Quiero felicitar a la UEFA por su artículo sobre el equipo de España. España logro su victoria en la Copa Mundial FIFA 2010 a base del sudor y años de lucha.
Los equipos como Club Atlético, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Deportivo La Coruña por el mismo estilo. Ojala si FC Barcelona y los otros clubes de España logra jugar un partido amistoso contra otros equipos de la UEFA en los EEUU especialmente Miami Florida.
Mis mejores deseos para la UEFA en el 2011 y siempre.
Roberto Carlos Alvarez-Galloso
Danas, 31 December 2010
Monarchy for Serbia
by Prince Alexander Karageorgevitch
The whole of my life I’ve been following and monitoring events in my country of origin and destiny. Over half a century I did that from far away, the last ten years from inside it! I am an optimist by nature, and have to be like that because of my origin and because of the future.
Serbia has come a long way since 1 December 1918 when it invested its sovereignty into the union of the South Slav nations called the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, until 21 May 2006 when the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro disintegrated following the referendum in Montenegro. Now that Serbia is an independent country again, there is no need for any kind of concession to other constituent nations or countries. Now we are on our own and responsible only for our destiny and our deeds. At this moment, we are pretty much left in-between of what we are, what we want and we could be, and what we are offered to be without alternative! Sometimes I believe that we are choosing between things where there is no actual choice.
They say “We want to go to Europe”, it is not about formal membership within some association, but about the choice of values that make Europe what it is. Who is stopping us to adopt these values, if we feel them as our own? But here it is more important which values we will adopt first, easy ones which bring just a superficial European look alike, or the substantial and hard to carry out ones. Who is stopping us to integrate with ourselves, if we want integration? Who is stopping us to unite with ourselves before we unite with Portugal, Malta or Finland?
Speaking of the image of the independent state of Serbia throughout time, we must say that than we speak mainly about the monarchy. Since 1830, when Serbia was granted a certain degree of independence as a Principality, until 1 December 1918, we are talking about 88 years of constant progress and development, liberating territories and being perceived as a part of Europe. There is no need for comparison with the last four years, not in length nor in quality. No matter if it is the Principality of Serbia under the Obrenovic dynasty, or the Kingdom restituted by King Milan in 1882 followed by his son Aleksandar and then King Petar I, it was always a European country. Not because of its geographical position, nothing has moved since than and we are in the same place, but for the perception of it, from the inside and from the outside. Ever since the First Serbian uprising, Karadjordje and his insurgent comrades knew that they were fighting for the liberty of European Serbia. At the dawn of the wars for independence in 1876-78, the Serbian Government commissioned a French journalist to publish at least one affirmative article per month in two leading Paris magazines. Do you think that this something that we can achieve today? The problem is that people usually fall into the trap of thinking that everything is starting from them, and here is another problem of ours. We claim that we know our history and respect tradition, but I am afraid that this is not the fact. When I speak about it, I equally praise the achievements of both our dynasties that paved the road for modern Serbia. Talking about all of this, I have to say: I am not in power and not in opposition! I am part of history as same as today will be the history tomorrow, as the future will become history as it happens! The future is based on history! A future without history is just like a house without a foundation!
Speaking of the image, today we have state symbols, a flag, a coat of arms and the anthem of the Kingdom of Serbia, It was not easy to re introduce them, but now, a few years later, people who were the hardest opposition to this “entering of constitutional monarchy trough the back door”, are the most enthusiastic promoters of our symbols. This is good, but this is not enough. If we want to know who we are and what we stand for, we must define these things before we join the European Union, as it will be too late to think about it afterwards. We need this kind of comparative advantage to the rest of the countries from so called “New Europe”.
I meet many people in our country and abroad. I have many friends and acquaintances. Friendship has to be constructed and nurtured. You rarely inherit friends, but have to make ones, and especially there where they are in short supply, where they are a minority. Countries are the same as people, they need friends. They need friends which can bring them into the circles of friends that they couldn’t reach on their own. This is the reason why I am using every opportunity to bring friends, important people to Belgrade to see and feel, to get their own experience of Serbia. I am very proud to contribute to different activities which are aimed to improve the image of Serbia, whether it was the City Break conference, Euro Song, some scientific conference or Belgrade candidacy for the European capital of culture. Of course there will always will be nasty comments in some media, like “they party again”, but they do not understand basic principles of friendship and bonding between people.
