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<feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"><title>Red, White and fucking awesome</title><subtitle type="html"><![CDATA[This is about the mighty Gunners and everything the team and club stand for, from the view of just one fan in Mumbai India.]]></subtitle><link href="http://www.oleole.com/blogs/red-white-and-fucking-awesome"/><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[An ode to A. Song]]></title><link href="http://www.oleole.com/blogs/red-white-and-fucking-awesome/posts/an-ode-to-a-song"/><content type="html"><![CDATA[<p>
      I think all Arsenal fans will know about the apparent insolence of Alex Song a few months ago when he refused to retreat to the halfway line to allow Toure a chance at a corner. Indeed, the
      sense of immaturity and&nbsp;reserves-playing-above-their-means-ness was at it's utter peak.&nbsp;
    </p>
    <p>
      It was arrogant, it was petty and it was unacceptable. But, since then&nbsp; I've noticed Song grow into the calm, level headed midfielder we missed so much when Cesc was injured. He's got a
      great passing range, and honestly, barring a few mistakes, he's been a pretty awesome holding midfielder. Admittedly, forgetting to mark Senna in a Champion's league quarter final is more than
      just a mistake you can let go of, but when you compare it to the way he's listened to criticism and stayed focused in the face of unbearable expectations, as a fan I'm willing to let it slip.
    </p>
    <p>
      Against united, I'm sure a tough tackling workaholic like Flamini would've been much better but, the farthest he was, was in the stands. That's a fact we've all accepted and I have to say, the
      prospect of Alex Song guarding our defence is something I very much look forward to.
    </p>
    <p>
      A few months ago when all hope of a title chase was lost and all Arsenal fans&nbsp;realised that Arsene's trump cards were Denilson, Song and Diaby, my faith in this Arsenal squad hit it's
      absolute lowest.
    </p>
    <p>
      I honestly couldn't see any realistic chance of any good coming out of this season and with Gallas and Toure's meltdowns, I was certain I'd be watching the Europa League come December.
    </p>
    <p>
      But now, end of the season, nothing but pride for the squad to play for, I have to say with the way Song and Djourou have blossomed into very calm young professionals, I have a lot of faith in
      this Arsenal side.
    </p>
    <p>
      I honestly don't know if Bendtner's improved or not but the one thing I always had against him was that he's lazy and honestly, who can say that about him anymore? Start of the season I hated
      the sight of him, he'd just stay up and wait for the game quite like Adebayor does now, and it was tiresome to watch. It was like playing with 10 men and a guy who would't mind finishing once
      in a way.
    </p>
    <p>
      Now though he's got a real bustle about him and his timing couldn't be better because Ade's lost his. The worker aching for link up and movement from last season has been replaced by a sloppy
      lanky oaf who's trying very hard to play the way Henry did, in Kanu's body.
    </p>
    <p>
      And then there's Denilson who has honestly not impressed anyone this year. But fuck it. He's 19 and he's worked harder than anyone all season long in a system clearly not able to accomodate his
      own growth, albeit due to injuries. Of all the players in the team I'd say he deserves the most credit this season.
    </p>
    <p>
      Sure we need an addition here and there, central defence maybe, but for me, the first choice&nbsp; midfield today would be Arshavin, Nasri, Fabregas, Theo and Song. Anything around this bunch
      and I'm sorry but no team should expect a clean sheet.
