Riddle Me This

So . . . workers are wrapping up a project on Northbound 127 between Saginaw Hwy and Lake Lansing Rd. It looks to me that they basically paved a lane that connects the two exits, which leads me to ask two questions:

#1, Why? Was traffic really that congested? If anything they should add a lane Southbound from Saginaw to 496 because that seems to be the back up during the morning rush hour.

#2, With money for roads (or any project for that matter) at a premium, is it really necessary to add a lane that connects two exits that are about a mile apart? There are dozens of streets around Lansing that are in severe disrepair. Selfishly, I refer you to the Potter/Walsh Neighborhood because I can’t get out of my neighborhood unless I go out of my way to avoid certain streets for which an off road vehicle is required. Plus there’s Southbound Homer St. that is deteriorating by the day. (And fixing the problem is not patching for what it’s worth. Do it right or do what you’re doing now—nothing.) Seems like paving trouble spots would be a better use of funding that adding a lane of one mile to 127, which is pretty much the same as Coolidge Rd.

#3, Side question, unrelated to the 127 project. How is it that Saginaw is going to be repaved from just before Capitol to almost Grand Ledge without anything being done about the side streets off that road? Just saying.

Road conditions are a major hot button for me. If I ever run for public office, that will be one of the foremost planks in my platform—smooth roads for all. Think about it. There are enough idiots on the road to worry about without having to dodge potholes and man hole covers, which is another rant that I won’t get into now.

USA v Guadeloupe--Quick Thoughts

Hundreds, dare I say, thousands of words will be written about the US/Guadeloupe game, more insightful, better written, more worth your time. Doesn’t stop me from venting.

I hereby dub this match US/Algeria II (stolen from @GrantWahl). US needs a result; opponents miss an early chance that would have surely killed the US’ chances; a great goal sends the US on their way.

The US brought more energy to the game than against Panama . . . until Jozy scored. After that, not sure if it was the Spurs pre game meal that did them in, or the fact that they got what they came for, or the fact that this country can produce dozens of top flight goalkeepers, but not one world class striker.

Let’s face it . . . that might have been Dempsey’s worst game as a US international (says the guy who rarely watches the team). I was really pissed watching the game last night, but after a night’s sleep, I realized that players have off games. Deuce had an off game.

The addition of Lichaj really opened up the game for the US. Gave balance of attack from BOTH sides and allowed Donovan to come inside and increase his presence. Did leave the US vulnerable in the back but the crisis was averted because Nabab couldn’t stay onside.

Wondo. All due respect, you are ten times better than me. You just aren’t ready for this level yet.

What is going on in central midfield? Jones continues to disappoint, yet continues to play. Bradley subs Bradley with seven minutes to go? What is that? At least Sasha saved his ‘stache.

The US has Jamaica on Sunday. Can’t really fancy their chances based on the performance in the group. A win might set up a rematch with Panama, which could be tasty.

Strip Club—Pole Work Edition

On September 4^th, 1994, Croatia kicked off against Estonia and started an amazing four year run for The Blazers in continental and international football. Their first competitive games as a new nation were for qualification to Euro 96, in which they won their group, only losing one match, including a draw and victory against 1994 World Cup Runners-Up Italy. At the Finals, they finished second to Portugal (if you haven’t seen Suker’s goal against Denmark . . . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2ut4AwrLso )and qualified for the knockout stage, where they lost to Germany despite a sick goal by Suker (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhN0bITB_ZA).

Two years on, they took the world by storm as they made it all the way to the semi-finals of the World Cup, which included a 3-0 demolition of Germany, before they lost to two unlikely and amazing goals from Lillian Thuram of the host country France. They responded by defeating Holland in the third place game to complete a journey from non-existence to the heights of international competition. However, things didn't go as well for the next decade as Suker, Boban, Prosinečki and Bilic retired, and the next generation couldn't match their achievements.

Croatia appears to be in the midst of a new cycle of success. In Euro 08, a team coached by Bilic played some very attractive football and introduced some new stars to the European scene, namely Modric, with Kranjcar, Pranjić and Olic featuring. If you have a chance, check some of the Croatian highlights from that tournament. After crashing out in qualifying for World Cup 2010, they look to be in prime position for Euro 2012, with a game against Greece probably deciding their fate.

On June 3^rd, the Blazers defeated Georgia 2-1. Their remaining fixtures are as follows:

Sep 2 Malta v Croatia

Sep 6 Croatia v Israel

Oct 7 Greece v Croatia

Oct 11 Croatia v Latvia

Ivo Andov (@ivoandov), who has a little more insight on Croatia, had this to share on twitter:

Hard to gauge really. Plenty of young, talented players are coming through the ranks but little experience. Being in such an easy qualifying group isn't helping them at all imo. Bilic is an excellent coach, so that would be a plus. I think the only chance for them to progress is if Luka & Vedran & Darijo step up and lead the team. With such a young squad, it's possible for them to be a surprise, but I would err on the side of underachievement

Visit Ivo at www.ivolves.com or http://twitter.com/#!/ivoandov

When I first saw the Croatia football national team at Euro 96, I was instantly taken by their uniforms, which looked like the Big Boy outfit down the street (insert pic).

I admit I was strangely gutted when they lost to Germany in the quarterfinals of Euro 96 despite knowing almost nothing about them.

The summer after Euro 96, I was at my local soccer shop and came across the Croatian jersey. I couldn't believe it . I immediately took it up to the counter and swiped my credit card. The jersey is one of the few I have that is made by Lotto, but it is lightweight and great to play in. Of course I get mocked due to the large checked pattern (either something about Big Boy or wearing a picnic blanket) but that's because people don't get it.

Assuming they make Euro 2012, they will probably be my second team, behind Spain. Another clash with Germany would be epic.

Wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatia_national_football_team

USA v Panama--Quick Thoughts

I was going to write some thoughts about the poor performance of the United States against Panama, but I ran out of time and then I read the post at avoidingthedrop.com, who said almost everything I wanted to say, but way better.

Post from Fuse at avoidingthedrop.com

http://avoidingthedrop.com/2011/06/12/not-good-not-good-at-all/#more-12431

I will add only three things:

First of all, the original announcer was terrible. He would just randomly say names or update moments of game. Plus he was switching between English and Spanish. Eventually they switched to a feed of @PhilSchoen and @Simply_Juan, which was tolerable.

Second, Jermaine Jones should be on the first bus out of the country. He was brutal in the first half and I tweeted that there was no way he would make it through the game. He would either be subbed at HT (came off after 60 min) or Red Carded out (lucky to avoid). He offers very little, and I want to know why Edu is not partnering Bradley.

Third, our forwards suck. Altidore is not up to this level. Agudelo comes in and out. Wondo missed a chance that should be converted by a national team player, MLS top scorer and MLS MVP candidate. It’s only when Dempsey goes up top that the US looks semi-dangerous.

Here’s hoping the US shuffles the pack and gets back on track Tuesday against Guadeloupe.

Otherwise there could be a new page created like this one:

http://sincetheusmntlastlosttopanama.com/