Grab Bag Of Random Posts

Manneken Pis · Bericht door **Manneken Pis** » ma dec 17, 2007 10:58 am

Has anybody seen this (nothing to do with Ajax, nor football for that matter)?

Religion, banking, 9/11, e.t.c.

http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com/

I found it very interesting stuff, although at the end it all gets a little too paranoid for me.

SE6Ajacied · Bericht door **SE6Ajacied** » zo jan 06, 2008 2:54 pm

We were discussing Ebbsfleet United in the English 5th level a while back who are majority owned by a fans website who's subscribers are in effect the team owners.

Anyway, I read this yesterday in the Woking v Halifax Town match programme (1-0 to Woking, not a bad game). Apparently it's already happened in the Israili sixth level with Hapoel Kiryat Shalom who were recently bought for £250,000 by local internet entrepreneur with support from Play65, an internet gambling site. 7,000 fans have registered for free on the site and are now able to have an input on team affairs from training sessions upwards. They are "managed" by an Assistant Coach who runs the team in accordance with the fans wishes. Fans have access to all background info and can pick players and formations.

The teams home games are screened live on the internet enabling fans to moniter the teams progress and supporters use a chat room facility to propose tactical changes which are voted on and then relayed to the team manager for implementation.

They're 9th in the league but the system isn't without some hitches - in November fans of a rival club used the system to subsitute the star striker halfway through the game meaning the team lost the game......

Apparently it's been likened to a real life version of champoinship manager. You can find more info here http://www.play65blog.com/2007/10/22/pl ... tball-team

aveslacker · Bericht door **aveslacker** » zo jan 06, 2008 9:22 pm

There was a minor league baseball team in the U.S. that allowed the fans to decide everything, sort of like what you described above. Turns out it was a pretty crappy way to manage a baseball team. The team sucked and the players hated it. But it's still an interesting idea.

SE6Ajacied · Bericht door **SE6Ajacied** » ma jan 07, 2008 9:56 pm

I found this on the Expatica Dutch News Site

7 January 2008

AMSTERDAM - Amsterdam has plans to build a new stadium. The city hopes this will improve its chances to host the World Cup football championship in 2018 or the Olympic Games in 2028, alderwoman for Sport Carolien Gehrels confirmed on Monday.

The politician has her eye on a site between Amsterdam and Almere. Part of the IJmeer lake will have to be drained for the project. The construction of the stadium will cost an estimated EUR 60 to 80 million. It should seat 80,000 spectators, Gehrels reports.

The alderwoman says the current stadium, the Amsterdam ArenA, does not have enough capacity. "We recently wanted to stand as candidate again, after 1998, to host the Champions League final in the ArenA. UEFA wouldn't allow it however because they said the stadium was too small,"

The World Cup and Olympic Games are not the only sporting events that the capital wants to organise. Gehrels also has hopes for the European Championships for athletics in 2014 or 2016. That would have to take place in the Olympic Stadium, which would need to be expanded.

By organising a number of major events the alderwoman hopes to convince UEFA and the international Olympic Committee IOC that Amsterdam can handle the World Cup and Olympic Games.

The new stadium would have to be completed by 2018. The city will consider the feasibility of the building project in the coming year, Gehrels said.

(http://www.expatica.com/nl/articles/new ... adium.html)

Looks interesting - If it's built I wonder if Ajax end up playing some games there like used to happen with the Olympic Stadium...

DanK · Bericht door **DanK** » wo jan 09, 2008 8:59 am

Couldn't have summed it up better myself:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/cricket/w ... 54309.html

"I DON'T like cheats. And I don't like this Australian cricket team."

Perfectly put

jamcocteau · Bericht door **jamcocteau** » wo jan 09, 2008 1:16 pm

SE6Ajacied schreef:I found this on the Expatica Dutch News Site

The politician has her eye on a site between Amsterdam and Almere. Part of the IJmeer lake will have to be drained for the project. The construction of the stadium will cost an estimated EUR 60 to 80 million. It should seat 80,000 spectators, Gehrels reports.

...

What kind of drugs has Gehrels been smoking - Eur 60 to 80 million for a brand new 80,000 capacity stadium. Maybe he works for the same people who built the Millenium Dome or are preapring the 2012 Olympics

Tom_ · Bericht door **Tom_** » wo jan 09, 2008 1:45 pm

DanK schreef:Couldn't have summed it up better myself:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/cricket/w ... 54309.html

"I DON'T like cheats. And I don't like this Australian cricket team."