    </p>]]></content><updated>2009-05-10 02:48:57</updated></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[DIVERSION: Truth blocked for renovation purposes. Sorry for the inconveniences and Media parade]]></title><link href="http://www.oleole.com/blogs/red-white-and-fucking-awesome/posts/diversion-truth-blocked-for-renovation-purposes-sorry-for-the-inconveniences-and-media-parade"/><content type="html"><![CDATA[<div>
      <font face="verdana,geneva">For those who missed my last post, it was a layout of facts related to the basic scumminess and corruption that fuels FIFA and Sepp Blatter. &nbsp;</font>
    </div>
    <div>
      <font face="verdana,geneva">Anyway, since then I've been reading up a bit more, mostly from Andrew Jennings,</font> <a href="http://www.transparencyinsport.org/"><font face="verdana,geneva">the
      only journalist to be banned by FIFA</font></a><font face="verdana,geneva">. The conclusion I've reached is this:</font>
    </div>
    <div>
      <font face="verdana,geneva">A week before Euro 2008, with a little more than a month before the ruling in Zug, Switzerland which may well lead to an indictment for Blatter and several other
      executives for fraud and bribery charges worth 100s of millions of dollars,&nbsp;it seems very probable that FIFA would look to draw attention AWAY, from the fact they're a bunch of big fat
      cunts.</font>
    </div>
    <div>
      <font face="verdana,geneva">And so, I will speculate, this whole episode with the 6+5 thing, is nothing more than a media parade aimed to ensure bored fans don't start wondering why FIFA's had
      more than 20 executives confess to bribery, their Vice president sells TV rights for world cups privately and assaults journalists, and ofcourse, why they're such a bunch of big fat
      cunts.</font>
    </div>
    <div>
      <font face="verdana,geneva">If Blatter does go down, I will further speculate, that either Michel Platini, or Franz Beckenbauer will take his place and continue the basic workings of big fat
      cunts.</font>
    </div>
    <div>
      <font face="verdana,geneva">No coincidence though that they were sponsored and brought in PERSONALLY by Adidas' cheif Horst Dassler, who incidentally formed and ran the ISL company who bribed
      FIFA- something they're being investigated for with a ruling due in...motherfucker!&nbsp;A little over a month!</font>
    </div>
    <div>
      <font face="verdana,geneva">Big.Fat.Cunts.</font>
    </div>
    <div>
      <font face="verdana,geneva">That is all.&nbsp;</font>
    </div>
    <div>
      Ps. It could also be a sincere attempt to make the world cup more exciting so people like FIFA vice president Jack Warner can line their pockets selling the TV rights privately after buying
      them from FIFA, for $1. Now that's what I call making a profit. For further proof follow the link at the start of the post.
    </div>]]></content><updated>2008-06-02 14:16:08</updated></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Sepp Blatter- Aint got no Alibi]]></title><link href="http://www.oleole.com/blogs/red-white-and-fucking-awesome/posts/sepp-blatter-aint-got-no-alibi"/><content type="html"><![CDATA[<div>
      Ello all.<br />
      The 6+5 debate rages on but before anyone goes any further I would like to help you all come to terms with WHO or WHAT, exactly is suggesting and pushing for this most.<br />
      Mr. Sepp Blatter.<br />
      Like all good character slating, I will start where he did. Blatter was involved in the setting up of the '72 and '76 Olympics. He was also General secretary of the Swiss Ice Hockey federation.
      But most importantly, he was elected the President of the World Society of friends of suspenders. A group aimed at protesting women's replacement of suspenders with pantyhose. Whether or not
      this had anything to do with the following quote about women's football players&nbsp;is for you to decide:<br />
      <a target="_blank" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2004/jan/16/football.gender"><em>"They could, for example, have tighter shorts. Female players are pretty, if you excuse me for saying so,
      and they already have some different rules to men - such as playing with a lighter ball. That decision was taken to create a more female aesthetic, so why not do it in fashion?"</em></a><br />
      Anyway, Sepp then went on to join FIFA in 1975 as technical director. It is widely accepted and there is ample evidence to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.playthegame.org/Conferences/Play_the_Game_2007/presentations/jenningspaper.aspx">suggest</a>&nbsp;that this appointment had less to do with his actual competence and more to do with
      his ass licking of Horst Dassler, the head of ISL and Adidas, which for those who are unaware, is the company which created the idea of sports marketting. Dassler along with Patrick Nally, both
      geniuses in their own rights, devised a way of earning billions in TV rights and sponsorship of events such as the Olympics and the World cup, etc.<br />
      In order to do that they would need considerable leverage within these federations. It was first, Blatter's predecessor Joao Havelange who lived it up with their bribery, and then when he
      decided he was done, they had to move along to someone new- Blatter.&nbsp;He was effectively&nbsp;instated BY them.
