie tells you to plunk, you plunk...or get plunked

Heck, I just yanked a pitcher from a game cause he would not check the runner at second base as I requested of him (runner went on to steal 3rd). He is teaching the kid discipline, and if what he wants is for him to hit a batter, then he has to do it! Now, to speculate on the reasons is of no sense, since you have to be there and actually know what went on to have a factual opinion and not a subjective one! Find out the real why? Then, you can criticize all you want.

posted by zippinglou at 10:15 AM on June 15, 2006

US Stumbles Out of the Gates

My question is why nobody is questioning Arena's lineup People are questioning him, but Arena is well more qualified than any of us... so that's that! You can't make chicken soup out of chicken sh*t !!!! I can't blame Arena for the outcome!

posted by zippinglou at 12:47 PM on June 13, 2006

An Important Message from Airbag Industries.

Oh, and to comment about the "tie" piece! I would die for Venezuela to tie (o-o) with Brazil or Argentina any time this century! That's how "unmeaningfully boring" and time waster that would be for fans like me!

posted by zippinglou at 11:09 PM on June 11, 2006

An Important Message from Airbag Industries.

It's a minority who don't like soccer, but they make so much noise about their point of view that it seems otherwise! It ‘s not good to generalize at anything. Most people in the World like soccer, so why should we care that a few say they don't?

One thing is for certain, MLS will never be able to name their finals champion, the "World Champion!" as they do in Baseball, Basketball, etc.

To finish up with a friendly reminder, the US is not currently the World Champion in Baseball and Basketball, if we consider the WBC and/or the last Olympics as the proper stage to measure these events

posted by zippinglou at 11:03 PM on June 11, 2006

English fans turn win into 'home' match

Do you think your being a little bit over zealous? lol I don't let my passion cloud my judgement. So, No!

posted by zippinglou at 02:22 PM on June 11, 2006

Get ready to dislike America

What some in the US have failed to see, is that its National Soccer team is increasingly getting a lot better. It may not be at the level of the World Soccer Powers, but it is rapidly getting there. They just defeated Venezuela (a real nobody in soccer) 2-0, but it shows they are making progress. In a few more years, many will be jumping in the soccer bandwagon, as it will start making headlines around the globe. Making all those silly detractors look like prehistoric dinosaurs that were unwilling to show support in times of growth!

posted by zippinglou at 02:13 PM on June 07, 2006

Get ready to dislike America

but when it comes to soccer.. they just Can't Do It!
May I add an important note to this: I was refering at the mens since the women, as the article accuratly points out, have been dominating for a good while.... Go girls! No wonder in the US tries to associate soccer with it being a "girls sport"... It's there where the success has been!!!!

posted by zippinglou at 02:01 PM on June 07, 2006

Get ready to dislike America

I remember going through Junior High and High School, and being a Venezuelan Native, everyone expected me to play football (soccer as they only call it in America).... and I tried out, to go on to play football (Americano)... where I ended up playing guard and linebacker for the rest of my highschool days... But I'll tell you this: - Football was "easy to play" compared to the skills needed to play soccer.... Holly molly, I'm amazed at the shape you got to be in to keep up in soccer, and then the footwork is unbelievable.... plus, when you get hit.... you really get hit.... Every time I hear the soccer bashers talk, I think... They simply are stereotyping.. and have no clue what it takes to be out there.... Football Americano is also great, I love it... I still reminicent of the day I played vs. Mo Vaughn (running back for Trinity Pawling back in 84ī)... felt like I was hitting a Mac truch comming at you at 70 MPH... but I loved it.... Soccer, I just never had the required skills to actually play it well... My hats off to all those soccer fans.. itīs a great Sport! Soccer is like an athletic Chess Match... Yes, there are few goals... but it's more than just a score...it's about dominating the field, controling the ball, and overpowering with not only skill but witt, your opponent... Soccer is a War of dominance..... No wonder countries get so hyped about it.... National prides are at stake!!!! And to me here lies the reason why Soccer is not liked in the US... The US is soo competitive, and likes to Win at everything (which is great), but when it comes to soccer.. they just Can't Do It! ... So it's easier to hate the game and bash it! That way, there's an easy excuse for the failure! (simple truth)

posted by zippinglou at 01:46 PM on June 07, 2006

What are the odds

"Pow" ... "This is what it sounds like when Doves cry - I guess"

posted by zippinglou at 01:30 PM on June 07, 2006