Perfectly put

Damn straight. Did you watch / listen to any of it? Or are you not in Australia anymore?

It was incredible. Such a shame that it will be remembered for all the wrong reasons - it was a very entertaining test but I don't think Australia would have even been close to winning apart from the terrible umpiring. They were totally outplayed but basically won because they managed to pressure the umpires into soft decisions on the last day.

Amol · Bericht door **Amol** » wo jan 09, 2008 2:06 pm

Chugger schreef:They were totally outplayed but basically won because they managed to pressure the umpires into soft decisions on the last day.

..and on the first

Tom_ · Bericht door **Tom_** » wo jan 09, 2008 2:28 pm

Amol schreef:
Chugger schreef:They were totally outplayed but basically won because they managed to pressure the umpires into soft decisions on the last day.
..and on the first

Yeah, well Bucknor was terrible for the whole match, and unluckily for India 90% of his bad decisions went in Australia's favour. But on the last day they even had Benson giving soft LBWs, just by working him and working him.

DanK · Bericht door **DanK** » wo jan 09, 2008 3:06 pm

Problem is history wont remember this current Australian team as the annoying shits they are, but as statistically THE greatest test match side in history.

Australian sporting teams always play to win and have a fire in the belly that comes from our short history, in a way of having to prove something of themselves to the world, and when done right (The Bradman test team, Guus Hiddinks WC side etc) it makes me proud to be an Aussie. The problem is our last few test teams have pushed this so far, its become embarrassing.

They will tell you they play within the rules and technically they do. But this team are so far up themselves they forget what playing sporting like is, and then have the gall to accuse other teams of doing the same thing back.

I hope for the sack of cricket our next generation of players aren't half as good and they lose a few here and there. Get this team put back in their place.

aveslacker · Bericht door **aveslacker** » wo jan 09, 2008 4:23 pm

After the West Indies, Australia is my second favorite Test side to root for. I love their competitiveness and the way they crush the opposition, much as I would have loved the great West Indies sides of the 80's for similar reasons had I been following cricket back then.

Ponting's Australia (and to a lesser extent Steve Waugh's side) have rubbed a lot of people the wrong way and there are genuine concerns there. However, I'm a bit more pissed off with India these days. I understand the calls went against them, but that happens in any sport. If you go back and look at the videos from the legendary 2000 series in India, qutie a few of Harbajan's wickets were dubious, to say the least. It happens.

To threaten to withrdaw from the tour unless Bowden is replaced is horrible in my mind. The fact that the ICC caved just shows what kind of spineless bastards they are. It reminds me of the Pakistan ball-tampering farce a year or so ago. The ICC have to be among the most inept of all governing bodies.

DanK · Bericht door **DanK** » wo jan 09, 2008 4:28 pm

aveslacker schreef:After the West Indies, Australia is my second favorite Test side to root for. I love their competitiveness and the way they crush the opposition, much as I would have loved the great West Indies sides of the 80's for similar reasons had I been following cricket back then.

Ponting's Australia (and to a lesser extent Steve Waugh's side) have rubbed a lot of people the wrong way and there are genuine concerns there. However, I'm a bit more pissed off with India these days. I understand the calls went against them, but that happens in any sport. If you go back and look at the videos from the legendary 2000 series in India, qutie a few of Harbajan's wickets were dubious, to say the least. It happens.

To threaten to withrdaw from the tour unless Bowden is replaced is horrible in my mind. The fact that the ICC caved just shows what kind of spineless bastards they are. It reminds me of the Pakistan ball-tampering farce a year or so ago. The ICC have to be among the most inept of all governing bodies.

Fully agree with you on this one. But again, I do think this Australian side have gone just a bit over what should be considered 'aggressive-sporting'. For me they are just getting aggressive.

Tell you what though, I think there is a team we all love that wear Red and White, who could learn a bit about aggressiveness from the Australian Cricket Team, especially in defense

Amol · Bericht door **Amol** » wo jan 09, 2008 4:47 pm

I love their competitiveness and the way they crush the opposition

Just as everyone loves Man United. They always get decisions on their side too. Don't confuse cheating with competitiveness. It's as if you're saying C Ronaldo is very competitive. Of course he is - that's why he dives to get decisions in his favor.

However, I'm a bit more pissed off with India these days. I understand the calls went against them, but that happens in any sport.

I don't know how long you have been following cricket, but on the last day of the test, you have two set batsmen who are wrongly given out. The third umpire was giving bad decisions. Bucknor has had problems with India for the past 6-7 years. Still he gets to officiate important matches such as these. He doesn't have a clue anymore. Dickie Bird - one of the most liked umpires ever says that Bucknor should have retired a long time ago.