    </div>
    <div>
      The fact that he has been repeatedly drowned in <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/europe/02/28/soccer.blatter/index.html?related">allegations of corruption</a>&nbsp;and bribery related
      to his elections should be enough to convince anyone. The President of the Somalian FA is quoted as saying, <em>"The night before the election people were lining up in Le Meridien Hotel (in
      Paris) to receive money. Some told me they got $50,000 before the vote and the same the next day, after Blatter won."</em>
    </div>
    <div>
      But there's tons more. Blatter's re-election was unopposed even though only 66 of the 207 members actually nominated him!
    </div>
    <div>
      But the worst part, the frustrating part of it, is that he <a href="http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/social_affairs/detail/Blatter_cleared_of_corruption.html?siteSect=201&amp;sid=1495711&amp;cKey=1039003200000">always gets away with it.</a>&nbsp;It was the
      exceptional, gutsy work from the 2002 World cup's cheif organiser Michael Zen Ruffinen that&nbsp;led to the charges levied against Blatter and 11 other top FIFA officials. And it was this very
      work which <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/2016855.stm">saw him get fired</a> just hours before the World cup&nbsp;HE organised, because Blatter had had enough of his
      "negative comments".
    </div>
    <div>
      <em>"On Friday, the executive committee is going to take care of `Mr Clean'. Now it is finished. The last negative comments by Zen-Ruffinen after my re-election were the last straw."</em>
    </div>
    <div>
      I can assure you this post has taken me no more than 2 hours and all I've had to do is read the links in it and a few more. The sheer ugliness of FIFA's dealings, and the sheer ugliness of
      <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7289346.stm">Horst Dassler's dealings during his time with Adidas</a>, are, if nothing else, terrifying.
    </div>
    <div>
      This man has no concept of what his position signifies. He has repeatedly over stepped his authority, accusing the English FA of shoddy work with the Martin Taylor ban, <a href="http://gopetition.com/online/9988.html">'apologising'</a>&nbsp;to Aussie fans for official's actions, saying women footballers need to dress skimpier, the list goes on.
    </div>
    <div>
      The fact that so many people, <a href="http://epltalk.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=221554/">top investigative journalists</a> of our time have dug up so much shit on him, and despite <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1974333.stm">momentary discomfort</a>, he gets away <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1926839.stm">scot free</a>, is even scarier.
    </div>
    <div>
      FIFA has "<em>apparently"</em> voted unanimously FOR the 6+5 rule and are trying to move the EU to change it's employment laws for it to be passed by 2012. The rule will debilitate and ruin
      world football and not only make the rich richer, but leave football's poor poorer. And this absolute turd of a man may just make it happen saying it's 'for the fans' though not a single one
      has probably been consulted. No Platini does NOT count.
    </div>
    <div>
      <a href="http://soccerlens.com/a-tale-of-two-men/6408/">Ahmed Bilal</a>, <a href="http://www.transparencyinsport.org/">Andrew Jennings</a> with <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/panorama/5070224.stm">BBC Panorama</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pitch-Invasion-Adidas-Making-Modern/dp/0713998881">Barbara Smit</a>&nbsp;have
      all done some incredible work on the subject but unless this kind of information makes it to blogs and forums everywhere it won't be known. This post is a mere compilation of facts. I would
      hope it gets around. Even if you don't read every link I've placed, do read the first two in this paragraph for a short 'introduction.'
    </div>
    <div>
      Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you, Mr. Sepp Blatter- the most powerful man in world football today.
