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The US is making a run to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup and it has a list of cities wanting to host it. Do your part and sign the petition for your favorite city, out of the 18 candidates, in this page or go here to read more about it.

Atlanta

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Boston

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Denver

 

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Miami

Nashville

New York, New Jersey

Philadelphia

Phoenix - Glendale

San Diego

Seattle

Tampa Bay

Washington DC

ACC Week 4 Counter Predictions

Heather Dinich Predictions	My Predictions
Miami 24, Virginia Tech 21	Miami 27, Virginia Tech 17
North Carolina 24, Georgia Tech 14	Georgia Tech 24, North Carolina 14
Duke 35, NC Central 7	Duke 21, NC Central 10
Wake Forest 17, Boston College 14	Wake Forest 17, Boston College 14
TCU 14, Clemson 10	Clemson 24, TCU 17
Florida State 31, South Florida 10	Florida State 42, South Florida 13
Rutgers 20, Maryland 17	Rutgers 20, Maryland 17
NC State 24, Pittsburgh 21	Pittsburgh 24, NC State 21

The Return Of The U?

ESPN.com

University of Miami @ Virginia Tech Preview

The 2009 meet between these two teams is the 27th in the series, will take place at Blacksburg on September 26. The game will be televised by ABC and it starts at 2:30 Central.

Both teams come in ranked to this bout, Miami at number 9 and VT number 11. For more details on this game and other ACC matchups this weekend check out Heather Dinich’s blog post, ‘On tap in the ACC: Week 4.’

The U Makes The AP Top 10

1		2		3		4		5
6		7		8		9		10

Starting the season unranked and playing four ranked opponents, many did not gave Miami a chance to win a game on their first four tries; Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Oklahoma.

Today, after putting on a show in their first two games and winning (at No. 18 Florida State 38 – 34 and vs. No. 14 Georgia Tech 33 - 17) the Miami Hurricanes climbed up to number 9th in the AP Poll. ESPN’s ACC Blogger, Heather Dinich, posted the question; “Is Miami a top-10 team?” It is obvious that the coaches did not think so, because Miami made it at number 13th in the coaches poll, still a decent ascend from last week’s 20th ranking.

Postings and discussions about Miami going undefeated are already in the web and I have to admit that it is nice to be able to talk about your team in this situation, specially when living in Austin, in which all everyone ever talks about are the Longhorns. I also have to admit that I had a little chat/argument with one of my co-workers about who would be ranked on top if both Texas and the ‘Canes would go undefeated. But, the truth is that after just finishing week three non of it matters.

Is Miami a Top Ten school right now? I don’t think so, I do think that if they do what they are suppose to, they will be rank pretty high at the end of the season and if they do win out they will have a legitimate argument for the National Championship, but all that is a moo point if they don’t win next week, then the week after that and so on. I believe they should be able to win at Blacksburg, not easily, but they will be able to handle it. Their big test will come against Oklahoma and that is where they will really earn the Top Ten spot, at least in the eyes of the Nation. Although it is a wounded Oklahoma team (Sam may be back by that game), they still are a very respected national power.

Win or loose the next two games, Miami’s biggest challenge will be the next 8 teams. Teams that the ‘Canes should be able to handle easily. Why? You may ask, well game 1 at Florida State…. If you are a real Hurricane do you need anymore to get you hyped up than playing FSU? Maybe a lil’ Red Bull or ‘un cafécito,’ but not much more. Then, GT at home, a team which humiliated Miami a year ago, are the cheerleaders even necessary to get you hyped up? Then, the old buddy from the Big East, Virginia Tech, and pre-season pick to win the conference. Lastly, but definitely not least, the Oklahoma Sooners, Miami’s time to shine in front of a strong national stage…. if that doesn’t get you hyped up I don’t know what would.

The problem starts when they play the next 8 boring, ‘we are just playing you because we have to,’ teams… (except for maybe Clemson) Can they keep their tempo, electric atmosphere and swagger thru the end. Or, at least, will the desire to play FSU again in the conference championship keep them awake? This is where coach Shannon has to earn its keep and make them roar at Category 5 strength!