It is my obligation, as I am speaking critically, to mention that in many areas things have significantly improved. It is difficult to see due to the huge inherited and imported problems, but it is obviously present. That improvement shouldn’t be overestimated, but not to be underestimated, as well. In other, more stable and happier circumstances, such progress should be recognized and appreciated, but at the present it is constantly kept in shadow of collateral events. But, nevertheless, progress made gives hope and brings optimism. Of course, progress in one field which is not accompanied by progress in other fields is just in vain, because progress, as friendship, should be nurtured and maintained.
I firmly believe in the benefits of Constitutional Monarchy in Serbia. We need stability, unity and continuity. Arguments in favor of that can be seen everywhere. Look around you, and if you were hoping and fighting for that, then you are a happy person, and I congratulate you on that! But, look again, and see how many other people feel the same way! I am afraid that you won’t see much of them. If you believe that Republic is cheaper than Constitutional Monarchy, make another calculation. If you believe that a citizen makes a greater influence in a Republic than in a Constitutional Parliamentary Monarchy, reconsider what polity is present in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg, Spain, Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand … Reconsider if Pol Pot was better than Sihanouk, Mengistu than Selassie, Chaushesku than Michael, Zivkov then Simeon, or today’s Afghanistan comparing to the state of King Mohammed Zahir!
We shouldn’t follow ideological clichés. Each country and each nation has a better and worse option of polity at any given time. For Serbia today it is Parliamentary Constitutional Democracy!
Public Relations
The Royal Palace
Belgrade 11040,Serbia
Tel: +381 11 306 4000
Fax:+381 11 306 4040
Please visit: www.royal.rs
All of the top EPL teams and the best teams in the world can boast that they are strong in defense. While Arsenal may play a beautiful attacking game, the lack of support in defense is often the cause of our losses. Arsenal LB Gael Clichy hopes that they can take what they saw from Manchester United at their recent tie at Old Trafford to improve upon their defense. Ferdinand and Vidic had a very good game defensively and had plenty of support from Rafael and Patrice Evra. “Maybe we should be inspired because that was, from start to finish, a real unit,” Clichy told the Official Matchday Programme.
In a recent interview with Andrei Arshavin, he acknowledged the weaknesses that Arsenal have in defense but stated that it is the responsibility of the entire team to support defenders. This support has been lacking and was apparent in the match against Manchester United, where Clichy was often left exposed to Nani’s attack. “It can happen once or twice that your defense is exposed but it shouldn’t be every time, and that’s one point we can improve on;” every Arsenal fan can agree with Clichy on that.
Conversely, when playing against Chelsea on Monday, all of the Arsenal players were able to get back and help in defense to keep Chelsea’s main attacking threat, Drogba, quiet. “I’m not saying teams like United and Chelsea are stronger or better than us,” said Clichy. “We know we have amazing players in all positions and we have to keep playing our football—but we must be more compact, home and away.”
Even in other teams like Barcelona, who play a similar style to Arsenal, many of the players pull together to help with the defensive responsibilities. Looking at their example, Clichy added, “for all their good football, Barcelona’s players all work solidly together in defense too.” As we saw in the match against Chelsea, pulling together defensively does not hurt our beautiful attacking play. What the Gunners showed us on Monday was that they are fully capable of mixing the physical and the beautiful aspect of the game to maintain their title challenge.
Our title hopes have taken a blow after the disappointing showing against Wigan. This came only two days after having such a great win against Chelsea, where we showed great improvement in the area that has caused the Gunners to drop points so many times this season. Is this just typical Arsenal? I hope not. We saw vast improvement in the match against Chelsea and now have suffered a serious setback against Wigan.
So many things went wrong. I believe that it would have been better if more starters from Monday were involved in the match. Although the eight new faces chosen to face Wigan are fully capable of turning in a positive result, having more people who were involved in the victory against Chelsea involved in this match would’ve ensured a win and their momentum would have elevated the team performance as a whole. Many of the players fielded for this match have not had many starts or matches this season. This fact could have contributed to the all-around dullness of the performance. While it is not a problem to rotate players and in a couple areas changes were necessary if not unavoidable, it would’ve been better had Arsene included more of the players who had shown such great
That is still no excuse for the all-around subpar performance put forth during the match. Granted there were a few bright spots, but Arsenal had a terrible start to the match with the attack and Arshavin in particular looked woeful for at least the first 30 minutes. The Referees’ decisions did not help us any as a borderline penalty was awarded to N’Zobia in the 16th minute putting Wigan ahead 1-0.
At 27 minutes Wilshere was substituted on for the injured Abou Diaby, and immediately made an impact. After a great shot by Bendtner was parried by the Wigan goalkeeper, in a moment of absolute brilliance Arshavin kicked the deflected shot back into the net. Moments later Bendtner brought us ahead 2-1 just before the end of the first half.