    </div>]]></content><updated>2008-05-30 14:15:42</updated></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Where it went wrong]]></title><link href="http://www.oleole.com/blogs/red-white-and-fucking-awesome/posts/where-it-went-wrong"/><content type="html"><![CDATA[<p>
      ello all
    </p>
    <p>
      Been reading alot of Arsenal blogs off the site and I've encountered a few very interesting insights into our season capitulating. Watching that absolutely pornographic CL final, (in that it
      was full of cunts, not that it was enjoyable) and laughing at John Terry's slippery english backbone I thought I'd sum up the goods and the bads of the season. First off, the bads:
    </p>
    <p>
      <strong>Injuries:</strong>&nbsp;As Arsenal fans we are usually labelled whiny self involved bastards, but the fact of the matter is, our injuries while few were significant. Our start to the
      season, was stunning. BUT, it was very firmly, and very clearly that due to the amazing form of Bobby Van Persie and Cesc. Scoring the lone goal in a dour game at West Ham and smacking in the
      Blackburn goal, were really not his best but they are the most obvious signs of a striker in a purple patch. Those are the simple goals, like Cesc's at Man. City, or Ronaldo's in the CL final
      which constitute for the most part goal tallies. And this&nbsp;patch ended with injury. Now, I know how often it has happened and how easy it is to 'expect' it, but the idea is lazy and very
      simple for a journo to put out. For wenger, to sign a striker as a back up for RVP in case he gets hurt is a stupid, Chelski style move to make. It is VERY FAIR to expect a striker to remain
      fit. We were simply, and here's for all you Mancs, unlucky.
    </p>
    <p>
      With Eduardo it was far more blatant. He was on one of those incredible 9 goals in 9 games type runs and was turning into a bit of a Nistelrooy-esque finisher and then- that tackle. But the
      most significant injury I would have to argue was Rosicky's. I remember the Boro game we lost, and he was, Gael aside, the ONLY player really trying out there. His loss meant Hleb could afford
      to get complacent, and Eboue got that run in the side. It also could have, with a less patient manager, resulted in Theo being pushed in too early and suffering under pressure. He is a
      fantastic, creative, quick player and I would rate him over that cunt Hleb any day. The fact that he scored more than everyone but 4 other players playing something like 18 games all season
      really does show the quality he has. With his new titanium reinforced legs I'd hope he'd be fit to play again and get a good run.
    </p>
    <p>
      The point is, we had the kind of injuries which would debilitate ANY squad. They were all key players which shaped the dynamic of Arsenal and their loss meant we had to settle for Bendtners and
      Eboues.
    </p>
    <p>
      <strong>Referees:</strong> Most would say we lost everything&nbsp;after Eduardo's tackle in the Brum game. I fervently disagree. I think it was the shifty decision at the end of the match that
      ended it for us. The players DID get over the tackle and loss of their team mate but the decision was just a very very negative blow and really, for me anyway, started a trend of doubt and
      uncertainty. I cannot count how many went the other way, and I cannot bring myself to. It's too damn futile, and it's too damn painful. But the thing is, in a 50 game season, everyone goes
      through weak patches. Manchester United started the season with a string of 1-0 scorelines and were even compared to George Graham's Arsenal. No decisions were shaky and nothing really
      significant seemed to be hindering them further when they were suffering a shocking dip in form. Some would say that's the mark and the luck of Champions, and I would agree, but I will add that
      OUR dip in form unfortunately coincided with most of the poor decisions going against us, and THAT is the mark and luck of 2nd runners up.
    </p>
    <p>
      There is a site which has listed the table had all the decisions gone right. It places us in 2nd place 6 a drift of Man United. So, yes, I will concede, even with the decisions we were losing.
      And I will even go so far as to say fair play to Man utd (I'm cringing....!) because like it or not, having Hargreaves, and Carrick and Scholes and Anderson, even as the over priced cunts that
      they are, really did decide the title's destination and full marks to the Fergatron on the foresight. While our injuries were far more disruptive, it is hard to argue with Man utd's obvious
      strength in depth. They're still cunts though.
    </p>
    <p>
      <strong>Performances:</strong> Eboue. Enough said. I will back Wenger on this one though. Theo was raw and everyone else was injured. I have to say, as manager, I'd probably have done the same.
      Sorry, but it's true. An emergency buy in January, is NOT the kind of thing a team in 100s of millions of pounds of debt should do. The long term stability and control of Arsenal football club
      is something I am fucking proud Wenger and the board upheld and is about 50% of why I love this club so much.