Georgia Tech 17 @ Miami 33

All I have to say is, ‘WOW!!!’ Yesterday, I mentioned that this game would be a though one, one in which both teams had a legitimate chance to win. I also mentioned that GT was not going to run as much as last year. Well, I was happily semi-wrong:

• The game was not as close as the score shows, Miami was in control most of the game until last few minutes on the 4th quarter where they had two missed field goals and a couple of defensive glitches, one which ended up as a GT touchdown. Their total domination over the line of scrimmage in offense and defense was incredible. Jacory Harris passing was incredibly accurate, completing 20 of 25 for 270 yards and three touchdowns. Rushing was a nice surprise totaling 184 yards. But, the biggest shock was Miami’s defense completely stopping GT’s rushing. A Yellow Jacket team which totaled 335 yards and 301 yards in their first two games of the season respectively, let’s not forget about 472 yards against Miami last year, was completely stumped by a defense that only allowed them 95 yards.
• I knew that GT was not going rush for 472 yards again, but only 95 yards was a very nice surprise.
• By the second half Georgia Tech looked beat and gasping for air while The U was more focus than ever.
• How hard is it to find someone to kickoff the ball? Miami’s kick off ability is terrible, GT had good field position the whole game. Then in the fourth quarter, two missed field goals…. I’m pretty sure that the kicking team will be practicing overtime this week.

Miami vs. Georgia Tech

The third week of the NCAA Football season is upon us… so  quick :-( … This week my beloved Hurricanes play Georgia Tech in Miami. Georgia Tech has beaten Miami four years in a row, but the worst part is that today is the only day V wears her GT jersey. V attended GT for her graduate studies and usually doesn’t care much about, the Jackets, ‘Canes or football in general. But, just to bother me, when Miami and GT play she has to wear the jersey and make fun of me any chance she gets. Sadly, she’s had many chances as of late, including last year when GT ran for 472 yards. :-(

Let me tell you about why I’m excited about today’s game. I believe this game is going to be pretty tight. I do not think GT will be able to run as much as they have against Miami in the last few year, definitely not as much as last year, but they will run a lot. The difference will depend on Miami being over it’s tendencies of playing down to their opponents level and giving up when the time gets though.

Miami fans have a new found aspiration for the stars since Miami’s earlier display of guts against Florida State a couple of weeks ago. The win over FSU did not proved that Miami was back to its heydays or that it is at the same level as today’s Gators and Longhorns, but what it did proved was that the team is willing to duke it out until the end. Also, that they are willing to let it fly often and be aggressive, something missing in the last few years.

Many did not think that Miami would win any of the first four games, so whatever we get is a bonus. What I'm anxious to see is if the ‘Canes have improved enough to take it to the rest of the teams in the schedule after Oklahoma. Teams that Miami should be able to handle easily, but they seem to find a way to loose.

As for V…. enjoy while you can!!! Although the ‘Canes will not be winning a national championship this year, I see them taking over the conference very soon. Finally!

Aikido

I have been practicing Aikido for about 4 to 6 weeks and it has been very interesting. Since I started I have gotten asked the same questions over and over… What is Aikido? Why you joined Aikido and not something else? Why not Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Can you fight in UFC with Aikido?

Some of them I had myself and to some extent I still do, but I’m going to try my best to answer these…. remember that I just started, so I have very little experience and most of my references are other students who have been practicing for a much longer time.

What is Aikido?

I will not give you the history or the text book definition of Aikido, if you want that information you are welcome to search in Google, check out Aikido in Wikipedia or visit your local Aikido Dojo. After practicing four times a week for around 6 weeks, I have develop my own opinion about Aikido which continues to evolve as I learn more and more about the art.

Aikido is not about fighting, is not about throwing and grappling, is not about breaking your opponents bones, is not about an opponent. In my opinion Aikido is about observing, which I’m not very good at. Yes, Aikido could be useful in a fight. Yes, Aikido could be very dangerous if done maliciously. Yes, there is an “uke” or attacker and you practice by completing techniques on each other. But, those are just tools and terminology to get you to that next step. Aikido, teaches you observe the situation. If in a situation that fight is imminent, wait, observe your opponent, wait for an opening, do not force an attack, let the attacker do that for you.

• Relax – Relaxing is key… I don’t seem to be able to do that very well either. In tense situations it is hard to stand back and relax, but when relax observing becomes easier limiting irrational moves.
• Aikido is reactive and for defense myth– I don’t think Aikido is as defensive as it looks, but it is about being smart. A point of Aikido is to be able to use your energy to guide your opponent's energy towards something positive (positive for you at least). In other words, don’t try matching your opponent blow by blow or try to out wrestle him with pure muscle, instead wait. Wait and observe your opponent, does he has any particular patterns, does he steps before punching, does he tenses up when attacking. Similar to poker. Use those observations to your advantage when he gives you room for an attack.

These are teachings that we can use every day… Relax, Observe The Situation, Make your Move Smart, Smooth and Efficient.

Why you joined Aikido and not something else?

There was no scientific reason for picking Aikido. Basketball was killing my knees, I was looking for a sport to practice which involved dealing with others, but also that would be easier on my knees and help me improve my flexibility. Most sports recommended for knee problems there is no interaction, for example cycling and swimming, which I find a bit repetitive.

A co-worker recommended me to go take a look at a class in his dojo and I did. I liked what I saw and figured I would give it a try.