To threaten to withrdaw from the tour unless Bowden is replaced is horrible in my mind. The fact that the ICC caved just shows what kind of spineless bastards they are. It reminds me of the Pakistan ball-tampering farce a year or so ago. The ICC have to be among the most inept of all governing bodies.

To play a match against 13 people where even the frigging match referee is against you is just uncalled for. Proctor never even asked for proof while banning Harbhajan.

Please don't confuse Steve Waugh's side with this side. Those guys actually played with their heart but with honesty. I actually loved the australian teams which were led by Border and Taylor.

aveslacker · Bericht door **aveslacker** » wo jan 09, 2008 4:55 pm

Agreed about the aggressiveness. I'd love to have the equivalent of Adam Gilchrist on the team. I think he'd make a great replacement for Sneijder.

aveslacker · Bericht door **aveslacker** » wo jan 09, 2008 5:11 pm

Amol schreef: Just as everyone loves Man United. They always get decisions on their side too. Don't confuse cheating with competitiveness. It's as if you're saying C Ronaldo is very competitive. Of course he is - that's why he dives to get decisions in his favor.

No -- there is a difference between being competitive and gaming the system. I admire the Aussies' competitiveness in all sports, cricket included. I'm not arguing that Ponting's Australia might have gone too far.

I don't know how long you have been following cricket, but on the last day of the test, you have two set batsmen who are wrongly given out. The third umpire was giving bad decisions. Bucknor has had problems with India for the past 6-7 years. Still he gets to officiate important matches such as these. He doesn't have a clue anymore. Dickie Bird - one of the most liked umpires ever says that Bucknor should have retired a long time ago.

Bucknor has made his share of bad decisions, just like all the other umpires (I recall Koertzen, for example, being just as bad -- ironically he's one of the more oustpoken when it comes to video technology). If he needs to go, that's fine. I have no problem with that. But it should be because the ICC has decided that he can't do the job, not because the mighty BCCI demands it after he's sawn a few of their players off. They shouldn't cancel his long-standing assignment because of pressure from a board.

To play a match against 13 people where even the frigging match referee is against you is just uncalled for. Proctor never even asked for proof while banning Harbhajan.

That may be the case but it doesn't justify India's actions. As I said before -- go look at Harbajan's massive haul against Australia a few years ago (2000). He was the beneficiary of some dubious decisions back then. Today the shoe is on the other foot. It is part and parcel of sport, and to threaten to withdraw from the tour over it is uncalled for. And Procter conferred with the relevant parties for eight hours before making his decision.

Please don't confuse Steve Waugh's side with this side. Those guys actually played with their heart but with honesty. I actually loved the australian teams which were led by Border and Taylor.

I admire Steve Waugh as a player, and I've heard it anecdotally that he's a pretty good guy away from the pitch (unlike his brother, apparently). But he was a complete asshole on it. Remember the Curty Ambrose incident in the 90's, when Richie Richardson had to drag Ambrose away from Waugh in order to keep Ambrose from kicking his ass after Waugh said, "Fuck you" to him? The Aussies (and for that matter the Pakistanis, South Africans and Kiwis) have long had this edge about them. What started under Waugh has reached its (il)logical conclusion under Ponting.

SPL · Bericht door **SPL** » wo jan 09, 2008 7:08 pm

As a cricket fanatic I am making all my comments on this on my sussexcricket site. One of our members is an Aussie so very entertaining.

I wont join in here but will stick to footy.

DanK · Bericht door **DanK** » wo jan 09, 2008 7:45 pm

I'm sure this isn't the final words on the issue...
Legends blast Bucknor axing
http://www.theage.com.au/news/cricket/l ... ntentSwap1

Indians finally on the road again
http://www.theage.com.au/news/cricket/t ... d=rss_news

Will just make the 3rd test all the more exciting. Pity I can't see any of it on Austrian TV

aveslacker · Bericht door **aveslacker** » wo jan 09, 2008 7:52 pm

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today confirmed Anil Kumble's side would continue the tour of Australia after a meeting of its working committee in New Delhi, but added the threat to pull out remained if the ICC rejected the appeal against Harbhajan Singh's three-match ban for racial abuse.

This is amazing. Knowing how spineless and inept the ICC is, I imagine they'll cave to the BCCI on this as well.