    </p>
    <p>
      The other one to stick out would, in my opinion be Gallas. Easily one of the best center backs when he cares and he cared for the most part, but with the responsibility he has as captain, I
      dont think the weak performances in the FA cup and other 'unimportant' games should be tolerated. He has been superb for us, but with that kind of weight on your shoulders, you cannot afford to
      lie down every once in a while because it usually drops and shatters. Captain next term? Ask me, hell no. Fabres, oh yes please with a cherry and whipped cream!
    </p>
    <p>
      <em>Basically, there is a certain amount of luck, and a certain amount of tongue in cheek fortune which goes with being champions. There always is. We didn't have it. I thought we did.
      Specially after the 3-1 over Spurs, I thought we did, but we didn't. We got what we earned in the end. And as tiring and painful as it was to watch, there is enough cause to hope for me to not
      give a fuck and cheer them even louder next season.</em>
    </p>
    <p>
      <em>Feel free to add anything or criticise anything.</em>
    </p>
    <p>
      <em>Till later.</em>
    </p>]]></content><updated>2008-05-23 03:44:17</updated></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[3-5-2 LETS GO!]]></title><link href="http://www.oleole.com/blogs/red-white-and-fucking-awesome/posts/3-5-2-lets-go"/><content type="html"><![CDATA[<span><br />
    <i>A few months ago in a match of such amazing signifcance, it lead to Steve Mclaren's sacking and ensured England can have their 3rd manager in two years, Croatia beat the team&nbsp;2-0.<br />
    It was the first time Mclaren and indeed this present England squad had used the 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 formation and it was to such terrible effect that the three points lost led to the team not
    qualifying to the Euro Championship.<br />
    <br />
    However, while the team no doubt stumbled and all chances of anyone so much as mentioning the formation again are all but gone, had the formation been used effectively to accommodate the various
    players, the team could have been in a very different situation today.</i><br />
    <br />
    Essentially the formation entails having two wing backs or even two wingers covering the flanks while two strikers stay up front. At the back there are three central defenders, with one either
    staying back as a sweeper, or staying ahead of the two and marshalling them in a more midfield role.<br />
    <br />
    In the center of the park, there are three central midfielders and depending on the defensive trio's role, there can either be a defensive midfielder to aid the defenders, while the other two
    control distribution in their respective flanks, or conversely, there can be two defensive minded midfielders, while one man attacks and distributes down the middle.<br />
    <br />
    In terms of covering space, and utilizing the pitch and it’s dimensions, the system ensures the best options and the tightest packing of the team. It is zonal and it thrives on team harmony, and
    that I suppose is one place where it fell apart so gloriously for the three lions.<br />
    <br />
    Aaron Lennon, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Shaun Wright Philips, Ashley Young, David Bentley&nbsp;and Stewart Downing are the more known wide players for&nbsp;the team and have
    all had reasonably good success&nbsp;domestically, even if some (Here’s looking at you, Shaun Wright Philips) have&nbsp;been inconsistent. The&nbsp;fact&nbsp;is that of all of them, and the few
    others&nbsp;emerging such as Theo Walcott, on their day, and given the right role, are more than able to thrive out wide in such a set&nbsp;up.&nbsp;The fact that Capello&nbsp;has so many options
    should : A) create some sort of competition among them, and B) make up for any excuse of lack of form 1, or 2, or 5 of them may be suffering from! And for God’s sake, David Beckham has very few
    years left to play, no matter how perfect he’d be for this formation.<br />
    <br />
    If we include the few defensive full backs England has to pick from, then it's no surprise they thought even Mclaren could do the job! Gary Neville, Micah Richards, Ashley Cole, Joleon Lescott,
    Wayne Bridge, are all accomplished players and know how to cross a ball. The fact is with such a tight midfield, it’s MUCH harder to mark the flanks.<br />
    <br />
    In the centre of defence England boast the most enviable of selections. Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Sol Campbell, Micah Richards and Joleon Lescott, are just some of the options at hand, granted
    the&nbsp;latter two somehow thrive wide as well. Even WITHOUT Carragher, the Taylors, Wheaters, Woodgates, etc are all perfectly reasonable players to have.<br />
    <br />
