Trophy-Less

Was it six months or 4 minutes? The question for Arsenal is truly either half-full or half-empty. By this time last season, Gooner fans would have just taken today's loss to ManUre as just another loss in a disappointing season. This term however, Arsenal are six months into a season and still, (until today), had hope of a league title. Thus, an outlook of half-full. However, in four devastating minutes, this season has come to a close, at least as far as the Premiership title goes. Thus, an outlook of half-empty. Arsenal were unable to cope with either Nani's cleverness or the brut strength and will of Wayne Rooney.

To me, it shows the absolute difference in the two clubs approach. Specifically, Arsene Wenger's and Sir Alex Ferguson's approach to management of their respective teams. Wenger has brought a flowing, attractive and beautiful brand of soccer to the Premiership. He is only second to ferguson in tenure as a Premiership manager and can take credit, although never would, (along with Ferguson) for leading England's top flight into becoming the best league in the world. Unfortunately, Wenger's stubborn reliance on youth have Arsenal dearly over the last 5 campaigns. Arsene has developed some the best young talent anywhere but that talent has not matured nor found ways to beat more experienced sides. Added to that troubling bit is the fact the availability of top players kills Arsenal each season. Yes, everyone deals with injury but others have a depth of talent that Wenger just has not developed. If those two areas of deficiencies were not bad enough, the "Team Spirit" Arsene speaks of so much does not show in the most crucial of times. The team did respond well to the loss at home to Chelsea earlier and made a great comeback at Anfield to set up today's disappointment. But, it was not seen in anyway at the Emirates versus Rooney, whom all likelihood will become England's Captain at the World Cup come June. And, really why not? Rooney is a man possessed at the moment and for England not attach themselves to his charisma and power would be foolish at best and insane at worst.

As far as Arsenal go, the fight now will go to stay in the Top Four for a place in the Champions League. The tournament that the Gunners still must complete this season, which they will go out in the quarter finals at best. (It almost obligatory for Arsenal to bow out at that point) The fight for a Top Four place will be difficult. The trip to Stamford Bridge for another loss to Drogba and then the deciding games versus Liverpool and Tottenham to decide the final four positions lie ahead. (Barring any other slips) Then, we Gunners fans will turn to Arsene Wenger again and ask to bring in reinforcements that can add strength and grit to the flair we now posses that lacks qualities of ruthlessness to finish off teams. At the bare minimum Arsenal need another Striker, a hard running Midfielder and a Defender with size and presence. Or, the seasons of trophy-less soccer will continue at the Emirates. Peace.

2009 Ends, What a Year!

The year ends and looking back, Wow! that was a crazy year. Maybe it was because it was the end of a decade, who knows. The headlines were filled with sensational stories of the famous both positive and negative. (Sad the negative is what most remember) Personally the year was brilliant with tons of highlights. Every year has it's moments of darkness and this year was no different. However, the blessings I have in my life illuminate those moments and give focus that the darkness cannot compete. I have found a centering in Christ and ways to share that faith in ways I could have never imagined without His help. My wife, Suzanne, continues to show the grace of love to me and friendship that is my rock on earth. The treasure of my three children continue to amaze me each day in their energy, abilities and innocence. Along with these gifts comes the added prize of friendships I have both near and far. Friends I see daily at work or around the neighborhood or friends far that I see on less than a regular basis. You are all greatly talented and gifted people with the only flaw being that you have the same taste and have chosen to let me be your friend but for that I am grateful. (Too many, that to try to name each would of course leave some out and that would never do.) But, I do want to write here that each friendship is dear to me and I know that I can always be a better friend. I will will try to do so. Some quick highlights then of 2009 (in no particular order):
Sue and I celebrated our 20th Wedding Anniversary.
Sue got to go to Graceland with her best friend Gloria.
I started playing Baseball in the San Diego Adult Baseball League, I even played well.
My son Gabriel made his Little League All-Star Team.
Sue and Gabriel went to Body World.
Sue's dad celebrated his 80th Birthday.
Disneyland trips!! (There were SEVEN!)
Carlsbad Beach camping and running into great friends by luck.
Seeing old friends unexpectedly, Derek and Maria that's you.
My son Dylan continued at his Spanish immersion school as a 2nd Grader and is truly learning a second language. My daughter Isabella joined him at the school as a kindergartner and is flourishing.
Dylan and Isabella continue playing soccer and are playing well.
Gabriel started middle school and made Honor Roll. Straight A's!!!
I started writing a book, I've hit a little block but I'll get back to it.
Still coaching soccer, a passion for me, with a great staff and players.
Craigy and Heather's wedding.
Isabella and I seeing a special preview of "The Princess and The Frog" at Disney Studios, Burbank, CA.
Baby Teagan arriving for Brian and Katie.
Baby Samantha arriving for Bryan and Lynda
Dave and Anna's 20th Wedding Anniversary.
I started learning Yoga with Sue.
And of course, the year started as a "U2" year and what a year!! Album-brilliant!
360 Degree Tour Even more Brilliant!!! A trip to with my best friend Dave to Dublin to see the band in their native Ireland for a three night stand at Croke Park. My very close friend Shelley came over from Wales for a show.
Probably more but I'll leave with: I'm alive!!! Peace.