The second half did not start as brightly as the first half ended. Chamakh had a very good chance in the 59th minute but other than that Arsenal looked very poor. Wigan got a few very good chances by N’Zogbia in the second half and looked on the verge of an equalizer. The Gunners were not as organized in defending as they were in the previous match, leaving the back line very vulnerable. By the 70th minute it was clear that the team was in desperate need of a change as they needed to finish off the game, but the boss wasn’t sending in any reinforcements.
In the 77th minute it seemed the Gunners lucked out as N’Zogbia, Wigan’s main goal threat, got himself sent off for head-butting Wilshere. But as luck (and chronic poor defending) would have it, Wigan equalized just three minutes later with an own goal by Squillaci. This was another goal that came as a result of a corner/set piece situation. The fact that Arsenal cannot handle set pieces shows just how unorganized they are in defense.
improvement in the previous match
In Squillaci’s defense however, the goal that he attempted to prevent was going in anyway. The goalkeeper was poorly positioned and could not have saved it from where he was. To be honest, if you watch the highlights of that you can see both posts are covered—Fabianski had no business trying to cover the post especially when you see where the ball ended up going in. Also in Squillaci’s defense he had stuck on Caldwell well.
A set piece once again cost Arsenal points. The real problem here was the lack of direction and leadership in defense. I’ve never seen a team more disorganized as they were taking on a corner. This really needs to be addressed.
The match could’ve been salvaged had Arsenal been awarded a penalty for the handball inside the box, but it didn’t happen. Congrats to Wigan who put in a great effort; they deserved the point.
In a post-match interview Arsene Wenger was asked whether it was disappointing that Arsenal were once again undone by a set piece. The Arsenal boss said, “It is because it looks like nobody takes charge of the organization really. And that is something that is important we need to communicate better more and be more alert on these kind of corners.” No kidding boss.
Highlights of the match (really good quality)
This is my first article so please comment on how I can improve. Thank you.
THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS
What a mystery that the birth of a little baby in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago has continued to be celebrated throughout the world ever since.
To some Christmas may be just a holiday but to Christians all over the world it has a whole different meaning.
What impact must that little baby have made that time itself is counted making reference to the year that Jesus Christ was born. The calendar makes reference as BC for “before Christ” and AD for the Latin phrase “anno domini” which means “in the year of our Lord.”
But beyond that, think of all the divine circumstances involved in his birth. First he was conceived out of wedlock, in a culture where women are to this day regularly stoned to death. He was announced to shepherds who at the time were regarded as little more than dirt. Turned away at the village inn and born in a stable. The Jews were expecting a king and he came as a pauper. The King of Kings born in a manger. How appropriate.
The birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Christ are “turning points” in world history. And they are a turning point in the life of those who believe. Because to us He is a savior, a ransom for humanity. My life changed on such a day, April 28th 1992.
You see before Christ came into my life I was a playboy and a wretched alcoholic self-medicating to find meaning in life. Living a life with no hope, lost in the world, without direction.
Psalm 40:3
“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear
And put their trust in the LORD. Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust.
Welcome Him this Christmas. He will change your life.
EL RETO ÁGUILA: CALENDARIO DE EVENTOS DEL CLUB AMÉRICA vs. GUATEMALA
AMÉRICA LLEGA MAÑANA, GUATEMALA ENTRENA EN MACARTHUR PARK
CARSON, CALIFORNIA (Domingo, 26 de diciembre de 2010) – El equipo mexicano Club América llega mañana a Los Ángeles para su enfrentamiento ante la Selección de Guatemala del próximo miércoles, 29 de diciembre, en El Home Depot Center de Carson, Calif.. El América llegará mañana a LAX por AeroMexico Vuelo #642, mientras que la Selección de Guatemala sostendrá un entrenamiento a puertas abiertas en el Macarthur Park a las 6 p.m..
Las Águilas del América se enfrentarán el miércoles a la Selección de Guatemala en un partido denominado El Reto Águila, un partido amistoso que se jugará anualmente en El Home Depot Center en el cual el Club América enfrentará a un equipo internacional, previo al inicio de la temporada regular de la Primera División de México. El ganador del partido se adjudicará el trofeo Reto Águila y en caso de un empate en tiempo regular, el ganador será decidido mediante disparos desde el punto de penalti.