    In the middle of the park,&nbsp;Gareth Barry's resurgence, Owen Hargreaves' assured performances, and yes a Michael Carrick or Scott Parker(Only in case of emergency...) are not by any degree,
    below standards for the role of an effective defensive midfeild. Ofcourse some sort of zonal planning IS key so they don't go and bump into each other landing in a heap, but then that's why
    Stevie Mac was being paid. Michael Johnson’s season obviously puts him in for this role too.<br />
    Attacking options, are again in abundance, although some basic logic and learning from past errors must be incorporated. Gerrard and Lampard can’t play together because both want to be free and
    attacking. So sticking Lampard on the left and saying, ‘Go on son, kick it’ is bizarre. Lampard is an effective player even if he is hated. Whether it's on account of some bizarre luck or whether
    he actually has skill, when that boy hits the ball, it stays hit for a while and&nbsp;more often that not it&nbsp;hits the net as well. Give him his freedom, and he might just emulate whatever it
    is he does at Chelsea.</span> <span><br />
    If not him, then you always have England's favorite child, Gut-Bustin'-Gerrard! A cunt he may be, but bloody hell as a supporting, attacking midfielder he is stunning.</span><span><br />
    In strike, England have Rooney, Bent, Owen, Johnson, Young, Agbonlahor, Crouch and Defoe. If, Capello can honestly not find one successful permutation or combination between these options then
    the man is a serious liability.</span> <span><br />
    The point is, as a championship manager, or Fifa player, it is a DREAM, to have a squad like this at your disposal. Sure, they’re motivated and graphically designed to play their best all the
    time, but there is an incredible strength in depth in this country. To blame Arsene Wenger for the failure to qualify is ludicrous.</span> <span>&nbsp;</span><span>Up front, wide, in the middle
    and at the back, England not only have some of the best in the world, but they have an incredible list of substitutes to go with them.</span> <span>So don’t blame metatarsals, don’t blame Wenger,
    don’t blame referees, and don’t blame other teams. The media are to English football the way India is to cricketers. Always at either extreme- berating or felicitating, but never objective. Brian
    Barwick has paid millions for sacking the last two managers. And he’s paid more to hire them. Capello makes an effort and seems like he’s focused. But unless the players are made to WANT to play
    well, and unless there is actual organization, and not a mere collection of the players, there will never be results. England are disjointed and boring to watch. It’s a bunch of prima donna
    celebrities out playing like it’s a gimmick. It is not, and for many years, HAS not been a serious sporting venture for pride or glory. It is an absolute shambles and lacks the professionalism
    the likes of Hiddink and Scolari have incorporated. Capello is meticulous and disciplined and hopefully will imbibe the team with that same spirit. Otherwise one of the greatest collections of
    talent of this past century will go to waste.</span> <span>&nbsp;</span><span>And Wenger’ll be blamed!</span><span>&nbsp;</span>]]></content><updated>2008-05-21 04:31:24</updated></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Enough is Enough]]></title><link href="http://www.oleole.com/blogs/red-white-and-fucking-awesome/posts/enough-is-enough"/><content type="html"><![CDATA[<p>
      Alright so I was commenting on Manogil's blog and had three bloody comments. Blooming shit. Im sorry about the traffic man.
    </p>
    <p>
      Basically, I am sick and tired of people whining and whinging about the top clubs. Boo bloody hoo, Lyon keep winning and boo bloody hoo there's a big four in England. None of these teams,
      Madrid aside, have been born and blessed with riches and talent they worked for it. Man Utd, lost an entire team and rebuilt and recuperated. Liverpool did the opposite and capitulated. Chelsea
      were on their way to coming into the picture, they came 2nd in the Gunners' invincible season. So an oligarch took over and pours money in. its already cost them! I hate that side more than any
      other side in the world but credit to them for making the most of chances THEY worked for. Arsenal are ofcourse the most perfect example. Bleating hell look at the club. It's beautiful the
      planning and efficiency with which they have pushed themselves. The problem is everyone is so damn impatient. Let Hughes, O'neill, Laudrup, Pellegrini, etc. build the side. it won't happen in
      two years! it takes alot of planning and a very large and unified movement in one direction. Quit whining and applaud the teams for pushing themselves to where they are. And, THEN, learn the
      idea of continuity and opportunity and push yourself up too. Quit whining it's pathetic.