Why not Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

I know Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA is the craze right now, but honestly I am not looking to learn how to fight, competitive or not, and I have never been into wrestling. I know that Jiu Jitsu may be about more than just fighting and I admit that I didn’t visited any other martial arts dojos (I did get to practice Judo for two semester in my freshman year in college…not mentioning the year :-) ). Maybe one day I’ll get to practice another martial art.

I’ve always been interested in practicing Capoeira.

Can you fight in UFC with Aikido?

You can fight in UFC if all you know is Capoeira, I’m not sure how much that will help you in the ring :-) The ‘Only the Strong’ move and the chanting can only take you so far. I’m not sure how much help if any Aikido would be in a UFC scenario. In the other hand I went to engineering school… I doubt I would find any octagon shape cages around the IBM campus.

Lakers Win It Again!

The Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA Championship yesterday after completing the series versus the Orlando Magic (4 to 1). I do not follow the Lakers and have nothing smart to say about their performance this season or their championship run, at least nothing that is not found on ESPN or any other sports site. My extent of following the Lakers is hating on Kobe and annoying my friend Jaco, who is a die hard Laker fan from El Paso and who has never stepped in the LA metropolitan area; I just find it weird.

Never the less it is an amazing feat what this franchise has accomplished, this championship is:

• The Lakers 15’th Championship (including when the franchise was in Minneapolis), second only to the Boston Celtics.
• Phil Jackson’s 10’th Championship – Is he really that good? or just in the right place at the right time? Either way he has been lucky enough to coach three or four of the best players ever and have organizations that are willing to spend the money on architecting complete teams.
• Kobe’s ‘N Fisher’s 4’th Ring – Is 4 (3 as a secondary star player) = 6 as the best player ever? No, don’t think so, but something tells me that he may still have a few more opportunities.

I hope this finally wakes teams up and make them understand that it can’t be done with just one player and one strategy (Cleveland, Miami and about everyone else in the NBA). The team has to be agile enough to change as the challenges change. Hopefully, today’s LA Lakers is the franchise which forces other teams to rise and maybe then we will watch great basketball again…

Austin Aztecs Soccer

Friday night V, Dima and I went to watch the Austin Aztecs game against the Puerto Rico Islanders. We were so disappointed.

1. They Play in a High School Field. This team calls themselves a professional team and they play in a high school field with predominant American Football lines, I couldn’t  tell where the soccer lines were.
2. $20 Per Seat. Can you believe it? $20 for the cheapest seats in the house. Not that you can really tell the difference from the >$22 seats. Dima had a theory on the Aztecs business model, ‘they know that the people will not comeback, so lets charge as much as we can the first time.’
3. Level of Play. The level of play of both teams was not up to what was advertised.

There was another thing that I was not happy about, but this is not the Aztecs’ fault:

The game ended tied 1 –1. I am not a ‘soccer (or futbol)  person,’ so I do not understand how as a fan someone can watch a 90 minutes game and be happy with a 1 – 1 outcome. No winner, no looser, and then have the audacity of saying that the other team sucks.

There was a couple of points that I did like about the experience. The side of the stadium open to the public was crowded and they had lively followers, most wearing soccer jerseys from their respective countries (Mexico and Brazil) or from professional teams somewhere else. But they had their drums and trumpets and noise makers. It really seemed like a neighborhood activity. If the price wasn’t so steep I would be willing to attend a few more games, but with a $20 per game price tag, I expect more than just a couple of amateur teams having trouble scoring with barely any goalie skills.

Hawks turn off the Heat

Everyone who knows me is aware of my loyalty to the Miami area sports teams, including the Miami Heat. Sadly the heat were eliminated yesterday (05/03/2009) in the first round of the playoffs by the Atlanta Hawks. But, who could decipher that series? A seven game series in which no game was closer than a 10 points differential (26, 15, 29, 10, 15, 26, 13).

Atlanta was the best team, but in my opinion not the strongest. Miami was seen as a one man team, D. Wade, and it is partly true. When Wade is in the game the attitude of the team changes completely, but I believe that this series gave them some definition and a foundation to work on for next year. In the first three games we saw the resurgence of J. O’Neal, sadly he got injured. The support of James Jones, Michael Beasley and at times Cook and Chalmers were also helpful.  They need work in consistency and leadership when Wade is not in the court.

Overall this is a fairly young team in which most contributors are rookies (Chalmers and Beasley), 1 year (Anthony and Cook) or 5 years (Jones, Haslem and Wade) with the exception of 12 years veteran O’Neal, is in a good position for growth and improvement. Let’s not forget their record improvement of 15-67 a year ago to 43-39 this year. Also, realistically speaking what would they have been able to do against Cleveland in the second round?