A continuación le presentamos una lista de actividades rumbo al Reto Águila:
Club América vs. Guatemala, 29 de diciembre, en El Home Depot Center: Itinerarios de equipos
Todos los horarios son del Pacífico; Sujeto a cambio (Para la información más actualizada, favor de contactar al Departamento de Comunicación de El Home Depot Center; acreditaciones para los medios que no tengan acreditaciones de LA Galaxy o Chivas USA serán distribuidas en el lugar de los eventos.
Fecha y Hora Qué Dónde
Domingo, 26 de dic.
· 11:55 p.m. Llegada de Guatemala LACSA Flight # 640, LAX
Lunes, 27 de dic.
· 4:35 p.m. Llegada de Club América AeroMexico Flight # 642, LAX
· 6 p.m. Práctica de Guatemala Macarthur Park (2230 W. 6th Street, LA)
Martes, 28 de dic.
·11:00 a.m. Práctica de Club América* Estadio, El Home Depot Center (18400 Avalon Blvd., Carson)
·1:00 p.m. Conferencia de Prensa Reto Águila El Home Depot Center Stadium Club
·5:00 p.m. Práctica de Guatemala* Estadio, El Home Depot Center
·4:00 p.m. Rally de Aficionados del Club América** L.A. Live (1011 S. Figueroa Street, LA)
**Rally de Aficionados del Club América contará con los jugadores del Club América, además de firma de autógrafos y rifas para ganar boletos para el partido, camisetas autografiadas y mucho más.
Miércoles, 29 de dic.
· 7:00 p.m. Club América vs. Guatemala Estadio, El Home Depot Center
Los precios de los boletos para el partido comienzan a tan sólo $20 y están disponibles en ticketmaster.com, thehomedepotcenter.com y en la taquilla del Home Depot Center, el cual está abierto de Lunes a Viernes de 10 a.m a 6 p.m. y por vía telefónica al 1-800-745-3000. Los boletos están disponibles de la siguiente forma: $20 zonas; $25 esquinas; $35 bandas; $45 media cancha; y $75 cancha. Suites de lujo, asientos de club y en la terraza estarán también disponibles para su compra al teléfono 877-604-8777.
–www.homedepotcenter.com on the campus of www.csudh.edu–
After the departure of Rafael Benitez as coach of FC Inter Milan, the club chose Leonardo as coach until June 2012. The statement by the club talks about Leonardo having “class, experience, mentality of a champion, and the ability to get things done”.
Leonardo had previous experience as coach for AC Milan and played for the team as well as CR Flamengo, Sao Paolo FC, Valencia CF, Kashima Antlers, and Paris Saint Germain FC. He also played for the Brazilian National Football/Soccer Team scoring eight goals within 56 games.
FC Inter Milan will unveil the new coach for the public on the 29th of December 2010 and not a moment too soon. The club is due to face FC Bayern Munchen on the 23rd of February 2011 at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, Italy.
It will face the same club on the 15th of March 2011 in Germany. FC Inter Milan is currently in second place in the Group A UEFA Champions League with ten points behind the Tottenham Hotspurs with eleven points.
The appointment of Leonardo as coach appears to be the end of Rafael Beintez half year tenure with FC Inter Milan. Benitez replaced Jose Mourinho last summer when he went to Real Madrid.
After high expectations turned to mixed results, it was decided that Beinitez and FC Inter Milan would part by mutual agreement.
It remains to be seen what Leonardo can do in 2011 for FC Inter Milan including the UEFA Champions League
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/553240-leonardo-replaces-rafa-benitez-as-coach-of-fc-inter-milan
In an attempt to revamp English football after the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup debacle, the FA (Football Association) has just nominated David Bernstein as Chairman.
The former Manchester City FC Chairman received a recommendation from the Nomination Committee. The recommendation was approved by the FA Board and is expected to be discussed on January 2011.
Mr. Bernstein (upon receiving news of the nomination) expressed his content and stated that he is looking forward to working with the FA.
The first agenda on the list of Mr. Bernstein is the choice of a replacement for Fabio Capello (the current manager of the English National Football Team). Capello has repeatedly stated that he will remain manager until the Euro 2012 finals.
He has already said that the next manager “should be English”. saying there is a “national desire”. Immediately after the announcement, the streets of Miami Florida have talked about potential replacements for Capello such as Stuart Pearce and Sam Allardyce.
David Bernstein brings a baggage of experience with him as a Member of the Manchester City FC Board. He also served as chairman of Manchester FC and was instrumental in bringing the club back to the Premier League with a new stadium.
He also served in various companies such as the French Connection Group PLC, Ted Baker PLC, and Blacks Leisure PLC.
Mr. Bernstein is also the President of the National Association of Disabled Supporters. I consider it a positive step in the right direction for the FA and English Football.