    </p>]]></content><updated>2008-05-14 03:33:39</updated></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[WARNING!]]></title><link href="http://www.oleole.com/blogs/red-white-and-fucking-awesome/posts/warning"/><content type="html"><![CDATA[<p>
      ello all
    </p>
    <p>
      Before I go any further, the posts prior to this are much older than the publishing date suggests. i just moved them from my blog. the time of their writing is quite clear from the content.
      anyway just wanted to make sure you all don't think I'm off my loop or anything. I am fully aware the season is done.
    </p>
    <p>
      And what a fucking season. The fact that not only top spot, but relegation spots, and 5th place, the most directly influential spots on next year's campaign were all decided on the final day
      just go to show how incredible a season it's been. Sagna and Clichy and Eboue and Diarra. Fabres and Flam and Jens and Kolo. It's been a fucking roller coaster and bloody hell you throw up here
      and there and ever since the Brum game its like weve been underwater, but it's been one hell of a ride. I'll probably be posting and revamping the page a bit soon. Till then good bye.
    </p>
    <p>
      Heres to a good summer of speculation and hopefully elation. Then the fucking Euros. and then back to real football.
    </p>]]></content><updated>2008-05-13 09:02:27</updated></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Like a bleating Jack Russell!]]></title><link href="http://www.oleole.com/blogs/red-white-and-fucking-awesome/posts/like-a-bleating-jack-russell"/><content type="html"><![CDATA[<p>
      ello all!<br />
      I don't know when, how and why but at some point this blog turned into a vent space and as I've now learnt is a necessary catharsis for me. Fuck.<br />
      I have spent the better part of this past week indoors on account of exams and perhaps it's the claustophobia, but I've had it till here with this.<br />
      The other day in the shower it occured to me what's been plaguing me for the past couple of months. I've lost most of my drive. I want to laze. I do not want to do things, I know I honestly do
      and more than anything else is an overwhelming feeling of just being tired. The problem is I'm satisfied.<br />
      A couple blogs ago, much like a victory speech I declared my pride at certain things I'd done and won and that, it seems was my peak. I'm going downhill now. It is the worst feeling to have.
      The thought that I <em>deserve</em> to rest or that I have earned the right to let certain 'problems' weigh me down because I'm just tired of dealing with it. It's a pain in my fucking ass and
      I hate it.<br />
      But why have I blogged today? In about an hour, Manchester United will face Liverpool FC in a premier league fixture. About two and half hours after that Arsenal will face Chelsea. These two
      games may not decide, but will definitely be a huge part in deciding where the title of English champions goes. It could be us. Bloody hell it has to be us. We've fought like fucking dogs and
      mucked ourselves up a fair bit in the process (get well Eduardo) but the 'children' are here to win it. This is as big as it's gotten since the invincible season three years ago when we last
      one the league, without losing a single game mind you.<br />
      This is a time when Arsenal are still achieving. In all possibility, if and when they do <em>achieve,</em> this horrible feeling of satisfaction and being content may strike them too, and from
      experience I can tell you it can really mess things up (Case in point Ashley Cole). Tonight we could end with our fists pumping and our lungs bursting with the rest of the cunts with their
      heads drooping. It could possibly not. They said this race would go down to the wire and I think it's safe to say we're ON the wire. It's barbed and it's cutting at the legs but it feels
      great.<br />
      The borrowed thrill of Arsenal still in achievement mode while I sit here like an idiot in chill out mode is in itself exhilirating. Once the exams are done, I begin the next phase of my
      achieving, hopefully anyway. I look forward to it. And I will always look back at this shit hole of a period of time and only remember that the fucking Gunners rode high and mighty.<br />
      Come on you Reds!