Art of the Highest Order: Robert Hilburn Reflects on U2

Art of the Highest Order: Robert Hilburn Reflects on U2

Robert Hilburn is one of the most respected Rock critics/writers of all time, if not the Most respected. His influence on music has not only be felt by readers but by the musicians themselves in which he critiqued. Intelligent, thought provoking and subtle humor are a few ways Robert Hilburn's writing has been described. I looked forward to his reviews of every U2 endeavor almost as much as the record release or concert I just attended. Hilburn's take on an album or concert served to make the experience real, to place it in concrete and solidify the moment. He was a fan of U2 but he never held back to give empty praise and the band listened, as this article tells how influential he was, especially with Bono. Peace.

It Might Get Loud coming to iTunes, DVD

It Might Get Loud coming to iTunes, DVD

A movie that should not be missed by any music or movie fan. The music is fantastic and the documentary is expertly filmed.

Happiest Place on Earth

Disneyland truly is a place our family really enjoys and tries to sneak a trip to whenever we can. We have our favorite rides and places to eat like most people. However, what I've found about our trips there is that the trip has become an excercise in family problem solving. Now, I mean that is a positive way. Group decisions about the rides, attractions and food choices provide fantastic insight into each our kids personalities. Sue and I also delight in the way each child takes in the park and sees Disneyland so differently. All three of our children notice new things each time and at times show both Sue and myself new aspects of the park. Peace.



Above: Sue and the Kids with Gloria:
Walt Disney/Mickey Statue Plaza. Oct. 2009

Below:
Sue and the kids with Halloween Goofy: Main Street Entrance
Disneyland, CA. October 2009

A Rare View

Picture by Edge of U2 Check out 360FromTheEdge for more from the true Guitar Hero.

The Edge has become a Twitter junkie and gives us a rare picture, although maybe unintentionally, of Bono without his shades. Peace

Legacy

In my bio for this blog I wrote that I am a Christian, father-husband, teacher, coach and friend. In each of those roles of life I have often wondered about what "Legacy" I'm leaving. Of course I understand by the mere fact of being a father that alone is a legacy. The inner search of what mark I've left on the greater circle of people I've been given the opportunity to influence, for positive or negative, is where my question truly evolves. Now, the picture I've chosen for this piece may give you a hint of the direction I'm leaning. Over the past few months my passion for U2 has exploded not only this blog but in my personal life. I've made my trek to Dublin to see the band play three hometown gigs and collected more memorabilia than my wife can handle. But, what is happening now is the arguably the best part of my U2 life. Former students, soccer players and long time friends (some new as well) are preparing for U2 shows on the West Coast in October. ('09) Plans include: road trips, stadium camp outs for up close viewing of shows, plane flights and side trips. (all of this will take place over five glorious days). This group of "formers" have converted into ongoing fans of group. Many have followed the band on previous tours and we've met, shared the experiences and discussed performances, etc. With this tour, I'll be with these friends in the stadiums doing what I've always done at U2 shows: go nuts!! It is a visceral reaction for me from the opening to closing notes. I completely understand that more of my past or even current circles of contact have dismissed my love of U2 but it is amazing and wonderful to see that so many have at least come to see what it's all about. Significantly, a great deal of those once curious of the hype I made of the gigs and music, have stayed the course and make a U2 tour, albums and appearances part of yearly planning. Consequently, what does it mean? The band have done all the heavy listing and I've only given free advertising. Maybe I have another career in commercials, nah-I think I found what I was looking for-Peace.

U2: Local Act, Global Horizons (Part II) by Justin Kavanagh - The Globalist

The second part of a U2 retrospective of the career both on and off stage. THe article comes from an online magazine called "The Globalist".  Peace.

Click the link: U2: Local Act, Global Horizons (Part II) by Justin Kavanagh - The Globalist

Shared via AddThis