The changes that happened in England should be an inspiration for the US Soccer Team and League.
I hope that we who are US Soccer supporters could do the same thing with the resignation of Sunil Gulati as President and Bob Bradley as coach.
While I prefer an American Coach for the US Soccer Team, I hope that Fabio Capello could come to the USA from England.
http://www.helium.com/items/2048113-marilyn-romero-cubas-diva
While the world is obsessed with the artists of the day and the divas, it tends to forget those who are true divas in their own right. Marilyn Romero is an example of the classic divas living in the world of today.
Marilyn Romero has art in her blood since her birth in Cuba and has had an active career in the theater, movies,as well as in television. We can also say that Marilyn Romero [along with other Latin artists from Cuba including Cuban Americans born in the USA] blazed the trail for future Latin artists.
Marilyn Romero started her career in the theater and has been associated with Avante and Prometeo Theaters in Miami Florida. Her greatest success has been Federico Garcia-Lorca’s “Boda De Sangre” [Blood Wedding].
She has also appeared in Virgilio Pineiro’s “Una Caja De Zapatos Vacios” [A Box of Empty Shoes] and received rave reviews in the process. Marilyn Romero has also participated in English Language plays such as an adaptation of William Shakespeare” s “Taming Of The Shrew”.
While her love has been the theater, she also appeared in an episode of the 1980’s TV Series “Miami Vice” as Abigail Florence Italy Cook. Marilyn Romero has also appeared in the film “Invasion USA” in the 1980’s.
The appearances of Marilyn Romero in three Spanish Speaking Soap Operas catapulted her to world fame. I remember seeing her show her acting skills in “Amandote” [Loving You] in 1988, “El Magnate” [The Rich Person] in 1990, and “Guadalupe” in 1994.
While congratulating her for her roles in these soap operas, I would like to admit something that happened to me during my trip to China in 2008. The people of China that I met asked me about Marilyn Romero when I told them that I lived in Miami Florida.
According to the people I met in China, they considered Marilyn Romero a better actress than other artists who participated in “Amandote” and “Guadalupe”. When I asked them how they arrived at such a conclusion, the response was to the point.
They told me that Marilyn Romero is a down to earth actress who acted from the heart [even though most artists have to read a script]. It seems that the people in China value an artist who does his or her work from the heart.
At the present time, she works with the Theater group Cuenteros which is dedicated to telling stories to children. Unlike other artists who rise and fall, Marilyn Romero remains one of the iconic figures and is considered one of the Divas of Cuban Theater and Art.
I write this article as a satire of Maradona coaching Iran since the idea itself [while possible] is the subject of derision.
The announcement of Diego Armando Maradona coaching Iran was the next news to surprise the soccer world since the decision by FIFA to award the 2018 FIFA World Cup to Russia and the 2022 Cup to Qatar.
The news also comes after Iran announced that it will help Qatar with the logistics of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after a meeting between the heads of state of Qatar and Iran
The surface of the announcement does not come as a surprise since Maradona has professed his admiration for the Islamic Republic of Iran and its football/soccer team.
The arrangements are still pending with the President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmedinejad stating that he does not know when Maradona will visit Iran.
The idea of Diego Armando Maradona coaching the Iranian National Football/Soccer team would help Maradona and the Islamic Republic of Iran attain an increase in their prestige.
The problem that could emerge is the temperament of Maradona and his drug addiction. While Maradona has conquered [supposedly] his addiction to drugs, the danger exists [like most addicts] that he could relapse. If that were to occur, Iran would probably expel him as coach and from the country since depend on multiple substances [also known as drug addiction] is not tolerated in the country.
Diego Armando Maradona will also have to remove his earrings since Iran [like almost all countries of the Middle East] tend to look down on men who wear earrings. Maradona will also have to control his mouth during a press conference in Iran.
When Argentina defeated Uruguay in one of its classification matches for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, his famous tirade almost cost him his job as coach of the Argentine team. The reason was that FIFA banned him for a few months from football/soccer. Imagine if FIFA were to ban Maradona for life.
Diego Armando Maradona must not repeat the mistake he made when Argentina faced Germany in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. During that game, Germany subjected Maradona and Argentina to public and world wide humilliation which lead to his resignation as cocah. I do not know what could happen if Iran were to lose under Maradona’s period as coach.
I also hope that if Maradona wins for Iran, he does not run around naked in the streets of Tehran. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he promised to run naked around the streets of Buenos Aires if Argentina won the World Cup. The Iranians do not take running around the streets naked lightly.
http://www.helium.com/items/2043836-maradona-iran-national-footballsoccer-team