    </p>]]></content><updated>2008-05-13 08:59:35</updated></entry><entry><title type="html"><![CDATA[Prop an Ass!]]></title><link href="http://www.oleole.com/blogs/red-white-and-fucking-awesome/posts/prop-an-ass"/><content type="html"><![CDATA[<p>
      ello all,
    </p>
    <p>
      So last night it ended. The dream is over and the whole season amounted, once again to nothing. Arsenal are out and if you read the press association's report it's because of 'Ronaldo's
      confidence' and Manchester United's battling spirit, and Owen Hargreaves' sublime free kick. Perception is essentially reality, and despite video evidence to the contrary, the PA usually get
      their way with the immense volume of their propoganda.
    </p>
    <p>
      What gets left out is the mention of just how soft the penalty was- yet again, and ofcourse, how Anderson literally wrestled Adebayor to the ground at the other end in a brilliant place for a
      free kick, yet the whistle wasn't blown. Ofcourse when Gilberto's toe touches Evra and the entire home support at Old Trafford yell, the objective and entirely fair refereeing had no choice but
      to award the free kick. Now before I go further, some would say, we probably wouldn't have taken advantage of the free kick on the right of the box, despite the fact that Robin Van Persie was
      fucking playing. They would even say the referee was fair, which is why Van Persie was booked for going in a second late on Wes Brown.
    </p>
    <p>
      But pardon me, I would hate to oppose any England loyalists. And that really is what it comes down to isn't it? An Englishmen scores against Arsenal. The irony is painful.
    </p>
    <p>
      All through the Euro Qualifiers Arsene Wenger was the punching bag for a frustrated nation that watched, some of the world's most talented (and highly paid/ exorbitantly paid/ Over paid)
      individuals flounder and fail. Arsenal don't play enough English players. They are a corrupting influence and have driven all teams to use only foreigners and that is why players like Frank
      Lampard and Steven Gerrard and the remaining squad of 22 in the England team team suffer. Because teams 'like Arsenal' have reduced chances for them.
    </p>
    <p>
      For anyone who has played a football video game, it is blatantly obvious that on paper, and technically England have one of the strongest teams in the world. They're the team you play with when
      you're not so good and want a strong team to beat weaker teams!
    </p>
    <p>
      &nbsp;But no! Arsene Wenger is a blasphemous oaf who has ruined the system. I mean, it must be his fault right?! Who else to blame!? Brian Barwick and his inept administration? No...!! Steve
      Mclaren's incompetence or Sven Goran Errikson's fearful tactics? No...! Lazy players who don't put in the same effort they do for their clubs? No...!
    </p>
    <p>
      Really, this Wenger chap is quite the Scarlett Pimpernel. Coming in here producing players like David Bentley, Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell! That Bastard! How dare he nurture Tony Adams? How
      dare he use Thierry Henry and Francesc Fabregas instead of Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard?! I mean, come on for 112,000 pounds a weak who wouldn't want a 15-18 goals a season striker!?
    </p>
    <p>
      The propoganda is endless. We've had four blatant refereeing decisions go against us in recent memory, and those are just the four we're 'allowed' to talk about without 'nitpicking.' We've had
      countless throughout the season. Yet, Wenger is a bad loser and he moans and groans when penalties that shouldn't be are given and those that should be aren't.
    </p>
    <p>
      To quote Chris Rock, please cut the fucking shit! The team may have it's drawbacks, certainly Alex Song in central defence is nothing else, as is Emmanuel Eboue on the right wing, but for
      fuck's sake, what team can survive referees who allow players like Anderson to get away scot free, and decide that any touching in the penalty area is a foul?! What team can survive a
      Middlesborough game where the offside rule is re-written?!
    </p>
    <p>
      But most importantly what team can survive an entire fleet street agenda against it!? When we beat Derby, Soccernet says it's because they're crap. Acceptable. But when we trounce AC milan, the
      only 'expert opinion' peices ESPN have to offer are about the aging decline of AC milan.
    </p>
    <p>
      I end with another quote. This time from the Absinthe fairy in Euro trip: "Now that's some fucked up shit." That is all.
    </p>]]></content><updated>2008-05-13 08:09:35</updated></entry></feed>