DanK · Bericht door **DanK** » do jan 10, 2008 11:42 am

Looks like it may not be a new stadium, but a redevelopment of the Arena. How the hell would they do this? I wouldn't imagine the shape and size of the current one would allow much in the way of redevelopment.

http://www.theworldgame.com.au/home/ind ... cid=103511

Ajax's Amsterdam ArenA is to be redeveloped to hold a capacity of 70,000 spectators....

GangstaRiB · Bericht door **GangstaRiB** » do jan 10, 2008 11:52 am

First of all: Amsterdam want a new/bigger stadium to be able to host a World Cup final or the Olympic games.

The Arena is too small. The Arena can be redeveloped to host more people. They can take the roof off, place another ring (or two) on top of the others... engineering-wise it can be done.

Downsides: the grass is already in a poor state and i will not get any better.

New stadium: Will it be a football stadiom or a stadium which is capable of housing the track and field sports? Thus having an ugly track around the pitch. And also: what happens with the Arena? Amsterdam is not big enough to hold those 2 stadium economicly healthy.

The real problem (tax payer problem): Amsterdam want to host 2 different events. The Olympics and football don't go together.

For Ajax the best thing is to increase the Arena to around 70 to 80.000 spectators and also making sure that they redesign the actual football pitch. Meaning: lose the empy space around the pitch (commonly known as the "Gracht") and lose the carpark that is situated below the football pitch.

aveslacker · Bericht door **aveslacker** » do jan 10, 2008 2:59 pm

Personally I think they are all bad ideas. Why enlarge the ArenA when they atmosphere is morbid most games already? And why splash out for a new stadium that will hardly ever be used?

I'm beginning to think that these big sporting events are more trouble than they're worth.

SE6Ajacied · Bericht door **SE6Ajacied** » do jan 10, 2008 7:33 pm

aveslacker schreef:
I'm beginning to think that these big sporting events are more trouble than they're worth.

Well you'd certainly be thinking that if you paid Council Tax (local authority tax) in London. Total cost so far is around £9.5 billion and still rising of which around 15% comes from the Mayor of London and London Development Agency (ie local taxpayers).

What kind of drugs has Gehrels been smoking - Eur 60 to 80 million for a brand new 80,000 capacity stadium. Maybe he works for the same people who built the Millenium Dome or are preapring the 2012 Olympics

....and don't even mention the Millenium Dome,.....

aveslacker · Bericht door **aveslacker** » vr jan 11, 2008 4:30 am

I lived in Athens for the Olympics and it was a mixed bag. On the one hand, the infrastructure improved a ton because of the Olympics, but on the other hand, they built a bunch of venues that they never use anymore. On the whole, when you factor in the infrastructure plus the increase in national pride, it was probably worth it.

But the Cricket World Cup in the West Indies, I'm not so sure about. Ditto for the upcoming soccer WC.

SE6Ajacied · Bericht door **SE6Ajacied** » do jan 17, 2008 10:22 pm

From The London Paper (Murdoch's London freesheet)

Footy Fan Sticks It To His Son, Literally

A man upset that his seven year old son would not wear a Green Bay Packers jersey during the American Football team's play-off victory taped the shirt to him and tied him up for an hour. Matthew Kowald, 36 of Pardeeville, Wisconsin admitted disorderly conduct. His wife filed a restraining order yesterday so he cannot contact his family. Kowald said that his action was just a joke that had got out of hand, adding: "I didn't mean no harm, and my son knows that."

Manneken Pis · Bericht door **Manneken Pis** » vr jan 18, 2008 9:32 am

GangstaRiB schreef: For Ajax the best thing is to increase the Arena to around 70 to 80.000 spectators and also making sure that they redesign the actual football pitch. Meaning: lose the empy space around the pitch (commonly known as the "Gracht") and lose the carpark that is situated below the football pitch.

I ABSOLUTELY 100% AGREE!!!!!

That moat ("gracht") is the most screwed up design flaws I've ever seen for a football stadium. It's bad enough having an athletics track that makes viewing worse and kills intimacy and involvement in the game. But the plonker that came up with a frickin' moat a) cannot be someone who knows anything about football, and b) should be hung drawn and quartered in the centrecircle of the Arena for making such terrible decision. All great stadiums work on the basis of proximity, distance kills atmosphere (and home advantage), and a physical empty space (trough) is ten times worse. I realise the Ajax fans (as a whole) aren't the best singers/chanters e.t.c., but why add an extra handicap????

Did anyone see the plans for the new Liverpool stadium? It was U shaped with a home "kop" end and no equivalent at the other end...now that's a design by someone who understands football and the power of home advantage.l